gair rhydd - Issue 857

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ISSUE 857 DECEMBER 03 2007 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972

INSIDE...NEWS/JOBS&MONEY/FEATURES/TAF-OD/OPINION

EXTRAORDINARY This document could mark the start of an historic shake-up in the students’ union movement.

On December 4th student delegates will vote on the future of the NUS.

Lee Macaulay Investigations Editor A new NUS may see non-students at the highest levels of leadership and a cut-down national conference if plans for reform are passed.

A radically different National Union of Students may appear from the decisions made at an emergency meeting this Tuesday.

But opponents of the reforms say that the NUS are trying to force the changes through at the extraordinary national conference, which is expected to have a much lower turnout due to the

late notice at which it was called.

Delegates from all over the UK will vote on changes proposed by the current NUS leadership to make it ‘easier to understand, easier to take part in’ and ‘more coherent’.

Cardiff University Students’ Union will be sending eight delegates, elected at Student Council, to the conference to vote on the future of the NUS. NUS President Gemma Tumelty said that “excellent Governance is also about democracy, and we need to find new ways of engaging diverse and under-represented voices. These proposals will help us to achieve this aim.”

The plans have attracted major criticism from groups existing inside the NUS. Groups like Education not for Sale and Student Respect have launched extensive campaigns against the plans with current NUS officers supporting them.

The white paper proposes two new bodies to replace the current legal and political controlling body of the union: the National Executive Committee.

The board will consist of the 14 member non-political controlling body of the NUS. Along with NUS President, Vice-Presidents and elected student trustees, six members will be

non-students, acting as ‘a set of experts who want NUS to succeed’ according to the proposals.

However, NUS Board will have veto power over every other level of the union with the draft constitution allowing the power to be used if they think that either undue risk or legal issues will result from a policy.

The Senate will become the political leadership of the NUS with full-time officers and current students making up its membership.

But the plans also see the current ‘Block of 12’ part-time officers become a ‘Block of 15’ volunteers rather than officers.

It will also be an end to hundreds of motions being proposed at the annual national conference. Instead they will be sent to new Zone conferences, which will debate single policy areas like Higher Education and Student Welfare. Motions will then go to the new national congress, the replacement for conference, as a zone report to be passed or changed there.

Next week in gair rhydd...

We bring you a comprehensive look at what Tuesday’s result will mean for the NUS and Cardiff Students’ Union.

SPORT/POLITICS/SCIENCE&ENVIRONMENT/LISTINGS/TV

02 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007 .03.2007

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

At a glance...

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24 4

This week...

In numbers new Atrium building

1

News FAST 4 - Student VolCarFORWARD unteering diff prepares for

48 ?1 Features

24 - Consider the risks of the phenoma chilly night out enon of social networking on the street

>>>

Sport 48 - IMG phase two kicks off with week one of football

£7,000 Creative writing pullout next week ... raised for chairty at last year’s ‘Big Sleep Out’

25.8%

average pay increase for all university lecturers

4th

position for Ultimate Frisbee in Southern Indoor National Finals

creativewords gairrhydd’s first Crea tive Writing Anthology

A collection of Short Fic Poetry from Cardiff stu tion, Script Writing and dents

contents Short Fiction Short fiction

Last year gair rhydd presented an anthology of your poetry, short stories and art in creative words..

An introduction...

A collection of stories, prose and micr short o-fiction

Script Writing

Gangsters and knive

s

Poe Potry

etry

Poems from all years ,a kaleidoscope of subje ct matter

It has been years since creative writing has had a regular spot in gair rhydd.

It is often treated like a guilty pleasure; everyone is doing it, but they don’t want to admit it. The idea of a creative writing anthology at first seemed daunting - were people really ready to expose their secret writing?

Yet it turned out to be a breeze. Due to the oozing talent of our rising stars, creative writing is back. The word was out amongst gair rhydd contributors, and with the help of the English office, e-mails started flooding in. Full portfolios of glorious prose clogged up the account, sheets of poetry littered the is all collected to be enjoyed office, and now it by all. And there is even better news: gair rhydd wants to make this a regular occurrence , so peeled for the next instalmentkeep your senses .

Editor: Avalyn Dais y Beare Illustrations: Andrew Style

s

For more work visit:

www.gairrhydd.com/cr

eative_writing

Get creative words volume II pullout in next week’s gair rhydd

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

03

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Celtic connections

Robber duck Abigail Whittaker News Editor

Two cultures unite in one-of-a-kind Cardiff University venture

Last Wednesday a student at Rubber Duck stole a security radio belonging to a member of the event staff at the Students’ Union.

The theft has subsequently been reported to the police and an investigation is being launched, with the Union considering taking disciplinary action should the radio not be returned.

An amnesty has been granted until December 7 for the return of the communication radio, which is worth £450, and can be handed into the Union or returned by post.

The actions of the student in question, who proceeded to make immature use of the device throughout the night, compromised the safety of other students in attendance by blocking communication channels between security, management and first aiders.

Strictly confidential Emma Jones Reporter

Portia Nicholson Reporter Cardiff University have been awarded funding to launch the first Ireland-Wales research network.

The network, in partnership with Aberystwyth University, has been created to explore the cultural, creative

and political relationships between Wales and Ireland starting from the time of the Great Famine in the 1840s.

The project is being funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, which supports research within a huge subject domain from traditional humanities subjects, such as history, modern languages and English lit-

erature, to the creative and performing arts.

Dr Claire Connolly from the Cardiff University School of English, Communication and Philosophy explained: “The Ireland-Wales Research Network aims to arrive at a fuller understanding of the complex and overlapping histories of these islands and nations by advancing innovative

and interdisciplinary research on the topic of Irish-Welsh relationships.”

The network will play host to various public events beginning on December 14, with a reading by Pulitzer Prize winning Northern Irish poet Paul Muldoon at Cardiff University concert hall at 6pm.

Tickets are free and can be booked at publicbookings@cardiff.ac.uk.

White-water raising Student bound for Africa on £3,000 wet and wild charity fundraising challenge Steph Cockroft Reporter A Cardiff University Student is preparing to embark on a momentous six-day fundraising challenge by rafting her way through Africa.

Laura Olding, 23-year-old Welsh student from Caerphilly, is aiming to white-water raft down The Zambezi River, the fourth largest in Africa.

The objective is to raise £3,000 for Scope, the disability organisation in England and Wales.

Coupled with her school friend Bianca Roshel, the pair were inspired by a friend of theirs with cerebral palsy.

Laura said: “People like myself who are happy and healthy should make every effort we can to help those less fortunate, and this is what I aim to do.”

When asked why she had chosen to support Scope, she added: “I adore travelling, and thought it would be a good idea to integrate this with raising money for charity.

“I was aware of Scope and I thought that this would be a worthy cause.”

Slightly apprehensive about reaching her target, Laura is hoping for as much monetary support as possible.

To sponsor this cause, e-mail missolding@hotmail.co.uk.

A new forum is being set up for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students at Cardiff University.

The forum is intended to provide students with a private and confidential space in which to voice any concerns they might have and to address issues such as bullying and harassment.

LGBT Officer Sally Wood wanted to establish a forum as a way of representing as many people as possible, as the society currently has very few members.

Sally hopes the forum will give her a better understanding of what the LGBT Community want from the Union over the next year.

She said: “I want to reach as far out into this community because I know that it is hugely diverse and that only a small proportion of people are members of the society for whatever reason.

“It is important for students to attend in order for them to get their views heard. I want to help as many people as I can, but I can't do it if they don't come forward,” she added.

The forum has been set up following the success of online forums in local councils and at other universities, such as Manchester.

Strictly confidential meetings will also take place every month starting on Friday December 7.

For further information about the meetings, contact Sally at Woods7@cf.ac.uk.

04 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Camping out for CA$H

Kate Budd Reporter Cardiff Action for Single Homeless (C.A.S.H.) is set to run their annual fundraiser with a difference at the ‘Big Sleep Out’ on December 7.

The event aims to raise awareness

about homelessness whilst generating much needed funds to support the C.A.S.H. project, which is run by student volunteers.

Alongside Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC) volunteers, who will be spending the night out on the streets of Cardiff in Cathedral Walk, project organisers are encouraging anyone to

sign up and start getting sponsored.

The ‘Big Sleep Out’ is a highly anticipated event amongst the local community, with involvement from nearby churches and expected attention from the local media.

Last year the venture generated in excess of £7,000 with the support of SVC, who have continued their

success this year and now have over 900 student volunteers from Cardiff University.

Toby Willis, a member of the SVC Executive Committee who attended the 2006 event, said: “‘The Big Sleep Out’ was an eye opening experience and raised money for a great cause.”

The event raises funds for Car-

diff’s homeless shelter, the Huggard Centre, which offers meals, shelter and support to the homeless in the city centre.

To get involved with the ‘Big Sleep Out’ contact the SVC Office on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union for more information and sponsorship forms.

On the increase Focusing on faith forum Emma Jones Reporter Lecturers’ pay in Higher Education has reached an average of more than £42,000, a recent survey has revealed.

Following strikes and a three-month dispute with employers in July 2006, lecturers have seen their pay increase by more than 25%.

According to figures compiled by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), between A p r i l 2006 and April 2007, full-time l e c t u r ers earned an average of £42,620 -

£10,000, more than their colleagues in further education and £8,000 more than secondary school teachers.

Lecturers’ new salaries are also higher than that of a vet, pharmacist or civil engineer, as well as being above the national average of £38,840.

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) claim that the pay negotiating committee, which was set up in 2001, is responsible for the 25.8% increase in lecturers’ pay.

Chairman, Professor Bill Wakeham said: “The UK higher education sector’s on-going success story depends on the contributions of its staff.

“We need to attract, retain and motivate high performing staff and reward them accordingly.”

But according to the Unions, any credit for pay rises is owed to the staff for hard bargaining on their part.

Sally Hunt, general secretary for the University and College Union (UCU) said: “Any increases are achieved because of industrial action staff are forced to undertake to drag the employers back to the table with an improved offer.”

She added that the new and improved pay “sets a healthy precedent for future negotiations”.

The Union is set to invite all students to discuss issues of faith, belief and Cardiff University as a worldly institute.

Taking place this Thursday, the forum aims to gauge students’ opinions and beliefs about the place of faith in University.

The event will follow the research, carried out by Gareth Powell from Cardiff University Chaplaincy, on policy and provision at other leading institutes and is also part of the ongoing campaign for Quiet rooms across campus.

Last year, the gair rhydd reported on Muslim students praying under the stairs in University buildings.

However, the issue of religion and belief in University life is not confined to requests for Islamic prayer rooms.

Currently, there is a degree of uncertainty within the University as to

how issues of faith should, and can, be addressed.

Societies, Post-graduate and International officer, Sally Airey, said: “Any requests for advice on matters relating to religion are, more often than not, directed to the ‘Cardiff University’ Chaplaincy on Park Place.

“Yet, the role of the Chaplaincy services only promotes ambiguity as it is not run formally recognised as part of the University but is regularly called upon when faith matters arise.

“Now research has been carried out on what other institutions have in terms of their policies and provision, Cardiff is clearly a long way behind leading universities and is faced with a difficult quandary: a responsibility to provide versus a long-term commitment to secularise,” Airey concluded.

The forum, taking place this

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PHOTO: JAMES PEROU

Following the disputes of last year, a survey reveals that lecturers in Higher Education now secure £42,000 on average in annual earnings

Thursday at 5.30pm in the Aneurin Bevan Room, Students’ Union, will encourage lively discussion from all students, of faith and non-faith.

Final goodbye to Meredith Corinne Rhoades News Editor The family of murdered British student Meredith Kercher are finally able to bury their daughter.

It was announced last week that a second post-mortem will not be carried out her body, three weeks after the Leeds University Erasmus

student was killed in Italy.

Ms Kercher was found dead in her apartment in Italy on November 1 with her throat cut.

Lawyers confirmed their decision on November 28, saying that the first post-mortem provided them with enough information to determine the time and cause of death.

Her family, who are now able to

to arrange a funeral, said they were ‘pleased’ a second post-mortem was not necessary.

Four people are being treated as suspects in her murder, one of whom was released from custody two weeks ago.

All of the suspects deny sexually assaulting and murdering Ms Kercher.

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

BNProtest

Daniel Madden Reporter A controversial visit by the BNP sparked protests outside the Oxford University Union last Monday November 26.

Following a week of rallies against the visit, BNP leader Nick Griffin and historian David Irving finally arrived at the Union to talk about free speech.

30 protestors forced their way into the debating chamber; while a demonstration concerning the contentious choice of speakers was staged by 1,000 students outside, delaying the debate by two hours.

BNP leader Griffin was convicted for incitement to racial hatred in 1998, while historian Irving was jailed in Austria in 2006 for denying the holocaust.

Oxford students were joined by protestors from other universities, who travelled great distances to vent their frustration at a legitimate platform being provided for such controversial individuals.

But a substantial portion of the student body supported the inclusion of Griffin and Irving.

Daniel Hammersley, a medic stu-

dent, s a i d : “These speakers are not preaching to a passive audience, the audience at a debate like this is intelligent and well-informed, so I think it’s interesting to see how their messages are received.”

The president of the Oxford Union Debating Society, Luke Tryl, reinforced this sentiment.

He said: “The way to take fascism on is through debate and that’s how we’re going to defeat them.”

Oxford Union members said the debate was a success despite the disruptions.

End of undergraduate medical training?

Steph Cockroft Reporter A proposal has been made to replace the current medical training system in the UK with a graduateonly entry scheme.

The suggested reform would eradicate the opportunity for schoolleavers to enter into medical training, accepting only those who had attained previous degrees.

Professor Edward Peile, Head of Warwick’s Medical School, has suggested the move with the objective

05

of attracting more motivated, mature and independent learners.

Exposed in the British Medical Journal last week, Peile criticised intelligent school leavers who were “encouraged to aim for the kudos and earning power of medicine”.

For Peile, “the headlong rush of pupils going straight from school” must be stopped in order to create a profession with more diversity, as opposed to those solely credited by their high A-level results.

Referring to these students, he added: “As consultants in their 20s,

they will have little more breadth to their life experience than when they were studying during the week and spending their weekends meeting the unwritten requirements for school leavers to get into medical school – by working in care homes, hiking for Duke of Edinburgh awards and practising the cello.”

Currently, a degree in the arts or a science equates to the level required for a foundation year in medicine.

Graduates are encouraged to develop professional study skills, with higher education skills as secondary.

Katie Petty-Saphon, Executive Director of the Medical School’s Council, acknowledged the dedication of graduate entry students but would not support a complete move to rid the system of school-leavers who may show equally impressive motivation.

Although it has been shown that graduate entry students are successful in this course, it has been noted that there is little data to prove that they accelerate beyond the majority of medical students.

Celebration as sustainable bridge makes ITV1 final

Creativity central

The University of Glamorgan celebrates as its new centre for creative learning, the Atrium, opens in central Cardiff William Taylor News Editor Cardiff has become home to one of the largest centres for creative industries in Britain, as the Atrium building is now open.

The Atrium is the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries, which is part of the University of Glamorgan.

Doors were opened to the £35m development last Thursday in an event compered by presenter Rhodri Owen and Sian Phillips.

Students studying media and communication, drama and music, and art and design will be taught at the Atrium building.

The development will be home to around 2,000 students, whose studies will be enhanced by facilities including a theatre, cinema, TV, radio, film and animation studios.

The housing of the Atrium in the Welsh capital takes the student

population in Cardiff over the 30,000 mark.

Despite the glamorous exterior of the building, the development is not deemed a success by all of the student body.

David Rees, a Journalism student at the University of Glamorgan, said “classrooms are not big enough to accommodate the number of students, lifts break down while students are inside and lectures are having to be abandoned due to the lack of adequate facilities.”

But Professor Peter Robertson, Acting Dean of the Faculty, defended the faculty. He said: “We have had delays but the main building has been fully operational since the start of term.

“We have had to act on contingency plans for students whose courses include the music studios. They have suffered big delays because those facilities are so complex,” he added.

Millie Schurch Reporter

A local sustainable transport project has made it through to the final of ITV1’s The People’s £50 million Lottery Giveaway, which is part of the Sustrans Connect2 bid.

The project proposes the River Ely Bridge, which will provide pedestrian and cycle access between Cardiff and Penarth.

Cardiff University staff supported the project by campaigning at the site of the proposed bridge last year.

Professor Justin Lewis, Head of the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, commends the project for “promoting environmentally friendly transport” for more University members.

You can vote online for the Sustrans Connect2 project, or any other project, at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk, before December 7.

06 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

WORLD NEWS World News in brief Ruth Smith Reporter

Cutting It

Chinese barber, Wang Zedong, has set a world record by cutting a model’s hair with 10 pairs of scissors at the same time.

The 41-year-old hairdresser from Jiujiang City completed his task in less than three minutes, even though he was in a television studio with a large audience.

Wang says he learnt how to perform such a feat to cope with numerous customers – he can now cut hair with as many as 18 pairs of scissors simultaneously.

Narrow Escape

An Indian student had a remarkable escape after surviving a bus crash where a metal pole went straight through his head.

A 4ft safety rail pierced through Manish Rajpurohit’s head as a lorry crashed into the bus he was travelling in, in the Indian state of Andrfa Pradesh.

The pole stuck into the seat behind and to escape he had to slide his head along to allow rescuers to cut him free.

It luckily missed every vital part in his brain.

Hair-raiser

An 18 year old who complained of stomach pains and vomiting was discovered by doctors to have a huge hairball blocking her stomach.

Surgeons removed 4.5kg worth of hair from the American girl who admitted eating her hair for five years.

The hairball was said to measure 37.5 x 17.5 x 17.5cm.

When it was removed the girl was discharged and given psychiatric help.

Robotic

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

After seven years of research, ‘TwendyOne’ has been created

Portia Nicholson Reporter A sophisticated robot has been created in Tokyo after seven years of research and several million dollars spent on its creation.

The robot was showcased in Japan on Tuesday and has been named ‘Twendy-One’ by its creators.

Twendy-One is a sophisticated human-symbiotic-robot and has been created as a sort of human helper, designed with soft hands and fingers that gently grip.

The robot’s hands have enough strength to support humans as they sit up and stand, and has supple movements that respond to human touch.

Twendy-One is an advanced version of the Wendy robot which was developed in 1999 in Sugano Laboratory, Waseda University.

Wendy was equipped with the passive impedance mechanism in each joint of its two arms.

Wendy’s creators said: “Passivity is a key technology which is required for robots to perform various tasks with humans in daily life.”

Much money has been spent developing the advanced robot Twendy and creating its high-tech features, including the ability to speak.

Twendy has 241 pressure-sensors in each silicon-wrapped hand, which allows it to perform human functions such as picking up a loaf of bread without crushing it, serving tea and toast and helping to lift people out of bed.

Twendy creator Shigeki Sugano, who is a professor of mechanical engineering at Waseda University said, “It’s the first robot in the world with this much system integration.”

The robot is a little shorter than an average Japanese woman at 1.5 m (5 ft) but weighs in a heavy 111 kg (245 lb).

Sugano is hoping to develop the robot enough for it to be a commercially viable robot that they hope could help the elderly and maybe work in offices by 2015. However, it holds a hefty price

tag of around $200,000.

The development of human symbiotic robots that can support human daily activities is greatly expected to be a measure against labour shortages in aging societies.

Sugano states that “Tewndy-One can be applied for practical tasks.

Therefore, this robot is useful not only for welfare facilities but also for the production field.”

The Twendy-One robot still has to be extensively developed before it can be integrated into society, as it currently has only 15 minutes of battery life and is susceptible to over-heating.

Let it rain Under Arrest

Clinic workers in Barcelona arrested for carrying out illegal terminations

Navodita Pande Reporter The head of the Orthodox Church in Cyprus called upon priests to collectively pray for rain yesterday, December 2, in an attempt to end one of the worst droughts in the island’s history.

Archbishop Chrysostomus the Second asked the priests to undertake ritualistic practices after claiming that Cypriots were “justifiably anxious” about the threat to water supplies and agriculture due to insufficient rains.

Speaking before the event, he said: “We are certain that by praying together with the warmest of spirit and deepest of faith it is possible that Almighty God will hear our prayers and grant our request.”

Below average rainfall last year has been cited as one of the major reasons that has led to the depletion of water supplies in the island.

News reports claim that Cyprus’ largest dam will run dry if there is no heavy rainfall in the next month.

According to a study by the IUCN Mediterranean Regional Roundtable in 2002, reduction in precipitation and increase in temperature has made droughts more frequent, resulting in water shortage.

Lately this has also adversely affected the economy, social life and environment.

The study also stated: ”Since there is a high probability that climate change will continue and that, because of global warming, the level of the sea surrounding the island shall continue to rise with adverse effects on coastal aquifers and coastal lands, a Strategic Plan for mitigating climate change effects and for adaptation measures is needed.”

The last pray for rain in the country happened in 1998 after a prolonged period of drought.

Pamela Debattista Reporter In Barcelona, the head of a chain of abortion clinics and four workers have been arrested on suspicion of carrying out numerous illegal abortions.

Police say that an investigation into a number of Spanish clinics began after the pro-choice group e-Cristians made a complaint in January of this year.

Four clinics were raided including one suspected of performing abortions on women more than 32 weeks pregnant.

Spanish law states that abortions may only be performed within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in the case of rape, and within 22 weeks in the case of fetal impairment.

These laws are intended to avoid serious physical or mental risk to women.

In the case of fetal impairment, a second doctor is required to certify that there is a danger to the unborn child.

Pablo Molins, a lawyer for e-Cris-

tians, said: “The complaint was made by e-Cristians after undercover filming was shown on a Danish documentary.

“The gynecologist Carlos Morin, Director of Ginemedix-TCB, was filmed offering to perform an abortion on a female journalist posing as being 7seven months pregnant.”

Carlos Morin runs all four clinics investigated in the Tres Torres neighbourhood.

The clinics run by Morin allegedly faked doctors’ reports to make the abortions seem legal.

They then proceeded to charge clients between €3,000 and €6,000 for each operation.

Doctors convicted of performing illegal abortions in Spain face a prison term of between one and three years.

Women guilty of having illegal abortions themselves are also at risk of a prison sentence between six and 12 months.

Abortion was only partially legalised in Spain in 1985, and since then there has been a steady rise in the abortions performed in the country.

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

EDITORIAL & OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

freewords Est. 1972

NUS reform Change is on the cards for NUS. The next year will be the most important challenge they’ve faced since the battle against top-up fees.

Only three years ago, Cardiff University saw a disaffiliation referendum to leave the NUS. Students voted not to leave. But with waning student interest, the NUS is in a fragile position.

The purposes of reform are to act as an antidote to the wave of student apathy that has been steadily seeping in since the 1960s - the peak of student activism - and reignite faith in the NUS. As well as changes in the way that the NUS is constructed in terms of full and part-time officers, the emergence of new Zone conferences and the power to veto any decision should allow the NUS Board to wade through bureaucracy and take action on important issues more quickly.

President Gemma Tumelty and her executive should be commended for managing to produce a governance review just four months after National Conference mandated them to do so.

The 48-page review is full of examples of student consultation, which is an impressive feat to achieve since the National Conference in May. However, the length of time taken over the review is seen as worrying to some. As detailed as the plans are, some issues still need to be addressed.

One thing is clear: if nothing changes, the NUS may cease to be a collective student voice as member institutions lose faith.

Ultimately, it is hoped that the reform will bring an end to the era of students looking to their NUS membership for litte more than a high street store discount.

Activism, not apathy While the NUS takes action to engage a disillusioned student body, the spirit of activism was clearly still alive and well at a BNP protest in Oxford.

1,000 students - most from Oxford, but some of whom had travelled from much further afield - descended on BNP leader Nick Griffin and ‘revisionist historian’ David Irving in a display of anger and frustration aimed at both the BNP and the Union’s decision to allow them to engage in debate with Oxford Union members.

Previous visits by Griffin to Universities have also been met with fervent student debate and protest.

This is a long way from the 21st century stereotype of students as apathetic binge drinkers; students still care, and when a worthy cause presents itself, they will take action.

Editor Amy Harrison Deputy Editor Ben Bryant Co-ordinator Elaine Morgan News William Taylor Abigail Whittaker Samantha Shillabeer Corinne Rhoades Investigations Lee Macaulay Politics

09

Zig-a-zig-aaaaarrrgh

Wahey! My favourite band are reforming! That’s a good thing... right? Not necessarily. Portia Nicholson tells us to be wary

T

ake That. Led Zeppelin. The Police. For reasons I can’t fathom, The Spice Girls. It seems the latest cultural trend I don’t get is old bands getting back together, apparently for ‘the fans’ sake’. Call me cynical but I think it has far more to do with a desperate career revival and paying off escalating overdrafts than an acknowledgement to someone who bought your single 12 years ago.

Whatever their reasons, reunions are the buzzword at the moment, with alarmingly high numbers of old bands eagerly signing up for world tours and hurriedly releasing Greatest Hits albums. It appears that for some bands, old disputes have been put aside and outraged denials (“A reunion? I’d rather tear off my face”) have been quietly swept under the proverbial rug. But is reforming ‘for old times’ sake’ after years apart necessarily a good thing?

It’s surely a sign of some serious cultural and musical stagnation if all the music industry has to offer is rehashed, recycled music from yesteryear. While these bands might have been brilliant and innovative in their time, society has moved on and these reformed bands have no place on the music scene now.

Truly remarkable rock bands have their music rooted in the climate and period of their time Take, if you will, The Spice Girls.

What have they got to offer us now?

Surely Girl Power, high kicks and “ziga-zig-ah”s had their heyday in the 90s? It seems that the tour is less about ‘the music’ and more about showcasing their incredible feat of simultaneously dropping three dress sizes yet gaining two cup sizes. If it was indeed just about ‘the music’ for The Spice Girls, they would actually all be working in Tesco’s by now, instead of making godawful Christmas adverts for them.

I had hoped the current trend of hastily-reformed 90s’ bands had reached saturation point, but it seems safe pop songs and formulaic lyrics are the stuff of wet dreams for music producers at the moment. Oh, how the British public adore a pop song crooned by velvetshirt-clad men on high stools. Pete Waterman must have dropped a gusher on hearing Boyzone are to return.

I find myself asking why second-

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hand pop music is so popular. Not only are largely untalented pop bands reuniting in droves, but record labels and reality TV shows are spawning more of the buggers. This music is not new, bold or exciting; yet seven million of us tune into X-Factor to watch yet more bland bands being manufactured. I wonder how long it will be before these new singers are planning their ‘comeback’ tour. Let’s see – shall we book Shayne Ward in for his comeback in four or five years, or will that clash with Leona’s scheduled return in 2011?

It’s not that I really begrudge bands another turn on the fame merry-goround; I just believe that these bands had a place in history and should probably be left well alone. What’s even more frustrating than annoying 90s’

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bands reforming is legendary rock bands like Genesis planning a reunion.

Not many bands can stage a successful comeback (remember 5ive’s dramatic reunion? Thought not) and the disappointment stakes are much higher with a celebrated and much-loved rock band if it all goes a bit tits up.

What have The Spice Girls got to offer us now?

