gair rhydd - Issue 866

gair rhydd

FREE

ISSUE 866 APRIL 21 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972

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

Death by Coke?

PHOTO: Portia Nicholson

News page 4

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS Cardiff scores top marks for international student satisfaction Samantha Shillabeer News Editor Cardiff University has been ranked among the best in the country for international student satisfaction.

This follows the release of figures from the International Student Baromter survey, which focused on pre-arrival experiences and those that took place within the first month at university.

The Students’ Union scored a quality rating of 93%, putting it in second place out of the Russell Group universities and fifth overall.

In total, 91 higher education institutes participated in the survey, including ten from Wales.

Overall learning satisfaction for Cardiff was scored at 84%, with particularly high marks being given to lecture effectiveness (97%), library facilities and course content (both

90%).

There was also a great deal of positive feedback for many aspects of the living experience in Cardiff.

The University was rated first in the Russell Group for cost of accommodation and second for cost of living.

1,295 of Cardiff’s international students replied to the questionnaire – a response rate of 36%.

A University spokesperson told gair rhydd that this turnout was “an average response rate and was seen as both representative and positive”.

But it was added that the University “will continue to encourage feedback for future surveys, while also exploring new ways to encourage feedback throughout the year”.

The wide range of services available to international students at Cardiff both before and after they arrive in the country were also highlighted.

These include a full orientation programme, access to English language classes and the provision of courses to help the development of study skills.

The Student Support Centre also has two International Student Advisors who provide help on personal, financial, academic and immigration issues.

A spokesperson commented on the University’s desire to expand on these successes.

A statement said: “The positive results are very encouraging, but this does not mean that the University will become complacent.

“We will continually strive to improve the services we offer to all our students.”

Societies, Postgraduate and International Officer Sally Airey commented on the projects undertaken by the Union Executive team to improve the experience of foreign students in Cardiff.

She said: “This year we have set up an International Student Committee to improve our communication with international students and to get their ideas and feedback on key academic, welfare and social issues.

“February’s ‘Go Global’ campaign also encouraged many international students to become more involved with the Union and integrate with home students while celebrating their cultures.”

But Airey also emphasised that there are still areas which need work.

Discussing ways in which facilities for international students could be improved, she said: “One area the University needs to resolve is the ongoing issue of faith.

“Many students come to Cardiff with the expectation that they will be able to practise faith within the University only to be disappointed with the lack of Quiet Room facilities.”

SPORT/POLITICS/SCIENCE&ENVIRONMENT/LISTINGS/TV

02 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

this week in gair rhydd: Jobs and Money look into Working Holiday Visas

23 Government clamp down on student “ghost towns”

Sudoku

4

PHOTOI: Ed Salter

J-Unit win IMG premiership

48

Go on... ease yourself into your Monday morning. You know what to do!

read more, interact with others and have your say at

>>

www.gairrhydd.com

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

03

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Google offers the chance to model Cardiff campus

New union club night launches Emma Barlow Reporter

The Students’ Union’s brand new club night, Spin launched last Wednesday.

The night saw improvements to the

venue décor, a cheaper entry price of £2 and the emphasis no longer on fancy dress but on drinks promotions.

Spin hopes to encourage students to return to the Union on Wednesday nights after its predecessor, Rubber Duck, faltered.

A spokesperson said: “We have currently sold a third of the tickets for next week’s Varsity after-show Party and we are on track for a sell out.”

Spin will also be running a Summer Ball warm-up party on June 4 and taking over the end of term all dayer.

Brain breakthrough

PHOTOI: Ed Salter

Oliver Lewis Reporter

Emma Jones Reporter Google Earth has launched a new project giving students the chance to create a model replica of their university campus.

Google Earth provides aerial photographs of geographic locations and is widely used by prospective university students to explore their chosen institution and the surrounding area to get an idea of exactly where they will be living, studying and socialising when they arrive.

The programme shows details as small as cars and people, and now scale

models of buildings can be uploaded to give an even more accurate impression of an area.

The Model Your Campus competition aims to modernise and make photo-realistic the existing campus model that Cardiff have had available at University Open Days for the past two years.

Students who take part will be rewarded if Cardiff’s entry is successful.

The competition is being run by Information Services and anyone interested in entering should contact Steffan Williams at googleearth@cardiff. ac.uk.

A Cardiff University Doctor has made headway in brain research.

Dr Alexander Leemans, of Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre, has been awarded first prize in The Brain Expert Competition, a leading research programme backed by the General Electric Company.

Dr Leemans, of Cardiff’s School of Psychology, has pioneered a process of Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

The process allows the human

brain to be scanned and examined in minute detail, in turn allowing closer study of the brain’s white matter, which acts as the wiring of the central nervous system.

In the past, slight movements of the human head while images of it were being recorded could render the results unclear.

But the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique allows clearer images to be taken of the human brain, a breakthrough which Dr Leemans said “could have potentially serious consequences in life saving surgery, for example.”

Cardiff University’s School of Psychology is recognised as one of the largest and most advanced in the United Kingdom.

T h e School is the first to be awarded a double accolade of merit.

Audience vote decided band for Summer Ball PHOTO: Christopher Beale

Aimen Chouchane Reporter Cardiff University’s Live Music Society celebrated their most successful event to date as over 500 fans flooded through the doors of Solus for the Battle of the Bands Grand Final.

The event, which took place on Thursday 20 March, saw four local bands competing for the chance to play at this year’s Summer Ball.

Victory was awarded to Zenyth, who were also presented with £300 and the opportunity to record a song with Offshore Studios.

The final followed a month of close heats and two semi-finals, which left Zenyth, Everyone Must Win, The Three Aces and The Low Lights battling for the prize.

The audience, who voted with their gig tickets, had an equal influence on the outcome along with a panel of five judges, which included two from each of the Live Music Society and Offshore Studios as well as Societies, Postgraduate and International Officer Sally Airey.

Zenyth will join an array of other acts at the Summer Ball, which will be announced at next week’s Varsity event.

04 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

“KILLER COKE”:

PHOTO: Portia Nicholson

Students march in death-drink claim

Portia Nicholson Reporter Coca-Cola came under fire last week as Cardiff University students staged a protest against the soft drinks manufacturer.

The students held a mock funeral procession around the University campus to highlight the deaths of Columbian trade unionists who were killed while working for the drinks company.

Coke protestors say that there is “indisputable evidence that a grue-

some cycle of murders, kidnappings and tortures has been taking place in Columbia”.

They also claim management at Coca-Cola bottling plants “to have allowed, if not endorsed, paramilitary ‘death squads’ to ‘silence’ union leaders and organisers”.

Protesters assembled at Bute building wearing funeral attire and t-shirts covered in fake blood before proceeding in a funereal-style procession through the University campus carrying coffins.

The coffins bore the words, “This

funeral is brought to you by CocaCola,” and the protest forms part of a student movement to “kick coke off campus”.

The protest is part of an ethical boycott originating from a nationwide Killer Coke movement which campaigns to remove the drink from universities and businesses.

The Killer Coke campaigners advocate that the company is a “corporate system full of lies, deception and immorality”.

Coca-Cola said: “We believe the decision to continue providing our

drinks across universities is based on the corporate responsibility commitments we have made and our recent achievements, including support for the UN Global Compact, continued improvements in water-resource management, and our commitment to an independent assessment of Colombian bottling facilities by the UN’s International Labor Organisation.”

One of the organisers of the Cardiff protest Jonny Jones said that the large turnout at the protest showed that Cardiff Students were “willing to be involved in student activism”.

Jonny Cox, President of Cardiff Students’ Union (CUSU), told gair rhydd that while CUSU stocks CocaCola products, students can try and initiate an ethical boycott.

Cox described how a motion to ban the sale of Coke at the Union had previously been declined by students at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

He stressed that CUSU was a “membership organisation” and if students wanted to have a boycott of Coca-Cola “motions could be brought to the AGM”.

PHOTO: Ed Salter

Trevithick overhaul Goodbye to the student ghost town Jonathan Evans Reporter A major new refurbishment of the Trevithick library will take place this summer.

It is hoped that the overhaul will enhance the current service into one fit for “the ambitions of a world-class university”.

The project is being funded by the University and the Wolfson Foundation and is due to be completed by Christmas this year.

It will include the creation of a new library building, and the refurbishment of two existing libraries.

The development is a result of a re-

view of the library service, which was commissioned by the Vice Chancellor in 2004.

Plan for the new design of the library includes “incorporating glass panels and walls featuring images reflecting the work of the Schools”, designed to make the library both more “visible and attractive to users”.

The refurbishment will also include a new computer room, informal study areas and self-service machines for the issue and return of books.

The report says these changes will make the library “a comfortable, conducive place to work”.

The library will be cleared to make way for building work by the end of

the spring semester, with a temporary library based in Trevithick seminar rooms 1 and 2 housing a number of short-loan and two-week loan books.

Jessica Gaunt of the library service says the temporary facility will not store recent journals.

Instead, these will be in an office next door.

Gaunt said that for books not stored in the temporary library, “students will need to complete a ‘store request form’, with books being delivered from the store within 48 hours”.

She added that the storage process has already begun for pre-2004 journals and that it has so far been successful.

Sian Symons Reporter Student “ghost towns” are to be abolished in new government plans to clamp down on the number of student lettings in university towns.

Studies into universities at Bristol, Southampton and Nottingham have shown an excessive number of rented properties are left empty outside of term-time.

The Department of Communities and Local Government have claimed that the rising number of student properties makes some areas like “ghost towns” during holidays.

But the review of houses of multiple occupancy (HMO) announced that they intend on introducing new measures that would make it harder to rent family homes to students.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint

said: “It is not acceptable that in too many areas, people living in houses in multiple occupation and local communities alike are having their quality of life affected.”

The British Property Federation has warned that the restrictive measures would defy government polices.

Allowing the barring of students, migrants and other groups of people that would typically rent the shared houses in that area would go against their intention to support communities.

The problem has arisen because of the lack of public funding to provide student accommodation.

Universities are beginning to invest heavily in new student halls, assigning community relations officers to the area, as well as asking students to sign a code of conduct agreement, in a bid to solve the potential problems of the clamp down.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

05

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Tesco offers 2 for 1 on new degree

Portia Nicholson Reporter Tesco are to offer a degree-style course in retail management in an attempt to widen the higher education market.

The Tesco Foundation Degree (Arts) (FD(A)) is to be launched this month and will also be offered to other retailers who can adapt it.

Components of the course include: the arts of display design, special offers and efficient shelf stacking.

Designed in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of the Arts London and private-sector consultancies, the course will be mostly taught at work and online, although it does include some days at university.

Tesco’s announcement comes after McDonalds and other large businesses

Buckingham, has previously questioned the validity of such qualifications.

He said: “Employees may find they are locked into that business because these awards don’t have credibility outside the company, like GCSEs, A levels or NVQs do.

“The qualifications would be more valuable to holders if they were awarded by an independent body,” he added.

announced that they will award their own qualifications equal to GCSEs, A levels and degrees, in subjects such as fast-food restaurant management.

But critics have suggested that ‘McGCSEs’ could devalue academic qualifications and have cast doubt on whether they would be recognised outside the companies concerned.

Professor Alan Smithers, the director of the centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of

Increase in student complaints against universities Portia Nicholson Reporter Lawyers who are seeking out unhappy students have helped fuel a 25% increase in official complaints against universities, according to the chief adjudicator for higher education.

Complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for universities

increased to 734 last year from 586 in 2006.

More students are complaining about the quality of education they receive.

Lady Deech, the chief adjudicator has said many students believe they needed a 2:1 or first to get a good job.

“The rise in the number of complaints is due to many more students challenging their degree and exam results,” she commented.

“This is probably because there are so many more graduates emerging onto the job market now that graduating with, say, a lower second, is insufficient for success. They want very good marks in order to stand out,” she added.

It has been claimed that the rise in complaints could also be due to the increase in mature and international students who are alegedly more likely to complain about standards of education.

Cardiff University director lives the Olympic dream Nick Park Reporter A Cardiff University director is to travel to the Beijing Olympics to work alongside Britain’s athletic hopefuls, it has been announced.

Nicki Phillips, the director of Postgraduate Healthcare Studies at Cardiff, will take up the

position as the UK’s Chief Physiotherapist, working with the Chief Medical Officer Dr Ian McCurdie.

Ms Phillips, who graduated in 1982, directs the MSc Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy programme at Cardiff.

She already has a long-standing relationship with the British physiotherapy team, having been involved with two Olympic and six Commonwealth games to date.

She said: “I am honoured to have been selected and look forward to working with Dr Ian McCurdie to deliver a first rate support service to our athletes during this period.

“Our aim is to play our part in making sure that every athlete in our care arrives for their competition in the best possible condition to allow them to perform at their best,” she added.

06 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

NUS changes direction Fee oppostion dropped in favour of fight against tuition fee rise

Lee Macaulay Investigations Editor

The National Union of Students (NUS) has abandoned its calls for free education in an effort to fight against the lifting of the tuition fees cap in 2009.

In addition, plans for drastic internal changes were derailed after a motion to rewrite the NUS constitution fell.

Student delegates at the NUS National Conference in Blackpool voted down an amendment that would continue to enshrine union opposition to all tuition fees in favour of one that concentrates on the 2009 higher education review, the first opportunity for the current tuition fees cap of £3,000 to be lifted.

Wes Streeting, National Presidentelect told students in a open letter: “Delegates at our conference voted to stop simply arguing for ‘free education’ in England, and decided instead to consult with our members and bring to the table some radical, imaginative solutions that will be better and fairer for students than regressive and damaging market forces.”

The conference also voted on a motion that would have seen a new trustee board with a number of non-student members taking financial control of the NUS. Five new zone conferences would have been introduced to pass policy, in an effort to spread legislation across the year and make annual conference more of a celebration of the year.

The motion fell after just less than two-thirds of conference agreed with

the changes, the number needed to pass constitutional amendments.

The defeat was seen as a major victory by the Save NUS Democracy group fighting against the motion.

They gathered after the vote chanting: “We’re students, united. We’ll never be defeated.”

The aftermath of the vote saw current NUS National President Gemma Tumulty suspend the conference to make a speech about the defeat.

One delegate told gair rhydd: “It seemed like she spent her speech scolding the delegates who voted against the review and stubbornly telling conference that the proposals will just keep being sent back for approval instead of asking delegates for their real concerns about the motion.”

The next leaders of the NUS have vowed to continue the governance review.

Wes Streeting, National Presidentelect, has told student officers of his intentions to push the changes through by the end of 2008 in preparation for the 2009 review.

Cardiff University is expected to be at the forefront of the higher education review along with other members of the 20-strong Russell Group of research-led universities, which collectively command 65% of Government research funding.

However, the group itself has not made an official statement on tuition fees.

They are instead waiting until they are “fully informed about the impact of the new regime on range of factors, particularly on access”.

Environmentally sound

Abigail Whittaker News Editor Cardiff University Students’ Union was named the Most Improved Union at the Sound Impact Awards last month.

The awards, which are run by NUS Services Limited (NUSSL), aim to consider the ethical and environmental impact of a Union and how they plan to reduce this impact year on year.

Students’ Union President Jonny Cox accepted the award at the ceremony which took place at NUSSL’s Annual

Conference and AGM in Liverpool.

To enter the awards Unions were required to fill in a workbook covering a variety of aspects, which included a section on innovative ideas.

Each different section in the workbook has an amount of points allocated to it, and it is the responsibility of the individual Union to present their points total.

Cardiff Students’ Union (SU) was randomly selected for an official audit to confirm the entry, and was awarded an additional 23 points during this process.

With a total of 322 points the SU secured Bronze Accreditation, and was most improved on last year with an increase of 260 points.

Jonny Cox said: “Receiving the award was amazing as it gave the Union true recognition for the efforts that have been put in over the last 12 months.

“In my manifesto I pledged to make the Union more ethically and environmentally aware, and through staff and officer collaboration to achieve this award we’ve had the recognition that this has been achieved.”

Samantha Shillabeer News Editor

to register your support for this great venue and keep live music alive in Cardiff - and maybe politicians and the Council will take notice and work with us to get it fixed.”

The petition can be found online at www.keepthepointalive.com or via the club’s website at www. thepointcardiffbay.com.

The Point opened in 2003 and has since played host to an array of UK and international bands including The Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, Funeral for a Friend and The Darkness.

Newcomers recognised Point-less?

One of Cardiff’s most acclaimed live music venues is under threat of closure due to objections about noise levels.

The Point, which is situated in Cardiff Bay, received complaints from its new neighbours and is now awaiting a court date with Cardiff Council in late May. Live music fans are being encouraged to show their support for the venue by signing an online petition.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst we are doing everything we can to resolve the issue, we do need you

Ruth Smith Reporter

Cardiff Erasmus society has been named Best Newcomer at the National Erasmus Student Network (ESN) conference in France.

The society has come away with the prestigious award having only joined the ESN this year.

James Beckett, President of the Erasmus society, has also been elected the

National Representative of the ESN for the UK. On behalf of the Cardiff University branch, Beckett said: “We’re really pleased that our work is being recognised and that Cardiff has become a friendly and attractive place for European students.”

The ESN currently has 240 networks around the UK linked with 30 countries.

In his role as President, Beckett has

often travelled to places in Europe to attend meetings and to interact with other Erasmus networks.

The Cardiff network alone has around 350 members, all of whom are helped on their exchange programmes through Erasmus.

Students are encouraged to visit the Cardiff Erasmus society’s website, www.cardifferasmus.co.uk, for more information.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Make it clear UK higher education institutions caught in calls for clearer admissions

07

Jonathan Evans Reporter British universities will be required to have “transparent” admissions policies to ensure that they are implemented without bias, the government announced last week.

The announcement, made by Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary John Denham at Warwick University, follows increased efforts by the government to get 50% of young people into higher education.

Highlighting the public debate on the issue, Mr Denham said: “Whilst there is no widespread dissatisfaction with most admissions, ultimately the debate is corrosive of public confidence in the system.”

Denham claimed that every university should publish clear admissions policies in order to demonstrate to the public that they operate fair and unbiased admissions policies.

Dr Wendy Piatt, Director-General of the Russell Group of research-led universities, supported these new

measures.

She said: “It is particularly important that pupils from families with less experience of higher education are given robust support and guidance on these policies.”

NUS National President Gemma Tumelty said she hopes that clearer admissions policies would result in a more organised and streamlined approach.

She claimed: “The only way to ensure true transparency in admissions is to move from predicted grades to post qualification admissions.”

Arts students call for cut-price degrees

Humanities students call for arts-fees slash to make degrees better “value for money” Ceri Isfryn Reporter

Your Uni: your words “The course is the individual’s choice.

But I do think universities should make it clearer when applying for courses how many contact hours you’ll receive.”

Joel Guest Second year Politics

“No, but perhaps they should have some of their books included in the fees. Science students should pay less.

Those kind of subjects are ultimately more beneficial to society.”

Owen Chittenden First year Mechanical Engineering

Ceri Isfryn asks Cardiff students if arts undergraduates should pay less fees “It’s a bit unfair that medics receive up to five days a week tuition while some arts students receive five hours. Perhaps fees should vary according hours of tuition.”

“All degrees have different structures, so they shouldn’t pay more because theirs is different. If they reduce tuition fees each course should differ according to hours.”

Louise Norton First year Geography and Planning

Marian Bashorum Second year Journalism

PHOTOS: Natalia Popova

PHOTO: Natalia Popova

A jury of arts students have voiced discontent at having to pay excessive fees for limited tuition.

The panel was set up by ministers and consists of students from Manchester, London, Bristol and Sheffield.

One juror from Bristol reflected this view: “Since top-up fees were introduced education has changed from a service to a product.

“It’s not so much the experience you’re paying for as a piece of paper,” the juror added.

Arts undergraduates were particularly disappointed, claiming they receive too little “contact time” for their fees.

Others called for better guidance on how to manage their debt.

The average student leaves univer-

sity with an average debt of £12,000.

Criticism was aimed at the quality of service, with the jurors calling for “better value for money”.

Several jurors from Manchester agreed that targets for increased student numbers were having a negative effect on teaching quality, with classes becoming too large and “impersonal”.

“We want better regulations that are standard across all institutions,” concluded one juror.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, responsible for quality in higher education, said the juries had provided a “vital student perspective”.

The findings of the student jury will be carried forward to the National Student Forum, established to give students a voice in government.

08 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

NEWS SPECIAL

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Who topped the polls in this year’s Students’ Union elections? gair rhydd speaks to your newly-elected Executive team

President Andy Button-Stephens Campaigning was a lot of hard-work but brilliant fun.

The weather wasn’t great, but I had a great team supporting me.

It’s really important that we continue on from all the good work that Jonny and Rowena have done this year.

I want to keep the momentum going and work effectively with the rest of the team to ensure that this happens.

I think people voted for me because I was approachable and made sure that I was seen throughout the elections.

I had a lot of representation too and think that my experience worked in my favour.

Next year, I really want to improve the We Love Cardiff initiative.

Students should be proud of coming toCardiff University as it carries a lot of prestige.

Vice-President James Wood Looking back, it was such a great experience but at the time it was a lot of hard work.

I hope people agreed with my policies but I think my outfit and campaign song helped people to remember me.

My biggest challenge will be only having a year to implement everything I want to do.

I have existing projects to continue with as well as my own which I would like to start.

The first change I want to make is to introduce a wristband for freshers in September. This will give newcomers prepaid access to events and ensure that those who arrive later in Freshers’ Week will not miss out.

Plans for a loyalty card for money spent at the Union have been floating around for a couple of years but nothing has been put into place.

Ultimately, I would like students to be able to use their student card for this purpose, but I realise that such a big project will not happen overnight.

AU Vice-President Virginia Moorhouse Quench Editor The election process was really good fun with the opportunity to meet loads of people.

I think my biggest challenge will be trying to get better sports for facilities for Cardiff University.

I want to further promote the Invest in Sport campaign, perhaps adding in more new events to increase pressure on the University.

I was running uncontested but I think the fact that I made the effort to campaign would have encouraged people to vote for me.

I also had the opportunity to speak to a lot of people and discuss my policies with them.

To get more students involved in sports, I want to raise awareness of the AU Fayre at the beginning of the year.

I think if we can promote the social side of being part of a team and use more publicity, such as CUTV, then we can get more people involved.

Hazel Plush

The whole election process was awesome.

It had a great atmosphere and camaraderie, just like Freshers’ Week all over again.

Next year I really want to try to get Quench out there to all the students.

A lot of students do read Quench, but there are still those who are unaware of it.

I’m hoping that expanding the contributors and trying to encourage students from all disciplines to get involved will help with this.

I think people voted for me because I really put in the hours campaigning and just got out there and took every opportunity I could to talk to people.

Quench is a student publication and I want to get everyone involved, so I’m hoping to introduce a societies section and work with the Societies’ Council to include as much information as possible about what’s going on for students to get involved with.

Xpress Station Manager Gareth Rees Ethical and Environmental Officer Sam Knight It was a fairly easy-going campaign process.

I think my biggest challenge will be getting people to listen to Xpress, as I feel many of our current listeners are those involved with Xpress already.

I’m planning to increase promotion with road-shows and extra events, and I am looking into the possibility of increasing our digital radio time.

I think people voted for me because I’ve had a lot of experience in radio and media, and been heavily involved with Union entertainment already.

I’ve pledged to get more interaction with the local music scene, even if that means getting down to these venues and flyering.

And although cross-promotion across student media is getting better, there’s still more to do.

Xpress broadcasted Go Global live this year, and maybe next year we can have CUTV there too.

Campaigning for me was relatively easy-going as I was running unopposed, but I wanted to make sure that I did enough to show people that I was passionate about the role.

I think my biggest challenge will be lobbying the University when necessary, as I think this can be quite difficult, especially in terms of funding. But I want to make sure that I am included in the decision processes and am kept informed.

I think that my experience was a big factor in people voting for me. I thought that my policies were optimistic enough but not unreasonable from a student perspective.

The issue of the Union’s redevelopment was raised at the AGM so I thought it was an important point to students. I understand that the environmental structure can never be zero carbon, but I want to make sure that common sense is used and the building is designed in such a way that is adaptable to different needs with as little environmental impact as possible.

Students with Disabilities Officer Frances House Health and Welfare Support Officer An important part of the whole election process was going out and talking to students to find out what they wanted representing.

There aren’t many forums for that kind of thing, apart from Student Council, so getting out there was critical as I might not get that chance again.

I hope to set up the Students with Disabilities Committee from September.

I’ll use lots of advertising through student media and I hope to have a stall at the Freshers’ Fayre, as well as getting out loads of information to first-year students.

I want to offer food and make it something that’s not difficult to attend.

Trying to get as many people involved as possible will be a big challenge as it’s not easy to communicate with the student body as a whole and get the message out there.

