Did They Do What They Promised?

gair rhydd Monday May 20th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1007

The Candidates Manifesto 2012 revisited ...did they do what they promised?

gair rhydd review this year’s Sabbatical Officers, to see if they kept the promises they had made to students p6 >>

2 / Editor’s Note

gair rhydd would like to thank the following for their articles Words by and help in making this issue: Georgia Hamer News in brief Contributors gr Matthew Jones Georgia Hamer Samantha Brick News 4–8 David Beckham retires Victoria Chandler Two decades since debuting for England, proudly captaining with a variety of organisations, Greg Landon Opinion 9–11 .BODIFTUFS6OJUFE %BWJE#FDL the side from 2000 to 2006. He stating: “I feel like I’m starting a Matt Harding Politics 13–15 IBN IBT BOOPVODFE IJT SFUJSF also made 398 appearances for OFXBEWFOUVSFBOE*NHFOVJOF Alice Tobin ment from football. Manchester United, winning six ly excited about what lies ahead. Scott Davies Science 18–19 Beckham was initially thought Premier League titles and the I’m fortunate to have been given David Mason Societies 21 UP CF DPOUFNQMBUJOH B GVS Champions League. many opportunities throughout Fatima Muhammad UIFS ZFBST DPOUSBDU BU IJT DVS Wishing to give something my career and now I feel it’s my Nilarnti Vignarajah Taf- Od 22 Jasmine Chong SFOU DMVC 1BSJT 4BJOU(FSNBJO CBDL #FDLIBNJTOPXTFUUPDPO time to give back.” Emily Cope Puzzles 24 where he has just won a league tinue his ambassadorial duties Cerith Rhys Jones Sport 29–31 UJUMFEJOBGPVSUIDPVOUSZ GPMMPX Ellie van Klarveren ing spells at Manchester United, Sophie Banks Real Madrid and LA Galaxy. )PXFWFS JU IBT OPX CFFO DPO firmed the midfielder will retire Proofreaders at the end of the season, despite being offered and extension to Anne Porter his contract at PSG. Emilia Ignaciuk $POGJSNJOH UIF BOOPVODF ment, Beckham stated: “I’m Thank you also to Rhys for his thankful to PSG for giving me riddles. the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the Thank you as well to anyone highest level.” and everyone who contributed to the paper this year, without "U ZFBSTPME IF IBT CFFO you we wouldn’t have a paper! EDITOR labelled as ‘the most iconic Chris Williams sportsman of his generation’. During his career Beckham $003%*/"503 has made 115 appearances for Elaine Morgan

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Student found to have four kid- Luke Slade " TUVEFOU XBT TIPDLFE UP EJT It was only later they realised cover she had four kidneys after it was in fact a third kidney. Upon 46#&%*503 HPJOHJOUPIPTQJUBMGPSBOPQFSB SFNPWJOH UIF UIJSE EBNBHFE PS 1PN+BSSZ1POFT tion. HBO BGPVSUILJEOFZXBTEJTDPW +FTTJDB$VSQIFZ BGBTIJPOTUV ered. NEWS dent at the University of Creative Consultant urological surgeon Kendal Archer Arts in Surrey was operated on Robyn Webber, of NHS Fife, said: Tom Eden after a scan showed something “Having three kidneys on a single Anna Hickman 17cm in diameter on her right side of the body is exceptionally Bethan Jones kidney, which doctors suspected rare. There are perhaps less than was a cyst. 100 cases in textbooks.” OPINION Alice Briggs Nick Evans Alex Greig In this week’s issue... COLUMNIST Katie Bennett POLITICS Opinion looks at Science investigates Thom Hollick Facebook’s latest whether bacteria- Rachel Lewis improvements and infected mosquitoes SCIENCE how they affect you help fight malaria Rhiannon Davies p10 p16 Alexey Underwood

SOCIETIES Beth Lyons

LISTINGS Beth Gregory

5"'0% News report on Tom Lewis controversial antics Politics reviews the in the ASSL Pakistan election SPORT p4 p13 Ross Martinovic Jimbly Shapland

GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE ARE PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION $"3%*'' 1"3, 1-"$& $"3%*'' $' 2/ t REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST 0''*$&t("*33):%%3&4&37&45)&3*()5 50&%*5"--$0/53*#65*0/4t5)&7*&84 EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE 0'5)&16#-*4)&34t("*33):%%*483*5 TEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

3 Monday May 20th 2013 | @mediacsu

A note from the editor... IJTGFFMTXFJSEySF ally weird: it’s the day of my final ever gair rhydd deadline. gair rhydd 2012/13 Four years ago when I wrote that firstT articlew for the newspaper, I gairMonday 17th September 2012 | freeword - Est. rhydd1972 | Issue 982 gairMonday 24th September 2012 | freeword - Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 983 gairMonday October 1st 2012 | freeword - Est. 1972rhydd | Issue 984 gairMonday October 8th 2012 | freeword - Est. 1972rhydd | Issue 985 gairMonday October 15th 2012 | freeword - Est. 1972rhydd | Issue 986 never thought I’d be in a position and Quench and Quench and Quench to shape the paper or to make it my All change in the Students’ Union Alleged doctored images taint Cardiff Students’ Union ranked University’s research own. In fact, I never even realised Ooops... that it was possible for me to be in Finance department caught out by scam th neptly that position.

