gair rhydd - Issue 952

In this issue: Life in a Squat

Free inside

gair rhydd PHOTOS: CHRIS GRIFFITHS

Monday May 30 2011 | freeword – Est. 1972 | Issue 952

Was it worth it?

Despite mass student protest against tuition fee increase, Cardiff declares £9,000 fees Ben Price News Editor Cardiff University undergraduates are set to face £9,000 in tuition fees as of the academic year beginning 2012/13.

Last Monday May 24 Cardiff University Council approved the proposal for the University to charge

students who choose to study at Cardiff the maximum amount of £9,000 in tuition fees.

The proposed fee, along with the University’s supporting investment plan for a series of scholarships, bursaries and ongoing financial and academic support for students, will now go forward to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales for consideration and final

approval.

In a statement issued by the University, the Vice Chancellor Dr David Grant said: “This has not been an easy decision for the University to reach.

“We are committed to maintaining access to our courses for all who have the potential to succeed.

“We also know that our students greatly value the quality of learn-

ing, teaching and support at Cardiff.

“With rapidly reducing levels of government support we have to act responsibly and ensure that our future fee level is sufficient to maintain and develop provision across our wide portfolio of courses - including the very large number of high cost programmes we deliver in science, engineering and profes-

sional disciplines.”

With the tuition fees set to almost treble their current cost, the University added that it is for this reason it has been working closely with the Students’ Union to give considerable thought to its fee and student support plan.

Continued on page 4

02News

gr EDITOR Sarah Powell

CO-ORDINATOR Elaine Morgan DEPUTY EDITOR Dom Kehat SUB-EDITOR Hannah Van Den Bergh NEWS Morgan Applegarth Miranda Atty Pippa Lewis Ben Price Hannah Pendleton FEATURES Zoe Bridger Laura Brunt OPINION Holly Howe Chris Williams

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Students query grad costs Morgan Applegarth News Editor A number of students have queried the charge for additional tickets for their Graduation ceremonies, which are set to begin in July.

While graduates attending their ceremony are entitled to two free tickets, they face a charge of £10 if they wish to purchase additional guest seats.

This is the first time the University have charged for additional tickets.

Speaking to gair rhydd, one stu-

dent said: "The University are in the wrong. They've got some audacity to charge us more money.

"Last year I attended my friend's graduation as a party of five and we didn't pay a penny.

"This year, people will have to pay to be able to bring groups of friends and family. It's such a shame."

Another student agreed, "I've already had to pay for my cap and gown so I think if they're going to charge us for seats there should be a free reception."

A University spokesperson told how the decision to charge this year was made by the University

Graduation Working Group, which includes representation from the Students' Union and that the income generated from additional ticket sales "will make a contribution towards the total cost of the Graduation Ceremonies."

"This is the first time the University has charged for additional guest tickets and the policy will be reviewed after the first year of the operation," said the spokesperson.

"The decision to charge for additional guest tickets was taken following a research project undertaken by a student of the University which indicated that such a charge

would be appropriate as the practice of charging for guest tickets at graduation ceremonies is common at other universities, and will contribute towards the significant costs of the Graduation Ceremonies."

The purchasing of additional tickets is on a first come first served basis and students are not restricted to the number of which can be purchased. However, the University stated that they will monitor the sales.

Further information on additional tickets will be made available to graduates through the University's website by June 10.

The May Ball: Your thoughts

POLITICS James Dunn Oliver Smith SOCIETIES Bianca London SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT Tom Clarke Jack Parker TAF OD Elliw Mair

CONTRIBUTORS Harry Hunt Emma Jarrett Michael Mitchell Peter Gray Luke Slade Helen Jarvis Daisy Payne Caleb Woodbridge Emma Jones Ellie Mair Sarah Phillips Laura Amey Jenny Lambourne PROOFREADERS Joanne Southerd Laura Evans Laura Amey Steph Pugh

James Cheeseman

Steph Pugh

Victoria Savage

James Vile

2nd year Maths Student

2nd year English Language Student

1st year Architecture Student

PhD Chemistry

,, ,, ,, ,,

SPORT Alex Bywater Lucy Morgan Alex Winter

I thought it was well-planned and organised and the rides were exciting. I enjoyed the bands and the roast pork was good! The only bad thing was the slightly awkward entrance arrangement, which meant walking around Main Building.

It was the night before the exam period started and I thought that was really poor timing. I probably would have gone if it had been after the exams. When they first announced it I didn’t know when my exams were going to be so I didn’t want to buy a ticket and then not be able to go.

There was a good variety of rides and no queues and I liked the venue of the Main Building. I was on the guest list through a society committee but if I had had to pay full price I probably wouldn’t have been satisfied. There should have been some refreshments included in the ticket price.

It wasn’t very well promoted and as a result I didn’t know anyone who was going. There also weren’t any good, well-known bands to draw people in. I imagine the timing, just before exams, would have been a problem for most undergraduates.

In this week's gair rhydd...

Rape Computers Religion Women UCU

Vegetarian May Ball Erasmus Awards Slut Walk Virus Canoe Polo Queen

Rapture

France Tuition

IMG

Ireland Graduation cost

Exams

Fees Ryan Giggs Media

News03

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Students given misprinted paper in English examination

English Language and Literature students have exam interrupted as they are given a misprinted paper, with one student claiming: "The exam was made impossible to complete due to a huge error on the exam paper"

Morgan Applegarth News Editor A number of second year English Language and Literature students have complained following an error in their English Phonetics examination paper last week.

In the exam for the Sounds of Speech module, students were supplied with additional material that contained the phonetic alphabet to aid in the answering of questions.

However, as gair rhydd understands it, the symbols had been misprinted and as a result students were unable to read the material.

The exam counted for 50% of the

module.

Upon commencing the exam, students soon noticed the error and began making invigilators aware of the problem. One student told gair rhydd how they had complained of the error, but was assured that the material was correct.

Students continued to complain, causing the head invigilator to pause the exam in order to address the problem.

Those sitting the exam were told to carry on answering the questions that did not require the use of the additional material while the error was resolved.

According to a University spokesperson, the correct paper was deliv-

ered to the venue within 45 minutes of the start of the exam, though one student claims that the reprinted version was received “well into the second half of the two hour exam.”

In response to the complaints, a Cardiff University spokesperson told gair rhydd: “There were unfortunately a number of errors in the exam paper.

“Due to the nature of these errors, it was not apparent that there were errors on this exam paper until after the commencement of the exam.

“Once it was established that there were errors affecting a number of questions, students were advised to answer those questions

unaffected whilst corrections were obtained.

“A correct exam paper was delivered to the exam venue within 45 minutes of the start of the exam.

“The circumstances will be reported to the Chair of the Examining Board in order that they may be considered by the Examining Board and an investigation will be undertaken by the University.”

One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, told gair rhydd: "The exam was made impossible to complete due to a huge error on the exam paper.”

They continued: “How can a supposedly respectable Russell Group university make such a massive er-

ror?

“The examination period is stressful enough without additional, unnecessary and avoidable stress being placed on students.

“We have been told that the marking system will compensate us, but this is not good enough. There should never have been this error in the first place.”

If you are affected by any issues surrounding this topic, students are encouraged to e-mail Academic and University Affairds Officer Sarah Ingram at: academicofficer@ cardiff.ac.uk or visit the Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) on the third floor of the Students’ Union.

Cardiff's LGBT+ Association receive acclaim at NUS National Conference Laura Evans Reporter Cardiff ’s LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+) Association excelled at the 2011 NUS National Conference last month, winning the Highly Commended LGBT Society of the Year Award for the outstanding progress they have achieved in just one year.

“

The passion, the commitement and time we have invested has been overwhelmingly recognised

The LGBT+ Association is both a campaign and society that provides

voluntary, valuable support and counselling for it's students.

The Association aims to enhance the university experience for members and are committed to helping them express their identity, free from discrimination and inequality.

The Association, founded in 2010, was also shortlisted at the NUS Conference in the top five for Best Campaign and Best Higher Education Society of the Year categories, while Cardiff Students' Union's LGBT+ Officer Mark Anderson came third in the Member of the Year category.

Speaking to gair rhydd, Mark said: "The passion, the commitment and time we have invested has been overwhelmingly recognised by the very top; we are so truly proud and grateful for such an honour."

In their first year, the Association has been acknowledged by the University and Students' Union as

LGBT+ now has an elected officer on the Student Council, and a Staff and Student support in which committee members meet with University staff to discuss how to push the Association forward.

“

It's a testament to the commitment of our students

Kate Boddington, LGBT+ Officer elect, commented: "I’m really looking forward to developing the LGBT+ Association and building on what has already been achieved.

"The fact that both the NUS and the Students’ Union have recognised how much success we’ve had in Cardiff is a testament to the commitment of our students, and next year it can only continue."

Above: LGBT+ Officer Mark Anderson receives the NUS Award

04News

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Prospective students face soaring tuition f continued from front Dr Grant continued: “We are confident that by expansion and refocusing of our flexible programme of bursaries and other investments, we will be able to offer some of the best support available for UK undergraduates.

"Our packages of support will not only be financial. We recognise that the investment students make in us must be rewarded with high quality teaching, with excellent learning resources and with support towards completion and employability.

"We’ll meet students’ investment in us with the 'Cardiff Commitment' – a commitment to ensuring the best student experience possible, to supporting students throughout their time at the University and to ensure students are equipped for life after University - not only with a highly sought after qualification but with the skills and attitudes that society and future employers need."

Cardiff is only the second University in Wales to announce how much it will charge for tuition fees in the academic year 2012/13.

Aberystwyth University was the first in Wales to announce that it will charge the maximum amount.

Many Universities in England have also stated that they too will charge

the full £9,000.

Of course the trebling of fees will only effect prospective students from England. Welsh students will only pay £3,375 (this cost is expected to be adjusted in line with inflation) as the balance of the fee over and above this cost will be met by the Welsh Assembly Government via a tuition fee grant.

The tuition fee grant will be paid for all eligible Welsh-domiciled students (and for those from the EU studying in Wales).

It applies not only to those students studying in Wales but to all Welsh-domiciled students wherever such students are studying in the UK. The tuition fee grant will not be repayable and will not be means tested.

As prospective students' expectations of the University's ability to deliver the best teaching and learning experience will be higher than ever before, then the University will be expected to heighten the student experience.

In an exclusive interview with the gair rhydd, the University's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Treasure, outlined some of the plans the University has to improve the student experience.

Some ideas of the plan included paying closer attention to providing financial support for students,

by looking at living expenses when providing such support.

The University also plans to extend its scholarship and bursary schemes, as well as strengthening its financial advice packages.

Professor Treasure highlighted the fact, that by listening to the Students' Union when considering how the University can ensure student satisfaction is maintained in line with the fee increase, it will focus more on quality over quantity.

In response the the University's decision to charge the full £9,000, the President of Cardiff Students' Union, Olly Birrell said: “The University has worked closely with the Students’ Union on these proposals, and has committed to continue this partnership throughout the implementation of the fee changes.

"While we are disappointed that the University has had to make the decision to raise fees to this level, we welcome the commitment Cardiff is making to further developing the student experience and to providing financial and skills support for students from non-traditional backgrounds throughout the lifetime of a student’s course.

"We are confident that Cardiff will remain one of the best places in the UK to live and study.”

£9000 £8000 £7000 £6000 £5000 £4000

£3000

£3000 £2000

£1200

£1000 £0

1998/9

2006/7

...in a gair rhydd exclusive, the Deputy Vice Chancellor sets out University proposal for a greater student experience: The First 100 is a concept that will look at establishing support mechanisms for first year students, particularly those from non-traditional university backgrounds, during their first one hundred days at university.