Michaela Neild

I really enjoyed the campaigning aspect of elections as it was a great opportunity to interact with and find out more about the people who you would be working with in the future.

I think my biggest challenge in the role will be coming up against any brick walls when trying to implement what students have asked me to do.

My main focus is to push for better STI testing facilities, and I plan to do this through increasing communications with the Council.

I hope to initially gain student access to the local facilities, and then to improve upon these facilities.

I also hope to support the liberation officers in their campaigns.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

09

NEWS SPECIAL

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

AU President Scott Pigott Running this year I was uncontested so it was a very different experience to campaigning last year.

The biggest challenge I’ll face next year is achieving everything I would like to within a year.

I’m really keen to engage with clubs and support them where possible.

I’d imagine that people voted for me because I was coming to the role from the AU Vice-President position and could therefore offer some consistency by knowing many of the current issues already.

I want to try and approach Invest in Sport in a different way next year.

University clubs are central to the campaign and we need to revive their support.

The Fun Run is already the highlight of the Invest in Sport calendar, but I think we can expand on this and perhaps introduce some new events to raise the campaign’s profile.

gair rhydd Editor

Education and Welfare Officer Nick Yates

I could only describe the campaign experience as a sort of turbo Freshers’ Week.

I got to see loads of areas of the University that I’ve never been to before as well as chatting to loads of new people.

The biggest challenge I’ll face will be to raise student awareness.

There’s lots of stuff the University can do if students get involved, but often they don’t know enough about what to do and what’s happening.

It’ll be our responsibility to make things as accessible as possible.

I think people believed in my policies and saw me as a friendly and happy person with a visual presence throughout the campaigning, which is why they voted for me.

I really think hourly study sessions would help a lot of people, and I know the University is currently working to set this up.

I want to make sure that it applies to all courses, especially humanities subjects that often do not get dedicated lecture time for their aspects of learning.

SPI Officer Becca Rees

Ben Bryant I thoroughly enjoyed the whole campaigning experience and the opportunity to talk to loads of people, go out with friends and have lots of fun doing it.

I think my biggest challenge will be improving communication and implementing effective communication strategies - especially in relation to societies and AU clubs.

I want to get a representative at Societies’ Council and AU council to make it easier for everyone to report to us.

We are a newspaper and not a newsletter, but we want to act in students’ best interests whenever we can and do everything we can to help.

I wouldn’t like to speculate why people voted for me.

But I know that I was out there in good spirits, showing people that I am serious about the role but not alienated from students and student culture.

The Quench website is a high priority but I am aware that it is going to be tricky.

The problem is finding people who have the time and the ability to design the web content.

Also elected:

I really enjoyed campaigning to be Societies, Postgraduate and International Officer and I’m pleased I took the decision to do it.

I’m hoping to promote an optional buddy system which targets language students.

I’m a language student and in my first year I would have appreciated an opportunity to work with an Erasmus student and it gives international students a good point of reference.

For other non-language students it will be a great opportunity to meet new people.

I’m going to have a big advertising push at the start of the year.

My biggest challenge will be sorting everything out at the beginning of the year because that’s when it all comes – the Freshers’ Fayre, the buddy system, and a welcome party for the postgrads.

I think I stood out to voters because of the time I spent talking to people.

I was out all day, in lecture shouts every hour and I made the effort to visit the Heath Park campus and the Engineering school.

To be elected in October:

LGBT Officer Paul Hossack Mature Students’ Officer Jon Bird

Welsh Affairs Officer

IMG Chair

Position under appeal:

Heath Park Campus Officer

Women’s Officer

Postgraduate Support Officer

Race Equality Officer

Your Union: your words gair rhydd wants to know what you think of the elected candidates. Let us know at www.gairrhydd.com

10 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

WORLD NEWS World News in brief

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

China grounds airline over striking pilots

Ruth Smith Reporter

Full of hot air balloonist

A boy aged thirteen from Blaine in Washington has blown up 213 balloons with just one nostril at a time.

Andrew Dahl, who is submitting his effort to Guinness World Records for review, completed the feat in his town’s public library in under an hour.

His parents measured the balloons to check they were of appropriate size and recorded the number.

This was Dahl’s second attempt after an initial attempt was discounted when his father tied the balloons.

What are the odds?

A 13-year-old boy in Germany has corrected NASA’s estimates for the chances of an asteroid colliding with the Earth.

Nico Marquardt discovered, from telescopic readings at the Institute of Astrophysics in Potsdam, that there is a one in 450 chance that the Astrophis asteroid will hit Earth, compared to the incorrect statistic of one in 45,000 as predicted by NASA. Nico took into account the risk of Apophis also running into one or more of the 40,000 satellites orbiting earth.

He discovered this whilst undertaking a project for a regional science competition.

Under lock and key

In order to establish the fact that sex is not available, female masseuses in Indonesia have been told to padlock their trousers.

It has been known that massage parlours in the country are often used as a cover for prostitution agencies.

The idea of padlocking trousers came from the town Batu on Java island when they required masseuses to chain themselves up in an effort to extinguish prostitution.

Abigail Whitaker News Editor China’s civil aviation authority has stripped an airline of routes after some of its pilots turned back flights in a suspected labour protest.

Twenty-one China Eastern Airline flights in the southwestern province of Yunnan reversed course to their departure airports just over a fortnight ago, with local media reporting the pilots’ strike to be over grievances with pay and work conditions.

The carrier initially claimed that

bad weather was to blame, but later admitted that a “human element” was involved.

The aviation regulator has fined the airline 1.5 million yuan (£108,000), which will be turned over to the state treasury, after a probe found no technical reason to explain the flights’ returns.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) will transfer the airline’s operating licences on certain routes to other carriers.

The administrator also called on the airline to uphold air safety and continue to investigate the reasons

No more monkeying around in Gibraltar

behind the incident.

A spokesperson for the airline said: “We express our deep apologies for the negative influence this incident has had on society and for the inconvenience it has given to our passengers.

“The accident has revealed our existing management problems and taught us a very important lesson.”

Last week, China Eastern grounded the pilots involved and suspended two of their senior executives.

Chinese pilots are becoming increasingly embroiled in conflicts with their employers over their

Japan starts bird flu preparations William Taylor News Editor

Corinne Rhoades News Editor A pack of fearsome Gibraltar monkeys are to be culled in an effort to reduce their threat to tourists.

At least 25 of Gibraltar’s macaque monkeys, which are a famous national symbol in the British colony, have been deemed a nuisance and a health risk.

Gibraltar Tourist Minister Ernest Britto said the culling of the animals, two of which have already been given a lethal injection, was “a last resort”.

He said: “Children are frightened.

People cannot leave their windows open for fear of the monkeys stealing food.”

“Apes can bite and contact with

them runs the risk of salmonella or hepatitis,” he added.

After running a birth control programme in Gibraltar for the last six years, these new measures have been put in place.

It is intended that the macaque population will be dramatically reduced to around 200.

The monkeys are said to have run riot at the Caleta Hotel in Gibraltar’s tourist area, vandalising the guests’ rooms in pursuit of food.

Franco Ostuni, general manager of the Caleta Hotel, said: “What has to stop is the damage that apes are doing to Gibraltar - private properties and individuals - without anyone taking responsibility for it.”

But tourists are being called on to boycott the country and stop the cull by the International Primate Protection League.

employment conditions in the heavily regulated industry.

Pilots are being eagerly poached by private airlines amidst a pilot shortage and air travel boom, but many carriers demand sizeable payments from staff that wish to break contracts and move to other airlines.

There have been separate claims of another case of suspected industrial action when 40 pilots for Shanghai Airlines all called in sick on the same day last month.

Strike action in China is extremely rare as the ruling Communist party strictly controls union activity.

Japan is vaccinating thousands of officials against bird flu, making it the first country in the world to take the move.

The vaccinations could be extended to millions of Japanese citizens, but the initial plan is to inoculate 6,000 workers over the next few months.

Despite there being no deaths caused by bird flu in Japan to date, it is feared that an outbreak in Asia could spread to the densely populated areas of Japan.

Japan is taking moves to prepare for a possible pandemic, which health authorities fear could result if the current strain of the virus mutates into a form making it more dangerous to humans.

Country officials have already made 20 million doses of a “prepandemic” bird flu vaccine.

The deadly H5N1 strain was collected in Indonesia and Vietnam to make the prepandemic vaccine.

Japanese Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe made the proposal for vaccination last Tuesday, and a governmentappointed panel of experts backed it on Wednesday.

Initial plans are to vaccinate 6,400 doc-

tors, quarantine inspectors, immigration officials and other health workers.

The government will expand the programme to others, if successful.

“If we obtain good results over its effectiveness and safety, we want to consider vaccinating [an additional] 10 million people who are in medical occupations” or other key jobs such as at utilities, Mr Masuzoe told reporters.

The move shows that Japan is taking bird flu precaution levels higher than anywhere in the world.

The World Health Organisation is not convinced that it will improve the chances of Japan weathering a major bird flu outbreak.

WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said: “Obviously, the Japanese think there’s some benefit to be had from this, and we are not going to prevent an individual country from using their resources.”

Coming to the AU Awards and Societies Awards

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

EDITORIAL & OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Est. 1972

Xpress success Issue 862 gair rhydd announced to the student body that Xpress Radio would be broadcasting on both DAB (digital) and FM frequencies for the month of March.

Although this was not the first time that Cardiff’s student radio station took over the FM airwaves, the launch onto the digital network was a first for Xpress Radio. Xpress’s foray into the world of DAB managed to attract the attention of industry magazines.

Xpress Radio’s website (www. xpressradio.co.uk) attracted 2,400 unique listeners during the broadcast period, which means 2,400 different people logging on to the website in the three week period.

The broadcast on “Digital, FM and Online” was a huge success, which was only made possible by the dedication of the students that volunteer at Xpress Radio. The mainstream and specialist shows broadcast during this period were of a very high standard and were produced to near perfection.

Everyone at Xpress Radio should be congratulated for their hard work and dedication which resulted in fantastic radio output.

CUTV setting the standard Student media was certainly very busy throughout the month of March, as the CUTV crew provided in-depth coverage of the Students’ Union Elections.

In its first year as an online TV station, CUTV has certainly set the standards high.

For the first time ever candidates were given the opportunity to make video manifestos detailing why Cardiff students should vote for them. Throughout the nine-day campaign period the CUTV cameras hardly stopped rolling.

The TV station made its first live broadcast during the election period when it aired the Candidates’ Question Time. This first broadcast was not without its technical difficulties, but the glitches were overcome in time for the election results.

On the day of the count, CUTV ran a six hour live show from outside the election counting room which was a huge success.

Over the last month, both CUTV and Xpress radio have taken on ambitious projects which have been rewarded with great successes, confirming their valuable roles in representing and entertaining students.

Those involved with the practical execution of these projects should therefore be congratulated for their vision and commitment to their roles.

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

Show me the money David Irving casts his eye over sponsored degrees and asks: do we sacrifice the love of learning for financial gain?

Y

ou do seem to be a grumpy lot, don’t you? Certainly a 25% increase in student complaints (Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education in England and Wales) suggests that you are. I am not suggesting, of course, that you personally are a miserable sod, though you may well be. What is definitely the case is that someone you know is rather cantankerous and petulant.

But fear not, good people, for things are looking up for us. With some economic commentators (as opposed to Economical Commentators, which is a cut-price service used by channel Five to cover sporting occasions) predicting a 30% fall in house prices by the summer, it may well be that students won’t be the only ones with debts far in excess of their assets. I’m not saying that our misery will be negated by the general misery of the nation, but it might help.

It will certainly make me feel better.

What makes me feel better still, should you care, is that Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe will soon be offering degrees in bed-selling. Students have a long-held affinity with the bed and now a course is available that will allow them to share their passion with others (sharing a passion for beds is not, by the way, a euphemism). This makes me happy because it means that with so many people getting degrees now, I can at least have some cause to feel smug and superior, as all you Cardiff students can (though not UWIC, obviously).

The Government should fund university education for the good of learning, not the economy So, it turns out, we’re no more hopelessly in debt than all the thousands of homeowners who will soon be finding themselves described using that odd phrase ‘negative-equity’, and our indebtedness is at least for a greater purpose than learning how to sell beds.

But if your purpose is considered great enough, you can avoid indebtedness altogether – through your student life, at least. The great purpose in question is the study of computing.

The University of Ulster, in Londonderry, is offering students £3,000 to study computing. Either this course is

Lee Macaulay Politics Tim Hewish Editorial and Opinion Chris Croissant Huw Davies Columnist Huw Davies Sport George Pawley Jack Zorab Stephen Florey

Pete Dean Scott D’Arcy Listings Josie Allchin Dan Jones Letters Emily Akers GRAB Tom Bentley Hannah Gurney Jobs and Money Jess Best Science &

IMAGE: Jake Yorath

freewords

13

so dull is induces self-harm, public riots and a weeping of pus from every orifice or computing is considered sufficiently worthy by those people who make sufficient considerations that anyone taking it should be financially rewarded.

The aim is to regenerate Londonderry by filling it with dynamic people who use words like ‘phat’ and ‘banging’, but it won’t work. It will succeed in filling Londonderry with people who have chosen a safe, sensible option. Londonderry will, therefore, be as exciting a place as Chelmsford bus station, but without all the empty cans of Stella.

With one university encouraging people to take a useless degree in selling beds and another desperately trying to entice people into usefulness it is hard to know where education stands.

Is our indebtedness an investment in the hope of future earnings, or is the purpose of university education to improve the skill-base of Britain? If its purpose is the latter then shouldn’t the Londonderry scheme be more widely adopted and extended to other subjects?

Environment Sophie Cole Features James Temperton Jenny WIlliams Emma Thomas Problem Page Ted Handsome Television TV Guy TV Mariam TV Tim TV Sarah

Lonely Hearts Queenie Five Minute Fun Narelle Picture Editor Ed Salter Online Editor Paul Springett Sub Editor Graeme Porteous Proof Readers Aisling Tempany Laurel Burn

In short, shouldn’t the Government fund university education for the good of the country? The answer is no. The Government should fund university education, but for the good of learning, not the economy.

The Great Purpose in life is the study of computing With our present system of loans, students are compelled to follow degrees that have a clearly defined and profitable career waiting at their end. Just as in any investment, if you put money in you expect to get more money out at the end. Thus, more and more students are opting for Business Studies (or more appropriately: BS).

Of course, salaries are inflated in those areas where there is a shortage, and so the degrees that lead to those careers are more popular. This is all lovely, marvellous and achingly elegant and Amy Chesterfield Kieran Harwood Neil Fairbrother Azzedine Bouleghlimat Contributors Emma Jones, Emma Barlow, Oliver Lewis, Aimen Chouchane, Portia Nicholson, Jonathan Evans, Sian Symons, Nick

gorgeous, but it’s too damn sensible.

We can’t have people studying things because it’s good for the economy.

People should study things because they have an enthusiasm for them, not because it makes financial sense. If we all start doing things because they make financial sense, everyone will holiday in Sarajevo because you get more for your money there than in Nantes.

My apologies for being such a ponce, but I’m forced to quote Oscar Wilde, who said, “It is a very sad thing that nowadays there is so little useless information.” – a sentiment with which I concur. We need people to study stupid things in order to make the world a little less ordered and predictable. But financial considerations are narrowing our field of scholarly enquiry. So, Mr. Brown, I beg you: fund our uselessness before we all buy Kias, call our children Colin (yes, all of them) and start wearing grey jogging trousers. Money can buy all but two things: poverty and culture.

Park, Ruth Smith, Ceri Isfryn, David Irving, Lloyd Griffiths, Ted Shiress, Rhiannon Doe, Alexsandra Klosinska, Amy Hall, Emma Button, Kate Warren, Rachel McWhinney, Joe Bonney, Dean Discombe, Harry Gates, Henry Wil-

liams, Lauran Grew, Richard Jeffries, Alex, Wilson, Adam Gasson, Jake Yorath Address University Union, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3QN Web www.gairrhydd.com Email info@gairrhydd.com Advertising 02920 781 474

14 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Gordon Saves the Queen

Lloyd Griffiths looks at the nature of national identity in Gordon Brown’s Britain and thinks a cup of tea would cut the nonsense out

A

s a country, we are constantly obsessed with our own national identity. We become dotty at the idea of people invading our glorious little island, become headless chickens at the World Cup and just go plain mental at the Last Night of the Proms.

But whereas this kind of awkward silliness is part of what makes our country so unique, Lord Goldsmith’s equally insane attempts to get pupils to swear an oath to the Queen, plus proposals for a ‘Britishness Day’, marks a new low in attempts to tell us how we should see our identity.

Lord Goldsmith left the Government seat of Attorney General in June, and is delivering his report to Gordon Brown in an attempt to “mark that passage of being a student of citizenship to a citizen in practice”.

nationalist politics that seem more at home in the 1940s and `50s.

Some wise words came last year from Rev Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, who said that although it was “important to establish an idea of Britishness”, it shouldn’t be a series of blank and fixed concepts.

He said: “Those great concepts have to be embodied in the community, so we are looking for ways we can engage with one another.” He believed this would prevent people forming “cartoon images” of each other.

This Government seems determined to turn into your meddling gran

You can’t force people to swear allegiance to the Queen He wants all pupils leaving school to swear an allegiance of citizenship to the Queen, among other measures. He added: “It does make sense to promote a sense of shared belonging, a sense that you are part of a community with a common venture, to integrate better newcomers to our society and be clearer about what the rights and responsibilities are.”

This has come on the back of numerous Government ‘debates’ about the nature of our national identity. The debate normally consists of Gordon Brown frothing at the mouth shouting “BE BRITISH!” while asking confused immigrants if they know where the Queen was born.

Last year, scouts were told they would no longer swear allegiance to the Queen. Far from being ‘inclusive’ or representing our multicultural society, it was the latest in a number of attempts by the Government to recreate our national identity. But the scouts have a deep history of swearing allegiance to Queen and country, something that has been done since the start of the 20th century, and it is part of their history.

This Government seems to be determined to turn into something like your meddling grandma – determined to tell you what to do, misinformed and longing for past times when ‘these foreigners’ weren’t around. And along with all

this, it seems that the Government may be in danger of falling into my awful ageist stereotype and taken seriously less and less.

A ‘Britishness’ day marks a new low I desperately hope we can avoid the kind of empty constitutionalism that the U.S. ‘enjoys’, where any dissent or questioning is turned by Fox News into ‘not loving the country’ and racist fundamentalists and gun-toting idiots can argue that it’s OK to have a gun under

the pillow or to hate Muslims because the Bill of Rights said they ‘have the right to’.

Equally, you can’t force people across the board to swear allegiance to the Queen on the half-hearted premise of ‘social cohesion’, especially when, on the other hand of the same issue of ‘Britishness’, this embarrassing, jingoistic rhetoric justifies the view that immigrants or even those not of the ‘middle England’ persuasion somehow spoil what it means to be British. I think the most marked reaction to Gordon Brown’s continued campaign has been a collective shrugging of the shoulders, because it seems such a throwback to

You’ve been Tango-ed

He added: “Many people are very proud of being Scottish or Welsh, as well as being Catholics and Muslims.”

Therein lies the problem. People are proud of these identities, as they should be, but Britishness is a false concept that doesn’t exist, and trying to tell us we are really British is condescending and annoying. Brown and Goldsmith could, of course, be attempting to promote a sense of collective identity for a country which seems to be taken over by individualism (much thanks to Gordon’s rampant economic privatisation and continuation of Thatcherism) and I don’t see anything wrong with that at all.

But the heart of the problem surely lies with social issues such as poverty, lack of education and community cohesion – things the Government can have a far more positive effect on if they stop to think. Personally, if we have to swear an oath or celebrate something about Britishness at all, can’t we all just have a nice cup of tea?

Lucy Thackray looks at the rising problem of ‘tanorexia’

A

13-year-old boy recently sustained severe burns from visiting a tanning salon three times in one day.

I laughed when I heard this story: cruel perhaps, but somewhere between Kieron Saunders’ mother describing his post-solarium appearance as “like Baloo the bear” and the name of the salon being ‘Sun Kissed’, it all started to reek of April Fools’. Sadly, it turned out to be genuine stupidity, combined with some seriously negligent salon staffing, and the Kentucky fried teenager is a very real reminder of the ‘harmless’ sunbed tan.

Using a sunbed is not sunbath ing.

Sunbathing is lying on a beach somewhere, or out in your garden, in the warm summer breeze, soaking

up some vitamin D (usually with the appropriate SPF involved somewhere).

Going on a sunbed is voluntarily grilling yourself. Even more bizarrely, this self-cookery takes place in the style of one of those George Foreman grills, where it cooks you evenly either side. As you may have noticed from your grilled salmon or chicken fillet, the result may not be a healthy glow.

Dermatologists and doctors alike are starting to discourage even sunbathing (yes, even in Britain) and the recommended SPF seems to shoot up and every year the dangers of skin cancer become clearer and more worrying.

About 65,000 cases of skin cancer are reported in the UK each year, with 2,000 proving fatal.

Sunbed use can also prove addictive

in our Paris Hilton culture. Dubbed Tanorexia by the media (cute, but I’m not sure the passion for being Tangoed on a high heat can really be associated with severe psychological disorders), many are concerned by the pressure on pasty British teens to be tanned and glowing all year round.

Sunbed use can be addictive in our Paris Hilton culture In the case of Kieron Saunders, his brush with bronzing will probably become one of those embarrassing teenage stories, and he’ll learn to up the SPF and stay away from the sa-

lon. However, in my experience it is women of university age and above who are most guilty of sunbed-loving.

There is a particularly disturbing myth among us (not perpetrated by glossy magazines or celebrities, I might add) that a few quick sessions pre-holiday will prepare and even protect your skin from the eventual sun exposure. Many salons describe this service as a ‘preholiday boost’. The staggering thing is, this ‘boost’ is obviously just starting the UV damage earlier, at closer range, in an intense time period. I don’t claim any dermatological expertise, but the science is pretty basic when it comes to frying your cells.

Women, and, increasingly, young gym-obsessed men, want to be tanned, bleached and silicone-enhanced in their

younger years, without any real thought about the repercussions in decades to come. Skin grafts, radiotherapy and chemotherapy aren’t quite the luxury ‘treatments’ of the salon of aficionado, but they are procedures sunbed addicts may well have to face if they continue to court melanoma.

We are an image-obsessed culture, but big deal. Spend that money on a facial or a new pair of shoes by all means, but regularly jeopardising your future health to look a little more orange can easily be avoided. The only way you could roast yourself more thoroughly would be to inhale some sort of searing-hot gas on a regular basis, and cook from the inside.

What a crazy notion that would be.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Dousing the flame

Cardiff student, Matthew Morgan writes from San Francisco about the Olympic torch relay and learns that there is more to the debate than meets the eye

T

A little more history and understanding on either side could surely improve the marchers’ attitude San Francisco has one of the largest Chinese Diasporas in the world, and it felt odd that they were subject to such hostility, even xenophobia in some that I talked to. Furthermore, as I found, the issue is far from clear-cut.

The Chinese state is a long way from innocent: its record and current practices in human rights and the promotion of freedom is detestable – a ‘How To’ book for oppressive government – not to mention its support for the incumbent regime in Darfur.

However, Tibet was not a prosperous free republic prior to its absorption by the People’s Republic of China in 1951. Before Chinese rule, the land

?Xm\ fg`e`fe Ni`k\ fg`e`fe I\X[ fg`e`fe `e ^X`i i_p[[

IMAGE: Matthew Morgan

he San Francisco leg of the Olympic torch relay took place amidst fierce controversy last Wednesday. In order to bypass an expected violent clash between the pro-China and pro-Tibet demonstrators, the organisers used a very effective sleight-of-hand ploy, launching the run with a reserve torch from the other side of the city, far from the massive crowds.

Being there among the approximately 10,000-strong throng, I was enthused in one sense by seeing the spirit of protest alive and well, at least in this city.

However, there was also a sense of misinformed passion and an oversimplified dualism on both sides of the line: black and white, China and Tibet.

Being there just as an observer and feeling ill-equipped to take an informed position, I didn’t rally on either side, but decided to look into the matter for myself. San Francisco is something of an American anomaly: politically informed, active and liberal in the main.

There was much, though, that I felt out of place in the protest. A number of demonstrators took up the call against a few young Chinese students with an Olympic flag – “You support China: just go home!” – and it seemed that for many of those in ‘Free Tibet’ T-shirts the line between the Chinese state and party and an innocent citizen displaying some national pride was blurred.

population.

Chinese authorities, in return, fired ‘warning’ shots into a large peaceful demonstration in the capital, Lhasa (reports of police severity and civilian casualties vary). James Mill, a writer for Wall Street Journal, reported seeing not an angry expression of independence and sovereignty but “calculated targeted violence against an ethnic group” focused especially on Han Chinese and Muslim segments of the population.

