Gair Rhydd - Issue 1110 - 5th of February 2018

gair rhydd

gair rhydd | free word Cardiff’s student weekly newspaper Papur wythnosol myfyrwyr Caerdydd Issue 1110 | Rhifyn 1110 5th February 2018 | 5ed o Chwefror 2018

Cardiff Uni’s student paper | est . 1972

Trouble on the Horizon:

Students condemn ‘hazardous’ houses

Life support, who has the right to decide? p.6

EXCLUSIVE

George Watkins

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ome letting agencies are failing students, new research has revealed. Many commented on their experiences with mould, vermin and inadequate customer service. One student even noted that they found ‘drug needles’ in their carpet, being asked to pay for the cleanup costs themselves.

The research, carried out by Cardiff Students’ Union, investigated opinions and experiences of their letting agencies and the quality of their residences, from a maximum of 329 students.

Over 40 agencies were rated, with the only data coming from those with over 15 replies.

Horizon scored the worst in the majority of categories, with no student being willing to sign with the agency for another academic year, but many other agencies did not score much better.

The agency receives mixed reviews on various

Welsh Assembly passes vote at 16 law p.12 websites, with some criticising their customer service, others praising it.

This comes in light of an investigation by the Guardian newspaper this week into housing for young people, which estimated 338,000 properties are ‘hazardous’, risking medical attention being needed for around half a million people.

This comes in light of an increase in rents by 15% in seven years.

The survey asked students to rate their landlord/ accommodation provider, ranking them out of a possible 5 as the most positive. John Winter consistently succeeded, ranking at an average of 4.78, whilst Horizon plummeted to a mere 1. In their overall ratings of the agency, Horizon scored 1, with Kingstons coming second last, with 1.46. Cardiff Student Letting, run by the Students’ Union, scored a respectable 2.8, with John Winter in front by far at 4.33.

More worryingly, student experiences highlighted a range of problems, ranging from mould to rats. One respondent noted: “We had

Top Tips if you haven’t got a student house for September p.20 to move half way through the year as the council deemed the house an unsafe fire risk. The house resembled that of one which had been squatted in.”

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of survey respondents would sign Many recognised the problem of mould and damp, something that was also seen in the data.

The average of the total data for students experiencing either problem was 70.6%, with Pinnacle topping the list with 87.5%. Cardiff Student Letting were voted the best, but with only 50%.

Responses to these incidents varied hugely.

Horizon was once more criticised heavily, with only 5.3% seeing their customer service as ‘good’, compared to the average of 45%, and not a single

Radio Cymru 2 yn lansio i ymateb cymysg t.26

student suggesting that they were ‘good at resolving issues within the acceptable time frame’.

Charges were another hotly contested issue for many respondents. Only an average of 79.4% of respondents were aware of all charges before signing. Cardiff Student Letting was highest, with 90.6%, whilst, once more, Horizon were dead last, with only 36.8%.

An average of 55.7% of students found their deposits being disputed at the end of the year, and of those included in the data, only 2Let2 and Cardiff Student Letting fell short of this figure. Pinnacle, CPS, Horizon, Keylet and Kingstons all saw over 60% of respondents describing their deposits as disputed (John Winter do not require deposits).

Also noted by those conducting the survey were a number of seemingly false responses, praising particular letting agencies.

Each student number was verified before processing the data, a number of these were not recognised with some appearing to be false.

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EDITORIAL Gair Rhydd Coordinator Elaine Morgan Editor-in-Chief Liam Ketcher Deputy Editors George Cook News George Watkins Emma Videan Rimante Bivainyte

the free word

Celebrating the Year of the Woman Centenary of the Womens right to vote

Comment George Cook Jessica Warren Meg Sharma Unsafe Space Harry Heath Politics Conor Holohan Hannah Woodward Rhys Thomas Science Louange Lubangu Advice Sarah Harris Lydia Caunce Accidental Advice Alice Dent Campus Life Laura Price Taf-od Elen Davies Osian Wyn Morgan Aled Huw Russell Sport Rich Jones Mark Wyatt Molly Ambler Reece Chambers Digital Media Editors Alice Dent Reece Chambers Cartoonist Louis Mertens Copy Editors Molly Jackson Keiran Manetta-Jones Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. Sometimes, because of deadline pressures, we may make some mistakes. If you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek to uphold, please email editor@gairrhydd.com.

You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints Opinions expressed in editorials are not reflective of Cardiff Student Media, who act as the publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a Post Office registered newspaper.

Liam Ketcher

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wenty-eighteen, the year we celebrate the centenary of women’s right to vote, the year of the woman. One hundred years ago, there was a spark amongst British women, a movement that started the change in attitudes and rights. The Suffragette movement, led by individuals such as Emmeline Pankhurst, who took methods like hunger strikes in order to secure women the right to vote. Emily Davison, another who fought for this change, lost her life fighting for rights. In all honesty these are just two of many Suffragettes that I had not heard of until recently. I wasn’t taught about it in school, and as I was growing up it wasn’t something I was made aware of. I’m quite disap-

pointed that my education didn’t teach me these important lessons, and as a young man in the twenty-first century its a lesson I really do value.

Although on the 6th of February 1918, it was only women over 30-years-old and met the minimum property qualifications who gained the right to vote.

There is no denying that this was a monumental moment in history and as years went by the women’s vote increased to what we have today. But such an occasion makes us reflect on our society, and question the role of the women within that society. That is where the problem still lies, and it should be our next step towards equality for all.

Unfortunately, even in this day and age, we still have quite a way to go until there is complete equality between men and women. In recent times, with stories such as sexual assaults and harassment

and the gender pay gap still frequently covered in our news, this definitely shows us all that we’re not there yet.

Women have always played an important part in my life. My mother who has been through the toughest times over the past few years continues to show me, my dad and my brother how strong she actually is, and she really is an inspiration to my entire family. My four female housemates are my best friends and are a pleasure to live with. They look after me when I’m down, but they also show me the daily struggles they face as young women in today’s society. And in Student Media, we have three other sections being lead by women, challenging the stereotype often associated with the word “boss”.

Today, I declare myself as a feminist, for all those who fought for their rights and those who still suffer today from

inequality and sexist remarks. To quote Oprah Winfrey “it’s not just a story that affects the entertainment industry, its one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics or workplace.”

This affects everyone around the globe and it’s time to make a stand. Change is coming and thanks to the Suffragettes of 1918, without them we may not be where we are today. We should all take inspiration from their bravery.

Pictured: Emmeline Pankhurst

GOLYGYDDOL

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What’s occurring...?

Monday 5th - SundayDecember 11th February 2018 27th November-3rd

Gair Rhydd meets: Jo Stevens George Cook interviews the Labour MP for Cardiff Central

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fter being elected to the Cardiff Central constituency in 2015, Jo Stevens has already developed into an MP who has campaigned on several significant local and national issues. Gair Rhydd was fortunate to conduct an interview with her about some of these campaigns and other big issues affecting people across the country.

Having forgot her snow boots which meant she couldn’t go to Davos, we kicked things off by talking about the significant impact that the Save Womanby Street campaign has had economically, culturally and socially. ‘This campaign is a really good example of what happens when you get all parts of the city and the community together’, Stevens stated, and it was clear that she was very

“Womanby Street is a really good example of what happens when you get all parts of the city and the community together.” proud of what the community has achieved.

Their achievements on the campaign that started as a ‘little thing in Cardiff Central’, are now being implemented in England, and hopefully in Scotland, through the Agent of Change Principle.

This bill aims to protect the music industry by making sure that those responsible for a change, are also responsible for the impacts of that change.

As the overall campaign to protect the live music industry goes national, Stevens is passionate about continuing her involvement on a UK wide basis.

‘Over the last decade about 35% of music venues have closed’, and Stevens wants to prevent a situation where the damage to the live music industry ‘goes too far you can’t recover from it.’ Stevens wants to see a ‘recognition from government about the value, both economic and culture, of music and arts to the British economy.’ Like many of us, Jo has spent many nights in the clubs and bars down Womanby Street and is determined to

grBIG

protect its significant place in the fabric of the city.

After discussing some local issues, the conversation began to focus on the national scale and in particular the role of banks and corporations, as recent events have demonstrated that RBS ‘has behaved appallingly, despite being part-owned by the taxpayer.’ Speaking in Parliament last week, Stevens was keen to protect the interests of small and medium businesses ‘which are the backbone of the economy’. She touched upon the power of big corporations and how they need to be ‘more people focused’. Stevens was supportive of limiting the salaries of CEO’s of big corporations because it demonstrates how things have become extremely ‘unfair’, for both consumers and employees.

Drawing upon the notion of unfair and unjust pay, Stevens talked about women’s pay at the BBC which has been a very topical issue of late. As we spoke, it was reported that some high-profile figures at the BBC had volunteered to take a pay cut in order to reduce inequality between staff. ‘At last, in the past few months…women’s voices collectively are starting to get heard’, she stated, and Stevens was keen to highlight the important work of other men, who have been ‘allies of women’s equality’.

Despite the interesting conversation there was

When Stevens went to look at the impact assessments under heavy security, she was ‘frightened at the Wikipedia cut and paste job that had been done’. She even went as far to say that ‘my 16-year old’s son worst homework was more detailed than

“At last, in the past few months, women’s voices collectively are starting to get heard.”

what I saw in those documents’.

The possible impacts of Brexit on students and universities overall was something that she was keen to highlight, and Stevens seemed concerned about the opportunities for studying abroad and the economy, which benefits from EU nationals studying here. Critical about the lack of clarity provided by David Davis and Theresa May over their approach, Stevens did acknowledge the clear way Brexiteers like Rees Mogg articulate their views, whether she agrees with them or not.

As negotiations progress, Stevens said ‘it is our job to scrutinise and challenge’ the government’s approach.

an elephant in the room, something we hadn’t touched on yet: Brexit. With debate about a second referendum intensifying, Stevens was quick to joke that she ‘takes everything Nigel Farage says with a pinch of salt’.

Britain’s relationship with the European Union is an issue that she feels very strongly about. After campaigning strongly to remain in the EU, she was even willing to forsake her position in the Shadow Cabinet over the decision to trigger article 50.

TWEET

t h e

Social media or established media?

Last week it emerged that trust in established media is increasing again, after a crackdown on fake news on social media. We asked our readers and followers on Twitter what they trust more: social media or established media?

32%

Image: Jo Stevens campaigning. Credit: Twitter @JoStevensLabour

n e w s

70%

A French supermarket cut the price of Nutella by 70% and chaos ensued as people started fighting over the the chocolate spread.

£21.4m

12 camels have been disqualified from a beauty contest, as some of the contestants had used botox.

The winner is crowned Miss Camel and gets £21.4 million.

Social media

68% e S T A B L I S H E D MEDIA

“I’ve spent many evenings down Womanby Street...and I love watching football, rugby, cricket and darts.”

i n

“My 16 year-old son’s worst homework was more detailed than what I saw in those documents.”

Something that affects all of us here at Cardiff and students across the country are tuition fees, and Jo was sceptical about the ‘commodification of higher education that prices out huge swathes of society’ and the way students are treated as ‘customers’. Stevens is genuinely passionate about ensuring that education is a right and is accessible to all people, regardless of background or geography.

Recently, its been announced that Trump will be visiting the UK later this year. Stevens said, ‘he could come to Cardiff, see what we’re all about, but I don’t want him to come here though by the way’.

Since his election, she noted the power of populist politics where ‘truth doesn’t seem to matter anymore’, and was ‘hopeful that there will be peaceful protests taking place’, where she went on to say: ‘and I’ll be there with ‘em!’

Focusing back on the local area, Stevens was ‘really disappointed’ at the fact Cardiff was unsuccessful in its bid to host European football in 2020, despite several high-profile sporting events being situated here previously.

On her hopes for the future, Stevens stated ‘I want to see Cardiff as a Living Wage city, I want to see more investment here for transport and infrastructure and for students who come here to do their degrees to stay in Cardiff ’.

As a closing note, Stevens said: ‘I represent Cardiff Central, and the university, its students and teaching staff are at the heart of the constituency and I’m here to help. If people have got issues that they need help with, I’m there for students and for constituents so please get in touch’.

n u m b e r s 322

3 foot

A tortoise escaped from her home in Oxford, however she only made it 322 metres. It took 6 months to find Tallulah and her owner had almost given up hope of seeing her again. They will be shell-ebrating together now they’re reunited.

A woman ate a three foot sausage roll at a pub in London. The sausage roll was so big it was served on a fence post.

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NEWS

news

#GRNews news@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/news

ON CAMPUS

Senate resolves to support student sex workers

Pictured: Sex workers Source: Le Calmar (Via Flickr)

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he Students' Union has passed a motion to ensure the protection of students involved in sex work. As a result, Student Senate resolved to lobby the university to prevent the exclusion of any student under the guidelines of the Student Behaviour Policy for engaging in sex work.

This comes after recent research by the National Union of Students (NUS) that highlighted the extent of the problem for many students. 35% of respondents already in the industry admitted that they needed the extra work to help fund their university tuition, and 53% for paying rent. Research in 2015 estimated that 1 in 20 students were engaged in some form of sex work. Also highlighted in the report, noted by the senate, was the fact that 55% of sex workers consider

themselves to have some kind of disability (which can include a broad range of difficulties, mental or physical).

Also, confidential advisers will be made available for anyone engaged in the industry, as well as ensuring that the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PeP) is considered for extenuating circumstances due to its side effects.

The latter refers to taking antiviral medication after potentially being exposed to HIV. Its side effects vary by person, but can be severe depending on the subject. The motion passed by 20 votes out of a possible 23, with little resistance.

Also discussed was a ban on plastic straws in the Students Union. The proposer argued that "The environment and sustainability are growing concerns for the general public and

ON CAMPUS

University launches sexual violence campaign George Watkins

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ardiff University are launching their new campaign, aimed to prevent sexual harassmentm, violence and hate crime on campus. It comes in the light of national sexual abuse and violence awareness week, as well as the media attention surrounding particularly the #MeToo campaign.

It will include a number of events throughout the week beginning on the 12th of February, such as bystander training, which will be advertised to all students.

This is linked to the development of the Disclosure Response Team, which will give the University a dedicated team to help with

incidents of this nature, giving adequate support. This is an important step, given the disparity highlighted

by Gair Rhydd’s research between experiences and reporting.

Also, to show added support for the cause, Cardiff University and the Welsh branch of the National Union of Students are holding a march on Friday.

The aim of this is to show solidarity and support for all student victims and survivors of violence and abuse. They wish to extend the invitation to all students interested in joining the cause. It will begin outside the Museum at 7pm, with placard making occurring at 6:30.

Cardiff students". The current Ethical and Environmental Officer, Jess Warren, seconded the motion, with both suggesting that without plastic straws, the Union could have a lesserw "burden on the environment", and "improve the wider community".

Unsurprisingly, the ban passed with 22 votes. How it will be implemented remains to be seen, with biodegradable straws being considered.

The third motion passed without resistance, discussing postgraduate bursaries and grants. The proposer, Jake Smith, the current Vice President for Postgraduate students, encouraged the senate to resolve that the Students' Union support a range of motions, including lobbying the NUS to lobby the government for better financial support.

Finally, and surprisingly most con-

troversially, it was discussed whether to install better hand dryers in the Arts and Social Sciences Library. The motion noted that the toilets in the ASSL "possess 2 very low quality hand dryers per set of toilets", acknowledging that they "struggle to perform adequate hand drying procedure".

Despite some smiles on the faces of the senators at the suggestion that "Those who do dry their hands may use both hand dryers at the same time to speed up the process", which is deemed "not desirable", fierce debate ensued, particularly surrounding the Students' Union's role in a clear issue for the maintenance department of the University. Despite these protestations however, the motion passed with 19, and 4 abstaining. The next senate will meet over the coming months.

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Research in 2015 estimated that 1 in 20 students were engaged in some form of sex work.

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George Watkins

NATIONAL

Radio 1 are going to Swansea

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have been announced so far

George Watkins

Pictured: The Biggest Weekend Source: Ticketmaster blog

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adio 1 have announced that their 2018 Big Weekend festival will be taking place in Singleton Park in Swansea, as part of the wider Biggest Weekend, taking place across the country. So far, the only two headliners that have been announced are Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.

The event forms part of the wider BBC Radio Biggest Weekend across the country, with some commenting that it attempts to fill the void left by a lack of Glastonbury Festival this year. Other locations include the War Memorial Park in Coventry, Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland, and the Titanic Slipways in Belfast.

Noel Gallagher has already announced he will be appearing in Perth for BBC Radio 2.

The festival will begin on the 26th of May, finishing the following evening, with tickets going on sale on the 12th of February, with Cardiff included in the catchment area. The price has been announced as a mere £18.

Ticket allocation is done by pots, with local residents receiving the first set of tickets, with Cardiff being included in the Swansea catchment area. Then the remainder are opened up for general sale.

For more information, visit the BBC Radio 1 website.

NEWYDDION IN THE CITY

NATIONAL

Welsh universities face strike action over pension debate

The proposed changes would leave staff £200,000 worse off

George Watkins

Pictured: Strikes (Source: Nick Efford via Flickr)

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elsh universities are set to face two weeks of strikes after a row around pensions, which some say will shortchange them of £10,000. Members of the UCU (University and College Union), which includes lecturers and other academic staff from four Welsh universities, will strike on an unprecedented scale on February 22.

The fierce debate comes in response to the proposals to remove the defined benefit element of the USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme), which, according to members of the Union, would lead to shortcomings of £10,000 per year in retirement, estimated to total over £200,000.

