gair rhydd - Issue 875 by Cardiff Student Media

gair rhydd

FREE

ISSUE 875 SEPTEMBER 29 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972

INSIDE...NEWS/OPINION/FEATURES/SPORT/LISTINGS

MISERY FOR MEDICS

QUENCH IS STUDENT LIFESTYLE: MUSIC, FILM, FEATURES, FASHION, ARTS, BOOKS AND MORE INSIDE

GLASVEGAS

"I'D BE LYING IF I SAID NONE OF US WERE FUSSED ABOUT THE CHARTS" PLUS: GANG OF FOU R, THE ALUMINUM

SHOW, AMBER

DUVAL, DON LAF

ONTAINE

INSIDE:

Misery for Medics

Quench Magazine gives you everything you need to know about student lifestyle at Cardiff:

MUSIC FILM National Student Survey reveals Cardiff Medicine FASHION FEATURES students to be the least satisfied in the UK FOOD TRAVEL ARTS BOOKS GAY +MORE Sarah Powell News Editor

Results published in the National Student Survey (NSS) this month reveal that Medicine students at Cardiff University express the least satisfaction with their course out of all students of Medicine in the United Kingdom. The annual survey showed that only 64% of Medicine student respondents at Cardiff University agreed with the statement ‘Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of my course’, compared to a national average of 89%. The survey requires students to rate various aspects of university life which range from the quality and availability of learning resources to the organisa-

tion and management of the course. The most notable areas in which Medicine students at Cardiff expressed dissatisfaction are in the course organisation, where only 27% agreed that the course was well organised, and in the assessment and feedback categories where only 9% felt that feedback was detailed and useful enough. In addition, comparison with other subjects showed that Medicine students at Cardiff were among the least satisfied students in the UK. Students of Pharmacy, Politics, English and Philosophy were just a few of those who were most satisfied, with percentages ranging from 93% upwards. Nick Yates, the Education and Welfare Officer for Cardiff Students’

Union, said that the results are a “true indication of how the students feel”. He said: “There is a need for more investment in certain areas to help improve the quality of the course.” Nick Bullock, a second year Medicine student, agreed: “The quality of teaching is variable. Of course there are lots of good lecturers, but in many cases it is the uninspiring ones that stand out, and it is these few that students reflect upon in surveys.” Ross Goslin, another second year medic, feels that the administrative organisation on the course may be the reason for the results. He said: “Some of our in-course assessment results weren’t published on time which left students feeling demoralised.”

Ongoing problems with communication, examinations and a lack of investment in student facilities are all problems that have plagued the Heath campus since the merger between University of Wales College of Medicine and Cardiff University in 2004. A particular source of dissatisfaction is the amount of examinations that Medicine students are put through. Heledd Lewis, a second year medic, said: “Medical students at Cardiff University have more exams than those at other institutions, and this may have contributed to the poor results in the NSS.”

Continued on page four

02 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

this week in gair rhydd: The week in pictures:

in numbers:

48:52 Ratio of males to females at Cardiff Uni

16 Features: Jeans for genes

1500 - 2000

Number of students turned away from Solus last Saturday

87%

Shreenivas Raju receives honour roll award

Percentage of students at Cardiff University who are satisfied overall with their course

In a world without a voice, one man emerged who would change cinema forever. That man was Don LaFontaine

fashion

ivan

ring es for his ado phone messag recognise the fans. the ou might not certainly his career in ost an alm beg you Don rding name, became a reco ognise the big army where he wouldn’t rec the Army Band. His Lafontaine was engineer for the 2 when he joined t hes face, but Don hig 196 some of the break came in voice behind ble ucer named ng radio prod most memora o you a and radi g g , ssin gro career n in producin an illustrious Floyd Peterso love”. films during s. His for “Dr. Strange d four decade commercials which spanne quite literally e fast has voic he us then oro Since distinctive, son e of the movies, ie instantly of the most become the voic 0 mov the became one estimated 5,00 lywood, laying recording an tion familiar in Hol 350,000 com a new genera ers and around for trail ark video game chm ben rs. s, programs and tch to say cial acto er mer eov of voic ber of this It is no stre s. tem cial Sep in mer com est His passing aveone of the hard te by universal bere that this was . Qui year was met true in movie land ie industry, a working men ment in the mov of the most treasontaine was and one simply, Don LaF of voiceovers. testament to dy in Hollywood. le remains the dad ured characters was most memorab calyptic voice Amongst his placed Behind that apo whose humble ts, Don often or voiceover spo an amicable man a modesty, and Terminat Man t han nts Elep The s. His lifestyle represe y’s onal favourite found in toda 2 as his pers aps diffia perh is which is rarely from g gift rkin ible world. Wo incontrovert t is fame fixated of his end, but wha for the twilight cult to compreh k is that s home studio t with his wor ld spend his day most apparen orming career, Don wou ers for movie trailwriting and perf for nt tale eov his voic than recording e from more , if a few spare voiceovers cam voice. ers, adverts and way, even perue uniq his just that art form minutes came an is ema Cin Women: wer on theatrical sonalised ans which thrives The cinepresentation. hecks, plaids nce can and tartan are matic experie the look and key. To update ng, prevent you be truly absorbi n mat reject from the set of Mis from looking like a and is so ofte s Marple, mix ch diffe rent coloured more and checks. Loo made that bit Holland who gav k to Henry e tartan a face lift by creating special by the very own acid yell his ow and turq ers. uoise patterns preceding trail Skilful layering is esse . ntia the l g in tren perf ngin d. ecting the heri Layer thin fabr In cha tage ics like silk and vital to keep the fine wool as it’s way film trailers silhouette as slim d out H&M’s new as possible were produce ’s knitwear, collection or Primark for reas . Check priced onably as although we’r and viewed, Don the e trying to ema luxury of land ured ed gentry, us nate legacy is ens hav students don’t e the erareally for many gen Rem same budget e. Butember accessories tions to comprim are vital for perf and proper tren ld ectin wor g this d. Experiment now, in a and handba with gloves, gs to without Don style. Add a silk help anchor the haughty lady hats like scarf and you cinema ’ve nailed the LaFontaine, Wea r it on your hea look. d (with a pinc the h of irony) or will never be loosely around the nec tied k. Finally, footwea same again. r can be experim ard long ented with, as leather riding Adam Woodw boo

LAFONTAINE

ts, flat brogues ankle boots all or sky-high add different elements to the For a contem porary twist try look. adding metallic gings or sexy patent over-the leg-knee boots whic will give a mod ern edge to the h classic style.

Welcome Crew say hello

...FREE INSIDE GAIR RHYDD 54 / film@gairrhy

dd.com

visit the brand new gairrhydd website and have your say at

Sport: SU president interviewed

Photographer: Models: Gre Katy Staplehurst g Carter, Liv Carter, Jenna Sull

DON

e n s c r e i c o n s

film

Freshers’ fortnight kicks off

Politics: Labour conference

www.gairrhydd.com

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Cardiff Medics most New bursary scheme Solus introduced for lower Success dissatisfied with income households course in UK Continued from front page However, the students interviewed were also keen to point out the positive aspects of the course. Nick Bullock said: “The library and learning resources available are very helpful and informative. Also, we’re very privileged here as we get to do clinical placements in first year, as well as human dissection, so I don’t know why the results reflect so badly on the course.” A spokesperson from the University accepted the urgent need for improvements at the Heath Campus. They said: “The School recognises student concerns highlighted in the National

Student Survey. While many measures have been introduced to address them, the need for greater and faster improvements is accepted.” Professor Mike Owen, Head of the School’s Department of Psychological Medicine and acting Dean of the School, said: “All staff at the School of Medicine are committed to tackling the concerns raised by the National Student Survey. This year’s figures do show improvement in a number of areas targeted in the wake of previous surveys. However, several issues requiring further action have been highlighted and the School is taking steps to address these in a manner which meets our students’ expectations.”

Paul Stollery Reporter Calls are being made to introduce a national bursary scheme to ensure all students from lower income households receive the financial support they desperately need. A recent study shows that Britain is becoming increasingly segregated with regards to higher education and wealth. Over 78% of students from the wealthiest backgrounds attend university, compared to just over one in two from the opposite end of the scale. And with universities calling for the government to scrap the £3,145 fee cap, that

gap is set to widen. Under the current scheme, universities will spread a proportion of the money raised from university fees amongst all of the students that are entitled to claim. This however results in students receiving varying levels of financial support. The National Union of Students (NUS) and the Higher Education Policy’s Institute are calling for a national bursary scheme to ensure that any grants are based on whether you need it, rather than where you study. The scheme faces opposition from both universities and the government. However with the average graduate student owing over £25,000, support for the proposal is growing.

MedClub begins to emerge from four year coma

Emma Barlow News Editor Cardiff University Students’ Union has enjoyed a hugely successful Freshers’ Week, celebrating its most succesful night ever on Saturday September 20. The Come Play and Who The F*ck Are You? collaboration last Saturday attracted record numbers of students to the Union, and more than 1500 students were turned away by door staff while 4000 partied inside. Rubber Duck replacement night Sin Bin also hosted a very successful launch, raising hopes that Sin Bin can fill the void which Duck left. Students’ Union Vice President James Wood has high hopes for the night and anticipates that the new changes will be a success. He said: “We decided to get rid of the old cheesy music that students said they were fed up of in the satisfaction survey and also the games on stage that slowed down the night” “We want students to feel part of the union and part of the ‘team’, and this is what Sin Bin is all about.”

Online Box Office Launches Emma Barlow News Editor

Sarah Powell News Editor The fate of Cardiff University’s ‘MedClub’ has now been decided in what should mark the end of a complicated and ongoing saga. The club, which was once the heart of the medic social scene, has been under debate for the last three years after it began to lose popularity with medical students. In the past, MedClub has been the hub of medic social events, with its 500 people capacity and the strong student attachment to it as part of their

heritage. However, in February 2006 (Issue 832) Gair Rhydd reported that the Union had been losing money through funding Medclub, whose club nights were regularly under-attended. This led to the Union devising the ‘Heath Park Survey’ earlier this year, which sought feedback from students on a range of issues surrounding provision at the Heath site. Using results from this survey, alongside results from the Student Satisfaction Survey, the Union developed a stance on the future of MedClub which stated that any redevelopment

of MedClub by the University must adhere to conditions including the provision of a bar, a Students’ Union presence on the site and student input into the management committee. Andy Button-Stephens, President of the Students’ Union, said: “We are pleased to advise students that this position has been accepted, that plans for MedClub are being redesigned and that it is hoped that redevelopment of MedClub can take place this session.” A spokesperson from the University has stated that they are ‘relooking at designs for the space’ and particu-

larly commenting on the definite provision of a bar. Among the student population there has been a clear desire for change. Nick Bullock, a second year Medic said; “MedClub is in need of both a drastic interior redesign to bring it into the 21st Century, and a change in its whole ethos. I think that with renovation, and some inventive ideas for club nights it has the potential to become popular for all yeargroups.”

Waiting in queues for tickets to the Student Union’s many and varied events can now be a thing of the past with the launch of the new online box office. Previously it has been possible to purchase some tickets to club nights and larger outside events hosted by the Union online, but not all of them. This old process usually resulted in purchasing an e-ticket which meant remembering to take a long a reference number and standing in a longer queue outside events. Now students will be able to print out their own ticket and walk straight in with their friends. For more information go to www.cardiffstudents.com

04 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Students crack down on binge drinking

Elle Smith Reporter

A Scottish coalition which aims to raise the drinking age in Scotland has called on the government to clamp down on binge drinking events targeted at students. The Coalition Against Raising the Drinking Age in Scotland (CARDAS) says action needs to be taken against event organisers promoting alcoholic binge tours in Scottish universities. The coalition includes Scotland’s National Union of Students and the Scottish Youth Parliament who are concerned about events such as Carnage UK, which operates under the slogan ‘its going to get messy’ and promotes themed fancy dress pub crawls such as ‘dirty porn star’. CARDAS wants the Scottish government and alcohol retailers to do more to stop groups such as Carnage UK running events that it believes undermines the responsible drinking message that student unions are trying to promote.

CARDAS believes that these binge booze tours “are clearly and worryingly focused entirely on the excessive consumption of alcohol” and appear to be actively promoting binge drinking. Tom French, the CARDAS coordinator commented: “Binge tour promoters like Carnage have been banned from students’ unions across Scotland but the student community alone cannot prevent the tide of promotional material that is hitting university campuses in Freshers Week”. French suggested that even if these pro-binge drinking companies offer soft drinks, they must be fully aware that a disproportionate number of students will still drink alcohol, and that has immediate health effects. But French acknowledges that student unions are actively damaging their finances by not promoting irresponsible drinking. Carnage UK fiercely rejected the claims made by CARDAS, accusing students’ unions as being the real culprits of the promotion of binge drinking.

Freshers’ ball fiasco

Student threatened with legal action amidst confusion over freshers’ ball Sian Symons News Editor Promoters of a Cardiff freshers’ ball that took place this weekend have sparked confusion among students. The ‘Official Student Cardiff Freshers’ Ball’ has been marketed to Cardiff University students, although it is not affiliated with either the University or the Students’ Union. However, some students claim that the Official Student Cardiff Freshers’ Ball misled them into believing that the ball is an official Cardiff University Students’ Union organised event. Promoters of the Official Student Cardiff Freshers’ Ball moderated Facebook groups that included the Cardiff University name or were named after Cardiff University halls of residence and used them to advertise the event. In one case, a promoter advertised the event through a group that used the Cardiff University logo as its profile image. One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, has received threats of legal action after posting comments on

Facebook last month. The student posted comments on Facebook groups moderated by promoters of the ball that read: ‘The people marketing the ball on this date are a private company and have been slightly deceiving with their wording.’ In an email from Climax Promotions Ltd. to the student, the company accused him of making ‘defamatory and libellous’ comments, and threatened him with legal action. The student, who described the email as ‘threatening’, said: “I felt a lot of my fellow students had been duped by the wording use as I believed it could have been easily misinterpreted.” He continued, “I was later banned from all their groups so I’ve been unable to contact new people in my halls and on my course.” The student was banned from the Facebook group and his messages were removed by its moderators. Climax Promotions Ltd. declined to comment. The Official Cardiff University Freshers’ Ball took place in the Students’ Union on September 27.

What do you think of binge booze crawls? Elle Smith asks Cardiff University students for their opinions...

“I think Carnage is ultimately a bad thing as it does actively promote irresponsible drinking but I still binge drink when I go out. Students are going to binge drink anyway, whether they are on an organised drinking tour or just out with their mates”.

“Personally I wouldn’t go on an organised event like Carnage because I prefer to just have a drink occasionally when socialising. Even if events like Carnage are banned, students will still binge drink on nights out anyway.”

“I think Carnage does definitely encourage students to binge drink but I also think that it is up to the individual if they want to drink or not. It is hard for students to strike a balance between drinking at their will whilst also being responsible for their drunken behaviour.”

“I’m not against events like Carnage, they can be a good laugh and not just because of the alcohol - they are also a good way to meet new people and have fun with your friends. I don’t think these events can ever be banned completely.”

Phil Meek, First Year Chemistry

Alexa Brierley, First Year Education

Dave Ross, Third Year Geography & Planning

Anna Tomlinson, First Year Communications

“I think Carnage is a good thing - I’ll probably be going this Friday! I know it promotes binge drinking but I’m a student and it’s a good night out”.

Ollie Thorne, First Year Sociology and Criminology

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

WORLD NEWS

NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Also in the news... Emma Barlow News Editor

Film fan frenzy

Record diamond in the rough London-listed mining firm has recovered a 478-carat diamond from its mine in Lesotho, the 20th largest rough diamond yet found.

Harry Potter and the Bollywood lawsuit Harry Potter maker Warner Bros is slammed in court over attempting to sue makers of upcoming film Hari Puttar. Elle Smith Reporter Warner Bros have recently filed a lawsuit against all parties involved in the production of new Bollywood film Hari Puttar, declaring it too similar to their own adaptations of JK Rowling’s book series. The film, which was to be premiered on September 12, has been postponed due to the lawsuit. Warner Bros, who have made over £2.5 billion from the Harry Potter franchise, claimed the name might confuse people, despite the two films being completely different. The Indian court has since rejected Warner’s case, stating that people can easily distinguish Harry Potter

A 25-year-old man who tried to kill a priest by stabbing him in a church in Rome has told police that he did so after the watching the film The Da Vinci Code and believing himself to be the anti-Christ. Police found a note in one of Luzi’s pockets reading “this is just the beginning, 666.” They also found a print of the The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci.

from Hari Puttar. The production company Mirchi told the court that the choice of title was due to the popularity of the name Hari and that Puttar means “son” in Punjabi. Warner Bros have known about the film since 2005, but have waited until days before the release to attempt to get the name changed. Hari Puttar is not a long-winded tale of magic and muggles, but is instead more reminiscent of 1990’s box office hit Home Alone. The film follows Hari and his cousin as they are left at home and are given the task of protecting Hari’s father’s computer chip from burglars. The film was released in India on Friday 26.

Baaad eagle Amy Hall Reporter

Sheep farmers in remote northwest Scotland are furious about a sea eagle reintroduction program, saying the huge birds of prey are damaging their livelihoods by killing 200 lambs in the past year. The RSPB have called the program an “outstanding success.” William Fraser of the Crofting Foundation said the sea eagles, which have a wingspan of eight feet, will even snatch year-old sheep.

