gair rhydd - Issue 888

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CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

ISSUE 888 FEBRUARY 16 2009

GUANTANAMO: running FORMER DETAINEES Politics, SPEAK TO gair rhydd page 14

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BATTLE OF THE BANDS, RIOT GRRL, FOOD FIGHT, THE RAKES, QUENCH LIVE FREE INSIDE

PHOTO: JAKE YORATH

ANNUAL GENERAL MESS

Governance review passes but proposed Healthcare sabbatical position in jeopardy as AGM postponed due to students leaving early Eleanor Joslin News Editor Last week's Annual General Meeting had to be postponed for the first time in years after it was found to be inquorate midway through proceedings, causing anger and frustration among the student body.

The meeting in the Students' Union last Thursday had to be abandoned when it was found that there were not enough students present to vote on the motions to be discussed.

The frustration that this provoked increased as the issue of quoracy was raised by a Non-Sabbatical Officer just as it seemed as if a proposed Healthcare Student Integration Sabbatical position would have been

passed by those that were present.

Matt Clarke, the Heath Park Campus Non-Sabbatical Officer who proposed the motion, said: “We are incredibly disappointed due to the amount of work and time we’ve put into this. We think this motion would have passed.”

An additional AGM must now be called by the Sabbatical Team to table the motions that were not passed at this AGM. However, if this does not fall prior to elections, it is unlikely that a Healthcare Sabbatical will be implemented by the start of the next academic year.

The AGM offers all students the opportunity to pass or refuse motions that have been proposed to improve their Students’ Union and benefit the students of Cardiff University.

Students passed the first four

Governance Review motions with a majority vote and, as a result, the Sabbatical Officers will now aim to investigate and improve the Students’ Union’s governing structures.

However, as AGM proceeded, the numbers dwindled as students walked out mid-proceedings, and a student raised the issue of quoracy.

This interruption revealed that there were not enough students in attendance to vote on the sixth motion, which was not a part of the original Governance Review, and which proposed a new Sabbatical position of Healthcare Student Integration Officer.

The debate then had to be abandoned even though the discussion seemed to be in favour of the motion, especially as the majority that had stayed had already decided against

an amendment to delay the motion and investigate the effects of the position further.

The new Sabbatical position would have replaced the role of the Heath Park Campus Non-Sabbatical Officer to provide full-time representation for Healthcare students, improving integration between them and the Students’ Union.

At the meeting, Matt highlighted how he currently represents 6-7,000 Healthcare students, who he described as a ‘minority in a majority”, and explained how all areas of Healthcare and the University as a whole would benefit from having a new Sabbatical Officer.

Tom Wright, a third-year Medicine student and President of Medsoc, who, alongside Jack Navein, a third-year Medicine

Student, proposed the motion, stating: “Whoever decided to question the quoracy of the meeting was perfectly entitled to. But the timing of that person’s decision to question the quoracy adds to our frustration because there was a feeling in the room that motion was going to pass.”

The student who raised the issue, who was a Non-Sabbatical officer at Cardiff Students' Union, did not wish to be named but offered a statement in response: “I put forward the procedural because I thought that it hadn’t been considered and it would have been an undemocratic decision. The procedural motion had nothing to do with whether or not I thought the motion would pass.” continued on page four

02 NEWS

gr NEWS.................1

FEBRUARY.16.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Burger Off!

EDITORIAL & OPINION.............9

Emma Barlow News Editor

POLITICS..........14 LETTERS...........16 FEATURES........17 TAF-OD..............20 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT..21 JOBS & MONEY.............23 FIVE MINUTE FUN..................27 LISTINGS..........28 SPORT..............31 gair rhydd has been Cardiff University's independent student newspaper since 1972.

Dodgy burger van continues to sell to students - despite a court summons Emma Barlow News Editor An illegal burger van is continuing to sell to students outside the Students’ Union despite being given court summons by po-

lice.

The van, which has already appeared in gair rhydd on February 2 for selling food outside the Students’ Union, was spotted after Fun Factory last Monday.

The police have reported the vendors for summons, and sent them

away on numerous occasions, but the van continues to use the spot outside the Union illegally.

Such vendors are often unlicensed and sell food which does not meet food hygiene standards.

A law introduced in 2006 requires all food vendors to have a license to

sell food after 11pm.

The police say they will continue to move the vendor on if they find them selling to students.

Cardiff's international partnerships praised Sarah Powell News Editor Cardiff University has been praised for their international collaboration with Xiamen University in China.

The House of Commons’ Welsh Affairs Committee said that Cardiff is

a successful example of co-operation in the global marketplace.

Speaking about the links between Cardiff and Xiamen, the Chairman of the Committee, Hywel Francis MP, said: “Both institutions, working together, are maximising the opportunities presented by globalisation and providing a successful model for others to follow.”

Links with Xiamen University have been forged over a number of years through visits led by Cardiff University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. David Grant and through two £2,000 scholarships for postgraduate students from Xiamen to come to Wales to study each year.

Cardiff University’s international links extend across the globe with

long-standing partners in research and teaching in the United States, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.

David Grant, said: “Cardiff University has partnerships in many countries and these partnerships result in many benefits to Wales. It is pleasing to see our work acknowledged.”

PHOTO: Jake Yorath

A week of taking action in Cardiff

The group demonstrating while collecting signatures

Emma Barlow News Editor Cardiff students engaged in a week of activism last week to coincide with the National University Day of Action.

Following on from the recent wave of demonstrations that swept 19 campuses, students from all over the UK took part in a variety of activities to call an end to university involvement with the arms trade.

Activist group Disarm Cardiff were collecting signatures for a petition

which they intend to present to the Vice Chancellor demanding Cardiff stops investing money in arms companies.

The group held a public meeting last Wednesday February 11 with a variety of speakers who are against arms investments.

Group leader Jonathan Evans told gair rhydd: “The action that we are proposing to take is also in solidarity with other students who have been taking actions in other universities around the country.”

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

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NEWS 03

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Christofer Lloyd Investigations Four people, including two teenage girls, were tragically killed after two military training aircraft collided in mid-air last Wednesday.

The two girls, who were cousins aged only 13 and 14, were left dead along with both of their pilots after the aircrafts collided and came down on sand dunes near Porthcawl, South Wales.

The two teenage passengers were on a taster flight and had aspirations of joining the RAF. Witnesses claim that the planes crashed into the sand dunes on the Kenfig Nature Reserve near Porthcawl at about 11am, with at least one of them on fire as it came down. One member ejected but did not survive.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed that there had been four deaths. The planes had come from RAF Cranwell’s flight training school in Lincolnshire.

Witness Reena Callingham said: “I watched them for a few minutes and then the second one just hit him. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Speaking after the incident, divisional commander for Bridgend police, Tim Jones said: “Clearly the scene is expansive and we will be needing to protect the scene tonight to maintain the integrity of the investigation.”

He added that the complex investigation involved both South Wales police and the Air Accident branch, with debris from the planes widely strewn across the area.

MOD spokesman Paul Barnard noted: “This is the first time that this has happened in an RAF training flight with civilian passengers. These aircrafts are very safe.”

Andy Naysmith, RAF Cranwell’s flight training group captain, said that a service inquiry would be mounted alongside the police and air accident investigations, adding: “We would like to learn what lessons we can from this tragic incident.”

Owain Glyn Dwr celebrated Cardiff University marks the 650th anniversary of the birth of a legendary Welsh rebel leader, Owain Glyn Dwr, with a new course at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, which is set to examine his rise and fall.

The ten week course, presented

by Gideon Brough, will provide an overview of the conflict between Glyn Dwr and Henry IV's government. It will also look at Glyn Dwr's military successes and how he achieved so much with such scant resources.

The ten weekly sessions on Owain Glyn Dwr will be held in the University’s Humanities Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff, starting on Thursday 12th February 2009.

Spontaneous comBUStion PHOTO: Nathan Allen

Porthcawl plane crash

Narrow escape for students as University Hall bus bursts into flames outside Students' Union Nathan Allen Reporter Students were left shocked when their bus caught fire just moments away from the Students' Union last Friday February 6.

The bus, which was ferrying students into University from outlying halls of residence, had to terminate its

journey early when the engine caught fire.

The delayed half past eight bus, operated by Veolia on behalf of Cardiff University, suffered an engine fire en route to Park Place.

A vast amount of smoke came billowing out of the double-decker, which was quickly noticed by all those on board the bus and from students in a bus following close behind. Some

smoke had even started to rise up the stairwell by the time the bus was half way down Park Place.

Henry Jelley, a passenger on the bus, told gair rhydd that it was obvious something was wrong: "The engine was making knocking noises which became progressively worse throughout the journey, along with an uncomfortable shaking."

Another passenger, Jess Stede,

Bin and gone?

Emma Barlow News Editor The organisers of Sin Bin were left wondering where all the sports teams were as last week saw another poor turnout for the club night.

The Union club night, which was originally well received after the demise of Rubber Duck, has failed to keep the crowds coming in and organisers did not open the dance floor on Wednesday 11 February.

The Union insists that the drop in numbers is a completely normal trend and were happy that the 450 people

who attended last week enjoyed themselves, since it meant that all financial targets were met.

Despite a push in promotional material, such as advertising perks for punters buying tickets in advance and drinks offers, entrance into Solus actually ended up being free of charge.

The previous week also saw a disappointing turnout for the club night once favoured by sports teams. Organisers chose to close the Kitchen, Buffers and outside amenities, instead using only the bars and toilets inside Solus.

remarked: "I was a bit scared if I'm honest, there was a lot of smoke and flames."

There were no injuries sustained and all of the passengers made their 9 o'clock lectures, albeit a few minutes late due to the commotion.

The driver was not available for comment.

04 NEWS News in brief: Protein discovery Aysar Al-Rawi Reporter Cardiff University scientists have created proteins which may be beneficial to medial diagnostics.

Dr. Dafydd Jones of the School of Biosciences led a team, in collaboration with the School of Chemistry, towards the creation of tailor made proteins using protein engineering methods.

The development means that scientists are able to change the properties of a protein by joining together two proteins, each with different structures.

This new protein engineering technique shows that isolated, unrelated proteins can be connected together, where one acts as a switch to transform the other, generating new proteins with specific functions.

Proteins are an essential nutrient to all living organisms and are necessary for every activity. They are contained in every part of our body such the muscle, eyes, and hair.

Conventionally, this process would make the protein unstable and harmful, but Dr. Jones’ research has proved that it is a beneficial method.

Dr. Jones commented: “The [discovery] bodes well for generating new protein-based switches that are capable of sensing disease states or even acting as components in nanodevices.”

Wales suffers spending cuts Nathan Allen Reporter A Welsh Assembly government spending cut has made cashstrapped colleges warn of up to 500 job cuts.

For the next financial year, the Assembly government has announced that it will reduce funding by nearly 8% for the further education sector.

This news has been condemned by teaching unions, councils and the colleges themselves who are now hinting at the prospect of staffing cuts. This comes after last year’s 300 job losses that arose from an unexpectedly low settlement from the Assembly.

Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru, Gareth Jones, said that "It makes absolutely no sense to cut the training budget at a time when we should be providing more training for 1619year-olds."

The Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths, insisted that the FE sector was still getting £400million annually and that plans are being drawn up “to make better use of existing resources.”

FEBRUARY.16.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Outrage at AGM interruption continued from front page Despite this, the frustration from the students who had remained to vote, especially those who were in favour of the motion, was palpable and it also called into question the way that the AGM had been handled.

Tom said: “The single biggest deficiency in the process was the education of the people as to how the meeting would proceed, and if people had known that leaving would jeopardise proceedings we don’t think they would have left.”

Ed Carey, a third-year Politics and Philosophy student and Chair of the Debating Society, agreed: “If they had been [told], they might have stayed.

They were given no warning so the course of the meeting was in jeopardy.

If the Chair didn’t do that then someone close to the Chair in proximity should have reminded people.”

Claire Fenlon, a second-year

English literature student who had attended the AGM, supported this: “There would have been no way I would have left early if I had known.”

The next Student Council will discuss a continuation of the AGM to resume debating the Healthcare Student Integration Sabbatical position and the other motions that had to be abandoned.

The position has proven to be contentious so far, and has met with vocal opposition from members of the current Sabbatical Team.

Andy Button-Stevens, President of the Students’ Union, said: “It’s obviously disappointing that students felt the need to challenge the quoracy as it did stifle debate.

“We will explain more of the procedures around the conducting of a general meeting at the next AGM,” he added.

AGM: in brief What is quoracy?

Quoracy is the minimum number of students required to be present at AGM in order for motions to be passed. According to the constitution, this should be 2% of the ordinary members of the Union, which is 540 students.

Why wasn't AGM quorate?

It was. At least, at first. At the start of the meeting, there was a surplus of about 210 students.

However, as the meeting went on, students decided to leave.

Why didn't this jeopardise other motions?

According to the constitution, motions can be passed inquorate so long as nobody proposes a procedural motion to check quoracy.

Were any of the motions passed without the meeting being quorate?

JAM-PACKED: AGM at the start of the evening

It seems very likely that at least motion five, and possibly motion four, were passed inquorate.

However, because quoracy was not called at this time, the passing of these motion would not have been unconstitutional.

Why is this issue so controversial?

The Sabbatical Team have been blamed for failing to highlight the issue of quoracy at the meeting's start, leading some to suggest that, had students realised that quoracy must be met to pass motions, they would not have left the AGM in their droves.

More seriously, since it was a member of the Non-Sabbatical team who proposed the motion, some have accused the executive committee of attempting to manipulate the outcome of the debate through the use of the procedural motion.

However, it should be noted that the executive committee were openly divided in their support of the motion.

What happens now?

According to the constitution, another AGM must be called in order to debate the motions that did not reach a decision. This could cost up to £7,000.

However, unless this AGM takes place prior to close of nomination for elections on February 27, it is unlikely that a Healthcare Sabbatical will form a part of the team next year, even if the motion passes at the additional AGM.

Psychology students left shocked by School redundancy Eleanor Joslin News Editor Cardiff University has broken its own statute by making the School of Psychology's Audio-Visual Technician redundant before the Council even met to discuss the dismissal.

A University spokesperson said: "University statutes allow academic staff to be made redundant only following a decision of Council."

In spite of this, the A/V Technician received a letter of dismissal in January, which shows apparent disregard for decisions that would have been made at the meeting of Council in February.

In response, another University spokesperson has defended the decision and said: “The University cannot comment on this matter, other than to stress that there is absolutely no foundation to the suggestion that the University has failed to uphold the requirements of statutes.”

It also comes as a surprise that the

University has not made a general offer of voluntary redundancy or early retirement to other A/V Technicians in the School.

The Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) is "shocked" that the University has not attempted to carry out this option, which would have created a vacancy without the need for a technician to lose a job from compulsory redundancy.

In October 2008, the University Council meeting decided that the amount of academic staff in the School of Psychology needed to be reduced, for reasons undisclosed, which eliminated the School's A/V Technician post.

In December, the University's Standing Redundancy Committee then selected the current post-holder for compulsory redundancy, amid fears that this would be detrimental towards final-year Psychology projects.

Following an article in gair rhydd (Issue 884), which highlighted the possible negative impact that the redundancy would have on students, the Head of Psychology emailed the

School's staff.

The email was intended to find out whether or not anyone agreed with the suggestion that final-year Psychology student projects would actually be affected, but it has since been revealed that the tone of this email was too intimidating for some staff to reply.

Todd Bailey, UCU Executive and co-ordinator of UCU's resistance to the redundancy, said that he did not know if anyone responded to those emails, but that he had been told that some potential respondents were put off by the tone.

The Head of Psychology "quickly sent around another message, stressing that he hadn't meant the tone of his first one to sound intimidating, and it has been concluded that it wasn't a genuine information-gathering exercise, so there was nothing to be gained by responding," added Mr Bailey.

However, as gair rhydd has previously revealed, students have found the A/V Technician to be invaluable for their final-year projects.

When the redundancy was initially proposed, Bailey argued against it due

to the amount of support final-year students receive from the technician: "The audio/visual technician has historically provided important support for some final year student research projects," (Issue 884).

Lucy Russell, a final-year Psychology student, said: "This is really bad.

He [the Head of Psychology] should have emailed all third years at least.

It could affect my project, he doesn't know that, especially if he's asking staff and not the students themselves."

Lucy explained how she thought the absence of the A/V Technician was already having a negative impact on students. "The other day a lecturer was giving his first lecture of the module and he couldn't get his slideshow to work.

"We waited for over an hour so we clearly could have used a technician then," she said.

UCU is continuing to support the technician and his union, UNITE, in opposing the redundancy.

NEWS 05

FEBRUARY.16.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

Lecturer strikes over pay feared

Emma Jones News Editor An ongoing pay dispute between the University and College Union (UCU) and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) has caused the NUS to speak out.

The UCU have made an 8% pay increase claim for 2009, which they want to see progressed by the end of January; something which the UCEA

say is “excessive and aggressive” on top of an 8% increase in 2008.

Now, the UCEA fears that UCU members will take industrial action, which could affect students at Cardiff.

NUS President Wes Streeting said: "NUS has been working hard, chiefly through the Trades Union Congress (TUC), to persuade all parties to settle their differences via negotiation. We have stressed that in the present difficult economic circumstances, the last thing that students need is an indus-

trial dispute. Stability in the sector is vital and all sides need to maintain a dialogue.

"NUS welcomes UCU's continued commitment that they will do all within their power to achieve a settlement without industrial action, and we hope UCEA's commitment to negotiation and the involvement of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) will facilitate such a settlement between all parties."

Too poor for uni?

George Carpenter Reporter A recent survey of 17,000 postcodes from universities across the UK has revealed shocking inequalities in our higher education system.

Despite the government's emphasis on the benefits of a university education, so-called equal opportunities remain unseen.

The survey, conducted by market analysts Caci, consulted 17 universities and found that over half of students from highranking institutions came from families with an average household income of £42,500 a year.

Children from such families are more than four-and-a-half times as likely to go to highend universities (universities that demand 3 Bs or more at A level for entry) than people from

comparatively underprivileged backgrounds. In fact, they are more than twice as likely to pursue higher education at all.

Those families considered to be better off than most account for less than a quarter of the population, but make up around 54.6% of the students at top ranking universities.

Since many of the people studying in the UK originate from other countries, or are old enough to support themselves, this leaves comparatively few natives from underprivileged backgrounds earning degrees, even if they are qualified to do so.

The results of the study are worrying for the government, whose aim is to see a broader demographic achieving academic success.

Durham dishes out the dosh Steve Wright Reporter Durham University is offering grants to students who choose to stay on and study postgraduate courses.

This move comes amid the current recession, and indicates an admission that even the top performing graduates will struggle to find work in the current climate.

Under the new plans, Durham will set aside £200,000 to fund scholarships for over 100 students. The scheme will initially run for a year, but the university is already considering an extension if it proves success-

ful.

About the scheme, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said ‘‘We have launched this scholarship because we recognise that, even for the most academically able and talented graduates, it’s a tough economic environment in which to seek employment. ‘‘This scholarship will also help retain some of our very

best graduates in the North East of England and contribute to creating diverse communities in the Durham colleges.’’

Vice-Chancellor warns: recession will affect University All-staff email aims to address effects of financial crisis on Higher Education Emma Jones News Editor Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor has spoken out about the effect of the economic downturn on Cardiff University.

In an all-staff email addressing the recession and its impact, Dr David Grant reassured employees, saying: “Despite these challenges and uncertainties, I must emphasise that I am confident the University can, with your help, address these difficult circumstances.”

However, he also warned that the University needs to exercise caution over its expenditure if they are to manage in the current financial crisis.

“The sudden downturn in the UK economy and the knock-on effect on

public spending poses threats which necessitate more care than ever in managing our finances,” he said.

“The University remains financially viable, but it is necessary to exercise careful control of our expenditure to ensure that when we do spend, it is effective and no wasteful activity is undertaken.”

Dr Grant admitted that the Higher Education sector is vulnerable to the effects of the “credit crunch” and that, whilst most institutions are safe in the short-term, they are not making enough money to cover their longterm needs.

But the Vice-Chancellor insists that, through encouraging individuals to be vigilant about running costs and by addressing unnecessary waste, the University will remain financially stable.