This is not to implicate the majority of Tibetans in the violence, but a fraction of the more bellicose demonstrators. Even so, and even if this violence was misdirected but not unprovoked – China has a record of torture and suppression as extensive in Tibet as elsewhere – it appears to be a rather serious omission from the theme of the protests.

Tibet was not a prosperous free republic prior to its absorption

SAN FRAN PROTESTORS: Showing signs of flagging was dominated by monasteries and aristocratic families, the vast majority of the population being desperately poor serfs.

Between 1950 and 2000 life expectancy has almost doubled, GDP has increased thirty-fold and infant mortality has dropped from 43% to 0.7%. Granted, some of these can be attributed to the general progress of technology, but

after the Cultural Revolution). Despite all of this, I hold that Tibet deserves its independence as more than an ‘autonomous region’ of China given its heritage and population. But it is not just a question of culture or sovereignty; it is an issue of economics. China supports the infrastructure and provides the crucial tourist industry.

Another complicating factor is the

There was a sense of misinformed passion and an oversimplified dualism Tibet also enjoys the second-highest wage of any Chinese province and thousands of miles of roads where before there were none.

China has even invested large sums in cultural rejuvenation projects in Tibetan language and literature (though of course much has been lost forever

nature of the Tibetan unrest, which brought their plight to the fore so close to the Olympics. Tibetan demonstrations beginning on March 10 (the anniversary of the 1959 Tibet uprising) had, by the 14th, escalated to an orgy of looting, burning and violence largely directed against the non-Tibetan ethnic

Personally, I believe the protests are a positive expression of the world’s exasperation with China’s conduct. For all my misgivings about the level of comprehension of the issue among the activists who stood off under Frisco’s iconic ferry building on Wednesday, in reality, there is only so much space on a placard and it’s difficult to fit clauses into a potent chant. However, a little more history and understanding on either side could surely improve the attitude of the marchers, where violence and mob mentality, however well intentioned, is a present danger.

Standing there in a mass of flowery hippies, click-clacking photographers, gruff gay men with loudspeakers and the hard gold stars of the Chinese flag whipping me in the face, I felt I needed an opinion, but one I could be more sure of than a slogan. As the great loud crowds moved angrily into each other along Embarcadero street, bouncing a shout of “One China!” and “Free Tibet!” back and forth, though, two things struck me: the hundreds of little Chinese children patiently waiting for a famous flame that would never arrive, and the oddly vociferous reaction against the Olympics being held in Beijing from people that are rather attached to having their shoes come from there.

It really is that simple!

E-mail today opinion@gairrhydd.com

15

OPINION Cardiff, Disability and Me Ted Shiress takes a hit from the bong

R

ight, then, let’s discuss weed. Yes, you read that right: weed, wacky baccy, cannabis, dope or whatever you wish to call it. Everybody knows it is illegal and using drugs of any description is a definite wrong; however, although it is taboo, like casual sex, one should also realise it has always been a part of student life.

This time, I was determined that my cerebral palsy would not leave me to feel I was at a disadvantage.

There was one night I was with some good friends, and yes, shit happened – quite literally.

Obviously, it would be an extreme faux pas for me, a Union executive and a columnist in such a wonderful paper, to advocate the use of illegal drugs and I am not doing so. But it was an intriguing experience and I can see there could be arguments posed for its medicinal qualities.

Unfortunately, I cannot be sure of its effects since I was drinking too; however, I do not recall a time when I was so relaxed and co-ordinated. My close acquaintances are familiar with the blissfully-named act of ‘spacking-out’ – a term coined by an old group of friends with Cerebral Palsy.

This is basically spasticated startling. In the human brain there is a bit in charge of saying, “JUMP!” when startled, but there is also a bit in charge of saying, “Yeah, but keep your hair on, it ain’t gonna kill yer, for ferk’s sake!”. However, in most cases of Cerebral Palsy the latter part is damaged – explaining the immense joy many get from shouting “BOO!” from behind me.

That night, I found I was not startling in such a way. Perhaps even more impressive was my left hand. This usually spends its time screwed up in an awkward tight position, struggling to keep still. Obviously I won’t claim I was playing bass clefs of Mozart symphonies in quadruple-time (alas, I only managed double-time), but it was just so relaxed. It seemed to stay down by my side in a very loose state. At one point in the evening my friend even got me to pick up a wine glass with this hand. This, I actually managed!

However, before we start celebrating a success, I must reiterate a few things: firstly, I was tired and had had a fair amount to drink, and this could easily have caused a lapse in my tenseness.

Plus, I do in fact have fluctuating muscle tone, in that sometimes – especially when tired – my tenseness decreases. Nonetheless, I am writing this when I should be in bed, I currently feel incredibly tired, and I am struggling to mime the act of picking a glass up. An interesting experience, I will say.

16 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

R a S P U T I N Chekh it out

amazing novel though it is, I know I have a better chance of contracting syphilis from the Pope. But so what?

Students will plug their favourite book so forcefully that you’re somehow in the wrong for never having heard of it. If you read all the books that people said would “change your life”, you wouldn’t have a life to change because you’d have spent it reading. It’s a Humanities phenomenon, largely. You won’t hear many stoned Economics students at parties saying, “Seriously, man, read Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, it’ll blow your mind.”

The fact is, some books aren’t for everyone. That’s the problem with these ‘101 Books To Read Before You Die’ lists (other than their morbidity). It’s all very well saying Chekhov is one of the all-time greats, but his books won’t get the casual reader panting in excitement.

Nothing happens. Ever. The only suspense comes from wondering when it’s going to end. And I bloody love it. I’m not saying that for kudos – who would?

– but because I genuinely love reading Chekhov. I wouldn’t recommend him to anyone though.

“T

here’s a nasty word going around called ‘should’.

People say you ‘should’ do this; you ‘should’ do that. Let me tell you: you don’t have to do anything they tell you to. There’s no ‘should’ about it. Do whatever you want to do. OK? Be groovy.”

Those were the last words my ALevel English Literature teacher spoke to our class. He was, as you can probably tell, an absolute tosser. Seriously, he wore bow-ties to school, incessantly preached about how much better Eastern Europe is than England (even though he’s English and only once travelled further east than Strasbourg), and he named his son Otto. But for all its pomposity, popularity-seeking “fuck the system, man” values and inexplicable use of the word “groovy”, his little valedictory speech was right about his own subject – books. You should read whatever the hell you like.

Some books just aren’t for everyone

Don’t read a book hating every moment but thinking you should make it to the end At university, you have to wade your way through a lot of books you have absolutely no desire to read. It’s a result of the University & Government Literature Initiative (UGLI). You see, any writer needs a readership, just as any drunk needs an audience (ask yourself: if a person gets drunk and nobody’s there to see him, does he sing at the top of his voice?). Published books need to sell; if they don’t, they get pulped, ala Alan Partridge’s ironically-titled autobiography, Bouncing Back. Fewer people read nowadays, meaning that fewer books are sold and so more are pulped. Pulping books costs money,

CHEKHOV: That’s about as much movement as you’ll get out of him which, due to the persuasive force of pulpers’ infamously strong trade unions, comes out of the Government’s pocket. The Government, reluctant to spend, comes to an agreement with universities, who agree to run courses with these books on the reading list provided the Government doesn’t knock down their buildings to build a block of flats.

Everyone’s a winner. Hence, The Complete Works of Kriss Akabusi finds itself on compulsory reading lists and on the shelves of university libraries.

This is all true.

Diamonds in the dust

B

eing in Cardiff makes me wonder a few things. Does Cardiff Castle look anorexic when it isn’t surrounded by scaffolding? Who would win: a seagull or five pigeons? And who’s been writing on my car?

DDGAs, or Dust & Dirt Graffiti Artists, can be found anywhere where dust and dirt thrives, ready to pounce on an opportunity. Vehicles are most popular, and the sight of a mucky white van stirs them like moths to a dirty flame, but you can also see their work on windows, kitchen appliances and even text books (I think that’s called making a point).

Usual contributions on cars are along the lines of “CLEAN ME”, “ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE” or the old favourite, “I WISH MY GIRLFRIEND WAS THIS DIRTY.” These suggestions are, of course, shortsighted: if the owner cleans the car you can’t write on it any more, if they paint it white you’ll get paint on your hands trying and if your girlfriend was as dirty as the car you’re using to broadcast her tragic frigidity, then she’d probably use the time it takes you to write “I’M GLAD MY GIRLFRIEND IS THIS DIRTY” to screw a man with more interesting hobbies.

My car, apparently, deserves special

Some course books physically hurt, but, sadly, you need them to pass your course. What you read in your spare time, then, if you’re not so sick and tired of reading that the sight of a book makes you burst into tears and/or twitch convulsively, should be enjoyable; a bit of light relief. It should be something you want to read.

So don’t listen to anybody who says, “You have to read this book.” You don’t have to read it. You don’t have to read anything. I would love everyone to read James Joyce’s Ulysses, but, profoundly treatment, for in the dirt on the bonnet is written: AD VITAM ETERNUM That is easily the most bizarre legend I’ve ever seen adorning a dirty car.

I’m still trying to work out who could have written it. A well-educated chav?

A time-travelling Roman troublemaker? A student with a weird sense of humour and a poor sense of Latin?

Research suggests ‘ad vitam aeternam’ means ‘forever’ (please correct me if I’m wrong), which, in context of where and how it was written, doesn’t make much sense to me. Maybe I’m not philosophical enough.

Still, what kind of smart-arse vandals live in Cathays, exactly? When my wing-mirror gets kicked off – which will happen – I half-expect to

Whatever you do, don’t read a book hating every moment but thinking you should make it to the end. That’s not what reading’s about. And don’t worry that you ‘just don’t understand’; that you’re thick; that you’re ‘wrong’.

Some legendary works are simply crap.

Heart of Darkness may be a ‘classic’, but – the horror! – it ain’t half dull.

If you like a book, read it. If you don’t, don’t. There’s no point wasting time with a book you’re struggling to read, let alone enjoy. I’m not saying don’t try something difficult – they’re often the most rewarding – but if you’ve tried and tried and you just can’t stand it, stop. It’ll only make you hate reading.

So give Chekhov a go, and if after 30 pages you’re giving yourself papercuts through sheer boredom, leave it and read something you like. He won’t be offended. He’s dead. find it in the boot of my car with a note attached saying, “It’s a metaphor” (I don’t get it either).

Who has been writing on my car?

I actually love DDGAs – they’re infinitely preferable to Cardiff’s wiper-snapping whippersnappers – and I love their work on my car. I just wish they could either dumb it down for me or leave an explanatory footnote in the dust on my tyre hubs.

There’s only one thing you can conclude from all this, and that’s that a seagull would win comfortably because at the end of the day, seagulls are absolute nutters.

Lover of the Russian queen

Corey Haim?

(With thanks to Corey Haim and The Thrills) ow don’t you believe me.

Can’t you see that I’m full of lies? Oh, something... something once pure.

I came to the city to build a mountain of envy and to marry a Kennedy.

So let’s stay out tonight – I just can’t stop it. I just can’t stop it.

Ooh! Girl, I say: Ooh! Whatever happened, my friend?

Ooh! Girl, I say: Ooh! Whatever happened, my friend, to Corey Haim?

So if I betray you, I won’t be first; you won’t be the last...oh, something...something once pure.

N

Ooh! Girl, I say: Ooh! On Paramount Pictures, I’m Andy Warhol with other peers.

Hey, has-beens! I’m the American dream!

So let’s stay out tonight – you see, I just can’t stop it. I just can’t stop it.

Ooh! Girl, I say: Ooh! Whatever happened, my friend?

Ooh! Girl, I say: Ooh! Whatever happened, my friend?

Yeah! Corey Haim! Haim! Haim!

Haim!

So put on that dress tonight – you see, we just can’t stop it. We just can’t stop it.

Ooh! Hey girl, I said: Ooh! Whatever happened, my friend, to Corey Haim?

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

17

LETTERS

LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM

letters@gairrhydd.com Mis-Guided Decisions Dear gair rhydd, I wanted to write in about the lack of advice and help that goes into the decision of whether to do a dissertation or not.

Whilst this may not be an issue for every student at university, as most courses give you the choice of whether to do a dissertation or not, I think it is important as we are meant to be one of the top universities in the UK. I am in my third year and am currently doing my dissertation, which to be honest is going OK. Yes, it’s a lot of work to do. Yes, it takes a lot of commitment.

Yes, it’s a bit scary just how much of the degree is riding on it, but I think it will be worthwhile in terms of showing what you are capable of as a student.

What I didn’t like, however, was the lack of guidance I received as to whether to take one or not. It is a large amount of work, and sessions should be tailored to individual people, and their needs. If you need to work full-time, or find it hard to motivate yourself, students should be given more advice in terms of the other modules they could pick.

However, some Masters courses also require that you have done a dissertation - again something that was never mentioned to me. I don’t plan on doing a masters in the near future, so this isn’t a major issue for me, but if there is little effect to my degree grade, I probably would have preferred not to take a dissertation as it leaves very little time for your other modules.

I don’t want to put people off. Anything you study at university is very worthwhile. I just think students need a lot more guidance and advice that is individual to them, and not the simple stock answers.

James Steven

Graduation interrogation Dear gair rhydd, I am writing in to complain about the ridiculous restrictions for guests on Graduation day.

I have been allotted two tickets for my family, which is only enough for my mum and dad (who HATE each other by the way) to come along and pretend that they like each other for 2 hours. I’ll probably be mediating between the two of them by the end of the night before they slump off to their rooms in Talybont halls of residence.

Because of these restrictions, my grandparents, my step-families, my godfather AND my disabled brother will all be missing the defining moment of my life.

Meanwhile, the University seems to think it’s acceptable to usher through the school of chemistry, the school of healthcare studies, the welsh school of pharmacy, the school of medicine AND the school of postgraduate medical and

dental education all in ONE DAY. Exactly how can they justify this shocking assembly line procedure? Is this really what we get for umpteen thousands of pounds worth of tuition fees? A nod to the vice chancellor and a handful of soggy sandwiches in the main building, or whatever dismal venue they’ve decided to squash the graduates and their estranged parents into?

Yes, I can understand it if the University feels the need to give some fruity little English literature graduate and their puny three year degree (what’s that? You’re going to be a teacher?) a crappy little pre-school awards ceremony, but I’ve paid more and contributed more to this university and, by god, I deserve more.

What do I expect? For a start, the chance to take my family to the awards ceremony, who by the way have invested a lot of money into making me a medic, and deserve to see this thing through. Secondly, I don’t want a McCeremony for a McDegree. I want a flamboyant, vibrant affair that more accurately reflects the prestige of Cardiff University, and at the very least includes a decent meal and a proper pat on the back from the University, before it unceremoniously dumps us out into the real world.

Piers Thompson

More graduation complaints

word every term.

It’s really irritating to have to change our passwords so frequently, and I often have trouble remembering them.

Most annoying of all is that you can’t replace your passwords with ones you’ve used before, meaning that you have to come up with more and more words to remember.

Can’t you lobby to fix this or something?

Thanks, Sally Brown

mous organisation and it should stay that way, and I feel that as the next generation we should be leading the way on green issues.

If only the University could follow the example set by our Students’ Union, and actually demonstrate some kind of concrete commitment to the environment, I feel that our status as a visionary, leading University would be assured.

A commitment to environmental issues ultimately benefits the environment, but it also helps to foster a better image of the Union and the University.

Phil White

Go Green: great

Spring Study Space? No chance

Dear gair rhydd, I feel that the Students’ Union deserves to be applauded for its continuing commitment to green issues.

I have often despaired at the apathy of the student body and even questioned the prevailing political allegiance of students, wondering whether they really are as forward thinking and radical as they used to be.

However, the support for the motions put forward at student council, reported on in the last issue, has refreshed my belief in the power of the student body to effect change.

The Students’ Union is an autono-

Dear gair rhydd, I don’t really like getting angry.

I’m quite amicable, usually. I’m just a placid, affable third year who likes to get on quietly with his dissertation.

But if there’s one thing that’s giving me a bee in my bonnet at the moment, it’s the ridiculous lack of study space in the University.

Today I went to the Arts & Social Studies library to work. It was full. I went to the Main building. It was also full. In fact, it was not until I arrived

at the Bute library that I found a single computer that was free for me to do my work.

This is a completely unacceptable state of affairs. The University must be able to provide enough study space for its students. If it can’t, it needs to build more. Why has the University invested in the brand new Optometry building when it doesn’t even have enough facilities for its current students?

Every single year the same problem happens, and every year the University seems to shrug its shoulders and just invest in things that doubtless look fantastic on their CV, but don’t provide much for current students - like the new Optometry building, for example.

Why can’t the University invest in the facilities its students need? Our facilities are groaning under the weight of the ever-increasing numbers of students each year, from the overcrowded Park Place gym to the overcrowded timetables and lecture theatre crisis.

Why is it that to solve their problems they instead turn to the Students’ Union, and hijack our Great Hall by putting a lecture theatre in it, effectively ruining it for three days a week?

That’s three days we can’t use for any events, all because the University is too incompetent to manage itself properly.

Rob Salter

Dear gair rhydd, I am writing to inform you of the unfair arrangements for graduation day.

I’d just like to make it clear that the event seems quite well organised and the details that we have received are pretty comprehensive.

However, I have noticed one glaring inconsistency in the proceedings.

My housemate, whose graduation day is on a different day to mine, is getting a post-ceremony reception in the main building. Mine’s in the Aberconway referctory, which is, frankly, a bit crap.

To top it all off, my other housemate, whose graduation is in the afternoon, isn’t getting any kind of reception.

I know this might all seem a bit trivial, but it’s hardly fair, is it? Surely they didn’t think we wouldn’t notice?

There’s no mention of these differences whatsoever on the website, which is also a bit naughty.

I just thought it was important to let students know.

Sarah Farmer

Library Password Woes Dear gair rhydd, I can’t believe that the University library makes us change our pass-

Stressed Out? Exam time is fast approaching but don’t let stress take over.

Extra pressure may feel overwhelming.

ARC advisers are available for a friendly chat if you need a break.

Manage stress and take care of yourself!

The Arc is located on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union. We are open weekdays, 9.30am-4pm.

Email: advice@cardiff.ac.uk

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

19

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

MADE IN CHINA

As politicians worldwide hesitate over how best to make an action statement against China’s human rights record, Emma Thomas considers the best way to go about this

G

rabbing the Olympic Torch out of the hands of a Blue Peter presenter may be an effective way of catching the media’s attention, but I don’t think it will have much of an effect on China.

As opening ceremonial events begin to gather speed for the Beijing Olympics, all eyes are on China.

Whilst China claims it is becoming more open to improvements in basic human rights, Chinese authorities continue to jail dissenters in Tibet.

With media attention drawn to the Olympic game host, worldwide anger at China’s human rights record is gaining worldwide momentum, with Olympic fever providing the platform for exposure.

The group ‘Friends of Tibet’ have called for more definitive action to make a political statement: a boycott. Undoubtedly, it seems that economical statements seem the most direct action to get attention.

Money is the real superpower, and perhaps the practical key to global democracy. But what does it really mean for you to cast your pound and to cast your vote?

Last year 88% of recorded toy sales in the UK were made in China. This domination extends to other industries, new technologies in particular.

It’s not surprising then, that the average student bag is probably a collection of Chinese exports. I-Pod...made in China, Umbrella..made in China, I don’t need to look any further than my bag itself has a subtly hidden label admitting ‘Made in China’.

So should my conscience walk me straight home to empty my wardrobe of such ‘unethical possessions’? Unless Cardiff is ready for me to walk the streets of Cathays naked, then I think not!

In the UK there is no law to require that consumer products are labelled with their country of production. This makes it hard for you to know exactly where your product originates from, not least how much the workers were paid.

To confuse matters, products may be labelled with a country of origin yet

may contain components from other countries. This brings the question of how we could possibly conduct a complete boycott of Chinese products if we don’t know what we are buying.

For example, should we all refuse to print out our essays on a university printer because they contain Chinese components?

Even in an ideal world where consumer products become labelled with their origin, we still don’t know the full conditions of their production.

Maybe the solution is making ethi-

Money is the real superpower, the practical key to global democracy

cal labels compulsory. As much as I was unhappy when my supermarket started putting the calorie count of my favourite indulgence foods on the front of the packet, I’m sure my ethical guilt would pay more attention to warnings than my waistline guilt currently ignores.

Price is one of the key indicators of whether a product is made in China.

As those against the proposed boycott have stated, China has made a considerable contribution to maintaining the unstable world economy through pro-

viding cheap labour and products. But consequently, this leaves willing boycotters strapped for cash. Admittedly, the student loan goes a lot further when buying from China than when boycotting cheap Chinese products.

Dalha Tsering of the ‘Tibetan Community in Britain’ admits boycotting Chinese products is not easy, “I avoid buying things made in China but it is difficult because the price is very, very different”.

So what if a boycott isn’t the best means to making a political state-

China has contributed to maintaining the world economy providing cheap labour

ment? Perhaps boycotters should recognise that the short term affects of the boycott may only effect the lowly paid workers of Chinese producers. If product sales drop, rise in unemployment within the production sector is the first natural consequence. How, if at all, is it possible to override this automatic commercial reaction in order to establish the changes we really want the protest to achieve?

Despite the danger of affecting the wrong demographic group, perhaps the boycott is also overestimating its potential power of influence. Understandably, if all consumers boycotted Chinese products, then commercial interest would lead Chinese authorities make changes to human rights issues, but for this to take effect, large importers who use Chinese factories would need to participate in the boycott.

Unfortunately, big companies in the West recognise Chinese production as good for business, and cheap labour has a stronger appeal than consideration of the country’s human rights record.

A boycott led from the purse strings of a minority of consumers may have little effect.

To avoid China in the globalised trade system requires the support of big powers. Without this global commerical support, perhaps we should look instead to constructive engagement as the most promising means of political persuasion.

China is too large a producer to be impacted upon by the boycott actions of a minority of consumers. The current dilemma is whether a boycott is our only route to hit the country where it hurts? As with any commercial beast, to the most painful injury would be making a serious dent in the gross profits of the eastern mega power. But where is the support?

For information on which products are made which are made in China visit: www.made-in-china.com.

20 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

POLITICS Welsh Politics

D

avid Davies MP swapped the political arena of ‘Punch and Judy politics’ to fight a different opponent in the squared circle of boxing.

The challenger was Britain’s only openly gay boxer, Charles Jones and the fight took place in London’s Cityboxer gym. Davies himself is a formidable fighter outside politics, as when not representing Monmouth he works as a Special Constable and took up boxing.

The fight was billed humorously as the ‘Rufty Tufty’ versus ‘The Tory Tornado’ and it was the Tornado who proved victorious after three rounds of fighting, winning on points.

After the fight, Davies boasted: “I think I had the first round, the second was a draw and in the third they were almost going to stop it…I definitely had the better of him, though he’s a lot more experienced than me.”

Quizzed on whether this is one of many, Davis remained coy over a next opponent claiming that boxing was merely a hobby of his.

As for the cloud of homophobia that has been attached to Davis in the past, having resigned from the Assembly’s Equal Opportunities Committee after ministers objected to comments on gay issues, he responded claiming they were wrong: “I’ve stood up for homosexual rights against Muslim extremists, I just don’t like political correctness.”

Davies’ extra curricular activities coupled with Lembit Opik’s showbiz lifestyle, gives Welsh politics much needed glamour and even surpasses the more dour demeanour of the current Westminster leader.

C

ommunism struck back in the heart of Wales this week, despite it collapsing under the rubble of the Berlin Wall 17 years ago.

This occurred courtesy of Clive Griffiths, who defected from Labour, who as a result stood for the Communist Party of Britain and was subsequently re-elected unopposed. This feat means that Griffiths is Wales’ first communist elected to public office since 1970.

Mr. Griffiths said that he left Labour due to its stance over Iraq and his convictions made his Labour place untenable saying: “It’s clear to me that the party has moved so far away from socialism, that there is no point staying in if you are a socialist..”

He went further adding: “The fact our society is built on major inequality and that a very small percentage of people own the vast majority of wealth is to me grossly unfair.”

With the upcoming local elections on May 1st, could we be witnessing a Communist ascendancy? The Communist Party is fielding eight candidates this May and Griffiths believes “Winning would send out a powerful message that would be picked up loud and clear…we have in Wales a Young Communist League that is campaigning for genuine socialism. We are on the way back.”

POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

Zimbabwe grinds to a halt

Rhiannon Doe looks at the growing turmoil in Zimbabwe and how the people are suffering

Z

imbabwe’s political future currently hangs in the balance as the dispute over results of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on March 29 continue.

Current President, Robert Mugabe of the ruling Zanu-PF party faced a multi-party opposition with two main candidates, Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and Mugabe’s former finance minister, Simba Makoni.

