gair rhydd - Issue 901

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CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

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ISSUE 901 SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Swine flu: know your symptoms

University prepares itself for potential swine flu outbreak as students from all over the UK and the world arrive in Cardiff Gareth Ludkin News Editor

sity, said: “In the majority of cases, swine flu is a relatively mild illness that resolves itself without the need for medical intervention, and as such we do not want students to be unduly alarmed.”

Universities across the country have made similar preparations for a potential outbreak. Leicester University is looking to increase the number of lectures podcasts, so students can watch or listen to them from home.

The Students’ Union is also preparing itself incase some fresher events need to be cancelled.

University College London is also preparing itself for potential department closures and the University of Belfast reorganized its exam halls for autumn re-sits, ensuring that all desks were more than one metre

apart.

Cardiff has taken a more measured approach, laying out clear information for students and identifying potential risks. A Flu Buddy scheme has been introduced, as at a number of other universities.

The Flu Buddy scheme ensures that those who do become infected are cared for by friends, flat mates or people that they can trust. The Flu Buddies would be in charge of collecting anti-viral drugs, running errands and raising the alarm if their friend’s condition deteriorates.

For more information on the Flu Buddy scheme visit www.cardiff. ac.uk/flu, where information can also be found on what symptoms to look for and how to deal with those who have become infected.

As part of Cardiff’s contingency plans, the planning group is continuing to identify potential risks and to seek solutions to minimise the risk of an outbreak spreading. continued on page 3 YOU

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Contingency plans have been put in place by Cardiff University’s pandemic flu planning group to combat the possible threat of an autumn peak in swine flu.

As thousands of students’ return to, or begin their student lives, extensive advice and information has been provided by the University via their pandemic flu website and Twitter updates.

Many existing students will already be well aware of what is known as ‘freshers’ flu’, which often hits many students in their first weeks of university, as large numbers of students come together for the first time from around the country, and indeed

the world. However, not only is the risk of catching a common cold high, but the risk of swine flu is now an increased possibility.

With the threat of swine flu still relatively prevalent, Cardiff University has taken measures to monitor the situation and offer support and advice for students and staff.

While many students will suffer from the common cold in their first few weeks it is important that these symptoms are not confused with swine flu. Cardiff University has stressed that the threat for many is still low and calls for students not to be overly concerned.

Jim Cole, the assistant director of the Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Unit of Cardiff Univer-

02 NEWS

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

grgr Books not bombs?

EDITOR Emma Jones

DEPUTY EDITOR Simon Lucey CO-ORDINATOR Elaine Morgan SUB EDITOR Sarah Powell NEWS Ceri Isfryn Gareth Ludkin Emma McFarnon Jamie Thunder FEATURES Daniella Graham Robin Morgan OPINION Oli Franklin Paul Stollery COLUMNISTS Tim Hart Oli Franklin POLITICS Damian Fantato LISTINGS Steve Beynon Ed Bovingdon SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT Amy Hall Priya Raj SPORT Joe Davies Adam Horne Lucy Morgan Robbie Wells CONTRIBUTORS Ade Haastrup Steffan Powell Emma Davies

Varsity: Highlights of the sporting event of the year. Watch Cardiff defeat rivals Swansea.

GOT A STORY? CONTACT US NOW: NEWSDESK 07908 551922 NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM gair rhydd has been Cardiff University's independent student newspaper since 1972.

Just months after divesting its shares in arms, Cardiff University rethinks its position Jamie Thunder News Editor Cardiff University’s external fund managers will not be asked to avoid investing University money in arms companies in the future, gair rhydd has learnt.

University Council resolved that the University should invest based on what would bring the best financial return, and that investments should only be excluded if they went against the University’s research, innovation, or engagement objectives.

This means that the University will be free to invest in any company, including those that produce arms, provided that they do not interfere with the University’s objectives.

The resolution was made after Cardiff Students’ Union submitted a proposal for the University to establish a committee to develop an ethical policy towards investments.

After receiving the paper the University Finance Group called the proposal impractical, and the Council endorsed this view.

Asked why the proposal was considered impractical, a University spokesperson said: “A healthy debate with the student body was welcomed.

However, the University has wide and important links with a range of companies, including those listed in the Students' Union paper. The benefits of these links included live research grants and consultancies as well as students sponsored by and moving on to employment with these companies.

“The University also had an obligation to seek the best return from its investments especially in the current economic climate.”

However, a letter written in February by Louise Casella, the University’s Director of Strategic Resources, had appeared to rule out future investment of University funds in arms.

The letter was sent to students who occupied a lecture theatre in February to protest against University money being invested in companies that supplied Israel with arms used in attacks on Gaza.

It said: “In the course of the last few days the University's investment managers have divested the University of its holdings in both BAe [British Aerospace] and the avionics arm of GE [General Electric]. The fund managers have now also been asked to avoid future investments in these areas.”

Although the letter made no mention of it, the company that had invested money on the University’s behalf in BAe and GE, Gerrard Investment Management, had in fact only been asked not to reinvest in arms companies until a resolution on the ethical investment proposal had been passed.

The letter was sent on the final day of the two-day occupation, and led the protestors to believe that their demands had been met. As a result they ended the demonstration.

Sam Coates from Cardiff Students Against War said: “We are appalled by this sleight of hand in claiming freedom to reinvest in the arms trade as a result of Council’s decision. Whilst the issues are interlinked, such a condition was never implied during the negotiations and shows a complete disregard for student opinion as well as the ethics concerned.

“These developments have destroyed all trust we had for University management and we will certainly

Cardiff Students Against War after the demonstration in March take this into consideration in future campaigning. We will not let Louise Casella and others off the hook.”

The University held over £200,000 of shares in arms companies BAe

Systems and of General Electric in 2008, causing protests that led to the proposal.

Cardiff face King's on University Challenge A talented team of students recently competed in the current series of University Challenge, having made it through to the televised rounds to face Kings College London.

The Cardiff team, led by captain, and current Students’ Union President, Ed Carey (Politics and Philosophy) faced some stiff questioning from host Jeremy Paxman.

Paxman put the teams through their paces with some tough questions, but the both teams were up to the challenge.

Team Cardiff was completed by Christopher Clarke (Astrophysics), James Selvey (Physiology) and Sophie Fitzsimmons (Medicine). They were competing to become the first Welsh University to win University Challenge.

Cardiff started well, developing

an early lead over Kings College, but nothing looked certain as Kings began their fight back.

With only a narrow lead Cardiff struggled to hold off the Kings College team, and finished 15 points behind, with 140 points to Kings College’s 155.

Christopher Clarke said afterwards: “It was pretty intimidating to begin with, but when the match started there was no time to be nervous really; we were too busy trying to answer questions right.

“It was a really close match...so I suppose we were a bit unlucky to lose, but we acquitted ourselves fairly, and King's College London deserved the win.”

After the show Clarke recalled how Paxman, who is actually “taller and balder than he looks on telly”, came up to him and said “you were on fire!”

NEWS 1 EDITORIAL & OPINION 10 COLUMNIST 13 & 19 FEATURES 15 POLITICS 20 LETTERS 21 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 23 LISTINGS 24 JOBS & MONEY 26 FIVE MINUTE FUN 27 SPORT 29

NEWS 03

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2008

Cardiff Uni junior doctors suspended over exam error

Cardiff's Heath Park Campus, where the junior doctors were trained

Emma McFarnon News Editor Four newly qualified junior doctors from Cardiff School of Medicine have been suspended, after it emerged they were wrongly told they had passed all their final year exams.

The students, who qualified this summer, had been working as junior doctors for two weeks at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff, Swansea's Singleton and Morriston hospitals, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest.

The four were immediately suspended after the university discovered

they were given the wrong exam result for one module of their degree.

The graduates had accidentally been allocated a pass mark, when in fact they had failed the module. In failing this module the four students had failed the exam as a whole.

The error was identified after another student, who had failed, appealed against their exam result.

After re-assessing the data through the appeal process, the university discovered that that student had in fact passed the module. He or she will receive certification, and can now proceed with their medical career. The appeal process also flagged up the students who had been wrongly passed.

They were informed of the mistake on

August 14.

A spokesperson for Cardiff University’s Public Relations department said: “The module failed is the Knowledge and Understanding module. The students met with the School of Medicine on August 17 and have been advised of the appeals process.

The students can then decide if they wish to appeal. Any outcome regarding resists will follow from this due process should the students wish to appeal.

“In general, if any student fails a final year exam they are given the opportunity to repeat the year of study and re-sit examinations at the end of that year.

“The School and Trusts are pro-

viding as much practical support as they can to the students, and student support services are available to them.”

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) University NHS Trust, which is responsible for the two hospitals in Swansea, assured that all foundation programme trainees are heavily supervised, and make no significant decisions on patient care.

The Dean of Medicine at Cardiff University, Professor Paul Morgan, offered his apologies to the students who have been affected. In a statement posted on the university website, he said: “It is important to emphasise that this isolated clerical error in no way relates to the high quality of medical teaching at the University. The quality of the undergraduate course at Cardiff recently received a favourable report from the General Medical Council.

The University as a whole has been praised by independent reviewers, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, for our researchled teaching, our student involvement and our educational improvement strategies. The Agency… gave the University the highest endorsement possible.

“As Head of the School I would like to offer my personal apology to those affected for the distress that these events have caused. I will be taking steps to ensure that such errors cannot occur again.”

Meanwhile a spokesman for the General Medical Council (GMC) told BBC news: “We have spoken to each of the students affected to explain that we will have to remove their names from the medical register, and we will refund their registration fee in full.”

The GMC also said it will ask the university to begin an investigation, and demonstrate that action will be taken to prevent this mistake from happening again.

University puts provisions in place to keep possible swine flu outbreak under control continued from front page Mr Cole continued: “part of this has involved preparing for the arrival of students this term by ensuring up-todate information and advice is available via the University’s pandemic flu website, Twitter, the University’s electronic notice board and email systems.

“At the same time, we are making

information available about the Flu Buddy system, what to do if a student thinks he or she has swine flu, and who to contact, and information on how students can protect themselves through good common sense hygiene practices.”

While ‘fresher’s flu’ may, to some extent, be inevitable for many students, Cardiff University has urged that students practice good hygiene,

and take precautions such as joining the Flu Buddy scheme and registering with a GP in the first few weeks of the new academic year.

The University advises not wait until you are ill to register with a GP; the longer you wait to register, the more difficult it will be. To register with a GP, contact a surgery and request registration. A list of GP practices in Cardiff is available on the web. If the GP

is unable to register you, they should provide you with alternative advice as to where to register. If you are unable to register completely, contact the NHS Wales Business Service Centre on 01495 332000, where you will be allocated a GP.

Poor students applying for university get two grade head start Emma McFarnon News Editor

University applicants from poor backgrounds could be given a two-grade ‘head start’, under plans being examined by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

Told by ministers to widen access, some colleges and medical schools are already lowering entry requirements for working-class applicants by as much as two A-level grades.

In July, Lord Mandelson said that more “contextual benchmarks” for talent spotting should be used, which look at the way candidates have exploited the opportunities open to them.

One consequence of the "head start" idea would see middle class students being turned down for places, despite doing better in exams than those who lived in a deprived postcode area or went to a bad school.

Les Ebdon, of university think tank Million+, said the idea to give poorer students a grade boost was "a way of attempting to level the playing field".

"I think what all universities are in the business of looking for is potential among the students, rather than achievement."

He added: “We have got to do something to widen the social mix, and traditionally medical schools have been seen as the preserve of middle classes rather than appealing across the whole spectrum of people."

The plan has sparked controversy, as some believe it is a reflection of the Government’s failure to improve state schools.

Critics said ministers should instead concentrate on raising educational standards in comprehensives, so that pupils are properly equipped for higher education.

Kenton Lewis, head of widening participation at St George’s medical school in London, said: “Treating everyone the same way is not appropriate and not equitable. It is far more important to consider the context in which someone has achieved their qualifications.”

Katie Ivens, of the Campaign for Real Education, said the plan was positive discrimination.

"It is not fair on those who study hard, it is not fair on the schools that actually produce a good quality education.

"You cannot just push people into university because they come from a certain background and hope that will solve the problem."

04 NEWS

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Stay fresh for Freshers' week Cardiff graduates secure investment for radical new male hygiene product Emma Jones Editor A group of Cardiff University graduates are well on their way to starting their own unusual business after winning a competition set up by the University's business support group, Student Enterprise.

Stuart Jolley, a Journalism graduate, and his friends entered the University’s Spark Entrepreneur Competition with the hope of launching their product – a version of femfresh hygiene wipes for men.

Stuart came up with the idea when he and his friends were surfing on the west coast of France last summer.

They went for days without showers, wore tight wetsuits, and lived in stuffy

tents. Stuart then came up with the idea of a male intimate wipe to relieve the itchy and uncomfortable ‘sandy pant’ sensation.

“There was currently nothing like it on the market. After all, femfresh has taken the female market by storm, so why cant it work for men?” he said.

The competition was set up to encourage bright sparks to enter their ideas for the chance to win a £500 prize.

When Stuart and his partner on the venture, Ollie Thomas, were awarded the prize money to start up their business, Stuart said, “I never thought such a potentially sensitive idea would be taken so seriously.”

Lucy Cohen, Director of Mazuma Finance Wales, said: “[Stuart] pro-

duced a very confident presentation and I loved that he was not afraid to deal with a sensitive market! He presented himself exceptionally well; I wouldn’t hesitate to have him in my business based on that.”

The product is called ‘Wingman’ – a term used to describe the righthand-man of someone who is out on the pull.

It will be sold in nightclubs, in vending machines and at music festivals for men to use as a last minute freshen up before they go home.

Wingman has been backed by a number of sexual health charities since it creates awareness of, and encourages men to talk openly about, male hygiene issues. It is due to be launched in Cardiff in September.

Cardiff students safer than ever Eleanor Smith Reporter According to South Wales Police, students in Cardiff are safer than ever.

New figures show that the total number of crimes against the 45,000 students living in Cardiff has dropped by 65 percent for the sixth year in a row.

In the last year, police have seen reductions in the number of burglaries, thefts, assaults and car crime, but there has been an increase in bike theft and just one more robbery.

Burglary is traditionally a big problem in student areas, but this year has seen a significant reduction, with 47 less properties broken into than last year.

In almost half of all burglaries, the method of entry was through unlocked doors or windows, and work is ongo-

ing to educate students about securing their property.

PC Bob Keohane, the police-student liaison officer, said: “To have a sixth consecutive reduction in crime against student is a fantastic achievement especially when you consider the valuable equipment students have such as laptops, ipods and mobile phones which attract criminals.

“The drop in crime is a result of all the initiatives that have been put in place such as SmartWater, the Hands off Cardiff campaign, and the South Wales Police Student Initiative.”

Student wardens have also been introduced to act as an effective medium between the police and student community.

PC Bob added: “I hope these figures will reassure any parents whose children are starting university here in September that Cardiff is one of the safest cities for students.”

NEWS 05

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

University cleans up their act Gareth Ludkin News Editor Success came for Cardiff’s Go Green Campaign this year as Cardiff University climbed 67 places in People and Planet’s Green League.

Unveiled in the Times Higher Education supplement by the student environmental campaign group, Cardiff became the most improved Welsh University finishing 17th out of 127 British universities.

Of all the Welsh Universities only Glamorgan University topped Cardiff’s achievement finishing 12th in the overall standings. Nottingham Trent came first in the rankings, while UWIC languished in 94th place, having dropped 53 places.

The Green League result reflects the success of Cardiff University’s People & Planet society, which has

played an integral part in campaigning to improve Cardiff University’s environmental performance.

Since 2006 their Go Green campaign, which is part of a larger national campaign, has lobbied the University with petitions and letters to the Vice Chancellor to call for improvements in Cardiff University’s environmental credentials.

Improving on last years disappointing 84th position, this years ranking will encourage the University to keep taking steps in the right direction, backing the Go Green campaign and supporting efforts for environmental awareness around the University.

The University has put sustainability at the heart of recent policy, after criticism about the lack of a clear environmental strategy, but ethical investment remains an area where Cardiff still has work to do.

It now has a clear environmental policy and energy and water saving

Students dissatisfied with degrees, says NSS Emma McFarnon News Editor University graduates in England were less satisfied with the quality of their degree courses this year than last, an annual survey has revealed.

The National Student Survey, published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, asked final-year students about every aspect of their university experience. This included questions about teaching assessment, support and resources.

Of the 220, 000 students that participated, almost a fifth said they were dissatisfied with their courses. This is a 1% rise on last year.

Wes Streeting, president of the National Union of Students (NUS), said: “We are concerned that the survey reveals a small dip in overall levels of satisfaction as the first group of students to pay top-up fees graduate.

"Tuition fees in England were trebled in 2006, but students have not seen a demonstrable improvement in the quality of their experience.

“There is clearly no room for complacency on the part of universities, who have a responsibility to improve standards in accordance with their increased resources.”

Last year 87% of final-year students at Cardiff University agreed with the statement: ‘Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of my course’. This year, that figure dropped to 85%.

Of the 154 institutions that participated in the survey, Cardiff University ranked 44th in terms of its satisfaction levels.

However, it is worth noting that while satisfaction levels at Cardiff University fell this year, those at the University of Glamorgan, Glyndwr University, University of Wales and

Swansea University all rose or remained the same.

Cardiff University medical students fared particularly badly in last years’ survey. Only 64% of respondents said they were satisfied with their degree course, compared to a national average of 89%. A detailed account of the NSS results, due to be published next month, will reveal whether medics at Cardiff were as unhappy this year.

President of the medical society (MedSoc) and third-year student, Bnar Talabani, said: “The problems that seem to occur are because of a number of things. As far as I can see, there seems to be a gap between the transition from pre-clinical to clinical as far as the medical school goes, rather than an overlap.