06 NEWS

FEBRUARY.16.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

UNION WATCH

Sarah Powell rounds up the week in student media

Bicycle brawl Punches and bicycles thrown in Oxford brawl OXFORD CHERWELL

Exeter College, Oxford

Shock over 'Nuns' initiation ceremony CAMBRIDGE VARSITY

Cambridge students have caused shame for the University after simulating sex acts in society initiations.

The University were “horrified” by the pictures of girls on their hands and knees using their mouths to roll con-

doms on bananas hanging from boys’ trousers.

Such events were part of the initiation ceremony for the Newnham Nuns - a drinking society at the all-female Newnham College.

With regard to the photographs, Alcohol Concern’s Carys Davies said: “It’s not really setting a good example.”

A University spokesman also said:

CAMBRIDGE VARSITY

The Cambridge student accused of throwing a shoe at the Chinese Prime Minister during a speech has now been charged by police.

The 27-year-old student has been charged with causing fear of violence and is soon to appear in court.

The shoe-throwing incident occurred during a lecture given by the

Cambridge student charged for causing fear of violence prime minister, Wen Jiabao.

The student interrupted this speech and said: "How can the University prostitute itself with this dictator?

How can you listen to these lies?"

He then proceeded to throw his shoe towards the stage, but missing Mr. Wen. Mr. Wen continued his speech on the state of the Chiense economy within the global market and barely flinched as the shoe was thrown at him.

After the protester was removed

Where's my bag of lizard poo?

“We aim to ensure students behave responsibly.”

This follows similar photos taken last year, which show other aspects of society ceremonies including drinking water containing live goldfish and vomit.

In response to these ceremonies the National Union of Students said it “strongly encouraged” a ban on the “dangerous ceremonies”.

Shoe-thrower faces court Mr Wen

Two Oxford colleges have caused chaos after a violent brawl involving more than 250 students.

The fight began between the two notorious rivals, Jesus and Exeter, after the annual 'Turl Street Dash', which involves the two colleges participating in a bicycle race around Oxford.

After the race, Jesus students broke into Exeter College and violence ensued despite authorities attempting to retain control of the situation.

In the midst of the chaos students tossed bicycles, attacked one another and urinated on the walls of the rival

colleges.

It has been estimated from witness reports that more than 250 people were involved in the escalating violence.

It is thought that the event was exacerbated by the large amounts of alcohol consumed by participants of the race, with each year group being forced to drink between twelve and fifteen pints.

During the fight, many members of Exeter College's staff attempted to break it up, including a porter, the bar manager and the junior dean.

Students now wonder whether this event has permanently damaged the relationship between the two colleges.

from the lecture, Mr Wen said: "This despicable behaviour cannot stand in the way of friendship between China and the UK." Cambridge's ViceChancellor said: "I deeply regret that a single member of the audience failed to show the respect for our speaker that is customary at Cambridge. This University is a place for considered argument and debate, not for shoethrowing."

LEEDS LEEDS STUDENT Leeds University is being sued after disposing of excrement from a rare lizard which had been collected by a PhD student for his thesis.

Daniel Bennett was horrified to find his 5st 7lb collection of excrement was gone when he returned to his office.

He had spent five years collecting such samples as part of his thesis research on the lizard’s diet, population size and behaviour.

After winning a scholarship at Leeds University he was able to spend a further two years continuing his re-

search.

He said of the lizard; “The Butaan is so reclusive that all attempts to study it using methods that have proved suitable for the Komodo dragon and other large lizards have ended in total failure."

Speaking about the missing excrement he said; "Returning to Leeds from fieldwork, I was surprised to find my desk space occupied by another student and to see that photographs of my daughter, my girlfriend and my favourite lizards had been removed from the wall."

"My personal effects had been carefully stowed in boxes, but there was no sign of my 35kg bag of lizard shit."

WORLD NEWS 07

FEBRUARY.16.2009 NEWS@gairrhydd.COM

in the No 'thank you' for the music Also news...

Aysar Al-Rawi Reporter

Crush puppy

Charlotte Laken Reporter Vladimir Putin has denied that he attended a secret Abba tribute concert last month.

British-based 'Bjorn Again' said that they were flown from London to Moscow and then driven north to a place on the shores of Lake Valdai, where they performed a private gig for the Russian Prime Minister.

The four-member group said Mr Putin and about seven other guests,

including a ‘glamorous’ woman, were present at the concert, but they sat on a sofa veiled by a curtain.

Aileen McLaughlin, who performs as Abba’s blonde Agnetha Faltskog, said: “It was the smallest audience we have ever performed to but Mr Putin was really enjoying it, shouting ‘bravo’ and clapping with the others.

“He was dancing along in his seat to 'Super Trouper' and raised his hands in the air during 'Mamma Mia'.”

It has been reported that Bjorn Again was paid £20,000 by the

Burning love Eleanor Joslin News Editor

Two koalas badly burnt in Australia’s recent bushfires have formed a relationship, days before Valentines Day. After the deadly bushfires destroyed acres of land, dozens of homes and

killed 180 people, these koalas offer an uplifting tale of love after Sam, one of the pair, was rescued from the burned out forest Miraboo North.

Dave Tree, the volunteer fire fighter who rescued Sam said the look she gave him told him “I can’t run, I’m weak and sore, put me out of my misery.”

Sam was then taken to a wildlife shelter where she met her boyfriend Bob, and they apparently bonded over their shared traumatic experiences, as Bob had been saved by wildlife workers in Boolarra only two days before his girlfriend.

The second-degree burns Sam has suffered on her paws will take up to eight months to heal.

Bob has three paws with third-degree burns and it will take four months until he can return to the bush, when he has fully recovered from these wounds.

Colleen Wood, from the Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter where the koalas are being cared for, said: “They keep putting their arms around each other and giving each other hugs. They really have made friends and it is quite beautiful to see.”

Kremlin for performing 15 Abba songs during the private gig, which has caused controversy in Moscow, as many Russians are struggling during the financial crisis.

Mr Putin, a former KGB spy known for his macho image, has denied that he attended any such performance.

Mr Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has taken the unusual step of writing to a British newspaper to deny the allegations, potentially making this the first time a nuclear power has written to a newspaper over a 1970’s

tribute band.

Peskov insists that the Prime Minister was too busy to have attended the concert, saying: “I don’t know who their audience consisted of, but Vladimir Putin was not one of them.”

“He was actually working in his office that evening, meeting members of the Cabinet.”

He said that he was “sorry to disappoint” the tribute act, and added: “Mr Putin is more of a Beatles fan than an Abba one.”

A pants campaign

Police in Texas found 22 dogs crammed into a station wagon while the owner locked the doors and refused to come out.

The incident happened in Texas, where authorities had to seize the 22 dogs after they had tried to serve the owner with a warrant for the dogs.

Courtney Stevens, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Texas Rescue and Investigations Supervisor said: “The wagon was soaked with urine and covered in faeces.”

Unusual drivers licence rules China has introdued unusual questions for people wanting a driver's licence.

This is one example of one of the 100 questions that locals and foreigners alike could find on China’s written driver’s license exam: ‘If someone’s intestines are protruding from an open abdominal wound, should you: A. Put them back in place; B. Do nothing; or C. Cover them with some kind of container and fasten it around the body?’

After the written test, foreigners who have a driver’s license in their home country are not required to take a practical test.

Brits abroad Owen Thomas Reporter A group of Indian women’s rights campaigners have vowed to send pants as a campaign gesture on Valentines Day. Instead of sending the underwear to loved ones, they plan to send the pants to the right-wing group Sri Ram Sena (Army of Lord Ram), which has been blamed for a recent attack on women in a bar in Mangalore.

The Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women plan to send pink ‘chaddis’ (pants) to the right wing group as a way of confronting the attack rather than hiding from the problem.

The attack occurred last month as television crews filmed men, alleged-

ly from the Sri Ram Sena, chasing and beating women from local pubs and bars. However, the leader of the right wing movement, Promad Mutalik, maintains that it is unacceptable for women to be allowed into bars.

Commenting on the campaign, Nisha Susan, a spokesperson for the women’s group, said: “We chose the colour pink because it is a frivolous colour.”

The members of the Consortium have been urged to mail or deliver their pants to a Sri Ram Sena office and they expect at least 500 pants to arrive, although 5000 people have joined the Facebook group in solidarity with the Indian women.

Mutalik is currently on bail and faces a jail term, as well as a deluge of pink pants on Saturday.

Two British men lost their car after mistakenly thinking they had parked it on a road called ‘One Way Street’, in Cologne, Germany.

The pair wrote down ‘Einbahn Strasse’, which means one way street, so that they would not forget where they had left their car.

However, they found that every second street in the inner city was called ‘Einbahn Strasse’ and it was only when they found a policeman that they were told the sign was to inform drivers that they were on a one-way street.

XFMDPNF!UP!TXBOTFBĂ–T! OFXFTU!EFTUJOBUJPO/ Kvtu!Ă&#x;ojtijoh!zpvs!efhsff@ Xpssjfe!bcpvu!uif!gvuvsf!boe!b!qpttjcmf!sfdfttjpo@ Usbjo!up!ufbdi!jo!Xbmft!boe!cfbu!uif!sfdfttjpo!cmvft!! cz!fbsojoh!vq!up!¤23-311!jo!uif!qspdftt

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Tuesday, 3rd March 2009 The Swansea School of Education Secondary subjects:

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For these subjects above you will receive a Training Grant of ÂŁ7,200 and a Teaching Grant of ÂŁ5,000*

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For these subjects above you will receive a Training Grant of ÂŁ7,200 and a Teaching Grant of ÂŁ2,500*

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For these subjects above you will receive a Training Grant of ÂŁ4,200* For all Primary PGCE courses, you receive a Training Grant of ÂŁ2,200*

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.

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OPINION 09

FEBRUARY.16.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

freewords Est. 1972

AGM drama unfolds Last week gair rhydd reported on the confusion surrounding the Governance Review proposals to be presented at this week's AGM. As the first four motions of AGM clearly showed, the Sabbatical team had made a concerted effort to improve the clarity and direction of the governance proposals which were presented at AGM. The presentation of these proposals and the direction that they provided for the future was impressive. The team had made clear efforts to improve the transparency of the process and ensure that the logic behind the changes was effectively communicated to the student body.

The team's took on board feedback from Student Council, modified the proposals, and returned with a confident, concise presentation.

As a result, the Sabbatical Officers' governance proposals passed without a hitch. Unfortunately, however, a key proposal that would have modified the proposed team with the inclusion of an officer representing the interests of Healthcare students, many of whom are isolated from the main student areas of Cathays and Roath, was stifled by the submission of a procedural motion calling for quoracy.

The effective implications of the lack of a decision on this motion are that, unless another AGM is called for immediately, the motion will not be passed in time for elections, and a Healthcare Sabbatical will not be a part of next year's Sabbatical Team.

Whether or not this is a worthy addition to the governance proposals is perhaps not so much of a pressing issue as that of the question of quoracy itself.

The current Sabbatical Officers, along with the two NUS members present at AGM, have been roundly criticised for failing to indicate to the students present at AGM that by leaving early they threatened to jeopardise proceedings. gair rhydd has spoken to students who left early who claimed that they would not have left had they known that their absence could jeopardise proceedings.

It is the understanding of gair rhydd that, had the Union committed to communicating this information to its members throughout AGM, the necessity of a second AGM may have been avoided.

Editor Ben Bryant Deputy Editor Hazel Plush Co-ordinator Elaine Morgan News Emma Barlow Emma Jones Sarah Powell Sian Symons Eleanor Joslin Editorial and Opinion Paul Stollery Emma Davies Columnist

The mother tongue

The Welsh language is vital and a bilingual Wales is the way forward, argues Jennifer Woods

MILENNIUM CENTRE: bilingualism in action

I

f I were to ask you to name things that made you think of Wales, what would you say?

Hills? Sheep? Rugby? Admittedly, yes, these are all things associated with ‘the Big Country’.

These, however, are a mere list of accessories without the one thing that is truly Welsh – the Welsh language.

Tory MP David Davies (who is also a member of the Commons’ Welsh Affairs Committee) recently caused outrage when describing Plaid Cymru’s bid for complete bilingualism as “madness”.

Surely a Member of Parliament, particularly one so linked to Wales, would know better than to express such a firmly negative opinion on an area that will cause such debate and conflict between so many people?

Apparently not.

The subject of the Welsh language, along with its survival and importance today, is a recurrent topic of some contention within the news – most recently with the Welsh National Party’s bid for greater powers to put the Welsh and English languages on an equal footing within Wales.

This would make it a legal requirement for private firms providing public services that receive more than £200,000 of taxpayer’s money, such as councils, to offer all services in both English and Welsh.

Emma Davies Politics Gareth Ludkin Sport Scott D’Arcy Alasdair Robertson Josh Pettitt Richard Williams Liz Wray Letters Helen Langdon Features Ceri Isfryn Aimee Steen Science and Environment

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And why shouldn’t they be able to do this? The Welsh language is the very symbol of Wales, dating back almost 4,000 years – making it the oldest language in Britain. Antiques and architecture of only 200 years are furiously preserved and maintained, so why not a language?

The language is a beautiful accompaniment to an ancient country I mean, Welsh is hardly out-of-use within everyday Wales. In fact, Welsh is currently far more prolific than it was just 50 years ago. The 2001 Census found that of all citizens aged three and over, 582,000 of them (that’s 20.8%) were able to speak Welsh, compared to 508,000 (18.7%) in 1991 and just 503,500 (19%) in 1981.

In fact, the highest percentage of Welsh speakers were found to be among children, with 40.8% of children aged five to fifteen being fluent in Welsh. Surely if such a large majority of children speak the language, this makes it far from out of date?

If you ask me, the main problem surrounding Welsh is that not enough Sub Editor Graeme Porteous Proof Readers Lucy Morgan Rachel Sutcliffe Neil Fairbrother Emma Davies Laurel Burn Katherine Roberts Georgina Coles Emma Ellis Haxel Plush Robin De Peyer Contributors Jake Yorath, Nathan Allen, Steve Wright,

of the older generation speak it. Road and transport officials in Swansea recently became something of a joke when they applied for a Welsh translation for a road sign.

Unable to translate the sign themselves, they sent an email to Swansea council asking for their English version of the sign to be translated. When they received an automated ‘out of office’ email back, they mistook the message for the Welsh translation and so printed the email on the sign – under the original English message –intended to bar lorries from a road near a supermarket.

Maybe if the opportunity for a Welsh education was made more obviously available to older generations, it would prevent accidents such as this.

From the point of view of an English student in Wales, I personally feel a little ashamed of my complete inability to speak Welsh. When people come to England we expect them to speak English, even when we go abroad we expect them to speak English, so why should the Welsh accept any less?

The Welsh are a famously patriotic nation – you only need to go out on a Rugby day to know that – and so it seems not only essential but also pretty obvious that the language should be maintained.

The Welsh National Anthem; ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, is full of declarations of love for both the country and the language, with lines such as ‘Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad’ (‘Country, country, I’m faithful to my country) and ‘O bydded i'r heniaith barhau’ (‘Hopefully the old language will live’) patently affirming the Welsh’s love for their heritage.

Making Wales bilingual is a credible aim Other countries are able to preserve their own language. The French are scrupulous with their own tongue and even have a governmental body, the

Charlotte Laken, Aysar Al-Rawi, Owen Thomas, Jennifer Woods, Rhys Howell, Alex Evans, Robin De Peyer, Chris Tarquini, Damian Fantato, Jenni Miles, Sara Orwig, Elin Gwyn, James Cookson, Andy Tweddle, Emma Bennett, Alex Bywater, Alex Prior, Michael O'Brien, Neil Fairbrother, Sally

Académie Francais, to ensure their language does not get polluted with influences from others, so why does Welsh have to be any different?

Don’t get me wrong, I understand where David Davies is coming from (well, at least a little bit) when he says: “We are in the grip of the worst recession for decades and the Government is talking about placing another huge burden on business”.

Architecture of only 200 years is preserved, so why not a language?

The country is suffering economically at the moment, that much is true.

But the issue of reaching equality between English and Welsh is not going to go away. If it wasn’t the recession, it would be some other huge unavoidable factor. The Government is just going to have to pull their finger out and actually take the bid seriously.

Making Wales bilingual is an entirely credible aim. The Welsh language should be maintained. However, it needs to be done in the right way.

If it becomes compulsory for utility and phone companies to provide all services in Welsh straight away, with no introductory period, this will force businesses to move across the border into England, costing thousands of Welsh jobs.

Rather than by making rash laws, this transition to bilingualism needs to be done through consumer demand – if people want a service in Welsh and ask for it, they will, eventually, get it.

The Welsh language is a beautiful and ancient accompaniment to a beautiful and ancient country, full of very loyal, patriotic people who are working incredibly hard to maintain their language and ensure it continues to thrive for thousands of years to come.

And if you ask me, it’s a worthwhile task, and one that seems very much to be working.

Mae'r hen iaith o Gymry mor fyw ag erioed.

Mason, Christina Mackie, Laura Davies, Oliver Franklin, Alex Gardner, Ben Wylie, Tomos Morgan Address Cardiff University Students' Union, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3QN Web www.gairrhydd.com Email info@gairrhydd.com

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10 OPINION

FEBRUARY.16.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Canuck in Cardiff

Oh my golly gosh!

H

Just a harmless comment? Steve Wright thinks that Carol Thatcher ought to know better

Corey Shefman gets defensive

yperbole and half-truths abound in the recent commentary on Israel’s war against Hamas that took place in late December and early January of this year. Even our own gair rhydd seems to prefer to take the popular rather than the factual approach.

A recent politics section included two articles which, if they weren’t so horrifyingly inaccurate, would have been quite amusing for their ignorance. For the record, let’s make a couple of things clear: The war on Hamas in Gaza was started when Hamas violated an Egyptian-brokered truce with Israel three days before it was set to expire. That is, of course, to ignore the hundreds of times before that they had broken the truce by launching missiles indiscriminately at Israeli civilian populations.

No country can be expected to sit idly by as their citizens are subject to daily rockets and to expect Israel to turn the other cheek as the women and children of Sderot are shelled relentlessly by Hamas with Iranian-built weapons would have been like asking Westminster to ignore the post-box bombings of previous decades.

You want to know the biggest lie, though? The civilian deaths in Gaza are 100% the fault of Hamas. Even those who blame Israel don’t have an excuse for Hamas’s positioning of rocket launchers on the roofs of schools and hospitals, in front of mosques and refugee shelters.

While Israel sent tens of thousands of mobile text-messages, voicemail messages and leaflets to the civilians in Gaza before the incursion began, warning them to get out of the way, Hamas warned them that if they left – if they deprived the terrorists of Hamas of their supply of human shields – they would be summarily executed.

Let’s be clear here. Hamas took power in Gaza by way of a coup. This is an organization which for over a decade has sent students and pregnant women onto buses and into coffee shops with bombs strapped to their chests. This is a terrorist group who tortures and executes gay and lesbian Palestinians, Christians, and Palestinians who, dare I say it, want peace.

Israel is by no means perfect; I’ll be the first person to acknowledge that. Settlements in the West Bank need to be taken down, more aid needs to be allowed to reach the civilians in Gaza (bypassing Hamas, of course) and the Palestinian Authority police force needs to be given access to proper tools and training.

But Israel is a democracy. It has a strong and activist Supreme Court, it has a Basic Law which guarantees more extensive rights and freedoms than Britain’s own Human Rights Act and it is the only country in the middle east with even a modicum of respect for the rule of law.

If this is her attitude, then it is clear that she is severely missing the point.

Whether she meant any offence or not (and it is probable she meant no offence whatsoever), the fact that she failed to offer a full and frank apology is what stands out.

It is claimed the comments in question were not intended to be heard on air JAM LABEL: oh dear, Carol

A

nother week, another race row. This time it was the turn of Maggie’s daughter and Queen of the Jungle Carol Thatcher to hit the headlines, after she was sacked from her post at the BBC after referring to French tennis player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as a ‘golliwog frog’.

According to the Daily Express, Thatcher intends to sue the BBC over the episode – with the comments in question being made during an off-

air filming session of The One Show – claiming that the comments in question were private and not intended to be heard on air.

She was naïve at best – foolishly ignorant at worst Her spokesman said that the BBC had ‘‘more leaks than Thames water.’’