Body bags

An enormous gemstone has been discovered by miners in Africa, which experts say could become the world’s largest polished round diamond. The precious stone was unearthed by miners in the country of Lesotho and is said, by London company Gem Diamonds, to weigh 478 carats. This makes it the 20th largest rough diamond ever found. The mine, which was owned by De Beers for many years, has already produced three of the world’s biggest diamonds. The diamond, which is yet unnamed, has the potential to yield a whopping 150 carat cut stone, making it the largest

in the world and worth tens of millions of pounds. Gem Diamonds chief executive Clifford Elphick said: “a preliminary examination of this remarkable diamond indicates it will yield a record-breaking polished stone of the very best colour and clarity.” The biggest rough diamond ever found is called the Cullinan diamond, which weighed an astonishing 3,106 carats and is now a 530 carat teardrop diamond called the Great Star of Africa. Until now, the Koh-i-noor diamond, which is part of the British Crown Jewels along with the Cullinan diamond, holds the record for the largest round cut diamond at 105 carats.

The cracks are beginning to show Amy Hall Reporter

A Japanese company says it has made an airbag designed to stop elderly people injuring themselves by falling over. The device is strapped around the back and neck. If it detects it is accelerating towards the ground, the manufacturers say it will inflate in 0.1 seconds. Japan has a large elderly population with nearly 30 million people over the age of 65. There is a huge market for products to protect and assist them.

The iconic statue of David by Michelangelo is in danger of collapsing due to the amount of tourists visiting it every day. The statue of David stands in Florence, Italy and has been displayed there for over 500 years. Michelangelo was asked to complete the statue that was started by another sculptor 40 years earlier. David is the iconic warrior who triumphed over the mighty giant Goliath in the Old Testament. It was originally seen as a powerful symbol of Florence’s republican political ideals. Experts are worried that the size,

shape and weakness of the marble, combined with the vibrations from the thousands of tourists, could spell disaster for the statue’s structure. The statue has had structural problems since it was first displayed and was attacked by crowds. In 1991 it was hacked at by a crazed painter. Cracks filled in four years ago as part of controversial restoration work have already reopened. The restoration involved the use of distilled water to clean the statue which many thought could damage it. Engineers from the University of Perugia say protective insulation for the statue would cost about €1 million (£792,689).

gairrhydd SEPTEMBER.29.2008

EDITORIAL & OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

gair rhydd

FREE

SIX STUDENTS SUE 2L

ET2STUDENTS: P.4 INSIDE: Quen

EAN

EA N

V.C. DAVID GRANT

UR “POOR T! AC ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE”

V.C. DAVID GRANT

Cardiff researches climate change’s effects but doesn’t put their findings into practice

ISSUE 874 SEPTEMBER 15 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972

INSIDE...NEWS/FEATURE S/OPINION/JOBS&MO NEY/SPORT

Editor Ben Bryant Deputy Editor Hazel Plush Co-ordinator Elaine Morgan News Emma Barlow Emma Jones Sarah Powell Sian Symons Editorial and Opinion Jamie Thunder

ardiff University has been ranked 84th in the UK for environmental performance, scoring a miserable 25.5 points out of a possible 60. The Green League, published in July by student campaign group People and Planet, scores universities out of 60 on environmental policy, environmental staff, environmental audit, Fairtrade university status, ethical investment policy, energy sources, waste recycled, carbon emissions per head and water usage. So what is Cardiff doing wrong? The Union has campaigned on green issues, as have various groups around the University. Students are constantly being told to recycle, turn lights off and generally do their bit, yet they scored fewer than half the points of winners University of Gloucestershire and worse than all the other Welsh universities in the League. Cardiff also performed poorly compared to other Russell Group institutions, with only Imperial College London and University College London getting lower scores.

Ben Bryant

Amy Hall is unimpressed by Cardiff University’s recent low placing in The Green League

It’s been a tough month for Cardiff University. First, the news that we have slipped into 84th place on the People and Planet Green League, limping miserably into line behind Swansea (74th), Aberystwyth (53rd) and UWIC (41st). And now news that Cardiff University Medics are the least satisfied students of Medicine in the whole UK. It’s not the best way to start a new academic year. And yet many of the problems that have plagued the Heath Campus should have been resolved when Cardiff University merged with the University of Wales College of Medicine in 2004. Instead problems at the Heath Campus have been characterised by a communications breakdown that spans the entire Medicine student experience. The statistics show that communication between lecturers and students is very poor: only nine percent of medics agree that feedback on their work has been prompt. The same proportion agrees that they have received detailed comments on their work. And only eight percent think that feedback on their work has helped them to clarify things they didn’t understand. But you only have to walk through the main student areas of the Heath Campus to see just how complete this communication breakdown has become. Cardiff University branding is almost absent: University of Wales College of Medicine signs haunt the corridors and lecture theatres. There is no daytime social space reserved for students. And the ancient relic of MedClub stands in the thick of it all: an ugly, empty symbol of years of neglect on the part of the University and the Union, adorned with the funeral robes of a few tatty Rubber Duck posters and a Presidents’ board that ends, ironically, in 2004. The net result is that all Heath Campus students, but particularly medics, feel isolated from their lecturers, their University and their Union. Fortunately, it looks as if things could change. The 2 year deadlock that characterised discussions on the future of MedClub has finally been broken. MedClub will, we are told, be redeveloped. This improvement certainly doesn’t solve the Heath’s problems, but it is a step in the right direction. Not that we haven’t heard this before. It will take vigilance and action on behalf of the student body, the Union and, of course, student media, to ensure that the situation improves for all.

Absolutely rubbish

Misery for Medics

ch Magazine gives you all the inside knowledge on your new life at Cardiff University:

MUSIC FILM FASHION FEATURES TRAVEL ARTS BOOKS GAY +MORE

University’s green credentials condem ned by People and Planet ‘Green League’

Sian Symons News Editor

Cardiff University has dropped a further two places since last year, remaining in the category of ‘Poor Cardiff University has Environmental been 84th out of 119 universiti ranked Performance’. The Green League People and Planet Green es in the measures League, universities published in June this according to their year, which performan ce in categories such ranks universities according as to percentage of waste their green credentials. recycled, water consumption and carbon Despite the University’s emissions per efforts to head. improve upon their environmental Points are allocated to each performance, which university included the depending introduction of an Energy, on how well they score in Water and these categories. Waste Management policy last October, In total, Cardiff University , which

is a member of the elite Russell Group of universities, scored 25.5 points out of a possible 60, placing it below the category of ‘Must try harder’, a mere five points above a ‘Fail’. Cardiff University scored in the ‘Fairtrade University 100% Status’ category, due to the fact that they are a Fairtrade University. The university scored particularly low, however, in the categories of carbon emission output, the percentage of waste recycled and the amount of energy used from ‘green’ sources.

In a statement provided to gair rhydd, People and Planet Cardiff said: “There are no excuses for Cardiff’s abysmal performance. When Cardiff Uni received a third in the Green League 2007 students were promised action – yet they are returning this year to find Cardiff has slipped another two places to 84th. The University has no basis for complaints - they received a generous 2 points for the meager 0.9% carbon they saved. In comparison to Continued on page five

T C A

Est. 1972

freewords

much pressure is being put on institutions such as universities, especially as many of them, like Cardiff, are researching the effects humans are having on the environment but not putting their findings into practice. Collective The threat of irreversible climate action from businesses and governchange is one of the biggest crises facments is needed, or else no matter how ing the world today. Greenhouse gas hard we try as individuals we cannot emissions need to be reduced 60% by reach a sustainable future. 2050 compared to 1990 levels, but our Thousands of students have voiced emissions have risen since 1997. If the their concern over the University’s enbehaviour in the UK regarding using vironmental performance, but there is resources and releasing emissions were still more to be done. Since 2004, over repeated globally we would need three 6,000 signatures supporting People and planets for Earth’s population. Climate Planet’s ‘Go Green’ campaign have change is already affecting millions been collected. We need to be putting of people around the world. We have continuous pressure on the University seen evidence here in the UK with the to follow the steps to improvement. We storms and flooding. According to the World Health Organization, 150,000 There were two areas where Car- should be able to be proud of our unideaths in 2000 were as a result of clidiff did shine, though. Fairtrade status versity’s handling of such an important mate change. meant that Cardiff scored full marks issue. This is why I feel that more stuOf course there is the age-old arfor that category. Full marks were also dents should be taking action, whether gument that a decreasing amount of scored for improvement in carbon emis- through joining groups like People and people like to bandy about: ‘What if all sions per head. However, only one out Planet for collective action or just writthis science is wrong? I don’t think we of four points were gained for current ing to people such as the V.C. calling emissions, which need to be improved for them to take action. need to worry so much about climate Cardiff People and Planet society is significantly before Cardiff University change’. But surely it’s better to be safe can play its part in a more sustainable free and open to anyone. They meet at than sorry, even if you want to ignore 7.30pm every Tuesday. Another area Cardiff performed future. the evidence? The full Green League table is availOur personal ecological footprint Cardiff’s low score in this year’s badly in was environmental auditing, Green League can be attributed to many for which only three out of ten points can only be reduced by a third with able at www.peopleandplanet.org/ things. There are four recognised steps were scored. Independent auditing is individual action alone. This is why so gogreen/greenleague2008 Advertising Emma Davies Aimee Steen Natalia Popova Contributors 02920 781 474 Politics Listings Online Editors Ed Vanstone, Paul StrolLocation Gareth Ludkin Hazel Plush Paul Springett lery, Elle Smith, Amy 4th Floor Cardiff UniverSport Television Tom Barnett Hall, Corey Shefman, sity Students’ Union Scott D’Arcy Sarah George Sub Editor Sam Dixon, Dan Smith, Address News Desk Rhona Morris Tim Brandon Graeme Porteous University Union, Park 07908 551922 Josh Pettitt TV Helen Proof Readers Place, Cardiff, CF10 Richard Williams TV Tom Lee Macaulay 3QN Liz Wray Five Ninute Fun Hazel Plush Web Letters Kate Eaton Emma Davies www.gairrhydd.com Laurel Burn Tafod Aisling Tempany Email Features Dafydd Loughran Sarah George info@gairrhydd.com Ceri Isfryn Picture Editor Richard Williams that research has shown institutions must follow before they can improve their environmental performance, one of which is full-time environmental management staff. The environment must be the sole concern of these staff. Cardiff scored only half of the available points for this in The Green League: six out of 12. Cardiff’s People and Planet group has been campaigning for a fulltime environmental manager at the University since 2004, backed by notable figures such as George Monbiot, the well-known journalist and environmentalist who is a fellow of Cardiff University, and Jenny Randerson AM. At least one full-time environmental manager is vital for a well-organised and successful coordination of environmental issues.

Collective action from institutions is needed or else we cannot reach a sustainable future

needed to review the environmental performance of all institutions. Extra points were awarded if universities had not just conducted a base review but also reviewed areas such as construction and energy in the last five years. Also, there were no points scored for ethical investment and a publicly available ethical investment policy, where three were available.

We need to put pressure on the University to follow the steps to improvement

08 gairrhydd

OPINION Canuck in Cardiff International student Corey Shefman meets some macho men

owdy, eh! Okay, that was lame but give me a break, I’m still getting used to not living in an igloo. Okay, also lame. By way of introduction, welcome! I’m Corey Shefman, and you’ve probably figured out by now that I’m Canadian (or ‘a colonial’ as the Brits like to call us) and this is my column. For the rest of the year, you can visit me in the gair rhydd Opinion section to get the latest on issues facing us international students - from the British penchant for ‘fancy dress’ to their strange and confusing coins and everything in between!

I have seen surprisingly few sheep since I’ve been in Wales Speaking of which, what’s up with fancy dress? I was in a quiet pub this past Sunday afternoon enjoying a pint with a friend when out of nowhere (this is 3pm on Sunday, mind you) two dozen big, loud and half-naked men stormed into the pub shouting at the top of their lungs, dressed as The Village People! When I mentioned to my friend that if this were in Canada they would all have been arrested, she couldn’t understand why we don’t do fancy dress in North America. So that’s been my introduction to Cardiff – fancy dress, funny money, a beautiful campus and lots and lots of beer. That being said, I’ve seen surprisingly few sheep since I got here.

In Canada, halfnaked men in fancy dress would be arrested Anyway, are you an international student with something to say about your time so far in Cardiff? Has something about the way things work here stood out to you? Just want to rant about how much better your home country is? Drop me a line at canuckincardiff@gmail.com. If you say something interesting, maybe I’ll talk about it in a future column. Awesome prize, eh? Public service announcement of the week: all Canadians and Americans should remember to register to vote by mail for their upcoming elections! Applications are due October 7th for Canadians and October 10th for Americans.

SEPTEMBER.29.2008 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

A hard rain’s a-gonna fall

The forecast after 2008 looks gloomy to Sam Dixon

here is a tendency for the babbling of academics to be one step ahead of the reality we experience. We hear the theories, we understand and accept that they are true, but it takes a while for us to actually see and feel it in our real lives. Economists told us we had drifted into a patch of economic turbulence before it actually hit us in our pockets and, very much staying on that gusty theme, the battering of the US coast by a succession of powerful hurricanes suggests that climate change, which scientists have been warning us about for years, has very much arrived. For many years, too, we have been told about the rise of the new superpowers, such as China and India. It is only recently, though, that I had the feeling that the ground had shifted beneath my feet, as if we’d been climbing a steep slope on a rollercoaster and suddenly tipped over the edge of a drop. We had a sense it was coming, but its still a little disorientating.

2008 will be remembered as a hinge year Beijing announced its arrival as a major power with the Olympics, Russia defied the demands of western leaders with its invasion of Georgia, and countries like Pakistan became increasingly resistant to American pressure. For

people of my age this is unusual, as we have known nothing in our lives but a world with only one superpower: the United States of America. It has also been a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity in the western world. But this security is slipping away, our certainties are dissolving and we may soon realise that the things we have taken for granted, and that many of us have perhaps not truly appreciated, are not guaranteed. I think 2008 will be remembered as a hinge year, when the storm clouds that had been brewing finally came together and unleashed their devastating rain (I’m afraid I can’t keep off the meteorological metaphors today; this woeful summer has obviously left deep psychological scars).

Certainties are dissolving, and things we have taken for granted are not guaranteed So what might this new world look like? Well, whoever gets into the White House will have to deal with the changes, but it’s John McCain’s solution which is the biggest indicator of how old institutions and old ideas are struggling to cope with the shift in power. You see, he wants the US and its allies to break away from the United Nations and form a ‘league of democracies’. This is because, with the growing assertiveness of China and

Russia, and their use of veto power, America has become extremely frustrated by its inability to pass proposals on issues like Darfur and Iran’s nuclear programme.

We will look back on what has just passed as a golden age This is where I think the fault line will lie. The US may not be perfect, but at least it has principles in its foreign policy beyond basic national interest. Its commitment to spreading democracy and freedom is not just a veneer; if you look at any international situation, from Ukraine in Europe to Zimbabwe in Africa (albeit with regrettable exceptions like Saudi Arabia), you will find America on the side of the people and against those who would terrorise and oppress them. On the other hand, China and Russia simply exercise power politics and pursue their economic interests, not to mention their dismal records on human rights at home. The relative decline of American power will be a cause for celebration in some quarters, but I for one think it has been a mostly positive thing to have a world in which the dominant superpower was a liberal democracy. Not only that, but it was prepared to stand up for its values. Whenever and wherever it has been deemed necessary that soldiers are needed to prevent

An ethical web Miranda Knox

THE WORLD: it’s gonna get worse citizens massacring each other, or force has been required to put a rampaging warmonger back in his place, the US armed forces have shouldered the bulk of the burden. Whatever you may think of the Iraq invasion, George Bush did not impose a puppet regime on the country and he did not desert it in its struggle for democracy even when thousands of American soldiers had died. People who have enjoyed the ability to rage against Western ‘capitalism’ since the end of the Cold War without having to offer alternatives may now have some awkward decisions to make. One wonders where were the crowds of anti-war protesters when Russia illegally invaded Georgian territory? In any event, I suspect we will look back on what has just passed as something of a golden age, compared to the one we have just entered, and in our memories 2008 will appear to have been very sunny indeed.

debates the controversial possibility of an external regulator for the internet

he extent to which the internet should be regulated is an issue regarding how much we want to allow our lives to be controlled and governed. It’s up to the individual what information they choose to access (with the exception of certain illegal activities, such as child abuse) on the internet, and we should be able to decide for ourselves what we believe to be inappropriate, and report it if we so choose. I think self-regulation, at the very least, is necessary, and warnings should certainly be given before any unsuitable content is accessed. But I think we, as the consumer, should ultimately have the power to control what is censored, rather than an external body gaining control over all sites. I think it is important to have some sort of regulation in place, but giving the public the chance to decide for themselves is crucial. Sometimes it’s possible to stumble across a site that you really wish you hadn’t and, while it can take up to 24 hours to remove offensive material, the alternative of a regulating body has the potential to be far worse. Not only would it be difficult to enforce censorship guidelines,

but it could be used for the wrong reasons. After all, Nazi Germany didn’t exactly have freedom to information and I certainly wouldn’t say censorship was healthy for that situation.