I enjoyed playing Police launch full scale investigation without the In reality, though, this year’s just “commitment of playing for the been 27 newspaper issues. That’s it. Cardiff team Money untraceable p5 >> 5 27 opportunities to misspell in the UK “The Lodge” - New bar ready for Freshers Cardiff University gair rhydd takes a look at Cardiff Cardiff University p6 >> ames XPSET PO UIF GSPOUQBHF DPDL VQ Two new club nights University’s fallen applications gives away £170,000 As a captain, A brand new Centre for Skills, Enterprise and the possible implications ...but students studying Welsh are least satisfied it took up ...to fraudsters “far too much Full story on p4 loses £170,000 p4 >> of my spare Full coverage of the National Students’ Survey on >> anagedtime and too page numbers and generally screw and Volunteering p4-5 p much of my 4-5 p4 >> own money New Vice-Chancellor On the other Act One’s King Lear at Politics examines Fakebook: do social Ed Miliband looks Science discovers >> Experiment sews University U-turn Sport preview the Is Uni worth the Summer Ball Meet your Elected Colin Riordan talks to hand... Edinburgh Fringe Nick Clegg’s networks create like a leader at the delights of up all of the good design work that kittens eyes closed money? Succes Officers on Porn warning p p Heineken Cup p30-31 P21 P11 P24 P16-17 gair rhydd p8 Columnist p13 Festival p20 8 apology spoof 18 superficial relationships?p12 last p16 homeopathy p22 Luke Slade worked so hard on at the beginning of the year.

gairMonday October 22nd 2012 | freeword – Est. 1972rhydd | Issue 987 gairMonday October 29th 2012 | freeword - Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 988 gairMonday November 5th 2012 | freeword – Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 989 gairMonday November 12th 2012 | freeword – rhyddEst. 1972 | Issue 990 gairMonday November 19th 2012 | freeword – rhyddEst. 1972 | Issue 991 It’s also been 27 opportunities to and Quench and Quench make a difference. Write articles Student media Ministry of Change vote 0.33% interview ignites freedom of 86 OF STUDENTS against No and uncover stories that students PEOPLE 53 speech debate VOTED VOTED PEOPLE ‘YES’ VOTED ‘NO’ Platform OFFEUPLOPXBCPVUoMJLFUIFQSPC policy lems with IMG sports at the start of Motions put forward in ﬁrst the year, or the horrible silverfish forum meetings:

Call for a No Platform policy for in Talybont South. Cardiff students vote ‘yes’ in referendum on whether the p5>> fascists and racists across all student media: Union should fund students to go on NUS Demonstration REJECTED 5IF QBTU ZFBS IBT CFFO JODSFE p6 >> Safe taxi scheme introduced The safe taxi scheme has been introduced to ensure students make it home Fly the Welsh ﬂag and Union Jack from the roof of the An interview carried out by Leeds Student has ignited safely after a night out if they are alone, feel unsafe or have no money Students’ Union: debate over the freedom of speech, censorship and student media. Members of the National Union for REFERENDUM Union club nights in Students (NUS) have demanded that the interview be ible. Hundreds of students have taken off the internet immediately, claiming it is ef- Put up a bus shelter outside the Union for students waiting fectively advocating the British National Party’s fas- Use of external Welsh translators cist views. DespiteUse his far of right external beliefs, should he be Welsh translators Xpress Radio success at SRA for the University Hall bus: forbidden the right to express them? Leeds Student questioned over cost and quality trouble as attendance falls holds that studentquestioned media should not shy away over from cost and quality APPROVED publishing such beliefs, despite the controversy they p4>> p4 >> helped make the newspaper this p4 >> p4-5 >> may cause, and despite the protests of the NUS. p4 >> awards Politics look at the Breast cancer Cardiff men’s Student loan spending: Science looks at the Sport review the Politics looks at the Science examines Freshers revel in News enter into Cardiff researchers help Sport interview with Opinion look at the state Cardiff researchers receive Cardiff Jiu Jitsu referendum on Scottish research gets threat ‘tiger tourism’ controversy surrounding its relationship with the No Platform to create neuroanatomy award for research into rugby team the practical reality Korfball Freshers’ Ulitmate Frisbee Arthur Ellis of rap in the modern go to Nationals year, be it writing a singular article, independence p12 funding boost p16 struggles p25 p14 could pose p20 tournament p25 Ukranian elections p16 religion p19 opener p29 debate p7 bible p20 p38 day p11 schizophrenia p18 p34 proofing a page or spending hours in the office with me editing a page.

gairMonday November 26th 2012 | freeword - Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 992 gairMonday December 3rd 2012 | freeword – Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 993 gairMonday December 10th 2012 | freeword – Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 994 gairMonday January 28th 2013 | freeword – Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 995 gairMonday February 4th 2013 | freeword – Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 996 For me, that’s been the best bit and Quench and Quench and Quench BCPVU UIF KPC "OZPOF BOE FWFSZ Cardiff up in arms Rats Sabbatical Reshufﬂ e Filthy Despite claims of unethical and corrupt behaviour, Cardiff Gambling with the Union’s future? p5>> one can get involved in any stage University continues to associate with military suppliers LandlordStain Infested BUCS decision

House Squalor

Court case Court Vermin Evicted Carpet threatens future PG UIF QSPDFTT PG NBLJOH UIF QB Builders Deposit OverdueHome Problem of medic sports Cleaners Dirty MouldCold Accusation per. From coming up with an initial p4 >> Contract Blame Smell Water Survey Damp Smooth Grime Leak Disgusting A decision made by BUCS will Facebook

Bond Worry idea to delivering the paper, we’ve Builders Mice affect the way Cardiff’s medic sports teams will compete for the Deposit University, with the future of the Roof teams yet to be decided Double Glazing p4-5>> catered for everyone’s wants and Investigation Fault

