gair rhydd - Issue 928

gair rhydd Monday September 13 2010 | freeword – Est. 1972 | Issue 928

FREE INSIDE : Your student lifestyle magazine MUSIC // FILM // ARTS // FASHION // FOOD // TRAVEL // FEATURES // LGBT+ // INTERVIEWS // BOOKS // and more Inside this week:

Animal testing

Contingency plan needed Hannah Pendleton News Editor This year the Welsh Assembly Government has cut Cardiff University’s Financial Contingency Fund (FCF) by 60%, vastly reducing the amount of financial support available to vulnerable students.

The FCF is the source of funding that helps around 1300 students a year remain in higher education.

Further and Higher education institutions in Wales, like Cardiff University, are given a financial contingency fund for every academic year, giving discretionary financial support to vulnerable students.

This vital source of funding that helps a large number of students each year, allows them to continue on through their higher education.

Those that face difficulties due to an unexpected illness and student parents are just a few of the many that are benefitted.

Most importantly it provides financial help, support and stability when there is the possibility of a student having to leave university due to serious financial hurdles.

Despite the importance of the FCF to so many individuals, the WAG has made the decision to cut funding by up to 60%.

This now means that for this academic year, the Student Support Centre have £412,975 to consider and allocate to students in hardship.

This is in contrast to the previous year (2009-10) where there was a total of £1.2 million available.

During the last academic year up to 90% of the fund was allocated to vulnerable students.

The 60% cuts will create increased pressure on the Student Support Centre who must now consider ways to manage the reduction in funding.

Sarah Ingram, the Academic and University Affairs Officer stated: “The shocking 60% cut that the

Welsh Assembly Government has imposed on the Financial Contingency Fund will harm our poorest and most vulnerable students.

“With drop out rates already increasing because of the unforeseen hidden costs of courses and personal money issues, the University’s financial support services will be forced to turn desperate students away, that just last year they would have been able to help continue studying”.

Ben Lewis, Head of Student Advisory Services, highlighted the importance of the FCF. From recent figures of students who use the fund it has emerged that 89% of students who responded indicate they would not have been able to continue in higher education without FCF help (2009-10 figures).

It is also clear that needs can be particularly acute later in students’ careers, jeopardizing completion in the final year.

Regardless of the amount of concern surrounding the cuts, the WAG remains positive, with plans in place to prevent an increase in drop out rates from ‘less privileged’ students.

A spokesperson said: “While Financial Contingency Fund levels are reducing in 2010-11, we have a higher education student support package in place to ensure financial barriers do not deter those students from less privileged backgrounds from entering higher education”.

Cuts to the fund will result in more highly considered spending.

Ben Lewis said: “We will still have money to award to students, but we will have to make changes in how awards are made.

“We are awaiting guidance from WAG to help us to do this.”

Continued on page 4

A recent investigation has revealed that animal experiments at Cardiff University have increased since 2006 News, page 2

Summer holidays Our resident columnist offers his own opinion of summer holidays, and doesn’t really care about how you spent yours...

Columnist, page 12

Culture prejudice?

Opinion takes on the issue of the Burka in a debate over whether the traditional dress is a tool of female liberation or cultural oppression Opinion, page 10

Coalition review Politics offers an in-depth review of the Cameron-Clegg coalition after its first three months, with discussion of the policies that will be affecting us students Politics, page 15

Refresh yourself We give you an exclusive guide to Freshers’ Week 2010, and offer you some handy hints and advice to help you make sure it is the best week of your life Features, pages 16-17

Making a change One of our Editors discusses the big impact that climate change will have on our planet Science and Environment, page 22

Get involved!

Cardiff University Alumni reaches National Command – Full story: page 3

Sport interview your new Athletic Union President and talk about his plans for the year ahead Sport, page 31 And more, in Wales’ number one independent student newspaper

02News

gr EDITOR Sarah Powell

CO-ORDINATOR Elaine Morgan HEAD OF DESIGN Paul Stollery NEWS Miranda Atty Morgan Applegarth Pippa Lewis Ben Price Hannah Pendleton FEATURES Zoe Bridger Laura Brunt OPINION Holly Howe Chris Williams POLITICS James Dunn Oliver Smith

Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Animal experiments increase Ben Price Reporter Animal experiments at Cardiff University have risen by 13% since 2006.

A Wales on Sunday investigation has revealed that in the past four years, 191, 549 creatures have been tested on by the University. The animals involved include cats, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, frogs and fish.

These figures have infuriated many animal rights activists. The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) has condemned Cardiff University for this significant increase in testing.

Sarah Kite, special projects director at BUAV described how 19 kittens were used in an experiment at Cardiff University to study brain function and vision.

“They were subjected to invasive surgery – their windpipes were

sliced, catheters were inserted into blood vessels and parts of their brains exposed in order to implant electrodes,” Ms Kite said.

However, a University spokesperson responded by stating that the BUAV’s criticism of the test was inaccurate.

The BUAV also highlighted that in 2009, Cardiff University was responsible for the use of 46 cats, which accounted for more than a quarter of all those cats used in research facilities in the whole of the UK during that time period.

According to the University, there has been a decrease of 30% in testing on cats, dogs, horses and all non-human primates since 1995. In addition, the University wished to highlight the fact that several of its researches have recently won funding as part of an initiative to find alternatives to the use of animals in research.

An RSPCA senior scientist has stated that there is “no doubt” that

animals experience pain and distress during experiments. It was further claimed that suffering may also be caused by the way animals are bred, transported, housed and handled.

The University assures the public, however, that each case of research using animals is subject to an ethical review process involving lay members and representatives from across the University community. The Review Process provides ethical advice on standards of animal care, welfare and accommodation and ensures that those working with animals are aware of their responsibilities and receive appropriate training.

Understanding Animal Research highlights the fact that animals are “essential” in scientific research, medicines development and safety testing. However, they also stress the fact that animal testing is a last resort, when there is no other alternative to be found. Their website

Scholarship boost for Cardiff Uni

COLUMNISTS Henry Burton Greg Rees XPRESS Luke Franks SOCIETIES Sarah Powell Cosimo Montagu

Miranda Atty News Editor

LISTINGS Sarah Powell SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT Tom Clarke Jack Parker SPORT Alex Bywater Lucy Morgan Alex Winter THANKS My endless gratitude goes to Paul Stollery, who not only put together this wonderful new design for gair rhydd but also came to my rescue and designed the very first issue of Quench.

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 COLUMNIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 TAF-OD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 SCIENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 PUZZLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

states that; "In every case the potential scientific and medical benefits, and the possible suffering of the animals used, are weighed up carefully before any animal research project can proceed.”

Those who support the use of animals in laboratory experiments also emphasise the vast medical breakthroughs that have been possible due to the use of animal testing. Some of these include the elimination of smallpox, the transplantation of kidneys and the development of vaccines for malaria, hepatitis and cervical cancer.

The Trust for Humane Research, which has projects that aim to replace the use of animals in medical research, has expressed its disappointment at the news that animal testing has risen by 9, 489 at Cardiff University in the past year. The Trust blamed the continuing reliance on live creatures on lack of funding, creative thinking and political will.

Rising star: Nathan Cleverly poses outside the Mathematics building

Cardiff Student boxing clever Hannah Pendleton News Editor Cardiff University’s very own boxing champion, Nathan Cleverly, has graduated as a Bsc in Mathematics after gaining a 2:2 in his degree.

Although he has been studying full time, Nathan has a highly successful record where he has a 19 win unbeaten record, having won a number of light-heavyweight champion titles.

Nathan said: “I've had an awesome four years of studying along-

side my boxing career.

"It's been very hard work along the way with training for fights and studying for exams but I've managed to do it and I'm really pleased with myself because getting my degree was a big ambition - now it's the world title" Now that he has successfully accomplished the challenges of university life and a tough degree in mathematics, Nathan is set to face his next hurdle very shortly.

On September 18 he will fight for the Interim WBO Light-heavyweight title at the LG arena in Bir-

mingham.

“I'm really excited, it's one step closer to a world title and that's been my dream to become a world champion.

"I'm excited by the challenge that Murat presents, he's unbeaten, like me, and he's highly touted in the boxing world so if I beat him then the world's my oyster.

Winning this fight, in which he goes against the unbeaten Karo Murat from Germany, will place his ultimate goal on the horizon; the world title.

Cardiff University’s Dangoor Scholarships have received an additional 20 places, rising from 30 possible scholarships to 50.

The scholarships will give financially-restricted students an incentive to study a STEM course science, technology, engineering or maths.

Property tycoon Dr. Naim Dangoor has donated £3million over three years, in order to provide £1,000 financial assistance for students from lower income backgrounds. Cardiff University is the only Welsh university to receive the Dangoor scholarships, which will be distributed to 4000 students across the UK who are beginning their studies in 2010.

The scholarships will help Cardiff build capacity in the fields of technology, engineering and science. They will provide a substantial addition to the existing £3million student support package the university already offers. “These latest scholarships are offering the chance for students to fulfil their dreams of studying for a degree at one of the country’s leading academic institutions, which otherwise may have been out of their reach” Professor Jonathan Osmond, Pro Vice-Chancellor for education and students, said.

The University itself will also be making approximately 100 new scholarships available for 2010, worth around £3000.

News03

gair rhydd • Monday September 13 2010 • news@gairrhydd.com

Cardiff's starring role Cardiff plays host to BBC's popular Sherlock series Hannah Pendleton News Editor During the summer it seems that Cardiff has acquired another claim to fame.

The successful three part BBC television series Sherlock that recently aired, boasts the city as one of its top filming locations.

The series that was filmed at the start of this year comes after a number of popular shows that all feature South Wales as their production sites.

Doctor Who and Torchwood, the popular BBC shows, were also filmed at different locations around Cardiff, including the city centre and Cardiff Bay. Benedict Cumberbatch who plays the star role of Sherlock Holmes said: “Cardiff is absolutely brilliant.

"There's great studios in Cardiff and massive talent to bring things here”.

Martin Freeman who plays Watson and is perhaps most famous for his role in ‘The Office’ said: “It has been good to film in Cardiff because it is so big here and they are geared up to this kind of production”.

Many students at Cardiff University will most likely remember the filming of the show, when production vans were based around the main University building.

Watching the show it is not difficult to spot a number of scenes filmed at the University.

The school of Earth and Ocean Sciences hosted several scenes in their laboratories together with important scenes on the staircase and in the corridors of the main building.

Above: Cumberbatch and Freeman. Below: Some of the main filming locations

Alumni takes charge Hannah Pendleton News Editor

Sir General David Richards

A Cardiff university alumni has recently been appointed the new Chief of Defence Staff; the most senior military position in the UK. Sir General David Richards who graduated from Cardiff University in 1974 having studied politics and economics is currently head of the British army.

Now General Richards is set to replace the current Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Sir Jock Stirrup in October this year.

Having been a former commander of international forces in Afghanistan he seems passionate

about the campaign in the war torn country, stating that “the people and the country entered my bloodstream”.

During his command of international forces for nine months he controlled 35000 troops.

David Cameron is positive about the future of forces under General Richards command; “I have no doubt that Sir David will build on this in years to come ensuring that all three services play their part in protecting Britain’s national security in Afghanistan and elsewhere”.

It seems there is a lot of confidence in the Cardiff University alumni, who will no doubt play a pivotal role in the future of Britain’s forces and the UK’s presence in Afghanistan.

Fund our Future Hannah Pendleton News Editor

The NUS and UCU have announced a national demonstration ‘Fund Our Future: Stop Education Cuts’ in response to proposed cuts to higher education spending.

The demo, to be held on Wednesday November 10 in central London is part of a strategy to influence the Coalition Government as it cuts Government funding in public services in an attempt to reduce the national debt.

Chancellor George Osborne will confirm the scale of the cuts in October but Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell has told universities that it would be wise to prepare for a 35 percent cut between 2011 and 2015.

Such cuts would be the equivalent to the current £5,441 annual Government subsidy for each student being reduced to just £3,537.

Professor Gareth Williams, a higher education expert at London’s Institute of Education said: “If the numbers quoted are realised, it would be far worse than anything universities have experienced since the 1930s.”

Aaron Porter, current NUS President has described this year as one that is crucial for higher education: “These are tough times and they require tough choices. Ministers and university leaders will not shrink from that task. We need to make their decisions tougher; we need to prevent them from making the wrong choices.”

“We need to build for a year of action on a scale that we have not undertaken since the higher education bill six years ago.”

Universities have described the proposed cuts as having devastating consequences for higher education in England- jeapordising the sector’s world class status.

It is thought that if the current £3,250-a-year cap on tuition fees is abolished, a move which may be proposed in a review of tuition fees, grants and loans, the results of which are due published in October, universities could be forced to dramatically increase fees to maintain standards.

The NUS and UCU are urging people which wish to ‘defend the right to good and properly funded education’ to take part in the demonstration helping to make it ‘the most successful demonstration in recent history.’

Cardiff Students' Union will be taking part in the National Demonstration and gair rhydd keep you informed of the details as they become available.

04News

Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

We need a contingency plan Continued from front page With healthcare students receiving one third of the FCF, it is believed they will be the most widely affected by the cuts.

One quarter of nurses receive the FCF each year as the demands of the course mean it is highly stressful and pressurised, resulting in a 45% drop out rate in the first year alone.

The Healthcare Integration Officer, Oli Luton said: “Because of the stresses of the job that nurses face on a daily basis, 12 hour shifts and difficult patients, to name but a few, the drop out rate for nursing students is already considerably high”.

