gair rhydd - Issue 905

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ISSUE 905 OCTOBER 19 2009

word - EST. 1972

CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

ALCOHOL is GOOD FOR US apparently...

Features >> page 14

Is it our fault that we’re so in debt?

Opinion >>page 9

Father John goin’ University criticised for handling of Father John Owen’s resignation Gareth Ludkin News Editor On October 2, Father John Owen, Cardiff University’s discredited Catholic Chaplain, resigned from his position four months after comments he made on BBC television sparked widespread outrage.

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EDITOR ! " " # $% & ' ( ) 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 TAF-OD Nia Gwawr Williams Branwen Mathias Cadi Mai SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT Amy Hall Priya Raj JOBS &MONEY Katie Greenway SPORT Joe Davies Adam Horne Lucy Morgan Robbie Wells CONTRIBUTORS Tim Hilhorst Michelle Taylor Keith Bugler Natalia Popova Laura Brunt Ellen Sutherland-Wootton Emily McIntosh Morgan Applegarth Ceri Whitley Cari Davies Omar Shamaleh Gemma Lavender Camille Lavoix Richard Herlihy Richard Thomas Tom Rouse Tomos Clarke Alex Winter Patience Lewis Holleigh Marsh Alex Croker Oliver Smith Lois Gwenllian Jones Hannah Bromley Joe Broad Laura Dunn Ash Percival Jessica McFarlane Sarah Maber Liz Blockley Emily Bater gair rhydd has been Cardiff University's independent student newspaper since 1972

Professor Morgan the medical marathon man Emma McFarnon News Editor The Dean of Medicine, Professor Paul Morgan, will be taking part in the Cardiff half-marathon this weekend to raise money for a unique scholarship fund.

Prof. Morgan will be supporting the Dr. Jack Matthews Scholarship Fund, a joint campaign between the University’s School of Medicine and Cardiff Medicals RFC, which raises money to provide scholarships and bursaries to the medics of the future.

The fund, set up in April this year, aims to provide bursaries for medical students who support their local communities, do charity work overseas, or need support to boost their athletic career.

“The fund was set up to help medical students who do exceptional things. Many of them volunteer in charities or orphanages, or do excellent work within their local communities, such as for

First Response. However, there is no real support available to them,” said Prof. Morgan.

“We wanted somewhere that students could apply for a bursary to enable them to do more. We wanted to give grants to help them start doing exciting and worthwhile things. The aim is not to hand out prizes, but to provide funding to allow our students to do meaningful, extra-curricular activities.

“We encourage our students to be well-rounded and Jack Matthews, whom the fund is named after, was the best example of that. He was an exceptional sportsman as well as being a GP. He always did that extra bit.”

Dr. Jack Matthews OBE, studied at Cardiff Medical School and practised as a GP in Cardiff for over 45 years. He was an international rugby player, represented the Army at boxing, won Welsh Athletic vests and played rugby union for Cardiff, the Barbarians, Wales and the British Lions.

The charity was set up in his honour by Mike Rhys, alumni relation of Car-

diff.

The half-marathon, which takes place on Sunday October 18, is around 13 miles long and will kick off at 9am.

“I hope to complete it in 1 hour 45 minutes, providing I don’t break or strain anything! I’ve been training whenever I can, usually around three times a week. Fortunately I’ve always been quite sporty and ran marathons years ago.”

Prof. Morgan said the team hopes to raise between £5,000 and £7,000.

“At first we were aiming for the £2,000 mark, but I attended my medical school's year reunion recently, and my friend, who is a GP in Barry, made everyone sign. From only around 50 people we made about £2,000! It was a big step in the right direction. It was extremely lucky too, because we hadn’t done much fundraising before that. We also managed to raise a similar amount at a dinner dance for staff in June. Everyone has been very generous. Plus, the Students' Union have given us fantastic T-shirts with a Dr Jack motif.”

The first set of awards announcing who will receive the grants will take place in December. Nominations will open within the next few weeks when the fifth-year medical students return from their elective abroad.

To find out more about the charity or to sponsor Professor Morgan, visit: www.justgiving.com/medicrunning

Universities told to improve standards before raising fees Tim Hilhorst Reporter The Conservatives' Shadow Universities' Secretary, David Willetts, has warned universities to modernise if they want to raise fees and avoid a student rebellion.

Many Vice-Chancellors believe that the tuition fee cap should be increased up to £7,000, while others call for it to be removed altogether, essentially privatising universities.

David Willetts said that unless the university system is thoroughly modernised, the rise in fees will come without justification and will not sit well with students.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has argued for student loans to be increased, fewer grants to be awarded and fees to be raised up to £5,000 yearly.

Earlier this month, Mr. Willetts proposed a plan to combat the recent admissions crisis. He proposed a discount for students who chose to pay

their loans off early, thereby collecting the needed £300m to deal with the budget deficit.

Mr. Willetts told The Guardian: “I think it is inconceivable that one could win the argument if higher fees were being proposed unless you were absolutely clear this would raise the educational quality for students."

A protest at Bristol University led by undergraduates last May rebelled against reduced teaching hours, and attempts to have undergraduates mark essays instead of lecturers. The students also included a complaint signed by 600 listing their grievances since the last raise of fees in 2006.

"If you had higher fees, the consumerist pressures that would be unleashed would be painful," Mr. Willetts has remarked.

The Conservative Party indicated earlier that raising fees might be an option, but only with a set of prerequisites. A review of higher education funding is due to be set in the next few weeks by Lord Mandelson, the Secretary of State for Universities.

By-elections get underway Cardiff Students’ Union’s by-elections take place this week, with six non-sabbatical positions to be decided.

Students can vote for candidates for the positions of Postgraduate Support Officer, Mature Students’ Officer, LGBT Officer and Women’s Officer after no-one was elected to these posts in last year’s elections.

The positions of Xpress Radio Manager and Chair of Student Council are also available because the two students who were elected last year to the posts have since changed universities.

The 14 student councillors who will sit on Student Council with the Students’ Union Executive Committee will also be decided, from a list of 24.

An alternative vote system will be used, where voters can rank the candidates for each position in order. If no candidate has 50% or more of the 'first place' votes, the candidate with the lowest total will be eliminated and the 'second place' votes will be added to candidates' totals. This process will continue until one candidate achieves more than 50% of the votes in a round.

From Monday, video ‘hustings’ – a short question-and-answer session with each candidate – will be uploaded to www.cardiffstudents.com, where students can also read a short explanation from each candidate of why they are standing.

Voting will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Ballots can be cast at polling stations in the Students’ Union, Talybont and University Halls, or online at www.cardiffstudents. com.

Results will be announced on Friday.

Get lashed with gair rhydd Readers of gair rhydd can save £2 on this year's New Year's party at Solus thanks to Cardiff Students' Union.

'Get Lashed on New Year's Eve' will follow the same format as the last three years' sell-out New Year events.

The night will be hosted by The Lash, the Union's Wednesday club night.

Tickets are on sale now from www. cardiffboxoffice.com. 'Early bird' tickets are £9.95, but if you buy tickets before October 25 you can save a further £2 by entering the promotional code GAIRRHYDD. Drinks prices on the night will be the usual Solus prices.

David Willetts

NEWS 1 EDITORIAL & OPINION 8 COLUMNIST 11 FEATURES 13 POLITICS 16 LETTERS 19 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 21 JOBS & MONEY 22 LISTINGS 24 FIVE MINUTE FUN 27 SPORT 29

NEWS 03

gair dd NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

! . sells student loan Are you loanbook in "car boot sale" some tonight?

Keith Bugler Reporter

Gordon Brown has announced a huge sale of public assets estimated to be worth £16 billion, which includes the sale of the student loan book.

The proposed sales also include the Government's 33% stake in Urenco, which enriches Uranium, the Channel Tunnel, and the Horse Race Totalisator Board (a betting agency owned by the Government which has 540 outlets in total). Cumulatively they are expected to raise an initial £3bn.

In theory, the sale of the student loan book will have little impact as the Student Loans Company (SLC) will remain Government backed. However a review of student finances will be due later in the autumn.

The major worry for students would be increases in student loan repayments. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), however, has reassured that student loans will not change. Likewise, political commentators believe no change in student loans will be made until after the general election.

Nevertheless, there are concerns

Michelle Taylor Reporter

Car Booty with Brown over the sale of the other assets. Some parties have voiced fears that the sale of Urenco could jeopardize national security if the enriched Uranium falls into the wrong hands.

The channel tunnel also has the potential to cause problems as new owners could potentially increase travel prices.

Conservative leader David Cameron said he hopes the Government gets 'good value for money.'

“Let’s not forget this is the prime

minister who sold our gold reserves and if he’d sold them later he could have got four times the quantity. So, let’s not have any more incompetence from him,” he said.

Liberal democrat treasury spokesman Vince Cable said the policy was fundamentally flawed, calling it a “government car boot sale”.

Britain’s national debt currently stands at a hefty £803bn with the Government borrowing £175bn this year alone.

Latest reports show that up to 175,000 UK students might still be waiting to receive their student finance.

This year sees record numbers of student funding applications, but a staggering 16% of the one million students who applied have still not yet received any money in loan or grant form.

Only 72% of applications made by first year students have been dealt with, with the Student Loans Company (SLC) blaming late applications and technical difficulties.

The company claims that “the vast majority of students who applied on time will have received their money after they registered at university.”

Nevertheless, serious problems are being reported by numerous university vice chancellors and they are calling for action from ministers. Vice Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, Malcolm McVicar commented: “The level of students who have not had any money is greater than in previous years.”

Mr. McVicar also said that the university has “had to make about 250 emergency payments at a cost of about £70,000.”

David Lammy, England's Higher Education Minister held a meeting with the SLC late last week to discuss the situation and the “concerns of those working with the students.”

While hundreds of students are complaining of lost documents and poor helplines, the SLC claim to have received thousands of incomplete applications.

The body also said it was waiting for the confirmation of tens of thousands of students' university enrolment and attendance before releasing funds to them. The SLC insists that all those who applied before mid-August would receive at least a basic level of funding a few days after the commencement of their course, followed by the rest of their funds by the end of October.

3rd year Accountancy student, John Green who is yet to receive his loan said "it's totally unacceptable. I've had to take on extra hours at work to make ends meet."

Tories attack Labour for shortfall in uni places Emma McFarnon News Editor The Conservatives have accused Labour of “betraying a generation” of students, after 141,000 failed to get a place at university this year.

David Willetts, the Shadow Universities Secretary, plans to use the first Opposition Day debate of the new parliamentary term to highlight the plight of thousands of young people unable to get into university.

Willetts will apparently challenge ministers over figures showing a 30% increase in applicants without a place, and accuse the Government of blocking people's aspirations because of the

shortfall.

The Tories, once opposed to increased student numbers, now say more graduates are needed in a globalised economy.

Speaking before a Commons debate on this summer's shortages, Willetts said: ''If more people are achieving the required standard then it is a good thing if more of them go to university. ''Our economy is different from the one of 50 or 60 years ago, and our youngsters will not be able to compete unless we ensure they are as highly qualified as those from the countries that are our global competitors.”

Mr Willetts will also raise the question of delays to student loans, which

Living the high life?

Cari Davies Reporter According to a London Universityprofessor, students are living a life of unnecessary luxury.

Kevin Sharpe, professor of Renaissance studies at the University of London, claims that the debts students are leaving university with are down to lavish lifestyles.

Sharpe's article in The Times Magazine lists shopping at Waitrose instead of Lidl, eating salmon sandwiches instead of greasy spoon burgers, and drinking champagne instead of cider and black.

He also points out that an excessive amount of students' money is being spent on technology such as high-tech gadgets and luxury accommodations which resemble the apartments of the characters from Friends.

Sharpe also notes that many of the luxuries in question are financed by ‘the bank of Mum and Dad, much to the horror of the National Union of Students' President, Wes Streeting.

President Wes Streeting said, ‘The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of students are having to work longer hours in low paid jobs or dip in to already overstretched family finances just to get by.’

left 175,358 applications outstanding a week after most courses started.

"To add insult to injury, those who have secured a place are facing serious problems accessing the finance to which they are entitled," he said.

"In our debate, I will be asking ministers to give a firm deadline for sorting out the mess at the Student Loans Company."

It's expected that Mr Willetts will quote figures from the admissions service, UCAS, from last month showing that more than 141,000 applicants eligible for clearing had not found a place - compared to 109,000 students last year.

He will argue that the rise in demand during a recession was predict-

able and that there should have been a more substantial response.

This summer saw students struggling to find a degree course through clearing - with a record number of people, more than 627,000, applying for a place.

The Conservatives were once opposed to increasing student numbers - arguing against "pumping out graduates" at the last general election. The party has now shifted ground considerably.

At their annual conference last week, the Conservatives announced plans for another 10,000 places in university for 2010-11 if they were elected.

"At a time when the jobs market for

young people is tougher than ever, it is far better to find them a place in education than to leave them languishing on the dole. Once they start down that road it is sometimes very difficult to get off it, whereas going to university will increase their qualifications and make them more employable in the long run. That is why we have come up with a plan to create 10,000 fully funded extra university places and provide more educational opportunities elsewhere," said Mr Willetts.

"It is young people that have already become the victims of this recession, and despite Labour’s rhetoric, it is the Conservatives that are the party coming up with positive ideas about how to help them."

Laura Brunt asks students if they're living lives of luxury Tom Cain, 2nd year, German and Spanish

"Students are definitely not in a position to live luxurious lifestyles. I shop for food at Lidl because it’s the cheapest place to go, and our housing is by no means luxurious."

Claire Dibben, 2nd year, English Literature

"As students we get out of paying council tax and receive generous discounts and bonuses, so I'd tend to agree with some of what Kevin Sharpe's saying."

Kat Lee, 1st year, English Language

"I think the definition of a student is to be cheap, but there are no excuses for living an unhealthy or extreme lifestyle. I tend to buy cheap fruit and veg from the basics range at Sainsbury's."

04 NEWS 10% discount for students who pay back their loan early Lucy Trevallion Reporter

give thousands more young people the opportunity to go to university,."

Wes Streeting, President of the NaGraduates in England would be offered a 10% discount on early re- tional Union of Students, said: "We payments of their student loans if welcome the Conservatives' creative solution to a serious short-term probthe Conservatives were elected. ! " # $ plan, announced last week, lem.

"We would be concerned if this apwould aim to raise an emergency fund to expand universities and prevent a proach set a precedent whereby those repeat of this year's admissions crisis. from more affluent backgrounds enIn England, the amount owed to the joyed preferential repayment condiTreasury in student loans is expected tions on loan debt. However, given to hit £30bn by the end of this year. that those from the poorest backgrounds are most likely to lose David Willetts, the Shadow Univerout without an urgent expansities Secretary, said that if just sion of places, this is an ac10% of students took advantage ceptable short-term fix." of the discount offer it would Labour and the Conserraise enough to fund the 10,000 vatives are under increasing extra students who are expected pressure to reveal their lonto apply next Autumn. ger-term solution to the fundThis summer saw 60,000 ing shortfall in higher edextra students applying for ucation, with both university, leading to a parties delaying furious scramble for announcing places. David Wilpolicies ahead letts said: "Given of an indepenthat demand is set dent review of to increase further higher educastill next year, the tion funding, commitment to which will providing adnot report ditional, fully until after funded places, the elecis incredibly imtion. portant.

"Our plan... will CAMERON: discounting student loans

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Privately educated students dominate top universities Marc Thomas Reporter

university to those from poorer backgrounds for several years.

The HMC report shows that 38.7% Private school pupils are increas- of students at the top ten universities ingly relied upon by top univer- were from private schools in 2003/4, sities, despite discrimination but this rose to 39.5% by 2006/7. By against them in the admissions contrast, only 6% of children in the UK are currently educated in private process, according to research.

A report by the Headmasters and schools.

Despite ministers' promises to inHeadmistresses Conference (HMC) revealed that the proportion of stu- crease the number of state school pudents at the top ten universities from pils enrolled on 'traditional' subjects, privately educated backgrounds has the report also outlined that almost increased consistently over a four year half of pupils taking economics are from private schools, as well as over a period.

