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Retro
March 2010
March 2010 A UWIC Student’ Union Publication
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Get The Election Low Down The election battle kicks off from March 10th. Look inside for all the information on campaigning, voting and results for the Sabbatical Elections 2010.
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Food Co-op Launch UWICSU launch new healthy eating programme.
Fair Trade Fortnight 2010 Students go bananas for Fair Trade Fortnight.
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RetroWelcomes Student President’s Welcome Retro Contents Work Hard, Play Hard Welcomes
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Feature Stories Food Co-op Launch UWICSU launch new healthy eating campaign.
Election Low Down All the information you will need for this years elections.
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UWICSU Goes Green
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Find out how UWICSU helped tackle climate change.
By Claire Rafferty UWICSU President
Retro Staff Editor - Terence Rosoman trosoman@uwic.ac.uk
The deadlines are fast approaching and panic might just be starting to set in, have no fear, here are some tips to get you through it....
Assistant Editor - Gareth Dunt garethdunt@googlemail.com
Plan your time and take well deserved breaks (in Centro, Tommy’s, The Loft and Josie’s), Eat healthily to keep your energy levels up (visit the food coop, for your bargain priced fruit and veg) and set rewards... there are plenty of things to look forward to..... Diss hand in, Voting for your Prez and Vice, D Floor on the 26th March, Easter holidays and of course England winning the six nations.....Controversial! The food coop is now fully fledged on the Llandaff and Cyncoed Campuses following the successful launch last month. Check out the article in this month’s edition for more information and how to get involved. Nominations are now open for our sabbatical positions so if you think you fancy the challenge and want to be part of the students union, why not collect a nomination pack from our elections officer (Alex Hales), and put your name forward to become Vice or President. It’s a busy time for all students so Good Luck to you freshers, second years and of course the third years with your hand ins, exams and dissertations. Enjoy your well deserved break x
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Fairtrade Fortnight
Retro Contacts
Vice President’s Welcome Textile Students Fundraising Plan
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Find out how a group of Textile Students plan to raise money to exhibit their work at the New Designers Show in London.
“Remember, Every Vote Counts”
Feature Articles
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Music
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Art & Design
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Movie Reviews
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Take-A-Break
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Some light entertainment to keep you...entertained?
SU Tube - Ephraim Lewis redmetheph@yahoo.co.uk Advertising - Gavin Rickard grickard@btconnect.com Retro Newspaper UWIC Students’ Union Western Avenue Cardiff, CF5 2YB Tel: 02920 416335 Retro Content Statement Content printed in the Retro is not the opinion of the Students Union, but of the persons who submitted it.
UWICSU Staff Contact Details
Students’ Union President Claire Rafferty crafferty@uwic.ac.uk Students’ Union Vice President Alex Hales ahales@uwic.ac.uk
Events & Marketing Manager Gavin Rickard garickard@uwic.ac.uk Events & Marketing Assistant Mallory Cottell mcottell@uwic.ac.uk Membership Services Manager Ffion Mainwaring fmainwaring@uwic.ac.uk Centro Bar Manger Robert Caldwell rcaldwell@uwic.ac.uk By Alex Hales UWICSU Vice President
Sport BUCS Results & Fixtures
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BUCS Photography
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Scholar of the Month
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Sport News
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Danni Ackerman
Photographer - Kieran McManus kieran@kieranmcmanus.co.uk
Athletic Union Officer Ian Campbell icampbell@uwic.ac.uk
Regulars
• Invictus • The Wolfman • The Princess & The Frog
Music Editor - Jake May j.j.may@uwic.ac.uk
Oh… what’s occurrin’? This month there’s loads going on in the world of students. We have the most important event in the SU calendar – elections! Nominations close on the 3rd March, campaigning begins on the 10th, with voting taking place on 15th, 16th, and 17th March. Remember to look out for each
candidate’s manifesto on the website (www.uwicsu.co.uk/elections2010) and go talk to them while they’re campaigning to see what they’ll be offering you if you vote them in. Make sure you cast your vote to ensure the people you want to be your President and Vice President come in to position in the next academic year! Remember, every vote counts! The other big event is of course the first dissertation hand-in. Have you noticed nights out have seen less and less third years venturing out?! That’s because the 24-hour rooms have been inundated
with people trying to perfect their 10,000 word essays. So get ready for a great night out with the first lot of students to hand in their work!! It is set to be messy – are you ready? Also make sure to have a look at the food co-ops coming to your campuses. So much food in one big bag for £2.50. You really do have to see it to believe it! Look out for posters telling you when it will be on your campus. I hope you all have a fabulous month and cracking Easter (see what I did there… *groan*). See you all soon!
The Loft Manager Steve Watkiss swatkiss@uwic.ac.uk Tommy’s Bar Manager Karl Price kprice@uwic.ac.uk UWICSU - Cynceod Campus Tel: 02920 416190 UWICSU - Llandaff Campus Tel: 02920 416335
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Success at UWICSU’s Food Co-op Launch Photography by Kieran Mcmanus
By Claire Rafferty UWICSU President
Last month saw the exciting success of the Food Coop Launch at Llandaff and Cyncoed. 250 bags were available to be given away to each person that placed an order for the following week, those of you lucky enough to attend would have ordered yourself a bag full of either vegetables, fruit, stir fry or salad. The food coop is fantastic for students as it brings locally sourced produce to the students’ doorstep at bargain prices. Many of you living in halls do not live near a supermarket so this will provide the perfect opportunity to get your groceries
while on campus. For those not living on campus - staff included - it provides you with bags full of fruit and veg at prices the supermarkets cannot compete with. The food co-op will be taking place every Monday on the Llandaff Campus in the student centre from 12.00-15.00 and every Monday in Centro on the Cyncoed Campus from 11.0014.00, For more information on the food coop; where, when and how? Visit the SU website at: www.uwicsu.co.uk The food coop proved to be a success on the Llandaff and Cyncoed campus due to the volunteers that helped out. If you would like a food coop on your campus as well as Llandaff and Cyncoed then we need the volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering contact: crafferty@uwic.ac.uk
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Co-op d o be o the Fo.uka/st:utu t u o iecosuo.ncline Check.uw be d w i V /sutu k ww u . o c su. .uwic w w w
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And They’re Off! March sees the start of the UWIC Students’ Union Presidential Elections. So, who’s got your vote? By Alex Hales UWICSU Vice President From the 10th March you will notice some students campaigning on each of the campuses for your votes to become next years President or Vice President of the Students’ Union. There’s no telling what crazy things the candidates will come up with for their campaigns but I reckon there will definitely be some free sweets flying
around so get in there while they’re fresh!
back to the SU Office at Cyncoed where they will be checked. All candidates will meet up at 6.30pm for a quick discussion before the votes are counted from 7pm. The outcome will be announced to all candidates at the count, and will go on to the SU website the following morning. Successful candidates will come in to position from August 2010.
Candidates
The list of candidates will be on the Students’ Union’s website (www.uwicsu.co.uk) from March 10th. You will also be able to view their election manifestos and a 30 second pitch to camera on why you should vote for them.
Voting
Students have the chance to vote their favourite candidate in for each position of President and Vice President of the Students’ Union between the 15th and 17th March. Voting tables will be set up in each campus on each of the voting days between 10.00am and 4.00pm. There will be someone at each table to take down your student number and make sure all voting is fair.
The Result
March 17th is the day of the Count! Votes will be collected from each campus and brought
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Check out th wEww e Cand lect.iuow id n iVcisdue.co.u k l/suatutes o’s on www.u i ne ab t:e wicsu. co.uk/ sutube
UWIC Sabbatical Elections 2010 Illustration by Mark O’Gorman
Sabbatical Officer Election Schedule for 2010
Action
Start Date
Finish Date
Length
Candidates Briefing & Publicity Approval
8th March
9th March
2 Days
Campaigning
10th March
17th March
8 Days
Voting
15th March
17th March
3 Days
Results
17th March
: www.uwicsu.co.uk/elections2010
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Fairtrade Fortnight
EXAMS!
By Claire Rafferty UWICSU President
If you have additional exam arrangements YOU MUST contact Academic Registry to confirm your arrangements by 22nd March. To do this either respond to the pop up on web when you view the timetables or email:
You may have seen a monkey going round the campuses giving out bananas in the last week... the reason is its Fairtrade Fortnight. The Students Union is showing its support for fairtrade by giving out free fairtrade bananas and as this year the theme of the fortnight is ‘The Big Swap’. For ‘The Big Swap’ we are swapping products over to those that are Fairtrade. All teas and coffee sold across all outlets are Fairtrade, with the option of having a fair-trade syrup to add to your coffee. A wide selection of fair-trade cakes/cookies and flapjacks are available to purchase at our shops and bars as well as the food coop which has recently been launched which will also be selling Fairtrade fruit. For the duration of fairtrade fortnight our bars and food outlets will be giving out tea and coffee loyalty cards, for all those that need that caffeine fix. If you would like to know more about going Fairtrade, visit the student union website on: www.uwicsu.co.uk
Draft exam timetables will be available on the UWIC web from 10th March.