And I’m not talking about the one hurriedly-issued through her agent, which smacked of arrogance and contempt for the fact that anyone would dare contradict her majesty.

Anyone can make a slip-up on air: it happens all the time. Unsurprisingly, Daily Mail readers alike across the country have been up in arms, pointing to the apparently relatively lax punishments dished out to Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand after the ‘Sachs-gate’ phone calls. Well, considering the fact that Ross was suspended and Brand was forced to quit his job, it’s not like they went entirely unpunished. Plus, here’s the crucial thing:

Ross and Brand apologised. Personally. Miss Thatcher, take note.

In fairness, the term ‘golliwog’ is hardly the most offensive of terms.

Her spokesman claimed that she was merely likening Tsonga to a character who used to adorn the packaging of a jam jar growing up.

However, once again she has completely missed the point. She may not have intended to be racist in her comments, but don’t tell me she had no idea it can be termed as racist, or that some people might find it offensive.

Not to realise the potential gravity of what she said was naïve at best – foolishly ignorant at worst.

If that is her attitude, it's clear she is severely missing the point ‘‘Oh, but it was a private conversation never meant for broadcast.’’ Carol, when you’re sitting in a studio, in the presence of numerous journalists and media personalities, and make a remark that will quite obviously cause offence, don’t try to act all innocent and play the victim when it comes back to bite you.

Livin' on a prayer

Rhys Howell takes to his pulpit over faith healing

Y

ou may have heard recently that a nurse, Caroline Petrie, was suspended from North Somerset Primary Care Trust, following a row over her offer to pray for a patient’s recovery.

Of course, this upset a lot of Christians, and of course Mrs Petrie was reemployed, so that the NHS wouldn't be seen as persecuting anyone's religious beliefs.

Forgive me for seeming a little harsh here, but bear with me for a moment. The power of prayer is the medical equivalent to throwing wet tissue at a charging lion – somehow I think that running gives you a better chance of avoiding becoming lunch.

If you feel that faith healing works ask yourself this – why won’t God heal amputees? If it’s true what they say about God, then causing an arm or leg to re-grow should be easy for him – yet never has anyone done just that. How many times has praying cured people from vegetative comatose states or brain death?

Some of you may have had a dif-

ferent experience. Maybe you know someone who had an operation – you prayed and they were fine. That's great, but I’ve no doubt that the skill of the surgeon played a bigger part in their recovery than a prayer ever could.

172 children died in the US because their parents chose to rely on faith healing In this case it’s harmless, but not always, In March last year, Ava Worthington – a 15-month old girl from Oregon City – died after her parents decided to rely on faith healing instead of going to the doctor’s office.

The state medical examiner’s office said that antibiotics would easily have cured her bronchial pneumonia and blood infection.

I wish that this was the only case, but a study by the University of Cali-

fornia reported that between 19751995, 172 children died in the U.S. because their parents chose instead to rely on faith healing. 140 of these had survival rates exceeding 90% with medical treatment.

One shocking case involved a two year old who choked on a banana and showed signs of life for nearly 2 hours, while her parents called members of their religious circle to pray.

Most of the newspapers focused on what they deemed persecution of believers by the NHS for suspending her in the first place, and saying that this was political correctness gone mad.

I think that I should remind people that the NHS is a public service and,

It's like throwing wet tissue at an approaching lion as such, should be completely neutral when it comes to religion. After all, it is paid for by people who adhere to a

CANDLES: as good as care? mixture of faiths, or even none at all.

Faith shouldn't be taken into account at all – only when faith hinders a person’s ability to do the job they've been hired for should it come into play. For example, if a person wants to wear a cross to work, that should be fine.

The NHS has an obligation to its patients to provide us with the best possible care: allowing one of its staff to go around praying for a patient to get better rather than doing their medical duty is a breach of that obligation.

OPINION 11

FEBRUARY.16.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

You've been Googletracked!

A useful way to know where your loved ones are, says Google; a needless tool to spy on your spouses, thinks Alex Evans

T

here have been many extraordinary inventions over the past couple of centuries; from the train to the car, the telephone to the Internet - so many things have transformed the way we live.

It is almost baffling that we managed to survive the first few million years of our existence with nothing but the wheel and a few well-placed leaves when almost everything we use today has been invented since about 1700. Truly, we live in an awe-inspiring age.

Bunnies will be boiled; paranoid partners will find new levels of mistrust But, like all utopian imagery, beautiful dreams are replaced with bitter reality. I am talking about the news this week that Google, that veritable behemoth of Internet indexing, has introduced a new service called ‘Latitude’. Essentially, this is a fancy term for ‘people-tracking’.

The possibilities for this device, launched as an add-on to the interactive A-Z that is ‘Google Maps’, are

endless, but potentially incredibly destructive. ‘No one is safe’ is probably not the marketing tagline that Google intended, but would be nothing short of worryingly appropriate.

With absolutely no technical knowhow, we will all be able to find out exactly where our friends, partners and family are simply by typing in their mobile number, which will result in an exact position of that person being given on the map.

As Google puts it, with its best PRspin hat on: “Now you can do things like see if your spouse is stuck in traffic on the way home from work, notice that a buddy is in town for the weekend, or take comfort in knowing that a loved one's flight landed safely, despite bad weather".

It is the stuff not of science fiction, but of horror movies.

Lies are the backbone on which society functions: from the little white lies which save people’s feelings, to the large, lumbering untruths which we use to attempt to hide our mistakes from others, but this service will soon expose us all for the shameful fibbers we all really are. Bunnies will be boiled; paranoid partners will find a new level of mistrust.

“You were in the pub again: I checked on Google” will become cliché. Relationships will be broken, but worst of all, our primitive notions of trust will be destroyed forever.

It is not that I condone fabrication, but much in the same way as a relationship needs trust, so does a society.

"You were in the pub again; I checked on Google" will become clichéd If we get Google-tracked every time we’re five minutes late to meet a friend, what does that say about our friends? About our culture? Privacy will be obliterated. Freedom of movement will exist only in some ghost form; as long as we are prepared to justify those movements to whoever may choose to track our whereabouts.

Certainly, it is not all negative; the potential for good is there. Police could track the whereabouts of known criminals as easily as typing in eleven digits. Hikers trapped on mountains could be located. Lost children could be recovered. These ideas, no doubt, will be pointed out by Google as revolutionary possibilities.

But the potential for evil far, far outweighs the positives. Stalking, for example, has never been so easy. It sounds conspiratorial, admittedly, but governments could track each and every one of us, every day, without so much as giving a reason or even let-

GOOGLE MAPS: the future ting us know. It could already be a reality, and if it was, we’d know nothing of it.

Stalking has never been so easy Truly, we are trapped. We can ditch the mobiles, and free ourselves from the shackles of a society which wants to utilise them to inhibit our freedoms and monitor our movements, but forever be outcast as part of an unpopu-

lar, mobile-less minority, or continue to carry around our own little tracking beacons, free and easy to use by anyone who has ever had our mobile number.

Free to use by any business that has our contact details, by our employers, and worst of all, by the government.

But the most worrying thing about this is that most people won’t even mind. Orwell’s ever-relevant novel 1984 sneaks ever closer to the ‘fact’ section of bookstores everywhere, one Google innovation at a time, and it seems no one is willing to stop it.

Nanny knows best

Enough with the Nanny state, says Robin De Peyer

T

here’s no doubting the credentials of Dr Alan MaryonDavis, President of the UK Faculty of Public Health. Educated at St John’s College, Cambridge, and St Thomas’ Hospital, Maryon-Davis has since become an eminent figure in relation to Public Health and the promotion of a more conscientious attitude towards health and wellbeing.

Very commendable.

However, in his recent piece for the BBC, he rather oversteps the line between promoting awareness relating to public health, and advocating the further intrusion of the government upon our personal liberties.

Despite the fact that we live in what is already one of the most ‘nannied’ democracies in the world, he claims: ‘I see an increasing acceptance that we, all of us, need not only more information and guidance from government, but also more legislation to save us from ourselves.’

Maryon-Davis is advocating the Government adopting a stern ap-

proach to regulating the British. His suggestions include better food labelling, tighter regulations on the display of cigarettes and more regulations with regard to alcohol.

These are sensible, if rather obvious, proposals for a Public Health President to make, but what is offen-

There's a line between helping the public and controlling them sive is the tone used in his writing.

The inescapably patronising nature of the article leaves one feeling rather as if the focus is in the wrong place.

Rather than striving to “save us from ourselves”, and advising the government to “stop pussy-footing around”, should we not instead be focusing on a process of education and awareness.

The root of the problem that Mary-

on-Davis is seeking to address lies in society’s attitude towards lifestyle choices – an attitude that cannot be moulded by the passing of legislation designed to impede our freedom of choice in everyday matters.

Despite his hard-nosed, elitist tone, he largely avoids making meaningful suggestions as to what practical measures should be taken – other than proposing tax hikes on alcohol, cigarettes and fast-food.

Such hikes would have a direct impact on large sections of society, and would do little to discourage the lifestyle choices which he has shown himself to be so keen to change.

For example, amongst the student population, it is difficult to imagine that slightly more expensive drinks would alter the way in which people approach alcohol, and binge-drinking in particular.

The arguments posed by MaryonDavis also suggest that nannying is what the public needs, and indeed has shown itself to want: “...to my mind the really shining example of how

far the public have come in accepting laws to help protect us from selfharm is the huge support for smokefree public spaces and workplaces throughout the UK.” It is, quite frankly, deceiving to draw comparisons between protecting the public from the dangers of passive smoke and attempting to change the way we make lifestyle choices.

The smoking ban received public support because it was a sensible idea with obvious benefits. This is in no way comparable to the ‘tough’ legislation proposed by Maryon-Davis in relation to our freedom to decide those matters which only directly impact on our own health.

Certain suggestions in the article do indeed warrant Parliamentary debate.

For example, he advocates a ban on smoking in cars with children onboard which is a common-sense proposal.

The public may well show themselves to be supportive of further measures which regulate the decisions of individuals which may detrimentally affect the health of others. However,

the right to choose our own attitudes with regards to things which affect only ourselves is a fundamental one, and should not be impeded upon by Parliament or any other body.

Maryon-Davis’ argument is one which is inherently elitist and which discards the very principles upon which our democracy is founded.

Education – not regulation – is what is necessary if our attitudes towards healthy living are to improve in the future.

MARY POPPINS: supernanny

COLUMNIST 13

FEBRUARY.16.2009 OPINION@gairrhydd.COM

Something old, something new link-182 are back! And everyone seems to be rather excited about it. I can’t lie: I’m pretty pleased, myself. I mean, it feels like they’ve been gone forever. Okay, so it’s only actually been three years, but that’s beside the point.

They’re set to tour in the summer too if reports are to be believed – and you just know that it’ll be sold out quicker than you can say “happy holidays, you bastard.” Why, though?

Commercially-polished, juvenile punk-pop had its heyday in the early ‘noughties, and music in general doesn’t seem to have suffered in its absence. There’s only one word for it: nostalgia.

As someone put it to me today: “It’ll be great as well; it won’t be full of teenyboppers, because all the teenyboppers will have grown up!” Yes, we were those teenyboppers. Comebacks are notoriously lucrative – Take That apparently re-signed a record deal for £3,000,000. We’re suckers for bands who come back from the dead.

We students seem to love our nostalgia, really we do. Maybe it’s a case of having too much time on our hands, but a swift trawl of Facebook groups (ah, those reliable markers of popular opinion) reveals such homages to our childhood as ‘Raised in the ‘90s...in the UK! Not the USA!’ As if the specificity of the title wasn’t amusing enough, there’s a checklist of things you’ll most likely have experienced during this UK ‘90s upbringing. Mr Blobby? Check.

Goosebumps books? Check. Jelly shoes? Oh God, check. How embarrassing.

B

'm not particularly clued-up on art: I may as well admit as much before I even get started.

I can just about pick out a Monet or a Picasso. I can't say I'd know a Titian.

I'm not declaring Titian a hero for his artistic talent, but rather for his pothoumous ability to create a political furore.

Last month David Cameron and

I

There’s also a group called ‘Children’s TV was so much better when we were kids.’ Oh come on – haven’t we all had that impassioned discussion in the pub at some point or another?

Ours was most definitely superior. We had Doug; we had Finders Keepers.

What have kids got now? The only things worth any attention whatsoever these days are Lazytown and Charlie and Lola. And yes, I still harbour enough of a weakness for kids’ telly to know that.

It’s not just students, even, who milk the TV-related yearnings for the past. Production companies have also realised the popularity potential, reviving ‘80s shows like The Krypton Factor (the appeal of which still eludes me) and 90210.

It's the current equivalent of having our cake and eating it

old when you could have new? Maybe we’re all just crazy rebels, yeah! Or, why pick one when you could just as easily have both?

Our kids' TV was most definitely superior

MS PACMAN: a retro love affair

Nor is our fad for nostalgia confined to entertainment. Yes, we love old bands and TV shows, but we also seem to adore old clothes. Retro chic is taking over.

Flick through a copy of Heat (I maintain that it is a quality, boredomdeflecting read) and you’re assaulted by photos of celebrities wearing vintage this and vintage that. Well, I suppose it’s one way to make sure that you’re not going to have half of Cardiff copying your look.

Unless half of Cardiff shops on

Queen Street, that is. Vintage-inspired fashion has pervaded the likes of TopShop and New Look. We are still, though, expected to regard proper vintage as the Holy Grail of clothing. Vintage fairs have never been so popular.

Basically, we now think it’s cool to dress like our Nan. But it’s fine – it’s all ironic.

That’s just it – irony is central to the fad of modern nostalgia. It’s fine, as long as you don’t take it too seriously; you can afford to be smug, as long as you’re undermining yourself while doing so.

It’s like those insufferable people who love to brag about not owning a mobile phone – do they really think it makes their life any easier? Of course they don’t – it just makes it necessary for them to carry change for a phone

Heroes

and

Gordon Brown got into an argument about how old Titian was when he died. A bit of a bizarre discussion for the Commons, admittedly - do we not have bigger problems right now? - but there you go. Gordy said he was 90.

Cameron was adamant that he was 86.

As if this wasn't all odd enough of its own accord, things got even weirder when a member of staff at Conser-

box at all times. And renders them irritatingly uncontactable. Of course it’s not practical. Practicality, I suspect, is not why they’re doing it.

After all, there’s nothing practical about nostalgia. The word comes from the Greek for “extreme homesickness” – the modern meaning of a wistful yearning for the past didn’t come into use until around 1920.

So, a yearning to head back to our childhood, or even further? There was certainly less to worry about as a kid, but also less of the fun stuff we have now. Less technology.

Indeed, this whole fad for retro is seemingly totally at odds with our technologically-driven society of today. Why would you want a Sega Megadrive when you could have an Xbox 360? Why favour The Lion King over High School Musical? Why have

If we wanted to screw over The Man, what we should be doing is eschewing modern communication technology altogether, instead learning to contact one another with Morse code. That’d show them! Sod it, why not semaphore? All you need for that one is flags.

That’d never happen, though: we love our iPhones too much. We can pick and choose; we’re postmodern like that. We like retro precisely because we can, whenever we feel like it, switch back to the contemporary – it’s the current equivalent of having our cake and eating it. We can be Mods one day, Victorians another; we can go back to our skinny jeans in between.

If anything, our current love of nostalgia is a contradiction in its own terms. We don’t really want a return to the past; hell, we don’t even really feel particularly homesick for it. It’s just another form of greed – we don’t just want our own culture, we want all the others that came before it as well.

What’s more, we want them all now.

Still, that doesn’t prevent me from being disappointed every time that Morrissey confirms that no, The Smiths won’t be reforming.

Villains vative HQ changed the Wikipedia entry, moving the date of Titian's death back by four years in order to make it seem that Cameron was correct. As if the public at large would care about such things. Welcome to 1984.

The Tories have held up their hands, admitted the cloak-and-dagger deed, and apologised. Their little act of subterfuge had been outed. The staffer responsible has, most likely,

received a jolly good telling-off.

Frankly, I'm not sure whether to be horrified or amused by the sheer Orwellian spectacle of it all.

So, Titian, not only have you apparently painted some pretty pictures, not only can you hold your head high as an Old Master - you've also caused quite the political stir.

Not too bad for a guy who's been dead for more than 400 years, eh?

14 POLITICS

FEBRUARY.16.2009 POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

Solidarity shown across Gareth Ludkin considers the future of Guantanamo Bay as the tour finally reaches Cardiff. gair rhydd interviews the speakers

A

recent conference held in the Great Hall of Cardiff’s Students' Union brought together two ex-detainees and a prison guard from the notorious Guantanamo Bay. The three engaged in a frank and enlightening discussion over their experiences of Guantanamo.

Revealing some of the truths of Guantanamo Bay, the three men talked calmly of their experiences of the camp, unlawful detention and torture.

There is certainly enough evidence now to prove that torture has occurred in Guantanamo Bay and now questions lead to what will happen next.

As Barack Obama leads assurances that Guantanamo Bay will be closed concerns must be raised as to what happens next for those detainees still left in Guantanamo.

Guantanamo has again been highlighted as a key political issue that continues to rock the boat. David Milliband certainly hasn’t helped as Britain and America reaffirm their “special relationship” amid continued refusals to disclose the details of British resident Binyam Mohamed’s alleged torture.

Having been detained in Guantanamo for four years, Binyam Mohamed has been quite literally wasting away after forcing himself to remain on a hunger strike. At the time of writing, Mohamed’s release seems set to come to its conclusion in the forthcoming week; however, this is by no means soon enough. The damage has already been done.

David Milliband insisted that it was in the interest of relations with the US and the exchange of intelligence material with the CIA that details of the

alleged torture of Binyam Mohamed are not released. Access to this important evidence has been restricted after a high court ruling was upheld, stopping the publication of suspected torture evidence in Binyam Mohamed’s case.

Two Sides, One Story Moazzam Begg, Chris Arendt and Omar Dehayes took part in ‘Two Sides, One Story’, a conference organised by the prisoner human rights organisation, ‘Cageprisoners’. Each had their own story to tell, each of which became another vital piece in the condemnation of Guantanamo Bay.

Guantanamo Bay was one of the key issues on the list for Barack Obama The conference avoided sensation and exaggeration and, instead, stuck to facts in an attempt to stimulate debate and discussion. The speakers were not overt in their discussion of torture as it has probably all been said before. If anything, they were a little reticent when expressing exactly what they had experienced.

Moazzam Begg has spoken out extensively against Guantanamo Bay, has written for several national newspapers on the issues of illegal detention, and has also campaigned for the release of unlawfully detained prisoners. Arrested in Islamabad in

Donald Rumsfeld visits Guantanamo in 2005

2005, Moazzam Begg was detained in maximum security for three years.

Hooded and shackled, with a gun firmly pressed to his head, Moazzam was arrested in front of his family, whom he would subsequently not see for three years.

Moazzam was never formally charged, nor was any evidence brought against him, something which has become endemic of the experiences of many detainees in Guantanamo who still remain locked up. There still remain around 100 prisoners against whom there is not enough evidence to formally charge. To send these people home would also be unsafe. It is not possible for them to be kept indefinitely, but what is to be done with them is questionable. Many detainees who have already been released have returned home or have been given asylum in various countries, including Britain and America.

Moazzam expressed his support for Binyam Mohamed, who remains in Guantanamo after four years. Begg was also critical of the British Government when he spoke to gair rhydd shortly before the conference. Moazzam believes that Britain continues to be more concerned with American relations and their “special relationship”, than the wellbeing of Binyam Mohammed or, indeed, any of the British detainees who have been held in Guanatanamo.

Milliband was defensive of his decision to withhold evidence, fervently stating that the decision to withhold the information did not compromise Binyam Mohamed’s case. When asked whether he felt deserted by the British Government, Moazzam recognised the part the British Government had to play in his release; however, he was also aware that the Government were compliant in his arrest and had known about his detention.

Both Begg and Dehayes spoke of some of the horrors they had seen and experienced. They were not, however, overtly expressive in relation to what they saw but described some of the techniques used, such as being hung from their hands, humiliation and degradation, sleep deprivation, psychiatric torture, harrassment and the breaking of fingers, arms etc. Dehayes and Moazzam described Guantanamo as “a land of no laws” in which intimidation and torture was at the whims of the guards. Even the doctors tortured, using hunger strikes as a means to do so. Detainees were often on hunger strike and in very poor physical condition. Tubes would be forced in and out of the men’s throats to force feed them, causing great damage and pain.