Members of staff from Bangor, Aberystwyth, University of Wales and Cardiff University recognised the potential disruption for student’s

work, but UCU general secretary Sally Hunt argued: “Staff who have delivered the international excellence vice-chancellors use to justify their own lavish pay and perks are understandably angry at efforts to slash their pensions. They feel let down by leaders who seem to care more about defending their own perks than the rights of their staff.”

The UCU met with Universities UK (UUK), the representative for the employers recently, but failed to reach agreement. The chair’s vote was definitive, and the UUK’s plans were forced through. An escalating wave of strikes have been lined up in response, beginning with an initial 5-day walkout.

In their recent ballot, UCU members overwhelmingly backed industrial action, with 88% of voters backing strike action, and 93% in favour

of action short of a strike (of a 58% turnout). Swansea University UCU members are being balloted.

A spokesperson for Cardiff University said: “The university has yet to receive formal notification, however we are aware of the proposed strike action and will ensure the impact on university business is minimised. A university-wide contingency group has been established to consider what measures will need to be taken to ensure day to day activities - including key activities of teaching and research - can continue. It remains an on-going issue and staff and students will receive regular updates once more details are known.”

The National Union of Students (NUS) have backed more talks in an attempt to resolve the problem and prevent further protests.

Former Cardiff University student found dead after 7-day search

Pictured: Where the search was conducted (Source: George Cook)

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Ex Cardiff University drug dealer featured in documentary

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x Cardiff University, Pieter Tritton, 41, has been featured in a documentary on National Geographic about his life as a drug dealer and consequent prison sentence in a notoriously dangerous prison in South America. Tritton had been locked up in a South-American jail after being caught with 5kg of cocaine strapped to the inside of a tent with the intent to sell it in the UK. His drug-dealing began during his archaeology degree at Cardiff University in 1995, when he sold ecstasy to his friends.

Before his sentencing he’d been operating a cocaine laboratory in Edinburgh alongside two Colombians.

Since beginning his business in South Wales, he had establihed a wide empire.

His business included packing tents with cocaine, and he made about £150,000 per tent but the lab was busted when he was not there after being under survellance.

Source: Pieter Tritton

NATIONAL

Rimante Bivainyte

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cuadorian authorities have confirmed that they have found a body after a 7-day search for a kayak instructor from Cardiff. Adam Vaughan, 22, and a keen kayaker and former student of Cardiff University, along with four other kayakers lost control when the group was hit by the flash flood on the Rio Abanico river in Ecuador’s Morona province on Sunday, 20th of January.

The group of these young men disappeared after the incident in the east side of the country. However, later on, two Irish men from the group, David Higgins and Alexander MacGourty, were found dead, while an American Jeremiath Stewart and Ecuadorian local guide Joaquin Meneses survived.

The search for Adam Vaughan, who was originally from Newbury, Berkshire, took 7 days and involved 40 troops and two helicopters. Eventually, firefighters found Vaughan’s body on a beach near the village of San Luis Del Acho. Nevertheless, the body has not yet been formally confirmed. A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are assisting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Ecuador, and are in contact with the Ecuadorian authorities.”

Adam was a graduate who spent his third year in Columbia and was vice president in Cardiff University’s kayak club. He

had studied Spanish at Cardiff University and began kayaking at 11 years old. Adam Vaughan’s friends described him as “an amazing humble and adventurous friend, one of his friends Andy Kettlewell told the Sun: “Adam was a true gentleman with qualities and values of the highest order. He did everything with a smile and no matter how hard things were he was always there with a smile and cracking a joke”.

Tritton eventually got caught in his hotel room in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. Despite his attempt at bribing the police with £25,000, he was arrested. Tritton got 12 years in Quito’s Garcia Moreno Jail, one of the most notorious jails in the world due to it’s corruption and gangcontrol. The prison has been described as the fourth most dangerous lock-up in South America.

Tritton then began dealing within prison, associating himself with foreigners that grew his prison business as the foreigners were the biggest cocaine market in the jail.

However, when his associate was killed, he stopped dealing and applied for parole, claiming that he had changed and wanted to go home. His mother died and he was denied parole. Three years later, in November 2014, Tritton was told that he could go home.

Outrage after Cardiff’s oldest pub is given modern look

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ardiff ’s Rummer Tavern reopened last week after a 3-week long refurbishment by owners Craft Union Beer Company. It was famous for its oak beams, wooden panelling and rustic brickwork. Its iconic exterior that was part-timbered and had leaded windows has now had a new sign installed signing and boasts of it’s access to Sky Sports and BT Sport.

Critics have complained of it’s new ‘cheap sports bar’ attire and that it has been stripped of its old fashioned nature that dated back to 1713. The new modern interior has a large pool table alongside a flatscreen TV. The pub manager has defended the refurbishment and said that the new renovations have not detracted from the building’s charm and that the pub was in need of rejuvination and new health and safety measures. The city’s oldest pub has been heavily criticised but remains a pub with screens that show sports rather than a cheap sports bar.

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Who has the right to decide, Doctors or Parents?

Following from the ruling that life-support treatment is to be terminated for 11-month-old Isaiah Haastrup Ashley Boyle

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FOR:

Ultimately the evaluations made by doctors had Isaiah’s best interest at heart.

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Eizzy Awogu AGAINST:

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The battle... has not been left in his hands or the hands of his parents

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he decision to turn off someone’s life support is hardly a straight forward one. Ending just one person’s life has an effect on several groups of people, not only the patient. Ultimately, the person suffering has to be the focus of the decision, and if they are in deep pain or unresponsive, the necessary procedures should be considered to put them at rest.

Isaiah Haastrup, an 11-monthold child, suffered from very serious brain damage after being deprived of oxygen at birth. Doctors have said whilst he is intensely disabled, they believe he can still feel pain, and wish to turn the baby’s life support machine off. His parents, however feel that he should be kept alive on

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o the heartbreak of his everhopeful parents, the London high court judge Mr. Justice MacDonald has ruled with “profound sadness” that life-sustaining support can now be withdrawn for 11-monthold baby Isaiah Haastrup.

Due to a ruptured uterus and a premature cesarean section, the birth of Isaiah was fraught with medical complications and Isaiah suffered ‘catastrophic’ brain damage due to an extended period of oxygen deprivation at birth. As a result, Isaiah was born on February 18th, 2017 with no audible heartbeat, respiration, activity or muscle tone. He currently remains in a low-level state of consciousness.

However, the case of Isaiah may not simply be an instance of unavoidable misfortune but one of abject negligence. According to Mr. Haastrup

the machine, going against the doctor’s advice. The life of this child has impacted several people, mostly the parents. But ultimately the evaluation made by doctors had Isaiah’s best interests at heart.

The parents have taken this decision to court with the hope that the judge’s decision means their son will be kept on the ventilator which is sustaining his life. Whilst Isaiah has not lived a long life, doctors are hopeful that in the future Isaiah’s parents will be at peace with the fact that their son’s suffering will be no more.

Similarly, if a patient’s long-term suffering has become unbearable, an individual should be given the choice to end the pain with euthanasia.

Those that have suffered all their life

may eventually reach a point where they are in so much pain they simply do not want to live anymore. In another respect, those who used to live a healthy and happy life may now, due to unfortunate circumstances, find themselves physically or mentally disabled, leaving sufferers in a position which prevents them from doing the things they once loved.

Whilst the condition may not shorten their life, it will inevitably be different. The drastic change, whilst some may embrace and cope, could prove to be too much for an individual, leading to depression and henceforth, thoughts about ending their life. Tony Nicklinson suffered from ‘locked in’ syndrome after a stroke in 2005. After being refused the right to

die, Nicklinson starved himself and consequently died of pneumonia in 2012. This example illustrates how individuals who have been denied the right to die peacefully and painlessly will take matters into their own hands. Self-harming in this way is long and painful both physically and emotionally, draining the individual, friends and family. Knowing that the one you love is putting themselves through this process and is helpless when it comes to their own decisions is heart breaking. Sufferers should not need to travel to another country for treatment or contemplate suicide, they should be given the right to end their suffering at home in a dignified manner surrounded by those who they love.

“there have been failings” from the offset and “but for them [Kings College Hospital] Isaiah would be home.”

The parents have ensured that a “negligence case” is underway in order to further investigate issues surrounding Isaiah’s care thus far.

The devastating news that their fight for the life of their son had taken a fatal blow upon the judge’s ruling was not enough for the parents to give up. Following the ruling, Mr. Haastrup said “we will speak to the lawyers”, and along with Takesha Thomas (Isaiah’s mother), move forward in the fight for the life of their beloved child.

Cases like this show just how precious life is, especially that of an innocent child who is yet to experience the world and all it has to offer. The strength of Isaiah’s parents is inspirational as is the relentless perseverance

they have shown while battling for their son’s interests against the odds.

Understandably, the topic of life-limiting illness and life support termination is one of great sensitivity and controversy. However, the miracle of Isaiah’s sustained life despite the enormous adversities he has faced at the tender age of 11 months is something to marvel.

It must be noted that advancements in science and healthcare have progressed incredibly within recent years.

In 2017 alone, the world saw massive medical breakthroughs such as the development of synthetic blood, (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy treatments for Leukaemia (improving the 5-year survival rate of child acute lymphocytic leukemia to a whopping 85%) and ultrasound therapy as a potential cure of Alzheimer’s disease.

Who knows what medical sensations 2018 will bring with it. With this level of scientific growth happening before our eyes, providing such a significant beacon of hope to those who desperately search for a reason to fight, it is easy to see why many would be opposed to terminating life-sustaining treatments, or simply give up and regarding certain medical cases as hopeless.

Unfortunately, the battle for Isaiah’s continued intensive care has not been left in his hands or in the hands of his devoted parents but in the hands of specialists at King’s College Hospital who have deemed further intensive care treatment ‘futile, burdensome and not in his best interests’. One can only hope now that any further efforts of Mr. Haastrup and Tekesha Thomas are fruitful, for the sake of their baby son.

Pictured: Judge rules that life-support will be ended for 11-month-old child.

Source: Chad Copeland (Via Flickr)

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SYLWADAU

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The shadow over the Golden Globes Jessica Warren

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Heralded by many critics as a revolutionary action, wearing black is not the solution to the problem

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lack is the colour of mourning, and yet Hollywood needs to stop mourning and start moving towards a day where the industry eradicates the trail of sexual assault and misconduct that haunt its past.

Following in reaction to the #MeToo campaign, the Golden Globes saw many high-profile attendees donned in black.

The campaign began in 2017 and spurred the much-needed discussion surrounding widespread but unspoken sexual assault and harassment in and outside of the Hollywood film and television industry. In response to this, the decision to wear black was labelled as a protest against the well-known and yet often hidden cases of assault and harassment.

Whilst heralded by many critics as a revolutionary action, wearing black is not the solution to the problem.

Following on from the revelation of many sexual harassment and assault cases, many actors and actresses alike have been asked to comment on their affiliation with the accused, with names including Harvey Weinstein, James Toback, Louis C.K. and Kevin Spacey. Kate Winslet is one of a few actors defending working with directors Woody Allen and Roman Polanski, both of which are accused of sexual assault of a minor. Her defence fell on a case of ignorance, stating “I don’t know anything, really,

and whether any of it is true or false.

Having thought it all through, you put it to one side and just work with the person.”

In this circumstance, ignorance is not bliss. Following Winslet’s statement, many have called her and others out on said ignorance. The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel, an Amazon series following a 1950’s housewife

that becomes a comedian won the Globe for best TV comedy, Yet Ms. Sherman-Palladino, show creator, failed to mention Roy Price, who had helped on the series before resigning due to sexual harassment allegations.

Clearly, there is still progress to

be made in opening up discussion in Hollywood and further afar. Yet with cases and allegations flying around the dressing rooms, question arises as to whether this male dominated environment can change overnight.

Arguably, it calls for a huge cultural shift in attitudes; whether or not this can be achieved by wearing black is another question.

Yet, amid all of the protests via clothing, awards were granted to shows and films with a female focus.

The Handmaid’s Tale won Best Television Series for Drama, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, won four Golden Globes, telling a story of

a mother taking over her daughter’s murder investigation.

Other awards throughout the night include the Cecil B. DeMille award, named after the founding father of cinema in the United States.

A title that in itself bears some weight towards the culture of male domination in Hollywood. Granted to Oprah Winfrey this year, she made a stirring speech about the “magnificent women...and some pretty phenomenal men” that have spoken up.

She focussed on the idea of a new day, “when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.” Whilst being a rousing speech, it is important not to shy away from this elitist demonstration of feminist protest, and understand that issues of sexual assault are more widespread than the glamour of Hollywood.

Argument stands to reason that this ‘new day’ cannot be reached when actor James Franco, who has been accused of numerous cases of sexual misconduct, won a Globe for best performance in the comedy/ musical sub-category for the film The Disaster Artist.

When both those accused and compliant in cases of sexual assault and harassment sit in a room alongside those dressed in black, the symbol of mourning resonates stronger than a symbol for activism and resistance.

Pictured: Sexual assault exists in a wider frame than Hollywood.

Source: Nick Klein (Via Flickr)

Veganuary:

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Damaging to the vegan movement or just what it needs?

Sophie Clark

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Despite the arguments against Veganuary, it cannot be dismissed that veganism has become more successful due to how it has been marketed in the media.

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he word ‘vegan’ seems to strike fear into the hearts of all who hear it. Vegans have been branded with the reputation of being preachy and superior for quite some time now. Veganism on the whole seemed unpopular and peculiar to the general public up until ‘Veganuary’ became the latest craze. Quite simply, Veganuary is when you become vegan for the entire month of January. Is this just another unrealistic New Year’s resolution we won’t be able to keep, or is it just what the vegan movement needs?

Admittedly, after gorging like Henry VIII over Christmas on mince pies and cheese, the health benefits of becoming vegan seemed very appealing. Supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Aldi jumped on the bandwagon as they released more vegan-friendly food products after the high demand following the New Year. Even celebrities are getting behind it; big names like Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande are wellknown for supporting veganism as a movement. It seems that the craze is gaining momentum as a whopping 52,000 attempted Veganuary in 2017 compared to just 1,500 in 2014.

Although the vegan movement’s success can largely be put down to well-known celebrities promoting the cause and the health benefits,

some argue that it can be seen as detracting from what is truly at the heart of the movement; stopping animal cruelty. Committed veganism requires passion and discipline, which is why some vegans have argued that Veganuary is damaging as it trivialises the severity of the cause.

Veganuary can be seen as associating superficial values with veganism, like losing weight after Christmas. Individuals who are drawn in by this are less likely to continue with veganism when it becomes challenging or inconvenient, putting others off as it seems unobtainable.

Despite the arguments against Veganuary, it cannot be dismissed that veganism has become more successful due to how it has been marketed in the media. Presenting veganism as a must-try diet makes it more familiar. The fear that the ethical and environmental reasons may be lost in the fad become feeble when we consider that people who are vegan for alternative reasons are still achieving the same desired result.

Becoming a vegan for health or dietary reasons is generally a more accepted and less targeted form of veganism, as some feel that they are being criticised when it is suggested that having a ‘normal’ diet is immoral. If you’re nervous to come out as vegan, Veganuary can provide

a handy disguise to ease you into the transition of making it known (trust me, it can be tough!).

Veganuary also makes becoming vegan seem less intimidating as it is only for a month. It doesn’t require a huge amount of commitment and it makes the drastic change in diet more like dipping your toes in the water, rather than diving in head first. Once the month is completed, veganism itself appears more

achievable. More people will be inclined to continue as it becomes less and less daunting and the vegan movement will be stronger because of it. No matter what the motivation to become vegan is, the change in diet is still benefiting animals and the environment. Veganuary has made being vegan more mainstream and less taboo, which vegans should be nothing but supportive and thankful for.

Pictured: Veganuary saw more engagement this year.

Source: FreeToUseSounds (Via Pixabay)

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COMMENT

8

The totalitarian hypocrisy of Antifa

Conor Holohan

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Antifa employ totalitarian methods for totalitarian reasons...they are infact two sides of the same snowflake

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ou will have to forgive the various references to Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in the following paragraphs. My argument that Antifa are as totalitarian as those they claim to oppose is one rooted in historical evidence. For this reason, a historical perspective of totalitarian regimes and practices must be established. There is, in my view, a historical blind spot among many millennials. A blind spot which explains their thirst for censorship and a larger state involvement in our lives. Many young people need to learn the history of the ideas they endorse so vigorously.

Antifa are a loose amalgamation of communists, anarchists and socialists who engage in aggressive protests and direct action. Their stated goal is to oppose fascism wherever it is found. Hard to disagree with, right? But they’re not as cuddly as they sound. When their methods and characteristics are explored, their own totalitarianism is revealed.

They do not believe in achieving their means through political channels, but through forced censorship and aggression. They attack public property, engage in physical violence and release propaganda dedicated to furthering their cause. Those who oppose their worldview are heretics whose speech is seen as dangerous to the collective good and a progressive society.

Any reader of George Orwell’s 1984, anyone who knows about pre-war Germany or the Soviet Union, anyone remotely educated in the characteristics of authoritarianism should oppose this group. However, to many on the millennial left, particularly in university, the

group make a positive contribution to the world. These young people who appease Antifa claim to believe in the personal freedom to be whatever you want to be unhindered by the hateful speech of others. However they, like Antifa, are not as keen on the personal freedom to think what you want or to say what you want.