Without the FCF a large number of nurses will struggle to continue their degree. Oli Luton goes on to explain, “With the high percentage

of nurses who rely on this fund, further increases in drop out rates are sure to increase alongside the Financial Contingency fund cuts”.

Ben Lewis assured gair rhydd that the Student Support Centre will continue to help those in need: “People in financial hardship should still come to us for help. We will use the money that we have fairly and responsibly and if you are facing financial hardship then

you should come and see us as soon as you can.”

It is clear that the FCF has a huge impact on the university experience and plays a significant role in the pursuit of a degree for so many students, whom for most, the fund enables them to even consider taking up further education.

Students join local residents in protest against incinerator Rachel Smith Reporter

Cardiff students joined local residents in a heartfelt campaign against the proposal to put an incinerator in Splott.

Nearly a hundred redisents and campaigners joined together outside the STAR Centre in Splott this July to lobby the Environmental Agency and urge them to reject the incinerator proposal.

The protest, which calls itself Cardiff Stop the Incinerator, gathered for a five hour intervention during which they asked the Environmental Agency various probing questions about the effects of the incinerator.

Edmund Schluessel, a Cardiff Student who is an integral part of the Cardiff Stop the Incinerator campaign, addressed the crowd: "They want to build this incinerator in Splott but it’s not just Splott’s problem.

The air is one of the few things left we own in common. Viridor want to take our air, our environment, for profit.

We’re against the incinerator not just here but everywhere; we say no to the Cardiff incinerator, no to the Mer-

Two Cardiff University students have been selected for a media internship at this year’s Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport.

History student, Benjamin Price and Journalist, Film and Media student, Johanna Scammel, both in their third year of study, will be part of the Ryder Cup media team responsible for reporting on all the golfing action that will take place in

Miranda Atty News Editor Alex Thorne, aged 15, has graduated from Cardiff University with a first class honours degree in Maths.

Alex gained his A-Level maths at 12-years-old before embarking on a university degree. He scored 100% in two of his final exams.

Because Alex was so young, his mother Sara had to go to lectures with him.

Despite this, Alex said: “University has been good.

I found school quite boring when I was doing maths there. This third year has been difficult, combining my degree with the rest of my school work – but it has all worked out well in the end.”

Alex is continuing his studies in Cardiff, taking an M. Phil in the quantum field theory of gravitation. His ultimate aim is to take a D. Phil and possibly move into a research career.

Pioneering development James White Reporter

thyr incinerator, and no to the Barry Dock pyrolisis plant.”

After the protest, Edmund told gair rhydd: "The protest went quite well.

We got about 70 out at the 2pm one and about 20 for the 6pm one.

"I was surprised and impressed at the turnout, but people are just at a breaking point: they've had a steelworks dropped on them in south Car-

diff, then a landfill, but at the same time they've lost a fully-functional hospital. The incinerator is the last straw.

"If you look at the stats, south Cardiff has a life expectancy ten years less than the rich parts of town.

There's an arc of neighborhoods, Splott, Tremorfa, Butetown, Grangetown, that get left behind whenever

there's a boom and that feel it hardest when the economy inevitably breaks down.

"People are tired and angry and I don't see how anyone can blame them."

To find out more, or to offer your support to the campaign, search for Cardiff Stop the Incinerator on Facebook.

Cardiff students gain Ryder Cup journalism internship Ben Price News Editor

Whizz Kid

this historical team game event between the U.S.A and Europe.

Both students will be joined by two other welsh students who were also chosen for the internship.

These students will have the opportunity to work alongside highly professional journalists from around the world in the state of the art media centre at the Celtic Manor.

One aspect of their internship will include writing up to date match reports for RyderCup.com

and describing the action as the drama unfolds.

Benjamin is a keen golfer and has had various experiences in the media world.

He now looks forward to the challenge of reporting at the Ryder Cup. “It will be a great occasion to be part of and will provide me with invaluable journalistic experience,” he said.

Johanna, who has also had work experience in various media envi-

ronments and plays golf as a hobby said; “It’s a big local event and I’m going to be able to get some great work experience in journalism, so it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

The four successful students were selected from more than 30 other students who applied for a place on the internship which will begin on September 28.

The competition itself will begin on Friday October 1 and last 3 days in total.

Two of Cardiff ’s leading researchers are helping to develop a pioneering diagnostic test for bladder cancer.

Professors Ian Weeks and Howard Kynaston, both from the School of Medicine, have joined forces with Morvus Technology Limited in order to research and develop a rapid new test that will determine the success of treatment for genitourinary cancers.

It is hoped that better diagnostic testing will help to reduce the stress and time that patients currently face before they find out if their cancer treatment has been successful.

The collaboration utilises over 25 years of University expertise in innovative diagnostic tests and cancer treatment with Professor Weeks and Professor Kynaston bringing their leading expertise to this project.

Speaking about the project, Prof. Weeks said: “There is a clear need for a rapid, noninvasive diagnostic test for recurrent bladder cancer.

Such a test will be less burdensome to patients and will considerably reduce costs to the healthcare system.”

The project is funded by a £74,550 grant from the National Institute for Health Research’s i4i programme.

News05 Cardiff Uni Fellow warns Cardiff Student's against cuts to police force budding enterprise

gair rhydd • Monday September 13 2010 • news@gairrhydd.com

Cardiff Researcher fears cuts could impact on the student experience Hannah Pendleton News Editor An Honoury Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University, Dr Tim Brain has warned of the consequences of cuts that have been projected for the UK police force.

Dr Brain is currently working with Cardiff University’s Police Science Institute, running alongside South Wales Police and the University of Glamorgan.

The UPSI have reached an international reputation for the latest and most innovative research on policing.

The warnings came in an article for ‘Jane’s Police Review’, which focuses on how dramatic the cuts may

be for the service.

The ‘worst case scenario’ figure explored in the article was that up to 60,000 police officer jobs could be lost in the next few years.

This figure was reached after the UK treasury told governmental departments to forecast scenarios that would arrive with 40% cuts.

Dr Brain said: “We don’t yet know, and nor will we know for certain until the results of the spending reviews in the autumn, but in the meantime there are some clues.

First, the police service is not on the protected list.

Second, the new home secretary Theresa May has warned that the police service can expect to face its fair share of cuts and third, there has specifically been no guarantee

Vice-Chancellors against Grad Tax Pippa Lewis News Editor

Ministers are facing a backlash from Tory backbenchers and university Vice Chancellors over plans to introduce a new graduate tax.

The Government will not take a decision on university fees until after Lord Browne’s University Funding Review has been published in October, however Liberal Democrat Business Secretary has indicated the idea of a graduate tax should be seen as a “priority.”

Universities Minister, David Willetts, has indicated that the Government would scrap tuition fees in favour of a ‘graduate contribution’ based on earnings.

Mr. Willetts said the ‘progressive’ measure would be fairer than the current fixed rate of £3,290 a year which all students pay regardless of their future earnings potential.

The National Union of Students (NUS) is broadly supportive of the graduate tax, favouring the option over a market based approach in which universities are allowed to raise more money by charging variable and higher fees effectively pricing poorer students out of top universities Aaron Porter, NUS President has said: “Vince Cable's support for the principle of a graduate tax is to be welcomed as is his recognition that those who earn most after university should contribute more back as and when they do so.

"He is right to ask why, under

the current unpopular and regressive top-up fee system, a care worker or teacher is expected to pay as much as a corporate lawyer or banker."

University leaders have warned however that such a system could have serious consequences for British higher education breaking the direct link between students and universities reducing pressure for universities to respond to demands of better quality of teaching.

Wendy Piatt, the Russell Group’s director general, said: “A graduate tax could also discriminate against British graduates who would pay over a lifetime, while other beneficiaries of UK degrees – as well as British expats – may be able to avoid paying entirely.

“It would be difficult in the extreme to levy and collect a tax from graduates living and working overseas.

"A graduate tax would introduce perverse incentives for our best graduates, both home and EU, to move abroad and deprive the UK of vital skills and knowledge.”

Research by the University and College Union has found that a graduate tax levied at five percent of income would lead to many graduates in relatively modest jobs facing tax bill of more than £36,000.

Tory MP Douglas Carswell has warned the tax risked plunging Britain into an ‘economic stupor’ driving the best graduates abroad.

Cable has warned of “sever financial pressure” in the next few years claiming that “students will almost certainly have to pay more” for higher education.

to maintain personnel numbers”.

“This will mean fewer personnel for patrol, response and investigation duties”.

Dr Brain derives that although most of the projected cuts are not expected until 2014, he gives a stark statement with the realisation that cuts of this magnitude could have a great affect on the public.

“Are the leaders of the service, its representatives and the public ready to accept reductions on such a scale?”.

For students in cities across the UK, fewer policemen on the frontline could mean higher caution and increased awareness of the dangers that students face.

Joy Harding Reporter A Cardiff student has been awarded with a Santander Scholarship for his outstanding entrepreneurial skills.

Jarrad Morris, a second year International Management student, received the accolade for his dynamic business enterprise; a student clothing company which specializes in American style hoodies and t.shirts.

Jarrad’s business developed during his first year at Cardiff University where he supplies large societies with branded clothing.

He told gair rhydd: “I just saw that people at University were paying too much for their clothing, and I thought it’s unfair because we shouldn’t be getting taken advantage of by bigger companies.”

Jarrad was encouraged to apply

for the Santander Scholarship by Enterprise. The Scholarship consists of a £1,000 fund which is to be spent on methods of developing the business. Jarrad will also benefit from guidance and advice from industry professionals.

Jarrad attributes his success to his business-minded family: “I’ve always been around business really.

Both my grandparents and parents are entrepreneurs.”

However, being a University student and budding entrepreneur can be difficult: “ I work very long days but the main thing is getting the balance right. University always comes first for me though.

"But to me, this doesn’t feel like a job because I enjoy it - the thing is, I don’t want to do anything else now, I’ll probably just keep starting businesses, just for the stress of it!”

For more information, go to: unidclothing.com.

World News 06 Bee Beard

Laura Howes Reporter Tibor Szabo has been announced as the winner of the Clovermead Bees and Honey Bee Beard Competition in Aylmer, Ontario after having his head completely covered in honey bees.

It was a case of he who dares wins as contestants bravely wore thousands of honey bees on their face and body.

Historically a bee beard was used by a honey vendor to attract customers to his goods, but nowadays, bee bearding is mainly done for fun, and for charity, this year in aid of World Vision Canada.

Dutch monkeying around Undiecover Pippa Lewis News Editor

The Olympian, Epke Zonderland has been recruited by a Dutch zoo to teach its primates how to use their newly renovated enclosure.

In an attempt to get the orangutans back into the trees Zonderland, who competed in the high bar even in Beijing 2008, will attempt to re-teach them how to swing so that they will resemble more closely those in the wild which rarely come down to the ground.

The zoo refurbished it’s outdoor area to include trees up to ten me-

Now I know my A, B, C's... Sniffability Pippa Lewis News Editor A new mother is believed to have the longest name in Europe after changing it by deed poll to include a word for every letter in the alphabet in an attempt to teach her son the alphabet.

Formally known as Ceejay Epton, ‘Miss Alphabet’ is now legally known as: Ceejay A Apple B Boat C Cat D Dog E Elephant F Flower G Goat H House I Igloo J Jellyfish K Kite L Lion M Monkey N Nurse O Octopus P Penguin Q Queen R Robot S Sun T Tree U Umbrella V Violin W Whale X X-Ray Y Yo-Yo Z

Zebra Terryn Feuji-Sharemi.

“We get people applying for all kinds of crazy name changes all the time but this one really is different, even for us,” said Legal Deed Poll Service chief executive Jamie Jackson.

“We wish ‘Miss Alphabet’ the best of luck and bet her little boy will know the entire alphabet in next to no time.”

'Miss Alphabet' has said that her original decision to change her name was 'just a bit of a laugh', but she has since said: "The reason for wanting to change my name is to help my son to learn the Alphabet."

Nicole Tingley Reporter

ters high allowing the orangutans to swing above the viewing public however it appears that they had lost the knack of it.

"It is said that we can learn from apes how to climb, but this time they've asked me to get the apes back into the trees," Zonderland told a Dutch radio station.

The Dutch gymnast said he hopes the orangutans will be 'relaxed' for their lesson, which will be open to public viewing.

Jack Turner Reporter Scientists have developed a pioneering device that allows people with severe disabilities to control a wheelchair by sniffing.

Noam Sobel, Professor of Neurobiology at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, said his team was able to build a "sniff controller" by taking advantage of the fact that soft palette is controlled by signals from cranial nerves.

The device works by placing a small rubber tube in front of the nostrils, which measures changes in pressure in the nose.

An Italian man was left feeling rather embarrassed after he was caught carrying £10,000 of hidden cash in his underwear.

The money was recovered by UK Border Agency officers at Belfast International Airpot, who discovered the money during a routine stop and search procedure.

The man, who was about to board a flight to Rome, was carrying large denomination Sterling and Euro notes in his boxer shorts.

He was unable to give a reasonable explanation for carrying the money and eventually elected not to travel on the flight.

Such great heights Pippa Lewis News Editor Frenchman Taig Khris has set the record for the longest freefall jump after launching himself off the 40 meter high first floor platform of the Eiffel Tower, jumping twice after he failed to nail his landing correctly the first time.

Cheered on by thousands of spectators who filled the streets to watch the daring jump, Taig fell 12.5 meters through the air before even landing on the giant quarterpipe specially erected next to the Parisian monument.