Chris Arendt, who served as a military prison officer in Guantanamo,

spoke of his experiences on the other side of the wire and discussed the bond that he and Moazzam had developed on the tour since leaving Guantanamo.

Guantanamo Bay is described as an "international torture place".

Meeting Moazzam was “overwhelmingly good,” said Arendt. Begg and Arendt chatted confidently together as if they’d known one other for years, united in their quest to tell the truth. No animosity could be found between the two, who were both surprisingly chilled as they laughed over the absurd tale of toilet roll knives as a form of weapon which guards were warned about.

Moazzam, particularly, was relaxed

and did not go into great depths as to what torture he saw or experienced.

When asked what the worst thing he had seen was, Begg calmly highlighted the murder of detainees: a truly disturbing thought for many of us to contend with, but something he had clearly been forced to come to terms with.

The three talked about the systems in place in in the prison. Omar Dehayes spoke more graphically of what he’d seen and endured. Having suffered beatings while in Guantanamo he spoke of the need to keep his mind busy throughout his detention. “I try not to go with my thoughts,” said Dehayes, who also pointed toward the importance of faith and memorising things to keep himself busy, speaking of “keeping busy 'til I was really exhausted.” Conditions within their cells were cramped isolated and dull. Their cell toilets would often over flow and they would be moved from cell to cell frequently in order to disorien-

POLITICS 15

FEBRUARY.16.2009 POLITICS@gairrhydd.COM

Two stories: the divide Cageprisoners' 'Two Sides, One Story' One sided

about their views and experiences

Where will be safe?

Guantanamo Bay is described as an “international torture place” by Moazzam Begg, but he and Omar Dehayes also called for the closure of all the other secret detention centres such as Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, in which both Begg and Dehayes experienced much worse torture than in Guantanamo Bay. Obama is committed to closing all international detention centres, but he must also review America’s detention policy. How will suspects be detained and provided with a fair trial? Arendt bluntly commented on the lack of a legal system, stating: “There isn’t a legal system present in Guantanamo.”

One needs to be put in place in order for fair trials to be carried out for those still being held in Guantanamo.

Detainees were often on hunger strike and in poor physical condition.

tate them. Floodlights would be used so that inmates would be unaware of when was day and when was night.

"Americans are going to be Americans" When gair rhydd asked Omar Dehayes whether he could ever forgive those who had detained him he said: “My concern is to expose what they did so that this doesn’t happen to other people. but I really don’t care a lot.” Surprisingly, he went on to say: “I think I gained a lot from that experience, I learned a lot about myself.

Patience, meeting people and getting to know people” - a remarkable approach for man detained for years without charge and without seeing his family.

Obama’s promise In the first few days of office, Guantanamo Bay was one of the key issues on the hit list for Barack Obama. Obama stated in November his desire to close Guantanamo and to “regain America’s moral status in the world.” This could prove difficult for Obama, but he has certainly lived by his promises. In November, he stated: “I have said repeatedly that I intend to close Guantanamo, and I will follow through on that.” In his first few days he signed orders to close Guantanamo.

Unfortunately, a simple signature declaring the closure of Guantanamo will not be enough: Obama must consider what is to come next. How will those still in Guantanamo receive a fair trial? Will those who carried out the torture be held accountable? And where will released detainees go; which countries will provide asylum?

The inbox is still piled high for Barack Obama, and Chris Arendt is not particularly hopeful for the new regime. Speaking to gair rhydd, Arendt believed that Obama definitely represents a better choice than George Bush but also commented that this "doesn’t show a hell of a lot”. When asked if he was hopeful for Obama’s presidency, Arendt said: “No, people aren’t going to change themselves.”

He continued: “Obama’s not going to change everything; he can’t do it all by himself...Americans are going to be Americans." Omar Dehayes also commented, “what will happen to those people in Guantanamo Bay? He [Obama] didn’t say what he would do with the people that are already there.”

The end for Guantanamo Bay is as near as it is far. The process of closing all of the American detention centres will take considerable time, but it is also something which is vital. Now is the time for change. The slate has been symbolically wiped clean and America needs to help rebuild lives rather than taking them away. A new detention policy is needed and a dramatic move away from America’s destructive “War on Terror” is crucial. America will never be able to achieve atonement for Guantanamo, but Obama can now at least end the corruption and begin to heal relations across the world.

Chris Tarquini takes another look at the conference

O

n Wednesday, February 4, around 1,000 people crammed into the Great Hall to bear witness to The Cageprisoners Tour. In what was dubbed a ‘historic event’, two former detainees and one former prison guard gave perspectives from ‘both sides of the wire’.

What appeared as an insightful look at the unjust treatment of prisoners in the world’s most infamous prison was however hijacked by groups with other agendas.

As the organisers of the event included Cardiff Stop the War Coalition and No Borders South Wales it was always clear that the crowd would be of a left-leaning persuasion. However, the Socialist Workers papers being sold outside the event still sent alarm bells ringing.

The chants of "free Palestine" down the microphone before the event started, and the large banner behind the former prisoners advocating the end of all border controls, showed that this wasn’t just going to be about Guantanamo.

An Israeli who had come to show their support for the horrors of the camp would have been extremely uncomfortable.

The event itself was educational, with former guard Chris Ardent and former inmates Moazzam Begg and Omar Deghayes giving their recollections of their terrible experiences.

In particular, Ardent’s explanation that Guantanamo bay guards were not elite military units but ordinary soldiers dismembered a common misconception about the camp. Despite these insightful moments, Begg’s sus-

piciously vague explanations of the accusations against him and Ardent’s inability to question him on this topic were unfortunate. Begg’s appearance in a film claiming the war on terror to be a ‘war against Islam’ also wasn’t mentioned. The whole talk did present two perspectives on the same story, but both took the same side. This is perfectly fine, as it wasn’t billed as a ‘debate’, but the hypocrisy of certain sections of the crowd left a sour taste in the mouth.

The hypocrisy of certain sections of the crowd left a sour taste in the mouth

In the Q&A session which followed, a question was asked about whether Ardent, Begg or Deghayes were benefitting financially from the tour: a good question, but a stupid one to ask considering the makeup of this particularly angry crowd. For an event promoting freedom of speech, the belittling and angry response of the former inmates, Ardent and the crowd to the gentleman involved certainly concerned me and a number of people I’ve spoken with since. A number of vocal people have expressed their delight at how the event went, but I suspect there were a number of less vocal, more moderate members of the audience who felt not only out of place, but also very uncomfortable.

Begg and Arendt deep in discussion

16 LETTERS

OCTOBER.22.2007 FEBRUARY.16.2009 LETTERS@gairrhydd.COM

letters@gairrhydd.com The Play's The Thing

The other night I went to the YMCA theatre, where I watched the play Blithe Spirit, being put on and performed by Act One. I was pleasantly surprised.

Like most people, I'm sure, I've always seen these 'actors' as pretentious idiots, dressing up in stupid costumes and handing me flyers I really don't need on the street for something I'm never going to care about enough to go to. Why would I? If you don't have a friend in the play, why bother going at all? But I was dragged along to this one, sure that I was going to want to punch every single actor in the middle of their smug faces.

Instead, I found myself entranced.

It was brilliant.

And then I found out that there's no real point for the actors and directors involved. Well, the actors get all the applause and adoration (if they've been good) that their egos could wish for, but the directors? If they don't sell enough seats to cover their outlay, then they lose money.

Personal money. Whereas if they make a profit, it all goes back into their society to pay for crowns and

the

fake swords and things.

I feel I judged these people far too quickly. And next time a play rolls around, I shall be present in the front seat, hoping that it's half as good as the last play.

Ruth Henshall 3rd Year Physics student

Votes For Idiots I read that soon we shall have student elections once more upon us, with signs and adverts everywhere asking 'DO YOU WANT MY JOB?' Um, no thanks. Not only would I have to dress up in a frankly idiotic costume (seriously. Latex? Papier mache? I'm in my twenties, not still at nursery school with glue on my fingers). I'd also have to contest the almost aggressive apathy of the student population. Students who say 'you don't have to make me vote', 'abstinence is still an option' (for Catholics before sex, maybe) and 'you're all stupid idiots anyway'.

These selfsame students then moan and complain at every incidence where they are asked their opinion on

the Union and such.

I only mention those students due to the Student Union AGM which will have happened by the time this reaches the paper. Who wants to bet that there will have been countless motions by people moaning on and on, without having the enthusiasm to stand for a role to make any kind of difference? They've got the mouth to shout about how they're being oppressed, but lack the guts to rebel.

Mark Howard 3rd Year Politics student

Killing Through Rugby I am writing on behalf of the Cardiff Ladies Rugby team who travelled to Plymouth yesterday (4th February) to play The College of St. Mark and St. John (Marjons). I hear most other matches were cancelled due to the weather.

Having checked with their A.U that morning twice and twice the previous day, we were told that ours was still on and to board the coach as normal. When we arrived, it was raining and there was still snow on the

ground. The pitch was a mud bath; it had large, boggy water patches about an inch deep with water and very little grass. Our captain, Becky Blakeway, commented on the fact that the pitch didn't look playable and the front row especially expressed concerns about scrummaging on such a poor pitch.

The referee told us that, while the conditions weren't ideal, the BUCS matches have to get played, so the fixture was not called off immediately. We changed quickly and used the 15 minutes before the game to do as much warm-up as possible. The wind had a biting chill and after just the first tackle every single player was indistinguishable from the next.

Scrums were a contested mess and pushing was impossible without slipping about like bambis on ice. We all looked and felt utterly ridiculous.

Both teams struggled on for a good 20 minutes before I was tripped up, face down in the biggest mud hole in the middle of the pitch. For a second I could not breathe. My eyes, nose and one ear were full of a gritty, foul smelling paste, the consistency of wallpaper glue. Had another player landed on my head I probably would have panicked and inhaled...which to

Comments from the week’s news, opinion, features and sport at www.gairrhydd.com Everyone's Gone Potty CarolT ------The real issue is ANTI-SMOKER SCIENTIFIC FRAUD, not “freedom versus health.” More than 50 studies show that human papillomaviruses cause over ten times more lung cancers than they pretend are caused by secondhand smoke. Passive smokers are more likely to have been exposed to this virus, so the anti-smokers’ studies, which are all based on nothing but lifestyle questionnaires, have been cynically DESIGNED to falsely blame passive smoking for all those extra lung cancers that are really caused by HPV. The anti-smokers have committed the same type of fraud with every disease they blame on smoking and passive smoking, as well as ignoring other types of evidence that proves they are lying, such as the fact that the death rates from asthma have more than doubled since their movement began.

And it’s a lie that passive smoking causes heart disease. AMI deaths in Pueblo actually ROSE the year after the smoking ban.

The government has no right to restrict people's liberty without a

compelling justification. The antismokers have no such justification, so THEY COMMITTED SCIENTIFIC FRAUD TO DECEIVE THE PUBLIC. Andy ------Thanks CarolT, I needed a laugh.

As for Phelps – meh, let him have the odd toke, he’s earned it.

Russell Barth ------Phelps’ only mistake was apologizing. He could have used his fame to become a spokesperson for medical marijuana users’ rights, or better yet, use it to endorse marijuana law reform.

Instead, he is telling kids that conformity, blind obedience, and capitalism are more important than truth, freedom, or sensible drug policy. I hope he loses everything, because hypocrites deserve no mercy.

Corey Shefman ------I’m totally with Russell on this one. The guy won more gold medals than anyone else ever, and he did it on his own. Who the hell cares if he gets stoned on the one break he has in the year?

As for CarolT…. wow. Go join the

Paul -------

Jobs For All (British)!

Keith, I think you’re looking for the ‘Big Issue’, available on all good high streets.

Please can we have an article written by someone who is unemployed for the unemployed?

I’m fed up with this misleading drivel written by the privileged middle classes who have no idea about the concerns of ordinary working people.

Thomas Carroll ------All well and good except that there’s stacks of British workers working on Italian oil refineries.

Italian jobs for Italian people!

Emma ------Keith, the idea of having an article by the unemployed for the unemployed is all well and good, but slightly impractical in terms of gair rhydd.

We are a student newspaper – we’re written by students, for students. Students are students, hence the fact that they’re not (as of yet) unemployed in the traditional sense.

Alexandra Quinnell Cardiff University Ladies Rugby

forum

9/11 Conspiracy Society.

Keith -------

me would be potentially very dangerous, remembering that it is indeed possible to drown in only an inch of water. One of their players also suffered the same fate in the maul.

The journey was a seven hour round trip, and we had a coach of 23 - as we are only allowed five subs, this meant three people came to stand in the wind, watch 20 minutes of mud fight and go home. One of our girls was so cold that an aluminium blanket had to be brought out for her so she didn't catch hypothermia.

As the game was abandoned we now have to play the whole fixture all over again on a Saturday as we don't have any other free time, so as well as wasting a day we have to do it again in the next few weeks.

We accept that by participating in a sport such as rugger, we are GOING to have bad weather days where we get covered in the stuff but what we, as ladies, fail to understand is if and why, if a sports' official went onto the pitch that day at all, they deemed it playable.

University Challenged Ivah ------A lot of rubbish.

“Do any of these contestants have an ounce of charisma to adorn their astounding intellect? Or people skills? Or the ability to maintain a conversation with us mere mortals?!

Apparently not.” What evidence does the author have of this? Perhaps they contacted a few of the contestants to find that they were unwilling to speak to such a mundane, ignorant individual.

“What I dislike about it is the elitism: the shameless, upper-class snobbery and stuffiness of it.”

Considering the number of international students on UC and the various universities involved, I find this a defunct comment. Overall, what a vacuous article.

Thomas Carroll ------Ivah, since when did being an international student mean you

can’t be a snob? A trip to Oxford or Cambridge will show you that snobs come in all shapes, sizes and colours (not saying all of Oxbridge are snobs of course).

The article is a bit harsh on the programme though. I don’t see why you’re comparing its viewing figures to that of the 10 O’Clock News and Strictly Come Dancing. People are always going to tune in for the news and the people watching Strictly are probably not going to be in the same bracket as those watching UC. You said yourself it gets 3 million viewers. Are you seriously suggesting that 3 million is not enough people to warrant keeping the show on?

Controlling Through Data chris ------no2id suggest this is the first stage of a sinister plot by Government to have complete moral jurisdiction over many areas of our lives (if not all) with the arrival of the largest biometric database ever. If Britain attempted to extend peace instead of extending swords to our neighbours, then we'd be many steps nearer sustainable domestic and foreign justice. ID? Why? I've no Idea.

FEATURES 17

FEBRUARY.16.2009 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

Heroin handouts

Could safe, clean 'consumption rooms' be the answer to Britain's drug problem? Damian Fantato investigates the concept

I

n the heart of Berne, the Swiss capital, a curious sight can be seen - a sight which might shock your average British tourist.

Not far from the old city centre (an UNESCO world heritage site) there is a place where heroin addicts can go to get their fix courtesy of the state. Not only are they provided with a secure guarded room in which to inject themselves, but they are also supplied with heroin and needles, all paid for by the Swiss taxpayer.

These drug consumption rooms are open seven hours a day, seven days a week and are used by up to 120 drug users. In the early '90s, Switzerland had one of the highest rates of heroin addiction in Europe. Up to 700 people used Berne’s public parks to inject themselves. Heroin users often shared needles, which led to both a sharp rise in HIV infection rates and to the spread of hepatitis. The Swiss government decided that to solve the problem, heroin must not only be taken off the streets, but must also be made relatively safe.

countries). The British government has also begun prescribing heroin at a very low level as part of a clinical trial, and intends to publish a report later this year. The implementation of drug consumption rooms would also save tax payers £9.50 for every £1 spent on creating them.

Howard Roberts, the Deputy Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire, believes that prescribing heroin could cut crime, as hardcore addicts would no longer need the £15,000-worth of heroin a year that it takes to fuel their habit. Many have to steal to fund their habit, meaning that one heroin addict can potentially cost people £45,000.

This is not to say that there is no opposition to the idea of supplying addicts with drugs. In Switzerland, for example, there are still the 32% who voted against the policy to be considered. While most opponents are glad that there are no longer any addicts hanging around in public parks, they are genuinely worried that the drug problem has not gone away.

68% of Swiss people approve of 'consumption rooms' being used

"What kind of freedom is that?

I'd rather they were dead."

Rooms were created where drug consumption (and a small amount of dealing) is tolerated, while addicts are given the opportunity to receive professional treatment and support. Switzerland’s special police drug squad supports this system: should they catch an addict taking drugs in public they will arrest them and seize their drugs. They will, however, be released once they are put in contact with social services.

Manuel Willi, the Chief of Police in Berne, says that ‘you can’t solve the problem with repression’, and claims that the Swiss policy makes drug consumption less visible and more comfortable for the addict.

For heroin addicts who have been struggling to come off the drug, at least with a regular hand-out from the Swiss government they have some control over their lives. Berne’s parks are now free from drug users and, in November of last year, 68% of the Swiss people voted to continue with the use of drug consumption rooms and the prescription of heroin.

This begs the question: if it has worked in Switzerland, why can’t it work in Britain? This is what Maggie Telfer, the Director of the Bristol Drugs Project, has been trying to find out. In a country like Britain, where even handing out clean needles is proving controversial, is it worth trying other options? Maggie Telfer is

Housi Knecht, from the organisation Parents Against Drugs, claims that the policy is ‘degrading’ and that time and money would be better spent trying to get addicts off drugs instead of supplying them, which can send out the wrong message to young people.

Some, like Sabine Geissbuhler who campaigns against the programme, go so far as to claim that the Swiss government is merely maintaining people in a life that is not worth living: ‘I have four children and I would never put them on a heroin prescription programme’ she has said. ‘What kind of freedom is that? I’d rather they were dead’.

60% of addicts in Bristol are in treatment CONSUMPTION ROOMS: a mad idea or the answer to our country's drug issues? quick to point out that implementing this policy ‘is no kind of magic bullet’, but she definitely believes we should be trying it.

In Bristol, where 60% of addicts are currently in treatment, the drug situation is better than in most British cities. But this still leaves around 2,500 drug users in the city who are not in treatment, usually injecting in car parks and doorways. Dr. Christoph Buerki, who runs a heroin treatment

clinic in Berne, believes that longterm heroin addicts are actually ill and need to be treated as such, describing it as a ‘chronic, relapsing disease that might go with them for the rest of their lives’.

In fact, according to Dr. Buerki, the programme has had one very surprising side-effect: in the '90s heroin was thought to be a very ‘in’ drug.

Nowadays, however, those who take it have the image of being ‘losers’ or

‘junkies’. Since heroin has been essentially medicalised in Switzerland it has no longer been seen as a cool drug, and the numbers of new addicts in the country are falling. And a certain amount of progress is being made here in Britain.

In 2002, the Home Affairs Select Committee recommended that drug consumption rooms be trialled on the basis that they work elsewhere (not just in Switzerland, but in five other

Keeping hundreds of people on heroin until the end of their lives may seem like a shocking concept, but the Swiss don’t seem to mind, and there can be no doubt that it is working. Accepting heroin has lead to it being conceived as banal, as something that sad, old people do. The next generation of Swiss seem to look on heroin with increasing suspicion. If it works elsewhere, then why can’t it work here?

Why not try accepting other drugs such as marijuana or cocaine?

18 FEATURES

FEBRUARY.16.2009 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

The more the merrier?

With UNESCO's International Mother Language Day this week, gair rhydd asks two readers whether they think multilingualism is still important today when English is so widely spoken Sunniva Stiansen, originally from Norway, speaks five languages and believes that multilingualism is a life-enriching necessity

A

s a Norwegian native, learning another language, such as English, is an essential requirement in order to have a greater range of options available for career prospects.

In a nation of only 4 ½ million people, to not learn another language would mean limiting one’s career prospects dramatically.

It is in fact so common nowadays to speak English in Norway that many businesses are looking for trainees who speak a third, and in some instances also a fourth, language.

Globalization can therefore, in some respects, be seen to be affecting the languages spoken in Norway, as the more languages you speak, the more employable you become.