Examsreg@uwic.ac.uk Disability Service Students who have a disability/ dyslexia please ensure that if you are entitled to additional exam arrangements, you need to ensure that Registry is informed by 22nd March of your entitlement and the dates/times of the exams that you are taking. If you experience any difficulties with this, please contact the Disability Service on 02920 416170.
Photography by Kieran Mcmanus
Exam Stress It is well recognised that exams are extremely stressful so it is important to look after yourself and be as prepared as possible. For information and advice about exam stress, please look at the Exam Stress handouts on our website: www.uwic.ac.uk/disability. If you would like any further support in this area, please arrange to see Mary Kaye, Mental Health Advisor by ringing Student Services on 02920 416170. It can be an individual appointment or if you have a few friends that would like to access advice too, you can be seen together if that would be helpful.
Education Agency Showcase Event Monday 15 March 2010 11.15 am – 3.00 pm UWIC NIAC, Cyncoed Campus The event will feature Education Recruitment Agencies offering job opportunities in Wales and throughout the U.K. This event is open to all final year education students hoping to secure a Primary or Secondary teaching post. Further info: UWIC Career Development Services Tel: 029 2041 6333 www.uwic.ac.uk/careers
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Students’ Union Goes Green By Claire Rafferty UWICSU President
Last month saw GO Green Week at UWIC. This is People & Planet’s national week of student action on climate change in schools, colleges and universities. UWIC Students Union went green by donning some very fashionable GO Green t-shirts and provided students with locally produced baguettes, paninis and wraps all packaged in biodegradable packaging at discount prices. As well as this, the SU provided Go Green lunch specials, such as Thai Green Curry using locally sourced vegetables and chicken. Cardiff council provided the SU with Green recycling and food waste bags which were distributed amongst the students, these are now available from all Student Union shops and bars to help you do your bit for your environment.. There is more information about going green, how you can help, and some handy tips for saving energy on the Students Union website: Photography by Kieran Mcmanus
www.uwicsu.co.uk
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UWIC Students Have Fundraising Plan All Sewn Up
Women, It’s Time To Celebrate! By Jo Whitby
On March 8th 2010 International Women’s Day commences with an array of festival and community events located all over the world united in celebrating the achievements and hardships overcome by women past and present. In some countries the day is even marked by a national holiday. So when did International Women’s Day first come into being and why is it so important for women? Back in the early 1900s there was no such thing as equal rights, women worked long hours for little pay in comparison to men and were, amongst many other things, unable to vote – a basic right that we take for granted today. 1911 saw the introduction of the first International Women’s Day and was seen as an opportunity to discuss and put forward demands to change the current state of affairs for women both politically and within society. From then on International Women’s Day was celebrated
From UWIC Communications
Proactive students at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) have stitched together an enterprising idea to create a communal patchwork quilt as part of their fundraising efforts to take them to an important industry show. The final year Contemporary Textiles Practice students are doing all they can to raise money to exhibit their work at the New Designers Show in London in July, which is billed as the place to ‘discover the creative energy of the next generation’. The group has already raised almost £1,000 through a variety of fundraising activities such as selling homemade cakes and cards, and their latest idea to utilise their skills to each contribute an individual design to a patchwork quilt will hopefully add to the funds. Student Karen Rogers said: “We all desperately want to exhibit at New Designers as it is a fantastic opportunity to further our careers, promote
ourselves as artists and show our textile art/design work. But it is a very costly exercise to get there, and for the last three years the course has been generously sponsored by Laura Ashley, so we are now looking for new sponsors. “The quilt idea seemed the perfect way to try to attract sponsorship from relevant companies and organisations and we hope to auction it off when we have a finished product. We have all of these fundraising activities to think about alongside preparing for our final year exhibition and exams, so we are all extremely busy but determined to make it to New Designers.” New Designers is renowned for bringing together the very best of UK graduate design and attracts thousands of professionals from across the sector who are looking for new talent every year. UWIC has enjoyed a successful few years at previous shows with students from various courses winning prizes and securing work placements from the quality of their work. If you are interested in providing sponsorship, please contact Karen Rogers at: ctpmakers2010@hotmail.co.uk
every year with more and more countries taking part. It is not hard to see the impact created by these events: women can vote, working conditions and salaries have significantly improved and women are visibly taking more equal roles in typically male areas such as politics and big business. Although women have come a long way the fight is not over. Equal rights, equal opportunities: ‘Progress For All’ is the theme for this year’s event, highlighting the areas of success as well as gender equality issues still faced by women today. Unfortunately women, in some cases, are still not paid equally to men, there are still not enough women represented in large public responsibility roles and issues such as domestic violence and rape against women are still not taken as seriously as they ought to be. International Women’s Day continues to be an important day for women all over the world. If you’re interested in attending some International Women’s Day events or would like to get involved, celebrations and festival activities are taking place all over Wales with lots going on here in Cardiff. Not only that, being involved is top priority, so everyone is more than welcome to attend – no excuses guys! For more information on events in your area check out: www.cymruwomen.org.uk
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RetroNews The Importance of Being Experienced By Janet Rowlands UWIC Career Development
Work experience is one of the most effective ways to improve your CV and prove to employers that you are keen to learn and enthusiastic about what you do. A relatively short time spent on work experience during university could give you a head start with an employer and make you stand out from the crowd when making job applications. Its understandable why many students feel that they don’t have time for work experience during their degree, but in the experience of Stacey Davies who has recently graduated and just joined the team in UWIC’s Career Development Services she wished she had found the time during her degree. ‘Because I hadn’t done work experience when I was at University I had to gain unpaid work experience after I graduated, when I really needed the money!’ Stacey is working on providing Go Wales worktasters to UWIC Students. Work tasters are short stints of work experience normally up to 2 weeks in length and unpaid. They can be done on a full time basis during the holidays or part time. Work tasters have been organised for our students in areas such as event management, media & marketing and teaching. So if you think that your CV is looking a little light on Work Experience, you can find out more about GO Wales worktasters on our facebook page, just search for ‘GO Wales UWIC’ or email: gowales@uwic.ac.uk.
National No Smoking Day Illustration by Ed Fairburn
By UWIC Nursing Dept.
Your pocket will benefit too! (Based on a pack a day at £6.00)
This year No Smoking Day is on Wednesday 10th March and the theme is “Breaking Free - We Can Help”
Savings after:
Do you want to “Break Free from the chains of addiction?” You don’t have to wait long for your body to benefit. Stop smoking and after: 20 minutes Blood Pressure and Pulse return to normal. 24 hours Carbon monoxide is cleared from your body and tar (the stuff we use to make roads!) in your lungs starts to clear. 48 hours Sense of smell and taste are improving. A few weeks Breathing can improve, which makes coughs/wheezes better and exercising easier!
1 day - £6.00 Film/game rental or a few magazines. 1 Week - £42.00 Shoes or a cheap flight abroad. 1 month - £182 A shopping spree or premiership football tickets. 6 months - £1,092 Almost 1/3rd of annual university fees. Good Luck everyone making this the year that they “BREAK FREE”. Below we’ve listed a few hints and tip on how to stop smoking. If you need anymore information please check the website below. Information supplied by: www.nosmokingday.org.uk For further information see: www.nosmokingday.org.uk www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk www.studenthealth.co.uk
Some Tips For Giving Up Smoking: • Write down the reasons why you want to stop smoking • Set a date to stop smoking. • Keep a diary • Find a smoker friend and quit together. • Tell your friends and family you are stopping. • Take one day at a time • Call the helpline for nearest free stop smoking services Wales 0800 169 0 169 • Get some support from your local Pharmacist, Campus Nurse, and GP. • Plan treats with the money saved, one for the end of the first smoke free day, week and month.
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UWIC and Fayoum University Chaplaincy Egypt Sign MoU to Establish Corner New University in Egypt By Rev Paul Fitzgerald UWIC Chaplain
Diversity & People The last month has been hectic and wonderful! We have had some fantastic events of national importance run by our Islamic students; our Christians are running a very exciting mission week soon with some very imitative ideas, a new Secularist society might be in formation; and there are moves from both the National Assembly and HM Government to recognise the essential right and positive effect of inter-cultural faith in universities. In addition to all of this, there is a new and extremely positive course being offered to students by Francesca Cooper which you will see below. Please do take a look at this, what ever you believe this course may be useful and many of our students who have used have reported some major and positive changes in their lives.