“The Union provides excellent services to Cardiff students, however these are usually available at times that medics and other healthcare students have placements, and therefore find it difficult to access these services.

“Last year MedSoc put into action a number of changes to our society to improve our services to our members.

These include a new website, among other things. The medical school has been helpful in implementing these changes.

A new Sabbatical Healthcare Integration Officer has also been appointed this year with the job of integrating all healthcare students into the wider Cardiff scoiety and increasing access of Union services to healthcare students.

Bnar added: “All in all, many changes are underway to improve Medics’ satisfaction. However, it will take time to see the results of these changes. That is not to say that more cannot be done to improve things in the short run.”

A detailed account of Cardiff University NSS results will be published in gair rhydd next month.

initiatives in place.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant, said: "The University recognises its responsibilities and potential to create a sustainable future.

"The implementation of the Environmental Management System, for example, furthers our sustainability aims and will help ensure the entire campus is effectively evaluating and controlling its impact on the environment."

Cardiff’s People & Planet society believes, however, that the University could still work harder on its energy sources, water consumption and carbon emissions on all campuses. They say a comprehensive environmental audit is necessary if Cardiff is to become one of the leading institutions in Britain.

Incoming president, Alice Hemming, said: “We are glad to see that our hard work has paid off and that the University is finally beginning to

take its environmental performance more seriously.

"We will be continuing the Go Green campaign and hope to work with the university to make Cardiff one of the best in the UK on this issue.”

Ian Leggett, Director of the national People and Planet Network, said: “the 2009 Green League makes it crystal clear; too many Universities have failed to recognise the importance of becoming a model low carbon institution.”

17th

06 NEWS

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Government proposals slammed as 'knee-jerk' reaction to studentification

New government policy aims to dilute the concentration of students in "ghettos" like Cathays

Gareth Ludkin News Editor A number of property groups, backed by the National Union for Students (NUS), have joined in their condemnation of ministers’ plans to cut down on large numbers of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

HMOs tend to dominate student areas, like Cathays, and are often accused of causing a number of problems such as anti-social behaviour, litter, noise and empty towns during the holidays.

A recent consultation order on the Housing and Regeneration Act of 2008 has brought into question the viability of HMOs. Consultation over these Government proposals will continue until the end of October.

Government proposals could allow

councils to prevent and regulate the number of people living in affordable shared housing, particularly HMOs which are rented by six or more unrelated people.

Potential planning laws which could restrict HMOs would increase rental costs and drive out students, young professionals and immigrants from certain areas according to some property experts.

The NUS see these proposals as nothing more than a ‘knee jerk reaction to so-called ‘studentification”, driving students out of residential areas in which they play an important part.

Wes Streeting, the NUS president, commented that “students live and work within their communities and contribute hugely to their local areas through charity work and campaigning on local issues, not to mention the massive boost they give to the local

economy.”

These views, however, are not shared by everyone. In Cardiff, frustration surrounding the ‘over-concentration’ of students in areas such as Cathays and Roath was expressed last November when Cardiff Council considered plans to spread out halls and student accommodation across the city.

Many residents have also expressed their displeasure at living among students who dominate 75% of the Cathays area and cause a considerable amount of noise and litter.

The new consultation on the proposed legislation will look to clear students from residential areas, with a view to integrate them more evenly across their university towns or cities.

The Government has suggested that “too many students residing in one area can impact negatively on a community.” A Communities and Lo-

cal Government spokesperson said; “this is a real problem in many communities.”

This all comes after the Government commissioned an independent review in 2008 which found that planning interventions to limit the number of HMOs in certain areas would actually be detrimental.

The ‘Rugg’ report acknowledged the positive effect students had on communities and found that higher education institutions helped bring regeneration and created jobs.

These recent proposals when compared to last years Rugg report now seem somewhat contradictory to previous findings.

However, Stephanie Benusch, a Cardiff student who lived with 10 international students last year, believes that living with lots of people can be problematic, especially having lived in the densely student-populated that

is Colum Road.

Stephanie agrees that the integration of students across a wider area is as important as the proposed legislation suggests. However, she also said that if this did happen, “the university and city must guarantee affordable and appropriate transport from the living area to the uni” UNITE, one of the UK’s leading student accommodation developers, stressed the importance of choice and conceded that the standards of accommodation need to be improved. “All landlords should adhere to a professional management plan and a code of standards.

“Students must be provided with a choice of accommodation, and adequate and appropriate housing should be planned and targeted.”

The consultation process continues until the end of October.

MP calls for academic standards reform

Jamie Thunder News Editor

A MPs’ report has called for the body that oversees how universities maintain academic standards to be reformed.

The report by a House of Commons committee said that the current system is ‘in effect [one] of self-regulation by individual institutions’, and argued

that the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) should have the power to report on standards.

Under the current system the QAA looks at whether universities have appropriate processes to maintain their academic standards, but each university is responsible for what its own academic standards are.

The committee suggested that an important role of a reformed QAA

would be to develop national criteria for the classification of degrees and to ensure that these criteria were applied by universities. It said that this would mean there was a ‘consistent set of standards’ across all universities, making degree classes from any university equal.

The report, drawn up by the House of Commons Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee,

focuses on the experience of university undergraduate students from application to graduation.

Among other things, it suggested that universities should give students from disadvantaged backgrounds ‘discounts’ on their A-level requirements, and that student bursaries should be awarded from a national fund rather than by individual universities, in order to avoid discrepancies in the

amount of money given at different institutions.

It also stated that universities should clearly set out the amount of lecture, seminar, and laboratory time students could expect to spend on their course, as well as the expected amount of personal study time.

The full report is available online at www.parliament.uk/ius

08 NEWS You'll never guess what...

Ceri Isfryn News Editor

Dressed to impress

A bride in China hopes to become a world record breaker by tying the knot in a dress with a 1.2 mile-long train.

Lin Rong enlisted the help of her wedding guests to roll out her train, which eventually took more than three hours.

The groom, Zhao Peng, wanted to break the standing world record which was held by a Romanian. He is convinced that his wife-to-be’s dress, which featured 9,999 red roses and cost $5,900, has done the deed.

Zhao’s mother was not so supportive of her son’s idea however, describing it as a “waste of money”.

A sticky dicky

A cheating husband from Wisconsin, USA found himself in a sticky spot when four women, including both his disgruntled wife and mistress, tied him up and glued his penis to his stomach using superglue.

Donessa Davis’ lover, Theresa Ziemann, was startled when his wife got in touch to tell her that he was married. The two then hatched a plan of revenge which involved Ziemann securing the victim to a bed during a bondage session at a motel so that the women could perform the attack.

The four women face up to six years in prison for being party to false imprisonment. Ziemann also faces charges of fourth-degree sexual assault.

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Going for gold

Saudi man becomes the recipient of the World's most expensive, custom-made, diamond-encrusted penis enlarger Ceri Isfryn News Editor

A Saudi businessman has bought an 18-carat gold penis enlarger that’s being described as the world’s most expensive adult novelty item.

Similar items sell for around $400, however this custom-designed product is valued at approximately $47,000 by its Canadian manufacturers.

The penis enlarger has been encrusted with 40 diamonds and several rubies at the client’s request.

It will also be delivered in an armoured car when it’s finally ready in October, according to manufacturers X4 Labs.

"This male health accessory is the most expensive traction device ever produced and will likely become a historical benchmark for the adult novelty industry," the company claims.

Under Saudi law, adult sex toys cannot be imported into the country.

But X4 Labs, who manufacture medi-

cal devices, insist that it is a US government certified medical device.

“It's an unusual request," said the company’s owner Rick Oh. "We didn't take it seriously at first, but once he sent us a deposit, we had to agree to it."

"Obviously, there were giggles initially when we presented our project to a jeweller and asked him for help."

But the extravagant purchase hasn’t been made for luxury purposes alone.

The client claims to have a severe skin allergy to stainless steel, the material

which X4 Labs’ standard penis enlargers are made of, and so medically he required a gold version.

The purchase has inspired the company to offer all customers the op-

mographic that is willing to pay for lavish medical devices for their private areas… to pay good money to spoil themselves.”

"There is something tremen-

dously selfish about the male ego, and subsequently 50,000-dollar orders may become the norm for companies like X4 Labs," he said. tion of custom-made penis enlargers.

Product Coordinator Matt West says

Roly pistol-y A fishy subject Ceri Isfryn News Editor An increasing number of pet shops in the Chinese city of Chengdu are selling tattooed fish. Fish are decorated with designs including flowers, rainbows and characters, using lasers.

The fish are inserted into speciallydesigned tattooing machines before emerging with the images permanently engraved on their skin.

Bao Fu, a pet shop owner who sells the fish, explained that only some types of fish survive the ordeal.

“Most of the fish tattooed are parrot fish, since they have a high survival rate.”

A fish at the Qingshiqiao pet mar-

Police in a pickle

Police in Adelaide, Australia, have been left baffled after more than $10,000 Australian dollars’ worth of cucumbers has gone missing.

Thieves have targeted at least 11 separate market gardens in the area in the past three months alone.

The latest robbery saw 50 bags of the vegetable stolen from one greenhouse.

Police chief Kym Zander said: "The issue with the cucumber is how do you and I tell who owns a different cucumber?"

"We're having difficulty establishing where the cucumbers are going."

that he is “convinced that there is a de-

Ceri Isfryn News Editor

An obese prisoner in Harris County Jail, Texas was found to have a 9mm pistol and ammunition hidden in between his rolls of fat.

25-year-old George Vera weighs nearly 600 pounds.

A spokesman for the Houston Police Department, Kese Smith, confirmed that procedures call for a suspect to be searched upon arrest, twice at the city jail and once more upon his transfer.

Vera was then transferred to the county jail, where he was searched at least once more.

It was only when he was in the shower later that day that Vera confessed to a guard that he had weapon on him. Officers subsequently found a 9-millimeter handgun beneath his folds of flab.

Houston Police Officers Union President Gary Blankinship said cadets are trained how to search morbidly obese people.

"We teach officers to lift up and look under," he said.

"The officer may not have arrested anyone this big before."

Vera was initially jailed for making counterfeit CDs but now faces charges of possessing a firearm in a correctional facility. If convicted, he faces between two and 10 years imprisonment.

ket with a tattoo reading “may your business boom” in Chinese characters comes with a 25 yuan price tag, whereas an ordinary fish would cost around 10 yuan.

The practice has caused some concern for one of the country’s fisheries expert, Zhang Zhicheng, who criticised the lack of research into how the tattoos would affect the fish.

"To use a laser to tattoo will surely affect the fish. It's like tattooing a human being's body, it breaks the physiological balance of the fish and damages the skin's protective surface.”

"It is cruel and unnatural. For every one that survives there are dozens that die in laser accidents."

The popularity of the fish is said to be on the up, despite animal activists’ complaints.

10 OPINION

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Performing an illegal operation Hack the US military, you'll probably go to jail. Jamie Thunder

I

n Britain, but perhaps not for very much longer, lives a man named Gary McKinnon. You might have heard of him. He’s been on the front pages of most of the national newspapers, and has received support from Chrissie Hynde, Bob Geldof, and Dave Gilmour. His mum even got to write an article for The Guardian.

Just in case you’re very confused right now, Gary McKinnon is the man facing extradition to the USA on hacking charges. This summer a judicial review upheld his extradition, and it looks like only a matter of time before he’s sent off to Virginia for trial.

If you’ve been following the media campaign (although it’s been led by the Daily Mail, so I’d hope you haven’t been), you’ll know that poor Gary has Asperger’s, is being extradited under a highly imbalanced treaty, and will spend 70 years in prison.

Obviously it’s not that simple.

First of all, there’s been surprisingly little mention of the fact that Gary has confessed to accessing over 90 US military/NASA computers in 20012002 via administrator accounts with blank passwords. He’s also admitted to leaving a slightly childish anti-US foreign policy rant on at least one, as well as messages saying ‘your security sucks’.

He denies the US claims that he caused $700,000 of damage by deleting files, but that’s about it. In an attempt to have his trial held in the UK, he told the Director of Public Prosecutions that he’d done the rest.

In the letter, Gary admitted to offences under section 2 of the Misuse

of Computers Act, offences which carry a maximum sentence of five years.

This section covers ‘unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate commission of further offences’.

Given his repeated denial of any damage done to US systems, this seems a little strange – especially when you consider that section 1 covers ‘unauthorised access to computer material’ without the ‘further offences’ bit.

He claims he was looking for UFOs, which keeps interviewers off nasty questions Gary actually claims that he accessed the computers looking for evidence of UFOs. In a neat twist that keeps any interviewer nicely off any nasty questions, he also says he found some. Deliberately or not, this creates an image of an eccentric Brit who shouldn’t be removed from the country.

There are a few arguments for Gary to be tried in the UK. One is that he was physically in the UK at the time.

This one’s a little nonsensical, because all of the computers accessed and allegedly damaged are in the US and are US property. It seems reasonable that the US authorities want to be the ones to try him.

Another is his Asperger’s Syndrome. This only became an issue in August 2008, when he was diagnosed.

Conveniently, he was diagnosed three days before the European Court of Human Rights was due to issue its judgement on whether to prevent his extradition pending an appeal (Gary still lost), but we won’t stoop to such innuendo here.

Gary’s diagnosis has meant that a main focus of his story has become ‘Mentally ill man to be sent to US’, with the implication that he wasn’t really at fault. Asperger’s can cause obsessive behaviour and may well account for his obsession with UFOs and even his obsession with hacking. That doesn’t mean what he did is somehow irrelevant.

Asperger’s doesn’t stop people distinguishing between right and wrong, and even if Gary did only do the things he’s admitted to, they were still wrong. A stalker with Asperger’s has still done something wrong, and so too has a hacker.

Some of the sillier suggestions that have come in defence of Gary – albeit mostly from bloggers rather than newspaper writers – have been that he should be employed by the US to strengthen their security, and that the US IT people should be the ones on trial. The second one is obviously stupid, because he still shouldn’t have accessed the computers; someone who walked into an unlocked house would still be trespassing. But at first glance, Gary being employed by the US seems to make sense.

However, the hacking took place 8 years ago, so Gary’s knowledge is likely to be a little out of date. Also, it wasn’t really hacking – just opportunism and knowing how to write a

simple program. So he’d hardly be a great asset.

Another line of defence for Gary is the US-UK extradition treaty signed in 2003. Its critics say it’s imbalanced because the UK has to ‘provide a reasonable basis to believe that the person sought committed the offense’, whereas this doesn’t apply for requests from the US to the UK. This does look imbalanced, and although I suspect that both countries would have a reasonable basis to believe that the extraditee had committed the offence, the treaty needs to be balanced. Incidentally, Britain has the same extradition arrangement with 24 other countries and there’s no outcry over that. I guess anti-Norwayism hasn’t really taken off yet. But the treaty’s fairness or unfairness isn’t the issue in this case anyway; the government couldn’t just overrule it, so protesting it won’t save Gary.

The last complaint made is about the sentencing.

In the UK, Gary would be prosecuted under the Misuse of Computers Act and would face a maximum of 5 years in prison. In the US, each charge

against him carries a maximum sentence of 10 years – he has seven charges against him from the Virginian court, so it could be up to 70. (These differences in sentences possibly have something to do with Gary’s reticence to be extradited.)

But let’s be realistic; he won’t go to prison for 70 years. For a start, even if he were convicted of all seven offences and given 10 years for each, it’s likely that they’d run concurrently.

Gary was actually offered a plea bargain that would’ve meant he’d have served 6-12 months in a US jail and 6-12 in the UK, but he rejected it.

This was a bit silly.

Whatever your thoughts on the US-UK extradition rules, it’s pretty clear that Gary McKinnon has been a naughty boy. He’s not some pitiful waif; he’s a 43-year-old man, and if 43-year-old men deliberately access government computers, they’ll be punished.

OPINION 11

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Travelling grants are purely cosmetic freewords Government gap year scheme just makes Gordon look like he's doing something. Emma Davies

I

t is roundly acknowledged that it is currently a bad time to graduate. There aren’t any jobs left, so unless you’re ridiculously lucky and/or win the lottery, you can essentially expect to spend the foreseeable future after university scrabbling around for loose pennies at the bottom of a cardboard box.

If you’re really lucky, you might get a bin bag to shelter you from the worst of the rain. The government’s solution? Sending you abroad, where you can be someone else’s problem instead.

Okay, it’s not quite as simple as that; I did exaggerate a little for dramatic effect. The government have given gap year expedition company Raleigh £500,000 to subsidise 10week trips for graduates. The company are subsidising a further £1,000 per person, and the remaining £1,000 has to be raised by the graduate themselves, who also have to pay for flights, vaccinations and kit.

The theory is that these expeditions will give graduates from poorer backgrounds the chance to build things like leadership skills, which will then boost their employability upon their return to the UK. Basically, it’s a character building exercise for the modern world.

This all sounds lovely, in its theoretical form, but is it really going to work its intended magic on graduate prospects? I’m going to hazard a guess

at no. It all looks lovely on paper, but it’s about as three-dimensional as a stick-man.

While I can see the benefits of traveling, it’s not a quick-fix step to a job. 10 weeks isn’t that long a time period in the grand scheme of things; it doesn’t even cover three calendar months. It’s not as if there will suddenly be an avalanche of employers scrambling over themselves to create new positions when these newly employable travelers return. Job opportunities will most probably be at the same level of non-existence.

The scheme makes the government look like they're doing something nice and modern Also, the scheme is only open to those who can prove that the trip would be ‘beyond their financial means without assistance’. Spending £3,000 plus flights and kit would be beyond my means.

Actually, even the £1,000 subsidised price would be pushing it a bit - more than a bit. I think I’d rather take my chances at finding gainful employment. And I’m not even eligible to apply for a subsidised place.