Learning a second, third, fourth or even a fifth language is never a waste of your time. Even if your personal prospects of travelling are slim, learning another language allows for a greater understanding of your own language.

Understanding the rules and constructs of a different language allows one to see how their own language is constructed, and can in turn allow for a more effective command of one’s

mother tongue.

Other benefits include being able to communicate more effectively with people across many countries, which allows for a breaking down of cultural barriers.

When the obstacle of communicating with your fellow man is out of the way, you can enjoy a great number of social opportunities which can ultimately enrich your life in ways which wouldn't be possible without being multilingual.

Jordan Wett, originally from Australia, is monolingual, and sees little purpose in the modern-day world in learning a language other than English

E

nglish is a language which is slowly being integrated world-wide and established as the 'universal' language, as more and more countries embrace English as a formal second language.

There are many reasons for this, including the breaking down of business barriers and allowing information to be transferred easily and quickly.

Whereas there are benefits to be gained from learning another language, it serves little necessary purpose. A language can only be fluently maintained if studied in an intensive environment where that language is not the primary language, or by being in the environment where the language in question is the

mother tongue.

Be that as it may, in the instances where English has been embraced and is taught as a compulsory component in the education system of that country, the need for being able to speak that language is less, as one can survive on English alone as a result.

A person who has been brought up in an environment where English is the primary language which is understood by all will find grasping another language difficult, as they are not exposed to it on a day-to-day basis.

On the contrary, a learner from a multilingual country will grasp a second language with much greater ease, as the educational systems of such countries are far better equipped to teach languages from a younger age, when retaining information is easier. Of course, this would be an entirely different scenario if there were another 'universal' language to challenge the dominance of English in the modern world.

English-speaking countries would be exposed to the same integration of another language as non-English speaking countries are. Since this is not the case, however, it would seem that forcing oneself to learn another language is a non-essential exercise, unless, for whatever the reason of the individual, it fulfills them on a personal level.

gair rhydd asks some of the university's multi-linguists why they feel it's important to speak more than one language in the modern world

Siyuan Li is a 3rd year Biomedic who speaks Chinese and English.

"Being able to speak more than one language enables you to see things from more than one viewpoint, and gives you a greater appreciation of different cultures."

Vanessa Bradley is in her 2nd year studying Biology. She speaks Spanish and English "My mother is Venezuelan so I've always spoken Spanish to her. It's nice being bilingual so that I can speak to both sides of my family in their mother tongue."

Ivona Videnova is Bulgarian, who speaks her native language as well as Russian and English. She is in her second year studying Business and Finance. She believes employers are increasingly looking for multilingual employees.

Anushka Chandari, originally from Kenya, speaks Gujarati, Kishwahili and English. She believes that speaking a number of languages will give her better work opportunities.

Ram Tejesh T.K is studying towards an MBA in Business Administration. He speaks Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, German and English.

"As I'm multilingual, I'm able to meet and communicate with a wide range of different people."

FEATURES 19

FEBRUARY.16.2009 FEATURES@gairrhydd.COM

The misuse of

What used to be just a social networking site is now being used in trials and university admissions, as Jenni Miles discovers.

F

acebook is commonly described as a social networking site. However, its uses are extending far beyond simply communicating with friends and connecting with new people. Recent reports suggest that Facebook may now feature in the admissions process at universities, that it may be used by employers inspecting job applicants, and that it could also be included as evidence to convict those who have broken the law.

Facebook was originally founded

by Mark Zuckerberg while he was a student at Harvard University in the U.S. When it was launched in February 2004, it was exclusive to Harvard students. Two months later it was extended to include other Ivy League colleges before being opened up to all university students, and subsequently became available to high school students.

In September 2006 it became available to anyone over the age of 13. Facebook now has more than 120 million users globally, and is the most popular social networking site in Britain.

Such widespread popularity means that Facebook has become a powerful tool in the selection process at colleges, universities and companies. In America, the fifth annual Kaplan college admissions survey found that, of 320 college admissions officers, 10% use an applicant’s social networking page as an aid in the decision-making process.

Of these, 25% said visiting the sites had a positive impact on their verdict, compared to 38% who reported a negative impact made by the sites. Some even acknowledged rejecting applicants as a direct result of the content of their Facebook or MySpace page.

The survey discovered that the majority of institutions have no official guidelines in place concerning this practice. As a result, it is an unregulated process that is subject to the stance of the particular admissions officer.

Camp America organisers had looked at her Facebook profile prior to starting her placement this summer. She admits to feeling taken aback when hearing of this and says, “It did worry me that they had looked at my profile and might think certain things about me based on this. For jobs and university places I don’t think Facebook is necessarily relevant, as it is mainly directed at a person’s social life.”

Facebook is not only useful for admissions officers, but can be used by university officials to monitor current students. Oxford University staff search Facebook in order to gather images of students breaking the rules imposed on post-examination celebrations.

Once the evidence is collated students are issued with fines of up to £70. One undergraduate was even given a pre-emptive fine of £40 after he set up an event on Facebook inviting students to a post-exam celebration.

This has been met with criticism and outrage from the Students' Union but continues to take place.

Such monitoring does not necessarily end with graduation. A survey of 600 British companies revealed that one in five use Facebook to evaluate potential employees. Companies may reject applicants after observing that they bad-mouth previous employers or divulge company information on social networking sites.

You could expect further such inspections once you have been accept-

ed into the company as well. Virgin Atlantic recently sacked 13 members of their cabin crew staff after it came to light that they had participated in a discussion on Facebook in which they criticised the company’s safety standards and insulted passengers.

Virgin explained that the former employees had breached staff policies and brought the company into disrepute. They also argued that the incident represents an inappropriate use of Facebook. What constitutes an appropriate use of Facebook, however, is becoming an increasingly more controversial question.

Possibly the most controversial and significant use of Facebook to date is the inclusion of photographs and messages found on the site as evidence in criminal trials. Details of threatening wall posts, relationship status changes and photographs depicting illegal activity have all featured in the courts.

1 in 5 companies use Facebook to evaluate potential employees In January 2007, 22-year-old American Jessica Binkerd was sentenced to more than five years' imprisonment for driving under the influence and the manslaughter of her passenger, Alex Baer, 25. Her lawyer claimed

that her lengthy sentence was due to the fact that pictures of her partying with friends in the period following the accident were used by the prosecution as evidence of her apparent lack of remorse.

The pictures, in this case posted on MySpace, carried so much weight for the judge that his sentence was given in opposition to pleas from the parents of the victim and recommendations of the County Probation Department for lenient treatment of Binkerd.

An even more contentious and recent example is the trial in which a lawyer used Facebook images of a rape victim smiling in order to persuade the judge to be moderate in his punishment of the rapist. The woman was attacked in July 2001 when she was just 19, but her attacker evaded police until earlier this year when he was caught as a result of a DNA sample.

The victim reported that, in the years following the assault, she has suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and that, in 2003, she attempted to take her own life. However, Defence Barrister Colin McCarraher presented pictures from Facebook of her attending a fancy dress party with friends in order to dispute claims that she experienced long-term emotional trauma as a result of her ordeal.

Although this argument failed in court and Deputy Circuit Judge Stanley Spence went on to sentence the attacker, Anthony Francis, to a fiveand-a-half year jail term, the move still

10% of university admissions tutors looked at profiles This is something that concerns Cardiff student Bethan Rhidian, 21: “It completely depends on the way these people are approaching the sites. They may accept that drinking and socialising is only one aspect of a person’s life and see the profile as indicating that they are a well-rounded and popular person. But it could lead to them drawing false conclusions about a person.

Your Facebook profile only shows a certain side of you.”

Bethan encountered this type of ‘Facebook vetting’ when she learned that

FACEBOOK STALKING: is it really ethical for potential employers to search for the candidate online?

sparked public outrage. Emily Harris, 21, an English Literature student says of the argument: “I think it’s ridiculous to be honest. It’s suggesting that she should never be, or appear to be, happy again and that trying to rebuild her life means she wasn’t badly affected. I may sometimes include personal details on my Facebook but I think you’re always aware that it’s a public forum and so are never going to reveal difficult, personal emotions or traumas for everyone to see.”

1 in 5 companies use Facebook to evaluate potential employees As it stretches outside its original definition as a social networking site, will these developments change the way we use and view Facebook? Maybe people will be more cautious about what they include on their profiles, feeling that they are being scrutinized

by Big Brother at every turn.

Whatever happens in the future, it is obviously important to be aware that Facebook use has many implications and that it is no longer simply an innocuous tool with which to keep in contact with friends and relatives.

20 TAF-OD

FEBRUARY.16.2009 TAFOD@gairrhydd.COM

Ail-groesawu’r Fuwch Goch Elin Gwyn Taf-Od Editor Wrth ystyried taw Caerdydd yw Prifddinas Cymru, mae’r nifer o leoliadau ble gellir gymdeithasu’n Gymraeg yn siomedig. Wrth chwilio am dafarn i wylio Cymru yn chwarae, mae’n anodd osgoi bloeddiadau sy’n dilorni’r Cymry.

Mae Y Mochyn Du, Y Queen’s Vaults ac Owain Glyndwr yn cynnig haid o gefnogwyr Cymru eraill ac awyrgylch gymerigaidd, ond yn ystod gemau rhyng-wladol maent yn or-lawn. Felly, bydd yn wych gallu croesawu tafarn gymreig arall i’r rhestr, sef Y Fuwch Goch, a fydd yn cynnig sylwebaeth Gymraeg i’r

gemau. Mae lleoliad y dafarn yn ddelfrydol i ni, fel myfyrwyr cymraeg am ei bod gyferbyn a Chlwb Ifor Bach, ar Stryd Womanby.

Roedd y dafarn wedi gorfod brysio i agor mewn pryd ar gyfer gemau y chwe gwlad ac mae hyn yn amlwg yn ol faint sydd wedi cael ei newid ers i’r dafarn newid dwylo. Yn flaenorol, Shore Pebbles oedd y dafarn a gyda naws eithaf canolforol. Nid oes unrhyw newidiadau wedi cael eu gwneud i gynllwyn y bar. Yr unig wir wahaniaeth rhwng Y Fuwch Goch a’i rhagflaenydd yw bod y staff yn siarad Cymraeg, y rhestr y diodydd yn Gymraeg, ei bod yn llawn Cymry Cymraeg ac bod pwyslais ar hanes Y Fuwch Goch wrth i baneli gwybodaeth olrhain ei hanes. Mae’n syndod faint

mae hynny yn trawsnewid awyrgylch adeilad.

Sefydlwyd Y Fuwch Goch wreiddiol nol yn y ddeunawfed ganrif, a chyfeiriwyd at Stryd Womanby fel Lôn Y Fuwch Goch hefyd ar un adeg. Mae’r bar yn ceisio sefydlu ei hun fel canolbwynt i’r Cymry gymdeithasu ac ar gael i gynnal digwyddiadau Cymraeg yn y ddinas, yn ogystal â dangos gemau chwaraeon pwysig, ac ar gael i’w llogi ar gyfer achlysuron arbennig gan y cyhoedd. Ond, mae’n siwr taw ei phrif swyddogaeth bydd meddwi aelodau’r Gym Gym ar ein ffordd i Glwb Ifor Bach!

Dywedodd Owen John Thomas, aelod o bwyllgor Clwb Ifor Bach, a chyn aelod cynulliad Plaid Cymru: “Da yw gweld ail-afael yn rhan o

etifeddiaeth Caerdydd o’r adeg pan oedd yn dref Gymraeg yn bennaf. Hefyd nodi fod bar newydd yn agor tra bod eraill yn cau, a bod hynny arwydd o gynnydd yr iaith yn yr ardal”.

Yn wir, mae gan y bar bwysigrwydd hanesyddol o’r 18fed ganrif yn ogystal a mewn Caerdydd aml-ddiwylliannol fodern. Am fod Clwb Ifor bach wedi mabwysiadu’r enw ‘Welsh Club’ gan fyfyrwyr di-gymraeg y ddinas, mwy na thebyg bydd Y Fuwch Goch yn cael eu hadnabod fel y ‘Welsh Pub’ cyn bo hir ac yn helpu ennill cydnabyddiaeth i’r iaith Gymraeg ymhlith niferoedd sydd heb glywed yr iaith yn cael ei siarad na’i dathlu o’r blaen.

Yr enw Saesneg “Red Cow” a gofnodir ar gyfer yr hen dafarn, ac yr oedd ei harwydd mor amlwg fel i’r

stryd ddwyn yr enw Saesneg “Red Cow Lane” am gyfnod. Fodd bynnag mae’n debyg mai’r “Fuwch Goch” oedd y lle ar lafar. Yn ol gwefan y dafarn, ehangwyd yr hen adeilad yn hwyr yn oes Victoria'r holl ffordd yn ôl i Heol y Porth a rhoddwyd arno’r enw mwy rhwysgfawr “Grand Hotel”. Yna fe ychwanegwyd y safle gwreiddiol at y dafarn drws nesaf, yr “Horse and Groom”, a fu yma tan y ganrif hon.

Y Fuwch Goch oedd man cychwyn y cariwr rhwng Caerdydd a’r Bontfaen. Mae felly yn amlwg yn adeilad gyda pwysigrwydd hanesyddol yng Nghaerdydd ac mae’n braf gallu croesawu bar cymraeg arall i’r Brifddinas ac wrth wneud hynny, ail-groesawu hen dafarn hanesyddol, gymreig.

siau a Ffrwythau’r Undeb wedi cael ei sefydlu gan grwp o fyfyrwyr, ac mae’n fudiad di-elw. Nod y mudiad yw i adael i fyfyrwyr brynu cynnyrch tymhorol o safon am bris rhad – dim ond £2.50 y bag – ac i’w stopio nhw rhag prynu o archfarchnadoedd fel y bod y ffermwyr yn cael tâl tecach. Bydd hefyd cyfle i fyfyrwyr i gyd-weithio i redeg y cwmni ac i ddatblygu eu sgiliau. Os oes gyda chi ddiddordeb

mewn gwirfoddoli, gallwch chi anfon neges atynt dros Facebook.

Felly beth yn union yw’r siop gydweithredol yma? Beth fyddwch chi’n cael am eich pres? Wel, unwaith yr wythnos, ar ddydd Mawrth rhwng 10 yb a 4yh, ewch i’r Undeb, ger Solus, lle bydd y stondin. Rydych chi’n talu eich £2.50 y bag, ac yna’n ei gasglu’r wythnos ganlynol tra’n talu am ordor arall.

Mae 3 math gwahanol o fag ar gael. Yn gyntaf, mae bag ffrwythau sy’n cynnwys; 3 neu 4 banana, 4 afal, 2 oren neu 4 satsuma, grawnwin neu fefus neu 3 eirinen a 3 o ellyg. Os ydych am gael bag llysiau, byddwch yn cael; 3lb o datws, 2lb o foron, 2 nionyn, blodfresychen neu gabetsen, brocoli neu ginabens a swedsen neu banas (Os hoffech chi’r rhestr hwn yn Saesneg, ewch draw i’w tudalen nhw

ar Facebook). Bydd hefyd bag salad yn cael ei gynnig o hyn ymlaen, ond dwi heb glywed yn union be fydd cynnwys y bag hwn eto.

Felly, os yw hyn i gyd yn apelio atoch chi, gwnewch eich ffordd i’r Undeb ddydd Mawrth rhwng 10 a 4 er mwyn hawlio’ch bag chi. O hyn ymlaen, caiff tesco lonydd, heblaw am be mae’n neud ora – bwyd sothach a lysh!

5–y-dydd yn yr Undeb Sara Orwig Taf-Od Editor Ydych chi’n dyheu am fwyta mwy o lysiau a ffrwythau lleol? Heb fynedd i gerdded yr holl ffordd i’r farchnad ac adre’n ôl gyda bag mawr trwm? Wel, mae’r broblem honno ar ben!

Mae’r Siop Gwydweithredol Lly-

OCTOBER.22.2007 FEBRUARY.16.2009 SCIENCE@gairrhydd.COM

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 21

Post-Evo, anyone?

James Cookson on the future of the process of natural selection

T

wo hundred years ago this month, a man was born who would change the way we understand and explain the existence of life on earth. This man was Charles Darwin. Fifty years after his birth, when he published On the Origin of Species, he began a chain of thought that would ultimately connect genetics, molecular biology, embryology and ecology.

Evolutionary geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky famously stated: “Nothing in biology makes sense, except in light of evolution.” Darwin’s simple yet profound idea was that some organisms can survive better than others in certain environments, and so can reproduce more successfully and will become more common over periods of time.

This theory of natural selection showed that organisms that were able to adapt to their environment and compete for resources were able to pass beneficial traits to their offspring, while organisms that could not would reproduce less often or not at all. Occasionally slight variations of traits would arise due to genetic mutations and, over very long periods of time, the environment would ‘naturally select’ better-adapted individuals, who would become more dominant. Evolution is a very complex and elegant thing: this article is not concerned with how we arrived at our current situation but rather where natural selection will take us, Homo sapiens, in the future.

We have stopped just surviving and have developed understanding Many people believe that human evolution stopped once we became Homo sapiens, but over the last 10,000 years obvious signs have arisen that not only show we did not stop evolving but in fact evolved very quickly indeed. Although the relative size of our brains has stayed roughly the same, we can see signs that we were beginning to diverge amongst different human populations around the world.

Things like variance in skin pigments, variances in our digestive system (in that some populations become lactose intolerant into adulthood) and variances in disease resistance.

Had isolation barriers been kept in place, the future may have seen various species of hominid descended from a common Homo sapien ancestor. In reality, the human gene pool is now becoming homogenised due to people travelling all over the globe.

In addition to this homogenisation we must consider a very significant factor that separates humans from almost every other species on earth: the fact we are highly adaptable to new environments.

traits are passed on more frequently than others to successive generations?

Altruistic culture affected the genetics thousands of years ago, but there are cultures observed at present day that may be having an effect on how successfully certain traits are being passed on. For example the cultural practice of binge drinking and drug taking may be affecting the gene pool (at least in this country).

Although this is not a particularly modern culture, nowadays it is endorsed by a very large number of people and especially young adults.

This culture could be causing certain traits, such as traits that make us more susceptible to addiction, to decrease fertility in individuals and so become less common. It may also be causing some individuals with unfavourable phenotypes to reproduce more often than they normally would.

It is extremely difficult to try and predict what cultural changes will take place in the future and impossible to say how they will affect which genetic traits will be favoured more readily than others, but nevertheless culture will inevitability change the way we evaluate ‘fitness’.

We could become post-human

DARWIN: Always lost Your Mum Wars Over time, with the use of tools and technology, we have stopped just surviving and reproducing in an environment but have also been able to develop culture and scientific understanding. How exactly this situation arose is debateable, but nonetheless it is these areas of developing science and culture in relation to evolution that are key elements in trying to guess where we are heading.

Back when we were monkeys it is easy to imagine that it really was ‘survival of the fittest’. Nowadays, advances in medicine have allowed us to treat and cure all sorts of conditions.

But what effect does this have on the gene pool? Does the overall weakening of our genetics present a future problem in terms of resistance against disease, bacteria and viruses? Or does it, by keeping more people alive for longer, help us to advance further as a species?

I am really not sure if we would know and understand so much about the universe and black holes if Stephen Hawking had died from his crippling (and usually fatal) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Providing medicine and technology can keep us one step ahead of rapidly-evolving viruses and

bacteria, and also keep us from dying from increasingly prevalent conditions, we should be okay as a race.

However, we need to consider where this will take us. Will it force us to embrace controversial practices like genetic screening and genetic engineering? Practices such as these this will likely not be equally available to the entire population of the world. It is not inconceivable that this may lead to a super-human race, which may stop reproducing with the usual human population and eventually create a new species of hominid some experts’ term Homo optimus.

Cultural practices like binge drinking could affect genes Another method to enhance our evolutionary ‘fitness’ may involve us becoming dependant on biological augmentations involving complex nanotechnology. We would become part human part machine, or post-human as some call it.

Furthermore, if we were to continue to advance and implement this area of

technology, the measure of evolutionary fitness may become something like computational efficiency and may be selected over more human characteristics. This may inadvertently lead us to spawn a new silicon-based life form and one day lead us into a science fiction realm.