The Eiffel Tour is no stranger to crazy stunts. Previous attentionseekers have climbed the tower on

stilts, ridden don it on motorbikes, jumped off it with parachutes and walked across it with parachutes.

Columnist 08

Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd

The start of something new

I

’m writing this out in the sticks in the middle of August. I’ve usually got plenty to say, but once again I find that faced with a deadline I’m desperately trying to fill my word count without spouting drivel.

So here goes. Decent summers all round I hope?

A familiar dearth of money has meant that my second uni summer’s had any hedonism kept to an unfortunate minimum. The World Cup was disappointing (as every other one seems to be.) I put my faith and my money behind Argentina, and they didn’t quite deliver when it mattered (though they’re going to reach the final of Brazil 2014, albeit losing to the hosts. You heard it here first.)

And I’ve discovered that Mongrels on BBC3 is bloody brilliant.

Politically, the Cleggamerons have been running the show for a few months now, and they haven’t fucked up too badly (possible double-dip recession notwithstanding, and I don’t think the coalition should take all the blame if that happens.)

The only thing that’s really pissed me off is the problem of council houses. Specifically, the possibility of strict fixed-term tenancies for future tenants. And then what? Shift yourself when five years is up?

There’s a reason why most council house tenants are just that. They’re poor.

And poverty’s often long-term, even for those with jobs: not every single ‘social housing’ tenant is a scrounging, ignorant urban chav (and I should know.)

The other housing problem is the new power that the Labour-Plaid Welsh Assembly has, to stop us plebs buying our council houses if there’s a shortage. Whether or not you like Margaret Thatcher, her allowing people to become homeowners was a great thing, and if right-to-buy is stopped throughout Wales, many people would never get to own their own homes.

You know, Mr. Cameron, there’s a simple answer to both these desperate schemes. Build. Lots. More. Council. Homes.

Even before this year’s A-Level results were out, the media were clamouring over the clearing process, and the lack of those extra places.

This makes a change from the press’ usual tack: that anyone can get in to university nowadays, because the exams are getting easier.

I certainly hope that isn’t true, because I’m a firm believer in merit (i.e. everyone should have a place at university - if they’re good enough.)

What I will say is that modern ALevels are far from a suitable foundation to start a university degree on.

I’m studying English Literature, and compared to the A-Level it really is a different experience.

The way we are taught at school now, though, is different to thirty or forty years ago, so you can’t really compare and say that the exams are easier, though they probably are.

If we were taught in ways that would prepare us for 1960s or 70s exam standards, then you’d probably see similar pass rates to those decades.

Personally, I’m sceptical as to whether people are getting thicker or brainier. I would imagine on average we’re probably about the same as our parents’ generations.

Anyway, you’re reading this, so you obviously got in. Years second and above already know the score. If you’re a Fresher, welcome to Cardiff.

It’s a decent city, you know (and I do know: being a fairly local boy, Caerdydd always was the choice weekend destination for me and my friends.)

The university itself isn’t bad, too, although visually some bits are bloody hideous. In my 17-year-old naivety, I had thought that I’d be studying solely in the beautiful main building, so it’s unfortunate that most of the other buildings are uglier than sin.

As for your quality of life, that’s totally up to you. If you’re in Gordon Hall, you’re damned lucky; if not, it’s not the end of the world.

If you find that your first few days are, well, a bit shit, it gets better. My original freshers week was far from awe-inspiring, but after a few weeks it seemed like I’d been here enjoying myself for ages.

Get stuck in, right away if you’re outgoing enough; if not, there’s plenty of time throughout the year and hell, there’s always the second year.

I won’t bore you with extolling the virtues of Cardiff venues as nights out, but they are there to dance, drink

Above: Lies. All lies.

“

If you're in Gordan Hall, you're damned lucky. If not, it's not the end of the world.

and be sick in. Go forth and multiply.

You may also wish to note that: 1) You can write an essay from scratch the night before it’s due in and pass. Hell yes. But it’s almost certainly going to drag your average grade down by at least a couple of points.

2) If you’re in catered halls, the food starts out good and ends up being tedious by April. But, my God, the chicken wraps are a fine meal.

3) Any hideous faces made on nights out will be forever documented (and tagged multiple times) on the obsequious life-consumer that is Facebook.

4) Spew quietly or risk it being recorded.

5) Female bouncers are legends.

6) No matter what the circumstances, there’s always going to be something left in your freezer at the end of the year. Probably half a bag of veg and some cheap oven-able meat products.

7) When you’ve worked out your housemates for year two, you’ll discover that many landlords may be un-

scrupulous, rude, or simply crap.

All I can add is to simply state, enjoy it.

Fuck that old adage about school being the best days of your life; university’s got that title in the bag.

Apart from anything else, it’s the last chance to have three-month summer breaks until retirement, which for us young ‘uns, is scheduled for circa 2075.

And, after all, uni’s often basically grown-up nursery school with booze, sex, and better conversation, and very little could be better than that.

Education? What education?

Gregg's Track of the week: Maroon 5 – Harder To Breathe

(UK number 13, 2004)

Because back in the day, Adam Levine’s voice could seduce nuns, confuse militant homophobes, and bring dead dogs back to life

Opinion10 A tool of oppression or liberation?

Holly Howe Opinion Editor In recent months there has been a huge amount of controversy surrounding Europe’s continued tirade against the burqa. On July 13 France voted on a total ban of the burqa, a traditional outer-garment consisting of a headscarf and full face veil which is worn by many Muslim women. In a recent poll, 72% of British people also supported a ban on the burqa.

It is obvious that most of the support for a ban stems from racist stereotyping and ignorance.

The burqa is an immediate marker of ‘otherness’ in a predominately Christian Europe and a visual symbol for Islam.

Unfortunately, in the West, traditional Muslim dress is far too often confused with a symbol of terrorism. From personal experience, last year I attended a T themed fancy dress party at which somebody appeared with a backpack, a keffiah and brown face paint (yes, really) and declared that he was a terrorist. Traditional Muslım dress ıs seen by the ignorant as something to be wary of.

Many supporters of European burqa bans denounce the racism behind their issues and cling to vague claims of security risks. Switzerland used even more tedious reasoning behind their recent minaret ban on mosques claiming that they could quickly dominate the skyline.

There were only four minarets in the whole of Switzerland at the time of the ban.

However, Sarkosy and other supporters of a ban often try to frame the Islamophobia in terms of women’s liberation.

Even Middle Eastern countries where Islam is the predominant re-

ligion are banning the full Burqa ın places such as universities.

Are these countries sending a signal that the burqa is outdated or simply using the ban as an excuse to exclude women from certaın places? Feminists argue on both sides of the argument, but is the burqa really a sign of women’s oppression?

The Qur’an tells women to ‘draw their outer-garments close’ and it is suggested that women wear burqas as a sign of honour and respectability.

One Jordanian woman I met recently took off her veil soon after meeting me and declared 'well this

is me!’

She explained that she only wore the veil when In the company of men she was not related to and that she was very happy with the tradition. Interestingly, she added that her husband was very happy with the situation while he nodded enthusiastically. This begs the question as to whose choice wearing a burqa actually is.

Many feminists point assert that wearing a burqa signifies that a woman’s body is not a public domain as it is often perceived in the West.

But does it remove the immediate link that a woman,s body is inher-

ently sexual? Or is the burqa simply reinforcing the idea that a woman’s body is shameful and offensive and therefore must be hidden?

After all, many Muslim men wear western style clothing with little concern for showing some skin, let alone have issues with showing their face.

Ultimately, the key to whether burqas are oppressive lies in who makes the decision of what women can wear.

In Afghanistan the Taliban requires women to wear the Chidri, a full face veil. In a case like this a burqa is clearly a tool of oppression. For some women, the burqa

or other type of facial veil is solely patriarchal device used to remove a woman's physical identity and therefore her voice and her power.

However, for the millions of women who legitimately have choice in whether they wear a burqa or not, it can be the symbol of modesty, religion and respectability that it is claimed to be.

Women who choose to wear it are taking control of their own rights and ascertaining their religion through dress. Banning the burqa in the name of women’s liberation is contradictory; you cannot liberate women by taking away their choices.

Good riddance, Summer.

Chris Williams Opinion Editor

We all look forward to it. All of us.

The one season of the year that increases our chances of getting skin cancer and reveals far too much flab from far too many people. Public transport becomes a B.O filled environment and children leave the pens that they’ve been so carefully kept in for most of the year, released into the wild to cause havoc amongst the average Joe. Summer is always a chance for hyperactive children and pathetic, obese parents to accompany each other outside into the world of everyone else who, since they are neither a parent or a hyperactive child,

don’t want to be anywhere near either of them.

For the past few months we've had a lull in the news and an increase in the number of people who feel it necessary to wear tightfitting vest tops - or worse, going the whole hog and walking around topless. Isn't summer magical?

The jobs that you were happy to do for the past six months of the year (shopping, driving and all the rest of it) start to become not only tiresome, but damn right frustrating. You slink into a packed shopping centre with hundreds of children running around off their leads and parents with an inability to control them. Said parents have an inability to care that their child will

gleefully gnaw at your ankles as you begin to wonder whether what you needed in that shop is worth the hassle. Nine times out of ten you'll turn around and leave, angered by the bites on your ankles, the screams from the crowded place, the inability to move, the heat and your clothes sticking to you as if the middle of June automatically creates superglue on the innards of all your clothes.

Upon leaving you'll regret leaving the house in general. Car journeys become a frustratingly hot and sweaty affair with blood boiling and pillocks leading the way ahead of you. Worse is how people automatically assume that summer is the best time to take your mas-

sive 15 seater cars out to the shopping centre, for a few passengers.

Now, I'm not being funny, but most car parks are difficult at the best of times, add in 101 brand new ultra sleek huge baby filled cars and it just gets ridiculous.

And in those car parks, there's always one child screaming. It could be a car park void of people, the end of the day or the middle of the night, a child will be there and they'll be royally pissed off with something. Then there's the prams.

The invention that makes mothers have to spend ages faffing in the middle of the road folding up the plastic death trap that simply hosts a child screaming.

They annoy me in the car parks,

but its worse in the ill designed shops with a path for one and a half people. At the best of times you'll be sliding past someone and scraping your sweat filled clothes on someone else. Nice. Then a pram comes along. Now, prams are apparently not just a tool for making sure children don't die, but they're a signal that you have to get out of the way, or get rammed. Thanks for that parents, that's real nice.

This is the summer we all experience, yet each year we all look forward to it - we can't wait. Most people are already planning next summer, as if the three season gap in between isn’t good enough. Bah Humbug. Bring on Autumn.

Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd • opinion@gairrhydd.com

More than meets the eye Chris Williams Opinion Editor China has had a very checkered human rights history.

It’s a dangerous country with serious problems and an unbelievable grip upon a tiny nation that gets pushed to the back of everyones minds, Tibet.

Tibet has been “part of China” for over 50 years now.

They mercilessly invaded the small country and have since used brutal force ever since, to surpress their simple freedoms and rights.

It has now been reported that in

March 2008 that, not for the first time - but for one of the most lethal times, Chinese security forces used brutal force against unarmed ‘separatists’ in Tibet.

Soldiers and brute Chinese force being used to supress freedom of speech is something that’s unacceptable under international law.

It’s something that morally proves and shows corruption within a country and proves that we can’t trust China.

Morally it’s inconceivable to allow China to operate in the international system like any other country does, they don’t deserve the respect

and money that we all give them.

Tibetans are being beaten and even killed just for wanting to be their own country.

These attacks, in fact came just after the anniversary of a failed revolution in 1959 and it shows that they don’t want to live under the unelected police state that they suffer through.

It is ridiculous, and yet all of us are condoning it.

It’s an nfuriating situation. The government is powerless to do anything against China in terms of sanctions due to how much we rely on the Chinese economy.

Opinion11

But how much longer must we have the blood of Tibetans on our hands?

If this was happening in a less powerful country, we’d have invaded by now and would attempted to stop these atrocities.

Yes, I know, this is a problem that has been going on for years.

But surely after this report, which exemplifies all of the worst aspects of the Tibetan society and the way in which they’re being forced to live, our leaders can see that things aren’t right, that we need to do something, now.

freewords EDITORIAL est.1972 We need a Contingency Plan.

It has emerged that the Welsh Assembly Government have decided to cut the Financial Contingency Fund (FCF).

Whilst their reason for this decision can perhaps be explained by the widespread fear about imminent higher education cuts which are reverberating through the UK at the moment, it doesn't offer a solution to the pressure now placed upon Cardiff University's Student Support Centre.

As you can tell from the statistics on the front page, it is clear that the FCF has a huge impact on the university experience for many and plays a significant role in offering support to the vulnerable.

Most importantly perhaps, is the impact the FCF creates for those who are dependent upon the fund to be able to continue their studies.

There is no doubt that the increased cut to the fund will mean that this will be a difficult year for Cardiff University, and it is yet to be seen how this will impact upon the student experience.

However, if we feel strongly enough about WAG's complete lack of regard for our most vulnerable students, then perhaps you should pick up your pens and get writing. Tell them how you feel.

Together, we might be able to do something.

Welcome Freshers!

Keeping an open mind Holly Howe Opinion Editor I have Freedom of speech for all, (except you).

In my constant strive to be the liberal and open minded person I claim to be I have slowly realised something.

I am not open minded.

At all.

I am fully aware that my stubborn nature when it comes to my opinions is both my best and worst quality (although my mother maintains that it is just my worst).

I truly believe that standing up for what you believe in is one of the

most important qualities in someone, and that when you are right you should never back down.

However, my problem lies in the fact that I will never accept that I’m wrong. Ever.