Letting agents Letting Property Complaint Cardiff students march at Rubbish OFFETUISPVHIPVUUIFZFBSoTPNF NUS Demo 2012 Eggs thrown at NUS President Spotted: Gone Union ask Cardiff Spotted: thing which I’m incredibly proud Only 21 Cardiff students attend Letting us down After Bristol University’s Christian Union is accused of banning ‘ ’ Criticism of vague agenda gair rhydd investigates Cardiff’s student letting agents women from speaking at certain events, gair rhydd investigates Facebook pages to close £845,951.43 gender equality in Christianity at universities p6>> p4>> The amount paid in library fines since 2010 of. Full article p6 >> Xpress Radio Politics report on the Taf-od yn On the other Politics questions the Science looks at a Opinion look at the Politics delivers the final Olive oil is used On the other hand... Politics reports on the Brwydr rhwng Eos Opinion discuss new Special feature on the Taf-od sy’n trafod investigate cheating latest tensions in trafod adroddiad hand... discusses possibility of independence leukaemia rising rate of student verdict on the Leveson to preserve discusses the implications Liberal Democrat review of a’r BBC yn resolutions for the United Nation’s Responsibility y Cyfrifiad a’r iaith It’s not all been plain sailing in exams p7 Israel/Palestine p18 Comisiwn Silk p29 the NUS Demo p12 for Catalonia p15 breakthrough p21 suicides p10 report p17 buildings p21 of an EU referendum p12 Trident replacements p15 parhau p24 upcoming semester p10 to Protect p14-6 Gymraeg p26 though.

This year we’ve countered calls Cardiff Student Media Ofﬁ cially BEST STUDENT MEDIA in Wales

gairMonday February 11th 2013 | freeword – Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 997 gairMonday February 25th 2013 | freeword - Est.rhydd 1972 | Issue 999 gairMonday March 11th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972rhydd | Issue 1000 for censorship, we’ve countered and Quench Quench gair rhydd budget cuts and managed to reach Talybont South infestation The countdown begins Monday March 18th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1001 and Quench Read the Students’ Union elections 3rd - 7th March Cheque this out full story The time of year is upon us interest in the elections has been disputes between candidates, with potential voters talking Most current offi cers agreed our 1000th issue – incredible again: elections. Soon, the remarkably low, with only six- from allegations of candidates about all of these things before that manifestos were a vital part crossroads on Park Place will be teen per cent of students turning setting up alternative polling sta- I could start discussing my poli- of keeping the election process on p6 >> littered with fancy dress wear- out to vote last year. This fi gure tions, to claims that candidates cies…simply because we didn’t fair. Ex-Au President Ollie Devon ing students, campaigning for a was down three per cent on the abused loopholes in the rules to feel enough people knew or declared, “I think the manifestos Sabbatical role worth £20,000. previous year, when nineteen per acquire signifi cant numbers of understood the process”. are one of the only factors that With the recent reshuffl e of the cent took part in the elections, t-shirts to boost their campaigns. Questions were also raised last stop it from being a popularity Sabbatical positions and the indicating a worrying trend in The 2012 elections saw rules set year when a survey was con- contest”. Yet despite this, none achievements for all involved. downsizing of the team from 8 to student interest. up to specifi cally combat similar ducted to examine the effective- of the offi cers in the 2012 elec- 7, competition is set to be fi erce. As covered in last weeks gair abuses occurring. However, they ness of the sabbatical offi cers’ tion year were able to deliver on Over the years, much controver- rhydd (issue 998), the elections were not without incident, when presence around the University, their manifestos. The previous sy has been raised about whether will fall over reading week. With one candidate running for the with only one third of students Head of Student Media, Oliver the positions are worth- the campaigning commencing position of AU President was recognising the elected offi cers Smith said: “manifestos are very while, and whether on Sunday 3rd March and ending forced to withdraw from the when presented with a pho- outdated: the promises you make the amount of on Thursday 7th, many students race after an incident at The tograph of them. Out of those often have very little relation money spent on will potentially have returned Lash caused his membership to who knew they were sabbatical to what you actually do. When In spite of the stress of reaching them can be home for reading week, meaning be revoked. Afterwards, several offi cers, only 12.5 per cent were coming into the job, you have justifi ed with that they may not have chance people posted on Twitter about able to name them. Only 12 per lots of projects you want to do, student aware- to experience the candidate’s the event, drawing attention to cent recognised the President but then you have so many things ness and inter- manifestos and enthusiasm, and the incident. of the Students’ Union, whose thrust upon you which you did est so poor. make an informed decision. This Student awareness of the elec- job description reads “the public not expect”. Tradition- too is a worrying indicator for tions have also been cause for face of the Union”. Nevertheless, it will be hard to ally, student the potential turn out. concern, with Chris Williams, In last years issue 981, it was avoid the elections. With much the deadline and those nights when The 2011 elec- current Head of Student Media discussed whether the elected free chocolate, fl iers and inter- tions were claiming: “many candidates, offi cers were worth the £20,000 rupted lectures, the forthcoming marred by myself included, had to tell spent on their annual salary, with week promises to be a memo- various people what the elections former Finance and Commercial rable event in the university were, why we needed Offi cer Nick Matthew stating, calendar. The Sabbatical Offi cer to vote and what “the elections are ninety per team are an important part of the our roles were. cent a popularity contest”. The way the Union functions, with we literally had no news stories, or I spent a lot of sabbatical offi cers’ role includes the decisions they make affecting Silverfish invade student residences...and not for the first time time managing the Students’ Union every student on many differ- budget, communicating ent levels. They have the ability with members of staff to bring about the change that and representing student students want to see and every interests. vote counts in electing worthy all the ones we had fell apart at the 1 Motion passed candidates. AH 4 Motions fail seams, it’s been fun… really fun. Every vote counted Cardiff University staff An officer team cash in on £249 million Be it, adding ‘ington’ to any word divided? Opinion look at the Science meets Rex, Women’s fencing News Editor Tom Eden meets Societies reports on Politics investigate Ultimate Frisbee Niall McCann: explorer, reactions to Oscar the one million dollar beat York to make animal testing at progress to possible, mixing up the letters of Full AGM roundup on p4 biologist, TV star and student p20 p10 the forthcoming Pistorius’ trial bionic man p20 semi-fi nals p33 ‘Inner Child day’ p16 Cardiff University p13 Nationals p25 5PN1BSSZ+POFTOBNFPSABQFSPO