Mindfulness Medication By UWIC Communications
It was announced yesterday that the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) and Fayoum University, Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming their commitment to establishing a new international university in Egypt. The new university will enable the two institutions to work in partnership and to share expertise and knowledge with the aim of improving the quality of higher education in Egypt and in applied research linked to industry and entrepreneurship in Egypt. The signing ceremony took place at The Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales and was presided over by Professor Antony Chapman, ViceChancellor of UWIC, Professor Ahmed El Gohary, President of Fayoum University, Mr Osama Saleh, Chairman of GAFI, the General Investment Authority for Egypt (Ministry of Investment), Councillor Brian Griffiths, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff and Andrew Davies AM, the Senedd Host. The relationship between the UWIC and Fayoum University dates back to 1996 with the first Memorandum signed in 1998 to develop academic and
scholarly links between the two institutions. Over the past decade UWIC and Fayoum University have maintained and furthered their relationship through EUsponsored Projects creating a strong base for establishing a new university in Egypt. This Project is a direct implementation of the Egyptian National Higher Education strategy. Fayoum University has been selected by the Egyptian Government as among only four Egyptian public universities (Fayoum, Cairo, Ain-Shams, Alexandria) to establish a new International University on land specifically granted by the government, and supported by the Prime Minister’s Decree on Higher Education and Scientific Research Investment Zones. The University will be the first Higher Education and Scientific Research Institution in Egypt, using the Public Private Partnership model in an investment zone. According to Professor Antony Chapman, Vice-Chancellor of UWIC: “UWIC has a worldwide reputation with students from more than 140 countries, and this event today is a major milestone in the continuing relationship with a key international partner with whom we already share major EU contracts having worked in partnership since 1996. We look forward to working further with colleagues at Fayoum University and with the Egyptian government to develop plans for this exciting higher education complex at New Fayoum City.”
President of Fayoum University, Professor Ahmed El Gohary stated: “The establishment of a new international campus based on a public-private partnership model enhances Egypt’s capacity to carry out world-class research. We are grateful to UWIC for their commitment towards higher education in Egypt. The project will focus on two to three programs in the first phase, including in the areas of food science and technology, hotel and events management, and nursery and total quality management for hospital care. We welcome regular visits from the Vice-Chancellor of UWIC to Egypt to support and initiate these programs.” Mr Osama Saleh, Chairman of GAFI said: “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff – a partnership that has grown from strength to strength in recent years. The expertise provided by the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff has been of immense benefit to Egypt and we are grateful for Welsh support in building a sustainable, knowledge based society in Egypt.” The UK is a major investor in Egypt in a wide range of sectors including education and training, infrastructure and energy. UK companies are currently involved in 11 new infrastructure projects in Egypt’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that amount to around £20 million.
By Francesca Cooper Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy, UWIC
Being at university can be stimulating, enjoyable, rewarding, hard work… and often very stressful! In October 2009, a Tibetan Buddhist monk gave UWIC speech and language therapy (students a lecture on Mindfulness meditation, a simple technique to manage stress positively. During the spring term 2010 these students then had the option of attending an 8 week group Mindfulness course at Llandaff, taught by an experienced Mindfulness teacher.
What is mindfulness? We can get easily get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings about the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness meditation trains the mind and gives people the skills to deal with stress differently. It aims to:
• • • • • • • •
Reduce stress and anxiety Increase quality of life Develop and maintain a stable yet flexible sense of self Increase self-confidence Enhance non-judgemental awareness Concentration Openness Flexibility
Origins and faith Mindfulness originated from Buddhist meditation practices but learning it doesn’t require any religious or spiritual beliefs, and none are taught on a Mindfulness course. Benefits Mindfulness helps develop wisdom, warmth and compassion for ourselves and in our dealings with others, personally and professionally. The positive effects on mental health and well being have been demonstrated in many peer reviewed journals and it is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) as an effective treatment for people with recurrent depression. With the high rates of stress and burnout in healthcare professions, Mindfulness is increasingly being taught in a wide range of private and public sectors, including the NHS, businesses and higher education. Mindfulness is simple to learn and it has no known negative effects. For stressed students it can help manage the challenges of university life and beyond, providing a proven tool for improving and maintaining general health and wellbeing. If you are interested in the future Mindfulness classes at UWIC starting in the autumn, please contact: fcooper@uwic.ac.uk.
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RetroFeatures Darwin’s Corner By Jake May
St Patrick’s Day V St David’s Day
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution doesn’t always suit the optimist among us. Our lives are pointless and insignificant. We all evolved from essentially nothing to become the beastly machines that we are today. Degrees, in the grand scheme of things, don’t mean much. When we die, we die. There is nothing. Our bodies rot, and our minds are no more. But things needn’t be so depressing. Is evolving from nothingness into the intelligent, social, and efficient beings we are today not far more of an achievement as a species than simply being created by an intelligent being? Is all the charitable work we do as individuals and a collective not actually far more selfless and loving knowing that we have done it to help others, rather than to secure ourselves guestlist entry into the haven that we have been told to believe in as a child? Surely being able to rest at night knowing that we aren’t going to be punished with an eternity in the flames for making some mistakes in life or for not believing this intelligent being exists is quite refreshing. Try not to break the law and be as pleasant to others as you can, but don’t feel guilty for enjoying a healthy sexual relationship with your partner before marriage, or for having that drink down the pub with your mates every so often. Be proud of yourself that, in those tough times when you asked for the help of “God”, it wasn’t God that got you through it but yourself. You did it. Possibly with the help of friends and family, but it is your achievement. Don’t attribute your success to others. Be proud. As Dawkins put it so well; our individual existence is quite incredible. If the Earth didn’t happen to end up exactly where it did, if our Grans didn’t bump into our Granddads in the butchers all those years ago, if it wasn’t one particular sperm that met your Mum’s egg, if the fertilised egg did not develop quite right – if anything of these things; we wouldn’t be here. But we are. It’s against all odds, but we are here, and that’s pretty special. Life is short. Savour it.
V By Terence Rosoman Retro Editor
I am so jealous of St Patrick’s Day! Every year I see hundreds of people (probably more non-Irish than Irish) in Cardiff having a laugh and celebrating Irish culture for St Patrick’s day. However, I don’t see half the enthusiasm when St David’s day comes around. The problem with St David’s day is that it has a reputation of being boring. Every
year hundreds of old aged pensioners walk through Cardiff City centre for a St Davids day parade which is then followed by Welsh singers and school choirs singing music from a bandstand. This is accompanied by a small Welsh food festival, mostly consisting of the finest in Welsh cheeses?! Doesn’t sound like much of a party does it? However, when thinking of St Patrick’s Day you think about drinking copious amount of Guinness and having a laugh with your mates at your local O’Neils. Being given bundles of Guinness promotional gifts which usually include a big Irish Hat with Guinness on the front, a blow up Guinness pint and a Guinness Tshirt which is usually too small anyway. When you wake up in the morning with
the hangover from Hell, you know you’ve had a cracking St Patrick’s Day. But hang on! Hold your horses! Is that actually anything to do with celebrating Irish culture? It seems to me more to do with getting plastered on Guinness! I refuse to believe this is all Irish culture has to offer us. It’s been a great marketing ploy by Guinness when you think about it. For one day a year a large percentage of the drinking population turn to one particular brand of drink under the misguided notion of well, er its Saint Paddy’s day innit? Regardless of whether you actually like Guinness or think its foul, somehow on 17th March every year you find yourself drinking it. They have successfully managed to turn their own Saints day
into something that isn’t actually about celebrating St Patrick or Irish culture at all. So, I apologise for everything I said at the start of this article. I think the Welsh might have hit the nail on the head with their celebration of St David’s Day. It may be a bit boring, but at least its all about our Welsh music, food and culture. Ok, maybe I would like us to take a leaf out of the St Patrick’s book and sink a few pints of Brains, but I most certainly would not want our Saint’s day to only revolve around an alcohol brand and getting plastered. So hopefully next time you plan on celebrating Irish culture you’ll actually look for something to do with Ireland, rather than getting legless for St Guinness...opps, sorry, St Patrick.