I have slowly begun to realise that I am not open minded.

At all.

I am disgracefully blinded by my own opinions.

In the recent elections my brother and I lamented the fact that simply everyone one gets to vote, 'even

the stupid people' (his words not mine).

The terrible views held by the so called 'stupid people' wasn't even that they held Nick Griffin in high esteem but simply that they were voting for different candidates to us.

I simultaneously try to advocate for equality and freedom of speech while wishing that certain people (Jan Moır, Jeremy Clarkson, Sarah Palin to name a few) should have less rights than the rest of us.

And when I say the rest of us I mean only people who share my opinions.

There are obviously many people

who will be easily offended by the right wing ramblings of Rush Limbaugh, but my problem lies deeper than this.

I simply won't accept an alternate view to mine in any situation.

I have had recent thrilling debates on everything to how to eat a chocolate bar to the correct pronunciation of 'duvet'.

So during my year as an Opinion editor at gair ryhdd I challenge you to make me see the error of my ways. Or at least to make me value yours. After all, I believe that everyone’s opinions are equal, as long as they are mine.

And finally, I want to welcome the new intake of Cardiff Freshers!

At this time of year I always get a little teary-eyed and nostalgic as I watch the youth flood through the Union. I cling onto my own memories of Freshers Week like a limpet.

But, I know that the last thing you want is my rosetinted diatribe on how wonderful Cardiff is, so I'll just say this: the next few years are going so be the time of your life, so make the most of them.

One way that you can do this is by getting involved in Cardiff Student Media.

Shameless plug.

We're holding a Media Recruitment Party on Monday October 4, so please come along and meet the team.

There's plenty of opportunity to get involved in our award-winning media platforms, and we'll look forward to meeting you.

Sarah Powell Head of Student Media

Columnist 12

Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd

Summer comes to a close

A

s Fresher’s Week approaches, it’s that time of year where everybody comes together and compares their respective summer holidays. This is quite a difficult exercise as it inevitably turns out that most people have done more interesting things than you have, and you often find yourself forced to smile and nod and say “right” as someone with a tan like Thor tells you about dolphins.

It’s not uncommon these days for people to get off travelling to exotic places, but for those joining Cardiff straight from school, you’ll no doubt have already met somebody who talks about their Gap Year as if it puts them on par with Mandela. These people are quite easy to spot because they usually return with a profile picture of them hugging a confused-looking African child, smiling hopefully into the camera as if they’ve just enriched its life. I tried to do the same, but was disappointed to discover that the children in Reading didn’t weep with joy at their own reflection like the ones in Tribe.

Slightly worse are the sort of travellers you come across who say things like “Kashmir’s lovely”, eat nothing but chickpeas, grow beards and then wander barefoot across Gaza. These people tend to be the ones you see in black and white photographs at the end of the news, having been kidnapped in Kabul and provoking large international incidents. Generally

when I go on holiday I like to try and avoid places with violent and bloody holy war, which is why I like Centre Parcs. Then again it is harder to strike up an interesting conversation about cycling and ferns.

For those who couldn’t get away, this summer would have been about trying to find work. Like most of the middle class, I quickly discovered that the credit crunch has made it infinitely harder to get a job, and not just at Woolworths. It also doesn’t help that my CV is basically just a picture of me with the word “please” underneath. Having tried in vain for several weeks, I was somewhat offended when I applied for a job at Krispy Kreme Donuts, was turned down, then three weeks later saw that the exact same position was still being advertised. I’m not quite sure how badly they thought I would do the job if they eventually decided to hire no-one. The form was only 6 questions long as well, so there must have been something about my handwriting that told them I liked smashing up bakery equipment and insulting people who eat donuts.

Slightly revaluating my sense of self-worth, I thought that studying medicine might help me get a job at a care home, but I discovered that you have to have a separate Criminal Records check at every job you apply to, which takes about 4-6 weeks at a time.

This struck me as a bit unnecessary.

Doesn’t a criminal record apply everywhere? If you’re a criminal in one type of building, won’t you be a criminal in all types of building? It’s not

“

I didn't realise he was crippled until we started wrestling

very likely that a person will change suddenly between jobs, “I’ve worked successfully at a primary school for years, but at summer sports camps I regularly find myself beating children”. I don’t think this is common.

Or maybe it works for people the other way round, “when I was at Maindy pool I used to dance about the reception hall screaming at foreigners, but this leisure centre’s a bit smaller, so that should calm me down”.

Either way it made getting a proper job impossible, and in the end I had no choice but to stay unemployed: the money’s not great, but at least the hours are flexible. And it’s also the only job where you can wank whenever you want and not get fired (as op-

posed to, say, working in finance).

However you spent the summer, there’s plenty to look forward to in the year ahead. A special nod goes out to all those starting university for the first time; good luck, enjoy yourself, and try to get stuck in with as many things as possible. I found it daunting at first but quickly came to realise that university is a place I could meet like-minded individuals, and I don’t just mean racists; there’s opportunities to get involved in anything from media to art, politics, drama and sport, and if turns out you have no talent in any field, then feel free to take over this column. You might be able to come up with a better name than ‘Writer’s Block’.

Letters To The Editor In which our readers ask a series of common questions. This week: starting university for the first time.

I’m thinking of taking up a new hobby at university. Any ideas?

Cardiff is home to Bute Park, one of the largest and greenest open spaces in the whole of Europe, so now’s a great time to take up a new outdoor team sport, such as dogging. It’s very social but quite physically exerting, so bring a towel.

I have self-confidence issues and am worried that I won’t fit in at university because I’m not cool enough. Is this rational?

Absolutely not. Having seen the photo you attached, I’d say you’re much more likely to not fit in because of your weight. I’d be very surprised if people judge you beyond your obvious girth. Hope this helps with your confidence issues.

I’ve been put in Gordan Hall.

Did I do something wrong?

By no means. It’s just a myth that the small, outlying halls in Cardiff are not fun places to stay. Things are getting better every year: Roy

Jenkins now has electricity, and living away from Talybont means there’s none of the annoying distractions such as internet access or people. Indeed, a recent accommodation survey in The Independent suggested that Gordon Hall is now only 10% less popular than Josef Fritzel’s basement, and certainly a good deal brighter. Then again the residents there didn’t have to pay for their own lunches and laundry, so swings and roundabouts.

I saw Newport on Crimewatch

Sufficiently far, but I’d still come off the A48 as early as possible.

"My parents used to keep me under the stairs until I was 15 years old, it's left me with serious psychological issues and now I find it very hard to form adult relationships".

If you have any more questions for Henry please post or email them to the usual address.

Congratulations Johnny, you gave us all a good laugh and have won yourself a copy of Die Hard on DVD.

last night. How far away is it from where I now live?

And lastly, this week's winner of the "bad childhood" competition goes to Johnny from Dorset, who writes:

Next week's competition theme is "funny things you've done to an elderly relative".

Politics 14 Thirty-eight years war James Dunn Politics Editor David Cameron apologised in June for the shootings of 14 civil rights demonstrators in Northern Ireland, hoping to bring an end to years of pain and anger.

Mr. Cameron was making public the findings of the Saville Inquiry, which ultimately reported that the events of the January 30 1972 in Northern Ireland – more commonly known as Bloody Sunday – were “unjustified and unjustifiable”.

On the day itself, the First Battalion of the Parachute Regiment were patrolling a peace march through Londonderry (Derry to some of the residents, the strongest indication of Irish resentment to British rule) when shooting abruptly began. In the aftermath 13 citizens were killed, five of whom were shot in the back. A 14th man died four months later of wounds attributed to the violence.

After close to three years of what became known as ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, Bloody Sunday became a catalyst for conflict and retribution. The day itself has been seen as one of the foundation stones of the Provisional IRA. For the residents of Derry, the stories of those affected caused public outrage.

The death of Michael Kelly, a 17year-old sewing machine trainee, was seized upon by the media. His mother was found, months later, to be walking to the cemetery with a blanket. She said she was going to place it over Michael’s grave ‘to keep him warm’.

The Widgery Inquiry was launched immediately afterwards in an attempt to resolve whether the soldiers were to blame for the deaths, or if they had been acted in

self defence. While critical of the actions of the military on the day, the British army was cleared of any wrong-doing.

In 1997, the Labour government swept to an outstanding majority in the General Election.

An important and much documented piece of Blairite policy was the significance that would be put upon solving the relations with Northern Ireland.

Irrespective of what may be said about Tony Blair and his government, the peace process and eventual disarmament of the IRA was a truly outstanding achievement.

A major component of that eventual success was the February 1998 agreement to set up a new inquiry into Bloody Sunday – the Saville Inquiry.

Costing £195 million, Blair hoped the Saville Inquiry would ‘establish the truth and close this painful chapter once and for all’.

Sadly, this is already proving not to be the case.

In concluding that the killings were ‘unlawful’ - the paratroopers opened fire on unarmed civilians without warning or provocation – a great schism has already formed in public opinion.

No immunity was promised to the soldiers who came before the panel in over 3,000 statements.

While a number of relations to those present on that fateful day now believe that the past has been put to rest, still more are calling for prosecution.

As gair rhydd went to print, no individual had yet been called for prosecution or charged.

The conclusions may have put 38 years of conflict to rest, but they have opened a potentially greater problem – where do we go now?

Above: Families of the victims call for justice during a march to the Guildhall Below: Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and former IRA chief Martin McGuinness outside the Guildhall

Facing floods of problems Politics discuss the challenges that face the Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari James Dunn Politics Editor After weeks of criticism, Asif Ali Zardari returned to Pakistan to face not only his biggest crisis in his political career, but also the greatest single humanitarian crisis in UN history.

The Pakistani President – widow of the influential Benazir Bhutto – faced widespread international criticism as he conducted a foreign tour designed to strengthen ties with his European allies.

Meanwhile, over 14 million peo-

ple had been affected by the worst flooding in the nation’s history.

Mr. Zardari maintained throughout his tour that those who could make a difference in his country had stayed at home to do precisely that. The Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gillani, has shouldered responsibility for the crisis and had been co-ordinating the relief mission until Mr. Zardari’s return.

While the President has faced damning criticism from all quarters, his foreign trip was an absolute necessity before the disaster occurred. At the end of July, David

Cameron had suggested that Pakistan had been allowing ‘the export of terror’. Faced with potential suggestions that he himself was advocating terrorism, Mr. Zardari was forced to continue his trip and secure relationships with European powers.

Indeed, with the backdrop of the crisis, the Pakistani President managed to actually achieve a number of breakthroughs with the British premier. An ‘unbreakable’ relationship has now been forged between the two countries, with Mr. Zardari claiming that Mr Cameron has

promised to help Pakistan break into European markets.

It should be said that Asif Ali Zardari has succeeded in his bid to strengthen his international ties.

There is little he could have added to the relief effort in his country, and so he has been playing the role of the politician. This has not stopped him from receiving criticism at almost every turn. At a rally in Birmingham, the President remained stoically silent as a protester threw a shoe at him. And, in the wake of his son launching an aid appeal for the flood victims on his political de-

but, Mr. Zardari has received very little positive feedback.

The UN has called the flooding in Pakistan the ‘worst humanitarian disaster’ in history. It has affected more people than the Boxing Day Tsunami, the Kashmir and the Haiti earthquakes combined.

Irrespective of political wrangling at home or abroad, Mr. Zardari now faces the toughest challenge either he or his country has ever endured. He must bring calm and hope to a terror stricken country – something, as a politician, he can do.

Politics15

gair rhydd • Monday September 13 2010 • politics@gairrhydd.com

A sign of things to come?

Oliver Smith Politics Editor In early July, the Guardian received a huge excel document with over 92,201 rows of data, it took them almost a month to separate the story from the stats.

What was revealed was a story of civilian killings by coalition forces, increasing attacks by Taliban forces and questions over Pakistan and Iran's involvement with the insurgency.

Once the Afghan War Logs were published on July 25, they became the biggest story in Wikileaks history.

A site with a reputation for publishing classified documents, Wikileaks has most recently been the source of the classified Baghdad airstrike video and publishing all the pager messages sent on 9/11.

But is this website acting in our

interests, a poster child of Internet journalism?

Or rather is it a website simply leaking confidential information for publicity and with little consideration of the human consequences?

The Internet has changed many things for better or worse in recent years. The rise of Internet journalism for instance, has started a new wave of investigative political journalism.

However, many argue that this new journalism fails to follow the established rulesof traditional journalism; no story is to personal, no secret (no matter how damaging) is too classified to reveal.

Wikileaks is believed by some to be the pinnacle of this new paradigm, a website which, it is argued, breaks potentially damaging secrets for the sake of it.

Many times it is argued that there

is no real story in what is being published, the story is that secret documents have been published.

President Obama has claimed that these leaks shine little light on the events in Afghanistan beyond what was already known, and in fact put soldiers at risk in the process.

For many governments and older news agencies, the actions of websites such as Wikileaks are "irresponsible" and damaging to politics.

However, for the younger generation of journalists, Wikileaks is simply a continuation of the 'free press' meeting the 'free internet'.

Take a look at Facebook for instance, a website where millions of people freely post highly private information on themselves for the world to see. For the older generations, information has always been private.

Had a more traditional news source been the origin of the leak rather than Wikileaks, I believe the resulting fallout would have been far different.

The raw data would have been hidden from the public, while a series of stories would have been drip-fed into the mainstream press in order to maximise profits. In this new system however, the data was published for the world to see, and it was left to the news organisations to find the story.