People who support or appease Antifa have to recognise a crucial fact: Collectivism, from which communism and extreme nationalism both are born, demands that anti-liberty methods are employed in order to protect the good of the whole. The idea that opponents of the collective good are legitimate targets for censorship and violence has led to hundreds of millions of deaths worldwide by the likes of the Nazis and the Soviet Union.

Any attempt to deny this is simple historical ignorance, yet the likes of Antifa wear the Soviet hammer and sickle with pride that they are standing up to western oppression. You know, that western oppression that allows wretched thought criminals to speak out against the consensus and endanger a cohesive collective success? That western oppression that allows a peaceful transition of power between two democratically elected presidents? That peaceful transition of power which Antifa militantly protested, some even using Molotov cocktails to damage private property?

If a group of the political right acted in this way they would rightly be condemned, and they always are, yet many of my peers have a double standard when it comes to Antifa. This is a product of growing myth that to be left wing

is of higher virtue and morality than to be on the right. The very concept that one political or philosophical outlook is morally superior to others is dangerous to free society. That concept justifies violence and censorship against opponents, because opponents are evil people with menacing motives.

They support political violence, but only against their opponents. They endorse censorship, but only of their immoral and dangerous adversaries. Yet what are they opposing? Most of the time the reply to this question will be ‘Nazis’ or, obviously, ‘fascists’. They’re

Any reader of George Orwell’s 1984, anyone who knows about pre-war Germany or the Soviet Union, anyone remotely educated in the characteristics of authoritarianism should oppose this group. opposing intolerance and oppression and hatred, some say. But they’re intolerant towards their opponents, wish to suppress their opponents, and, if they’re prepared to join a group based on destroying them, they hate their opponents.

Scott Crow, a prolific Antifa organiser, has said that; “if you are endangering people with what you say and the actions that are behind them, then you do not have the right to do that. And so we go to cause conflict, to shut them down where they are, because we don’t believe that Nazis or fascists of any stripe should

have a mouthpiece.” If you replace the words ‘Nazis or fascists’ with ‘Communists’, there you will see how similar to the Nazis Antifa are. Authoritarian measures are always justified with the claim that they will protect the majority and their interests. Indeed, a major piece of legislation curtailing the civil rights of Germans in 1933 was called the Law for the Protection of People and State. The greater good is always the excuse.

By now you can see plainly that Antifa employ totalitarian methods for totalitarian reasons. The significant overlap of means and motives with the regimes they claim to oppose means they are in fact two sides of the same snowflake.

They, like so many totalitarian regimes, cannot risk their ideas being exposed to an open marketplace of debate. If they did, their hypocrisy would be highlighted and their narrative of social conflict dismantled. They would be forced to accept that their idea of society as an amalgamation of segregated groups perpetuates division and inhibits the chances of a colour-blind society. To avoid this, they engage in this ideological protectionism, attempting insulate themselves from scrutiny and opposition, as it is essential to their continuation and to their goal of a progressive utopia.

If these so-called anti-fascists knew the first thing about the concepts of totalitarianism and fascism, they would pay credence to the fact that one day the collective good may shift and their ‘progressive’ ideas will fall out of fashion.

With no protection against censorship or political violence, where will they hide? To those sympathetic to censorship; be careful what you wish for.

Pictured: Anita protest.

Source: Samchills (Via Flickr)

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SYLWADAU

9

Leaving isn’t easy when nobody can agree on it George Cook

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What has now developed is a situation whereby party politics no longer matters, and our new political system is now a dichotomy between Remain and Leave.

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(and ‘the Government is Marxist’)

ver 18 months ago, Britain voted to leave the European Union, in a referendum that was meant to ‘settle the issue for a generation’. However, in reality that has been far from the case, and what has subsequently unfolded has been unprecedented in UK politics with an early general election being called alongside a great deal of uncertainty.

Remainers want us to keep as close a relationship as possible with the single market and the customs union which will be followed by a transition period, whilst Brexiteers want a deal that will mean we have cut all ties with the economic and political operation that the EU has developed into.

Remainers, as well as Brexiteers, are from across the political spectrum. They are supporters of the Conservatives, the Labour Party, the Lib Dems, the Green Party, and even as one Twitter account suggested; UKIP (although it is unclear how serious this ‘movement’ was).

As such, it is careless and over simplistic to assert that both sides possess the same beliefs or aspire to achieve the same outcomes. But Nadine Dorries, who was suspended from the Tory whip after her decision to appear on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, seemed to generalise the fact that ‘all Remainers want a Marxist government’, presumably in reference to Jeremy Corbyn.

To assert that Corbyn for starters is in anyway pro-European is ill-conceived given his voting record. Despite his Remain stance in the Referendum, his voting record for decades previously demonstrates his rather sceptical position on Britain’s involvement with the European Union. It wasn’t just his voting record either, as several speeches were made criticising Britain’s economic and political relationship with the EU. Corbyn has said that he himself in no way wants to prevent Britain’s exit from the European Union. Whilst some members of his Party seem hell-bent on stopping Brexit, that is unlikely to happen while Corbyn and many of his supporters are advocating for politicians to honour the result of the Referendum and respect democracy. And given Corbyn’s real views on the issue, no amount of pressure from backbench Labour MPs is going to change the position he holds.

Dorries’ assertion also disregards many of her own party colleagues position. Whilst MPs like Ken Clarke are extremely pro-European, I can almost guarantee that the last thing he wishes to see is a Labour Party in power, especially having dedicated decades in service to the Conservative Party. Ken Clarke clearly does want to Remain, but he also wants the Conservatives to remain in power, however weak that grip

Pictured: Marxism returning to government...

Marxist.

Source: rosaluxemburg (Via Flickr) Parliament.

Source: Maurice (Via Flickr) Image credit: George Cook

may be at the moment.

Despite all of this, the rather amusing factor emerging from Nadine Dorries’ statements is that she is genuinely concerned and aware of the divided and turmoiled persona her own party currently emanates. With Theresa May seemingly endlessly on the ropes, an election could be triggered at any time. Yet, a leadership contest nor the election of a Labour government would guarantee the fact we would remain in the EU.

Whilst overall the Labour Party wanted to Remain in the referendum, so too did many Conservatives. And what has now developed is a situation whereby party politics no longer matters, and our new political system is now a dichotomy between Remain and Leave. Therefore, Dorries represents those who continue, in the words of the Bishop of Leeds, ‘the demonising of people who venture to hold a contrary view.’

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Youtubers, and why we need to have serious conversations about them A

Pictured: Youtubes platform allows binging and obsessions over youtubers.

Sourced: Logan Paul Vlogs (Via YouTube)

t the start of 2018, youtubers, especially ‘daily vloggers’ were at the forefront of conversation, in particular self-proclaimed ‘maverick’ Logan Paul. After uploading a video called ‘We Found a Body in the Suicide Forest…’ Paul received extreme backlash from other youtubers and even international news outlets, but little backlash was seen from his fans.

This came after his brother, exDisney star and ‘daily vlogger’ Jake Paul came into legal trouble with his neighbours earlier in 2017 after making his address public, caus-

ing fans to crowd on his street. The brothers are only one example of the many youtubers whose priorities are money and fame, and exploit their fans in the process.

Young teenagers or children having obsessions is normal, however, YouTube as a platform facilitates a creator-fan dynamic that can be taken advantage of. ‘Daily vloggers’ in Logan Paul’s words make a ’15-minute TV show every single day’. The videos show fans what they’re doing in that day, talking to a camera in a way that almost feels face to face.

They usually have a name for their

fan base, for example Logan and Jake Paul call their fans the ‘Logang’ and ‘Jake Paulers’, making the fans seem like an integral part of the youtuber’s channel and everything they do.

This is true to some extent; a youtuber who makes ‘daily vlogging’ their career needs constant support from their fans to make money from their videos. However, this means fans often believe that youtubers care about them to an extent where they feel they are friends with the youtuber, that they can rely on them, and that they need to do everything they can to support them or they risk being a ‘true fan’.

It isn’t uncommon for youtubers to release branded merchandise which is unaffordable for many.

This was highlighted in the lead up to Christmas, when Zoella’s ‘12 days of Christmas’ advent calendar was criticised for its £50 price tag which did not match the product.

Many pointed out that parents who are in a difficult financial situation would be pressured into buying the calendar for children who do not understand. Jake and Logan Paul are amongst the worst for pushing their own merchandise, even writing songs that can be bought on iTunes with lyrics such as “Christmas around corner, get your merch (link in bio)” and “Spend a hundred

dollars, free shippin y’all”.

They are money hungry, and make this clear in their videos, by flaunting their earnings and bragging about new Rolexes and cars.

This of course doesn’t apply to all youtubers, but measures can be put in place to help young people make conscious decisions about supporting them. Parents, older siblings, or even teachers need to start having conversations about youtubers and the impacts they have on young people’s lives. After Logan Paul’s video

They are money hungry, and make this clear in their videos, by flaunting their earnings and bragging about new Rolexes and cars. was released, many fans struggled to see what he did wrong and even if they did, their support was relentless. This could easily be prevented by having a conversation about the responsibility of youtubers, the morality of their actions and the position of power they have over their fans. It isn’t an easy conversation to have, but an important one in a world where youtube is so prominent.

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YouTube as a platform facilitates a creator-fan dynamic that can be taken advantage of

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Meg Sharma

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU RAN THE UNIVERSITY? BETH FYDDECH CHI’N EI WNEUD PE BYDDECH YN RHEOLI’R BRIFYSGOL?

12 POLITICS

politics

#GRPolitics politics@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/poltics

INTERNATIONAL

The People’s battle for Iran

Protests fuelled by economic and political grievances have spread across Iran Silvia Martelli

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The protests are the biggest challenge to the government after those occurring in 2009.

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n 28th December, a relatively small protest broke out in Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city by population, originating a wave of similar public manifestations across the country. Over seventy cities and towns have witnessed the uprising of such protests and, according to the authorities, 42,000 people have participated (although the real number may be much higher). The situation has been addressed by the state’s security apparatus through various methods of repression, resulting in the death of at least twenty five people (again merely an official figure), imprisonment of 1,000 and injuring of an uncounted number.

As the government blocked the Internet, international concerns for Iranian people’s human rights have raised. On 5 January, four special rapporteurs of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the Iranian

government to acknowledge and respect protesters’ rights.

Originally, the protests were fuelled by economic grievances: a rising inflation that made basic goods in Iran extremely expensive (poultry and eggs almost doubled in price); youth unemployment standing at more than 40 percent; the country’s almost complete survival on oil sales despite high foreign investment; state-owned enterprises controlling significant sectors of the economy; more than 35 percent of Iranians standing under the poverty line.

President Hassan Rouhani’s promises that the 2015 international nuclear deal would revitalize the economy have indeed not been met, inflaming those most harshly hit by Iran’s sluggish economy - members of the working class under the age of 25, who unsurprisingly constitute 90 percent of the protestors.

As manifestations continued into January, their scope expanded to include political opposition against a corrupt, theocratic regime that has very low tolerance for political dissent and tightly controls, if not suppresses, social freedoms, such as those of expression. Slogans have been key to the protests: initial chants of “death to Rouhani”, the President of Iran, have soon evolved into “death to the dictator!”, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an unelected cleric with untrammeled authority to override presidency’s policy decisions. Iran’s regional policy has also been opposed through mottos such as “I give my life for Iran, not Gaza, not Lebanon” and “let go of Syria, think about us”.

The protests are the biggest challenge to the government after those occurring in 2009 due to the disputed re-election of Mahmoud Ah-

madinejad. They are much more significant in the provinces than they were in 2009, being of a scale rarely seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution; Tehran is only playing a minor role, following the lead of the rest of the country. Meanwhile, reformists, marginalised by hardliners for over a decade, have reacted in various ways.

Some have remained mute, troubled by calls for regime change, whilst a number of others have asked the regime to allow peaceful demonstrations, yet expressing concerns about the radicality of the ongoing protests.

As the government continues its attempt to repress manifestations, the nostalgia for the deposed monarchy and its last Shah, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who had ruthlessly suppressed the clergy, is increasingly tangible across the bloody streets of Iran.

Pictured: Iran Protests Source: Geoff Livingston (Via Flickr)

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Party politics: US Government shuts down Nicole Garcia

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As an act of protest, the Democrat Party refused to vote.

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anuary 20th marked President Donald Trump’s first year in power. While he had planned an elegant gala in his private Palm Beach golf club, his plans were sidetracked by the disagreement that continues to permeate throughout congress. A day prior to Trumps anniversary, the New York senator Chuck Schumer met with President Trump to discuss a permanent spending bill rather than the current stop gap measure which involves time consuming, and constant budget re-negotiations. However their conversation was fruitless as President Trump decided Schumer’s immigration policies did not agree with his or his party’s stricter views on the matter. Consequentially, the Democrat Party refused to vote on the spending bill, resulting in a government shutdown, something that hadn’t occurred since 2013 during the Obama administration.

The Government shut down that Saturday at one in the morning when the Democrats refused to vote on a government funding bill unless the Republican members of congress allocated funding to immigration policies concerning the

“Dreamers”, those protected from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA).

DACA protects children who were taken into the United States illegally by their guardians, which the Republican party denied a debate on what’s going to happen to these 800,000 undocumented immigrants since Donald Trump rescinded the Obama-era programme.

Amongst the funding that was to be approved, was a bill that would allocate billions of dollars to the building of the border wall. Consequentially, as an act of protest, the Democrat Party refused

to vote on a bill which would fund the federal government and thus allow it to continue running.

When the government shuts down, several departments are forced to place their employees on unpaid furlough. The Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, and NASA were some of the departments affected by the shutdown. Sarah Sanders, Press Secretary for the White House, reprimanded the Democrats and blamed them for the shutdown.

“We will not negotiate the status of unlawful immigrants while Democrats

hold our lawful citizens hostage over their reckless demands,” she expressed in the White House’s official statement.

She referred to them as ‘obstructionist losers’ and stated that ‘when Democrats start paying our armed forces and first responders we will reopen negotiations on immigration reform.’

The problem is that there isn’t a conversation surrounding the 800,000 dreamers, much less any pieces of legislation being created in order to replace the Dream Act. In spite of their brief spell of solidarity, the Democrat Party caved on Monday January 22, signing yet another continuing bill that would fund the United States government until February the 8th. The Republican Party promised to debate immigration reform and discuss the fate of the Dreamers, however there has been no news in this front.

The President declared the Democrat’s yield a ‘huge win’ for the Republican Party, however the government still lacks a permanent funding plan, there’s no clear resolution for the Dreamers, and Congress remains both divided and unable to reach efficient solutions.

Pictured: Donald Trump Source: Matt A.J. (Via Flickr)

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH 13 U.K.

Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Bolton?

Pictured: Henry Bolton OBE Source: Derek Bennet (Via Flickr)

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Two years and one Brexit vote ago, UKIP received nearly four million votes at the General Election.

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hen Henry Bolton was elected as leader of the UK Independence Party, it seemed that the only direction of travel could be upwards.

The party had just lost badly in the Council and General Elections of 2017, and their image was dominated by infighting and PR disasters.

The latest chapter in everyone’s favourite political pantomime has not failed to disappoint. It turns out that far from the only direction being upwards, Mr Bolton had just found himself elected as the Captain of the Titanic.

On September 29 last year, Henry Bolton was elected as the fourth leader of UKIP since the EU Referendum, winning 29.9% of a vote of 12,915 party members. Two years and one Brexit vote earlier, UKIP received nearly four million votes at the 2015 Election, giving it the third largest vote share of any party.

In June of 2017, their number of votes just surpassed half a million. This dramatic loss of support is largely attributed to the fact that the Referendum was won by the Leave campaign, leaving UKIP obsolete. At the snap election, both main parties pledge to execute what many characterized as a ‘hard’ Brexit, undermining the main unique selling point UKIP had always had over the other parties.

Weeks passed after Bolton’s election without a single serious story about UKIP getting any traction. The only notable thing about Bolton was just how unknown he was. He had beaten long standing UKIP figures such as David Kurten and Peter Whittle, yet he had no national profile. All of that changed for Bolton and UKIP, when a number of stories about the leader’s personal life were broken over the Christmas break.

Mr Bolton’s leadership fell into doubt over the holidays when he faced calls to resign after it was reported that he had left his wife for 25-year-old exglamour model Jo Marney.

A pivotal meeting concerning his leadership was scheduled with the party’s ruling National Executive Committee, just before a series of racist text messages sent by Marney were leaked to the press.

Referring to Prince Harry’s fiancé Meghan Markle, Marney said ‘she’s a black American’ and that ‘they’ are ‘pushing their way to the top slowly.

Next will be a Muslim PM. And a black King’.

The messages prompted fierce criticism from the media, UKIP and even Mr Bolton himself who described the messages as ‘abhorrent, unwise and offensive.’ He told the press that he would be ending the romantic element of his relationship with Marney, days before being seen catching the train home from dinner together in London.

Following this, a number of prominent UKIP spokespeople resigned from their roles in order to push Bolton out.

Bolton was unprepared to resign, and was equally defiant after receiving a unanimous vote of no confidence from the party’s National Executive Committee.

He said in a statement that he would not be resigning, and would be respecting the constitutional process of the party by staying on and facing a vote by the party membership.

He also said that he would reform the party’s NEC, pledging to ‘drain the swamp’. This pledge gained Mr Bolton the sympathy of former leader Nigel Farage, not only for the recycled Donald Trump phrase – for which Nigel is always a sucker – but because Farage too had his disputes with the NEC.