This contradicts the findings of an- quarter of those taking engineering or mathematical sciences. other report, issued last year As well as dominating by the government-backed the top ten universities, it Supporting Professionalwas revealed that private ism in Admissions group school pupils also 'con(SPA), which revealed that solidated' their grip on the top twenty universities the top thirty higher edadmitted inherent bias ucation instituagainst privately tions overall. educated pupils The HMC's in their admisresearch resions process. sults are The news particularly will come as surprising cona blow to the sidering the government, SPA's findings which has been attempting to ETON: Privately-educated school pupils which revealed that over half widen access to monopolise Britain's top universities

of the elite 'Russell group' universities took 'low-achieving school' into consideration when assessing an applicant.

This led to controversy last year when it was revealed that Durham University was guilty of such bias against private school pupils in its admissions process.

The HMC report's findings may indicate that private school pupils are simply outperforming their state school counterparts in terms of achievement to counteract the discrimination.

Prof. William Richardson of Exeter university, who carried out the research for HMC, suggested that the root of the problem is in fact state school standards.

When contacted by gair rhydd, Prof. Richardson added: “Independent school heads are not happy if they find that individual universities seem to be operating 'positive discrimination' in admissions policies in favour of state school applicants.

“Despite such fears, independent schools have increased the proportion of their applicants accepted at top ten universities.”

NEWS 05

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Shiny Sherman

Sponsors 'compromise' research Natalia Popova Reporter

THEATRE OF DREAMS: Sherman will be revamped

Emma Shepherd Reporter The Sherman Theatre is preparing for a spectacular facelift after being awarded a multi-million pound grant.

Sherman Cymru on Senghenydd Road, next to the Students' Union, was awarded £3.9m from the Arts Council of Wales in order to undergo a muchneeded regeneration.

The plans have been designed

by Capital Architecture’s Jonathan Adams, the mind behind the Wales Millennium Centre, and include new seating in both theatres, new toilet facilities and modernisation of the foyer areas, including improved access.

Backstage areas will also be redeveloped to improve the rehearsal and office spaces, enabling its productions to be greatly enhanced, making it more possible for the Sherman Cymru to achieve its goal of providing theatre that is “ambitious, inventive and memorable for our audiences.”

The theatre’s chairman Emyr Jenkins said: “Our redevelopment plans are aimed to give the Capital City of Wales’ only producing theatre the

venue it, and its audience, deserves – something of which we can all be proud.”

The grant received by the Sherman Theatre is 74% of the total cost required for the redevelopment and it aims to raise the additional £1.5m needed by launching a public campaign for individual donations and other fundraising activities such as staff members running the Cardiff Half Marathon.

As well as putting on various productions for the viewing public such as The Glass Menagerie and the RSC’s Days of Significance, it offers a platform for budding new writers to showcase their talent.

Its Learning and Engagement Team worked with almost 7,000 young people last year through the Youth Theatre and Acting Out Cardiff, which allows 14 to 16-year-olds to study for a Btec in Performing Arts at the theatre, as well as running various other projects working with young people, asylum seekers and refugees.

The Sherman Building will close its doors for the 18-month long regeneration work to start in January of next year following its Christmas production of A Christmas Carol.

Times don't change Jamie Thunder News Editor This year’s Times Higher World University Rankings have ranked Cardiff University as the 135th best in the world, and the 21st best in the UK. It maintained its position as the top university in Wales, with no other Welsh institutions making the top 200.

However, it did not make the top 50 for any of the ‘areas of expertise’, which were engineering and IT, life sciences and biomedicine, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities.

The results, published last Thursday, represent little change for Cardiff, which came joint 133rd last year and joint 21st in the UK. Overall rankings are calculated us-

ing a number of criteria, with academic peer review, teaching excellence, and research excellence making up 80% of a university’s score.

However, teaching excellence is measured based on student-staff ratio rather than student satisfaction, and rates of employment after university are not considered. Instead, employers rate which universities they think produce the best graduates.

Many of the criteria – including the academic peer review (40% of the total score), employer survey (20%), and the proportion of international students (5%) – also seem to favour high-profile universities with a good global ‘brand’ and may exclude lesser-known institutions.

In the first two years of the rankings, in 2004 and 2005, Cardiff did not make the top 200, but has since not been out of the top 150.

A new report shows that commercially-sponsored research at UK universities is compromised by sponsorship bias and marginalises “work with clear social and environmental benefits.”

The report, entitled Science and the corporate agenda: the detrimental effects of commercial influence on science and technology, was produced by the pressure group Scientists for Global Responsibility. It looked at five sectors: pharmaceuticals, tobacco products, military and defence, oil and gas and biotechnology industries.

The main finding is that university and business links are increasing.

University schools are commercialising more and more, which leads to an increase in the focus on patents. The public interest is hereby neglected,

which has potential dangers for health and environment. There is also a danger for the “trustworthiness and openness of science.”

One of the greatest dangers is related to the pharmaceuticals industry, as these products can have direct impact on public health. A case study in the report speaks of a Canadian blood specialist, who in 1996 “identified an unexpected risk of a drug used to treat an inherited blood disorder.” When she attempted to make the information publically available, the company stopped the study before it was finished, threatening the doctor with legal action.

Further issues identified in the pharmaceuticals industry relate to the ethical side. Clinical research is very expensive in the West and significantly cheaper in poorer countries.

In those countries, however, there are often less regulations, which brings significant dangers to public health.

Written by Chris Langley and Stuart Parkinson, the report shows that the government is responsible for bringing businesses and universities closer by introducing several measures and white papers, such as Realising our potential and Our competitive future: building the knowledge-based economy. Recently, the UK government has stated that “There is no reason why the way science is conducted, governed or communicated by the private sector should be perceived to be any different from the public sector.” (DIUS, 2008). The report urges the government and other bodies to rethink their position.

It also offers solutions by producing 16 recommendations, with a main focus on the need of government intervention by the creation of regulations for a better balance between commercial and publically vital research.

It also suggests universities should adopt “minimum ethical standards.”

06 WORLD NEWS You'll never guess what...

Killer show A TV host for a daily crime show in Brazil has turned himself in to the police after being accused of contracting killings to boost his show’s ratings.

Wallace Souza, ex-politician and now television presenter, has turned himself in after being on the run since October 5th.

Souza, thought to be embroiled in gang warfare and drug trafficking has been accused of ordering his rival gang members to be killed.

Suspicions were raised after Souza and his film crew kept miraculously appearing at the scene of the crime before the police arrived. Police believe he was ordering the killings in order to boost the ratings of his once popular television programme.

Nazi gnome invasion

Over a thousand garden gnomes with arms raised in a Nazi salute have appeared in a German town.

The 1,250 gnomes were placed in the historical central marketplace of Straubing by a Professor from the Nuremburg Academy of Fine Arts.

The controversial academic and creator of the satirical art exhibit, Ottmar Hörl, denies that the gnomes are in any way supportive of Nazism.

Rather, they are intended to be a protest against fascist tendencies in Germany.

Cereal fraud Cereal giants Kellogg’s have come up with an original way of combating counterfeit cornflakes -by branding individual flakes with the company logo.

The famous Kellogg’s logo can be burned on to individual flakes using a high-tech laser system, without changing the taste of the breakfast favourite.

"In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of own brands trying to capitalise on the popularity of Kellogg's corn flakes" said Helen Lyons, lead food technologist at the company.

If the initial trial run proves a success, Kellogg's may start using laser on their other recognisable brands, which include Frosties and Special K.

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Head start Hot but not for Africa bothered Ceri Whitley Reporter

A sixteen year old from West Bengal is striving to change the fortunes of hundreds of underpriveleged children by teaching them in his own back yard.

Babar Ali, who is from a small town in West Bengal, wakes up early everyday to help with family chores before making the six mile journey to the school he attends, Raj Govinda school, which is the best in West Bengal.

"It's not easy for me to come to school because I live so far away," he says, "but the teachers are good and I love learning. And my parents believe I must get the best education possible that's why I am here."

As soon as Babar’s school day draws to a close, he returns home to share what he’s learnt with his own pupils. Every day at 4 o’clock when

he arrives home, a bell tolls to call the village’s children to his house, where he acts as headmaster to his own unofficial school.

There are now ten other teachers at the ‘school’, all students like Babar himself who give their time voluntarily. Babar’s pupils sit on makeshift wood and nail benches or on the bare earth under a small plastic shelter – every corner of his family’s yard is crammed with children working hard.

"In the beginning I was just playacting, teaching my friends," Babar Ali says, "but then I realised these children will never learn to read and write if they don't have proper lessons.

It's my duty to educate them, to help our country build a better future."

The school has already been recognised by local authorities and Babar has received awards for his hard work – his school has given children in the area the chance to better themselves and forge careers for themselves in the future.

Morgan Applegarth Reporter

A man from Pittsburgh, USA, stunned locals last week as he was found tucked up in bed whilst his house was ablaze.

In the early hours of Monday morning, a passer-by alerted emergency services about a house on fire in their neighbourhood.

Once at the scene, firefighters wrestled with the flames continuously, making several attempts to get into the house to search for victims.

Two hours passed until the house was deemed safe enough to enter, with the out-of-control fire frenzy having been tamed.

With part of the roof having collapsed, fireman were not only amazed to find a survivor, but a survivor unaware of what was unfolding in his home.

Fire Marshall John Reubi was “flabbergasted”, stating: “never would I have expected anybody to live.”

Two fireman were sent in to look

HEADSTART: Children relishing the chance to learn

for victims and came across Mr. Stefanic after hearing him aggressively (and aimlessly) address people whom he believed were damaging his property, shouting “What are you doing breaking my windows?”

Following the voice, fire officials kicked down the door to his bedroom, where they were startled to see Mr. Stefanic in bed. Surprised by their entrance, Mr. Stefanic reportedly fell out of bed whilst questioning what was going on. “He had no knowledge [of the fire]” said Reubi.

Although escaping with no physical injury, Mr. Stefanic was taken to hospital as he had high carbon monoxide levels.

The fire, believed to have accidentally started in the kitchen, was lucky not to have reached Mr. Stefanic’s bedroom, mainly due to it being on the other side of the house. Reassurance came from those dealing with the fire that nobody else was harmed, with Mr. Stefanic’s dog also making it out alive. Sadly, however, his cat did not.

INFERNO: perfect for 40 winks

Facebook fool caught out Ellen Sutherland-Wooton Reporter Foolish comments left on Facebook by 26-year-old Maxi Sopo lead to his ultimate arrest after officials read his Facebook status updates.

Many of us have encountered the irritating experience of being caught out by Facebook, perhaps by parents who saw photos of you which proved that you weren't actually ‘studying’, but out drinking.

Or maybe your employer discovered that you weren't actually ill in bed with a ‘nasty bug’, but at an amazing gig.

However, your plight doesn't quite compare to that of Maxi Sopo who was arrested for fraud after stealing more than $200,000 in credit from

banks around the US and revealing his luxury lifestyle on Facebook.

Sopo's fatal mistake was to brag about his luxury lifestyle after fleeing to the Mexican resort of Cancun, after learning that federal agents had discovered his activities, when he posted statuses describing how he was “living in paradise” and “loving it.”

The Assistant US Attorney General, Michael Scoville, who investigated the case said, “he was making posts about how beautiful life is and how he was having a good time with his buddies.”

The foolish criminal also added a former US Justice Department official to his list of friends, who subsequently used the status updates to track him down.

The offical was subsequently able to use the information on his Facebook to discover exactly where Sopo

was hiding. This information was then passed on to the Mexican authorities.

Sopo added the former official after meeting him a handful of times at various nightclubs in Seattle, at a time when he was unaware of his fugitive status.

Sopo who had lived in Seattle since 2003 since moving to the US from Cameroon had found work selling roses at various nightclubs, but soon

moved on to bank fraud.

Now in custody in Mexico City jail where he is waiting to be extradited to the US on bank fraud charges Sopo could face a jail sentence of up to 30 years.

His co-conspirator Edward Asatoorians was also arrested and was recently sentenced by a Seattle court for up to five years in prison.

Notice of Poll Polling for the part-time students’ Union officer by elections will take place online from Wednesday 21st of October, 9:00am until Thursday 22nd October 9:00pm.

You can also vote in person at the following locations: 2nd Floor Reception Students’ Union: 10.00am – 5.00pm Talybont: 6.00 – 9.00pm Uni Hall: 6.00 – 9.00pm

08 OPINION

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

You stay classy Labour conference. I'm Gordon Brown??

Bargain Brown's British boot sale Oliver Smith Opinion Writer Gordon Brown is having a jumble sale to raise some quick cash and pay off his debt. Unfortunately the jumble sale is made from taxpayer’s assets, and the national debt he's trying to pay dwarfs any possible returns from the sale.

Gordon Brown believes this sale will provide a short-term fix to the budget deficit. I disagree; what the country actually needs is a long-term strategy of debt reduction to see it through the financial crisis.

The sale by Gordon Brown is in reality the most recent in a long line of sales dating back to the privatisation of the Thatcher government in the 1980s, where she undertook the so-called process of 'selling the family silver'.

The most valuable assets went first, starting with the utilities of water, gas and electric during the 1980s and continuing into the '90s with sales of all the major government-owned businesses and assets.

When Gordon Brown arrived on the scene in 1997 he found little had

been left from the Conservative’s bouts of privatisation, indeed he was stuck with the assets which some have coined the 'family copper'.

The Channel Tunnel Link, Tote Betting shops and the Student Loan Book to name a few. A group of assets that hold little value left in them, but might keep Gordon Brown's election prospects alive, if he can manage to turn them into something of value.

While he may be positioning himself as the UK's dependable salesperson, determined to get us a good price on the market for these assets, I think history has shown Mr. Brown is more akin to the 'Del Boy' dealer of Britain.

Brown's dodgy deals began in 2001, when he decided to auction off more than half the country's gold reserves one at a time when gold was valued at a twenty-year low.

Eight years later, the value of gold had trebled – he has lost the taxpayer an estimated £2bn. In 2003 the government sold its stake in defence firm QinetiQ. Gordon Brown along with the treasury pushed the deal ahead selling its stake in the firm at a weak point in the market.

Four years later, and the value of the government's stake has increased nine-fold, once again at the taxpayers’ expense. And now, Brown is poised to unleash another wave of his dodgy deals.

Can we trust Mr. Brown to be the shrewd businessman we need?

In an economic climate so unstable that most people wouldn't consider selling a house or a car, the UK is going to sell some £16bn worth of government assets. His critics have labelled this move a ‘fire sale’, akin to a desperate last play to keep the bailiffs away for just a bit longer.

Here's the real question: can we trust Mr. Brown to be the shrewd businessman we need right now? Or will we in fact see ‘Del Boy’ Brown push through a series of dodgy sales, sacrificing high prices for quick money?

As the budget deficit of £175bn over the next two years has been

clearly earmarked as a key election battleground, the announcement of these sales can only be seen as a political move from Brown.

A reactive move to an issue in which the Tories currently hold ownership, with their plans for spending cuts and public sector pay freezes.

The Conservatives, while not opposing the sale itself, have criticised its timing and called for long-term policy aimed at reducing the deficit, highlighting their own policy as the preferred alternative. David Cameron offered his words of wisdom to the PM: "If you sell something it can help you in the short term, but it doesn't actually help you live within your means in the long term." A message that I think Gordon Brown would do very well to listen to.

Agreeing with the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats saw no issue with the sale itself, but again called plans to sell into the current market "barmy". Instead, they suggest looking at far better ways of cutting the budget deficit such as cancelling the proposed renewal of Trident, which Greenpeace estimates will cost the country £34bn. Surely this will make

a much larger dent in the deficit than a few bridges and tunnels?

And therein lies the real issue for Gordon Brown: a bulging welfare state, the cost of two wars and an occupation in Iraq have left the country with a bill that it cannot foot.

We are not living within our means, as David Cameron puts it. But if we want to alleviate the UK from debt and bring the country under budget, cutbacks are required, drastic steps that Brown is unwilling to make. Instead, he will attempt to deceive the country by using dodgy deals to cover up the problem.

Gordon Brown is foolish to believe in alchemy, and this stunt of turning worthless assets into those with value will most certainly fall flat. Previous governments have been able to pick at the government's assets for shortterm benefits, but the bone has been picked bare.

I don’t think Brown can substitute this meaningless sale in place of what the people want - long-term policy that gives the UK a plan to repay its debts and clear its budget deficit.

TE OPINION 09

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Is it our fault we are so in debt?