Maybe one could argue that these reformed bands like Led Zeppelin present the opportunity to deliver great music to a generation that missed out the first time round, and maybe some tried-andtested rock ‘n’ roll could revive a tired Steph Cockroft, Kate Budd, Daniel Madden, Millie Schurch, Pamela Debattista, Navodita Pande, Melissa Moore, Pete Anning, Ruth Smith, Gemma Batstone, Eleanor Smith, Daniel Smith, Rhiannon Doe, Aleksandra Kiosinska, Jess Gregson, Ted

industry. To this I say that truly remarkable rock bands have their music rooted in the contemporary climate and period of their time; music that challenges our beliefs, cultural viewpoint and political persuasion. How, therefore, can tired old rockers wailing out issues that were long before our time be received and appreciated in the way that it once was?

I realise, yes, that these bands reforming can bring much happiness and joy to old fans who had long hung up their platform shoes and Scary Spice wigs, but is this short-lived happiness going to cost us the rich diversity that the music industry is capable of producing? Only time will tell, and time, it seems, is largely being filled up with endless comeback tours.

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DECEMBER.03.2007

OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Race against crime

The overcrowding of Britain’s prisons is in danger of getting out of control. What to do? Two writers discuss the options

By Melissa Moore

“W

e are in a critical situation,” announced Britain’s most senior judge. Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice, has declared that Britain’s prisons are at a crisis stage as a result of the Government’s sentencing policy, starkly claiming “We cannot go on like this.” Britain has the highest rate of per capita prison populations in Western Europe but consequently a prison system that is rapidly hitting overload. Between 200 and 300 prisoners are held each night in police cells, and prison cells designed for one are now accommodating two.

So what lies behind this crisis? Is there a complex underlying problem in our justice system creating the steep rise in the number of criminal offences, or are there simply not enough prisons to withstand this influx? Furthermore, there are clashes of opinion about what this crisis suggests about the current crime policy, with some arguing that the prison populations are a sign of coherent and successful law and order (with, essentially, more people getting caught for their crimes) and others questioning whether the Government is too focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation.

Since the 2003 Criminal Justice Act there has been significant sentence inflation. It originally aimed to create

a clearer and more flexible sentencing policy allowing for longer prison terms, including introducing indefinite sentences for sexual and violent offenders considered a danger to the public, who are held until they are deemed safe to release.

The resources are not being put in place to meet these new policies It seemed that the Labour Party, which had previously been considered too focused on rehabilitating the criminal rather than protecting the victim, was finally getting tough on crime. However, whilst I cannot deny that the principle of this sentencing policy is certainly esteemed, it seems the resources are not being put in place to meet these new

policies. Although the Home Office has promised to introduce 1,500 new prison spaces in addition to the 8,000 already announced, there have been strong criticisms of the more controversial immediate solutions being brought in to deal with current problems. These temporary solutions include allowing foreign national prisoners to leave prison four and a half months early and advice to courts that prisons should focus on reserving room for more violent offenders.

Some have argued that it was the Government’s rhetoric on stringent sentencing that placed pressure on the courts to comply with increased imprisonment, instead of seeking answers in other forms of punishment such as community services and fines, but this criticism is focusing on the wrong issue.

Indeed,

rehabilitation is certainly a crucial aspect of the British prosecution system; tackling root problems such as family breakdown, as argued by the Lord Chief Justice, is needed for a long-term improvement on crime and disorder in our society. However, to soften law and order by introducing short-term measures such as panicked early releases is not the solution. The legislative framework for the Government’s policy innovation is desperately needed, but not at the expense of British safety.

A balancing act is needed. For as Lord Phillips points out “If you decide to lock up one man for a minimum term of 30 years, you are investing £1m or more in punishing him,” which instead could pay for “quite a few surgical operations or for a lot of remedial training in some of the schools where the staff are struggling to cope with the problems of trying to teach children who cannot even understand English.”

By Pete Anning

S

o here’s the deal: you commit a crime, you face the consequences. If the crime is deemed serious enough, it could be punished by a stretch in prison where your rights are restricted and, more importantly, you are no longer a danger to others. Excellent theory – but what happens when so many people are sent to prison that they become overcrowded?

The Lord Chief Justice believes that new sentencing laws introduced in 2003 attaching longer jail terms to the most terrible of crimes have led to 200 to 300 prisoners being kept in police cells overnight in England and Wales.

He believes that more community sentences and fines are required for crimes of a lesser standing.

Should crimes such as credit card fraud or non-payment of council tax result in a jail term? Are prisoners inside for offences relating to antisocial behaviour taking places that should be held for murderers? I certainly believe that you cannot equate the taking of someone’s life with the taking of their wage packet, and that for these crimes a fine or community order would be more suitable. However, as with most things, it’s not so cut and dry: if someone emptied my bank account I would want the full weight of the law to fall on them, and if a thug terrorises an elderly couple through verbal abuse and

destruction of property, I would want to see that person dealt with severely – and the most severe punishment we have in this country is a jail term.

A change in attitude towards crime will have a huge knock-on effect A recent move by the Government has been to release prisoners early.

The time they have spent in prison has been deemed long enough and their rehabilitation completed, so they can be allowed back into society. Yet this has, on occasion, led to some offenders recommitting horrendous crimes.

These offences have been seized upon by the media and heavily publicised.

Some undoubtedly feel that tougher sentencing is a result of pressure applied by the media. I feel this is probably true; and while these re-offenders cannot go unpunished, especially in the worse cases, legislation is applied across the board that is not suitable for every criminal and every crime. Unless we want these people locked up forever, somebody somewhere will at some point have to decide that a criminal is ready to integrate back into ordinary life. I think it is an unacceptable failing of the justice system when a former prisoner is not monitored carefully and commits a crime, but in sentencing someone to 20 years we are committing ourselves to the fact that one day they will have to be let out. Rehabilitation is just as important a part of prison as actually being locked up (though no one should be freed purely because their

space is required for someone else).

So if we can’t stop sending them to prison and we can’t let them out, could we just build more prisons? We can’t go on building prisons forever and if they were to open ‘HM Prison Cathays’ I, for one, would be pretty unhappy, but in the short term it would definitely help.

The idea of prison ships has also been ‘floated’, but HMP Weare, Britain’s first and only prison ship, closed recently after conditions were criticised.

We must be sentencing more prisoners: the figures show that since 1993 the prison population has jumped 90% to 79,600 in autumn 2006. Sentencing more people implies that we are committing more crimes; jail overcrowding could be looked at simply as a symptom of a breakdown of society, rather than a draconian government. Admittedly, the introduction of terrorism laws and

He added further that Britain could follow the Californian policy of simply building more prisons (where the cost of imprisonment recently exceeded the state’s higher education budget), or instead promote discussions that are needed to find a way to link the sentencing framework to the resources available.

To soften law and order by allowing panicked early releases is not the solution Britain, one of the richest and most developed countries in the Western world, should certainly not have to resort to the sort of primitive measures that include using prison cells and army camps to hold detainees. But neither should the Government backtrack on its crime policy. Changing the current sentencing policy will only worsen the already deteriorating situation; the problem here is administration. The maths is pointed out: too many prisoners, too few prisons.

But it’s time we looked deeper into this problem to ensure that it doesn’t remain an increasingly difficult problem of calculation. We need to dig deeper and investigate exactly why it is that crime in Britain remains persistently on the rise. other tougher legislation has definitely contributed to the massive increase in the prison population, but maybe we are looking at this the wrong way round.

I personally believe that in order to bring prison numbers down, we should be focusing more on improving standards in schools, confronting irresponsible parents and reducing poverty in deprived areas. A change in attitude towards crime will have a huge knock-on effect. Grand sweeping statement: “we need to bring the respect back to society.” Yes, I sound like your granddad, but it’s true. I do appreciate, though, that it would take a huge restructuring of many parts of society and a lot of money.

Rehabilitation is as important a part of prison as being locked up Overall, I think we should build a few more prisons, rehabilitate as many offenders as possible and restructure sentencing laws. These things will help prisoner numbers to fall in the short-term, but in the long-term prison overcrowding is a result of a changing society. Unless we can somehow alter this, 200 to 300 prisoners are going to spend the next few years locked up in police cells.

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

11

OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Board of all the money An equal education for all children? More scholarships for those less well off? Is private school really worth the extra cost? The debate rages on...

By Gemma Batstone

I

’ve always believed in equal opportunities and was upset, although not altogether surprised, to hear recent reports that elite universities are accepting more private than state school students. How can it be fair that kids whose parents can afford private tuition fees get priority over kids who’ve worked equally as hard but don’t always have the money to back them?

Yet government league tables continue to show that most universities in the Russell group have yet again missed targets to raise the number of state pupils they admit, with Oxford coming bottom. The study, based on 139 private and state grammar schools including Eton and Harrow, suggests that a government drive to increase the number of school-leavers from lower-income families attending leading universities is struggling.

What about children that have to ‘make do’ in overcrowded classes?

It’s simply a case of snobbery and doesn’t prove that children from private schools are any more intelligent or capable than children at leading state schools. Over the past 5 years the percentage of private school students passing A-levels with grade As has gone up by 6.5 % although this is closely followed by a 5.7% increase at state grammar schools.

Of course kids are going to do better overall at private schools because it is a more selective environment.

They benefit from smaller classes where discipline is tighter, have more resources and frequent opportunities for one-on-one tuition.

Particularly at boarding schools, where kids don’t have to make journeys back and forth from school, they have more time to devote to ‘Oxbridge respected’ extra-curricular activities, such as Pony Care or Ballet Classes, which other state schools can’t afford on their measly government budgets.

I can’t blame any parent for wanting to ensure that their child gets the best standard of education even if this does mean paying for it, but what about those children who have to ‘make do’ in over-crowded classrooms, often mixed in with other kids who simply don’t want to learn?

At comprehensive schools less than 20% of pupils are achieving A grades at A level. No wonder so many children are losing faith in the education system when even if they do make the grades they are likely to be rejected by elite universities

on the basis that they came from a ‘bad’ school.

So I was pleased to hear that instead of fining kids for bunking off school, the Government Schools Minister, Lord Adonis, decided to take a pro-active approach for once and encourage kids by sending children currently in care to a mixture of private and state boarding schools.

Of those admitted, 85% were found to be performing better than the average child after just three years, and when compared with the fact that 70% had been diagnosed upon admittance with severe emotional problems, it seems to prove that any child, given the right opportunity, can succeed.

The Royal Wanstead Children’s Foundation (RWCF) – an education charity whose main aim is to subsidise boarding school places for children from vulnerable families – agrees that youngsters from single-parent families living in sub-standard accommodation or whose parents have a history of mental illness would benefit from a structured, secure environment that favours learning.

Colin Morrison, the chairman of the RWCF, estimates there are about 2,000 more children from similar backgrounds who could be accommodated in boarding schools if the extra funding were to be forthcoming.

We know that the Government is sympathetic to the plight of these youngsters. All that now remains is for them to get out their chequebook – the very same cheque-book that currently pays huge sums for often unsatisfactory remedial education. Then more children would receive the advantages of the kind of education from which Lord Adonis benefited.

TOFF:one day you could be like me

By Eleanor Smith

A

report charting the academic progress made by 97 children from some of the most deprived homes shows dramatic evidence that after three years in boarding schools, most were performing better than the average for their age. The children in the research project were all placed in private or state boarding schools by the Royal Wanstead Children’s Foundation – which aims to support vulnerable children, mainly from one-parent families.

This report throws up the longrunning debate as to whether attending a private school really does make a significant difference to pupils’ academic grades or whether it is just a pretence that goes along with the status that private schools have acquired in Great Britain.

Many argue that private schools are the best in the education sector for producing high achieving pupils, as the money received from the admission fees gives the pupils privileges and opportunities that state schools could never offer. It is claimed that small class sizes, a demanding yet supportive work environment, and higher standards all help privately educated pupils to achieve their very best.

The other side of the argument is that attending a state school does not mean that pupils are disadvantaged in respect to fulfilling their academic potential, but that the principle of equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their social background, is what is important.

I believe that the latter argument is true to a certain extent but relies on certain factors to be successful. As a state-educated civilian who attended

the local comprehensive school and then a state-funded sixth form college, my exposure to the private sector was extremely limited before I came to university.

From my own personal experience, I can positively say that I achieved as much as I possibly could have with the resources offered to me. I achieved a good set of GCSEs, got all A grades at A-level and am now in my second year at university studying for a degree in English Language and Communication.

Maybe if I had attended private school, I would have even better results and been pushed harder to apply to more elite universities, but I honestly don’t feel like I have been disadvantaged in any way.

The notion that it’s ‘cool’ to be clever in private school is the big difference However, I also know that my personal academic success is down to various other factors besides the type of education I received. The fact that I come from a supportive, middle class family, have a group of friends who were all equally motivated to succeed, and I am from an area of England which offers an array of good, reputable, state-funded institutions, all helped me considerably in my success.

It is no wonder that children from a working class background, who do not have the support system that I had, do not perform well academically in state schools. These children are extremely vulnerable, and I agree that attending a state school that does not have the funds or facilities to nurture and push them to succeed is only perpetuating the problem.

PRIVATE SCHOOL: loads of money Kyo Bye, a second year physiotherapy student who attended a local state secondary school but then won a scholarship to a private boarding school, thinks that “the most obvious difference between the two schools wasn’t any big difference in teaching standards or even facilities, but the notion that it’s ‘cool’ to be clever in private schools, whereas in state schools it’s something you are laughed at for.”

David Ross, a second year geography student who also attended a local state school before attending private boarding school, has similar views, claiming that “the work ethic is a lot different at private school, where you are continuously pushed by the teachers as it is in effect a business and it needs its pupils to get good grades in order to attract new pupils in.”

The first time I ever came acutely aware of the private sector was on my gap year when I was travelling around South America, and it seemed that an over-whelming majority of the British travellers that I met had attended either a private or boarding school.

After getting to know some of them, I could pick out differences between their attitude and experiences in education and mine, such as the fact that they had spent a lot more of their free time studying for their A-levels than me and that their work environment was a lot more competitive than mine.

Moreover, now that I am at university I am exposed to a whole array of people from different educational backgrounds, from my housemate who attended an Essex comprehensive school to my course friend who went to a prestigious boarding school. However, I have come to realise that despite the perceived advantages of attending a private school, what really makes a difference to an individuals’ academic success is their personal circumstances and desire to succeed.

12 gairrhydd

Cardiff, Disability and me Ted Shiress tackles being identified as a ‘disabled person’

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

A mature response Daniel Smith responds to last week’s Opinion article on life as a mature student, and believes there is more to the experience than wine and Parkinson ILLUSTRATION: Kevin Lewis

OPINION

DECEMBER.03.2007

I

believe these are not my only words you will be reading this week. Some might say my comments on National Disabled Persons’ day were somewhat controversial. However, writing the short piece made me think of one of the things I cannot bear in life: being disabled. The issue here being linguistic.

Fine, I have a disability, it is something I am comfortable discussing – as I do weekly in this column, but being a disabled person is another issue. Not meaning to get too linguistic, but let’s quickly concentrate on grammar here. ‘Disabled person’ is a noun phrase, where the purpose of the initial word is adjectival, so it describes my person and puts a mark on my identity. Plus, it comes before the word ‘person’ suggesting being disabled is more important than being a person.

One of the theorists I have studied in linguistics brought up the notion of the tie between language and thought, and suggested that thought is governed by language.

So, taking his theory to be true: disabled people are disadvantaged in life and maybe even not complete people. I would not go out of my way to make people of such a nature feel included, why should I? These people are not proper people, they are ‘disabled people’.

Language is here representing them as almost ‘sub’ people, and this can be dangerous in terms of public opinion.

My other problem is identity.

‘Disabled’ is used as an identity marker, suggesting that it is a type of person. I do not want to be identified by my physical condition and neither do other people who have disabilities.

Perhaps this is shaky territory but in general people of a certain identity belong to certain social groups that is a part of their identity. Men are stereotypically more comfortable befriending men, very religious people often find more gain in relating to other followers of that religion, homosexual, heterosexual and bisexual people have often –but not in every case- adopted a lifestyle to suit their sexuality.

However, having a disability is a disadvantage and I do not see why a person’s disadvantage should be their chosen identity marker. Which is why I prefer to use phrases such as ‘having a disability’. Everyone can claim to ‘having a disability’ as everyone has weak points which could disadvantage them in some contexts.

Oh and, final words: the picture is fake!

L

ast week I was delighted to find an article posing the question: what makes a mature student? But unfortunately the answer seemed to be something akin to my Grandma. And she’s dead!

The year before last, at the age of 24, I made the difficult decision to come back into education because I wanted to expand my horizons. Having been a chef for 5 years in London I felt that I could have an improved quality of life and do something really worthwhile having completed an Engineering degree. It was the best decision I ever made!

Obviously I found it amazingly difficult living with the heart-rendering stigma of being grouped into a demographic solely based upon my age.

Thinking back it must have taken me about as long to get over it as it did to throw the ‘mature student’ pack in the bin.

No matter how old you are, university is about what you put into it In hindsight, I really do wish that the University had provided a bit more information about getting accommodation other than in halls of residence.

Maybe I should have read that pack more carefully because living in halls was about as pleasant as flu.

Being surrounded by people who had just left home, full of the joys of their new found freedom really did make me feel like a grumpy old git. I remember an 18 year old lad proudly showing off his cupboard full of empty beer cans and bottles of Vodka – oh shit that was me, six years ago. We all go through it.

However, undaunted, I enthusiastically seized my new found free time by joining far more clubs and societies than I reasonably had time to go to. I’ve had an amazing time, since coming back to Uni: I’ve tried Kitesurfing, Capoeira, Kayaking, Ju Jitsu and written for gair rhydd. All of these things I wouldn’t have had the time or opportunity to do when I was working. It’s all out there; all you’ve got to do is ignore Parkinson or News Night, as hard as that might appear, and find it.

Maybe you could enlighten me, Portia Nicholson, on the need for a vegetable steamer because through my years in the catering industry we really must have over-looked that most important of items. An item so crucial to one’s survival in this urban jungle that all social activities must stop until such time that one can be procured and all flavour steamed out of innocent vegetables. On that matter how exactly can somebody claim to be able to ‘budget better than the Chancellor’ when they buy pudding from Marks & Sparks and wash it down with a good bottle of Merlot?

Maybe doing a foundation degree was a blessing in disguise because I

found my course mates to be intelligent, varied and interesting – ones even older than me, shock horror. But I suppose these are the people that may have had a bit more fun through their A-levels, hence the need for a foundation degree.

Or, like me, they are career changers because the friends I made on my course had plenty of life experience of their own and were full of character. In fact, I’ve made some great friends since being at Uni, really true friends. Even from that pedestal that last week’s author seems to think us ‘mature students’ should put ourselves on.

Just because you are over 22, it does not mean you can’t enjoy a pub crawl I’ve had to live with my fair share of old man jokes and comments about how being twenty is considered old, let alone the granddad status of my oh so old twenty five. But it’s really not that noticeable. Yes I don’t have much to say to people in lectures about their latest binge in Solus, but I’ve plenty of other friends who share my interests and sense of humour. If I thought that being older than everybody would really bother me that much I wouldn’t have gone through with it.

My point is that no matter how old, or young, you are, life at University,

like life in general, is about what you put into it. At least that’s what I’ve learnt through my short life’s experience. Just because you’re over twentytwo doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a pub crawl and it’s here that your claimed life experience counts because you won’t end up vomiting outside every pub you go into.

Similarly there are plenty of students who have an interest in more than just getting pissed. I doubt they’d be here if they didn’t have a bit more depth than that, you’ve just got to put yourself out there to find them.

But really - and this is what grated while I read last week’s article - just because I’m older and I have an interest in current affairs, doesn’t mean that I’m an old ‘fuddy duddy’ who stays in every night to watch Newsnight and drink tea.

That’s not my life! I’m only 25!

I had an amazing time when I was working; I met people like you wouldn’t imagine and I’ve been to some truly awesome places. I’d advise anybody who wants to listen to get out into the world and do something interesting with their life rather than feeling pressurised into going to University straight away if it’s not the right thing for them to do.

All that previous experience mainly allows me to appreciate how good life is at Uni and how many opportunities are available to you. But maybe I’m wrong and I should stay in every night to save for that vegetable steamer!

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

LETTERS

LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM

letters@gairrhydd.com Welcome and croeso to gair rhydd’s letters page, the place for students to have their say about the things they care about. So, if you have an opinion on any topic we would love to hear from you. Whether it be a student issue, in the news, or one of your own. Contact us at letters@gairrhydd.com or you can voice your opinions on specific articles online at gairrhydd.com.

A Male Perspective Dear gair rhydd, I would like to respond to Lucy’s Thackray’s recent article, “Abortion Debate”.

The difficulty with commenting on abortion is that as a man, as Lucy has pointed out, I am extremely unlikely to fully understand the emotional turmoil that pregnancy, wanted or unwanted, brings to a woman’s life.

I am well aware of that fact. However, I do not believe that simply because I have no experience of this issue, I should not feel able to have an opinion on it, or to vocalise that opinion, and I commend all politicians and campaigners, male or female, for or against abortion, who will stand up and address this issue publicly.

The main argument for reducing the limit is that a child born at 23 weeks could conceivably survive. Now this is not a theoretical, ‘it-may-be-possiblesomeday’ statistic.

There are children alive today who have been born at 23 weeks. The fact is, however difficult to face, that an abortion at 23 weeks puts a fetus in a circumstance where they cannot survive, when under different circumstances, possibly even with the same

13

doctors/nurses, they might be able to survive.

This debate is not about telling a woman what to do with her own body.

This is about the fact that pregnancy is not totally about “the woman’s physical and mental wellbeing”.

Pregnancy is about the fact that like it or not, a woman is carrying a child, HER child, or if we’re being P.C. a living fetus that has the potential to become her child. If the pregnancy were carried through it would become a child that she would, in the eyes of the law, be responsible for. Is it unreasonable to expect a similar level of responsibility at the earliest juncture that it could survive?

The issue of a woman’s right to determine her own future is not in this case, as clear cut as some would have us believe. Again, like it or not, when a woman becomes pregnant, her future and that of her (potential) child are intrinsically linked, and so it is not only about a woman’s right to decide her own future, but to decide the future of her (again, potential) child.

It is worth mentioning at this point that I believe that the father’s future should also be as linked to that child’s future as the mother’s is, and it is incredibly sad that as men we sometimes seem to have a ‘get out’ clause in this

New number coming next week (promise)

simply because we do not carry the child physically. But that is a debate for another day.

I am not trying to belittle the tremendously emotional and traumatic process of going through an unplanned pregnancy. My question is this: In a situation where a child could survive under medical care at the time that they are aborted, does this debate remain, as Lucy has suggested, a matter of ‘conflicting opinions’, or is the decision of a 23 week abortion, a decision no-one should be allowed, or have to make?

Tim Davies

Come Play?

No thanks Dear gair rhydd, After what I experienced on Saturday night at the union I will readily admit it appals me to be involved with an establishment such as Cardiff Students’ Union.

The organisation of crowds on the doors at Comeplay was atrocious with no one, including door staff, having a clue who should be in what queue or who should be let in or out.

The queue, if it can be called that, entering through the centre doors became distinctly dangerous when people began pushing and shoving. Many of my friends who were out became quite frightened at being crushed by the masses of people who were pushing to the front at an event which, at this point, wasn’t even sold out.

When I did finally get to the front of the queue I found a single, fairly small, member of the door staff trying to control the queue. This is a complete oversight and frankly an unprofessional move from whoever was coordinating the night, whoever that may be. That person should at the least be disciplined for his or her actions. He or she is exceptionally lucky that they don’t have an injury on their conscience of someone who was crushed in the rush to enter. I add that this problem could easily have been overcome by the

Correction

Letter of the week Cli - Che Dear gair rhydd I am writing in response to “down with the cliché” about Che T-shirts; and while I wouldn’t normally bother answering rightwing tirades against people’s fashion habits, but seeing as there is some misunderstanding about Socialist Students, I felt I should write in.

Firstly the meeting Socialist Students organised was not for the “adulation” of Che Guevara but to examine his life and ideas, precisely to dispel some of the myths. That is why we called the meeting “More than a t-shirt – the life and ideas of Che Guevara.”

Nevertheless I think people should ask themselves why the image is so popular. Even to those who don’t know about Che’s role in the Cuban revolution, the rebellious image appeals because it implies a struggle against the kind of world we live in: of poverty, inequality, oppression and war. This strikes a chord with people today because there is a growing rejection of these capitalist values.

People shouldn’t really get away with comparing Che Guevara to Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot. The only justification for this is the accusation of “overseeing the trial and execution of political opponents” after the Cuban revolution.

Well yes he did. Except these “political opponents” were the murderers and torturers of the Batista dictatorship which the revolution overthrew, many working for the “Bureau for the Repression of Communist Activities”. Thousands had been arrested, tortured, “disappeared” and murdered under the US-backed dictatorship and there was a huge public mood to avenge simple construction of some orderly queues on the steps.

There never seemed to usually be a problem with such arrangements last year when the majority of events were managed seamlessly by the different door staff. And for those of you wondering, yes, this is a dig at Show Sec. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that you are number 1 in your field for controlling concerts and live events.

You do, however, have no place on the door of our union or in the Solus nightclub.

Never before have I seen people dancing on tables or on each other’s

the tortures and executions.

But Che oversaw the establishment of proper tribunals to try the torturers. Those accused were allowed a defence lawyer and the right to disprove or justify their actions.

Former prisoners and relatives of the murdered and disappeared were asked to give evidence and show the scars inflicted by the accused.

In fact, Che himself was “democratically” executed on the orders of the CIA without a trial. But his courage at the execution contrasts with those of his executioners. The CIA tried to make it look like he was shot in combat or trying to escape.

This is not to say that Che was 100% right on everything or that he would completely support the political system in Cuba today.

Socialists have no use for blind idol worshipping.

What we tried to do at our meeting was to soberly examine his ideas and the situation in Cuba. It is clear that Guevara was opposed to the Stalinist dictatorships in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and possibly would even be critical of the top-down style of government in Cuba today.

The social gains of the Cuban revolution with the best health care and literacy in Latin America are however a living testimony to what Che achieved in his life.

Maybe what motivates people to wear the Che T shirt is because he has become an icon of rebellion and resistance.

Someone who overcame his disability to fight oppression and social injustice and, unlike politicians today, didn’t waver and take the easy way out, was never corrupted or compromised, who ultimately was prepared to sacrifice his life for the cause.

Beats a Boris Johnston t-shirt!

Rowena Mason

shoulders on the dance floor. I can’t honestly admit that I have ever been able to watch a fight take place on the dance floor, unnoticed and uncontrolled, and finish with the culprits going back to their evening.

The fact that the side room, surely the only area for overflow, was closed on a busy club night aswell as 1 of the bars is another problem that I hope will be addressed by the organisers of the event that don’t seem to have a clue as how to run a successful club night.

Angry Come Play hater

‘Spineless’ - Issue 856 In the 2006-07 session (August-July) the Bindery dealt with 2,557 bound volume of journals, not 60,000 - 70,000 as quoted in the article. The main thesis binding work that the Bindery deal with is for postgraduate theses; the total for these was 1,066 in 2006-07.

The article also mentions “undergraduate theses”. The Bindery does deal with undergraduate dissertations, however, it should be noted that this does not involve skilled binding work, but only involves thermal or comb binding, and some of the site libraries already provide this service very cheaply for students. The University library envisages that the provision of this service will be extended in the future as it does not involve expensive equipment or specialist staff, like those who work in the Bindery.