Cardiff Futures is an idea whereby the University will assess its provisions and question whether the module choices offered to students on various courses are the best possible options.

The University wants to ensure that there will be no cost "add-ons" on certain courses. For example it will look to see to what extent field-trip costs can be incorporated in the £9,000 rather than schools charging additional costs for off-site field-work.

Extending the University's financial advice packages, by providing additional support for living expenses rather than offering fee rebates, as well as expanding the student contingency money.

09 Nov 2009

How the tuition fee story unfolded:

The government launch The Browne Review into higher education spending.

12 Oct 2010 The Lord Browne review into higher education recommends an increase in tuition fees to help recover the government's financial defecit.

26 Oct 2010 Cardiff University students and Elected Officers vote to pass a motion in favour of fighting again fee rises

10 Nov 2010 Three-hundred-andfifty Cardiff University students join the NUS National Demo in London to protest against the government's proposed cuts to higher education

News05

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

fees as University opts for the maximum freewords EDITORIAL est.1972

£9000

Pippa Lewis News Editor

Cardiff University has announced that it will charge £9,000 tuition fees. Should we be surprised? Probably not. It seems that this day has been coming ever since the Lord Browne Review was released back in October last year.

Despite months of protests and student activism, politicians and universities have defied popular public opinion and introduced the maximum level of fees.

Although this move comes as a financial blow to students looking to apply to university in the next academic year beginning 2012/13, it is important to note the positive aspects of the move.

The expansion of higher education under New Labour has led to an unsustainable system. Like it or not, the rising cost of higher education in a period of recession had to be addressed.

student numbers will probably fall, and some universities may fail to survive the increase in fees. But overall, the quality and value of a degree should, if measures are implemented as promised, increase.

The current graduate market is saturated. So much so, that increasingly students are leaving university with high-class degrees from respected universities and are unable to find graduate positions.

The fact of the matter is, that having a degree in the current job climate is simply not enough. Students are forced, in many cases to undertake unpaid work in order to gain coveted experience, a fact that proves costly to most.

While this is not a fact that will change overnight with the introduction of increased tuition fees, it puts pressure on universities to increase the quality of education to satisfy job market demands.

An increase in tuition fees, has to mean an increase in the value of a degree for university to remain a viable option for students in the future.

The University has raised tuition fees. It is now up to the student body as a whole to demand that promises surrounding such an increase are kept.

PHOTOS: CHRIS GRIFFITHS

2012/13

The money raised from increased tuition fees is not new money. It is that which subsidises the losses created in the reduction of government funding.

However, with rising tuition fees comes a rising demand for a change in the quality of education and the quality of services provided by the universities.

While disappointment and anger inevitably forms surrounding the huge financial burden placed on students, a feeling of optimism seems to be present surrounding the opportunity that such raises in fees creates.

Cardiff University, on announcing the impending tuition fee rises, expressed a commitment to implement improvements to create the ‘best student experience possible’.

Whether such improvements are implemented remains to be seen. However, the increased tuition fees provide upcoming students the opportunity to demand more from their education system.

Pressure must be put on universities to ensure that promises of improvements are upheld, and that students receive value for money.

Fundamentally, a rise in tuition fees will create a change in the nature of the university system. Yes,

Photos: Cardiff students took part in various protests against the tuition fee rise, including a University occupation and a National Demonstration with the NUS.

24 Nov 2010 Cardiff students protest on a National Day of Action against fee rises and cuts to higher education.

Students occupy the Shandon Lecture Theatre for 24hours.

09 Dec 2010 MPs vote to raise tuition fees, implementing a maximum charge of £9,000 only in "exceptional circumstances."

Feb 2011 English universities begin to announce tution fee rises, to start from the 20122013 academic year

07 April 2011 Higher Education Funding Council for Wales publish their Fee Plan Guidance for all Welsh institutions wishing to charge more than £4,000 per year

24 May 2011 Cardiff University announce their charging of £9,000 from the 2012-2013 academic year

06News

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • news@gairrhydd.com

Hannah Pendleton News Editor

lice Officer in Toronto who stated: "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimised".

Cardiff University students are introducing the city of Cardiff to a rapidly growing phenomenom called 'SlutWalking'.

SlutWalking, which began in Toronto, Canada is now quickly spreading throughout the UK and Europe. Now on June 4 2011, a SlutWalk march against sexual violence and rape-victim blaming will take on the streets of Cardiff.

Hannah Caddick, co-organiser of SlutWalk Cardiff stated: "When we saw a news story about SlutWalk Toronto we were inspired; the message 'don't blame the victim' resonated with us, and we quickly discovered that it resonated with many more women and men in and around Cardiff.

"Twenty three per cent of students in Wales would blame a woman for being raped or sexually assaulted if she was provocatively dressed. Such attitudes are born out of damaging myths engrained in our society about male and female sexuality, and must be addressed".

Caddick continued: "The culture of victim-blaming is widespread, and with rape an already vastly under-reported crime, with only 11% of victims telling the police and a huge 38% telling no-one, we must do everything we can to encourage people to come forward and not to blame themselves."

The movement arrived as a backlash against the remarks of a Po-

“

23% of students in Wales would blame a woman for being raped or sexually assaulted if she was provocatively dressed

This comment triggered a series of marches, with the first in Toronto on April 3 2011. SlutWalk Cardiff have stated: "We believe that the Police Officer’s comment is a symptom of a wider culture of victim blaming in cases of sexual assault.

"A person’s clothing does not, under any circumstances, justify their being assaulted. However, our message does not just concern provocative clothing. We wish to tackle the wider problem of victim-blaming, no matter what form it takes.

“

1 in 7 have been the victim of a serious physical or sexual assault

"We also recognise that rape and sexual assault do not merely affect women. Although women are most often the targets and men are most often the perpetrators, all genders are affected. We are an inclusive

movement, and anyone is welcome to join us on our march as a Slut or an Ally."

The term slut is often questioned.

SlutWalk Cardiff continued: "To quote our friends in Toronto: ‘using a pejorative term to rationalise inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim. Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label."

Estelle Hart, current NUS Wales Women's Officer commented on the SlutWalking movement stating: “The NUS Wales Women’s Campaign is delighted that our members are at the forefront of the fight against the misogynist victimblaming culture that extends from our campuses to the houses of parliament.

“Sexism and harassment are endemic across society and on our campuses. NUS’ Hidden Marks report showed that 68% of women students have experienced some kind of verbal or non-verbal harassment in and around their institution and 1 in 7 have been the victim of a serious physical or sexual assault.”

SlutWalk Cardiff encourages people to attend and join in the march against sexual violence and the blaming of rape victims.

For more details about the upcoming march, contact slutwalkcardiff@hotmail.co.uk

Photo: LindoPhotography

SlutWalking arrives in Cardiff

Photo: Crowds gather for Toronto's SlutWalk

Pay deductions from strikes to benefit students HARD AND SOFTBACK DISSERTATIONS NOW AVAILABLE in hardship

Pippa Lewis News Editor Members of the University College Union (UCU) have requested that money collected in pay deductions as a result of strike action be given to students in hardship.

Strikes were held on Friday March 18 2011 and Thursday March 24 2011. Lectures and Seminars were cancelled causing disruption to student timetables.

A statement issued by the Cardiff UCU Executive Committee said: “Members of the University and College Union (UCU) took two days’ industrial action in March to defend pensions, job security, pay, and the future of higher education

in the UK. “Staff who went on strike are having deductions taken from their salaries, and UCU has asked that the University donate all of this money to the University Hardship Fund, whose purpose is to help students facing unforeseen financial difficulties.”

A Cardiff University spokesperson told gair rhydd: "The University has received a request for this to be considered however, the Schools Directorates involved are already benefitting from the deductions as the deducted amounts are not collected centrally by the University.

“All decisions made by the University are ultimately taken in the best interests of our students.

GROUND FLOOR AT THE MALL ENJOY A FREE CUP OF COFFEE FROM THE KITCHEN WHILE YOU WAIT*

!"DIGITAL ! DESIGN ! PRINT ! COPY INSTANT HIGH QUALITY DIGITAL PRINT, POSTERS, LARGE FORMAT AND MUCH MORE... * Voucher given with every dissertation purchase redeemable at The Kitchen in The Union Follow us

T: 029 20233 225 E: UNION@PRINTCENTRECARDIFF.COM

WWW.PRINTCENTRECARDIFF.COM

World News

07 A Royal auction Oh bum! Corporate orgy Sarah Phillips Reporter

Princess Beatrice has sold her royal wedding hat in an eBay auction for £81,100.01.

The Princess received media attention when she wore the dramatic Philip Treacy creation to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton back in April.

The notorious hat has had numerous Facebook appreciation pages, and has been likened to a lavatory seat, cat flap and pretzel among other things.

The Princess commented: "I've been amazed by the amount of at-

tention the hat has attracted. I hope whoever wins the auction has as much fun with the hat as I have."

The proceeds from the sale will be donated to the charities UNICEF and Children in Crisis.

Crouching tiger Sarah Phillips Reporter A prank using a life-size toy tiger resulted in a major police operation involving a police helicopter and armed officers.

Members of the public alerted the police when they spotted what was believed to be a live tiger in a field near Southampton. Experts from Marwell Zoo were called to the scene, and plans were put in place to close the nearby M27 motorway should the tiger move in that direction.

It became evident when the helicopter used thermal imaging equipment that the tiger was not in fact

alive. A spokeswoman said: ''The tiger then rolled over in the downdraft [from the helicopter] and it became obvious it was a stuffed lifesize toy.'' The police are currently treating the tiger as lost property.

Peter Gray Reporter

Harry Hunt Reporter

A New Zealand truck driver claims to have been 'blown up like a balloon' when he fell onto the fitting of a compressed air hose that pierced his buttock, forcing highly pressurised air into his body.

Steven McCormack slipped and fell off of his truck's foot plate causing him to break a compressed air hose that aided in powering his truck's brakes.

A hospital spokesman from where Mr McCormack was rushed to claimed that he was "lucky to be alive."

Munich RE, the world’s biggest reinsurance company, hosted a party for it’s employees where they got to enjoy more than just the usual fine food and wine; they were also provided with 20 prostitutes.

They held the event at a thermal bath complex in Hungary, to reward those salesmen who had done particularly well.

According to a participant, the guests could take them up to four poster beds, and ‘do whatever they liked’. However, to make sure only

eBaby

the right girls were approached during the party and not the hostesses, they were given colour coded armbands. They were stamped on their arm with each service provided, to make sure they were paid the right amount.

A spokesman for the company has confirmed the party happened, but is not the usual reward for their staff.

The company has introduced a new code of conduct, and have taken steps to ensure it will never happen again.

Spare a little love

Michael Mitchell Reporter

Harry Hunt Reporter

A women from Michigan is under investigation by police after putting her two-year-old daughter for sale on eBay. Police in Allendale, MI received several calls about the posting, including from a person who made a bid of $1,000.

The woman believed to behind the post said: "It was just a joke,that's all.

Lieutenant Mark Bennett said: "We really do not believe the child was actually going to be exchanged, we are probably talking more about a false pretence situation."

We either love it or hate it, but it seems that all of Denmark hates Marmite as it has recently been added to the banned foodstuffs list in their country.

The Danes have form in this area, having imposed restrictions on many other items such as breakfast cereals. They have justified their move because of the added vitamins and minerals in the yeasty spread.

Shops have already been told to remove jars from their shelves.

This move has outraged the local expatriate community, who are

planning a wave of civil disobedience to try and get the product reinstated. They are also considering taking the challenge to the European court, as they believe it could break EU law.