Emily Bater Opinion Writer Apparently, right now you should be sitting in your “posh pad”, reading this while watching your state of the art LCD TV (complete with Sky Box), listening to your 10000GB iPod and shovelling a sumptuous M&S meal down your greedy, student loan squandering mouth. Apparently. ! ! " # to Kevin Sharpe, professor of Renaissance studies at Queen Mary, University of London, these are just a few of the many “luxuries” we students are willing to pay out for.

I don’t agree with this sweeping statement concerning students in any way, especially in these tough economic times we are enduring as a country. I do, however, think that we students have it pretty sweet, to say the least. This might be because of my warped definition of luxury, very different to Professor Sharpe’s. Sleeping in until 11 on a Monday, watching Disney videos (on a by-no-means state of the art TV) instead of doing your next day tutorial work, playing cards until the early hours of the morning and having deep, long and involved conversations about life, the universe and everything.

These are the reasons we signed up for student life – we have freedom, choice and an adult life style without any of the responsibility. In a few years we’ll all grow up and start contributing to society, while paying off the massive amounts of debt that funded our lifestyles. But for now we’re living the ever so slightly hazy dream. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not so much FML as LML (Love My Life).

Professor Sharpe mentioned that for those less well off, but “understandably anxious to keep up with their peers”, the inevitable consequence is debt. I find that part of his estimation particularly offensive – forcing friends to feel as if they need to keep up, spend money and get sloshed isn’t the typical student attitude. Choice and freedom also apply to our peers.

Professor Sharpe also talks about the traditional student houses, “held together by accumulated grime” a prime example of which is seen in the 80s sitcom ‘The Young Ones’. But did Vyvyan or Rick leave university with around £20,000 of debt in student loans? No, they had grants given to them which they had to save and budget.

Even my warped logic of money

tells me you can’t spend what you don’t have, and so grotty ‘digs and tins of cold baked beans were the order of the day. Anyway, even if we wanted to live in grime-filled hovels, I doubt it would be legal anymore. That typical student stereotype is dead and gone; as are the government handouts it was living off. We are both richer than our predecessors and much poorer. Give us money, and we’ll spend it. Treat us like consumers, and we’ll act like them. We live in a capitalist society, and are children of the consumer age, both to our delight and detriment.

However, luxury, whatever Professor Sharpe says, isn’t about quaffing quail's eggs, whilst glugging down vats of Krug Champagne and puffing on cigars – that’s just the Summer Ball. It’s that 70p coffee before your 9am lecture. It’s the special offers in Tesco Express that you bulk buy in case of the Apocalypse (Breakaway anyone?). It’s buying that £1.30 double in Metros, while screaming along to Mr Brightside for the millionth time, which is just as much fun as the first time you did it.

No it's not

fees in 1998 and their subsequent swelling, and the ever-rising cost of living across the UK.

Liz Blockley Opinion Writer Recent comments made by Kevin Sharpe of the University of London implied that today’s students are living a life of unaffordable luxury and as a result are accumulating debts often amounting to more than £20,000. Admittedly the majority of students are lucky to have the financial support of parents, who may help to pay rent and bills at their chosen university and as a result may be more financially secure than students of previous generations.

However, Professor Sharpe’s suggestion that these debts are the result of a lifestyle of excess and expensive technology seems either hopelessly naïve, or simply apply to a small minority of us.

The reality is that students are leaving university with increasingly large debts due to the introduction of tuition

Tuition fees alone can account for around £9,000 of debt before even considering the cost of living, which in Cardiff is comparatively low, but in other cities can be far higher. Once the cost of accommodation is added, which will amount to at least £9,000, and the cost of food at approximately £3,000 (assuming that eating is deemed acceptable by Professor Sharpe), debt stands at £21,000 for basic necessities alone.

The standard student loan of £3,000 assumes that parents will aid their children financially, as even in the lowestcost cities it would be almost impossible to live solely on this amount.

Although students from lower-income families can be assessed and may be granted extra bursaries, those from well-off families or those just above the £50,000 household income mark will receive only £3,500.

Yet parents may not agree or may be unable to help fund university expenses, which leaves students living on a budget far less than the pay of a minimum wage job or jobseekers allowance.

The majority of students undertake employment, either part-time at university or during their holidays, which helps to fund their lifestyle at university. However, young people spending so much on attaining a degree should not be expected to compromise their studies in order to work.

Although the symptoms of the recession in Britain are slowly becoming less severe, it can still be challenging to find part-time work for people who live in a city during term-time, but who return to their family home during the holidays. Often the work available in bars or clubs requires people to work hours not compatible with a heavy workload and lectures to attend.

As a student who works hard during the holidays specifically to fund life at university and avoid debt, I find Professor Sharpe’s insinuation that all students behave in an irresponsible way offensive. Most students attempt to work around their studies due to a conscientious attitude towards debt and what they choose to spend this money on should not be subject to criticism.

Do we students really live beyond our means?

PHOTO: OLI FRANKLIN

It's our fault

His condemnation of students who use taxis is particularly ill-considered as in many instances it is in fact more economical (and safer) to pay £10 amongst five people rather than pay £3 each for a bus fare or walk. The necessity of defending our financial choices after the cynical and condescending comments made by Professor Sharpe is unfair and frustrating.

For those of us who prefer to spend our money on occasional meals in a restaurant instead of nightly clubbing, it simply suggests ignorance to state that we live in an unsuitable manner. When I graduate from university next year I will have accrued debt due to the unavoidable expense of tuition fees, rent and bills, not the expense of living an excessive lifestyle beyond my financial means.

What do you think?

Have your say at www.gairrhydd.com

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

10 OPINION

Obama achieves world peace Nobel Peace Prize is the latest on the list of Obama's achievements. Someone tell the Iraqis Laura Dunn Opinion Writer

This will certainly spur on the administration, particularly in their objective of a world free of nuclear weapons. The Nobel honour will place extreme expectations on the President’s leadership, with a previous winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu commenting, “It’s an award coming near the beginning of a first term in office of a relatively young President that anticipates an even greater contribution towards making our world a greater place for all.”

President Obama will now be, more than ever, determined to prove to his country, and the world, of the real change his presidency will bring.

Not since 1919 has a sitting US President been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but President Barack Obama shattered this statistic in an unexpected decision by The Norwegian Nobel Committee earlier this month.

In what is viewed by some as a premature awarding of the prestigious accolade, the Committee selected Obama for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between the peoples.”

There is no doubt that the Prize will place even greater pressure on the President and his administration in an effort to make real achievements in both his domestic and foreign agendas. The current domestic US political climate is dominated by the raging debate over health-care reform, with the Democratic representatives of Congress promising to have a bill on the President’s desk before Thanksgiving.

The President is also tackling the issue of climate change and accompanying legislation which aims to cut the country’s carbon emissions alongside the wider move towards energy independence. There is of course, the worldwide issue of the recession, particularly the 15.1 million American citizens currently unemployed.

In terms of his foreign agenda, the Nobel Peace Prize is likely to encourage President Obama’s initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Middle East and stress diplomacy and cooperation over unilateralism. The accompanying Nobel citation indicated that it was Obama’s world view which impressed the Committee, highlighting that diplomacy should be founded on “the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.”

The award reflects the faith of the international community The award will only fuel the criticism against the President from the minority Republican Party and members of their extreme right-wing base.

They have vehemently disagreed with the Democrats on every single initiative and piece of legislation since President Obama took office, most prominently the option of public health insurance.

One wonders if they are still bitter about losing the Presidency and control of the House and Senate, or if politics has reverted back to a direction of bitter partisan divide.

It is clear that the President was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the promising change of direction that he has begun to implement. The award represents the faith that the international community have in his leadership and the honour will provide the Obama administration with the incentive and drive to reach their goals. As Archbishop Tutu added, “it is an award which speaks to the promise of President Obama’s message of hope.”

Forsyth's opinion is out of touch and naive Ash Percival Opinion Writer When Strictly Come Dancing first waltzed onto our TV screens, it was as innocent and wholesome as a tea dance at your Nan’s retirement home. Fast-forward five years and it is the latest reality TV show to become embroiled in a race scandal.

Professional ballroom dancer and housewives’ favourite, Anton DuBeke, is at the centre of the controversy after joking that former Footballers’ Wives actress Laila Rouass “looked like a Paki” after undergoing the Strictly ritual of an over enthusiastic spray tan.

Since then, it appears everyone has waltzed into the argument with their

own point-of-view. Naturally, Bruce Forsyth has had his say.

Brucie, known for his atrocious attempts at one-liners, has hit back at DuBeke’s critics, suggesting that the British public has lost it's sense of humour. He stated that the comment should be taken in the light-hearted way in which it was intended, comparing it to the way Americans once called Brits ‘limeys’. The octogenarian also went on to say that people who are condemning Anton are guilty of 'extraordinary political correctness'.

Admittedly, we unfortunately live in a society today where the PC brigade are out in force, but Brucie’s opinions reek of those from someone who is completely out of touch. Believing that ‘Paki’ can just be viewed

as a nickname is completely naive, and a view typical of some of the older generation. It’s also completely demeaning to those at the end of racist taunts who have to endure the use of such words on a daily basis.

In the future, Brucie should think before he speaks The fact that some people think it is acceptable to use pejorative language that is seldom used without causing offence shows just how deep rooted racial prejudice still is, however much we may claim to the contrary. In future Bruce should think before he speaks.

But what gets my goat nearly as much as racism itself is bandwagon jumpers, and perhaps Bruce should be praised for trying to stop this silly British habit. We had it with Sachsgate last year where Russell Brand was vilified as some sort of gothic looking Satan, and now Anton is the tabloids’ latest pantomime villain.

Yes, I am not denying that his comments were ill judged and in the poorest taste, but is he really guilty of a race hate crime? He has apologised profusely for his blunder and Laila has graciously accepted and moved on from the incident. And I think it’s time we should do the same.

Now, this may just be the cynic in me, but I can’t help but think that as much as the BBC are claiming they

wish the scandal would go away, they must be loving the free publicity this is giving the series, especially when you consider the fact it is trailing archrival show, The X Factor, by nearly two million viewers.

They know from Celebrity Big Brother that controversy is ratings gold, after its race row brought the show back from the brink of a ratings disaster. And all the time people are talking about this latest controversy, it nicely glosses over the problem that has attracted far more complaints from viewers – Arlene/Alesha-gate.

To me, racism and Strictly are the perfect partners – I would like to rid the world of both. Let's hope that they Foxtrot Oscar shortly and take Brucie’s out-of-date views with them.

COLUMNIST 11

gairrhydd | OPINION@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

e b o T . . . .

K N A FR

Everything is fine.

I

could have started this article with something attention grabbing and ever so studenty, like ‘So, we’re all fucked.’ Maybe I should have run that as a headline – that would have got everyone reading, right? I could have done that. I haven’t, because of three little niggles: a) we aren’t (cue obvious euphemism pun), b) I’m just a little disillusioned by the perpetual negativity of the media, and c) I’ve always wanted to run this headline, just to piss off the Daily Mail.

So: this week, The Independent printed a piece of news that could be one of the most shocking and influential twists in world history. You might not have even noticed it. The news was that a coalition of nations, most importantly China, Russia, India and the Middle East, have been meeting to discuss changing the currency that oil, the world’s most precious resource, is traded in, away from the US Dollar.

The move would abolish the dollar in favour of a basket of currencies including the Euro, the Yuan, and a new Middle Eastern currency that could potentially come to fruition in the near future.

Now, reading that, you might think that isn’t a big deal, or the mention of trading currency might have stopped you reading three or four lines ago.

I can’t stress enough, however, how massive a change this is. It is final: the days of the global US empire are over. The dollar has been the global currency of choice since the Second World War. The 20th Century, indisputably, belonged to the United States of America. Those days are dead and gone. Now truly is the dawn of that huge cliché, the new world order.

The change might not be immediately apparent, and will not take place for a few years yet, but even the fact that notion is being secretly discussed says enough. I’m not going to delve too deeply into the nitty gritty of the deal, but merely highlight their implications.

As global oil reserves start to dwindle, tensions will inevitably start to rise over the control and cost of oil.

War is almost certain to erupt around the world, as our resources start to become choked and run dry, our planet starved by the surging growth of the East and the vain excesses of the falling democracies of the West. Indeed,

Totally irrelevant, but still, how cute are pandas? wars over resources already take place (cough…Iraq…cough). Removing the element of control from the US may be prudent, but none the less holds a sinister air for all onlookers, particularly as this war-torn decade of terror comes to an end.

The shift of world power away from the west is fucking great news

The world was held in shock and awe last year as China so magnificently announced itself as a world power in the opening to the Beijing Olympics – a feat, which we quickly realised, our 2012 ceremony cannot hope to match. The shift of world power away from the West is inevitable, and for many in it, deeply worrying.

It shouldn’t be. It's fucking great news. First of all, it would almost certainly mean that we finally join the Euro and start to move towards being part of the Eurozone proper, both economically and perhaps finally, culturally. I mean honestly, haven’t you had enough of this BNP conservative

nationalist crap? I say let’s just get everyone involved. Eddie Izzard (yeah I know, what a hero), back in the day, based one of his comedy shows around this concept. Europe could be the biggest melting pot in the world (after all, it’s where the History comes from) if we could all just get along.

Don’t get me wrong; I love a bit of Britishness. Lizzie on the throne, the red post boxes, houses of parliament, all that banter. The idea that we need to be separate from everyone else to retain this is an absolute load of rubbish. We should have the Euro. Keep the coins, just change the writing – and think of the money you’d save at the Bureau de Change.

The move towards integration that this move would force is not the only benefit. If the US have to pay for oil in a currency other than Dollars, the sooner Obama will get his Nobel prize winning arse behind electric cars, solar power, and all the wonderful things that Al Gore gets his kicks out of. End of the West? More like saviour of the rainforest.

This odd sense of fear that is brewing in the political and media world over the rise of China, India, and

all that is, to be honest, ridiculous. I mean, China contains over a fifth of the world population. About fucking time they get the prosperity they deserve.

End of the West?

More like saviour of the rainforest The reason everyone has this negativity is that the oh so sceptical, typically British colonial mentality remains. Now, we as students like to be all liberal and politically self-deprecating, but when push comes to shove we actually do very little, because of the underlying mentality that is socioculturally drilled into us lives on.

I mean really, when was the last time you saw Cardiff students riled up, campaigning en masse? And how many of you actually know what Student Council is, let alone have actually been to one?

Oh God, I’m ranting again. sorry about that. I'll try and make the column better next week. Still, it’s worth thinking about. You look lovely today, by the way.

Why guys are such twats...

Holy shit, shock horror, you’ve seen your future bride – just like the Arctic Monkeys, we’ve all been there on a night out; blundering your pint-soaked way through Solus’ dance floor, when out of the corner of your eye you see the girl/boy of your dreams. You whisper to your friend, and try not to stare. Wait, did they? Are they looking at you too? Probably not.

Although....?

Maybe you’ll go talk to them. You just need a little Dutch courage. So, two double vodka Relentless then?

Yeah, I thought so. A Sambuca too.

Let’s face it: on a night out, almost all of us are looking for someone. You don’t get all dressed up for the sake of it; you want to look good because there is the potential of meeting someone hot. It’s basic biology, evolution and all that.

So why then, when we get there, do we all behave like such twats? I’m by no means taking the high ground – I’ll readily admit to having been a little tongue tied on more than one occasion. What do you say? Must try and sound interesting, be subtle, intelligent, funny…

The dating game, or whatever you want to call it: this nightly charade of getting dolled up and drunk, trying to get a shag or a cheeky snog – it frustrates me. Not because it’s hard, or awkward, because without trying to sound arrogant, it’s really not.

No. What really annoys me is how it turns people into such twats, when really they aren’t. When guys go on nights out together, we turn into absolute tossers – I’m sure I don’t need to convince any women reading this.

It’s this faux manly bravado we are all forced to put on. Girls, guys aren’t all arses. Most of us are pretty damn decent. It’s just a simple fact that everyone is totally insecure, and we are taught that as blokes, we are meant to like three things: fighting, fucking, and football. We might love poetry or smooth jazz, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a sports team chatting about that on a Wednesday night social.

No, instead we cluster in a big group and chat shit all night. All the way back to Mamas, before fucking off home alone with a box of cheesy chips.

You’re probably totally disagreeing with me. But for that one person who knows what I’m talking about – yeah, you – next time, just be honest. Just start with: “Hi, I saw you from across the room and just wanted to say you’re absolutely stunning.”