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

OPINION

RASPUTIN@gairrhydd.COM

R A S P U T I N Déjà vu all over again R

emember the uproar earlier this year when Bath University invited Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, to deliver a speech? Remember the uproar when it got cancelled? Clearly the Oxford Union Debating Society does, and fancies a snatch of the limelight, because they asked Griffin and Holocaust-denier David Irving to participate in a debate on free speech. After all, any publicity is good publicity, right?

I am fairly convinced that was the primary reason behind Oxford Union’s invitation. There don’t seem to be any other forthcoming explanations. There is endless justification for allowing Griffin and Irving to speak once asked – freedom of speech, allowing these fools to have their absurd arguments discussed and ridiculed and so on – but no explanation of why they were asked in the first place.

speech, but that wasn’t really the issue behind his imprisonment. Indeed, there isn’t a great deal he could add to the debate – apart from notoriety, of course.

It was, furthermore, vain and arrogant of the debating society to think it could persuade two very headstrong individuals to change their political opinions – or even cause them significant damage. As Dr. Julian Lewis, MP for New Forest East, pointed out upon resigning from the Oxford Union, “[Irving and Griffin] have been exposed and discredited time and again by people vastly more qualified than you.”

Opening them up to attack is all very well, but you need skill as well as ammunition to gun them down.

Could it really be any more than vain attention-seeking?

Why did Oxford Union Debating Society even invite Griffin and Irving?

I won’t detail here why they should not be denied a platform, because you can already find an excellent in-depth explanation why on the gair rhydd website, written by erstwhile columnist Edification (www.gairrhydd.com, then go to ‘Columnists’, ‘Edification’ and ‘Griffin Grinds Some Gears’). The article is actually about the controversy at Bath University earlier this year, but although Griffin’s talk there would basically have been a party political rather than part of a debate – making it more ‘dangerous’, clearly – the issue is essentially the same now as it was then (only with added Holocaust denial). To quote, briefly: “Let them speak their hate-filled spiel, and then cut them

GRIFFIN: Swastika eyes down with words of reason. Why dignify them with such a panic?”

But for me, the real issue is why Oxford Union Debating Society felt it necessary to even ask Nick Griffin and David Irving to join their debate in the first place. Could it really be any more than vain attention-seeking? A chance to get noted and quoted on BBC News?

Trevor Phillips, chair of the Commission for Equalities and Human Rights, echoed my thoughts in saying, “This is not a question of freedom of speech; this is a juvenile provocation.”

I suppose it makes sense to have a marginalised party speaking at a debate

What’s in a name?

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aming things has never been so difficult. Ask Blue Peter.

It seems you can’t name a cat ‘Cookie’. And, as Gillian Gibbons has found out, you can’t name a teddy bear ‘Muhammad’.

Gibbons is – or was – a British schoolteacher, who had been teaching in Sudan for three months when she asked her six- and seven-year-old pupils to name a teddy bear for the class.

Twenty of the twenty-three children chose the name Muhammad. The teddy bear was duly named Muhammad. Democracy in action.

Slightly less democratic was the subsequent arrest of Gillian Gibbons, who was charged with inciting

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religious hatred and threatened with forty lashes. She has now been sentenced to 15 days in prison, and faces deportation back to Liverpool (unduly harsh, I feel).

Clearly, there was no malice in what Gibbons did. She was acting purely out of ignorance.

But how ignorant was she? The lines of decency regarding tributes to the Prophet are blurred. The name Muhammad is off-limits for pets – understandably, perhaps – but encouraged for children. Where do stuffed fake animals fall in this anthropological hierarchy?

I understand that calling a teddy bear Muhammad is seen as demeaning to Islam’s Prophet. But why? The ted-

on free speech, and Griffin does have personal experience of being silenced (by Bath Uni), but his inclusion was still wholly unnecessary when you consider the number of political prisoners with lower profiles who could have spoken instead. But then, they wouldn’t make the headlines, would they? Furthermore, the BNP – tragically – gets widespread media coverage, so Griffin is hardly having his mouth sewn up.

That David Irving, the historian famous for denying the Holocaust ever took place, was also invited is even more suspect. Yes, he was locked up in Austria for exercising his right to free dy was named that out of affection. It was hardly a piss-take. And it certainly wasn’t idolatry, as some have claimed.

Who idolises a teddy bear?

One thing to remember is that Gibbons let her pupils name the bear. She merely gave the children what they wanted: an honouring of their religion.

Ultimately, she has paid the price for causing offence – unfathomable offence, but offence it remains.

The teddy was named Muhammad out of affection The name certainly would have gone unnoticed over here. Mohammad is now the 2nd-most popular baby boys’ name in Britain, which is news

It may be that the good people of the Oxford Union Debating Society had fine motives for inviting these idiots to speak, and if that is the case, I apologise for casting aspersions on their integrity.

Bu,t I am very, very sceptical. They knew the reaction their decision would get, and that negative or not, it would give them five minutes of fame. As Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

A quick run-down, then, for anyone who may have misunderstood, accidentally or deliberately, my views on the subject (yes, I do have someone specific in mind).

Do I understand why protestors disrupted the debate? Yes. Should they have done? No. Do I think it is right that Nick Griffin and David Irving are allowed a platform to preach their views? Yes. Do I concur with their views? No. Should Oxford Union have invited Griffin and Irving to talk? Well…why? to get the person in the above photo choking on his cornflakes.

Interestingly, biblical names for baby boys are on the slide. I say “interestingly”, because nearly every popular boy’s name has biblical origins. To name but a few: John, Daniel, Matthew, Ben, Joshua, Mark, Sam, Alex and, apparently, Titus (ah yes, that popular baby name). Their decline could be said to represent a widening religious and cultural diversity or an increasing secularism in Britain (or more likely apathy towards the Church in general), but I think it’s just a sign of the times. Neutral girls’ names, too, are becoming more popular, with Olivia, Grace and Ruby (argh) being three of the four most used names.

‘Ruby’? Won’t somebody think of the children?

In Soviet Russia, column reads you

(im)maturity?

I

n our quest to become ‘grownups’, how much do we actually ‘grow up’? Young people are keen to be adults but even keener to be children (or at least teenagers). Even those of us circling 21 fear age as much as anyone. Perhaps this is why so many university students – myself included – seem desperate to retain their youth.

I’m not saying students are childish. Just because some fresh-faced 18-year-olds clutching an A-Level certificate and a beret from Primark choose to study a Humanities subject – any Humanities subject – to avoid real work in the real world that little bit longer (I’m not projecting at all, really) doesn’t mean we’re all immature, and I wouldn’t suggest it does.

What I find fascinating is the conflict in desire between reaching maturity and staying young forever – or at least, another few years. Those in the throes of a mid-life crisis can buy embarrassing convertible Mazdas, but for us it’s a difficult dilemma, and one usually solved by students doing both; being the epitome of mature responsibility in the day and letting themselves go at night.

The normally conscientious medical student who gets smashed up and finds the word ‘flange’ hilarious. The mature student who breaks into Winter Wonderland and starts fights with bouncers. Mature, intelligent people doing immature, stupid things.

But, avoid the dangers and it’s good to have a balance. Hell, I don’t want to make the decision between adolescence and adulthood. So, until I do, here are my three favourite stage directions in Shakespeare: i) Enter a messenger with two heads and a hand ii) Exit, pursued by bear iii) Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar and John the Bastard Hehehe. Bastard.

16 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

POLITICS

POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

Aussie Labour Rules Rhiannon Doe Politcal Correspodent

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t’s all change on the Australian political scene following the resounding defeat by Labour’s Kevin Rudd of long standing Prime Minister John Howard. The elections, which took place last week were widely anticipated, with many predicting Howard’s defeat from the word go.

However, Howard didn’t concede defeat as easily as many thought. Both candidates had some pretty different ideas about what they wanted for the country, starting with their positions on the Iraq war. Howard was severely criticised by both the public and fellow politicians for choosing to participate alongside the US and UK in the war which started in 2003.

He claimed his choice was based on a need to protect Australia from terrorist attacks, yet the Australian Labour party argued that the case for going to war was never convincing enough.

Rudd jumped on this as a chance to claim the war as the “single greatest error of Australian national security and foreign policy decision-making since Vietnam”, a feeling echoed by much of the Australian public.

As a result, Rudd’s planned withdrawal of troops from Iraq was an undeniably popular policy. Rudd continued to gain popular support through his environmental policy, turning that of his predecessor on its head.

A US think tank, Center for Global Development, recently named Australians as the world’s worst polluters per head, yet Howard continually refused to sign the Kyoto protocol on greenhouse gas emissions, claiming Australia’s need to balance climate change with its economic interests.

Australia’s varying climate is causing greater droughts which is affecting certain regions and causing some farmers to relocate. The Great Barrier

“ I think this is the right way, guys...”

Reef is also at risk from a significant shift in temperatures, as therefore Rudd has promised to take decisive action to protect it.

Yet it wasn’t all rosy for Kevin Rudd as he faced stiff competition from Howard with regards to the Australian economy. During Howard’s 11 years in office the Australian economy has grown to unprecedented levels, with a strong stock market and high levels of employment.

This has been accompanied by a high level of inflation that has drawn criticism from Mr Rudd and his party, claiming that the current government are reckless with the country’s finances.

Both contenders have proposed similar levels of tax cuts, so at the end of the day it was down to the public to decide

Australia was named the world’s worst polluters per head, yet Howard continually refused to sign the Kyoto where to place their trust. But enough of the policies, what about the people?

How did the two politicians compare in their political dealings?

Howard was an undeniably popular leader and has managed to hold on to his constituency seat of Bennelong for 33 years (although indications are that he is now about to lose it to Australian television journalist come politician,

Maxine McKew, only the second sitting Prime Minister ever to do so).

But what of his colleague? Kevin Rudd, a fluent Chinese speaker and former diplomat to both China and Sweden, is not known for his charming personality, having earned the nickname ‘Dr Death’ from some of his colleagues.

However, he has captured the hearts of the Australian people thanks to a combination of his determination to win and being in the right place at the right time policy wise.

Plus a little help from a leaked story about a drunken strip club visit in Manhattan, something which actually helped his standing in the polls, as he was viewed as more of a ‘man of the people.’

An article in The Australian, one of Australia’s many dailies, described Howard as simply having hung on too long, and Rudd offering a new and fresh alternative.

But how will this change of leadership affect Australia’s international standing? George W Bush was one of the first to congratulate the incoming Prime Minister after his victory on Saturday, despite the former’s close links to the outgoing John Howard and Rudd’s seemingly polar opposite policies over the environment and Iraq.

Gordon Brown also offered his congratulations, mentioning the positive impact that an Australian signature would have on the Kyoto treaty.

More importantly is Australia’s key position with regards to the pacific nations, both economically and politically.

Howard pursued a relatively successful diplomatic policy in the pacific during his time in office with praised intervention attempts in the Solomon Islands and East Timor; so it now falls to his successor to carry this on, an action which would be much appreciated in the West, with many viewing Australia as an outpost of Western influence in the pacific.

In conclusion, Kevin Rudd’s victory offers the possibility of great change on the Australian political scene: he seems to offer a radically different future to that of his predecessor, John Howard, most notably for the aborigines who are set to receive an apology from the Australian government early on in the term.

A final thought is: where does this left wing attitude leave the new Australia with regards to their position in the Commonwealth? With the conservative party now out of power can we expect to see another referendum on whether or not the Queen remains the head of state? That decision again will be up to the people.

Three Faces of Russian Democracy Aleksandra Klosinska Political Correspodent

T

he doubts about democracy in Russia were recently exacerbated by the arrest of opposition leaders and controversy over OSCE foreign commentators being declined visas.

The opposition manifests held in Moscow and St.Petersburg on November 24 were broken up and more than 200 protesters were arrested.

Former world chess champion Garri Kasparov, leader of pro-democratic Other Russia was charged for organising “unsanctioned procession, resisting arrest and chanting antigovernment slogans” and sentenced to five days in jail. He says his conviction is “part of an effort to harass the opposition and ensure Vladimir Putin stays in power”.

From inside The Kremlin replied saying that the aim of the pro-democratic marches was nothing more than attracting West attention. According to the government’s polls it had very little public support.

Recent actions of Russian authorities have been widely condemned by the Western countries. “United States is concerned by the aggressive tactics used by Russian authorities against opposition protesters in Moscow” said White House National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

The President of EU commission, Jose Manuel Barosso, expressed concern about the arrest of politicians

and protesters, while chief of French diplomacy Bernard Kouchner called Russia’s officials to explain their actions.

Even though Russia’s constitution prohibits third consecutive presidential term, Mr Putin who steps down from his second presidential term next year, is expected to retain power of sorts – The Prime Ministerial role.

One of the slogans of United Russia

is: “Putin’s plan is Russia’s victory”.

Liberal opposition is alarmed that the Sunday’s election is designed to be yet another step towards transforming Russia into a one-party state.

It argues that new rules introduced after last election such as increasing the minimum percentage of votes (from five to seven per cent) required for parties to enter parliament or banning independent candidates, are direct attempts to consolidate ‘one-party’ policy in Russia.

Members of liberal Union of Right Forces party describe authorities’ methods as “totalitarian”- listing attacks on freedom of speech such as confiscation of more than a million copies of its manifesto by the police in Siberia.

Just before being arrested during the protest last week, one of the party leader’s Boris Nemtsov said: “We are absolutely against Putin’s plan and his political course, because it leads us to the third world. It leads to abuse of power. It leads to uncontrolled corruption. In his years of power Russia

now takes 142 in the world index of corruption.”

Some opposition leaders have already resigned themselves to the fact they have no chance of getting into parliament. Grigory Yavlinsky the Yabloko Party said: “When you have no possibility for independent financing, no access to independent media, no access to independent justice, then

by European standards there’s no possibility to become an opposition.”

In response to the words of critics, pro-Kremlin analysts dismiss liberal opposition as parties “still associated the chaos of the 1990s and in particular the economic crash in 1998,” while listing Mr Putin as “one of the most successful Russian leaders.”

Furthermore, while Sunday’s election in Russia officially remains unknown, it is more than obvious that President Putin’s United Russia is a winner. According to the polls it is supported by more than 62% of the voters. Yet again it will be another dark day for Democracy and the people of Russia.

gairrhydd DECEMBER.03.2007 SCIENCE@gairrhydd.COM

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SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT

Should it really be a punch up between humanity and the green house gases?

Sophie Cole reviews Cardiff University’s public meeting to combat climate change and asks whether these ‘campaigns’ have the power to isolate a community approach to global warming ast Monday saw Cardiff University’s Wallace Lecture Theatre holding a public meeting, entitled ‘Stop Global Warming-Change the World!’. The host speaker was Jonathan Neale; author, activist and National Secretary of Campaign against Climate Change.

Considering this ‘issue’ has become so elevated within our media and our daily consciousness-whether this is necessary, is another debate all together-the turn out was poor, the numbers suggests few people are actually ready to catapult Cardiff into a campaign against climate change.

L

The meetings’ message was was one of “the horror” that will come from “abrupt climate change” However, before the condemnation of the student population of Wales begins, it has to be questioned whether some were aware of Jonathan Neale’s

personal (i.e. political) perspective and were, thus, dissuaded from attendance.

The meeting’s message was one of “the horror” that will come from “abrupt climate change”, something that we, the human race, must expect to experience in the next nine to 30 years.

Neale warned of the climate changes’ consequences of refugees, famine and war. He stressed the suffering hundreds of millions of people would undergo and emphasised that those who managed to survive this “global atrocity” would have to encounter a “brutali-

sation of the human race”, where war would “erupt” in an attempt restore the balance of the world.

Despite Neale’s shock tactics, he ensured that the destructible force of “abrupt climate change” could be stopped, and, “very fast”.

Neale spoke of Roosevelt’s response to America’s involvement in World War II-where the economy was redirected in order to make change: to instigate the fall of Hitler-and suggested this “redirection” was needed, and possible, in order to alter the destiny of the planet.

Neale stressed that “massive government infiltration” and “global cooperate power” were, truly, the only means that the human race’s outcome could be a positive one.

Redirection of the economy under Neale’s strategy would include a committed approach to renewable energy.

It was suggested that construction of wind turbines within a segment of the Sahara Desert could provide 30% of Europe’s energy needs. Furthermore, it is thought that 20million houses are badly insulated, and the rectifying of this could contribute to more efficient use of energy. Neale also placed an emphasis on “industry” and recommended the reduction in production of cement and petroleum, as they both release high quantities of “greenhouse gases”.

Undeniably, renewable energy, energy efficient construction and a reduction in industrial emissions are factors that many, if not all, environmentally aware individuals would encourage.

Not necessarily because of the pressing issue of ‘abrupt climate change’ but, more so, for the common sense aspect of sustainability.

The terminology of redirection of economy, massive government infiltration and contribution of global corporate power eradicates the community

element that should be aligned with combating climate change. It eradicates the need for a gradual evolvement of lifestyle and inserts an aggressive necessity for change, now, or ‘on your conscience be it’.

Undeniably, renewable energy and a reduction in industrial emissions are factors that all would encourage

Neale mentions no scientific findings that are globally recognised as evidence for the Armageddon of ‘Abrupt Climate Change’. And so individuals with this opinion have the power to cause more harm than good, as the case for global warming becomes politicised. This in itself is dangerous as it catapults the human race into war with the notion of climate change; and so, green house gases act as a terrorising agent that, ultimately, have the influence to effect, negatively, the behaviour of the global population.

VENUS OFFERS EARTH’S CURE

Sophie Cole explores new data that suggests Venus could be the answer to our, the earth’s, climate change ‘problem’ arth and Venus do not only co-habit the same solar system but they also hold other remarkable similarities.

Their size, mass and composition are particularly alike. It is these resemblances that allow the paralleling of Venus’ history to the present day status of Earth.

Recent data from a European probe orbiting Venus constructs a view of the planet, that potentially may once have been like Earth, but later evolved in a different way. Venus is, of course, closer to the sun: nonetheless, this alone does not explain the differences with Earth.

New results from the Venus Express mission appear in Nature journal and demonstrate that Venus has undergone runaway greenhouse warming, where trapped solar radiation has heated the surface to an average temperature of 467°C. The Venus Express was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazahstan in November 2005 and reached orbit around Venus in April

E

2006.

Furthermore, it must be remembered that Venus also lacks the Earth’s magnetic shield, which means that its atmosphere feels the full onslaught of the solar wind - a stream of charged particles from our star - and cosmic radiation, and has done so for billions of years.

The absence of a magnetic shield means that hydrogen, helium and oxygen are blown away faster than what happens on Earth. Scientists therefore think that Venus, too, may have once held large amounts of wa-

ter on its surface, yet, the solar wind would have removed it within the first billion years post the formation

“Our new data make it possible to construct a scenario in which Venus started out like the Earth”

of the Solar System.

Professor Fred Taylor, from the University of Oxford and a scientist on the mission, said: “Our new data make it possible to construct a scenario in which Venus started out like the Earth - possibly including a habitable environment, billions of years ago - and then evolved to the state we see now.”

Additionally, Venus Express also confirmed the presence of lightning on the planet. The idea of lightning on Venus was once considered controversial, but the magnetometer in-

strument on Venus Express has now put all doubts to one side. Indeed, the data suggests that lightning is more common on Venus than it is on Earth.

Previous observations have revealed a vast rotating vortex of clouds with a “double-eye” feature at Venus’ north pole. Researchers have now found evidence for similar features at the South Pole, although these rotate slightly faster. Researchers do not yet have any evidence for active volcanism on the Venusian surface, something that has been proposed in the past.

And so, the similarities that have been aligned between Earth and Venus allow for the differences now, to potentially predict the Earth’s status billions of years down the line. The new data suggests that from understanding the influencing factors of global warming on Venus means that, possibly, scientists have the power to mitigate the threat on Earth.

14 gairrhydd

FEATURES

OCTOBER.22.2007 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

gairrhydd

RHAGFYR.03.2007

19

TAF-OD

TAF-OD@gairrhydd.COM

Gav yn ôl i Gymru Cymdogion Er ei fod yn un o chwaraewyr rygbi mwyaf adnabyddus Cymru, nid yw Gavin Henson wedi chwarae dros ei wlad ers dros flwyddyn. Newidiodd hynny ychydig dros wythnos yn ôl.

Cymru, Gareth Jenkins.

Efallai fod y feirniadaeth yma yn heiddianol ond does dim llawer o bobl all ddadlau nad oedd Gavin Henson yn haeddu ei le yn y tîm rhyngwladol yn dilyn ei berfformiadau i’r Gweilch y tymor hwn. Does dim llawer all ddadlau chwaith nad ef oedd un o’r chwaraewyr gorau ar y cae yn erbyn pencampwyr y byd. Gyda’r coesau oren yn cael eu heillio’n gyson a’r gwallt yn newid o un gêm i’r llall, mae’n amlwg fod steil yn bywsig i Henson, ond roedd hi’n braf gweld yn erbyn y Springboks fod hynny yn wir am ei chwarae o hefyd.

Mae angen rhywun â steil a hunan hyder ymhlith yr olwyr ar urhyw gae rygbi a dyna’n union a gafwyd gan Henson. Defnyddiodd ei ddwylo cyflym er mwyn pasio cyn y dacl ar nifer o achlysuron a phiti na lwyddodd Cymru i elwa mwy ar hynny.

Gwilym Dwyfor Golygydd Taf-od

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anlyniad siomedig a gafwyd yn y erbyn De Affrica yn y gêm rygbi ryngwladod yn ddiweddar, ond cyn beirniadu yn rhy hallt dylid cofio mai pencampwyr y byd oedd y gwrthwynebwyr.

Dylid nodi hefyd fod 34 pwynt i ddeuddeg yn sgôr dipyn mwy parchus na 36 pwynt i ddim, dyna ganlyniad y Saeson yn eu herbyn yn y gêm gyntaf rhwng y ddau dîm yng Nghwpan y Byd. Doedd neb yn disgwyl gwyrthiau gan Nigel Davies yn ei unig gêm wrth y llyw, ond

roedd ambell i beth cadarnhaol o safbwynt Cymru yn dilyn y gêm.

Cais i Morgan Stoddard yn ei gêm gyntaf dros ei wlad oedd un o’r pethau hynny, a pherfformiad un gwyneb cyfarwydd yn dychwelyd i’r tîm oedd un arall. Do, chwaraeodd Gavin Henson dros Gymru am y tro cyntaf ers dros flwyddyn. Mae’r chwaraewr yn enwog oherwydd ei berthynas â’r gantores, Charolotte Church, ond ni ddylir anghofio mai chwaraewr rygbi yw Gav yn y bôn! Mae llawer wedi ei feirniadu yn y gorffennol am boeni mwy am sylw’r cyfryngau na chwarae rygbi, pobl fel cyn gapten Cymru a’r cyflwynydd teledu, Eddie Butler, a chyn hyfforddwr

Coesau oren yn cael eu heillio’n gyson a’r gwallt yn newid o un gêm i’r llall Dim ond gobeithio bydd safon uchel ei chwarae yn parhau am weddill y tymor, er mwyn Cymru a’r Gweilch.

Er mwyn i hynny ddigwydd mae’n debyg y bydd rhaid i bawb adael llonydd iddo wneud beth y mae’n ei wneud orau – chwarae rygbi.

Yr Ysgwrn dan fygythiad Ffion James Golygydd Taf-od

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n Yr Ysgwrn y mae Cadair Ddu, Hedd Wyn wedi bod ers iddo ei hennill yn Eisteddfod Penbedw dros 90 mlynedd yn ôl. Pryder nifer yw’r ffaith y gall y Cymry ag ymwelwyr cyson golli’r hawl i fynd yno, i gartref y prifardd os byddai’r fath beth yn digwydd a’r Ysgwrn yn newid dwylo.

Yn y ffermdy yma ar gyrion Trawsfynydd y cafodd y bardd, Ellis Humphrey Evans, ei eni a'i fagu. Heb os, mae’r sefydliad yn bwysig i ni yma yng Nghymru ac nid ar chwarae bach y mae trin a thrafod pwnc mor bwysig.

Yn ôl nai Hedd Wyn, dymuniad ei Nain oedd cadw’r drws ar agor. Gan mai Gerald Williams a’i deulu yw unig berthnasau byw’r bardd, nid yw’n hollol sicr beth fydd yn digwydd wedi iddo fynd. Felly rhaid gofyn, wedi dydd Gerald Williams a’r teulu, a fydd

Nid ar chwarae bach y mae trin a thrafod pwnc mor bwysig

y croeso'r un fath?

Yn yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol eleni, roedd Elfyn Llwyd AS Meirionydd Nant Conwy yn honni mai canolfan er cof am Hedd Wyn sydd ei angen er mwyn cadw ein diwylliant a barddoniaeth Hedd Wyn yn fyw.

Gan mai’r Gadair Ddu oedd y gadair berffeithiaf a luniwyd ar gyfer unrhyw Eisteddfod erioed, mae gofyn am wneud mwy o ddefnydd ohoni. Ond i fod yn realistig, beth yn union a allwn ni ei wneud gyda chadair o’r fath?

Mae Sain Ffagan wedi dangos diddordeb yn Yr Ysgwrn, gan gynnig symud yr hen ffermdy o Drawsfynydd i gyrion Caerdydd. Fel y disgwyl, nid yw Gerald Williams a’i deulu yn hoff iawn o’r syniad yma, gan iddo gyfaddef mewn ambell i gyfweliad y byddai gweld ei gartref yn cael ei arddangos yn Sain Ffagan yn torri ei galon, ac na fyddai hyn yn gwneud iawn â Hedd Wyn a’i deulu.

Y cymdogion hoffus o stryd Ramsey yw hoff opera sebon unrhyw fyfyriwr gwerth ei halen! Dylai’r BBC barchu hynny!

Gwilym Dwyfor Golygydd Taf-od

P

ob wythnos, am amser cinio dydd Llun, fe fydda i yn gwingo mewn rhywstredigaeth, a bron a ffrwydro mewn cyffro wrth aros am Neighbours. Gallwch ddychmygu fy sioc ddydd Llun diwethaf felly, wrth imi ddarganfod fod y BBC wedi newid amser dechrau yr opera sebon annwyl o ben draw’r byd. A hynny heb reswm digonol hefyd! Doedd dim ‘breaking news’ na thenis na dim, dim byd ond Doctors, (ymgais aflwyddianus i efelychu uchelfannau Peak Practice, a rhaglen sydd ddim yn haeddu cael ei rhoi yn yr un brawddeg a’r cymdogion cangarwaidd).