Who can decide better than ourselves what is appropriate for our own viewing? I’m obviously not saying that it is in any way acceptable for people to upload distressing clips onto YouTube, and it is imperative videos can be reported and removed if required. However, it is only through awareness of the existence of shocking issues that something can be done. It could therefore be argued that removing any trace of such issues could just lead to ignorance and a lack of understanding of real problems that occur in society, because information is inaccessible. Former US president J.F Kennedy once said, “A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood of ideas in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.” The internet in my mind is just that:

an open market, where people should have access to all information so that they can make an informed decision themselves as to what is acceptable, and are able to raise any issues they may have. This is surely a more constructive way to regulate the internet, as people are able to discuss and debate offensive material instead of just being blissfully unaware of sensitive issues. While there are obvious benefits to having an external regulating body, it could be used to control information that should be accessible by everyone. It just seems like a huge task to try and regulate the internet, as people can report any unsuitable content anyway. An example of such a case would be China, where the censorship system even erases political opinions posted on the web if in disagreement with the Chinese authorities. This gives too much power to the elite, and restricts ordinary people’s right to free speech. I can understand concern over children and what they may stumble across whilst innocently on the net, but surely it is ultimately the responsibility of the parent to govern what they and their children can access? Even when there are censorship guidelines, children are still able to access the

most gory and violent content going if the parent chooses to ignore regulation guidelines on, say video games. I honestly can’t see there being an effective and fair alternative to sites placing self-regulation guidelines. After all who can decide better than ourselves what is appropriate for our own viewing? I think it would be difficult to judge what needs to be regulated throughout the entire internet without being unnecessarily restrictive upon

Allowing the public to decide for themselves is vital content. I believe people should be able to access all information out there as they should be entitled to build up an accurate image of the world in which we live. I would argue that a system does need to be in place for regulation of particularly bad material, especially with more and more people uploading their own videos into the public domain, but that it should be used only for the outright offensive material, and not just a way to restrict people’s access to information.

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

OPINION

OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

The boy

THUNDER

new year, new columnist!

He ain't scared of lightning

it just Welcome to big school Isme...

o, you’ve made it. You’ve passed your really really easy A-Levels (didn’t you read the papers on results’ day?), and are now in Cardiff. Even though in my day your three Bs would only have been worth a B, two Cs and a D in General Studies, you’re at officially the best university in Wales. No pressure. Okay, okay. I’m being a bit harsh. Maybe you just worked very hard and had excellent teaching and exam guidance. It’s just that that just doesn’t fit the ‘exams are getting easier’ ideology which, as a journalist, I am required to follow. So shush. Dissenting opinions will be silenced, or at least relegated to the letters page of The Guardian. Whether you got here through diligence or dumbing-down (and secretly I believe the former, but don’t tell anyone), it’s probably at least a bit scary. It’s alright; you can tell me. I know you don’t want to admit it, but everyone’s a bit scared. Even that guy wandering around your flat topless, loudly proclaiming last night’s conquest like a priapic foghorn.

Remember you are not defined by your shampoo Talking of the priapic foghorn, first impressions are important, but not necessarily indicators of anything. Try to give a good one yourself, but don’t pay too much attention to other people’s. On the first night that I went to the Taf with my flatmates I drank far too much, and had to be escorted home before everyone else continued their night. Thankfully they were a forgiving bunch and realised that I was very embarrassed and not the complete waster I’d probably seemed. Don’t let

Basically, advertisers want your student loan. They don’t think you can be trusted with it and would rather look after it themselves, and they’ll use two main tactics to convince you to hand it over. The first is the ‘hateful student stereotype’ tactic, based on the theory that all students mystifyingly identify with a leftovers-eating, hungover student caricature who loves alcohol and can’t get out of bed in the morning. Quite why anyone would see this image and think ‘Yes! That’s me and who I want to be seen as, and I accept this generalisation!’ is beyond my comprehension, but it seems to work or else they wouldn’t keep using it. It needs to stop.

flatmates’ Facebook profiles put you off too much, either; I thought one of mine would be a complete idiot based on his profile picture, and I was almost entirely wrong. Oh yeah, try to actually get on with your flatmates. You’ll be living with them for at least the first year. It may be that you have a weird flatmate who just stares at you, or you may have amazing flatmates with whom you can make dens, but either way it’s useful to be able to be civil with them. Then, once you’ve discovered their ulterior motives, you can work out who you can reasonably attack with duvets (it happens) without fear of disproportionate retaliation. But even if your flatmates are all generic, worthless student voids who love great nights out and drinkiiiiiing, don’t despair. Last year we effectively adopted someone from the flat opposite because he didn’t get on with his flatmates, and even if the people you live

BIG SCHOOL: welcome to it with are Daily Mail-wielding, Clarksonadoring Young Conservatives, you’ve always got your coursemates (who handily are likely to have at least some common ground with you by virtue of being on the same course). If you’re a hopeless romantic and have sworn yourself to someone many miles away, then try not to sleep with anyone immediately. Or at least don’t try to. And don’t go to any Traffic Light parties wearing orange (translation: in a long-distance relationship but looking), you callous, cold-hearted git. Besides, it’s supposed to be amber, so it’s wrong on multiple levels. Soon you’ll have navigated the seemingly perilous (but actually okay) meeting people stage. Then come the advertisements and the lectures. I’ll focus on the advertisements here because, especially if you’re taking a Humanities course, you’ll actually have more contact time with the leafleters than with your lecturers.

Everyone’s a bit scared at first The second tactic is more insiduous. They’ll play on your insecurities, putting a few possibilities out there in the hope that one’ll stick. Maybe you don’t like your teeth, or maybe in Year 9 Sally Bishop said your hair was yucky. But just remember that you are not defined by your shampoo, or your handbag, or the Che Guevara t-shirt you’re so proudly weari- oh wait, that one does define you. But you know what I mean. And don’t sign up for anything on the spot, especially not charity standing orders – you are not a bad person if you don’t because you can’t afford it. I’ll stop now; I’m getting all mistyeyed. It’s not very me. I’ll finish by saying that it’s okay to be a bit overdrawn and it’s okay to not be posting results of 80+ in your modules. Just enjoy it, and don’t forget to read and even write for gair rhydd. I hope that’s okay, anyway, because that’s what happened to me. I’ll let you know for sure in two years…

It’s all over the front page H

ello and welcome to this mini-column, in which I’ll cast a critical and inept eye over recent newspaper front pages because I am poor and can’t afford to actually buy newspapers. It’s also possibly the only column in gair rhydd history inspired by Catatonia. The honour of being the first subject of this column is diplomatically shared between just about all of the tabloids for their August 5th editions. You see that was the day that the police files on the case of popular dead three-year-old Madeleine McCann were released, so it became a battle to see who could smear the biggest picture of her empty bed across their front page. It was all very tasteless, done solely

to lure in those people who invest questionable amounts of emotion into other people’s lives, but The Sun deserves a special mention for somehow managing to heighten the uncomfortable intrusion into what should be a very private grieving process with its sub-heading’s mawkish and unnecessary focus on the ‘cuddle cat toy’.

Non-celebrities have become targets of often vicious reports This sort of voyeurism is a nasty, cynical tactic to increase sales, but sadly one that seems to work. Still, it’s not quite as bad as The Mirror declar-

ing in April that they knew who had Shannon Matthews because of what some psychic had said. That sort of false hope – the headline was simply ‘I know who’s got Shannon’ – must’ve been horrendous for the family. Er, the ones who hadn’t hidden her, at least. Although I bet the ones who had were at least a little nervous. Anyway, the story on August 5th wasn’t ‘Police release files on Madeleine McCann’s disappearance’. It was ‘LOOK! LOOK! WE HAVE A NEW PICTURE TANGENTIALLY RELATED TO THE PEOPLE’S MADDIE!’ I don’t know if it says worse things about the tabloids or their readers that this was printed and bought, but it is certainly a bit miserable either way.

You can argue that celebrities like Amy Winehouse or Gary Glitter have at least some part in the ridiculous media coverage they receive. But in recent years there’s been an increase in the media’s obsession with non-celebrities: in the last year alone we’ve had John Darwin, the McCanns and Shannon Matthews become the target of incredible numbers of often vicious reports.

It’s a nasty, cynical tactic These people, whatever they’ve done, have wandered into the public eye by mistake, and they deserve some privacy. Leave them alone, eh?

...or was China’s Olympic slogan a little inappropriate?

ne world, one dream. It’s a lovely idea – the sort of vague, noble sentiment you might expect to have heard from Martin Luther King or Gandhi. But maybe not from a country with a recent history of totalitarianism and authoritarianism. Apart from sounding quite a lot like something Freddie Mercury once sang, the official slogan for the Beijing Olympics was a bit cynical when you consider China’s treatment of Tibet and some of the less savoury incidents in its not-too-distant past (Tiananmen Square, anyone?). You have to ask yourself exactly what the ‘one dream’ we have apparently been subscribed to is.

China could have been truly committed to world unity through curling Of course, it could all be very innocent. China could have been truly committed to world unity through the media of curling and javelin-throwing. It’s just hard not to read a subtext into it. Imagine the outcry if Germany hosted the Games and used the same slogan; it would be unthinkable. Yet for all the condemnation of the Chinese regime’s human rights’ abuses, no-one seems to have picked up on the possible undertones of the phrase.

Imagine the outcry if Germany used the same slogan for the Games However, objections to the slogan aside, it did have the very welcome effect of implanting an image in my head of IOC officials air-guitaring wildly to One Vision, presumably with a drug-crazed Dwain Chambers taking up Mercury’s mantle. Which pretty much makes it the best Olympic slogan ever. That’s alright, then.

10 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

POLITICS

POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

Brown defiant at Labour conference

Gareth Ludkin looks back at an eventful Labour conference as Gordon Brown makes a rousing speech

resh back from Holiday, Gordon Brown certainly hasn’t had the easiest couple of the weeks with the global economy crumbling and the credit crunch continuing to hit people’s pockets, he’s certainly not the flavour of the month. On top of this his party has questioned his leadership and his popularity has well and truly plunged among the electorate. At such a crucial time now is the perfect time for Brown to tackle his demons and state his intentions at last week’s crucial annual Labour conference. Following on from a buoyant Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth all eyes were on Manchester as delegates debated Labour’s next move. A wide range of key issues were discussed at the conference but two topics stood out, the economy and more controversially questions over Brown’s leadership. In the bars and corridors the talk was of leadership, back bench rebels and leadership challenges. For now there is no real challenge to the leadership David Miliband chose instead to show a united front; he along with the rest of the cabinet sat together on stage while delegates publicly stated their support for the PM. Behind the scenes, however, there were just as many doubting his credentials. Gordon Brown been under huge pressure recently in tackling the global issues which have affected our daily lives and once again he was expected to show strength and resilience against the critics by delivering an inspiring and determined speech. Normally not known for his sound bites, there were plenty of quotable moments throughout his personal, confident and strong speech. He authoritatively commanded the stage and managed to receive three standing ovations from the crowd. In the speech he got straight to the point

and called for a “fair Britain for the new age”. Repeatedly he highlighted global problems that the world faces in a new ‘global age’. Gordon Brown suggested that the Labour party was the only truly progressive government who could make the most of the global opportunities and face up to world issues and clearly stated that “this is no time for a novice” - a statement obviously directed at David Cameron - and also the Conservatives whom he criticised for their proposed swathe of tax cuts and reduced public spending for schools, children and public services. Brown commented that “this country needs a Labour government” and also said “I think this is the best country in the world, I believe in Britain”. Brown even defended his personality, stating, “I didn’t come into politics to be a celebrity or thinking I’d always be popular…Perhaps, that’s just as well” adding “if people say I’m too serious, quite honestly there’s a lot to be serious about – I’m serious about doing a serious job for all the people of this country”.

Brown authoritatively commanded the stage and received three standing ovations For a man under so much pressure to deliver amid speculation over his personality and leadership qualities he was defiant and confident in Labour’s ability, promising that the party would be the “rock of stability and fairness upon which people can stand”. He admitted to mistakes with the 10p tax rate but reassured people that the Labour Party are on their side, championing security

and fair chances for all and putting people first, especially for those on middle and modest incomes. The speech, which lasted around an hour, praised the work his cabinet was doing in education, health and culture and most of all reiterated his promise to help the people who need it most, stressing the changing times of a global age with great financial instability. In response to the new “global age”, he promised to set out clear principles for a global economy and to rebuild the global financial sector with London as the financial centre of the world. He also promised an end to the dictatorship of oil and more investment in clean coal, renewable energy and nuclear power. Gordon Brown’s speech aside, there

still seemed a lack of progressive language throughout the week. Much of the conference focused on ratification and reassurance, reassurance that the Labour Party can lead the country through tough economic challenges. This conference effectively kicks off the campaigning toward a fourth term in office. Alistair Darling performed well at the conference and helped to quell worries and reiterated that food and oil prices were global problems and gave hope that things would improve, “the price of oil is down from its summer high. There are signs too that crop prices are falling which should eventually be reflected in the shops.” He also stated his intentions to help families: “this month 22 million

people on low and middle incomes will receive a £60 rebate - with an extra £10 each month until April.” Importantly, Alistair Darling was also emphatic in his support for Brown and the party: “These are very uncertain times. But one thing I am certain about is that we have the right Prime Minister, the right team and the right policies to help the country through them.” He also called for unity in the party, “We should have confidence in ourselves and confidence in the future.” The stage is set and the slog towards a general election seems imminent: don’t write Brown off yet; he’s still got a lot to say.

Thabo Mbeki forced out of office T

he President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki resigned last week after the executive committee of the African National Conference decided to ‘recall’ the president from his position. Thabo Mbeki has obliged and will step down from the position he has held for 9 years. Mbeki was expected to step down next year after the completion of a second successful term in office, however his resignation has been brought forward due to ‘political meddling’ in corruption and fraud charges against Jacob Zuma who had managed to oust Mbeki from the presidency of the ANC last December. The corruption charges related to a multi-billion-rand arms deal. Zuma’s financial adviser is already serving a 15 year jail sentence on similar charges. Judge Christopher Nicholson, who dealt with the case, reported that it appeared that Mbeki, and his Justice Minister had colluded with the prosecution

in a tussle for power. Gwede Mantashe, the ANC secretary-general, said that Mbeki ‘welcomed the news and agreed that he is going to participate in the parliamentary process.’

Although Mbeki was set to leave he has, in essence, been pushed out the door before his term was up The constitution states that if the President resigns or dies the Deputy President would resign, however Mbeki’s deputy promised to resign with Mbeki. This now means that an interim President must be selected. The path is now clear for Jacob Zuma to go for the presidency once he gets MP status, allowing him to stand for the position.

The opposition leader, Bantu Holomisa of the United Democratic Movement complained about the decision, suggesting that “Parliament should have the last word, not some kangaroo court of the ANC NEC.” Officials of the ANC are not directly elected and can be appointed and recalled as and when the party officials want. Holomisa goes on to say: “Here is a person, not accused of any crime, being pushed out of office by a person who faces charges of fraud and corruption.” Although Mbeki was set to leave he has in essence been pushed out of the door before his term was up. Mbeki has been vitally important in brokering the new government for Zimbabwe, making sure that a free and fair process was undertaken. He has been pushed from a posistion he has held since Nelson Mandela; and it is sad that he has been removed in such an ungrateful way.

APRIL.22.2008 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

gairrhydd

NEWS

XFMDPNF!UP!TXBOTFBÖT! OFXFTU!EFTUJOBUJPO/ Kvtu!ßojtijoh!zpvs!efhsff@! Xpvme!zpv!mjlf!up!ufbdi!bu!qsjnbsz!ps!tfdpoebsz!mfwfm@ Xiz!opu!tuvez!gps!b!QHDF!boe!hbjo!rvbmjßfe!ufbdifs!tubuvt@ Usbjo!jo!Xbmft!boe!zpv!dpvme!fbso!xijmtu!tuvezjoh

QHDF!Tfdpoebsz!Jogpsnbujpo!Npsojoh! Tuesday, 11th November 2008 The Swansea School of Education Secondary subjects:

Cjpmphz!

Difnjtusz!

Qiztjdt!

Tdjfodf!22.27!

Nbuifnbujdt

For these subjects above you will receive a Training Grant of £7,200 and a Teaching Grant of £5,000*

Xfmti!

Npefso!Gpsfjho!Mbohvbhft!

JDU!

Eftjho!boe!Ufdiopmphz

For these subjects above you will receive a Training Grant of £7,200 and a Teaching Grant of £2,500*

Fohmjti!

Ijtupsz!

Hfphsbqiz!

Cvtjoftt!Tuvejft!

Bsu

For these subjects above you will receive a Training Grant of £4,200* For all Primary PGCE courses, you receive a Training Grant of £2,200*

If you would like to attend, please register by contacting Kelly Harsant on 01792 482105 or email kelly.harsant@smu.ac.uk *Training grant figures are subject to review for 2009 entry.

JUÖT!UIF!EFTUJOBUJPO xxx/tnv/bd/vl

! "# ! $ "# ! !! "# ! % & "# ! ' ( ") * ! + ! , ! ( "# ! # - - - . # / * !!

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

LETTERS

LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM

letters@gairrhydd.com A Right to Die? I felt compelled to try add some balance to Samantha Shillabeer's skewed take on Salford City Council's introduction of so-called 'right to die' cards. The idea of giving patients the chance to have a say in the manner of their treatment during their final hours is not new. Advance Directives (living wills) are treated with utmost seriousness by doctors and medical

the

professionals across the country and have been for over a decade. So the thrust of the article can immediately be regarded as not only out of kilter with modern medical ethics, but falling on deaf ears. The reasons why people choose to state such intentions, either in a simple printed document or with one of these new cards, are obviously numerous and complicated. But such decisions are never, ever made lightly. I'm not sure of her own particular circumstances, but on the face of it I think

Samantha's insinuation that people faced with their mortality can't possibly "understand the complexity of the matter" is risibly arrogant. Likewise calling David Entwistle's assessment "nonsense". Are you suggesting, Samantha, that those who struggle with prolonged illness can't be trusted to make informed decisions? Are the constant trips to hospital, the painful diagnostic procedures and the experience of intensive treatment not enough of an education in the consequences of their own medical

Marco : Jun 23, 01:03 am ---To claim that the media deride Media Studies purely because it teaches people to be critical of the media is, quite frankly, hilariously absurd – talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel. The notion that one has to study media studies in order to understand the media is also rather patronising. I would genuinely love to know in which universe a Media Studies degree requires the same level of intelligence, analytical, problem solving skills as a Maths degree, for example. Essentially, the point is that Mickey Mouse

degrees devalue the concept of a university education. It is the third rate Mickey Mouse universities which are offering these courses. Moreover, these courses also have pathetically low entry requirements. I also love the logic that because English Lit was once derided and was not respected, the same will automatically happen to Media Studies. Maybe if I created a Dustbin Man Management degree, I could claim that in the future, that, too, will be a well respected degree. Mark : Aug 16, 09:07 pm ----

“Because NOBODY wants or needs them is why. And NOBODY will want or need new MS graduates. NOBODY AT ALL.” I don’t think that’s entirely fair, the Big Issue is always on the lookout for new distributors. Rasputin : Aug 17, 06:58 am ---And contributors. And writers. And reviewers. And photographers. And researchers. And web designers. And, one day, sub-editors and editors. And any number of jobs that are open, one way or another, to Media Studies graduates.