If the government were really trying to make this type of travel more accessible to all, they could perhaps start by subsidising or providing flights and vaccinations, as well - these apparently amount to a fairly hefty £800.

But it makes the government look like they’re doing something. Something nice and modern and jet setting - ooh, aren’t they nice, helping people go abroad? And that’s the crux of the matter, as I see it - it’s a cosmetic scheme. If they really wanted to be doing something practical to help get graduates into jobs, there are plenty of other things that they could be doing with the money.

Internships, for starters. The opportunity that they offer is, in a word, ace.

But it’s a period of time in which you’re often working without pay. And despite the fact t h a t you’re not earning, you still

have to spend money in order to cover living expenses.

As many internships are located in London, these costs can rack up fairly quickly and to a fair amount - it’s easy to see how that could be off-putting.

Why not offer 500 graduates If they're in Central America, they can't vote for David...

£1,000 each to cover their expenses for a qualifying internship? It would certainly be a bigger, more useful step towards employment for many than a volunteering trip halfway across the world.

It sounds less exciting, though. London or Costa Rica - which has a better media angle? The idea of graduates being paid to take a gap year (as some headlines have made the scheme sound) presents itself as much more graduatefriendly, even if it isn’t. And, sadly, it seems that appearances are what matter.

A rather eventful summer Plagues, crises, yet we still survived. Paul Stollery

S

o there goes another summer, and it's back to the hard work of being a stu-

dent.

Back to getting up at ten, strolling into lectures an hour or so later telling yourself you'll actually make notes all the way through this time, and, once home, dabbling in a bit of Diagnosis Murder or if you're feeling particularly adventurous, Murder She Wrote.

Yes that's right, the easy life of the summer has come and gone, and it's time to put in the hard graft required to being a full-time learner.

It is indeed a sad site to behold, as students everywhere wave good by to their annual three-and-a-half month break and prepare to get their teeth into a good bit of academia, but at least we will have some exciting memories to carry us until Christmas - the headlines brought us some rather interesting topics this summer.

Michael Jackson Michael Jackson. He's dead. No really, he is. You might not have heard.

It wasn't in many of the papers - none

of them made a big deal or ran it for like six week on the front cover or anything, but he actually died of a heart attack. Quite sad actually.

However, it may not be all that simple; by writing on this ever-evolving subject I may have falling into a trap.

You see, according to some conspiracy folk, he's actually alive - he's having a tea party with Elvis, Tupac and Saddam Hussain where NASA faked the moon landing.

In hope you all enjoyed that little bit of sarcasm - good, wasn't it? I should do stand up.

But if any of you conspiracy yaysayers are reading this little article, I think we need to set a few things straight: First, he's dead. Actually dead. He's not coming back, please stop coming up with conspiracy theories about how he actually faked his own death to get out of his mounting debts and he's now living in Mexico. Second, seeing as we've now all agreed he's dead, can we please get him out of the newspapers? Third - and this one applies to everybody - why are we all buying his new greatest hits album? The guy is

dead, but that other CD you have still works, you don't need to buy a new one.

Credit Crunch It's left the headlines due to a combination of Swine Flu and Michael Jackson's untimely demise, but it never left our hearts (note to self; perhaps Michael Jackson DIDN'T die of a heart attack, perhaps it was swine flu - CONSPIRACY!) Everyone seems to be on a real downer at the moment with regards to this rather sticky economic situation we've found ourselves in, and even more depressed due to the fact that Brown seems to have absolutely no idea what he's doing.

But let's put a new spin on it - let's think positive. There's no money, but providing you're an undergrad like myself, and not a postgrad like my silly housemates, once every three months or so the student loan people give you free money, hoorah!

Of course, upon finishing our degrees, we will actually have to get jobs, but let's ignore that for now.

Swine Flu And now onto more positive topic; swine flu. Now, it would of course be understandable if you were unable to see the positive side of the influenza H1N1 virus, but the bright side is that the human race has actually survived the summer.

Yes, amazingly, despite the Daily Mail presenting it as the oncoming apocalypse, as we enter autumn the vast majority of the human race is in fact not dead.

Of course, I write this a week or so before it comes out, so it is indeed entirely possible that swine flu has killed us all, the credit crunch has gone on a rampage, growing arms and legs and physically blowing up retail outlets, or perhaps, just perhaps, it has been revealed that Michael Jackson really DID fake his own death - egg all over my face.

But, as I write these closing words, in the face of deaths, plagues and crises, we have in fact survived.

Well done us.

EDITORIAL

Est. 1972

A fresh start So, you've made it this far; well done kids. The first thing you should do is sit down and read this lovely edition of gair rhydd that has been placed on your bed. If nothing else, it will provide a good talking point for you and your flat mates if you haven't spoken to them yet.

In this edition, you will find a rather handy Freshers' A to Z centrefold for you to pull out and stick on your kitchen wall. It will tell you all you need to know about the why's and wherefore's of Cardiff life, from library books to kebabs to safe sex.

You should also peruse your independent guide to Freshers' fortnight in the listings section if you want to know the places to be over the next couple of weeks.

We also have a brief round-up of Union services on page 18, where you can at the same time familiarise yourself with the lovely faces of your student officers - your first port of call if you have anything bothering you.

We have two brand spanking new columnists for you to enjoy this year - their musings can be found on pages 13 and 19.

You'll also find all the usual stuff that fills the pages of gair rhydd: the latest student, local and world news; politics; sport; opinion; Taf-od (for all you Welsh speakers out there); Five Minute Fun, to see you through your most boring lectures, and more.

So forget about unpacking for now and feast your eyes upon these pages we've put together for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Until next time, have fun, stay safe, and avoid Tesco at all costs (it's a nightmare during Freshers' Week).

P.S. We're always looking for contributors here at gair rhydd, so if you're into writing or if you've got something to say (or if you just want to make your CV look good), then come along to the Societies Fayre on September 23 and 24 and sign up, or email me at editor@gairrhydd.com. I look forward to meeting you.

Frine Flu ...It's a hybrid of Swine Flu and Freshers' Flu - do you see what I did there? Or Sweshers' Flu if you prefer.

Anyway, first years, you are unique, in that you are the first batch of students to start University at a time when we have a pig flu pandemic on our hands.

Now, typically at the start of term, there is an outbreak of the sniffles, known as "Freshers' flu" - too much drinking, not enough sleep, rainy Cardiff weather, you get the gist.

Please read our article on the front page. It will tell you how to identify Swine flu, and what you should do if you think you've got it. Do be vigilant, but do not confuse your Freshers' flu with Swine flu, otherwise the Health Centre will have a nervous breakdown.

12 OPINION

COLUMNIST 13

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

It's time to freshen up “This is not the end.

It is not even the beginning of the end. but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning”.

Winston Churchill Okay, so the greatest ever Britain might not have been referring to Welcome Week, Freshers’ Fortnight, Post-A level freedom; call it what you will, but it fittingly describes the inauguration to your university lives. It means a very different thing to each of us, assuming of course that swine flu hasn’t forced it to be cancelled. If that is the case then just enjoy the next few column inches as a hypothetical look at the first couple of weeks of your time at uni.

To those that are ‘Fresh’ it is the beginning of something magnificent, and that is not the corny exaggeration of an older and wiser, it really is fantastic here. This is the most liberal moment of your life - a time when, amazingly, you are given all the freedoms of being a responsible, independent citizen while not bearing responsibility for so much as buying your own bogroll.

Behaviour that at any other time in life would be deemed as intolerably tactless is for the next three years not only suitable, but commendable. You could, in later life, replicate a bull chase in a Tesco car park with friends acting as the bulls, charging at you with trolleys, but you would justly be labelled as a lout.

There are fashions, hairdos, be-

liefs, nutritional habits, standards of hygiene, piercings, sleeping patterns, sexual positions, escapades and foul misdeeds that could not be sanctioned at any other stage in your life without feeling a sense of embarrassment that is only akin to the involuntary body function that is the snot-sneeze-laughsnort. Why does that always happen during a presentation or when making out with your girlfriend? Anyway, these are the best years of your life, sandwiched between the torment of A levels and the cavernous wilderness that is the real world so make the most of them. If you wait until you have a middle-aged crisis to decorate your bedroom with tie-dye sheets and Qing Dynasty ornaments you will be deemed to be a sad hippy retrograde.

Behaviour that at any other time in life would be deemed as intolerably tactless is for the next three years not only suitable, but commendable

But it’s alright if you are scared.

Moving away from home for the first time and starting university is at the very least a little scary. Even the guy in your flat, walking around in his boxers loudly declaring how many girls he pulled last night is secretly yearning to return home for some of mummy’s cooking and a laundered pair of underwear. Accept that you will probably be homesick at one time or another and if you don't go home in the first week the feeling soon fades away.

Everyone is in the same boat and that is why for the first week or so you will be friends with everyone you meet. Relationships during freshers' week, are fluid in a way that they never are again. The sheer variety of people means that it is easy to make friends, and, more importantly, just as easy to replace them when you find out they are weird, chauvinistic, irksome or tight.

That’s just how this freshers lark works. Oh, and be prepared that the only topics of conversation for the first few days will be 'what A' levels did you get?', 'what halls are you in?' or 'what course are you on?' Have a few amusing stories from your gap year or summer job, it’s always a good ice breaker and it helps to make a first impression, but not vital. I mentioned the guy in his boxers as he was in my halls and at first I thought he was a total idiot but after getting to know him properly it turned out I was almost completely wrong about him.

So follow my lead and make every attempt to get on with your flatmates, after all you’ll be living with them for at least the first year. If a flatmate is weird and creepy and just sits in the corner staring at you then fair enough it is hard to befriend them. But on the whole it helps to be civil especially as it could well turn out that you and your flatmates are going to be the best of friends.

The sheer variety of people means that it is easy to make friends, and, more importantly, just as easy to replace them when you find out they are weird Soon you’ll have steered the supposedly hazardous (but really bearable) meeting people phase. The next objective is to make the most of the next nine months. In the words of Nike “just do it”. In fact do all of it.

Do not put anything off for next time, there is nothing worse than reaching

your third year and realising that you have missed out on the last bit of your childhood.

All the mid-course students now realise this. No longer ‘Fresh’, seasoned enough to know what’s on offer, new enough not to have ticked every box, you are at your peak. It’s time to get properly stuck in, especially considering that for second years your marks actually count now. Besides, you’ve probably had enough of all this partying, right?

In an ideal world the final years would be leading by example. Which they are. If that example is one of a recluse with an unwavering alcohol problem. Final years are very much creatures of feast and famine. The fear is upon those about to leave, one last chance to get those grades.

But it pains me to think of leaving.

The subsidised booze in the Union bar, the measly handful of seminars to go to, the lack of responsibility or consequence; all of this is being replaced by the all nighters spent in the library, the never ending dissertation and the growing darkness in the distance that signals the start of fully fledged adulthood Still, all this is months, if not years away. For now cast the fear aside, we can cross that bridge when it comes.

For freshers it is time to enjoy yourselves and explore everything that there is on offer. For everyone else let’s get refreshed.

Tim Well Spent

Tim brings us his thoughts on the latest news headlines k: drugs, sex and gender tests..drag. athOne word you could not use to ebayor. This wee describe this summer’s World Athletic Championships is “dull”.

Usain Bolt set the world alight yet again. The mascot, Berlino the Bear, brought joy to all. And the brilliant and beautiful Jessica Ennis gave Britain something to be proud of in the women’s heptathlon.

However, the prime talking point that stole the headlines in Berlin centers round another woman, or should that be another man? South African Caster Semenya raised a lot of eyebrows not only for her gold medal winning performance in the 800m but also for her uncanny resemblance to Man City forward Emmanuel Ad-

The debate as to whether she or he is a man or a woman doesn’t actually concern me. Semenya hasn’t consciously or deliberately cheated.

In her mind she is a woman but his/ her chromosomal makeup and genetic composition could well be saying something else. What does interest me is to discover that a gender test involves a lot more than a simple naked parade. The results take weeks to be confirmed (so much so that they could well have been announced after this paper went to print) and on a serious point the psychological effects on Semenya have not at any stage been considered and the IAAF should be castrated for this failure. Sorry that

should be castigated, always get those two mixed up, but perhaps they should be castrated as well for good measure.

Just a thought.

What also prickles my curiosity is how this is a new and fresh issue of controversy as opposed to the usual boring and predictable failed dope tests such as those of the five Jamaican sprinters in July. How long will it take people to realise that to get one over the anti-doping agency is like trying to get Amy Winehouse to use a bar of soap? It’s nigh on impossible and might happen once, maybe twice a year, tops.

But it is possible that Bolt, now a global superstar, can metaphorically

letics from the doldrums of despair and back to the promised land of righteousness. He is a pure, bright light in what is otherwise a sport littered with drugs, cheats and, apparently but not yet evidently, hermaphrodites. I believe sport should be incorruptible and honest but in an imperfect world this is a futile ambition.

So I leave you, at the end of this rambling excuse of an attempt to fill column inches, with this; if we cannot eradicate drugs and cheating, let’s embrace it. Start by setting up a drug sport federation and give them their own tournament, call it the Dopalympics and every athlete that is convicted of taking drugs should be forced to

continue to do so and then take part in the games. The stadiums would be packed out to watch every event with Prickla, the friendly hypodermic needle mascot, cheering everyone on. In a world driven by greed and money, sport is an entertainment business and to think otherwise is delusional. It would undoubtedly be a success. Am I crazy? Well think about this, wouldn’t you be entertained by a man running the 100m in 6 seconds flat or a woman who could jump 30 metres? You could put that on instead of Big Brother any day. Let the drugs cheats have their playground and leave the real athletes to play sports in the way they were meant to be with honour, equality and respect.

14 FEATURES

gairrhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Holiday Nightmares

MUGGED IN GHANA Travelling has become as much of a part of the student experience as deadlines and hangovers, but it's not all smiles and sunshine. Just ask Daniella Graham...

I

would describe myself as a confident yet sensible traveller. I have never been the type in constant fear of being a victim of crime, so it came as quite a surprise when I was mugged in Ghana.

I had been in Ghana for just under three weeks when I found myself at the Central Regional Headquarters of Ghana Police. At this point no crimes against me had been committed; I was undertaking a journalism placement in Ghana, and was at the police station to interview the head of the domestic violence and victim support unit.

I could see a person in the shadows. I instinctively checked my bag was zipped up

As I was walking up the drive I was chatted up by a policeman, then when I got to reception there were six policemen just standing around doing nothing. For some reason there was nowhere for anyone to sit in the reception area- just one little bench outside in the sun.

My main thought

was that I would hate to have to come here as a victim of crime. Obviously the gods of irony could read my mind, as the next day I found myself in the

exact same station to report getting mugged.

That evening, my friends and I had gone out to our usual beachside hangout for food and a couple of drinks. At midnight five of us left to get a taxi home. There weren't any outside the restaurant so we walked a bit further along the road to where we knew there would be taxis.

The road was well lit, and there were still plenty of people around. “I don’t think we would get mugged around here” claimed my friend Emily. Famous last words.

There was a short section of about ten metres where there were a lot of shadows and I couldn't see any people. The five of us were in a line, with me on the far left. Just ahead I could see a person in the shadows.

Instinctively I checked that my bag was across my shoulder and zipped up, put my arm across it and looked straight ahead as I continued walking, but still did not seriously think anything was going to happen.

A few seconds later I saw him approaching and grabbed hold of my bag as he came up to me and tried to snatch it. The strap broke and he wrenched the bag from my hand, ripping my skin in the process, and it was the pain that caused me to scream.

All this happened in a matter of seconds, so by the time everyone realised the man was already running away. One of the guys started to run after him but soon realised chasing a mugger down an alley in the dark was probably a bad move.

We quickly walked up to where the taxis were- less than 100m awayand made our way back home.

At the house my medic friends cleaned up my hand whilst I contemplated what had been stolen.

I hadn’t had much money on me, and only had a cheap phone. My camera wasn’t worth that much, but the three weeks’ worth of photos- including a picture of Barack Obama- were irreplaceable.

Being mugged was just the beginning of my ordeal. My first trip to Regional District Headquarters, less than 24 hours after I had been to the police station on my assignment, was three hours in length.

After an hour and a half spent wait-

ing on the lonely bench outside, I was given to Sergeant Senoo. I proceeded to fill in a witness statement form, which included my name, age, address, phone number and statement.

As I now had no phone, I thought it would be fairly reasonable to leave the phone number section blank. Sgt Senoo pointed to the phone number section and asked for my number "so I can call you."

Resisting the urge to explain that in Britain if a policeman chatted up a victim of crime it

would be seen as sexual harrassment, I instead reminded him I was there because someone had stolen my bag, which contained my phone.

"Do you not know your number from memory?" was his response. I gave up. He then asked me if I would marry a black man, to which I replied that I had no idea who I would marry, let alone what colour they would be.

This apparently meant that my parents were racist.

Another policeman came along and had a look over my statement, pointed at my age and said "that's good." When I asked why, he replied, "you are 20, I am 25. We can get married."

When I was told I could go an hour later I practically skipped out of there.

He wrenched the bag from my hand, ripping my skin in the process Naively, I thought that having been told the report would be ready by Monday I would probably be able to collect the report by Thursday, especially as this was a whole week since I had been mugged. How silly I was!

It took twenty minutes just for the

police to establish that I was actually there as a victim of crime; one of the policemen recognised me from when I had come on my assignment and, ignoring my protests, had tried to take me to the office of the woman I had been there to interview.

After it was finally established that I was there to collect my police report, I then faced the battle of actually getting it. Knowing my full name, they figured a report for some one sharing part of my name would be adequate and so I was handed the report of someone called Charlotte Graham.

Although surprised that I was not happy with this, they dutifully started to write a new report for a certain Daniel Graham. It was at this point that I started to get a little angry.