Ydi, mae’r bîb wedi penderfynu ei bod hi’n syniad da cyfnewid amser y ddwy raglen, a dwi’n flin! Pam? Dwi’n clywed rhai ohynoch yn gofyn? Wel i ddechrau mae ugain munud i ddau yn amser bach digon handi, mae o’n dilyn cinio yn naturiol, a pha bwdin gwell? Torri ar brynhawn sdiwdant diog mae deg munud wedi dau braidd ac ar yr achlysur arbenig yma roedd yr amser darlledu newydd yn golygu fod rhaid imi ddioddef hanner awr yn ychwanegol o Robin Hood: Prince of Thiefs oedd yn cael ei dangos ar un o sianelau sky am y chwe-biliwnfed tro. Wrth gwrs, y rheswm tu ôl hyn oll yw’r ffaith fod y BBC yn troi eu cefnau ar Lou a Harold a’r criw yn y dyfodol agos, ac felly yn paratoi ar gyfer hynny trwy roi amser i’r doctoriaid sy’n gwneud bob dim heb law doctora i ymgynefino a’r slot boblogaidd sy’n dilyn y newyddion. Ateb digonol, ond problem na ddylai fod yn bodoli yn y lle cyntaf! Beth oedd ar ben y bîb yn meddwl am gael gwared o Neighbours heb sôn am wneud hynny? Gobeithio

yr aiff y sefydliad i’r wal ddyweda i, a hir oes i ‘Channel 5’!

Gwamalu yr ydw i, ond er fod y tafod yn y foch, mae cwestiwn diddorol yn cael ei ofyn. Pam fod myfyriwyr mor hoff o Neighbours? Dyma gwestiwn a gododd mewn darlith sgriptio yr oeddwn ynddi’n ddiweddar, a’r eglurhad a gafwyd gan awdurdod yn y maes oedd mai, “pobol ifanc, deiniadol, hapus, yng nghanol heulwen” sydd yn yr opera sebon. Os derbynir hynny, pam ein bod mor hoff o wylio y cymeriadau hyn? Efallai ein bod yn gallu uniaethu â hwy, ac eithrio’r tywydd wrth gwrs. Neu, ai deisyfu am eu bywydau hwy yr ydym? Ai Ramsay Street yw ein ynys afallon?

Ydi, mae’r bîb wedi penderfynu... cyfnewid amser y ddwy raglen, a dwi’n flin!

Rheswm arall dros wylio yw’r hiwmor cyson sy’n addas ar gefer llond ty^ neu fflat yn cyd-wylio. Does dim ‘dili–dalio’ gyda’r straeon chwaith, mae rhywun mewn coma un munud ac yn cerdded o gwmpas y lle ‘rêl boi’ y munud wedyn – deundd perffaith ar gyfer myfyriwyr di-amynedd sydd yn aml iawn â gormod o ‘hangover’ i drio cofio be’ ddigwyddodd y diwrnod cynt. Mantais arall yw’r darlledu dwbl, dau gyfle i wylio’r rhaglen, neu cyfle i wylio’r rhaglen ddwy waith yn fy achos i!

Beth bynnag yw’r rheswm dros wylio Neighbours, mae’r ddefod yn drydydd ar y rhestr o bethau y dylai sdiwdant eu gwneud (ar ôl caru a meddwi), felly gwylio tan y graddio fydd hi berryg!

037 Support Worker South Wales £6.50

036 Instore Team Cardiff £5.52 p/h

Domiciliary company requires people to assist individuals with learning disabilities. Duties include helping with personal care tasks and social interaction. You must have some previous experience of supporting vulnerable people.

Pizza delivery service requires people for general customer service duties instore including taking food orders over the front counter and telephone, cash handling and cleaning duties. Flexible part time hours available.

034 Marketing & Promotion Staff South Wales £6.50

023 Field Interviewers Cardiff £50 per day

Commercial radio station are looking for street team members for promotional work to include sampling, distribution, branding, flyering, data capture and on air activity across South Wales and the South West. You must be upbeat, chatty and reliable!

A market research company are looking for confident, friendly people to collect information face to face with members of the public.

Cold calling will be required in this position. You must have your own transport.

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

21

JOBS AND MONEY

JOBS@gairrhydd.COM

The ERASMUS Generation Jess Best investigates why people choosing to take part in ERASMUS schemes are being hailed as the future of the job market

Y

ou might be preparing to embark on a year of study abroad. Or you might have just returned from one.

Or you might have given it very little thought, other than wondering where the three students who sit at the front of the lecture theatre came from at the beginning of Year 2.

But whatever your experience of studying abroad, or the ERASMUS programme that Cardiff University is part of, you’re probably well aware of the recent concern surrounding the safety of students who leave their home country for some of their degree course.

The tragic death of Leeds student Meredith Kercher in Italy has prompted many in the media to ask questions about just how safe studying in a foreign country is.

However, a staunch defence from those who organise foreign placements, and those who have taken part, has also thrown into the limelight the value of spending a year of your degree in a foreign country, and in particular the value that having ERASMUS on your CV can add.

The ERASMUS programme, or European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, was established in 1987 as part of the European Union’s Lifelong Learning programme.

Named after the Dutch philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam, the scheme states that it aims to increase student and teaching staff mobility across Europe, as well as emphasising the need for cooperation between higher education institutions to foster cross cultural understanding.

The scheme now covers 2199 higher education institutions, or nine out of every 10 universities, and 1.4 million students have already taken part.

The programme is aiming to raise this number to 3 million by 2012.

31 counties now offer students and teaching staff the opportunity to live and work at their universities, including European Union and European Economic Area countries, as well as

candidate countries like Turkey.

Students normally study in their chosen country for between 3 to 12 months.

Language support is provided for the students, and it is worth noting that

some ERASMUS courses (particularly sciences) do not require you to already speak a language, meaning that it is the perfect opportunity to start, or develop, linguistic skills.

So enough of the sales talk. How will packing up the life you’ve spent a year or two establishing in Cardiff help you in the long run?

Cardiff’s ERAMUS office claim that the opportunities they give not only help to develop your language abilities (obviously), but also your interpersonal skills and confidence, and perhaps most importantly your transferable employment skills: “The transferable skills greatly enhance students’ CVs, helping them become more attractive to employers in

an increasingly competitive European graduate recruitment market.”.

Given the decrease in the amount of students choosing to study languages at both a secondary and University level, having a language will undoubtedly make you stand out.

With globalisation and multi-national companies abounding, bi and multi-lingual candidates will be crucial to fostering inter-country relations.

But doesn’t everyone just speak English, right? Well, wrong.

According to a 2006 Europe-wide survey ordered by the European Commission, thousands of businesses are losing out on potentially lucrative contracts and big profits due to their lack of language skills.

Although the report described English as the “lingua franca” of international business relations, there have been repeated calls for development in languages such as French, German and Spanish, as well as Chinese and Arabic as global markets develop.

But it’s not just your language skills that can help you to sell yourself to a potential employer.

Living in a foreign country for a year can demonstrate to recruiters your ability to adapt to varying situations and a level of competence to work independently and under pressure.

In research carried out for ERASMUS into the effects that their programme is having on their students, it has also been proven that your academic work can show cross-disciplinary thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.

So what are these globe-trotting graduates doing when it’s all over?

Well firstly, they’re finding jobs quicker.

Surveys suggest that on average students who participated in the transfer programme found work two months sooner than students who had not studied abroad. That’s two more months’ wages in the bank to start paying off your student debt.

They’re also getting jobs that take them abroad. If you’ve always dreamed of working in a foreign country, then this is something that could be worth considering.

Of course, using your year abroad to help you in the job market is not the only thing programmes like ERAMUS allow.

It can be a culturally diverse experience that will allow you to meet people from all over the world.

Neither is that to say that it is always easy. Leaving everything you know to go and study in a strange, and at times confusing, country can leave students feeling isolated.

However, with the rapid growth of what has been termed the ERAMUS generation, some commentators are suggesting that such schemes could change the face of international business.

As political scientist Stefan Wolff says: “Give it 15, 20 or 25 years, and Europe will be run by leaders with a completely different socialization from those of today.”

These innovative ways of thinking are definitely something you should be flagging up on your CV.

Lani Mitchelson is studying Italian and French in Lyon and Milan: “The year has had its ups and downs. The bureaucracy in France is unreal and over here patience is definitely a virtue as it can take a very long time to get things sorted.

In terms of learning a language, don’t be afraid to just chuck yourself in at the deep end.

I wasted a lot of time because I had no confidence to speak the language - but just do it. You probably will find that some people seem to have a radar for knowing that you are English and they will start speaking to you in English. It gets really frustrating but just continue speaking to them and hopefully they will get the idea and start speaking the native language again.

It is really good fun and you get to meet loads of people. By the end of it, I am hoping to have a greater understanding of the language and culture.”

Sam Rogers is studying Law and French in Amiens, France: “A year abroad is a great opportunity to get involved in a new culture and make connections with other ERASMUS students from all over the world. There are Americans here, Brazilians, and people from loads of different European countries.

I think the experience will be helpful when going into the job market, especially with law degrees. A lot of companies actually advertise the fact that they have a foreign speaking lawyer on the home page of their websites so I can definitely use it to my advantage.

It is really difficult being away from friends and family, and some aspects of the culture you might not like and you’re stuck with them which can be frustrating.

The work is hard, but to be honest it’s all do-able as long as you actually apply yourself to it.”

Graduate The Christmas holidays are looming. Relatives will invariably start asking about “your plans” for the future. Jobs and Money looks at graduates who are already there...

N

icola Evans graduated in 2007 with a Biochemistry Bsc. She now works for cosmetics company L’Oreal.

What is your job title?

I started as an Industrial Trainee, but I am now a fully trained Lab Technician and I work for L’Oreal.

Where are you based?

Pontyclun, about half an hour away from Cardiff.

Briefly describe what your job involves e.g. your day to day responsibilties.

I work in a chemistry lab in the Industrial Quality department where I conduct many basic chemistry tests (such as titrations or Gas Chromatography) to ensure that all the ingredients going on to make all the shampoos and perfumes, are correct.

Paperwork has to be filled in on all the tests completed, and anything that doesn’t conform has to be sent back to the manufacterers.

How did you apply for your job? Briefly describe any interview/assessment process that you went through.

I actually went along to the graduate careers fair where there was a stall for L’Oreal.

Even though they only appeared to have chemistry jobs, I decided to hand over a copy of my CV and 5 weeks later I got a call.

It was a fairly informal interview to get to know me a little and talk about my experience.

I have had my initial contract extended and have moved around different labs.

What is the best/worst thing about your job?

Having a half day on a Friday, the impressive staff discount, and being able to say “Because I’m worth it” on a regular basis! It’s a fast moving environment, meaning the days seem to go by quickly. Also, because it’s a French company you can apply to have free French lessons.

The worse things are probably the early starts at 8.00 am, and the commute from Cardiff.

What advice would you give to students thinking of entering a similar field?

If possible in your degree, do a

work placement year; it is invaluable when you graduate, and make sure you do a practical final year project.

Also go to every careers fair going, and take copies of your CV. Even if you are in doubt like I was about the suitability of the work, hand over a CV anyway. There is nothing wrong with turning down an offer later.

L’Oreal also has a microbiology lab and opportunities for graduate and summer student placements for people with engineering, I.T. and chemistry degrees.

There are also opportunities for psychology students/graduates in the HR department.

22 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

Awareness in

the Internationa of Disabled Pers D

id you know that the International Day of Disabled Persons is a global event taking place on December 3rd every year?

No, probably not, neither did I until recently. So why is such a worthy cause neglected by the press? And why is it largely unheard of, even to people with disabilities?

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities’. The day aims to focus on how to ensure decent work for persons with disabilities. It also aims to improve ways to tap into the abilities of this marginalized talent pool. The recently adopted Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes in Article 27 the rights of persons with disabilities to work and employment on an equal basis with others. It stresses the right of persons with disabilities to earn a living from freely chosen work, and to work in an environment that is both accessible and accepting.

Despite such legislation it is a fact that employers often resist employing a person with disabilities believing they will be unable to perform their roles and

that it would be too expensive. This attitude is rooted in fear and stereotyping, focusing more on the disability than on the abilities of the individual.

In most countries up to 80% of people with disabilities of working age are

The usual damp squib, greeted with a massive display of apathy by the world unemployed. All too often people with disabilities are dependent upon begging, hand-outs, and welfare for their livelihood, not through any meaningful employment. The denial of opportunities and negative attitudes are the main reasons why people with disabilities are absent from the workforce.

The United Nations Headquarters have produced empirical evidence that shows people with disabilities have higher performance ratings as well as

better attendance records than their colleagues without disabilities. In addition, the cost of accommodating workers with disabilities can be minimal.

Studies have shown that there are other benefits to employers of persons with disabilities, such as improved workforce morale and increased customer goodwill.

It is appalling that many countries do not have legislation to promote and protect the rights of workers with disabilities. This makes discrimination on the grounds of disability legitimate and further hinders people with disabilities from entering the labour market. However, the discrimination often begins a lot earlier in life, when people with disabilities are denied other opportunities that would aid their inclusion into the workforce, such as education or training in employable skills, accessible transportation to get to work, and accessible workplaces.

So what is the International Day of Disabled Persons actually doing to raise awareness and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities? The disappointing answer is not a

lot. There is a huge focus on ‘looking’ at new ways of including people with disabilities in the work force but little direct action. This explains the lack of press coverage and the general lack of knowledge surrounding the day.

Ian Cook, a freelance journalist who has MS, is a frequent contributor to BBC’s specialist disability website ‘Ouch’. He is unimpressed with the International Day of Disabled Persons efforts: ‘This year’s United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3 will probably be the usual damp squib, greeted with a massive display of apathy by the world and its media. Most disabled people will probably be indifferent at best’. Cook sums up the event as ‘being worthy but boring’.

However, there is hope for this year’s event. Aardman Animations, the team behind Wallace and Gromit and Creature Comforts have unveiled six new characters all with disabilities. Peg the Hedgehog, Slim the Stick Insect, Flash the Sausage Dog, Tim the Tortoise, Spud the Slug and Brian the Bull Terrier will feature in print adverts this week

and in a TV campaign from January.

The animals are part of a campaign by the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity to highlight the discrimination faced by disabled people. Disabled people from Cardiff in the Leonard Cheshire home in the Radyr area have lent their voices to the new animated characters.

The characters are all voiced by disabled people. Each of the short films end with the message: “Change the way you see disability.”

Alex Milhaly, 57, is the voice behind Flash the Sausage Dog. At the age of

Disability is seen as a social issue, which is not based on medical reasons 32, Mr Milhaly had a fall at work which damaged his spine. Now a wheelchair user, Mr Milhaly uses a number of computerised aids to help him at home.

“I’d just like people to realise that

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

23

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

animation:

al Day sons we are real people, we are not braindead just because we are disabled. We can provide just as good a service as able-bodied people but we don’t get the chance,” he said.

The taboo that has emerged around people with disabilities is sadly prominent in our society. The World Health Organisation estimates that there are 600 million disabled people worldwide, about 10% of the world population.

More and more, disability is seen as a social issue which is not only based on medical reasons. The organisation “Disabled Peoples’ International” defines disability as the interaction between the person with impairment and environmental and attitudinal barriers he or she may face. Therefore the reasons for disability are always complex and can only be understood within the context Bryan Dutton, director-general of Leonard Cheshire Disability, said, “Disabled people experience unnecessary social barriers which are

Many countries do not have legislation to protect the rights of workers with disabilities created largely through ignorance.”

Research by the charity revealed 9 out of 10 disabled people believe they are the victims of prejudice or discrimination.

Another of the campaign’s stars, Tim the Tortoise, is voiced by Ian Wilding, 50.

“There are certain people who would talk to my wife and not me,” he said. “People need to think it’s not the wheelchair, not the disease that’s causing the problems. Talk to me, not to my position. See the person, not the disability.”

The alienation of disabled people is an important issue that needs resolving. Yet we are not educated about it and it is hardly covered in the media.

This Monday marks the International Day of Disabled Persons, Jess Gregson explores the global event in light of its disputed success There is a resounding feeling of apathy amongst the general public, even from officials who specialise in the field.

Rachel Hurst, director of Disability Awareness in Action, said the International Day of Disabled Persons, “Is not going to change the world.”

“It’s not an earth-shattering day but it is something, and we need everything we can get to break the media disinterest. I wouldn’t expect the national media to report national disability events on December 3, any more than they would do women’s events on Women’s Day in Britain.

It is just a focus of attention for one day.

It’s an awarenessraising day. It’s another tool in our arm o u r y.

It’s a spur or a prompt for

action.”

With the endorsement of Aardman Animations to give it a much needed boost hopefully this years International Day of Disabled Persons will generate more media attention and will succeed in achieving the recognition it deserves.

gair rhydd columnist and Students With Disabilities Officer, Ted Shiress comments As Gair Rhydd’s weekly disability-related ranter and Students With Disabilities officer I thought I should include a few word of my own. I myself have very mixed feelings about such a day. Firstly, it is hardly known by anyone.

Even in my six years of living in specialist educational establishments I had never heard about such a day. Secondly, perhaps a more controversial point, why should disability be ‘celebrated’?

I mean, of course people should be made aware of what disability actually means, but this should be done in educational establishments; and people should always be willing to donate to disability related causes. Such a day I feel is a classic example of over representation. Disability is a bad thing [trust me], so why are those people who have disabilities always primarily represented in the public eye for having a disability?

As a person with a disability, I seek equal opportunities; if I’m a nice guy please let me know, likewise if I’m a dick, please treat me like one. There is not a ‘national people without disabilities’ day so why is there a ‘national people with disabilities’ day?

Possibly I am being far too idealistic here in assuming it is possible for those people with disabilities to fit right into society regardless; and yes, I know opinions need to be changed. So, maybe in the short term such a day is necessary, however in an ideal world I hope such a day would not exist.

24 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

Voyeurism:

The Virtual Addiction

As our generation becomes obsessive compulsive about online social networking, Emily Woodrow explains why voyeurism has society in the grips of an addiction

W

hen I woke up this morning after less hours sleep than I’d hoped for and aching all over after last night’s work shift, my first thought wasn’t a relaxing shower or to satisfy my rumbling stomach with a big bowl of cereal; it was facebook.

I thought to myself ‘oh no, I wonder what I may have missed out on from the hours of 10pm-2.30am last night while I was at work. Loads could have happened. Someone could’ve tagged me in a photo, a secret admirer could have sent me a private message, that girl I dislike could have bad mouthed me in a wall message to her friend.’ So, I jumped out of bed and onto the computer where I spent a good 15 minutes catching up on what I’d missed. My name is Emily and I am a face’aholic.

I know what you’re thinking.

‘What an absolute loser, get a life.’

And it’s sad that I can admit to it.

But I am pretty certain that if we were all honest with ourselves, we would admit to doing pretty much the same thing. Whether it be putting off doing University work to browse through people’s photos, or half heartedly paying attention to the television because you’re too busy flicking between people’s wall messages to fully establish the conversation they had, facebook is addictive and with it comes our societies new obsession with voyeurism.

Not satisfied with our own lives, we are now consumed with the goings on of others and feel the need for a window into their lives to see what everyone else is doing around us.

And facebook provides us with this far too easily. For want of a better word, it is stalking with minimal effort. At the click of the mouse, you can see how a certain person is feeling through their recent status, what they wore and who they hooked up with on their last night out, who they’ve spoken to last and what the conversation was about and what events they are planning to attend in the next month so you can continue your stalking of them in person if required. Facebook is heaven for anyone who likes to gossip or who wants to find out something about someone that they think will cause a stir. One could well argue it is preparing us for a successful career in the paparazzi.

But why this infatuation with the lives of others? Why has facebook eased us into this type of voyeurism at the most basic level?

Perhaps because it is so easy and entertaining and many get pleasure from laughing at people’s druken photos and reading about how rough they are feeling and the regrets they have in their status. Perhaps because

it is a light relief away from the pressures of work or University and it allows you a time to kick back and escape into a world which seems so distant from real life. Or perhaps it is just because we have become fixated with the movement of others and require this window into the lives of those in our close and not so close environments to satisfy the lack of things in our own lives. For example, one could argue that by regularly visiting the profile page of an ex boyfriend, you can keep up to date with what he has been doing, who he’s been seeing etc and still feel he is part of your life without actually having to speak to him.

Hands up I am admittedly a victim of this also.

Notice the choice of the word ‘victim’, as I would argue that I have no choice but to do this and as much as I would prefer not to know what he’s been getting up to, I can’t help but glance at his profile even if it upsets me to see or read things that in hindsight I wish I hadn’t. I would argue that I am a victim of facebook and therefore a victim of voyeurism as I have been sucked in to its world and am now so addicted to it I am putting it before my hygiene and hunger. You know there’s a problem when something

We’re fixated with others and require this window to satisfy the lacking in our own lives becomes a higher priority than food.

Admittedly one could argue that if you didn’t want people knowing your business or had little or no

interest in the lives of others you wouldn’t sign up to a social network such as Facebook. But is it really as easy to condemn users as that?

Apart from using Facebook to stalk ex boyfriends and ogle over photos of potential new ones, I do also use it to arrange study meetings with course mates or to be informed of important journalism evenings which I am expected to attend. In addition, I use it to organise netball socials and

make sure everyone knows where and when to meet and it reminds me of old school friend’s birthdays who without facebook I would undoubtedly forget. So although many aspects of facebook do encourage voyeurism and in many cases, internet stalking, other aspects of it help me to organise my life and be a better friend to those I unfortunately have little time for in my current situation.

One of the sad things about facebook is the way it has completely overwritten the traditional ways of meeting people, i.e. the opposite sex.

If you go out to a club and meet a nice man, there is now no longer the need to exchange numbers or discuss in person the potential of a follow up meeting. Deep down you know that if necessary, you can go home and facebook stalk this person with the information you got from whatever conversation you may have had, e.g. what University he goes to, what course he does etc, and then either private message them or offer them

your facebook friendship to develop your relationship. What happened to the old ‘I’d love to see you again, here’s my number, call me’ line?

And what about the voyeuristic element of facebook which many employers have now adopted? Did you know that employers can now look up potential employees on facebook and by looking through their profile can decide whether or not employment of that person is likely? Arguably, it saves them the time of interviewing someone as you can get a rough idea of what someone is like by glancing through their photos and reading the sort of things they say to their friends, e.g. whether it be about the job interview they have tomorrow or the plans they have for going out and getting extremely drunk tonight to calm their nerves for tomorrow.

But can you really get a proper idea about someone’s personality and potential for employment from a profile page?

Even if you would argue this is possible, surely it is completely open to observer bias and misinterpretation is extremely feasible? From a photo of someone in fancy dress with a drink in their hand, one person could decide that this person is an at-

The line between the public and private sphere is becoming much less necessary tention seeking, alcoholic idiot while another could see them as an outgoing, fun loving person who likes to dress up for the amusement of others.

I know of friends who will de-tag themselves in photos on facebook which they believe would discourage potential employers from considering them for jobs because they look a bit drunk or appear to be having a

bit too much of a good time. Personally, I couldn’t care less. I refuse to amend my facebook profile to adhere to the desires of a potential employer and to appear as someone I’m not.

If I decide to go out dressed up as a telly tubby, have a few drinks and be seen photographed dancing with

One of the sad things is the way we have completely overwritten the traditional ways of meeting people a few men, so what? I would hope that potential employers would see this as someone living life to the full and making the most of being at Univeristy and would consider my final degree grade as having more importance than the social life I may or may not have had along the way.

So what is the future for our current voyeurism obsessed society? I think many would argue that despite the encouragement of stalking that facebook does seem to support, it is at the end of the day a harmless tool for keeping in contact with friends and enables us to build or develop on relationships with people that without facebook it would not be as likely or possible. At the end of the day, if you really were concerned about people learning too much about you from your profile page, you can censor it and choose to make any of the aspects of it private to onlookers.

But let’s face it, most people like the attention and choose profile pictures or status updates most likely to make people want to investigate them further. They like consciously portraying their lives and domestic activities for all to see and the desire to define the line between the public and private sphere is becoming much less necessary.

So I say here’s to facebook and long may it prosper because for me, it offers an escapism from the horrors and stresses of real life and enables me to learn things about people and build relationships which without it I couldn’t.

However, ask me again what I think about it when I’ve failed my degree due to overuse of Facebook and lack of attention to important degree work. And I know for certain I’m not alone there.

OCTOBER.22.2007 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

gairrhydd

14

FEATURES

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM .

HOT Bagels: They’re the savoury chewy donut, a low fat substitute for bread, and mean you can pretend your a New Yorker while having breakfast. They can also be used as quoits.

!TELLY! We’ve Sold Out!

H

SHOWBIZ With only six couples left in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, we are all eagerly anticipating who will take the crown.

However, across the pond, in the US, the series has drawn to a close, with Brazilian racing driver Helio Castroneves cha-chacha-ing his way to the top, beating of stiff competition from Spice Girl, Mel B. Although her Mamba scored top marks with the judges, the ‘scary’ one failed to impress the viewers at home, losing out on the public vote.

I’m sure she won’t be losing sleep over her near victory though, as the girl band are performing in Vancouver on Sunday – the first concert of their reunion tour! One person who won’t be there to see the gig is Posh’s hubby, David. He’s been banned by Victoria because the girls are too nervous. However, he’s catching their San Jose concert as

Serious cat as you’ve never seen him before

NOT Serious Cat: We’ve got rid of this messy creature because he’s been clawing at the furniture and pissing on the newspaper.

We put him in a box in a carpark. Just kidding RSPCA xx

instead decided to make a romantic drama about Jane Austen and her personal life, who says the TV industry has run out of ideas? I think its safe to assume she finds her Mr Darcy.

If thats not your thing then theres a Philip Pullman adaptation of The Shadow of the North starring Billie Piper.

Yes, the former teen sensation is putting her chebs away, stuffing her suspenders back in the draw, and heading off to Victorian times. This will basically be ‘Billie solves a murder’, the woman can’t act to save her career; expect strong nudity and dangerous levels of over-acting.

There’s also, surprise surprise, a Dickens adaptation! ITV have gone with The Old Curiosity Shop, and boy, have they got together a star-studded cast, there’s TV’s Zoe Wanamaker, TV’s Bradley Walsh and TV’s Martin Freeman, plus some guy called Sir Derek Jacobi who seems to be prestigious though !TELLY! has never heard of him, before our time we think.

Emma Watson, of Hermoine from Harry Potter fame, stars in Ballet Shoes, an uplifting drama set in thirties london about three orphan girls who like to ballet dance, fuckin a. There might be an issue surrounding their foster uncle, we’re past caring at his point.

Finally, Harry Potter authoress, and babe, JK Rowling is the subject of a fly on the wall documentary, its a rare insight into Jo so catch that shit. It seems that xmas telly is just adaptations, guest appearances, and star studded casts.

It’s enough to make you actually want to spend time with family and go on walks and crap, almost.

o Ho Ho telly addicts! That’s what i’d be saying if Christmas television remotely inspired me. You’ll probably end up catching some xmas TV whether you plan to or not, luckily for you, in the spirit of Christmas, we’re going to give you a sneak preview, just in case you get snowed in, or eat too much turkey or nut roast. Whatever.

First off, there’s a Doctor Who special and it’s an hour long! Okay, so that exclamation mark was a tad innappropriate, but guess who’s guest starring? Kylie! The Australian temptress plays a ballsy waitress who works on Titanic. If you missed the last series, then the ‘Titanic’ reference will mean nothing to you.

If you fancy something else you could try The Catherine Tate Christmas Special - although, if you actually watched this, and laughed, you would leave yourself open to ridicule.

However, if you were a washed up former popstar who likes men in toilets and smokes pot while driving, then you’re already the subject of ridicule and you can take the beebs dollar, George Michael do you have no shame?! Obviously not because he’s also guesting in fucking Extras! Yes the Gervais behemoth is back, are we tired off this little fat man yet? Well if you are, then lucky you, this is rumoured to be the last episode ever. Clive Owen and Gordon ‘the rammer’ Ramsay are guest starring, as is David Tennant, is it me or is the BBC getting even more incestuous?