Sincerely, Tom Knight JOMEC

forum

Comment on the week’s news, opinion, features and sport at www.gairrhydd.com A lower class?

people are clever enough to think the issue "unbelievably complicated" would not only be morally wrong but enormously cruel.

treatment? Perhaps hospitals should organise special lectures so patients in such a position can enjoy the benefits of your lofty worldview. Long-term illness within a family is tragic, but families gradually learn to adapt and cope. That is not "playing god". That is playing reality. Neither is it a question of being optimistic or pessimistic, as bizarrely implied. It is a question of doing what's right for the patient. Denying patients the right to determine their own fate because other

Lee M : Aug 18, 12:10 am ---Not to discount the contributions of non-media students, but lots of gair rhydd staffers are on the Journalism, Film and Media course at Cardiff University, myself included. Mark, I’m pretty sure it would be unfair for the Big Issue to only offer distribution jobs to media graduates as well. Graduates from many other courses may require the same kind of opportunities. I know plenty of media graduates who work in the media and they certainly weren’t unwanted.

Student Tax Awareness Week The loser : Aug 12, 12:05 pm ---It's about time the government did something for students , but this is not enough, we need some proper tax breaks. Also they have followed the lead of a company I have used in the past Student Tax Services, who have been campaigning for this for years before now. I reckon, we should get a tax holiday for 2 years after graduating to help us pay our loans and save a bit for the housing ladder etc.

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

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

Stay in touch with gairrhydd.com

All new website live NOW!

14 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

Societies saving t

A student-run society with a conscience isn’t hard to find: there are sues. Dan Smith takes a look at five from across the board

obody can escape the problems that afflict the world. They’re on the front of every newspaper, in the headlines of every broadcast and painfully obvious to anybody that has ventured further than their front door. The inequalities, injustices and atrocities that occur across the globe are relayed to you every minute of every day and some students are taking action to address these. The solution to many of these problems can, and often does, come from young, intelligent people. But the difficulty for the average student is, how to get into a position where they can use their abilities to improve the world around them? Many feel that if they’re not a medical, science or engineering student then their arts based education is of no use to a world that is obsessed with Global Warming and Development Aid. But this simply isn’t true. Many student bodies spend a large amount of time petitioning on subjects of global or political importance and fundraising for various causes so have no science based courses. Those that do focus on engineering or medicine have a deep rooted understanding that their professions are only a small part of a much larger picture so address this with events or courses that encompass all manner of disciplines related to their specialisation. As clichéd as it might sound, working with any humanitarian organisation will look brilliant on a CV and show that you have interests that spread further than the lecture hall. Most people that do this don’t do it for their CV because that would be missing the point, but nobody ever discounts the fact that it does improve their prospects of employment.

Engineers Without Borders

This is a national, student-run, charity that focuses on improving development through the use of engineering. It is widely recognised throughout the industry and has the support of The Royal Academy of Engineers. As a national organisation it provides bursaries for development based research or projects and also recruits students to placements with overseas organisations. But it’s main emphasis is at branch level where students can get regularly involved with weekend courses in various disciplines or a year long technical construction project, as Dan Smith, CoPresident of EWB Cardiff puts it, “The idea is to inspire people to go onto to bigger things.” “Last year we hosted an International Development Conference, ran courses in collaboration with the RedR on various aspects of humanitarian relief, had

a trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology and organised weekend events based around different topics affecting development,” he explained “There are so many opportunities to get your foot in the door with EWB and learn about aspects surrounding your degree. “We don’t only cater for engineers. The RedR courses had medics, business and law students who were equally as interested in humanitarian relief. Our weekend courses have attracted journalism students and EWB-UK offers funding for aspiring journalists to report on projects that we have been involved with. They’re holding a photography competition at the moment and our area branch co-ordinator is a history graduate. So we’re not all socially inept engineers.”

“The idea is to inspire people to go onto to bigger things.” EWB gives students the opportunity to see what it would be like to work in the development sector or humanitarian relief and what needs addressing. The experts at the courses can explain the best routes in and, crucially, give first hand accounts of what it’s like, so that you can work out whether you’d really like to spend time helping to run a refugee camp in the middle of nowhere, or if you’d be better suited to contributing through research or development work. “Sustainability is a crucial part of all the work that we encompass.” Dan adds, “Any projects in developing countries are strictly on an advisory role in collaboration, or quite often learning from, a local organisation and anything undertaken closer to home has a focus on renewable energy sources and alternative technologies. Basically we try to highlight how engineers can make the world better.” EWB will have a stand at the societies fair. Email Cardiff@ewb-uk.org or check out the Facebook page ‘Engineers Without Borders - Cardiff’ www.ewb-uk.org

People and Planet Cardiff People and Planet Society is part of a national network of students campaigning on the environment, world poverty and human rights. “We work on several national and local campaigns with other groups.” Amy Hall, a Cardiff University student, and Cardiff People and Planet’s media representative explains, “We like to think People and Planet (P&P) is one of the most friendly societies at Cardiff.

We’re free to join, open to anyone and you can get as involved as you like.” “You don’t have to know loads about the issues we campaign on to get involved. You can focus on your area of interest or just go for everything.” P&P are continuing to run a successful Go Green campaign which demands universities reduce their massive environmental impact. P&P head office release The Green League each year, where UK universities are ranked on environmental performance. “This year Cardiff came 84th so there is a lot of work to be done!” Amy adds. Ditch Dirty Development aims to switch funding for oil and gas to renewable sources of energy. The main targets of this campaign are RBS/Natwest and the Department for International Development, two major money sources for fossil fuel extraction and explora-

tion projects. As part of the Treat AIDS Now campaign we organise RAID, a big music and arts event in the SU, which has won best event at the Society Awards for two years. P&P also campaign on trade justice issues, including in the fashion industry. “Last year we did a Fairtrade Fashion show at Global Village,” Amy recalls; “We also get involved with issues around Cardiff and attend national demos and events.” Many different actions are used on a campaign depending upon what is applicable from writing to MPs, to protests, to visual stunts. “Last year we hung out Topshop’s dirty washing in Queen’s Street to put pressure on the Arcadia group to sign the Ethical Trading Initiative.” It’s not all serious; P&P holds regu-

lar socials, whether it is trips to comedy clubs or indulgent dessert evenings, as well as some exciting collaborations with other societies.

“Last year we hung out Topshop’s dirty washing in Queen’s Street.” Every year the national P&P network organise ‘Shared Planet’ and ‘The Summer Gathering’, where groups from all over the UK get together for a range of inspiring workshops, speakers, films and parties. Over the summer, there is even the opportunity to enjoy the perks

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

’s Jeans for Genes Day

een looks at how Jeans for Genes Day raises vital funds for those affected.

Gareth Edwards in jeans in St David’s Centre, Cardiff, 2007

generating ideas to go along with it. Jeans for Genes’ collaboration with MyDish is one example. With this initiative, fundraisers can swap and share their favourite recipes to create their own cookbook, with a proportion of the cost going to Jeans for Genes. Lisa Pettifer

from Jeans for Genes says: “Our fundraising theme for this year is all about the GENErations; what families share and pass down to each other. Together with our supporters’ love of cooking, this is a perfect fit with MyDish. The team here have created a cookbook to

start everyone off with favourite family recipes of our own, as well as recipes our celebrity chefs such as Antony Worrall Thompson have inherited.” Visit http://jeansforgenes.mydish.co.uk for more information. Other suggested ideas include dressing up in denim styles from various generations, playing ‘guess the generation’ with pictures of various grandparents, or carrying out a good old bake sale to raise funds. The money collected by the charity goes to help numerous children and families throughout the country. With over 4,000 recognised genetic conditions, and more that are yet to be identified, there’s no shortage of people needing help. This year, 18 charities are being supported; these charities either provide care for children with genetic disorders and their families, or perform research into the causes and cures for their conditions. The Teenagers’ weekend with Headlines Craniofacial Support will give young people between 11 and 18 the opportunity to take part in an activity and support weekend. CraniosysThe Teenagers’ weekend with Headlines Craniofacial Support will give young people between 11 and 18 the opportunity to take part in an activity and support weekend. Craniosystenosis is the premature fusing of the seams separating the bones of the skull, meaning that there is a lack of space for the brain to grow and resulting in problems with breathing and sight. Those affected often have to go through various operations, and tend to look different to other children. This project aims to help them build their confidence and have fun in an environment where they are no longer the one who looks different. Great Ormond Street Hospital , home to the widest range of paediatric expertise in the UK , annually receives funding to finance its expensive research into genetic disorders and treatment. Projects this year include looking into how gene therapy can be used to treat cystic fibrosis; investigating whether ‘immunotherapy’- the modification of the body’s own immune system to attack unwanted cells- can be used to tackle a type of cancer called Ewing sarcoma; and research into unique heart valve treatments for children with genetic cardiac disorders, which will carry far fewer risks than open heart surgery. The MOVE mobility programme will be receiving a grant to provide training to teachers, therapists and parents. The programme works with severely disabled children to improve their mobility and independence, and by informing various people involved in the child’s care of how they can effectively help them, the child is more likely to achieve their goals- whether it’s something as simple as lifting their head, or wanting to play sports with their friends. MOVE means that children can make progress in a positive manner whilst keeping health complications to a minimum. Ms Jones, a teacher from North Wales,

thinks the scheme is a good idea: “We have children with genetic disorders come through the school, and they can encounter problems fitting in because they look different, or have missed time at school for treatment. Sometimes other teachers; and even parents; don’t

Celebrity support:

Those affected have to go through various operations and often look different know how to work with such children simply because they don’t know what to do. This programme would be hugely beneficial to any affected child.” There’s plenty of fashionable merchandise available to help raise funds. Designed new for 2008 by a student from the London College of Fashion, and chosen by designer Wayne Hemingway and fashion guru Nick Ede, the funky X and Y chromosome t-shirts in black

During the past twelve years, over £30million has been raised or white for men, women and children are the perfect item to go along with your denims on the day. For something useful all year round there’s the Jeans for Genes cotton shopping bag, or buy a selection of 50 balloons with slogans on to promote the day for £5. Fifi & the Flowertots zip-pulls, coming in four new designs for 2008, can be bought individually from the website or in a ‘sale or return’ box for those with a premises. As an extremely worthy cause helping children and their families throughout the country, it’s definitely worth getting involved. Find out what’s going on in your local area, or run your own event on the day. Resources are available on the website, along with even more information about genetic disorders, case studies of children with various conditions, and the exciting things the charity have been getting up to during the past year.

Kelly Osbourne, daughter of famous couple Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, has pledged her support to the cause this year. Modelling the t-shirt, she is keen to promote the charity: “By supporting the campaign I hope I’ll encourage everyone to get involved by buying a t-shirt, or donating a couple of pounds to wear their jeans.” TV presenter Kate Garraway is instantly recognisable from one of the most famous sofas in the country on GMTV. She’s also appeared as host of ITV’s Too Many Cooks and has competed on Strictly Come Dancing.

Way n e H e m mingway, another judge for the t-shirt design, has a company named ‘Hemingway Design’ which covers everything from clothing to housing estates. He was heavily involved last year as the creator behind the jeans worn by the statue of Eric Morecambe in Lancashire. For more information call 02071 993300 or visit www.jeansforgenes.co.uk

18 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

FEATURES

FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

DEALING WITH DYSPRAXIA

To coincide with Dyspraxia Awareness Week, Ceri Isfryn explores how the problem affects university students...

rushing our teeth, tying our shoelaces, texting: these are all day-to-day activities we take for granted. But for some students, what seems like a walk in the park for us can seem like a walk up Everest. This week is Dyspraxia Awareness Week, with this year’s campaign focusing in particular on the world of teaching and education. Dyspraxia is an immaturity in the way the brain processes information and this results in messages not being properly or fully transmitted. Despite affecting up to 10% of the population, the illness is often overlooked in the adult community. Recognisble sufferers include the often acclaimed ‘genius’ Albert Einstein, and Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe. Radcliffe recently revealed that he still struggles to tie his shoelaces and has difficulties writing legibly. Dyspraxia is thought to affect up to ten per cent of the population with up to two per cent severely affected. The illness is often inherited and males are four times more likely to be affected than females. Dyspraxia sufferers naturally have a lower concentration span, and can become easily distracted.

of meeting new people and developing skills and hobbies, yet ensuring a range of societies are in place which encompass all the students’ needs is vital for dyspraxic students. Sybil Green, one of the university’s Student Disability Contacts emphasised: “I would advise any student who thinks they may have a disability or specific need to seek early advice. Communication is essential to ensure that suitable provision is put in place.”

One student’s mother even had to brush his teeth for him Dyspraxia is a problem which can often be dismissed as clumsiness, and the Dyspraxia Awareness Week seeks to reverse this misconception. We as students can do our bit by helping our fellow students. After all as Ian Martin comments: “The illness is part of who I am. If somebody came along with a cure and offered it to me, I’d say no because I’d no longer be me.”

Despite affecting up to 10% of the population, the illness is often overlooked in the adult community

Most unaffected people struggle to concentrate through a lecture without daydreaming, so for dyspraxia sufferers it is an especially difficult task. Handwriting is often illegible and multi-tasking between writing and listening in lectures can prove especially challenging. Academically, essay structuring is especially difficult, as is meeting deadlines on time. As a result of such difficulties, attendance often becomes poor. Such a downwards spiral can be a real danger unless suitable support is provided. To date, no cure for dyspraxia has been found, but it is possible to help day-to-day problems through specialist treatments Treatment may involve combining occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology and enlisting the help of specialist teachers. A study by Amanda Kirby of the Dyscovery Centre, Cardiff’s centre for living and learning difficulties, shows that 60-70% of students going into higher education still suffer from

If you would like any more information about dealing with dyspraxia as a student, contact any of the following:

Christine Werrell Manager - Disability and Dyslexia Service WerrellC@cf.ac.uk Tel: 029 2087 9317 (Cathays Park)

Mary Colley DANDA Developmental Adult Neuro-Diversity Association Tel: 020 7435 7891 www.danda.org.uk

dyspraxia diagnosed in childhood. One student’s mother even had to brush his teeth for him. For a Fresher in particular, the illness can be a big hindrance. Problems can include: filling in forms and organizing a timetable, finding your way around new buildings, cooking meals or tidying, making friends and explaining the problems. First year Maths student and dyspraxia sufferer Ian David Martin commended the support provided so far by the university, and also gave advice for fellow students:

“Treat me like any other student. Most sufferers ask for help if they need it, so just be considerate when we do.” Mary Colley, from DANDA, a charity for adults with conditions such as Dyspraxia, ADHD, and Asperger’s Syndrome claims that university was the ‘best place to be’ as a dyspraxia sufferer. “Meeting a diverse range of people made it easier for me to make new friends, as they had different interests and hobbies which I could get involved with. It’s vital that those close

to you at university understand and accept your illness.” Drinking is a big part of university life, and according to Colley, this can be a potential pitfall for sufferers who drink too much to feel uninhibited. Of course, this is true for most Freshers, but for individuals who lack sense of direction anyway, excessive drinking becomes a dangerous pastime. Finding clubs and societies which are suitable for people with such poor co-ordination is also a problem at university. Societies are a great source

Dyspraxia Foundation www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk 01462 455016

WRITERS PHOTOGRAPHERS

ILLUSTRATORS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

WEB DESIGNERS gair

rhydd and need you!

Meetings for contributors every Monday, Aneurin Bevan room, 4th Floor Cardiff Students’ Union

5.10pm gair rhydd 6.10pm Quench no experience necessary

20 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TAF-OD

TAF-OD@gairrhydd.COM

‘Y ddinas fach Gymreig’ Y Gym Gym Sion Ifan Contributor

id yw Caerdydd yn ddinas fawr iawn ar y cyfriw. O’i gymharu â dinasoedd mawr ein byd, lle bychan iawn ydyw. Ond gyda tua 30,000 o bobl ifanc yn y Prifysgolion, mae hi’n cynnig y gorau ym mhob agwedd o fywyd myfyriwr. Beth sy’n gwneud Caerdydd yn unigryw i ddinasoedd eraill Prydain, yw ei bod yn ddinas gymreig. Caerdydd yw calon Cymru, ac er efallai y byddai rhai yn anghytuno, ni ellir gwadu na ganolir nifer helaeth o bethau Cymreig a Chymraeg yng Nghaerdydd- o Ganolfan y Mileniwm a’r Cynulliad i Stadiwm y Mileniwm sef cartref ein tîm rygbi cenedlaethol. Heb os nac onibae, mae Caerdydd yn llawn cyfoeth o Gymreictod cyffrous. Erbyn hyn, mae’n braf medru dweud fod cannoedd o Gymru Cymraeg yn byw, gweithio ac yn astudio yn y Brifddinas. Wrth gerdded lawr Heol

Salisbury neu City Rd ar ôl noson allan, mae’r iaith Gymraeg iw chlywed, ac nid ydyw’n sioc i glywed y Gymraeg yn y George neu’r Macki bellch. Mae’r iaith Gymraeg heb os, yn ychwanegu at gymeriad y ddinas, yn plethu’n berffaith ac yn hollol naturiol i’r collage cosmopolitan sy’n gwneud Caerdydd yn le mor gyffrous i fyw ynddi. Yn rhan o’r cyffro hwn mae cymdeithas o tua 100 o fyfyrwyr gwyllt a thanllyd; sef y GYM GYM (y Gymdeithas Gymraeg). Mae’r gymdeithas wedi bodoli ers cryn amser bellach ac wedi llwyddo i sefydlu ei hun fel un o gymdeithasau fwyaf poblogaidd Undeb y Myfyrwyr yng Nghaerdydd. Pwrpas y Gymdeithas yw rhoi cyfleu i fyfyrwyr Caerdydd gymdeithasu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Cynhelir nifer fawr o ddigwyddiadau gwahanol trwy gydol y flwyddyn. O grôls tafarn o amgylch Caerdydd gyfan i dripiau tramor (i Baris a’r Alpau Ffrengig), mae’r GYM GYM yn cynnig rhyw beth arbennig i bawb. Uchafbwynt y flwyddyn i nifer yw’r Ddawns Fawreddog a fydd eleni yn cael ei chyn-

nal yng ngwesty’r Angel yng nghanol y ddinas. Cynhelir hefyd, ddawns rynggolegol yn Aberystwyth ac Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol yn Abertawe.