The problems all began after a delay in publishing the results of the Presidential elections, which as this story is being written, still have yet to be published almost three weeks on.

The legislative elections were not favourable to Zanu-PF as it lost a number of seats in the parliament and became a minority, 97 seats to the MDC‘s 99, as well as a smaller MDC faction winning 10 seats.

The figures were just as worrying for Zanu-PF in the Senate as they were awarded an equal number of seats (30) to the combined opposition.

Indications were given by independent sources, that in the case of a presidential run-off and the need for a second round of voting, that it was to be narrowed down to two candidates, Mugabe and Tsvangirai.

The delay in publishing these results

caused increasing unrest. This was made worse by calls from Zanu-PF for a partial recount of the legislative elections due to take place on April 19, seen by many as another way to try and influence the results and which was initially refused by the leading opposition.

Since the elections Tsvingirai’s MDC party has made several calls for the release of the results, including an official petition to the court in Harare calling for immediate action by the Zimbabwean electoral commission.

The electoral commission itself has claimed that it is unable to publish the official results until the recount has been completed, a statement which the high court has supported.

In an attempt to move things forward the opposition under Tsvingirai

called for a national strike on April 15 as a sign to the government that things needed to change.

However, shops and businesses appeared to be open as normal, due, at least, in part to the government’s announcement that the police would react strongly and fast to any sign of unrest, and the fact that hyper-inflation means people can not afford a day without work.

The government has claimed that the opposition MDC has been “agitating violence” by calling for the strike. But what is it that has made this election so fiercely contested compared to previous elections?

It was principally the fact that for the first time in many years the opposition parties were allowed to campaign in the

rural areas of the country, which have been a long-time Zanu-PF stronghold following the redistribution by force of white farmers’ land in 2000.

This redistribution and subsequent violence following the defeat of Mugabe’s constitutional referendum by Tsvingirai’s MDC, which had included many contestable subjects such as greater immunity for State officials, was taken by Mugabe as a personal snub and remains a source of conflict.

The permission for the opposition to campaign was seen as a sign of progress.

However, human rights violations in Zimbabwe remain a problem and have long been the subject of criticism from the international community with the redistribution of the white farmers’ land being one of the most publicised violations.

Coupled with the violent suppression of an MDC demonstration in March 2007 in which Tsvingirai and 49 of his supporters were severely beaten by police.

So, if Mugabe is to be ousted from power by the MDC, what can we expect of Zimbabwe’s future?

In a country with one of the lowest life expectancies on the planet and a desperate economic outlook, one thing’s for certain, that whoever does win power has a huge job ahead of them.

Third Time Lucky for Silvio Aleksandra Klosinska Politial Correspondent

T

o the concern of the European political elites, Silvio Berlusconi has swept back to the power in the last week’s Italian elections.

After two years outside the cabinet, one of the Europe’s most notorious politicians and media tycoon believed to be Italy’s richest man, acknowledged for his extravagant sense of humour is back in the office for the third time.

42% of the Italian voters gave Berlusconi’s Freedom Folk movement strong majority, which means that unlike few years ago, his right wing party will not need the support of the moderated Union of Christian and Centre Democrats (UDC).

The new government is going to be the most right wing since 1994. The defeat of Berlusconi’s opponent Walter Veltroni, leader of centre-left Democratic Party (PD), often referred to as “Italian Obama” because of his main slogan “Si può fare” (almost direct translation of Obama’s) “Yes we can”, was a punishment for the lack of support for the previous government.

The last administration led by Romano Prodi, had to resign owing to the insufficient majority in the Senate, which made passing any proposals virtually impossible.

The central issue of the campaign was Italy’s ailing economy that has not grown in the past 10 years. Will Silvio Berlusconi, who once compared himself to Jesus Christ, be able to revive

WHILE RULING ITALY SILVIO ALSO OWNS AC MILAN it? Although he claims that, “With the extremists gone...we can get to work modernising this country.”

One frustrated voter in the town of Sorrento publicly tore and ate his ballot paper It seems surprising that he does not consider the Northern League, the ultra xenophobic party that is part of his coalition, as being extremist.

Despite being famous for his political incorrectness he has proved for the third time that Italians are willing to trust him.

When he told a young woman on TV that the best solution to her financial

problems was to marry his son, the centre-left was appalled, but the woman said she would still cast her vote for Mr. Berlusconi.

Political scientist Giovanni Sartori is not surprised with the result: “Veltroni’s campaign was boring and vague, while Berlusconi is a very skilful actor who controls the media. What is surprising is that the centre-left allowed him to control the media”.

What most troubles Mr.Berlusconi’s opponents is his power in the business and media world. The ‘new-old’ prime minister still faces two trials for alleged corruption and he controls three TV stations.

Political commentator Beppe Severgnini says: “It’s time for him to give something up. He has to see that this dual role as prime minister and controller of commercial TV is not acceptable,

not in a Western democracy. But I don’t see him doing that. I just can’t see the leopard changing his spots”.

Italian public has been disillusioned with politics for a long time. One of the frustrated voters in the town of Sorrento publicly tore and ate his ballot paper and later said: “What future are we preparing for our children? Who should I have voted for? Something has to change, we’re heading towards ruin”.

In order to stop Italy falling into this “ruin” Mr.Berlusconi has a hard task ahead of him. He says his most urgent priorities will be restoring the future of state-controlled Alitalia airlines and resolving the garbage crisis in Naples.

His plan to fix the struggling economy where average wage is half of the Britain’s, includes cutting taxes and reducing the public debt. What seems to be the most common argument amongst his critics is that he failed to do it during his last term.

However, Mr. Berlusconi declares that this government will be different from his previous one and “This time it will be less theatrical”.

The next few years will show whether Mr. Berlusconi, known as Il Cavaliere, meaning ‘The Knight’, is who he claims he is: “In a word, irreplaceable”.

For the first time since the Second World War Italian Parliament will be divided between two main groups.

After voting in second general election in two years and 62nd in the last 63 years the question that remains open is whether it will bring stability to turbulent Italian politics.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

21

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT

SCIENCE@gairrhydd.COM

Introducing: FREEGANSIM Amy Hall reviews the controversial lifestyle of a Freegan and its possible place in student life

A

dvertising is everywhere, we are constantly being encouraged to “buy buy buy”. We are instructed to discard our old goods and replace them with new ones. However, this can have a detrimental effect on the environment and the people in it. Masses of energy are consumed, and pollution emitted, by producing these goods.

Freeganism is a movement trying to combat this system Freeganism partly stems from a realisation that boycotting unethical corporations is not enough to combat materialistic society. No matter what we buy we end up buying something that, at some level of production, has been involved in abuse of the earth and human and animal rights. Freegans try to purchase as little as possible and, when they do, they try to buy second hand to reduce the consumerism impact.

In Britian we waste a third of food.

Often the produce that is discarded can be eaten for up to a week after it is disposed Freeganism is a lifestyle promoting community and social concern. By sharing, they try to boycott an economic system based on profit, reducing impact on the world by living as simply as possible, recycling and sharing resources.

Freeganism is also a political challenge to the amount we waste, especially when millions of people do not have access to basic necessities. FareShare (fareshare.org.uk) is a British organisation which attempts to rectify this disparity in the world. They work with food businesses to reduce waste and make sure that food that can be eaten is redistributed and consumed.

Unlike the extremely religious Freegan family represented a few months back on Channel 4’s Wife Swap, the Freegan lifestyle is not fundamentally based on religion and many

Freegans do have ‘normal’ jobs, despite what was depicted on the programme.

Having many basic necessities accounted for by their lifestyle, some more dedicated Freegans find that they can afford to work on a more part time basis and thus can devote more time to their families and community. Often, Freegans are associated with political and environmental activists and or volunteers.

One of the things Freegans are most known for is ‘dumpster diving’ or ‘urban foraging’. This is done from the bins of shops, offices, restaurantsanywhere where there are useful goods being thrown away.

In the United Kingdom we waste a third of our food, with supermarkets being one of the biggest culprits. It is renowned that the majority, if not all, of these corporate giants, throw masses of packaged food away every day. This food is usually perfectly fine to eat for as long as up to a week after its disposal. The reason these quantities are discarded is due to strict, and quite ridiculous, health and safety regulations within company policies.

University student Rachel is a regular ‘dumpster diver’, she admits that her “experiences began as an experimental semi-joke. But, after our first successful ‘mission’ it became clear we had struck upon something rather marvellous!” She has almost managed to live off completely foraged food for three months. “By capitalising on the hideous amount of gorgeous tasting ‘waste’ that supermarkets throw away we are engaging in an activity that is environmental, ecological, fun and free”.

However, the legality of ‘dumpster diving’ is a grey area. Many supermarkets keep their bins over walls and could, in theory, charge ‘divers’ for trespassing. Still, companies are often reluctant to press charges for, ultimately, the reduction of their waste.

It is commonly acknowledged within Freegan communities that supermarkets are particularly embarrassed about the amount of edible food they are wasting. Where their legal concerns do lie however, are in being sued by individuals who have contracted illness from the disposed food. So much so many of these businesses have begun

deliberately spoiling the food before it is thrown away; there are even rumours that food is sometimes sprayed with harmful chemicals.

Freegans, in principle, recycle as much as possible. It is in their ethic to compost and repair broken things and use sustainable transport where possible. Freecycle.org is a site where you can find fellow Freegans advertising unwanted goods in your town. This can range from TVs to beds to children’s clothes. However, everything must be offered for free. Services such as these can help to reduce landfill and the energy wasted in the construction of new items. Cardiff has a particularly active and successful group.

The Freegans who do have cars have made sure that they have converted their engines to use more sustainable fuel. In some cases this has been vegetable oil from restaurants; this not only reduces industrial waste, but can

Freegan car owners convert their engines to use more sustainable fuel, reducing industrial waste and emissions

also help combat the emitting of harmful greenhouse gases.

Freegans also promote home grown food and herbal medicine. They reject the purchase of fruit and vegetables that have imported and packaged, as these processes have caused harm to the environment on several levels. It is fair to say that a large majority of society has lost touch with the benefits of nature.

Freegans are, quite simply, trying to rekindle this connection through home growing and wild foraging.

Food Not Bombs (foodnotbombs. net) is another organisation supporting the Freegan message. They are a worldwide volunteer group who have been established for over 25 years, and recover food that would otherwise have been thrown away. From these supplies they produce hot vegetarian meals and offer them at gigs, protests and during natural disasters. (Delete as appropriate) Freeganism is just one way of finding a more sustainable lifestyle. There are many people who would not call themselves Freegans who are still adopting parts of the lifestyle to try and be more environmentally friendly. All students love a freebie though and Freeganism could be a way of combining that love with a more environmentally friendly outlook.

To find out more go to freegan.org. uk.

TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR INNER FREEGAN Wear gloves, bin digging can be a bit grim.

If any packaging looks open then leave it behind. There’s plenty more!

Be careful with things like meat and fish.

Take large bags.

Cycle to your diving location for less of an environmental impact.

Don’t be greedy, make sure you share.

Puffy packaging could mean a build up of bacteria so leave it behind!

Always keep the area where the bins are tidy, you are more likely to be ‘allowed’ back in the future.

Recycle packaging as much as possible.

Customer Service Reps Ref: 063

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. £5.52 p/h

Student Media Manager Ref: 065

A magazine distributor and student marketing company require a student media manager for duties to include visiting student union shops to check that their magazine titles are in place and marketing their service to other students. You must be enthusiastic and reliable! Flexible, to start September 2008. £7 p/h

Tutors Ref: 064

A voluntary group that provides educational support for disadvantaged pupils is looking for tutors to support pupils learning in their homework clubs. You must have A-Levels, or equivalent, and either hold an undergraduate degree or be studying towards one. £7 p/h

Membership Recruiter Ref: 058

A Welsh wildlife organisation is looking for people to recruit members via a very ‘soft sell’ door to door approach, involving a friendly attitude at all times. You will also be responsible for all the associated admin and organisation.

You must have an appreciation of environmental issues and excellent communication skills. £5.52 p/h

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

JOBS

JOBS@gairrhydd.COM

The Best of Both Worlds

Trying to decide between work and travel? Former Cardiff student Emma Button explains why you don’t have to choose with a Working Holiday Visa.

A

fter University I had no clue what I wanted to do.

I had just studied for three years to get my law degree and even though I enjoyed it, after three years I had had enough.

So I decided to take a year off from making any decisions. The shop that I worked in part-time through uni asked me if I wanted a full time contract. I agreed and then decided to do a retail management course.

At first this was exciting. I had some responsibilities and had to go to London for training every month.

However, I soon became bored and knew that retail was for me. After my

their best to find you something.

I then applied for a job with the Ministry of Social Development of the New Zealand Government.

I worked on a new project that introduced a discount/savers card for old age pensioners.

I stayed at the Ministry for seven months altogether on rolling contracts.

It was really interesting to experience first hand the mechanics of a busy government department.

It wasn’t all just work, work, work. I went on trips to Sydney and travelled to cities around the North Island.

New Zealand is a beautiful country and I really miss living in Wellington.

New Zealand offers loads of opportunities to people on Working Holidays, from fruit picking to office jobs.

I managed to do some work that I never would have thought about here in the UK. It was an invaluable experience and now I feel that I can do anything.

I now work for an emigration advice company, and I set up the Working Holiday Visa department.

I spend every day getting Visas for people who want to travel to Australia and New Zealand and helping them out with other things such as insurance, jobs and accommodation for when they get there.

The worst thing for me is the envy, because I know how amazing my clients experiences are going to be.

For more information on Working Holiday Visas, go to www.emigratingexpert.com, or visit your local STA.

It wasn’t all work, work, work. I went on trips to Sydney and travelled around the North Island year out I was even less motivated than I was after I finished uni.

I knew that I had to do something to get myself out of the rather large rut I had worked myself into.

I had heard about Working Holiday Visas whch let you go to Australia or New Zealand to live and work, and thought this might be the change I needed.

So I decided to go to New Zealand.

After I made the decision to go I felt 100% better, and six months later I was on a plane.

Luckily, I had family to stay with so I didn’t have to worry about accommodation. However, flats and rooms to rent are quite cheap so it’s definately possible without family connections.

I’m not really the “travelling” kind of girl and I really just wanted to get some work experience in the big wide world.

I lived in Wellington for 12 months.

As the capital of New Zealand, Wellington has lots of employment opportunities.

The only stipulation of the Working Holiday Visa is that you must take on temporary contracts.

The first job that I had was to work for a road construction company.

I was an assistant to an engineer and had to go out to sites and complete the administration for a City Council tender.

I learnt more about roads and road surfacing than I care to admit. This lasted for a couple of months but the friendships I made are still going strong.

After this I worked for a temping agency. This is really good for people who want some flexibility.

I had some jobs that lasted for a couple of weeks, others for just a day. If the agency knows that you are looking for something longer term they will try

23

Working Visa Requirements s s s s s

Must be aged between 18 and 30 Be in good health Good character i.e. no criminal convictions Not have held a Working Holiday Visa before for your chosen destination.

Must have sufficient funds for your stay, which will be around £2000.

The Cost of a Working Visa Australia

•

s £145 for a 12 month Working Holiday Visa, includes Government Visa charge. s This visa will allow you to enter within 12 months of the visa being granted. s Once in Australia you can leave and re-enter as much as you like while the visa is still valid. s You can work in Australia for up to 6 months at a time with any one employer.

New Zealand s £98 for a 12 month Working Holiday Visa includes Government Visa charge. s This visa will allow you to enter within 12 months of the Visa being granted. Once in New Zealand you can leave and re-enter as much as you like while the visa is still valid. s You can work in seasonal or temporary contracts only.

Graduate

T

homas Nelson, 23, graduated with a degree in Building Surveying & Construction Management in 2007. He now works on a graduate scheme for a property developer.

What is your full job title?

Graduate trainee for Homes Ltd.

Shanly

Where are you based?

Leatherhead, Surrey.

Briefly describe what your job involves e.g. day-to-day responsibilities.

Shanly Homes Ltd is a residential property developer.

The office I work from builds new homes all over the South East.

I am on a one-year training scheme where I will be spending four-months in three different departments: Quantity Surveying, Land Buying and Site Management.

If possible I would also like to gain some experience in Sustainable Construction and Sales.

Presently my day-to-day responsibilities include sending out enquiries to sub-contractors, for example, carpenters or steelworkers for works we require at each development.

Then when the prices come back from different companies I do a price comparison.

Once it has been discussed with the surveyors and the director I place the order.

However, the advantage of a graduate scheme is it gives variety of opportunities and is a perfect chance to make a good impression on the whole company.

What is the best/worst thing about your job?

The best thing is the variety provided by the grad scheme. And also being able to get out of the office a few times a week for site meetings etc.

The worst thing is definately paperwork.

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

There are many different fields within the property and construction industries.

If you’re interested in the industry you will probably already know this, but speak to as many people as you can, and do as much research into the different roles as you have patience for.

Go in with an open mind and expect to be at the bottom of the food chain.

Volunteer for everything you have time for and be thorough with anything you do.

Do you know anyone who has graduated recently? If you do, e-mail us at jobs@ gairrhydd.com

gairrhydd

EBRILL.21.2008 TAF-OD@gairrhydd.COM

Pêl droed Cymru Gwilym Dwyfor Golygydd Taf-od

M

ae’n debyg i chi sylwi bellach ei bod hi wedi bod yn dipyn o dymor i bêl droed Cymru. Ar wahân i dymor erchrydus Wrecsam mae hi wedi bod yn flwyddyn llwyddiannus i’r gêm yng Nghymru. Bydd llygaid pob Cymro sydd ag unrhyw fath o ddiddordeb yn y bêl gron ar Wembley mewn mis pan y bydd yr Adar Gleision yn herio Portmouth yn ffeinal cwpan yr F. A. Gan gofio hefyd eu bod wedi gwneud yn eithaf da yn y gynghrair, mae hi wedi bod yn dymor da i’r prifddinasyddion. Mae’r arch elyn, Abertawe wedi cael tymor gwell os rhywbeth wrth iddynt sicrhau dyrchafiad i bencampwriaeth Coca Cola. Cawn edrych ymlaen at gemau darbi diddorol iawn y tymor nesaf felly, gyda dau o dimau Cymru’n herio’u gilydd ar y llwyfan mwyaf ond un yn nghynghreiriau Lloegr.

(Oni bai bod Caerdydd yn ennill dyrchafiad hefyd wrth gwrs!).

Mae’r dyfodol yn edrych yn addawol ar lefel Genedlaethol hefyd, â’r tîm cyntaf yn parhau i wneud yn dda yn eu gemau cyfeillgar a’r tîm dan un ar hugain yn gwneud yn eithriadol o dda yn gemau rhagbrofol ar gyfer pencampwriaethau Ewrop yn Sweden yn 2009.

Maent ar frig eu gr^wp â dwy gêm yn weddill felly mae hi’n argoeli’n dda.

Wrth gwrs, oherwydd agwedd John Toshack, mae hanner y tîm cyntaf dan un ar hugain hefyd, ac mae rhai o’r tîm dan un ar hugain wedi elwa o’r profiad o chwarae ambell dro i’r tîm cyntaf.

Mae’n debyg fod hynny’n elfen bwysig yn llwyddiant y garfan.

Yr hyn fydd yn ddiddorol i’w weld, os fydd y tîm dan un ar hugain yn ei gwneud hi yr holl ffordd i Sweden, fydd pwy fydd yn chwarae yno. A fydd y chwaraewyr sydd wedi chwarae yn y gemau rhagbrofol yn cael eu gwobrwyo am eu gwaith caled neu a fydd chwaraewyr eraill yn cael eu galw yn ôl i’r tîm iau? Wedi’r cwbl, bydd Neal Eardly, Chris Gunter, a Gareth Bale i gyd dan un ar hugain pan ddaw’r awr fawr.

Cawn weld, ond mae un peth yn sicr, ymddengys o’r diwedd bod dull Toshack o reoli a’i bendantrwydd i

Ymddengys o’r diwedd bod dull Toshack o reoli yn dechrau dwyn ffrwyth.

gadw at hynny, ac agwedd amyneddgar y cefnogwyr yn dechrau dwyn ffrwyth.

Ond os yw Cymru yn wirioneddol yn meddwl am ddod yn dîm rhyngwladol cystadleuol yn erbyn timau gwell na Lwcsenbwrg mae’n rhaid cynnwys ambell i chwaraewr mwy profiadol.

Mae’n dda iawn gweld yr hogiau ifanc yn gwneud yn dda, ond mae’n rhwystredig iawn weithiau gweld cymaint o chwaraewyr da, mwy profiadol, yn cael eu hanwybyddu gan Toshack.

Chwaraewyr uwch gynghrair fel Danny Collins, John Oster, a Robbie Savage ac eraill fel Paul Parry.

Wrth gwrs, mae rhesymau gan Toshack dros esgeluso rhai o’r chwaraewyr hyn, ond oni fyddai ambell un o’r chwaraewyr hyn yn ychwanegu at y sylfaen addawol sydd ym mhêl droed Cymru ar hyn o bryd? Amser a ddengys!

Teledu Realaidd Ffion James Golygydd Taf-od

D

oes dim ond angen edrych ar y teledu nawr ac yn y man er mwyn cael blas ar yr hyn a elwir yn ‘deledu realaidd’. Mae nifer o raglenni ‘realaidd’ wedi bod ar y sgrin fach ers blynyddoedd, yn amrywio o gyfresi di-ben-draw o ‘Big Brother’ hyd at ‘I’m a Celebrity’.

Ar hyn o bryd, fel yr ydych yn siwˆ r o fod yn gwybod, mae trydedd cyfres deledu realaidd y BBC sy’n chwilio am gantorion, actorion a dawnswyr i berfformio yn y ‘West End’ yn cael ei darlledu ar nos Sadwrn ac ar nos Sul. Y rhaglen gyntaf o’i bath oedd ‘Maria’, yn chwilio am y ferch orau i chwarae’r rhan yn y sioe, yr ail gyfres yn chwilio am y ‘Joseph’ gorau, ac ar hyn o bryd, afraid dweud, chwilio am y ‘Nancy’ a’r ‘Oliver’ gorau yw eu blaenoriaeth. Ond sut, mewn gwirionedd, all rhywun alw sioeau o’r fath yn deledu realaidd? Beth yn union sy’n realaidd am ddeuddeg o ferched yn dawnsio ar hyd y llwyfan yn canu caneuon allan o’r sioe ‘Oliver’ gyda chamerâu ym mhobman ac Andrew Lloyd Webber yn gwneud ambell

TAF-OD

Y Gobaith a’r Angor Cynhyrchiad diweddaraf Theatr Bara Caws yw Y Gobaith a’r Angor gan Dylan Wyn Rees.

Daeth y daith i ben ym Mhwllheli nos Sadwrn.

Gwilym Dwyfor Golygydd Taf-od

B

Bydd sylw dilynwyr pêl droed Cymru i gyd ar Wembley ar yr 17eg o Fai

Beth sy’n realaidd am ddeuddeg o ferched yn dawnsio a chanu ac Andrew Lloyd Webber yn gwneud ambell i ystum annifyr oddi ar ei orsedd?

i ystum annifyr oddi ar ei orsedd?

Heb os, mae’r rhaglenni’n diddanu’r gynulleidfa yn ddi-baid, ond ai dyma’r ffordd gywir i fynd o’i hamgylch hi?

Hynny yw, y cyhoedd sy’n pleidleisio i arbed y ferch maent yn ei hoffi fwyaf.

Ond beth os yw’r cyhoedd yn gwneud y penderfyniad anghywir? Dywedodd y dyn ei hun, Andrew Lloyd Webber, yr wythnos diwethaf y dylai’r cyhoedd bleidleisio dros y ferch orau yn hytrach na phleidleisio dros eu gwlad. Hynny yw, ni ddylai’r cyhoedd bleidleisio dros y ferch sy’n hanu o’u gwlad. Fel y mae nifer wedi ei grybwyll eisoes, a fyddai Tara Bethan wedi mynd mor bell yn y sioe os na fyddai’r Cymry wedi plei-

dleisio drosti?

Ond, mae rhaglenni o’r fath wedi corddi mwy nag un o’r cyhoedd, ac rydw i’n bersonol yn adnabod ambell i gymeriad sy’n casáu sioeau o’r fath. Bu Kevin Spacey yn mynegi ei deimladau ynglyˆn â’r sefyllfa ar y BBC yn ddiweddar, gan awgrymu y bydd ein theatrau yn colli eu cynulleidfaoedd o ganlyniad i bwˆer y teledu. Hynny yw, nid yw Spacey yn credu bod y sioeau yma sy’n hyrwyddo digwyddiadau yn y West End yn gwneud dim lles i neb, a bod y BBC yn gwneud tro gwael a phawb o ganlyniad i hyn. Holodd Spacey ble roedd y 13 wythnos o hyrwyddo clasuron byd drama a chynyrchiadau’r actorion cyffredin?