Right or wrong, the Afghan War Logs have shone a light onto the changing world of politics and political journalism. A field undergoing a fundamental shift from private to public, driven by a new generation of young news sources such as Wikileaks.

The Coalition: three months in review Oliver Smith Politics Editor Only a few years ago the notion of the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives working together would have seemed unthinkable. How times have changed.

With no one party winning a majority in the elections, the UK embarked on a journey into the unknown.

Would the coalition strengthen or split the country? And most importantly, what did this development mean for our student population?

Now more than three months in, the answer is far from clear-cut.

Sceptics are shocked by the government’s perseverance whilst proponents disappointed at their lack of progress.

In May, a surreal event occurred whenCameron and Clegg gathered

the national media in the garden of Number 10, suddenly bitter months of campaigning appeared to have been a mere illusion to hide their friendship.

Issues that had divided their election campaigns became the issues upon which the coalition formed: reducing the deficit, electoral reform and working the country out of recession.

The coalition started well for the Lib Dems. But three months on and they face a shocking loss of credibility, with public support down to 16%, and many claiming the Lib Dems have abandoned their principles.

Recent opinion polls suggest that popular support is waning and only with Labour’s help will the Lib Dems have any hope of passing a reform.

The Conservatives have had a far

better time at achieving their goals, the coalition being Liberal in name rather than actions. But whilst David Cameron may be content with his actions so far, it is apparent that the honeymoon phase won't last forever.

Once the budget cuts start to come into play and the country enters the hardship needed to pay off the deficit, then Cameron will need to employ every tool at his disposal to hold the coalition together.

While the Lib Dems struggle to keep their party in line, and the Conservatives enjoy the calm before the storm, the effect of the coalition on student life has yet to be fully felt.

The Lib Dems had planned to scrap tuition fees over three years, but this plan was watered down in coalition negotiations.

Vince Cable and the Government

have begun to float the idea of a ‘Graduate tax’, and whether it becomes policy or not, its safe to say that students will continue to pay more year-on-year for higher education.

One change which will make a mark in student finances is the VAT hike to 20% come the new year. This increase is will definitely make those shopping sprees come student loan day, a little less common.

Three months in review, I don't believe the country got the party it wanted, but it just might have got the party it needed in a time of financial crisis.

The coalition is set for trying times, and with the Lib Dems already feeling the strain it's hard to say if it will last a full parliament.

For us students in the meantime, tighten your wallets, the next few years look expensive.

Politics needs you...

W

elcome to a new year at Cardiff University and a new year of politics coverage.

The past two years have been something of a rollercoaster in the political world.

It started with the arrival of Barak Obama in the Whitehouse and finished with the arrival of David Cameron in Downing Street.

Election campaigns have been won and lost; scandals have been exposed; expenses have been repaid, and the country has begun to pull out of recession.

And all the while, the Politics section of gair rhydd has done a fantastic job of covering the twists and turns along the way.

Now a new team of editors will stand on the shoulders of the fantastic work done before.

Oliver Smith is a third year politics student, with a passion for EU politics and international relations.

James Dunn is a second year English Literature student who is fascinated by home affairs and the more intricate workings of Westminster.

Together we are going to continue to improve and develop the Politics section.

Our aim for this year is to produce a Politics section with an emphasis on student affairs and student life.

We want to create something accessible to all students, not just those with academic interests in politics.

We will strive to enhance and feed the political interest in all our readers and writers.

Although we will work as hard as we can to produce the best quality student paper we can, your contributions are what will really drive the section forward.

We welcome all ideas, suggestions and contributions to the section from anyone, no experience necessary.

Feel free to contact us at politics@gairrhydd.com, find us in the gair rhydd office or just come along to one of the contribution meetings.

We look forward to working with you all.

Oliver Smith and James Dunn Politics Editors

Features16

Meet your new Executive Officers Page 18 >>

Freshers: Welcome to the best week of your life...

Features' Editors, Laura Brunt and Zoe Bridger, offer you some helpful tips and advice about how to make the most of your Fresher's Week in Cardiff

S

eptember has come round again and we all know what that means...

Fresher’s week! Whether this is your first fresher’s week or whether this is your third, there are a few simple do's and don’ts that will get you on the right track to university life.

Forget the approaching lectures, forget exams, essays, early mornings and walks in the rain, this week is the only week in your life that you are expected to have fun.

On that note, your trusty gair rhydd Features team are here to guide you through the fun of Fresher’s.

The Do’s: Money Matters (No really it does) Welcome to the student loan, a wondrous invention that feels a bit like monopoly money and lights up the life of students far and wide.

But remember, your loan is intended to last you until Christmas and although that sounds easy, it goes pretty fast!

Have fun with it, buy lots of drinks, go out lots, enjoy fresher’s week, but do think about what you’re spending (even just a little bit).

The seasoned Fresher’s week professional is able to have all the fun while spending as little money as possible.

You don’t want to be one of those notorious students who blow all their money before they’ve even enrolled!

DO Disturb This suggestion might seem a little bizarre, but trust us on this one, it’s a good’un.

The doors in uni halls are heavy and ugly, and stay closed if they are not propped open. How about keeping it open as much as possible?

Wouldn’t you feel a little more confident talking to your new flatmates that have their doors open rather than having to knock on their heavy doors?

The dark corridors will be transformed and before you know it, there will be a very open, sociable atmosphere in your flat - brilliant for getting to know your new flatmates.

your new housemates is an excellent example of a small gesture that really gets you somewhere.

Perhaps bake a cake or ‘accidentally’ make too much dinner so you have to share it out, chat about the night before and stay confident because it will ensure you quickly get to know those around you and strike up new friendships.

Remember - everyone is in the same boat and everyone is feeling a bit nervous, so think about some small things you can do to get talking to your new flatmates.

Sign up and Drink Up Kleenex anyone?

The sports and societies fair held in the Great Hall in Students' Union is the place to sign up for all the weird and wonderful clubs and societies that are run by students.

All sorts of different sports societies from surfing and snowboarding to netball and rugby are looking to recruit new members.

Whether you fancy joining the Loud Music Society, or whether you want to try your hand at Korfball, there's something for everyone.

It is a good way to meet new people and get involved in some serious nights out.

And if sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry; there is something for everyone from ‘cheese and wine’ to ‘Harry Potter appreciation’, so sign up and get involved, why not?

Ok, so you’ve had a brilliant night out, you’ve drunk your body weight in vodka redbulls, you can’t believe how many amazing people you’ve just met...

But remember that on its way is a huge hangover and if you’re going to survive Fresher’s week you have to look after yourself, a bit.

At the risk of sounding like a nagging parent, some things really will help you to avoid the infamous Fresher’s flu.

Drink plenty of water before bed, eat a few vegetables now and then, stock up on paracetamol, berocca and alka seltza and remember: your body is a temple...

The Don’ts

One Lump or Two?

SOLD OUT

Some of the most important things to do in fresher’s week are also the smallest and simplest.

Making a small effort will get you a long way.

Offering to make a cup of tea for

One of the most potentially devastating events to happen in Fresher’s week is the crushing moment when you realise everyone has already purchased their Fresher’s party ticket and they’ve now sold out.

“

You've had a brilliant night and you've drunk your body weight in vodka redbull

So our advice to you is this: DON’T leave it too late to buy tickets!

Get in line or initiate a mass exodus to the Union box office or Talybont Social where such crucial tickets can be purchased at ease.

It may not seem that important, but believe me you really don’t want to be the one stuck in when everyone else is at the Fresher’s traffic light party, discussing ‘what’s his name again?!’ back at the flat.

Don’t be afraid to buy one in advance, you are bound to meet tons of people going too.

Calm Down, Hyacinth Bucket This one is very important.

Past freshers will tell you: every flat, without fail, has one housemate who is the clean one and one who is the lazy one.

What we recommend to you neat freaks out there is not to clean up after everyone in your first week.

Not only will your housemates come to expect it of you in the future (which will eventually drive you round the bend) but it is impossible to keep up with it all.

Kim and Aggie would have a field

Features17

gair rhydd • Monday September 13 2010 • features@gairrhydd.com

day with the average student flat, but that doesn’t mean you should too.

There are a million and one more fun things to do with your time at university, so unfortunately it is time get over to impossibly high standards, because they will never be reached.

To you lazy ones out there do not think that we’re condoning your lazy behaviour: mould and mice are always unacceptable.

A Very Short Walk of Shame We must preface this one by advising you that you might not wish to show your parents.

So, Fresher’s Week is the week of antics and excess in every way, which is what makes it so beautifully unique.

However, stumbling in from a night out you might, at the time, think it’s a great idea to sleep with your new flatmate, but that is probably the excessive alcohol talking.

Don’t pay attention.

We’re not writing on behalf of ‘clean teens’ here, but remember you have to live with said individual for the rest of the year!

Things could get ugly.

This is, of course, the worst case scenario but it is of paramount importance that you don’t let the booze make you do something you’ll regret.

On a lighter note, the traffic light party is always a useful night to decipher who is going to be your first year crush...wink wink.

The Bigger Picture

Nice To Meet You, To Meet You...

Perhaps it is easier said than done for some folks, but our next ‘don’t’ is the obvious but crucially important: don’t be shy.

You are thrown into a house with a bunch of people you don’t know, but anyone in second year or above will tell you that will never have another experience like it, so go for it.

When you walk in to your new home for the year, act with confidence and introduce yourself.

Perhaps you could take a 'friendship offering' of some cakes or a bottle of Smirnof to really break the ice!

So much can be gained from that first introduction and remember that even that cocky ‘lad’ from London (well, not really London, a pretty little hamlet just outside of it) was just as nervous as you underneath.

“

Fresher's Week is amazing, but remember, it's only a week. You've got plenty of time left

So much hype is put on Fresher’s Week, because in truth it is a great week for most people.

However, there a plenty of people out there who will tell you that they didn’t enjoy their Fresher’s Week all that much, but went on to have the best three years of their life.

If you hate university during the first week, if the people are weird, or if the house smells funny, if you’ve got lost three times already, do not worry.

It may take you a little longer to settle in with the right group of friends, or perhaps it takes you a while to enjoy your course, but that doesn’t matter.

Fresher’s week is amazing, but after all it is only a week. You’ve got plenty of time left.

And Last But Not Least...

Don’t miss it!

Ok, so you might not like Fresher’s Week, but wouldn’t you rather find out for yourself ?

For the majority it is pure fun from start to finish and you’re likely

to meet people that you go on to be friends with for the rest of your degree. After all, when are you ever going to be encouraged to go out every night again?

So, relax, be confident, and most importantly - enjoy yourself ! There really is nothing like Fresher's Week, so be sure to get involved and make the most of it.

Happy Fresher’s Week.

Want to write for gair rhydd?

Come to our Media Recruitment Party on Monday October 4 for a chance to get involved.

No experience necessary.

18Features

features@gairrhydd.com • Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd

Your Student Media gair rhydd gair rhydd

gair rhydd

FREE

Monday June 07

“

2010 | freeword

I chose to move back with my mum so that I have to pay less rent up with Quench catches Los Campesinos!

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Economics exam blundlefter nts Second-year stude after being feeling anxious paper given wrong exam

about how the exam provide details because “a whole will be marked, Emma McFarnon has to be gone series of procedures News Editor involving the through, including external examiner.� have been been raised after Many of the students anxious.

Concerns have an and students sitting feeling frustrated more than 150 student, ic Theory left Second-year Economicsfirst I panexam in Macroeconom paper. exam said: “At wrong Charlie Winter, were given the not Cardiff Busimy revision had The second-year icked, thinking even though students arthorough enough, been ness School (CARBS) the it.

Hall to sit really hard for rived at the Great I the I had prepared was over, and but were given “After the exam exam on May 26, students, it beone student, who other to only that had spoken paper module from the was a large amount came clear there was re-sitting the supposed to have e-mailed the lecturof unrest, and I previous year, was fundaon. has going course what was been given. The so er asking shook me up since last year, “The exam really mentally changed it had hapunable to correctly I was angry that and students were B nothin Section anxious that pened, and was answer the questions be done to account ing was going to of the paper. not able to anwas originated from I that fact blunder The for the with several to the Business swer many questions, registry, as opposed unrelated to the questions being School itself. place just 24told to prepare The incident took topics we had been second-year hours after another an for.â€? added: “It is a was re-sitting A fellow student student, who by badly let down British Economic disgrace. We feel exam in Modern d the same pahave demonstrate registry, who History, was handed it the exam for competency when a total lack of per as those taking of a different the correct exam the first time, instead on topics the comes to getting in the exam hall. paper with questions the previous paper to our desks for us, I feel in “While it is a shame student had studied the module teacher, very sorry for academic year. year Macroeconomic whose efforts this Polito, Following the Dr. reand much apprecierror, students have been huge Theory exam of be interestfrom the chair by all of us. It will ceived an e-mail marks they of examin- ated of set board what ing to see the second-year Derek Matthews, come up with.â€? ers, Professor said: sincerely apologise A University spokesperson which said: “I Board will conI want to assure “The Examining for the mistake‌ information make certain that all the relevant you that we will when it d by the sider about the examination no one will be disadvantage meets in June 2010. error.â€? stressed that the powers to “The Board has Professor Matthews have happened student is disadvanensure that no “similar mistakes Any action have been resolved by these events. in the past and . He also taged Examining Board proposed by the to everyone’s satisfactionâ€? the of discussion fault not the will be taken followingthe external said that it “was with and consultation Business School.â€? later told a programme.â€?