UIFOJHIUJUTCFFOBQSFUUZJODSFE gair rhydd gair rhydd gair rhydd gair rhydd gair rhydd ible year. Monday April 15th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1002 Monday April 22nd 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1003 Monday April 29th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1004 Monday May 6th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1005 Monday May 13th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1006 I’ve said it before and I’ll say The NUS Debate They may have won the rugby International fees it again: the people who work in £130,000 worth of benefits continue to pile up student media and the team who £40,000 worth of NUS represents 95% of British Students - it is works on the newspaper week in, through the NUS XFFLPVUBSFTPNFPGUIFNPTUEFE legal unit SOLD ASSL prepares for icated people in the Union. Costs £52,000 per year petting zoo p4 >> 5IFZ XPSL UJSFMFTTMZ FWFSZ TJO NUS attempted to ban OUT , such as the Measles elected officer team and independent p4 >> wholesalers Cardiff Students’ Union refuses to open the ...but we retained the Shield HMFXFFLUPQSPEVDFUIFCFTURVBM Great Hall and release more tickets for the NUS attempted to close Cardiff Swansea win at the Millennium Stadium in front of 14,000 University’s sold out Varsity After Party, leaving hundreds students, but Cardiff prove they are still Varsity champions outbreak in Cardiff ity paper they can. Without them, of students disappointed p4 >> after dominating the rest of the sporting fixtures. Opinion look at the Science review the In this week’s Team Opinion ask: how Cardiff University are In this week’s Team Opinion ask: should Science look at the The IMG Varsity Opinion discuss first Science show how 3D Sport report Korfball fall-out of the Six Talk, Sport chat to private are our given £1.2 million to Talk, Sport chat to cigarette packets be effects of smoking manager talks to date mistakes printers could make success at BSKA club potential for Full Varsity coverage inside p p the newspaper certainly would not Nations p8 dark matter p17 Momed p26 private lives? p10 battle cyber-crime p18 C-PLAN p30 on display? p7 shisha 14 Sport 26 p8 invisibilty cloaks p15 championships p25 have existed and we wouldn’t have had all of the stories and content gair rhydd that we’ve had all year. Monday May 20th 2013 | freeword - Est. 1972 | Issue 1007 The most impressive thing about the team is that they’ve managed to put up with me for the year a feat The which few have done successful Candidates and has probably decreased their Manifesto MJGFTQBO TJHOJGJDBOUMZ XIJMTU TPVS 2012 revisited ing their positive outlooks on life. ...did they do what they To the new team, I wish you the promised? best of luck next year and thank gair rhydd review this year’s Sabbatical Officers, to see if they kept the promises they had made to students you to everyone who’s helped make p6 >> this year the success it’s been! 4 / News Cardi! Column ASSL opens 24-hours: TV Licence student refunds scandal ensues