Ond beth bynnag yw’r ddadl, ni ellir gwadu nad yw’r rhaglenni realaidd hyn sy’n cael cymaint o sylw gan y wasg, yn diddanu’r gynulleidfa o wythnos i wythnos. Nid oes elfen ddiddanol ynghlwm wrth y pwnc erbyn hyn, gan fod cymaint o feirniadu yn digwydd.

Yn hytrach, cwestiynau yngly ˆ n â moesoldeb dyn sy’n cael eu codi gan feirniaid critigol sy’n ceisio dadansoddi rhaglenni o’r fath.

Webber: Y Cymro sy’n hoff o deledu realaidd

25

u Bara Caws yng Nghaerdydd ar eu taith ond perfformiad yn Harlech yn ystod gwyliau’r Pasg a welais i. Ymgais gyntaf y dramodydd o Gaernarfon oedd y ddrama hon, ond nid oedd hynny’n amlwg o gwbl yn y ddialog slic naturiol. Drama wedi ei gosod mewn tafarn yw Y Gobaith a’r Angor ac roedd clust dda Dylan Wyn Rees wedi llwyddo i gyfleu’r tynnu coes tafarnaidd i’r dim.

Roedd y cymeriadau’n gredadwy, a byddai unrhyw un sydd wedi bod mewn tafarn ddosbarth gweithiol erioed yn adnabod y cymeriadau’n iawn!

Er bod themâu dwys fel alcoholiaeth a phroblemau personol y cymeriadau tu allan i waliau’r dafarn yn ganolog i’r ddrama, yr hiwmor tywyll oedd yn sicrhau mwynhad y gynulleidfa.

Wrth gwrs, does dim disgwyl i gwmni bach fel Bara Caws ragori a chystadlu â chwmnïau mwy mewn agweddau technegol o gynhyrchiad theatr. Wedi dweud hynny, roedd y set yn gwneud ei gwaith yn iawn, er yn syml. Dibynnu’n fwyfwy ar yr actio mae cynhyrchiad fel hwn o’r herwydd, a chafwyd perfformiadau clodwiw gan y pum actor.

Mae Gwenno Elis Hodgkins, John Glyn, Huw Lly ^r a Gwyn Vaughan Jonesi gyd yn wynebau cyfarwydd ac yn actorion profiadol, ac roedd hynny’n amlwg o’u perfformiadau, ond seren y sioe oedd Dyfrig Wyn Evans. Ef oedd yn chwarae rhan Arfon, y ieuangaf o’r locals a hogyn braidd yn ddiniwed, ond cyfaill gorau’r yfwyr eraill i gyd. Does dim diben i actorion da heb gyfarwyddo effeithiol a Maldwyn John oedd yn cadw trefn ar y cyfan y tro hwn. Mae pawb yn hen gyfarwydd a’i ddawn ef fel actor, yn enwedig actor comedi ar lwyfan a theledu. Dim syndod iddo felly gael hwyl ar gyfarwyddo’r ddrama hon ble roedd hiwmor ac amseru yn elfennau mor bwysig.

Os oedd gwendid, y diweddglo oedd hwnnw, a oedd braidd yn wan o’i gymharu â gweddill y ddrama.

Wedi dweud hynny, dyma berfformiad o safon. Ac yn bwysicach na hynny o bosib, perfformiad o ddrama wreiddiol, newydd, sydd yn fwy na ellir ei ddweud am fwyafrif o gynhyrchiadau ein Theatr Genedlaethol.

Mae’n anodd cofio cynhyrchiad diwethaf y Theatr Genedlaethol nad oedd yn ddrama dros chwarter canrif oed, yn gyfieithiad, yn addasiad neu’n ddrama hanesyddol. Pob clod i Bara Caws felly am roi llwyfan i ddrama newydd gan ddramodydd newydd.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008 TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM .

HOT

Sunshine! It’s nice isn’t it?

!TELLY! Necessity is the mother of invention

Y

ou may recall, sometime last year, the shenanigans concerning TV script writers and how they were striking for better pay rates. Well, this lead to the postponement of particular Telly favourites and one of the shows to suffer from such a delay was ‘Desperate Housewives.’ Now much later than expected, the wives of Wisteria Lane are back...much to my Wednesday TV helping’s delight! The ‘Housewives’ script writers have got over their angry outburst and are indeed back on form, delivering us with a cracking start to the fourth series, with secrets and lies aplenty.

However, being three weeks into the series I am beginning to become increasingly concerned for my health! My stress levels have reached an ultimate high as I find myself once again unable to regain my compusure when the late Mary Alice gives her little philosophy on life, signalling the end of each episode. Leaving

the viewer on such cliff-hangers each week is plain mean!

Just to update those of you who haven’t yet caught up with the current suburbia residents...

Gaby’s still fooling around with Carlos, who is still ‘engaged’ to

Edie (but is preparing to bump her off.) Susan’s been knocked up by Mike and Bree is also with child (or so her chums believe), whilst Lynette continues her battle with cancer. Yet if that wasn’t exciting enough, the

SPORT Liverpool and Chelsea have been drawn together again in the Champions League.

We have seen some pretty dire matches in the past years between these two sides, but hopefully tuesday’s encounter on ITV1 at 7:30pm will buck this trend. The fact that the first leg is at Anfield surely plays into Chelsea’s hands; the reds have picked up some lucky second leg victories in front of the Kop. Previous European ties between these two have been defined by tactical battles between Mourinho and Benitez, but obviously Grant is now in the Stamford Bridge hotseat and it will be interesting to see if the israeli attempts to outwit Benitez or simply goes gung ho for the victory.

The following day United take on Barca at

introduction of new housewife, Kathy, and gay couple, Bob and Lee, will no doubt cause a few ruptures when their true history is revealed.

Whoever thought that a programme about the secrets of a

27

TELLY

NOT

Wind It’s awful isn’t it?

simple suburban street would make for fantastic viewing?!

But it is exactly this element which makes the programme so unique and for this I applaud those hard-done-by script writers and request higher wages in their favour! Yet the critics always have something bad to say and those who blasted the sitcom as a cheap re-working of Sex and The City can most definitely begin to munch on their words, because the ratings speak for themselves. For starters, ‘Dessie Housewives’ is a much darker and sinister show than SATC, in contrast to what the pristine outward lives of the ladies suggest. I’d love to find a street that exhibits a similar sense of mystery to that of Wisteria Lane. But that’s exactly what the show implies...that we never do know exactly what goes on behind closed doors no matter how perfectly varnished they appear!

SOAPS

the Camp Nou live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD2, exciting times!

Halllloooo loverlies, I am super excited to be back delivering the soap goss. Firstly Hollyoaks is mega exciting especially with all this Beth and Rhys incest action. Seeing as Gilly exposed them they both do a runner and lo and behold there is a car crash and one of them is, dum dum dum ,dead!! Ste starts selling heroin, as you do, and somehow manages to smack Amy about at the same time.

Easr Enders is also pretty lush, Minty has to choose between Heather and Hazel. I think its rather odd that someone as ming as Minty has choices but anyway my money is on Gary. They were meant to be together and I won’t have it any other way. Stacey and Steven have mind blowing sex apparently but I seriously doubt it. I figure it was

mostly Stacey lying there bored while Steven weeps and says it has never happened before. I also imagine Taking Back Sunday playing in the background.

In Neighbours fun, Rachel and Angus’s affair is happened upon. Susan tells Angus to end it so he tells Rachel he doesn’t love her so she runs away, which is my favourite thing in the world. Nothing better than a bit of heartbreak to go with your tea.

FILM

LETHAL WEAPON 3, ITV1, FRIDAY )) Everyone’s favourite anti-Semite, Mel Gibson, is back in the third instalment of this thrilling saga of two cops fighting crime. The dynamic duo teams up with a young female cop, which of course adds some romantic complications, and attempt to expose a crooked cop. I’m sweaty at the thought.

BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II, ITV1, SATURDAY )))) In this sequel heavy week, it’s nice to have an example of a film that is a true tribute to it’s predecessor; one that fits so snugly around the original it’s a little bit of a marvel. This is sheer fun and a must see, even if it’s only to see just what they used to think the future would be like. Apparently everything should hover!

FUDGETUNNEL

AMERICAN PIE: THE WEDDING, ITV1, SATURDAY ))) Alyson Hannigan holds a soft spot with me for having been in Buffy but somehow has never done a good film. This threequel tells the tale of her wedding to Jim which brings it’s own hilarious consequences and toilet gags. Bad but not Date Movie bad.

28 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

MONDAY Waking the Dead BBC1 9.00pm

A Study in Sherlock BBC2 11.25pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

21st April Andie MacDowell’s Birthday

The Doctor Hears Voices C4 10.00pm

Jail My Child: Tonight ITV1 1.10am

Who The Big Bounce five 11.05pm

ITV 1

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Missing Live 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am To Buy or Not to Buy 11:45am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

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 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Just Shoot Me 8:30am Frasier 9:00am Frasier 9:30am Will and Grace 10:00am The OC 10:50am Smallville: Superman the Early Years

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am Put Your Money Where Your House Is 12:00pm House Doctor 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather 1:45pm Doctors 2:15pm Diagnosis Murder 3:00pm BBC News and Weather 3:05pm CBBC

1:00pm Science Clips Investigates 1:10pm Science Clips Investigates 1:20pm Primary Geography 1:30pm World Championship Snooker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

11:45am Designers Under Pressure 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Great British Brands 12:50pm Man with the Gun 2:25pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 3:25pm Countdown

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm Animal Rescue Squad 3:05pm Five News Update 3:10pm Mary Higgins Clark: The Cradle Will Fall

5:00pm Goldenballs

4:15pm Deal or No Deal 5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:25pm Party Election Broadcast by Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm Wales This Week 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Taggart

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: CCTV Nation 8:00pm Immigration: The Inconvenient Truth

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Monkey Life 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm How Do They Do It? 8:00pm The Gadget Show

9:00pm A Time Team Special: The Lost Dock of Liverpool

9:00pm Paul Merton in China

5:15pm The Weakest Link

and

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm Watchdog 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm EastEnders 8:30pm Panorama 9:00pm Waking the Dead

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Great British Menu 7:00pm World Championship Snooker 8:00pm University Challenge - the Professionals 8:30pm Wainwright’s Walks

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:33pm BBC Weather 10:35pm Welsh Greats: Sir Geraint Evans 11:05pm Meet the Immigrants 11:35pm Inside Sport 12:15am The Deep 2:15am Springwatch Weatherview 2:20am Panorama 2:50am Sign Zone: Am I Normal?

3:50am Sign Zone: To Buy or Not to Buy

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

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:35pm Pale Rider

10:00pm The Doctor Who Hears Voices

10:00pm Dom Joly’s Complainers

11:20pm Party Election Broadcast by Plaid Cymru 11:25pm A Study in Sherlock 12:05am World Snooker Highlights 12:50am World Championship Snooker Extra 2:30am Joins BBC News 24

12:40am UEFA Champions League Weekly 1:10am Jail My Child: Tonight 1:35am The Rolling Stones: Shine a Light Movie Special 2:05am Loose Women 2:55am Make Me Perfect

11:20pm The Proposition 1:10am Barry Humphries: The Man Inside Dame Edna 2:10am The Business of Strangers 3:40am Strange Little Girls 3:55am Immigration: The Inconvenient Truth

11:05pm The Big Bounce 12:40am USPGA Golf 1:30am NHL Ice Hockey 4:20am A1 Grand Prix 5:10am House Doctor 5:35am Neighbours

9:00pm Am I Normal?

PICK OF THE DAY The Paul O’ Grady Show, Ch4, 5.00pm Taking over from Richard and Judy as chatshow supreme is a tough job to say the least After all it takes four feet to fill the shoes of the married couple! But one person who can rise to the mark is the legend that is Paul O’ Grady! Whoever thought that disowning the stilhettos and removing the make-up of his alter-ego Lily Savage would be a good move?! The side-splittingly funny scouse has come a long way since then, interviewing some of the world’s most recognised faces and delivering entertainment at its very best. No wonder the Channel Four bigwigs were eager to nab the show from their ITV rivals!

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

TUESDAY Deception BBC1 11.15pm

The Age of Terror BBC2 9.00pm

BBC 1

29

Benidorm ITV1 10.40pm

22nd April Earth Day

4 Music: Duffy:Video The Hound of the Exclusive Baskervilles C4 12.05am five 3.10pm

BBC 2

ITV

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Missing Live 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am To Buy or Not to Buy 11:45am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBeebies 11:10am The Battle of the River Plate 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 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Just Shoot Me 8:30am Frasier 9:00am Frasier 9:25am Will and Grace 9:55am The OC 10:50am Smallville: Superman the Early Years

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am Put Your Money Where Your House Is 12:00pm House Doctor 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather 1:45pm Doctors 2:15pm Diagnosis Murder 3:00pm BBC News and Weather 3:05pm CBBC

1:00pm The Maths Channel 1:10pm Primary Geography 1:30pm As Time Goes By 2:00pm am.pm 3:00pm World Championship Snooker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

11:45am Designers Under Pressure 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Checking Into History 12:50pm The Tall Stranger 2:20pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 3:25pm Countdown

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm Animal Rescue Squad 3:05pm Five News Update 3:10pm The Hound of the Baskervilles

5:00pm Goldenballs

4:15pm Deal or No Deal 5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:25pm Party Election Broadcast by the Welsh Conservative Party 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm UEFA Champions League Live: Liverpool v Chelsea

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: CCTV Nation 8:00pm How to Look Good Naked

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Monkey Life 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm Jaguar Adventure with Nigel Marven 8:00pm Tutankhamun - Secrets of the Boy King: Revealed 9:00pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

5:15pm The Weakest Link 6:00pm BBC News; Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast by the Welsh Conservative Party 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm EastEnders 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm Holby City 9:00pm Waking the Dead

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Great British Menu 7:00pm World Championship Snooker 8:00pm Against the Odds 8:30pm University Challenge - the Professionals 9:00pm The Age of Terror

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:33pm BBC Weather 10:35pm Ex-Forces and Homeless 11:15pm Deception 12:50am Weatherview 12:55am Sign Zone: See Hear 1:25am Sign Zone: Tiger Spy in the Jungle 2:35am Sign Zone: To Buy or Not to Buy 3:10am Sign Zone: To Buy or Not to Buy

10:00pm Later Live...

Holland 10:30pm Newsnight

9:00pm The Diets That Time Forgot

with

Jools

11:20pm Party Election Broadcast by the Welsh Conservative Party 11:25pm Mad Men 12:15am World Snooker Highlights 1:00am World Championship Snooker Extra 2:30am Joins BBC News 24

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:40pm Benidorm

10:00pm Heather Mills: What Really Happened?

10:20pm CSI: Miami

11:10pm Teenage Kicks 11:40pm Dexter 12:40am Nightwatch With Steve Scott: Crime 2:20am Loose Women 3:20am The Jeremy Kyle Show 4:10am ITV Nightscreen

11:05pm Dirty Sexy Money 12:05am 4 Music: Duffy: Video Exclusive 12:10am PartyPoker.com Premier League Poker 1:10am Bennetts British Superbike Championship

11:20pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent 12:20am The FBI Files 1:20am NBA Basketball 3:50am French Football 4:40am Football Italiano 5:10am House Doctor

PICK OF THE DAY Heather Mills: What Really Happened?, Ch4, 10.00pm How much cashing in on this situation is possible? Because Heather Mills seems unstoppable. Not satisfied with the £25million she received of Paul McCartney’s fortune, the mad woman has gone and filmed a programme explaining her side of events. Thing is, I don’t think it’s this person’s story the world is really interested in. So come on Paul...step forward and give Channel Four an even better show to broadcast! On other thoughts, do you really want to stoop as low as the woman who had a hissy fit in the courtroom when she’d just won a significant amount of your millions? I say keep your dignity Macca!

30 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

WEDNESDAY Traffic Cops BBC1 8.00pm

Great British Menu BBC2 6.30pm

BBC 1 6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Missing Live 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am To Buy or Not to Buy 11:45am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:45pm Doctors 2:15pm Diagnosis Murder 3:00pm BBC News and Weather 3:05pm CBBC

BBC 2 6:00am CBBC 10:00am In the Night Garden 10:30am What the Ancients Did for Us 11:30am am.pm

1:00pm Stand By Your Man 1:30pm Working Lunch 2:00pm Lifeline 2:10pm World Championship Snooker

5:00pm Newsround 5:15pm The Weakest Link

Never To Be Forgotten ITV1 11.05pm

Proud Parents C4 11.50am

ITV 1

Universal Soldier five 10.00pm

Channel 4

6:00am GMTV 8:35am LK Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

23rd April International Day of the Book

6:10am The Hoobs 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 8:00am US Sitcoms 10:00am The OC 10:55am Smallville 11:50am Proud Parents 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Checking Into Claridge’s 12:50pm They Rode West and

Five

History:

6:00am Kid’s TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am Put Your Money Where Your House Is 12:00pm House Doctor 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

2:20pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm Rough Guide to Weekend Breaks 3:05pm Five News Update 3:10pm The Bookfair Murders

5:00pm Goldenballs

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News; Weather 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm Street Doctor 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm Traffic Cops

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Great British Menu 7:00pm World Championship Snooker 8:00pm Natural World 8:50pm Wild

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:25pm Party Election Broadcast 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm The Bill: R.I.P P.I.

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: CCTV Nation 8:00pm Property Ladder

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Monkey Life 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm It Pays to Watch 8:00pm Megastructures

9:00pm The Apprentice

9:00pm Dan Cruickshank’s Adventures in Architecture

9:00pm Rock Rivals

9:00pm Child Genius

9:00pm James Bond: The True Story

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

10:00pm The Apprentice: You’re Fired 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:35pm Welsh In The West End 11:05pm Never To Be Forgotten

10:00pm Desperate Housewives

10:00pm Universal Soldier

11:10pm Aliyah - The Journey Home 11:40pm Working Girl 1:30am Weatherview 1:35am Sign Zone: Seaside Rescue 2:05am Meet the Immigrants 2:35am Sign Zone: An Island Parish 3:05am Sign Zone: To Buy or Not to Buy

11:20pm Party Election Broadcast 11:25pm Desi DNA 11:55pm World Snooker Highlights 12:40am World Championship Snooker Extra 2:30am Joins BBC News 24 4:00am GCSE Bitesize Revision

11:35pm Unsigned 12:05am Nightwatch with Steve Scott 12:55am Quincy, ME 1:50am Loose Women 2:40am The Jeremy Kyle Show 3:35am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

11:05pm Heather Mills: What Really Happened?

12:05am What About Me 12:40am 4 Music:The Nokia Green Room 1:05am Bremner, Bird and Fortune 2:05am Stargate SG-1

12:00am PartyPoker.com European Open IV 1:30am Major League Baseball 4:20am Supercross World Championship 5:10am House Doctor 5:35am Neighbours

PICK OF THE DAY The Apprentice, BBC1, 9.00pm The Beeb shunted Torchwood to make way for ego’s fighting it out for the dubious position of Sir Alan’s apprentice. This is a showcase for the finest methods of bitching and backstabbing as used by the greatest salespeople in the UK who have to go on TV to find work. I wouldn’t hire any of the remaining contestants now my favourite has been fired but there is still plenty of entertainment to be gained from “Ginger Bitch” and delightfully posh Rafe.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

THURSDAY Bargain Hunt BBC1 12.15pm

Megamaths BBC2 10.50am BBC 2

BBC 1

A Very Exotic Vet ITV1 10.35pm ITV 1

31

24th April Kelly Clarkson’s Birthday

Strictly Baby Fight Club C4 9.00pm

Murder 101 five 3.10pm

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Missing Live 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am To Buy or Not to Buy 11:45am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBBC 10:00am In the Night Garden 10:30am Primary History 10:50am Megamaths 11:10am Landmarks 11:30am KS1 Science Clips 11:50am Hands Up! 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Working Lunch

6:00am GMTV 8:35am LK Today 9:25am The Jeremy Kyle Show 10:30am This Morning 11:10am ITV News 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

6:10am The Hoobs 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am US Sitcoms 9:55am The OC 10:50am Smallville 11:45am Proud Parents 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Proud Parents 12:45pm The Train Robbers

6:00am Kid’s TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am Put Your Money Where Your House Is 12:00pm House Doctor 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:45pm Doctors 2:15pm Diagnosis Murder 3:00pm BBC News and Weather 3:05pm CBBC

1:00pm Open Gardens 1:30pm World Championship Snooker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

2:20pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm Animal Rescue Squad 3:05pm Five News Update 3:10pm Murder 101

5:00pm Goldenballs

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

5:00pm Newsround 5:15pm The Weakest Link

6:00pm BBC News; Weather 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm EastEnders 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm Holby Blue

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Great British Menu 7:00pm World Championship Snooker 8:00pm The Best of Top Gear

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:25pm Party Election Broadcast 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Waterworld 8:00pm The Bill: City Slickers

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: CCTV Nation 8:00pm Come Dine with Me

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Monkey Life 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm Rough Guide to Mountains 8:00pm I Own Britain’s Best Home

9:00pm Crimewatch

9:00pm Heroes 9:50pm Heroes Unmasked

9:00pm Britain’s Rich List: Giving it Away

9:00pm Strictly Baby Fight Club

9:00pm House

10:00pm BBC News; Regional News 10:35pm Crimewatch Update 10:45pm Dragon’s Eye

10:00pm The Graham Norton Show 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:35pm A Very Exotic Vet

10:00pm My Name Is Earl 10:30pm Big Bang Theory

10:00pm Grey’s Anatomy 11:00pm A Girl’s Guide to 21st Century Sex

11:15pm Question Time 12:15am This Week 1:00am Holiday Weather 1:05am Johnny’s New Kingdom 1:35am World of Albert Kahn 2:05am Bill Oddie’s Wild Side 2:35am To Buy or Not to Buy

11:20pm Party Election Broadcast 11:25pm Ideal 11:55pm World Championship Snooker 2:30am Joins BBC News 24 4:00am GCSE Bitesize Revision: Spanish

11:05pm Sharp End 11:35pm Unsigned 12:05am The Baron 1:00am Burn Hollywood Burn 1:25am UEFA Cup Highlights 2:20am Loose Women 3:10am The Jeremy Kyle Show

11:00pm The Human Spider 12:00am 4Music Presents... The Kooks 12:35am Gogol Bordello 12:50am Portishead in Portishead 1:35am The Law of the Playground 2:00am School Disco 2:10am King of the Hill

11:45pm Quiz Call 4:00am Football Argentina 4:20am Major League Soccer 4:45am Dutch Football 5:10am House Doctor 5:35am Neighbours

PICK OF THE DAY Heroes, BBC2, 9.00pm With time Heroes’ once ground-breaking concept has become tired; even the huge showdown at the end of the last season felt weirdly anti-climactic to me. With the second season there was always hope Heroes would return with a fresh new direction. It didn’t. Heroes is as smug as ever with more crappy accents and added self-importance; even the lovely Kristen Bell fails to satisfy in her potentially sexy role. I can hear the fanboys disagreeing from here.