Yn ystod wythnosau cyntaf y flwyddyn, rydym yn cynnal nifer o ddigwyddiadau sydd yn gyfle i’r ‘glas’ ddod i nabod gweddill y criw. Mae’r Crôl

Teulu yn cael ei gynnal ar y 29ain o fis Medi, i ddechrau am 6 o’r gloch yn nhafarn Owain Glynd r ac i orffen yng Nghlwb Ifor Bach. Yn ystod y crôl yma fe fydd y flwyddyn gyntaf yn cael eu mabwysiadu am un noson yn unig gan aelod o’r ail flwyddyn. Fe fydd eich tad neu fam newydd sbon yn eich tywys o gwmpas tafarndai’r ddinas gan ddangos sut y mae’r Cymry Cymraeg yn yfed yng Nghaerdydd. Mae’r Crôl Teulu yn adnabyddus fel crôl gwallgof ac yn llawn hwyl, ac wrth edrych yn ôl ar llynedd, fe fyddwch yn lwcus i gyrraedd Clwb Ifor ar ddiwedd y noson heb sôn am gofio’r hyn a wnaethoch!!! Crôl newydd ar gyfer eleni yw’r Crôl Cyffion fydd yn dechrau am 6.30p.m yn y Central Bar ar yr 2il o Hydref. Dewch a’ch cyffion cincî gyda chi, neu byddwch yn barod i gael eich clymu wrth eich garddyrnau! Dewch yn llu i Ffair y Cymdeithasau er mwyn ymaelodi gyda’r Gymdeithas! Y ffordd orau i fwynhau eich cyfnod yn y Brifysgol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg!

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

JOBS & MONEY

JOBS@gairrhydd.COM

Cracking the credit crunch

In this dismal economic climate, your student loan isn’t getting any easier to bear. Ed Vanstone is here to help ease the burden

he credit crunch is now over a year old and, as its recent annihilation of a few rather large banks, mortgage lenders and travel company behemoths shows, clearly smells blood. Who’s next? It could be coming for you, dear student. So, how is one to cope with the dreaded crunch? Here are gair rhydd’s helpful tips to ensure that the legion of evil, avaricious City bankers, fiddling around with hordes of imaginary money and then running to the state they have always urged to leave them alone when they get in trouble, like tiny hypocritical pig-tailed girls, don’t affect you any more than is absolutely necessary.

good. And look! There’s that guy from Changing Rooms! What’s he doing in a film? Oh wait, that’s not actually him. It’s some other guy. Never mind.

Avoid love. Fact: paramours mean pounds. Aside from the incrementally-increasing costs of birthday presents and Christmas presents and anniversary presents as a relationship trundles on, you will also be expected to occasionally buy your squeeze drinks and meals - and possibly even little presents ‘just to show you care’. Unfortunately, a partner is simply not fiscally sustainable in the current financial climate. If encumbered with such a cash-drain, dispense forthwith.

A great variety of maintenance grants, hardship grants, bursaries, scholarships, special support grants and awards are available alongside your student loan. A huge proportion of students are simply unaware of the financial support available to them. Don’t be one of them - www.direct.gov. uk/en/educationandlearning.

With food prices rising, sacrifices in shopping habits must be made. Previously sacrosanct axioms such as the classic, ‘Don’t ever buy meat from Lidl’ rule, much like Gordon’s formerly coveted ‘golden’ rule on borrowing and anti-monopoly regulations, may have to be torn up. Also, stock up on cheap and filling foods such as pasta, crumpets and potatoes. Fruit is cheap, filling

and healthy. If all else fails, buy food you really hate so that it lasts for ages.

If you are really struggling for enough pennies to cover essentials such as food and electricity and heating, set yourself little challenges to provide incentive for continued thrift. For how many meals in a row can you eat beans on toast? Can you talk to your friends in the dark for over three

hours? Is it possible to wear eight layers of clothes and subsequently sleep in snug comfort with no heating on in the depths of a Cardiff winter?

When planning a night on the town, if possible, buy your favourite tipple in bulk - or as a group. Drink most of the booze you plan to consume before leaving the house. If you drink enough, you may fall

asleep before hitting the pub or the club - saving yet more money. Additionally, avoid Bar Risa. There are no economic reasons for this, but a multitude of sociological, psychological and theological ones.

Don’t go out at all except for lectures. Learn to love root beer (cheap root beer). Read a book. Watch a film. That Brad Pitt is actually really

Don’t buy greetings cards. Greetings cards - aside from perhaps cinema pick-and-mix and popcorn are the most overpriced and overrated products on the market. That’s four quid you’re paying. For a bit of paper that someone looks at once and then, at best, puts in a drawer and forgets about forever. Buy a second-hand book (two pound), write a message in the front and then give that instead. It’ll be put on the recipient’s bookshelf and they’ll look at it in twenty years and think, “Ah that’s nice, so and so bought me a book. What a wonderful person.” Lovely. And, most crucially, you’ve saved two precious pounds.

44 gairrhydd

SPORT

APRIL.21.2008 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008 TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM .

HOT

!TELLY!

TELLY

NOT

Words, words, laughter.

part from a few specials there is going to be no new Doctor Who for a whole year, surely a dark time for TV. Keen to keep the Saturday night family audience, the BBC brings us Merlin; a completely new take on the legend of King Arthur. This is not so much a re-imagining as simply taking the names of characters, the fact that Merlin can do magic and Arthur is a prince and then simply making the rest of the story up, including throwing in a dragon for good measure. I don’t know if there are any true hardcore fans of the Arthurian legend left but if there are I’ll bet they’re absolutely livid. Merlin is now a boy sent to stay with Gauis, One Foot in the Grave’s Richard Wilson, who acts as a sort of Dumbledore figure, guiding him in the ways of magic. The big plot is that King Uther, the always lovely Anthony Head, has banned all magic in Camelot. Merlin quickly gets into trouble with Prince Arthur, who is oddly the same age as Merlin, and all kinds of famil- friendly fun ensues. I was never expecting to fall in love with this series, anything aimed at the whole family is not destined to be a stu-

dent must see, but I was surprised to find myself unable to hate it properly. Yes, not all of the acting was exactly stellar, and there was a dragon for almost no reason that I can remember, but I found myself actually enjoying myself. The horror! I was actually interested to see how Merlin would stop the evil witch, played by

SOAPS

SPORT This week’s Champions’ League programme sees the meeting of two clubs who have struggled since they both overperformed in the 2004 season. That was the year in which Arsenal went unbeaten for a whole season, but they have since lost the creativity of Ray ‘Romford Pele’ Parlour and the lethal finishing of Francis ‘Fox-in-the-Box’ Jeffers. Similarly, Porto won the Champions League in the same year, under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, but after a troubled spell including poor league results and a match-fixing scandal they seem to have finally regained some form. In a bizarre coincidence that only UEFA and ITV could have come up with, the night’s other game features former Arsenal

Torchwood’s Eve Myles, without revealing his magical powers. This silly story about a boy with magic powers had truly taken me in, it was Harry Potter all over again. Time will tell though whether my interest can be maintained for the full series. If the next episode is anything to go by, it seems each week will see Prince

Arthur’s life in some form of danger with Merlin destiny-bound to protect him. In some ways it’s hard to root for Merlin to succeed when Arthur is presented here less as a hero and more of a bully and general prick, and this format could become pretty tiresome. Let’s hope there’s a bigger plot to follow surrounding King Uther’s ban on magic because any extra screen time for Anthony Head has got to be a good thing. I’m going to completely take the middle ground with Merlin; it’s certainly not must-see TV but isn’t so bad as to be avoided like the plague either. Merlin is simply quite good. If you like a bit of magic and people dressed in Medieval garb talking plain modern English then this might appeal. Anyone who loathes Harry Potter or Doctor Who should probably steer clear though as this is pretty accurately tailored for specifically those audiences. Merlin may not be particularly cool or exciting but it whiled away 45 minutes of my Saturday evening, because what else is there to do in Fresher’s Week? I’ll be watching again if only to discover what the hell the dragon is there for.

manager Bruce Rioch, as his side Aalborg take on Manchester United in Denmark. The match will be an opportunity to see whether Cristiano Ronaldo regains his place ahead of Darren Fletcher, who has managed to find some form in between assuring journalists that he is not Alex Ferguson’s illegitimate lovechild. The world holds its breath.

Heyloo my loverlies! I am glad to be back this year delivering you with the very latest in Soap gossip! With hot storylines already taking shape, I’m sure this academic year will be a cracking one for Soaps, much to our delight. To begin, on the cobbles in Weatherfield this week, Finlay and Kayleigh are packing for their departure to Espagne, but Mel is left wondering when Jerry will tell them the news that their stay will be a little more permanent. Rosie, the teen tearaway, has literally just done that and Sally grows more and more worried of her whereabouts. Over on Channel Four, Hollyoaks is equally brimming with excitement as the truth of baby Max’s paternity is revealed to Dom and the McQueens. As can be ex-

pected, Dom doesn’t take too kindly to the news and lashes out at Russ. Big reveals are key this week as Amy continues with the trend, telling Ste about her new partnership with Josh, whilst Mercedes learns from Kris she could have HIV. Easties is fantastic as always, as the Bianca-Tony-Whitney scenario continues! It’s all a bit dramatic and I am loving every minute of it!

FILM DUDE, WHERE’S MY CAR?, FIVE, MONDAY I Normally with such low expectations for a film its hard for them to disappoint, but Dude manages to be worse than you could ever imagine. The plot gets more and more ridiculous as the film progresses, this is more an endurance test than a movie. HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, ITV1, SUNDAY II I’ll happily own up to loving the books but the film series is simply painful. When making a book with over 700 pages into a film you are bound to lose plot along the way and this is a prime example: the film almost lacks any sense without reading the book first.

FUDGE TUNNEL

SECRETARY, CH4, SUNDAY IIIII Secretary is a wonderfully dark tale of the budding sadomasochistic romance between a lawyer and his new secretary. This is one film that manages to be sexy without being smutty and showcases Maggie Gyllenhaal’s significant talent, all puns aside. Be careful who you watch this with though, or it could make for uncomfortable viewing.

24 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

MONDAY Who Do You Think You Are? BBC1 9.00pm

29th September Silvio Berlusconi’s Birthday

Mastermind

Britain’s Best Dish

Secret Millionaire

BBC2 7.30pm

ITV1 5.00pm

C4 9.00pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

ITV 1

Channel 4

Dude, Where’s My Car? five 9.00pm Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Real Rescues 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am Open House 11:30am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBeebies 11:30am The Daily Politics

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

6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am US Sitcoms 9:30am Britain’s Deadliest Addictions 10:00am Advertising Uncut 10:30am Seven Ages of Britain 11:25am Year Dot 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm 3 Minute Wonder 12:35pm The Great Italian Escape

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am How Not to Decorate 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Grey’s Anatomy

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

1:00pm Out of the Blue 1:25pm Coast 1:30pm Living in the Sun 2:15pm Animal 24:7 3:00pm Murder, She Wrote 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Step Up to the Plate

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

1:05pm Chateau Monty 1:40pm Lost 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm County Secrets 3:05pm Columbo Goes to the Guillotine

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:15pm Wanted Down Under Revisited

5:00pm Britain’s Best Dish

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News and BBC Wales Today 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm Coming Home 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm EastEnders 8:30pm Panorama 9:00pm Who Do You Think You Are?

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 7:00pm The Real Monarch of the Glen 7:30pm Mastermind 8:00pm University Challenge 8:30pm What To Eat Now 9:00pm Amazon with Bruce Parry

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

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: Miss Landmine 8:00pm Dispatches: Cameron’s Money Men 9:00pm Secret Millionaire

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Animal Rescue Squad 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm Top Trumps: Fire Engines 8:00pm Fifth Gear

10:00pm BBC News, BBC Wales Today and BBC Weather 10:35pm The Dark Side of Fame With Piers Morgan

10:00pm Harry and Paul 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:35pm Real Crime: The 30 Year Secret

10:00pm Croupier

10:45pm Evil Woman

11:20pm The Color of Money 1:15am Autumnwatch Weatherview 1:20am Sign Zone:Who Do You Think You Are? 2:20am Sign Zone:Antiques Roadshow 3:20am Sign Zone:The Cup 3:50am Joins BBC News3:00am Sign

11:20pm Today at Conference 11:50pm Losing It: Griff Rhys Jones On Anger 12:50am Ellery Queen 1:40am Joins BBC News 4:00am A Picture of Britain 5:00am Coast

11:35pm The Tax Factor: Tonight 12:05am Katy Brand’s Best Bits 12:30am UEFA Champions League Weekly 1:00am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Crime 1:55am Moving Day

11:50pm Party Poker Nations Cup 2008 12:50am Sport 4:00am Sarah Moves On 5:30am All About Us: Crunch Time 5:45am All About Us: Crunch Time

12:35am Disorderly Conduct 1:30am NFL 4:50am Race and Rally UK 5:10am Neighbours 5:35am Home and Away

9:00pm Place of Execution

PICK OF THE DAY The Dark Side of Fame With Piers Morgan, BBC1, 10.35pm This is car crash TV at its finest. Celebrities who can be best described as public hate figures agree to be interviewed by Piers Morgan on the basis that they can’t come across worse than the soulless tyrant. Last week, Jim Davidson was the particular individual competing with Morgan for our disgust, and he gave the former Daily Mirror editor a fair run for his money: he blamed the press for his divorce as, left to his own devices, he wouldn’t have told his wife about his affair. This week’s interviewee is Tracey Emin, meaning the dynamic changes from annoyance with press intrusion to a desperate attempt for any attention as Emin most likely realises that no one still cares about her or her ‘art’. You should watch for a potentially rare example of Piers Morgan taking the moral high ground, although you can also expect him to visibly hold back laughter while Emin moans about what has become of her career. This won’t be the most enlightening programme you watch this week, but it will probably be the most entertaining.

9:00pm Dude, Where’s My Car?

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

TUESDAY Freaky Eaters Addicted To Crisps BBC1 10.35pm

30th September Nietzschean New Year

Out Of The Blue

Loose Women

Chateau Monty

Disorderly Conduct

BBC2 1.00pm

ITV1 12.30pm

C4 1.00pm

five 1.00am

BBC 1

BBC 2

ITV

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Real Rescues 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am Open House 11:30am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBeebies 12:00pm The Daily Politics

6:00am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am US Sitcoms 9:30am Britain’s Deadliest Addictions 10:00am Advertising Uncut 10:30am Seven Ages of Britain 11:25am Year Dot 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm The Great Italian Escape

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am How Not to Decorate 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Grey’s Anatomy

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

1:00pm Out of the Blue 1:25pm Coast 1:30pm Animal Park 2:00pm am.pm 3:00pm Murder, She Wrote 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Step Up to the Plate

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

1:00pm Chateau Monty 1:30pm The Savoy: Checking into History 1:50pm Bullwhip 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm County Secrets 3:00pm Louisa May Alcott’s Inheritance

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:15pm Wanted Down Under Revisited

5:00pm Britain’s Best Dish

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News 6:30pm BBC Wales Today 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm EastEnders 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm Holby City

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 7:00pm Nigella Express 7:30pm Would Like to Meet Again 8:00pm Tiger Spy in the Jungle

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm UEFA Champions League: Arsenal v Porto

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: Miss Landmine 8:00pm The Sex Education Show

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Animal Rescue Squad 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm Highland Emergency 8:00pm Megastructures

9:00pm Mutual Friends

9:00pm Losing It: Griff Rhys Jones On Anger

9:00pm Jamie’s Ministry of Food

9:00pm CSI: Miami

10:00pm BBC News, BBC Wales Today and BBC Weather 10:35pm Freaky Eaters: Addicted to Crisps

10:00pm Later Live...with Jools Holland 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:40pm UEFA Champions League Highlights

10:00pm Dawn Porter: Free Lover 11:05pm The Family

10:00pm CSI: NY

11:35pm Film 2008 with Jonathan Ross 12:05am Tigerland 1:40am Weatherview 1:45am Sign Zone:See Hear 2:15am Sign Zone:Horizon 3:05am Sign Zone:What To Eat Now 3:35am Sign Zone:Trawlermen

11:20pm Today at Conference 11:50pm The Supersizers Go... Wartime 12:50am Joins BBC News 4:00am Curriculum Bites: Future Landscapes

12:00am Guinness Premiership Rugby 12:55am LA Dragnet 1:40am Loose Women 2:30am The Jeremy Kyle Show 3:25am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

12:10am Reaper 1:05am Dogville 4:00am Write Away! 4:30am Just Write 5:45am We Are From...