However, until then they will have to settle for other British toast-topping classics, such as marmalade.

Opinion

09

It’s not the end of the world!

Photo: Harold Camping Caleb Woodbridge

Opinion Writer

At 6pm, Saturday May 21, the Rapture spectacularly failed to occur across the globe, much to the disappointment and embarrassment of Harold Camping, who had predicted the event. Many of his followers had sold all they had to pay for billboards to spread the word about the impending doomsday.

It’s all too easy to point and laugh.

As a Christian, I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ returns, but the nutty beliefs of Camping and co had me making sarcastic comments along with the best of them.

On Twitter, the #crapture hashtag was used in thousands of tweets mocking the event. I particularly enjoyed the response of the Family Church of Laughs, who released helium balloons shaped like people into the sky. Harold Camping is now claiming that he miscalculated, and that the Rapture will now take place in October.

Camping’s main problem isn’t that he takes the Bible too literally: he doesn’t take it literally enough.

His misinterpretation of the Bible actually subverts the real message of the Second Coming.

By some interpretative gymnastics, he ignores Jesus’ clear statement that ‘No-one knows the day or hour’ of his return. His followers don’t take Deuteronomy 18:20, which commands that a false prophet should be put to death, very literally either, but that’s probably for the best.

It’s not just Camping’s attempt to put a date on the Rapture that’s crazy. The whole idea of the Rapture, the belief that Christians will get whisked off into the sky while the Earth is destroyed in a sevenyear display of pyrotechnics that would put a Hollywood blockbuster to shame, just isn’t in the Bible.

I love and respect my Christian brothers and sisters who believe in the Rapture, but think they’re making a big mistake. The New Testa-

ment talks at one point about ‘meeting Jesus in the air’. But St. Paul wasn’t making a literal statement, but alluding to the inhabitants of a Roman city coming out to welcome the Emperor to the city, not leaving with him for elsewhere.

The belief originated with a 19th century preacher John Darby, and was popularised in America by the study notes in the Scofield Bible.

The Rapture owes more to Platonic philosophy and Gnostic religion, which sees the material world as somehow dangerous or suspect, than the Bible, which says God created this world good.

If you believe in the Rapture, you’re not likely to care so much about changing this world for the better. It’s all going to burn anyway, so what’s the harm of a bit of global warming? Why work for peace or global justice when you could be out there putting up billboards? It’s alarming the influence that these beliefs hold in America.

The Rapture misses the whole

point: the Christian message isn’t about escaping this world, but redeeming it. The Book of Revelation doesn’t say that Christians will get taken away to Heaven. It says that Heaven will come down to Earth, which will be renewed. The Bible tells us that God is at work in the world to bring about peace, justice and mercy, but he chooses to work through us, and calls us to participate with him in changing this world for the better.

And we know that our efforts won’t be futile, because one day Jesus will return to bring them to completion. The Bible says that Jesus will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more sorrow or suffering. Even death itself will die. The Christian message is hopefilled and life-affirming.

Of course, if you’re not a believer, then the idea probably seems just as crazy to you as the whole Rapture business. You don’t care whether or not Christians claim to know the date, or whether it in-

volves changing the world or abandoning it. The idea of some kind of future utopia probably seems even less likely than a future apocalypse.

How could any rational person believe such a thing?

Christians believe in the resurrection and renewal of creation because it has already happened. The Bible is the witness to the historical event of Jesus coming back to life.

That’s not just a random miracle to show that he’s God (though I believe it does show that), but the first event of the new creation, a sign of what God will do for all creation.

The Bible claims to contain the eyewitness accounts of that event. You can read it for yourself and weigh up the evidence.

I don’t expect to persuade anyone by this article, but I hope to intrigue you (while having a chuckle at Harold Camping). The Rapture might be a load of nonsense, but Jesus Christ might still be worth checking out – after all, it could be the end of the world!

If you want to write a piece for You Reply about any Opinion articles you have read, or have any other opinions, email opinion@gairrhydd.com.

Opinion10

Monday May 30 2010 • gair rhydd • opinion@gairrhydd.com

Media hype vs. The facts Harry Hunt Opinion Writer About a week ago, Ken Clarke was all over the airwaves proposing penal reform. In his comments lay the interesting idea that for an early guilty plea the defendant could get 50% off their sentance, and in addition made some questionable comments about rape.

Did anyone else know how currently any crime committed carries a 33% sentence discount if the defendant pleads guilty, even if on the day of the trial? And that this is non-negotiable, they have to get that amount off their sentence.

Probably not. We live in the age of headlines, figures and sound bite media, where all the specifics that made the proposal better than the current system were lost to how to make the story big, bold and excit-

ing.

Rather than hear the facts of the scheme, he was immediately set upon with scenarios to apply his new directions to, and the issue of rape came up. Instead of sticking to the benefits of his argument, he made the categorical error of trying to classify types of rape, utilising horrendous language. The thought process behind describing some types of rape as less serious is just mind boggling.

It is insensitive to be objective about such an emotive subject, and any small slip up by a male leaves you looking very chauvinistic. Unless rape has directly affected you, you will never comprehend the emotional turmoil that the victim will suffer: the feelings of worthlessness and guilt.

To hear someone use the term ‘serious rape’, implying that some

people suffer ‘not serious rape’ is truly unacceptable.

Yet, he made his apology straight away and unreservedly. This was a monumental gaffe, but he did genuinely seem to have the backing of the public when he thought his policy through.

When he re-presented his proposals on question time, they were met with widespread applause. But this does not make a good story. Calls to resign and outraged members of the public make a much more interesting news segment than the minutiae of proposed plans.

Maybe I feel for the guy because I am more gaffe prone than Boris Johnson. However, if you still feel a need to shout your outrage over the comments, do read the transcript and think of his intention. Don’t just join the lynch mob on headlines.

The dawn of the SlutWalk

Photos: SlutWalks around the world.

Daisy Payne Opinion Writer With banners such as: ‘Don’t tell us how to dress, tell men not to rape’ and: ‘Met a slut today? Don’t rape her’ the SlutWalk seems to be starting a global revolution.

Started in reaction to a comment made by a Toronto police officer who commented that: "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised", the slut walk movement has found such resonance that 70 worldwide walks are planned, with one scheduled in Cardiff.

What each and every one of us wears, whether we are male or female, has a bearing on the judgments people form about us. This is an undeniable part of life. Clothing is seen by many in contemporary culture as a means of expressing identity.

I do understand the Toronto policeman when he suggests that women should ‘avoid’ dressing ‘like sluts’.

If you don’t want to be deemed a 'slut', you could perhaps save yourself from this judgment through your outfit choice.

Saying that, I’ve been in a supermarket on a weekday lunchtime, wearing simply jeans and a t-shirt and yet I still felt victimised by a group of men who were making ‘laddish’ remarks.

It doesn’t take a woman to be dressed as a ‘slut’ for them to be victimised, we just are. No matter what we wear, females are targets.

For me, SlutWalks are sparking an important debate around the issues of sexuality and appearance.

Of course, no-one deserves to be

attacked, but arguably by making yourself appear in any way ‘slutty’ people may see this as an aspect of your character. If you are wearing an extremely low cut top, then of course you are more likely to receive attention: wanted and unwanted.

The age old saying rings true that if you want other people to respect you, you surely first have to show you respect yourself and your body.

Although the statistics show that in the majority of rape cases the perpetrator is known to the victim, I think it appropriate for the Toronto policeman to say ‘be careful’ and to encourage women to be wise, cautious and to look out for themselves.

“

SlutWalks spark debate around the issues of sexuality and appearance

Rape, of course is non-consensual, nobody invites it, but perhaps by dressing provocatively you are creating a specific image of yourself.

After all, if people really do judge others based on their first impressions within thirty seconds, then a lot of that judgment will be based on the image one projects through their clothing.

In my opinion, the fashion industry has a large part to play in this.

Females (of all ages) cannot avoid the extremely low cut top and the ‘only just covering the bum’ skirt in the high street shops.

Of course, if you choose to wear what may be deemed ‘slutty’ you still expect a level of respect as a human being. It is just that some men think otherwise.

Becky Pert, one of the organisers of the Cardiff SlutWalk told journalists this week: "It doesn’t matter how much cleavage is on show, nobody deserves to be attacked."

Of course no one deserves to be attacked, but I would suggest that it does matter how much cleavage is on show. It suggests a specific image and identity which men will pick up on.

They’ll happily have a good perve at the supermarket, let alone when you are wearing very little, late at night.

Does appearance suggest something about your character? I would say yes. So, if a woman is dressed in a suggestive way does this warrant sexual abuse? Of course not, yet it could encourage men to consider you a sexual object if you are dressed in such a way.

Yes, we live in a free society, but unfortunately, if we dress in a provocative way and behave in a provocative way, then perhaps you may be the recipient of unwanted attention.

I am absolutely behind sexual freedom and rights for women, but what you communicate to the world matters.

Politics12

When will women finally come to the fore?

Laura Dunn argues why women should be at the forefront of politics

T

ake a look at the Conservative front bench.

Do you think it represents modern British society? I don’t think so. The creation of the coalition government in 2010, saw the Conservatives join forces with the Liberal Democrats, with leading figures in the two parties jockeying for a Ministerial role. Many of the appointments were predictable - George Osbourne as Chancellor, William Hague as Foreign Secretary and Liam Fox as Defence Secretary. Some came as surprise, with Theresa May becoming Home Secretary and Eric Pickles as Minister for Communities and Local Government. When looking at the coalition front bench, it is startling to see the lack of female representation. A total of four women have Ministerial portfolios - Theresa May at Home, Caroline Spelmen at Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs, Cheryl Gillan at the Welsh Office and Baroness Warsi as Minister without Portfolio. A search of Governmental roles on the Number 10 website highlights a shocking statistic: out of 125 positions, only 19 are filled by women. This accounts to around 15%. How can this be a representative government?

with the responsibility for tackling issues that included initiatives to reverse voter apathy. Similarly, Tessa Jowell, is also an experienced member of the Labour Party, holding briefs for employment and health, as well as helping to win the UK’s Olympic Games bid in 2005.

Looking at the Brown Cabinet you can’t help but think it is a more realistic representation of Britain.

The same cannot be said of the coalition government.

“ President Obama with America's Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

“

When looking at the coalition front bench it is startling to see the lack of a real female representation

A comparison with the previous Labour government demonstrates their commitment to the equality of women in politics. Under Gordon Brown, five women held important Ministerial positionsYvette Cooper as Minister for Work & Pensions, Baroness Scotland as Attorney General, Tessa Jowell as Minister for the Cabinet Office, Baroness Royall as Leader of the House of Lords and Harriet Harman as Leader of the Commons and Minister for Equality. During his time as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown had three cabinet reshuffles, with other prominent female MPs such as Margaret Beckett, Caroline Flint, Rosie Winterton, Dawn Primarolo and Hazel Blears, heading ministerial portfolios. Perhaps one of the most experienced Labour MPs is Harriet Harman, who was given her first Cabinet role in the Tony Blair government of 1997. In 2001 she was appointed as the first female Solicitor General, and was also Constitution Affairs Minister

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown with Harriet Harman

David Cameron with Home Secretary Theresa May

The Assembly has been one of the world's most equally represented governments

On a devolved level, the National Assembly has been one of the world’s most equally represented governments, with a total of 28 female AMs in the third sitting. The abolishment of all female candidate shortlists for this May’s Assembly election will significantly alter the gender balance, and the 47% equality rating is certain to decrease.

Moving across the Atlantic, the election of Barack Obama in 2009 raised the equality debate on all levels. Women hold key positions in the Obama Administration, with former First Lady holding the important office of Secretary of State.