After a total of two hours at the police station I was given the mobile number of Sgt Senoo, the man who had taken my statement, and told to ring him to find out when I could get the report.

Quelle surprise, the number I was given for Sgt. Senoo didn't work. The next day, after several phone calls to various people, I was told to go to the station to collect my report. I left the station three and a half hours later, still without my report.

Highlights of the long 210 minutes at Central Regional Headquarters included being told that I shouldn't have had an expensive camera if I didn't want it to get stolen, being prepositioned yet again by the delightful Sgt. Senoo and being met with hysterical laughter when I asked for the report to be changed so it was actually spelt correctly.

I then rang Salem, a Lebanese businessman who was a little overfriendly at times but who also knew the district commissioner of the police. He then took me to a different police station down the road and within 20 minutes I had a police extract with details of all the items that had been stolen.

Admittedly the experience had not been without its negatives - the whole time I had been next to the cell so had to talk to the policeman whilst ten prisoners waved and gestured at mebut at least I had something to use for my insurance claim.

That evening Salem also presented me with the final police report from the first police station. The police report was still full of grammatical and spelling errors - my favourite

being that I was mugged when ‘retuning’ from the restaurant - but at least I never had to enter any police station in Ghana again.

All in all, I think it was fair to say that being mugged wasn’t actually as bad as having to spend a combined total of nine hours at the police station, where their idea of customer service is asking you to marry them before they leave you sat on a bench for an hour.

Being mugged wasn’t as bad as having to spend nine hours at the police station where they ask you to marry them and leave you sat on a bench for an hour The best was yet to come though.

Once back in England, I got on with filling in my insurance claim. Unfortunately without the receipts for any items lost or stolen you cannot claim, and I had long since forgotten where my camera receipt had been kept. So after all that, my police report was completely redundant. Now that’s what you call Sod’s Law.

FEATURES 15

gairrhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

MY PLANE CAUGHT FIRE...IN MID AIR

The thought has run through most of our minds that our plane might suddenly descend into the English Channel as we return from our holidays. Well it very nearly happened to Robin Morgan “Please remain calm.” The steward’s voice breaks into a pre-pubescent wail during his announcement. Not exactly confidence-inspiring.

We’re currently descending over the English Channel. There’s an irritating beeping sound that’s echoing through the plane, combined with a more irritating feeling of impending doom.

The whole flight has been a fucking disaster. The plane we are on looks like a Wright Brothers’ reject, with a severe lack of engines – instead they’ve kindly supplied us with two propellers. Nice one.

I should explain. On a flight from Paris CDG to Cardiff Airport (which is situated in Barry), my plane started to fill up with smoke. This was coupled with us slowly descending towards the ground and therefore a cheeky side effect of crashing.

Needless to say, I was incredibly calm and useful, providing witticisms and riddles for the passengers to mull over before their inevitable death.

Nah, I was shitting myself.

The pilot then told us that there was smoke coming from the cockpit, but not to worry, because they can’t locate

a fire! Happy fucking days!

We’re being diverted to Gatwick, which I’m pretty sure is not that close to Cardiff. The plane lands and after ten seconds (literally) we’ve halted to a stop in the middle of the runway.

Cue the mass panic of people scrambling to get off the plane.

The pilot told us that there was smoke coming from the cockpit, but not to worry, because they can’t locate a fire We trot out into British weather, a light drizzle welcoming us back to Blighty. That mystical cockpit fire (perhaps a new STD in a few years) might have been useful for warmth, in hindsight.

We’re all led onto a patch of grass off the runway, which is feasibly safe

from planes roaring past.

There’s a bit of a delay in getting everyone onto the same place, as half the passengers have pulled out their phones, taking pictures of the stranded plane, probably to have as their profile picture when they get the chance to upload it onto Facey-B. I had my priorities in order – I rang my Mum. Jokes aside, luckily no-one was hurt. Some of us (The “Flybe 46”, as I’ve started to brand us as...) clearly were shaken up by the whole thing.

One kid, with a double-strength Cardiff accent, piped up with “Mammy, am I going to miss CBeebies now?”. Priceless.

The only thing that was now going through my mind was that the whole experience wasn’t that spectacular.

A few explosions here, couple of destroyed wings there – THAT would’ve made a great feature. It might even have made national news.

But no, the only media coverage this got was from Real-bloody-Radio.

Since I had bought a plane ticket, I rather foolishly assumed I would be travelling home by plane. No? Train maybe? First class due to all I’ve been through? No? Oh, a coach ride on the M25 during Friday rush hour? Yes

please!

This coach was made bearable by the brilliant human being sat in front of me. A twenty year old man from Abedare named Gary, just coming back from his honeymoon in Paris (which he’d described as ‘shite’) did indeed get a phone call off Real Radio to ask about his experiences.

You do start to go through the whole...dying thing...a bit Live on air, he’d asked ‘’who the fuck gave you my number? My Mum? Cracking.’’ At that point, I think I loved that man more than the fact I was alive.

A week after the “event” (notice all the Lost references – my whole experience felt like what the show would’ve been like if the show had been funded

by Living TV), another plane from the same airline had another emergency landing at another British airport.

Again, no-one injured, a very Brit-

ish accident, what with all the bother about replacement transport and the like! Golly gosh! But anyone who has experienced an emergency landing, or a faux-emergency landing, will know – you do start to go through the whole...dying thing...a bit.

Okay, mainly I was trying to think of some sort of philosophical, witty ‘last words’ scenario, but that didn’t go to plan when the flight attendant went around, asking everyone if they were alright – my response was “I’m cool.”

If we had died at that point, well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be a happy boy for a selection of reasons.

This holiday “nightmare” is more of a bad dream, let’s be honest. Noone exploded, there wasn’t any real disaster stories or war wounds I could come back with. I was more hurt at paintball the week after (emotionally – I wasn’t invited to play...).

If I was to summarise, my experience was more Airplane! than Air Force One, but that’s not going to stop me retelling it, with more added action, drama and romance. Maybe one day it’ll be a straight-to-DVD release.

A man can dream...

16 FEATURES

A

...is for Alcohol

...and plenty of it! You’re guaranteed to find a pub in Cardiff with drink offers on any night of the week, so don’t spend any more than you need to! Bulk buy where possible with you flatmates, and stick to the Union at the weekend as town tends to be expensive.

G

...is for Greasy fry-ups

Whether you make it yourself or eat out, fry ups cannot be beaten as a hangover cure. Or even if you just need a full stomach before a difficult day ahead, the ridiculous calorie intake is worth every mouthful. Cafe 37 on Senghennydd Road do a really good fry up, topped off with an all important giant mug of tea.

N

...is for Nightline

This is a student welfare telephone help line scheme run by students. These student volunteers provide information and an understanding ear for fellow students with problems and help them to find solutions. You can call the nightline on 02920 223 993 between 8pm and 8am all through term time, with any problem - big or small.

U

...is for the Union

It’s there for you, so make the most of it! You might not make it beyond the second floor nightclub in Freshers’ fortnight, but there is a goldmine of valuable services beyond the usual drinking holes, including the Advice and Representation centre, the Student Development Unit, the Student Entrepreneurial Centre, the Student Volunteering Centre, Student Council, the Athletics Union base and all the societies info... not to mention this year’s team of eight sabbatical officers who hold your Union together. It’s there for students and it’s run by students, so get involved!

gairrhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

B

C

...is for Bruises

Specifically, unexplainable bruises that miraculously appear alongside the stinking hangover the morning after.

Stiletto bruises are a particular pain, so heel-clad Fresherettes, watch where you stand or you won’t be making friends any time soon!

H

...is for Hoodies

There’s no worse feeling than being in a 9 o clock lecture with a bad head, so get yourself a Cardiff University hoodie from the Union shop and win yourself a few extra minutes in bed by just throwing it over your pyjamas for lectures.

O

...is for Chippy Lane

It’s incredible how appealing the Blackpool-esque lights and rancid smells of Caroline Street can appear after a night out on St. Mary’s Street. Full to the brim of take away shops, from Chinese to pizza, this street is guaranteed to relieve your post-partying munchies.

I

...is for ID cards

You’ll have to join the mammoth queue to get them, but you’ll need your student card all over campus. Not only this, but some fab discounts are available all over the high street, and it’s always worth asking shops if they do discounts even if they aren’t advertising it.

...is for Overdue books

When you’re strapped for cash, the last thing you need is a whopping fine for a book you haven’t even used for weeks.

It’s simple to renew books via the online library resources at http://library. cardiff.ac.uk/.

P

...is for Pasta

Cheap, filling and so easy to make you’ve got to love it. Check out the food section of Quench for great student recipes.

J

...is for J

This is a fantastic serv Union provides for all us Visit the union and giv your details in order to of any upcoming jobs, b and one-offs. It’s a conve ible way to earn some ca empty pockets.

t fres at Q

...is for Q

Four questions always a Freshers week: Name? W from? What course are y Where are you living? It tedious what with all the during first year, but questi always break the ice, so st

V

...is for Vodka Island

Still billed as one of Cardiff’s biggest student nights, Monday night at Tiger Tiger always promises to be a good one. Tuesday morning Red Bull jitters are a nightmare to get rid of though, so try and avoid them by keeping an eye out for the other offers available.

W

...is for Walkabout

Notably Thursday’s Bounce night. The cheesy music and cheap drinks at the St Mary’s St. venue are well worth the sweatiness and slight sense that you’re in a meat market! Different fancy dress themes every week stop it getting too tedious, so keep an eye out for what they’ve got to offer over Freshers!

FEATURES 17

gairrhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

D

...is for Drugs

Lectures should be saved for the lecture rooms, but don’t ruin Freshers week by being careless with your drink. Drinks spiking happens, even in the lovely city of Cardiff. Spending a night spewing your guts out in a hospital bed won’t be the classiest start to your university years if you end up in hospital in the first week, and I doubt the new flatmates would be too impressed either!

Jobshop

vice which the s skint students. ve Jobshoppers o receive news both permanent enient and flexash to fill those

the shers' to z

K

E

Long and tedious, especially with a sore head. But it’s got to be done, and it’s actually a good way to meet and suss out your future course mates. First impressions are everything, so seeing as you have to be there make the best of a bad situation!

...is for Kebabs

X

...is for Xrated photos

These are always going to end up on Facebook or Bebo! If you want to save face with any respectable relatives, you may want to discreetly delete them as ‘friends’ before Freshers’ Week, they probably don’t want to see any of your bits on display!

T

...is for Teabags

S

There really is nothing better than a cup of tea. Invite course mates back for a cuppa (or ‘paned’ if you want to get your Welsh in shape!) and get to know them, or just get cosy with your new flatmates over a mug of tea.

...is for SAFE sex

Sex ed. in school was laughable, but they had a point. SHAG is the university’s Sexual Health Awareness Group, located on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union situated inside the SVC lounge.

Free contraception is available from the office, as well as a multitude of information on all things sex related.

Y

...is for Y-oh-y?

Okay okay, so this one’s a bit of a cop out, but I’m hoping you detect a theme with the morning-after-regret. An essential sensation for any self-respecting Fresher.

...is for Money

It’s more or less inevitable that you’ll be skint after Freshers’ week, so revitalize the bank balance by shopping later at night to get the discounted food.

Tesco reduces some fresh foods by 90% later on tin the evening so it’s well worth a visit. Websites such as www. studentbeans.com also offer some great deals via email!

Lec·ture n. An exposition of a given subject delivered before an audience of second years... but you might want to try a few before the end of term!

Mega useful, and you can probably get your money’s worth in a handful of journeys. They offer a third off full adult prices for £24 per year, and you can buy them online at http://www.1625railcard.co.uk/. If your student account is with Natwest, make sure you claim your free 5 year railcard before the offer runs out, it’ll save you over £100!

asked during Where are you you studying? can get a bit introductions ions like these tick with it.

M

...is for Lectures

...is for Railcard

...is for Facebook

The amount of hideous photo tags on most students’ Facebook profiles should be sky high by the end of Freshers’. Join the Cardiff University network so that you can find people easily, and start a thread to keep in touch with friends back home.

L

Sadly, another inevitable part of Freshers week! No matter how health conscious you’d like to think you are, it’s incredible how appealing a chicken kebab can look at the end of a night out!

R

Questions

F

...is for Enrolment

z

...is for Zzzzzz...

Burning the candles at both ends will mean you’ll have to get used to scheduling some nap times in between lectures. If you’re terrible in the morning as well, put your alarm clock the other side of the room- never fails to get you out of bed for fear of upsetting the new flatmates!

18 FEATURES

gairrhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Who we are and what we do T MEDIA

EN NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING STUD

Education and Welfare officer Nick Yates with Horizon's award

INSIDE:

A HUGE LET-DOWN

agency with their letting ndents satisfied y Just 30% of respo y' according to surve 'worst letting agenc Agents, Keylet and andInthea landlord.” the statement Peter Vidler,said: Horizon awarded for ‘Cardiff’s Worst Letting Managemenaret expected to provide a Director of Keylet,

CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

freeword - EST. 1972

ISSUE 895 MAY 04 2009

SUMMER BALL:

THE LATEST ON THE LINE-UP News,

page 3

NO FAITH IN HUMANITIES

Letting agents laid bare >>page 4

Managing Pinnacle award service to tenthe past 12 months, to the gair rhydd 'Over the course of quality professional Agency according 3,000 cusSurvey.’ Horizon ants. have conducted over - as we do 2008 Housing ALMA says we the award, and Regarding their policy, the growth tomer satisfaction surveys2% of them refused to accept on their achieveyear - and only the association 'encourages declined to comment The industry every gair rhydd 2008 practice in the letting ALMA contained negative comments. the ment.

The results of the the agen- of best Wales. do not reflect have for the first gair rhydd figures According to the survey,‘very poor’ throughout South of Housing Survey of extent of the satisfy strict condi- experience of the vast majority cy averaged a ranking customer care, members must are time revealed the join and remain in Keylet tenants, of which there face in getting politeness, 'poor' tions in order to problems students from their staff Cardiff.'

Association.' quality compared membership of the survey indicate 3,250 in and around and 'poor' property a satisfactory service 'Our door remains the of Cardiff. in continued: results agent He The expectations. letting believes they letting with respondents to that responded to 77 of 92 respondents with the open to any tenant who tenancy that A Horizon tenant 70% of the survey’s service pro"Staff are that the with their not satisfied were dissatisfied with agent, while the survey commented: do Keylet were of 55 have issues out never 36 with'.

They they provided. they are not satisfied Housing Survery rude to customers. vided by their letting and delay service not satisfied with letting agent did The gair rhydd 2008 y produced respondents were what they have promised 72% said that their provided. for money, independentl value an Pinnacle problems.” good was the service vey provide the solving not out to all “Keylet were 2008 Housing survey, the most that was emailed One respondent said: The gair rhydd According to the nt. The house survey that other letagency was third year and above a constant disappointme with mould, students in their dissatisfactory letting 27 respond- Survey also indicated students in Ocfailed to satisfy of the a complete disaster, and all postgraduate ting agencies that Horizon, with 26 to the sur- was were not satisThe problems, even tober. 546 students responded, which even 50% of respondents , Keylet, rats, damp etc. ents saying that they very serious, were accounts for 7.1% of the target poputhey provided. include 2let2students though they were fied with the service phone calls Yates, the vey and Pinnacle. resolved until several lation.

Last Thursday Nick Officer of Imperial, 4let, CPS ALMA, the not emails had been sent to Keylet As members of Education and Welfare and and Union, Letting Students' of Association Cardiff University Horizon with an attempted to present

QUENCH Noel Fielding exclusive free inside

University plans to slash lifelong learning courses Proposals would end lifelong learning provision for Humanities & Welsh students 140 jobs under threat FULL STORY - PAGES 4 & 5

Hot Chip ON VEILED THREATS, BEING BRITISH, AND WRESTLING

Sarah Powell News Editor

ain mount res u t n e v d a swn al festiv your art on rstep doo

NEWS

Eleanor Joslin News Editor

Students discover squatter in their shed A group of sunbathing first-year students were shocked to discover a homeless lodger living in the garden shed of their student house.

The students were making the most of the hot weather on Tuesday 21 April when they discovered items belonging to a mystery guest after they looked in their garden shed.

One of the students told gair rhydd: “We had decided to go and revise on the roof of the shed when we came across a hole up there. When we looked inside we saw a mattress on the floor, as well as biscuits, bottled water and clothes.”

The house on Ruthin Gardens is part of Cardiff University’s Senghenydd residences and the students quickly reported the discovery to staff at Senghenydd reception.

After explaining the events, the students were told that security guards would be sent to investigate.

They were disappointed with the lack of support and advice from University staff, saying: “It was obvious that they didn’t believe us when we told them about the lodger and they were really unhelpful about it!”

When University security guards and maintenance staff visited the house they secured the shed to prevent further intrusions by sealing the door from the alleyway behind the house where it is believed that the lodger entered. continued on page 3

Speed Dating: exposed!

8 HOUSING GAIR RHYDD 200S UNVEILED: SURVEY RESULT

gair rhydd

Noel Fielding

...reveals

re the futu

of the

BUILD your own Bond boosh

FLORENC E & THE MACHINE THE YES M

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BLIND DA TE: LIVE

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words - an antholo INSIDE: creative

students

PHOTO: NATALIA POPOVA

by Cardiff gy of creative writing

C F FO KET R S U FI REE GR P LM AB S

ER 24 2008

ISSUE 883 NOVEMB

freeword - EST. 1972

T WEEKLY

CARDIFF'S STUDEN

FREE

+1 TI 0

gair rhydd

FREE

rhydd Huw StePHens: The brains behind Swn festival

gair

Here to help

LAUREN LAVERNE Beat you r hangov er

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uid?