We must remember, however, that it is not the fact we have developed medicinal practices that help keep people alive - it is the fact we choose to apply them. The cause of this choice has its roots in the evolution of our culture.

Altruism, the term used to refer to the act of doing good without direct reward to oneself, has come about because the culture of doing so has conferred advantages to a social group.

‘Survival of the Nicest’ has conferred benefits to a social group because by looking after sick or injured members of the group it makes the group stronger overall. It is thought it came about when groups of humans were at war with each other over limited resources and it follows that the strongest groups were the ones who looked after each other, and therefore were more successful.

Linking back to evolution, in what way does culture affect which genetic

Richard Dawkins in The Selfish Gene makes an interesting comment regarding culture. He observes that cultural ideas are subject to a kind of natural selection, since termed memetics, in that ideas that are culturally ‘fit’ are accepted and passed on to others, thereby being reproduced. These cultural ideas then follow a similar course as genetics have done, with the more successful ones becoming more dominant over time.

One example might be the idea that the world was flat used to be considered ‘fit’ in terms of truth until the idea that the world was round came into being and eventually it ‘out-bred’ the idea that it was flat. So with the advent of the World Wide Web that contains information regarding almost anything, there are many ideas out there that are being reproduced, especially on blog sites, some more successfully than others. This globalisation of knowledge is changing our culture locally and globally.

Ultimately it is our genetics and culture which shape our physiology and behaviour. In which direction are we heading in? Will a new hominid species arise? Will we slowly become machines? Or has genetic evolution taken a back seat to the evolution of cultural ideas?

Our genetics are no longer subject to the cold ferocity of nature and how we behave is related to our everchanging social environment. We may have already entered a phase of post-evolution governed by some process of ‘Unnatural Selection’. Maybe in 200 years time Darwin version 2.0 will be created to help us explain it.

JOBS & MONEY 23

FEBRUARY.16.2009 JOBS@gairrhydd.COM

Internal Affairs

In a period when graduate jobs are increasingly difficult to come by, internships may be the way forward, writes Andy Tweddle

B

ack in the day, it seemed that every fresh-faced graduate simply fell into a perfect job as soon as they doffed their cap and would live happily ever employed. A degree seemed to equate to employability and thus, so long as you got a 2:1 or higher, you were guaranteed that ideal spot on a graduate scheme or entry-level job… right?

This rose-tinted view of easy and breezy job acquirement may seem like the norm, but the reality is not so beautiful. After graduating in Ancient History and Archaeology from Cardiff this summer, a friend of mine visited a recruitment agency in hopes of getting employed. Despite her 2:1 being plastered all over her CV, the recruiter’s response was less than savoury and he politely informed my friend that the only fields for eligible pursuit with this resumé were those of retail and catering.

But what about the three years she’d just spent at university? What about the thousands of pounds she’d spent on this apparently vital qualification? According to the recruiter, experience of a professional work-based environment is necessary for any paid job and, without it, your best bet is to head to Starbucks for an application form.

Enter the internship. Countless companies offer internships to students and recent graduates, and they are a fantastic way to get an idea of a professional environment while

sprucing up your CV at the same time.

Whether you opt for a short internship over the Christmas or Easter period or a long one over the summer, if you apply early you’re pretty much guaranteed one if you know how to sell yourself.

In my first year of university, I was undergoing the classic what-doI-want-to-be-when-I-grow-up panic and decided to write to a few national magazines asking if they would be willing to take me on for a month or so over the summer as an intern.

I sent my CV to about five magazines with a letter telling them of my

past experience, why I’d be a good member of their team and, most importantly, what I wanted to get out of the position for my future career in their industry.

A few weeks went by until I got a call from a woman named Ellen from Esquire magazine telling me that she’d like to offer me a position over the summer for a month at their magazine.

I remained composed and professional on the phone, thanking her for the opportunity and taking down the details of the internship. When I hung up the phone I went absolutely men-

tal. I was in!

August rolled around and I’d managed to wangle myself the sofa at a friend’s house in North London for the month so I wouldn’t have to commute from home every day. On my first day I got up super-early to make myself look good, so as to make a good impression.

Making my way through Soho towards the National Magazine headquarters on Broadwick Street in my suit was one of the most invigorating and exciting walks of my life. People might think I’m actually a professional working in London for a magazine!

Stay calm, I told myself.

During my month at Esquire I did some pretty cool things, including attending professional parties and interviewing England cricket captain Michael Vaughan. I also had to open all the post and answer the phones.

I never once made a cup of coffee, but there were some days when I had little to do. On these days, however, I didn’t shy away from the staff. Instead, I went to them and asked them what they were doing, why they were doing it and if there was anything to help with.

Initially I thought I was being really annoying, but people want to talk about jobs they love with other people who are willing to learn, so don’t be afraid to ask questions while on placement.

Internships can also be a good indication of what career you don’t want to pursue. This summer, I spent a month at my local newspaper, The Argus, in Brighton.

I had fun shadowing various reporters and attending court cases, but there are only so many ways to spin ‘Local man finds dog’ and I discovered that magazine journalism was the avenue I wanted to head down.

So apply for everything that interests you, work as if it’s your job (no matter how boring) once you've got a position, and you might just end up with a solid reference, a killer CV and, most importantly, an actual idea of who you want to be when you grow up.

PROBLEM PAGE 25

FEBRUARY.16.2009 TED@gairrhydd.COM

Ted Handsome He's a ruddy good lad

A letter about the rugger Dear Ted, Being a good old Public School lad, no doubt you are passing out in paroxysms of delight at the prospect of England coming to thrash these uppity Welsh oiks at the weekend, yah? I can't bloody believe that these parochial plebs are still harking on about that whole Grand Slam fluke from last year. You'd never catch a true England rugby fan dining out on past glories, despite completely and utterly failing to live up their fanbase's ridiculous and unrealistic expectations, not to mention their baffling sense of entitlement. Anyway, I'd just like to hear a fellow England fan stick up for the lads, so what do you have to offer on the subject?

Yours, Jonny Cystitis

Dear Jonny, Despite having spent most of my formative years in the company of floppy-haired hooray Henrys in rolled-up sleeves and Ralph Lauren gilets, I have 'regrettably' not formed an unwavering and sycophantic attachment to the RFU. In fact, I've come to hate

Vast, braying crowds of balding ex-policeman drinking Bishop's Knob ale much of what it stands for and many of the people that orbit it like flies around shit. Bryan Moore is so much of a colossal arsehole that I'm afraid to get anywhere near the twat in cause I get caught up in the torrent of bile and shit that tumbles out of his use-

less fucking mouth. Martin Johnson is such a lumbering, dense Easter Island statue of a man that Argentinean parents still warn their children about sucking their thumb with the tale of the English ogre who will field a woefully inadequate set-up. I don't even want to get started on the delicate flower that is Jonny Wilkinson and that preening cockatoo Danny Cipriani.

I guess the worst thing about English Rugby is the supporters. Vast, braying crowds of balding ex-policeman drinking Bishop's Knob ale, while indulging in casual xenophobia in the name of 'banter.' Idiotic girls in fucking UGG boots and their stupid fucking boyfriend's rugby shirt shrieking half-understood rugby directions and giggling like fucking MORONS in the middle of the match. Christ, I hate these people, and wish they'd all fuck off.

Toodles!

Ted.

A letter about dullards Dear Ted, I'm a massive self-important blowhard, and I'm pretty sure I have a megalomaniacal desire to impose my ill-thought out political views upon equally as self-deluded bores. Unfortunately, because my head remains firmly up my own fundament, I'm unaware of any fora in which I can inflict my ridiculous opinions on other equally deluded tossers. I've heard tell of an AGM and I think that this sort of thing would be entirely up my street. Could you please furnish me with some more information on this subject?

Yours, Rory Vulvitis Dear Rory, You are quite correct in your assumption that the AGM is generally populated by people who simply enjoy the sound of their own voice, willing to

bellow and use pointless rhetoric in order to bore anyone listening shitless. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. However, one cannot deny that every so often something important may or may not be decided; I cannot speak from ex-

If you are a deluded pseudo-intellectual then I wholeheartedly suggest the University Debating Society. perience, as I have been barred from attending. Apparently, firing a shotgun wildly at the ceiling is not an appropriate way to conclude a point.

Never let it be said that young Ted Handsome is not a helpful agony uncle, for I shall most certainly furnish you with several other alternatives. If you are a deluded pseudo-intellectual

then I wholeheartedly suggest the University Debating Society. That shower of bellends has an unwavering belief in their own intellectualism, despite all external signs pointing to the contrary. I guess you'd be completely at home there.

If you still don't feel like you fit in, then why not try student politics?

There's nothing that shouts 'I sneeringly believe that my viewpoint is more valid than yours', than by a good ol' student protest. Why not impose your will on a wildly apathetic student body, by illegally occupying a lecture theatre? This will ensure that not only will you piss off the vast majority of students who don't want their day disturbed, but will also alienate your cause in the wider community. Brilliant.

Yours, Ted

Handsome's Week This week, I have mainly been not talking about the snow. There's nothing so vulgar and boring as discussing the weather, like some kind of common fishwife, especially when it concerns a little bit of snow.

Far from me to turn into some kind of ridiculous Noel Edmonds parody ,complaining about how Britain has gone to the dogs, but seriously; it's just a bit of fucking snow. I don't want to

turn on my fucking television to discover that every single news station is begging their idiot audience to email in with photographic evidence that it has snowed. How, in any fucking way, is that journalism? Oh brilliant, another arseing photo of some cock-awful attempt to fashion a snowman.

This isn't even the worst thing about the British attitude to snow. 8" of snow fell in Germany, causing up to 45-minute delays on the train system.

Fuck knows what the same snowfall would have done to our pitiful infrastructure.

Still, snow's not all bad. You can keep a corpse fresh in snow for a suprisingly long period of time: long enough at least for her pimp to stop sniffing around, and for me to buy enough caustic soda.

Ted on... ...Perez twatting Hilton

If you spend enough time with enough vacuous girls, the topic of pointless celebrities will inevitably arise. Apparently, glorified morons' Koran, Heat magazine, doesn't quite cut it in up-to-date reporting of girl band crotch shots and sexually ambiguous actors' torsos; so gossip hounds have to now trawl the internet for their daily fix of low-grade celebrity grumble.

Self-described 'Queen of celebrity gossip,' Perez Hilton is undoubtedly the zenith of pointless celebrity journalism. A tubby, preening little prig of a man, 'Perez' spends his days vegetating in front of his oh-so-trendy laptop drinking whatever caloriefilled concoctions that Starbucks has to offer, sneering at people he considers to be below him. And before you spoddy little nerds start commenting on the parallels between yours truly and this turgid pile of sheep menses, let me be the first to distance myself from him. While I'm content in passing judgement on all and sundry, safe in the knowledge that I'm actually superior to the scum I'm writing about, Hilton is happy to whore himself out to whichever hilariously clichĂŠd gay icon he's taken a fancy to. His devotion to Madonna, despite her proving to the world that she's slowly developing into her true form (some kind of Chupacabra) p r o v e s what a partisan little fuck he really is. However, it is not only his tiresome fawning over ageing harridans that infuriates me, but also his own desire to become a celebrity in the same vein of the poor saps

that he routinely fires his illiterate vitriol at. Ill-fated clothing lines, music careers and now even a poorlyworded book are shonky feathers in his stupid fat fucking hat.

Not only is he deluded in his venture into the public eye, but he also has delusions of grandeur over what his place in the world of journalism actually is. Among posts calling young women with body issues both fat and ugly, Hilton also spent a great deal of last year bemoaning the injustices of the America because they decided that they didn't want gay marriage. His insipid moaning and 'woe is me/fight the power' soundbite bollocks made me want to vomit blood. I am generally in favour of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, because they usually want to adopt, and therefore provide a decent home for the many unwanted children I've put up for adoption, yet his constant slurry of badly-thought out political posturing nearly made me want to join Westboro Baptist Church.

By now, many of you are probably asking yourselves, 'if he hates this awful prick so much, then why does he continue to look at his website?' My first response to that would be, why are you asking yourself? You don't fucking know, you fucking idiot. My second response would be that it's utter car crash entertainment. The sad fact is, I guess part of me enjoys being wound up into the bitter and twisted character you read each week, and Matey Boy Hilton is unfortunately a part of this process.

26 XPRESS

FEBRUARY.16.2009 XPRESS@gairrhydd.COM

NOW LIVE ON 87.7 FM AND ONLINE

Curly Joe and Ginger's Countdown Condrum

International Superhits

Do you know your music and like a challenge? Then try following the conundrum clues from Lloyd, Calum and Mike’s alternative, motown and '60s playlist! Listen in each Thursday from 7pm – 8pm to see if you’ll be able to correctly guess the 9-letter word linking all the songs: it could be anything ranging from aardvarks to zymurgies. So turn on your ears and tune in your minds to try and solve the conundrum, because if you're lucky you may get a prize! The fun doesn’t stop there, though, since you can also expect to hear anything from Alan Partridge impressions to surrealist ramblings and innuendo, all packed into one explosive hour!

Whether it’s a band from the UK, Europe, or the other side of the world, you can expect to hear it on International Superhits. Playing everything from indie, to rock, to ska to punk, these guys will bring you the crème de la crème from across the globe. So start your Friday night with a bit of a bang by tuning in between 6pm - 7pm for a show that will truly rock your world!

Friday: 6pm till 7pm

Mainstream

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday

Sports

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

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

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

Thursday: 7pm till 8pm

Specialist

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

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

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

Speech

Rock/Metal/Punk

Mon 11am-11:30am The Trawlermen's Sweethearts Mon 11:30am-12pm The Filibusters Tue 11am-11:30am The Xpress Test Tue 11:30am-12pm The Xpress Debate Thu 11am-12pm The Weekly Summit Fri 11am-11:15am Across The Corridor Part 1 Fri 11:15am-11:45am A Beginner's Guide to... Valentines Day Fri 11:45am-12pm Across The Corridor Part 2 Sun 12pm-1pm Hair of the Dog Sun 9pm-10pm Story Time with Daneka

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

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

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

Pop Sat 3pm-4pm Push Pop

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

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

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

FIVE MINUTE FUN 27

FEBRUARY.16.2009 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

Send more oddities!

sudoku.

EASY

MEDIUM

Quick Crossword Across

Down

1. White lines in the sky (6.6) 8. Applied ceramic squares to (walls or floors) (5) 9. Drugs which dull sensation (7) 10. Podium (4) 11. One thing representing another, as a figure of speech (8) 14. Score the winning point at cribbage (3,3) 15. Subaru car that jointly won Top Gear's Car of the Year 2007 (6) 17. Queuing, or arranging in rows (6,2) 18. Knife wound (4) 21. Block up (4,3) 23. Consommés (5) 24. Anglaise, hay or running set, eg (7,5)

1. Balloted (5) 2. Coming to a stop (7,2) 3. Indic language written in the Arabic script (4) 4. Ornamental (book cover) (6) 5. Enlivens (8) 6. Ignited (3) 7. Missing (6) 12. 1986 film starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson (9) 13. Spurn (4,4) 14. West Slavonic language (6) 16. Endure (6) 19. Coat with fat (5) 20. Accustomed (4) 22. Time past (3)

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HARD

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28 LISTINGS The Listings Top Five... ...ways to have fun for free!

We are well into 2009 and the sales are all but a distant memory, and, given the arctic conditions, we have to spend extortionate amounts on heating and electricity... the budget is starting to bite!

However, help is at hand: 1. Feed the ducks You may think you have grown out of this, but there is a reason you liked doing this as a kid. Being surrounded by a gaggle of ducks, geese, coots and swans (watch out for those - they can break a man's arm) really does put you in a happy place, all for the price of a stale loaf of bread!

2. House board games It may seem like a journey back to the 19th Century, but get a house game going and the time will fly. Monopoly, Cluedo, Twister, Trivial Pursuit (for the brainy ones) or, if you're in for the long haul and world domination, try Risk!

3. Ready, Steady, Cook!

Pull resources from whatever is left over in the cupboards, get creative in the kitchen and see what you end up with.

Although maybe have a pizza in the freezer as backup!

4. Free pool @ The End You read it right! Never again on a Wednesday evening should you feed your precious pounds into any pool table. Pot away unlimited and for free at The End on a Wednesday.

Monday 16th Feb

FUN FACTORY @ SOLUS Heaps of fun are to be had on this night out; free entry for starters, coupled with oodles of amusement and drinks within our price range!

7pm - 2am, free VODKA ISLAND @ TIGER TIGER Roar with delight at this mainstream student night!

Free before 9pm, £4 thereafter FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS @ BARFLY This Dallas born and bred power-pop combo take to the stage at Barfly tonight as they present their eclectic mix of rock and electronica sounds.

7.30pm £8 in advance SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS @ THE NEW THEATRE The classic tale of seven brothers who acquire seven brides – it’s not rocket science, but makes for a heart-warming story of love and romance to heat even the coldest cockles in the world!

7.30pm, matinees Thurs and Sat 2.30pm, £31.50 - £8.50 SAD SONGS FOR DIRTY LOVERS @ BARFLY Mud-encumbered couples will no doubt be heading to Barfly later this evening to wipe away each others’ tears to the songs that instigate them. On second thoughts, maybe it is just a regular Monday night, full to the brim with resident DJs and guests.

8pm - 3am, £3/£2 DIFFERENT CLASS: ED BYRNE @ ST. DAVID’S HALL Well, this makes a change – a comedian suggesting he’s in a league all of his very own! He very much could be, but I have a strange gut feeling that Byrne is one of many, no matter how ground-breaking he implies his act is!

8pm, £15

FEBRUARY.16.2009 LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Tuesday 17th Feb

BIG FAT TUESDAYS @ 10 FEET TALL Guests & resident DJs take to the stage to bring you a collection of the freshest tunes and hippest mixes around at the moment.

Contact venue for details CHIC BEAT @ REVOLUTION Brought to you by the guys of Rough Hill, this beat is everything that is chic - apart from the aftermath of downing a row of vodka shots!

9pm - 3am, £3.50 NEW BREED TOUR: HOT MELTS + THIS CITY + CANTERBURY @ BARFLY With Hot Melts offering everything from Fonz-inspired Happy Days nostalgia to sickly sweet bubblegum pop, you won’t get bored. If that wasn’t enough, the contagious five-piece indie band This City will leave you gagging for more.

7.00pm, £6.50

Wednesday 18th Feb

SIN BIN @ SOLUS Slashed entry fees, slashed drink prices... what more could be slashed for your drunken pleasure? Journey down to the bin that is over-spilling with sin, if you know what’s good for you.

Free entry 7-9pm, £3 after BUDDY HOLLY’S WINTER DANCE PARTY TOUR 1959 – 2009 @ ST DAVID’S HALL Marc Robinson, of Stars in your Eyes and Buddy the Musical fame, alongside The Counterfeit Crickets, provides an evening befitting of the much-loved fifties' icon.

7.30pm,£17/ £15 FULL FAT PROMOTION @ TEN FEET TALL No holds barred by these guys as they bring you the ultimate student night, packed with resident DJ’s, guests and a whole lotta punch!

9pm - 3am, free

CRYSTAL STILTS + WET DOG @ BUFFALO BAR Two more bands, complete with original congregational titles, do their best to coax you out of bed by offering a night of punk, pop, and infectious anthems.

8.00, £7 in advance

JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON @ OCEANA A chance to saddle up and gallop on down to the club that boasts a whopping seven themed bars and rooms – a sure-fire place to curb the boredom and monotony of many a popular student night!

9pm, £4/£2 nus

YEAR OF THE PUG @ CLWB IFOR BACH A dash of pop, indie, and punk. A dollop of electro, emo and funk, complete with a dusting of rock, hip-hop and spunk (spunk?)! Mix it all up and what have you got? A darn good night, that’s what! Isn't rhyming fun?

10pm, £3

BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS @ THE SHERMAN THEATRE An interpretation of the creation of bonds and connections between people (it’s deep stuff), brought to you through the medium of music and dance. Brazillian-born choreographer Jean Abreu and Wales’ Mavron String Quartet team up to compile this rather odd yet fascinating theatrical offering.

8pm, £12

COMEDY CLUB @ STUDENTS' UNION For a side-splitting, thigh-slapping, feelgood night, head down to the Union where up and coming funnymen and women showcase material that’s bound to encourage a few giggles.