04 NEWS 10% discount for students who pay back their loan early Lucy Trevallion Reporter

"Our plan... will give thousands more young people the opportunity to go to Graduates in England would be of- university,."

Wes Streeting, president of the Nafered a 10% discount on early repayments of their student loans if tional Union of Students, said: "We welcome the Conservatives creative sothe Conservatives were elected.

The plan, announced last week, lution to a serious short-term problem.

"We would be concerned if this apwould aim to raise an emergency fund to expand universities and prevent a re- proach set a precedent whereby those from more affluent backgrounds enpeat of this year's admissions crisis.

In England, the amount owed to the joyed preferential repayment conditions Treasury in student loans is expected to on loan debt. However, given that those from the poorest backgrounds hit ÂŁ30bn by the end of this year. Daare most likely to lose out vid Willetts, the shadow universiwithout an urgent expansion ties secretary, said that if just 10% of places, this is an acceptof students took advantage of able short-term fix." the discount offer it would raise Labour and the Conserenough to fund the 10,000 extra vatives are under increasstudents who are expected to aping pressure to reveal their ply next Autumn. longer-term solution to the This summer saw 60,000 funding shortfall extra students applyin higher educaing for university, tion, with both leading to a furious parties delayscramble for placing announcing es. David Willetts policies ahead said: "Given that of an independemand is set to dent review increase further of higher still next year, education the commitment funding, to providing adwhich will ditional, fully not report funded places, until after the is incredibly im- CAMERON: Will offer students a loan portant. discount to further expand universities election.

gairrhydd | NEWS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Privately educated students dominate top universities Marc Thomas Reporter

ment, which has been attempting to widen access to university to those from poorer backgrounds for sev Private school pupils are increas- eral years.

The HMC report shows that 38.7% ingly relied upon by top universities, despite discrimination of students at the top ten universities against them in the admissions were from private schools in 2003/4, but this rose to 39.5% by 2006/7. By process, according to research.

A report by the Headmasters and contrast, only 6% of children in the Headmistresses Conference (HMC) UK are currently educated in private revealed that the proportion of stu- schools.

Despite ministers' promises to indents at the top ten universities from privately educated backgrounds has crease the number of state school puincreased consistently over a four pils enrolled on 'traditional' subjects, the report also outlined that almost year period.

This contradicts the findings of an- half of pupils taking economics are from private schools, as well other report, issued last year as over a quarter of those by the government-backed taking engineering or Supporting Professionmathematical sciences. alism in Admissions As well as dominating group (SPA), which the top ten universities, revealed that the top it was revealed that pritwenty universities vate school puadmitted inherent pils also 'conbias against solidated' their privately grip on the top educated puthirty higher pils in their education instiadmissions tutions overall. process.

The HMC's The news research's rewill come as a blow to ETON: Privately-educated school pupils sults are particularly surpristhe govern- monopolize Britain's top universities

ing considering the SPA's findings which revealed that over half of the elite 'Russel group' universities took 'low-achieving school' into consideration when assessing an applicant.

This led to controversy last year when it was revealed that Durham University was guilty of such bias against private school pupils in its admissions process.

The HMC report's findings may indicate that private school pupils are simply outperforming their state school counterparts in terms of achievement to counteract the discrimination.

Prof. William Richardson of Exeter university, who carried out the research for HMC, suggested that the root of the problem is in fact state school standards: When contacted by gair rhydd, Prof. Richardson added: “Independent school heads are not happy if they find that individual universities seem to be operating 'positive discrimination' in admissions policies in favour of state school applicants.

Despite such fears, independent schools have increased the proportion of their applicants accepted at top-10 universities�.

FEATURES 13

gair

Thirty years later...

Cardiff has changed a fair bit in thirty years. Doctor Who even lives here now.

Richard Thomas revists the past, in a bid to teach all you bloody kids a lesson Richard Thomas Features Writer One summer’s evening in 1979, I went to see a local band play in a fashionably anarchic music venue. It was called ‘The Casablanca Club’ and it lay deep within Cardiff’s dockland. The band was called 'Victimize’, and they were archetypal, angry and viperous punks who eventually followed careers in silk screen printing, building and fire fighting. Rebellion has a shelf life like everything else.

I saw one of the band members Bryn Merrick making a brief reunion with 'The Damned’ last December but that’s not part of this story.

‘Victimize’ were exciting enough for a suburban softie like me to venture into an unfamiliar part of the city.

After the gig, sweaty and energised, I found myself in the “wrong part of town”.

Every city has one, and at the time, parts of Cardiff Docks had a menacing reputation. I remember the fear I felt.

Eyes followed me, shadows moved, and I discovered that adrenaline can add at least 5mph to your running speed if you need it to.

Thirty years later, on another balmy evening, my musical tastes having mellowed a little, I went to see ‘The Sound Of Music’ at the Wales Millennium Centre, surrounded by much sought after metropolitan apartment blocks and fine dining of all descriptions.

All this was within 50 yards of

where I had been terrified witless all those years before. Therein lies the tale of Cardiff’s rapid and astounding transformation.

Cardiff Docks, now Cardiff Bay, has changed from pantomime villain to Prince Charming. It is a family centre, a home for local government and a smorgasbord of entertainment.

Just before the First World War this was the busiest coal port in the world, and with over 10 million tons came a transient seafaring population who put down roots to establish the now varied multicultural population, adding to the city’s vibrant cosmopolitan outlook.

On the negative side, it gained a reputation for crime and shadowy goings on that it has largely since shed.

Every city has been upgraded or even rebuilt to some extent, but Cardiff’s restyling has been particularly fast. The Old National Stadium, home to numerous happy days for Welsh in the 1970’s, was built, used and bulldozed all within 30 years. The National Ice Rink was defrosted after only twenty.

It cost the equivalent of 47p to see The Beatles 45 years ago Only in a paradoxical city like ours could we see buildings wiped out while the paint was still drying and still call a 103 year old cultural centre The ‘New’ Theatre.

2009: Walkabout isn't much better Rugby and its free spending travelling support has certainly played a major part. The seven years that the FA spent rebuilding Wembley was a multi-million pound windfall which benefited hotels, restaurants and the city’s whole infrastructure.

Major finals decamped to Cardiff, where fans enjoyed the benefits of a centrally located stadium and a famous match day atmosphere - newcomers can experience this for the first time when the autumn internationals start in a few weeks.

We had cricket fans dressed as bananas heaping praise on the city in July and local cricket community

hopes that they will be back bringing more sunshine and spending money with them.

The reflected glory of next year’s Ryder Cup just a dozen or so miles away in Newport will be the next really big influx, and this time the audience will be global.

The ‘Casablanca’ was not the only place for live music but there weren’t too many others; in the seventies ‘Grannies’ was above ‘The Philharmonic’ and played host to the more radical bands, while the more mainstream performed at 'The Top Rank'.

The Velvet Underground never played there but they would have loved the irony – it was a smooth, mirrored subterranean world that once played host to The Specials, Madness and The Selecter all on the same bill.

Sentimentality should be kept in context with progress

1891: Walkabout was shit back then

‘The Capitol’ was another other famous venue. It cost the equivalent of 47p to see ‘The Beatles’ 45 years ago this month. Spare it a thought the next time you walk past ‘Accessorize’ on Queen Street.

Sentimentality needs to be kept in the context of inevitable progress.

While every honest drinker will be on the side of that great Victorian boozer ‘The Vulcan’ and will support the fight to prolong its 156 year life, even the most enthusiastic consumer of real ale would concede that development around it, including the University of Glamorgan’s impressive Atrium, has brought wealth and investment.

Most recently, the list of great Cardiff historical retailing figures like James Howells, Evan Roberts and David Morgan has been added to by the biggest and grandest of them all – John Lewis and his 4 floors and 280,000 square feet of retail opportunities. Never knowingly undersold, and definitely never understated.

The shopping has been provided for the growing population and ever widening catchment area. Over 10% of this figure will be students from the city’s three universities, and there are dozens of pubs and clubs to help you get through your funding faster than intended. Competition hopefully brings quality, and we will leave binge drinking for another day.

Without a doubt, this all makes for a positive story about the city that will be a stopping off point for many reading this and for lucky ones like me a permanent home, despite the odd blemish.

Surely, some traditional icons from the past are worth sacrificing for our modern, well equipped and opportunity-laden capital. If nostalgia ever gets the better of you, buy a Clark’s pie, find a seat in the Castle grounds and think again.

As students and appreciators of the city we have the best of both worlds, new and old. Throughout the tumultuous changes around us, Cardiff University has remained constant, beating off the progressive tide.

It has been extended and modernised but if John Viriamu Jones came back to check on how we were all doing, he would walk out into Alexandra Park and know exactly where he was, which was more than I could say when I walked out of John Lewis' front door.

14 FEATURES

rhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

An Apple Sourz a day...

We normally hear about how bad drinking is for our bodies. But could it be possible that alcohol is actually good for our health?

Paul Stollery Opinion Editor It seems that not a day goes by without newspapers reminding us of the negative effects of alcohol.

Liver disease, brain cell damage, depression -- these are just some of the consequences of irresponsible drinking.

But in a society so concerned about the effects of binge drinking, where the social stigma placed upon alcoholism is so great that the majority of people with a problem are afraid to admit it, we seem to have ignored the health benefits of alcohol. It is possible that the world's most common drug could in fact have positive effects on our bodies.

Multiple studies published over the past couple of years have shown a link between moderate drinking and a reduced risk of suffering from a stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis and various stress related illnesses.

But is it really possible? Could a stiff drink every night really hold the key to a healthier life? It seems unlikely, however it could indeed be possible that a daily stop at the Taf could increase your life expectancy.

Heart Disease It is widely accepted within the medical community that there is a link between drinking and a wide range of diseases including heart disease, the UK's biggest killer, and stroke, the UK's third biggest killer.

It will not surprise you that much of the research published on the topic suggests that heavy drinking is likely to increase the risk of developing these diseases.

People who drink up to two units a day are 38% less likely to have a heart attack What might surprise you, however, is that drinking moderately - that is, less than two units a day - can in fact decrease the risk of suffering from various cardio vascular conditions.

Yes that's right, a vodka-red-bull could decrease the risk of you having a heart attack, even if it's a double.

Studies as early as 1982 found that moderate alcohol consumption was associated with decreased risk of heart failure.

A recent study published in the American Medical Journal, involving over 7,500 middle-aged drinkers, suggested that people who drank up to two units a day were 38% less likely to suffer from a heart attack.

Subsequent research following the discovery of the link in 1982 showed that moderate drinkers' blood had an improved lipid balance – with increased levels of high density lipoprotien.

For those of you who aren't studying medicine, that means a better balance of fat in the blood, with more of that 'good cholesterol' they're always on about in those Flora adverts with Ian Botham.

Further studies also indicated improved thrombolytic factors, with higher levels of blood thinning agents.

Again, for the non-medical folk, that will reduce the risk of blood clots.

Research throughout the 1990s focused on red wine, when chemicals called flavonoids found in the skins of red grapes appeared to cause both the positive effect on cholesterol levels as well as the reduced risk of blood clotting.

Bone density was better among women who drank two units of beer a day It was thought to be down to an amino acid within the blood called homocysteine, which was effected by these flavonoids. High amounts of this acid have been linked to heart attacks; flavonoids were thought to reduce the level of the harmful chemical, and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease.

Various other studies have suggested that beer had little or no effect, whereas white wine may in fact increase the level of homocysteine in the blood, which left red wine as 'the' healthy-heart drink.

However despite these results, later studies have revealed results to the contrary; a paper published by the British Medical Journal in 1999 suggested that other forms of alcohol may also lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.

The paper, which published the results of trials that reviewed the effects of specific types of alcoholic drink on coronary risk, proved that all alcoholic drinks might reduce the risk effects of heart disease.

This suggests that a substantial portion of the benefit is from alcohol itself rather than other components of each drink type.

Bone Density The positive effects of moderate alcohol consumption stretch beyond coronary heart disease.

According to research conducted earlier in the year, drinking your milk

isn't the only way to keep your bones strong and healthy.

Women who drink moderate amounts of beer have, on average, stronger bones than non-drinkers, according to Spanish research.

The study of almost 1,700 drinkers, published in the Journal of Nutrition, discovered that bone density was better among women who consume two units of beer a day.

However, unlike heart disease, the apparent benefits are likely to come from hormones in the beer rather than the alcohol itself.

This does of course mean t h a t drink-

ing alcohol free beer will also give you the desired effect, however we at gair rhydd have decided that the normal-beer option is for us.

A higher bone density leads to a reduced risk of osteoporosis, a common problem for older women, which often leads to disabling bone fractures in later life.

Stress

I think it's safe to say that we have all enjoyed a cheeky drink at some point in time, often in time that should probably have been spent doing various essays or studying for numerous exams.

It's also pretty reasonable to suggest that we've all

made the excuse that said alcohol was medicinal, and that it was simply consumed in order to relieve stress.

However, perhaps surprisingly, it appears that the effects of alcohol on short term stress - ie. whilst we're still a bit pissed - are extremely variable.

A review of 30 studies in which subjects were provided alcohol before putting them in a stressful environment, found that the results varied from person-to-person. Alcohol increased, decreased, or had no effect on stress on different people regardless of the fact they were put through the same stressful conditions.

So, it appears that an apple sour a day can indeed keep the doctor away, but anything more than two will probably kill you.

FEATURES 15

rhydd | FEATURES@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Dying for As the increasing use of smart drugs among students hits the headlines, gair rhydd takes a look at the health risks...

Jessica McFarlane Features Writer

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How far would you go to get the grade? Is it really possible to forget the good old fashioned tutors in favour of a brain boosting wonder drug? Welcome to a chemistry lesson you might want to listen to. ! " " # $ " % # & ' ( ) are known as smart drugs, the steroids for your brain that improve mental function, concentration, and memory. These drugs are usually prescribed to people with cog-

It's an ethical debate that rages on between the fairness of drug use on other students, as well as the person commented on this in a recent article for The Times: “On Ritalin and toss about. Four hours in, you have the choice to work or not, and you prefer to work. I screwed around all year and then worked really hard for my exams

banned for taking steroids.” you want, when you want, an unsupervised lifestyle choice. They work by changing your levels of neurochemicals (things like neurotransmitters, enwith an improved oxygen supply and your nerve growth is stimulated.

Think about a cocktail of a Red Bull and strong black coffee that packs one hell of a punch. Knowing their potential brain boosting effects, online sellers have cottoned on to their money making potential as University students buckle down to hardcore the US have already bought into their promised concentration and memory increasing potential. But is it worth UK students believing the hype? Will our chances when the inevitable exams arrive?

"On Ritalin and Modafimil, no matter what you're doing, you're interested" We should be aware that the intense marketing strategies of these companies may not compare with the effects of the drugs in your future mental drugs from illegal organisations is not against the law, as they are legal. You can buy many of them without being arrested.

The problem is that most have not been formally tested. Obviously the main concern with the use of these drugs is their long term effects. Basically, doctors advise against their use if not prescribed for a medical condihighly addictive and impossible to ban. stances and not the new coffee – after use they can make you feel like -

Nootropics result in a gradual shut down of your brain's normal functions Nootropics can have dangerous side effects. They have the ability to speed response and brain activity when you normal functions and possibly an addiction to boot.

There is also the danger of developing Serotonin Syndrome, a reaction to recreational use or an overdose of particular drugs that is potentially life threatening. Symptoms of this could occur within minutes of ingesting a drug and consist of an increased heart rate, shivering, sweating, and over There is also a danger of heart and organ failure because of the effects on your heart, liver, and kidneys.

There are 27 different types of smart drugs in the UK currently.

These drugs allegedly increase your mental capacity at exam time, but will their super brain effects give you superhuman health in the long term?

It is always risky to take prescription drugs without consulting a doctor tion. These drugs are only intended for use in relation to certain medical conditions, and are not meant to be used as a study aid. With the full extent of the health effects of these drugs on healthy individuals unknown, if you use smart drugs you are playing games with your health.

So what's the bottom line? It might seem that the use of smart drugs would be worth it for some people during tough revision sessions or when you are pulling an all nighter. But when all the effects of these drugs are still not known, is it really worth risking your health in the long run for a few extra hours of study?

How do the two main smart drugs measure up to the most used student staple, Red Bull?