SIGN UP AT THE SOCIETIES FAYRE & COME ALONG TO OUR RECRUITMENT PARTY: SOLUS, SEPTEMBER 28, 6:30PM

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FIND US ON THE 3RD AND 4TH FLOOR OF THE STUDENTS' UNION

Ed Carey President

Michaela Neild

Rich Pearce

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Academic & University

Finance & Commercial

Societies, Events & Activities

Ed Dolding

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Welfare, Campaigns, Comms

Healthcare Integration

Head of Student Media

Olly Birrell AU President

For many students, starting University is a daunting prospect.

But for students with disabilities or learning difficulties, the transition into Higher Education can be even harder. This week, gair rhydd sat down with the Unions Students with Disabilities Officer, Dominic Stone, to discuss the support that is available to students.

“My job is to listen and represent the views of disabled students to the staff at the University and the Students Union. I’ll happily meet and talk with anyone who wants to – I promise I’m friendly! I can offer advice or will happily talk to tutors on behalf of students if that is the best course of action. Basically, I’m here to help!”

Dom recalls delaying asking for help when he first started at Cardiff because he didn’t want to be seen as a burden to the staff – something he now confidently dismisses as a mistake.

“It’s understandable for people to be worried to ask for help at a new institution, but the team here at Cardiff are brilliant and really supportive. It is actually in a student’s best interest to speak to someone sooner rather than later because it will enable the University to put in place the extra support they need sooner.”

When questioned further about this additional support, Dom responds, “There is a lot of additional support available to disabled students and those with learning difficulties. This can range from the loan of equipment to organising alternative exam arrangements. Students will be required to attend a Student Support Assessment Centre where their individuals’ needs will be considered when deciding on the best way the University can support them.”

So what is Dom’s advice? Speak to someone as soon as possible. “All Cardiff tutors and lecturers will be willing to help. It’s probably best to email them in the first instance because like students, they sometimes have little time between lectures too! Students can also e-mail me confidentially at stonedc1@cardiff. ac.uk and I’ll happily advise them on

COLUMNIST 19

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2009

e b o T . . . .

K N A FR

'A' IS FOR AVERAGE F

irst things first. Hello Freshers! Welcome to Cardiff, as one of the t-shirts in the union shop says, ‘probably the best university in the world’.

Well, probably not. In fact, judging by recent rankings, we’ll probably be around 193rd by Christmas.

Still, it’s pretty good, right? And besides, that kind of thing is irrelevant these days, as you no doubt are familiar with the fact that there will be no jobs by the time we graduate anyway…so you might as well relax and enjoy the ride.

Congratulations, by the way, on getting your offers and managing to get your grades – I bet you, like the rest of us, went through at least one of a plethora of emotions that come with opening the little results envelope; jubilation, relief, even disappointment perhaps. And I bet (like the rest of us) that most of you proceeded to go and get duly hammered at the nearest Weatherspoons straight afterwards – and now here you are. Well done.

According to a teacher, 'even monkeys could get A-levels' nowadays Appreciate that for a moment won’t you? For I’m sure you, like those of us more wise and experienced in Uni life, are bloody tired of the media, the government, and seemingly every other person in between trying to take away from your achievement. ‘More A-levels at grade A than ever before!’

They cry. ‘It’s not like it was in my day!’ They shout. Even Monkeys can get A-levels! They yell. Hang on… eh?

Yep, that’s right. According to the front page of that bastion of intellectual thinking, that pillar of respect, The Metro, that is the case nowadays. No, this is not some scientifically proven fact, merely a statement by an irate government employee – yet it still makes front-page headlines (so must be fact, right?). You, my friend, are no smarter than a hypothetical ape. Gutted.

The argument is that with re-sits, modular courses, and an increased focus on teaching students exam technique, the A-level system is a great deal easier than it was 10 years ago.

A NOT-SO FRESH START H

Results seemingly support this theory – over 25% of A levels are now at grade A. According to ‘think tank’ Civitas, A-levels are now simply a ‘means to an end’ of getting into University. Needless to say, their opinion must be taken with grave solemnity (after all, it was thought up in a tank!).

Seriously though, it boggles the mind these days what these government reports come up with, doesn’t it? I hope someday little old monkey-me, with my poxy A-levels, will be able to come up with such profound judgments.

Now I must say, the article raises some good points, that increasingly high A-level results make it a lot harder for top-end institutions to distinguish between the best candidates. This issue, combined with the increased number of students going to university and the decrease in jobs amid the current economic downturn, seem to reach a daunting conclusion.

To paraphrase: we’re all fucked.

Giving a two grade headstart to poorer University applicants is not equality

ello 2nd and 3rd years! Yes, it’s that time of year again, when after a long and monotonous/rich and wonderful (delete as appropriate) summer, we all flock back to Cardiff to begin a new year of watching too much daytime telly and becoming all-too proficient at Ring of Fire.

Yep, it’s Freshers week, so take a moment will you to look fondly back at the few memories of your Fresher week… all those questions, wondering around the many fairs in the great hall signing up to things for free beans, trying to chat up your flatmates who you now find as sexually repulsive as a sibling – those were the days, eh?

You’re probably thinking ‘Hell, second year actually counts… that’s it, no more Vodka Island for me!’ You may perhaps envisage that the best days of Uni, as a carefree first year, are behind you. But you’d be wrong.

Damn wrong. Being a fresher is overDavid Bailey had clearly lost his touch. rated. Yeah, halls are awesome, but So what do the government do could come spewing out of their tax- having a student house crammed with about it? Well, two things. Decisive wasting mouths. people you actually know and love action, a two-pronged attack, someis far and away a better experience. thing to make nay-sayers tremble in Yes, work may actually count now, fear at their pro-active might: they but the majority of that comes during decide to subsidise gap years for the the exam period anyway, and that’s poorest graduates(see Emma Davies' months from now! article). And... they decide to think One thing though. Just a lil’ un. Just about it. Probably in tanks. Finally, because you are big bad returnees, a reason for our presence in Afghanidon’t ignore everything that is going stan. perhaps Browny, Mandelson and on for the Freshers. Embrace it, and Alistair Eyebrows can go for a nice try and think back to your enthusiasm pensive drive around Hellmand provlast year that may have dulled as the ince, see if that doesn’t wake them up months progressed. a bit.

For all of you who, like me, spent Don’t get me wrong; I’m an abso- first year free-wheeling, doing nothDo you know what great idea has been come up with through thinking lute supporter of equality. But clearly, ing except getting wasted and havabout it? Business Secretary Lord by definition, that isn’t what this is. ing fun, maybe this year get involved Mandelson is looking at an idea, It’s another ridiculous ploy by a hap- with something. Whether it be a socibacked by campaigners, of giving less labour government that frankly ety, sport, volunteering, even Student poorer students up to 2 grade head needs to shut-up, sit down and watch Media (shameless, aren’t we). Getting starts in their A-levels to help them themselves get hammered in the gen- involved in activities will not only get into the best Universities. Yes, you eral election. Then they can go sit in vastly increase your social circle, your the dunce corner and think about what skills and your employability, it’s also read that right.

Need I bother highlight the epic they’ve done while the equally awful invariably some of the most fun you’ll failings of this downright insulting Conservatives take their turn screwing have during the years you’re here. A notion? Not only is it an insult to all the country over. recent report published in The Times Are A-levels too easy? Perhaps. showed that 40% of all students had the pupils, teachers and schools in the country who work so hard over the But looking at the people at the top of either received a job offer, or an intwo years to attain their grades, but it the tree; at the monstrously moronic terview, through someone they met at is a grossly unfair and ludicrous prop- MPs sitting in Westminster and the University. I’m willing to bet that a osition. I mean honestly – they’ll hurt bumbling gambling addicts sitting great deal of those weren’t from playthe feelings of the hypothetical mon- red-faced at their desks in the City, I ing beer-pong. keys that tried so hard! It is a testiment am more than inclined to disagree. I So to all you returnees, have an amazto the comic genii that are our govern- think it’s pretty obvious: it’s us get- ing year, and remember. When you ment that on one day two equally hi- ting smarter. Perhaps the future isn’t were a fresher, you had an excuse. larious and insulting announcements so bleak after all.

This time around, you don't.

The government should just sit down and watch themselves get hammered in the next election

20 POLITICS

gairrhydd | POLITICS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Devo – What?

Steffan Powell brings you the dummy's guide to Welsh politics

For those of you who have crossed the border (or even several borders) to get to Cardiff you may have noticed that things are a little different here in Wales to where you call home.

The signs are bilingual, the rain clouds hang perpetually overhead and laws that affect your day-to-day life aren’t just made in London – the largest county in England Wales is not.

For those political anoraks out there (you know who you are) devolution should not be a new concept.

Since 1998 Scotland and Wales have had the power (within reason) to make their own laws. I won’t bore you with the details of the Scotland Act of 1998 and the Government of Wales Acts 1998 and 2006 but suffice to say that things can be significantly different here compared to England.

What’s so different I hear you cry?

Well the National Assembly for Wales based in Cardiff Bay (along with loads of nice restaurants - you should take your parents next time they're down) has the power to make laws in 20 different areas.

From Agriculture through to the Welsh language, including education and health, the Assembly makes decisions every day that could affect your day to day life here - meaning that you

should have some idea what’s going on down there.

So by ways of introduction to “yr hen Wald” (the old country) here’s your thirty second guide to the current situation in the National Assembly for Wales.

Signs are bilingual, the rain clouds hang perpetually overhead and laws that affect your day-to-day life aren’t just made in London The National Assembly (like Westminster) has a government made up of the majority party (or parties) and is known as the Welsh Assembly Government (or WAG for short).

The WAG holds the executive power of the Assembly and therefore makes the vast majority of the laws that the Assembly passes (like free prescriptions for all for example). The

WAG is headed by the First Minister.

The First Minister (head honcho, el presidente, Welsh Prime Minister) is a 69-year-old man called Rhodri Morgan.

An old Labour stalwart, the Assembly member for The Welsh Assembly building, the Senedd, dominates the Cardiff Bay skyline Cardiff West has been in likely to affect you. Rhodri Morgan is ing Tories. the top job since 2000 and They nearly gave up on Wales a stepping down (and so there will be a has an astonishing approval rating of few years back after having been re- new First Minister) – and top up fees 68%.

He leads a coalition Government soundingly trounced here at nearly ev- may well be one the political footballs consisting of the Welsh Labour Par- ery election for some time. But after being played with in the race for his ty and Plaid Cymru (The Party of some steady improvement things may successor.

The Assembly and Westminster will Wales). The two make interesting bed just be looking up for the blue party.

Having managed to beat Labour decide whether or not to hold a referfellows because they have been sworn into second place in the recent Euro- endum on the scope of the Assemblies enemies for about 40 years.

Both parties are rooted in the Welsh pean elections, the first time Labour powers. This could see it given even left wing tradition which is clearly have lost the popular vote in Wales more law making powers.

There will be a general election – visible in their governing document since 1918, the Conservatives are “The One Wales Coalition” which looking to gain even more influence which doesn’t change the composition of the Assembly (it has its own elecsets out their aims and objectives for in the upcoming General Election.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are tion) but will change its relationship government.

I don’t have time to go through it all the smallest party in the Assembly with Westminster no doubt.

And there are big debates ongoing with you - but the most striking poli- with 6 AMs. But they do have the only cies are for a new affordable housing female leader down the Bay. Brecon as to where budget cuts will be made law, a plastic bag tax, a revamped sec- and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams - will students still be eligible for free ondary education system and a new has been in charge since Christmas prescriptions, for example?

So remember you’re not in Engand many think that she will turn the Welsh language law. land any more – if you have a problem The Conservatives are the main parties fortunes around.

Over the next 12 months there is a it could very well be that it’s up the party of opposition in the Assembly with just twelve of the sixty AMs be- lot going on down in the Bay which is Welsh Assembly to sort it out.

To withdraw, or not to withdraw?

Adeniran Haastrup examines whether British troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately A recent poll for the independent showed that 52% of the British public feel that the troops should be brought home immediately.

Three quarters of the respondents felt that the armed forces did not have enough equipment to succeed in the mission and interestingly 60% felt that more resources and troops should not be sent into Afghanistan.

58% felt that the Taliban could not be defeated militarily with only 31% believing the war could be won.

This collapse in public support for the war comes as the number of dead soldiers rises above 200 a number which now surpasses the number of British dead in Iraq.

The government’s argument for committing British troops to the war was simple enough; defeat the Taliban thereby protecting the lives of British civilians, try to stop the opium trade which funded terrorist organisations and create structures to stop the Taliban reconstituting.

However these aims are not as simple as they seem. Afghanistan’s unforgiving mountainous terrain; the people are splintered into different ethnic and religious groups complicated by rival political factions and the involvement of Pakistan, means that pursuing a purely military solution is likely to be futile.

Critics of the war argue that being at war in Afghanistan makes an attack on the UK more, not less, likely, as the longer we stay in Afghanistan the more we are a target for foreign and home-grown extremists, therefore pulling the troops out immediately may be a good idea.

They also argue that the human cost of the war is a price that is not worth paying, the benefits of which are not immediately apparent.

Britain’s future in Afghanistan is undoubtedly the exit, but it would be wrong for Britain to pull out immediately for a number of reasons.

First let us put the number of war dead into context. Certainly each death

is a tragedy, but these are fighting men and women who went to war knowing death was a serious possibility.

The 200 soldiers dead account for roughly 1.03% of those killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Then the British did not pull out because of the casualties, but continued to fight.

Second, in areas which have been captured by the British forces pulling out would be disastrous for the Afghans who live there as the Afghan Army is now equipped to fill the vacuum that would be left if we were to withdraw.

We would be placing the lives of those men, women and children in danger from a Taliban which would undoubtedly reconstitute and torture those who dared not fight the British.

The ugly scenes in the swat valley over the summer where men were persecuted simply for not growing their beards by the Taliban illustrates what will happen.

There is also the issue of the rival

political factions to consider. Therefore it would be unethical and immoral for us to abandon our duty of care to these people until we can be sure that the Afghan security forces are in a position to provide a reasonable level of protection.

These are fighting men and women who went to war knowing death was a serious possibility Third, although the war makes Britain a bigger target for terrorist attacks, the longer the Taliban has to keep fighting a war of self preservation the less time they have to properly plan attacks, and the fewer assets they have to wage their war on terror.

However whilst our military may be helping to maintain some form of stability, we will not be in a position to leave Afghanistan until we can accomplish a number of things.

We must seek to engage with moderate elements of the Taliban bearing in mind that there is no perfect solution for Afghanistan and compromises will have to be made.

We must start to recruit and train up the Afghan security forces, ensuring that the many ethnic groups are involved in the process, and we must start a programme of investment in Afghanistan to build transportation and infrastructure which will continue to create employment long after we are gone, so as to ensure that the people do not return to opium farming which will supply the more radical elements of the Taliban.

In essence, give them the necessary tools and know-how to continue this fight themselves so we can get out of Afghanistan.

LETTERS 21

gairrhydd | LETTERS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

the Comments from the week’s news, opinion, features and sport at www.gairrhydd.com

OMFG - The Backlash James --I also agree with Terry.

I feel a great deal of sympathy for poor Fr. Owens, who now finds himself abandoned by both his diocese and Cardiff University purely as a result of the power of the media in influencing such bodies, and the irresponsible representation of his comments by the BBC’s Big Questions and subsequent articles such as Gair Rhydd’s offensively titled ‘OMFG’ which ‘broke’ this story to the student body.

If this man loses his job, I hope that somewhere within the bodies that helped to manufacture his demise somebody’s conscience will twinge. I know journalists are not bad people, but journalism is a very powerful tool, and must be wielded responsibly.

Rhys --Just why does the university need a chaplain in the first place?

Kirsty --Both Terry and James seem to be thinking that the naughty BBC have misrepresented Father Owen’s views, and taken them ‘out of context’.

While I’m not going to insult your intelligence by presuming your are commenting without actually seeing the program (as many do), but as

someone else who saw it I think the allegation is entirely unjust.

Being the sort of show it is, Fr. Owen’s comments were not seen in isolation – he had time to speak, and was not cobbled together in editing to make him look bad.

While I would not think his comments to be in any way supporting paedophiles, his views did show a blatant underlying homophobia, and therefore I feel have no place in our University, or at all coming out of the mouth of a man who’s role is to represent his organisation to the press.

James --A fair point Kirsty.

By misrepresentation I meant the Gair Rhydd’s article which seemed to imply that Fr. Owen’s comments represented an association of paedophilia with homosexuality, and thence a denial of the problems in question.

His point was not even homophobic, it was that sex with male teens is more akin to a homosexual act than a paedophilic one.

I wouldn’t then go so far as to say what we are intended to infer from this, but it doesn’t seem to be any sort of association of paedophilia with homosexuality.

With regards to the BBC’s representation, I appreciate that we are not talking about heavy post-editing.

The problem was more one of context, and the fact that in the first place Fr. Owens was placed in the awkward position of defending his church in a very hostile atmosphere, it should be clear that the point Owens was mak-

ing was not received in the spirit in which it was intended.

I would certainly accuse Fr. Owens of a gross error of judgement in appearing on the show in the first place, and in overestimating the willingness of his audience to consider his comments critically.

I just don’t think it’s fair to infer from his comments that which has provoked the current reaction.

Terry --Hi Kirsty! Yes, I saw the programme and the studio audience certainly made one assumption – that the chaplain was saying there was a link between homosexuality and paedophilia. But he catagorically didn’t say that.

Fr Owen tried to continue with what he was saying but was cut across, and even shouted down, and instead of quietening the room to let him speak, the host only made things worse.

As Fr Owen himself said, people within the church don’t like to face the facts. As I see it, he was only analyzing the situation and facing important facts, ie. the nature of the abuse.

He certainly never made a link between homosexuality and paedophilia.