8pm, £4

COLIN BLUNSTONE @ THE GLOBE Member of successful band The Zombies, Blunstone has gone on to secure further success in his own right. Listen to his soothing guitar-strumming at The Globe tonight.

7.30pm, £6

5. Fun Factory A failsafe night of free fun for every student! If you don't go out on any other night of the week, make it a Monday!

Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 387421 www.cardiffstudents.com ◆ Med Club, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ◆ Clwb Ifor Bach ros, Bakers Row 02920 399939 www.clubmetropolitan.com ◆ Dempseys, Castle Street 02920 252024 ◆ Move, 7 Mill Lane 02920 225592 ◆ Jazz, 21 St. Mary Street 02920 387026 www.cafejazzcardiff.com ◆ The Riverbank Hotel, Despenser Street www.riverbankjazz.co.uk ◆ St. David’s Hall, Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org.uk ◆ The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ◆ The Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 ◆ The Millennium Stadium Can’t miss it. www.millenniumstadium.com ◆ The Point,

LISTINGS 29

FEBRUARY.16.2009 LISTINGS@gairrhydd.COM

Thursday

Friday

MR. AND MRS. LAMPSHADE: DIRTYFITGRANNIES @ CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE A new, weird and wonderful theatre company presents a dark comedy about dysfunctional relationships. If that doesn't tempt you, maybe the live jazz and free digestives will!

8pm, £6/£4

SILENT DISCO @ THE POINT Bjork would be proud of this night - it's oh-so-quiet, sshhhhh! Held in a packedout converted church, the neighbours certainly won't be complaining. Two DJs playing music audible only through special headphones battle for primacy with music ranging from indie, to cheese, to drum and bass. Good for people-watching.

9pm, £7

19th Feb

C-Y-N-T @ CLWB IFOR BACH The dancefloor is a dangerous place on Thursdays with a mix of techno, nu rave electronica, dubstep and breakbeat. Get there early unless you want to be queueing in the snow for hours!

10pm, £3 SWAY + DEAD RESIDENTS + CASCADE + BINARY KIDS @ BARFLY A big mix up of urban hip hop, grime, soul and pop, reminiscent of Kano, Roll Deep and Roots Manuva, this night will appeal to a broad cross-section of people, so get there early!

7.30pm, £8/£7 THE WORLD SEEMS TEDIOUS @ BUFFALO BAR The weekly showcase of new music from resident Buffalo DJs and fresh bands.

Whether you're up for a quiet drink or a mad boogie, this is an evening with something for everyone.

8pm -3am, contact venue for details THURSDAY NIGHT FOOD AND COMEDY SPECIAL @ THE GLEE CLUB Live comedy and a meal at the same time!

The perfect combination featuring John Gordillo, Steve Williams and Mark Oliver. Just make sure you're not sitting in the front row while struggling with some spaghetti.

7.30pm, £9/£6 or £13.50 including a meal.

20th Feb

MARTIN TURNER'S WISHBONE ASH @ THE GLOBE An iconic guitar duo return from Greece, to play their first album, Argus, in full.

7.30pm BREAKAWAY @ BAR RISA A student night, in town, on a Friday - unheard of! Brave St. Mary's Street on a Friday to check out the copious amounts of vodka and R'n'B tunes!

9pm-3am, £4 DRONES COMEDY CLUB @ CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE If you fancy a giggle, head to Chapter for the very best in new stand-up comedy with resident hosts Clint Edwards and Dan Thomas, plus special guests.

8.30pm, £3 PRIEST FEAST @ CIA Don't be deceived by the rather ironic title - this is NOT a religious event. Featuring bands who pioneered new wave heavy metal, this is a mash-up of the speed, death and thrash metal of the '80s and '90s.

7pm, £37.50

Saturday 21st Feb

THE LIZZIES + YELTZIN + RANDOM ELBOW PAIN + DRAW ME STORIES @ BARFLY The Lizzies are the newbies on the block with their debut album due to be released later this year. Managed by ex-Stone Roses manager Gareth Evans, they are using a guitar used by Nirvana legend Kurt Cobain.

If that's not a recommendation then I don't know what is!

7.30pm, £5 adv COME PLAY @ SOLUS The saviour of a Saturday night. Cheesy tunes, cheap drinks and familiar faces everywhere for drunken dancing and debauchery.

9pm - 2am, £3 C-Y-N-T JAMES ZABIELA @ SUB 29 Armed with a fully-loaded laptop, effects units, CDs, and other boxes of tricks, James Zabiela, a global technical wizard, takes to the decks, promising a highly charged night of electro (provided the fire alarm doesn't go off again). Judging how tickets for the last C-Y-N-T night sold, you'll need to get in early.

10pm - 4am, contact venue for details DYLAN MORAN, 'WHAT IS IT?' TOUR @ ST. DAVID'S CENTRE The star of the hilarious Black Books is bouncing around Cardiff with an unpredictable, bizarre, and painfully funny new comedy show. If you miss out this time, watch out for new tour dates being added throughout February.

8pm, £19 + booking fee

Sunday 22nd Feb

THE ROCK OF TRAVOLTA + STRAY BORDERS + FRINGES @ CLWB IFOR BACH A highly anticipated show for some of John Peel's favourite bands; symphonic rock 'n' roll glory, mixed with new material and styles offer a fantastic blend of noisy postrock and fuzzy electronica. As the farewell show for Cardiffians Stray Borders, this is a night not to be missed by any rock fans.

8pm, £5/£4 KEITH 2 + HALFLIGHT + LONDON BLACKMARKET + ME AND THE MAJOR @ BARFLY Reluctant to cite any influences and inherently hard to describe, this Manchester amalgam are shrouded in mystery and simply described as unique. Curious?

7.30pm, £5/£4 10 FOOT CWTCH : ROWAN LIGGETT @ 10 FEET TALL More open mic fun, hosted by Rowan Ligget. It's hit and miss if your ears will be bleeding or if you'll be singing along, but with prizes including alcohol, alcohol and more alcohol, you can't go too far wrong.

8.30pm - 3am, £3 F**K LONDON @ BUFFALO BAR Buffalo's new club night on a Sunday seems to have a running theme: Fuc_: cleaning, Fu_k: homework, F_ck: TV, F__k: Monday. A night of party disco trash to forget about the week to come.

9pm - 3am, Free LUNCHTIME CONCERT: EVOLUTION OF BRASS AND PERCUSSION @ NATIONAL MUSEUM Support the students from the Royal College of Music and Drama in a free afternoon concert.

1pm, free.

(The Welsh Club), 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ◆ Barfly, Kingsway, Tickets: 08709070999 www.barflyclub.com/cardiff ◆ MetIncognito, Park Place 02920 412190 ◆ Liquid, St. Mary Street 02920645464 ◆ The Philharmonic, 76-77 St. Mary Street 02920 230678 ◆ Café The Hayes 02920 878444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk ◆ Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ◆ Wales Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermantheatre.co.uk ◆ The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay 0870 2415093 www.glee.co.uk ◆ Cardiff Bay, 02920 460873 www.thepointcardiffbay.com ◆ Tommy’s Bar, Howard Gardens (off Newport Road) 02920 416192 ◆

SPORT 31

FEBRUARY.16.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

THE WORD ON...

...Chelsea's ruthless ambition for silverware

Scott D'Arcy Sports Editor IT WOULD be an understatement to say that the news that Luiz Felipe Scolari had been sacked

by Chelsea came as a shock. Of course, dropping yet more points against Hull and slipping behind Aston Villa in the title race was a bad result, but it doesn't quite warrant the knee-jerk sacking of a World Cup-winning manager.

In fact, it will probably prove to be extremely detrimental to Chelsea's chances of success this season. Even Guus Hiddink will struggle to appease Abramovich’s ambitions.

They are by no means out of the title race and are still in the running for the Champions' League and FA Cup, but with the transfer window now firmly shut, the new manager will have to work with an ageing squad that contains numerous underachievers.

Scolari's seven-month tenure at Chelsea may not have been worthy

CHELSEA TSAR: Smug Russian

of the superlatives that their fans will have been used to over recent seasons, but Abramovich seems to be particularly impatient when it comes to winning. The sackings of Claudio Ranieri and Jose Mourinho are testament to that.

But Scolari is not completely blameless. Ray Wilkins may be a competent orator but it must have been frustrating for Chelsea fans to have to listen to the same drab lines on Match of the Day, when a dash of Redknapp-style honesty from the former Chelsea boss would not have gone amiss.

At the top of the table, time is a more affordable commodity For this reason Big Phil may not have endeared himself to the Chelsea fans, even if those chanting "you don't know what you're doing" at the Hull game were in the minority. However, it's not likely that Scolari would have survived even if he had the fans' complete backing.

The Chelsea job is fast becoming a poisoned chalice and the next high profile manager to take charge will be well aware that the Sword of Damocles hangs precariously above his head.

Success at all big clubs, but particularly Chelsea, is an addiction, and even a hint of failure is fatal, as Avram Grant found out. Last year's heartbreak in the Champions' League seems only to have intensified the craving for silverware.

Sir Alex Ferguson summed

GOING, GOING, GONE: Scolari anticipates the chop it up poignantly: "It is a sign of the times. There is absolutely no patience in the world now. There was a great expectation at Chelsea that they were going to do well this year and it is only in this last month they have had a bad spell."

However, unlike the earlier casualty of Tony Adams at Portsmouth, Scolari should have been given time.

At the top end of the table, time is a more affordable commodity and Scolari deserved the opportunity to build the team in his image. You cannot win a World Cup without being a good coach, no matter how talented that Brazil team was.

The Chelsea job is fast becoming a poisoned chalice Adams, by contrast, cannot have been as surprised as he claimed after losing seven of the last eight games with Portsmouth. In the tightest bot-

tom-end in recent memory, that kind of slide smacks of relegation. He was unfortunate though, with limited funds and the loss of several key players like Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe.

However, Portsmouth may have made their move a little too late. The lure of a relegation battle will be unattractive to the kind of manager the club would need to bring in to ensure survival. The longer Pompey stay managerless the lower the confidence of both the players and the fans will become.

Fortunately for Portsmouth all the teams around them seem to be on the slide as well, and if anything their performance against Liverpool shows they have the ability to bounce back. It will be comforting to know that even three points will propel them up the table and away from the drop zone.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have done well to get a manager in so soon and Hiddink will no doubt prove to be a good choice. Juggling both his Chelsea and Russian duties is unlikely to hamper his ability to take Chelsea further in the Champions' League and push on in the Premier League, although John Terry's hints of a divided Chelsea camp will concern the fans.

Hiddink will be quick to stamp that

out and give the players a renewed focus on the job that Abramovich wants done. No doubt an ultimatum has already been issued to the players to deliver that elusive Champions' League trophy or face the shop window come the summer.

Club football is a different ball game and has proven to be his undoing

Ultimately, club football is a different ball game and it has proved to be Scolari's undoing. Whether he'll go back to his old stomping ground in the international arena or try and prove Abramovich wrong with another club remains to be seen.

Scolari will be a loss to the Premiership. Managers of his ilk are few and far between and hopefully this is not the last we see of him.

Unless of course it's in a World Cup or European Championship quarterfinal against England.

32 SPORT

FEBRUARY.16.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

SPORT COMMENT

England's Batting Disorder Alex Bywater Sports Writer THE RECENT upheaval in English cricket, culminating in the sacking of Kevin Pietersen as captain and Peter Moores as Coach meant that the current tour to the West Indies was preceded by confusion and uncertainty. However the second-innings debacle in which England were bowled out for 51, cannot be excused.

Their total, England’s third lowest in Test history, was notable for the feeble and pathetic way in which the batting lineup collapsed without a fight, resulting in defeat by an innings and 23 runs.

Cricket pundits have argued that distractions such as the IPL Auction, lack of a head coach and divisions within the dressing room may have caused the poor performance at Sabina Park. This might be true, but as

professional cricketers the side should be able to put these things to one side and concentrate on their performance.

England’s gutless performance must lead to changes being made for the second Test. Although continuity in selection is vital to maintaining a settled and successful team, for players such as Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood and Monty Panesar, the writing is clearly on the wall.

Owais Shah, a regular member of the One Day side, couldn’t have done more to press his claim for selection.

Although not a natural number three, Shah’s recent form deserves inclusion at the expense of Bell.

On the bowling front, Monty Panesar may well hold on to his place for the second Test, as an established spin bowler will be needed on Antigua’s wicket. Yet Panesar’s form over the last 12 months or so has been erratic.

Indeed, in the first Test, the West Indian spinner Sulieman Benn took 8 wickets, compared to just 1 for Pane-

sar. Furthermore, Graeme Swann’s performances in India, where he comfortably outbowled Panesar, have added weight to his claim for selection. The large number of left-handed batsmen in the West Indies lineup also strengthens his cause, as he can exploit the rough created by the quick bowlers outside their off stump.

It is clear that with the quality of players at their disposal, England should be competing at the top of the game and looking to regain the Ashes this summer. However, performances have not been up to scratch. Former England Captain Graham Gooch put it perfectly in a recent radio interview: "England have some excellent cricketers that are capable of winning Test matches, but they are not performing as a unit. The main task is to get them performing as a unit and to get their good players turning in match-winning performances.

"But they are professional cricketers - they are paid well, and playing

for the honour of their country, and they should be able to give a better performance."

The rest of the series in the West Indies is eagerly awaited, with England in need of drastic improvement if they are to challenge the Australians this summer.

Lucy Morgan Sports Writer TONY McCOY has become the first jump jockey to ride 3,000 winners after victories on Hello Moscow and Restless D’Artaix at Plumpton.

However, the day itself was not short of a few dramas. After a win on Hello Moscow in appalling weather conditions and with 2,999 winners under his belt, he looked set to get his landmark victory. Racing on Miss Sarenne, McCoy was odds-on to claim victory only to fall at the last while leading.

But he did not slip up twice and with the commiserating cries of the crowd ringing in his ears, he went on to claim his historic win on Restless D’Artaix.

McCoy, from County Antrim in Ireland, has an impressive racing history.

He bagged his first winner in March 1992, passed 1,000 winners in 1999 and 2,000 in 2004.

Now, five years on, McCoy has secured his place in the history books.

Despite his remarkable achievement McCoy remained frustratingly under

THE REAL McCOY: 3,000 wins

whelmed- even admitting to being “surprised” by all the attention he was receiving.

But this is perhaps the key to his success. For him it is not the records but the winning that counts. McCoy is, after all, known to be one of the most driven men in sport and, after 17 years, his desire to win still appears to burn strong; "I love going racing, so therefore the hunger and the feeling is exactly the same as when I started."

But for how much longer can he endure the tough world of jump racing? McCoy will turn 35 in May and he admits to finding the constant battle with maintaining his riding weight the most depressing aspect of the sport.

But there are still goals to achieve.

He is still in search of success in the Grand National, his current record being no better than third. There is no denying the Ulsterman’s fortitude; he defied medical opinion in 2008 to return to racing just two months after breaking his back. Anyone with that much strength and determination can be expected to race for many years to come.

No one has ever performed at such a level of consistent success and it is questionable as to whether anyone else ever will. McCoy is not so sure; “Sometime in the future, somebody will come along and ride more. In my view, records are there to be broken.”

So how does he feel about the prospect of hitting the 4,000 mark? “I don’t see why not. That's not impossible...”

Controversial Sackings

1.

The self-styled “Special One” brought trophies in abundance to Chelsea, and his forced departure inspired a short-lived player revolt. He’s a saucy devil too.

2.

SMASHED: 51 and out

3,000- Not Out Never ending story DAVID BECKHAM'S substitute appearance in England's 2-0 friendly defeat against Spain in Seville marked the midfielder's 108th cap for his country, and equalled the outfield appearances record set by World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore.

Beckham, who came on as a second half substitute for Stewart Downing against the European Champions, now only has Peter Shilton in his sights as he attempts to become the most capped England international of all time.

However, Shilton's record of 125 caps could be a step too far for Beckham, who has found England appearances restricted under Fabio Capello.

Capello was the manager at Real Madrid when Beckham left the club to go to LA Galaxy, a move he has been criticised for due to the money he has been earning for playing in a developing football league.

The former Manchester United winger, who joined AC Milan on a loan deal in January, has found England caps hard to come by due to a lack of match fitness and the fact that while the European leagues are underway, Major League Soccer is on its mid-season break.

However, since moving to Milan, a far more superior league to the MLS, Beckham has returned to the international fold and reached the 108 cap mark. If AC Milan make the move permanent, a move that would benefit Beckham's career and longevity no end, he stands a greater chance of overtaking Shilton.

Had Beckham not chosen the glitz, glamour and endless dollars of the

TOP FIVE...

TOP FIVE...

American league, his reputation and international career would have more substance to it than it does following his move to the States.

Thankfully, for the good of Beckham's career and reputation, it now appears that he has acknowledged that he made a mistake, and a permanent move to Serie A could repair the damage that the American dream caused.

Vicente Del Bosque probably felt duly aggrieved after bringing Real Madrid silverware by the wheelbarrow load before being shown the door.

3.

Leroy Rosenior was Torquay manager for all of 10 minutes before the club changed hands and he was informed that he was no longer needed.

4.

Daniel Levy suffered a panic attack when he told Martin Jol, who took Tottenham to two consecutive fifth placed finishes, that his services were no longer required.

55.

Scolari had it tough with a lack of funds and strength in depth.

Oh no wait, he wasn't managing Portsmouth.

BECKS POWER: 108 caps

FEBRUARY.16.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

IMG ROUNDUP

SPORT 33

KLAW see stars

Results Netball 08.02.2009 Psychology A.. 15-11 ..Pharmacy A Socsi A.......... 6-33 ...........Law A Card Jets A.... 2-11 ...Economics

Fixtures Football 15.02.2009 Socsi............. vs. ............Carbs Sawsa........... vs.

...AFC History

Momed.......... vs. ....Psychology Men Utd......... vs.

...........Law B

Inter MeNan... vs. ............J-Unit Locomotive.... vs.

............J Soc

Alex Prior IMG Reporter

KLAW 1-3 Uni Hallstars IN WHAT ARE becoming standard conditions at the Pontcanna pitches, the Uni Hallstars provided a battling comeback to snatch victory against a well-organised Klaw team. With the second phase of the IMG season cancelled, there seemed little left to play for, however neither team showed any lack of desire as a spirited game ensued.

Klaw dominated the first half, although they failed to convert a number of reasonable chances, while the Hallstars struggled to get out of their own half. A forward line led by James

Oakley coupled with a decent supply of crosses from winger Andrew McDougall should have put Klaw out of sight, but some wayward finishing and fine saves from stand-in ‘keeper Brown kept them at bay. However, a breakthrough was made shortly before halftime, with some slack Hallstars marking from a corner leading to a free header, which Brown could only parry into the roof of the net.

The second half of the game proved to be a different story. The Hallstars set the pace of the game from the whistle and pegged Klaw into their own half with domineering displays from midfielders Fairlamb and the now outfield Brown. The scores were levelled when, after some excellent work down the flank by Leigh, the ball was squared for Furnish, finishing coolly into the bottom corner from

Momed put Carbs on diet Michael O'Brien IMG Reporter MOMED 4-1 CARBS Both MOMED and CARBS finally took to the field on Wednesday to play a long-awaited match after an extremely lengthy layoff from IMG football.

The game started brightly with MOMED creating most of the chances and they were rewarded for their efforts by an early goal from Ollie Jones, taking the men in blue and black into the lead.

CARBS responded positively, putting MOMED under pressure from the restart and were rewarded by scoring a more than controversial goal.

The MOMED keeper appeared to be

Liability FC...... vs. ............Law A Jomec............ vs. ....Automotive Law C............ vs.

....Economics

Netball 15.02.2009 Economics A.. vs.

.......Cardiff A

Socsi A.......... vs. ...........Law B Dentistry........ vs.

......Medics A

Card. Jets A... vs.

..Pharmacy A

Psychology B.. vs. .......Cardiff B Pharmacy B.... vs. ......Medics B Navy.............. vs.

J-Unit............. vs.

just outside the box.