If christmas telly is good for anything, other than celeb guest appearances, then its period dramas, and there are four this year which seem to be getting top billing. Now you might be expecting a Jane Austen adaptation, but they’ve

Fudge Tunnel

27

SOAPS

Who is the daddy??? Eastenders is the daddy!! Not only does sexy emo Steven have oodles more screen time he also gets a bit violent and everyone likes a smidge of violence while munching through dinner. He trashes Stacy’s stall and douses himself in petrol. Nothing more sexy than a physco. Roxy and Ronnie get in a big bitch ass fight but no one cares about them anyway. THEY HAVE NO PLACE IN THE ‘ENDERS!! On a lighter note, Dawns got new glasses. They are rather nice, not as good as mine but you know I’m pretty amazing. Neighbour’s is also the shizznizz this week as Kirsten abducts Mickey like a good mother would. She makes me ill with her ridiculous hair and constant driving.

In Corrie, Liam proposes to Maria, which isn’t the wisest move as he wants to be shagging Carla. God knows why, she looks like a victim of bad botox. David and Jason also get in a bitch ass fight but everyone is bored of that storyline, yeah we get it Davids evil jeeez. Just kill him off already!

FILM THE DESCENT, CH4, MONDAY Six women decide it might be a good idea to go caving and in true horror fashion it all goes horribly wrong! Watch as they fight for survival against creatures lurking in the caves and occasionally attack each other, bloody women!

BLACK HAWK DOWN, FIVE, SUNDAY Testosterone and gunfire flies in a film about men doing dangerous things in a war based setting, ‘dangermen’ include Josh Hartnett and Ewan McGregor with the even more dangerous Ridley Scott behind the camera shooting stuff. More specifically helicopters get shot down and people need saving. ‘Citing.

MISS CONGENIALITY, CH4, SUNDAY Remember when Sandra Bullock had a career? This, a comedy about an FBI agent in a beauty pageant, is no doubt one her “classics”. Imagine the hilarity of a tough woman having to wear heels! If you’re not laughing already then this may not be your cup of tea. More proof Michael Caine will do any film going where he gets to play himself.

28 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

MONDAY Eastenders BBC1 8.00pm

Living in the Sun BBC2 3.00pm

BBC 1

Fire! Fire!

ITV1 11.20pm

BBC 2

Help Me Love My Baby C4 8.00pm

ITV 1

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am To Buy or Not to Buy 10:00am Escape to the Country 11:00am Open House 11:30am Bargain Hunt 12:15pm Cash in the Attic

6:00am CBBC 11:45am Watch 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Working Lunch

6:00am GMTV Newshour 6:58am GMTV Today 8:35am LK Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News Headlines 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather 1:40pm Doctors 2:10pm Neighbours 2:35pm Diagnosis Murder 3:20pm BBC News and Weather 3:25pm CBBC

1:00pm Science Clips 1:10pm Science Clips 1:20pm Emotional Literacy 2:00pm Animal Park 3:00pm Living in the Sun 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Food Poker

5:35pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm X-Ray 8:00pm EastEnders 8:30pm Week In, Week Out Special 9:00pm Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work

3rd December International Day of Disabled Persons

Channel 4

Goodfellas five 10.00pm Five 6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am five news 12:00pm Home and Away 12:30pm Cooking the Books

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Rosemary Shrager’s School for Cooks 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

6:05am Making It 6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Just Shoot Me 8:20am Frasier 8:50am Frasier 9:20am ER 10:15am ER 11:05am Without a Trace 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm It’s Me or the Dog 1:00pm How Clean Is Your House?

1:30pm Designers Under Pressure 1:45pm Dragoon Wells Massacre 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:00pm Chris Tarrant’s Great Pretender

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:30pm five news

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 7:00pm Brass Factory 7:30pm Mastermind 8:00pm University Challenge 8:30pm Nigella Express 9:00pm Dragons’ Den

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm Wales This Week 8:30pm Coronation Street

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: Turner Prize Live from Liverpool 8:00pm Help Me Love My Baby

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Cooking the Books 7:00pm five news 7:30pm Human Guinea Pigs 8:00pm The Gadget Show

9:00pm Blue Murder

1:00pm Zoo Days 1:30pm Russell Grant’s Postcards 1:40pm Columbo: Negative Reaction 3:40pm five news update 3:50pm Jane Doe: How to Fire Your Boss

9:00pm Street Crime Live 9:00pm Dispatches: Britain Under Water

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:35pm Panorama

10:00pm Have I Got News for You 10:30pm Newsnight

10:30pm ITV News and Weather

11:05pm Live at the Apollo 11:50pm Inside Sport 12:30am Dead Bodies 1:55am Weatherview 2:00am Sign Zone: Windscale: Britain’s Biggest Nuclear Disaster 4:30am Joins BBC News 24

11:20pm BBC Four on BBC Two: London Calling 12:20am Joins BBC News 24 2:00am Talk French 3:30am France Inside Out

11:05pm The People’s 50 Million Lottery Giveaway 11:20pm Fire! Fire!

11:50pm It’s My Shout 2007 12:20am Great Welsh Roads 12:50am UEFA Champions League Weekly

10:00pm Goodfellas 10:00pm The Descent

12:00am 4 Music: The JD Set: Featuring Patti Smith, Juliette Lewis and Shingai 1:00am Midnight Cowboy 3:00am World Cup Skiing 4:55am Grudge Match 5:05am Dispatches: Britain Under Water

12:50am NBA 360 1:25am NFL Live 4:50am Race and Rally UK 5:15am Ironman Hawaii

PICK OF THE DAY 3 Minute Wonder: Turner Prize Live From Liverpool , C4, 7.55pm

How amazing is it that the best thing to watch on a Monday is three minutes long?? Lots of time to get on with important things like eating, sleeping and Facestalking. This time, 3 minute wonder is on the Turner Prize which everyone knows is like the cultural event of the year, second only to the NME Awards.

JOKES! I heart the Turner Prize because it basically celebrates wankery and, as a Shoreditch vampire, nothing pleases me more. We’ve had classic entries like Tracey Emin’s ‘Unmade Bed’ which was full of dirty knickers and empty condom packets ‘cause she is a dirty slut. There was also the room which had the light switching on and off. That was compelling, mind-bending stuff.

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

20% student discount on pizzas and starters

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

TUESDAY Far From Home BBC1 12.20am

Long Way Down BBC2 11.20pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

Pop Factory Awards ITV1 11.20pm ITV 1

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am To Buy or Not to Buy 10:00am Escape to the Country 11:00am Open House 11:30am Bargain Hunt 12:15pm Cash in the Attic

6:00am CBBC 11:10am Meet the Ancestors 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Working Lunch

6:00am GMTV Newshour 6:58am GMTV Today 8:35am LK Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News Headlines 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather 1:40pm Doctors 2:10pm Neighbours 2:35pm Diagnosis Murder 3:20pm BBC News and Weather 3:25pm CBBC

1:00pm Shakespeare: The Animated Tales 1:30pm Around the World in 80 Treasures 2:00pm am.pm 3:00pm Living in the Sun 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Food Poker 5:15pm The Weakest Link

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Rosemary Shrager’s School for Cooks 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

5:35pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm EastEnders 8:00pm Holby City

9:00pm Spooks

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:35pm Cliff Morgan: A Lifetime of Achievement 11:05pm The Richard Dimbleby Lecture 2007 11:50pm Film 2007 with Jonathan Ross 12:20am Far from Home 1:45am Weatherview 1:50am Sign Zone: Cranford

29

4th December Navy Day (India)

The Sheriff of Frac- Urban Legends tured Jaw five 12.00am C4 1.30pm Channel 4

Five

6:00am The Cubeez 6:10am Kids Tv 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Just Shoot Me 8:25am Frasier 8:50am Frasier 9:20am ER 10:15am ER 11:10am Without a Trace 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm It’s Me or the Dog 1:00pm How Clean Is Your House?

1:30pm The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

6:00am Kids Tv 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am five news 12:00pm Home and Away 12:30pm Cooking the Books

5:00pm Chris Tarrant’s Great Pretender

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:30pm five news

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 7:00pm Dragons’ Den 8:00pm Oz and James’s Big Wine Adventures 8:30pm Heston Blumenthal: In Search of Perfection 9:00pm Earth: The Power of the Planet

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm The Ferret 8:00pm Trinny and Susannah Undress the Nation

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: A.I.R.: A to Z 8:00pm Property Ladder

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Cooking the Books 7:00pm five news 7:30pm Massive Machines 8:00pm Olympic Massacre: The True Story

9:00pm I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out

9:00pm Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

9:00pm CSI: Miami

10:00pm Room 101 10:30pm Newsnight

10:30pm ITV News and Weather

10:00pm Sex in the Noughties: Nuts vs Zoo

10:00pm CSI: NY

11:20pm Long Way Down 12:20am Joins BBC News 24 2:00am Key Stage 3 Bitesize Revision: Science 3 4:00am The Battle for Britain’s Soul 5:00am The Battle for Britain’s Soul

11:05pm The People’s 50 Million Lottery Giveaway 11:20pm Pop Factory Awards 12:20am Autosport Awards 1:20am ITV Play: Make Your Play 4:10am Quincy, ME 5:00am ITV Nightscreen

11:05pm Secret Millionaire 12:10am Bluesqpoker.com Grosvenor UK Poker Tour 1:10am World Cup Skiing: Destination Andes 1:40am World Cup Skiing 3:30am KOTV

11:00pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:00am Urban Legends 12:30am Urban Legends 1:00am NBA Basketball 4:00am French Football - Le Championnat

PICK OF THE DAY Sex in the Noughties: Nuts vs Zoo, C4, 10.00pm

If sex in the noughties is all about Nuts and Zoo, then ladies and gents we are fucked. Not in the good way; in the bad way. You know what I mean. Now, I’m no expert on the contents of Nuts or Zoo (unlike certain members of the gair rhydd team *cough* Ted Handsome *cough*), but I’m assuming its all über tanned, fake boob-ed, plastic-extensioned ladies holding strategically placed footballs and other such manly things. If that is what defines the modern male concept of sexuality, then I foresee many a lonely night for about 80 percent of the female population. Another thing: I hate the phrase ‘noughties’. It’s stupid. I like ‘millenium’; sounds more la-di-da. Whatever happened to the millenium bug?

Every second pizza half price

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

1:00pm Zoo Days 1:30pm Russell Grant’s Postcards 1:35pm Barnum 3:35pm five news update 3:40pm Blessed Stranger: after Flight 111

30 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

WEDNESDAY One Foot in Grave BBC1 10.40pm

the Heroes BBC2 9.00pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

60 Minute Makeover Cowboy ITV1 2.00pm C4 1.45pm

ITV 1

Channel 4

5th December Dr Dre’s Birthday

Build a New Life in the Country five 9.00pm Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am To Buy or Not to Buy 10:00am Escape to the Country 11:00am Open House 11:30am Bargain Hunt 12:15pm Cash in the Attic

6:00am CBeebies 10:45am Family Xchange 11:30am am.pm

6:00am GMTV Newshour 6:58am GMTV Today 8:35am LK Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News Headlines 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

6:10am The Hoobs 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Just Shoot Me 8:25am Frasier 9:20am ER 10:15am ER 11:10am Without a Trace 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm It’s Me or the Dog

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am five news 12:00pm Home and Away 12:30pm Cooking the Books

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather 1:40pm Doctors 2:10pm Neighbours 2:35pm Diagnosis Murder 3:20pm BBC News and Weather 3:25pm CBBC:

1:00pm See Hear 1:30pm Working Lunch 2:00pm Animal Park 3:00pm Living in the Sun 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Food Poker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Rosemary Shrager’s School for Cooks 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

1:00pm How Clean Is Your House?

1:30pm Designers Under Pressure 1:45pm Cowboy 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:00pm Zoo Days 1:30pm Russell Grant’s Postcards 1:40pm Atomic Train 3:25pm five news update 3:30pm Murder or Memory?

5:00pm Blue Peter 5:25pm Newsround 5:35pm Neighbours

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:00pm Chris Tarrant’s Great Pretender

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:30pm five news

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm My Family 8:00pm Watchdog 8:30pm Cars, Cops and Bailiffs

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 7:00pm Top Gear 8:00pm Ben’s Zoo

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm The Bill

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: A.I.R.: The I’ve Spied Book of Beards 8:00pm How to Look Good Naked

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Cooking the Books 7:00pm five news 7:30pm Binge Britain: Diet Doctors Specials 8:00pm Diet Doctors: Inside & Out

9:00pm The Nature of Britain 9:50pm The Nature of Britain Where You Live

9:00pm Heroes 9:40pm Heroes

9:00pm The 40 Year Old Virgin

9:00pm Secret Millionaire

9:00pm Build a New Life in the Country

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News; Weatherr 10:35pm The National Lottery Draws 10:40pm One Foot in the Grave

10:25pm Heroes Unmasked 10:30pm Newsnight 11:20pm Man Stroke Woman

10:30pm ITV News and Weather 11:00pm The People’s 50 Million Lottery Giveaway

10:00pm My Big Fat Moonie Wedding 11:05pm Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

10:00pm Rising Sun

11:15pm Waterworld 1:20am Weatherview 1:25am Sign Zone: Antiques Roadshow 2:25am Sign Zone: Earth: The Power of the Planet 3:25am Sign Zone: Rogue Traders 3:55am Joins BBC News 24

11:50pm BBC Four on BBC Two: Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe 12:20am Joins BBC News 24 2:00am Key Stage 3 Bitesize Revision: Science 3 4:00am The Battle for Britain’s Soul 5:00am The Battle for Britain

11:15pm The 40 Year Old Virgin 12:05am ITV Play: Make Your Play 4:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:00am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

12:10am First Cut: Cyberskiving 12:45am Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip 1:45am Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip 2:30am King of the Hill 2:55am Harold 3:05am 4 Music: Transmission With T-Mobile

12:30am Poker: Women’s World Open 2:00am NHL Ice Hockey 4:30am UEFA Cup Football

PICK OF THE DAY The 40 Year Old Virgin, ITV, 9.00pm Steve Carrell makes his big break in this laugh-out-loud comedy about, you guessed it, a 40 year old virgin! Best bits include a squeamish Andy, played by Carrell, undergoing a full-on chest wax and attending a speed dating workshop with his ‘experienced’ male work mates.

Seth Wogan (‘Knocked Up’) also makes his big screen debut as Andy’s colleague, Cal, constantly poking fun at Andy’s ‘purity’ - a hilarious double-act, to say the least!

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

20% student discount on pizzas and starters

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

THURSDAY Waterloo Road BBC1 8.00pm

Never Mind Buzzcocks BBC2 9.00pm

BBC 1

the Wacky Welsh Weddings ITV1 11.50pm

BBC 2

ITV 1

31

6th December International St.Nicholas day

My Friend Marjorie C4 1.35pm

Channel 4

Guys and Dolls five 11.10pm

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am To Buy or Not to Buy 10:00am Escape to the Country 11:00am Open House 11:30am Bargain Hunt 12:15pm Cash in the Attic

6:00am CBeebies 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Working Lunch

6:00am GMTV Newshour 6:58am GMTV Today 8:35am LK Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News Headlines 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

6:00am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Just Shoot Me 8:25am Frasier 8:50am Frasier 9:20am ER 11:10am Without a Trace 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm It’s Me or the Dog

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am five news 12:00pm Home and Away 12:30pm Cooking the Books

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather 1:40pm Doctors 2:10pm Neighbours 2:35pm Diagnosis Murder 3:20pm BBC News and Weather 3:25pm CBBC

1:00pm Around the World in 80 Treasures 2:00pm Animal Park 3:00pm Living in the Sun 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Food Poker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Rosemary Shrager’s School for Cooks 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

1:00pm How Clean Is Your House?

1:35pm My Friend Marjorie 1:40pm Lifeboat 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:00pm Zoo Days 1:30pm Russell Grant’s Postcards 1:40pm Atomic Train 3:25pm five news update 3:30pm Plague City: SARS in Toronto

5:25pm Newsround 5:35pm Neighbours

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:00pm Chris Tarrant’s Great Pretender

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:30pm five news

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm EastEnders 8:00pm Waterloo Road

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 7:00pm Nature’s Calendar 7:30pm Jamie and Derek’s Welsh Weekends 8:00pm Arrange Me a Marriage 9:00pm Never Mind the Buzzcocks 9:30pm Lead Balloon

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Fishlock’s Castles Of Wales 8:00pm The Bill: Trapped

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: A.I.R.: The Weatherman 8:00pm Churchill’s Girl

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Cooking the Books 7:00pm five news 7:30pm UEFA Cup Football

9:00pm Sold

9:00pm Hitler’s Favourite Royal

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:35pm Dragon’s Eye

10:00pm Sport Wales 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm How to Get More Sex 10:30pm ITV News and Weather 11:05pm The People’s 50 Million Lottery Giveaway

11:05pm Question Time 12:05am This Week 12:50am Skiing Weather 12:55am Sign Zone: Nigella Express 1:25am Sign Zone: Heston Blumenthal: In Search of Perfection 1:55am Sign Zone: Oz and James’s Big

11:20pm The Graham Norton Show 11:50pm Heroes 12:35am Heroes 1:20am Joins BBC News 24 2:00am Blast 5:20am Blast

11:20pm Waterfront 11:50pm Wacky Welsh Weddings 12:20am ITV Play: Make Your Play 4:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 5:00am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

10:00pm Without a Trace 11:00pm Shameless 12:05am Coming Up: Spoil 12:35am 4 Music: Dubplate Drama 1:05am 4 Music: 4 Music Presents...

Linkin Park 1:35am King of the Hill 2:00am The Charge of the Light Brigade 4:15am Supporting Acts 4:30am Trans World Sport 5:25am Countdown

9:00pm The Street

PICK OF THE DAY Wacky Welsh Weddings, ITV, 11.50pm

Us Welsh never do things by halves, and when it come to weddings, BOY do our hidden talents emerge! Adding a little something extra to the ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’ concept, several Welsh couples are filmed in the run up to their big days, putting those final extravagant touches in place and preparing to ‘wow’ their guests.

Every second pizza half price

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

10:00pm Californication 10:40pm 30 Rock

11:10pm Guys and Dolls 12:10am Quiz Call 4:00am Dutch Football 5:10am Football Argentina Highlights

32 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

FRIDAY The Revenge Michael Myers BBC1 1.25am

of Living in the Sun BBC2 3.00pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

7th November Aaron Carter’s Birthday

A Merry Cheaper It’s Me or The Dog Christmas C4 11.00am ITV1 8.00pm ITV 1

Will Work for Nuts five 7.30pm

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am To Buy or Not to Buy 10:00am Escape to the Country 11:00am Open House 11:30am Bargain Hunt 12:15pm Cash in the Attic

6:00am CBBC 10:15am Numberjacks 10:30am Social Inclusion Dramas 10:50am Landmarks 11:10am Educational TV 11:45am Something Special 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Working Lunch

6:00am GMTV Newshour 6:58am GMTV Today 8:35am Entertainment Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News Headlines 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

6:10am The Hoobs 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:25am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Just Shoot Me 8:25am Frasier 9:20am ER 11:05am Without a Trace 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm It’s Me or the Dog

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am five news 12:00pm Home and Away 12:30pm Cooking the Books

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:40pm Doctors 2:10pm Neighbours 2:35pm Diagnosis Murder 3:20pm BBC News and Weather 3:25pm CBBC

1:30pm Masters Tennis: Albert Hall 3:00pm Living in the Sun 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Food Poker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Rosemary Shrager’s School for Cooks 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

1:00pm How Clean Is Your House?

1:30pm Victim 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:00pm Zoo Days 1:30pm Russell Grant’s Postcards 1:40pm Lucy 3:40pm five news update 3:50pm Crossed Over

5:25pm Newsround 5:35pm Neighbours

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:00pm Chris Tarrant’s Great Pretender

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:30pm five news

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm A Question of Sport 8:00pm EastEnders 8:30pm The Green Green Grass

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 7:00pm Airfix:Britain’s Next Top Model?

7:30pm Edwardians in Colour 8:00pm A Passion for Plants 8:30pm Gardeners’ World Special 9:00pm The Tudors

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm A Merry Cheaper Christmas: Tonight 8:30pm All New Airline 9:00pm Rebus

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:35pm First Cut: Rules of Seduction 8:00pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Cooking the Books 7:00pm five news 7:30pm Will Work for Nuts 8:00pm World’s Strongest Man Super Series

9:00pm Ugly Betty

9:00pm NCIS

10:00pm QI 10:30pm Newsnight

10:30pm ITV News and Weather

10:00pm Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere 10:35pm Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere

10:00pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

11:00pm Newsnight Review 11:35pm Later...with Jools Holland 12:35am Blast 12:40am The Designated Mourner 2:15am Star Trek: The Next Generation 3:00am Star Trek: The Next Generation 3:45am Joins BBC News 24

11:05pm The People’s 50 Million Lottery Giveaway 11:20pm Barry Island 11:50pm Numb3rs 12:35am ITV Play: Make Your Play 4:15am Karen Sisco 5:00am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

11:05pm Father Ted 11:35pm Transmission With T-Mobile 12:15am 4 Music: Nike Supersonic 1:10am BT Digital Music Awards 2007 2:10am 4 Music: Dubplate Drama 2:35am Goalissimo!

3:30am World Cup Snowboard 5:15am Countdown

11:00pm Angelo’s 11:30pm Valley of the Sex Dolls 12:00am Quiz Call 5:10am Wildlife SOS 5:35am Wildlife SOS

9:00pm Have I Got News for You 9:30pm Armstrong and Miller Show 10:00pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:35pm Friday Night with Jonathan Ross

11:35pm Cold Creek Manor 1:25am Halloween 5: the Revenge of Michael Myers 3:00am Weatherview 3:05am Sign Zone: Top Gear 4:05am Sign Zone: You Can’t Fire Me, I’m Famous 4:50am Joins BBC News 24

PICK OF THE DAY Ugly Betty, C4, 9.00pm Like a bowl of coffee ice cream, Ugly Betty is a big guilty pleasure of mine - and I don’t care if it ruins my dinner. This show is amazingly over the top; any wild storylines are supported by similarly wild acting. However, despite the ridiculousness of their situations, you actually care about what happens to the characters. Ugly Betty has heart, every show needs some sentimentality and I need a hug.

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

20% student discount on pizzas and starters

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

SATURDAY Weatherview BBC 2.30am

At The Height of Summer BBC2 3.10am

BBC 1

BBC 2

The Big Fight Live ITV1 9.55pm

ITV 1

33

8th December Amir Kahn’s Birthdayay

100 Greatest Stand- Cats & Dogs ups five 4.20pm C4 9.00pm Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 10:00am Saturday Kitchen 11:30am Rachel’s Favourite Food for Living 12:00pm BBC News; Weather 12:10pm Football Focus

6:00am CBBC 11:45am Sportsround 12:00pm The Sky at Night 12:20pm The Prince of Egypt

6:00am CITV 11:55am ITV News and Weather 12:05pm ITV Wales News and Weather 12:10pm Saturday Cooks

6:00am Kids TV 8:00am The Morning Line 8:50am T4: One Tree Hill 9:50am T4: Friends 10:55am T4: Mobileact Unsigned 11:55am Transmission With T-Mobile 12:30pm T4: Friends

6:00am Kids TV 10:00am The Gadget Show 11:00am Football Italiano Highlights 11:30am Super Snakes 12:30pm Perry Mason: The Case of the Sinister Spirit

1:00pm Snooker: UK Championship 2007 4:30pm Wales on Saturday

1:50pm Film 2007 with Jonathan Ross 2:20pm Tennis: Masters 4:30pm BBC Switch: Falcon Beach

1:40pm Casper Meets Wendy 3:20pm The Man with the Golden Gun 4:40pm ITV Wales News and Weather 4:55pm ITV News and Weather

1:00pm T4: Charmed 2:00pm Channel 4 Racing 4:05pm Location, Location, Location 4:40pm Time Team

2:30pm Every Time We Say Goodbye 4:20pm Cats & Dogs

5:25pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather 5:45pm Strictly Come Dancing

5:15pm BBC Switch:Sound 5:45pm Heroes Unmasked 5:55pm What the Papers Say

5:10pm The Man with the Golden Gun

5:40pm Codex

5:55pm Submarine X-1

7:10pm Robin Hood 7:55pm The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 8:45pm Casualty

6:05pm Snooker: UK Championships 7:05pm The Culture Show 7:55pm Coast

6:10pm Best Ever Worst Auditions 3 7:10pm The X Factor 8:40pm All Star Family Fortunes

6:25pm Channel 4 News 7:10pm Deal or No Deal 8:00pm This Is Civilisation

7:25pm five news and sport 7:45pm NCIS 8:40pm NCIS

9:35pm The Omid Djalili Show

9:00pm Have I Got News for You 9:40pm The Company

9:25pm The X Factor Results 9:55pm The Big Fight Live

9:00pm 100 Greatest Stand-Ups

9:35pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

10:05pm BBC News; Weather 10:25pm Match of the Day

11:35pm Platoon 1:30am Friday Night with Jonathan Ross 2:30am Weatherview 2:35am Joins BBC News 24

10:35pm Law and Order: SVU

11:15pm The Tudors 12:10am Snooker: UK Championships Highlights 1:00am Snooker: UK Championships Extra 2:20am The Culture Show 3:10am At the Height of Summer

11:10pm ITV Weekend News and Weather 11:25pm All New TV’s Naughtiest Blunders 12:00am ITV Play: Make Your Play 4:10am The Jules and Lulu Show 4:30am The Jules and Lulu Show 5:00am ITV Nightscreen

1:05am The Perfect Score 2:40am 4 Music: Dubplate Drama 3:05am Abductees 3:15am King of the Hill 3:40am Full Metal Challenge 4:40am Headland 5:25am Countdown

PICK OF THE DAY Casualty, BBC1, 8.45pm A few months back Casualty returned from the summer all grown up like that tall, hairy kid at primary school. The sets had been painted, and it all looked a bit... shinier. Thank God the acting is just as cringeworthy as always. A Casualty without Charlie Fairhead and his one expression - that of mild indigestion - is not a Casualty worth having. No more attempts to sex up Casualty please, I do get jealous.

Every second pizza half price

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

11:35pm Criminal Minds 12:35am Quiz Call 5:10am Wildlife SOS 5:35am Wildlife SOS

34 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

SUNDAY Sports Personality Something for the Attack of the Clones Of the Year Weekend ITV1 4.10pm BBC1 7:00pm BBC2 10.00am BBC 1

BBC 2

9th December Peru: Army Day

Nutty Professor II C4 4.40pm

ITV 1

Channel 4

Black Hawk Down five 9.00pm

Five

6:00am Breakfast 7:45am Match of the Day 9:00am The Andrew Marr Show 10:00am Christmas Voices 11:00am Countryfile 12:00pm The Politics Show

6:00am CBBC 10:00am Something for the Weekend 11:30am Rugby Union: The George Sevens 12:30pm Athletics: European Cross Country Championships

6:00am The Sunday Programme 7:20am Captain Flamingo 7:50am Ben 10 8:30am SpongeBob SquarePants 8:50am Totally Spies!