Professor Matthews examiner for the that he could not student via e-mail

– Est. 1972 | Issue

FREE

927

gair rhydd gets you ready for the g greatest sportin event on earth World Cup pullout free inside

WORLD CUP

CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

freeword - EST. 1972

ISSUE 921 APRIL 26 2010

YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2010

CARDIFF'S STUDENT WEEKLY

#

Tramps out

have erected Union managers keep out to a fence in order has been the homeless, which reactions from met with mixed page 2 students. News,

the City Sex andaccept that Sex

Many would a bad film. But and the City 2 is Middle Eastof is its portrayal outrageously ern stereotypes page 8 offensive? Opinion,

Features >> pages 14-15, Sport >> page 31

Sport chat to the Cardiff side as they prepare to defend their title

approaches, As the World Cup across debate has raged wearing of Britain over the Is it a sign of football shirts. ? patriotism or xenophobia 9 Opinion, page

Rugby team investigated for violating

resignsof KĂśhler resignation

Emma McFarnon News Editor

The abrupt Horst German President a shock as KĂśhler has come But what to most of Europe. resignation impact will his Chancellor have on under-fire page 11 Merkel? Politics,

An investigation is underway after members of the engineering rugby team supposedly caught food poisoning after they ate gherkins that had been inserted into their anuses during an initiation.

The Council's Communicable Disease team is looking into the incident, which took place on November 11.

The initiation, which began at Roath Rec and finished at The Lash, involved ENGIN rugby team members taking part in what the Facebook event page described as "gruelling of challenges" that tested "Strength Stamina�, "Strength of Character" and "Strength of Stomach".

The team members were encouraged to lick milk up off a muddy floor and eat gherkins that had been inserted into fellow team member’s bottoms. to The players involved are rumoured a have developed food poisoning as antics. the result of The Facebook initiation event page urged members to "check out photos a of the last two years", which depict player inserting an egg into his bot-

g Pole dancin is constantly in

Pole dancing it be a fun the headlines. Can or does way to stay in shapethe sexual it simply represent women? exploitation of 18-19 Features, pages

ial life has ArtificCraig Venter

Scientist to create recently managed an excitit synthetic life. Is dangerous a ing discovery or God? Science attempt to play ent, page 25 and Environm

leaves Benitez has left Liverpool

pulls out of Tinchy Stryder 3 – Full story: page the Summer Ball

Rafa Benitez agreement’ after a ‘mutual board. We with the club’s and lows reflect on his highs Sport, as Liverpool manager. page 27

Wales’ number And more, in one student paper

Emma McFarnon News Editor The Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg visited the Students' Union last week to answer questions in the run-up to the election.

Clegg, who was hailed as the winner of the first televised leaders’ debate, answered students’ questions on how his party would tackle global warming, reform immigration laws and cut public expenditure.

The leader endorsed his new plan for a ÂŁ3.1 billion green stimulus package, which had been unveiled earlier that morning, and said that the banks’ reluctance to lend money is “the big-

gest hidden problem in the economy at the moment�.

The leader, who spoke in Solus lasMonday, told students: “This is your election, don’t let anyone tell you your vote is a waste. Take charge of this election, get stuck in, get engaged! “Don’t believe that it has to be the same old same old – there is something exciting starting to happen. We can do something different. You hold the future of the country in your hands.�

The first question came from a student who asked if the Lib Dems would take a pay cut in order to start reducing public expenditure “at home�. Clegg replied: “The Liberal Democrats are actually the lowest paid MPs, and we haven’t accepted a pay rise. We need

to be restrained, we need to reform public sector pensions too. As money is saved, it must be saved fairly.�

When asked about his plans to clean up party politics, Clegg said that the Lib Dems had previously proposed a bill to limit the party funding, which he said was “hollowing out party politics�. He said that Labour had blocked it to protect their industrial interests, and the Conservatives to defend their “sugar-daddy in Belize�.

He also said that he would make a change to the Company’s Bill in order to regulate lobbying, and would allow people to sack their local MPs if they misbehaved. Clegg reminded students that although Cameron is advocating this policy in the run-up to the elec-

tion, when the Lib Dems first proposed it, Labour MPs “blocked it, and the Conservatives didn’t even turn out to vote�.

Clegg also criticised the shambolic reform of the House of Lords. “Our party has been talking about this for a hundred years. The House is a completely unjustified abuse of power. It’s stuffed full of MPs who have done favours for one another.�

One student asked about Clegg’s history as a researcher in a consultancy firm in London, and enquired as to how, given his comfortable upbringing, he was “any different from David Cameron�. “This is such bilge!�, said Clegg. “I’m not going to apologise for a job I

ISSUE 912 DECEMBER 07 2009

$ #

Gherkin' off

The week we met Nick... and Gordon!

Flying the flag

freeword - EST. 1972

$ ! $ " # ! " ! !

Inside this week:

took 20 years ago! I am advocating a different approach to governing. I am who I am, I’m not apologising, I’m not going to airbrush it out, I’m proud and I feel very lucky to come from a loving home. “I represent a value system, a philosophy which is different from what you’ll get from the other two�.

The leader was also asked about his policies on gender equality and immigration, and how he would tackle the problem of Muslims often being perceived as “terrorists�. “We need a fair [immigration] system that works. People must have confidence in it,� he said.

health and safety rules

tom, and another revealing his penis to the camera. Photos of team members inserting toilet paper into their it backsides and then setting fire to (right) can also be seen.

None of the team members were available for comment when contacted by gair rhydd.

Olly Birrell, Athletic Union President, said: “The Engineering rugby team is not recognised by the University or the Athletic Union as an associated club and we have not been made aware of the incident.�

Cardiff County Council’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Elaine Cripps, said: “I can confirm the Council's Communicable Disease team are investigating the issue. I am unable to provide any further details until the investigation has been concluded.�

She went on to say that the investigation is ongoing and that more information might be available at a later date.

Want to get involved in Student Media?

>>continued on page 6

Sign up at the Cardiff Student Media is the mouthpiece of the student body, bringing you engaging and dynamic news, opinion, sport and features. gair rhydd is your weekly student newspaper which acts as the voice of the student population. Taking its name from the Welsh translation for Free Word, gair rhydd prides itself on its editorial independence from the University and Students' Union. gair rhydd is consistently recognised on a national level, being awarded Runner Up in the Best Student Newspaper catagory of the Guardian Student Media Awards last year.

Quench, our sister publication, is your fortnightly student lifestyle magazine which brings you the filthy, debauched elements of student culture.

Quench is also nationally renowned and was hailed Best Student Magazine at the Guardian Student Media Awards in 2009.

Edited by Dom Kehat, the magazine condenses the very best bits of music, film, and entertainment and serves them on a steaming platter for your pleasure.

Xpress is our award-winning student radio station which aims to bring you the very best new music, before it's big.

Xpress offers opportunities for anyone hoping to get involved in radio broadcasting.

Whether you want to try your hand at presenting a mainstream show, or if you have a passion for post-rock-punkmetal, or whether you want to work behind the scenes in programme production, you'll have plenty of chances to get involved.

Luke Franks, the newly elected Station Manager, will be taking Xpress into its 16th year, and has big plans for the development of the station.

CUTV is your official Students' Union telelvision station which is currently undergoing

great developments.

Our station was recently recognised on a national level at the National Student Television Association Awards.

This year, CUTV Controller Will Viles has big plans for taking the station to new levels so be sure to keep your eyes open around Fresher's Week for the CUTV crew who will be hoping to catch you on camera.

These four media channels provide the student body with a one-stop information point for student life in Cardiff, giving comprehensive news coverage, igniting debate and discussion, and capturing the essence of student lifestyle in the city.

Societies Fayre or come and see us at the Media Recruitment Party on: Monday October 4.

Your new Elected Officers We're here for you so come and find us on the third floor

of the SU

Olly Birrell

Sarah Ingram

Darryl Light

Cosimo Montagu

Students' Union President

Academic & University

Finance and Commercial

Societies & Activities

Rose Savage

Oli Luton

Sarah Powell

Jack Perkins

Welfare, Campaigns, Comms

Healthcare Integration

Head of Student Media

AU President

Taf-od 20 Gwneir Pob Ymdrech...

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

P

WNC SYDD wedi cael sylw mawr ar dudalennau gair rhydd yw’r iaith Gymraeg, gyda’r Cymry Cymraeg yn cwyno na ddefnyddir digon ohoni gan brifysgol prifddinas Cymru, a’r di-Gymraeg yn dadlau bod gormodedd ohoni. Mae gan y brifysgol gynllun iaith sy’n nodi’n ddigon eglur bod ‘cyfle cyfartal’ i’w weithredu.

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

maidd newydd.

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

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

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

Felly gwnewch ymholiadau â’ch

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

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

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Science 22

Tackling Climate Change This summer, analysts at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impacts Research in Germany concluded that a warming of the Earth was likely by 2100. Catastrophic consequences would follow, with millions suffering from disrupted water supplies. Decreasing crop yields and acidified oceans would lead to the depletion of food supplies across

able sources in order to meet this target. But what do these numbers mean on a global scale?

New Zealand has a comparatively ambitious aim of 90% renewable electricity by 2025, although it does have a head start, with just over half of their electricity already being generated by hydropower alone.

The United States as a whole lacks any significant legally bound targets, although some states have acted more than others. Barack

importantly, imports from countries such as China. Take these into account and our actual greenhouse gas consumption could have risen by as much as 19% during the period 1990-2009. It is this reality that has motivated calls for much tougher targets for both emission reductions and renewable energy implementation.

One such call is from the Centre for Alternative Technology. Their report shows how we can create a

no special treatment by the coalition government. Wind, geothermal, bio-energy, and low carbon buildings are all facing cuts of millions of pounds, despite numerous calls for increased investment.

Further controversy has hit Cardiff this summer, as the council announced plans to build an incinerator just over a mile away from the city centre. 250 lorries could transport waste to the plant every day in order to power 50,000 homes, but

across the country. It shows that the challenge of finding green solutions to our energy problem is one being fought on a local level, not just in major international conferences.

Technology will play its part in our energy transformation. The power of stronger, high altitude wind currents could be harnessed, using helium filled generators the size of a bus. ‘Quantum dots’ could improve solar panels by converting light into much more electric-

the globe.

Tackling climate change will require changes in lifestyle and improvements in energy efficiency, but of key significance is the implementation of greener, renewable energies. I decided to investigate how the UK is facing the challenge of revolutionising our energy production in this new era of austerity.

The EU has legally bound the UK to a target to produce 15% of all energy from renewable sources

Obama has a vision of renewable energy providing 25% of electricity by 2025, but this dream is steadily being eroded by the US Senate’s lack of enthusiasm for a climate change bill.

A lot of blame is loaded onto China by the general public. However, not all of this criticism is justified. We must take into consideration not only China’s relatively low emissions per person, but also that much of its emissions are caused

carbon neutral Britain within just 20 years. Such a radical overhaul of infrastructure and government policy would see battery powered cars, immense investment into building insulation and inevitably much more renewable technology. Power would be tapped from biomass and wave energy, but mainly by wind.

Offshore wind energy alone could provide over half of our electricity demand. Although the initial cost of developing this technology

Edmund Schluessel, from Cardiff Stop the Incinerator, explains their concerns.

“The planned waste incinerator in Splott is a huge toxic lie being forced on the people of Cardiff. The overwhelming majority of studies say incinerators cause cancer, but we’re being told they don’t.” He argues that waste reduction could be greener by “reducing construction and strict controls on business waste, coupled with mechanical-

ity than currently possible. Some biologists are even suggesting that designer microbes could produce hydrogen fuel using photosynthesis. Meanwhile, work on nuclear fusion continues, but it is likely to be decades, at least, before this technology contributes towards the national grid.

Many of these methods are still only on paper or being experimented with. Yet despite the high price tag, experts warn that investment

by 2020. This includes electricity generation, heating and transport.

With the transport sector still being heavily reliant on oil, most development will occur in electricity production. In fact, many experts predict that up to 40% of electricity

by industry serving worldwide markets, including Britain.

Statistics suggest that Britain’s emissions have fallen significantly, especially due to less industrial activity over the last year. Unfortunately, these positive sounding

is high, the report argues that over the project’s lifetime, the financial burden is justified. Oil, coal and gas are predicted to rise in price, especially as the oil peak looms. Meanwhile, wind will forever be free.

Yet the Department of Energy

biological treatment; instead, the incinerator was given scant consultation, with the vast majority of people not even knowing it was proposed, much less having a chance to argue for a better plan.”

The incinerator is just one of

into renewable energy is needed urgently if we are to save our water supplies, crop yields, oceans and more. Technology will play its part, but the scale and speed of our energy transformation will inevitably come down to politics.

will have to be produced by renew-

figures exclude exports and more

and Climate Change is being given

many cases causing controversy

Jack Parker Science Editor

Societies 24

Guild raises the roof for charity Cos Montagu Societies Officer

The Guild of Societies gets charitable with Student Come Dancing and Medsoc events.

Last year Cardiff ’s Guild of societies rose over a whopping £75,000 for charity, smashing any previous record for the total money raised by Cardiff ’s societies.

With hundreds of different events, from concerts to club nights, RAG Raids to Real ale festivals, the work of societies ensured charities both local and international received the much needed capital to continue their vital work.

Alone KOP (the Kenyan Orphan Project) who work to provide healthcare in the Nyanza Province of Western Kenya, raised £6,985.51 through safari socials, pub crawls and even bag packing in Tesco.

Refugees rhythms, put on by Star (Student Action for Refugees), was also a big success, providing food cooked by refugees from all over the world.