Since her swearing in ceremony in 2008, Hilary Clinton has traveled to all corners of the globe clocking up 469,564 miles to date. She has visited countries such as New Zealand, Haiti, Denmark, Russia and Ireland, overseeing the work of the US State Department and implementing the President’s foreign policy portfolio.

Mrs Clinton has met many of the world’s important leaders, and has participated in the commemoration of events such as International Women’s Day and the 60th Anniversary of the Refugees Convention.

Having a woman in control of one of the world’s toughest jobs is an important way of addressing the power and influence of women in society. Placing Mrs Clinton’s profile and political record to one side, the mere symbolic presence of a woman able to successfully deal with many of the world’s toughest foreign policy challenges, is something which highlights the progressive commitments of the current President. It was former President Clinton’s appointment of Madeleine Albright as the first Female Secretary of State in 1997 that set the pace for equal representation within the Presidential Cabinet, with George W. Bush appointing the equally savvy Condoleezza Rice, as

his National Security Advisor and then Secretary of State several years later.

President Obama has appointed four other successful women within his Administration: former Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius ,as Secretary for Health and Human Services, former member of Congress, Hilda Solis, as Secretary for Labor, former Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, as Secretary for Homeland Security and Lisa Jackson, as Administrator of the EPA. President Obama’s selection of Susan Rice, as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations is a similarly important role, with Rice proceeding over important decisions such as the UN’s agreement to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.

As we enter election season and hope for Mr Obama’s re-election, it will also be interesting to see who makes up his new Cabinet.

Secretary Mrs Clinton has already made clear that she will not be Secretary of State if President Obama wins re-election, leaving the speculation for her future open.

Will she take another run for the Presidency in 2016, or will she turn her attention to advocacy work in the field of equality for women across the globe?

“

Many women are unhappy with the current level of female presence

An election in the UK is not due until 2015, with midterms in the US and elections for Governors and members of the Senate cast for next year. While many are unhappy with the current numbers of female representation within democracies across the world, we must cast our attention to the approaching electoral opportunities and do our best to encourage and support our female candidates throughout the campaign trail. Considering the partial destruction of the Liberal Democrats in the recent AV Referendum and Council elections, it could be time for a female leader to make her presence known within the party. With the Coalition starting to falter, such a woman could revitalise the country in a way that hasn't been seen since Thatcher. It will be interesting to see what the next few weeks hold for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

What with Caroline Lucas now leading an up and coming party in Parliament - albeit it a party with one seat and a representation purely in Brighton and Hove - then the Green Party could actually have a basis for becoming a massive force in national politcs.

Politics13

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • politics@gairrhydd.com • Follow @GairRhyddPol

The Queen's Speech

This week saw the first British Monarch to visit Ireland in living memory. Luke Slade looks at the Queen's visit and considers whether the page has been turned on the 'troubles'

L

ast week the Queen visited Ireland and gave a speech at a banquet in Dublin Castle.

It not only addressed the people present but also the people of Ireland. The Queen offered Ireland the nearest the Royal Family has ever come to an apology for our troubled past.

She opened her speech in Irish with “A Úachtaráin agus a chairde” (President and friends) as a symbol of creating a new connection with Ireland.

She said: “It is a sad and regrettable reality that through history ,our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache, turbulence and loss … To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy.”

The Queen’s language was laden with the idea of creating strong and new found bonds: “The lessons of the peace process are clear: whatever life throws at us, our individual responsibilities will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load ... The ties of

family, friends and affection are our most precious resource ... a golden thread runs through all our joint successes so far and all we will go on to achieve.”

It is clear that the Queen’s visit to Ireland marks the beginning of a new relationship. The Irish President, Mary McAleese, expressed that, although it will take time to rebuild stable relations, through “progress, of partnership and friendship” this is now more possible than ever.

President McAleese also said: “I am particularly proud of this island's peacemakers who, having experienced first hand the appalling, toxic harvest of failing to resolve old hatreds and political differences, rejected the perennial culture of conflict and compromised enough to let a new future in.”

The Queen highlighted the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement the success of which helped bring stability and peace to Northern Ireland and ultimately the possibility of her visit.

She commented on the many people in the UK who have relatives across the Irish Sea and similarly

Irish families having relations in Britain, thus indicating the strong relationship that already exists between Ireland and Britain.

“

To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts.

However, there are still those against the Monarchy. There were protesters, from three dissident Republican organisations: the Republican Sinn Féin (associated with the Continuity IRA), the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and the socialist Irish Republican Party Éirígí.

Forty members of Republican Sinn Féin protested against the motivations behind the Monarchy’s visit.

Later, outside Dublin Castle where the state banquet was taking place, missiles and fireworks were fired at Gardaí officers by up to 200 republican demonstrators. After conflicting with the Garda Síochá-

na (the Irish police force) 20 arrests were made.

After Cameron’s apology to the victims of Bloody Sunday last year, the question is: have we finally turned the page on the 'troubles'? I believe this is certainly a move in the right direction for Britain. It shocked me to read that the Queen is the first British Monarch to visit the Republic, making this visit even more important in the history of Ireland.

Regardless of the old hatreds that may be harboured with some, this stepping over the border will mean much more than a new page in the history books, but perhaps will serve as a catalyst for a better history to unfold.

Earlier, the Queen’s tour of the Irish Republic began in Croke Park, the home of Gaelic sport, in Dublin.

The Gaelic Athletic Association’s president, Christy Cooney, called the Queen’s visit “an important underpinning and advance of the process which … is now irreversible.”

Thoughts of the Northern Irish police officer, and Gaelic footballer, Constable Ronan Kerr, murdered

by the Real IRA last April are latent in many people’s minds. This was made more poignant due to the fact that previously members of the North’s police were, until recently, banned from membership of the GAA. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by McAleese, also paid respects to the forgotten casualties of the last century: the 49,400 Irish who died fighting for Britain in World War I. She laid a wreath at the memorial, officially dedicated only recently, to honour their memory.

There appears to be rejuvenation in Ireland and within our relationship with the Irish. The Queen’s visit was the stepping-stone needed for the people of Ireland to move forward with Britain.

The Queen’s speech was delicate and heartfelt and clearly touched many people both from Ireland and Britain.

The defining image of the Queen’s visit was in Dublin City’s Garden of Remembrance, a shrine to republicanism at the heart the country’s Capital.

Your Space.

Features

15

We want to hear your stories: anything goes. Just drop us a line on features@gairrhydd.com. This week, Laura Amey discusses life as a vegetarian at university...

D

on’t worry; this isn’t going to be an attack on meat eating or an attempt to convert you to vegetarianism. I’m a fairly laid-back vegetarian and have no problem with other people eating meat. I just don’t want to do it myself.

I suppose peoples' stances on vegetarianism depend on their reasons for making that choice and their backgrounds. As the only vegetarian in my family and with many farming relatives it would have been a big deal for me to condemn all meat eating.

At university I have been asked quite a lot why I’m a vegetarian and I don’t really mind discussing it, as long people are as tolerant of my choices and decisions as I am of theirs.

Sometimes people ask if it’s because I’m against animal cruelty and I say no, but explain that I’m clearly not for animal cruelty! I can see that biologically we’re intended to eat a balanced, omnivorous diet including animal and plant sources - we lack the complex digestive systems that many herbivores like sheep and cattle have to get the most

out of their grass-based diets.

It’s just that personally I can’t deal with the idea that this animal was alive and now it’s dead and I’m going to eat it. I find it a bit creepy.

I do think that many meat-eaters might reconsider their food if they saw it running around in a field outside their house or witnessed the slaughter and butchery process – and I mean in terms of squeamishness, not because of things like farming conditions, although this can also be a factor.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that those who couldn’t slaughter their own meat don’t deserve to eat it because that’s a bit extreme in the society we live in. Nonetheless, I’m sure many would struggle if confronted with this aspect of meat eating and it’s arguably a shame that so many people lack understanding or care where their food comes from.

Finding vegetarian food is getting easier and easier. Lidl has even started stocking Quorn (a meat substitute) products, including mince and sausages, which are very convenient and a good source of protein.

Not only are numbers and awareness of vegetarians increasing but

other groups also require meat-free choices. In a multicultural society, both at university and in the wider community, vegetarians benefit from a wide range of cuisine from cultures where ‘meat and two veg’ isn’t necessarily the norm.

Also, some religions involve either vegetarianism or the exclusion of certain meats and this too increases awareness of and provision for different dietary requirements.

Although choices for vegetarians in cafés and restaurants are generally good, certain establishments seem to have ignored this section of their potential market.

Sometimes people have the impression that veggie food has to be weird or boring or difficult to prepare but fortunately this misconception is declining. Lots of great things just happen to be vegetarian, so it doesn’t have to be a big effort to cook without meat.

This is why I love Italian food.

There are of course many popular Italian meat and fish dishes but they’re not seen as essential to a good meal.

I know many people who aren’t vegetarian but quite like vegetarian food and recognise that not every meal needs meat. There are also

those who prefer meat-free options when eating out if they can’t be sure of the origins of what they’re eating, for example whether it’s free-range or simply the quality of it.

On the whole, the University’s Catering Division offers a good selection of vegetarian food. The Julian Hodge Building Lounge does a decent veggie breakfast for around £2 and the Main Building restaurant has a similar menu. There’s always at least one vegetarian main meal option in university restaurants and in my experience they’ve been completely fine.

Looking to cold food and snacks, again there are always vegetarian choices available but sometimes sandwich selections can be uninspiring. There is a good range of sandwiches available in the Humanities Café from Cranks, which seems to specialise in veggie options, with imaginative names such as Rockafeta, Hey Pesto and Argy Bhaji.

For a satisfying vegetarian lunch in the union, nothing beats a Magic Wrap with falafel or halloumi cheese.

One of my favourite places to eat lately has been The Vulcan,

on the junction of Wyeverne Road and Salisbury Road. Their all-day breakfast menu includes a full vegetarian as well as several great eggy dishes.

I can personally recommend the Goat’s Cheese and Pea Omelette and the Eggs Benedict also looks promising. Another, perhaps more surprising, venue that offers some tasty vegetarian food is Wetherspoons.

On a recent visit to Central Bar I had a Caramelised Onion, Cherry Tomato & Wexford Cheddar Tart and it was one of the nicest things I’ve had in a while. The Wetherspoons website helpfully provides detailed information on the dietary suitability and nutritional values of its food.

Overall, being a vegetarian at Cardiff University causes me no problems. These days vegetarianism is no longer seen as an obscure or bizarre lifestyle choice and provision for different dietary requirements is on the increase.

Many people are also recognising the potential health, environmental and financial benefits of being vegetarian or at least incorporating meat-free meals in their diets.

Features16

gair rhydd • Monday May 30 2011 • features@gairrhydd.com

An Idiot Abroad Self-confessed 'clumsy' 20 year old, Eleanor McKeon, talks about her year abroad in France and Italy in a quest to become "fabulous" (just as her mother always wanted). As it turns out, it was more difficult than she thought...

A

n idiot abroad indeed. My boyfriend was telling me about a programme soon to be broadcast called "An Idiot abroad" and thought it was very apt for my current situation - spending the third year of my degree in France and Italy. First stop: Nantes, France.

September 15

Now a resident of France, I decided it would be a good idea to aspire to become like all these beautiful French women who have impeccable class, elegance, and amazing legs which often lead to moments of severe jealousy, self-loathing and determination to go for a run (which never actually happens).

As Coco Chanel said, “A lady should be two things; classy and fabulous”. I, sitting here in my oversized make-up stained dressing gown, am yet to be either, but maybe I’ll have a *cue pretentious voice* “real cultural and spiritual experience on my gap yahh which will change me, yaah..”