9:25am The Championship 10:50am CITV 12:05pm ITV News and Weather 12:15pm Beethoven’s 4th

6:10am The Hoobs 6:35am The Hoobs 7:00am Trans World Sport 7:55am World Cup Skiing 8:55am T4: The OC 9:55am T4: Hollyoaks Omnibus 12:30pm T4: Mobileact Unsigned

6:00am Kids TV 9:30am Franklin 10:00am Hannah Montana 10:30am Hannah Montana 11:00am 8 Simple Rules 11:30am Beyond the Break 12:00pm Columbo: Short Fuse

1:00pm ‘Allo ‘Allo!

1:25pm EastEnders 3:15pm Points of View 3:30pm Robin Hood 4:15pm Songs of Praise 4:50pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather

1:35pm Tennis: Masters 3:00pm Snooker: UK Championships

2:00pm The X Factor 3:30pm The X Factor Results 4:00pm ITV Wales News and Weather 4:10pm Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

1:30pm T4: Ugly Betty 2:30pm T4: T4’s Global Warning 3:35pm T4: The Simpsons 4:05pm T4 The Simpsons 4:40pm Nutty Professor II: The Klumps

1:30pm Football Italiano 4:20pm The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

6:15pm Strictly Come Dancing 7:00pm BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2007

6:00pm Earth: The Power of the Planet 7:00pm The Nature of Britain 8:00pm Coast

6:40pm ITV News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm The Royal Variety Performance

6:25pm Scrapheap Challenge 7:30pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Miss Congeniality

6:20pm five news and sport 6:30pm Sphere

9:00pm Cranford

9:00pm Top Gear

10:00pm BBC News; Weather 10:20pm Dawn French’s Boys Who Do Comedy 10:50pm The Alamo

10:00pm Match of the Day 2

10:30pm ITV Weekend News and Weather 10:45pm The Making of Viva La Diva: The South Bank Show

10:00pm In America

12:55am Weatherview 1:00am Sign Zone: Watchdog 1:30am Sign Zone: Holby City 2:30am Sign Zone: The Nature of Britain 3:20am Sign Zone: Heir Hunters 4:05am Sign Zone: Heir Hunters

11:00pm The Graham Norton Show 11:45pm Heroes 12:30am Heroes 1:15am Snooker: UK Championships Highlights 2:05am Snooker: UK Championships Extra

11:45pm Alpha: Did It Change Their Lives?

12:45am Faith and Music 1:35am Drive Me Crazy 3:05am The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:05am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

12:00am Bluesqpoker.com Grosvenor UK Poker Tour 1:00am Mischief Night 2:40am 4 Music: Transmission With T-Mobile 3:40am 4 Music: Mobileact Unsigned 4:40am Headland

5:15pm Cranford

9:00pm Black Hawk Down

PICK OF THE DAY

11:40pm Disorderly Conduct 12:45am Natural Born Racers 1:15am NFL Live 4:50am Now Is the Time: Night of Combat - Kick Boxing 5:35am Motorsport Mundial

The Alamo, BBC1, 10:50pm During the texan revolution there was a legendary battle: the Battle of the Alamo. “Wow”, says you, “!TELLY! is as good as Wikipedia!”. We’re a bunch of knowledgeable, beautiful people, but we suffer because of our bad spelling; ponctuation: and grammer. Anyway, I digress. The Alamo is a film. It stars Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton, and is directed by Ron Howard. It was well unsuccessful at the box office, and received a lukewarm reception from fans and critics alike. We’re only recommending it in the vain hope that you damn kids might learn a thing or two. Why are you reading !TELLY! anyway? Waster!

02920 229977 Crwys Road, Cardiff

20% student discount on pizzas and starters

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

35

FIVE MINUTE FUN

FMF@gairrhydd.COM

found on facebook

SUDOKU

Housemate done something stupid?

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

Send more oddities!

COMPETITION CROSSWORD Across

Down

1 Solicit opinions (7) 5 Arrayed (7) 9 Inventiveness (9) 10 Not our (5) 11 Ennoble (7) 12 Numerals (7) 13 The science of production and consumption (9) 15 Unhappily (5) 17 Dance bar (5) 19 Cowered (9) 22 Incorrectly (7) 25 Farmer (7) 26 A punctuation mark (5) 27 Protocol or manners (9) 28 Swindled (7) 29 Suppositions (7)

1 Pertaining to the most populous country (7) 2 Denials (9) 3 Orange-red dye (7) 4 Shaking (9) 5 Hitler’s “master race” (5) 6 A connecting land mass (7) 7 Daughter of a sibling (5) 8 Probably (2 words) (7) 14 Molting (9) 16 Designates (9) 17 Marred (7) 18 Including everything (7) 20 Deletion (7) 21 Gabled extensions in a roof (7) 23 Crippled (5) 24 Concede (5)

Exercise your mind...

WINonal ers ng p A aini tr sion ses

Then exercise your body at

Put your entries in the competitio

n box outside gair rhydd

Every week gair rhydd will be giving away a gym package to one lucky entrant who correctly completes the competition crossword, courtesy of Dave’s Gym.

Every winner will receive a free personal training session with one of our qualified instructors. This can be a gym workout, weight-training, boxing or Thai Boxing session. You will also receive a personalised gym programme and a free guest pass so you can come back for another workout or try one of our studio classes: choose from HipHop, Khai Bo, Bodypump and many more. This prize is worth approximately £35!

Conditions: Use of any of our facilities are subject to our terms and conditions and at the user’s own risk. An appointment must be made for the session. Prize must be claimed within four weeks of notification. It is not exchangeable for cash and is not transferable to any other party. Dave’s Gym: Tel: 029 2046 0232 E.mail: enquiries@daves-gym. co.uk Web: www.daves-gym.co.uk

NAME....

EMAIL....

How to enter: Simply complete the crossword opposite and drop it into the crossword competition box outside the gair rhydd office on the 4th floor of the Students’ Union. The first correct entrant to be plucked from the box every week will win the Dave’s Gym package.

36 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

LISTINGS

LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Beauty and the Beasting An Act One Alternative Pantomime @ Great hall Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Friday 7th December Tickets: £6/£5 (NUS) Restrictions: 18+

W

ell slap my thigh, shout “she’s behind you” and order your boyfriend a dress – it’s that time of year again!

Yes, ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, the time to ‘boo’, ‘hiss’ and piss yourself laughing is upon us: the Act One Alternative Pantomime has arrived in the Union.

This year, the Great Hall will play host to ‘Beauty and the Beasting’ which, if you hadn’t guessed already, is not your average pantomime...

Set in and around Cathays, the mixed media show follows local chav Devon Prince as he is transformed by the Wicked Witch of

The Producers – The Musical @ Millennium Centre Monday 3rd to Friday 8th December

2.30pm/7.30pm £37.50 - £21.60

T

here are few people who can reduce an entire audience to helpless laughter more readily than Jewish comedian Mel Brooks. Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, To Be Or Not To Be, High Anxiety and Spaceballs – these, along with many, many other movies bear the unmistakable stamp of Brooks’s unique, crazy and quirky sense of humour. Three years ago he was finally persuaded to adapt The Producers, the Academy Award-winning film, for the Broadway musical stage.

The results were beyond the wildest of Brooks’s, and multi award-winning director and choreographer, Susan Stroman’s dreams. The Producers became the biggest ever hit in Broadway musical history, sweeping up a record 12 Tony Awards in the US, along with other awards including the Evening Standard Theatre Award, Critic’s Circle Theatre Award and the Lawrence Olivier Award.

Wales and thrown into the Cardiff student community. We follow the action both on stage and on screen, watching Devon as he meets both friends and enemies on his journey into student-ism and the chaos that is Election Week....

Can the curse be broken? Will Devon ever escape? Will he somehow enter the election, meet the love of his life, be spurned by her, change accordingly, be accepted by her and live happily ever after in harmony with the community that surrounds him? Well... that would be telling, wouldn’t it...

Beauty and Beasting is, quite simply, the balls. The hairy balls. You really don’t want to miss this slice of comedy gold: this is the first and last time this production will run.

Ever. Once its gone, its gone, so if you want to see ridiculously costumed sexual acts and more festive filth than you can shake a magic wand at, make sure you catch Beauty and the Beasting.

But be warned: this show is not for kids: an eighteen certificate has been issue so leave your little sister at home with grandma.

With only a miniscule run of three days, (5th, 6th, 7th December), and a limited number of tickets available, the show is expected to sell out faster than an Arctic Monkey’s gig in Sheffield – so book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available NOW from the Student’s Union Box Office.

The Producers, Brooks’s first musical, is the story of dead-beat theatrical producer Max Bialystock and his ill-fated accountant, Leo Bloom. Together they hatch the ultimate theatrical scam – to raise more money than they would ever need to produce a sure-fire Broadway catastrophe… and then pocket the left over cash once the show flops. The name for their guaranteed-to-fail fiasco? Springtime for Hitler: The Musical!

Fed up with romancing little old ladies to fund his musicals, Max has his brainstorm when his accountant points out that a Broadway producer could actually make more money with a flop than a hit. Leo explains, “The IRS isn’t interested in a show that flopped, so a producer could raise a million dollars, put on a $100,000 flop and keep the rest”. Max then proposes the ultimate scheme, in five ‘easy’ steps – “Step 1: We find the worst play ever written. Step 2: We hire the worst director in town. Step 3: We raise two million dollars...One for me, one for you. There’s a lot of little old ladies out there! Step 4: We hire the worst actors in New York and open on Broadway and before you can say Step 5, we close on Broadway, take our two million and go to Rio”. The perfect plan – nothing could possibly go wrong, could it?

Widely accepted as one of the finest musical comedies ever written, this laugha-minute show is a hell of alot funnier than the 2005 movie remake which was, quite frankly, as funny as Hitler himself. I’m not claiming to have known Hitler personally, but I can’t imagine he was that funny considering all that nonsense in the 1930s.

Credit where credit’s Jew, Mel Brooks has done a job.

Coming up...

Xpress Radio’s Gig Of The Week...

The Warlocks/ People In Planes @ Barfly 6th December £7 Barfly brings an evening of ear candy tonight, playing host to People In Planes and The Warlocks. First up are Porthcawl-ians People In Planes who have been on the scene for a number of years. I saw them three years ago as they hit a tiny venue in London, and it’ll be interesting to see if their stage presence has dwindled over the years. Here’s hoping not, as their show is awesome – playful banter and passionate manhandling of various instruments galore.

The five-piece are currently signed to Indie label Wind-Up Records and enjoyed success with their single If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode) whose video was directed

by Joaquin Phoenix and reached number one on VH1. Keyboards and piano punctuate sometimes heavy guitars and coupled with Gareth Jones’ vocals, the band produces a spunky sound that stays with you long after the doors have closed. Headliners tonight are LA-based octet, The Warlocks. With twin drums and chugging guitars, they create a big sound. Steady drumbeats coupled with gentle guitar leads and passionate vocals keeps the balance – look out for my personal favourite House of Glass. What a way to get your dose of mid-week live music.

Rihanna + Ciara + Dance X Winners @ CIA, 19th Dec...

New Year’s Eve Party Night: Mark Watson, JoJo Smith, Jon Richardson, Jarred Christmas @ The Glee Club, 31st Dec... Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown @ St David’s Hall, 30th + 31st Jan French & Saunders @ Millennium Centre, 2008

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

LISTINGS

LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Monday... 03/12

Tuesday... 04/12

Wednesday... 05/12 Thursday... 06/12

Fun Factory @ Solus, SU Cardiff’s own alternative music night. Also features DJing by Oddsoc and bands put on by LMS - this week - May Contain Nuts. 10pm - 2am. Free entry with NUS. £3 otherwise.

Elemental: Skitty + Nolidge + Mondo + Vertex + Type One + Prime Evil @ Buffalo Bar Hightlights of the evening, Mondo, apparentlly sound like the darkness of Joy Division with the pop of Wedding Present. Great! 10pm. £5.00 Snug @ Glo Bar Go along and see who you can snuggle up to...

9pm - 3am. Free.

One Night Only @ Barfly Five piece rock/indie/electronic band from Yorkshire. They have been spreading the word of their unique sound since 2003, blending intricate guitars with synths, keyboards, pounding rhythms and melodic vocals. 7:30pm. £6.

Alec Dankworth @ St David’s Hall A stalwart of the British jazz scene, he’s worked worked with musicians from across genres. 8pm. £10.

Planet Rock @ Clwb Ifor Bach The one and only rock request night, originating from a Cardiff music society way back. You ask, and they play the rock, metal and goth classics.

You can also request via MySpace.com/planet_ rock_club. 9pm - 2pm. £3.

Forecast: Forecast DJs @ Buffalo Free love. Or just music. 8pm - 3am.

Alphabeat @ Barfly

Rubber Duck @ Solus, SU Dressed up clubbing for jocks and pretend jocks.

10pm. £3.

Popscene @ Clwb Ifor Bach Three floors of great music, including breaks, beats, blues, rock and indie. 10pm - 3am. £4.50/£3 before 11pm.

Crayon Skateboards Launch Party @ Buffalo Resident DJ’s and bands will be playing this evening, paying homage to all things skate. 8pm - 3am. £1. Bargain.

A Thousand Suns @ Barfly EP Release Show. Four piece indie/punk outfit from Stevenage. Influences are very varied which means you can’t pin a ‘they sound like’ label on them. 7:30pm. £5.

Cardiff Universities ‘allternative panto’ - Beauty and The Beasting The first of several nights of Act One’s Christmas Panto. Looks to be a good one.

In Search Of The Fourth Chord Tour: Status Quo @ CIA Legendary three-chord maestros who have been “rockin’ all over the world” for over 35 years... £31.50 adv. Check venue for times.

Pick Of The Day

Maroon 5 + Dashboard Confessional @ CIA Singer/guitarist Adam Levine, guitarist Jesse Carmichael, bass player Mickey Madden and drummer Ryan Dusick’s first shot at the big time got them some rave notices, but not much else. Now, their second shot, in the form of neo-soul rock outfit Maroon 5, thanks to 2 songs, ‘Harder To Breathe’ and ‘This Love’ has this LA-based band selling out major venues across the UK. Support act, Dashboard Confessional, have been around for a while (longer than their headline act, in fact) and were one of the first lot to embrace the whole emo thing. £26.50

Friday... 07/12 Access all Areas @ Solus SU More unadulterated fun at the union, and another way to make people drunk. Promises the best alternative music and beats for you to boogie to.

10pm - 2am. £3.50 / £3 adv.

The Courteeners @ Barfly Manchester’s The Courteeners both look and sound as though they’ve come straight out of another time and place, and yet, somehow, are bang up to date. Think Babyshambles meets The Smiths and you’ll be somewhere close to their gritty, electrifying sound. ‘NME strongly advises that you do put your life in the hands of this rock ‘n’ roll band’. 7.30pm. £7 Dressed To Kill @ The Point Europe’s No 1, and the World’s longest-running Kiss tribute band, who have been actively gigging for over 16 years throughout Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan, and have been involved in ‘Gene Simmons - Rock School’, and ‘Gene Simmons Family Jewels’. Dressed To Kill present the full 70s stage show including firebreathing, smoking & rocket-firing guitars & blood spitting! £8

Pick Of The Day

Minus The Bear + I Was A Cub Scout @ Clwb Ifor Bach Minus The Bear - This Seattle-based five-piece will probably first grab your attention with their bizarre song titles such as ‘Hey, Wanna Throw Up?’ & ‘Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!’. But look a bit closer and you’ll find more than just a novelty band. Pele-esque guitar-taps mixed with unexpected time changes and catchy melodies in cleverly arranged songs ensures listeners will be entertained by their poppy, driving indie rock.

37

Popjustice called them ‘the best band in the world ever’ - and this 6 piece will more then live up to the hype. Already firm favourites on the European festival circuit, their debut album ‘Alphabeat’ has gone platinum in their native Denmark. 7:30pm. £5.

The Producers - The Musical @ Wales Millennium Centre The new Mel Brookes musical hits Cardiff. Peter Kay stars. £21.60 - £37.50. Check venue for times.

Kickback @ Dirty Sue’s Cardiff University’s LIve Music Society brings you a night of acoustic music, with drinks offers all night. 7.30pm.

Pick Of The Day

Pick Of The Day

Crowded House + Duke Special @ CIA New Zealand’s biggest export, Crowded House, who shot to fame in 1986 with the release of debut single Don’t Dream It’s Over. They subsequently went on to have phenomenal success with singles such as Fall At Your Feet, Weather With You and Four Seasons In One Day. Their 1996 singles-compilation album, Recurring Dream, reached Number One around the world and became an instant modern classic.

The Duke Special, who is providing support is a singer from Belfast, mixing pop, piano and the ol’ fiddle. 7.30pm. £32.50.

Saturday...

08/12

Come Play @ Solus, SU Union-run night of rock, pop, dance and general debauchery. Party tunes in the main room and Traffic DJing in the side room. 10pm. £3.50.

Shrag! + The Mentalists + King Alexander + Venus Bogardus @ Chapters Art Centre King Alexander - The ugly results of fast love and no money King Alexander were born with chips on their shoulders and chronic short-sightedness.

They are proud of none of their achievements to date other than their pioneering work with mutant babies. Their fantastic line in sing-scream girl-boy chop-change punkcore is by the by! 8pm. £5 Christmas Roots: Ffynnon @ Norwegian Church Arts Centre An ensemble composed of 6-string bass, accordion and vocals. Deeply rooted in the rhythms, language, folk traditions and landscapes of Wales and Celtic countries, Ffynnon’s innovative interpretations of traditional and contemporary music have earned them the respect of audiences and music critics alike. 8pm. £10 Okkervil River @ Barfly Loose and fast with literary concepts. The quartet’s ‘Black Sheep Boy’ adopts its character from the Tim Hardin song and deposits him into weeping folk-rock fables about cursed fates, scarred emotions and marooned lives. 7.30pm. £8.50

Pick Of The Day

Hammer Of The Gods Tour: Whole Lotta Led @ The Point Four musicians dedicated to reproducing the classic songs of one of the (if not THE) greatest rock bands of all time - Led Zeppelin. A soundalike band (rather than a lookalike band) who more than do justice to the music. These guys are awesome!

7.30pm. £12

Danny Buckler, Mike Milligan, Wil Richard Morton @ Jongleurs Danny Buckler - Comedy and magic: he’ll make you laugh but he’ll never reveal quite how he did it...

Richard Morton - This smart-suited Geordie is full of surprises and manic energy. His self-depreciating manner belies a razor sharp talent and with witty observations he tackles a plethora of life’s situations in his hilarious songs. Possibly Newcastle’s finest export since the famous brown ale. Winner of Time Out Comedian of the Year. Contact venue for ticket info.

Sunday...

09/12

Buffalo Sundaes Garden Party: Fireworks night special @ Buffalo Bar Music until 3am, heated outdoor marquee and a mini fireworks display, amazing! 7pm-3am.

Free before 10pm. £2/3 after.

40th Anniversary Production: A Celebration of the Musicals: Penarth Music & Variety Company @ St David’s Hall Starring The Variety Chorus, Dancers and Concert Orchestra conducted by Ray Dibble MBE .

In aid of Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales.

Dave Stapleton Quintet @ Chapters Art Centre Cardiff-based contemporary jazz pianist leading a five-piece featuring Marcin Wright (saxophones), Jonny Bruce (trumpet), Paula Gardiner (bass) and Elliot Bennett (percussion). 8pm The Sensational Alex Harvey Band @ The Point In the early 70s, SAHB released eight albums and toured almost constantly, gaining a reputation as the best live band in the UK and at one point were the biggest-grossing live act in the country. 7.30pm. £12.50

Pick Of The Day

The Harry Potter Society “Yule Ball” @ The Royal Hotel, St Mary’s Street Hogwarts is coming to Cardiff again this Christmas in the form of the Harry Potter Society’s “Yule Ball”. Last year’s event held host to table magicians, chocolate fountains and a live DJ. This year the Harry Potter Society will be presenting a magical four course meal in the beautiful Royal Hotel. The event is open to every one and should be a truly enchanting event for all.

7.30pm. £25 for society members, £28 for non members.

Baitshop @ Barfly Student clubnight at Cardiff’s most renowned alternative music venue. Playing your usual mix of rock, indie and dance. 10.30pm. £3/£2 with nus.

The Hotrod Disco: Resident DJs @ Buffalo Bar Another free entry night with good music and nice surroundings. Lovely. 8pm - 3am.

The Warlocks @ Barfly A seven-piece rock band who revel in the joys of excess with two drummers and four guitarists.

Competently led by their multi-talented frontman and songwriter Bobby Hecksher, this is dark, luscious and psychedelic rock at its finest. 8pm.

Check venue for prices.

Bootleg Beatles @ St David’s Hall ‘The world’s most successful and longest running tribute band ever’ - they have been touring longer than The Beatles ever did themselves...which is pretty irrelevant. 8pm. £22.50 - £19.50.

Pick Of The Day

Manic Street Preachers + Cherry Ghost @ CIA Manic Street Preachers - Despite the muchpublicised trials and tribulations they’ve gone through, James, Sean and Nicky remain the Kings of the Welsh music scene. Highly ideological, extremely patriotic and outrageously popular, having produced classic indie/rock cross-overs such as ‘A Design For Life’, ‘You Love Us’ and ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’. Music with a message from a trio who’ve earnt the right to sing it.

Cherry Ghost - Epic and heartfelt indie-pop from Manchester group Cherry Ghost. Tinged with hints of country, folk and americana, Cherry Ghost make beautiful songs, the best kept secret in Manchester. £25.00

Venues...

Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 387421 www.cardiffstudents.com Med Club, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 Clwb Ifor Bach (The Welsh Club), 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net Barfly, Kingsway, Tickets: 08709070999 www.barflyclub.com/cardiff Metros, Bakers Row 02920 399939 www.clubmetropolitan.com Dempseys, Castle Street 02920 252024 Iotas, 7 Mill Lane 02920 225592 Incognito, Park Place 02920 412190 Liquid, St. Mary Street 02920645464 The Philharmonic, 76-77 St. Mary Street 02920 230678 Café Jazz, 21 St. Mary Street 02920 387026 www.cafejazzcardiff.com The Riverbank Hotel, Despenser Street www.riverbankjazz.co.uk St. David’s Hall, The Hayes 02920 878444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org.uk The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermantheatre.co.uk The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay 0870 2415093 www.glee.co.uk Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 The Millennium Stadium Can’t miss it. www.millenniumstadium.com The Point, Cardiff Bay, 029 2046 0873. www.thepointcardiffbay.com

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

PROBLEM PAGE

PROBLEMPAGE@gairrhydd.COM

From the Desk of

TEd

39

e m so

d n Ha

He’s a ruddy good lad.

Ted Handsome’s Reasons Why French Riots Are Better Than British Ones An Occasional Series

There’s nothing quite like a bloody good riot to ruffle the feathers of Johnny Policeman, and to give the proles a misguided sense of purpose. However, of late, I have noticed that us Brits have begun to lag behind when it comes to the old rioting. We are all pretty much accustomed to the fact that British teams are inevitably poor at whichever sport we put our malcoordinated hands to, but to fall behind the French at our most popular export? Unforgivable. Therefore, I shall attempt to give our lads a few pointers, so they can go out and give Johnny Foreigner a damn good thumping!

No. 1 - Motivation These days, the Guardian Greenpeace brigade have pretty much taken all the fun out of protesting, and so now it is all, sit-down-this and bake-sale-that, so our hard-working hooligans have to resort to loose affiliations with terrible football teams to indulge their semi-homoerotic fantasies. However, in France, two pikies get hit by a police car, and it’s like bloody La Haine all over again.

No. 2 - Style Whenever we get nostalgic for old skool football hooligans, one always remembers how good they looked in their Fred Perry and braces. However, along came metrosexuality and now every idiot hurling street furniture about the shop is dressed like what somebody’s dad may imagine as ‘cool’. A shock of leisure wear and buttons down shirts give a look more confused than a dog with two arseholes. The French, on the other hand, always look immaculate, even during the middle of a suburban fire, and for that we must respect them.

No. 3 - Language I’m sorry, but much like every bloody woman I have ever met, I have a soft spot for the lilting tones of our gallic cousins. This reminds of a time when I was in Paris, wandering about the bistros, as careless as you like, when a young man, set upon me demanding that I should give him my wallet and cellular phone.

I of course asked why I should give such a suave and swarthy gentleman my possessions, and he answered me with a simple ‘becuz ah will cut wiz ziz knife’. I was so enchanted with his accent, not to mention enamoured with his honesty, that I handed them both over. However, if a British thief ever tried that, it would seem like having your head stuck in a cement mixer filled with old copper tubes and golf clubs.

A letter about morons Dear Ted, I attend one of the country’s most prestigious universities, and so you would expect that I would understand some of the principles that our country was built on. However, as it turns out, I’m a self-involved, smug little middle-class shit, who is apparently ignorant of the concept of free speech. I’ve already tried shouting and slightly getting in the way of ordinary people who have bought a ticket, and so I was wondering whether you had any ideas as to how else I could demonstrate that I only care about my own views?

Yours,

Jon Cretin Balliol College, Oxford Jon, I was highly amused to read of you and your student chums’ recent activities in response to the Irving/ Griffin debate. You really showed those two idiots how mature student politics can really be. The good thing about the way you showed your dissatisfaction was that it in no way gave the far right an absolute fucking gift in the form of a massive martyr complex. I’m sure that Che Guevara would be extremely proud of the way that you made a bit of a nuisance, and got in the way of a few well-

meaning debate-goers. In fact, I’m pretty sure that there is no irony in the fact that you spent half the night calling everyone who entered the Chamber a fascist, while simultaneously verbally bludgeoning anybody who holds a differing view to you.

All in all, jolly well played chaps. Oh, and in answer to your question, why not trying shouting your wonderfully witty slogans in a cut-glass sloaney accent? That’s sure to prove that you are nothing more than a bunch of Hooray Henry, champagne socialist twats.

Yours, Ted

A letter about beards Dear Ted, I am cursed with an almost complete lack of a noticeable jawline, and it is slowly driving me crazy.

I’ve tried everything; from scarves to actually drawing on a new chin, but to no avail. It was after paying a visit to my local Debenham’s, and a chance meeting with the store’s Santa, that the idea hit me.

I should grow a beard. That said, I am completely ignorant of the ins and outs of facial hair growth. I assume, with you being a man of the world, that you have several pearls of wisdom on the subject. I look forward to your response.

Yours, Mary Rawlplug Mary,

A beard is no fly-by-night, Jonny Parttime commitment which you can simply just fall into. Facial hair takes a great deal of planning, which is why I have no truck for all these scruffy oiks who think that it is ‘hip’ and ‘cool’ to look like they have slept in a bloody hedge. Designer stubble, I ask you! To appear in public in any other state than clean shaven, or with a full Brian Blessed-esque facial mane, is simply criminal. That said, facial hair is a wonderful world of a myriad of different styles and types.