Live bands and Reggae society DJs together raised a total of £1615 for the Welsh Refugee Council.

While the Real Ale Society’s yearly and

hugely popular Real Ale and Cider festival helped raise £3000 for Ty Hafan, a children's hospice in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Cardiff Asian Society raised £1000 through their charity meal in Haveli, a local Indian restaurant on City Road.

Another notable event, scooping Society Awards prize for the ‘Best Fundraising Event’, was RAG’s Student Come Dancing event during the Students’ Union elections.

Society members and Elected Officers competed in Solus while onlookers donated coins in buckets based on their thoughts of the performances.

Other very notable charitable totals from societies included Medsoc with their incredible £8300, the Islamic society with £2,555, SKIP’s £7500, Unicef with £2000, Engineers Without Borders’ £6000 and many many more.

The Guild of Societies offers a great opportunity to be involved in these events for 2010/2011.

So, join a society, get stuck in and help Cardiff ’s societies beat those totals for the coming year!

Want to get involved in Societies?

Come to the Societies Fayres:

Thursday September 30

Act One brave the Fringe floods Cos Montagu Societies Officer Cardiff Guild’s drama society, Act One, has received impressive audiences turn outs and a rave review at this years Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Performing on an open air stage on the Royal Mile, Act One’s production of ‘The Ark’ tells the story of the animals waiting in the queue to get on Noah’s Ark. As the flood waves approach, a mismatched group of animals face the prospect of being left behind as the ark fills up.

A story of ark outcasts, Louisa-Claire Dunnigan of the ‘Broadway Baby’ described ‘The Ark’ as “a beautifully conceived production that brings the physical and the fable togeth-

er to create a funny and touching show”.

The Act One cast, consisting of 14 members including the director Sarah Twomey have battled daily with other shows but Twomey revealed the secret of her success: “Our african gumboot dance is a real good publicity stunt which we have been whipping out a lot!

From imaginary ants to onstage musicians (who double as a trio of hilarious newsreporting fish), Act One’s ‘The Ark’ has been a huge success.

The Act One society will be present at the Freshers Fayre on Thursday September 30, so for your chance to get involved with this years productions please find them at their stall.

Our congratulations go out to them on their great success at the Fringe.

Heath Campus Societies, Performance and Artistic, Cultural and International, Idealogical and Political

Friday October 1 Discussion, Campaigns and Awareness, Activity and Appreciation, Course based Societies

If you would like to join a Society, or see a full list of opportunities, visit: http://groups.cardiffstudents.com/societies/home

Puzzles

25

sudoku.

EASY

HARD

Found on Facebook:

crossword.

Across

Down

6. Collusion (7) 7. Farewell (5) 9. Honey (4) 10. Narrowly and conventionally moral (10) 11. Proclaim (8) 13. A jazz or swing performer (1940's slang) (6) 15. Leave in a hurry (4) 17. Foreword (5) 18. Affirm (4) 19. Unmoving (6) 20. Toward the back (8) 23. Instrument of torture (10) 26. Doing nothing (4) 27. The trail left by a person (5) 28. Clairvoyant (7)

1. Temperature controller (10) 2. Not unusual (6) 3. Russian emperor (4) 4. Hoopla (8) 5. Snake sound (4) 6. Not dirty (5) 8. Pee (7) 12. "Come in!" (5) 14. Dramatist (10) 16. Apparel (7) 17. Manufacture (8) 21. Inevitably (6) 22. Museum piece (5) 24. State of mind (4) 25. Sexual assault (4)

Check out these sexual predators

Has your housemate done something stupid? Pissed you off ? Got drunk and made a complete arse out of themselves?

Upload a photo to our facebook group: Found on Facebook, and it might just appear on this page.

Listings 26 Welcome Monday Greetings Freshers, and welcome to Listings. Here you will an (almost) comprehensive guide to what's on in Cardiff each week in this handy page.

There's loads of events kicking off, many of which are designed to get you absolutely wasted.

Classic. But, be warned, tickets to Freshers events sell out fast so be sure to check out the Cardiff Students' Union website to get your tickets to the official Cardiff Union events.

For more information and wristband offers visit: http://shop.cardiffstudents.com

20th Sept

FUN FACT TREE, Solus, FREE, 9pm Fun Factory is an absolute institution among Cardiff students, and therefore you simply must check it out. Playing the very best in alternative music, and with various cheap drinks promotions, you're sure to have the best night of the week here - and I'm not even biased. It's a staple.

RACEBANNON, Buffalo Bar, £6, 7.30pm Don't worry, I haven't actually heard of them either. I've just looked on the Wikipedia page- which it seems I'm having to do a lot lately (damn my uncoolness)- and it appears that they are an American noise-punk band. Whatever that means. But Wikipedia tells me that they should NOT be confused with Race Bannon, which is something completely different, apparently. Unless I have the wrong band. Which is quite probable. Also playing are: A Thousand Arrows, Brandyman and The Milk Race. But again, I have no clue who they are, and to be honest, I can't be bothered to look them up. Soz. To be honest, you should just go to Fun Factory.

Don't even think about doing anything else.

Tuesday

Wednesday

21st Sept

22nd Sept

FLUX=RAD, Clwb, FREE, 8pm FLUX=RAD is a regular occurance at Clwb these days. Expect tunes from awesome new bands and great live acts that you're bound to find exciting. This week Clwb plays host to Brilliant Colors and La La Vasquez. While I haven't actually heard of either band, these nights tend to be pretty good and well worth checking out.

JUST DANCE, Clwb, £3, 10pm Cardiff's hottest music venue just got a little hotter. Just Dance returns every Tuesday night at Clwb Ifor Bach with one simple mission...to get you dancing all night long.

A mixture of modern day pop, rock and R&B, thrown together with some cracking blasts from the past. No gimmicks, no false promises... just cheap entry, cheap drinks prices and great, GREAT tunes.

HAMMERTIME, Barfly, £3, 7.30pm Basically, this is a 90s themed night, thus, the website is replete with witty (read: terrible) puns on ridiculous song titles from what was, frankly, a pretty mediocre decade for music. But, if this is your thing, then definitely GO! I won't see you there.

LISTEN UP, Clwb, £3 Listen Up has become an institution within an institution. Everybody loves Clwb. Everybody loves Listen Up. Playing a mix of motown, funk, indie and pop amoung three floors of cheap bars and trendy kids, this is the place to be every Wednesday.

SILENT DISCO, Solus, £3, 9.30pm It's pretty self-explanatory isn't it really? You basically get some retro headphones and can bust your shapes to music of your choice, surrounded by others doing exactly the same.

You'll look like a complete prick, but it's worth it.

FUTURES, Clwb, £6, 7pm Ever heard of them? No, me neither. According to the band's Wikipedia page, they're a fourpiece rock band from London. How original.

Their website is pretty rubbish, so we couldn't find out any more about them. But basically, you should definitely go to the Silent Disco instead.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

23rd Sept

24th Sept

25th Sept

26th Sept

SOLUS 10th BIRTHDAY PARTY, Solus (Obviously), £5, 9.30pm After a decade of top club nights, Solus is have a birthday party which you’re all invited to! Having reached such a land mark it's only fitting to celebrate the return to Solus in true style. For those students returning – get ready to embrace once more the ultimate club experience where you know you’ll get down and grimy, see all your mates and … and then odd random from the night before. For the freshers new to the experience which is Solus – be prepared to go big. Penblwydd Hapus Solus!

ALLENSBANK AND SOMNS WELCOME PARTY, IV Lounge, 8pm A welcome party for all of the Nursing and Midwifery students to be held up at the Heath Park Campus. The theme is 'Tight and Bright'. Can you say 'objectification'?

Enough said.

BOOMBOX, Solus, £3, 9.30pm Playing an eclectic mix of Electro, Funk, Drum and Bass, Hip Hop, Dubstep and Breaks with a turntablist twist. Featuring dance classics, chart remixes and old school classics. Expect to hear Pendulum, Calvin Harris, Dr Dre, David Guetta, Major Lazor, A Skillz, High Contrast, Prodigy and much more. To be fair, it's the cheapest Friday night this side of the bridge, fulfilling all your student needs, and perfect for bringing those visiting mates too. Go ahead kids, BOOM YOUR BOX. INTERNATIONAL DISCO, Great Hall, £4, 9pm Come and enjoy a Twm Path- a traditional Welsh folk dance. Ticket price includes entry to the International Students' Party afterwards in the Great Hall!

WELCOME WEEKEND!

WELCOME WEEKEND!

COME PLAY, Solus, and WHO THE FUCK ARE EWE? Who The F*ck Are Ewe – The perfect opportunity to start meeting and greeting a million unfamiliar faces that you will definitely be seeing around for the next few years as you plough through your degrees! Solus will be hosted by Comeplay, the firm favourite Saturday night regular. This all building extravaganza is the perfect exclusively student Saturday night to get you firmly in the mood for another week of frivolity.

ALL BUILDING FRESHERS WELCOME PARTY, Cardiff Students' Union, £6, 9.30pm The OFFICIAL Start to your Freshers' Week!

The Sunday has arrived and the final Freshers have moved in and all in time for the Freshers Welcome Party kicking off your Freshers week in style. The Second all building event to get you truly engrossed into the Cardiff University Union atmosphere. With Solus playing host to all your favourite residents pumping out all the latest and greatest tunes. In the Great Hall the great Jaguar Skills will be there cementing quality music for a quality year to come. Inspired by a broad range of influences; from the retro sounds of Chicago’s The Cool Kids to the preppy and stylish raps of Lupe Fiasco, Jaguar Skills is one of few British rappers to truly capture an authentic US hip hop sound without sacrificing any of his own identity.

CYNT PRESENTS: DUBFIRE AND FRIENDS, Millenium Music Hall, £15, 10pm Basically, there's a lot of hype around this night. Take this from the website for example: "A man who needs no hype or introduction, as one of the finest producers of our time." If only we could confirm that this is true. However, nobody in the room knows who the hell this infamous Dubfire is. Soz.

Xpress Radio 28

LISTEN ONLINE: www.xpressradio.co.uk ✉ studio @ xpressradio.co.uk ☎ 077 222 63 888

Sport29 Alex Bywater gives The Word On... Spain's World Cup triumph, and Englands' hapless campaign.

S

outh Africa 2010, the first FIFA World Cup to be held in Africa, will live long in the memory. This is as much down to the the pride and passion of the host nation as it is to the fact that Spain achieved their first World Cup win, and thus becoming the eighth country to capture football’s richest prize.

Spain’s 1-0 triumph over the Netherlands in the final, courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s extra time strike, bought to an end a tournament which sent a feeling of hope around the deprived home continent. The humming of the vuvuzela’s and the vibrant support of the African people made this competition more than just a football tournament; it became a month long party.

However, in the end it was Spain’s relentless passing style led them to World Cup glory.

If Spain captured the imagination of football’s purists and Ghana the hearts of millions of African supporters, then what of England?

After all that has been written about England’s debacle in South Africa, the stark truth of the matter is that the players were not good enough.

Why? Well, there are many possible explanations, ranging from tactical decisions to tiredness after a lack of a winter break.

Whatever the reason (and by God doesn’t everyone have an opinion!)

England’s deficiencies were brutally undermined in South Africa. Their laboured passing style, lack of vibrancy in midfield and failure to create clear-cut chances led to their exit from the competition after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of their historic rivals Germany.

In this writers opinion; tactics, tiredness and lack of creativity can be cast aside. England’s failure to make the quarter finals triggered a well-worn reaction in England, one that is far more depressing than the exit from the competition itself.

Fear of failure, fear of becoming a victim of the blame culture of the masses, can partially explain the reason for such poor performances from some of England’s star players. It is this hysterical reaction, partially

explained by pre-tournament media hype that led to an effigy of David Beckham hanging from a lamp post after his sending off against Argentina in 1998.

Fear of becoming the next victim seems to hold England’s players back, what else can explain Frank Lampard’s transformation from a world class midfielder to someone who was incapable of Wayne Rooney’s poor performances summed up England’s woeful tournament.

Even England’s crushing failure could not taint the feel good nature of South Africa 2010. In a tournament full of surprises, Italy stunned the world by finishing bottom of their group after being defeated by Slovakia, whilst France imploded after failing to win a game with their team divided after a large majority of their players rebelled against Coach Raymond Domenech and went on

Above: Spain celebrate their first time win.

strike.

Even with the early exit of the host nation, as well as the majority of other African countries, the Bafana fans continued their enthusiasm for the competition by throwing their weight behind the real African success story of the tournament; Ghana.

The Black Stars were within a penalty kick of becoming Africa’s first ever World Cup Semi-finalists but were eventually defeated on penalties.

Runners up - the Netherlands - will also remember South Africa 2010 as a successful tournament. Shedding their usual free flowing football for a more pragmatic approach, Bert van Marwijk's Dutchmen won all six games en route to the final with Wesley Sneijder scoring five goals along the way, including the winner in their quarter final against Brazil.

South American side, Uruguay,

“

England was brutally undermined in South Africa

also had their best tournament in more than half a century.

Elsewhere, the tournament will be remembered as one where the established stars failed to shine and the next generation of superstars emerged.

Ronaldo, Messi, and Rooney all had poor tournaments as their teams struggled. Mesut Özil, Asamoah Gyan, Thomas Müller, on the other hand, all look like stars of the future.

So what can be said of South Africa 2010? Despite the many upsets that took place, a European side won outside their home continent for the first time. It was not just Spain who were celebrating though; the whole of Africa could take immense satisfaction in a tournament which provided great entertainment, an unrivalled atmosphere and some top class football. Brazil 2014 will do well to match it.