Perceived support from Farage could be crucial for Bolton as the vote of confidence from the membership approaches.

Many UKIP figures are concerned about the party’s large debts and its ability to afford another leadership contest and so are backing Mr Bolton.

There are also concerns that the process of electing a leader in UKIP may lead to another lesser known entity winning because so many candidates are allowed onto the final list.

UKIP was flattened in the snap election, however, both of the main parties’ election manifestos pledged to leave the Single Market and the Customs Union.

These pledges, characterised by some as promises for a ‘hard’ Brexit, have been routinely thrown into doubt by the Labour Party. Labour’s emphasis on a ‘jobs first’ Brexit has implications of remaining in both the some kind of Single Market and Customs Union.

This would mean that the UK Government could not fully control or cap immigration from inside the EU, nor would it be able to independently sign trade deals.

Whatsmore, the government are pursuing a transitional deal with the EU, which many leading eurosceptics such as Nigel Farage and Jacob ReesMogg oppose.

In June 2017, the political landscape could not have been harsher to UKIP. Now, things have changed, and the party could certainly capitalise on this and begin to rebuild momentum. It is, however, extremely unlikely that they will.

Mr Bolton is, to most of the nation, the man with the racist ‘ex’-girlfriend.

His national profile is based purely on that story. UKIP cannot, under Mr Bolton, mark out their territory on any of

the main issues because they cannot create a clear message among these distractions.

It is not just Mr Bolton’s fault that UKIP’s ability to create a clear message is hindered. Take a trip with me down memory lane, as I mention just a few supermassive PR and policy brick drops from UKIP since the referendum: Leadership favourite, Stephen Woolfe, being hospitalised by Defence Spokesman Mike Hookem in a meeting of UKIP MEPs, Paul Nuttall’s website falsely claiming he was at the Hillsborough Disaster and his unbelievably misguided policy at the General Election that girls returning from certain countries should be checked at school for female genital mutilation.

It has now also been revealed that Bolton, like his predecessor Paul Nuttall, lied about his qualifications on Linkedin, falsely claiming that he has a BA in Military Studies from Sandhurst, a college which does not offer BAs. Additionally, Gawain Towler, the respected UKIP spin chief of 13 years has quit over the saga. Towler will continue to offer freelance advice to the party once he steps down following the EGM which will decide Bolton’s future.

UKIP has always had internal problems and has always had some embarrassing members, but now the most embarrassment is coming from the top tier of the trifle.

Some are saying that Mr Bolton ‘is UKIP’ and should consider his actions more carefully. Perhaps the real problem is that Mr Bolton is not UKIP. Neither was Paul Nuttall.

UKIP always was and always will be Nigel Farage, and Bolton is inevitably the latest in a very long line of people to fight the losing battle of filling Nigel Farage’s shoes. Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Bolton?

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UKIP has always had embarrassing members, but now the embarrassment is coming from the top tier of the trifle

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Conor Holohan

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14 POLITICS

The Night of the Short Knives Rhys Thomas

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Theresa May has yet again unnecessarily weakened herself.

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May’s reshuffle blunted by stubborn Ministers

hat was meant to be a show of strength for Theresa May turned into something of a farce. The reshuffle was trailed in the press as a guaranteed tour de force for the Prime Minister, and it was clear that she was feeling bold enough to make some changes. As with the election, it turned out her confidence was misplaced. Like the election, her reshuffle was a flop.

The plan was not to move any of the senior members of the cabinet such as the Foreign Secretary or Chancellor, but to make important changes in some mid-level cabinet positions.

It has been reported that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt point-blank refused when asked to become Business Secretary and that the man in that position, Greg Clark, also turned down the Prime Minister when asked to move. It is a sure sign of May’s weakness when two midranking officers feel strong enough to brazenly defy the wishes of the Prime Minister.

The most ham-fisted measure was an attempt to move Justine Greening from Education to Work and Pensions, but the Putney MP refused and tried to stand her ground.

Unlike Hunt and Clark, she failed and ended up resigning from the Government. The loss of a gay, fe-

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WALES

male Cabinet minister is not exactly a good look for May who wanted to make the Cabinet look “more like the country it serves”, especially as Greening was replaced by Damian Hinds - a classic of the pale, male and stale genre.

When she was unable to move people, she chose instead to change names of departments - so instead of the Department of Health, we now have the Department of Health and Social Care. Whilst not exactly a radical move on May’s part, it may signal that Hunt has increased influence and could play a more central role in developing the Government Green Paper on social care that is due next summer.

The reshuffle drew derision from across the political spectrum. Tory MP Nicholas Soames simply tweeted “Is that it?”, and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn called it a “pointless and lacklustre PR exercise”. Both comments summed up much of the feeling in the press during the aftermath, even from those quarters who would normally be supportive of the Conservative Party.

There were a couple of top-level changes at Conservative Central Office with Brandon Lewis and James Cleverly coming in as Chairman and Deputy respectively, but this is backroom stuff compared to the actuality of governing the country.

Pictured: Embattled May. Source: (Via Flickr)

It was a shame for May that her cabinet dealings didn’t go quite so smoothly as those at Conservative HQ. Instead of reasserting her position at the top of Government and sending a warning to her enemies, The-

resa May has yet again unnecessarily weakened herself.

Her enemies inside and outside the party are emboldened, and it simply underlines the fact that 2018 is set to be a very difficult year for the Prime Minister.

Teenage Dream: Votes at 16 Welsh Labour moves to lower voting age

Hannah Woodward

‘‘

This pioneering policy paves the way for Wales to be at the forefront of dynamic politics.

W

ales became the second nation within the United Kingdom to propose that 16 and 17 year-olds will now be eligible to vote in local council elections, under plans announced by the Labour-run Welsh Assembly Government. The issue of giving the right to vote for sixteen and seventeen-year-olds was arguably heightened since the EU referendum result, which saw Labour’s national party urge this issue to the Tories in UK general elections, arguing the current system is “inconsistent and unsustainable”. The Shadow Voter Engagement Minister, Cat Smith, endorsed this proposal stating that “The Welsh Labour Government is leading the way by giving 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in local elections in Wales.”

This pioneering policy paves the way for Wales to be at the forefront of dynamic politics, and the reasons for this change were outlined by the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for local government Alun Davies: “I am concerned we are still seeing far too many people, particularly young people, disengaged from the political process. This policy

will bring the Welsh administration in line with the Scottish government, the Electoral Reform Society, who have lobbied for votes at 16, said there will now be a “glaring constitutional injustice” with 16 and 17-year-olds being able to vote in local elections in Scotland and Wales, while around a million people of the same age will be denied the right in England and Northern Ireland.

Darren Hughes, the Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society stipulated that “the Welsh Government is setting a positive example for Westminster – it’s time the UK Government followed suit in backing a franchise fit for the 21st century.” Later adding “The Welsh government is setting a positive example for Westminster – it’s time the UK Government followed suit in backing a franchise fit for the 21st century”.

During the last election campaign, May stated that votes at 16 was a question where “you have to draw a line”.

However after this recent proposition, the Conservatives are finding themselves against proposals that could revitalise democracy, with MP Emily Thornberry accusing the UK Govern-

Pictured: Wales votes at 16.

Source: Rain Rabbit (Via Flickr)

ment of being a “coalition of Cavemen” over their opposition to votes at 16.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary, who was deputising for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during Prime Minister’s Questions, urged the Government to learn the lessons of the fight to get women the right to vote 100 years ago.

However, Theresa May’s de facto deputy David Lidington, standing in for his boss told Ms Thornberry to “grow up” as the pair clashed over the issue.

Votes at 16 are evidently the way towards a fairer democracy and with

Wales and Scotland leading the way, Northern Ireland and England are falling behind the pioneering politics.

Votes at 16, however, is still not legal in Wales and Scotland in terms of national elections. As a result with the issue of votes at 16 becoming more prevalent in the mainstream media and the inevitable general election, the Labour Party will perhaps capitalise on the youth vote once again, with the promise of votes at 16 in order to win more youth votes throughout the United Kingdom.

‘‘

TOM WILSON, MEN’S 1ST TEAM RUGBY CAPTAIN

ANY TIME ANY PLACE WELSH VARSITY 2018

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY V SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL

16 SCIENCE

science RESEARCH

#GRScience science@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/science

Surviving the chase

Is it possible to outrun these super fast animals?

Emma Ogao

Anna Dutton

‘‘

Sound waves are more efficient at predicting tsunamis

F

rom 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds - cheetahs stand as the fastest land animals on the planet - an incontestable record held for centuries years. With an acceleration speed faster than most super cars, (yes, even Lamborghinis and Ferraris), these stunning, swift and speedy cats are built for speed. With a slender build, long tail, light muscles, flexible spine, powerful legs, semi-retractable claws and pivoting hips; the aerodynamics of a cheetah ensure minimal resistance and enable them to reach impeccable speeds. Speeds so fast that scientists suggest their legs might touch the ground only half of the time that they are in motion. They are one of the successful hunters of the animal kingdom, with a success rate averaging at 50%! But is it possible to outmaneuver the fastest animal on the planet?

Over the past decade, Alan Wilson from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, has been studying the locomotion dynamics of animals. Using specially designed radio collars fitted with an accelerometer to measure speed, a GPS to record location, a gyroscope to analyze angular motion, and a magnetometer for precision in location data - Wilson and his team have crafted the perfect device to gather motion data of big cats in the grasslands, collecting an extensive data set that had left scientists in

S

awe.

Carried out in collaboration with the University of Botswana, these specially designed collars were deployed to five cheetahs in the Okavango Delta region and observed 367 of their hunting runs over six to nine months. The

study had numerous surprising results - one of which being that prey such as impala or zebra have the best chance of escape from such reputable hunters if they twist and turn sharply at the last minute.

“In the final stages of a hunt, it isn’t about high speed”, says Alan Wilson.

“The Optimum tactics of the prey is to run relatively slowly and turn sharply at the last moment”.

Research indicates that cheetahs,

although able to reach incredible velocity, cannot turn efficiently at top speeds, as the force could potentially knock it unconscious or cause injury.

What this essentially means is that if you are prey, and happen to be chased down by a cheetah, your survival lies

in your ability to make sharp twists and turns.

The model showed that impalas and zebras have the best chance of making a getaway if they run at moderate speeds, because that leaves more options for maneuvering away at the last second. “If you’re running flat out, there’s not much you can do to stop [your prey] from anticipating exactly where you’re going to be in two strides’ time,” Dr. Wilson said. Running at a

lower speed, therefore, means an animal can speed up or slow down, reducing predictability, and increasing the chances of making an escape as opposed to running at full steam.

Professor Rory Wilson, of the University of Swansea, although not involved in the study, states that “In some senses, you can see it in rugby” “You have to remember that your ability to turn depends on your speed and your mass. So, the lower your speed, the quicker you can turn” Further, although cheetahs are universally more athletic than their prey in terms of speed and acceleration, Zebras and Impalas have the upper hand as they can “define the chase”.

They can dictate “when to turn, and how fast to run. So, it’s always one stride ahead of the predator.” says Prof.

A Wilson – another advantage that increases the chances of prey evading the sharp jaws of a cheetah.

Scientists say this reflects the evolutionary arms race between predator and prey. If cheetahs were too successful in hunting, they would destabilize the balance within the ecosystem.

“Your prey has to be fast enough to escape some of the time, but not all of the time”.

The results of Wilson’s work are published in the journal Nature, and research is now underway to utilize the collar to measure locomotive dynamics of Lions, and wild dogs.

Pictured: top right: cheetah Source: DrZoltan (Via Pixabay)

New method discovered to predict a tsunami

cientists and Mathematicians at Cardiff University have developed a new way of predicting a tsunami based on underwater sound technology.

Tsunamis are caused by an earthquake in the deep ocean, this causes a large volume of water to be displaced.

These waves can then travel thousands of miles, affecting regions not near the epicentre. When they reach shallower waters, the waves gather momentum and can have devastating effects on local villages. The largest tsunami todate was the tsunami in 2004 on Boxing Day affecting those on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

The team in Cardiff hope to allow extra warning times for tsunamis as they intend to measure the fastmoving underwater sound waves. As

Dr Usama Kadri explains, the lead author of the study from Cardiff mathematics department, ‘by taking measurements of acoustic gravity waves’ the study has ‘e v e r y thing it needs’ to predict a tsunami.

The sound waves are more efficient at predicting tsunamis because they can travel ten-times faster than the tsunami,

and spread out in all directions, regardless of the tsunami’s trajectory. These vibrations are easy to detect on standard underwater hydrophones so are ideal for detecting these sorts of movements.

The study carried out by Cardiff U n i v e r s i t y, published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics, goes into further detail, outlining how the key characteristics of an earthquake can be identified. These

features include: the duration, dimension, orientation, and speed. Current methods for detecting a tsunami rely on any of the above features reaching a floating buoy and physically moving it; the new method using waves can detect tsunamis far quicker, saving lives.

The buoys are also expensive, and as Dr Kadri notes, ‘the characteristics of the earthquake fault’ allow the team to ‘calculate the characteristics of a tsunami.’ This then results in ‘real-time’ calculations that are more efficient.

In summary, these findings will allow the prediction of tsunamis to be more accurate and precise. This will enable earlier warning and will mean more lives can be saved, hopefully contributing to stop a repeat of the 2004 devastation.

Pictured: Waves by Tony Hisgett and Peter Mulligan (Via Flickr)

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GWYDDONIAETH

17

Is all the deforestation worth it?

How the tea industry in India is causing the destruction of animal habitats Pictured: Indian Elephants are facing mananimal conflicts across the Assam region.

Source: Shahin Olakara (Via Flickr) (Below) Infographic

by Louange Lubangu

I

n recent years, conflict between small scale tea plantations and elephants in the Northeast state of India, Assam, have exacerbated, and the primary reason behind it is a decline of forest cover in this area.

Assam, a place which has the high-

est number of wild elephants in India, has witnessed hundreds of human–elephant conflicts. With the rise of inhabitants, forest land has been cleared for tea plantations, destroying wildlife habitats and blocking migration routes.

23 districts of Assam count 56,000 registered small tea growers with the same number of non-registered ones, according to the locals.

Officials blame tea gardens for contributing to state’s deforestation. As elephants don’t eat tea leaves, they are forced to seek food and water in other places. Unable to find enough resources to sustain in their old habitats, they decide to venture out close to human villages, where farms and property are being damaged and people are being attacked. Residents describe their life there, as very dangerous because of the fear of being trampled to death.

Between 2006 and 2016 almost 800 people were killed by wild elephants in Assam. It is evident that there is a lack of awareness on how to deal with these situations. Accidents of this category mostly occur during the dry season when the animals move out of their habitat in search of food and water.

This is a clash with no winners on both sides.

According to conservationists, elephants are becoming more aggressive in Assam because their habitats are shrinking, and even their natural corridors are being encroached upon.

This battle leads to the loss of their lives as well. India’s surrounding ministry states that ‘72 elephants had been killed between 2013 and 2014, with greater than 100 killed in 2012.’

Poaching, rushing trains, poisoning and electrocution are only a few

reasons of mammal death reported by conservation organisations. To prevent the killings of elephants, the forest department increased patrolling along the 29 elephant corridors near railway tracks and set up anti depredation squads.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is also concerned about the recent rise in number of deaths. As India accounts for nearly 60% of Asian elephants, their death becomes a grave problem. Forests which were the sheltering places and took over one third of Assam’s area, turned into tea gardens illegally planted by many small growers.

The India Tea Association (which represents most of the big tea firms in Assam), reject the accusation of denuding forests, cutting down trees and planting tea. As “forest coverage is in its members’ interest”.

‘‘

Between 2006 and 2016 almost 800 people were killed by wild elephants in Assam.

‘‘

Urszula Rodakowska

Elephant Conservation, the facts...

How much do elephants eat?

Elephants eat roughly 600 pounds of food each day, and with their natural habitat becoming scarcer, due to its destruction at the hands of various human behaviours, it is becoming harder for elephants to consume the necessary volume of food. This is a huge problem in terms of conservation, as the encroachment of their habitats is only resulting in further decline. As elephants are always on the move, if the area to do so is limited, it leads to all-round depletion of resources in an area.

How many elephants exist?

The total number of elephants is unknown, however, it is thought that in the last 25 years, the number has declined by two thirds. This poses a difficulty in re-populating the species, as it takes 22 months for a new calf to be born.

As a result, it will be hard for the number of elephants to return to what it was in the last quarter of a century.

Do elephants help the environement?

As elephants consume old trees and plants, they clear away the land, allowing for new vegetation to grow in its place. This also helps other animals find much needed water sources, as elephants dig deep into the ground with their tusks.

Andrew W.K.

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19

Last Issues’s Answers

Sudoku

35

Woah! What is this? Where’s the crossword? How am I going to survive my coffee-fuelled day?

Well we thought we’d spice it up a little bit with a Codeword!

Fill in the grid with the letters A-Z. Each number corresponds to one letter. We’ve decoded a few letters to get you started!

Kakuro

Cardiff Codeword

Using the numbers 1-9 complete the grid of sums. Each number can only be used once per calculation.

Last week’s answers: Down 1. New York 3. Coffee 4. Santa 5. The Taf 8. Confidant 10. Grinch 13. Wizzard 16. Hag 19. Liam Across 2. Puzzled 6. Xmas 7. Deer 8. Coca Cola 9. Egg 11. Nadolig 12. Snow 14. Briskit 15. Hannukah 17. Varsity 18. Dulci

Quick Maths

Word Wheel Using the central letter, find as many 4+ letter words as you can. Each letter can be used only once.