11:00pm Law and Order: SVU 12:00am The FBI Files 1:00am Disorderly Conduct 2:00am Sport 5:10am Neighbours 5:35am Home and Away

PICK OF THE DAY Mutual Friends, BBC1, 9.00pm Mutual Friends is a BBC1 comedy drama, which of course means it is not funny but at the same time you can’t take it too seriously. Yet for some reason it is popular. Maybe it’s because Alexander Armstrong goes five minutes without using the phrase ‘Pimms O’Clock’. Maybe it’s because the writers cover two ethnicities at the same time by giving a black couple Indian names. Maybe it’s because it’s on at the same time as the football and for some people the disturbingly inoffensive Marc Warren (the blond guy off Hustle) awkwardly bumbling his way through ‘real’ issues is infinitely more watchable than Man United taking on an obscure Scandinavian team. Maybe it’s just a superbly innovative show that could be Britain’s answer to Friends. Okay, I made that last one up. The series ends this week, paving the way for the BBC to reintroduce a programme as groundbreaking as the show’s predecessor in the same slot, Bonekickers, which made The Da Vinci Code seem like a documentary.

The

gairrhydd SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

THURSDAY Diagnosis Murder BBC1 2.15pm

2nd October Gandhi’s Birthday

How I Met Your Natural Born Sellers Britain’s Deadliest Monkey Life Mother Addictions BBC2 12.50am ITV1 9.00pm C4 9.30am five 12.45pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

ITV 1

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Real Rescues 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am Open House 11:30am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBBC 11:00am Educational TV 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Open Gardens

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

6:10am Kids TV 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 7:55am Just Shoot Me 8:55am Frasier 9:30am Britain’s Deadliest Addictions 10:00am Advertising Uncut 10:30am Seven Ages of Britain 11:25am Year Dot 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Frasier

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am How Not to Decorate 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Monkey Life

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

1:00pm Out of the Blue 1:25pm Coast 1:30pm Living in the Sun 2:15pm Animal 24:7 3:00pm Murder, She Wrote 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Step Up to the Plate

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

1:05pm The Cassandra Crossing 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:15pm Home and Away 1:45pm Neighbours 2:20pm UEFA Cup Football

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:15pm Wanted Down Under Revisited

5:00pm Britain’s Best Dish

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm EastEnders 7:57pm BBC News

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 7:00pm An Island Parish 7:30pm Secret Wales

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: Landmine

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm UEFA Cup Football

8:00pm The Planners Are Coming 8:30pm Accidental Heroes 9:00pm Silent Witness

8:00pm The Restaurant 9:00pm Never Mind the Buzzcocks 9:30pm Beautiful People

8:00pm The Bill: An Honour to Serve (Part Two) 9:00pm Natural Born Sellers

8:00pm The Great Italian Escape 8:30pm Chateau Monty

10:00pm BBC News 10:35pm Question Time

10:00pm Sport Wales 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:40pm How To Become A Poker Millionaire

9:00pm Dana: The Eight-Year-Old Anorexic 10:00pm 8 Out of 10 Cats 10:35pm Star Stories

11:35pm This Week 12:20am Holiday Weatherview 12:25am Sign Zone: Panorama 12:55am Sign Zone: Charley Boorman: Ireland to Sydney by Any Means 1:55am Sign Zone: Would Like to Meet Again

11:20pm The Graham Norton Show 11:50pm Amazon with Bruce Parry 12:50am How I Met Your Mother 1:35am Joins BBC News 4:00am Mapping Crime 5:00am Indigenous Peoples: Climate and Eco-Systems

11:10pm Sharp End 11:40pm The Guest List 12:10am Bingo Night Live 1:10am Motorsport UK 1:35am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Emergency 2:30am Loose Women

11:05pm When Women Rule the World 12:10am 4 Music: Razorlight: Video Exclusive 12:15am Alan Carr’s Celebrity Ding Dong 1:00am 4 Music:JD Set Presents Kubichek!

PICK OF THE DAY Never Mind The Buzzcocks, BBC2, 9.00pm Buzzcocks has mutated from being an actual music quiz into watching Simon Amstell mock the celebrities who appear and think they can actually take him on. And no matter who they are, and how low the attacks get, you still end up thinking how nice and cuddly he is. You just want to take him home, feed him up and find him that lovely boyfriend he’s been looking for. Mind you, these episodes are going to feel completely different. I love Noel Fielding, but the episodes last series where he was guest captain just lost some of that Buzzcocks magic. You need Bill Bailey sat there like a genial dairy farmer to offset Simon’s evil sarcasm. Without Bill, this new series is going to feel like a broken family. You can just imagine Simon turning to Phil in the middle of a show, tears streaming down his face, and asking when Bill’s coming home.

Miss

9:30pm UEFA Cup Football

12:05am Quiz Call 4:00am Major League Soccer 4:45am Wildlife SOS 5:10am Neighbours 5:35am Home and Away

28 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

FRIDAY Real Rescues BBC1 9.15am

3rd October Jake Shears’ Birthday

How I Met Your Loose Women Mother BBC2 3.35am ITV1 12.30pm

BBC 1

BBC

ITV 1

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Real Rescues 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am Open House 11:30am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBBC 12:00pm The Daily Politics 12:30pm Open Gardens

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

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

1:00pm Out of the Blue 1:25pm Coast 1:30pm Living in the Sun 2:15pm Animal 24:7 3:00pm Murder, She Wrote 3:45pm Flog It! 4:30pm Step Up to the Plate 5:15pm Wanted Down Under Revisited

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

6:00pm BBC News 6:30pm BBC Wales Today 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm A Question of Sport 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News 8:00pm EastEnders 8:30pm DIY SOS 9:00pm Harry and Paul 9:30pm Little Britain USA 10:00pm BBC News 10:25pm BBC Wales Today 10:33pm BBC Weather 10:35pm Friday Night with Jonathan Ross

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 7:00pm Scrum V Live

11:35pm National Lottery EuroMillions Draw 11:40pm The Devil’s Advocate 1:55am Weatherview 2:00am Sign Zone: Earth: The Climate Wars 3:00am Sign Zone: Street Doctor 3:30am Joins BBC News

11:00pm Newsnight Review 11:40pm Later...with Jools Holland 12:40am Star Trek: The Next Generation 1:25am Star Trek: The Next Generation 2:10am Curse of the Crimson Altar 3:35am How I Met Your Mother

5:15pm The Weakest Link

9:00pm The Tudors 9:50pm Coast 10:00pm QI 10:30pm Newsnight

Supernanny US

Hidden In America

C4 12.30pm

five 3.05pm

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Just Shoot Me 8:30am Just Shoot Me 9:00am Frasier 9:30am Britain’s Deadliest Addictions 10:00am Advertising Uncut 10:30am Seven Ages of Britain 11:25am Year Dot 12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Supernanny US 1:20pm Channel 4 Racing 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am Trial of the Knights Templar 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Grey’s Anatomy

5:00pm Britain’s Best Dish

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street 8:00pm Esther vs the PC Brigade: Tonight 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Wire in the Blood

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:35pm Britain’s Whitest Family 8:00pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Animal Rescue Squad 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm Daring Raids of World War II 8:00pm Axe Men

9:00pm Ugly Betty

9:00pm NCIS

10:00pm Al Murray’s Happy Hour

10:00pm Ugly Betty

10:00pm Law and Order: Special Victims Unit

11:00pm The Late News and Weather 11:45pm Bingo Night Live 12:50am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Emergency 1:45am Splitting Heirs 3:10am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

11:00pm Bond Theme Video Exclusive 11:05pm The Cave 1:05am 4 Music: Beat Stevie 1:20am 4 Music: JD Set Presents Boy Kill Boy 1:35am Goalissimo! 2:30am UK School Games 3:20am The Silverstone Classic

11:00pm Law and Order 12:00am Quiz Call 4:30am Great Ocean Adventures: The White Whale 5:10am Neighbours 5:35am Home and Away

PICK OF THE DAY Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, BBC1, 10.35pm The weturn of Wossy and his weally wonderful show is enough to get any students excited, for it not only marks the start of the weekend but gives us some exceptional Friday night entertainment! I, for one, never tire of this show for the simple fact that I love the Ross and his tongue-in-cheek humour, coupled with that humorous (yet at times, slightly annoying) speech impediment. The secrets of who will be gracing the green room every Friday is enough to send me over the edge, because it’s usually someone pretty darn good! And ol’ Johnnie doesn’t hold back, providing some insightful interviews into the world of celeb. After all, he was the one who coaxed the statements out of Cheryl Cole about her marriage to Ashley and managed to keep them coming... deserving somewhat of a medal methinks! Plus, his ‘3 poofs and a piano’ are the work of legend - not even Paul O’ Grady has one of them!

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm County Secrets 3:00pm Five News Update 3:05pm Hidden in America

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

SATURDAY

4th October World Animal Day

Merlin

The Hairy Bakers

Honey

Wondrous oblivion

Fifth Gear

BBC1 7.20pm

BBC2 5.20pm

ITV1 4.00pm

C4 2.15am

five 10.00am

BBC 1

BBC 2

ITV 1

Channel 4

Five

6:00am Breakfast 10:00am Saturday Kitchen 11:30am What To Eat Now 12:00pm BBC News 12:10pm Football Focus

6:00am CBBC 11:45am Sportsround 12:00pm Sound 12:30pm Scene Stealers

6:00am Kids TV 11:35am Coronation Street Omnibus

6:10am Kids TV 7:00am Goalissimo! 8:00am The Morning Line 8:50am To Be Announced 9:25am T4:Everybody Loves Lil Chris 9:55am T4:Friends 10:25am To Be Announced 11:00am T4:Friends 11:30am T4:The Hills 12:00pm T4:Reaper

6:00am Kids TV 9:30am To Be Announced 9:45am To Be Announced 10:00am Fifth Gear 11:00am Axe Men 12:00pm To Be Announced

1:00pm Great North Miles 2:10pm Rugby Union 4:30pm Wales on Saturday

1:00pm Greek 1:45pm Revealed 2:00pm Racing 3:45pm To Be Announced 4:20pm Alps 5:20pm The Hairy Bakers 5:50pm Flog It! 6:35pm Coast

1:50pm ITV News and Weather 1:55pm ITV Wales News and Weather 2:00pm Torvill & Dean Dancing on Ice Tour 2008 3:00pm The X Factor 4:00pm Honey

1:00pm T4:Scrubs 1:30pm T4:Scrubs 2:00pm Channel 4 Racing 4:05pm The TV Show 4:35pm Supernanny US

1:00pm To Be Announced 1:30pm To Be Announced 1:40pm Joe and Max 3:55pm White Fang II: Myth of the White Wolf

5:50pm ITV Wales News and Weather 6:05pm ITV News and Weather 6:20pm Totally You’ve Been Framed!

5:30pm To Be Announced 6:30pm Channel 4 News 6:55pm To Be Announced

5:55pm Biloxi Blues 7:45pm Five News and Sport

7:00pm Dad’s Army 7:35pm Gardeners’ World 8:05pm Timewatch - Britain’s Forgotten Floods

7:15pm The X Factor 8:45pm All Star Family Fortunes

8:00pm The Real Knights of the Round Table: A Time Team Special

8:00pm NCIS 8:55pm NCIS

9:05pm Have I Got News for You 9:35pm Mock the Week 10:00pm Never Mind the Buzzcocks 10:35pm Live at the Apollo

9:30pm The X Factor

9:00pm The Core

9:55pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

11:20pm To Be Announced 12:20am Film To Be Announced 1:15am Film To Be Announced

12:50am Bingo Night Live 1:50am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Mystery 2:50am Cradle 2 the Grave 3:40am ITV Nightscreen 5:30am ITV Early Morning News

5:10pm Final Score 5:15pm BBC News 5:25pm BBC Wales Today 5:30pm Regional News and Weather 5:35pm Hole in the Wall 6:05pm Strictly Come Dancing 7:20pm Merlin 8:05pm The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 8:55pm Casualty 9:45pm BBC News 10:30pm Match of the Day

11:30pm Film To Be Announced 1:05am Friday Night with Jonathan Ross 2:05am Weatherview 2:10am Joins BBC News

10:30pm Mercury Rising 11:30pm ITV News and Weather 11:45pm Mercury Rising

PICK OF THE DAY The X Factor, BBC2, 1:10pm Now for those of you who don’t deny themselves a bit of reality TV coupled with a slice of cheese from time to time, this is TV gold! During its run it not only takes over my Saturday nights, but more worringly, it tends to dominate my life. The audition shows are alright, but the meaty filling of the show’s course begins to rear its frankly amazing head around now, when we start to label our favourites and watch their path to fully fledged stardom. Who will the winner be this year and more importantly, will they last in the oh-so fickle chart-world? It’s not only the contestants making the headlines, but the judges are also heading up the tabloids for their harsh decisions and behind-the-scene catfights...ooh, and their perma-tanned profiles. With Cole/Tweedy now onboard (I can’t keep up) this series is proving to be one of the best yet and I truly cannot wait for the live shows to commence!

10:55pm Law and Order: Criminal Intent

11:35pm Live from Abbey Road 12:40am The Money Pit 2:15am Wondrous Oblivion 4:00am To Be Announced 4:25am Countdown 5:10am To Be Announced

11:55pm Quiz Call 4:30am Great Ocean Adventures: The Red Devil Squid 5:10am House Doctor 5:35am House Doctor

30 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

SUNDAY After You’ve Gone

Dragon’s Den

BBC1 7:45am

BBC2 6.00pm

BBC 1

BBC 2

5th October International World Teacher’s Day

You’ve Been Framed When Women Rule the World ITV1 6.30pm C4 3.00am ITV 1

Channel 4

Planet of the Apes five 5.50pm Five

6:00am Breakfast 7:00am Match of the Day 8:30am The Andrew Marr Show 9:30am Great North Run

6:00am Kid’s TV 9:00am Escape from Scorpion Island 10:00am Something for the Weekend 11:30am Film 2008 with Jonathan Ross 12:00pm Rugby League

6:00am Kid’s TV 11:00am The Championship 12:00pm ITV News and Weather 12:05pm ITV Wales News and Weather 12:10pm Free Willy 3: the Rescue

6:10am The Hoobs 7:00am Trans World Sport 7:55am Bennetts British Superbike Championship 8:45am Freesports on 4 9:10am T4:Hollyoaks Omnibus 11:40am T4:Frock Me 12:30pm T4:Friends

6:00am Kid’s TV 10:30am Highland Emergency 11:00am To Be Announced 12:00pm Imaginary Crimes

1:45pm The Politics Show 2:45pm EastEnders 4:40pm Merlin

1:00pm Racing 2:55pm Scrum V Live

1:45pm The X Factor 3:15pm The X Factor 4:15pm Great Pubs Of Wales 4:45pm Soccer Sunday

1:00pm T4:Ugly Betty 2:00pm T4:Ugly Betty 3:00pm T4:When Women Rule the World 4:00pm T4:The Simpsons 4:30pm T4:The Simpsons

2:00pm The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 3:55pm Muppets from Space

5:25pm Points of View 5:40pm Songs of Praise

5:00pm Scrum V

5:15pm The Food Show 5:45pm To Be Announced

5:00pm Deal or No Deal 5:45pm Born Survivor: Bear Grylls

5:35pm Five News 5:50pm Planet of the Apes

6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:15pm BBC News 7:35pm BBC Wales Today 7:45pm After You’ve Gone 8:15pm Strictly Come Dancing

6:00pm Dragons’ Den 7:00pm Top Gear 8:00pm Charley Boorman: Ireland to Sydney By Any Means

6:00pm ITV Wales News and Weather 6:15pm ITV News and Weather 6:30pm You’ve Been Framed! 7:00pm Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

6:45pm Channel 4 News 7:00pm Hunting in the Outback 8:00pm Wife Swap

8:00pm Deadly Jungle Rattlesnake: Austin Stevens’ Adventures

9:00pm Tess of the D’Urbervilles

9:00pm James May’s Big Ideas

9:55pm ITV News and Weather

9:00pm The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2008

9:00pm Secret Window

10:00pm BBC News 10:15pm To Be Announced

10:00pm Match of the Day 2

10:10pm The South Bank Show: The One Ronnie

10:35pm Secretary

11:05pm Film To Be Announced 12:35am The Sky at Night 12:55am Weatherview 1:00am Sign Zone:Amazon with Bruce Parry 2:00am Sign Zone:Holby City

11:10pm To Be Announced 11:55pm Heroes 12:40am Film To Be Announced 2:05am Film To Be Announced 3:55am Joins BBC News 4:55am The Super League Show

11:10pm Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo 12:50am Faith in the Frame 1:20am 60 Minute Makeover 2:20am Watching the Detectives 3:20am Have I Been Here Before 4:20am ITV Nightscreen

1:45am The Qur’an 3:45am Dispatches: The Human Cost of the Credit Crunch 4:30am Countdown 5:15am Bennetts British Superbike Championship

PICK OF THE DAY The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2008, Ch4, 9.00pm Amnesty International are being very coy and have yet to announce any performers at this year’s oddly named ball (there’s no dancing, just lots of comedy performances) merely saying that, “when you hear who’s performing this year, there’s every chance you will spontaneously combust.” This is a big claim but if you consider that the previous ball’s line-up included Eddie Izzard, Russell Brand, Sarah Silverman and The Mighty Boosh, you get a sense of the comedy giants they are able to attract. The last ball did have it’s low points though with some awkward comedy skits mixing the likes of Seth Green and Coronation Street’s Shobna Gulati with some horribly written material. Let’s just hope this year’s ball doesn’t end with Jeremy Irons scolding us all for living such happy lives as has happened in the past. What is better for a Sunday evening than some star-studded comedy performances with a little added guilt on the side?