Cartoon controversy Rhys --As the only paper in the UK to

forum

reprint the cartoons at a time where every paper should have reprinted them, the Gair Ryhhd should be proud of its decision JC --The gair rhydd definitely shouldn’t be proud of their decision, inciting hatred and putting our students and our Union in danger of fundamentalist reprisal.

Oh definitely, that’s something to be proud of. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Adam Troth --The author of this article makes some good points. However, it is still riddled with holes.

If a majority of journalists were opposed to publishing the cartoons, then why were they published in virtually every Western nation?

I don’t think for one minute that the intention of publishing the image in Gair Rhydd was to offend, provoke or incite. I don’t even think it was particularly naive.

The picture was clearly chosen to give some context to a breaking international story.

Had Gair Rhydd gratuitously printed a “Cut Out & Keep Muslim Bashing Supplement” with the full set of 12 cartoons, then I think the editorial team would have made a huge mistake.

In terms of inciting violence, we should not have to walk on eggshells around any particular group of people.

Muslims often harp on about how they want to be treated “equally” with the rest of British society.

Ironically enough, when they are treated equally in being fair game for satire like everybody else, they kick up a fuss.

These are people who to quote Sam Harris “are roused into killing sprees by reruns of Baywatch.”

Is anyone seriously suggesting that Gair Rhydd should refrain from publishing images of Pamela Anderson for fear of offending Muslims?

Paul Stollery ---

Hi Adam, just thought I’d respond to your comment regarding the majority of journalists being against the cartoons being published.

In fairness, I probably didn’t use the correct words, what I really meant to say was that the majority of editors decided not to publish the cartoons, rather than the industry as a whole being against them.

Considering the fact that apart from one church newsletter in Bangor, gair rhydd was indeed the only publication in the UK to run them, I think it’s safe to say that they weren’t exactly widely published. Admittedly, there were quite a few newspapers and magazines worldwide that ran the cartoons, but the vast majority of newspapers, especially the mainstream ones, decided against publishing.

Just thought I’d clear that up.

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22 TAF-OD

gairrhydd | TAFOD@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

GWNEIR POB YMDRECH Mae gair rhydd yn rhoi cyngor am sut i gael y gorau o’chaddysg uwch trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg

P

WNC SYDD wedi cael sylw mawr ar dudalennau gair rhydd yw’r iaith Gymraeg, gyda’r Cymry Cymraeg yn cwyno na ddefnyddir digon ohoni gan brifysgol prifddinas Cymru, a’r di-Gymraeg yn dadlau bod gormodedd ohoni.

Mae gan y brifysgol gynllun iaith sy’n nodi’n ddigon eglur bod ‘cyfle cyfartal’ i’w weithredu.

Gellir gweld y cynllun ar wefan y brifysgol, http://www.cf.ac.uk/cymraeg/welsh/studyCardiff/langPolicy. shtml, ond hoffwn dynnu eich sylw at ambell bwynt penodol ar ddechrau’r flwyddyn academaidd newydd.

Er mai Ysgol y Gymraeg yw’r unig adran sy’n dysgu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, mae gan bob myfyriwr yr hawl i gael tiwtor personol sy’n siarad Cymraeg.

Hyd yn oed os nad oes aelod o’r adran honno’n medru’r iaith, ‘gwneir pob ymdrech i ddefnyddio aelod priodol o staff Ysgol gysylltiedig’ (7.3.1.).

Mae gan bob myfyriwr hefyd yr hawl i ysgrifennu ei draethodau asesedig yn Gymraeg, a sefyll ei arholiadau drwy gyfrwng yr iaith, gyda’r brifysgol yn darparu cyfieithydd.

Felly gwnewch ymholiadau â’ch

adran cyn gynted â phosibl - dyw pawb ddim yn ymwybodol bod hyn yn bosibl, ond mae gennych eich hawliau.

Bydd gofyn i chi anfon cais ar ffurf llythyr cyn dyddiad arbennig er mwyn sicrhau’r trefniant priodol. Bydd y cyfeiriad a’r dyddiad perthnasol yn rhifyn nesaf Taf-Od. Ifor Gruffydd sy’n rheoli Cynllun Iaith y brifysgol, ac os oes gennych unrhyw ymholiadau pellach, cysylltwch ag ef, naill ai ar 02920 874 792, neu trwy anfon e-bost at GruffyddI@caerdydd.ac.uk

gairrhydd | SCIENCE@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 23

Predicting Panic

Priya Raj looks at some of the symptoms and solutions of anxiety that can affect students in their first days away from home

I

magine the scene: first day at University away from home, no familiar faces in sight armed only with a timetable so terrifying it’s enough to make you ill.

At first you feel a little uncomfortable, nauseated even. Your stomach has turned upside down and the palms of your hands turn cold and clammy.

As if out of the blue, your heart rate has elevated to an all time high and you feel alarmingly faint.

This is an all-too-common scenario at universities throughout the country, commonly described as ‘first day jitters’ or nervousness of some sort.

Occasionally however, the feeling can be so immense, experienced in many other situations that eventually this sequence of events attributes to the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the UK. They cover everything from panic disorder, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Each has its own particular symptoms and differs greatly from normal feelings of nervousness.

The most common to occur in late adolescents are panic disorders. These are very sudden, discrete periods of intense anxiety, mounting physiological arousal, fear, stomach problems and discomfort that are associated with a variety of somatic and cognitive symptoms. The onset of these episodes is typically abrupt, and may have no obvious triggers.

Although these episodes may appear to be random, they are a subset of an evolutionary response commonly referred to as ‘fight or flight’ that occur out of context. This response floods the body with hormones, particularly adrenaline, that aid it in defending against harm.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the UK Experiencing a panic attack is said to be one of the most intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experiences of a person's life.

Some of the symptoms include trembling, dyspnea (shortness of breath), heart palpitations, chest pain (or chest tightness), hot flashes, cold flashes, burning sensations (particularly in the facial or neck area), sweating, nausea, dizziness (or slight vertigo), light-headedness, hyperventilation, paresthesias (tingling sensations), sensations of choking or smothering, and derealization. These physical symptoms are interpreted with alarm in people prone to panic attacks. This results in increased anxiety, and forms a positive feedback loop.

There are many therapeutic options available, and the actual therapy given in the individual case should be discussed and chosen by

patient and doctor.

It is important to exclude alcohol or drug misuse as a factor and treat these problems if present.

A significant proportion of patients with panic disorder will undergo spontaneous remission of their illness.

However, the time this takes is highly variable and it appears difficult to predict which patients will improve without therapy.

Current treatment options include antidepressant drugs which have been shown to be effective in reducing the amplitude of panic, reducing frequency of or eliminating panic attacks, and improving quality-of-life measures in this group of patients.

In addition, Cogni-

tive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which include techniques that allow the recognition and control of cognitive triggers to panic, and behavioral approaches to ameliorate the effects of impending panic.

Panic disorder is real and potentially disabling, but can be controlled and

successfully treated.

Because of the intense symptoms that accompany panic disorder, it may be mistaken for a life-threatening physical illness such as a heart attack.

This misconception often aggravates or triggers future attacks.

As with many disorders, having a support structure of family and friends who understand the condition can h e l p increase the rate of recovery.

For more serious or active treatment, there are support groups for anxiety sufferers which can help people understand and deal with the disorder.

Government plans emissions revolution

Amy Hall discusses whether Government plans to create a sustainably low carbon future are realistic

I

n July, the government released the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan for a sustainably low carbon future with reduced emissions, less energy dependency and a projection that 1.2 million will be working in the green sector by 2020.

Released as a follow on to the widely criticised Climate Change Act 2008, this plan consists of a five point strategy to tackle climate change including ‘protecting the public from immediate risk’ - the World Health Organisation estimates that climate change already causes over 150,000 deaths each year.

The Plan indicates policies, like carbon budgeting, that the govern-

ment will push for at the Copenhagen UN Climate Change Conference in December.

Following the Kyoto Protocol, an ambitious and solid agreement needs to come out of Copenhagen, this time ratified by arguably one of the most important signatories, the USA. Carbon budgeting is meant to ensure Britain does not emit more that its fair share of greenhouse gases.

Energy and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband believes carbon budgeting is the best way to battle climate change.

“This is a transition plan for Britain, a route-map to 2020, with carbon savings expected across every sector and a carbon budget assigned to every government department alongside its financial budget.”

There are worries over budgets outlined in the Plan: James Murray on BusinessGreen.com writes, “Based on the latest climate science there is a real risk that the UK's carbon budgets are simply not ambitious enough and the government does no one any favours by ignoring this.”

By 2020, the government plans for 40% of the UK’s electricity to come from low carbon sources and to oblige electricity suppliers to sell energy from renewable sources.

Tom Delay, the Carbon Trust Chief Executive says "We need a seven fold increase in renewable energy generation in just 11 years. This can be achieved but will require not just a transformation in technology, but in political, economic and industrial

thinking.”

The government wants to fund up to four demonstrations of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), capturing and storing emissions from coal power stations. This will take a long time to develop cheaply, generating concerns that time and money would be better spent on tried and tested solutions.

Wales has taken action of its own with the Green Jobs Strategy aiming to improve both the economy and the environment, maximising on emerging green technologies and making existing businesses and industry more environmentally friendly.

The Sustainable Farming and Environment: Action Towards 2020 report recommends that the Welsh Assembly Government acts to achieve carbon

neutral status for agriculture by 2020.

There are fears that the government will not fulfil its plans and continue to make targets; policies such as airport expansion seem contradictory.

Alison Doig is Christian Aid’s Climate Policy Expert. She said: “the government's plans are good news for UK energy security, jobs and progress towards a low-carbon economy.

"Our fear is that they will not achieve enough to help keep the global temperature rise below 2°C and safeguard people in developing countries from dangerous climate change.”

Environmentalists will now be looking to Copenhagen in December for a worldwide and committed action plan.

24 LISTINGS

gairrhydd | LISTINGS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

K M E ON CU T M E OU T A ND ST IC

Don't fancy a club night?

We've plenty more to keep you busy...

Monday

YOU R WA LL!

YOUR INDEPENDENT GUIDE TO FRESHERS' FORTNIGHT

This week Russ Black will be off to see SMD Live at Solus. Electro/pop with a nod to nu-rave (RIP) seems to be the Cardiff way of late, and these guys tick all the boxes. Local promoters CYNT are putting this one on for us, let’s hope that this year it isn’t just two people dressed up in an afro wig and glasses.

Else we may well be as suspicious as when we got to see “Daft CYNT” at Clwb with two bicycle helmets appearing from backstage with glow sticks stuck on. The supports are the highlights here, with Young Fathers and local natives Telegram From The Queen.

These guys have more chance of making the kids jump (unless SMD resist playing tracks from their new record).

If you're into your theatre, and want to kick off the new term with a song and dance, head down to the New Theatre before Saturday 27th to catch Joseph.

Oh, and his technicouloured dreamcoat is rumoured to make an appearance. Tickets start at £8.50.

This week sees A470, Exit International, and Twin Atlantic at Clwb Ifor Bach, a.k.a. Welsh Club – six times winner of the best Welsh venue award. See www.clwb.net for details and future listings.

Last but not least – if your new housemates are as boring as mine (of course I'm joking) then the Glee club will sort you right out. From Thursday to Saturday this week, Andy Robinson plus guests will entertain you while you enjoy the meal promos. Tickets from £8.50 at www.glee.co.uk.

14th September

She Keeps Bees & Twi The Humble Feather & Attack Pattern, 10 Feet Tall, £TBA The band liken themselves to a bit of Howlin’ Wolf, PJ Harvey and Millie Johnson, but the very nature of this boy/girl duo will automatically cast people’s minds to the hallowed White Stripes and the early Kills.

FUN FACTORY, Solus, Free *weekly* See below

Tuesday

Wednesday

15th September 16th September FACT & ALL THE DAMN VAMPIRES, Barfly, £6/£5 flyer Since forming ten years ago over a mutual love for heavy music, the five-piece has been developing a unique, technically impressive sound.

THE USED, Solus, £16 American alternative rock band from Utah playing in our very own nightclub.

SOY UN CABALLO & THE GENTLE GOOD & LE B, Buffalo Bar, £4 Spanish for "I am a horse"... supported by Cardiff-based folk singer songwriter.

TIMES NEW VIKING & BANJO OR FREAKOUT & GINDRINKER, Buffalo Bar, £8/£7 adv Times New Viking are a lo-fi indie rock band from Columbus, Ohio, notable for their very loud, rough sound.

CLUB EXCHANGE, Solus, £2 Get ready for trading at the Club Exchange.

Throughout this stock market themed night keep your eye on the big screens as prices go up and down, and watch out for the market crash when drinks prices can fall to £1.

C-Y-N-T, Clwb Ifor Bach, £3 The biggest midweek rave this side of the Bridge. Expect big queues as students descend for their dose of Electro, Techno, Dubstep and DnB. Advance q-jump tickets from c-y-n-t. com

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

FUN FACTORY, Solus, Free *weekly* Pure indie/alternative at it’s best – free. One of the few Union nights to stick around more that a couple of years, it has a bit of everything. Drum ‘n’ Bass in one room, metal in t’other and indietastic tunes in the middle. A little something for everyone.

BOXER REBEL / HAMMERTIME, Barfly, £2 NUS; Gig £9 / £8 NUS Dust off your inlines and skate your way down to Barfly where you can disco-groove to the very best in cheesy pop anthems. It sounds awful, but it is actually quite a lot of fun if you give it chance. NB: Requires alcohol, unless Boxer Rebel can get people moving.

MICHAEL MACINTYRE, CIA, £30 + BF It may not be the ideal ‘Freshers’ night out, but if you can pass on one then you can catch one of the UK’s best new comedy talents. Get down to the CIA, get some giggles, then head on to one of the events below.

21st September

FEI COMODO, Barfly, £5 / £4 NUS /Don Broco/Hands Of Hate/My Life In The Knife Trade

NATIONAL COMPANIES FAYRE, GREAT HALL

22nd September

JUST DANCE, Clwb, £3 You have to have balls to pull off a GaGa inspired clubnight, and somehow these guys and gals do. Make it to the ground floor of Clwb and you won’t regret it. One of the best indie/pop nights in town.

ATRIUM SHOWCASE, Buffalo Bar, £TBC

LOCAL COMPANIES FAYRE, GREAT HALL

23rd September

CHEAPSKATES, Metros, £6 *weekly* Pretty pricey to get in, but once in, you will know where your money has gone. Not on the décor, not on the air-con, not on the soundsystem, but on the booze and toast. Late night breakfast is provided in order to soak up £1.19 double vodkas.

POPTART, 10 Feet Tall, £3 *weekly* Pop-tacular. Pop-ilicious. Pop-credible. Popular? I think not... if you fancy it, however, scour Queen Street for a flyer or two – you get in for free! With a free Popshot! This is a handy alternative if Metros folk scare you, and if you like some Britney Spears in your ears.

TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY, Solus, £3 Oh yes indeed – dust off your glowsticks and don the green t-shirts! What, you have a girlfriend?

Photoshop was probably invented for pretending you were in a red t-shirt before the telling pictures go onto Facebook...

SOCIETIES FAYRE, GREAT HALL

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 ◆ Tiger Tiger

LISTINGS 25

gairrhydd | LISTINGS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Thursday

17th September SLOW CLUB & SWIMWEAR JUNIORS & FIRST AID KIT & HUNKS, Barfly, £7/£6 flyer Could they be the UKs answer to The White Stripes? Their sound is rockabilly and somewhat folksy but thankfully their songs are fairly jolly affairs without a bit of teenage angst in sight.

GALLOPS, Buffalo Bar Furious, raw, motorised computer-led crankrock.

VIP RE-OPENING PARTY, SOLUS, £3 An exclusive night to celebrate the re-opening of Solus for the 09/10 year. If you are a Society or AU committee member, please email eagleb@cf.ac.uk for your free VIP wristband.

Friday

18th September OBLIQUE, Undertone, £4 Self-proclaimed 'Cardiff's finest' for house techno, this place is sure to please the average insomniac. Open 'til 4.

L.A. GUNS, TJ's, Newport, £11/12

Saturday

19th September DARREN HAYMAN AND THE SECONDARY MODERN + POPPY AND FRIENDS & PAGAN WANDERER LU, Clwb Ifor Bach, £7/8 COMEPLAY, Solus, £3 As below.

Sunday

20th September MONDAY MASSACRE & THE KEPT & HOTEL AMBUSH, Barfly, £5/£4 flyer Cardiff-based band Monday Massacre play the kind of powerful, upbeat hardcore and progressive metal that will have you singing, pumping your fist in the air and stage diving till the end of the night!

BOOMBOX, Solus, £3 See below.

INTERNATIONAL WELCOME PARTY & TWMPATH, SOLUS, £3 A chance to chat and make new friends in a relaxed atmosphere with a traditional Welsh Folk Dance, followed by a DJ.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, Solus, £12.50 Electro-duo SMD launch their massive UK tour in Cardiff. Think of a colourful with more pops and bleeps. Support from the glorious Young Fathers and local boys Telegram From The Queen.

Brought to you by CYNT.

BOOMBOX, Solus, £3 A brand new night from those that brought you LUSH and SIN BIN. So you will definitely be going... This, to be fair, has the makings of a fantastic night. Keep your eyes peeled for special guest DJs coming soon!

BEATBOX BALLROOM, Buffalo Bar, £4 / £3 NUS (£Free before 11pm)

FULL FAT SUNDAY SOCIAL, Buffalo Bar, £Free What's that? A free outdoor silent disco? I'll leave it at that.

24th September

25th September

LESSON NO1 & BETHAN ELFYN & FRIENDS, Buffalo Bar, £TBC Beinnin at 8pm with support from Lovves plus more, and Bethan is kindly offering some sweet and crunchy 'disco biscuits' afterwards. How thoughtful. Go get your rock cakes off in Buffalo...