Klaw, desperate to take the lead once more, soon found themselves behind when a deep Tosser corner was guided into the net by the head of Leigh. This seemed to spur Klaw into life and a short spell of pressure in the Hallstars' half developed. However, centre-backs Townsend and Shaw dealt with what Klaw threw at them.

With Klaw pushing men forward in search of the equaliser, they were left light at the back and this was soon exposed by a Hallstars counter attack.

Shaw's clearance found Phillips wide on the left, who squared for Brown.

The ball was worked over to the other flank, and Prior's low cross was met emphatically by Furnish, who put the game out of sight.

..........C-Plan ........Socsi B

bundled over the goal line by an onrush of CARBS forwards whilst still clutching the ball. The game was temporarily halted as the referee discussed the situation with both captains, before allowing the goal to stand. Thissent the teams into half time level at one goal apiece.

The second half began similarly to the first, as the CARBS defence wavered under constant MOMED attack, allowing captain Bob Hodson to rifle in MOMED’s second goal of the match. MOMED continued to apply the pressure, looking for a third goal and dealt well with any CARBS attack; most notably a fantastic save from Alastair Dewar to deny CARBS an equaliser midway through the half.

Ollie Jones then scored his second and MOMED’s third of the match with a header inside the box, to push MOMED further in front. From here the game opened up with CARBS looking for a goal to get back into contention, while MOMED searched for the goal to finish off the game.

They got this goal with ten minutes to go, thanks to the introduction of John Dovey from the MOMED bench.

The three points deservedly went to MOMED as the game finished 4 -1 in their favour, making this group much more interesting. Four teams are still battling it out for second and third spot while AFC History look just about safe at the top of the table. For those who still have one game remainig there is all to play for.

If you are an IMG team who would like to feature in a team talk or wish to report on any of the fixtures then please contact us at sport@gairrhydd.com for more information.

N.B. All fixture and results correct at time of publication according to: www.cardiffstudents.com

IMG FOOTBALL: Not cancelled

Group Positions after Week 6 IMG NETBALL

Premiership

P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Law A

1

1

0

0

27

3

2

Economics A

1

1

0

0

9

3

3

Psychology A

1

1

0

0

4

3

4

Pharmacy A

1

0

0

1

-4

0

5

Cardiff Jets A

1

0

0

1

-9

0

6

Socsi A

1

0

0

1

-27

0

7

Law B

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Cardiff A

0

0

0

0

0

0

P

W

IMG NETBALL

Division 1 D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Dentistry

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Medics A

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

Psychology B

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Sawsa

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Cardiff B

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Christian Union

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

Carbs A

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

English A

0

0

0

0

0

0

IMG NETBALL

Division 2 P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Pharmacy B

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Medics B

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

English B

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Cardiff IWC

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Cardiff Jets B

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Jomec

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

Carbs B

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Numatics

0

0

0

0

0

0

P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

IMG NETBALL

Division 3

1

Navy

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Socsi B

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

C Plan

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

J-Unit

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Optom

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Gym Gym

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

Automotive

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Biology

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

Economics B

0

0

0

0

0

0

10

Earth Soc

0

0

0

0

0

0

P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

IMG FOOTBALL

Group A

1

Real Ale Madrid

6

6

0

0

30

18

2

Gym Gym

6

5

1

0

22

16

3

Earth Soc

7

5

1

1

7

16

4

Opsoccer

6

2

1

3

20

7

5

Magnificent XI

6

2

1

3

0

7

6

Pharm AC

6

1

2

3

-5

5

7

Numatics

6

1

0

5

-20

3

8

Philosophy

7

0

0

7

-29

0

P

W

IMG FOOTBALL

Group B D

L

Diff

Pts

1

AFC History

5

5

0

0

35

15

2

Carbs

5

4

0

1

19

12

3

SAWSA

6

4

0

2

10

12

4

Socsi FC

6

4

0

2

5

12

5

Momed FC

6

3

0

3

-1

9

6

Psychology

6

2

1

4

-5

7

7

Crusaders

7

1

0

6

-33

3

8

AFC Cathays

6

0

1

5

-22

1

P

W

IMG FOOTBALL

Group C D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Locomotive

6

5

1

0

27

16

2

Samba Tigers FC

5

4

1

0

13

13

3

J-Unit

4

3

2

0

12

11

4

Law B

6

3

0

3

10

9

5

Inter MeNan

4

1

1

2

-1

4

6

J-Soc

5

1

1

3

-3

4

7

Men United FC

4

0

1

3

-7

1

8

Euros FC

5

0

1

4

--36

1

P

W

IMG FOOTBALL

Group D D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Law A

6

6

0

0

35

18

2

Automotive

5

4

0

1

13

12

3

Uni HallStars

6

3

0

3

6

9

4

Economics

6

3

0

3

6

9

5

KLAW

6

3

0

3

1

9

6

Liability FC

6

2

1

3

-3

7

7

LAW C

6

0

2

4

-34

2

8

Jomec FC

5

0

1

4

--24

1

34 SPORT

Neil Fairbrother Snooker Reporter

CARDIFF FIRSTS were beaten in the last frame of the final by Warwick University in the Midland Universities Snooker Championships in Coventry.

The club took part in the Team Championship: a league with five other teams, with the top two teams contesting the final.

Their first opponents were York firsts, who they beat 6-4. Fresher Huw Carpenter and captain Rupert Taylor each took 2-0 wins, while Dan Peacey and fresher Layton Brooks took a frame each.

Next up were Nottingham firsts, who Cardiff beat 7-3, as Taylor, Carpenter and Peacey all won 2-0. David Blake also added a frame.

In their third match, Cardiff took another 6-4 win, this time against Imperial firsts. Once again 2-0 wins came from Carpenter, Peacey and Taylor.

Next up were Warwick firsts, the reigning champions. Cardiff narrowly lost out 6-4, as Blake and Brooks each took a frame and former Cardiff seconds player Peacey confirmed his ability to play at the higher level, winning his match 2-0.

Cardiff's final match came against newcomers from the London School of Economics.

Cardiff knew by this match that they were almost certain of a place in the final so long as they matched or bettered York's result against Nottingham.

They did so in style, confirming their place in the final by running out 9-1 winners as Taylor, Brooks, Carpenter and Peacey won 2-0 and Blake

FEBRUARY.16.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Final heartbreak

SNOOKER: Close but no cigar

added the ninth frame.

Cardiff faced favourites Warwick once again in the final, and started well as Blake and Carpenter took 2-0 wins to put Cardiff 2-0 up. Brooks was 1-1 in his match but was narrowly

beaten on the final black as Warwick fought back, levelling the match at 2-2. Taylor played the decider, losing 2-1, meaning Cardiff only narrowly missed out on the title.

In the individual event, Cardiff

Medics' misery continues PHOTO: CHRISTINA MACKIE

Alisdair Robertson Sports Editor

CARDIFF Medics Men's 1sts.....7 UWIC Men's 1sts....................66

CARDIFF MEDICS found themselves on the wrong end of a cricket score at a chilly Llanrumney on Wednesday afternoon.

The drubbing was so severe that the talented UWIC fly-half alone crossed the line four times and the defeat leaves the Medics firmly rooted to the foot of the table and almost certainly facing relegation from BUCS South Premier.

UWIC immediately went on the rampage and recorded three unanswered tries to leave the Medics staring down the barrel of another heavy defeat.

However, after their best spell of the match, they managed a try of their own as Dave Price-Smith intercepted a wayward pass in the home side's 22 and raced downfield to score under the posts.

With the conversion added, the Medics aimed to build on their success but were soon under their own posts once again as UWIC powered over for their fourth try just before half-time.

MEDICS: Continuing to struggle

The Medics, despite defending honourably in the first half, will have been pleased to be within 20 points against their superior opponents.

However, as the second half kicked off, the floodgates opened and UWIC began to score at will as the host's full-back was harshly sin-binned for knocking the ball down whilst attempting another interception.

The Medics conceded twice more in a 10 minute period as UWIC began

to run away with the game.

UWIC recorded a further four tries in the remainder of the match to complete the rout as their fly-half recorded a brilliant quartet of tries and claimed a well deserved man of the match award.

UWIC's performance justified their position as league leaders while the Medics look certain to be relegated to a league they will be able to compete in.

firsts' Huw Carpenter had an excellent run, reaching the final, which he unfortunately lost 3-1, but in doing so he has already established a name for himself on the university snooker circuit.

The club are now looking forward to the BUCS championships at Leeds in March where they can hopefully build on this strong performance and target honours to round off a successful season.

Bouncing into BUCS finals Sally Mason Trampolining Reporter THE CARDIFF TRAMPOLINE squad dominated the BUCS Southern Qualifiers last weekend with a fantastic eight members progressing to the finals in Sheffield.

The competition, which took place in Plymouth, attracted some of the top trampolinists from around the area and some of the Cardiff squad only just made the cut.

After training the squad intensely, Craiger Solomons performed at a high standard in his Level three category, achieving second place and securing his spot in the final.

Darryl Patterson also landed in second place in the competitive Level four category, whilst the ladies Level four category saw an outstanding five girls qualify.

In first place was Kay Renolds, relatively new to the squad but performing at a top standard.

Beth Stevenson stole second place and captain Jess Phipps held third

place but was dropped to fourth by the last few competitors.

Steph Lipsey, who achieved sixth place, will also be heading up north to Sheffield, as will the club president Kathryn Williams, who finished in thirteenth place in this category.

Unfortunately, due to only the top twenty percent of competitors making finals, Marianna York-Smith only just missed out on qualification even though she made fifth place in the ladies Level three category.

However, talented fresher Jon Thorn didn't even have to compete to make it through to the finals due to the limited number of competitors performing at this level. He progresses by default and will no doubt put on a top routine in Sheffield.

President and coach Kathryn Williams commented: "The efforts put into training for BUCS this year were incredible and the results reflect the amount of hours the squad put in, whether they qualified or not.

"Team spirit was evident throughout the day and I am sure the BUCS Finals will be a great success."

FEBRUARY.16.2009 SPORT@gairrhydd.COM

Final four Bandwagon Laura Davies Netball Reporter CARDIFF 3rds.........................40 UWE 3rds...............................19 CARDIFF NETBALL thirds have secured their place in the Semi Finals of the Western Conference Cup. After a tense league game against the seconds last week the thirds were fired up for their match against UWE Bristol's thirds.

The first half was challenging but Cardiff's shooting got off to a good start with Gabbie Rand and Laura Davies working the ball around the circle for optimum positioning.

The quarter ended with Cardiff leading by seven but it felt a lot closer and they knew they had to work harder to pull away.

UWE changed players, which gave them a stronger defence, but Rosamund Parker and Rachel Keable were

superb in defence for Cardiff and UWE were unable to capitalise on their turnovers. This play made for a very low scoring quarter leaving the score 15-8 to Cardiff at half-time.

Having pulled the score line back by one, the third quarter saw UWE fighting back. Cardiff however had made some changes and the fresh faces made a clear difference. Having swapped position, Carys Howell and Lara Heywood fed the ball into the circle with speed and accuracy.

The shooters finished the play off well, securing 15 goals in 15 minutes, leaving the score 30-14 as they entered the last quarter.

Cardiff maintained their control until the final whistle, with wing defence Katie Ebenezer assisting the movement of the game by playing further up into attack and fighting for every ball.

Cardiff managed a convincing 4019 win to take them through to the semi-finals to be played in two weeks time.

Oliver Franklin Basketball Reporter

CARDIFF Men's 1sts.............150 GLAMORGAN Men's 2nds........29 CARDIFF PROGRESSED into the semi-final of the BUCS Cup on Wednesday with another huge win over Glamorgan.

After last week's 122 point victory to win the league, expectation was high for a repeat performance, and once again Cardiff's dominance was immediately apparent in what soon developed into a walkover.

Despite their confidence, Cardiff remained focused and began the game with their usual high intensity, with an aggressive defence backing up their trademark clinical offence.

Given their defeat last week, Glamorgan could do little but be intimidated, and it showed as they gave up several easy turnovers in the first quarter, allowing Cardiff to run the fast break.

Cardiff crash out Alisdair Robertson Sports Editor

SPORT 35

rolls on

Duncan Pitt grabbed one of his seven steals early on and made the fast break pass to Matt Garton, who threw down a two handed slam-dunk to add insult to Glamorgan's rapidly increasing injury. At the end of the first quarter, Cardiff were up 33-7.

The second quarter saw Cardiff tighten up even further on the defensive end, maintaining their scoring spree but limiting Glamorgan to only four points in the quarter, to leave the score 66-11 at half-time.

Rather than getting complacent, Cardiff continued to dominate in the third quarter, continuing their impressive display at both ends.

Glamorgan's wounded spirits began to show as Cardiff continued to score points from all over the floor.

Matt Garton led the scoring again with a huge 37 points and 18 rebounds, and Ben Hughes put in another strong performance at centre, with 33 points and 18 rebounds.

Guard Nick Parnell also put in a great performance with 27 points.

A strong team performance from Cardiff ensured the runaway victory, with seven players scoring double

figures against an admittedly poor side.

Cardiff won 150-29, an enormous 121 point margin and an emphatic win to take the side into the next round.

From here on in, the competition gets a lot fiercer. The upcoming semifinal against Swansea will not be so easy.

BASKETBALL: Different class

Outclassed

CARDIFF Men's 1sts.................0 BRISTOL Men's 1sts..................2 CARDIFF'S TAG AS pre-match favourites proved a burden they would fail to overcome on a chilly Wednesday evening at Talybont.

With a place in the BUCS Championship quarter-finals at stake, the hosts came up against a determined Bristol side that looked unfazed by the partisan crowd.

As the match began Cardiff looked the more lively and dominated early territory and possession.

After five minutes spent camped in the Bristol 25 the home side were unlucky not to take the lead as Martin White struck the post with a spectacular effort.

The pressure was relentless, however, and Cardiff almost found the net with another sweeping move, White playing a well-directed diagonal ball across the area that just evaded the onrushing Felix Flower with the goal gaping.

Bristol looked to have weathered the storm and fashioned a chance of their own after Cardiff indiscipline gave them a free hit just outside the area on the wide right. As the pass was fired across the box, the host's defence went AWOL and Bristol's attacker tapped in from close range leaving Cardiff ‘keeper Ian Ferguson with no chance.

Bristol continued to flourish following the opener and were awarded the games’ first penalty corner. Cardiff held firm and withstood an intricate

Alex Gardner & Ben Wylie Tennis Reporters CARDIFF Men's 1sts.................2 SOUTHAMPTON Men's 1sts.......8 HOCKEY: Cardiff miss out on quarter-finals

move by the visitors, the impressive Ian Ferguson saving with his feet.

As the first half progressed, Bristol indiscipline appeared to be the only way they could effectively quell the Cardiff offence as the tide swung back in the host's favour.

The visitors were awarded no fewer than three green cards in a five-minute spell, one of which should have perhaps been a yellow for a cynical foul on Gaz Needham who looked clear on goal.

However, as the first half drew to a close Cardiff failed to make the crucial breakthrough and the score remained at one to nothing to the visitors.

Cardiff again looked determined after the re-start and stretched the Bristol defence using the width well but failing to find any effective penetration through the middle with Martin White's ball skills looking the only real threat.

Both sides then traded a flurry of

short corners, all of which were desperately scrambled away by both respective defences as the half reached the midway point.

However, against the run of play, Bristol then doubled their lead 50 minutes in as a well-struck shot was deflected past the diving Ferguson who stood no chance.

Cardiff failed to capitalise on a Bristol yellow card as their opponents looked to have settled with a two- goal cushion and, although the hosts continued to dominate possession, their intensity fell and the game began to peeter-out. Late short corners for the hosts came to little and with the end in sight Cardiff looked resigned to defeat.

As the final whistle sounded Cardiff could not hide their disappointment, as good individual performances by White and Needham were not enough to carry them through in a game they perhaps should have won.

CARDIFF MEN'S first tennis team showed resilience and fighting spirit, but could not live with the strength of a star studded Southampton team.

The match started promisingly with Alex Gardner and Paul Goldhawk showing flashes of brilliance in the opening doubles rubber and built a strong lead. However, Southampton fought back with vigour and eventually prevailed 8-3.

Ben Wylie and Josh Pettit played some fine doubles, pushing the Southampton pair to the wire.

Cardiff gained two match points, through incredible returning by Wylie, but most of the credit goes to Pettit for his razor sharp volleying and strong serving.

But Cardiff squandered their chances and Southampton wrapped up a solid performance in a nail-biting tiebreak.

“Player of the year” Gardner started promisingly, breaking former international Martin Berka’s serve twice.

However Berka’s experience showed and he broke back, winning the first set 6-3. The second set saw both players trading heavy blows and showing immense skill.

Southampton’s Berka had to dig deep to find the form which took him to world number 1600 in order to break Gardner and clinch a 6-3 6-3 victory.

Goldhawk, struggling with an arm injury, started his match in blistering form, rushing to a first set win. However, his injury started to show and he slumped to a 1-6 6-1 6-1 defeat.

Captain Wylie, in the form of his life, faced the rampant big hitting Greek export. Wylie battled hard, but was ultimately outclassed.

The big hitting took its toll and Wylie finally lost in an entertaining encounter.

Pettit proved his decision to move from rugby to tennis was worthwhile, providing the team with a backbone of confidence and motivation.

Pettit brushed off a persistent opponent and prevailed in style, making sure Cardiff salvaged some dignity in a score line that didn’t reflect the closeness of the game.

Cardiff will look to build on this match as a catalyst for greater things to come.

INSIDE: BUCS Knockouts, IMG Roundup, the Word On Scolari's Chelsea axe and Sport Comment PHOTO: NATALIA POPOVA

Sport gairrhydd

IMPERIAL MINCED Tomos Morgan Rugby Reporter

CARDIFF Men's 1sts...............37 IMPERIAL MEDS Men's 1sts....10 AFTER LAST week's narrow loss to league leaders Oxford Brookes, confidence was high going into this week's game as Cardiff took on Imperial Medics, who they had already beaten with ease earlier in the season.

Cardiff again fielded a close to full strength team, on a boggy unfamiliar

home pitch over in Pontcanna. The reason being that the medics had booked the only free pitch in Llanrumney, and the others were all too waterlogged. The pitch eventually caused players to tire, as they trudged through the heavy pitch. However, Cardiff started the game brightly and took an early lead.

The forwards dominated throughout the game, as they consistently tore through the Medics' pack, feeding their own backs with great early ball.

Brett Chadwin scored with a great solo effort worth mentioning, getting a sweet pass at the end of a great set play by the Cardiff backs, orchestrat-

ed by Pimllo and centre Harry Wyn Morgan. Chadwin took the ball at pace to break the line, rounding and shrugging off tackles to ease through to score.

The second half was more of the same from Cardiff as they continued to dominate their rivals, although the home side started getting slightly careless, wasteful and also somewhat tired as the game wore on the thick pitch. Flying winger Gethin Thomas scored another spectacular try after quick hands from Morgan after more great quick ball from the forwards.

Thomas accepted the pass, and casually chipped the fullback after ghost-

ing passed his marker, to re-gain the ball on the bounce to score the try.

The only thing Cardiff need worry about would be the somewhat complacent attitude shown at the end of the game, preventing them from carrying on from their ruthless play in the first half which could have led to a humiliation in the second.

Head coach Martin Fowler was quick to heap praise on a few individuals in the game, "Gethin Thomas stood out today giving the team a man of the match performance. One of his tries was technically and visually brilliant, a joy to watch, and his commitment has raised his game to the level

that he is one of the top 5 defenders in the club, and he's a winger.

I would also like to mention the contribution of our freshers, not least debutant Jordan Wood in at open side flanker, who tore through the Imperial attack with his forceful tackle and jackal technique. The numerous freshers in the first team this year means that we may have up to 14 new faces in the varsity squad, which not only bodes well for this year, but also for the next three years. The last two games have been the best in a while in terms of the teams performance as a coherent unit."

GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS THE GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITYnSARAH: "I DON'T WANT TO GIVE BIRTH TO AN OLD BABY"n EMMA BARLOW DOESN'T BACKCOMB ANYTHING n ALI SCOFFS A WHOLE PIZZA, TWO BROWNIES AND CHOCOLATE DESSERTn FAT BASTARDnBEN: I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT MY PENIS DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THAT"n 'NOTORIOUS' B. E. Nn BRAP!