Substance Name: Red Bull Street Name: The energy drink that "gives you wings."

Cost: 24 cans at £24.34 if you really wanted an online bargain.

What it does: Pretty much what it says on the can, a combination of

taurine, caffeine, B vitamins, sucrose and glucose. It keeps you wired and alert. It's used by students worldwide for a bit of a caffeine kick when they're pulling an all nighter.

Side effects: The main side effects are impacts on your heart and circu-

lation. It increases the risk of coronary disease, and isn't the best idea for you to have if you have blood pressure problems or atherosclerotic disease.

Substance Name: Modafinil Cost: £10 for 10 pills.

What it does: "Does for drowsiness

what Prozac did for depression."

It's the most used smart drug on university campuses, and is a stimulant that works like coffee. It stimulates the brain's productivity so much that it leaves you feeling awake without feeling wired like Ritalin does. It turns off your need to sleep and usually works for about 48 hours.

Side effects: Insomnia, decreased appetite, anxiety, headache and rapid heartbeat. There are very few statistics on the effects of this drug., and its long term effects have not been assessed in healthy individuals.

Substance Name: Ritalin/Methylphenidate Street Name: Vitamin R Cost: £58 for 10 pills.

What it does: It is normally used to treat children with Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder or Narcolepsy. Ritalin is closely related to the illegal street drugs Methamphetamine, street name "crystal meth." As a stimulant, it increases the levels of Dopamine in your brain, enabling you to have enhanced pleasure, movement or attention. It is classified as a class B drug, meaning you can be arrested if you are taking it without a prescription.

Side effects: Fast, pounding or uneven heartbeats, feeling like you might

pass out, fever, sore throat and headache with severe blistering, peeling or a red skin rash, aggression, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behaviour, or motor tics (muscle twitches). Some experts say that the drug can become addictive so should only be used for the condition it was prescribed for.

16 POLITICS

gairrhydd | POLITICS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Obama's Nobel gestures After Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, James Stonebridge looks at US foreign policy. Did he deserve it?

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pon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize last week, Barack Obama modestly stated that he was ‘surprised and deeply humbled’ to have been awarded the honour. As for the rest of the world, reaction to the news ranged from endorsement to outright bewilderment. For those aligned with the latter view, the question on their lips was, ‘what has he actually done for world peace?’.

In his statement, President Obama was keen to play down any right to the award, instead preferring to cite it as ‘a call to action’. For many of his opponents though, there is growing criticism of a government that is said to do plenty of ‘calling’, but very little ‘acting’.

The Prize is based upon a desire and commitment to reduce global animosity. But has the direction on foreign policy taken by the President deviated in any way from the Republican administration prior to him?

In Afghanistan, Obama is thought to be considering the greater use of political methods in order to end the conflict. Democrat officials, such

as the White House Press Secretary Robert Gibb, have been talking of the potential re-integration of the Taliban into Afghan politics, with the aim of drawing them away from the battlefield.

Gibb recently stated that discussions with moderate members of the Taliban could be a possibility, since they are ‘not in the same group’ as the terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda. The conflict in the region is unrelenting though, and there are no signs as yet that President Obama has made anymore progress than President Bush did in ending the war and securing peace.

Has the President taken a different foreign policy direction to his predecessor?

Then there is Iran, and its insatiable quest to obtain nuclear weapons.

Obama was very active at the recent G20 summit in trying to persuade others, in particular China and Rus-

sia, into adopting a tougher stance against Iran. Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State, will also be calling into Moscow as part of her European tour in order to press the Russians into threatening sanctions.

Obama has stressed that he is keen to engage in talks with the Iranians, stating that to continue their nuclear programme is to take a long stroll in the global political wilderness. The President’s stance has led to a degree of co-operation with Iran, who is now apparently open to talks, as well as foreign nuclear inspections.

The emphasis upon dialogue is a deviation from the harder line previously taken by President Bush, who was keener on using the ‘stick’.

A triumph of US foreign policy has been the recent agreement between Armenia and Turkey, which entails the opening up of their joint border for the first time since 1993. This is a significant coup for Hillary Clinton, who brokered the deal on the behalf

of her government.

Clinton has also been in Northern Ireland on her

European tour, which emphasises Obama’s commitment for the US to continue to act as an intermediary between Republicans and Unionists.

This is a familiar role for the US. The foreign policy achievements of the new President have been few since he took office in January and he has yet to adopt any substantial changes to US tactics.

There is a reason for this however; he simply has not had the chance to change anything yet. It is consequently unsurprising that the decision of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee is seen by many people as being inexplicable.

Furthermore, Obama’s modesty is believable, and you can imagine that he perhaps would have preferred to have accepted the award a few years down the line, having achieved tangible world peace.

OBAMA: on the road to peace?

Setting the standard

With Silvio Berlusconi facing criminal charges, Anne Bochow and Camille Lavoix wonder whether we are asking too much

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he constitutional court of Italy judged Berlusconi’s need to govern without ‘distraction’ from the judiciary as a violation of the principles of democracy.

This legislation was proposed by the ‘best prime minister we can find today’ (according to the man himself) in order to be able to run the country properly. Admittedly, Berlusconi is a very busy man: with 2500 court appearances so far, an unknown number of lecherous evenings, innumerable hours spent monitoring all his business interests, and finally quite a few phone calls given to restrict the release of his estranged wife’s revelations. This is quite a lot of work for just one person. How could he be able to govern simultaneously?

Berlusconi doesn’t seem to have the time to be bothered about the essential features of democracy either. In fact his lawyer explained to the court that “he is no longer ‘first among equals’, but ought to be considered ‘first above equals”.

It is true that 50% of Italian support

their leader and see him as a glamorous celebrity. But for the rest of them and for the international community who acknowledge that Berlusconi has had criminal allegations made against him, including mafia collusion, illegal party financing, tax fraud, corruption and bribery of police officers and judges, should we hope that things are going to change?

Berlusconi doesn't seem bothered about democracy very much Can we realistically believe that overruling this law is going to pave the way for a real democracy with a true equality before law?

Unfortunately the charges against Berlusconi are due to expire soon under the statute of limitation. One of the most famous cases against Berlusconi is the Mills scandal. David Mills, Berlusconi’s British tax lawyer who happens to be the husband of one Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, was found guilty of

accepting $600,000 bribe in exchange for giving false testimony in court.

Again, Mills and Berlusconi are likely to get away from four years in jail because the appeal procedure is going to fall under the statute of limitations.

The world claims that for the sake of la bella Italia, this person, regardless if it’s the prime minister, the president of AC Milan or the controlling shareholder of the two biggest publishing houses of Italy, must pay for his crimes.

But what about the rest of our leaders? Aren’t they still enjoying special privileges?

The answer is yes, many MPs are accused of extravagance like refurbishing their several houses with the taxpayer’s money or claiming thousands for cleaning or gardening expenses. Their defence is rather doubtful; their claims are ‘inadvertent mistakes’, they ‘didn’t realise they claimed money inappropriately’ or they consider that what they spent was ‘necessary’. Some, like Tory MP Julie Kirkbride, go further and say "there is nothing for me to apologise for." A

more consistent argument is that they back eventually. Political amnesia is stick to the rules of that time, but hide a real plague and this phenomenon behind a lax regulation with almost saves our leaders from heading for a no check? Gordon Brown reckoned fall, instead we allow them to present that "Westminster cannot operate an innocent profile at the election and like some gentleman's club where the fool us all over again. members make up the rules and operate them among themselves”.

Ironically he’s a target of his own clean-up campaign and now has to repay £12,415 for expense claims.

So yes, the press leaks out politician scandal, a prime minister is likely to go to court for the 2501st time but are they really going to be judged like any of us? Let’s be realistic, Berlusconi won’t serve any prison sentence and MPs are just going to give some cash back but will never be really ‘punished’. Ok, there are some resignations, but politicians make a come BERLUSCONI: a good role model?

ydd | POLITICS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

POLITICS 17

China invests in brutal regime Chinese companies are investing in countries with appalling human rights records. Richard Herlihy investigates the situation Chinese investment fund will pump billions of dollars into Guinea in return for access to oil and mineral resources.

The announcement comes two weeks after a massacre of opposition demonstrators, when rampaging soldiers killed more than 150 people and publicly raped dozens of women in the West African nation.

The company involved in talks with Guinea, China International Fund (CIF), is seeking to invest in minerals and offshore oil, following recent oil discoveries in neighbouring countries. The deal may be worth $7bn (£4.4bn) over five years to the former French colony, one of the world’s poorest countries despite its abundant natural resources. Guinea holds the world’s top reserves of bauxite – a compound used to create aluminium – and also has deposits of gold, diamonds, uranium, and iron ore.

The violence aroused condemna-

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tion from western governments.

France, who Amnesty International say recently supplied the country with weapons, has called for international intervention and has cut off military ties. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that American diplomats had talked with Guinea’s leaders in the “strongest possible terms”, slamming “egregious human rights violations”.

Western nations cannot claim absolute ethical investment either

West African nations will meet on Friday to discuss imposing sanctions on Guinea if its de facto military leader, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, stands for election in December. Capt.

Camara took control last December, following the death of dictator Lansana Conte. Camara’s elevation to power was initially welcomed follow-

ing his promise of holding elections by 2011. However violent crackdowns on political and trade-union activity have since fuelled opposition.

The timing of this deal could not be worse. The announcement props up Captain Camara’s isolated regime when the international community are lobbying for sanctions against it.

Critics have previously accused China of resource-grabbing with little regard for the human rights practices of the African countries it invests in.

Western nations cannot claim absolute ethical investment either. Guinea’s bauxite industry is mostly financed by US, UK and Australian funds. France and South Africa had each supplied Guinea with arms until recently, which even raises the possibility that Guinean soldiers use French-made weapons in the massacre. There is a distinction to be made though – France corrected their indirect support of the regime following the violence, and sanctions could prevent the private sector of the west doing business

Accountability in Development have there.

The proposed deal will prove ben- said that 90 per cent of the area’s outeficial to the country; infrastructural put now goes to China, and Congolese funding would dwarf Guinea’s current workers there accuse Chinese busibudget, and would develop transport, nesses of offering poor pay, atrocious energy, water, and industry. In March, safety records and no welfare or social however, opposition leader Sidya development policies. It remains to be Touré offered a stark dismissal of this seen whether this is the solution to type of investment: “Our economy Africa's woes. cannot maintain such infrastructure.

Where are the cars that will be driving on these highways?

Where are the trains?” What is more, the deal may not offer Guinea full value for its resources.

Mineral-rich Katanga province in Congo is another area of recent Chinese investment. Oxford-based group Rights and CAPT. CAMARA: brutal dictator

Armenia vs Turkey: the grudge match ends Tom Rouse examines what the peace deal means for Armenia and Turkey

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historic accord has been signed between Armenia and Turkey that means that they now have official diplomatic relations and their shared border has been reopened for the first time in twenty years.

The two countries have more than their fair share of history with relations between the two states having been fraught for the best part of a hundred years due to what the Armenians' claim was a systematic campaign of

ethnic cleansing on the part of the Turks in World War 1. This claim was largely ignored by the rest of the world for the majority of the 20th Century, Armenia had been assimilated by the USSR and so lacked any real political voice while international focus on Turkey had largely been concerned with the Cyprus affair.

This new treaty has been implemented to help both nations move beyond this dispute and although it is not a formal political or economic treaty

as such, but rather an accord that normal diplomatic relations will now commence between the two nations, it is no less important because of this.

The new accord has been hailed as a watershed, but it took a last minute diplomatic intervention by foreign delegates to ensure it was signed, both the Armenians and Turks objected to elements of each others planned post signing speech. The whole process was only saved by the decision not to stage any kind of public celebration or

press conference and instead host the ceremony behind closed doors.

Hillary Clinton and the US delegation have claimed a large section of the credit for resolving the situation, though it is far more important to international affairs that the issue is resolved, not who resolved it.

The treaty has particular significance because it marks a first in the foreign policy of both states, although the Turks have not officially admitted that genocide was committed, they

are now willing to acknowledge that many Armenians were killed during the first world war, although the Turkish government still claims this was not a genocidal programme, which should be applauded.

The Armenian government should also be commended for their willingness to accept a compromise. The rest of the world can only hope that this treaty marks the beginning of improved relations and brings stability to one region of the Middle East.

Leadership election in Wales BNP to consider non-

Tomos Clarke looks at the candidates that seek to replace Rhodri Morgan fter 10 years in Wales’ top job Rhodri Morgan stepped down as First Minister earlier this month. Nominations are closed and three candidates have emerged in the race to succeed him as head of the Labour party in Wales, and most importantly as First Minister.

The early front runner is the current Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart. She has the support of nine assembly members and most influentially of Paul Murphy, the former Secretary of State for Wales.

Her reputation was earned during her time working within the trade union movement and with the Unions hav-

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ing a third of the votes in the election this may prove decisive.

Following close behind is Carwyn Jones, the AM for Bridgend and Leader of the House. He has more cabinet members supporting him than either of the other candidates with Jane Davidson amongst his backers.

His main policy aim so far has been to remove the “perceptions of isolation” felt by people in North and West Wales.

The dark horse of the contest is undoubtedly Huw Lewis the AM for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. With only four assembly members backing his campaign does need to gain ground on the others. His main asset however

is his backing from the Co-operative party, one of Labour’s sister parties.

This puts him firmly on the left of the party and could appeal to traditional labour supporters.

All candidates are relatively unknown outside Welsh political circles and it is Rhodri Morgan’s recognisability and likability that will be most difficult to emulate.

It perhaps reflects the changing face of politics that all three are actively campaigning through the new media via blogs, tweets and youtube clips. Hustings across the country will follow in the next couple of months and a result will be announced on the 1st of December.

white members he British National Party is to consider allowing non-white people to join its ranks.

The far-right party is currently at loggerheads with the UK's equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, over its constitution, which they claim breaks the Race Relations Act by limiting membership of the party to "indigenous Caucasian" people. The ENRC took the BNP to court earlier this year over their membership restrictions.

The leader of the party, Nick Griffin, will therefore present changes to the party membership at a meeting in Novermber, having pledged to use "all reasonable endeavours" to change that party's constitution to ensure that the party does not discriminate on the

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grounds of race and religion.

It remains to be seen whether the party membership will vote for the proposed changes. Mr Griffin was forced to appeal to his supporters earlier this month to help the party finance the "horrendous" legal bills of fighting the case against the Equality and Human Rights Commission. He had previously accused the Commission of "trying to bankrupt us".

A spokesman for the BNP has said: "We have to comply if we want to stay in the game. Of course it's not right, it's an infringement of our rights."

The BNP has been growing steadily over the past couple of years and this could be the price that they have to pay for their recent success as they undergo a process of normalisation.

gair h dd LETTERS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 05 2009

LETTERS 19

gairrhydd | LETTERS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

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

Teaching the holocaust Jonathan Bird...

There is much to praise in this article. Dealing with issues that concern all humanity and the pain the two main peoples of the holyland.

All should know that in human nature there lurks the potential for much evil. However, with empathy we can see the pain of others. Haunting memories, suffering now and fear of future perils.

Our problems, conflicts and even hatreds can be overcome. Projects which bring Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians together, help.

Widespread, learning of the fears and pains of each nation to each other is the work of peacemaking. Because Peace is not just about issues, arms and nations, as Alan Ginsberg said it starts in personal life how people treat thier fellow human being.

Adam Troth...

While I am all for free academic debate, and agree that Holocaust deniers should not be persecuted and turned into unfashionable martyrs for supporters of free speech to rally around, it really does shock and sicken me that there are still people who think that the Holocaust did not happen, or that only three people and

a dog actually died.

For starters, the six million so frequently bandied around is a conservative estimate of just the number of Jews who were wiped out.

When you also consider the Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and other “non desirables”, that figure stands at well over 10 million. There are literally tonnes of evidence which demonstrate the full and shocking extent of the atrocities.

If anything, it can still be argued that the Holocaust was particularly significant in that it demonstrated an evil genius hellbent on finding the most efficient way to mass murder millions on a truly industrial scale.

Those who deny the Holocaust should not be reviled or treated as martyrs, they should simply be mocked and ridiculed for the brainwashed moronic cretins they truly are.

may.

For the record, I have not seen the posters in question so will assume that they are nothing overly offensive.