F.A.K.E., Buffalo Bar, £4 / £3 NUS (£Free before 11pm) Bringing together a collection of the best electro and party DJs in the city (including the, ahem, massive TommyB), F.A.K.E. blurs the lines between beat driven party anthems to the best in underground electronic music.

AND SO I WATCHED YOU FROM AFAR, Barfly, £5 / £4 NUS Support comes from Chapters and Circa Regna Tonat.

GET YOUR ROCKS OFF, Barfly, £5 / £4 NUS With special guests and giveaways weekly, GYRO will make a special effort to make your Fridays something to look forward to!

LOL, Walkabout, £4 / £3 NUS You always say you'll never go back, but you always do... the cheesy anthems, the double vodka red bulls, the girls, the guys, whatever. It's always a laugh, until the standard Friday hangover.

SOCIETIES FAYRE, GREAT HALL

26th September

COMEPLAY, Solus £3 The Union's best night by far and the popular option for a Saturday night: chart tunes, cheap drinks. Get your tickets in advance at www.cardiffstudents.com, it'll probably sell out.

27th September

HOT MELTS, Barfly, £5 / £4 NUS With support from Get Out Clause. Once you're in, stay for the Flyswatter club night. Although it's not the best place in the world if you're not watching a, let's face it, shit indie band, it's a Saturday, and this is your only wallet-friendly option besides the union.

PAPARAZZI, Tiger Tiger, £3 Where the paparazzi is, Lady Gaga is. Where Lady Gaga is deserves to be called the 'sexiest night in Cardiff'. Dress to impress, and don't get lost. I can never find my way out.

ATHLETIC UNION FAYRE, GREAT HALL

(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 ◆ Greyfriar's Road 02920 391944 www.tigertiger.co.uk ◆ Tommy’s Bar, Howard Gardens (off Newport Road) 02920 416192 ◆

26 JOBS & MONEY

gairrhydd | JOBS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

Graduate corner

gair rhydd talks to Cardiff graduate Ami Spencer about setting up her own business Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi I’m Ami, I'm 21, and I’ve recently graduated from Cardiff Business School with a 2.1 BS Hons in Business Management.

I’m originally from Somerset but Cardiff has been my home for the last three years and I love it here.

Tell us a bit about your business where did the idea come from?

I’ve recently set up my own business selling fancy dress accessories to students, which is located downstairs in the Students' Union.

My shop is called Titivate, which literally means to glam/dress up! I hope to create a retro environment where students can come and pick out perfect dressing up pieces for any party experience.

Why fancy dress?

Basically everyone LOVES dressing up! From being a student myself I quickly learnt that fancy dress was a major part to Cardiff's student night life, yet it was always such a mission to get hold of anything at a reasonable price.

What kind of stuff will students be able to find in your shop? Can you promise the prices will be competitive?

My goal is to supply students with a range of fancy dress accessories which won’t break the student budget.

Avoiding full on fancy dress outfits (which prevents variety and student creative flare!), Titivate will offer a different selection of goods including; body paints, wigs, hats, tutus and most other vital fancy dress products, allowing you to piece together the perfect look.

What is your background in business? Do you have any experience?

Studying a business degree has given me significant insight into some of the elements I needed to think about when setting up Titivate, especially an Entrepreneur module I completed last year which focused on setting up a very similar business to this.

I’ve also learnt how even the

smallest jobs in retail which I’ve previously had, have helped in some way or another, and that the practical knowledge I’ve already gained from this experience has been invaluable.

friends, family and the union has also made this dream of mine possible, which I consider to be a key factor in where I am today.

You’re going it alone aren’t you?

What are your apprehensions about starting up a business on your own?

As a sole trader with no other business partners it is slightly daunting setting up this business on my own, especially in the current economic climate.

However I’m also extremely driven and determined to make it a success which has helped enormously as things don’t always go according to plan!

The support given to me from

What are your ambitions for the business?

Obviously as this is a new venture I’m apprehensive as to where it will take me in the future, however I hope that after a few successful trading years I can offer more to the student population.

I aim to work closely with student club nights and societies in order to make dressing up for themed nights out problem-free and easy.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years time I hope to have expanded into new premises in students' unions across the southwest, becoming a reputable fancy dress outlet who students want to associate with.

And finally, it’s quite brave of you to start up a business at such a young age and in the current economic climate - what advice would you give to people with similar ambitions?

My advice would be that if you have an idea that you’re passionate about then simply go for it.

Do your research, meet as many people who you think can help you and be open for suggestions.

I personally think that there is nothing more rewarding than working for yourself, making independent decisions and pursuing a project which means something to you.

FIVE MINUTE FUN 27

gairrhydd | FMF@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

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SPORT 29

gairrhydd | SPORT@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

THE WORD ON...

... how the 2009 tour put the Lions back on track Lucy Morgan Sports Editor WHEN ANY touring side heads to the Southern Hemisphere expectations are often fairly low and, when the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa began this summer, those expectations were no different. The Lions were, after all, heading to South Africa - the home of the world champions. With the disappointment and failure of the tours in 2001 and 2005 further adding to the evergrowing doubts of critics, questions were constantly being raised over The Lions’ ability to survive in the professional era.

However, come July 4 - after securing a 28-9 victory over the Springboks (an equal best score over South Africa in Lions’ History) - those critics were well and truly silenced.

After two excruciatingly close defeats, the final test was set to be a dead rubber but, to their credit, The Lions did not give up the fight. The way in which they cruised to victory in their final game was admirable and a sure statement from the entire Lions outfit that they were here to stay.

Scrum-half Mike Phillips summed up the feelings of the squad stating that reports of the Lion’s future being in doubt were “total rubbish and quite annoying”, adding that being selected for The Lions was “the biggest honour you can have”. Phillips clearly loved his time on tour. He was one of the outstanding players of the series and appeared to thrive on Lions ‘culture’. This ‘culture’, for want of a better word, was a huge contributor in making this tour so successful. Those who had been on previous tours highlighted this point with Martyn Williams describing the tour as “the best I’ve been on...it was like an oldschool tour”.

The Lions’ appeared to come together incredibly well As a unit The Lions appeared to come together incredibly well with players forever speaking of the fantastic atmosphere within the camp. Brian O’Driscoll was said to have told Tour Manager Gerald Davies that, when

sitting down for dinner on previous Lions tours, he had always looked to see who was at a table before sitting down. On this tour he just looked for empty chairs.

Bringing together players from four nations is not an easy task but head coach, Ian McGeechan, and his team seemed to get the formula just right. Players such as Mike Phillips and Ronan O’Gara - a pair well known for having their fare share of ‘disagreements’ on field when playing for both region and country – were sharing rooms and getting along as if they’d been team-mates for years.

McGeechan further showed his value as a coach when, after the disappointment of the second test defeat, he chose not to submit his side to an intense week of training but, instead, sent them away on safari. For a few days there was not a single rugby ball in sight. This proved to be a stroke of genius by the Lions’ head coach as the squad came back refreshed, closer as a unit and more determined than ever to prove their worth. The Lions succeeded in this aim and did so by playing a thrilling brand of rugby.

This tour was one of quite brilliant test match rugby where a number of players shone. Full-back Rob Kearny was magnificent throughout, Brian O’Driscoll proved he is still at the top of his game and his on field pairing with Jamie Roberts was the talk of the series. Cardiff University’s own had an exceptional tour resulting in him being named Player of the Series. His success only goes to show how important The Lions can be in the development of Britain and Ireland’s up-andcoming young stars. As Roberts said, “I learned so much from different coaches and players – it was a great experience.”

The Lions not only proved their worth on the pitch but off it they contributed to a number of projects and have left behind a genuine legacy something that was gratefully acknowledged by Springbok Captain John Smit: “As South Africans we

appreciate the time and effort they put into our country while here”. Both on and off the field they were true professionals and worthy bearers of the Lions’ jersey.

The tour was one of quite brilliant test match rugby This tour, however, has only provided a starting point. It was not perfect. The tour got off to a dull start with below par crowds, there were a number of controversial refereeing decisions and who could forget the furore surrounding Schalk Burger’s

eye gouging of Luke Fitzgerald?

Above all, despite the renewed faith in The Lions as a whole, the series itself was ultimately lost.

The British and Irish rugby unions must now learn from this tour and work to make sure that the Lions’ tour to Australia is even greater. The Lions must be given the chance to be successful and allowed the freedom to tour on their own terms. Seasons need to be built around the tours – as they are around World Cups – and coaches need to be selected earlier to allow more time for vital preparationHowever, despite the lows and the frustration of a series so closely fought, the 2009 tour will surely be remembered for reawakening the spirit of The Lions. The history books may record a series defeat but, in reality, the touring squad of 2009 scored a much greater victory: The Lions’ pride has been restored.

30 SPORT

gairrhydd | SPORT@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

TOP FIVE...

Sport Comment

Armstong: still the greatest Joe Davies Sports Editor

AS gair rhydd goes to press with this Freshers’ edition, we’ve yet to see, whether Roger Federer will win the US Open for a 6th successive year; whether Luca Badoer will remain the most experienced F1 driver never to score a point, when he takes to the wheel of the Ferrari; how England will fair in the fifth test at The Oval and whether Manchester City’s summer spending spree has led to the kind of form required to topple their arch rivals at Old Trafford in the Premier League. So an account of England’s draw with The Netherlands last night is hardly going to be topical reading.

Time then, for a moment’s reflection. It will not have escaped the attention of any sports fan, that this summer we were supposed to be blessed with witnessing the return of not one but two sporting greats, who both won the pinnacle of their chosen profession a record seven times.

Michael Schumacher was of course supposed to take over the wheel of the Ferrari in Valencia. After the German suffered severe neck pain during testing, however, as a result of a motorcycle accident in February, the return of the most successful racing driver in history was never to be. Schumacher’s comeback failing to materialise was a disappointment, but we did have the pleasure of witnessing the return of another sporting legend, who has also done great things on wheels, to arguably the greatest sporting challenge in the world – The Tour de France.

Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 25

Born in September 1971 in Plano, Texas, Lance Armstrong’s athletic prowess became clear at the early age of 13 when he began to win adult competitions as a triathlete. In the 19-and-under group, Armstrong was the number one-ranked triathlete in the 1987-1988 US Triathlon of Texas.

As an amateur, his points total in 1987 was better than the five professionals ranked that year. It soon became clear, however, that Armstrong’s greatest talent was in bicycle racing after he won the US Amateur Championship in 1991. In 1993 he became number one in the world, having won 10 oneday events and stage races, while taking his first stage win in the Tour de France.

Immediate surgery was required to save his life, after which the doctor admitted he had a 50 per cent chance of survival

Aware of this incredible feat achieved by Armstrong, I decided to take on the challenge of climbing the famous 21 bends a couple of weeks ago for my day off work in neighbouring Les Deux Alpes, where I’ve spent the summer.

And what a challenge it was. Seven tight hairpins from Bourg d’Oisans and forty minutes had passed.

Armstrong was already at the top.

Incredible. After two hours of constant climbing, the finish line, for me, was finally in sight.

As though my admiration and respect for Lance Armstrong and his achievements were not already high enough, after this most exhausting physical challenge where, for the first time, I was able to measure my fitness and stamina against the greatest road

After finishing 12th in the road race at the 1996 Olympic Games, Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer on October 2 that year, at age 25. The cancer had already spread to his lungs, brain and abdomen. Immediate surgery was required to save his life, after which the doctor admitted he had a 50 per cent chance of survival.

By January 1998, Armstrong was back in rigorous training for road racing, moving to Europe to race for the US Postal team. The following year he sensationally won the Tour de France by over 7 minutes from secondplaced rider Alex Zulle.

That historic 1999 tour win was not good enough for Armstrong, however, as, with Jan Ullrich and Marco Pantini not competing, the American felt he had not yet proven himself capable of beating the best in the world’s toughest cycling road race.

So, at the turn of the 21st century, a six-year rivalry began, which saw Armstrong triumph on each occasion and, in doing so, winning the Tour de France for a record seven successive years.

The 2004 Tour de France was Armstrong’s most successful, however, taking five stage wins and the team time trial up the famous 21 bends to Alpe d’Huez. The great American climbed the 21 turns, a distance of 13 kilometres, from Bourg d’Oisans to one of France’s best loved alpine resorts in a staggering 39 minutes. It takes around 20 minutes in a car…if you don’t get stuck behind a lorry.

LANCE ARMSTRONG: Legend

racing cyclist of all time, my admiration and respect for his achievements have increased ten-fold.

To finish the Tour de France is, of course, hugely impressive in itself. As for winning in not just once, but for seven successive years and it becomes difficult, almost, to find superlatives capable of putting into perspective this man’s success. This year he may have finished third but, without a doubt, Armstrong is still the greatest.

I doubt though, when he shot up those 21 bends to Alpe d’Huez like a rocket in 2004, Armstrong was riding a mountain bike with a rubbing front brake and a rucksack on his back stuffed with water bottles, mobiles, wallets, baguettes and oranges.

TOP FIVE...

SPORTING COMEBACKS

1.

Lance Armstrong - diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 that spread to his lungs, stomach and brain. After being given a less then 50% chance of survival but battled through to win a record 7th Tour de France title

2.

George Foreman - Quit in 1977 following defeat by Ali. However donned his gloves again in 1987 despite being massively unfit. In 1994 aged 45, he won the WBA and IBF world titles with a knockout win over Michael Moorer.

3.

Steve Redgrave - Retired after winning gold in his 4th consecutive Olympics in 1996. However he came back 4 years later to win another gold at 2000 Olympics in Sydney

4.

Michael Jordan - retired at 30 years of age in 1993 after the murder of his father. Returned in 1995 after an attempt at becoming a baseball player and won an emotional NBA Championship victory on Fathers Day 1996.

5.

Zinedine Zidane - Retired from international football in 2004 for France. Came out of retirement in 2006 to help take France to the final. Famously headbutted Marco Materazzi before being sent off in the very same final.

SPORT 31

gairrhydd | SPORT@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

A word from the President Adam Horne speaks to new AU President, Olly Birrell, about the sporting calendar and ... Barack Obama?!

AH: Mr. President congratulations on your appointment this year. Our Athletic union has its very own Barack Obama and one shouldering just as much power and responsibility as your American equivalent I suppose?

OB: My core responsibility as a sabbatical officer is in representing the student body, and in the context of AU President, representing anyone involved in sports or who has a passion or interest in sport.

Not only must I represent and help aid the success of current sports here at Cardiff, I must also look into ways of increasing participation and involvement throughout the student population as a whole. I really do have to look after the whole range from IMG and recreational sports to BUCS and performance sports.

AH: So busy man then. With the weight of our sporting world on your shoulders do you find any time to actually participate in sports here at the university?

OB: I’ve come from being President and Treasurer of the Mountaineering Club over the past two years so you could say I’m into my Rock Climbing and Mountaineering! I’ve also been involved in the AU Executive last year getting the chance to talk about more general issues and events in the AU. This year I hope to be able to take part in a load of other sports too and I’m seriously considering joining the Rowing or Canoeing Club and hopefully getting involved in an IMG team, but I have to find time for it all somehow!

AH: Sounds as though Pro Plus could become one of your closest friends this coming year. Between all your preparations for this coming year did you catch any sporting events outside university over the summer? Any favourites?

OB: Got to be the Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. I was glued to the seat for the whole match, it really inspired me to get more involved in tennis but then so does everything I’ve watched over summer such as the Lions, The Ashes and all the athletics and swimming records being destroyed, its been a good summer.

AH: It certainly has. Nothing on the level and excitement of the sport we play here at Cardiff though I bet. What sporting events are you looking forward to seeing this year at the university?

OB: Got to be the obvious one, Varsity, being back at Swansea for the first time in three years. They’re keen to put on one hell of an event, and I can’t wait to see what they will deliver.

AH: From Swansea’s results over the past two years I’d say they’d struggle to deliver a newspaper...

OB: Too right! Its bound to be a truly spectacular day, it always has been and I for one want to see us go out there and win the cup for the third year in a row, truly setting history and putting Swansea in their place! I encourage any fresher out there considering going to do it, it’s a day you will never forget, and that’s a fact!

AH: And I can certainly vouch for you there. Varsity is a must have date on your sporting calendar.

Of course success within sport hasn’t been quite so good in some areas of the university, IMG (InterMural Games) structure springs to mind. How do you plan to tackle those lows this year?

OB: IMG has already undergone massive improvements over this summer.

It is now to be administered by the sports and exercise division while

we, the students still control the content. This will allow myself and the new IMG committee to develop IMG as a whole in respect to bringing in new IMG events for the coming year, IMG one off events (watch out for the dodgeball tournament) and the IMG awards evening. We will be providing an IMG 7 and 11-a- side football league, a netball league with extended match times to 45mins and also a IMG touch rugby league with the hope of contact rugby come the end of BUCS season.

AH: Rest assured I’ll be taking part in the dodgeball tourney. Any other improvements on the horizon?

OB: I am already working on the development of the AU Executive and AU council structure, improved communications to teams and clubs, an online system with amazing capabilities never used in the UK before until now, changes to our website, a sports and SVC led volunteering scheme in early development, and a coaching fund and development scheme for clubs going forward. I’ve got so many things going on right now its insane here in the AU. AH: Well as Spiderman’s granddad would probably tell you, with great power comes great responsibility.

What assurances can you give the students that the promises you make this year will be kept?

OB: I’m in a much stronger position this year, working along side the new Head of Sport Stuart Vanstone who is really keen to push forward with the union’s sports strategy, something we have lacked here in the university and union for what seems like decades.

With this new focus and direction I’m confident changes can, and will occur.

Involvement from AU council and

AU Exec to make sure these changes are student led is key. Stuart Vanstone has also shown great support for the AU over summer and I’m sure this will make a serious difference going forward with the Invest In Sport Campaign.