Can you find the 9 letter conundrum?

Clue: Bodily Expert

Here are a couple of brainteasers to give your maths mind a little run-out.

Can you solve them?

START

START

3

1

+5

÷5

40%of

x2

-12 3/8ths

√x

-2

+29 ÷10

x3

-2

÷5

x12 +40 -72

+2

x20

of

Answers will be printed in next week’s issue! Keep your eye out, and tweet us @gairrhydd to let us know if you have got it all right!

Got a type of puzzle you want to hear in Gair Rhydd next week? Let us know!

We are always keen to try new ideas.

WELSH WORD OF THE WEEK

ETHOLIAD ELECTION

4-letter: Aims, Ants, Atom, Iota, Main, Mana, Mast, Mats, Moan, Moat, Oats, Tans, Tats 5-letter: Amino, Atoms, Mains, Mania, Manta, Mason, Moans, Moats, Saint, Satin, Stain, Stoat, Taint, Titan, Toast 6-letter: Attain, Manias, Mantis, Sonata, Taints 7-letter: Attains, Stamina, Station 9-letter: ANATOMIST

ADVICE

20

advice

#GRAdvice advice@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/advice

No house? No problem!

Here are the Top Tips for getting your student house

Jackie Edge

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Properties are put up all year round

I

t can be difficult trying to sort out where you’re going to live next year; many of your friends may already have done so. Perhaps you’ve lived in a house share already and decided it is not for you, or have fallen out with the friends you currently live with, but luckily there are other options available.

If you are still looking for somewhere to live next year and would like to be with fellow students, there are a few options. Spareroom.com advertise rooms available over a given time period, and has become a lifesaver for students as those looking for a flatmate, as they are able to distinguish their exact preferences. This hopefully means you’ll be paired up with housemates who are likeminded people you can relate to and will cause less arguments and friction.

The University offer a similar matching up service. If you have found somewhere to live next year with others but someone decides to drop out, to avoid paying their share

of the rent, you can list this at the university residences offices. This facility means those looking for a place to live next year can see your property listed, and contact you if they are interested in living with you. It is important to keep in mind that this service is only available to enrolled students.

Alternatively, it might be that you have found people to live with but not a location yet. The University recommends starting with the student letting agency, the keyword being student, as they aim to keep costs low and don’t even charge an agency fee.

The only problem is they tend to have limited places available, so if you didn’t get to them at the start of the year, you may have to approach other agencies so be sure to properly look at the reviews and choose an agency wisely.

If you and your potential housemates are worried about finding somewhere before the ‘good ones’ are gone, bear in mind that proper-

ties are put up all year round and while you may miss one, a similar will pop up as long as you don’t leave it until moving day. If you have concerns about which agencies are reliable and recommended to students, you can seek advice and get a vari-

There are many private student accomodation available in Cardiff ety of resources about local agencies from the Student Support Centre.

There is, however, another option; If you have decided you’d rather live alone or at least have a bit more space; you could go for a private accommodation such as those offered by HelloStudent and Eclipse.

There are many private student accommodations available in Cardiff, where you can have a studio room or a room in a small 3-4 bedroom flat, quite often other perks are included such as access to on-site gyms, game

and cinema rooms and other facilities. This is also a good option if you have decided to live with a few friends as most of these places do their best to accommodate friends together on request.

The only down-side is that these places do tend to be more expensive than a house-share. Eclipse is offering their cheapest room at £137 a week, but Cardiff University have determined that the average weekly rent including bills is £87.82, so the difference is substantial but bills and contents insurance are included, which could make the difference.

Whilst it may seem to be a panicked haze currently, there is no need to worry as with these useful tips you will be able to find a house in no time, whether there’s a group of you or you’re flying solo. People may be sorting there houses out thick and fast but there’s no need to worry, there are plenty of houses in Cathays, and you will be living in one of them next year, wherever it may be.

Pictured: Monopoly house Source: woodleywonderworks

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CYNGOR

21

How to stick to your New Years resolutions Lydia Caunce

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Setting your goals to something simple doesn’t mean that you can’t aim to over achieve

A

s January has now drawn to a close, it can start to be difficult to keep up those New Years resolutions that you’ve set for yourself. With the exam period finally over and term beginning again it may be difficult to find a place for these resolutions in your everyday life. However, with these few tips, and determination, it may be easier than you think to stick to the goals you’ve set yourself.

Whilst we all would like it to be easy to make drastic changes in our lives, this is something we just have to accept is just not attainable overnight. The idea of creating complex resolutions that will take a lot of time and effort is something that, whilst ideal, is not realistic. Starting with something small and simple that you are able to keep for a whole year is far better than falling into something you are just not ready for.

For example, if this is the year you’re planning to get more active and fit, an original resolution I know, then you could start by setting the goal of going to the gym once a week. Whilst this may seem small it is better than ploughing straight in to going to the gym every single day, as you’re only going to frustrate and let yourself down. Setting your goals

to something simple doesn’t mean that you can’t aim to over achieve, it just means that you won’t have the same sense of disappointment, or the desire to give up completely, if you aren’t able to dedicate large amounts of time to your resolutions.

Take the pressure off and you’ll find it easier to stick to your resolutions.

it easier to stick to them than if you constantly panic about them.

If the resolutions you set yourself at the beginning of January are already a mistake, then the best thing to do is just have a do-over. I promise, no one will judge. Who says you can’t start your resolutions whenever you want anyway? If changing your goals is what’s best for you then it’s time to accept it and move on.

Make the most of 2018 in whatever way you can.

Whilst New Years resolutions are a great way to start the year and help

you to achieve something that you weren’t able to the year before, just remember that short, simple and sweet is the way to success, and don’t beat yourself up if you can’t always stick to them.

Whilst ‘New Year, new me’ is a sentiment I am sure we’ve all felt, or tried to achieve, at some point we learn the ticket to success is changing small subtle things in our lives instead.

Following these few simple tips should make sticking to those resolutions should be easy as pie!

Lets be honest as students we’re just not able to.

If you have already failed at your resolutions, it’s not something to be downhearted about. This just gives you something to work on and continue to try and achieve as much as possible. Whilst it may not be ideal, it isn’t the end of the world. When these resolutions are set you have no idea what lies ahead in the New Year, and what you may think is doable for you, just might not be what life has planned for you. Sticking to your New Years resolutions doesn’t have to mean that week in, week out you religiously follow them down to a T. Take the pressure off and you’ll find

Pictured: New Years resolution Source: Navy_NADAP (Via Flickr)

‘‘

Why it’s okay if you didn’t do well in your assessments It’s not the end of the world...

Sarah Harris

C

oming out of an exam is usually always worse than going in to the exam. Hearing other people talk about their answers can leave you feeling anxious and dreading results day. Most of us won’t be getting our exams results and essay grades for a good few weeks and will be nervously awaiting the big day the little white box on our SIMS record is filled up.

Although we might have put in end-

less nights of non-stop revision, there is still a chance you’ll be disappointed by your grades. Not getting what you wanted isn’t the worst thing in the world and there are many things you can do turn it around.

Of course it would be wise to actually wait for your results, but if you think there were certain circumstances such as illness affecting your performance in your exams or essays,

it’s best to send in an Extenuating Circumstances application as soon as possible. Usually the examining board will give you the chance to re-sit the component of your module again as a first attempt if you don’t pass. You can also do this after you get results, as often sending in Extenuating Circumstances can help you make sure you’re not capped at the pass rate if you do

You can make up for it by bringing your grade up in the Spring term.

‘‘

Not getting what you wanted isn’t the worst thing in the world

have to re-sit.

If the nerves are getting too much it may be helpful to book a meeting with your personal tutor. Although they may not be able to change your actual grade, they can talk to you about your main area of concern and help you figure out what to do if you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped. They might even suggest booking in a few sessions with the universities counselling and well-

being centre to help you overcome any anxiety or confidence issues relating to exams or coursework.

Usually failing one component of your module isn’t too bad because it doesn’t make up the full mark. Most modules have one form of assessment each term so if you didn’t do too well in the Autumn term, you can make up for it by bringing your grade up in the Spring term. If you know that this is something you need to do, it would be extremely beneficial to sit down with your seminar leaders to see what your weak areas were in the assessments you failed and figure out how to improve. Remember that you are paying £9000 a year for a reason, so you should make the most of it. If you think you’re capable of getting a higher grade than you did, definitely put in an Extenuating Circumstances form so you can re-sit.

But if you know the fault lies within yourself, and you didn’t revise well or hard enough, then make sure you change your ways and motivate yourself for this next term. Good luck for results!

Pictured: Exam hall Source: Natasha C Dunn (via Flickr)

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ADVICE

22

Badvice: How not to stick to your New Years resolutions Sarah Harris

I

write this at 1AM whilst digging in to a cheesecake that supposedly serves 6 people. It turns out, it only serves one. My New Year’s resolutions have pretty much been the same for the last 4 to 5 years, and every year without doubt, I fail to stick to any of them. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that my lack of motivation combined with my dangerously lazy attitude is a recipe for disaster.

Like 90% of the world’s population, number 1 on my new year’s resolution list has always been to diet.

But let me ask you, what actually constitutes as a diet? Am I allowed to eat bread or not? Everyone tells me that fruit is good for me but at

the same time, you’re not supposed to eat it when you’re trying to lose weight? You can see why I’ve never been good at the whole diet thing (I think the cheesecake made that clear). I have reached the point in my life where I have managed to convince myself that each passing day should be enjoyed and along with it, my stomach should also expand.

Why should I only treat myself every once in a while, when I can treat myself every day?

Of course, like every other basic university student, I made a pact with my housemates or friends that we’ll join gym next week. I admit this is mainly because every time we get a post night out McDonalds or

Burger King, we walk past the absurd people who are on the treadmill at Easy Gym at 2AM (I mean, do you really have nothing better to do at 2AM?) and feel this overwhelming amount of guilt at the 3000 calories we’re about to consume in one sitting. This time around my friends actually joined the gym. I however, have been coming up with excuses every week since the year began and probably will carry on doing so for the next 11 months.

what I tell my mum anyway).

Ah and alas, I can’t forget my resolution to attend lectures this year.

My classes officially began yesterday and I’ve already convinced myself that I’m too ill to leave my bed, and therefore I have a valid reason not to attend but really I know this is bull.

Oh well, there’s always next year.

Pictured: Resolutions Source: Marwa Morgan (Via Flickr)

I decided I would store my money safely in my savings account.

My number 1 excuse for not having joined the gym is that I’m too broke and that takes me on to another reoccurring resolution – being more financially responsible. Having spent a good month at home and not paying for groceries and toiletries meant I ended up saving a fair bit by the time the New Year came around and I promised myself that instead of splurging on another new lipstick, I would store my money safely in my savings account but it’s already empty and my bank account is looking gloomier by the day. My makeup collection however has grown significantly, as if by magic almost (that’s

‘‘

My dangerously lazy attitude is a recipe for disaster.

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Getting back into uni after the Winter break Megh Baral

‘‘

Join societies or clubs to get more involved

T

he holiday season is over, time to pack up the wreaths, box up Christmas ornaments, and most of all check your bank account to see if you can make it for the rest of the year! Jokes aside, the holidays don’t last forever and when Uni rolls around it is overwhelming to get back to the grind and get serious about the semester ahead. It is especially exhausting as exams have just finished and all you can possibly think about at this point is grades and coursework. Here are some handy tips to get back in the swing of the new semester.

Firstly, start getting back into your routine, which means putting back your alarms (not hitting snooze), creating a schedule or a time table to

follow throughout the day and most importantly eating and sleeping regularly. Sleeping early and eating regularly gets your body prepared to function smoothly and efficiently which is a prerequisite for your school year. Diving further into the preparation stage, preparing yourself for the new semester may not all be that bad – perks like back to school shopping, buying stationary can be a great motivator for starting out the academic year in a strong mindset! Getting excited about the new term ahead by preparing for it will not only diverge your mind from the holidays, but allow you to encourage a brand-new start to the year that’s coming.

Another great tip is to join socie-

ties or clubs to get you more involved in University. Joining a society you really wanted to before the holidays, but never got around to, can help settle in the feeling of going back to Uni! Meeting new friends is always a bonus of uni life and through a new society you are able to set a goal for yourself and there is something to look forward to in the semester.

A good group of classmates is essential for the best university experience.

It might also be helpful to start reading the material that is required for the next semester - this tip allows you to slowly but surely get back into study habits and get a feel of what your lectures will hold. Reading will also remind you why you are so fond of your subject of study

and give you an edge over other classmates. Finally, don’t dive in too hard – starting off university after a long break can be draining mentally and physically. Balance your schedule and spread out your studies and extracurriculars to minimize feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed.

And for all the international students out there, like myself and many people I know. This time could be especially uneasy, for those students who return from their home country and must settle living alone again, the best advice is to not spend too much time alone.

Isolating yourself will make your feelings more intense, as you’ll spend even more time pondering on what you miss about home. Meeting friends – especially friends going through the same experience as you can be a great socialising activity and calm your mind about missing the holidays. Another great tip is to bring comforts from home back with you to University, to cheer you up when you’re feeling down.

Carry a positive approach about starting the new year and make a conscious effort to stick to that positive approach, this also makes you a pleasure to be around and will keep your blues away. Remember, you are not alone and it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. University has counselling and support services that are always at your disposal and can encourage and help you carry out a great year.

Pictured: Getting back into university routine is hard after a long break from lectures and seminars.

Source: Jeremy Segrott (Via Flickr)

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column

ACCIDENTAL ADVICE

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#AccidentalAdvice gairrhydd.com/category/advicecolumn

Bebo skins and Ryvita Thins

Why resolutions should be a thing of the past

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t was New Year’s Eve 2008. I had spent six hours tirelessly working at the family desktop computer creating a ‘New Year, New Me’ Bebo Skin (a term used for the background of your Bebo profile, for those not in-the-know).

Painstakingly, I had designed what I considered to be a modern masterpiece; a black background emblazoned with pink stars, and the aforementioned slogan placed right in the middle for all to see. I thought it was impossible for my group of online friends not to notice my change in attitude. “What do you think of my new Skin?”, I text my best friend. “I’ve decided that this year I’m growing up. I’m going to have my hair cut short, and I’m going to lose four stone.

I’ve bought a weight loss DVD and everything.”

Suffice to say, my newfound optimism lasted no longer than it would have taken me to finish off a packet of chocolate digestives. The use of the weight loss DVD was short-lived, following waking up at 5:30am one morning, changing into my PE kit and tiptoeing downstairs to work up a sweat in the living room. After fifteen minutes of burpees and jumping jacks, my Mum came bounding in, furiously telling me to go back to bed or I would wake the whole house up. The DVD was placed to the back of the cupboard,

and with it, all my motivations to fulfil the slogan on my precious Bebo Skin.

I wish I could say that my failed attempts at self-improvement were left in 2008. The truth is, however, that the onset of the new year still brings with it a compulsion to start afresh; to rid your bad habits and become a better version of yourself. Combined with the nauseating status’ on Facebook about ‘smashing 2018’ (probably written by people you haven’t spoken to since Year 11), you must also contend with the onslaught of brand campaigns convincing you to buy their juice detox kits, their meal planners and their sports bra’s. There is nothing worse than a January inbox filled with ‘Feeling Sluggish?’ emails, preying on your insecurities and urging you to combat the effects of the indulgence that they were promoting just a month before.

The marketing of these products throughout the whole year literally relies on our self-doubt, as Mark Manson says, we are “existing in a culture designed to make us feel like shit… so we’ll always want to overcompensate in some way.” The effect of this is often an overwhelming pressure to set drastic goals, such as unachievable weight-loss targets. I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t set up a meal plan for myself in the past that consist-

ed entirely of cucumber, Ryvita and boiled eggs.

But what happens when you fail to achieve the personal goals that you have set for yourself?

Often, this can lead to a sense of failure, and what Janet Polivy calls the ‘False Hope Syndrome.’ Feeling self-conscious about a certain aspect of yourself will result in a goal being set, and then when you fail to achieve it, you can end up feeling even more insecure than before.

This sense of expectation is not limited to the start of a new calendar year, either. It can occur throughout your lifetime, and is particularly apparent to me at the start of a new term. I will often foolishly set myself unfeasible academic and organisational goals, such as making sure I’ve read every one of my set texts in the summer months. When September rolls around and I’m frantically googling the plot to the novel I’m reading in my next seminar. I can’t help but curse at my own incompetencies.

Let’s be clear, I’m not saying that the setting of goals is a futile exercise. There was wide discussion on social media at the end of December that those posting about their New Year’s Resolutions were attention-seeking, and I disagree with that sentiment. However, I believe that we do need to be kind-

er and more realistic with ourselves when we wish to progress, so what we are aiming for is more attainable, and we don’t end up berating ourselves when things don’t go to plan. For example, instead of saying “I need to get a place on a graduate scheme this year”, you should think, “every application I apply for shall be done to the best of my ability.”

I didn’t set myself a New Year’s Resolution this year. The truth is that throughout 2018 we will all learn new skills, encounter new experiences and undoubtedly grow as individuals. We will receive grades, travel to new countries, make new friends and read new books. Some of us will even graduate and move to different areas of the globe. Setting goals with a definitive end, such as getting that particular job, or reaching those numbers on the scale will only mean disappointment if you fail to achieve them. Instead, this year I have decided to say yes to more opportunities and be open to change. If you’re making positive steps forward every day, you can look back on the year and see the progress you have made as a whole, without feeling guilty that you are not a size 8 and you didn’t get a First Class Honours degree.