Set Aside Arachnaphobia Article By Danyal Fryer Illustration by Mark O’Gorman
Our eight-legged friends get a one day breather a year, ‘Save a Spider Day’ on March 14th is the day we refrain from neurotic assaults with a newspaper, getting our beloved parents to kill in the name of oneself and a chance to appreciate mother nature’s most global predator. These helpful little creatures are feared worldwide, only because of their appearance. We can’t judge everyone by their appearance can we? Otherwise, I would never stand a chance in life. Anyway, many facts about spiders are unknown to the millions. The facts show the truth and
March 14th is the day to find out these facts. Studies have shown that you are never more than ten-feet away from a spider, and in some cases, three feet. To be “spider-free” you would have to be in space, in an oxygen bubble. But since that doesn’t exist yet, and we don’t even know if there are indeed space spiders, we will have to trust those studies. Whether you love them or hate them, spiders are amazing creatures. Spiders consume millions, if not billions, of crop-destroying and potentially dangerous disease-carrying insects every year. Indirectly, they are saving the human race from starving due to shortages of crops and they are saving us from many illnesses and diseases. If that isn’t amazing, I don’t know much.
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By Adam Chubb
It’s all around us, popping out into our faces, 3D. Films, cartoons, music events, even sports matches in the shape of football in the pub and rugby in the cinemas. But why you may ask? Why does everything now seemingly have to be going the way of extra dimensions! The simple answer, as with most things, is money, costing more to watch meaning
, or not
big box office receipts, and more importantly for the film industry saving money as a 3D film print is nigh on impossible to pirate copy. If every film went this way there is a strong possibility piracy would be a thing of the past! Though without viewing this cynically as the only reason where to do we look? Well to Avatar, would seem to be the place to start. Always destined to take the technology to the next level Avatar has reached unprecedented levels of success (biggest film EVER). Heck as you read this it may have even scooped Best Picture at this year’s Oscar ceremony (even the self-proclaimed “King of the World” James Cameron can’t have seen that one coming!)
So on the back of Avatar’s success, every man and his dog are falling over themselves not only to make 3D films, but to spend money converting already shot films into the cash cow third dimension. So expect to see The Clash of the Titans, Alice in Wonderland, How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story 3 and Robin Hood (possibly!) in 3D, and that’s just preJune! Personally I can’t see what benefit we as an audience gain, gimmick doesn’t even begin to cover it, and having seen Avatar in both 3D and 2D, I can safely say it’s as visually stunning as it is shockingly scripted regardless of dimension. And this sadly looks set to be what 3D does best. Yes, providing a mask for the
?
weakest and most clichéd of premises or film-making. Not only this but then there is the problem of colour saturation, an incessant need to poke things put on the screen at us to distract from the other issues a film may have, and the word that we will see the first “affordable” 3D television before the year’s out meaning the technology looks set to change...again! The bottom line is if a film is good it doesn’t, and shouldn’t need a gimmick, for god’s sake what’s next...smell-ovision! I think I for one may well just take a certain Mark Kermode’s advice and make my own pair of 3D back to 2D glasses, because for me 2D is the way forward!
March 2010
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This season’s trends: Reformed Nautical By Llinos Durell
‘Nautical’ as a trend seems to have been both a constant and strong force over the past few seasons, and this Spring/ Summer season sees a welcome return to all things sailor. But, unlike many previous re-incarnations, nautical-chic gains a welcome return with an understated vintage twist. Simplicity is key when experimenting with this trend; the phrase ‘simple yet effective’ springs to mind, but accessories also play a key role. When looking for accessibility to the mass market, New Look is a top contender. Currently stocking stylish and affordable staples such as over-sized, baggy long-sleeved t-shirts, jumpers and dresses, pieces are available in a variety of striped designs. Whether its navy and white, red and white or black and white, with such simple designs, it’s (almost) impossible to get it wrong. Accessories-wise, Topshop is the way forward. Stocking a treasure trove of nautical goodies, shoppers are simply spoilt for choice. From oversized boat charm necklaces and anchor charm bracelets, to glitzy red, white and blue earrings and cute striped hair bows, the list is endless. For a cute day time look, team a baggy, long-sleeved top with jeggings, strappy sandals and an over-sized block colour leather bag. For transition into the night-time, tuck the day-time choice of top into a figure hugging high waisted mini skirt, and team with black tights, killer ‘boat shoe’ inspired heels and layers of vintageesque gold chains. But, be warned: Do NOT go overboard (no pun intended). Stick to one or two simple key pieces to show off your fashion kudos.’
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Retro
March 2010
www.uwicsu.co.uk
RetroMusic Retro Recommends... By Jake May Retro Music Editor
Release of the Month: March 8th 2010 Gorillaz Plastic Beach
UWIC Artist of the Month
Meilir
Photography from Ll Polar_oid! www.flickr.com/photos/polar_oid
I won’t patronise you by telling you who Gorillaz are. You already know. Their third studio album should be good, just like I thought their last two were. This is why I am recommending it to you. Buy it, if you want.
Other Recommended Releases from January: March 1st: Laura Marling I Speak Because I Can
(File next to: Emmy the Great, Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale)
The Ruby Suns Fight Softly
(File next to: Animal Collective, Vampire Weekend)
Errors Come Down With Me
(Post-rock/Math rock/Electronic)
March 8th: Raul Midon Synthesis
By Jake May Retro Music Editor
Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip The Logic of Chance
Meilir Tomos is a 29 year old singer-songwriter from North Wales with a difference. Meilir does indeed write his own songs and does indeed use an acoustic guitar, but he is no James Blunt or Paolo Nutini.
(Soul/JazzAcoustic)
(Indie, Hip-hop, Electronic)
March 15th: The Phantom Band Freedom of Speech March 22nd:
Meilir incorporates a wide range of influences and an interesting mix of instruments into his take on experimental folk – a sort of Thom Yorke of the eclectic folk world. Songs, which are recorded in his very own studio in the basement of his house, span from mystical and chilled out to intense and atmospheric; combining the sweetly caressed acoustic guitar with electro sounds and even a gravel tray in which Meilir scrapes his feet in during live
Goldfrapp Head First
(File next to: Bjork, Portishead)
Billy Cobham Palindrome
(Jazz/Drumming/Fusion)
Bands and Solo Artists Wanted!
Each month Retro gives its students a chance to get acquainted with a band or artist from UWIC.
So, are you in a band/artist? Are you a current student at UWIC? Do you want to be seen in 3,000 Retros distributed across Cardiff for UWIC Students? Of Course you do!
shows. These live shows are often spellbounding and unique - sometimes even grabbing the help of some friends to play the rims of glasses of water. Having played numerous festivals, performing live for Bethan Elfyn’s Radio 1 in Wales show, and touring extensively both as a one-man band, and with his previous band, Manchuko, Meilir has a wealth of experience for putting on live shows that you should definitely check out in the near future (you have no reason not to as he has plenty of dates upcoming!). An avid collector of owl ornaments, Meilir has a wide ranging taste in things musical also – drawing influence form the likes of The Flaming Lips, Neil Young, Radiohead, Bjork, and Tom Waits. Meilir plays Ten Feet Tall on 26th April. You can buy his debut mini album/EP from Spillers Records. To find out more, as well as to see an extensive list of upcoming live shows, head to his MySpace at: myspace.com/meilirmusic.
Then get in touch with our Music Editor Jake May and show your interest! j.j.may@uwic.ac.uk
Retro
www.uwicsu.co.uk
March 2010
RetroMusic Music Reviews Stanley Brinks And The Wave Pictures Stanley Brinks And The Wave Pictures
Misdemeanour By Alex Brady
When the weariness falls upon me, show me not your Red Bull, nor your energy pills! When the sky is grey and life takes on the graces of Dante’s “Inferno”, there is only one heavenly illumination I require. I just pop on the new single by The CB’s, “Misdemeanour”.
By Nathan Chubb
The former member of French/Swedish anti-folk trio Herman Dune, Stanley Brinks sixth album ‘Stanley Brinks And The Wave Pictures’ see’s him collaborate once again with ‘The Wave Pictures’ for the fourth time. I was filled with optimism after hearing the lively folkfilled opening track ‘Hi, Jane’; the Wave Pictures are allowed to bring this track up-beat with some punchy guitar work. After this the album seems to mould into generic folk for long periods, it takes until late on in the album for you to get that more unique sound back, ‘Why The Martians Are Gone’ picks the album back up again with some excellent and imaginative guitar and rhythm work. Sadly I found that the album as a whole
appeared to dwindle, Stan’s simple, memorable lyrics were not backed up by a credible voice. The Wave Pictures Dave Tattersall’s guitar shredding is pushed along with some rugged beats of rhythm from Johnny Helm and Franic Rozycki. The Wave Pictures seem to add something different that Stanley’s dreary voice needed to lift periods of this album up. However it could not lift this Grade album to heights which maybe 2:2 a solo attempt from ‘The Wave Pictures’ might.