The TV Licensing company Beth Button also said that “the had their extension cables sto- have issued their student refund Matthew Jones opening of the ASSL for 24 hours len.” News Writer reminder, advising students who is a much needed response to stu- Anonymous reports have bought a TV licence at the start From Monday, May 6th, the Arts dent demand for increased and claimed that there have been is- of the academic year to cash in and Social Sciences Library has more flexible study space during sues with people saving tables in on the last quarter if moving followed through with plans to the assessment period, when the the morning and not returning back home for the summer. open for 24 hours a day during current 24-hour study space in until many hours later. Within It is not an automatic process, exam period due to popular de- Julian Hodge is overcrowded and the first week of the 24-hour however, and students will need mand. However, students have doesn’t meet students’ needs. opening scheme, there were re- to apply for a refund. A refund noted a lack of organisation and “The response from students portedly a number of people sav- on an unused quarter amounts have thus been inconvenienced, has been overwhelmingly posi- ing seats overnight. Furthermore, to more than £36. A recent sur- which they believe might effect tive, with a large number of stu- there have been claims that ‘non- vey revealed that three out of their chances of exam success. dents utilising the service in the ASSL’ students (i.e. students who five students watch at least one The 24-hour opening of the first week, hopefully providing study a subject not related to the hour of TV a day. ASSL comes as a result of years evidence to the University for ASSL) have been causing frustra- of campaigning and negotiating the necessity of the service to be tion by using the space that Law with the University. There has extended after the pilot.” students, for example, need. Think Digital been phenomenal demand for There have also been issues Despite these issues, reac- this by students, due to the lack with conduct in the Library with tion to the new scheme has been A new series of web pages have of spaces in the Julian Hodge one student claiming that the li- largely positive and the libraries been produced to offer guidance building, which is situated close brary’s private study rooms were have said that they will take feed- and information to students and to the library. The opening shows being booked for a ‘bit of revision back into consideration in the staff on making the most of digi- how student feedback through time relief’. Another anonymous future. Tracey Stanley, a mem- tal and social media. the NSS, student representatives report claimed that they “walked ber of the library’s staff has said, Launched last week, Think system, and other forms of com- into the girls’ toilets and swiftly “we hope that this will provide Digital offers information and munication can result in changes walked out again after hearing further flexible support for stu- toolkits on a range of subjects within the University. the door rattling and what was dents at a very busy and stressful including: managing Twitter One of the issues with getting clearly two people having sex. time, and we will use the results lists; managing email; and find- 24-hour opening hours is staff- They weren’t even being quiet of the pilot to make a case to the ing royalty-free images online. ing; the ASSL has had to bring about it.” University for continuing with The pages offer practical ad- in agency staff to cover the late Furthermore, there have been 24/7 opening during the exam vice, but also flag important in- night shifts. This caused prob- claims that people have been periods, if it is successful. We’ve formation regarding responsible lems on May 10th when the agen- vomiting and not cleaning up af- already seen some considerable use and what is acceptable in cy staff did not arrive for their ter themselves. Emma Browne, a use of the Library during the ex- the eyes of the university and shift, meaning that the library third-year Law student, said that tended hours, with over one hun- the law. had to close at the normal time she has “walked into the Library dred students in the Library at and delayed opening on the Sun- toilets on several occasions to 2am on the first night.” day. This resulted in students hear people being sick, or mak- Sherlock queueing and waiting until 10am ing themselves sick. The worst for the library to open. incident was one girl was sick Holmes filmed Beth Button, Cardiff Students’ and then did not bother to clear Union’s Education and Affairs it up so it was sat in the toilet and in Cardiff Officer, said of the issue, “Whilst on the floor/seat.” There have Editor’s note Last week, BBC One programme there have been some minor is- There have also been issues been issues with As a third-year student who Sherlock was filmed around sues with staffing, these do not with the lack of spaces in the regularly used the ASSL this the University campus. Film- detract from the positive impact Library. Emma Browne said, “it conduct in the year, I think it is good that the ing took place inside the uni- the opening hours have had on is practically impossible to get a “ library is open 24-hours during versity’s Main building and library, with one the Glamorgan building. Many students during their assessment plug in ASSL unless you bring an exam period. Personally, I’m students gathered to watch the period.” extension cable. It is common to student claiming not sure how many students filming take place. For the moment, the 24-hour see one extension plugged into that the library’s would continue to make use Sub-editor Tom Parry-Jones, opening hours will run as a pilot another (the most I have seen is of the extended opening hours who was among the crowd, said, period from May 6th until June a chain of five). There have also private study after exam period, but it is “Martin Freeman waved at some 9th, to examine student demand. been incidents of extensions be- rooms were being certainly useful for now. The people.” It will coincide with the internal ing stolen or moved. Also, wires issue of a lack of plug sockets The Glamorgan building has assessment period. Demand for get trailed across the library to booked for a bit is ridiculous, and it is a year- also previously been used to the new scheme has so far been the middle tables as there are no of revision time round problem. However, this film Doctor Who. high, with over 120 students us- plugs away from the walls. I also is something that could be eas- ing it on the first night. know several people who have relief ily resolved. KA

Cardiff 02920 471 222 208 City Road CF24 3JG FEED YOUR MIND papajohns.co.uk ‘Papa’ John Schnatter, STUDENT SPECIAL Founder of Papa John’s ANY LARGE CLASSICS OR FAVOURITES PIZZA * Collection only *Add £2.50 for each Stuffed Crust pizza ordered. Classics or Favourites pizzas only. Available until 5pm Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid at participating stores only. £4.99 Terms and conditions apply. Ask in store for details. Offer valid until 31/10/2012. News 5 4–8 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddnews Groundhog day for JOMEC students