11:05pm To Be Announced 11:35pm Disorderly Conduct 12:40am Major League Baseball 4:20am FIM Motocross World Championship 5:10am House Doctor

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

FIVE MINUTE FUN

FMF@gairrhydd.COM

found on facebook Housemate done something stupid?

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

Crossword “There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” - William Shakespeare Across

Down

9. The joined continents of Europe and Asia (7) 10. Raise up (7) 11. Distinctive marks (7) 12. Imbiber (7) 13. Beginning (9) 15. Averse (5) 16. Spongy (7) 19. Discarded (7) 20. Gentle push (5) 21. Bachelorhood (9) 25. Examines (7) 26. The washing of clothes (7) 28. Commotion (7) 29. Looked at briefly (7)

1. Zodiacal twins (6) 2. Relating to the iris of the eye (6) 3. Millisecond (4) 4. Type of sausage (6) 5. Dampened (8) 6. Lawmaker (10) 7. Repercussion (8) 8. Sought (8) 14. Ownership (10) 16. Storms on the sun (8) 17. Where one sprays deodorant (8) 18. Not “myself” (8) 22. Badmouth (6) 23. Accuse (6) 24. Wood nymphs (6) 27. Tree sloth (4)

New Pics Needed!

32 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

LISTINGS

LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Stuck for stuff to do? You’re in the right place, my friend. This week:

MUSIC MONDAY FUN FACTORY @ SOLUS - Indie, alternative, old 90s classics and ROCK!! 7-9pm, free entry, £3 after. TUESDAY DragonForce @ Great Hall, SU - Scary name, but I’m sure they’re lovely people. If you’re still standing after Freshers’ week and Fun Factory, good on you - rock out with your cock out to celebrate. Actually no, don’t do that. 7pm, £14. THE SHOWCASE @ BUFFALO - Live music and DJs, mixed with a showcase for film and animation. Resident DJs play guitar-y tunes in between. 8pm-3am. £2/3. 10 FOOT CWTCH @ TEN FEET TALL - Loads of local singer songwriters and acoustic artists. Early open-mic slots if you’re feeling brave. 8:30pm – 11:30pm, £3.00. WEDNESDAY CORNERSTONE@ BARFLY - Fun and games and a very sticky floor. Closely followed by SkinnyGene (Club night) - £5 ZENYTH @ 10 FEET TALL - If this is the band I’m thinking of, they’re pretty dark, so don’t go expecting trippy pop. Save that for the Ting Ting-ers on Sunday. £8-late, £TBC. THURSDAY ONE NIGHT ONLY @ SOLUS, SU - Yup, they’re only here for one night. 7pm, £10.50. 10 FEET LIVE @ 10 FEET TALL - A collaboration with local promoters to host the best breakthrough acts. Contact venue for details. FRIDAY THE SLOWDANCE @CLWB IFOR BACH - 8pm, £5. SATURDAY TRY AFRICAN DRUMMING @ ST. DAVID’S HALL - Not sure why I put this in the music section, but hey, it should be a giggle. It’s a workshop to learn the freaky beats of West African drumming, and you get to bang the drums and EVERYTHING. Actually quite exciting. 10.30am-12.30am, £7/£5. FRIENDLY FIRES @ CLWB IFOR BACH - Contact venue for opening times, £7/£5. SUNDAY TING TINGS @ GREAT HALL, SU - A bit of boppy pop for a Sunday night. All together now: ‘They call me...’ 7pm, £10.50.

COMEDY MONDAY What’s funny about mondays? Um, nothing. Fun Factory? TUESDAY PLASTIC SEAT COMEDY NIGHT @ BUFFALO BAR - ‘A Cardiff based comedy group, who provide the audience with a mixture of responses, outrageous laughter, intense loathing and unstoppable flatulence.’ They said it, not me. 8pm, contact venue for details. WEDNESDAY JEST A MINUTE @ GLEE CLUB - They love a pun down at the Glee Club, but hopefully this night’ll be better than their shocking wordplay. Rhod Gilbert heads this night for BBC Radio Wales, so if you cheer (or heckle) loud enough, who knows - you could end up on the wireless! Check with venue for details. THURSDAY FOOD AND COMEDY @ GLEE CLUB - Cripes, they really know how to think up great names for events down at the Glee Club! At least this should do what it says on the tin, though. 7.30pm, contact venure for details. FRIDAY STAND UP COMEDY SHOW @ GLEE CLUB - Ooh, I wonder what this will be... Honestly, I thought these comedians were creative types? 7.45pm, £7/12.50. EAT, DRINK, DANCE, LAUGH @ JONGLEURS - Taking a leaf out of Glee Club’s creative comedy name book, obviously. Buh. 7.00pm, £10 READY FOR THIS? TIM MINCHIN @ SHERMAN THEATRE - Tim Minchin, not Minge-chin. Just so you know. 7.30pm, £15/£12. LI FILES @ THE SHERMAN - Award-winning comedy show muses mercilessly on life in today’s Wales - and beyond. 6.15pm, free event but reserve tickets in advance. SATURDAY - STAND UP COMEDY SHOW @ GLEE CLUB - Same as above, £15.50. EAT, DRINK, DANCE, LAUGH @ JONGLEURS - LOVE, LIFE, LAUGH, LOLZ. Same as above, £12. SUNDAY - Make up your own jokes, you lazy fuckers. Why did the chicken cross the road? Because he saw his brother in KFC. Two peanuts were walking down a spooky road late at night. One was assaulted. What’s brown and sticky? A stick.

THEATRE MONDAY BEN X @ CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE - A film depicting the story of an eccentric and deeply traumatised autistic teenager... shits and giggles all round, then. Thought provoking and moving, so is likely to be a bit of a tear jerker too. 8.30pm, £5.40. TUESDAY ENJOY @ NEW THEATRE - This is by Alan Bennett, so it’s guaranteed to be funny. You can be cultured and brush shoulders with the stars all in one evening, Result. 7.30pm, £7.50-£26. TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE @ CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE - According to the blurb, this film ‘uses the dubious arrest, incarceration and subsequent murder of an Afghan taxi driver by US soldiers to explore the American Administration’s use of torture.’ So another uplifting cinematic experience from Chapter, then. Contact venue for details. WEDNESDAY BILLY OCEAN IN CONCERT @ ST. DAVID’S HALL - Ooh err, be still my beating heart! Billy Ocean?! Get your tickets now, kids, this is HOT SHIT! ‘When the going gets touuugh, the tough get gooooing...’ 7.30pm,

Alan Bennett’s ENJOY @ THE NEW THEATRE

TUESDAY 30/09/08 - SATURDAY 04/09/08 7.30PM ◆ £7.50-£26.00 Getting all excited about Alan Bennett I know he’s an old dog nowadays, but I can’t help but love this man. Bennett’s plays are great pieces of life observation, and Enjoy is no less that what his audiences have come to expect. Yeah, it’s a play so it sounds a bit fuddy, but you’re unlikely to see anyone you know at the theatre. In my view, people don’t go to the theatre enough. It’s not all fur collars and dicky bows, y’know; it can actually be a rather entertaining night out. With a student card you can actually get some good deals, occasionally making it cheaper than a cinema ticket. Yes, really. Anyway, that’s all rather off topic - I’m supposed to be convincing you that this Bennett chap is worth a look. Did you ever see the film of History Boys? Well, he wrote that. Yeah, his play got turned into a film and everything, and it’s dead funny too. Enjoy has got Alison Steadman in it, who played Pam in Gavin and Stacey, so she’s pretty cool as well. Also, for your delight and delectation, David Troughton (who’s been in Casualty and Doctor Who) plays ‘Wilf’. So yeah, the play’s about Wilf and Connie, an aging couple who’re re-housed into a maisonette. They encounter all kinds of debauchery, and entertain your lovely selves with various japes and jests. I know, I know, it hardly sounds like the night of your life, but you’ll never know if you don’t go. If Sin Bin and Bounce are your preferred evening’s entertainment then admittedly, Alan Bennett probably isn’t your cup of WKD blue. But if you fancy breaking free from the mould for the night then you can’t go much wrong with this play. Enjoy.

30/09

01/10

04/10

Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 387421 www.cardiffstudents.com ◆ Med Club, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ◆ Clwb Ifor Bach (The Row 02920 399939 www.clubmetropolitan.com ◆ Dempseys, Castle Street 02920 252024 ◆ Iotas, 7 Mill Lane 02920 225592 ◆ Incognito, Park Place 02920 387026 www.cafejazzcardiff.com ◆ The Riverbank Hotel, Despenser Street www.riverbankjazz.co.uk ◆ St. David’s Hall, The Hayes 02920 878444 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org.uk ◆ The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ◆ The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road Street 02920 224488 ◆ The Millennium Stadium Can’t miss it. www.millenniumstadium.com ◆ The Point, Cardiff Bay, 029 2046 0873

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

LISTINGS

LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

African drumming, dark cinema, stand-up poetry and Alan Bennet. Fab.

& ARTS £19.50/£22.50/£25. GEKIDAN KAITAISHA @ CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE - Some exciting Japanese theatre for you! The group uses emotive dialogue and movement in its performances, and is a great way to experience some exotic culture. 8pm, £4/£5. THURSDAY LUKE WRIGHT @ THE SHERMAN 4 Talent Award Winner Luke is one of the UK’s leading stand-up poets, apparently. A good dose of culture for your Thursday evening. 8pm, £10/£8. FRIDAY THE BARBER OF SEVILLE @ WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE This runs from 26th Sept until 6th October, but you may as well see it tonight as there’s nothing much else arty on. 7.15pm, contact venue for details. SATURDAY OTELLO @ WMC - Stuck for things to talk about with your new housemates? Why not discuss your views of the opera? Then you can top it all off with a group trip to this Italian extravaganza. There’ll be subtitles and everything, so you’ll look really intelligent. Contact venue for deetz.

GOING OUT

The Listings Top Five...

MONDAY FUN FACTORY @ SOLUS - Indie, alternative, old 90s classics and ROCK!! Free entry 7-9pm, £3 after. TUESDAY - Tuesdays suck, obv. WEDNESDAY SIN BIN @ SOLUS - Pop, chart, and debauchery. Pack a hairbrush and some wet wipes - it’s gonna get messy. Free entry 7-9pm, £3 after. WEIRD SCIENCE @ 10 FEET TALL - Free weekly cub night with cutting edge new releases, NME classics, Party Indie & Rock n’ Roll. 11pm – 3am, free entry. THURSDAY HERVE (AKA THE COUNT) + SINDEN @ CLWB IFOR BACH - With only 200 tickets on sale this is going to be an experience like no other... RAAAAAVE! 10pm-4am, £10 www.ticketweb.co.uk PHAB @ CLUB X - funky house and electro night at this rather scandalous gay club. 10pm-4am, £2 with flyer. FRIDAY LUSH @ SOLUS - RnB, funky house & electro. A bit classy, like, innit. Free entry 7-9pm, £3 after. WE TRASH PARTIES (CLUBNIGHT) @ BUFFALO - Not literally, because that would be stupid. It’s all about exciting bands and resident DJs mixing up the best new music - much more sensible. 8pm-4am, Free before 11pm, £4 after. MARMALADE @ 10 FEET TALL - Classic Funk, Soul, Future Jazz, Roots, Motown, Disco & best new releases. All three floors are open, so go wild! Contact venue for details. SATURDAY HOSPITAL-ITY @ GREAT HALL - IT. WILL. BLOW. YOUR. MIND. 10pm-4am, £15 adv. ME AND YOU CLUB @ 10 FEET TALL - Cardiff’s Saturday Night Heroes bringing Good Time weekend Indie Rock ‘n’ Pop, New Music & Classic Alternative Tunes to your grateful ears. 11.00pm – 4.00am, free entry before 10.30pm, £4/£5 after. BOGIEZ @ THE POINT - Alternative, metal and rock night down the bay. And it’s called Bogiez. Nuff said. 9pm-3am, £4. SUNDAY Sleep off all of the above.

01/09

Places to go when you arrive (for those who haven’t done it all before) THE UNION This is where it all happens, from huuuge poster sales and student card collection, to the Freshers’ fortnight shenanigans and Fairs. Note that it’s spelt ‘Fair,’ not ‘fayre’, as we’re not actually in the middle ages any more. THE BIG TESCO Oh yeah, we hate those big retail giants, sucking out local trade and capitalising on globalisation. Bunch of greedy buggers, the lot of them, so it’s a pain that Tesco do very good cheap beans. A crisis of conscience occurs at the moment of deciding what to have for dinner - fair trade hand picked expensive organic beans or a big value can for mere pennies? Argh, my morals! SHOPPING Not technically a place, I know, but the act of shopping will take you to all kinds of exciting places. There’s Queen Street, which is like the High Street in town, but it’s best to head to the exciting arcades or Albany road to find all the proper bargainous stuff. Cardiff’s got a whole bunch of interesting boutiquey places with, like, posh carrier bags and everything. PUB Yup, I’m really rolling out the student steotypes here, sorry. There’s no denying it, though; the location and standard of your local drinking hole can make or break your Uni life. Ok, so maybe that’s an exaggeration, but work with me on this one. LECTURES So what if this isn’t exactly a listings feature of events? You have responsibilities now and it’s high time you faced up to them! All that revelry at various functions and parties isn’t the be all and end all, you know. Go to your lectures and do some boffy stuff, but make sure you wear your pjyamas so that people know you’re too hungover to get dressed. That way you’ll still seem cool and exciting.

03/10

Oi! Listings needs YOU... Does your club or society have future events that need publicising? If the answer is “yes”, then the lovely people at Listings can help. Simply e-mail in the details of your event, and we’ll dedicate this column to letting the world know about it. LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

03/10

05/10

Welsh Club), 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ◆ Barfly, Kingsway, Tickets: 08709070999 www.barflyclub.com/cardiff ◆ Metros, Bakers 02920 412190 ◆ Liquid, St. Mary Street 02920645464 ◆ The Philharmonic, 76-77 St. Mary Street 02920 230678 ◆ Café Jazz, 21 St. Mary Street www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk ◆ Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ◆ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 02920 646900 www.shermantheatre.co.uk ◆ The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay 0870 2415093 www.glee.co.uk ◆ Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann www.thepointcardiffbay.com ◆ Tommy’s Bar, Howard Gardens (off Newport Road) 02920 416192 ◆

44 gairrhydd

SPORT

APRIL.21.2008 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Don’t be Baffled by Biochemistry or Addled by Arabic

13801

Make Uni Life Easier...

Get £3 off RRP* at Blackwell Bookshop

Cardiff University Union, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AZ Tel: 029 20340673, Email: Cardiff@blackwell.co.uk *Offer applies to stickered books only Wiley, the Wiley logo, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, A Reference for the Rest of Us!, and related trademarks, logos and trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Wiley in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

44 gairrhydd

SPORT

APRIL.21.2008 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

THE WORD ON...

...the highs and lows of this summer’s festival of sport

Josh Pettitt Sports Editor

nitially, the summer of 2008 looked to be a washout. Terrible weather and no English representatives in Euro 2008 heralded what looked to be an all time low in the history of British summers. However, with the most successful medal haul in 100 years for Britain at the Olympics, summer sport was, to some extent, salvaged.

This summer the world witnessed two of the greatest moments of sport this century Cycling and rowing do not exactly fall under the category of mainstream sport, and yet the pride and excitement that the British public took in the success of its athletes demonstrates the position of power that sport holds in the nation’s psyche. Even at a time of economic uncertainty, the nation rallied behind sports that played little part in our previous conception of the Olympics. But this alone doesn’t seem enough to merit my already nostalgic

memories of this summer. This summer the world witnessed two of the greatest moments of sport this century, and they were not in the velodrome in Beijing. The Wimbledon final saw the toppling of the greatest tennis player of all time and the Olympics produced the launching of a chicken nugget fuelled rocket. As impressive as the feats of Chris Hoy and Rebecca Adlington are, they appear slightly hollow and unfulfilling when compared to the rest of the summer’s sporting triumphs. Usain Bolt’s ridiculing of his competitors and all previous world records in the 100 meters was arguably the most majestic and ludicrous demonstration of sporting prowess that there has ever been. Similarly, the battle of wills, styles and temperaments between Nadal and Federer surpassed the previous benchmark set by Borg and McEnroe for the longest and most dramatic Wimbledon final of all time. The achievements of the British Olympians seem almost trivial in the light of these two sporting spectacles and yet I hold no grudge against these great athletes who so easily stole the limelight from their British counterparts. The jubilant atmosphere on Centre Court during the mens’ singles final is an example of the marvel of sport and there was not a “Come on Andy” within earshot. Sport has the ability to transcend the simplistic trappings of patriotism and become something greater than national rivalries. In less than ten seconds Usain Bolt succeeded in breaking the phenomenon that sport is only interesting to those who have a vested interest in the athletes’

achievements. In those 9.62 seconds he showed the world that sport can mean so much and so little. In less than ten seconds Asafa Powell’s previous world record faded into obscurity and a new man assumed the fickle mantle of the fastest man in the world.