Maybe if it was 2008 I would have even put that onto my Bebo Skin, but then again, maybe not.

Pictured: Top: New Year Goals Source: USA-Reiseblogger (Via Pixabay)

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There is nothing worse than a January inbox filled with ‘Feeling Sluggish?’ emails

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Alice Dent

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CAMPUS LIFE

campus life

#GRCampusLife campus.life@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/campuslife

What are the Sabbs Saying?

Campus Life caught up with Hollie Cooke, the President of the Student Union to see what’s happening in the Union To find out more about your candidates and their thoughts on various issues, look them up at cardiffstudents.com/your-voice/electedofficers. There you can read their manifestos and official bios, and even use the campaign tracker to see how good a job they have been doing so far.

With Hollie Cooke President of the Students’ Union

Freyja Elsy Music Soceity Ensemble Coordinator

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With Kirsty Hepburn VP Heath Park

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Cardiff University Music Society

ith nearly 200 members and growing, our coursebased Society has grown to include 10 ensembles (both non-auditioned and auditioned) including newly formed Concert Orchestra and Clarinet Ensemble, with music ranging from early Baroque in Camerata to modern day film music in String Orchestra, so whichever instrument you play, or if you just like to sing various genres of classical music, we’ve got something for you!

We’re dedicated to helping our members get the most out of their musical life in Cardiff during university, through performance opportunities, socials and

Heppin’ in heath hwmae! Sunday was our 3rd Student Family Day which was great fun and thank you to all who attended.

In case you haven’t heard of this before, it is aimed at anyone who is studying at Cardiff University who also has children and wants some free entertainment for the whole family. If this sounds like you

So please use this week as an opportunity to get anything off your chest and speak out!

Next week we are also launching our partnership campaign with the University around sexual harassment, violence and hate crime.

Join us on Friday for our march around the city to show solidarity and support for those who have been affected, we will be meeting in the Museum at 7pm.

Last but not least, we have been working with the University on their new campaign ‘Let’s Share’, which is all about mental health.

Keep your eyes open for all the different events!

competitions such as the Soloist Competition and the Grade-1-athon, as well as holding frequent fundraising events for charities based in the city.

Our most popular series of concerts include the weekly Lunchtime Concerts on Thursdays at 12pm in which

and you missed the opportunity to come to the other events - put Saturday 28th April 2018 in the diary! It is a great opportunity to come along and meet other student parents whilst getting the kids out the house and blowing off some steam.

Throughout this week hopefully you will see either myself (VP Heath Park) or some lovely smiling volunteers around campus with Speak Week cards for you to fill out. Please tell us your thoughts on ‘What would you do if you ran the University?’ We need all the comments we can get to create change within any area of the University or Students Union!

Therefore (I will say it again) pleaseeee write down anything and everything, this is YOUR University after all!

So … I am passionate about making the Heath an all-inclusive place to study, so that you, as future Healthcare pro-

our members can perform solo or ensemble pieces, to practise for recitals, gain performance credit for portfolios or just to improve confidence on stage.

These concerts are totally free to perform in and watch, and our charity concerts are often themed – look out

fessionals, might continue these links when working in multi-disciplinary teams. Therefore, with the help of my Exec Committee team, we are running ‘Inter-professional Yoga’ on Wednesday 28th February 1.30-2.30pm in the Heath Sports and Social Club. Everybody is welcome! All that we ask is for you to bring along your own yoga mat (if you have one) and a small donation (if you can) for Yoga Mobility. This is a charity who work with mentally and physically disabled individuals through yoga practice. See you there!

I hope a number of you will have already noticed that there are now two new microwaves and a hot water dispenser in the Main Hospital Common Room, this facility is open evenings AND weekends AND IT IS FOR ALL STUDENTS! Please use it; it took a lot of fire safety changes to allow the facility to be installed, so

for our Love vs Hate Concert on the 15th February in the Concert Hall to raise money for Music in Hospitals!

On the other hand, if you love music as much as we do but want to try something different and non-music related within the Society, the MuSoc Netball team also compete in matches against other Society teams every Wednesday and train at various points during the week.

Our Society is always looking to expand to include new ensembles and to create new performance and social events, so if you have any ideas that you’d like to see happen in the Music Society, let us know!

please enjoy it. Just watch this space for the installation of new bike racks ‘coming soon...

Have a great term everyone - as always message me or any of the other officers if you have any queries – VPHeathPark@ Cardiff.ac.uk or VP Heath Park on Facebook!

Pictured: CU Strings Concert Source: Music Society

Pictured: Hollie Cooke Kirsty Hepburn Source: Cardiff Students’ Union Website

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Watch this space for the installation of new bike racks

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What’s Cooke-in?

hat would you do if you ran the University? This week is particularly busy because it’s SPEAK WEEK! For those of you who don’t know, Speak Week is your opportunity to tell us what you want changed in the SU and the University.

So all week the Elected Officers and volunteers will be around campus with cards asking for your feedback.

I promise the comments we collect are then actually used to work in partnership with the University to make positive change.

BYWYD CAMPWS

25

Cardiff University Ladies’ Cricket Club

Deepali Poojara Member of Ladies’ Cricket Team

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ardiff Uni Ladies Cricket Club (CULCC) is a sports club just by what the name suggests. Those ladies who have a passion for cricket regardless of experience and ability are welcome.

We have a wide range from county level players to beginners who have merely watched cricket but never had a chance

to get their hands on a bat or ball.

We meet twice a week for training and fitness. Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 is fitness training and Sundays 10-12 we have our cricket training where players will practise various techniques including batting, bowling and fielding.

The first hour usually consists of practising these techniques and the second hour we put the skills into play when we use the nets and advise each other on how to better their techniques.

As well as training, there is an indoor cricket tournament in the Autumn semester held at the SWALEC stadium by Sophia Gardens. Ladies Cricket teams

from all over the UK (Swansea, Cardiff Met, Birmingham, UWE and Aberystwyth) go head to head over 2 days, usually on different weekends. This year, CULCC did fantastically and won 5/6 games.

Apart from training, we have regular socials which are held every 2 weeks – usually on Wednesdays. The socials are themed and there’s brutal forfeits for those who slack.

Previous themes have included: ABC – anything but clothes. This semester we look forward to Shit Shirt, Centurion and pub golf!

Don’t worry if you’re not a drinker, we

offer brilliant sober socials too! Last year we gorged ourselves at Walkabout during our Christmas meal. Later this year we’ll be getting uber competitive playing mini golf and going bowling.

For more info on future events or for anyone interested in attending practise, the Facebook group “Cardiff University Ladies Cricket Club” is where this info will be posted.

It would be great to see some new faces! Check out our page for latest information on Give It A Go!Also, you can follow our Instagram account “CULCC” to get the behind the scenes banter and see what us ladies get up to!

Cardiff University: Model United Nations

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or many of us, the world of political affairs and international relations is nothing less than a maze. Understanding the nuances of diplomacy, international law, charters, wars etc is not an easy task.

And things seem more confusing and scary for the future when you have non-conventional world leaders emerging, talks of walls being built and reports of human rights violations from every corner of the world.

Model United Nations Society has provided a platform for students to not only understand these issues, but step into the shoes of world leaders and try to solve complicated situations themselves by simulating United Nations sessions. The society started off in 2013, making it a relatively young society. Members use the training they get every week from the society committee and attend MUN conferences around the UK such as Oxford, Nottingham, Reading and Sheffield. Model United Nations Society initiated its own conference, namely CardiffMUN in

2014. The inaugural conference, the first ever in Wales, attracted around 100 delegates (participants) from all over the world. This led to CardiffMUN successfully making a mark in the UK MUN Circuit.

The debate style itself is unique.

Rather than debating a topic from an individualistic viewpoint, a person is assigned a country and then must represent the views of that nation. For example, you could be in Security Council, discussing the Syrian Civil War as the United States of America. This makes it interesting especially for those who might hold different or opposing views to the country that they have been assigned. While such debates happen once a week for 2 hours in the society sessions, a conference lasts for 3 whole days!

The society focuses on building skills such as public speaking, presentation, communication and leadership through their weekly sessions. Over the years, the society has grown in terms of involvement within the UK MUN Circuit and the

Cardiff Union itself.

Dea Gagoshidze, a final year politics student who is President of the society and Secretary-General of the conference, describes MUN as a way for students to “find their voice, ironically whilst representing that of another”. She goes on to describe the weekend of a conference as life changing, where one comes out with greater self confidence, new friends and of course a weekend of sleep deprivation.

In the UK MUN Circuit, their conference stands as the only established MUN conference in Wales, compared to the 3 that exist in Scotland, 2 that exist in Northern Ireland and multiple that exist in England. This has made the CardiffMUN conference a good advertising point for many students to visit the Welsh capital in all its beauty, with the opening ceremony taking place in locations such as the Welsh Assembly and Temple of Peace.

The conference, known for being budget friendly in order to make MUN accessible for everyone, made

a generous donation of 1100 pounds to three charities last year, namely, Welsh Hearts, Welsh Refugees and Ty Hafan.

So how does it feel being part of the organising team of such a conference? Dea describes the experience as being part of “one big, albeit stressful, family”. The planning starts approximately 10 months prior to the conference date.

On arrival, participants are given ‘delegate packs’ that consists of notebooks, pens, sticky notes and all other staple essentials you would require at any conference. But its not all seriousness and heated debates over the conference weekend.

Delegates get to unwind through a formal dinner at 4 star hotel and a club night. After all, even world leaders need to shake their leg a bit.

The 2018 edition of the conference is taking place from 9th-11th February. The organising team aka secretariat is hoping and working hard to build on the success of its previous editions and to continue to growth of CardiffMUN in the MUN circuit.

Pictured: A meeting room Source: Cozendo.

(Via Pixabay)

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MUN provides a platform for students to step into the shoes of world leaders

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MUN Society

26

TAF-OD

ENNILLWYR NEWYDDIADURAETH IAITH GYMRAEG GORAU YNG NGHYMRU 2017

taf-od

@cmccaerdydd | #GRTafod tafod@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/tafod

Radio Cymru 2 yn lansio i ymateb cymysg Yn y llun: Logo BBC Radio Cymru 2 (Tarddiad: BBC)

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ben gyda sioe rhwng 08:00 a 10:00 ar ddydd Sul. Er croesawyd y newyddion o ail sianel radio Cymraeg gan Gyfarwyddwr Cyffredinol y BBC, Tony Hall, mae’r ail sianel wedi cael ei feirniadu yn barod gan rai, prin wythnos ar ôl iddi gael ei lansio.

O fewn 24 awr o lansiad y sianel, beirniadwyd Radio Cymru 2 am ddarlledu caneuon Saesneg, yn ogystal â chaneuon Cymraeg. Dywedodd Aled Powell, cadeirydd grŵp digidol Cymdeithas yr Iaith, wrth Golwg 360, fod “rhoi unrhyw gynnwys Saesneg neu unrhyw iaith arall ar yr orsafoedd prin sydd gennym ni ar hyn o bryd ar draul yr iaith Gymraeg. A phob tro mae’r orsaf honno’n chwarae caneuon, neu’n siarad Saesneg

neu unrhyw iaith arall, mae’r iaith Gymraeg am ychydig funudau yn diflannu.”

I ychwanegu at drafferthion Radio Cymru 2, mae rhai gwrandawyr, yn enwedig pobl ifanc, wedi beirniadu’r dewis o gyflwynwyr ar gyfer y sianel. Wrth siarad â’r Tafod, dywedodd Harri Hughes, myfyriwr ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd: “Mae’r syniad o gael sianel arall yn wych, y mwyaf o amrywiaeth sydd i gael y gore ydi hi i’r Gymraeg. Ond mae’r ffaith bod cyflwynwr sydd wedi cael eu cyfle ar y radio yn barod, yn cael eu taflu ar rywbeth ddylai fod yn ffresh ac ecseiting, bach yn siomedig.”

Credir rhai nad yw’r dewis o gyflwynwyr, a chynnwys y sioeau, yn ddigon gwahanol i gyn-

nwys presennol Radio Cymru, ac nad ydynt yn ddigon i ddenu gwrandawyr newydd ac ifainc i’r sianel. Er bod yr ail sianel yn cynnig amrywiad i’r sioeau newyddion ar Radio Cymru, a fydd yn sicr yn denu rhai o wrandawyr arferol y sianel, wrth ddarlledu sioeau gan gyflwynwyr sydd eisoes yn darlledu ar Radio Cymru 2, mae pryder nad yw’r amrywiaeth yn ddigon i apelio at wrandawyr ifanc, a denu mwy o wrandawyr i wrando ar radio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Amser a ddengys a fydd yr ail sianel yn llwyddiannus ai peidio, ac a fyddent yn llwyddo i greu cynnwys arloesol, amrywiol a chyffrous a fydd yn apelio at wrandawyr newydd.

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Mae’r syniad o gael sianel arall yn wych...

Ond mae’r cyflwynwr sydd wedi cael eu cyfle, ar rywbeth ddylai fod yn ffresh ac ecseiting, bach yn siomedig

Dysgu Cymraeg gyda Taf-od | Learn Welsh with Taf-od Radio station | Sianel radio Shar-nel rad-yo Cyflwynwyr | Presenters Six Nations | Chwe Gwlad Kuv-looeen-whyr Chwe Goo-lard Manager | Hyfforddwr Hyff-or-thoor

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Osian Wyn Morgan

oedd yr wythnos ddiwethaf yn wythnos chwyldroadol a chyffrous i faes darlledu a chelfyddydau Cymru, gyda ‘Radio Cymru 2’, ail sianel radio BBC Cymru, yn cael ei lansio yn swyddogol. Cafodd y sianel newydd ei lansio blwyddyn ar ôl sianel dreial Radio Cymru, ‘Radio Cymru Mwy’ ddod i ben wedi rhedeg am gyfnod o 15 wythnos.

Ar hyn o bryd, darlledu yn ystod y boreau yn unig fydd Radio Cymru 2. Bydd cyflwynwyr profiadol fel Caryl Parry Jones, Dafydd Du a Huw Stephens yn cyflwyno rhwng 6:30 i 8:30 yn ystod yr wythnos, gyda Lisa Angharad yn cymryd yr awenau rhwng 07:00 a 9:00 ar ddydd Sadwrn, a Lisa Gwilym yn dod a darlledu’r wythnos i

TAF-OD

27

Sialens enfawr i Gymru wrth i’r Chwe Gwlad ailddechrau Eirian Jones

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Rhaid cydnabod y llwyddiant y mae Scarlets wedi gweld wrth chwarae rygbi agored yn hytrach na ‘Warren ball’

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ae twrw a bwrlwm y Chwe Gwlad wedi cyrraedd strydoedd Caerdydd. Fel y mae pawb wedi clywed erbyn hyn, mae Cymru yn wynebu argyfwng yn ôl rhai, gyda nifer o ffefrynnau Gatland wedi’u hanafu. Ond, onid yw hyn yn rhoi cyfle i nifer o berfformwyr gorau’r Pro 14 a Chynghrair yr Aviva i serennu ar lefel rhyngwladol?

Rhaid cydnabod y llwyddiant y mae chwaraewyr y Scarlets wedi gweld dros y misoedd diwethaf gan ragori yn y gynghrair ac yn Ewrop wrth chwarae rygbi agored yn hytrach na’r ‘Warren ball’ sydd wedi dyddio erbyn hyn. Mae Rhys Patchell wedi cael tymor anhygoel eleni wrth liwio cefnwyr y Scarlets ac mae ei allu i reoli gêm wedi gwella’n fawr o dan arweiniad Stephen Jones. Edrychaf ymlaen at ei weld yn gwisgo’r crys rhif deg yn y Chwe Gwlad eleni, yn sgil anafiadau i Dan Biggar a Rhys Priestland. Dyma gyfle iddo ddistewi’r rhai sydd yn credu y dylai Biggar ddechrau i Gymru yng Nghwpan y Byd 2019. Ond a allai barhau i chwarae gyda’r hyder y

mae wedi ei ddangos ar Barc y Sgarlets, ar y llwyfan rhyngwladol?

Safle arall lle y gall y Cymry ifanc ddangos eu sgil a’u potensial yw ar yr asgell, gyda’r athrylith o Ysgol y Strade ar yr asgell chwith, a prif sgoriwr Cynghrair yr Aviva yn dechrau ar y dde. Unwaith eto, mae Steff Evans wedi cael tymor anhygoel (ac eithrio ambell i garden goch), ac wedi parhau gyda’i record sgori ceisiau y tymor yma. Mae o wedi dangos ei sgil eleni ac y llynedd yn erbyn rhai o fawrion Ewrop. Mae Josh Adams wedi codi i ddod yn enw cyfarwydd iawn eleni ymysg dilynwyr Cynghrair yr Aviva.

Wedi’r cyfan efe sydd wedi sgorio’r mwyaf o geisiau yn y gynghrair hyd yma eleni, ac wrth chwarae i Worcester, tîm sydd dim ond un safle o waelod y tabl. Gobeithio y gall barhau gyda’r nodwedd yma o’i gêm wrth iddo chwarae i Gymru.

Rhaid trafod James Davies yn yr erthygl hon. Efe heb gwestiwn, yw’r blaen asgellwr gorau yng Nghymru.