There was a special something about funk music in the 70s that has since been lost, replaced with sounds that pass for poor imitations, but here we have a resurrection. The CB’s have managed to capture that integral happiness and irresistible joy that died out over 30 years ago now. “Misdemeanour” carriers more than a hint of The Jackson 5’s “ABC” as well as similarities to The O’Jay’s “Love Train” which bathes you in the same refreshing bliss this single manages to. The only let down I have to say, is that it gets a bit repetitive, falling into a strange lyrical orbit that’s been glued to a time warp. It leaves you with the feeling that they had room to expand on what they had, but just settled on the first draft to get it out
of the way. Hopefully that won’t be repeated in future releases from The CB’s, and it’s that hope that lets me push this one failing aside, allowing me to bask in the Grade smooth sounds and summery 1st warmth many were sad to see fade away all that time ago along with the afro comb.
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March 2010
Well Hello There! By Gaz Dunt Art and Design Reporter
Welcome to the Art and Design section of Retro. Here you can find plenty of inspirational stuff to get your creative juices flowing. My name is Gareth Dunt. I’m the Assistant Editor and Design Reporter for Retro. This month we have Fine Art student Nathan Cooper in the Artist of the Month feature. If you don’t know of him already, Nathan is a bit of a Youtube celebrity. He has a massive following of subscribers to his channel and is famed for painted Simon Cowell with marmite. Seriously, take a look. I spend a lot of time searching for interesting things in the world of art and design. Some of which I put in Retro, but most end up on my design blog due to the sheer amount of it. So if you have 5 minutes and want to check out whats happening in the world of art and design, be sure to take a look at my design blog at blackmaths.com This month has seen a lot of blog contributions from around the world. There’s some really interesting things happening out there. So if you have anything you want to share on Black Maths, just sling me an email! Furthermore if you have a question or would like to have a chat about anything featured in Retro, feel free to contact me.
www.uwicsu.co.uk
LET’S GET OBJECTIFIED By Gaz Dunt Art and Design Reporter
I recently had the pleasure of watching Objectified, a film by director Gary Hustwit documenting the conception, design and life of everyday products. The film features a whole host of influential thinkers and designers in the field commenting on what things make them tick in the world of made things. Hustwit is famed for his previous film release, Helvetica. This second installment has the tell tale style of Hustwit and really opens up the world of product design in a clear, easy to understand way. Objectified is about designers re-examining products we have come to accept, and re-thinking the way we interact with them. The film had its world premier at the SxSW Film Festival in Texas back in March 2009 and is currently being shown all over the world at film festivals and special events. One of the main driving forces in the documentary is the cast of designers discussing their passion. Smart Design’s Dan Formosa, BMW’s Chris Bangle, and the French design brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec all offer their animated opinions on the world of product design.
HOODIE DESIGN COMPETITION! By Siobhan Milne Textiles Student
garethdunt@googlemail.com
Creative blogs YOU should read Blogs are powerful things. Wether it’s making contacts in industry, getting feedback for your work, or simply getting inspiration. Be sure to check out these art and design blogs when you get the chance... aisleone.net apeonthemoon.com bitique.co.uk designformankind.com design-milk.com ffffound.com ilovetypography.com itsnicethat.com made-in-england.org notcot.org thestrangeattractor.net thisisduty.com visuelle.co.uk
I’d really recommend watching Objectified. It’s a great film for anyone interested in design, lifestyle and culture. Furthermore the website has some great quotes taken from the film along with more information about the featured designers. Head over to objectifiedfilm.com
We are third year students studying Contemporary Textile Practice at UWIC. We are currently embarking upon our final major project. We have the opportunity of attending the New Designers Exhibition, London in this coming July... New Designers is an excellent chance to showcase our work to the creative industries and potentially provide fantastic career opportunities for when we graduate. However, the cost of taking part in the exhibition is £6,000. Therefore, we are fundraising this money through a range of extra curricular activities. We hold cake and craft stalls regularly as well as attending craft markets to sell our handmade cards, accessories and other products. We have also launched a design competition to find a winning design for our yearly course hoodies. The competition is open to everyone in UWIC and is your chance to show your inner creative genius!
Calling all UWIC Artists and Designers!
The winning design will feature on our special course hoodies with the winner receiving a free hoody and the kudos of your design popping up all around the Llandaff Campus! It only costs £1 to enter and is a fantastic C.V opportunity. If you would to take part in this exciting event, please email ‘ENTRY FORM’ to : CTPdesigners2010@hotmail.co.uk
DON’T FORGET! The deadline for entries is Monday 8th March with the winner to be announced on Friday 12th March. We look forward to hearing from you all and judging all your cool designs. We appreciate your support!
Retro want to hear from you!
If you fancy featuring as the next Retro Artist/Designer of the Month, submit an article or advertise an exhibition please get in touch with our Art & Design editor -
UWIC Students’Union listens to Nation Radio - 106.8 & 107.3 FM, www.nationwales.com
Gareth Dunt garethdunt@googlemail.com
Retro
www.uwicsu.co.uk
March 2010
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Nathan Cooper Photograph: Carl Sutherwood By Gaz Dunt Art and Design Reporter
Nathan Cooper- He’s a bit of a Youtube celebrity and is well known for his unorthodox paintings of people. This month, Retro caught up with Nathan to find out what makes him tick. As always, a big thank you to Carl Sutherwood for his photographs. Hello! First things first lets get some background info on you. Where do you hail from? What college did you attend? And what course are you currently studying here at UWIC? I hail from Ebbw Vale, Gwent. I attended Crosskeys College where I did my A Levels and my Foundation Diploma, and I am currently studying BA Fine Art, first year at UWIC. In your opinion, what is the best thing about studying an art and design degree at university? It gives aspiring artists the opportunity to access materials and resources which may be difficult to find elsewhere, as well as the knowledge and support of the tutors in each subject area. The fine art course is very widespread and is a good course for any genre of aspiring artist. Who are your current art and design heroes? Who do you look to for inspiration? I’m a really big fan of Chuck Closeí work. His large scale portraits amaze me. I work within portraiture alot. Also photography and painting. I find myself often working on a larger scale. I also really like Francis Bacon and Cindy Sherman. In relation to the work I do involving celebrity portraits on my youtube.com/wyzynathan account, there are several artists that inspired me to do such videos, its gained me following of over 10,500 subscribers!
What things around you inspire your work? My family, friends and music. I listen to music a lot and song lyrics often start thoughts off in my head for art pieces. I also watch the news and read a lot of celebrity magazines. This can be seen in particular on my Youtube videos where I create time lapse portraits of celebrities in different media including a portrait of Simon Cowell on toast painted with Marmite. After I read a reporter say “you either love him or hate him”. In the near future I hope to base a lot of my work around current issues, and try to tackle or portray them in my artwork. Looking into the future, where would you like to be in 5 years time? It’s a really tough question. We all know the art world is a tough place to survive. I’d really like to do something like on my Youtube channel, but on television. Maybe children’s TV, like an Art Attack style program. I like the idea of teaching and making people smile with my work. Iím also considering a tattoo apprenticeship as this is something Iím very interested in. The teaching route is a big possibility, as well as hopefully selling more commissions along the way. What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about starting an art and design degree course? Any words of wisdom? It’s a very independent course. If you’re not committed to yourself and your work, you won’t get very far. You need to genuinely believe this is something you were meant to do, as cliche as it sounds. You should know whether your built for it or not by this stage. Finally I’d say just try your best, nobody could ever ask for more. Smiling always helps, enjoy yourself! Thanks Nathan!
UWIC Students’Union listens to Nation Radio - 106.8 & 107.3 FM, www.nationwales.com
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Retro
March 2010
www.uwicsu.co.uk
cineworld
RetroFilm Reviews
cinemas
The Princess & The Frog By Adam Chubb
By Adam Chubb
Starring(the voices of ): Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Terence Howard, John Goodman, Oprah Winfrey Director(s): Ron Clements, John Musker Writer(s): Ron Clements, John Musker Cinemtography: Ian Gooding Original Music: Randy Newman Running Time: 97 Mins. As with any film in any genre you could go through with a checklist, though this is not a bad thing if the elements work so well. Why change a brilliant and successful formula? Which means in Walt Disney studios return to “classic” animation we have a princess, a villain, a dashing prince and those uniquely Disney-fied elements, the songs, the comedy animal sidekicks and a happily ever after. Each of these elements are present and correct but the script is peppered with more than enough to give The Princess and the Frog the up-to-date twists. I Found myself transported to a place that I had not been since seeing The Lion King at the cinema many years ago. It is to the credit of all involved that The Princess and the Frog is such a success The direction acts as homage at times, yet also acts as its own entity, fresh and new yet harking back to the masterpieces of old. Much has been made of Tiana being the first black Disney princess. It is a shame as you would have thought we have moved beyond these kind of distinctions. But regardless of colour, Tiana is thoroughly convincing and a strong female lead avoiding the pitfalls of cliché while still becoming the Disney princess that you would quite rightly expect come the film’s final act. The story takes in many great characters and as with the rest of the production subverts expectation just enough to make it both classic in its storytelling and ingredients, but also fresh and excellently constructed.