Does this set a precedent for future student petitioning? I think it would be wholly undemocratic if a vocal minority can hold the Union to ransom in such a fashion.

If the Union is really serious about combatting sexist imagery, will it also be banning the likes of Nuts and Zoo from the Union shop?

Is this action a cynical marketing ploy to marginalise the Union's rival club nights? If so, it's probably backfired and drummed up more publicity for Shipwrecked. Or is it an equally cynical attempt to try and give the impression that you have risen up above the controversy of the elections, and are keen to make your mark on the job?

Back-lash

eddy...

eddy...

Ayoy Commenters!

It would be really good to gauge wide student opinion on this issue.

We need to determine whether we need to redefine our marketing standards. Student Council need your thoughts. (Please) fire away!

Adam Troth...

Ahoy Eddy! Just a few questions/ points I’d like to put to you if I

I don’t want to comment too much, myself, on here – I leave that for student council.

I will answer your q’s Adam. As I said in the article, this isn’t a precedent and was treated unorthodoxically because there was no student council for over three weeks.

I wanted to offer them a legitimate process so as not to obstruct their quest for justice (sorry for the corny turn of phrase!). In terms of what the union does in the future, we are no nearer setting a new standard – again,

forum

that is what student council on the 13th must begin to do.

A cynical marketing ploy? I really don’t understand the point your making here. Surely, if this was cynical, it would require more publicity – so I fail to see how it generating more publicity would have harmed that aim.

In truth, it’s much less sinister and much more simple: they needed a way to demonstrate that a significant proportion of the student body were uncomfortable with this poster and I approved their method as, though not ideal, a legitmate one.

Lianne Wilson...

Personally (and I know this is a late response), I’m disgusted by the whole thing.

Sexist imagery? Oh, please, there was nothing wrong with them. In what way is a woman’s midriff sexist? Would anyone have complained about a male torso? It’s no different.

We all have body parts, for God’s sake.

I’d just really love to know how the feminists find a picture of a person depersonalised. Or more importantly how they thought the posters were only for men’s entertainment. That’ll be why they didn’t let any women into The Lash then, right? Oh wait.

Nobody – no, not even men, ladies – goes around thinking of people, or women specifically for that matter, as objects. The human brain is not

designed that way.

The Union’s response was kneejerk, overly defensive and inappropriate. 200 signatures? That is a tiny, tiny fraction of the student population. Given the numbers of people who attended The Lash surely it’s obvious most people are at worst not particularly offended by them? Why is it that it’s always the nay-sayers who get their way and what would be done if there were, say, a 300 person petition to get the posters back?

Very little, I imagine.

Introducing President Tony Blair John Evans...

Ireland did vote yes. The predictable spin campaign is under way in the media. Tony is the one-andony.

You can say no to this, by signing the StopBlair! petition at http://stopblair.eu Marc Thomas...

John Evans – Is there some reason that you feel Blair should be petitioned against?

It’s an honest question, I’m actually interested to hear.

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20 TAF-OD

Adolygiad o Tyner Yw’r Lleuad Heno gan Meic Povey Lois Gwenllian Jones Taf-od Writer

Mae’n debyg iawn fod y rhan fwyaf o fyfyrwyr Cymraeg neu Ddrama yn gyfarwydd iawn â gwaith Meic Povey, a da o beth yw hynny oherwydd mae’n dramodydd a hanner. Felly, fe gymraf arna i dybio fod cryn edrych ymlaen ymhlith nifer o bobl am gynhyrchiad Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru o’i ddrama newydd Tyner Yw’r Lleuad Heno, ac roeddwn innau, heb os, yn eu plith. Ond, credaf i mi edrych ymlaen ychydig yn ormod.

Do, mi wnes fwynhau'r ddrama, ond ar ôl i mi gnoi cil arni, ni fedraf gael gwared â rhyw deimlad bychan o siom mai’r un hen stori oedd yma, ond ei bod wedi ei gwisgo mewn dillad newydd. Cyfrinachau teuluol, gwrthdaro rhwng y dref a’r wlad, a chyffyrddiadau o geisio darganfod “pwy ydw i” ynghanol miri a phroblemau unigol y cymeriadau ydyw. Gallwch ddadlau eu bod yn themâu oesol, ond fe’u cyfl-

wynwyd drwy gymeriadau ystrydebol iawn.

Er hynny, deuthum adref o’r theatr wrth fy modd, a chredaf fod hynny oherwydd popeth arall am y cynhyrchiad. Rhaid dechrau gyda’r cast.

‘Roedd y cast yn cynnwys rhai o actorion mwyaf poblogaidd Cymru, Buddug Povey, Owain Arwyn, Owen Garmon, Ffion Dafis a Merfyn Pierce Jones. Yn bersonol teimlaf fod Ffion Dafis wedi rhagori fel y ferch rwystredig, sy’n cyflawni ei dyletswyddau teuluol ar draul hapusrwydd ei hun. ‘Roedd Owain Arwyn hefyd, yn arbennig wrth gyflwyno’r llinellau gwych, doniol ac aml ystyr, yna mae Meic Povey yn eu hysgrifennu gystal.

Anodd iawn oedd teimlo tuag at Dafydd, er, mae'n werth nodi mai nid bai’r actor, Arwyn Jones, oedd hynny yn fy marn i. Cymeriad diddim ydoedd nad oedd hanner mor ddiddorol â’r argraff a roddwyd i ni ar boster a rhaglen y ddrama. Yr oedd Buddug Povey yn wych fel arfer, er bod ei Wenglish hi’n chwithig ar brydiau. Ond ‘roedd rhywun yn arfer ag o unwaith ‘roedd

y glust wedi ei thiwnio. ‘Roedd y tri arall hefyd, Owen Garmon, Merfyn Pierce Jones a Tonya Smith yn haeddu canmoliaeth gref am eu perfformiadau hwythau.

Clodwiw iawn oedd y set hefyd, yn syml, ond eto’n effeithiol. Yr oedd cerddoriaeth Osian Gwynedd hefyd yn ychwanegiad da at naws y ddrama.

Gellir gweld fod dramâu Meic Povey yn apelio at y to ifanc, oherwydd ‘roed canran helaeth o gynulleidfa’r Sherman yn fyfyrwyr, ôl-raddedigion a phobl ifanc. Ac mae hynny’n beth da.

Anodd iawn yw peidio mwynhau gwaith Meic Povey oherwydd bod ganddo glust cystal am ddeialog ffraeth, ac mae ei hiwmor tywyll wastad yn taro deuddeg. Teimlaf ei fod fel rhyw Richard Curtis ar gyfer y llwyfan Cymraeg. Byddwch yn sicr o fwynhau, ond peidiwch â disgwyl stori wahanol i’r hyn yr ydych wedi arfer ag hi. Erbyn hyn, rwy’n teimlo bod fy mhrofiad o wylio Tyner Yw’r Lleuad Heno yn ymdebygu i’r profiad o wylio The Boat That Rocked. Edry-

chais ymlaen oherwydd pwy oedd yr awdur, cefais fy siomi gan y stori, ond ‘roedd popeth arall, yr actorion, y set, y ddeialog a’r gerddoriaeth yn benigamp. Os gewch chi gyfle, ewch i’w gweld hi oherwydd mae’n brofiad theatrig da iawn, ac yn un o gynyr-

chiadau gorau Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru i mi ei weld.

(Am fanylion y daith ewch i, http:// www.theatr.com)

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 21

gairrhydd | SCIENCE@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

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C ASA’s Spitzer telescope discovers the biggest ring in the solar system Gemma Lavender Reporter Saturn is known to most people as the planet with the rings.

Granted, not the only gaseous giant in our solar system with this feature, but certainly the one which has the most obvious bands of ice and dust particles.

The sixth planet from the sun has also been discovered to have the largest ring in the solar system, according to a recent observation by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. ! " # $ % & ' ' ( % ) * + * ,# % - ' $ % . / 0 ( 1 2 # 3 0 4 % laboratory reported that the planet now has a new ring surrounding it. The new feature is said to span from 128 to 207 times the radius of Saturn, or possibly even farther, and is around 2.4 million kilometres thick. Although the colossal ring of debris is large - large enough to hold 1 billion Earths inside it - it is quite diffuse, making it difficult to detect using visible light. It is the infrared glow, from what is thought to be the sun-warmed dust in the formation, which allowed the Spitzer telescope's longer-wavelength infrared camera to search through the area of sky far from the planet.

"The size of the ring is not the only unusual aspect", says Richard Weaver, astronomer and director of the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy.

"This is one of those really interesting discoveries in science because they actually predicted it before they

found it. In astronomy, especially, everything usually gets found first and predicted later."

Perhaps quite interestingly, the predicted source of the ring's material lies 215 Saturn radii away, in the form of one of the planet’s moons, Phoebe. It is thought that when this 'far-flung' moon was impacted by wayward space rocks, debris generated the band. Not only is the ring supposedly made of Phoebe's material, the gravitational forces from

Saturn's bulge ensure that it is also in the same plane as its moon's orbit.

Scientists have also realised the link between Phoebe and the newly discovered ring, but have also tried to connect the behaviour associated with Saturn's two-toned moon, Lapetus.

Due to Phoebe and its ring orbiting in the opposite direction to Lapetus and those of Saturn's, inward-moving material should hit Lapetus head-on.

The team of the American Astronomical Society's Division for

Planetary Sciences in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, estimated that over the course of the solar system's history, enough material might have been created by collisions with Phoebe to coat Lapetus' leading hemisphere with a metre-thick of ring material. However, early reaction to the discovery is somewhat optimistic, as seemingly more scientific theory is required to account for the colour differences between the two moons.

SATURN: rings around the rest

Governments urged to use 3% drop in greenhouse gas emissions to invest in energy efficiency Omar Shamaleh Reporter The International Energy Agency which represents 28 industrialized countries is calling for increased investment in clean energy, energy efficiency and energy supply, Iabelling the matter “timely and urgent”.

Scientists predict that unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut by at least 60% by 2050, the rise in global temperatures is certain to exceed the 2˚C threshold. If the earth’s temperature rise exceeds 2˚C, the consequences, according to scientists, will be drastic.

The polar ice caps will melt, leading to a rise in sea levels of up to 7m.

Low lying cities from New Orleans to Cardiff to Dhaka would be swamped.

Floods will devastate some areas, while others will experience sever droughts and famine. The G8 has made it its goal to prevent temperatures resigning by more than 2˚C by drastically cutting greenhouse emissions.

$100 billion has been set aside for investments in clean energy US president Barack Obama has set a target to reduce US emissions by 80% by 2050. The UK has committed

to cutting emissions by 60% by 2050.

This seemingly daunting task could be made easier by the fact that due to the recession, worldwide emissions will be 3% lower this year and up to 5% lower in 2020 than they would have been without the financial crises.

Stimulus packages adopted by several countries to thwart the recession have proven to be another environmentally friendly by-product of the financial crises. Of the total 2.6 trillion dollars in short term stimulus packages set to date, 100 billion have been set aside for investments in clean energy and energy efficiency. This however, according to IEA executive director Nobuo Tanaka, is not nearly enough as an additional $400 billion would have to be invested annually in

order to have a chance of limiting temperature rise to 2˚C. Cuts in emissions will mainly be the result of adapting new energy strategies. The IEA proposes tripling nuclear power output, quadrupling renewable and a whopping 14 fold increase in clean coal.

World leaders meeting in Copenhagen this December will attempt to crunch the numbers and come up with a formula for climate change mitigation through 2012. However, objections raised by developing countries as well political constraints on Obama and other western leaders have already spurred pessimism regarding the outcome of the conference.

Kingsnorth shelved E.ON has delayed a decision on the proposed new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth for at least three years.

The decision was blamed on the recession and a falling demand for electricity but campaigners see this as a victory for direct action as the potential power station has been at the centre of many climate change campaigns.

John Sauven, executive director or Greenpeace, said; “The diverse coalition of people who have campaigned against Kingsnorth because of the threat it posed to the climate should take heart that emissions from new coal are now even less likely in Britain."

ME Breakthrough Scientists in the USA say they have made a breakthrough in understanding what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as ME, which affects 17 million people around the world.

Their research into a retrovirus called XMRV found that 67% of the ME patients they studied had the virus present compared to under 4% of the general population.

ME can leave sufferers completely exhausted and not helped by sleep.

People often experience muscle pain and a weakened immune system.

Experts have warned however that this study does not ultimately prove a link between XMRV and ME but does give hope for finding new treatments.

Space ‘clown’ back on Earth A self made billionaire circus entrepreneur has come back to Earth after a ten day tourist visit to the International Space Station, a trip which cost him $35 million.

Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque du Soleil , has dubbed himself ‘the first clown in space’ and arrived back wearing the red nose he had worn for most of his trip. He wanted to use the trip to highlight water shortages around the world and arranged a worldwide concert which took place while he was in space. Stars like Bono and Al Gore performed and did video messages from different locations.

Laliberte travelled back to Earth with two astronauts, Russian Gennady Padalka and American Michael Barratt, leaving six people still on board the International Space Station.

BAA give up on third runway The Times have reported that BAA will not be submitting a planning application for the third runway at Heathrow until after the next election.

BAA told the Tories at their Party conference that if they get into power they will give up fighting for the expansion which campaigners have been fighting against for seven years together with the residents of Sipson, a village that would be destroyed by the development.

The government made the decision in January for the runway to go ahead after heavy lobbying by the aviation industry and despite opposition by members of the cabinet. The Conservatives say they will not let it go ahead if they come into power.

gairrhydd | JOBS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Teachfirst, chase money later Thinking about teaching but don't know where to start? Jobs and Money looks at some of the entry routes for graduates

It believes in equality of education for all regardless of socio-economic background. It recruits fresh, young graduates to spread this message by reenergising schools with their youthful outlooks and modern political and social values.

The schools that Teachfirst associate with are those that are currently not achieving their educational targets and the organisation hopes that their graduates will inspire the pupils in a way that will help them reach their potential as well as go on to wipe out the institutionalised inequalities of the UK’s current approach towards education.

So you know their message, now I will tell you about the scheme itself.

It is two year programme. In the first year you will achieve Qualified Teacher Status and after the second you will complete the Leadership and

Development Programme.

It's requirements are a minimum of a 2:1 at degree level in any subject.

You must either teach this subject or teach a subject that you have achieved an A or a B in at A Level and these subjects must be in the National Curriculum.

Furthermore there are five regions in which you may be placed; London, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West. These will most likely be inner city schools and probably those that are rough around the edges.

When you apply you can put your preferences in order as to which region you would rather be placed. To apply you need to complete an online application form, then you will be invited to an assessment centre for an interview and then another assessment centre where your knowledge on your chosen subject will be tested.

Once you have been cleared through all of the application stages you will then move on to the Summer Institute where you will be taught how to teach in an intensive six week residential short course.

The pay isn’t too bad either; you

may start on £16,747 to £19,827, eventually going up to a minimum of £20,627 and a maximum of £26,000 in your second year depending on where in the country you are placed.

You will then be placed in your school. In your second year you will complete a Leadership and Development programme where your attention will be addressed towards the politics and business aspects of education.

If Teachfirst succeed they will retain some graduates to continue their

excellent teaching and they will have graduates who will improve the education policy of the UK from within the political community and change legislation surrounding education.

Either way you will be giving something back to the community and potentially change young peoples’ lives forever.

I think most of us can remember that one special teacher that illuminated us and motivated us and some have even changed the course of our

lives, and consider this; you could do that for another person.

As graduates you could go for the graduate scheme that will work you like a dog and pay you decent money or you could be inspirational and change somebody’s life utterly. I don’t want to sound like a stereotypical charity advert but spare it a thought.

rhydd | JOBS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2009

23 JOBS & MONEY

24 LISTINGS

Listen to Listings This week Cardiff brings you its annual Swn festival, an indie extravaganza, for which I strongly suggest you music lovers get tickets for as soon as possible!

(Because otherwise 3 days of listings on this page are absolutely useless to you).

Swn runs from Thursday until Saturday at various venues around Cardiff, and tickets are priced at £40.

Elsewhere, it’s an eventful week – you lucky people! Whether you check out Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers, discover some new music at lesser known venues, or leave Cardiff altogether and cure your hangover with a piece of Welsh rarebit at the Cowbridge food festival (NB: not medically proven), it’s a week of more than just clubbing.