Bethan Jones pared for almost every question. of course, they did!” We pay so much money and they been affected by these mistakes, I News Editor Whilst this might seem like a The general consensus from can’t even be bothered to come have spoken with the University positive thing to some students, Journalism students who sat the up with new questions each year. who have assured me that they In the past week, a Cardiff Uni- others have stated that it seems exam was a sense of laziness by They might as well just give ev- will take steps to put all neces- versity examination has come like an unfair advantage. the University exam board and eryone a first.” Cardiff Students’ sary adjustments in place to en- under scrutiny for an incident An anonymous first-year Jour- the JOMEC school, who could not Union Education Officer, Beth sure no student is disadvantaged described by one student as “eas- nalism student who sat the exam be bothered to change the exam Button, has commented on the by these disruptions.” ily avoidable”. last week has said, “I think it’s paper. Another student said, “I’m incident, “While it is concern- During the exam for Journal- absurd that the exam was almost really disappointed in the school. ing that a number of exams have ism, Media and Cultural Studies identical to the past paper, es- first-year core module ‘Under- pecially as some students were Spot the difference: 2012 and 2013 Understanding Journalism examination paper standing Journalism Studies’ it told that this would be the case became clear to students sitting by year two and three students; the exam that the paper was while I looked at the past paper, nearly exactly the same as the I didn’t devote any particular fo- previous year’s paper, which had cus to it, so feel cheated by com- been made available on Learning parison.” Central. Another student, who wished Out of 20 questions, 12 were to remain anonymous for fear of exactly the same, with seven re- repercussions, was also caught worded slightly, and only one be- out by the exam paper; she said, ing entirely different to the previ- “The exam was exactly the same! ous paper. In theory, if students I had decided I wouldn’t revise had studied the previous paper certain questions because surely well enough, they would be pre- they wouldn’t put it in again, and BBQ prize for climate £8,000 rise in change competition called fees equates to “morally abhorrent” 18 minutes extra Bethan Jones to the United Nations, meat con- this year (a low carbon form of News Editor sumption is the worst thing you travel) and we work closely with can do for the environment and Ben and Jerry’s who are very in- teaching a week Cardiff University Hall has won produces more CO2 emissions volved in environmental issues. the 2012/13 Student Switch Off than all forms of transportation “Last year, when Uni Hall won Georgia Hamer Rachel Wenstone, the National competition, a scheme run by the in the world combined. It has we felt like a barbecue was some- News Writer Union of Students’ Vice Presi- NUS to try and save energy at been felt by some students that thing that people would enjoy dent stated that raising tuition universities around the country. is it wrong of the University to and it having been successful we A recent survey has shown that fees had encouraged students to Over this academic year, elec- reward students for helping with decided to do the same again. university teaching hours have “think more like consumers”. She tricity usage in the hall was re- climate change, with the number “Overall, the campaign at Car- barely increased despite a £8,000 argued that it is not the institu- duced by 12 per cent compared to one cause of the problem. diff has been very successful in increase in tuition fees over the tions who are at fault, but the usage in previous years. Togeth- As well as this, the barbecue engaging students in saving en- last seven years. whole system of “sticker price tu- er, Cardiff University residents has excluded any religious stu- ergy, in part through the rewards University students are taught ition fees”, which sets up “unsa- have reduced carbon emissions dents living at University Hall we offer. This year, over 80 peo- for just 18 minutes more each voury ideas about education as a by 73 tonnes this year, which is who were involved in the com- ple attended a training session week, whereas tuition fees have financial transaction rather than equivalent to making 4,242,531 petition, as it excludes those stu- on peer-to-peer environmental spiralled from £1,000 to up to a collaborative learning process”. cups of tea. dents of religious denominations communication, 800 people have £9,000 a year in the same period. University students have been who cannot eat meat due to their taken our Climate Change Quiz, The study also revealed that The survey helping climate change in halls of religion. we have received 50 photos of students are spending longer involved 26,000 residence by switching off lights While University Hall was halls residents taking energy sav- studying on their own, with in- and appliances when not in use, ranked the top halls of residences ing action. We have seen a seven dependent study time up 79 min- undergraduates putting lids on pans when cook- at Cardiff for saving energy, Ab- per cent reduction in electricity utes compared with 2006 statis- from 103 ing, recycling, and not overfilling erdare Hall came last. use in halls compared to before tics. universities kettles. Project officer of the Stu- we started the campaign. This However, the students of dent Switch Off campaign, Jesse kept 73 tonnes of carbon out of University students Between 2006–07 and 2012–13, University Hall are receiving Scharf said, “Having rewards the atmosphere in 2012/13. This is are taught for the income of universities rose a barbecue as a reward. While such as these is an important the second year we have run the just 18 minutes from £17.4 billion to a projected this seems like a great commu- driver for motivating students to campaign at Cardiff University £23.9 billion, but much of the ex- nity event for students, a stu- take part in our campaign. We try and we have increased the levels more each week, tra income has been spent on im- dent, who has asked to remain to tie the rewards we have to an of participation and energy sav- whereas tuition proving facilities, rather than in- anonymous, has called the prize environmental agenda, for exam- ing this year so we feel we are on fees have spiralled creasing scheduled contact time “morally abhorrent”. According ple we gave away Eurostar tickets the right track.” between students and lecturers. from £1,000 to Interestingly, the study noted £9,000 a huge variation in the hours students are required to work in The survey, conducted by order to obtain a degree at differ- Which? consumer group and ent universities, revealing under- the Higher Education Policy In- graduates at some universities stitute involved 26,000 under- study for 20 hours a week, while graduates from 103 universities. their peers studying the same A similar poll was conducted degree programme at different in 2006, enabling findings to be institutions study for 40 hours a compared. week. 6 / News Have the Sabbs fulfilled Do the sabbatical officers feel that they have fulfilled the main objectives that they set out to in their initial manifestos? gair rhydd speaks to the current officers as they end their year to see if they are happy with what they have achieved.

Dominic Stone speaks for Harry Newman, President of the Students’ Union

1. What was his main objective? The main aim in Harry’s manifesto was to improve the look and feel of the Students’ Union building. The President’s job is quite reactionary and Harry has taken this in his stride. 2. Did he achieve this? Harry has secured the finances, which totalled £1.5 million, for the second and third floor redevelopment, which is going to have a huge impact on students, rather than just putting a glass front on the Union building. Harry has been particularly good at negotiating with members of the University and has a positive relationship with the Vice Chancellor. 3. Is there any aspect you feel that he did not fulfil? Well, the issue with the front of the building is something that many Presidents have mentioned in their manifestos and attempted to improve. However, there are a lot of issues to consider; these include securing planning permission, and funding the change. 4. Do you feel that he misled voters in any way? No, his points weren’t unrealistic or misleading. Every year, presidents put something in their manifesto about the front of the building. In future, there will be a president who is lucky enough to be able to implement this change. 5. What was his greatest success? His greatest success was leading the organisation through what’s been a very challenging year. Harry has dedicated his year to securing the financial future of the Students’ Union and the student experience and in this sense, has definitely succeeded.