Despite dabbling in a full beard for a wonderful fortnight, I have stuck with the classic sideburns. You simply cannot go wrong with a good pair of sideburns. Actually, that is a massive lie, and this brings me to a very important point. Any person caught

wearing sideburns, thinner than one inch, should have them kicked off their face. The same should go for ‘goatee’ beards. These are seemingly worn by men who believe that by growing one of these monstrosities, they are instantly transformed into a Southern European lothario, when in effect, they are more likely to be the Supplies Manager of a Linolium company in Coventry. Again, I have just realised that it has taken me this long to actually answer your query (some may even begin to question my Agony Uncle credentials), and so I shall attempt to resolve it now. Try wearing a Diver’s helmet, you ugly chinless freak.

Yours, Ted

Da i aer, I ave ae he, uite frnly, eifying ea nt e ol id nrweb. I ave joine his d ‘ ce’ aaey n ome r as ae  rou ut e. Sme f ou  ve sime noug  ‘d e s  end.’ Actuay, his s n f e  hings I ay uite ie ut his ce hing, n s  atu at I hin oul n oul  aed nt orn a ife. I ie e oncet  ome sking ou first   ou iend, n ou aving e poer  a ither es  . T an d imes ave I a ome nwaed a wra is ausagemea ands ound  ctly ee ine uit n cla  e at I m’is sh a’ vah’. I ave o an  d poe I an e ou. TH xxx

40 gairrhydd DECEMBER.03.2007

LONELY HEARTS

QUEENIE@gairrhydd.COM

lonely hearts with... owdy partners, sweet Lord how I’ve missed you. Did my postcard find its way onto the Letters page? Probably not – it was a picture of me, five litres of olive oil and a horse.

Now usually any thought of abandoning these two phallic columns of written woe would smack of high treason, especially with some key dates in the suicide calendar fast approaching.

Indeed, as a vessel for venting all the frigid bile on campus, I found it painful to give up this page while the mounting barrage of festive drear continued unabated.

But it was this very onslaught which provoked my sudden AWOLity over a fortnight ago.

You see, I had just polished off my last article, and, before I could make it to the bathroom to polish off myself, I happened to glance out the window and catch sight of my butt-ugly neighbours mounting a Santa on their roof.

It was a cold, moist, skidmark of an evening; with mere pennies of student loan left even a Tesco value vodka session was off the cards; the prospect of somehow funding the train home just to give soiled goods to soiled grandparents looms on the horizon.

H

Yet wankstains, like my neighbours, feel that somehow an illuminated inflatable fat guy is the answer to so shiteful a season.

Which begged the question: why would anyone need to read my spunkless spiel when Christmas alone can express that sense of stool-laced abyss for weeks on end?

Consider: high street crowds of red-faced sweat-soaked guys and gals yet not a hint of humping involved.

And Mr Claus? A poor obese man in all likelihood suffering from some form of cancer who apparently spends 12 months crafting gifts for kids but never actually having any himself.

Honestly, if ever there was a symbol of anti-fuck it has got to be Santa and his cobweb crevice of a wife – the man makes friends with reindeers for Christ’s sake!

And don’t even get me started on Christ. His story is in fact one of a downtrodden family too poor to reach hospital who end up squatting in a barn with mum making a placentary mess on the floor all for a baby which she didn’t even get to have sex to conceive.

Sigh. Only thing to do is tuck that water bottle between your legs and hope you wake up in March.

Let Quench introduce you to the love of your life

♡

Queenie

the queen of your heart

Desperately seeking...

♡

♡♡♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ EASY TO LOOK AT AND COLOURFUL Welcome to the new look Desperately Seeking. Please give this collection of shy lonely hearts a chance to ccome ome (ahem) into your lives.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET SEXUALLY ACTIVE WITH ME? Relight my fire, babe. Make me feel like it’s freshers’ week all over again. It’s only four years since mine.

I’ll get you money off on your heating bills too.

HUNGRY WRITERS FIND OLD TASTE EXPERIENCE We should never have left you. The price for modesty is definitely steep and I know that you’re hurt but now that you’re back all I want it more.

ANNOYING BUZZING FLY SEEKS TO TOUCH ME ON EVERY PART OF THE BODY IN A WAY SLIGHTLY REMINISCENT OF THE SEX SCENE IN ROSEMARY’S BABY AND ACTUALLY A CTUALLY SO ANNOYING IT’S AS IF IT KNOWS I KILLED ITS FAMILY ONE BY ONE So it seems, anyway.

MEN ON ADVENTURE IN THE NORTH ARE RUNNING OUT OF THINGS TO SAY TO YOU CARDIFF I’ll be back soon from my adventures in the North to find love from the ‘diff of old. I’m puntastic and I’m raring to go.

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ONE OF OUR LOVELY LONELY HEARTS? E-mail queenie@gairrhydd.com for the thrill of your tiny little student lives (or just 12–or–so drinks in Solus and some embarassing sexy time in Uni Hall)

Cut out and keep chat up line: Number 35

It’s Rubber Duck and you’ve got your eye on a piece of ass in Solus but you don’t know what to say.

That’s where Queenie’s going to help you out with that important first impression. So get ready for my weekly dose of chat up lines that will not fail. Now go get that boy/girl or girl/boy.

Queenie says...

“

The word of the day is ‘legs’.

Let’s get back to mine and spread the word.

”

You know, you can have other words of the day too. Words that work include ‘cleavage’ or ‘back passage’. blinddate@gairrhydd.com

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

41

GRAB!

COMPETITIONS@gairrhydd.COM

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

Duck and Dive into the New Year!!!

P

anicking about how you are going to celebrate moving on into another student fun-filled 2008? Why not celebrate the New Year with loads of your friends and other students in your very own students union where you are guaranteed to have a good night out?

Solus is holding an amazing student’s New Years Eve party which will have 3 rooms dedicated to your favourite Cardiff student nights out! So as well as having memorable term time fun, you can also have classic memories from New Years Eve to share with your friends.

The three rooms will be Access All Areas, Fun Factory and Rubber Duck. All three rooms will ensure your New Years Eve is packed with a variety of music that will appeal to all types of people. It will also be like attending three parties in one night, where you can move through the rooms meeting all different people and dancing to all types of music. For students with a valid NUS card, entry to this New Years Eve party will only be £7! This is so cheap compared with the usual prices clubs and bars charge on New Years Eve, therefore leaving you more money to celebrate with alcoholic bevvies!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to ‘Get Ducked on New Years Eve’ is answer the question below, and email your name and address to the email above.

What night is Rubber Duck normally held on at Solus? a) Monday b) Saturday c) Wednesday

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN

42 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

The IMG Roundup

Psycho keeper scores in six goal thriller Rob Andrews IMG Reporter Psycho Athletico 3 - 3 SAWSA

J-Unit roar to shock victory against Law Matt Crothers IMG Reporter J-Unit 2 - 0 Law A J-UNIT CLAIMED the points from a tight first game in appalling conditions.

The muddy pitch meant that neither side was able to play flowing football, and the first 20 minutes were scrappy: a goalmouth scramble in the Law box and a few long range efforts on the Unit goal were the best of few half chances for either team.

Law showed glimpses of passing football, but it was J-Unit who broke the deadlock on 35 minutes. One of the Unit strikers blazed over the bar under a challenge, and from the resulting corner Dan Williams rose unmarked to head home.

At half time, the score was still 1-0.

Law started the second half brighter and, despite the worsening pitch, were able to string together quite a few

moves. Iwan Hughes shot over from 16 yards and Gerwyn Roberts shot just wide for Law as they put J-Unit under pressure.

J-Unit were, however, always a threat on the counter attack. They managed to add a second in the 75th minute, again from a corner. The ball came in and a 50-50 challenge dropped to Huw Williams who was quick to pounce, slotting the ball past the ’keeper. Law continued to commit men forwards, but Unit were defending well and Law were unable to create any clear-cut chances. With Law attacking constantly and Unit breaking regularly, the game heated up a little, with some strong challenges coming in.

But, when the final whistle came, the score remained 2-0.

J-Unit were ecstatic at the final whistle, whilst Law were disappointed at having lost such a close game. Both teams will be hoping for better weather next week so they can return to a more attractive and effective style of play.

IMG Football Results Wednesday 28th November Premiership Chemsoc 3 - 1 MOMED J-Unit 2 - 0 Law A Engin Loco 3 - 1 CARBS GymGym 5 - 1 Mini Street Elite AFC History 5 - 0 Economics Division One SOCSI 7 - 3 Blazin’ Business Music Buteys 2 - 10 Pharm AC Butthead FC 1 - 1 Uni Hallstars Inter Me-Nan 1 - 1 Engin Auto Psycho Athletico 3 - 3 SAWSA

Football Tables Premiership

IMG FOOTBALL

PHOTO: DAVE GREEN

A HARD fought and very entertaining game ended up all square as Psycho Athletico continued their impressive IMG campaign against an organised SAWSA team.

The amount of mud and rain made the playing conditions extremely difficult and the first minutes of the game were inevitably fairly scrappy.

SAWSA capitalised early on after an uncharacteristic error saw the Psycho keeper mis-throw a ball out to a SAWSA forward who calmly kicked the ball into the open net. At this point, it looked like SAWSA would dominate the game and they may well have done had they not been thwarted by the hardworking Psycho defence of Burley, Higgins, Wright and Andrews.

At the half hour mark the Psychos finally got the reward that their effort deserved: a precision pass from Nick Booth put in talismanic captain Justin ‘the scorpion’ Savage, who deftly chipped the SAWSA keeper. Psycho threatened to gain the lead after two

speculative efforts from Savage and right-back Burley both hit the post from ridiculous angles.

Athletico made a tactical switch after half-time, moving “Tescos” Williams into the back four and changing the personnel of the midfield. This quickly paid off after Savage latched onto a wide ball and neatly finished past the oncoming keeper.

At this point, the Psychos seemed to have the upper hand but SAWSA stuck to their game plan and were rewarded with a goal after the Psychos failed to clear a goalmouth scramble.

With the light dropping and conditions worsening this was anyone’s game to win. The Psychos thought they had stolen it when a big kick upfield from the Psycho ’keeper, Lee, lobbed his counterpart. This must surely ensure the keeper’s place in the history books alongside such greats as Pat Jennings.

But this thrilling game had one more twist to offer. Overcome by jubilation after this amazing goal, Psychos suffered from a lack of composure at the back. SAWSA pounced, with a hard and low long-range effort which found its way through the packed penalty area and past the Psycho ’keeper.

GOALKEEPER: Lethal from 100 yards Despite constant pressure from the This match was pure football, incredlively SAWSA forwards, the ever- ibly exciting and played in the true present Psycho defence showed why spirit of the game.

Psycho continue their campaign with they had only conceded 7 goals prior to a rematch against Blazin’ Business, this fixture.

It would have been unfair on either who they dispatched just two weeks team to come away with no points from ago, whilst SAWSA will hope to gain this game, with the bad conditions act- three points at the expense of Inter-Meing as an extra opponent to both teams. Nan.

Crusaders pillage points from JOMEC Dean Simmonds IMG Reporter Cardiff Crusaders 3 - 2 JOMEC CRUSADERS STARTED the second half of the season in the best possible way with a narrow 3-2 victory over JOMEC. JOMEC played with only ten men throughout the first half, but this seemed only to spur them on as they took an early lead. A long ball through the heart of the Crusaders’ defence caught out the two centre backs and the striker finished with a calm shot past the onrushing keeper.

Both teams continued to fight for possession knowing that the next goal would be crucial. It was Crusaders who broke through with a somewhat fortuitous penalty scored by Amin Elkhawad.

However, JOMEC fought back quickly, profiting from some sloppy defending by their opponents. Crusad-

ers failed to deal with another long ball and the ball was deftly chipped over the keeper to restore the lead at half-time.

While JOMEC returned to full strength in the second half it was Crusaders who began to move the ball with more purpose. JOMEC had chances to kill the game off but Crusaders fought back with a good passing move down the left wing and a strong finish from substitute Luke Tunstall.

As the light began to fail, Crusaders were given another penalty that was hotly debated; Amin Elkhawad stepped up and slotted the ball home for his second of the game.

JOMEC pressed hard at the end for an equaliser that many feel they deserved, but several shots and through balls were tidied up well by keeper Rik Lindsay as Crusaders held on to take all three points.

Crusaders will want to maintain their winning streak against struggling Japsoc, while JOMEC will hope to improve against Real Ale Madrid.

IMG Netball Results Wednesday 28th November

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

AFC History

1

1

0

0

5

3

2

GymGym

1

1

0

0

4

3

3

Chemsoc

1

1

0

0

2

3

4

Engin Locomotive

1

1

0

0

2

3

5

J-Unit

1

1

0

0

2

3

6

CARBS

1

0

0

1

-2

0

7

MOMED

1

0

0

1

-2

0

8

Law A

1

0

0

1

-2

0

9

Mini Street Elite

1

0

0

1

-4

0

10

Economics

1

0

0

1

-5

0

P

W

P

W

Division One

IMG FOOTBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Pharm AC

1

1

0

0

8

3

2

SOCSI

1

1

0

0

4

3

3

Butthead FC

1

0

1

0

0

1

4

Engin Automotive

1

0

1

0

0

1

5

Inter Me-Nan

1

0

1

0

0

1

6

Psycho Athletico

1

0

1

0

0

1

7

SAWSA

1

0

1

0

0

1

8

Uni Hallstars

1

0

1

0

0

1

9

Blazin’ Business

1

0

0

1

-4

0

10

Music Buteys

1

0

0

1

-8

0

P

W

Division Two

IMG FOOTBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Havana Dragons

1

1

0

0

5

3

2

Earth Soc

1

1

0

0

3

3

3

Real Ale Madrid

1

1

0

0

2

3

4

Cardiff Crusaders

1

1

0

0

1

3

5

Law B

1

1

0

0

1

3

6

JOMEC

1

0

0

1

-1

0

7

Optometry

1

0

0

1

-1

0

8

Engin Numatics

1

0

0

1

-2

0

9

AFC Cathays

1

0

0

1

-3

0

10

Japsoc

1

0

0

1

-5

0

Netball Tables Premiership

IMG NETBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Economics A

1

1

0

0

33

3

2

Economics B

1

1

0

0

9

3

3

Law A

1

1

0

0

3

3

4

CARBS A

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

CARBS B

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Cardiff IMG A

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

Cardiff IMG B

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Pharmacy A

1

0

0

1

-3

0

9

SOCSI A

1

0

0

1

-9

0

10

Dentistry

1

0

0

1

-33

0

P

W

P

W

Division One

IMG NETBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Engin Locomotive

1

1

0

0

10

3

2

Christian Union

1

1

0

0

8

3

3

English A

1

1

0

0

2

3

4

Engin Numatics

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

English B

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Medics A

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

SOCSI B

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Law B

1

0

0

1

-2

0

9

GymGym

1

0

0

1

-8

0

10

SAWSA

1

0

0

1

-10

0

P

W

Division Two

IMG NETBALL

Division Two Havana Dragons 5 - 0 Japsoc AFC Cathays 0 - 3 Earth Soc Law B 2 - 1 Optometry Real Ale Madrid 4 - 2 Engin N. Cardiff Crusaders 3 - 2 JOMEC

Premiership Pharmacy A 7 - 10 Law A Economics A 36 - 3 Dentistry Economics B 14 - 5 SOCSI A Division One Engin Loco 18 - 8 SAWSA GymGym 3 - 11 Christian Union Law B 6 - 8 English A

Division Two Optometry 4 -12 J-Unit Pharmacy B 5 - 18 Medics B Engin Auto 3 - 9 Cardiff IWC

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Medics B

1

1

0

0

13

3

2

J-Unit

1

1

0

0

8

3

3

Cardiff IWC A

1

1

0

0

6

3

4

Biology

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Cardiff IWC B

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Newspaper J.

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

Psychology

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Engin Automotive

1

0

0

1

-6

0

9

Optometry

1

0

0

1

-8

0

10

Pharmacy B

1

0

0

1

-13

0

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

43

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

The IMG Roundup English claw three points from Law Rhona Morris IMG Reporter English A 8 - 6 Law B IN A thrilling game, English A secured a well-deserved victory over Law B. Fired up for their first game of Division One, the two teams seemed to be quite evenly matched in the first half.

Both teams appeared to be very aware of the time constraints which were being placed on them as timetabling errors meant that each half was only 10 minutes long. From the beginning, both teams created great pace with lots of exciting passes and movement.

Law B seemed to be a very impressive side and dominated the first half with fantastic skill and great intercep-

tions. The speed at which they moved seemed to baffle the English team on occasions and allowed Law to dominate in the circle. At times, however, Law rushed their attempts at goal. This meant that the first half closed at 4-3 to Law, although it perhaps should have been more.

While English A had seemed the weaker team in the first half, making a number of mistakes in defence, they came back early in the second half to take a fast equalising goal. This increased their confidence and determination to win and they began to play with great passion, seemingly producing a conveyer belt towards the goalpost.

English met great opposition from Law B, however, whose structured plays and team spirit seemed strong and worthy of a great victory. Law

made every opportunity count and their strong defence and speedy moves took advantage of a tired English team.

However, the Law team appeared to lose finesse as they battled to get close enough to the post for a good shot. Instead, they were restricted to long range shots which often skirted the post.

The second half was a great example of netball from both teams and English’s ability to bounce back from the first half enabled a well-deserved, yet close, 8-6 victory.

Both teams showed real talent and great determination in the way that they battled the weather and their opposition in an exciting and incredibly close game.

English will hope to prolong their winning streak against Engin Numatics, while Law B will play SAWSA A.

NETBALL: Women’s Institute

Christian Union show Gym Gym no charity Rhona Morris IMG Reporter Christian Union 12 - 3 GymGym A SOLID victory for Christian Union ensured a strong start to their Division One IMG campaign.

The Christian team dominated the entire game, making clean passes and using good teamwork to ensure a landslide victory. They had a very impres-

sive first half and made some excellent interceptions to reinforce their skills and winning attitude.

It would be wrong, however, to characterise GymGym as a weak opponent.

They showed some great promise in their defence and took advantage of each chance that came their way. They were let down by a lack of confidence around the circle.

This lack of confidence was also evident in the second half, and it allowed

slippiness made for dangerous conditions at times, and often led to trips and accidental footwork penalties. This ultimately stopped the game reaching the high scoring potential that it promised on paper.

It was always going to be a very comfortable victory for Christian Union, and the eventual 12-3 outcome reflected the disparity between the teams on the day. However, GymGym will not be an easy team to face in better conditions,

and their team spirit really shone.

Division One promises to be a tight affair with no teams thrashed in the opening matches of the competition.

Christian Union face a tough match against a competitive SOCSI B side next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, GymGym will hope to regain the form that they showed in the first phase of the competition.

be our biggest rivals for the

Do you have a

Do you think MOMED

Premiership this year.

team chant?

should have two teams?

“A-F-C His-tor-y” on repeat -

Surely one sub-standard team

Most frequent goalscorer?

hardly original, but very loud.

in IMG is enough. Plus, its

Adam Hutchings - the lad got

“Stand Up if you love CareBear”

hilarious beating a team with

Christian Union to relax into the game and take full advantage of all their opportunities.

The GymGym girls showed flashes of potential in their pace and shooting, and at times seemed to be bouncing back from what had been a disappointing match for them.

It was clear that both teams were struggling with the pitch conditions after a day of the kind of rain that only Cardiff can produce. The underfoot

IMG SNAPS: AFC History

19 goals last year, largely down

AFC HISTORY: Love Mini Street Elite

30 odd subs and watching their

to the fact that he sweats a

Legend from a pre-

disgusting amount and no

vious year?

defender wants to get near him!

John (4-5-1) Dunster – our

In your match

Manager from the past two

against MSE, who

squad get irate on the sideline.

What are your expecta-

Honest Jon - he runs like

tions for the season?

he’s wearing a thong and

Some teams are com-

seasons. He took us from Divi-

started the fight?

We expect to be challenging for

it works well in distract-

plaining that you hassle

sion One to 2nd in the Premier-

One of our lads put in a bad

the Premiership title come the

ing the other team.

the referees. Do you

ship, and hes a top bloke

tackle from behind, but their

think this is fair?

end of the season. We had a

player’s reaction - smacking

blip against MSE, but our squad

Who are your main rivals?

Rubbish. We are very competi-

What is your team ethos?

him in the face - kicked it all

is stronger than last year.

GymGym: they were the

tive and will voice our opinion if

Win and then get ab-

off. It’s old news and we look

only team to beat us last

an awful decision is made, but

solutely munted!

forward to the rematch!

year and I believe they will

that’s where we draw the line.

Who’s your key player?

PUT YOUR TEAM IN THE SPOTLIGHT... E-mail us at sport@gairrhydd.com

44 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

THE WORD ON... ...a classic sporting debate: what’s your favourite stadium?

Matt Cutler: Lord’s

“

It’s the Grace Gate, the Nursery Ground, the walk through the Long Room, the imposing Media Centre, the sloping outfield.

It’s the history. It’s a great place to play cricket.” The words of the great Brian Lara just about say it

all.

Not many stadiums can claim to be the home of their sport world-wide.

Every cricketer looks on Lord’s as their profession’s spiritual headquarters. And every fan knows that the teams on show are certainly going to give their all.

Sitting on a breezy summer morning there are few sporting experiences like it. With 32,000 fellow spectators, the atmosphere is more pensive, expectant then jubilant. Players stride from the Victorian Pavilion through its infamous ‘Long Room’. You can see the history in the minds of the players who need little more to get pumped for the game.

But Lord’s is a 21st century spectacle which embraces both new and

old. Mixed with the history are the contemporarily developed stands and the futuristic Media Centre. There’s nothing you don’t get from a sporting experience here.

Spectators can expect an 18 year wait to become a member. What other ground could facilitate the patience to sports fans? Only at the home of cricket.

Jack Zorab: Artemio Franchi

T

he Artemio Franchi was built in 1931 by Pier Luigi Nervi, he was a man of…blah blah

blah.

The fact is that when Saturday comes there is more passion exploding out of this small corner of Tuscany than you could find in a high class Marseille

B

Maybe their Technicolor support is just a release against the dark, gothic ambience of Florence’s streets. Perhaps it’s just a belief, a fleeting belief, that if they love their team enough all of Italian football’s problems will simply dissolve away and they can start their own renaissance with their beloved

ity, it works to throw all of the fans together. The devastating effects of this are seen on match days, when the stadium roars with life.

It also forms the perfect example of how a stadium can change a club’s fortune. When it was built, Reading were skulking about Division Two, but have since risen to wild heights in the Premiership.

I

y favourite stadium is not as controversial as it may seem. There is one key proviso… Cornwall must be playing.

Twickenham looks like a concrete ulcer on the horizon, and was always unatmospheric on the inside. But that becomes irrelevant whenever

But it’s not just about the football.

The stadium also hosts a number of music gigs, which sound electric within the compact design. It has cast its magic romantically too. On a number of occasions, Reading owner John Madejski has been seen courting Cilla Black within its steamy confines. So, with sport, music, and romance, what more could you want from a ground?

Pete Dean: Piazza del Campo, Siena

n a world of increasingly commercialized sport, it is comforting to visit a sporting arena that has remained the same for 350 years.

That arena is the Piazza del Campo in Siena, home to the Palio, the most exciting horse race you could hope to see.

10 horses from 17 different Contradas - city wards – are pitched against each other in a bareback dash. The winner is the first horse to complete three

laps of the Piazza, with or without their rider.

The experience of this sporting arena is undoubtedly raised by the quality of the spectacle on offer. It is an incredibly dangerous race: in a field of 10 horses only nine can fit side by side at one time.

But perhaps the greatest aspect of the race is the atmosphere that is generated within the confines of the Piazza.

It is an intimate venue with thousands packed into a relatively small area.

One is surrounded by Italians who are fiercely proud of their city ward and who are desperate to see their horse win. This passion is electric and cannot fail to move the most ardently neutral spectator.

In marked contrast to Britain, in which corporate boxes are as much a concern for stadium designers as the position of the true fans, one marvels at the ability of the inhabitants of Siena to maintain the spirit of one of their most treasured traditions.

George Pawley: Twickenham Cornwall reach the final of the RFU County Championship.

A whole community descends upon Twickers. The motorways on the way up are clogged with tractors.

Mother’s homemade pasties make the

trip up - the perfect pre-game crib.

And when you finally get there, the energy is unreal.

40,000 members of Trelawny’s army march up to HQ, colouring the stands in black and gold. The opposing fans

Viola at the head of it.

Florentines are blessed with the greatest show on earth, for each time Fiorentina take the field, her players play with a passion that goes far beyond football boundaries and is more akin to sporting artistry.

Scott D’Arcy San Siro

Steven Florey: Madejski Stadium

erkshire is often referred to as the royal county. But this epithet has little to do with the Queen.

Opened in 1998 as the home of Reading FC, the Madejski Stadium continues to exist as a place of magic. Its modern, bowl-shape design has undoubtedly been a driving factor in its success.

Despite the ground’s 25,000 capac-

M

whore-house.

The saying goes that if football in Italy is a disease then in Florence it’s an epidemic and witnessing the Curva Fiesole in full flow you certainly get the feeling that there is some sort of underlying obsession amongst the Fiorentina faithful.

are overwhelmed by Cornish passion and out-sung by the travelling legions of male voice choirs. I just can’t wait for the next time the boys get there.

Can the last one out of Cornwall turn off the light please?

Have your say: www.gairrhydd.com/sport

T

he Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, better known as the San Siro, is without doubt the top stadium in Europe.

Named after an Internazionale legend, it is a modern day coliseum in which two of the most high profile clubs, AC Milan and Inter, play their home games.

It’s spiralling towers swirl to dizzy heights and inside the stands are as steep as its history. I was fortunate enough to make it to the derby di Milano, and it was an experience I will never forget.

The noise level from the 85,000 capacity crowd was quite literally unspeakably loud, with the Nerazzuri Ultras in the Curva Nord displaying the passion that got them in trouble during the Champions’ League semi-final a few years back. Hurling flares and numerous other objects is just part of the Italian match day ritual.

While the San Siro may not be the most attractive stadium in terms of architecture, it is certainly a cauldron of relentless raw passion and drama from kick-off to the final whistle. There cannot be many that top it for the excitement, atmosphere and quality of football.

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

SPORT

Heading for the drop CARDIFF’S MEN’S Tennis Team suffered another disappointing loss in their return fixture against bitter rivals UWIC. The previous match between the two sides earlier in the season had been a close affair, with Cardiff almost pulling off an upset. However, a positive result always seemed unlikely on this occasion, with Cardiff very low on confidence and playing with a depleted team.

Men’s 2nds Captain, Pete James, was drafted in to play in place of the absent George McMahon, but he found the going tough against his opponent.

Although James did excite the crowd with some inspired tennis, notably a through the legs shot that sailed past his opponent for a winner, these moments were sporadic, and also greatly outnumbered by unforced errors. The second match on court saw Cardiff’s John Harvey attempt to pull his side level. Harvey’s tennis this season has been very pleasing on the eye, with his aggressive baseline game admired by many. However, his opponent was able to counter this, with some quick movement, and intelligent shot selection, leaving Harvey reeling.

Andy Ratcliffe had the unenviable task of taking on UWIC’s top ranked player. During the first set, it seemed the pressure was too much for Ratcliffe to handle, with his opponent dominat-

ing play. Although much of Ratcliffe’s tennis was positive, he was unable to hold his nerve on the big points.

He was able to get over this disappointment however, and the players were level pegging in the second set, until a controversial decision over the scoring, left Ratcliffe feeling cheated.