Os yr ydych yn anghytuno, cerwch i wylio ei berfformiadau i’r Scarlets

Yn y llun: Stadiwm y Principality, (Tarddiad: Seth Whales drwy Wikimedia)

dros y tymhorau diwethaf. Gobeithio y bydd Warren yn gweld y goleuni a’i ddewis erbyn y gêm nesaf a chawn ni weld ‘Cubby boi’ yng nghrys rhif saith Cymru cyn bo hir.

Ond sut y bydd Cymru yn gwneud yn y Chwe Gwlad eleni? Yn anffodus, nid ydwyf yn credu y bydd Cymry yn cipio’r tlws eleni, a chredaf bydd yr Albanwyr yn gorffen ar frig y tabl eleni, ond heb gyflawni’r Gamp Lawn.

Mae Gregor Townsend wedi gwneud gwyrthiau i’r Albanwyr. Gellir gweld

y gwahaniaeth wrth edrych ar eu canlyniadau yn erbyn Awstralia a Seland Newydd. Mae bygythiad Hogg, a Seymour yn mynd i ofni amddiffyn pob tîm. Mae’r Gwyddelod hefyd yn edrych yn gryf, gyda Leinster a Munster yn llwyddiannus yn y gynghrair ac yn Ewrop, a’r Saeson wastad yn fygythiad o dan arweiniad Eddie Jones.

Credaf bydd y Ffrancwyr yn bresennol i ryw hanner y gemau a bydd yr Eidal yn ddibynnol unwaith yn rhagor ar y bytholwyrdd Parisse.

Yn y llun: Hyfforddwr newydd tîm cenedlaethol Cymru Ryan Giggs wedi’w amgylchynnu gan drydariadau, (Tarddiad: Surian Soosay drwy Flickr)

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‘Sgidiau mawr i’w llenwi gan Giggs Llion Carbis

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Mae pwyslais gormodol wedi’i thalu tuag at y testun o Giggs a’i ddiffyg presenoldeb yng ngemau cyfeillgar

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nghofiwch am yr ymryson rhwng y cefnogwyr, mae rhaid i Giggs brofi ei allu ar gyfer y swydd.

Yn hanes pêl-droed Cymru, anodd ydyw i gofio unigolyn a oedd wedi llwyddo i uno cenhedlaeth o gefnogwyr cystal â Chris Coleman.

Mewn amgylchiadau trychinebus a chymharol anobeithiol, fe arddangosodd yr hudoliaeth a’r hunangred i ysbrydoli’r garfan i brofi cyraeddiadau digynsail. Nawr, Ryan Giggs sy’n ysgwyddo’r baich i efelychu’r llwyddiant y profwyd Coleman fel hyfforddwr tîm cenedlaethol Cymru.

Yn ddiamheuol, mae apwyntiad Giggs wedi corddi nifer helaeth o gefnogwyr, tra bod sawl unigolyn wedi’i bodloni gan y newyddion. Yr

hyn sy’n allweddol i ni – y cefnogwyr – yw parhau i lynu’n dynn tuag at ein mantra, ‘Gorau Chwarae, Cyd Chwarae’. Wedi’r cyfan, y fath undod a ffyddlondeb a oedd wedi cymeriadu cyfnod fwyaf llewyrchus carfan Cymru.

Serch hynny, mae pawb yn meddu ar y cyfle i leisio eu safbwyntiau, a chredaf fod Giggs ei hun yn synhwyro ei fod yn wynebu her gymharol sylweddol i uno carfan o gefnogwyr sydd - i raddau - wedi’i hollti gan y penderfyniad.

Mae pwyslais gormodol wedi’i thalu tuag at y testun o Giggs a’i ddiffyg presenoldeb yng ngemau cyfeillgar dros ei wlad. Hoffwn anghofio am y drafodaeth yma yn llwyr, a ffocysu a’r pwyntiau eraill sydd wedi cyfrannu at yr anfodlon-

rwydd sydd wedi amgylchynu apwyntiad arwr Manchester United.

Yn ystod ei yrfa fel chwaraewr, fe lwyddodd Giggs i bentyrru cyfanswm parchus o 64 o gapiau dros ei wlad, yn ymestyn dros gyfnod o 16 blwyddyn. Fodd bynnag, fe barhaodd Giggs i chwarae pêldroed ar ran Manceinion am 7 tymor ychwanegol a’r ôl ymddeol o bêl-droed rhyngwladol. Yr awydd i gynrychioli ei glwb am gyfnod estynedig oedd wrth graidd ei benderfyniad i ddiweddu ei yrfa gyda Chymru, ac felly blaenoriaethwyd ei glwb dros ei wlad.

Ymhellach, hyd yn oed ar ôl gorffen ei yrfa fel chwaraewr ac ar ôl profi cyfnod buddiol fel ishyfforddwr Manchester United, roedd Giggs yn gweithio a’r rhan

ITV yn sylwebu ar gemau rhyngwladol Lloegr – roedd rhai ohonynt yn ymddangos ar yr un pryd a gemau Cymru. Ydych chi’n gallu dychmygu Gareth Bale yn eistedd a’r panel o sylwebwyr yn trafod Lloegr yn rheolaidd ar ôl iddo ymddeol?

Fel y sonnir eisoes, mae’n hanfodol bod cefnogwyr Cymru yn aros yn unedig mewn cefnogaeth ddiwrthdro i’r tîm. Heb amheuaeth, rydym ar borth cyfnod hynod o gyffrous ac addawol yn hanes ein gwlad. Ond, rhaid cydnabod bod y fath pwyntiau (a thrafodwyd uchod) yn llwyddo i ystumio portread Giggs fel ‘Cymro angerddol’ – naratif roedd Giggs yn hynod awyddus i bwysleisio yn ei ymddangosiad swyddogol cyntaf fel hyfforddwr Cymru.

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28 SIX NATIONS

Wales

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In terms of where Wales will finish, it could genuinely go one of two (well, six...) ways.

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Whilst Italy has also made significant progress, it seems unlikely they will be able to convert that into victories in this current climate.

erhaps the most eagerly anticipated time of year for most Welsh rugby fans, the Six Nations is upon us. This year, though, holds a different feeling; a nervous excitement without any real expectation. There hasn’t quite been a period (the 2015 World Cup aside) under Gatland’s stewardship whereby so many first choice players have been missing, and given the unfulfilling displays of the Autumn series, this year’s competition is an altogether different beast for those of us in red.

Considering the team that’s been announced to play against Scotland in the opening round, one could be forgiven for having a flashback to Gatland & co’s inaugural opener a decade ago. Instead of a team dominated by Ospreys, we have a XV filled to the brim with Scarlets - a Welsh team which has been picked based on form instead of largely

Italy

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s usual, Italy enter this year’s Six Nations as firm underdogs.

The strides made by England, Ireland and Scotland in the last couple of years has created a competition which is arguably the strongest it has ever been.

Whilst Italy has also made significant progress, it seems unlikely they will be able to convert that into victories in this current climate.

Place this Italy side in the Six Nations four or five years ago and it may well be a different story, but at present it will again be a case of avoiding the Wooden Spoon being an unexpected bonus.

Irishman Conor O’Shea is preparing for his second tournament at the helm and has clearly got a vision for where Italian rugby is heading.

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There is a huge strength in depth in English rugby that few other teams can match

fter a controversial set of matches in the autumn, where England blew cold (against Argentina) and hot (against Samoa and Australia), the challenge of rugby’s greatest tournament once again rises to face Eddie Jones’ side, who are aiming to become the first nation to win the tournament three times consecutively.

The 2018 edition of the tournament also marks the halfway point in Eddie Jones’ four-year project to craft England into the world’s best side and win the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Whether those objectives remain on track will depend on what this England team can produce in the five matches that follow.

At a glance, England’s task appears easier when compared to last year, as they will play Wales and Ireland, two of the hardest matches from last year’s tournament, at Twickenham, with

Scotland

by Sion Jones being dependent on previous showings in the Welsh camp environment.

While the team, and indeed the wider squad, that has been selected might yield a cry of “finally!” from the Welsh public, it must be noted that this is probably the most unpredictable selection Gatland has made. Yes, this is a very positive Wales line-up, one formed by a bulk of players who have been excelling on the domestic scene, but it is a largely untested one. That is aside from the back row fielding of Shingler and Navidi, one of the rare successes of the recent Autumn campaign.

Anyone worth their Welsh rugby salt will know how important it is to get the fly-half selection right. Without adding to the already massive pressure resting on his shoulders, to say that Rhys Patchell will be one of the key players in the upcoming tournament is noth-

ing short of an understatement. Though his international experience is limited in comparison with the likes of Ford, Sexton and Russell, he will be key to any chance Wales have of succeeding in this Six Nations - what he can offer is a wildness and spontaneity, sometimes at the expense of control, but it is precisely for that reason that Patchell’s selection should excite us.

Ross Moriarty has a key role to play.

Having missed an enormous amount of rugby - his return from an injury sustained on the Lions tour was only a couple of weeks ago - he will need to be at his explosive and abrasive best. That said, the Scarlets-heavy pack should be able to offer some dynamic ball carrying and skillful handling, and as ever the evergreen Alun Wyn Jones will set the standards among the squad.

So it is that Wales have an opportunity

to finally deliver on the promises made by the likes of Gatland & co about an evolved style of play. In terms of where Wales will finish, it could genuinely go one of two (well, six...) ways. Either we should brace ourselves for another frustrating campaign of near-misses and below par performances, or we could see a team that embodies what we love about the game. Here’s hoping it’s the latter.

Editors’ Predictions: Rich: 3rd Molly: 5th Mark: 5th Reece: 4th Liam : 4th

Cardiff February 3rd

England

London February 10th

Ireland

Dublin February 24th

Italy

Cardiff March 11th

France

Cardiff March 17th

Fixtures England

by Rich Jones It appears something is bubbling away nicely and, whilst it may not manifest itself in the table, it is expected to show in performances on the field.

Pro14 sides Zebre and Treviso are enjoying their most successful seasons yet, with Treviso in particular more than holding their own in the competition.

The youthful squad features some rising stars, such as exciting 20-yearold back row Giovani Licata who is being tipped to play a big role.

21-year-old Matteo Minozi is another one to watch and has the potential to fill in and make a difference anywhere across the back three.

Alongside their youthful exuberance is the experience and ability which will continue to be vital for the Azzuri.

England

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Fixtures

Skipper Sergio Parisse remains a colossal figure at the heart of the side.

Arguably the best player in the entire competition despite his advancing years, he can take the fight to teams almost on his own.

Scrum half Edoardo Gori has been in majestic form for Treviso and has been integral to their success, whilst his partnership with outside half Tommaso Allan could cause teams plenty of problems, particularly if they chase bonus points and allow the game to open up.

It is unfortunate that at present there are no real weak links in the competition. The Scottish side who were once a rival for the wooden spoon have advanced into potential title contenders, whilst France and Wales still possess plenty of power.

Those two fixtures provide perhaps

the best chance for a win, but trips to Paris and Cardiff show the fixture list has been far from kind.

In reality, Italy are still a work in progress and will more than likely prop up the standings, but O’Shea will be hopeful they can restrict teams, particularly in Rome, and give them a real scare with a view to being in a position to gradually become contenders in years to come.

Editors’ Predictions: Rich: 6th Molly: 6th Mark: 6th Reece: 6th Liam: 6th

Rome February 4th

Ireland

Dublin February 10th

France

Marseille February 23rd

Wales

Cardiff March 11th

Scotland Rome March 17th

Fixtures Italy

by Sam Saunders

the Irish game once again falling on St Patrick’s Day weekend and the last day of the competition, setting up the potential for a tournament-deciding contest.

However, France in Paris and in particular, Scotland at Murrayfield, could represent potential stumbling blocks, as the Scots had an incredible autumn, whereas France have a point to prove after the appointment of a new head coach, Jacques Brunel. One would hope that England’s first task of beating Italy in Rome should be relatively straightforward, however, memories linger of Italy’s anti-ruck tactics at Twickenham last year.

England’s bid for this year’s tournament has also been weakened by injuries and suspensions for several key players, which has most notably left them with a lack of options at number

8, as Billy Vunipola is ruled out with a broken arm and Nathan Hughes is set to miss at least the first three rounds.

Elliot Daly will also be a big miss, but England were boosted by the return of Chris Robshaw, Mike Brown and Jack Nowell ahead of the trip to Italy.

Eddie Jones has been keen to play the underdog card in recent weeks, regarding Scotland and Ireland as favourites rather than his own team. Despite this, it would be crazy to deny that England are not among at least three teams that have the potential to win it, as even the old cliché about this being ‘the most open Six Nations in years’ seems rather apt this time around.

A second grand slam in three years seems unlikely due to the strength of this year’s competition and the difficulties in playing and winning away in Europe. As demonstrated during the

summer of 2017 and England’s tour of Argentina, there is a huge strength in depth in English rugby that few other teams can match, and Jones will relish the chance to further improve his options ahead of the World Cup. Ultimately though, as I wrote here last year, England fans have got used to their team winning, and if Eddie Jones’ project is set to continue, and his tenure to last beyond the world cup, that is what the team must keep up.

Editors’ Predictions: Rich: 2nd Molly: 1st Mark: 1st Reece: 1st Liam : 1st

Rome February 4th

Wales

London February 10th

Scotland

Edinburgh February 24th

France

Paris March 10th

Ireland

London March 17th

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CHWE GWLAD

France

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Brunel has a tough job on his hands, with France only winning three out of eleven matches in 2017

t’s all change for France this year, as Les Bleus have a new head coach in Jacques Brunel. The 64-year-old was most recently coach of Bordeaux Bègles, and before that the Italian national team from 2012-2016. He had mixed success in Italy, failing to qualify for the quarterfinals of Rugby World Cup 2015 and finishing bottom of the Six Nations twice, but in 2013 he also led them to equal their best ever positon of fourth in the Championship.

Brunel has a tough job on his hands, with France only winning three out of 11 matches in 2017 with no victories coming after last year’s Six Nations, a tournament in which they put up a respectable showing. Results dipped however, including a 3-0 series defeat in South Africa, and it was a 23-23 draw with Japan in Paris which saw former Toulouse supremo Guy Noves get the sack. Off-field

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Ireland’s expectations should be no less than winning the Championship.

n my opinion Ireland are the most improved nation since last year.

After a relatively slow Six Nations, Joe Schmidt managed a successful summer tour against USA and Japan which allowed new players to be capped while the Lions stars had a very positive summer in New Zealand. After the Autumn internationals, Ireland are now seven matches without a loss which includes a record win over the Springboks in the Aviva Stadium. Ireland are heading into this year with a solid game plan implemented by Schmidt and a healthy run of form.

Leinster and Munster have been unstoppable in Europe, both topping their Champions Cup groups, giving the Irish players in the camp will have an aura of confidence and positivity.

The 36-man squad selected is arguably the strongest in the tournament, the

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S

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Under new coach Gregor Townsend, Scotland have discovered a new found creativity and determination.

Ireland

by Rhys Thomas The injury list for France is a depressing read, although they are not alone in this. They will sorely miss Wesley Fofana and Brice Dulin who are both exciting attacking options, whilst Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez both brought stability to the team. Whether the youngsters can step up in the absence of those four among others will be one of the more interesting questions that will be answered during the next couple of months.

Their first fixture is against Ireland in Paris (played after the time of writing) and they are certainly the underdog with the Irish favoured by many as tournament winners. The fixture list is in France’s favour this year however with three home matches, including one against Brunel’s former charges in Marseille’s impressive Vélodrome.

France have not won a Six Nations title since 2010, and their gradual degra-

dation as a team has been damaging not only for the tournament but for world rugby. Once feared for both toughness and free-flowing rugby, their status in the sport has never been lower. A tophalf finish this year would be a good showing and put them firmly on the path back to rugby redemption.

Editors’ Predictions: Rich: 5th Molly: 4th Mark: 4th Reece: 5th Liam: 5th

Paris February 3rd

Scotland

Edinburgh February 11th

Italy

Marseille February 23rd

England Paris March 10th

Wales

Cardiff March 17th

Fixtures France

by Keiran Manetta-Jones

strength in depth in every position even exceeds Eddie Jones’ England. Schmidt has made some tough selections which involve the exclusions of Scarlets inform lock Tadhg Beirne and Irish fan favourite Simon Zebo.

These decisions, however, display and enforce the ideology of the management to select players that are committed to playing in Ireland. This has allowed many young talents to receive their call up such as Jordan Lamour and Jacob Stockdale. The squad feels very balanced with a healthy mix of youth and experience without seeming forced by a large list of injuries.

Ireland will need their key players to perform consistently over the course of the tournament heading into the latter stages where they will face arguably their toughest opponents.

Conor Murray was one of the most

Scotland

cotland head into this year’s Six Nations with an expectation to perform from the Scottish public.

The Scots last won the tournament then know as the Five Nations - in 1999.

Since 2000, Scotland have only managed to conjure up a best of 3rd place.

But, with an impressive set of Autumn Internationals under their belt, Scotland have the best chance in a number of years to challenge for the title.

Under new coach Gregor Townsend, Scotland have discovered a new found creativity and determination. With a more expansive brand of rugby and star men Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell at the centre of play, Scotland finished the Autumn Internationals with plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

Most impressively, Scotland beat Australia 53-24 at Murrayfield dur-

Fixtures

problems such as Mathieu Bastareaud’s ban for using a homophobic slur and a police investigation of Federation President Bernard Laporte have contributed to a negative aura around the squad.