The standard clubbing week still goes on of course if your personal Freshers' ‘week’ is still ongoing. Highlights include new clubs NME (free entry once you get your membership!) and Toucan, as well as fun-time favourite Oceana on Monday for the Cardiff Student Party.

That actually happens to be the only eventful, erm, event, to be happening on Monday as far as my ears have picked up, so why not? Otherwise you could do something useful – how about writing for and this year? Get yourself to the top floor of the union at 5.10pm on Monday? Ah, cheeky recruitment…

rhydd | LISTINGS@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

YOUR INDEPENDENT GUIDE TO LISTINGS Mondayy M

19th October CLUB NME Presents: Kid Carneveral, 10 Feet Tall, £7 (discounts available) Yet another event from the guys at CLUB NME - they seem to be involved in everything!

These bands are very hot on the music scene and are about to go big! Catch them here for cheap before they hit the big time.

FUN FACTORY, Solus, FREE Once again, Monday relies on Fun Factory to provide some fun. Like always, it's free to get in for Cardiff Students. It's difficult to say no to this great alternative night at the Union.

MY PASSION, Barfly, £6 My Passion are Laurence René (Vocals, Guitar), Jonathan Gaskin (Drums, Vocals, Electronics), John Be (Guitar) and Simon Rowlands (Bass, Synth), four young men with a fearless, rebellious intention, DIY ethics and a genre-smashing, electronic-induced metallic punk sound.

CINEMA, Student Beans, 2-4-1 With films such as Disney's "Up" and Ricky Gervais' "The Invention of Lying," the cinema is looking like a great place to get some laughs.

Get on Student Beans to get a 2-4-1 deal! Perfect chance to take the girl of your dreams out for a date!

Tuesday

Wednesday

20th October

21st October

THE PRODUCERS, New Theatre, From £7.50

THE PROCLAIMERS, St. Davids Hall, £22.50 You don't need to walk 500 hundred miles to catch this legendary Scottish band. The twin brothers are doing all the walking for you. If you can afford it, this will be an amazing experience.

From the mind of comedy genius Mel Brooks, it’s the crazy story of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, a pair of Broadway producers seeking to con their investors by staging a show so terrible that it closes on the opening night. Full of largerthan-life characters, hysterical situations and a jaw-dropping Springtime for Hitler sequence that has to be seen to be believed, you’re guaranteed a rib-tickling visit to the New Theatre.

IAN PARKER, The Globe, £8 Guitar hero? Consummate show man? Electrifying live performer? Ian Parker is all of these things, but let's face it, it's the songs that really count. Ian offers something for everyone -rock, blues, roots, soul, gospel and funk are all to be found in the musical melting pot of a man fast becoming Britain's best-loved blues / roots performer.

CARDIFF V COVENTRY, City Stadium

Bored of doing the regular thing every night?

Check out the new Cardiff City Stadium for this Coca Cola Championship clash of the two blues.

NINE BLACK ALPS, Barfly, £10 Nine Black Alps have come a long way, as is self-evident in the release of their second album, 'Love/Hate' in August of 2007 on Island Records. They have promised, apparently, to 'furrow their brows, vent their spleens and bleed their hearts into the production of a glorious technicolour audiophonic dreamscape'.

Whether or not they mop up afterwards is another matter.

LISTEN UP, Welsh CLub, £3 Wales is still host to a number of quality indie nights, one of which is this long running spectacle. Three floors, three genres of indie, three pounds.

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

gair

LISTINGS 25

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

22nd October

23rd October

24th October

25th October

LOS CAMPESINOS! + DANANANAYKROYD MARINA & THE DIAMONDS DIAMONDS, Chapter Arts JOHNNY FOREIGNER, Clwb Ifor Bach, , The Gate Arts Centre, SWN SWN, £16 SWN Centre, S £ WN, 1 6 Local heroes Los Campesino are back in CarOne of tthe firrst days Swn ffesti- e w O heof ne tthe s tthree he da hr t of S eysJohnnye sForeigner n t havei been on - a rollercoaster val, M Marina aand he her ccarbon molecules va l nda ,m a r r aare r issure ol bon na r journey ur e to this e point, e csupporting ul some of the e diff as one s the headline acts at this years' SWN. Danananaykroyd possibly beginning. Lots of support.a greatest pr artists including The om Futureheads tto be aopromising be i s join them i in ng be one of the best line-ups SWN has brought us. Expect Newton Faulkner, Brangwyn others.

N e, B w Hall, Swansea. tr onaamoung F ngw SWN were so pleased a with ul yn H kne a r a packed venue, massive tunes, screaming girls them last year that they have brought them and a wall of love.

SIMON AMSTELL, St David’s £20 back! 2 S IMON S AMS v s Hall,id’ £ t Da 0 TELL, Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ ex-funnyman COWBRIDGE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL, takes to the stage to tickle your funny bone (for QUENCH LIVE + LMS Presnt: Gideon Con, £4 some reason). Expect great sarcasm.

Dempseys, £6 (Part of SWN) I don’t know how you’re gonna get to CowThe newly formed events spin-off of student bridge unless you know a certain Mr Renwick, NEWTON FAULKNER, Brangwyn Hall, media is back! For the first gig of the year, Carbut if you’re a hungry little explorer, this is for Swansea, £16 diff's Live Music Society and Quench LIVE you! It’s like the sequel to the Cheese festival.

If indie’s not your thing, and you can get to have got together to bring you some great acts Mmm… Swansea, the man who probably wouldn’t be for SWN festival 2009! let into the club if he wasn’t playing there will be showing off his dirty dreads. Hand built by BOOMBOX, Solus, £3 robots, Rebuilt by humans.

Boombox continues its impressive special guest DJ slots with the electro-pop sensation, Esser. Expect the usual neon-playground that has sold out every week so far. Get your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on THE Friday night out.

(The Welsh Club), Incognito Sherman Theatre

CHASE AND STATUS, Solus, £12 Following their recent head-turning festival performances, Chase & Status will this Autumn embark on their debut live tour. After touring the world as DJs thegiduo, comprised nn Kennard and Saul Milton, are l of William l ,S w about to take their show to the next level.

BIFFY CLYRO, Great Hall, £16 Biffy Clyro is one of a long list of top-draw artists gracing the SU. Tickets may be expensive but they are worth every penny - it's just a shame its on SWN weekend.

DAVID 0'DOHERTY, Glee Club, £10.50 There’s so much choice tonight! He won the if.comedy award last year, and won a triple jump contest at Edinburgh Fringe. He tells us he’d be an astronaut if he wasn’t in comedy, so be sure to catch him here on Earth today!

! Barfly, ! Liquid

! The Philharmonic ! Chapter Arts Centre ! The Glee Club ! Tommy’s Bar,

! Met! Café ! Wales ! !

FIVE MINUTE FUN 27

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THE WORD ON - SPORT 29 Alex Winter gives his word on the other bigTOP FIVE...

Big spending Champions' League - the Twenty20 Spenders 1. gairrhydd | SPORT@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

The inaugural Twenty20 Champions League tournament is well underway in India, and for the first time in cricketing history, the champion teams from the leading countries in world cricket have been brought together.

While the ruthless pursuit of money is the tournament’s raison d’etre, the coming together of the world’s best cricketers is no event to be ignored – even those, including the author, who feel Twenty20 is not cricket, must accept that this carnival is a major step forward for the domestic game.

12 teams from India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and England have been invited to the 15-day event to produce the world champions of Twenty20 cricket – or should that be the team with the deepest pockets? Such is the imbalance of the way the teams in this tournament have been comprised.

The ruthless pursuit of money is the tournament's raison d'etre The well-publicised Indian Premier League (IPL) has splashed millions of dollars in recruiting the best players to their franchises, so while the Bangalore Royal Challengers have taken to the field with New Zealand batsmen Ross Taylor and South African allrounder Jacques Kallis (at a combined cost of US$1million), the English teams are automatically reduced to the role of plucky Brit with the combined pay-roll of Sussex’s starting X1 totalling lower than the cost of Kallis.

Therefore the billed world championships of domestic cricket have been

Treskothick: In demand

With sponsorship deals including extreme sports, soccer teams and of course, the two Formula 1 teams, Red Bull's spending is clearly one of Sport's biggest spenders.

2.

False expectations: Sussex fail to fly the flag for Britain reduced to a mismatch; even the Sri the final ball.

But the second-match saw a crushLankan team cannot include national stars Chaminda Vaas and Tillakara- ing defeat to Trinidad and Tobago by tne Dilshan because they have been 44 runs and their fate left in the hands snapped up by the Deccan Chargers of the unfancied West Indians.

Having been written off as outand Delhi Daredevils respectively.

Despite polar differences in the siders, Somerset needed Trinidad to quality of the teams on paper, the completely tear up the script and win beauty of sport is that result are al- the group, and they duly obliged by ways decided on the field. The short- dumping the dollars of Deccan out est format of cricket is the best plat- of the competition with a three-run form to spring a surprise result (look win to send the cidermen into the last no further than England’s defeat to eight.

Holland in the opening match of the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this year) and as such, Somerset upset the odds in their opening group match by defeating Deccan.

The West country county, finalists in the domestic Twenty20 cup back in August, possess a very capable side, particularly the batting line-up, and are captained by former Australian international Justin Langer. He has provided invaluable experience and has Sussex, however, failed to fly the led with intelligence and enthusiasm throughout his tenure, culminating union flag as Twenty20 cup champiwith this champions league appear- ons and were quickly out of the tourance. The exciting youngster’s James nament having failed to chase down Hildreth and wicketkeeper-batsman New South Wales’ 130-8 and then losCraig Keiswetter ooze future England ing to South Africa’s Diamond Eagles potential and are complimented by the in a “super over” after the scores were hard-hitting Peter Trego and Zander level.

With commercialism at the heart de Bryn.

And it was Hildreth that led Som- of every Indian cricketing decision, a erset to victory in their opening rub- tie didn’t seem appropriate, therefore ber; struggling at 100-7 in pursuit of a new method of deciding results was the Indian’s 153-9, the ex-Millfield devised; each team bats for a further schoolboy combined with Alfonso over each with three batsmen and the Thomas for a partnership of 49 as the highest score claiming the eliminaEnglish county scrambled home off tor. The Eagles managed nine runs

The well-publicised IPL has splashed millions of dollars in recruiting the best players to their franchises

but Sussex lost two wickets in the first two balls, dramatically losing the match and booking the seaside county back on the plane home.

But Somerset remain in the hunt, and remain with Marcus Trescothick.

The former England batsmen quit international cricket in mysterious circumstances back in 2006 and a cited a stress-related illness resulting him being unfit to tour abroad. A family emergency sparked the illness and as a result, his county have sought innovative methods to allow Trescothick to play in India. A house was hired in Dubai and his whole family have been invited to move in for the duration of the tournament, with Trescothick commuting into India for matches – hardly the greatest preparation, but Somerset rightly wish to move heaven and earth to get him on the field, such is the quality that he provides.

The ability to hit over the top and play ruthlessly square of the wicket, being able to totally dominate a bowling attack make “bangers” one of the best cricketers in the world game; how England miss him. But his poor preparation has been reflected in his performances and English cricket fans will be hoping he improves his 17-run haul thus far and continues Somerset’s participation in the competition.

Games against the Eagles and New South Wales are the path to the semifinals and if Tresco et al. can provide the cricket they have produced throughout the summer it could well be the minnows gatecrashing the Indian’s millionaire’s parade.

Having doled out £226 million on the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema and Alonso, Real Madrid's spending is unrivalled even in footballing terms.

3.

Spending a whopping $210 million per season on salaries the Yankees are huge spenders but they don't have to worry about such hefty transfer fees.

4.

After their recent take-over by Arab billionnaires Man City have spent over £200 million on 11 players in only two full transfer wndows.

5.

Recently bought by a billionnaire and having signed the best players money can buy, Toulon are by far one of Rugby's richest clubs.

30 SPORT - THE WARM UP

gairrhydd | SPORT@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

Previews in brief

Adam Horne previews this seasons first clash between Manchester United and Liverpool and gives the 'fax'

WALES RALLY GB

October 25 will see Liverpool play host to Manchester United. Often matches between the ‘big four’ are built up with such a furore and excitement that it sometimes provides an anti-climax to proceedings. However United vs Liverpool is something special.

Last season saw Benitez and his team triumph twice over United, including a mammoth 4-1 victory at Old Trafford. Other matches in the past have provided similar shocks, with United twice stealing victory with last minute goals from Rio Ferdinand, and on another occasion, John O’Shea. I get the feeling this season could be just as exciting.

Unfortunately I also get the feeling that the limelight may not be on the football being played, but possibly on the off-pitch events surrounding both clubs. Liverpool owner George Gillett is reportedly close to selling his shares to Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah al-Saud (whose name should probably be longer by the way), another Middle Eastern investor…surprise, surprise.

This will no doubt be exciting news for manager Rafa Benitez, who was supposedly told earlier this season that he would have to make do with a £20 million transfer kitty each season for the next few years. This factor should not affect Liverpool’s on-pitch performance this weekend; however, there have been other concerns for the team. Rafa Benitez has in recent weeks publicly stated his disappointment at the performances of his most important players, Torres and Gerrard (so essentially his only players).

But, jokes aside, other members of the squad have failed to perform this season. Jamie Carragher looks somewhat out of sorts so far this season, looking slow and clumsy at times, a total contrast to his usual self.

However he hasn’t scored one of his trademark own goals yet so things could be worse for the Everton fans.

One positive for Liverpool is the performances of new signing Glen Johnson who has made the right-back position his own through some outstanding performances for the team.

He could well be a big danger to the United defence if he’s given the chance to get forward.

Mikko Hirvonen goes into this weekend’s Rally GB – which starts right here in Cardiff – just one point clear of season-long rival Sebastien Loeb.

Last time out in Spain, Loeb led home his Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo to send the title chase to the season’s final round.

Loeb, who has won every title since 2004, needs only to finish on equal points with Hirvonen to win the title, as he would be crowned virtue of having won six rallies to Hirvonen’s four.

Local interest comes from British privateer Steve Perez who will drive the Stobart Ford car.

For more information and tickets, visit www.rallygb.org

MALAYSIAN MOTOGP Next weekend sees the penultimate round of the MotoGP championship from Malaysia. As gair rhydd goes to press, the Australian GP has yet to take place.

Before the last race in Portugal, though, it looked like the championship was a foregone conclusion. Then came Jorge Lorenzo’s win and a rare off-colour performance by his team mate Valentino Rossi, which threw the chase for the title wide open.

As a result of this, Rossi’s title lead was cut from 30 to 18 points, with 75 available from the remaining three rounds. Rossi just didn’t quite get into the groove last time out and didn’t look at all comfortable with his bike and the setup of it. Will he have such problems in Sepang? Time will tell.

Tune in on October 25 to find out!

United will no doubt face similar problems. Off the pitch, Sir Alex is embroiled in the ongoing referee row, which I can only fear will affect how referees act towards United in future games. Ok, so referees are supposed to be unbiased, however, who could blame them for feeling resentment towards Ferguson after the comments he made? All eyes will be on any decisions the officials make in United's matches over the next few weeks, and I can only think that this will result in

start to the season than Liverpool. I say stable because it has been far from inspiring. They seem to be missing a certain spark - a certain greased up, now playing in Spain, spark. Everyone knew United would be a different team without Ronaldo, but so far they have shown that they can still achieve results without him, just. Wayne Rooney is beginning to look like he can fill the winger’s boots, and I swear I’ve even seen Berbatov break into the odd sprint this season, but the

perform because he was so tightly marked by the tireless midfield.

However, if United are to stand a chance, they have to stop conceding sloppy goals.

So far this season Ben Foster has done well to fill in for the injured Van der Sar, however, he has made some massive errors. Van der Sar is now back from injury, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him given a starting place this weekend. He would solidify the defence and bring back the sense

RACE TO THE TOP: Both Rooney and Mascherano will be key on Sunday yet another Ferguson-Benitez conflict, which will no doubt be started with Bentiez revealing his ‘fax/facts’.

Fletcher needs to keep Gerrard under wraps if United are to win In fact I still to this day have no idea which one he meant. Someone should inform him that we have emails nowadays.

On-field, United also face problems. They have had a more stable

team still appear to be struggling.