Verdict
Walt Disney Classic The Princess and the Frog, the moniker says it all, Walt Disney animation studios are back with a bang.
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Julian Lewis Jones, Marguerite Wheatley Director: Clint Eastwood Writer: Anthony Peckham, John Carlin (novel) Cinematography: Tom Stern Original Score: Kyle Eastwood, Michael Stevens Running Time: 133 Mins.
Clint Eastwood is a director who can turn a story on its head. So with this in mind, upon hearing that Eastwood was to tackle the story of Nelson Mandela, it would be prudent to expect something a little more than your average run-of-the-mill biopic. With this in mind Eastwood turns his focus to a section of life that defines Man-
dela, intimately examining his character as he attempted to unite South Africa’s black and white communities, through that most inspirational of past-times, sport. With the help of the Springboks coach, Francois Pienaar, Mandela sought to find solitude for his nation in the success of the team on the world stage... just the kind of unfussy and character-led story the director is a master of. Other than the talent behind the camera, the coup of Invictus lay in its casting. Morgan Freeman can play characters of the kind of quiet dignity that Mandela is a mark of. Only a fool would doubt his ability to convey anything less than a similarity to Mandela himself in capturing the man’s likeness and mannerisms. Much like Million Dollar Baby and Changeling’s ‘about-turns in narrative’ the same does happen in Invictus, and while the earlier scenes in the film give us a feel for what it was Mandela aimed to do and how the latter half of the film turns its focus to the rugby itself. It is here that Matt Damon very nearly steals the film from Freeman. There is a reason both men have been Oscar nominated,
The Wolfman
Invictus Damon, as Pienaar, exudes both the physicality to make you believe in him as a rugby player but more importantly underplays Pienaar to perfection, there is a dignity in Damon’s role that shadows Freeman. Both actors compliment each other perfectly. Sadly those surrounding the central duo do not fare so well and there is almost an amateur quality in the stock characters, meaning when Damon and Freeman are off-screen the pace lags a little, however the film’s sporting final blow comes in with the depiction of the rugby itself. As assured as ever with the camera Eastwood glides effortlessly in and out of the rucks, taking us where we would never usually see in a game. Something which adds a great air of authenticity, and as the players thunder down the pitch we follow gliding along, giving a game
that is often seen as nothing more than brute force and lacking in subtleties. An elegant and worthy viewpoint, much like the film itself, finding its heart in some key moments.
By Adam Chubb
bling. While Blunt is quite simply bland, Hopkins and Weaving fare much better, hamming it up just enough. Between the limp attempts at character development are the action sequences which vary between computergamey and downright shoddy, and while much has been made of The Wolfman being Rick Baker’s return to werewolf make-up effects, there is evidence a great deal of time and money has been spent attempting to meld the CGI and practical effects together seamlessly. It also is a very hit-and-miss affair, echoing the rest of the film’s problems that become too much to overlook.
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving Director: Joe Johnston Writer(s): Andrew Kevin Walker, David Self Cinematography: Shelly Johnson Original Score: Paul Haslinger Running Time: 102 Mins.
As I feared, all the shunting around of dates and change of director in The Wolfman’s infamously troubled history makes for a hugely uneven film, something which means its problems far outweigh what good can be gleamed from the overall mess. It’s hard to know where to start when breaking down a messy film, for there are good parts within the bad and vice versa, yet the clashing and uneven tone are largely The Wolfman’s overarching problem. This two-sided approach filters through every aspect. Del Toro was evidently brought in when the film was intended as a character piece, yet is now reduced to looking confused and mum-
Verdict
Invictus is not perfect, but you would be hard pushed to find a more focused and convincing bio-pic / sports film. As ever Clint Eastwood, the director, succeeds at being the master story-teller he is... with more than a little help from Damon and Freeman’s quietly convincing turns. de
Gra
2:1
Verdict
It is a shame that so little of The Wolfman satisfies, or succeeds, as all the elements are there for what could have been either a film of pure entertainment or something a little more serious. As it is set neither here nor there.
Grade
3rd
Retro
www.uwicsu.co.uk
March 2010
RetroTake-A-Break Retro’s Crossword 1
fmainwaring@uwic.ac.uk
Dear Aunty Archer, I’m so stressed! My dissertation is getting the better of me and I’m struggling to keep up with my other work. Do you have any advice for me? Sam
Hi Sam, Don’t panic. Just think of how good it will feel when it’s all finished. All I can suggest for now is that you set out time slots for each bit of work that you need to do and prioritise it in accordance with when it needs to be done by. This way you can see how much time you have to give to each topic and while you’re spending the time on each section you can forget about the rest. It’s just one last big push before it’s all over and then you can enjoy relaxing! Good luck.
Dear Aunty, My purse strings are getting a bit tighter as it’s coming towards the end of term. I love to eat healthily but it’s getting hard on such a tight budget. Is there a way around this? Anna
Illustration by Jake Eldridge
Hello Anna. You’re just in time for some fabulous food on a really tight budget! The Students’ Union has organised the Food Co-op to come in to Cyncoed campus every Monday from the 15th February. This will be moving to the other campuses as well once a week when we get enough volunteers
Plum!
and interest in the crazy value being offered! Students get to pre-order huge bags of either veg, salad, stir fry or fruit for just £2.50 each! You then come in to whichever campus you’re based to collect your pre-paid order. To find out more on this amazing offer, have a look at www. uwicsu.co.uk/events.
Dear Aunty Archer, I’ve heard a lot about the elections that are going on mid-March. What are they all about and what do I have to do to vote? Mohammed Hi Mohammed. The elections take place to bring in new sabbatical officers for each academic year. Sabbaticals are the President and Vice president of the Students’ Union. Their campaigns will be running from the 10th March and voting will take place between the 15th and 17th March. To vote, all you need to do is go to one of the manned polling stations on each campus with your student card and place that all-important vote! To make sure you’re voting in the best candidate, you can have a look at their manifestos online when they go on (www.uwicsu. co.uk) or ask the campaigners themselves; they’ll be more than happy to discuss their views with you.
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Across 1 Changeable (6) 4 Line on a weather map (6) 8 Cheesy (5) 9 Less experienced (7) 10 (Of outward appearances) what is proper (7) 11 Hungarian composer and pianist (5) 12 Curved glass-filled opening (3,6) 17 Extremist (5) 19 Flower — tuna pie (anag) (7) 21 Sensory hair of a cat (7) 22 Skin disease caused by a fungus (5) 23 Verbal outburst (6) 24. Church room (6)
Down 1 Frontage (6) 2 Source of a yellow vegetable (7) 3 Stratum (5) 5 Dirty and neglected (7) 6 False (5) 7 Something not often seen (6) 9 The Day of Atonement (3,6) 13 All-in — hit hard (7) 14 Fastener with two flat lugs to aid tightening (4,3) 15 Defeat by ingenuity (6) 16 The Milky Way, for example (6) 18 One who perseveres (5) 20 Book’s name (5)
Answers:
If you have a picture of UWIC Plum then we want to know!
Email your pictures to the Retro editor: trosoman@uwic.ac.uk.