But me, living in France with a French family – well who knew? It’s marvellous! Nantes is a stunning, quaint yet lively city with “Bouffay” hidden away among labyrinthesque narrow cobble-stoned streets with trendy bars, crêperies; numerous breath-taking gardens and the immaculate and glorious “Place Royale” for those looking for a touch of class, with “Passage de Pommeraye,” a narrow three-storey passage of vintage and unique shops, winding off it.

I’ve met many lovely people, including Kévin – my French sweetheart (albeit ‘omosexuel) and walk-

ing dictionary, “Oh, Kev - how do you say moobs in French?” Conversations with the landlord however currently seem to consist of “ah oui” “uhh… oui?” and laughing when he laughs. Oh dear. I do hope conversation skills will broaden.

University is yet to begin and I can’t wait – getting a bit restless now. I am very aware of the fact that I will regret saying this when I’m landed with early mornings in lectures in a language I have a minor ability of understanding…

TO-DO list - clean - be fabulous* * Fat chance; went to the supermarché without having looked in the mirror beforehand and caught a glimpse of myself in a car window sporting close-to-afro hair, previous night’s makeup and far from chic clothing, unlike the rest of the French beauties here. I’m not sure the French are ready for this.

September 25 Well! It turns out after playing a drinking game in Bouffay (representing Brits abroad) that I am the most likely “to marry a tramp” - NOT fabulous. Ma mère would not be impressed. Concerned about the impression I’d made of myself, I spent the rest of my night trying to convince my new friends that “I am really nice.” One friend ended up admitting that I am the ballsiest.

Hmm… Ballsy adj. Vulgar Slang. Very tough and courageous, often recklessly or presumptuously so.

I don’t want to be ballsy! Anyway, from now on - classy and fabulous, classy and fabulous.

September 28 Well first day of French University was eventful to say the least.

Those who know me would understand that it is a rare occasion that I’ll be out of bed before midday.

Waking up at 6.30am for my first day of university, therefore, was not dealt with well.

I stomped around my room, repeatedly mumbling something along the lines of “fucking joke” “…if they think I’m doing this every Monday they’re having a bloody laugh,” “no quality of life,” flung on any clothes, forgot to look in the mirror and started my twenty minute walk to the tram stop.

From afar I could see my tram approaching, resulting in me having to run (once again - rare occasion) and try to squeeze myself onto the packed tram, face squashed up against the window for the whole journey – apart from the odd interval where the doors opened and I nearly fell out. Not a good look.

So there I was, shocked to actually find myself in a 8.30am lecture which was to go on for three hours, and baffled as to why none of the French students were moaning like I was, or barely even yawning. Is this the norm for the French?

Well as I said, they’re having a laugh if they think I’m doing this every Monday. Anyway, we watched an Italian film with French subtitles. As you can imagine, to begin with my mind was blown.

Afterwards, we were asked to translate the film summary from Italian to French, resulting in us Erasmus students doing the whole pretending-to-write-thing, avoiding any eye contact whatsoever and making a sharp exit. I really regret saying “University is yet to begin

Coco Chanel: 'Women should be two things...' and I can’t wait…” now that I’m landed with early mornings in lectures in a language I have a minor ability of understanding.

October 1 I am now totally familiar with the family’s morning routine: lady of the house gets out of bed, slips into a nice comfortable pairs of CLOGS, decides to practise her line-dancing routine and then wakes up a herd of French-speaking elephants who appear to crash into everything in sight, all while a French herdsman incessantly shouts. If I am to tackle the subject I am aware that the response will be the standard French shrug. Note to self: need ear plugs.

October 10 The assumption I have that all French females have this innate capacity to be fabulous, elegant and refined has somewhat been proved wrong. I walk into Liam's kitchen to be greeted by a young French girl with half of her fish dinner smothered across her face repeatedly informing me of her intoxicated condition.

So when we arrived at a club later on, with the memory of the fish-faced Frenchie fresh in my mind, I was keen on the idea that the French aren't refined anyway so proceeded to girate to "Hot stuff" and do the Beyoncé booty shake like a pro with my shirt wrapped around my hair like I was some sort of wash-lady. Classy.

October 19 Went to an Erasmus party last night. I didn't manage to get a drink as the queue was massive. This dec-

laration was amusing to the group of French people we were talking to as "queue" is pronounced the same as the French word for "penis". So us British girls gasping in shock exclaiming "oh my god you should see how big the queue is over there" didn't do us many favours regarding good impressions. In return, we explained to them why the tram stop "Saint Gache" was funny for us. It was a fun night and was great to speak French (albeit new vulgar words).

Highlight of my day: Liam asking the Italian Erasmus students "WHEN’SA YOUR DOLMIO DAY?!"

October 25 Went to the supermarket today and bought an absolutely obscene amount of chocolate. Self service till was used, of course, in fear of being judged. Anyway this resulted in me having to shove it all up my jumper/bra as it wouldn’t all fit in my bag. The tram home wasn’t the proudest moment of my life to say the least.

When I stood up to get off at my stop, five packets of Maltesers, two bars of Crunch chocolate, a gargantuan bag of sweets and five packets of Smarties all went flying to the floor from inside my bra and jumper resulting in me scrambling around on the floor trying (desperately, may I add) to pick up all the calorific goodies which were guaranteed to extend waist-line ever so.

I should have kept my pride (and ever-growing petite frame) and left it all on the floor for the many tramps here. Not fabulous.

October 26 Why was it so easy to eat all that

Features17

gair rhydd • Monday May 30 2011 • features@gairrhydd.com

Photo: For Eleanor, Nantes was a 'stunning', 'quaint' and 'lively' city in one sitting? I was under some deluded impression that being a resident of France would automatically make me skinny, as every bloody female here is. But au contraire indeed.

As a friend once quite nicely put it; don’t underestimate her because she is small, a tube of smarties in ten seconds; she can neck them all.

November 1 I appear to have grown very emotionally attached to the tramp currently residing at l’Université de Nantes. I’ve got a lot of time for the guy, he keeps himself to himself, spends his day tidying his many bags which are immaculately organised.

A sad realisation – a tramp is tidier than me.

When we first arrived I got on my “moral high horse” - “a tramp living outside a university, that’s disgusting you wouldn’t get this is Britain!” But I’ve really started to feel for the guy.

I want to take a photo of him but I’m scared he’ll think I’m weird although he’s the one who stands facing the wall having what appears to be a very deep conversation with it.

November 9 November 15 Returning home for a weekend, I realised how much I love Britain. It was so nice to hear English voices; here's what I wrote in my diary on arrival: "Man opposite just took a pump on inhaler while reading "Britain at War." I absolutely love the British.

I love them all - even the woman sitting next to me reading the appalling Daily Mail. I love her."

Back in mighty France, after running into the airport, face cupped in hands as nose had decided to implode mid-flight, and I was sans tissues, I managed to be a little bit sick in my mouth (we’ve all been there) on the way to the dreaded 8.30am lecture, fall over and land in a muddy puddle (resulting in a lot of banter for my “slutty knees”) all within half an hour – I DO NOT do mornings.

The next day I fell over on a bus and landed in a woman’s lap who was not impressed (probably because in the process I managed to trample all over her shopping). I was the stupid English girl who can’t even walk on a bus unaided let alone speak their language, “oh fuck sorry.” Extremely fluster-provoking for all involved.

“

Previous night's make-up and far from chic clothing.

I'm not sure the French are ready for this

presentation in French at 0830 in front of sixty unyielding French students.

Thanks to severe nasal blockage, I got the accent down to a tee and thanks to lack of sleep, I mastered French moodiness.

Sacré bleu, the French will go on strike at the drop of a hat – basically they want to retire early and sit in a café smoking the world’s most pretentious brand of cigarettes Vogues. I’m December 15 all for assertion but when it means I am unable to be transported to the What’s worse than a 8.30am start? A best patisserie in town, all care for fighting for ones rights admittedly 7.30am start for an exam in an outlying location essentially sitting on each othgoes out the window. ers laps – would be me stuck next to a girl with BO wouldn’t it?

November 25 It’s always nice to know/HEAR that host parents are “getting theirs” FIVE TIMES A DAY. And no, I do not mean fruit. I pray to God he acquires some sort of erectile dysfunction by the time my Mum comes to visit this time next week. No wonder they’ve got six bloody kids. Right, they've started again so I’m off to go and bang on the wall...

Note to self: desperately need ear plugs.

November 26 After a sleepless night (see above) I was charged with a twenty minute

January 1

Placement in France has come to an end. What an absolutely amazing experience, conversation skills have thankfully advanced further than “ah oui” and guessing when would be appropriate to laugh. Class and elegance, or deficiency of, however, remains intact.

So, to conclude; being a resident of France does not automatically make you an elegant, classy young lady, it merely highlights your severe lack of these characteristics. Let’s see if I can fool Italy…

Taf-od18

Sesiwn?

Elliw Mair Taf-Od

Braf yw gweld Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau yn dychwelyd i lenwi ein dyddiaduron haf eleni. O 1992 i 2008, roedd Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau yn un o wyliau mwyaf blaenllaw Cymreig yr Haf. Mynychwyd yr yl gan bobl o bob oedran ac roedd yn rhan annatod o Ddolgellau gan ddenu miloedd o bobl o bob cwr o Gymru a dros y ffin.

Er hyn, yn 2008 yn dilyn hafau gwlyb a diffyg cefnogaeth, dirywiodd yr yl gan ei adael mewn dyled o ÂŁ58,000.

Pan ddechreuodd y sesiwn, roedd yr yl yn rhad ac am ddim ac roedd pawb yn mwynhau ar y strydoedd ac yn y tafarndai.

Ond yn 2002, gwerthwyd tocyn-

nau i’r yl ac roedd nifer o bobl yn anfodlon talu prisiau uchel am y tocynnau gan fod y gerddoriaeth i’w clywed o awyrgylch glud y tafarndai.

Dros y ddwy flynedd ddiwethaf, mae’r pwyllgor wedi gweithio yn ddi-ffael i geisio clirio’r ddyled ac maent wedi llwyddo i ostwng y ddyled i tua £20,000.

Yn sgil hyn, bydd y Sesiwn Fawr yn cael ei chynnal y flwyddyn yma ond ar fformat gwahanol.

Wythnos fydd hyd y sesiwn gyda’r pwyslais ar gerddoriaeth gwerin Cymraeg.

Bydd yr yl yn agor ar y 15fed o Orffennaf gyda gig roc Y Stafell Ddirgel.

Yr Ods yw prif fand Nos Wener gyda After an Alibi, Y Bandana, Y Candelas, Y Creision Hud, Crash Disco a Swnami hefyd yn perffor-

mio.

Ar y Nos Sadwrn y 16eg, naws fwy gwerinol fydd i’r noson gyda Adran D, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Calan a Billy Thompson yn ein diddanu gyda Mynediad am Ddim yn gorffen y noson.

Yn dilyn y penwythnos agoriadol, cynhelir nifer o ddigwyddiadau lleol o amgylch Dolgellau yn ystod yr wythnos sydd yn arwain at y penwythnos olaf ar y 23ain o Orffennaf.

Ar y dydd Sadwrn, cawn ddiwrnod o ddawnsio traddodiadol.

Bydd dau dÎm sef tÎm y Dyn Gwyrdd a thÎm Gwiber Coed y Moch yn dawnsio tuag at ganol Dolgellau lle y bydd un o’r timau yn cael ei goroni yn bencampwyr yr yl.