This was the turning point of the set, with his opponent taking full advantage of what can only be described as a dubious decision, to win the match 6 - 1, 6 - 4, with Ratcliffe still incensed.

The final singles match saw Alex Gardner carry the mantle for Cardiff.

Gardner struggled to find his form early on, and was soon facing a sizeable deficit in the first set. Although there was no shortage of effort on Gardner’s part in an attempt to turn the match around, a lack of quality on the decisive shot was continually hindering his progress in an eventual 6 - 2, 6 - 2 loss.

With Cardiff losing all of the singles matches, the doubles matches were of little consequence.

This result means that Cardiff remain bottom of the league, and are yet to record a victory this season. Perhaps what is of even more concern, is the fact that they look devoid of inspiration, which is perhaps not surprising given the lack of confidence that has resulted from a string of heavy defeats. With their top two players out with injury, seemingly for the remainder of the season, Cardiff’s position in the top league seems precarious, with the threat of relegation looming.

Cardiff 24 v Medics 9

MEDS: Flatlined

PHOTO: ED SALTER

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Settor Tengey Tennis Reporter

NETBALL: Can Catch

Cardiff 46 v 43 Brunel

IT WAS a powerful Cardiff pack effort that laid the foundations for victory against the Medics in this derby day BUSA Western 2B encounter.

The Gods did not look kindly upon the fixture and the game started in conditions that played straight into Cardiff’s hands; there were dropped balls aplenty as both sides tried to adapt to the wet weather.

However it was Cardiff that made the most of the early running, piling on the pressure following some woeful Medics defence they pushed deep into their 22 with James Parker dancing through

to score under the posts.

Following a heated team talk by missing talismanic skipper Owain Wallis-James, the Medics began to find their feet as the weather closed in, the renewed team effort epitomised by hard running number 8 Jonathan Lloyd-Day. As the Medics pressurised, Cardiff’s indiscipline led to a number of penalties that were seized upon by winger Edd Fowler, who striking the ball cleanly took the Medics to within a point at 7 6 midway through the first half.

However, this was as close as the Medics were to get, as the powerful Cardiff pack coaxed on by captain Iwan Thomas began to get the nudge on in the set scrum. It was this facet of play that began to tell for the Medics as just

South sunk Julia Housden-Slann Tennis Reporter CARDIFF Ladies’ 1sts ................ 9 SOUTHAMPTON Ladies’ 1sts...... 1

None for ‘Nel Lizzy Wray Netball Reporter FEELING CONFIDENT after last week’s victory over UWIC, Cardiff took on Brunel University located just one place above them in the BUSA Premier South, for a game that promised to be a closely fought battle.

Cardiff had a strong start, denying Brunel a chance and taking the first two goals of the game with ease. Secure handling from Captain Carys Jenkins, in an unfamiliar position at Wing Defence, prevented her opponents from constructing a comeback.

Cardiff put their visitor’s lack of discipline in defence to good use and when the game looked tough they moved the ball around, creating chances that took the score to 8 - 5.

As Brunel got into their stride each team struggled to break their opponents centre pass, confirming the predicted closeness of this match. The everaccurate scoring partnership of Sophie Vaughan and Carly Allchurch kept Cardiff’s lead intact and they took the first quarter 14 - 10.

Cardiff now needed to maintain their confidence and keep hold of their narrow lead as Brunel exposed their fear with desperate cries from their captain. A nasty injury to Cardiff’s GD gave Brunel an undeserving goal, but Vaughan proved crucial again, as the home side’s lead was extended to 21 - 15. But Brunel were not giving up easily and snatched at every opportunity, their GA proving to have a deadly

shot. They took back two consolatory goals at the end of the second quarter, but Cardiff played tight and brought the score to 25 - 19 at half time.

A revitalised Brunel mounted an impressive return, quickly bringing the score to 28 - 26 and Cardiff needed to control the game that was dangerously slipping away. As both teams raised their tempo along with their determination, Cardiff needed to slow it down and reapply the pressure. Cardiff played the ball around in the centre third until an option created itself, and the score hit 38-33 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter was going to test each team’s desire to win, and despite impressive interceptions from Cardiff’s GK Jo Allen, it seemed to dawn on Brunel that they could lose this game.

They took the first four goals to bring the score line dangerously close but with a growing attack came growing intensity as Cardiff refused to relinquish their lead.

On three occasions, Brunel took themselves to within one point of Cardiff’s lead and confusion over a centre pass gave Brunel another chance at goal.

But Cardiff showed discipline, holding onto their lead as Brunel continued to slip up under pressure, making simple contact mistakes.

The match ended 46 - 43 in Cardiff’s favour and despite the close score line, Cardiff deserved the win. They showed themselves more than capable of competing at the top BUSA level and most importantly played a clean, honest match sending Brunel back to London needing to re-learn the rules of the game.

Meds taken care of Pete Scott Rugby Reporter

45

before half time they conceded the first of two pushover tries as Cardiff led 14 - 9 at the interval.

Although both sets of backs were eager to see more of the ball they were resigned to the fact that it was to be a game for the purists in the art of wet weather rugby, the second half was to be one of few attacking opportunities.

Rallied on as ever by hooker Tom Village, the Medics roused themselves in the second half, but attacking chances were few and far between as they were pinned deep into their half by intelligent kicking from Cardiff outside half Dave Lewis. Resulting from this the Cardiff pack began to rumble again; led forward by flanker Tomos Pietersen, the second pushover try gave breathing space at 19 - 9.

At this stage the game began to fizzle out as the pitch worsened. Despite attempts to up the tempo by both sides from a number of tap penalties, there was to be only one more score from an attempted Medics clearance with Cardiff clearing up the scraps to leave the final score at 24 - 9.

Despite the result this was a more than encouraging display by the Medics showing how far they have come since the beginning of the season, and they will push on from this in a hard away trip to Aberystwyth next week.

As for Cardiff it has put their season back on track as they look forward to another Cardiff derby away to highflying UWIC.

AFTER A disappointing start in their first match of the season, Cardiff Ladies’ Firsts have displayed tremendous commitment and perseverance in training, and their score lines have rapidly improved.

This has resulted in wins in all of their subsequent five matches, much to the delight and hard work of their team captain Julia Housden-Slann and coach Sena Tengey. With everything resting on the last two matches of the season, the girls rose to the challenge in their home match against Southampton University.

Following a run of five wins the girls were on top form and aspirations were high as the two doubles matches began.

Erica Maughan and Housden-Slann threw the gauntlet down as the doubles first seed and performed a flawless and almost perfect win against Southampton’s first pair executing an 8 - 1 win in just 40 minutes, earning the team their first point of the day.

The pressure was on the girls as they entered the singles matches

In a difficult match against Southampton’s second seeds, Lizzie Ormerod and Aleks Dziuba played a sterling match, winning the first three games with some excellent serve and volleying, but unfortunately the eight games did not allow them the scope they needed to gain the team another point.

At 1 – 1, the pressure was on the girls as they entered the singles matches.

Number one seed for the team, Erica Maughan, annihilated her opponent with some wonderful passing shots and numerous aces finally thrashing the bewildered Southampton first by 6 - 1, 6 - 1.

Seed number two Housden-Slann quickly followed suit with a stream of aces gaining the team another two points in a 6 - 1, 6 - 4 win. With the score line a current 5 - 1 to Cardiff, Ormerod displayed great finesse and stamina with a record low percentage of unforced errors, losing only three games, 6 - 1, 6 - 2, triumphing with another two points to Cardiff.

The fourth and final match was played by last year’s brilliant team captain, Dziuba. In a tough two hour match Dziuba demonstrated all the qualities of an amazing team player, showing great determination and desire to win despite the long match. In a blaze of glory Dziuba won the first set 6 - 2 but in a tricky second set she lost in a tie break 6 - 7. Undeterred, she pulled everything out of the bag in the third set with some brilliant groundstrokes, a mammoth game of eighteen deuces and a final winning score line of 6 - 2, 6 - 7, 6 - 3.

The Ladies now stand second in the league with their final deciding match against Bristol University. The pressure is now on for the girls as they battle for promotion into the highest league.

46 gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Can women beat men

Scott D’Arcy Sports Editor

CARDIFF Men’s 1sts .................. 2 UWIC Men’s 1sts....................... 3 CARDIFF MEN’S 1sts battled valiantly against promotion chasers UWIC but were unable to stop the rot that has left them second from bottom in BUSA 1A. The opening match saw Rooshab Shah lose in straight sets despite putting up a respectable challenge. Tom Bowers and Simon Goddard then dragged Cardiff into the lead with two good wins. Bowers won his first set 9-3, then suffered a reverse in the next but managed to close the tie out by winning the

next two sets 9-4 and 10-8 respectively to give Cardiff a glimmer of hope.

Goddard’s match was an even tighter affair as he eventually triumphed despite going two games down to start off with.

His comeback was impressive though, as he won successive 9-5 games before dominating 9-2 in his final game to give Cardiff the lead. Rhys Owen was yet to play but when he did he couldn’t get the better of his opponent and lost 3-0.

So it was left to Matt Curry to bring the 1sts a much needed win and, although he lost is first game, he got going in the second to draw level. However, with a few unexpected bounces and some deft shots from his opponent, Curry didn’t win another game, and so Cardiff were left with the all too familiar sense of what might have been.

CARDIFF Men’s 2nds ................. 5 GLAMORAGN Men’s 1sts ........... 0 RELATIVE TO the 1sts the 2nds are having a very good season, dominating their opponents and level pegging with league leaders Swansea; the only team to beat the 2nds this season.

Wednesday’s display was no exception as they crushed Glamorgan taking four victories in straight sets. Owain Jones, Joe Brand and Reilly Evetts put in notable performances, totally outclassing their opponents and justifying the 2nds push for promotion.

Simon Butler then capped it off with a close battle against his Glamorgan counterpart. He went behind by two games early on but managed to find a way back in and asserted his ability with 9-0, 9-3 and 9-6 wins in succession.

The 2nds will look to break away from Aberystwyth, the other team level with them on points, as they take them on next week in a top of the table decider.

Cardiff Zeale the deal Tom Nicholas Hockey Reporter CARDIFF Men’s 1sts .................. 3 UWIC Men’s 1sts....................... 2 FORTRESS TALYBONT witnessed another episode in the bitter rivalry between the University side and the Institute College that share Cardiff.

Cardiff had a dream start by making it 1 - 0 within five minutes. An early surge forward involving fast fluid hockey resulted in the UWIC ’keeper making a decent save. No goalie could have stopped the rebound though – Nick Gough used his intimidating physique to fend off defenders before he latched onto the ball and coolly lifted it high into the net.

Echoes of the vast crowd’s cheering had barely subsided before Gough made it 2-nothing. Again after picking up the ball in the D, Gough sent the ball soaring home in a similar fashion,

high into the net.

UWIC really were being out-played as Cardiff continued to dominate play, moving the ball up from the defence through to the midfield with the conviction of a Spartan. The midfield controlled the park and played in the forwards and wide-men with sublime accuracy. Mature student John Phillips performed his pivot role with the elegance of a figure skater. As the half went on Cardiff continued to pressure their rivals. Midfielder Tom Nicholas found himself slipping the ball, after beating two men, to Martyn White who skilfully found forward Kieren Zeale in the D. Zeale dazzled in the area before finding Nicholas who continued his run and slammed the ball home. At 3-0 Cardiff were in fantasy land and remained so until half-time.

The second half started like the first with Cardiff pushing forward with numbers, but unable to get past the ’keeper who was throwing everything at the ball.

Midway through the half though, against the run of play, UWIC broke

RIVALRY WAS high as both Presidents of the Canoe Club raced against each other in the men’s K1 sprint race, but the ladies’ team put their efforts to shame in winning the weekend’s BUSA points.

This was the outcome as Cardiff competed against 28 other universities at the BUSA White Water Racing Championship. Birmingham University hosted the event held on the River Washburn in Yorkshire. The weekend is the high point of the University Kayaking calendar and comprises of men’s and women’s individual and

team and sprint races down a 3km stretch of river in which a weir has to be negotiated.

Before getting on the river, Cardiff were at a disadvantage only having our standard river boats to race in, unlike many of the other universities who raced in specially designed fibreglass boats which give a substantial advantage. Despite this Cardiff came eighth overall.

Their highest results were achieved in the team events, where three members race down the river together and must cross the line within seconds of each other. The boys’ teams came 17th, 18th and 20th whilst the ladies teams surpassed all expectations, coming in 4th, 12th and 20th.

forward and were rewarded with a penalty corner, which Joey Naulty managed to finish with the strike going into the bottom left of the goal. This came as somewhat of a shock to the Cardiff defence.

Shortly after, UWIC managed another break-out and after James Astley hit the post, Ben Eaton knocked the ball in. during the melee though a UWIC front-man had dimly impeded Cardiff goalkeeper Ian Ferguson, but controversially the umpire let the goal stand. As a result of the decision Cardiff lost a man to dissent.

With a man down, Cardiff kept their heads and simply kept the ball to run time down. Out of frustration, a UWIC player stupidly made a rash tackle and followed it up with expletives aimed at the umpire. He was duly sin-binned, and with a few minutes to go the game was Cardiff’s.

The game offered everything expected from a rivalry; the crowd left pleased with the exhibition having seen the better team taking the points.

FRISBEE: Reach for the stars

PHOTO: GARETH MITCHELL

Quashed SQUASH: Up against the wall

PHOTO: CHRIS LLOYD

Megan de Silva Canoeing Reporter

Angel Delight Ruth Manning Ultimate Frisbee Reporter

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S ladies Ultimate Frisbee team, ‘Cardiff Angels’, followed in the footsteps of the University’s men’s team last week when they qualified for the Indoor Ultimate Frisbee Nationals.

The team qualified at a weekendlong tournament held in Plymouth last weekend where they won against last year’s South West champions to secure 4th place in the tournament. The qualifying tournament involved thirteen teams from across the south of the UK. The first game of the weekend was against Surrey’s Sirens where a nervous start from Cardiff led to them conceding 4 points. The Angels pulled together and fought back running hard and throwing accurately.

With all their focus on the game, Cardiff went on to storm the opposition by scoring all of the next 5 points to win the game 5-4. Reassured and confident, Cardiff Angels then went on to conquer their next 3 games of the first day.

But the hardest teams in Cardiff’s pool came on the Sunday morning when they would be challenged by Bristol’s ‘Shimmy’ and Southampton’s ‘Skunks’. The team was nervous and, despite putting up a strong defense, struggled to break down the offence of the ‘Skunks’ and the final score stood at 3-8.

Not letting the result affect their spirits, Cardiff entered into their final pool game against the experienced ‘Shimmy’ from Bristol University boldly. A shining performance from Mel Biggs

kept the Angel’s on Shimmy’s tail for the first half of the game. But ‘Shimmy’ had their eye on the trophy too and broke away leaving Cardiff behind with a final score of 3-11.

By lunch time on Sunday the ‘Angels’ were seeded at 6th place. With only 6 teams being able to qualify for the Nationals, everything depended on Cardiff defending their ranking.

But Cardiff knew what they wanted and, after losing to their first team, they took on Bristols second team, winning with a triumphant point score of 13-2.

This was followed by a 15-1 defeat against Portsmouth’s ‘Sublime’. Their final test of the weekend came in the form of last year’s South West Regional champions, Exeter’s ‘Uriel’.

Cardiff Angels were determined to show Exeter just what they could achieve this year. Cardiff scored the first point after just one minute with an overhead pass down the court from Sue Watkins to Rebecca Stanford. The score was equalized but Cardiff’s strong defense throughout the game won them the disc on numerous occasions and the final score stood at a triumphant 8-3 to Cardiff Angels awarding them 4th place in the South region and a well-earned place at the Nationals.

Team captain Susan Watkins said after the game: “We’ve had the most amazing weekend consolidating everything we’ve been working towards this year. We now have 2 months to work hard at our game before hosting a great Ladies Nationals tournament here in Cardiff where we’ll show the rest of the UK what the Angels can do.”

gairrhydd

DECEMBER.03.2007

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM PHOTO: ED SALTER

RUGBY: Mullered

Firsts, but only just Andy Wylde Football Reporter CARDIFF Men’s 1sts .................. 1 CARDIFF Men’s 2nds ................. 0

Cardiff take Hart

Richard Williams Rugby Reporter

HARTPURY Men’s 1sts ............ 16 CARDIFF FIRSTS’ coach Martyn Fowler felt a sense of satisfaction despite the 16 - 6 defeat to Hartpury at Llanrumney.

The side have noticeably gelled since the corresponding away fixture, when they were thumped 63 - 3, and the performance holds promise for the remainder of the season, which has developed into a fight against relegation.

Minutes before the game, the heavens opened and heavy rain fell down from the first whistle to the last, causing the game to be reduced to a series of handling errors and slow-paced rugby, accompanied by a lack of scoring opportunities.

The weather conditions evened the game into much more of a contest, which before the game would have seemed an unlikely concept to consider, given Hartpury’s reputation and

dominance in BUSA circles.

The first half began evenly, and given the conditions and the pre-match expectations, Cardiff would have been, rightly so, the happier of the two sides after the opening exchanges.

The first points of the afternoon went to Hartpury, after Cardiff were found offside 15 metres into the Cardiff half, to the left of the posts. Easily slotted between the posts by Hartpury’s flyhalf, the visitors took the lead. Just four minutes later, Cardiff deservedly equalised after Hartpury were caught offside from their full-back’s up-and-under, with the penalty scored from a central position by Codey Rees.

The remainder of the half was purely a battle for possession, territory and general dominance in a game that was never destined to be an exhilarating affair.

With the persistent rain, Cardiff were able to display a togetherness which has been lacking from their performances in previous weeks. Due to a large turnover of personnel, an understanding between players has taken time to develop.

The second half, with the exception of an early scoring spree, was a largely turgid affair, with the poor weather disrupting both team’s momentum and rhythm. The Hartpury players opened well and could have scored in the first two minutes, had it not been for a knock-on with the try-line gaping.

The Cardiff defence were not to be so lucky two minutes later, as a scrum from a knock-on was carried forward through a couple of hands, with a cheeky inside pass resulting in a try five metres to the left of the posts. Converted, the score quickly moved to 3 - 10, with the game seemingly over. By the 50th minute, the teams had exchanged penalties, leaving the score at 6 - 16, as it was to be at full time. The intermittent half hour was a non-event, due to the conditions.

The result mattered little in the end, as Cardiff matched Hartpury in what coach Martyn Fowler described as a “bittersweet result”. With the team spirit, togetherness and determination displayed against Hartpury, there is to be great optimism for the relegation battle ahead.

Not Glam, but good Roz Lambe Rugby Reporter CARDIFF Ladies’ 1sts .............. 27 GLAMORGAN Ladies’ 1sts ......... 5 CARDIFF LADIES’ rugby team secured a convincing 27 - 5 win over Glamorgan, keeping hopes alive of winning the league.

Despite unfavourable playing conditions, Cardiff were able to pressurise the home team, forcing them to defend from the kick-off. Solid play from the forwards saw Anna Soryal take the ball cleanly from the lineout which allowed the backs to test Glamorganís defence.

An overlap was created and it was flanker Louise Steel who touched down in the 15th minute to open the scoring.

The visiting side remained dominant from the re-start and continued to play within Glamorganís half. Skilful passing by Simone Shepherd and Nicole Skehan almost led to a try by Alexandra Quinell but unfortunately the ball was lost. Cardiff remained metres from

the line for the remainder of the half after overturning a Glamorgan scrum.

Numerous drives by the pack tired Glamorganís defence however they remained solid and the ball was held up over the line on each occasion.

Following the interval, Cardiff picked up where they left off with breaks by Claire Molloy and Jess Bain forcing the home side to play out of their 22.

A territorial kick by Glamorgan was expertly charged down by Steel and grounded by scrum half Ceri Hill.

This took the score to 10 - 0 but Cardiff yet again advanced after the re-start and forced a number of scrums within the home sideís 22. These were dominated by Cardiff allowing number 8 Becky Blakeway to pick and drive and take the visitors to within metres of the line. Strong rucking secured the ball and in the 56th minute, Jess Bain smashed her way through, taking the score to 15 - 0.

Minutes later, the lead was increased when Fran Manzai made a break and scored under the posts, with Shepherd

adding two points for the conversion.

However Glamorgan were quick to take advantage of Cardiff’s premature celebrations and scored a try of their own.

With minutes to go, the score was 22 - 5 in Cardiff’s favour. Glamorgan attempted to gain ground by kicking into space. However, the ball was caught by full back Fran Acuna who made a number of weaving runs and cleared the line. They also attempted to break the line by running into the Cardiff ranks, but this resulted in a broken ankle, hand and dislocated shoulder.

Excellent running by wingers Anwen Harry and Rose Arkell took Cardiff back into Glamorgan’s 22 and after skilful rucking by the forwards, hooker Kerry Boxall crashed over the line to add Cardiff’s last try.

With one fixture remaining before the Christmas break, Cardiff have another opportunity to gain three points and secure their place at the top of the league.

CARDIFF MEN’S first team look set for promotion as they beat Cardiff 2nds 1 - 0 in a hard fought victory, with fresher Shawn Prince’s goal proving to be the difference.

The 1sts started well, passing the ball well through the midfield with some crisp interchanges and inspiring switching of play by the on-form manof-the-match Jarvis. The 1sts looked livelier throughout the first period and were boosted by an early goal from Shawn Prince after 10 minutes. Their tactic of hanging the ball up high from corners paid off with Prince being first to the rebound and converting from five yards.

Pace out wide from Dom Conner stretched the second team’s full backs as the 1tss exploited space down the channels. Then in the 15th minute to

ball fell to Jarvis, who with an eye for goal struck hard and low from 30 yards only to be denied by the post. They continued to dominate the first half and frustrated the 2nds as they let the ball do the work. However, penetration was lacking in the final third.

The rain poured and the pitch was deteriorating quickly, leading to a scrappy second half. The 2nds fought back with Captain Dan Jones trying to inspire his men through some strong challenges.

Strikers Daniel DíSouza and Ryan Hughes became livelier, making life difficult for the 1sts defenders, however centre backs Lloyd Jenkins and Adam Wise prevented their efforts.

As the second half wore on it looked as though the 1sts had decided to settle for the 1 - 0 victory. Mike Evans was the pick of the bunch for the 2nds with a sterling performance at left back.

Speaking after the match, 1st team captain Andre Stairmand was delighted commenting: “It was a real battle out there, but I’m pleased with the boys discipline and coming out of it with another three points.”

HOCKEY: Great stick- handling

PHOTO: ED SALTER

CARDIFF Men’s 1sts .................. 6

47

Out Foxed

Richard Wheatstone Hockey Reporter

CARDIFF Ladies’ 1sts ................ 1 OXFORD Ladies’ 1sts ................. 3 CARDIFF FAILED to maintain their recent good form as they were leapfrogged by Oxford in the BUSA Premier South table.

Heavy rain made for difficult conditions at Talybont, and a Cardiff side that had scored nine goals in their two previous outings struggled to penetrate an organised Oxford defence.

The hosts made a bright start, a quick tempo and some sharp passing along a slick surface nearly let in Zara Sadiq twice in the opening exchanges.

However, in the 15th minute Cardiff were left shell-shocked as Oxford’s Charlotte Jackson drove home from a short corner with the help of a deflection off the stick of Cardiff’s Natalie Blyth.

Cardiff struggled to regain the momentum they had gathered before the goal, but were unlucky not to equalise as Angharad Griffiths forced an excellent save from the Oxford ‘keeper, and Beth Stephens had a shot blocked on the line in the dying moments of the first half.

The second period brought no more joy for Cardiff as Oxford controlled possession and placed a resolute Car-

diff defence under constant pressure.

Their dominance finally paid off ten minutes into the half, when Alice Cook pounced on a rebound after a good save from Cardiff ‘keeper Lizzie Hawes to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Hawes was then yellow carded and sent from the field in the controversial circumstances surrounding Oxford’s third goal. Blyth was adjudged to have blocked a goal-bound effort on the line with her foot, and after raucous protests from the Oxford players, a penalty stroke was awarded. After the penalty had been converted, Hawes was sent from the field for swearing, despite her protests that the language had not been aimed at the umpire, but was merely down to the frustration of conceding. This decision left Cardiff without a goalkeeper for five minutes, but some determined defending kept Oxford at bay.

Cardiff grabbed a late consolation with five minutes to go as Stephens showed some silky stick play to dribble through the Oxford defence and slam an emphatic shot across the Oxford ‘keeper and into the bottom corner.

The result leaves Cardiff fourth in the Premier League, with a tough home match against league leaders Bath next up. It promises to be an intriguing match; Cardiff are the only side to have avoided defeat against Bath this season, and will be looking for a similar performance on home soil.

Sport 14 gairrhydd

gairrhydd

FEATURES

OCTOBER.22.2007

INSIDE: The great citadels of modern sport,FEATURES@ all gairrhydd.COM the BUSA action and IMG steps up a gear

Wet kick-off for the newly divided football and netball leagues as IMG Phase Two began with some shocks

Pete Dean IMG Editor THE SECOND phase of IMG football and netball began in earnest this week.

Despite dreadful weather conditions, every team turned up to stake a claim for the title in their new division. In true IMG fashion, the first week of the second phase was marked by a number of upsets, high-scoring games, and even a goal scored by a goalkeeper.

In IMG football, the Premiership played host to a couple of surprise results. Chemsoc’s 3 - 1 victory over MOMED, a team many had considered

favourites for the Premiership title, is a particularly significant result. Law A, another team with a strong Premiership pedigree, lost 2 - 0 to a J-Unit team that are building on the impressive form that they showed in phase one of IMG. J-Unit, who are in only their second season in IMG, must now be regarded as serious contenders for the Premiership title.

In Division One, Pharm AC made an emphatic statement of intent with a crushing 10 - 2 victory over Music Buteys. Pharm AC are looking to bounce back from their disappointment in missing out on the Premiership with a strong challenge in IMG football’s

High scoring games, and one goal scored by a goalkeeper second league. A closer encounter involved Socsi and Blazin’ Business. In a game in which players battled with a swamp in the centre circle, Socsi emerged 7 - 3 winners after being 3 - 1 down with 20 minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, Psycho Athletico’s keeper had an unlikely goal to celebrate in his team’s draw with SAWSA Euros.

Law B consolidated their victory in the last match of phase one with a close 2 - 1 win against Optometry in their first match of Division Two. It was an encouraging performance from Optometry, however, who are improving week on week. These sentiments apply equally to Earth Soc who recorded their second win of the season thanks to a 3-0 win against AFC Cathays.

In the first game of the IMG Netball Premiership, Law A battled to a close victory against a much-fancied Pharmacy A team. This result is important for a Law team that would consider the Premiership title as a realistic goal. Impressive victories from both Economics

PHOTO: DAVE GREEN

WET WONDERLAND

A and B emphasizes the title credentials of an established IMG squad.

The tightest game in the new series of IMG netball matches was in Division One. This match, which was closely fought until the very end, featured English A and Law B. Law B dominated the first half of this eagerly anticipated fixture but were beaten by a resilient and determined English team.

In Division Two, J-Unit recorded their second victory of the season against an Optometry team that are still looking for that elusive first win. IWC and Medics B both recorded impressive victories in this group and appear to be the most likely challengers for the title.

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