The only winners are the voyeuristic among us, seeking the next thrilling spectacle How long will it be before his own freakish performance is ridiculed by the next man? Sport’s fickle nature is at the heart of its beauty; in less than ten seconds you can either be crowned a hero or join the numerous relics of the past. The only winners in sport are the voyeuristic among us, seeking the next thrilling spectacle. So for the seasons to come I urge you all as sports fans to resist the patriotic urge to follow your national flag blindly. Rather than wallowing in the all too familiar feeling of disappointment when the plucky Brit falls at the first hurdle, revel in the greater offerings served up for our pleasure. Sport in essence is the same as any other art form. Why should we restrict ourselves to solely appreciating our home grown brands, when there are much finer foreign delicacies to sample? As proud a Brit as I am, when the commentators in the Velodrome cried with exuberance: “Chris Hoy the real McCoy!” I couldn’t help feeling slightly embarrassed. In a sporting world full of vibrancy and talent we surely cannot be contented with the sporting equivalent of a cult classic when the biggest

blockbuster of all time is being shown next door. Similarly, when Andy Murray exhibited his meagre bicep to the adoring Wimbledon crowd, a shiver of shame ran down my back. I had been swept along in the Brit’s magnificent comeback and was a part of the euphoric public but the blindfold had been lifted from my eyes when he so proudly rolled back his sleeve. Sporting rivalries between nations are great fun and the feeling of unification as a nation is never keener than when sporting pride is on the line. But the Olympics, more than anything, demonstrated that sport is above all a show or a celebration and we shouldn’t deny ourselves the main attraction just because it’s not flying the British flag. However, the next time Wilkinson lines up a kick or a hush settles over centre court as Murray steps up for match point I am not entirely sure if I will be able to resist the temptation to whisper “Come on Andy!” with the rest of the nation. So why do we fail to distinguish between sport, and other art forms?

My answer would be this. Sport is so unpredictable and uncontrollable that when it reaches its heights it is as close to perfection as human endeavour can represent in art form. When Gareth Edwards scored arguably the best try of all time, Cliff Morgan former rugby player and commentator said: “If the greatest writer of the written word would have written that story, no one would have believed it. That really was something.” Sporting prowess is a bragging right. I doubt any nation would not hesitate to claim Usain Bolt as their own.

38 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

The IMG Roundup

Inside IMG: Rhona Morris IMG Editor

Player Profile: Carla Shorrock As the GS in IMG netball’s most successful team for the last two seasons, Carla Shorrock has seen her fair amount of success. Economics A are notorious for their organisation, flair and ruthlessness on the court which led to an unbeaten season in 2007/8. As a Languages student, it seems strange that Carla would end up playing for her apparent rivals. However, her path to IMG was not a simple one. “I started playing netball as soon as I went to Cardiff. I had played netball all the way through school from the age of 10, either GA or GS, and I knew I wanted to continue at Cardiff. I went to join Cardiff University netball but didn’t have any money on me for the fees!” Having found her path blocked, she turned to the IMG on the advice of a friend. “Someone suggested the Economics team as Languages didn’t have one. I turned up for training during Fresher’s Week and fitted in straight away.” The rest, as they say, was victory-fuelled history. Despite having one of the

ECONOMICS: Girls On Top highest scoring records in the league, Carla attributes her personal achievements to the rest of her team. “Econ A are well organised and we contact each other regularly throughout

the week. The fact that the team has been so outstandingly successful has been a great added bonus.” “Some of our games have been thrilling! Training and games can

sometimes clash with lectures but I didn’t miss one game last year” The social side of IMG is something that Carla enjoys, and the link up with other IMG teams on socials is

something that she recommends to freshers wanting to meet new people. “On a Wednesday evening after fixtures, teams have the opportunity to meet up for socialising - which is great for a fresher as it means meeting even more people because joint socials with football teams and other netball teams are arranged.” “Netball, for me, has been one of the most enjoyable things at Cardiff University. I have really enjoyed every game and have made more friends in different years and subjects areas as a result” Carla will not be playing in the IMG league again this year as she is on ‘Erasmus’ in Italy then Spain. However, she is unsure whether her time away from Cardiff will allow her to continue her participation in netball. “I don’t know whether netball is such an integral part of university sport in these two countries. I have yet to find out, but finding somewhere to live is my priority at the moment!” This does not mean the end of her IMG career though; she fully intends to return to Economics in her fourth year and is looking forward to seeing how they progress during her year off. For now though, Carla wishes Economics A the best of luck and continued success for the 2008/9 season and says she “will be thinking of the team and will keep in touch.”

IMG 2008/2009: What you need to know • Netball teams that played IMG last year are guaranteed a place this year. Registration will take place in early October. • Football teams are yet to receive final confirmation. • New teams will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. The captain should email img@wcf.ac.uk with team details. • At least one person from each team must attend a first aid course. • Every member of the squad must be a member of the AU. • The cost and dates for registration as well as information on first aid courses will be posted on the relevant facebook groups. - Cardiff IMG Netball 08/09 - Cardiff IMG Football 08/09

IMG IS COMING: Fixtures starting October 15th For more information visit www.cardiffstudents.com/img PUT YOUR TEAM IN THE SPOTLIGHT... E-mail us at sport@gairrhydd.com

gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

SPORT

SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Button’s Final Babble Liz Wray IMG Editor WITH THE October by-elections fast approaching, Sport caught up with last year’s IMG chair, Andy Button-Stephens, to find out exactly how he spent his year and what the job involves for those thinking of putting themselves forward. gair rhydd: So, what exactly does your job as IMG Chair entail? Andy: Basically it was my role to coordinate all aspects of the IMG, both netball and football, initially organising captains’ meetings to make sure all the players were happy. The fundamental responsibilities are generating weekly fixtures, reporting results to the gair rhydd sports editors and ensuring facilities, first aid and referees are organised. However, the role is not limited and there are many opportunities for the expansion and improvement of IMG, which will hopefully be facilitated by the appointment of an additional IMG administrator this year. Do you think it’s necessary to have some prior involvement with IMG? Yes, it is not essential but it is good to have some idea of what is going on. I never actually played for an IMG team but was always involved socially and this drove me to get more involved.

Any tips for this year’s candidates? I think it is important that the candidates are approachable and friendly; the students need to be reassured that the Chair is there for them. Ultimately IMG Chair is about keeping the students happy. A unique campaign always helps, so it’s best to start planning early. In your year as Chair, what changes did you make? Frustratingly I could only make small changes as so much of my time was taken up with the week-by-week organisation. Hopefully, this should be taken care of by the administrator this year, leaving the chair with plenty of time for improvement. So you still feel there’s a lot that needs improving within IMG? Definitely. I didn’t manage to achieve a lot of what I set out to do. I feel IMG can be greatly expanded with many more students participating. You expressed early concern about refereeing; this still seems to be a problem. Do you think it’s important for this year’s candidate to finally resolve it? Yes. It’s difficult because it’s costly and requires trained referees but it definitely needs sorting out.

Is this the same with the IMG Rugby set-up? The situation with IMG Rugby is a real shame. It’s all based on health and safety and hopefully we will have an official statement from the WRU in the next few weeks. However, the introduction of Touch Rugby this year is an exciting new venture and it will be good to finally get IMG Rugby off the ground. Finally after your year as Chair, how much does IMG mean to you? IMG has been a massive part of my university career. Wednesday nights in the union were my favourite, seeing all the teams in their IMG shirts taking part in the obligatory post-match banter. It was being IMG Chair that made me more passionate about the union and this persuaded me to run for Student Union President. While Andy has done an excellent job of running IMG this year, the importance of getting an enthusiastic new Chair seems crucial in preventing any more frustration among captains and players. Hopefully, the role this season will allow IMG to move forward. If you are interested in becoming IMG chair this season please see the Cardiff Union website, www. cardiffstudents.com. BUTTONS: Last Pilgrimage

ELVs Explained

Josh Pettitt Sports Editor

ELVs: New Rules Passed

WITH THE university rugby season drawing ever closer, gair rhydd asked five experienced rugby players their views on how the new experimental law variations (ELVs) will affect the way the game is played and its popularity. Essentially there are five key rule changes that are aimed to make the game quicker and more aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. Rule 1: It is now legal to pull down a maul, as long as contact is made from the hips upwards. The art of mauling seems to have been compromised in favour of an attacking driven initiative. While less time will be spent with the ball being invisible to the spectators, one of the dark arts of the game will be lost forever. Ed Fowler, 3rd year Ancient History: Collapsing the maul is definitely detrimental to the game. First of all it’s unsafe, and big packs like Leicester lose that facet to their game. Rule 2: If passing back into the twenty-two the kick must not go directly into touch. If it does then play is brought back to where the kick was made. This robs the defence of the option to kick for territory instead having to

resort to counter attacks and tactical kicking. Although this has the potential to open the game up it could also prove a mess at a lower level of rugby. Mark George Barton, 3rd year Journalism: Danny Cipriani is the perfect example of the new breed of fly half and these rules favour a more spontaneous player. The new rules play into his hands, whereas somebody like Andy Goode will struggle a bit. Rule 3: Quick lineouts can be thrown backwards as long as they pass the 5 metre line, encouraging quick counter attacks. Rule 4: Numbers at the lineout no longerhave to match, creating different attacking and defensive options. These two rules are both aimed at reducing the amount of time spent setting up the lineout. Again favouring attack or counter attacking options, it is another attempt to speed the game up and renders a once important facet of the game a shadow of its former self. Sam Wooderson 3rd year Law: As a forward these laws are particularly disappointing. It’s a shame for rugby to lose such a technical aspect of the game. Rule 5: Defensive lines must now form up five meters behind the back foot of the scrum, allowing the attacking side more space to manoeuvre. This will allow the backs more time for creativity in order to bamboozle

defence-orientated sides that dominate the game and hopefully serve up higher scoring games for the spectators. Andrew Kandibard, 1st year Zoology: From an impartial perspective the England games in the 2007 World Cup were pretty dull and were decided on one or two defensive errors. While some rugby fans are concerned that the game will change beyond recognition, the reality is that tight and tense contests will turn into a high-scoring spectacle for the viewer. Whereas Rugby Union has been speedily growing in popularity in the northern hemisphere, Rugby Union has taken a back seat to the more free flowing games of Aussie Rules and Rugby League in the Southern hemisphere. The Super 14 league (the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of the Guiness Premiership) has adopted even greater changes in an attempt to put it on a par with its exciting rival sports and this may prove problematic in the interpretation of the rules during internationals such as the upcoming lions tour to South Africa. Rugby has to compete with other major sports for popularity and funding and a movement towards a more open and attacking game will boost its popularity with a younger audience. Further information on the law changes can be found at www.rfu.com.

Sport 14 gairrhydd

gairrhydd

FEATURES

OCTOBER.22.2007

INSIDE: This summer’s best sporting moments, Rugby Union FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM gets a makeover and the latest IMG news

Scott D’Arcy Sports Editor

THE CONSTRUCTION of the new rubber crumb pitches at Talybont over the summer represents significant progress in the development of sporting facilities at Cardiff University.

The agreement over funding of the £350,000 all-weather pitch was reached back in February 2007, and it was hoped it would be complete by September of the same year, however, delays in obtaining external funding meant the construction was postponed. The new investment is due largely to pressure from Invest in Sport, a Cardiff student-led group, which lob-

bies for further improvements to the sporting facilities at Cardiff to match its academic reputation and increasing student population. Events, including an annual 5km Fun Run, have raised the awareness of the need for better sporting facilities at Cardiff over the past few years. AU President Scott Pigott believes that the pitch will prove to be a vital

-GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN

new addition: “The rubber crumb pitch will provide a better environment for those clubs that used to train on the grass pitch at Talybont. In the past, Cardiff’s weather has caused cancellations but now clubs will be able to train more regularly.” Along with the American Football team, the Cardiff Cobras, and the lacrosse teams, Cardiff’s hockey teams,

PHOTO: NATALIA POPOVA

RUMBLE IN THE CRUMBLE

who will no longer have to compete for training time against any other clubs, will feel the benefits from the new surface. It is hoped this will boost Cardiff’s performance in the BUCS and go some way to giving the University the sporting reputation it needs.

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 LIZ “DUFFY” WRAY PUTS IN A TWELVE HOUR SHIFT ON HER FIRST DAY - SAD ACT n THE SPECTRE OF BRADLEY WIGGINS RETURNS TO HAUNT D”ARCE n BRYONY SHAW - DOWN TO EARTH n BEN BRYANT: THE GREEN GIANT n NEWS GIRL’S FRIEND STORES POO UNDER THE BED? n RICH SLAMS FELLOW SPORT ED FOR RACISM n THE DIRTY NORTHERN BASTARD n JOSH - JUST NEVER ENOUGH n WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS FORCE PAWLEY TO MAKE A BRIEF CAMEO n OFFICE BANTER SERIOUSLY LACKING DURING FIRST WEEK - BRING ON THE SOCIAL!!!!!!!!!!! n

26 gairrhydd

SEPTEMBER.29.2008

TELLY

WEDNESDAY Homes Under The Ireland To Sydney Freeride Hammer By Any Means BBC1 7.30pm BBC2 11.50pm ITV1 11.35pm BBC 1

BBC 2

ITV 1

TELEVISION@gairrhydd.COM

1st October World Vegetarian Day

Supporting Acts

European Racing five 4.45am

C4 1.35pm Channel 4

Drag

Five

6:00am Breakfast 9:15am Real Rescues 10:00am Homes Under the Hammer 11:00am Open House 11:30am Cash in the Attic 12:15pm Bargain Hunt

6:00am CBBC 11:00am What Are You Like? 11:30am What Are You Like? 12:00pm The Daily Politics

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

6:00am Kids TV 7:00am Freshly Squeezed 7:30am Everybody Loves Raymond 8:00am Just Shoot Me 8:30am Will and Grace 9:20am Rescue Remedies 9:30am Britain’s Deadliest Addictions 10:00am Advertising Uncut 10:30am Seven Ages of Britain 11:25am Year Dot

6:00am Kids TV 9:00am The Wright Stuff 10:30am Trisha Goddard 11:30am How Not to Decorate 12:30pm Five News 12:45pm Grey’s Anatomy

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

1:00pm See Hear 1:30pm Animal Park 2:00pm The Daily Politics 4:00pm Flog It! 4:30pm Step Up to the Plate

1:30pm ITV Lunchtime News and Weather 2:00pm 60 Minute Makeover 3:00pm The Alan Titchmarsh Show 4:00pm Midsomer Murders

12:00pm News at Noon 12:30pm Property Ladder 1:35pm Supporting Acts 1:45pm The Road to Denver 3:25pm Countdown 4:15pm Deal or No Deal

1:45pm Neighbours 2:15pm Home and Away 2:50pm County Secrets 3:00pm Five News Update 3:10pm Touch the Top of the World

5:15pm The Weakest Link

5:15pm Wanted Down Under Revisited 5:55pm Party Political Broadcast

5:00pm Britain’s Best Dish

5:00pm The Paul O’Grady Show

5:00pm Five News 5:30pm Neighbours

6:00pm BBC News 6:30pm BBC Wales Today 6:55pm Party Political Broadcast 7:00pm The One Show 7:30pm My Family 7:57pm BBC News and Regional News

6:00pm Eggheads 6:30pm Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 7:00pm Heroes Countdown 7:45pm Heroes Unmasked

6:00pm Wales Tonight 6:30pm ITV Evening News and Weather 6:55pm Wales Conservative Party Broadcast 7:00pm Emmerdale 7:30pm Coronation Street

6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Hollyoaks 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:55pm 3 Minute Wonder: Landmine

6:00pm Home and Away 6:30pm Animal Rescue Squad 7:00pm Five News 7:30pm It Pays to Watch

8:00pm Holby City 9:00pm Silent Witness

8:00pm The Restaurant 9:00pm Heroes 9:45pm Heroes Unmasked

8:00pm The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards 2008

8:00pm Supernanny 9:00pm The Family

10:00pm BBC News 10:35pm The National Lottery Draws 10:45pm Wildlife Crime with Iolo Williams

10:00pm Mock the Week 10:30pm Newsnight

10:00pm News at Ten and Weather 10:35pm Secrets Of My Success

10:00pm Desperate Housewives

11:15pm Medium 11:55pm The Tudors 12:50am Weatherview 12:55am Sign Zone: Panorama 1:25am Sign Zone: The Truth about Property 2:25am Tess of the D’Urbervilles

11:20pm Today at Conference 11:50pm Charley Boorman: Ireland to Sydney by Any Means 12:50am Joins BBC News 4:00am World Physical

11:05pm Welsh TV Gold 11:35pm Freeride 12:05am Dancing with Colin 12:30am Nightwatch with Steve Scott: Mystery 1:20am LA Dragnet 2:10am Loose Women

11:05pm Jamie’s Ministry of Food 12:05am 4 Music: Ibiza Rocks with Sony Ericsson 12:35am Pineapple Express: T4 Movie Special 1:05am Black Friday 4:05am Dog’s Mercury

PICK OF THE DAY Heroes, BBC2, 9.00pm Every halfway interesting TV series seems to have finished its run, which means us lot in jolly old Blighty have to wait for Americans to watch all of their shows, and then give them to us. Heroes, however, we only have to wait a couple of weeks for! Feel the excitement growing in your loins. OK, so Heroes is occasionally extremely dull. Too much father-child stuff (the Petrellis, the Bennetts, Hiro and Mr Sulu). If there’s a show about super-powers, I want to see explosions and fighting and lycra - see the child heavily influenced by X-Men. Heroes, though, isn’t really about using powers to fight evil. Unless it’s Sylar, because he kills people. It’s about morality and boring stuff like that. Hopefully, given the fact that we’ve been told that this series shows ‘how every hero can be a villain’ there’ll be less angsting on screen, and more fighting between the heroes. Well, and Mr Bennett. Mr Bennett needs more screen time to show off his glasses.

Miss

8:00pm Axe Men 9:00pm Half Past Dead

11:05pm Police Interceptors 12:05am PartyPoker.com World Open IV 1:35am Major League Baseball 4:45am European Drag Racing 5:10am Neighbours 5:35am Home and Away