Bydd y Sesiwn Fawr yn gorffen gyda thwmpath dawns yng nghanol Dolgellau.

Dyma farn un o ffyddloniaid yr wyl, Gerallt Rhys, yngl n â’r sesiwn newydd. ‘Roedd hi’n wych cael clywed bandiau rhyngwladol a headliners fel Super Furry Animals a Goldie Lookin’ Chain yn chwarae yn Nolgellau.

Ond yn amlwg, nid oedd hynny yn gynaliadwy.

Mae’n dda i weld o’n cadw ei

wreiddiau gwerinol gyda Calan a Billy Thompson, ond fel arall nid yw’r wyl am fod yn wahanol iawn i unrhyw wyl gerddoriaeth arall.

Ond mae’r enw a’r lleoliad yn golygu’r un peth ac fe fyddaf i a lot o bobl erill dal am fynd am Sesiwn Fawr yn Nolgellau.’ Prynwch eich tocynnau nawr ar 01341 421 800.

79 6,&.(65

*(6 6+( 6+

# "

= > !

85 "

" " % !

20( 62 6+( ! 6$',70 )24 6+( 4,(1'5 ,)( 6

< 79 6,&.(65 *(6 6+( 6+ < 67'(16 6,&.(65 21/9 ; < 34,:( )24 6+( %(56 = $,/ 275( 2&.(4 >

65 024( 6+$1 -756 &4,&.(6 ,6>5 $ 1,*+6 276 ' %" " $ " $ $ # $ (# #$ $" %$ #

$ & "

19

Science

The rise of the Computer(virus)

Above: As computers have evolved, so have the viruses that infect them.

Jenny Lambourne Science Correspondent

A rogue anti-virus scam reported to have affected hundreds of thousands of websites has raised the issue of web security and awareness on their increasing appearance.

Dubbed the Lizamoon attack after the first domain it was detected in, the scareware has mostly spread to small to mid-tier websites such as those of sports teams, hospitals and community groups, but it was also reported to have reached some iTunes services.

When it first appeared in late March, Google searches for the attacker’s domains showed results of up to four million affected sites.

Despite such searches not providing an accurate reading of its scale, security experts say it is the most successful of its kind ever seen.

It works by using a common formula often seen in such rogue AV scams, whereby malicious script is added to the attacked sites. When users visit the site, they are redirected to another website that informs them their PC has been affected by a virus after running a

supposed scan. To combat the virus, it then suggests the user should install a fake piece of software called Windows Stability Center.

The software then tells the user that after completing a “scan” it has detected a “threat”. However, to remove such a threat, it advises that an update of the Stability Center should be purchased for a certain amount of money.

While Lizamoon was not revolutionary in its execution – the injection of malicious script into codes and its intention to persuade victims to purchase expensive antivirus software that does not work – what is significant is its level of coordination.

Having infiltrated certain sites, its interconnectivity enables a spreading of the attack to sites that users may inherently trust.

In this case, WebSense, the security site who first detected the attack, highlights Apple’s iTunes as being affected.

As it spreads to such well known and trusted sites, users are more likely to believe the scareware messages and pay for the unnecessary software.

Despite this, it is reported that

1960s

1982

The Creeper

Elk Clone

The first virus to be found outside th confines of the lab was the Creeper. It infected computers using ARPANET, a precursor to the Internet. Users hit by the virus received a message saying: "I’m the Creeper, catch me if you can!" While more playful than harmful, it was still a significant proof of concept.

A 15-year-old boy wrote a program calling the Elk Cloner that spread itself through the use of floppy disks. Similar to ‘The Creeper,’ it taunted the user with a poem about its success. After Apple had made computers available to the masses, this was the first time the significance of a computer virus was brought to public attention.

there was only a small number of victims as a result of the quick action of security firms to control the attack. Patrik Runald, a WebSense security researcher, commended Apple for having the correct coding in place to avoid being compromised: “The good thing is that iTunes encodes the script tags, which means that the script doesn’t execute on the user’s computer. So well done Apple.”

“

Users are more likely to believe the scareware messages and pay for unnecessary software.

While the number of victims remains low despite its scale, attacks such as the Lizamoon are becoming a more frequent obstacle when online.

By compromising a large number of Web servers simultaneously, attacks can spread further than ever before.

The creators of the malicious script aren’t using particularly so-

phisticated methods. It relies on the user willingly installing the fake program and instead their skill lies in their persistence and the amount of detail they use to produce a convincing AV scan.

They rely on producing detailed copies of existing legitimate security programs and for the user to be too concerned with the threat of a Trojan, for example, to look too closely.

Both businesses and individuals are at risk from further problems if affected by such an attack. For businesses heavily reliant on their websites, they may fall prey to the malicious coding if they rely solely upon their network firewalls for defence.

A senior security analyst from Sophos, another security software provider, said that those most likely to have been affected were individual users on their private computers.

"Attacks like this one do underline the poor security that exists on many websites on the internet," he said, "including sites belonging to well-known organisations and brands.

“It shouldn't be so easy for hack-

1992

ers to inject their malicious codes on to legitimate websites that receive lots of traffic, and too many firms are making it too easy to pass infections on to their customers," he added.

For the individual, there are certain measures that can be carried out to ensure such attacks don’t affect you.

There are many more ways for attackers to compromise your computer than a simple AV rogue, but basic personal security can minimise the risk. Install legitimate anti-virus software and keep it updated, install a personal firewall and use Windows/Apple/Linux updates to patch security holes.

Jim Walter, manager of McAfee said that basic defensive action can be taken. “Before any of us blow our IT budgets on database security goodies, we must all take the basic first steps." He recommended encrypting sensitive data.

Fake-alerts and other pieces of static malware have become an everyday feature of using technology. The only difference is how we attempt to deal with such threats when they appear.

2007 Michelangelo MyDoom

2010 Stuxnet

The Michelangelo virus received mass media hysteria and was widely believed to be the creator of a digital apocalypse. The virus would remain dormant throughout the year until March 6, the birthday of the Renaissance artist and resulted in data loss for the unsuspecting computer user.

The Stuxnet worm was the first discovered malware that spies on and corrupts industrial systems. Iranian organisations with its target appearing to be the country’s Nuclear programme. Kaspersky, the computer security firm that discovered the worm, to declare that could only have functioned "with nation-state support".

The Mydoom worm targeted Microsoft Windows users and soon became the fastest-spreading email worm that had ever been seen before. The e-mail contained the message: "Andy; I’m just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry," stirring speculation that the author of the worm had been paid for its creation.

2b

Meteor Court, Adamsdown

5b

2b

ed

City Road, Roath

1b

ed

Richmond Apts, Roath

5b

ed

Richards Street, Cathays

£575.00 pcm

4b

ed

Colum Road, Cathays

1b

ed

The Flat Place, City Centre

£1000.00 pcm

4b

£960.00 pcm

Inverness Place, Roath

Completely refurb, large open plan lounge/kitchen

4b

ed

Lisvaine Street, Cathays

Good size bedrooms with 3/4 beds and modern furniture

5 minute walk from the University buildings

line at

ties on r e p o r p e r o View m

www.keylet.co.uk

4b

Pentyrch Street, Cathays

1b

ed

Letty Street, Cathays

£1000.00 pcm

5b ed

ed

Penywain Lane, Roath

ed

Richmond Square,Cathays

ed

4b

ed

4b ed

Treharris Street, Roath Ideal location for both students and professionals

ed

Richmond Square,Cathays

£920.00 pcm

4b

ed

Lisvaine Street, Cathays Fully furnished property, very close to Crwys Road

£1000.00 pcm

4b

ed

£1250.00 pcm

5b

ed

Lisvaine Street, Cathays

Tewksbury Street, Cathays

Fully furnished property, 5 minutes from University

4 double bedrooms, close to Raoth Park and pubs

£650.00 pcm

1b

ed

Richmond Square,Cathays

£780.00 pcm

3b

ed

Treherbert Street, Cathays

£960.00 pcm

5b

ed

Robert Street, Cathays

4b

ed

Treharris Street, Cathays

3 double bedrooms, fully furnished and garden

£900.00 pcm

3b

Romily Road, Canton Spacious three bedroom maisonette, new refurb

ed

£1250.00 pcm

5b

5b

ed

Monthermer Road, Cathays

Modern property with garden - great for the summer

£1000.00 pcm

£1300.00 pcm

£280.00 pp/pcm

4b

ed

Gwennyth House, Cathays

5 bed house, great location very close to bars & amenities

£700.00 pcm

3b ed

Richmond Road, Roath

£600.00 pcm

2b

ed

Newport Road, Roath

5 bed house, great location very close to bars & amenities

ed

Daviot Street, Roath

£650.00 inc bills

2b

ed

The Flat Place, City Centre

5 bed house decorated and furnished to a high standard

£700.00 pcm

4b

ed

Bruce Street, Cathays Lovely 4 bed house, many local amenities close by

£1250.00 pcm

5b

ed

Mafeking Street, Penylan Perfect property for professionals or students

Richmond Square is the ultimate in urban living, an exceptional choice of exclusive rental accommodation that compliments a complete lifestyle experience. open plan 1 bedroom and duplex 1 bedroom apartments 1 bedroom apartments 2 bedroom duplex apartments Scan our QR code with your smartphone to see more of Richmond Square. You can download a QR scanner from the app store by searching for ‘QRky’.

www.richmo ondsquare.c co.uk info@ @richm mondsq quare.c co.uk Te el: 029 920 388 8 399 Open days at Richmond Square every Saturday in June - 11am-4pm

Managing Agent

Listings22 Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

30th May

31st May

1st June

2nd June

THE LASH, Solus, £3.50, 9.30pm The Lash promises all the best in chart and cheese, which doesn't really sound all that tempting to be honest. But if you're a sporting LAD then it's most definitely the place to be.

NEVER MIND THE PUB QUIZ, The Taf, FREE, 8pm A pub quiz. In the Taf. It's not big, it's not clever, but it's a bloody good laugh.

FUN FACT TREE, Solus, FREE, 9pm Fun Factory is an institution among Cardiff students and you simply must check it out.

Playing the very best 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. If you like it alternative, if you like it rocking, and most of all, if you like it loud then there is only thing for it . There will also be live music courtesy of the Live Music Society.

LATE NIGHT LIVE, 10 Feet Tall, FREE, 8pm Live music, acts, comedy and DJs upstairs, new music & party tunes in the bar. Plus the added bonus of two for one cocktails between 5pm and 9pm.

JAZZ AT DEMPSEYS: BOCK - A - DA BOCK, Dempseys, £4/5, 9pm If you can't make it on Wednesday and fancy doing something a bit different with your Monday night, head to Dempseys. Music ranges from piano or guitar trio, saxophone or trumpet quartet, quartet with vocals to big band.

JUST DANCE, Clwb, £3, 10pm 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... Cheap entry, cheap drinks prices and great, GREAT tunes.

10 FEET LIVE, 10 Feet Tall, TBC, 8pm Live music, singer-songwriters, bands and acoustic acts upstairs, new music & party tunes in the bar. Plus, there's the added bonus of two-for-one cocktails from 5pm until 9pm.

WE ARE SCIENTISTS, Cardiff Students' Union, £12.50, TBC This gig has moved from the Motorpoint Arena, but your original tickets are still valid. I've got a great idea: go to this gig.

LISTEN UP, Clwb, £3, 9pm 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 among three floors of cheap bars and trendy kids, this is the place to be every Wednesday.