32 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

FRIDAY Malice BBC1 11.40pm

The Way Things Work BBC2 10.45am

BBC 1

BBC 2

25th April A Normal Day

Extension Tension ITV1 8.00pm

ITV 1

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Missing Live 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am To Buy or Not to Buy 11:45am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt 1:00pm BBC News; Weather 1:30pm Wales Today; Weather

6:00am CBeebies 10:00am In the Night Garden 10:30am Magic Key 10:45am The Way Things Work 11:00am The Way Things Work 11:15am Tales from Europe 11:30am Watch 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 11:15am ITV Wales News and Weather 11:20am This Morning 12:30pm Loose Women

1:45pm Doctors 2:15pm Diagnosis Murder 3:00pm BBC News and Weather 3:05pm CBBC 4:10pm The Basil Brush Show 4:35pm The Slammer

1:30pm World Championship Snooker

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm Dickinson’s Real Deal 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

5:00pm Newsround 5:15pm The Weakest Link

6:00pm BBC News and Weather 6:30pm Wales Today; Weather 6:55pm Party Election Broadcast 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm My Family 8:00pm EastEnders 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm Belonging 9:30pm Have I Got News for You 10:00pm BBC News; Regional News 10:25pm Wales Today; Weather 10:33pm BBC Weather 10:35pm Friday Night with Jonathan Ross

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Great British Menu 7:00pm World Championship Snooker 8:00pm Gardeners’ World

11:35pm National Lottery EuroMillions Draw 11:40pm Malice 1:20am Weatherview 1:25am Sign Zone: Dan Cruickshank’s Adventures in Architecture 2:25am Sign Zone: Natural World 3:15am Joins BBC News 24

11:00pm Newsnight Review 11:35pm Party Election Broadcast by the Welsh Liberal Democrats 11:40pm Later...with Jools Holland 12:40am World Snooker Highlights 1:25am World Championship Snooker Extra 3:00am Star Trek: The Next Generation

9:00pm Stephen Fry and the Gutenberg Press 10:00pm Sport Wales 10:30pm Newsnight

Smallville C4 10.55am

The Man Who Lives With Bears five 8.00pm

Channel 4

Five

6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Just Shoot Me 8:30am Frasier 9:30am Will and Grace 10:00am The OC 10:55am Smallville 11:50am Science Scams 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm A Place in the Sun 1:00pm Channel 4 Racing 2:05pm Comanche Station 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am Put Your Money Where Your House Is 12:00pm House Doctor 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

5:00pm Goldenballs

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:25pm Party Election Broadcast 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm Extension Tension: Tonight 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Benidorm 9:30pm Teenage Kicks 10:00pm Lethal Weapon 3 11:00pm The Late News and Weather

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:35pm Unreported World 8:00pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Monkey Life 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm Animal Rescue Squad 8:00pm The Man Who Lives with Bears

9:00pm Dirty Sexy Money

9:00pm NCIS

10:00pm Friday Night Project

10:00pm Shark

11:40pm Lethal Weapon 3 12:50am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Emergency 1:40am The Cutting Edge 3:20am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

11:05pm Balls of Steel 11:55pm Big Bang Theory 12:25am 4 Music:Dizzee does South by South West 12:55am 4 Music:JD Set Presents The Kissaway Trail 1:10am 4 Music:4Play: One Night Only 1:25am 4 Music:Rockfeedback

11:00pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit 12:00am Quiz Call 5:10am House Doctor 5:35am Neighbours

PICK OF THE DAY Teenage Kicks, ITV1, 9.30pm Are teenage dreams so hard to beat/ Everytime she walks down the street/ Another girl in the neighbourhood/ Wish she was mine, she looks so good/ I wanna hold her wanna hold her tight/ Get teenage kicks right through the night/ I’m gonna call her on the telephone/ Have her over cos I’m all alone /I need excitement/ oh i need it bad/ And its the best/ I’ve ever had/ I wanna hold her/ wanna hold her tight/ Get teenage kicks right through the night/ I wanna hold her wanna hold her tight/ Get teenage kicks..

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm Animal Rescue Squad 3:15pm Jane Doe: Till Death Do Us Part

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

SATURDAY The Evil That Men Do BBC1 7.05pm

Mad Men BBC2 3.05am

BBC 1

BBC 2

American Pie: The Wedding ITV1 10.05pm ITV 1

6:00am Breakfast 10:00am Saturday Kitchen 11:30am Great British Menu 12:00pm BBC News; Weather 12:10pm Football Focus

6:00am CBeebies 8:30am CBBC 11:45am Sportsround 12:00pm Falcon Beach 12:45pm Falcon Beach

6:00am CITV 9:25am CITV:Supernormal 9:40am CITV:Tricky Quickies 9:45am Coronation Street Omnibus 12:00pm ITV News and Weather 12:05pm ITV Wales News and Weather 12:10pm F1: Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying

1:00pm World Championship Snooker 4:30pm Wales on Saturday

1:30pm The Surgery 1:50pm Sound 2:20pm Notorious 4:00pm Monk 4:45pm World Championship Snooker

2:30pm TV’s Funniest Music Moments 3:30pm Back to the Future Part II 4:30pm ITV Wales News and Weather 4:45pm ITV News and Weather 4:55pm ITV Weather 5:00pm Back to the Future Part II

5:20pm BBC News 5:33pm Wales Today; Weather 5:40pm The Kids Are All Right

26th April Intellectual Property Day

In Your Dreams C4 4.15am

True CSI five11.45 pm

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Kids TV 7:00am Goalissimo!

8:00am The Morning Line 8:50am T4:Beauty and the Geek 9:50am T4:The Nokia Green Room 10:20am T4:Shipwrecked 2008: Battle of the Islands 11:25am T4:Shipwrecked 2008 Special 11:55am Friends 12:30pm T4:Shipwrecked 2008: The Hutcam Diaries 1:00pm T4:Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious 2:00pm Channel 4 Racing from Sandown Park and Ripon 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

6:00am Kids TV 8:25am Little Princess 8:45am Hana’s Helpline 9:00am The Funky Valley Show 9:15am Gerald McBoing Boing 9:45am Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10:00am Football Italiano Highlights 10:45am The Family Recipe 10:50am Neighbours

5:00pm Jamie at Home 5:30pm Come Dine with Me

5:55pm The Magnificent Seven Ride!

1:00pm Tarzan and the Lost City 2:30pm A Lawless Street 4:00pm To Walk with Lions

6:20pm Doctor Who 7:05pm I’d Do Anything 8:05pm The National Lottery: 1 vs 100 8:55pm Casualty

6:30pm Dad’s Army 7:00pm World Championship Snooker

6:05pm Animals Do The Funniest Things 7:05pm All Star Mr and Mrs 8:05pm Britain’s Got Talent

6:35pm Channel 4 News 7:05pm Grand Designs Abroad 8:05pm ER

7:40pm Five News and Sport 7:55pm NCIS 8:50pm NCIS

9:45pm Love Soup

9:05pm Have I Got a Bit More News For You 9:45pm Comedy Map of Britain 10:45pm The Apprentice

9:05pm Pushing Daisies

9:05pm The Sum of All Fears

9:45pm CSI: NY

10:15pm BBC News 10:30pm Match of the Day

11:50pm The Evil That Men Do 1:15am Friday Night with Jonathan Ross 2:15am Weatherview 2:20am Joins BBC News

11:45pm Last Man Standing 12:40am World Snooker Highlights 1:30am World Championship Snooker Extra 3:05am Mad Men 3:55am Monk 4:35am The Crude Oasis

10:05pm American Pie: The Wedding

11:05pm ITV News and Weather 11:15pm ITV Weather 11:18pm Regional Weather 11:20pm American Pie: The Wedding 12:20am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Crime 1:10am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Crime

PICK OF THE DAY Britain’s Got Talent , ITV1, 8:05pm It’s a variety show, but with people with actual talent. Shocking! There is a lady who has a horse, not a horse, a dog and jumps through a thing and apparently that’s pretty amazing. And there’s these three girls who sing and there’s a ugly dog owner and the dogs called Jim whose balls haven’t dropped, or something. Anyway, Piers Morgan is one of the judges, which Ted Handsome suggests is ironic because he’s got no discernable talent. The prize is to perform in front of Prince Charles. What a shit prize.

33

10:45pm Law and Order

11:15pm Jimmy Carr: Live 12:20am Friday Night Project 1:20am The Honeymooners 2:50am The Final Curtain 4:15am In Your Dreams 4:25am St Elsewhere 5:15am Countdown 5:55am Inuk

11:45pm True CSI 12:45am Quiz Call 5:10am Wildlife SOS 5:35am Wildlife SOS

34 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

SUNDAY I’ll Do Anything Heroes Results BBC2 11.35pm BBC1 7:30pm BBC 1

27th April World Graphic Design Day

Headcases ITV1 10.00pm

Sleeping With the Enemy C4 11.25pm

Alien Nation five 11.25pm

BBC 2

ITV 1

Channel 4

6:00am Breakfast 7:35am Match of the Day 9:00am The Andrew Marr Show 10:00am Sunday Life 11:00am Countryfile 12:00pm The Politics Show 12:35pm The Politics Show 12:55pm The Politics Show

6:00am Cbeebies 7:00am CBBC 10:00am Something for the Weekend 11:30am Animal Park 12:00pm Boxing

6:00am The Sunday Programme 7:25am Kids TV 10:45am Championship Goals 11:45am ITV News and Weather 11:53am ITV Weather 11:55am ITV Wales News and Weather 12:00pm F1: Spanish Grand Prix Live

6:00am Kids TV 9:30am Mist: Sheepdog Tales 9:45am Demolition Dad 10:00am The Gadget Show 11:00am My Music 12:00pm The Family Recipe 12:10pm Rear Window

1:00pm EastEnders 2:55pm Holes 4:45pm Keeping Up Appearances

1:00pm World Championship Snooker

3:05pm Britain’s Got Talent 4:05pm Pushing Daisies 4:15pm Soccer Sunday

6:00am The Treacle People 6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Trans World Sport 7:55am Adrenalin Rush 8:25am The Shooting Party 8:55am T4:Shipwrecked 2008: The Hutcam Diaries 9:30am T4:Hollyoaks Omnibus 12:00pm T4:Shipwrecked 2008: Battle of the Islands 1:10pm T4:Shipwrecked 2008 Special 1:40pm T4:The Nokia Green Room 2:15pm T4:Friends 2:50pm T4:4Music Presents... Duffy 3:20pm T4:Smallville: Superman the Early Years 4:10pm T4:The Simpsons 4:45pm Alive

5:15pm Points of View 5:30pm Songs of Praise 6:05pm BBC News; Regional News; Weather 6:30pm Seaside Rescue 7:00pm My Family 7:30pm I’d Do Anything Results 8:00pm Miss Austen Regrets

5:30pm Lemurs of Madagascar

5:15pm Down To Earth 5:45pm ITV Wales News and Weather

5:45pm Scrapheap Challenge

5:15pm Five News and Sport 5:30pm Hook

6:10pm Natural World 7:00pm World Championship Snooker

6:00pm ITV News and Weather 6:15pm All New You’ve Been Framed!

6:44pm ITV Weather 6:45pm Beat the Star 8:00pm Midsomer Murders

6:45pm Channel 4 News 7:00pm Bremner, Bird and Fortune 8:00pm Born Survivor: Bear Grylls

8:00pm Extraordinary People: World’s Smallest Kids

9:30pm The Vicar of Dibley

9:00pm Timewatch: The Hunt for U-864 9:50pm Coast: Optical Telegraph

9:00pm In Her Shoes

9:00pm The 6th Day

10:00pm BBC News; Weather 10:20pm Panorama Special

10:00pm Match of the Day 2 10:50pm The Graham Norton Show

10:00pm Headcases 10:30pm ITV News and Weather 10:45pm Melvyn Bragg’s Travels In Written Britain

11:20pm Celine Dion in Las Vegas - A New Day 12:20am Sign Zone:Waking Up in Reno 1:45am Weatherview 1:50am Sign Zone:Watchdog 2:20am Sign Zone:Holby City

11:35pm Heroes

11:45pm F1: Highlights

11:25pm Sleeping with the Enemy

11:25pm Alien Nation

Spanish

Grand

Prix

PICK OF THE DAY Pushing Daisies, ITV1, 4.05pm If you’re too busy having a social life on a Saturday night then this is the perfect time to catch the brilliant Pushing Daisies. Often described as a Marmite programme, I have yet to find anyone that doesn’t just love this show. It mixes the sugary sweet love story between Chuck and the pie-maker with fantastically dark humour in a refreshingly unique style. While so many shows struggle to fit a formula, it’s great to finally see something truly new.

Five

1:45pm Football Italiano 4:10pm James Bond: The True Story

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

35

FIVE MINUTE FUN

FMF@gairrhydd.COM

found on facebook Housemate done something stupid?

1. Log on to the book of face Send 2. Join the group ‘Found on Facebook’ more 3. Upload embarrassing photos oddities!

4. Pick up gair rhydd on Monday and laugh

Across 6. Lengthwise (7) 7. Beneath (5) 9. Footwear (4) 10. A predisposition (10) 11. Rapturous (8) 13. A herb related to chicory (6) 15. Sound of something in rapid motion (4) 17. Retains (5) 18. Hare-like rodent (4) 19. Coiffure (6) 20. Passed up (8) 23. Turning into a solution (10) 26. Anagram of “Salt” (4) 27. Hoarse (5) 28. Speech (7)

Down

1. Explorer (10) 2. Child (6) 3. Look amorously (4) 4. Incivility (8) 5. Tool used to cut wood (4) 6. Moral principle (5) 8. Get over an illness (7) 12. Blanket (5) 14. Not Republican (10) 16.

17.

21.

22.

24.

25.

Curing (7) Steal from a store (8) Panther (6) Consumed (5) A gull-like jaeger (4) Symbol (4)

competition crossword

Sudok leaves u fo page 2 r

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 is 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 wordsearch 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

APRIL.21.2008

LISTINGS

LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

This Week: its all bloody sport, sport, sport (and a littl

MUSIC

COMEDY

MONDAY MONDAY MAGIC MARKERS+MEANS HEINZ+APART @ CLWB IFOR BACH Did you know that “Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia” means Post punkers Magic Markers (signed to Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic having a fear of long words?

Peace label) rock up Welsh Club with the help of some kind baked TUESDAY bean tribute. 7.30pm. £8/£6.50 adv.

Slugs have four noses. Fact.

THE LITTLE ONES @ BARFLY - Californian indie group making sunWEDNESDAY drenched pop and off-beat indie. 7.30pm. £6.

Every year 4 people in the UK die putting their trousers on.

TUESDAY THURSDAY ADELE @ ST. DAVID’S HALL - Adele’s accent is pure Cahndan, TERROR AT 41,000 FEET: PAM ANN @ WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE but her dulcet tones are something else - fusing simple acoustic - Caroline Reid as the Aussie air stewardess of comedy who works for guitars with bluesy vocals, her music is a combinathe world’s most experienced airline... rest tion of soul, r’n’b and folk, with an old-time jazz feel. assured ‘we don’t make the same mistake 7.30pm. Check venue for details. more than three times!’ ‘Bold, sexy and SUGABABES @ CIA - Are any of the original lineup witty humour’ (Daily Telegraph). 8pm. £17. still part of the present threesome? If not, are they THURSDAY NIGHT FOOD AND COMstill the ‘real’ Sugababes? Now there’s a philosophical EDY SPECIAL: PAUL CHOWDRY+JOHN problem for you chew on. 7.30pm. £26.

WARBURTON+A GUEST COMEDIAN @ WEDNESDAY GLEE CLUB - Enjoy a choice of tasty hot SETH LAKEMAN @ SU - 2005 Mercury Music Prize main courses followed by a show featurnominee from Devon, Seth Lakeman is a dynamic ing four of the finest stand up comedians young musician and one of the fastest-rising stars on from the UK and international circuit. John the folk roots scene. Well worth a butchers. 7.30pm.

Warburton has been described, and I joke £15 avd. not, as a “Stand-up comedian and comedy DAYER+THE DANCING BULLETS+MATTHEW CARR @ writer.” You don’t say. Whereas Paul ChowBUFFALO - Consisting of Richard Egan, Guy Cooper, dry on the other hand, was described as Roger Trueman and drummer Richard Haines, Dayer a “Top London Comic”. Fabulous. 7.30pm. formed in 1996 from relics of various bands, and were £13.50 inc. food - £6 NUS without food. keen from the outset to create a unique image and FRIDAY Adele - St. David’s Hall on Tuesday sound. Just like everyone else? 8pm. £3.

LUCY PORTER @ GLEE CLUB - Diminutive THURSDAY stand-up comedian making a big name for LUCY AND THE CATERPILLAR @ BARFLY - Cute herself. Within seconds of appearing on name. 7.30pm. £5. stage, her flirty, gossipy, effervescent style FRIDAY charms everybody! She has written for THE FAMILY PRESENTS: THREATMANTICS+ALEX DINGLEY+JEN JEJohnny Vaughan, Gail Porter and Griff Rhys Jones, and starred on many NIRO @ TOMMY’S BAR - Music music music. 8pm. £4/£3 NUS. TV stand-up comedy shows. 7.45pm. £13-£7.

SATURDAY SATURDAY ONE NIGHT WITH: DAVID ESSEX @ WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE COLIN COLE+TONY LAW+JOHN RYAN+OWEN O’NEILL @ JONGLEURS The legend that is. 7.30pm. £26/£23.

- Colin Cole is one of the biggest names in Australian comedy (he’s SUNDAY 6ft 7in), who has appeared on practically every show down under.

ORTEGA+HANDS OF HATE @ BARFLY - Hands of Hate sound like a 8pm. £10 all tickets. lovely bunch of chaps, don’t they? 7.30pm. £5.

SUNDAY This column is the bane of my life.

THEATRE

MONDAY BLOOD BROTHERS @ NEW THEA Liverpool, Blood Brothers tells the arated at birth only to be re-unite haunting secret. Showing until 3 Thu & Sat. £30 - £8.50.

TUESDAY MOON WATER: CLOUD GATE DANC CENTRE - Taiwan’s leading contem Eastern and Western dance styles THURSDAY TO BE STRAIGHT WITH YOU: DV8 ally acclaimed contemporary dan DV8’s Artistic Director Lloyd New poetic but unflinching exploratio and sexuality. 7:30pm. £16 / £1 FRIDAY LAZY TOWN @ ST DAVID’S HALL this Lazy Town thing is a very stra programme about a very muscular year old girl who is always being p her from sleeping...Runs until Sun BBC NATIONAL WELSH ORCHES gramme of works by Bartók (Div 1) and Beethoven (Symphony No INFO. SATURDAY ORCHESTRAL CONCERT SERIES, OPERA @ ST DAVID’S HALL - Cont SUNDAY VIVA LA DIVA @ CIA - Contact ve

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S JAZZ SOCIETY PRESENT: KAREN SHARP CF10 27/04/08 ◆ 7.30pm. ◆ £7/£5 adv Listings Editor Josie Allchin recommends

S

o recently the sky has been blue, the sun has been gleaming, daffodils have been, um, doing whatever daffodils do and students seem to be wearing shorts and flip-flops at the first little glimmer of un-masked sun slight – this must mean only one thing, spring is in the air and it’s really rather marvellous. And the one thing that reminds me of all things summery?

Jazz. Upbeat and cheerful, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a lazy afternoon in the sunshine. (Sadly though, this event, hosted by the very fine Cardiff University Jazz Society, is in CF10 where it will most likely be dark and in the evening, but don’t let that put you off.)

Headlining will be Karen Sharp – perhaps unknown to those not familiar with the jazz scene, but to those who are she is one of the best, brightest jazz saxophonists around at the minute. As well as her solo work she is also part of her own jazz quintet, in which she plays tenor and baritone, writing the music as well as playing it.

They have headlined many jazz clubs and festivals over the past

few years – abroad and at home, including the famous Silda Jazz Festival in Norway, the Edinburgh Festival and the very exclusive Concorde Club.

Her current album, Wait and See, was released to widespread critical applause – most notably from Jazz maverick Humphrey Lyttelton, exclaiming that he “glows in the dark with the awareness that she now has one of the best sounds on the instrument to be heard on this planet.” Similar praise has been given to her live shows, which have gone from strength to strength, managing to hold the audience under her spell from start to finish. Surely she is not to be missed.

Also supporting this evening is Paul Jones, Chris O’ Conner and Mark O’ Conner - completing this evening of fine musical talent.

Even if jazz has never really been your thing, this event will be the perfect way to explore a largely overlooked genre by the music conscious student population.

Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 387421 www.cardiffstudents.com ◆ Med Club, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ◆ Clwb Ifor Bach (The Wel 02920 399939 www.clubmetropolitan.com ◆ Dempseys, Castle Street 02920 252024 ◆ Iotas, 7 Mill Lane 02920 225592 ◆ Incognito, Park Place 02920 41 www.cafejazzcardiff.com ◆ The Riverbank Hotel, Despenser Street www.riverbankjazz.co.uk ◆ St. David’s Hall, The Hayes 02920 878444 www.stdavidshallcardi uk ◆ The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ◆ The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermanthe Stadium Can’t miss it. www.millenniumstadium.com ◆ The Point, Cardiff Bay, 029 2046 0873 www.thepointcardiffbay.com ◆ Tommy’s Bar, Howard Gardens (off

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

37

LISTINGS

LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

le bit of jazz and music and society awards shennanigans)

E & ARTS

CE THEATRE @ WALES MILLENNIUM mporary dance company that blends s. 8pm. £22 - £5 plus concessions.

8 THEATRE COMPANY - Internationnce and physical theatre company, wson directs a multi-ethnic cast in a on of tolerance, intolerance, religion 14 concessions / £10 under 19s.

If my memeory serves me correctly ange show based on the childrens tv r italian man hangs around with an 8 pestered by a man who wants to stop nday. Contact venue for details.

STRA @ ST DAVID’S HALL - A provertimento and Violin Concerto No o 7). CONTACT VENUE FOR TICKET

, ORCHESTRA OF WELSH NATIONAL tact venue for ticket details.

enue for ticket details.

MONDAY FUN FACTORY @ SOLUS, SU - Cardiff’s own alternative music night.

Also features DJing by Oddsoc and bands put on by LMS. 10pm - 2am.

Free entry with NUS. £3 otherwise.

TIGER TIGER - A great night out for those who enjoy a classier place to get nice and drunk Oceana - It feels as if there’s something on every night in this blody place, lots of variety but smells a bit funny...

TUESDAY NAKED TUESDAY @ JUMPIN’ JACKS - A bit of a sausage fest and atracts some unsavory characters!

As I always say, if there was ever a night deemed suitable for quiet one, it’s a Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY VARSITY @ CARDIFF ARMS PARK/SOLUS - A great night! Lets all get together and fight people from Swansea instead of each other!

THURSDAY PHILHARMONIC - Nice if you fancy a change of scenery i.e. other than Bounce. But that is considered a cardinal sin in some circles.

BOUNCE @ WALKABOUT - Goodness gracious me!

What a place, I’m gonna miss this place when I graduate. For a bit.

OCEANA (PROBABLY) - The Cardiff club scene is in danger of falling into a monopoly if Oceana carries on like this!

FRIDAY BLOTTOED @ ST MARY’S STREET - Contrary to popular opinion it is possible to avoid seeing a fight in the centre of town on the wekend. Try the Square.

BUFFALOS - Not just for posh people!

SATURDAY ST MARY’S STREET - Aqua, The Square, La Tasca, Calcutta Club, Ifor Bach, Walkabout, Tiger Tiger, Oceana this list is almost endless.

SUNDAY FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANNA DO FOR YOURSELF FOR A CHANGE!

SOCIETIES MONDAY XPRESS RADIO AGM @ 6pm in Aneurin Bevan room - Xpress Radio will be electing the new executive committee for 2008/09. All Xpress Radio members are welcome.

TUESDAY LIVE MUSIC SOCIETY: KICKBACK @ DIRTY SUE’S BAR 7pm-11pm.

This will be the last kickback event of the year, so if you’ve not tried it out yet this year, get yourselves down to City Road and check it out.

The Live Music Society provide the instruments and the microphones so all you have to do is turn up and sing, play, drink and dance! For you footie fans out there, the Liverpool v Chelsea match will be on!

WEDNESDAY Other than a day of sporting fun, there isn’t much else to do!

THURSDAY Recover from the post-Varsity hangover FRIDAY AU AWARDS @ GREAT HALL 7.30pm.

The AU are getting all the attention this week as Friday sees them celebrate the best of Cardiff’s sporting talent at the AU Awards. Colours will be awarded to team members and categories including Club of the Year. Cardiff till I die!!!

SATURDAY SOCIETIES AWARDS @ GREAT HALL 7.30pm. For a night of celebrating the best of Cardiff’s Societies. Tickets are a very cheap £15 and includes a hot buffet, wine or soft drinks on tables (up to you) and musical acts throughout the evening.

Awards will be going to Best Society, Best Society President, Most Committed Society Member, Best Fundraiser and the People’s Choice Award to name a few of the hotly contested awards. CF10 will be an alcohol-free chillout area after the event.

Got a society event coming up? Email listings@gairrhydd.com

VARSITY: CARDIFF VS. SWANSEA CARDIFF ARMS PARK 23/04/08 ◆ 7.30pm. ◆ £8 (£10 inc. t-shirt) Listings Editor Dan Jones recommends

T James Perou

ATRE - Set in Willy Russell’s native e captivating tale of twin boys, seped by a twist of fate and a mother’s 3rd May. 7:30pm. Matinees 2:30pm

GOING OUT

he Welsh Varsity Match is the culmination of a day of sporting activity where up to and over a 1000 students from the two Universities compete for the Varsity Trophy. Where over the day twenty of Cardiff and Swansea top sports teams go head to head in the historical ‘Clash of the Titans’ in a bid to become the Varsity Trophy winners, where whoever wins the most games is hailed the winner of the Varsity Shield, which Cardiff have won every year since the competition began in 2002!

Having played in a Varsity match myself I know how much the shield means to both university’s and the rivalry between the two grows ever more fierce every year and with us dominating the competition since its beginning Swansea will be absolutely desperate to put a stop to the mighty Cardiff. It’s a unique day where any internal rivalry or animosity between Cardiff teams is put to one side as the entire university comes together to take on our close neighbours. The showpiece of the day is the Varsity rugby match.