Retrodoku Easy:
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Do you have a question for Aunty Archer? Please email:
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www.uwicsu.co.uk
fully furnished high quality student accommodation
Summer Accommodation available throughout July and August All bedrooms include your own private en-suite bathroom Available in 3,4 & 5 bedroom flats with a television & Sky package included in each flat and broadband available in every bedroom
For more information contact the Victoria Hall Management Office on:
02920 359 500 cardiff@victoriahall.com fax: 02920 359 507
Victoria Hall, Blackweir Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 3EY
welcome to your
future www.victoriahall.com
Retro
www.uwicsu.co.uk
March 2010
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RetroBUCS Fixtures & Results
British Universities & Colleges Sport February 2010 UWIC BUCS Results 3rd Feb Badminton l (W2A)
8 - 0 Glam 2 (H)
Badminton W (Prem)
Basketball M (W2B)
79 - 56 Aberystwyth
10th Feb 6 - 2 Newport
5 - 3 UWE 1 (H)
5 - 3 Hertfordshire
2 - 3 Birnigham QF
Glamorgan
83 - 74 Swansea 1 (A)
Basketball W1 (Prem)
24th Feb 9 - 8 Cardiff 2
95 - 6 Winchester 1 (H)
Football M1 (W2B)
2 - 1 Gloucester 2 (H)
90 - 20 Winchester 1 (A)
0 - 8 Glamorgan 1 (A)
Football M3 (W3B)
77 - 39 Swansea 1 (A)
10th Mar
Bristol 1
17th Mar
24th Mar
Glos 1 (A)
CC Final
13 & 14 SF & F
Basketball M (W2B)
CC Final
Basketball W1 (Prem) 55 - 57 Solent
Sheffield
Badminton l (W2A) Badminton W (Prem)
115 - 40 Manchester
Basketball W2 (W2A)
Football M2 (W2B)
17th Feb
March 2010 UWIC BUCS Fixtures 12 - 14 Final 8’s
Basketball W2 (W2A)
2 - 0 UWIC 2 (H)
Football M1 (W2B)
Medics 1 (A)
CC Final
0 - 2 UWIC 1 (A)
Football M2 (W2B)
Hartpury 2 (A)
CC Final
3 - 3 Aber 1 (H)
Football M3 (W3B)
Cardiff 2 (A)
CC Final
Football W1 (Prem)
Ch Final
Football W2 (W1A)
TR Final
Football W1 (Prem)
6 - 0 Chichester
1 - 5 Northumbria
Football W2 (W1A)
5 - 3 Bath
10 - 0 Kent
1 - 2 Exeter
Golf (Prem S)
5 - 1 Exeter 1 (H)
0.5 - 5.5 Bo’mouth1(H)
5 - 1Bath 1 (A)
Golf (Prem S)
Hockey M1 (W2B)
2 - 0 Cardiff 2 (H)
7 - 2 Cardiff 3 (H)
7 - 0 Medics 1 (A)
Hockey M1 (W2B)
Swansea 1
2 - 1Aber 1 (A)
Hockey M2 (W3B)
Glos 2 (A)
Hockey M2 (W3B)
2 - 2 Bristol 3 (A)
Hockey W1 (Prem)
Hockey W1 (Prem)
1 - 3 Brunel
Hockey W2 (W 2B)
6 - 0 Bristol 3 (A)
7 - 0 Cardiff 4
3 - 0 Cardiff 3 (H)
Hockey W3 (W3B)
4 - 3 Aber 1 (H)
0 - 3 St Mark 1
Lacrosse (W1A)
Netball 1 (Prem)
57 - 21 Leeds
Hockey W2 (W 2B)
Glam 1 (H)
3 - 3 Bristol 4 (H)
Hockey W3 (W3B)
Glos 2 (H)
4 - 17 Cloucestershire
Lacrosse (W1A)
38 - 33 Northumbria
Netball 1 (Prem)
2 - 2 St Mark 1
11 = CH & Tr Finals
CH Final
Netball 2 (W2B)
36 - 36 Swansea1 (A)
46 - 35 Swansea1
48 - 41 Glamorgan1(A)
38 - 29 UWIC 3
Netball 2 (W2B)
11 = CC Final
Bristol 2 (A)
Netball 3 (W2B)
40 - 27 Glamorgan(H)
56 - 17 Cardiff 4
Medics 1 (A)
29 - 38 UWIC 2
Netball 3 (W2B)
11 = CC Final
Swansea 1 (A)
Netball 4 (W3B)
11 = CC Final
Aber 1 (H)
Netball 4 (W3B)
25 - 31 Cardiff 3 (H)
Rugby Union M1 (Prem A)
57 - 5 Bath 1 (H)
13 - 11 Swansea 1 (A)
Rugby Union M2 (Prem B)
Medics 1 (A)
15 - 13 UWE 1 (H)
23 - 36 Swansea2 (A)
Rugby Union M1 (Prem A)
Ch QF
69 - 15 Reading 1(H)
Rugby Union M2 (Prem B)
Tr L16
Rugby Union M3 (W1A)
13 - 9 RAC 1 (A)
7 - 47 Glamorgan1(H)
20 - 36 Gloucester1(A)
Rugby Union M3 (W1A)
Rugby Union M4 (W1A)
6 - 46 Glos 1 (A)
18 - 34 Hartpury3(H)
13 - 25 Bristol 2 (A)
Rugby Union M4 (W1A)
Rugby Union W (Prem)
52 - 0 Oxford 1 (H)
65 - 0 Chichester1(A)
Rugby League (Premier S)
18 - 16 Exeter
42 - 26 Swansea
Squash 1 (W1A) Squash 2 (W2B) Squash W 1 (Prem)
Tennis M1 (W1A) Tennis M2 (W2B)
Rugby Union W (Prem)
Rugby League (Premier S)
34 - 12 Bangor
10 - 0 Gloucester2(A)
3 - 2 Swansea 1 (H)
Squash 2 (W2B)
3 - 1 Bath
1 - 3 Birnigham
Squash W 1 (Prem)
8 - 2 Brighton 1
7 - 3 London Met
3 - 7 Bath
Tennis M1 (W1A)
9 - 1 Cardiff
Swansea 1 (A)
8 - 2 Glos
Tennis M2 (W2B)
Tennis W (W1A)
Volleyball M (W2A) Volleyball W (W2A)
(H) - Home (A) - Away Red - BUCS Championship
Tr SF
Ch QF
CH SF
11 = Ch & Tr Finals
Squash 1 (W1A)
2 - 3 Bristol 4 - 1 Swansea 2 (A)
Ch SF Tr QF
Tennis W (W1A)
0 - 3 Bath 2
Volleyball M (W2A) Volleyball W (W2A)
For more BUCS fixtures & results www.bucs.org.uk
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www.uwicsu.co.uk
RetroBUCS Photography
www.uwicsu.co.uk/au/gallery
Photography By Kieran McManus
Photography By Kieran McManus
Photography By Kieran McManus
Photography By Tin Lee
Photography By Carl Sutherwood
Retro
www.uwicsu.co.uk
March 2010
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RetroScholar of the Month
Scholar Of The Month Danni Ackerman Sport: Football Sport: Centre Middfield Sporting Achievements: • England U17 • England Colleges • GB Uni’s Southampton WFC • Bristol Academy WFC Course of Study: Was Sport & Exercise Science, but couldn’t cope!! Now Sport and Physical Education. When did you first start playing your sport and how long have you been involved? Been kicking a ball since I could walk.. Been playing for 13 years now...
Who is your biggest sporting influence? There’s not really any female footballers that massively aspire me! Cliché, but David Beckham... He’s technical like me.... Maybe Michael Carrick too....?! What does an average week of training consist of? When I’m injury free... I’m penciled in to train Uni Focus group Mondays and Fridays, UWIC WFC Tuesdays and Fridays, Bristol Academy WFC Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then games Wednesdays and Sundays.
How do you find balancing your sport and studies together here at UWIC? It’s not too bad at the moment. I’ve had niggly injuries, so time out from training allows me to get work (and socialising) slotted in. When training’s intense it’s a struggle, lots of last minute late nights! What are your hopes for the future after your time at UWIC? To gain a good degree! I’m hoping for a 2:1. Im also due an operation on my knee too, so after that, would like to get back into Uni and Club football as soon as!
Do you have any pre-competition rituals? Not really... I’m careful about boot selection, and how I wear my kit. Other than that I crack open one and a half cans of Red Bull at 12.50pm!
Photography By Kieran McManus
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RetroSport
Brownlee Brothers Launch 2010 BUCS Championships From BUCS.org.uk
Great Britain Triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee were in Sheffield today to launch the 2010 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships which will be held in the Yorkshire region from the 10 – 14 March 2010. Alistair and Jonathan who were both born in Yorkshire and currently study at neighbouring universities in Leeds were delighted to be able to lend their support to the BUCS Championships which will see 6,000 athletes compete across 26 sports. The BUCS Championships, is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber. “University sport has played and continues to play a massive part of mine
and Jonny’s sporting development, so we are pleased to be supporting the BUCS Championships” said 21 years old Alistair, the older of the two siblings. Jonathan continued “Yorkshire is a special place for us, having been born and raised in the region and now going to university in Leeds. I am delighted to hear that the Championships are being held up here for the third consecutive year. The Brownlee brothers are excelling on the domestic and international triathlon scene as they aim for the 2012 London Olympics – and at the same time creating one of the most interesting sibling rivalries for years. Alistair was crowned 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championship whilst younger sibling Jonathan has swept all aside at a junior level after becoming the 2009 Australian Youth Olympics Champion and European Junior Triathlon Champion. Karen Rothery, Chief Executive of BUCS is delighted to have Alistair and Jonathan supporting the event.