AH: For the budding young, fresh talent joining our prestigious university this year, can you give an idea as to what sort of sports are on offer here at Cardiff?

OB: We offer just about every sport within our 61 clubs here in the union!

From mountaineering to a wide variety of martial arts, from Rugby and Football to Swimming and Dancesport, Korfball to Ultimate Frisbee.

Pop up to the AU corridor on the 3rd floor of the union to check out all 61 clubs or check out the new website at www.cardiffstudents.com. If you cant find what your after you can even set up your own club, just come chat to us in the AU on the 3rd floor.

AH: And if a student wishes to sign up to one of the university’s many sports being offered, and I urge you all to do so, how would they go about it? And what can they expect to gain from the experience?

OB: There are many ways to join up to a club, notably the Freshers' sports fayre on Friday September 25 held in the Great Hall in the Union.

If you can’t make that then head to our website www.cardiffstudents. com, find the AU and Sports section and you can view all teams and join up through there too. If anyone needs more information on clubs then please come into the AU on 3rd floor of the union to have a chat, our door is always open and we are happy to chat to

students about clubs up here. If you’re more interested in the IMG then there will be a recruitment Fayre on in the union over fresher’s fortnight to get involved, to set up your own team for IMG come chat to us in the AU.

If you’re interested in sports related volunteering work I'm hoping to set something up this year and welcome all the help I can get so come find me or contact me at aupresident@cardiff. ac.uk.

The experience is quite simply put, outstanding. The Mountaineering Club made my student experience here at Cardiff, I’ve meet legendary people through my club and made countless unforgettable memories. I couldn’t imagine a student life without involvement in sports be it competitive or recreational. It shouldn’t be all about the degree and the AU is the best way to meet people and socialise, make lifelong friendships, take away cherished memories while boosting your CV and most importantly having an awesome time here at university!

AH: Thanks Olly, I couldn’t have put that better myself.

If you are interested in getting involved with both sports and student media, contact us at sport@ gairrhydd.com and get involved!

Once again we welcome you all to Cardiff University and hope you have a top year.

And now for something completely different...

Robbie Wells Sports Editor BORED OF playing football, rubgy and netball? Fancy doing something a little bit different to keep fit? Then you’re in luck. Cardiff University's Athletics Union has far more to offer than just the mainstream sports, with over 60 sports clubs to choose from.

Whether you’re new to the university and are looking at ways to meet new people or a current student intrigued as to what the fuss is about, there is a wealth of

choice, all abilities welcome.

With the Olympics less than three years away, surely it is not too late to join the athletics or swimming teams at Cardiff. Or, if you have no interest in chasing gold, maybe something more light-hearted is appropriate, such as kite surfing, rambling or ultimate Frisbee; a unisex game of fun and sportsmanship in equal measure.

Martial arts are a great way to stay in shape and learn an ancient discipline, with karate, aikido, kung-fu, tae kwon do and jui-jitsu all catered for at the Talybont sports centre. Those that enjoy the combat may also be attracted to fencing, whilst the more peace-

ful fitness enthusiast would perhaps prefer yoga. Talybont sports centre is also the home for the racket sports of tennis, badminton and table tennis, whilst squash courts can be found at Park Place.

If you’re interested in a “fast-paced, hard-hitting, rattle-your-teeth-andwet-your-pants kind of sport”, American football is the standout option, but only if snooker or golf fails to fulfil those criteria for you. In association with the American football team is the award winning cheerleading team, who never fail to get the crowds going with their energetic routines.

Those that are at one with the wa-

ter should consider water polo, (wind) surfing or sub-aqua diving, though if you’d sooner stay dry, rowing, sailing and canoeing could be more enticing.

Maybe you prefer your water a bit colder, and ice-hockey or other snow sports such as skiing and surfboarding take your fancy.

Whilst almost all sports accommodate both men and women, only a select few team games allow competition between the sexes. Lacrosse, the fastest game on two feet, prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, whilst korfball is an ingenious fusion of netball and basketball, both of which have teams of mixed gender.

And all of this is just a selection of what is available to students this year at the various sports centres at Talybont, Llanrumney and Park Place. To join a team or just to find out a little bit more about the sports do not miss the sports fayre on September 25. The Athletics Union office can be found on the third floor of the Students' Union building. Alternatively, information about all of the sports on offer at Cardiff University, not just the ones that have been mentioned above, can be found online at www.cardiffstudents. com/get_involved/athletic_union. Get involved!

Sport gairrhydd

INSIDE: Meet your new Athletic Union President, Sport Comment and The Word On The Lions Tour

A right royal disappointment

TEAM CARDIFF: Didn't have much luck at Henley

Lucy Morgan Sports Editor Having narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Temple event at Henley Royal Regatta last year, Cardiff University's Senior Men's 1st VIII were determined to succeed this summer.

It was going to take gruelling winter training and many hours spent out

on the river Taf, long after other students had returned home for the summer holidays.

After an intense time trial they qualified, despite facing even greater competition this year than the last as the sport's popularity and profile were elevated following the GB rowers' success at the Olympics last summer.

The boys' hearts sank slightly when they discovered that they had drawn Nereus in the first round, a foreign seeded crew full of Dutch National

rowers.

However, still pleased that they had achieved this year what they had failed to do previously, they raced down the course sharp and strong, determined not to give up without a fight.

They were knocked out of the regatta, content that the better crew had won, but setting the bar high for the following season.

Cardiff University Rowing Club (CURC) were fortunate enough this year, however, to be able to send two

VIIIs to attempt to qualify for the Temple.

The 2nd VIII was this year's Novice VIII, consisting of boys who had a grand total of eight months rowing experience.

They very narrowly missed out on qualification, still beating many senior university crews, and as they move into the senior squad this year they are all the more determined to take the club's reputation up another level at next year's Henley Royal Regatta.

The previous week saw Cardiff University's Women's 1st VIII make the finals at Henley Women's Regatta.

This too puts Cardiff University Women's Rowing on the map and both men and women's squads have high hopes for the forthcoming season.

Experienced rower? Total Novice?

Come find us on Friday at the Fresher's Fair!

GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN n REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE n GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS n THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS nGAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITYn

NEWS 07

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28 2008

Hitting the high notes CBI wants students to pay more Sarah Powell Reporter The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff is getting a £22.5m makeover to radically improve its facilities.

The refurbishment, which is due to be completed in 2011, includes a 450seat concert hall, a 160-seat courtyard theatre, four acting and movement studios, and extended exhibition space.

Developers say that the new complex will link with the pre-existing campus, and it will be accessed from a public foyer that provides views of the Grade I-listed Bute Park.

Experts hope that the development will help to create a landmark entrance to the capital.

The plans have been designed in a bid to further raise the profile of

the world-renowned college, whose alumni boasts a range of famous stars including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon.

Managing director of the project, Neal Stephens, said: “The new building will further enhance the college’s reputation as a fantastic destination for students, staff and visitors to enjoy.”

It is hoped that the project will be an attraction for new students and artists.

Principal Hilary Boulding said: “This new development will allow the college to greatly expand on its range of performances and community activities. We hope that these will act as a magnet to attract the very best students.”

Funding for the project has come from a campaign launched by opera singer Bryn Terfel last November.

Alex Evans Reporter British students should pay higher fees and see rises in university costs as 'inevitable', according to a report from a group of business leaders.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), one of the UK's largest business lobby organisations, issued a report this week outlining their suggestions for higher education reform, putting forward that tuition fees should increase, fewer grants should be made available and that loan interest should be higher.

The report also put forward that the government should lower its higher education application targets from the

Back-lash Jamie Thunder News Editor

SHINY: Artist's impression of the new-look college

Britain tumbles down graduation league table Emma McFarnon News Editor Britain has slipped down the international graduation rate league table from third to 11th place because so few people are graduating from university.

In 2000, the UK was near the top of the developed world countries in its percentage of youngsters graduating. But this year it only ranked 11th in the Education at a Glance report, carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The OECD’s report of 30 leading countries shows that whilst Britain’s graduation rate did rise from 37 per cent in 2000 to 39 per cent in 2009, it has been overtaken by other countries such as Sweden and Portugal. In top place was Iceland, where 63 per cent of young people graduate.

The report also confirmed that the UK has one of the lowest rates of 15 to 19-year-olds participating in full-time or part-time education, at 71 per cent.

Only Mexico and Turkey fared worse than the UK in that category, with 50 per cent and 47 per cent of youngsters in education respectively.

Many of Britain’s youths will end up as NEETs (not in education, employment or training), making them

more vulnerable to the effects of the recession.

OECD leaders have called on the Government to use the recession as a time to invest more money in education, to help youngsters acquire the necessary skills.

Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group of universities, said: "We are not only behind the US, who spend over twice as much as the UK as a proportion of GDP, but countries closer to home like Denmark, Portugal and the Netherlands are investing more than the UK.” OECD's head of analysis, Andreas Schleicher, said: “Countries who want to position themselves ideally for after a crisis, now is a moment to do so.”

John Bangs, assistant secretary of the National Union of Teachers, added: “Any Government either now or in the future that considers cutting education spending as a result of the economic crisis will return the UK to the bottom of the table.

“It would be insanity bearing in mind the still obvious financial rewards for young people who go into higher education.”

Lucy Hodges, writing for The Independent, said: “The brave and clever thing for ministers to do would be to plan for the long-term and to resist the temptation to cut higher education because it is easier politically.”

current 50% of young people, focusing on the 'quality' rather than 'quantity' of graduates.

Their recommendations come just one year before the government publishes its review of the current tuition fee system.

A rise in fees next year would come just four years after the top-up fee scheme was introduced, allowing universities to charge more than £2,000 more per year in tuition fees. The fear for prospective students is that the interests of big business will be prioritised over the need to keep the costs of higher education down for those from poorer backgrounds. A reduction in the numbers of targeted young people coupled with a rise in costs would almost certainly see those from poorer backgrounds losing out.

Advertising posters for Lash Beach Party at Solus have been taken down from the Students’ Union after a petition condemning them collected more than 200 signatures.

The petition, which called on the Union to ‘reject the use of sexist imagery in promoting its events’, was presented to Students’ Union President Ed Carey on Thursday.

Students from societies including Socialist Students and Cardiff Feminist Forum created the petition in protest against the poster, which showed a female torso with little covering.

They argued that the woman on the poster was depersonalized and objectified, and that she was presented as ‘just a body … here for men’s entertainment’.

Societies ranging from Student Action for Refugees to the Islamic Society displayed the petitions at their stalls in the Societies’ Fayre last week.

They were also available at the bottom of the Union steps on Park Place.

Ed Carey agreed to remove the posters if the students collected 150 signatures or more. Around 225 had signed the petitions by Thursday, including two Assembly Members.

Treasurer of the Socialist Society, Edmund Schluessel, said: "I want to express my gratitude to Feminist Forum for their partnership. I also want to express thanks to Eddy Carey and members of the Students' Union exec who prefer to remain unnamed.

"This was not about us being offended, but about respect for students."

Ed Carey said: "Just as these students have done, I would encourage every student to take ownership of their Union and to help shape it how they see best.

"I would add that this should not serve as a precedent for changing our marketing strategy. Normally we would have resolved this issue at the fortnightly student council meetings, but we are three weeks away from that and I didn’t want such an inconvenience to determine our action here."

Posters advertising the Lash Beach Party will now show a beach landscape.

An increased emphasis on businesscentric subjects such as science, technology and maths in higher education was among the less controversial of the report's other suggestions.

Wes Streeting, President of the NUS, slammed the proposals in a press release following the CBI's report. “At a time of economic crisis, when many hard working families are struggling to support their offspring through university, I am astonished that the CBI should be making such offensive recommendations,” he said.

Mr. Streeting described the CBI as 'fat cats' and criticised their suggestion to lower the target number of applicants. "They are talking about restricting the opportunities of other people’s children rather than their own. This is gross hypocrisy."

Oxford Uni shuns Tories Jamie Thunder News Editor

Oxford University’s Conservative Association has been banned from including the institution in its name after controversy over the hustings for its society elections in June.

The group, which is not formally attached to the Conservative Party, will also not be allowed to advertise for new members at the freshers’ fair next month.

The university’s proctors imposed the sanctions last month following an investigation of claims of racism at the hustings. Two candidates for the elections allegedly told offensive jokes after a request from an audience member, although the second was reportedly interrupted before the punchline.

The two were also members of the Conservative Party, but have since been suspended.

Females are 'perks' of job Jamie Thunder News Editor

VICTORY: Feminist Forum's Alice Hemming removing the poster

The Vice-Chancellor of Buckingham University has defended his remark that lecturers should 'look but not touch' if students flirt with them.

In a light-hearted article on lust for the Times Higher Education, Dr. Terence Kealey also described attractive female students as 'perks'.

He has since said his piece was a 'moral' article on the virtues of selfrestraint.

NUS Women's Officer Olivia Bailey said Dr. Kealey's comments showed 'an astounding lack of respect for women'.

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

250 courses cut at Centre for Lifelong Learning Jamie Thunder News Editor Cardiff’s Centre for Lifelong Learning will open this September with around 250 fewer courses after the University’s governing body accepted proposals to cut humanities teaching in the department.

The University Council’s decision means no humanities courses will run in the Centre’s autumn programme, but around fifty are expected to take place in the spring to determine whether they are viable in the long term. A review of course fees at the Centre will also be carried out.

An Academic Management Advisory Group will work with the Centre to consider its future. It will decide which humanities courses to run in January, review the course fees, and set out the criteria for ‘long-term viability’ of the courses.

All of the Centre’s humanities tutors have received notice of their dismissal, although some positions will be available in January. Two members of staff have so far been redeployed to other positions within the University.

The outcome of July’s University Council meeting was based on the recommendations of the scrutiny group set up to review proposals for the Centre’s future. The group also found that the financial and stability research of the original proposal had been ‘conducted thoroughly and appropriately’, but that this had not been shown adequately in the business plan.

The original business case proposed axing all humanities provision at the Centre, leaving it with courses in social science (including business), computing, and modern languages.

In a statement, the University maintained that this option was the most financially viable for the Centre.

The University’s statement said: “The University hopes that all parties will now recognise that united action is the best way to secure the future of the Centre, at a time when lifelong learning provision is coming under pressure across the UK. The University looks forward to the campaign and the unions supporting and promoting the full range of provision offered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning.”

David Hagendyk, Political Liaison Officer UCU Wales, said: “This is a hugely disappointing decision and a devastating blow to lifelong learning. Whatever the university spin, the truth is that this is an 80 per cent cut in humanities provision and it means redundancy for more than 100 people.

The University Council should be ashamed of their decision. If they valued education they would have voted to protect these courses.”

A statement from the campaign to save humanities at the Centre said: “This approach offers no real commitment towards or strategic vision for the provision of adult education

NEWS 07

WAG bans free carrier bags

Wales is to become the first part of Britain to ban free carrier bags, after deciding that efforts by supermarkets to cut waste have proved ineffective.

From the end of next year all shops, market stalls and takeaways in Wales will be obliged to charge up to 15p each for plastic or paper bags.

To enable this ruling, Wales is planning to use a little-known clause in last year’s Climate Change Act, which enables devolved governments to outlaw free bags.

Jane Davidson, the Welsh Environment Minister, said tough action was necessary because many shoppers were failing “to embrace the environmental message”, despite incentives such as loyalty card points for bringing their own bags.

Ms Davidson, a Labour member of the Welsh Assembly’s ruling LabourPlaid Cymru coalition, hopes the ban will embarrass her counterparts in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland into similar action. She added that banning free bags would encourage a wider shift to a less wasteful society.

The Republic of Ireland cut the number of bags by 90 per cent — from 328 bags per person per year to 21 — after introducing a 15 cents (13p) charge in 2002.

Ms Davidson told The Times that the revenue would go to a new independent body, which would spend the money on local environmental projects.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “All options are on the table, but we don’t think [charging] is right at this stage, particularly in the economic climate.”

Lord Kinnock replaced as Uni President

Despite the 'Save Our Subjects' campaign, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has still cut 250 courses courses across a broad range of subjects and denies thousands of students across south-east Wales access to the life-changing opportunity higher education should be.”

The campaign has said it will continue to contest the cuts, and has submitted a petition to the Welsh Assembly’s Petitions Committee. The petition asks the National Assembly to urge the Welsh Government to make provision of a ‘full and varied’ lifelong learning programme a condition of any public funding Welsh universities receive.

Attempts to save humanities at the Centre for Lifelong Learning began in

April, when the University announced that it was considering cuts due to changes in the National Framework Agreement between trade unions and higher education institutions.

These changes would have led to a 40% increase in salary costs for the Centre had it continued as last year, because part-time staff would have been paid an hourly rate equivalent to that of staff on full-time contracts.

The majority of staff at the Centre work part-time, and the University’s projections suggested that the Centre’s reserves would have been wiped out in a single year as a result.

Staff and students at the Centre

protested against the planned cuts, arguing that ending all humanities teaching in the department was unnecessary. They received support from 19 Welsh Assembly Members, who signed a statement of opinion calling on the university to suspend their plans for 12 months to allow further consultation.

The Centre for Lifelong Learning allows members of the public to study for qualifications in their own time.

No previous qualifications are necessary to take a course, and students can gain the equivalent of two years of an undergraduate degree at the Centre.

Professor Sir Martin Evans has been named as the new President of Cardiff University, after Lord Neil Kinnock made the decision to step down from the role.

Sir Martin is Head of the School of Biosciences; out of his laboratory came the first demonstration of gene therapy to cure Cystic Fibrosis in a whole animal.

Sir Martin was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2007 for his pioneering work in the stem cell field.

This year he was awarded the Copley Medal, one of the oldest prizes for scientific achievement, which has previously been awarded to the likes of Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin.

In 2002, Sir Martin was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York - one of the world's most famous institutions for medical and scientific training. In 2004, he was knighted for his services to medical science.