In the early evening on Wednesday 23rd April the biggest sporting event in Cardiff University’s calendar is held at Cardiff Arms Park,

next to the Millennium Stadium where last year 5200 students turned out to see a brave Cardiff side lose 19-0 to a much stronger Swansea team. It’s a great occasion to come together as a uni and get a few drinks onboard, have a bloody good laugh and dish out some abuse to a rival uni! This year we are expecting a physical encounter between these bitter rivals as they battle it out to be crowned the winners. Half time sees a procession from all the Varsity captains and also a performance from our very own Snake Charmers cheerleading team. After the match is the after party held in Solus, so make sure you buy your ticket now to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available from Union Box Office NOW and will also be available on the gate. All proceeds raised go to the Welsh Charitable Trust. This is one of the biggest annual events at Cardiff University so make sure you buy your ticket and come along to this spectacular event.

There are prizes for the best fancy dress and best banner - so get imaginative with your support!

lsh Club), 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ◆ Barfly, Kingsway, Tickets: 08709070999 www.barflyclub.com/cardiff ◆ Metros, Bakers Row 12190 ◆ Liquid, St. Mary Street 02920645464 ◆ The Philharmonic, 76-77 St. Mary Street 02920 230678 ◆ Café Jazz, 21 St. Mary Street 02920 387026 iff.co.uk ◆ Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ◆ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org. eatre.co.uk ◆ The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay 0870 2415093 www.glee.co.uk ◆ Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 ◆ The Millennium f Newport Road) 02920 416192 ◆

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

XPRESS RADIO

STUDIO@xpressradio.CO.UK

monday 21st

tuesday 22nd

wednesday 23rd

9am-11am Just the two of us with Alexis and Emma 11am-1pm The Wade and Morrissey Takeover 1pm-2.30pm The Great Al and Steve 2.30pm-4pm Rach in the Afternoon 4pm-6pm Faces For Radio 6pm-7.30pm Spotlight 7.30pm-9pm The Bronze 9pm-11pm Balthazar!

11pm-12am Trash De Luxe 12am-1am Roadtrip 1am-2am On the Decks 2am Xpress Jukebox

9am-11am Sarah and Phil 11am-1pm Shaz and Hannah are the Angry Mob 1pm-2.30pm The Stark and Moo Show 2.30pm-4pm Sam and Greg 4pm-6pm For Your Ears Only with Rich and Gwil 6pm-7.30pm Things Fall Apart 7.30pm-8.30pm Glitches and Prose 8.30pm-9.30pm Urban Science 9.30pm-11pm Roots Chariot 10.30pm-12am One Buk $how 12am Xpress Jukebox

9am-11am Chit Chat with Carly 11am-1pm A Cup of Tea and a Biscuit with Lucy 1pm-2.30pm The Weekly with Mike Thomas 2.30pm-4pm TNT 4pm-5.15pm Kate and Paul do the Sports Show 5.15pm-6pm Back of the Net 6pm-7pm [Insert Pun Here] 7pm-8pm Methu Dawnsio 8pm-9.30pm The Exhibition 9.30pm-11pm Weekday Warmup 11pm-12.30am Funktionality vs. Comatose 2am - Xpress Jukebox

xpress radio chart

thursday 24th

friday 25th

saturday 26th

sunday 27th

9am-11am The Kat and Ash Show 11am-1pm The Grapevine with Hannah and Soph 1pm-2.30pm The Oli and Stefano Show 2.30pm-4pm Hits and Giggles with Claire and Louise 4pm-5.30pm Loud Noises 5.30pm-6pm Xpress Debate 6pm-7.30pm Transmission 7.30pm-9pm Xposed 9pm-10.30pm Signals Over the Air 10.30pm-12am Thrift Store Show 12am-1am Thursday Night Lights 1am Xpress Jukebox

9am-11am We Love Fridays with Char 11am-1pm Suz and Nic’s Pic and Mix 1pm-2.30pm Ciao Bella with Amy Aiello 2.30pm-4pm 3 Men in a Room 4pm-6pm Girls on Top with Han and Jess 6pm-7.30pm Girls, Uninterrupted 7.30pm-9pm The Takeover 9pm-11pm The Plastics 11pm-2am Live from AAA 2am Xpress Jukebox

10am-10.30am Saturday Morning Speech: The Culture Show 10.30am-11am Saturday Morning Speech: Upbeat Quiz 11am-12pm Saturday Morning Speech: Soapbox 12pm-2pm The Jack and Tom Delusion 2pm-4pm Jazz Society 4pm-5pm Classical Show 5pm-6pm Filmage Hour 6pm-7pm Heads in the Clouds 7pm-8.30pm Radio Fun, Yeah?

8.30pm-10pm Saturday Night Therapy 10pm-12am A DnB Spectrum 12am-2am JJ’s Lounge 2am Xpress Jukebox

10am-12pm Living for the Weekend with Matt and Carrian 12pm-2pm Get Roasted with Flic and Lucie 2pm-2.30pm eXposure 2.30pm-3.30pm Rock Solubalization 3.30pm-5pm Root Blue 5pm-7pm Jordi and Alec Show 7pm-8.30pm Dig Le Muzika 8.30pm-10pm The Classroom 10pm-12am Starfish and Coffee 12am Xpress Jukebox

mainstream show of the week: loud noises with ben, dan and rich

Join Ben, Dan and Rich for 90 minutes of fun-filled banter! The boys introduce the lyric game, light hearted entertainment and their song choices for the week. Tune in on Thursdays between 4pm – 5.30pm and get involved with LOUD NOISES.

gig of the week alexandria quartet/ picture books in winter/meilir/the new tea party monday 21st april buffalo bar £4

thursday: 4pm til 5.30pm

39

Halt thy feverish penning of essays dear friends, and take a night off to head to Buffalo Bar this Monday as it plays host to

four bands for a mere four pounds! First to take to the stage tonight are Londonbased four piece, Alexandria Quartet who make their Cardiff debut tonight, hopefully to a friendly crowd. Their songs range from gritty, gravelly vocally charged pieces to more chilled out folksy pop, which should make for an exciting and varied performance. Following hotly in their steps come local student heroes Picture Books In Winter who recently recorded a live session for Bethan Elfyn’s BBC Introducing in Wales radio show. Their appeal seems to be mounting as they attract more fans to their stage-edge with each gig. Continuing the local feel, bilingual songster Meilir, previously a member of disbanded group Manchuko, produces heartfelt melodies accompanied by his trusty acoustic guitar. Last, but not least tonight, The New Tea Party take to the stage with their ‘sunshine, homemade lemonade and acoustic loveliness’ ready to provide a gentle end to the evening. All in all, tonight promises to be full of folksy wholesomeness and is the perfect opportunity to relax for a few hours after a weekend of potentially gruesome toiling in an artificially lit library full of sweating students.

RM

1. LCD Soundsystem Time To Get Away 2. Foals - Cassius 3. Tiny Masters of Today Hologram World 4. These New Puritans Elvis 5. Los Campesinos! - Broken Heart Beats Sound Like Breat Beats 6. Mystery Jets - Young Love (shoes remix) 7. The Teenagers - Love No 8. Johnny Foreigner Some Party Scenes 9. Art Brut - Pump Up the Volume 10. Late of the Pier - The Bears Are Coming

specialist show of the week: the filmage hour

Jon, Rob and Tim bring you the latest film news, reviews and miscellaneous movie chat topped off with the finest tunes to have ever graced the silver screen.

One hour a week is all you need to get yourself up to date with all that is happening with the moving image, and with the hilarious banter thrown in, that hour moves quickly.

saturday: 5pm til 6pm

40 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

PROBLEM PAGE From the Desk of

d E T

PROBLEMPAGE@gairrhydd.COM

e m so

d n Ha

He’s a ruddy good lad.

Ted Handsome’s Desert Island Dickheads An Occasional Series

I realise that I may not be the most social and cheerful of fellows, and that there is a good proportion of the human race that I would not shed a single tear if their entire prescence and history was immediately eradicated. That said, there does remain a certain type of arse-clenchingly irritating piles of chuff that simply do not deserve to lumped in with the other riff-raff that nestle under my hatebrella.

These are not just fuckwits, these are M & S fuckwits. These are the idiots that I believe should be sent to an island to be preserved as some kind of Asshat Zoo for later generations to goad and throw stones at.

No. 1 - Jimmy Carr

I’m sure that there will be an outcry among the open-shirt-collared among the student populace. Those of you with shaggy blond hair, and who are Jack Wills trousered. Unfortunately for you, I have a column and you don’t so stick that up your trust fund you yuppy idiots. Every time I see this pig-eyed sack of shit, it makes me want to punch that smug little smirk right off his pudgy 10 year-old face. If a tree falls in the forest will Jimmy Carr still be on TV? Yes. Yes he will. Long after the apocalypse, Channel Dave will still be showing pisspoor repeats of 8 out of 10 Cats.

No. 2 - Jeremy Clarkson

Yes, I know, exactly how tediously predictable my shitlist is, but if you don’t like it, then you can simply read on. That’s the beauty of the printed word, you are not forced to read it. So if you do not like it, you don’t have to read it!

Hurrah! But seriously, Clarkson is a unsophisticated oafish manchild. A simpleton who is so obsessed with flashing lights and penis extensions, that he must be at least borderline mentally subnormal.

Just because he sometimes uses words of more than one syllable does not mean that he is anything but a blockheaded shitstab of lumpen twat.

No. 3 Boris Johnson

This truly is the motherlode of idiocy. The simple fact that rugby shirt wearing students think him to be a ‘legend’ does not a good mayor make. This ‘man’ has seemingly made a living out of being seen to be an idiot, shows what an awful state our society truly is in. Just because you are a figure of fun on Have I Got News For You? does not in anyway prove that you have the capacity to be anymore than an after-dinner speaker. Actually, I hope that the people of London do go out and vote this bumbling husk of a man into office, if only for him to ruin that overpopulat ed concrete abomination that we call a capi tal city.

A letter about Bills, Bills, Bills Dear Ted, I have recieved my loan in the last couple of days, and have consequently spent the last couple of days spending like Imelda Marcos at Shoe Zone. Unfortunately a significant amount of bills have shoved themselves through my letterbox, much to my chagrin. I really don’t know what to do. Of course I’ve enjoyed having money, but I have to fulfill my economic duties. what should I do?

Yours John Cancer Talybont South John,

Obviously, I don’t have much experience of this particular problem, as I am richer than several Eastern European Countries, but as I am doing this as a favour to a certain somebody, who paid a certain couple of Thai girls a certain amount of money to shut up, I guess I am locked into helping you.

Bills are God’s way of saying that you had a good time. They are a sort of money-hangover, if you will.

And what do we do with hangovers?

That’s right, we keep drinking until we can’t see or somebody stops us. Although, in my personal opinion, stopping just because you can’t see? That’s pretty girly. Anyway, bills

are kind of like this in a way; insomuch as they are a natural phenomenon designed to deter you from having fun, but in the grand scheme of things, they are merely a slight annoyance that you should pay only, the slightest bit of attention to.

Anyway, I’m sure that there is a moral buried somewhere among all that, something about how you should drink more or something. I’m sure that I have typed enough words now.

I hope this helps.

Yours, Ted

A letter about irony... supposedly Dear Ted, An old man turned ninety-eight/He won the lottery and died the next day/It’s a black fly in your Chardonnay/It’s a death row pardon two minutes too late/And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think/It’s like rain on your wedding day/It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid/It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take/Who would’ve thought... it figures/Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly/He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye/He waited his whole damn life to take that flight/And as the plane crashed down he thought/“Well isn’t this nice...”/And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think/It’s like rain on your

wedding day/It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid/It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take/ Who would’ve thought... it figures/ Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you/When you think everything’s okay and everything’s going right/And life has a funny way of helping you out when/You think everything’s gone wrong and everything blows up/In your face/A traffic jam when you’re already late/A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break/It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife/It’s meeting the man of my dreams/And then meeting his beautiful wife/And isn’t it ironic... don’t you think/A little too ironic...

and, yeah, I really do think.../It’s like rain on your wedding day/It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid/It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take/Who would’ve thought... it figures/Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you/Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out/Helping you out Yours, A. Morrisette The U.S of A Miss Morrisette None of this is ironic. Buy a dictionary for fuck’s sake.

Much Love, Ted

Dear lovely reader, This week, I have mainly been avoiding the ol’ Tax Man. You see, your friend muggins here, has supposedly been laid up with 2 broken legs and a detatched retina. However, I’ve actually spent the last month or so selling a mixture of baby laxative and cheap wiz to art students in Roath. What a scoundrel I am, eh folks? Unfortunately, some bloody council jobsworth has decided to chase me up and get me for claiming incapacity benefit.

It’s political correctness gone mad I tell you! All I was doing was scamming decent, godfearing folk out of their legitimately paid taxes. It’s not as if I were moving over here and stealing our jobs or something. I don’t even have a job! Not like those bloody Poles who come over here and work hard to earn some money. Bloody Cheek!

TH xxx

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

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!

V

arsity is back this year and it’s going to be huge! Two teams, one dream. Who will win?

Swansea or Cardiff? Hopefully by now we will all be equipped with our red Team Cardiff tshirt and have your face paint at the ready, because our university needs our support!

The first Welsh Varsity match was played in 1987 between Cardiff and Swansea in Cardiff Arms Park. The game was based on a similar event played between the Oxford and Cambridge University teams.

Varsity has developed into an amazing, atmospheric event where talented young rugby playing students can showcase their skills and represent their respective Universities. It is a brilliant day out for everyone, giving students the chance to wear their universities colour with pride and chant support whilst waving a large foam hand in the air. Varsity is being held this Wednesday on April 23rd, kick off is at 7.30pm.

Cardiff Student’s Union has organised an after party for all us true-reds to celebrate in style, because of course we’re going to win! This after party is guaranteed to be a complete sell out as Varsity always has been in the past. The tickets are only £3 from the box office so there really is no excuse not to attend!

We have an amazing FIVE pairs of tickets to give away to the after party and all you have to do is answer this question and send your name and address to the email address above: Who won the trophy last year? a) Swansea b) Cardiff c) Neither

Bag a Burger

H

ands up who loved the hamburger phone in the hit film Juno? Classic idea, a burger which doubled up as a phone. I bet you thought to yourself “What a revolutionary new model, I would definitely be the coolest kid on the block with one of those”.

Well now you can be!

Juno is out on DVD on the 9th June, Juno MacGuff is a cool 16-year-old with a sharp line in sardonic wit, but beneath her confident exterior is a teenage girl just trying to figure it all out. After seducing her unassuming classmate Bleeker (Michael Cera) she finds herself pregnant and stuck ‘in one doodle that can’t be undid’. Along with best friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby), and with the support of her father (J.K. Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney) she hatches a plan to find the unborn baby the perfect set of parents!

We have five hamburger phones to give away to five lucky winners. All you have to do is answer the question below and send your name and address to the email address above.

Who played Juno MacGuff in the film? a) Jennifer Garner b) Ellen Page c) Christina Ricci

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN

43

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

The IMG Title Deciders

Pharm AC have no reply for sensational SOCSI Joe Bonney IMG Reporter SOCSI 3 - 2 Pharm AC

Football Tables

DIVISION ONE: Kiss chase Division One, scoring 26 goals in the process and only conceding seven.

The defensive combination of Follows, Harris, Taylor and Probert were rock solid throughout and were crucial in Socsi’s success. They were particularly impressive against a strong Butthead FC side.

At the other end of the pitch, the strikers scored when it mattered to secure those vital 1-0 victories. Similarly, the midfielders’ role was key to their success, particularly so in the form of

Jonathon Stock, who had many outstanding games and frequently put the ball in the back of the net.

Perhaps the most important player this season, however, has been Socsi goalkeeper Dan Walker. Without his consistently brilliant performances Socsi could well have found themselves sliding down the table.

Joe Bonney, Socsi Captain, said: “We thoroughly deserved the title. I would like to thank all the players for their persistent and unwavering dedication.

Discombe’s army bring Dragons down to earth Sean Discombe IMG Reporter Earth Soc 3 - 1 Havana Dragons

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

J-Unit

9

8

0

1

22

24

2

Engin Locomotive

9

6

2

1

9

20

3

Law A

8

6

1

1

13

19

4

AFC History

7

4

1

2

6

13

5

MOMED

9

4

1

4

0

13

6

GymGym

9

2

2

5

1

8

7

CARBS

7

2

0

5

-6

6

8

Chemsoc

8

2

0

6

-10

6

9

Economics

9

2

0

7

-21

6

10

Mini Street Elite

7

1

1

5

-14

4

P

W

P

W

Division One

IMG FOOTBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

SOCSI

9

7

2

0

19

23

2

Butthead FC

9

5

3

1

13

18

3

Uni Hallstars

9

5

2

2

7

17

4

Engin Automotive

9

3

3

3

-1

12

5

Blazin’ Business

8

4

0

4

-6

12

6

Inter Me-Nan

8

3

2

3

-3

11

7

SAWSA

8

3

1

4

0

10

8

Pharm AC

9

2

2

5

4

8

9

Psycho Ahletico

8

2

1

5

-11

7

10

Music Buteys

9

0

2

7

-22

2

P

W

Division Two

IMG FOOTBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Earth Soc

8

8

0

0

31

24

2

Havana Dragons

9

7

1

1

15

22

3

Optometry

9

5

1

3

4

16

4

Law B

8

3

4

1

7

13

5

Real Ale Madrid

8

4

0

4

6

12

6

AFC Cathays

9

3

2

4

-8

11

7

Cardiff Crusaders

8

2

1

5

-9

7

8

JOMEC

8

2

0

6

-11

6

9

Engin Numatics

8

2

0

6

-17

6

10

JapSoc

7

0

1

6

-18

1

Netball Tables Premiership

IMG NETBALL

PHOTO: ED SALTER

EARTH SOC clinched the Division Two title with a highly impressive victory against high flying Havana Dragons.

The title decider began slowly, with neither team wanting to make any mistakes.

Earth Soc opted for a long ball game in the first half, utilising the prevailing wind. This proved effective as the Dragons were unable to successfully defend the long balls played upfield by William James, the Earth Soc goalkeeper.

The Dragons opted for a more attractive passing game, using their lone striker James Oakley to hold the ball up and bring their midfield into play.

With half an hour gone, it was Earth Soc who struck the first blow. A throwin quickly taken by Alid Evans allowed Jevan Laxen to swing in a cross. The ball ricocheted off a number of players who were packed into the box, before Owain Mortimer hammered the ball home with his left foot from about 6 yards.

This goal seemed to spur both teams into life and a lot more pressure was applied to people on the ball by both sets of teams. This led to an increased number of mistakes and more chances for both sets of forwards.

However, it was another long ball played up from the Earth Soc centre half John Kilgallon that provided the next breakthrough. The ball fell to the feet of striker Mortimer in the Dragons penalty box, who held off the Dragons centre half, before being brought down by a mistimed tackle. This resulted in a

penalty being awarded.

Earth Soc’s top goalscorer Morgan Jefferies stepped up to calmy slot the ball home in the bottom corner to give Earth Soc a comfortable 2-0 lead on the stroke of half-time.

In the second half, Havana Dragons changed to a more attacking formation, knowing that nothing less than a win would do.

But it was Earth Soc who started the brightest of the two sides. The introduction of Christian Pontin at right midfield for Earth Soc had an immediate impact: the substitute ran through the Dragons defence in the first passage of play, only to fire a shot just over the bar.

With Dave Barnes and Duncan Ward controlling the flow of the game from the heart of the midfield, Earth Soc continued to dominate the game in the midfield area.

But the Dragons did look dangerous on the counter attack, catching Earth Soc by surprise on a number of occasions. The Dragons introduced some fresh legs with 15 minutes to go, which enabled them to counter attack and outpace the tiring Earth Soc defence.

A low cross was cut in by a Dragons midfielder, which fell to the feet of Murtaza Zahoor. His shot hit the post and rolled across the goal line before Oakley finished it off.

The goal gave Dragons the lift they needed and for the following 15 minutes they generated wave after wave of attack. This threat forced the Earth Soc captain, Sean Discombe, to get his team to play deep and soak up the pressure.

Every Earth Soc player was back defending for all the set pieces and the Dragons found it very difficult to exploit any space.

Earth Soc celebrated the final

Premiership

IMG FOOTBALL

PHOTO: ED SALTER

SOCSI MAINTAINED their unbeaten record in Division One to deservedly clinch the title.

However, it was Pharm AC who started most brightly. An explosive strike from 30 yards out beat the Socsi keeper and Pharm AC sensed an opportunity to ruin the Socsi party.

The early goal shocked the Socsi team into action and, shortly after, they managed to peg the game back to 1-1.

Gareth Thomas’s low driven free kick found its way under the wall and past the keeper.

A highly competitive 15 minutes followed with both teams looking to get ahead, but it was Pharm AC who were to get the elusive goal. A free kick floated into the box was headed onto a Pharm AC striker, who ran through to slot the ball neatly into the net.

With a 2-1 lead, Pharm AC very nearly went further ahead after a small defensive mix up created a one-on-one opportunity. However, Socsi keeper Dan Walker pulled off an outstanding save to prevent Pharm AC from going

two goals ahead.

Socsi answered back shortly afterwards from a set piece. Thomas’ floated delivery found its way to midfielder Jonathon Stock’s head at the back post, and he neatly finished from a tight angle.

Socsi were to take the lead just before half-time from a similar set piece.

This time it was midfielder Myles Sinnott who got on the end of the delivery to put Socsi 3-2 ahead.

There were opportunities at both ends for the teams in the second half.

Socsi striker Joe Bonney found himself with the ball in the Pharm AC box after linking up well with Eliot Holt yet again. However, he was brought down and a penalty was awarded. But the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt was missed as the ball was struck against the post.

Both keepers made important saves to prevent any further goals. To Socsi’s delight the final whistle brought with it a 3-2 win and the title of league champions.

The win rounded off a highly successful season for Socsi, who have only lost one game in total in both phases of the IMG. After missing out on the Premiership on goal difference, Socsi finished top of

DIVISION TWO: Hang time whistle jubilantly, knowing that the 3-1 win gave them the Division Two championship.

Earth Soc are a newly established team this year and have progressed rapidly from their disappointing start, when they endured a 12-0 loss to Engin Locomotive on the first game of the season.

Throughout the second phase, the introduction of Dave Barnes and Duncan Ward in the heart of the Earth Soc midfield has helped the team dominate the tempo and the passage of play throughout the majority of their games.

This has been complemented with a prolific strike partnership of Morgan Jefferies and Owain Mortimer, as well as a steady defensive line held by Sean Discombe.

Earth Soc have maintained an unbeaten record throughout Phase two, scoring 36 goals and only conceding five.

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Economics A

9

9

0

0

154

27

2

Law A

9

6

1

2

31

19

3

Cardiff IMG A

9

5

2

2

13

17

4

CARBS A

9

5

1

3

2

16

5

Economics B

9

4

1

4

3

13

6

Pharmacy A

9

4

1

4

-19

13

7

Cardiff IMG B

9

3

1

5

-41

10

8

Dentistry

9

2

2

5

-38

8

9

CARBS B

9

1

1

7

-26

4

10

SOCSI A

9

1

0

8

-79

3

P

W

P

W

Division One

IMG NETBALL

IMG AWARDS BALL Wednesday 30th April Tickets on sale now @ £15 Formal dress code

“Come along and celebrate an amazing IMG season”

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Engin Locomotive

9

8

0

1

89

24

2

English A

9

8

0

1

77

24

3

Law B

9

7

0

2

32

21

4

Medics A

9

5

0

4

15

15

5

Christian Union

9

5

0

4

8

15

6

SOCSI B

9

4

0

5

10

12

7

Engin Numatics

8

3

0

5

-12

9

8

GymGym

9

2

0

7

--53

6

9

SAWSA

8

1

0

7

-46

3

10

English B

7

0

0

7

-120

0

P

W

Division Two

IMG NETBALL

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Medics B

9

7

1

1

66

22

2

J-Unit

9

6

1

2

59

19

3

Cardiff IWC A

9

6

0

3

33

18

4

Psychology

9

5

2

2

45

17

5

Pharmacy B

9

5

1

3

27

16

6

Biology

9

4

3

2

39

15

7

Engin Automotive

9

3

1

5

3

10

8

Optometry

9

2

1

6

-60

7

9

Cardiff IWC B

9

2

0

7

-32

6

10

Newspaper J.

9

0

0

9

-180

0

44 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

THE WORD ON... ...the ups and downs of Cardiff City FC

On May 17th Cardiff City will line up at Wembley Stadium to take a stab at winning the FA Cup. But behind this season’s magnificent Cup run is the real threat of bankruptcy and many years of under-achievement Matt Cutler Quench Sports Editor

W

hen Joe Ledley hooked his left foot memorably around that dropping ball, firing the measured winner in front of 35,000 travelling supporters on the hallowed turf of Wembley, it marked a new highlight for Cardiff City’s supporters.