JAZZ AT DEMPSEYS, Dempseys, £5, 9pm Music ranges from piano or guitar trio, saxophone or trumpet quartet, quartet with vocals to big band. Hear jazz standards made famous by the likes of Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone, as well as original tunes.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

3rd June

4th June

5th June

BOOMBOX, Solus, £3, 10pm Playing an eclectic mix of electro, funk, drum 'n' 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. Plus, there's the added bonus of our best Xpress DJ's spinning some great tunes at the silent disco. Go ahead kids, BOOM YOUR BOX. CYNT PRESNETS... MARCO CAROLA AND FRIENDS, Millennium Music Hall, £11, 10pm CYNT bring you the hottest acts around. This time Marco Carola will be taking the stage at the Millenium Music Hall Cardiff. Marco Carola’s first ever appearance in the Welsh Capital backed up with some special guests and some of South Wales’ favourite forward thinking producers and DJs

COME PLAY, Solus, £3, 10pm A safe bet for a Saturday night. If none of the other events do it for you, head to the Union for guaranteed good music and cheap drinks. Not the most imaginative of nights out, but you'll be sure to have a good time.

And who said that being able to predict the playlist down to the very last minute was a bad thing?

BEATBOX BALLROOM, Buffalo, Free before 11pm, 8pm "Booty-busting breaks, pimped out soul & clock-stopping rhythms." Apparently.

THE SUBWAYS, Millennium Music Hall, £10, 7pm Wow, I love the Subways. They kind of dropped off the face of the earth for a little while, didn't they? But who can forget classics such as Oh Yeah!? Go to this gig. You won't regret it.

10 FEET TALL SUNDAY SOCIAL, 10 Feet Tall, FREE, 8pm If you have nothing better to do on a Sunday night and fancy heading out for twofor-one cocktails, perhaps give this a go.

THE BIG SUNDAY RECOVERY PROJECT, CAI, FREE, 12pm What’s the Sunday Project ? It’s a regular social gathering to end the week. You get together over a late Sunday Roast or just laze around with fellow hung-over friends on the sofas. Enjoy a Sunday ‘Institution’, weekly - Squeaky Hill Pub Quiz is back.

The only quiz that provides you with a general all-round work out, utilising the physical, mental and creative parts of your brain that other pub quizzes just can’t reach! It's free to play, and theres loads of exciting prizes to be won.

HAVE A SUNDAY ROAST Gather all of your housemates together and cook a Sunday roast. Or, if you can't be arsed, why not head to the Taf or CAI for a dinner that will rival your mum's.

BOUNCE, Walkabout, £4, 9pm If you really, honestly, have nothing better to do... actually, no, even that isn't a valid excuse.

C.Y.N.T, Clwb, £4, 10pm This is the only legitimate thing to do on your Thursday night.

SUGAR DROP, Ten Feet Tall, FREE, 10pm Midweek dancefloor dose of roots, electro, dub, party breaks, dubstep, drum'n'bass & mashups.

WHAT'S THE STORY?, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, FREE, 7.15pm The topical panel game hosted by Justin Waite, is returning to BBC Radio Wales. Request tickets by email on: tickets@tidyproductions.co.uk.

Venues Students’ Union, Park Place, 02920 814456 www.cardiffstudents.com ◆ IV Lounge, Neuadd Meirionydd, Heath Park 02920 744948 ◆ Clwb Ifor Bach, 11 Womanby Street 02920 232199 www.clwb.net ◆ Metros, Bakers Row www.clubmetropolitan.com ◆ CAI, Park Place 02920 412190 ◆ Buffalo Bar, 11 Windsor Place www.myspace.com/wearebuffalobar ◆ Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton 02920 304400 www.chapter.org ◆ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay 0870 0402000 www.wmc.org. uk ◆ The New Theatre, Park Place 02920 878889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk ◆ The Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road 02920 646900 www.shermantheatre.co.uk ◆ Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Mary Ann Street 02920 224488 ◆

Puzzles

23

sudoku.

EASY

Glamorgan Cricket is offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets for their first twenty20 game against the Middlesex Panthers on Friday June 3.

And it's more then just cricket, it's a night out, with an Elvis tribute playing from 6.30pm until the game starts, and then again after the game ends. There's also a prize on offer for the best dressed Elvis so get yourselves "all shook up" and celebrate the end of your exams!

Tickets are only ÂŁ5 for students with a valid ID. You can buy in To be in with the chance of winning, email editor@gairrhydd with your answer to the following: What's the name of Glamorgan's Twenty20 team: 1) Dragons 2) Gladiators

comic.

competition.

crossword.

Across 8. Happy cat sound (4) 9. Delegation (10) 10. Thief (6) 11. After-dinner treats (8) 12. Small city (4) 13. Dissatisfaction (10) 17. Tablet (4) 18. Paroxysm (5) 19. Canines (4) 20. Characterized by order (10) 22. Select by ballot (4) 23. A member of a military unit (8) 27. Dynamic (6) 28. Hermit (10) 29. Expel (4)

Down 1. Car (10) 2. A court with 3 judges (8) 3. Commissioned (10) 4. In the center of (4) 5. Seats oneself (4) 6. A characteristic to be considered (6) 7. Footwear (4) 14. Glacial ice formation (5) 15. Filled to excess (10) 16. Habitual skepticism (10) 19. Commitment to some purpose (8) 21. Respectful deference (6) 24. Monster (4) 25. Midday (4) 26. Cameo stone (4)

By Daniel Judd

Societies24

The end of an era Emma Jones SVC Reporter On April 14 Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The AGM takes place when the current Executive Body hands over to a newly elected one, and also is the event in which we celebrate our success. 2010 to 2011 has been a highly successful year for SVC, with an estimated 101,400 hours volunteered in the local community with an estimated £1,001,000 being contributed to the local community through volunteering. It is said that some 950 people have been helped each week by SVC throughout this academic year.

The year has marked the sad demise of some projects due to funding cuts, but also the establishment of several new and exciting projects. This year has seen the establishment of a reading project for under-achievers and second language students in Cathays High, a befriending project in Ty Gwyn Care Home and also the formation of a completely new partnership between SVC and Support With Scoliosis (SWS). All of these new projects have proved extremely popular with volunteers.

This year also witnessed the largest ever turnout for SVC’s volunteering fayre and also a highly successful Winter Ball that raised over £400 for the charity’s funds.

We celebrated our success with

a small awards ceremony in which every co-ordinator from one of our 35 plus projects and Executive Members were awarded a certificate in recognition of their dedicated commitment to SVC. This year we had a speaker from Support With Scoliosis who delivered a moving speech on the difference SVC has made, and also Baroness Jenny Randerson, who spoke about the crucial role of volunteering in the local community. After the speeches and awards ceremony every attendee was invited to a free buffet. It was a great opportunity for the former and new Executive Body, staff and co-ordinators to mix, to swap tales and offer wisdom. It was also a great occasion to saviour the free wine.

This year our AGM and Awards

Ceremony had an extra poignancy as it also marked the beginning of Andrea Dare’s retirement. Andrea Dare has been the manager of SVC for over eleven years. To celebrate this and to usher in a new era, long standing associates of Andrea and SVC members from past and present met in CF10 to say thank you and farewell.

The evening was a highly emotional one, interspersed with great live music, moving speeches and gift presenting. We also got to see Andrea’s baby granddaughter, Seren, who was determined to share her grandmothers lime light, dancing and clapping away in time to the live band. She certainly bowled over her audience.

I would like to take this opportu-

nity to wish Andrea the best for her retirement and to say thank you to all those who attended her leaving party and contributed in their own unique ways.

Overall, it has been a fantastic year all round and this will mark the last time I write about the incredible things that go on SVC. SVC forms an integral part of so many student’s experiences at Cardiff University and certainly has a big impact on all of our lives, with both the skills we learn and the people we meet and help.

On a final note, thank you to everyone who has played a part in SVC during 2010/11, I hope we have all created an impression and a set of memories that will endure for a long time yet.

Monday May 30 Bioscience: Summer Ball Ticket Sale -Available online, see facebook or campus groups

Tuesday May 31 Pole Dancing Society: Clothing Sale -See campus groups for more details Harry Potter Society: End of year meal -Location TBC, 7-11pm

Wednesday June 1 Above: SVC at the AGM

Students get creative Emma Jarrett Reporter The Creative Writing Society, a new society founded this year by Lucy Portlock and Emma Jarrett, have printed their first anthology.

Just a Few Words features 14 of the society’s members and contains both poetry and prose pieces. The anthology shows off some of the great work produced throughout the year by the society’s members.

Featured in the anthology are a range of pieces, from a terrifying ghost story set in the Black Mountains, to a simple and evocative piece centred around the ticking clock of nature, and poetry about a Halloween apocalypse.

Lucy Portlock, president of the Creative

Writing Society said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved this year with the anthology, and hope to continue to produce more.”

The proceeds made from the sale of the anthology will both fund further works produced by the society next year, and also go to Red Cross Charity for the Japan Tsunami Relief.

As a new society the Creative Writing committee were committed to encouraging their members and eventually promoting their work, and they feel that the anthology has helped them achieve this goal.

Next year the society wishes to produce even more anthologies and continue to support various charities.

Rock Foundation: Weekly Meeting -Nelson Mandela Room, SU, 7pm

Thursday June 2 Club Development Meeting -AU Office, 9am

Friday Jun 3 Wilderness and Expedition Medicine: Training Weekend -Pontsiscill, 2pm

Scoutguide: Film and Pizza Night -Cathays, 6.30pm

Saturday June 4 Wilderness and Expedition Medicine: Training Weekend -Pontsiscill, 2pm

Bangladesh Society: Kaaler jatrar dhoni shunite ki pao?

-CF10, 5.30pm

To feature an event or article email societies @gairrhydd.com

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

Sport26 Canoe-Polo top Welsh League

Helen Jarvis Canoe-Polo Cardiff's Canoe-Polo team donned their rash-vests for the last time in the concluding polo competition of the academic year, the Welsh League final .

The competition, held at Taff Bargoed near Treharris, saw the final series of games for both Divisions One and Two of the league.

The morale of both the Ladies and Men’s A team was high before their first games of the day, with fantastic weather further aiding their desire to play.

IMG Football nears conclusion co taking the Division Two crown.

Both sides remain unbeaten with Earth Soc clinching the Premiership title after a 4-1 win in a topof-the-table contest against Pharm AC. Divisions One and Three remain undecided.

Alex Bywater IMG Football The 2010/2011 IMG football season is drawing to an end with just a few matches remaining to be played.

Earth Soc claimed the Premier Division title with Psycho AthletiP

IMG FOOTBALL

Premiership P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Earth Soc

6

6

0

0

+11

18

2

Pharm AC

7

4

1

2

+3

13

3

Economics

6

3

1

2

0

10

4

Klaw FC

6

2

2

2

+3

8

5

Sub-Standard Liege

6

2

1

3

-3

7

6

Gym Gym

4

1

1

2

-2

4

7

FC Euros

5

1

0

4

-3

3

8

AFC History

6

1

0

5

-9

3

Diff

Pts

IMG FOOTBALL

1

Above: The Cardiff Ladies Canoe-Polo team The Men’s A team put on an excellent and entertaining display winning all but one of their games including including a rival match against Cardiff Ladies which they won by nine clear points.

After their admirable performance the Men were fortunate enough to bring home the Division 2 shield.

The Men were additionally gained promotion to Division 1, in which they will compete next year.

The ladies played with equal enthusiasm and desire to win. They were also fortunate to have the added skills and knowledge of Cardiff University student and Kayaker Stuart Sheath who acted as a ringer for the days action.

Following success in the Welsh Leagues, spirits were high and the teams were eager to get back on the water.

Luckily they didn’t have long to wait with the BUCS Canoe Polo Championship taking place the following weekend in Doncaster.