The new man has gone for a much more youthful squad and some of the older guard like the titanic Louis Picamoles having been left out of the squad despite being a focal point for the team in recent years. Matthieu Jalibert the teenage outside-half from Bordeaux is in line for his first cap, and Anthony Belleau has been playing in the same position for Toulon at the age of twenty-one.

He was described admiringly by former England international Stuart Barnes as a “cocky little kid”. Whilst Belleau has played for the national team on a few occasions, injuries have brought both him and Jalibert much more to the fore on this occasion.

Ireland

29

valuable players on the Lions tour in New Zealand and is the go-to man in the Irish setup. Schmidt has built a game plan around the abilities of the scrum half with his world class box kicking and physicality in open play. Ireland’s game plan encourages running rugby with an emphasis on keeping the ball in play for as long as possible. Murray is often the key decision maker in the team, along with Jonathan Sexton they meticulously construct scoring opportunities through multiple phases and create space out wide.

The Irish forwards are always very dominant and physical with a solid scrum and talented, powerful individual players. Rory Best will continue his captaincy and lead from the front. Ireland’s pack will be crucial in allowing the backline to play on the front foot as they carry the ball to the gain line and make

vital metres. The biggest blow to Ireland Sean O’Brien who underwent hip surgery after returning from New Zealand.

O’Brien is a key player for Ireland and will be extremely hard to replace despite the strength in depth the back row has.

Ireland’s expectations should be no less than winning the Championship.

The strong, settled squad and great run of form will provide positivity in the camp for the campaign.

Editors’ Predictions: Rich: 1st Molly: 2nd Mark: 2nd Reece: 2nd Liam: 3rd

Paris February 3rd

Italy

Dublin February 10th

Wales

Dublin February 24th

Scotland Dublin March 10th

England Twickenham March 17th

Fixtures Wales

by Reece Chambers

ing the Autumn. Not only that, but Scotland also pushed world number one, New Zealand, right to the wire in a narrow 22-17 defeat in Edinburgh.

If Scotland are to challenge for the Six Nations title this year, they will need to replicate their performances that earned the respect of both Australia and New Zealand.

To kick off their campaign, Scotland come to Cardiff to face Wales at the Principality Stadium. Whilst Welsh performances in the Autumn Internationals may not have given Scotland too many reasons to be worried, the Scots have failed to win in Cardiff since 2002.

That said, they did break a nine-year losing streak last season with a 29-13 victory at Murrayfield. Consequently, Scotland will be hopeful of kicking their campaign off with a bang in the Welsh capital.

If Scotland are to succeed in the tournament, fixtures against England and Ireland will certainly be crucial.

Having not beat England for ten years, Townsend’s men will believe this is their best opportunity to upset the history books and defeat the tournament favourites. A trip to the Aviva Stadium to face Ireland, too, will be an extremely tough test. However, if Scotland are to gain anything from this year’s Six Nations, they must leave one of these fixtures with a win.

On one hand, it is tempting to think Scotland will produce the swashbuckling rugby they delivered to Australia and New Zealand in the autumn. However, on the other hand, it must be noted that Scotland, like other teams, come into the tournament with notable injuries that could hamper their chances.

In particular, the injury-hit front row may be Scotland’s greatest weakness.

Zandar Ferguson, Darryl Marfo and Fraser Brown will all miss out for at least two of the Six Nations games.

With the front row taking a serious blow, it will be up to less experienced players to step in and provide a platform for the Scottish backs to deliver their expansive style of rugby.

Editors’ Predictions: Rich: 4th Molly: 3rd Mark: 4rd Reece: 3rd Liam: 2nd

Cardiff February 3rd

France

Edinburgh February 11th

England

Edinburgh February 24th

Ireland

Dublin March 10th

Italy

Rome March 17th

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30 SPORT

BUCS Highlights

Best of Social Media

CULRFC overcome Swansea 29-7

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fter a restful Christmas break, the girls first BUCs match of the year was to be a derby between Cardiff and Swansea. The previous encounter between the teams was a tight fought contest with Cardiff coming away with the victory, the score being 24-17. The game began with a quick Swansea score off the first kick off but the girls didn’t let this affect their attitude. The girls quickly gained possession again and began turning the screws on the Swansea defence.

The forwards carried hard, sucking in the defence, allowing the backs to play the ball. The conditions gave both teams some mishaps with the pitch and ball being wet and slippery. Cardiff managed to gain their scores through Liliana Podpadec, Morfudd Ifans, Maeve Liston, Gen Harvey and Claire Morgan with Jess Coxon slotting over a conversion. The game was a tough battle with Swansea pressing the Cardiff defence whenever they had possession. The Cardiff

team played the game with the majority of possession and worked the ball through the forwards who carried hard into the Swansea defence. Cardiff scrummaged with great effect putting the Swansea forwards under a lot of pressure. The turnover rate was high with Cardiff being able to gain more possession to play with. The backs were allowed to play with ball in hand and show Swansea some class. Swansea did put up a fight with some strong ball carrying, however, the Cardiff defence held firm and did not allow any breakthroughs.

This confirms Cardiff’s winning ability.

There have been mixed results across the BUCs season so far, but these two victories against Swansea set the Cardiff team in a strong position for Varsity. Of course, there are plenty of improvements to be made. The conditions may have been poor but there were handling errors that cost Cardiff points, while this didn’t affect the end result, there were more opportunities

to stretch the victory Cardiff had. Overall, the girls performed incredibly well in what was inevitably going to be a tough game with Swansea throwing everything they had at us. However, the girls showed incredible grit and determination throughout the whole 80 minutes to put an impressive performance up against Swansea.

The forwards carried hard and the backs executed well, carrying on playing until the last whistle. The score finished 29-7 to Cardiff. Each member of the team put their all into the victory and it provides a good platform to work from in the run up to Varsity on the 25th April. With Cardiff having beaten Swansea twice this season, there is every chance the girls can make it a third but it will certainly be a tough match with Swansea wanting to gain that victory against Cardiff after suffering two defeats, their only defeats of the season so far. Next week Cardiff will take on Cardiff Met in another local derby.

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Introducing the @cardiffuni netball club from 1920! We think that @Cardiff_Netball should bring back the shirts, ties, blazers, dresses and interesting mascot for @TheWelshVarsity !! ⚍ď¸?đ&#x;”´ @CardiffUniSport

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Molly Ambler

Cobras play-off hopes hang in the balance

Cobras talisman Ross Ludlow is swallowed up by UWE tacklers in last week’s defeat.

(Via Paul Jenkins)

Keiran ManettaJones Cardiff Blues Columnist

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lets’ end zone, only to fail to punch the ball in for a score.

And when the hosts marched 90 yards down field to go 30-8 up it all but ended the game as a contest.

The visitors did show plenty of character in the fourth quarter, securing the

air Rhydd returns for the new year, that means it’s time to catch up on all the Blues’ action over the Christmas period. Boxing day saw the start of the Christmas derbies, with the Blues making the trip to the Rodney Parade, for what was a reasonably comfy victory for the away team despite a late burst of momentum by the Dragons which saw them rewarded with a try in the 72nd minute. Next up on New Year’s Eve were the in-form welsh region and champions, the Scarlets faced an inspired performance in the first half from Danny Wilson’s men, with all the momentum on their

last score of the game with Ludlow receiving a lateral pass from Max McNeilSmith for a touchdown in the corner.

However, it was too little too late and their disappointing effort left them desperately needing to regroup ahead of the remainder of the campaign.

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I’ve been selected to represent @BUCSsport and @CardiffUniSport at the World University Shooting Champs in KL, Malaysia in March đ&#x;˜Š @CoralKennerley

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3rd in the Keirin minor final...I’ll take that! Same rider that crashed into me in quals crashed right in front of me in that race too...luckily avoided just rode this race for some experience so can only be chuffed with the outcome â˜şď¸? @SophieLankford

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Pictured:

C

ardiff Cobras play-off hopes are hanging on a knife-edge after a disappointing 38-16 defeat to arch rivals UWE last Sunday.

The Cobras returned to action after the Christmas break knowing a victory would see them go top of the BUCS 1A South West table.

Yet they came out flat and were second best throughout as the Bullets instead seized the initiative and moved to 3-1 with a comfortable victory.

Sean Patrick Cook’s side now have a 2-2 record and will realistically need to win their remaining games to stand a chance of reaching the post-season for the third straight season, starting when they head to Plymouth on Sunday.

The Bullets came out firing and scored on their first possession, and things got worse for Cardiff when their first offensive play of the game was intercepted.

They nonetheless bounced back to tie things up as running back Ross Ludlow raced in for a 25-yard rushing touchdown.

Yet it was their only positive note before half-time, as UWE moved into a 22-8 lead at the interval to take control.

The Cobras started the second half nicely with a composed drive leaving them knocking on the door of the Bul-

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Rich Jones

side. However, despite the pressure, many opportunities failed to be converted into points and the resilience of the champions shone through as they grinded out a crucial 11-14 win in The Arms Parks. The final derby was an away clash with the struggling Ospreys, with Cardiff heading into the match as likely favourites.

It was an enthralling game with momentum swinging between the two sides for the entirety of the match. Ospreys’ Half backs displayed why they are Wales’ first choice with outstanding performances from Webb and Biggar to increase the home teams lead. A late

fight back lead by Anscombe managed to reduce the points difference down to one but that was set to be the final score after a truly well fought match.

Overall, a few positive performances but without the points to back it up.

Despite the disappointment, there could be a possible string of winnable games on the horizon for the Blues, having not lost many players to Wales’ call ups and a generous fixture list pitting them against weakened opposition during the Six Nation’s runtime.

Another part to the season is the Challenge Cup. The second-tier European tournament has been the high-

light of Danny Wilson’s campaign so far this season. the capital welsh region had already topped their group before the last round where they played their final pool match in Lyon and secured another win.

Highlights of the pool include a double win over French giants Toulon and a welcome return to form for Gareth Anscombe, who played outstanding when shifted to his old regular full back position. Cardiff Blues will now travel to Edinburgh on the 31st of March for what should be an exciting clash after the Blues lost to the Scots in the opening round of the Pro14.

CHWARAEON

31

Ryan Giggs named new Wales manager - but does he have the right credentials for the job?

Oilver Allen

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It therefore seems slightly baffling that the country currently ranked 19th in the world believe that he is good enough to manage on the international stage.

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Dan Gibson Cardiff City Columnist

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yan Giggs’ appointment as Wales national football team manager has divided many fans, and for me it seems little more than a PR stunt. Has he been given the job because of his qualities as coach? Probably not. Has he been given the job because of his stellar playing career and legendary status? Almost certainly.

Because let’s be honest here, what has Giggs done with his coaching badges since retiring at the end of the 2013/14 season? He looked blankly on as assistant manager during Louis van Gaal’s time as Manchester United manager, before departing Old Trafford once Jose Mourinho had arrived.

He was then interviewed by Swansea City for the manager’s role in October 2016 but lost out to Bob Bradley.

After being rejected by the side bottom of the Premier League at the time, the countless other teams who have sacked their manager in the 17 months since seem not to have even considered Giggs as a replacement, which is hardly a glowing endorsement. It therefore seems slightly baffling that the country currently ranked 19th in the world believe that he is good enough to manage on the international stage.

Giggs’ lack of experience as a manager also means it is unknown if he is actually any good. Being a talented player certainly doesn’t equivalate to being a talented coach, whilst the suggestion that just because someone was managed by Sir Alex Ferguson for over two decades means that they will inherit the great man’s qualities seems absurd. Gary Neville’s disastrous four-month spell at Valencia should have put to bed that myth once and for all.

Whilst Giggs may command respect and admiration from the squad due to his trophy-laden career, he doesn’t seem like a man who is

W

hen Pep ‘football as an artform’ Guardiola first shot to the attention of the world nearly a decade ago, it would have been hard to picture him going toe-to-toe with Neil Warnock. Yet that was exactly what happened last Sunday afternoon as the Spaniard’s all-conquering Manchester City came to the Cardiff City stadium for a fourth round FA Cup tie. It was, understandably, a grandstand occasion and one of the highlights of the season.

On paper, Cardiff were going to be annihilated. The financial gap between the teams at the very top of the league and those one tier below is becoming farci-

that good at inspiring or galvanizing a team. On television appearances as a pundit and even in his first press conference as Wales boss, Giggs’ monotonous tone portrays him as dull and uncharismatic – adjectives that should not be used when describing footballer managers, but all too often are.

Then comes the issue that many fans see as the most pertinent concern.

When playing for the national team, Giggs was heavily criticised for pulling out of squads for friendly matches.

All of his first 25 caps were competitive games, as he missed 18 successive friendlies between 1991, his debut, and 2000. That asks the obvious question – if he couldn’t motivate himself for those games, how is he going to motivate an entire team?

For me, appointing an iconic big name such as Giggs should come at a time when something is needed to make the public unite behind the team and draw more fans in. But that isn’t an issue for Wales at the moment.

After reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and then agonisingly close to the World Cup play-offs, the Welsh public look to be more in support of the national team than ever. As legendary a figure that Giggs may be, he

isn’t going to increase the country’s enthusiasm for the squad (mainly as it probably can’t be increased). That’s not to say that his appointment will have the opposite effect, but a feelgood boost that’s good for PR was not what was needed. What was required was a smooth transition from Chris Coleman’s reign, a factor that seemed to place his assistant Osian Roberts, also the FAW Technical Director, as the perfect candidate. The decision by Coleman himself to leave for Championship strugglers Sunderland seems increasingly strange. Although there are questions over Giggs’ experience, it is worth nothing that the Welsh FA achieved relative success in the past through appointing untried managers. Mark Hughes was still playing when he took the role in 1999, and took the Dragons from a bad patch to a European Championships qualification play-off – a stage they had previously never reached.

Meanwhile, the late Gary Speed had just four months in charge

cal – on Sunday, Manchester City’s starting XI had cost over £400m pounds to assemble; Cardiff ’s just £9m. It’s a hard truth, but there are some gaps in quality that no amount of effort or team ethic will ever be able to bridge, and this was just such an occasion.

However, there was something special in watching Warnock’s tireless, no-frills side take on arguably the best team in Europe; and for the first half at least the game was as dramatic as anything else this year.

From the outset, it was obvious that Guardiola’s effortlessly clinical side was going to produce an entirely different

of Sheffield United on his CV upon his appointment in 2010 before taking the country from 117th (an all-time low) to 45th in the rankings.

Whilst it will sadly never be known how far the former midfielder could have taken the team, there was a true feeling that he was really creating something in charge. Giggs should take heart from Hughes and Speed’s tenures, and has admitted himself that “the way to combat [criticism] is to win games”.

There is no doubt that he is inheriting a great squad featuring star names Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey as well as exciting youth prospects Ben Woodburn and Ethan Ampadu. By qualifying for Euro 2020 and perhaps even a first World Cup since 1958, the 44-year-old would certainly answer his critics and then some. Can he do it? Only time will tell.

sort of match to the heavily physical Championship games that the Bluebirds have become used to. This didn’t stop the terraces from labelling him “just a s*** Neil Warnock,” however.

The game itself ultimately produced more talking points than the average podcast. De Bruyne’s perfect free kick to open the scoring by simply rolling the ball under the jumping wall into the bottom corner was one of many moments this season where he’s made the unfathomable look ludicrously easy. Elsewhere, Bernardo Silva’s bizarrely disallowed super-strike will surely be added to the argument in favour of VAR, while Joe

Pictured: Ryan Giggs being unveiled as Wales manager last month (via FAW).

Bennett and Fernandinho had an ongoing competition for the most horrific tackle – Bennett emerged the victor after taking out Leroy Sane with the surgical precision of a sledgehammer.

In the end, Manchester City came away with an expected 2-0 victory, and you’d have to say that they were highly unfortunate not to have more. Yet for those who left the match disappointed, it’s worth considering that they have torn holes in the rest of the continent already this season – and often by more than two. The only question for Cardiff to answer now is: how long before they come back?

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Welsh Varsity returns to Swansea for 2018

Mark Wyatt

T

he annual Welsh Varsity will be held in Swansea this year on Wednesday 25 April.

The popular event, now in its 22nd year, will see both Cardiff and Swansea University do battle in over 40 different sports to claim the Varsity Shield.

The showpiece rugby match will once again be hosted at the Liberty Stadium, last used in 2016 when Swansea prevailed 16-10.

Swansea will be hoping to repeat their 2017 success, which saw them pick up

their maiden Varsity shield after an investigation into the use of ineligible players

by Cardiff saw them relinquish their title.

The Cardiff University Students’ Union responded at the time with a pledge to see the shield return to the Welsh capital in 2018.

“Cardiff will pass the shield to Swansea University for the first time, we trust that Swansea will look after the shield for the next 12 months before it returns to its home in Cardiff in 2018.”

The 2018 events will take place at the

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usual International Sports Centre on Sketty Lane in Swansea and tickets are expected to sell out quickly as usual.

The Welsh Varsity began in 1997 at Cardiff Arms Park and has since been held in numerous stadia across South Wales.

Brewery Field in Bridgend, considered a neutral location, held the event between 2003-2007 whilst Swansea’s Liberty Stadium and Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium have become the chosen host venues for the rugby match in recent years.

Cardiff have taken home the Varsity Shield on 21 out of 22 occasions but they have struggled to repeat this success in the showpiece rugby match with Swansea leading the way with 13 wins.

Many students from both Cardiff and Swansea have gone on to represent semi-professional and professional clubs after featuring in the event, with Welsh Varsity rugby alumni including Rory Thornton (Ospreys), Tom O’Flaherty (Exeter Chiefs) and Jake Cooper-Woolley (Wasps).

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