The wildlife is quite amazing. A safari gives you the chance to see these animals in their natural habitat. Certainly better than the badgers and foxes we have to offer in Britain.

30Sport

Monday September 13 2010 • gair rhydd • sport@gairrhydd.com

Alex Winter offers his thoughts on the Ryder Cup

W

hen Samuel Ryder first donated a gold trophy for a biennial golf competition between players from Great Britain and the United States, the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport was a vast swathe of rolling Monmouthshire countryside with Coldra House placed on the hill which overlooked the Usk Valley.

Ryder could never have believed that his golf competition would someday be hosted there.

Not many would have also believed that a golf course which only started being constructed in the early 1990s would be staging any major championship, let alone the sport’s marquee event.

But Sir Terry Matthews is living the dream.

Having bought Coldra House, which served as the maternity hospital in which he was born in 1943, he has transformed the 167-acre site into a luxury leisure venue.

Such was the luxury on offer after a ten-year transformation, the late 1980s saw a regular flow of celebrity guests, with Tom Jones, Elton John and Shirley Bassey enticed to the new Celtic Manor Resort.

Matthews, who emigrated to Canada during the rise of his telecommunications businesses, has invested £100million in the Newport site but he will be rewarded this weekend with hosting one of sport's biggest events.

But the 2010 Ryder Cup could be without the biggest name.

Tiger Woods nearly has had more women than hot dinners and in the process has become sport’s biggest let-down.

Everyone has become accustomed to major sporting idols being exposed in some form or another since Ben Johnson had the audacity to win the 1988 Olympic 100metres in Soul by such a margin that he had time to cut the air with an index-finger of glory before taking the tape.

But Woods was the one. The perfect sportsman.

The one who's ability alone made him truly great: Steve Redgrave without the loveable British charm and personality. Woods won major championships by ridiculous margins and kept winning them and kept winning them.

All until a quite innocuous incident brought his world crashing

down.

Goodness knows why a car crash yards from his home caused such deluge of self-humiliation, but the crash might have robbed Sir Terry of his centrepiece.

He needs American captain Corey Pavin to do him a favour: Woods needs a captain’s pick.

Pavin will probably pick Woods as he seeks to retain the trophy won by Paul Azinger’s team in 2008.

He hasn’t got enough golfers that he would rather have on the 1st tee come a tense Sunday afternoon than an out-of-sorts Woods, despite his poor Ryder Cup record – Woods has lost 13 matches, the third most by an American.

Another thing this Ryder Cup will be missing is a local player.

Rhys Davies, from Bridgend, is enjoying a breakthrough season on the European Tour, with his maiden victory in the Morocco Open in March and a stunning final round for a second-place finish – his third of the season – at the Wales Open, held at the Celtic Manor.

The world number 52 could be in Colin Montgomerie’s eyeline.

There is far more juggling for the European captain to contend with.

One of his three picks must surely go to Padraig Harrington – double major winner and serial Ryder Cup winner.

Justin Rose is also a major contender after two PGA Tour wins this season following an agonising 162tournament wait.

But Monty hasn’t ruled out the wildest of wildcards.

Only Nick Faldo has played more matches and won more points than Bernhard Langer.

50-year-old he may be, but Langer has been rolling back the years in 2010 with victories in the senior version of both the British and US Open.

He also captained Europe to a thumping victory at Oakland Hills in 2004. Bags of experience and form is a tantalising combination – one which Montgomerie might be tempted by.

Form is certainly the make-up of the European team.

In the past it was taken as given that the Americans had the better individual golfers, but their continental counterparts played better as a team: the same may not be true anymore with the world’s top 20 littered with Europeans, and plenty of Brits.

Lee Westwood tops the pile. Second at both the Masters and the Open and seven top-10 finishes on the tour provide the walk to the talk that Westwood is the best golfer in the world at the moment.

Westwood was down the field at the US Open but fellow Briton Graeme McDowell claimed his maiden major victory and the first victory by a European at the US Open since Tony Jacklin won in 1970.

The Ulsterman, in his own words, is playing the golf of his life. wHe also has the added advantage of a great look around the Ryder Cup course, winning the Wales Open.

Such is the strength of British

“

Tiger Woods has become one of the biggest let downs of the Sporting world

golf – players from the Isles could make up three-quarters of the European team – we could happily be back pre-1979, when help from the continent was first sought.

Continentals could yet have a major part to play in this year’s tournament. German PGA championship-winner Martin Kaymer, Francisco Molinari of Italy and the cigar-puffing Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez providing representation, but Britons would be forgiven for abandoning their biennial feeling of unison with Europe at the Celtic Manor.

Sport31

gair rhydd • Monday September 13 2010 • sport@gairrhydd.com

Sport get to know your new AU President Lucy Morgan Sport Editor As another university year kicks off, gair rhydd Sport spoke to new AU president, Jack Perkins, about what lies ahead in this year’s sporting calendar...

Jack, first of all, congratulations on your appointment as AU president. How does it feel to be taking on the job?

It feels great! Although it's a bit of a daunting challenge as the AU is a large beast, I'd say I'm ready to just go for it and get stuck in.

I imagine your role will keep you very busy! What will be your main responsibilities over the year?

As a sabbatical officer my main responsibility is to represent YOU the students in any way I can but more specifically in terms of student sporting activity.

I’m responsible for the development and provision of all of our 62 Athletic Union Clubs, including their budgeting and welfare.

I am also here to develop and extend our massive IMG programme (freshers, that means Intra Mural Games..... for example Engin v Law) and to run the UK's second largest Varsity along with other one off events and campaigns.

What is your background in University Sport and sport in general?

I am a rugby player by trade and I have represented the Mens Rugby Club at all sorts of varying levels.

However, I love having a go at pretty much any sport and so it will be a mission of mine to get out there and try and experience as much as our Athletic Union has to offer!!

I’m sure you have a lot of plans for the coming year but what are your main ones and what changes are you looking to make within the AU? I am really looking to kick on from last year where Olly did a huge amount to increase and improve the transparency of the AU. I really want to facilitate an environment of openness and efficiency so that we as a Union and AU have a better understanding of what's going on and hence improve relationships throughout. I also feel it is key to improve the IMG

programme by extending it to include other sports such as Rugby, Tennis and Badminton. This means we are providing sport at varying levels of competitiveness and for students of any ability.

and to merit, we are going to be meeting our arch rivals Swansea here in Cardiff at the Welsh Institute of Sport for the daytime activity then finish with the Rugby match at the Millenium Stadium.

As you mentioned earlier, you’ll also be running many events and campaigns over the year.

What sporting event are you most looking forward to at the University this year?

Can’t wait! Varsity is always the highlight of the sporting year!

So, finally, for all the freshers out there, how would you encourage them to get involved in Sport at Cardiff ?

Well it has to be the Welsh Varsity Match!!! This year we will be taking Varsity to a whole new level.

This year is the 15th Anniversary

Whether you want to represent the University in BUCS, try something completely new or just get involved to make some friends and

have a great social, sport here at Cardiff University Athletic Union really has something for everything. So if you're game, get online at www.cardiffstudents.com/activities and check out what we've got to offer. And don't forget the Sports Fayre on Wednesday 29th September and for all you Healthcare crew out there Healthcare Freshers Fayre on Monday 27th September.

If you have any questions, or would like to talk to Jack, you can find him on the third floor of the Students' Union.

Many opportunities to get involved Lucy Morgan Sport Editor Cardiff University is firmly established as one of the leading universities for competitive sport in Wales, with around 5000 members supported in over 60 sports clubs.

As one of the biggest Athletic Unions in the country and with so much choice on offer, you’ll easily be able to find a sport that suits you. But if you really can’t find one that takes your fancy, there’s even the opportunity to set up your own club.

The vast selection of current AU

clubs range from recreational to competitive sports teams who compete against other Universities in BUCS (British University and College Sport) competitions throughout the year.

If you’re looking to play competitive sport against some of the best universities in the country then these are the clubs for you. The many sports on offer include: Rugby, Football, Netball, Aikido, Surf, Lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for less commitment but still want to be part of a team and meet new people then the IMG (Intra Mural Games) programme may be more

up your street.

IMG - run in partnership with the University’s Sports and Exercise department to provide a vast and smoothly run sports experience - allows you the opportunity to play competitive sport but at a much more casual rate.

Along with overseeing the running of the BUCS and IMG clubs, the AU holds a number of events over the course of the year with Varsity standing out as the high point of the University Sporting year. Varsity sees Cardiff and local rivals Swansea University battle it out as they compete for the Varsity Shield and Cup.

More than 10,000 students gather to cheer on the teams in the Varsity Rugby match – the culmination of the day’s events. Everyone gets involved!

This is just a snapshot of the Sport available at Cardiff and it’s various Sports Centres at Talybont, Llanrumney and Park Place so for more information make sure you head to the AU Fayre on 29 September to see the full extent of what is on offer.

Sports teams are a great way to meet people outside of halls and lectures so whether you’ve got your heart set on 2012 glory or just simply want a way to keep fit then

make sure you get involved.

The clubs welcome people of all abilities and many people get their first introduction to Sport at University so don’t feel like you have to be a pro to join any of the clubs.

If for any reason you can’t make the AU Fayre there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The AU office is situated on the third floor of the student’s union or you can find more information about all the sports on offer at: http://www.cardiffstudents.com/ activities/sport.

What are you waiting for?

Sport

Our guide to Fresher's Week << Inside

An incredible achievement Cardiff student cycles 900 miles from Lands' End to John O' Groats, all in the name of fun Joe Davies Sports Writer You may have been having the time of your life at the Latitude festival.

Or you may have been on your holidays in the Mediterranean.

First year Physics student Megan Davies, however, who has represented Wales at rowing, decided to “do a Romero” and switch from boat to bike in an epic 900 mile cycle in July.

Accompanied by her father every mile of the way and her mother driving the ‘support vehicle’, the 19year-old from Monmouthshire cycled from Lands’ End in Cornwall to the country’s north easterly tip at John O’Groats.

Undeterred by torrential rain at times - with only three dry days out of 15 spent on the road - the former Welsh rower completed the 1432 km journey in just 112 hours of cycling.

In the wheel tracks of her Father, Megan finished the two-week adventure with an “easy” 17-mile ride from Wick to the finish line at John O’Groats, having cycled over 80 miles on day 11 from Glasgow to Glencoe.

“It was a tough two weeks but a really enjoyable experience altogether”, she told gair rhydd.

“The weather at times was horrendous.

"It was so bad, in fact, that, with water bursting out of the soles of our trainers, you just had to laugh!”

Megan - now settling into life in Talybont Court before enrolling onto her Physics course at Cardiff – experienced a few laws of the very subject she is reading, along the way.

“Riding across the Severn Bridge” she said, “the winds were unbelievably powerful and we had to lean at what seemed like 45 degrees in order to stay on the bike!”

After leaving home in Monmouthshire early on Monday July 12, Megan began the marathon cycle with a 35-mile ride to Truro under some drizzly Cornish weather.

It was day two, however, that proved the biggest challenge, with unrelenting hills all the way to Okehampton and fitness levels not yet at the levels they would soon become. “‘Ubiquitous’ is probably the best

word to describe the hills in Cornwall – they were everywhere!” Megan said.

“We did 112 kms on day two, which was easily the hilliest day we had over the two weeks.

"We hadn’t cycled more than about 60 km’s in one day during training, so by the time we reached Okehampton I was absolutely shattered!

Word On...

England's lacklusture World Cup performance

Preview The Ryder Cup

<< Inside

“After an exhausting second day, we began to notch up the miles pretty quickly, though, and the Somerset levels were a relief after what we had been faced with the previous day.

"By day five we had reached Shrewsbury, but the rain we encountered on day seven in Lancashire was nothing short of monsoon-like.

"I tried getting my whole body under a hand dryer at one point to try and get warm; but it was hopeless, so we called it a day after being rained on continuously for 55kms.

"The weather forecast that evening revealed that there had been a month’s rainfall in one day.

“Despite the weather, it was a great way to see the country.

"The whole experience was amazing and we saw some very strange things.

At one point we saw a herd of deer crossing a fast-flowing river. Later we bumped into a crazy couple who were walking from John O’Groats to Lands’ End in flip flops, pushing their baggage and tent in an old buggy!

"One thing that was really interesting to notice, however, was just how much the local accent changed each day as we headed north.

“Getting to the finish line, though, was an amazing feeling.

"There was a book for ‘End to Enders’ at the John O’Groats cafe

Above: Megan and her Dad take a break Photo: Joe Davies with the names of everyone who’d done the cycle over the years.

"Being able to add our names alongside those of Rebecca Romero and James Cracknell was pretty special.

“After we arrived at John O’Groats, we learned that a seven-year-old had achieved the feat and that the record is just 41 hours, which put into perspective our achievement.”

GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN • REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE • GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS • THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY • LLOYD: 'HE WAS MUCH BETTER ON HEROIN...' • PAUL 'NO CARBS AFTER 5PM' STOLLERY • 'JUST CAUSE SHE DANCES FOR DOUGH, IT DON'T MAKE HER A HOE, NO.' • SARAH: "MINE FEELS PRETTY TIGHT" • PRESIDENTS WELCOME= MEGALOLZ • BIRRELL IS A SEXUAL PREDATOR • LIGHT WORKS HARD PROPPING UP THE BAR TO 'SAVE YOU MONEY' • GAIR RHYDD OFFICE DEMOLISHED • MACAULAY= LIFESAVER •BANTER BEAR??