Beth Button, Education & University Affairs Officer

1. What was your main objective? It was probably to better the student rep system and increase awareness of the system. 2. Did you achieve this? Yes, we did this through talks and training days. I’m most proud of what we have achieved for students: we have managed to make the ASSL 24 hours, which was something students really wanted. Overall, I am really pleased with the changes we made to Personal Tutor training – we gave them mental health and first aid training, so they were better equipped to deal with students and their problems. During freshers’ week, we spoke to 2,000 students to get an idea of what was wanted, and as a result, organised 32 training sessions in each academic school and were therefore able to tailor the training to the individual school. 3. Is there any aspect you feel that you did not fulfil? Not really, although, looking back at my manifesto now, I hate the fact I used so many buzzwords – I was trying to demonstrate my experience through what I’d done. Now, I'd try and make it more accessible. 4. What was your greatest success? Definitely ‘Speak Week’, as it gave students chance to have their say. We gave out blank postcards and 700 were filled out. As a result, policies have been implemented that are specifically helpful for students.

Chris Willams, Head of Student Media

1. What was your main objective? To further integrate all the aspects of student media and to get loads of people involved. 2. Did you achieve this? I think so. We’ve had over 700 people involved in student media this year and integration has happened across Xpress, Quench, CUTV and gair rhydd, in particular with interviews with bands. There is still a long way to go and I was never going to achieve it fully, but I think I’ve laid down a strong foundation for Tom next year. 3. Is there any aspect that you feel that you did not fulfil? Xpress and CUTV are difficult beasts as they rely so much on technology and when that technology fails, it really fails. At start of the year, Xpress wasn’t even in the position to go live and we spent the best part of three months trying to solve that problem. The office move announced in January caused further issues for CUTV and meant that we couldn’t give them the computers they needed until the move was complete. 4. Do you think you’ve misled the voters in your manifesto? I discussed what I should put in my manifesto with the heads of the platforms last year. They gave me the information I needed at the time to produce a manifesto of achievable goals, but unfortunately, things happen that are beyond your control, making certain things very difficult to achieve. 5. What has been your greatest success? Completing the 1,000th issue – managing to create three different publications in two weeks was an impressive feat and the team really pulled together to ensure that it happened. It was a momentous issue for the newspaper and I’m really pleased I was part of it. Another success was Xpress and CUTV’s Varsity coverage and the way that the team worked together was incredibly impressive and the result was a package of which to be proud.

Hannah Pask, Heath Park Campus Officer

1. What was your main objective? Well, I had two. Firstly, I wanted to make all Union services available to students up at the Heath. Secondly, I decided I wanted to conduct a large piece of research into student experiences of placement, in order to better understand the pastoral side. Although this wasn’t in my manifesto originally, it became a main priority. 2. Did you achieve this? With regards to the first objective, the use of the Heath Campus has increased by 500 per cent. We’ve also piloted the first ever Healthcare specific employability program through the School of Heathcare. We’ve also taken Go Green week, Sort Your Life Out Week, Go Global and Housing Week up to the Heath Campus so students can get more involved. 3. Is there any aspect that you feel that you did not fulfil? I would’ve really liked to follow through on my placement survey, but time has been the limiting factor. It will become a part of handover, so hopefully Gemma will be able to carry on with this next year. 4. Do you think you’ve misled the voters in your manifesto? I don’t think I’ve misled them, but I would say that I wanted to get more Healthcare students to get involved with the Union, but this was difficult with term time clashes. 5. What has been your greatest success? Completing the placement survey was definitely my greatest achievement as it’s going to have a huge impact on how it is conducted, such as providing all those on placement around the country with internet access. News 7 4–8 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddnews their objectives or not?

Adam Curtis, Societies Officer

1. What was your main objective? I had three main points rather than one specific objective. One was to bring back the Summer Ball as it used to be. Another was to try and support smaller societies and build them up. My third objective was to implement charity work in societies. 2. Did you achieve these? Some of them yes, some of them no. I’ve succeeded with the charity work and introduced what we call RAG Reps to help with this. It’s taken some hard work to create, but it’s been launched and we’ve had our first training session. With supporting the smaller societies, I’ve succeeded on one level, yes, but on another level, no. I found that the support was already there for the smaller societies anyway and the bigger ones often looked after themselves. With the Summer Ball, no, I’ve definitely failed, probably without really trying. My housemates mock me for it, but at the very beginning of the year, Harry Newman, the then-outgoing Societies Officer, said, “there’s no way you can fulfil everything you say. The job is very labour-intensive and reactionary, so at the end of the day, you can either do something worthwhile or you can spend your whole year trying to do the Summer Ball”. It’s not the end of the world. 3. Do you think you’ve misled the voters in your manifesto? That’s a very hard question! The only opportunity I had to mislead them was during Elections Week and there was never a point when I thought, “yes, this will win me votes”. Chris Williams was definitely a Union keeno and he knew what was needed for Media, but that wasn’t me. I just had some ideas and really wanted the job, and I didn’t know exactly what was needed. I learnt on the job, and if I was writing my manifesto now, I’d do it completely differently. 4. What has been your greatest success? I’d say the fact that we’ve had at least a 10 per cent increase in members this year on last year. I’ve also been building on the brand of Go Global and I’ve put a lot of energy into that; some of the events have been attended by thousands. I’m also proud of the RAG Rep system. At the moment, it is a baby, but next year it’ll definitely take off.

Cari Davies, Athletic Union President

1. What was your main objective? I didn’t really have a main one. I made sure I chatted to the outgoing Athletic Union President and he identified key areas, which were mainly that IMG needed improving, as well as addressing the issue we’ve had with the medics’ sports competing in BUCS. 2. Did you achieve this? With IMG, I held meetings with football and netball to decide how to improve it. This resulted in a restructuring of IMG football, for example, so that there was a better ref system and that worked really well. It’s still not perfect, but it’s all running a lot better. As for the issue with medics’ sport, I’ve done everything I can to fight the battle and I will do my best to represent them at the AGM, but there isn’t a whole lot that can be done. 3. Is there any aspect that you feel that you did not fulfil? I haven’t done as much with Team Cardiff as I would’ve liked. We were hoping this year that the supply of kit from Kukri would be perfect, but it hasn’t. However, we made the decision to go with them next year otherwise I don’t think the Team Cardiff idea would work so well. Kukri are still on trial but they seem to be taking it a lot more seriously now and hopefully clubs will see that. 4. What has been your greatest success? We won the NUS UK LGBT+ Campaign of the Year for “Out in Sport”, which was a great achievement. It was started by Jack Oakley, the LGBT+ Officer and wasn’t in my manifesto, but it’s really come about this year.