Several teams were entered into the competition, including an A,

B, Ladies and Old Boys team were entered into the week-end long championship which consisted of three leagues; BUCS League, Open League and Reed League.

Only those teams entered into the BUCS League were able to gain BUCS points for the University.

The weekend was highly enjoyable with Universities from all over the country congregating and sharing their love of the sport.

All four Cardiff teams played well in their categories with the Old Boys team finishing in a medal position, coming third in the Open League; the A team gaining BUCS points through coming seventh in the BUCS League; the Ladies team finishing 13th in the BUCS League; and the B team claiming ninth place in the Reed League.

On reflection it is safe to say that it has been a highly enjoyable and satisfying year for Canoe-Polo.

Although those leaving shall be missed, the club looks forward to the fresh faces and enthusiasm of those starting in the next academic year.

Division 1 P

W

D

L

Port Fail

6

5

0

1

+6

15

2

MOMED AFC

5

4

0

1

+13

12

3

SAWSA

5

3

1

1

+4

10

4

CARBS FC

6

3

0

3

+3

9

5

Engin Locomotive

4

2

0

2

-1

6

6

Inter Menan

6

2

0

4

-4

6

7

Law A

5

1

1

3

-1

4

8

Your Mum's Athletic

5

0

0

5

-20

0

Division 2

IMG FOOTBALL P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Psycho Athletico

6

6

0

0

+15

18

2

Law B

6

4

0

2

-1

12

3

AFC Cathays

6

3

0

3

-3

9

4

SOCSI

5

2

0

3

+3

6

5

AFC Time Team

3

1

0

2

-1

3

6

Real Ale Madrid

5

1

0

4

-6

3

JOMEC

5

1

0

4

-7

3

7

Division 3

IMG FOOTBALL P

W

D

L

Diff

Pts

1

Kay FC

5

5

0

0

+14

15

2

Myg Myg

5

4

0

1

+7

12

3

Fenerbache S.K.

6

2

1

3

0

7

4

Chemistry FC

4

2

0

2

+2

6

5

Engin Automotive

4

1

2

1

-2

5

6

Opus 11

6

1

1

4

-13

4

CHAOS

6

1

0

5

-8

3

7

Sport27

Monday May 30 2011 • gair rhydd • sport@gairrhydd.com

Celtic Manor welcomes back Ryder Cup stars Alex Winter Sports Editor Less than 12 months on from the rain-soaked drama that saw European golf claim one of its greatest triumphs, the sport rolls back into town. But not exactly as one may expect it.

Powerplay golf makes its debut at the Celtic Manor. A new version of the game. The idea is to bring the sport to a new market, tapping into the success of Twenty20 cricket.

The quickfire event is nine holes of matchplay golf with a twist. The twist being points are up for grabs and there are two pins to aim for.

The tougher of the targets can see players scoring doubles points.

In the first eight holes, players must select three of them to aim for the tougher black flag. The ninth hole offers players an additional choice to gamble for the more demanding target.

The new risk-and-reward style contest hopes to liven up the sport and tap into the popular matchplay format used at events like the Ryder Cup. The Celtic Manor version is the first in a three event series.

Legs two and three will be held in Asia and America later in the year.

But whatever the format, spectators want to see the best names in the game. It’s not exactly a stellar cast for the new competition.

Graeme McDowell is perhaps the biggest draw – US Open champion and Ryder Cup hero at the Celtic Manor back in October. He is joined

by Ian Poulter and Paul Casey.

There is also a legends element to the event with Welshman, Ian Woosnam, the 1991 Masters champion, also in the line up alongside Gary Player – one of the heroes of the sport.

The experiment precedes the main event, the Wales Open. McDowell will be defending his title from last year on the same course where he helped Europe to the narrowest of Ryder Cup victories.

Given the publicity from the Ryder Cup, the Celtic Manor may be better populated than last year’s event. Hopefully none of the horrendous weather from last October returns. Banks of mud will do nothing to entice the crowds out.

Other Ryder Cup stars also return. Charismatic Spaniard, Miguel Angel Jiménez, will reappear from behind a cloud of cigar smoke – the rioja may even be reproduced if Jiménez claims his second Wales Open title to add to his 2005 success. Englishman Ross Fisher and Swede Peter Hanson will also be in the field.

The other main attraction will be the continuation of Colin Montgomerie’s comeback. The Ryder Cup captain has, by his own admission, allowed his personal game to

Above: Rhyd Davies looks for success at home drift throughout his captaincy. He still has ambitions to play in another Ryder Cup and will use the Wales Open to prove to the British public he still has top-class golf left in him.

There is plenty of local interest once again too. Chiefly led by Rhys Davies. The 25-year-old from Bridgend had an impassioned local following last year and nearly got home, finishing second behind McDowell.

Naturally, Davies is excited to be returning to the Celtic Manor: “It's great to come back and play at home and to get back to the course where I had a final day 62 last summer. It makes it that bit more special.

“A few more people know you and give you that extra support.

The Twenty Ten Course is one that I feel suits my game and the Celtic Manor is becoming a familiar environment for me,” said Davies, who won in Morocco on his debut season on the European Tour last year.

2011 has shown promise for Davies, four top-15 finishes see him again the top performing Welshman on the European Tour. He will be looking to become the first player from the Principality to land the Wales Open title.

But beyond this edition, the Celtic Manor tournament may well be in doubt. Course owner, Sir Terry Matthews, is not one to rest on his laurels and he is yet to commit to staging the tournament beyond 2014. “We've had 11 years of this so

far and I think we have probably reached our peak with the Ryder Cup coming here. How do you go up from there?” said Matthews.

"What more can you do with the site? What more can you do with the Wales Open? There is more than just the Celtic Manor in this, it is a function of ourselves and the European Tour and it is what we do in agreement with them."

European Tour chief executive, George O'Grady, has already stated he would be "disappointed and surprised" if the Wales Open is scrapped after the Ryder Cup. But dropping a European Tour event after staging the Ryder Cup is not a new possibility. The K Club staged the European Open, but after their 2006 Ryder Cup, ceased to hold the event.

The problem highlights a growing concern over the ability of European courses to offer the big prize funds needed to stage European Tour competitions. Increasingly, the Tour has opted for courses in the Middle East and Asia. This year’s Dubai Desert Classic, enticed Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to the gulf – big names that sponsors and television companies demand.

Britain is thankfully blessed with the Open Championship; otherwise opportunities to watch the world’s best would be very limited.

World number one, Lee Westwood, recently expressed his concern at British golf fans being starved of action – the Volvo World Matchplay was moved away from Wentworth to Spain this year. If the Open was played in Scotland, the BMW Championships would be the only tournament in England.

So if the Wales Open was to disappear as well, there would be a dearth of golf events in Britain.

Just as the country begins to provide the best players in the world – five of the current top 10 in the world are British players.

The Celtic Manor Wales Open has a great service to provide for golf fans. Make the most of it this week.

Above: Graeme McDowell defends his title

Giggs the footballer the main talking point Alex Bywater Sports Editor

There’s only been one thing in the news in the past few weeks; Ryan Giggs (or unnamed Premiership footballer as he became known) and his little bit of fun on the side.

The whole thing has been an utter mess with seemingly every man, woman and child aware of Giggs’ identity before MP John Hemmings blurted out his name during what was clearly a dull afternoon in the Commons. The advent of the twittersphere and other forms of social media, have clearly raised important legal questions that continue to be explored by the judicial authorities. Whatever your view on Giggs’s antics; for what it’s worth I think he should have just taken it on the chin and avoided the legal mess, the only enduring legacy that Giggs (below) will leave to the world is his undeniable footballing talent.

Clearly extra marital affairs cannot be condoned, but the swiftness with which the story has subsided, shows the relative unimportance of the incident. Yes, the affair will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the Giggs clan but what gives the rest of us the right to get on our high horse over the issue?

Trawling through Twitter I came across one particular view: "When I first heard it was him, I felt really let down. How pathetic is that.

Thought he was different. Voted for him on BBC SPOTY.” Yes, Giggs has done wrong, but he does not deserve to be publically vilified for a crime that many men commit. Nor does he deserve to be used as a pawn in an ever evolving legal game that no one seems to understand the intricacies of.

Personally, when talking about Giggs I’d rather discuss his flying wing play, that goal at Villa Park in 1999 and his transformation into a cultured, elegant centre midfielder.

It is this that will be his enduring legacy, not his off the pitch activities. And it wouldn’t surprise me if by the time you read this all we’re talking about is another vintage Giggs display, outclassing Lionel Messi to bring the Champions League back to Manchester.

Sport

Welsh Open Golf Preview << Inside

Teams celebrate Athletic Union Success

Above (L-R): Jonny MacDonald won Sportsman of the year, AU President, Jack Perkins, presents Laura Price with her award, Snooker picked up team of the year and Cardiff's Athletic Union members enjoy the evening Lucy Morgan Sports Editor Over 400 students from the Athletic Union met in the Great Hall for the Annual Athletic Union Awards Ball on Friday May 13, to celebrate the successes and amazing achievements of Clubs, teams and individuals from the AU over the past year.

After a welcome drink and reception, including music from the Windband Society, the AU celebrated in style with a three course meal, and some wine before cracking on with a fantastic awards ceremony that saw 160 students receive half colours, 33 full colours and 25 Club Honours.

The Sportsman of the year award went to Men's Rugby's Jonny MacDonald The second year Business Student represented the Cardiff first team wherever possible this season at 9 or 15, scoring a number of outrageous tries. Unfortunately, Jonny missed out on playing for Cardiff at Varsity as he was representing Scotland in Hong Kong, followed by the Adelaide and Melbourne Sevens tournaments.

Sportswoman of the year was awarded to Heather Knight of Ladies Cricket. Building on her award of 'Fresher of the Year' in 2010, and making her England debut last year, Heather has firmly established herself as part of the England set-up in all formats of

the game. Furthermore, Heather represented England in the Ashes hitting winning runs at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. For Cardiff, a series of match-winning performaces by Heather helped the club claim their first ever BUCS title.

Canoe-Polo success << Inside Ladies Cricket achieved further success at the awards - picking up the title of Club of the Year. The continually growing club have come from nowhere to being a thriving club full of both international and beginners players. The

club have achieved immense success this season - winning all BUCS matches. They were also named National Indoor Champions 2011.

Team of the Year was awarded to Cardiff Firsts Snooker. The team are undefeated this year - winning both the BUCS championship and the Midlands Cup. Many other university teams have been quoted as naming Cardiff Firsts the "strongest University Snooker team in recent history."

Mark Green of Cardiff Snooker Club also picked up the award for Fresher of the Year. Mark is one of the best snooker players in the UK at University level - winning every tournament he has entered on both an individual and team level.

The AU President's Award this year went to Trampoline Club's Laura Price.

This year Laura successfully secured a bid to host BUCS Regional competition and then went on to host two competitions at which more than 150 competitiors from across the UK were in attendance.

Laura also secured two new high quality trampolines for the club significantly contributing to the club's expansion.

Furthermore, two years after suffering a severe sporting injury, Laura has become Club President, a fantastic trampolinist, a coach and a brilliant ambassador for Cardiff University.

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 • WINTER LEAVES SPORT IN A HOLE • AGAIN • PRICEY IN INTERVIEW SHOCKER - OH WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN • THE BOSS PREPARES FOR MEDIA AWARDS DEBUT • WINTER TOO BOOZED TO DO THE JOB • TOO EXCITED FOR THE MEDIA AWARDS! • BACK PAGE BAILOUT • I'M GOING TO MISS DJ NIGHTS • I NEVER WANT TO SEE BYWATER BEING SEDUCTIVE WITH ICE •