But don’t be fooled by the semifinal heroics. It would be mistaken to think that life as a Bluebird supporter is plain sailing. Indeed, this season manager Dave Jones has been behind the wheel of a dilapidated ship on decidedly choppy waters. The glory trail in this year’s FA Cup, reaching their first final since winning the trophy in 1927, is a soothing remedy to the aches and pains of debt and decades of football in the English lower leagues.

For the biggest club in Wales, and with a position as the only mainstream football club in Cardiff, City are undoubtedly inferior to their rivals over in Glasgow and London. The capital city football clubs over the borders in England and Scotland are European giants, fiscal power-houses and cup-winning regulars. The Bluebirds have distant memories of European football in the 1960s, a financial position teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, and a continued existence outside of the top-flight of English football.

It seems that the club are too big for the Welsh League, yet not quite large enough to compete with the big

boys in England. Cardiff City are one of the few Welsh teams to play in the English Football League, albeit outside the top tier since the late 1950s. Continuously in the lower two divisions between 1985 and 1993, City reached even lower depths in 1996 by finishing 22nd in Division Three. Despite having played in the Championship since the 2004/5 season, there is still a fair way to go before the Premiership glory which is expected of the capital city side’s fans.

This season, languishing in 20th position in the Championship in midNovember, Jones was told by chairman Peter Ridsdale that his job was in jeopardy unless there was an imminent turn around of fortunes. The former Southampton manager was also receiving death threats from City fans blaming him for the turmoil at Ninian Park.

Although Jones steadied the boat, City currently lie just out of reach of the play-off positions, with focus on Cup glory against Portsmouth in mid-May eclipsing the target of Premiership

But outside of London, in the business world of football, it is Cardiff City’s finances that are in dire straits. football next season.

If only league table positions were the extent of Cardiff’s problems. Financially speaking, the recent economic

downturn around the world is predicted to leave the City reeling. But outside of London, in the business world of football, it is Cardiff City’s finances that are in dire straits. Despite building on a new stadium well in progress, the club is walking on a financial tightrope.

Money borrowed by former Chairman Sam Hammam, which played a huge part in turning around the club’s fortunes since playing in the depths of the lower leagues, has bubbled under the surface and left the club under a financial pressure jeopardising its future.

Ridsdale took on this debt in 2006 after Cardiff and Hammam parted ways.

Last month the club were taken to court over a loan repayment demand of £24 million from the Swiss investment bank Langston. Fortunately for everyone with a vested interest in the club, a High Court Judge dismissed the bank’s claim and the case will go forward to a full trial, or more likely, an out-of-court settlement.

Regarding the court case, Chairman Ridsdale said: “If anyone knows about Championship football clubs, you don’t sit on £24 million in the bank to repay today. There was a risk that if they had won in court we would have become insolvent.”

The £24 million figure is far less than the believed £40 million of debt which existed when Ridsdale took over the club. Yet pushing for the Premiership requires a financial backing that, if the reported figures of debt are anywhere close to the mark, leaves the club going monetarily in the wrong direction.

To rub salt in the wounds, on the eve of the Wembley semi-final against

Barnsley, news came out that even if Cardiff were to be victorious in this year’s competition, under current English Football Association rules they would not qualify for the UEFA Cup. As the current rules stand, Welsh clubs can only qualify for Europe through their ‘own’ competitions. Fortunately, since then t h e

FA’s professional game board has approved their entry into European competition next season by handing Cardiff a wildcard should they lift the trophy.

It is clear that the FA Cup stands as a potential watershed for Cardiff’s recent fortunes. Indeed, there is more than a hint of weltpolitik about City’s FA Cup run. Just as Margaret Thatcher used the Falkland’s crisis to rally support for her Conservative administration, so too can Dave Jones play the part of the Iron Man in overcoming the odds by taking Cardiff to an FA Cup-winning climax. This domestic glory and European qualification would certainly set the ball in motion for the promising future of Cardiff City Football Club.

The financial benefits of the Cup are already evident. A club scheme of guaranteeing an FA Cup final ticket to fans who buy a season ticket for next term is poised to break season ticket sales records. With an extra 2,000 fans buying tickets for 2008-09, adding to the 8,000 existing season ticket holders, the prospect of over 10,000 season ticket holders in Ninian Park’s capacity of 18,000 brings welcome pound signs to the club. Conservative estimates calculate that the extra sales have raked in an extra £400,000 alone.

Cardiff deserves some footballing glory. Hopefully this extra money that the club are benefiting from will ease the financial pressure and help concentrate matters on the pitch. With a new stadium, and hopefully a trophy in the cabinet, May 17th could be the date that marks the light and the end of the tunnel for Bluebird fans.

Have your say http://www.gairrhydd.com/sport

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM PHOTO: NATALIA POPOVA

WATERPOLO: Gold-diggers

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S Women’s and Men’s Water Polo teams won the BUSA gold and silver medallists respectively at the recent national finals in Sheffield in March, to become the most successful club in this year’s championships.

The weekend’s competition saw both teams face three other tough sides, all chasing the same coveted title.

The men’s team had Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield to compete against, each with their own illustrious record of BUSA successes behind them. With Sheffield arriving unbeaten this season, Cardiff could not afford to slip up. In the first match Cardiff, albeit with their own line up of extremely talented players, faced a well-oiled Bristol side with numerous highly skilled individuals.

The game started very badly for Cardiff. 6-1 down at the end of the first quarter meant that if Cardiff wanted to win they would really have to move it up a gear. As the game progressed Bristol kept edging ahead by two goals, before Cardiff would bring it back to level, then the same would happen again. By half time Cardiff had narrowed the gap to 8-7 in Bristol’s favour. Bristol star Joel Thomas then scored two penalties and things were beginning to look desperate for Cardiff. However, amidst shocking calls from the referees and some serious tensions in the pool, Cardiff’s Ray Gilbert and Dan Laxton managed to put away goals to bring the score level to 11-11.

The men were then set to face Manchester and, after suffering defeat by one goal last year, Cardiff were keen for revenge. However, once again the game started extremely badly for Cardiff going 5-1 down by the end of the first quarter. Manchester shooters Rob Ray and Andy Mac were causing havoc for the Cardiff defence. But by half-time the Welsh side had brought the score within reach at 10-9 to Manchester.

BUKCing the trend Henry Williams Motorsport Reporter

National Treasure Harry Gates Waterpolo Reporter

45

Strong team talks by Cardiff Coach Charlie Hinder worked the team up to go out and try to take the win. Goal after goal, the lead kept swapping between the two sides. However, some strong defensive work and some fantastic saves in the final quarter by Cardiff keeper Tom Nelson saw the score level at 15-15 with 40 seconds left on the clock.

Both sides knew the result of this match would determine the medals.

As the seconds dropped away, the whole stadium audience was on the edge of their seats as finally Cardiff managed to put away a 16th goal. The last remaining seconds were crucial as Cardiff managed to hold onto the ball and amidst Manchester’s calls for time wasting, the final whistle went giving Cardiff the win.

The final day of competition saw Cardiff take on Sheffield. With Bristol having just comfortably beaten Manchester, Cardiff needed to win by 18 goals against Sheffield to take home the gold. The match started quickly and within seven seconds Dan Laxton had put away number one. Cardiff stepped up the tempo and goals were driven home from every angle. At the half way stage, Cardiff was within ten goals of BUSA gold, and they went back out feeling confident. Sheffield then went a man down for four minutes allowing Cardiff to put away another six goals.

However, after a few wide shots and a missed penalty, the final four goals were out of reach and the score settled at 20-6, agonisingly denying Cardiff the gold. Club President Jack Broadfoot reflected on the men’s team’s performance stating, ”I will never forget our games against Bristol and Manchester, we were down but simply refused to be beaten, and in those dying minutes we showed the heart of champions.”

The women’s team had their first encounter against Edinburgh. The Cardiff side was missing key players for the finals weekend, but nevertheless were determined to perform. After some skilful goals by Jennifer Myo and some good saves by keeper Laura Roberts, the Cardiff side edged their early lead out to 4- 2 by the end of the

third quarter and the final result rested at 6-3 in Cardiff’s favour.

The women then square off against Manchester and wanted to put the Midlands side firmly in the back seat in this competition. The game started and goals flowed in from both sides within in the first few minutes. Concerns over the refereeing were bought to everyone’s attention by the half way stage as decisions were going against Cardiff on almost every occasion.

However, the ruthless women’s side did not let it affect their performance as Emma Colley, Hannah Freeman and Jennifer Myo all scored to bring a second victory for the women’s team, with a final result of 7-5.

The girls knew they were on the brink of making history as the first Cardiff side ever to win the women’s competition. After Loughborough snatched the gold medals from Cardiff in finals last year, the girls were eager to seek revenge. The score was level at the end of the first quarter but the tiring Cardiff side refused to give up.

The Loughborough side were rough and played a fast game, but could not stop Cardiff’s counter attacks or Jennifer Myo’s five lob goals over the Loughborough keepers head. Fittingly, it went down to the wire and Cardiff was one goal up with 30 seconds to go.

Finally, Loughborough were exhausted and Cardiff sealed victory at 12-11, handing the women’s team their first ever BUSA gold.

Both teams had surpassed expectation and had given everything in the competition. BUSA gold and silver medals speak for themselves and are a testament to the commitment and skill of all of the players in each squad. Club president Jack Broadfoot said, “It’s a stunning achievement for the club. For both teams to do so well is fantastic and everyone involved with Cardiff University sport should take pride in what we achieved this weekend.”

However it does not stop there. A few players for both teams have been selected to represent the Welsh Universities Water Polo squad in April for the annual Celtic Nations tournament, this year being held in Dublin. The Welsh side will face Scotland and Ireland in the weekend’s competition.

THE START OF Cardiff University’s Easter break saw the British University’s Kart Championship gain momentum and reach its climax.

Cardiff travelled to Yeovil for rounds 7 and 8 of the BUKC season and the morning began with heavy downpours at Clay Pigeon Raceway, which lead to some tricky racing conditions.

On the last weekend of the holiday, the finale of the championship took place at the South Wales Karting Centre in Llandow, where the team expected a successful finish due to numerous test days at the circuit.

At Clay Pigeon, the rain made for some entertaining solo races in the morning, with the track drying up for the later team relay races. First out for the A-Team was Chris Lipscomb. However, the conditions proved too challenging and Lipscomb drove himself off the circuit, smashing his helmet in the process. He survived the ordeal unscathed with the damage being merely superficial.

Next out was Captain Dave Rocke, who battled hard in the tricky conditions and finished twelfth for the team. The highlight of the morning rounds came when Greg Parry donned his father’s suit and raced with a trilby hat attached to his helmet gaining huge amounts of laughs throughout the paddock. The B team had a successful morning, beating the A team in the overall points for the round.

Round 8, also at Clay Pigeon, saw the popular team endurance races taking place in much welcomed dry conditions. Dave and Greg drove together in the first of the relays and came home in an unlucky 13th. The final race saw

Lipscomb and Henry Williams, who have formed a formidable partnership throughout the season, robbed of a top five finish when Lipscomb was pushed into a cone and incurred a stop and go penalty for his troubles. B team drivers Pete Merry and Laurence Edmondson achieve a top ten position, making for a flourishing final finish.

For the final round of the championship, the BUKC circus came to the club’s local circuit, Llandow in Cowbridge. The day began with rain, but the Welsh sunshine eventually shone through and a mystery donor ensured that the club’s drivers would be well fed with a huge barbecue at the side of the circuit.

The team had an air of confidence surrounding them after numerous action packed test days at the circuit in the spirited ‘Uni Kart’. The round saw Captain Dave Rocke and chief kit washer, Henry Williams, taking part in the last BUKC races. The Rocke/ Parry pairing achieved a strong race and the team were in a fighting chance of finishing in the lead. They were eventually placed in 6th. The second partnership of Lipscomb and Williams also drove well and led the race briefly.

Unfortunately, Williams was victim of some awful luck and was ‘T-boned’ into a corner by a slower driver. The team finished 8th overall. After their strong showing at Clay Pigeon, the B team blooded in more talent and Vicecaptain Pete Merry and Tom Rowlands finished 12th, setting the second fastest lap of the race.

Both teams had an exceptional year and took another step forward by moving up in the championship standings.

Their final positions were an ill-fated 13th for the A team, improving on last year’s 21st, and the B team found themselves 31st out of 56 universities.

KARTING: Stylish way to to travel

Top Tramps Lauren Grew Trampolining Reporter CARDIFF TRAMPOLINING Club members were bouncing for a staggering 10hrs straight on March 15th to raise money and awareness for Sport Relief.

In addition to the sponsorship, the club collected donations from anyone wishing to try their hand at a spot of bouncing. The club also took full advantage of their baking skills, erecting a huge cake stall in the sports hall with

members selling their produce to students in the surrounding halls, rugby fans in the social and anyone wanting to capitalise on the golden hour after going to the gym.

Proving that anyone can trampoline, regardless of ability or experience, AU President Ben Turner, and VicePresident Scott Pigott showed off their skills on the bed. Ben commented, “I have a new found respect for trampolinists-it’s a lot harder than it looks!”

In total the club raised £783 for Sport Relief whilst a good time was enjoyed by all.

46 gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

One hand on the cup Deja-vu for Glamorgan as Cardiff Mens 1sts deny them a trophy chance for the second successive year in the Welsh Cup Richard Jeffries Football Reporter CARDIFF Men’s 1sts .................. 4 GLAMORGAN Men’s 1sts ........... 2 CARDIFF FOLLOWED up their seven goal hammering of Newport with another convincing performance at Glamorgan’s Treforest home. A two goal half-time lead gave the home side a mountain to climb, and though they reduced the arrears after the turnaround, Cardiff were always in control of the game.

With one eye on the upcoming Varsity match, Cardiff shuffled the pack to include former Brentford youth player Ross Howells alongside Lloyd Jenkins in defence, whilst Adam Wise reverted to left back. Otherwise the team was unchanged, with Welsh Universities goalkeeper Cole Stacey still forced to watch from the sidelines due to a back injury he sustained after completing his suspension.

With the wind at their backs on a small pitch, Cardiff’s defence were given time and space to move the ball

around in the opening minutes. But as the wind carried direct passes through to the Glamorgan keeper, Cardiff began to play diagonal balls and were rewarded as Sean Hogan was twice put through on goal only to fire his shot over the bar. Glamorgan offered little threat going forward and Cardiff were able to play at their own pace, with the combination of Hogan and James Ford providing penetration down the right wing. It was from this interplay that Cardiff opened the scoring, as a free kick won by Ford on the right was whipped into the box by the cultured left boot of James Cinicola and headed into the bottom corner by the towering Jack Jarvis.

It was nothing less than Cardiff deserved, and they continued to enjoy long spells of possession and territorial advantage. The inexperienced referee made some surprising decisions, but none more so than the penalty he awarded to Cardiff just before half time. Another diagonal ball from Dom Connor found Sean Hogan through on goal and, though his first touch took him wide of goal, the defender barged him to the ground for a penalty. Connor stepped up to calmly convert the kick

PHOTO: JAKE YORATH

FOOTBALL: Club Stalwart celebrates

and send Cardiff into the break with a comfortable two-goal lead.

Cardiff started the 2nd half in a relaxed fashion and pressed home their advantage with a third goal from Sean Hogan. The move involved Kwame Asare and Cardiff captain Andre Stairmand who combined to send Dom Connor away down the left wing. His low cross into a crowded area found Hogan who drilled the ball first time into the Glamorgan net. Highflying Cardiff were soon forced to defend though, as Glamorgan fought for a way back into the game. After impressing in his midfield role throughout, James Cinicola was withdrawn to make way for the more defensive Hywel Pegler as Andrew Corcoran replaced Adam Wise.

For all Glamorgan’s endeavour, they rarely threatened the Cardiff goal and keeper Jeffries was largely a spectator for the first hour of the match. It took an uncharacteristic error from Lloyd Jenkins to offer the home team a glimmer of hope, scything a Glamorgan attacker down in the box after the ball had been lost near the halfway line. The converted penalty stung Cardiff into action, and they responded immediately

with Asare feeding Hogan whose left footed shot struck the crossbar. Connor then headed wide from a corner as Cardiff continued to dominate.

Glamorgan threw caution to the wind as they pushed for a way back into the game, and were given a 2nd goal after another defensive error allowed a home substitute to beat Cardiff keeper Jeffries at his near post. Cardiff responded in an instant, with Connor playing a neat one-two with Jarvis after the kick off, before finding Stairmand free in the box. Cardiff’s captain controlled the ball in an instant before lashing a left footed shot high into the net.

From here Cardiff finished strongly.

Stairmand could have had another after he latched on to a long clearance from the back and rounded the keeper, his shot coming back off the post. Shaun Prince was introduced as a late substitute after Asare sustained a head injury, and he too could have extended Cardiff’s lead with a powerful cross-shot which fizzed wide of the far post. Cardiff once again outclassed their opponents with quick passing and movement, but will be determined not to lose their defensive concentration in the upcoming Varsity match against Swansea.

gairrhydd

APRIL.21.2008

47

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Countdown to Varsity ‘08 Jack Zorab & George Pawley grab five minutes with the man charged with leading Cardiff to Varsity glory:

Cardiff’s Head of Rugby Martyn Fowler IN A week’s time Martyn Fowler will either be reflecting on a job very well done or pouring over the video of Swansea’s second Varsity Rugby encounter in succession.

But at the moment it’s Thursday afternoon and Fowler is a tense man: “Letting boys down is the worst part of my job” he says. He has just had to cut his 35 man Varsity training squad to the 25 man match squad that will run out at the Cardiff Arms Park in six days time, and having trained three times-a-week over Easter, there will be ten Cardiff University 1st team players that will also feel that disappointment.

“It’s been a really tough choice”, he continued, “We played a match last night against a Glamorgan Wanderers development side which was really the last chance for the players to impress”.

“The boys feel expectations from the university to succeed”

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY VARSITY SQUAD 2008 Aled Mason (C) Aaron Fowler Andrew Cassidy Tom Evans Ian Newbury Phil Sales Michael Winter Rhodri Griffiths John Malings Tom Penry-Ellis Joe Cant Daniel Franks Emyr James Huw Thomas Harri Wyn-Morgan Jack Beaman Jack Perkins Michael Schophfer Doug McInold Gethin Thomas Tom Cooper Dave Lewis John Gait Gareth Williams Myles Hopper

however, is irrelevant in Fowler’s eyes, as he sees the high pressure environment of a Varsity match being decided within the players’ heads and hearts long before the referee has blown his whistle to start the 12th Welsh Varsity rugby match, saying: “The boys feel expectations from the university to succeed”. It’s why the likes of Welsh international and Cardiff Blue Robert Sidoli has been recruited to join the coaching team along with the backs coach John Bryant and the injured, talismanic Ed Hampson.

It’s also why the squad are meeting up at midday on the Wednesday, even though the match starts at 7.30pm, with Fowler aiming to control his players’ preparation by keeping them relaxed: “The cinema and some bowling are on the cards as I want to keep the build-up low-key”.

Certainly the buzz surrounding this year’s match is bigger than ever; three of Cardiff’s players are being followed

by BBC Wales camera crews in the run up to the game for a 20-minute feature to be aired on Inside Sport. Highlights of the match will also be showed on the programme.

The atmosphere will certainly be partisan as Swansea so far have out-sold Cardiff two to one in the ticket stakes.

“The Arms Park at Varsity can have the same atmosphere as the famous Cardiff and Wales matches from the past”, enthused Fowler, “We are really going to need the fans to turn out and get behind us; their encouragement could be worth nine points to us”.

PHOTOS: ADAM GASSON

While success on the field this season in BUSA has been in short supply, Cardiff played two different composite teams against Glamorgan, produc-

ing, according to Fowler, some ‘really polished’ rugby. This confidence will be much needed as Fowler considers Cardiff to be the underdogs this year: “Swansea are definitely the favourites, they’re older than us and more streetwise. We’ve got seven freshers in the squad this year and that’s more than we’ve ever had, but Varsity is a cup game and anything can happen”.

The game’s key areas will be the collisions; the rucks, mauls and the tackle area, it’s where Cardiff lost out to Swansea last year, and where they intend to attack this time; “We’ve identified their weaknesses and their strengths and hopefully we can exploit them”.

One of Swansea’s major strengths could well be at fly-half where Rhys Priestland is allegedly playing. The Llanelli Scarlets fly-half played regularly in the Magners League when Stephen Jones went to the World Cup in the Autumn and has experience of playing in the Heineken Cup. Cardiff though have recalled the highly-talented Michael Schropher to fight for the No.10 jersey with the precocious Jack Perkins.

Whoever Cardiff come up against,

Sport JUBILANT J-UNIT 14 gairrhydd

gairrhydd

FEATURES

OCTOBER.22.2007

INSIDE: IMG title deciders, Waterpolo win Gold and FEATURES@ gairrhydd .COM the Word On the Cardiff City rollercoaster

PHOTO: ED SALTER

Top of the table Premiership

IMG FOOTBALL

J-Unit brush past Economics to land the top award Alex Wilson IMG Reporter J-UNIT, SOCSI AND Earth Soc finished the IMG season in fine style, recording crucial wins to clinch championship glory.

J-Unit closed out the Premiership title with an emphatic 10-0 win against a respectable Economics outfit. Meanwhile, Socsi ended Butthead FC’s valiant challenge for Division One silverware when they edged out Pharm AC 3-2.

And Earth Soc came through a close title decider against Havana Dragons to secure the Division Two title.

In the Premiership decider, J-Unit always looked like beating Economics.

The champions’ first half perform-

ance was, however, plagued by nerves.

J-Unit striker James Pressley squandered numerous chances that he would usually put away with ease.

Economics battled hard and should have gone ahead when their striker put the ball wide from five yards out. This scare acted as a wake up call for J-Unit, who poured forward, creating chances that they just could not finish.

However, these nerves were overcome and with the first half nearing its end Sam Baring pounced on a rebound to put J-Unit on the path to glory.

J-Unit started the second half in a determined and energetic manner and the second goal came soon after the restart.

James Pressley rose impressively to head in from a corner.

Rather than holding onto their two

goal lead, J-Unit pressed forward, playing sublime, fast-paced football. Knowing that the league title was within touching distance, J-Unit went for the kill and dominated the game. Chances that were found wanting in the first half were now put away with aplomb.

The game was all but over and the huge J-Unit support could start their celebrations early.

This was just the performance to round off what has been an excellent season for a J-Unit team that was originally seen as having little chance in the Premiership division. Yet a team that was born from the humble origins of Senghennydd Court has triumphed over the established teams and shocked the IMG community.

J-Unit encountered many difficult

tests that could have disrupted their season. The team kept their Premiership dream alive in the first phase with a last minute equaliser against a strong Pharm AC team.

Yet the real turning point must have been J-Unit’s victory over many people’s favorites, AFC History. J-Unit showed great character to come back from a goal behind to win a challenging game that if they had lost would have effectively ended their title hopes.

That victory put J-Unit in the Premiership driving seat and they never looked back, refusing to crack under the immense pressure that was now placed on their shoulders. Engin and Law A were never far behind but J-Unit went on to win seven games in a row to clinch the title.

P

W

D

L

Diff Pts

1

J-Unit

9

8

0

1

22

24

2

Engin Locomotive

9

6

2

1

9

20

3

Law A

8

6

1

1

13

19

4

AFC History

7

4

1

2

6

13

All participating teams have competed to an incredibly high level to make this year’s IMG football a great sporting spectacle.

Dan Williams, J-Unit captain, said: “I would like to thank all the teams for making this a great season of IMG football. I would particularly like to thank Adam Weatherly, a truly inspirational character, whose witty banter saw us through the hard times.”

He added: “It has been a hard-fought campaign and all the credit should go to the Unit lads, who have played consistenly well throughout.”

J-Unit will look to build on this success when they return to IMG next season, with hopes of doing the double.

-GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS THE GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY n SCOTT 'WHERE'S THE PARTY AT?' D'ARCY n JACK STAINS AMY’S PILLOW IN ONE NIGHT STAND FIASCO n THEN STEALS THE EVIDENCE n IMG EDS: “IT’S ALL OVER FOR US” n WHO’S THE SCARIEST NEWS ED?: THE DEBATE CONTINUES n GR VETERAN RENNISON ENJOYS BEER FOUNTAIN n WILL TAYLOR - GR’S PRODIGAL SON n ‘MR CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’ DAN JONES LETS DOWN ENTIRE STUDENT COMMUNITY n TED HANDSOME ‘DECIDES AGAINST SHANNON PUNS’ n TV: CENSORED AFTER AIMING FOR ANOTHER SPEIGHT OF COMPLAINTS n RENNISON + DATE = LIE n