On-field performances don’t fill united fans with confidence and the United midfield has been questioned by some pundits. Anderson has failed to live up to his potential and is very inconsistent, and for some reason Michael Carrick can’t even buy a starting spot at the moment. Perhaps that is because Darren Fletcher is performing so well. He has become such an important player for United in big matches and he will be a key man against Liverpool this weekend. If he can keep Steven Gerrard under wraps then United will have a great chance to gain three points at Anfield.

Other teams have managed it.

Against Chelsea, Gerrard failed to

of confidence that was present last season. Rio Ferdinand has also had some questionable performances of late, with many asking if his fitness is good enough yet.

All in all, history suggests it’s bound to be a tight affair, if you ignore the landslide 4-1 win for Liverpool last season. The fact that it’s at Anfield will provide the Liverpool team with a big boost.

However, should Gerrard and Torres suffer an ‘off day’ then they will be in trouble. United are a team that are able to grind out results no matter how they play. That is the mark of champions, and is exactly what they’ll need traveling to Anfield.

United vs Liverpool: Editors' views on the weekend Joe Davies: So this is where I admit for the first time this year that I am a Man United fan! Nothing to do with the fact that I'm a fan, of course, but I do think United will come out on top in this one.

Their lacklustre 2-2 draw last time out against Sunderland seems an age away now, after all that's been said about referee fitness and the international break. United have proven that they can handle Arsenal and Man City so far this season, so United to win is my prediction this week.

Lucy Morgan: This week I'm predicting a Man United victory largely because I was told to by the boys who know more about football than I do! United are, however, sitting comfortably above Liverpool in the league table and, with their far more confident start to the season, are surely clear favourites to win this weekend.

Adam Horne: My head suggests a 1-1 draw, however I hate sitting on the fence. United are not so relient on any one player with the departure of Ronaldo and are starting to learn how to win as a team. If key players can perform for liverpool then they may prove me wrong, but I think a United win could see Rafa moving one step closer to returning to Spain to live out his life as the fat Spanish waiter that he is.

Robbie Wells: Okay, so Liverpool haven’t had a very strong start to the season, and Anfield can no longer be held as a fortress after their humiliation at the hands of Villa, but after three losses already, a win is imperative. If they lose to Manchester United, then it won’t be too early to count them out of the championship, and I think this knowledge will inspire the Gerrard and Torres show to spark into life.

BUCS & IMG - SPORT 31

gairrhydd | SPORT@GAIRRHYDD.COM MONDAY OCTOBER 19 2009

! " # $ % & & ' ( ) * + & , Cardiff Southampton sunk Patience Lewis Netball Reporter Cardiff Netball 1sts: 32 UWIC Netball 1sts: 42 Wednesday October 14 saw the first clash of the netball season against UWIC 1sts for Cardiff University’s 1sts. This match was eagerly awaited and it didn’t disappoint.

The first quarter saw both teams go out hard, with strong play all the way down the court leaving only one goal in it at quarter time. With a particu! larly outstanding performance from a new addition to the team, Lara Heywood, turning over balls and making interceptions, Cardiff were on top of the game. The second quarter saw great defence in the circle and turnovers from Patience Lewis meant Cardiff were able to keep in the running for the win. Keeping on their hard defence and maintaining it throughout the court and throughout the game, Cardiff were constantly on UWIC’s toes, making them work hard for their lead. The third quarter saw a drop in performance but the shooters kept on their game and although Cardiff

were down a considerable amount and UWIC were starting to gain on them they were determined to keep working until the end. In the final quarter Cardiff worked constantly, grasping at the win, with great shooting from Rachel Keable, only missing one goal throughout the quarter. Although Cardiff won the last quarter it wasn’t enough leaving them with a respectable loss of 32 – 42. Although this is

a new team, with three new additions to the squad, Cardiff put out a great performance and are already looking ahead to next week’s game.

Captain, Jo Allan, said, “Obviously we are disappointed with the loss but we had a fantastic team performance for such a new squad and I am confident we’re going to improve and play well against UWE Bristol next week”.

as lax-tastic Cardiff dominate encounter Sarah Maber Lacrosse Reporter Cardiff Men's 1st team: 11 Southampton Men's 1st team: 2 After last year’s success of reaching the semi-finals of the BUCS Cup, the men’s pre-game spirit was high for the new season – and their performance at home to Southampton only helped to raise morale.

Cardiff were first off the mark with five goals in the first quarter from Laith Hahn, James Gibson and this season’s co-captain, John Baileff.

The next two quarters were by no means a quiet affair but with only three goals being scored between the

two teams – including one from Cardiff’s Harry Dryden – the score line held steady. Commendable defensive efforts from co-captain, Dave Austin, Joe Staton and Rory Dewhurst – a line-up seen regularly last season – but also to this year’s new arrival, Joey Rickman and also to the newly positioned Phill Pexton in goal.

The final twenty minutes saw a final push from Cardiff, with Thomas Stringer and man-of-the-match Ollie Clayton, feeding some great balls to the attack to see a further four goals scored to seal the victory. This conclusive goal difference sees Cardiff sitting comfortably at the top of their division after just the first fixture and hopefully a sign of things to come!

REACHING FOR THE SKIES: UWIC on form

Cardiff make fight back after poor start Holleigh Marsh Football Reporter Swansea Ladies 1sts: 3 Cardiff Ladies 1sts: 3 A close encounter between Cardiff and Varsity rivals Swansea ended in a fair result despite both teams missing numerous guilt BUCS Results: Wednesday 14 October Football: Cardiff AFC Men's 1sts 0-0 Exeter 1sts Football: Swansea Men's 1-0 AFC Men's 2nds Football: Swansea Men's 5ths 3-1 AFC Men's 5ths Football: Glamorgan 1sts 2-0 AFC Medics 1sts Football: Aberystwyth 3rds 2-2 AFC Medics 2nds Football: Swansea Women's 1sts 3-3 AFC Women's 1sts Badminton: Swansea Men's 1sts 2-6 Cardiff Men's 1sts Badminton: Swansea Men's 2nds 0-8 Cardiff Men's 2nds Badminton: Bournemouth W 1sts 2-6 Cardiff Women's 1sts Hockey: Bristol Men's 2nds 5-2 Cardiff Men's 2nds Hockey: Bristol Men's 3rds 12-0 Cardiff Men's 4ths Hockey: Swansea 1sts 5-1 Cardiff Medics Men's 1sts Hockey: UWIC Women's 3rds 1-3 Cardiff Medics W 1sts Hockey: Gloucester Women's 1sts 7-1 Cardiff Women's 2nds

edge chances.

Cardiff got off to the worst possible start conceding from a corner in the opening two minutes. Cardiff soon equalised when Jen Fildes saw her long-range effort hit the cross bar, but Elisabeth Dale was quickest to react to stab home the rebound. Cardiff then ended the first half as they started it conceding from a corner with two minutes remaining. In a spirited secNetball: Swansea 2nds 18-30 Cardiff 3rds Netball: Trinity 1sts 29-71 Cardiff 4th Rugby: Cardiff 1sts 30-3 Reading 1sts Rugby: Cardiff 2nds 36-8 Glamorgan 2nds Rugby: Plymouth 2nds 20-0 Cardiff 3rds Rugby: Hartpury 2nds 69-10 Cardiff Medics 1sts Rugby: Cardiff Medics 2nds 7-19 Swansea 3rds Squash: Aberystwyth Men's 1sts 4-1 Cardiff Men's 2nds Table Tennis: Bournemouth Men's 1sts 4-13 Cardiff Men's Basketball: Cardiff Men's 1sts 10852 Glamorgan Men's 1sts Fencing: Cardiff Men's 135-107 Exeter Men's 1sts Golf: Cardiff 1sts 1.5-4.5 Exeter 1sts Lacrosse: Cardiff Men's 11-2 Southampton Women's Lacrosse: Cardiff Women's 4-22 Bath Women's Tennis: Cardiff Women's 5-5 Bristol Women's 2nd

Compiled by Joe Davies

ond half performance, which saw Cardiff dominate proceedings, Zoe Masters finished calmly after excellent work from Dale. Cardiff then took the lead for the first time in the match with Hayley O’Brien’s cross bundled home

by Masters for her second. Swansea battled hard and got their just reward from yet another corner with a powerful header leaving goalkeeper Ruth Daly stranded. Cardiff 1st host Bristol next week.

MEN'S 1st TEAM: On fire against Soton

Law A forget the past and beat arch rivals History Alex Croker Sports Writer

Law A : 3 History: 2 Superb performances from all 14 men saw Law A recover from last week's devastating defeat at the hands of the Bs to beat History 3-2.

With the inspirational words of captain Rob Goodwin still ringing in their ears, Law A started strongly, meeting every 50-50 strongly and winning everything in the air. A long kick from keeper Andrew Carter put Elgan Williams through, and he expertly judged the bouncing ball to lob the onrushing keeper and give Law a deserved early

lead.

History's technical ability was ineffective on a pitch more suitable to the edge of the Celtic Manor fairways than Ninian Park and the constant pressure put on them by Oli Riley and the midfield quartet limited their chances to set pieces. It was a wellworked corner routine that left a man free on the edge of the box who, with plenty of time and space, placed the ball into the top corner.

A quick break from a Law corner saw History take the lead but Law's heads never dropped and they fought back to earn a penalty which James Molland duely despatched having just come on for the injured Chip Wootton.

History started the second half well but the long kick of Carter, in partnership with Elgan's constant hassling of

the History defence, always looked dangerous. It was a through ball from Dave Wong, however, that brought Law's second penalty as the History keeper brought Elgan down after he had rounded him. Molland put it away again to give Law the lead with 20 minutes to go. Dominant performances from the back four of Josh HJ, Nick Matthew, Josh Mosley and fresher Ryan Hughes withstood the History onslaught, winning every header and looking like a unit with ten years together, not ten days! Matty Evans and Jonny Ward came off the bench to replace tiring legs and did cracking jobs. Chances in this game were few and far between but Carter's outstanding reflex-save late on ensured Law A kicked off their League campaign in style and sent an early message to the rest of IMG.

Sport ! ! #$! " # $ $

INSIDE: IMG kicks off, the Manchester United v Liverpool Preview, and The Word On...The Cricket Champions

" 20 f University's Team of the Year dominate their opening fixture of the season against an out of sorts Glamorgan side Oli Franklin Sports Writer Cardiff 108 - 52 Glamorgan Cardiff announced their arrival into BUCS in style last Wednesday with a 56 point demolition of Glamorgan 1sts. After a groundbreaking, undefeated season last year, which culminated in the prestigious ‘Team of the Year’ accolade at the AU awards, tensions were high coming into the first game of the new season.

From the tip off, Cardiff looked determined to make a statement, storming down the court to open the scoring quickly. Shaken, Glamorgan tried to establish themselves in the game, but to no avail. Cardiff were much too strong, their ferocious offence lead by inspirational performances from Kostas Kritikos and new addition to the team Joan Herrero, who both lit up the floor hitting shot after shot from

3-point range.

Aware that Glamorgan were shellshocked and struggling, Cardiff continued the onslaught by deploying a trap defence, forcing turnover after turnover from the helpless side, opening up a huge lead early in the game.

It was soon apparent it was going to be a whitewash, Ioan Nickson shaking off his man with a sweet baseline drive and lay-up to put the score at 38-10 after the first quarter. Star guard Kritikos highlighted Cardiff’s dominance, outscoring the entire Glamorgan side in the first quarter.

The bloodbath continued throughout the second quarter, and by half time Cardiff had opened a 50 point lead, the scoreboard reading a mind blowing 74-24.

In the second half, Cardiff’s performance did start to slip however, with fatigue and over confidence miring an otherwise comprehensive performance. Rather than extend their lead, Cardiff began making some errors and

allowing Glamorgan to maintain the deficit – but still they were powerless to get back into the game.

The fourth quarter saw a resurgence in performance from Cardiff, led by the high intensity of captain Matt Garton, whose 24 point, 14 rebound performance stole the show in the second half. Joan Herrero finished the game with a 20 point display, and Kritikos, who sat out for the second half, never the less finished with 16 points.

The final score, at 108-52, if anything doesn’t fully demonstrate the performance of the Cardiff team in the first half, such was the brutality of their dominance. It has certainly announced their intentions in the division. The confidence of an undefeated season has certainly carried into the new season for the 08/09 Team of the Year.

Talking about the win after the game, captain Garton remained cautious about the rest of the season. “It’s too early to tell. But it’s a good start.”

Spirited Cardiff quash Swansea Glamorgan defenceless to prevent Cardiff

Terrific turnaround

Hannah Bromley Sports Writer

Cardiff Uni Ladies 2nds FC 5 - 4 Aberystwyth Ladies 1sts An inspirational second half performance by Cardiff Uni Ladies FC 2nds produced a thrilling victory, coming back from 4-0 down to win 5-4 and clinching an important win in the first BUCS game of the season. ! " # f started brightly keeping possession and dominating the centre midfield but it was Aberystwyth who made their chances count; winger Cat Lampard punishing Cardiff on the break. Cardiff were unlucky to concede again, the ball painfully trickling past the near post from an Aberystwyth corner. Aberystwyth netted another two goals before half time, leaving keeper Abi Goulding no chance with a deflected shot and good finishing.

At 4-0 down, Aberystwyth must have thought the game was over but Jojo Rennie’s first half goal spurred

on a great comeback. New captain Hannah Bromley fired in a corner, only for it to be cleared as far as Hollie Martin to set up Rennie who coolly slotted it into the goal.

Cardiff came out firing after a change in tactics at half time and soon made it count. An inch perfect pass from midfielder Laura Perry set up new striker Lucie Marchando who fired the ball into the top corner.

Marchando added another two goals to her tally finishing well from some bright runs from wingers Amy Earthrowl and substitute Jessie Penrose.

At 4-4 the game was there for the taking. Man of the Match Marchando produced an outstanding run, leaving the Aberystwyth defence no chance with her pace, smoothly rounding past the keeper to slot the ball in, putting Cardiff in front for the first time.

Aberystwyth pushed for a late equaliser in the dying minutes of the game but a solid performance from centre backs Ffion Cole and Becky Woods kept them at bay, with Cardiff holding on to a well-deserved victory.

Joe Broad Sports Writer Cardiff 4 - 1 Swansea After a disappointing end to last season it was important that Cardiff University hit the ground running against Swansea in the first BUCS game of the season.

This fixture is always eagerly anticipated and often a warm-up for the Varsity match. With several students having left over the summer and a key injury to note, Cardiff really had to step up to ensure victory.

Cardiff made a good start when fifth seed Kislaye Gaya took the lead early.

This lead didn’t last long as Swansea kicked into gear winning three games in a row turning the tie around to win 3-1 with scores 11-9/8-11/5-11/5-11.

Cardiff then had to rely on fourth seed Ed Richmond to square up the match. After being brought into the side from the second team at last minute Ed didn’t crack under the pressure and won his tie with ease scoring 116/11-4/12-10.

With a score on the board Cardiff began to dominate when Sean Doddington put in a great performance as third seed, proving his worth as a regular first team player. Against a tricky

opponent, Sean managed to close the tie out with scores of 11-7/15-13/11-7 after a second game that could have gone either way.

After an injury to the regular second seed, third year student Joe Broad had to step in to ensure victory. Experience seemed to be the telling factor as Joe raced to a one game lead losing only a point. Swansea tried to establish a fight back in the second game but it was too late as Joe finished the tie off in style 11-7/11-6.

With the match already won, first

seed captain Simon Goddard had only pride to play for in his tie. Despite this, Simon continued with his fantastic form this season winning 3-0 (116/11-5/11-6), his speed and aggression proving too much for the helpless Swansea player.

So after a slow start Cardiff managed to battle their way to a resounding 4-1 victory over close rivals Swansea. With the confidence gained from this great win, Cardiff can now mount a strong challenge for promotion and roll on varsity!

A smashing display

RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POS OFFICE GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY SIMON LUCEY HAS NOT WASHED HIS EARS SINCE HE WAS SIX JAMIE THUNDER IS NEWS HITLER CERI: I CAN IMAGINE ROBIN DATING A SHIT LOAD OF MUMS SIMON'S BUKKAKE HO DOWN - BE THERE OLI: SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO SCRUB UP...SHE'S PERFECT LUCY MORGAN WALKS INTO BROOMS OLI FRANKLIN IN HANDCUFF FANTASIES CERI AND LUDKIN IN POST-SOCIAL SEX IN THE BIN SCANDAL