“What two better people to have involved - Yorkshire men, both attending university in Leeds and great role models on balancing academic and sporting commitments. We are absolutely delighted they have been able to be involved in the Championships.” Bramall Lane has also been added to an already impressive list of venues and Rothery is sure that this year’s event is going to be bigger and better than last year. “Yorkshire really works for us in terms of its world-class facilities. There’s a huge amount of fabulous venues here, like the EIS, Ponds Forge, Don Valley Stadium and not to mention Bramall Lane. There’s also been a fantastic legacy left after the World Student Games in 1991 which has allowed fabulous high quality sport to be played.” The new BUCS mascot, Brian the Lion, was also launched today at the Sheffield Big Wheel, and he was joined by a variety of other local Sheffield mascots.
Retro
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March 2010
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RetroSport
Taking Care of Business...
UWIC Archers Secure Funding for Learning Disability Team By Brechtje Halbertsma
UWIC Archers Basketball Academy Secures Sports Council Lottery Cash Injection for Learning Disability Team.
By Damian Jennings UWIC Archers Head Coach
For those fortunate enough to see the Archers performance against Leeds Carnegie Met. back in February where we scored 62pts in the 1st half to go on and win 103-81 will know we are playing some of our best basketball – photos, stats and game report can be found on: www.uwicarchers.com.
Our attention never waivers from the EBL but for a unique weekend once a year we only think about BUCS, and the prestigious Final 8’s tournament in March. As double champions, and an unbeaten record of 39 wins spanning 3 years you would expect us to be favourites…well, that is not quite the case. Leeds Met.’s heavy investment means that all of their players in the EBL are also scholarship students, so in BUCS they have exactly the same outfit. We are deeper than previous years with Archers II leading players such as Rachel Short, Annabelle Hardiman, Moka Halbertsma, Jo Raper & Steph Laguda all fighting it out for final positions in the BUCS 1st squad; but we are not quite as experienced as Leeds Met. on
paper, and would certainly miss Kate Butters, Ruth Murphy & Danni Yalland from our EBL unit. The format see’s every team playing a quarter final on the Friday, with knowledge that a win takes you automatically into a top 4 finish, and a loss placing you scrapping it out for a 5th to 8th spot and a bit of pride. You can’t just have a great starting five in this tournament; you have to have a deep enough roster to go the back-to-back 3 games the weekend sets-up. For us to achieve the goal of 3 BUCS Championship titles in a row, we have to firstly secure our route past likely competition such as Team Northumbria (finalist 2 years ago) and up & coming
London South Bank before even we talk about a possible final versus Leeds Met. Whatever happens we will leave nothing on the court if the bookies do have the scripted final of UWIC versus Leeds Met. correct. And although underdogs, we will bite like it is a final where there is everything to gain and nothing to lose! Dynasty is a strong word, but the potential of this group to secure some weighty history in BUCS scripture is on the cards. To go all the way, would hold a 41 untarnished wins record and a 3rd title that we would simply love to achieve for UWIC sport, all those associated with the Archers family and ourselves…
Archers 2nds Narrowly Miss Out on Trophy Final By Ludmila Reyter Back after the Christmas break and alongside the regular season, the Archers Basketball 2nds travelled to Stockport to take on the Stockport Lapwings in the National Trophy Semi final, a team currently sitting at the top of the North Division 2 with an 8
wins 0 loss record. Although the Archers fought hard for forty minutes of play, it was Stockport who were to progress to the Trophy final (65:62). In only their second season together, the girls can count it as a huge achievement to have progressed to the semi finals and the close score indicates that there is still more to expect from the
Archers team especially with the play offs in mind. Back in the league the Archers have regrouped after their loss against Solent in December and have produced some outstanding results. Having won their second game against Solent in January (48:50) and another weekend off, Archers looked forward to a double header weekend. With Welcoming City of Birmingham Force to the Archers Arena in the first game, the Archers deep roster enabled them to come away with the close win (54:55). In their second game,
Archers travelled down South to play Plymouth Marjon in their first encounter this season. The Archers dominated from start to finish and all 10 players contributed in the 29 point win (80:51). Archers now lie third in the table with just two losses and many games still to be played. With some tough games coming up, which could ultimately decide the league, the Archers need your support more than ever so check out www. uwicarchers.com for details of the home fixtures...hope to see you there!
Cardiff residents are set to reap the benefits of a cash investment into the health of the region as it was announced that the Sports Council for Wales’ Community Chest scheme is ploughing £962.00 into the Learning Disability team at UWIC Archers Basketball Academy. Community Chest, which has just celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, is a National Lottery grant managed by the Sports Council for Wales and supported locally by Cardiff County Council. It is designed to encourage more people to become more physically active, more often. Since its inception in 1999, communities across the length and breadth of Wales have been investing heavily in sports and physical activity projects. The Sports Council for Wales has recently raised the level of grant available. Organisations keen to develop sport and physical activity in Wales can receive up to £1000 for a qualifying project over a 12 month period, and UWIC Basketball is one of the latest to benefit. With the financial funding of the Community Chest grant and in association with UWIC Archers Basketball Academy, we have been able to ensure the appropriate qualification for all the coaches and volunteers, as well as the opportunity to purchase essential equipment such as new basketball rings and a variety of basketballs in different colours sizes. With this equipment and coaching courses we are able to teach basic basketball skills, coordination, while incorporating social development and always approaching the sessions with an emphasis on enjoyment. The Learning Disability basketball sessions are coached by UWIC Students and offer an opportunity for children between the ages of 7-18 years with learning disabilities to engage in physical activity, interact and socialize with other children in the local community. For further information feel free to come along to our session on a Thursday evening in NIAC at UWIC Sports Centre on Cyncoed Campus from 5.30pm to 6.30pm or contact Moka Halbertsma bhalbertsma@hotmail.co.uk or by phone: 07875826159.
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RetroSport
UWIC Women’s Rugby Looking Powerful for BUCS Knock-outs By Kylie Wilson UWIC Women’s Rugby Head Coach
Photography by Kieran McManus
With the BUCS Championship knock-outs kicking off this month, UWIC Women’s Rugby are looking like strong contenders to take the title. The seven times champions finished their BUCS league games on a high with a crushing defeat of 3rd placed Chichester, racking up 65 points, taking their points scored tally to 483 with only 15 conceded. The squad heads into the knock-out phase of the competition in high spirits and confident of another visit to Twickenham this April. Head Coach and School of Sport Lecturer Kylie Wilson was full of praise for her team, “the girls work tremendously hard every week to play the standard of rugby required to win the competition, despite some variable opposition. The knockouts will prove difficult in some regards as we will have our internationals unavailable due to six nation’s commitments. But our depth this season is good and our fresher’s have really improved, regularly challenging for places”. When asked which players will
be in contention for a place in the starting line-up come the quarters and semi-finals, Wilson stated “from our fresher intake we have three players really putting their hands up; loose head Abbey Constable, scrum half Larissa Muldoon and fly half Yazmin Leung. Second years Kiri Bennett and Sioned Harries have been exceptional since Christmas and senior players Lisa Newton, Mared Evans and Ceri Redman should feature if not be involved in the Welsh squad. However, players like Olivia Robinson, Alix Taylor and Becki Thomas have been incredibly consistent, making selection a bit of a pleasant nightmare”. Main rivals Leeds Met crushed their closest opposition, Loughborough, in the North Premier League by 50 plus points indicating they will be a true test for this UWIC squad. Potential opponents for the knock-out stages include Loughborough from the north, but also Brighton, Cardiff University and Birmingham who have all finished top of their respective Division 1 leagues. A home draw for the first knock-out game is guaranteed, so please come and support one of the most successful teams in UWIC sport on the 3rd of March.
UWIC ATHLETIC UNION
ANNUAL SPORTS AWARDS PRESENTATION DINNER Wednesday, 5th May 2010 MERCURE CARDIFF - HOLLAND HOUSE HOTEL & SPA NEWPORT ROAD, CARDIFF Doors open 6.30pm, Presentation starts 7.30pm Tickets: £25.00 Available from the 1st March 2010 from: UWIC Students’ Union, Campus Centre, Cyncoed Campus. Dress Code: Smart / Jacket & Tie
With Support from:
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