Kieran Gandhi, Union Development & Internal Affairs Officer

1. What was your main objective? Probably ensuring that students enjoy investing in the Students’ Union so that they want to spend money in the shops, the Taf, the hairdressers etc. My job is actually quite commercially driven in order to fund the sports and societies and I wanted to ensure that the students kept coming back. 2. Did you achieve this? Definitely. To make sure we had students’ input, we totally changed the Student Council to the Ministry of Change. This was a great success and we have had four times as many ideas submitted this year alone. We have also improved trading efficiency. For example, the Union Shop was not doing well financially so we took on WH Smith, which is doing much better. Similarly, deals we have made with Relentless and Bacardi, introducing bars in the Union’s club, Solus, have saved us a lot of money. 3. Is there any aspect you feel that you did not fulfil? No! If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. The petting zoo, for example; I said I would and I have. Let's see how it goes this Friday! 4. Do you feel that you misled voters in any way? No. 5. What was your greatest success? I don't have one standout achievement. I’m most happy with Dusk ’til Dawn, though I can’t really say that it has been a success yet. So I’d have to say financial achievements – after a £250,000 loss last year, we’re predicted to make £100,000 profit this year.

Megan David, Welfare & Community Officer

1. What was your main objective? I wanted the Students’ Union to be seen as place where students could come for support and to make friends instead of just a place to get drunk. 2. Did you achieve this? It's a really tough job to engage students with so many issues, but I like to think that I have come a long way from where we were last year. There were so many people running for the position this year, which I think shows how important it is – welfare is something that every student has an invested interest in, alongside education. 3. Is there any aspect you feel that you did not fulfil? I think the Welfare and Education Officers should work more closely together but this hasn’t really been achieved, which is a shame. I would have liked input on education policies and see how this effects the support that students get. Also, you find problems as you go along and I now have a much clearer idea of what needs to be done now than I did at the beginning of the year. You don’t really know what the job is like when you first write your manifesto. I could do a better job if I were here next year so it is important to tell these things to next officer. 4. Do you feel that you misled voters in any way? I don’t feel I misled voters in any way. 5. What was your greatest success? My proudest achievement was the Safe Taxi Scheme. I said I wanted to improve students’ safety in my manifesto and this is one way I tried to achieve this. Hopefully it will take off in the next few years and it’s an invaluable service for students in need. 8 / News Xpress show nominated for international radio award

Abercombie & Fitch For Against

rimark have never be seen around the “attractive, all- ast week, it was re- women with sizes that go up to 18; been known for their American kid”. vealed that Aber- in comparison, the largest female great track record for There’s a reason why unattract- crombie & Fitch CEO size that Abercrombie & Fitch of- human rights in their ive women are so threatened by me; Mark Jeffries has once fer is a 14. factories. They’ve it’s because I have always made the again highlighted the This renewed focus on Aber- even been accused of effort to be the one with the “great retailer’s longstand- crombie’s business model has makingP their clothes out of human attitude with a lot of friends”. Mike Ling practice of only stocking small caused alot of people to attack children’s tears. But do you know Jeffries’ comments have shown us sizes and spurning plus-sized cus- Jeffries’ own appearance. He has why they’re crying? Because of the all that there is something you can tomers. been labeled a hypocrit as many people who wear their clothes – strive for. We shouldn’t be chastis- This is not the first time Jeffries believe he is now too ugly to work the geeks, the unpopular kids who ing him, but praising him for giving has made the headlines for be- for his own company. The 68-year- don’t know quality fabrics, and the plain, uncool teenage kid some- ing so openly discriminatory. In a old CEO has undoubtedly relied those poor souls who can’t fit into thing they can aim for. 2006 interview, Jeffries said: “We on plastic surgery to change his them. In life, just like in school, we are go after the attractive all-Ameri- appearance, so much so that there Mike Jeffries last week said separated into different cliques. can kid with a great attitude and a is now a disconnect between Jef- what we were all thinking. There There is a reason movie heroes and lot of friends. A lot of people don’t fries’ own strange appearance and are people who don’t belong. pop stars are beautiful – it’s what belong [in our clothes], and they his well-known desire to only ca- There is one simple reason why the public wants to see; it’s what can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? ter to the thin and beautiful. larger women were complaining of they want to strive for. Absolutely.” As part of the backlash, and Abercrombie & Fitch’s lack of an You wouldn’t catch James Bond The company is infamous for in response to his belief that the XL range – jealousy. They are jeal- in a Primark hoody that he bought its emphasis on appearance. They clothes aren’t intended for ‘poor ous of those of us who are popular, for £5 down the high street – he’s an hire sales assistants to merely people’, activists have begun beautiful and successful. That’s the Abercrombie & Fitch lad through stand outside of the stores semi- handing out the clothing to the way it is and that’s the way it’s al- and through. You wouldn’t see naked and pose for pictures with homeless. ways been. Beyoncé rifling through the sales adoring customers. It is also a well Jeffries only attempt at an ap- Ugly women hate beautiful rail at TK Maxx – she was the one known fact that Abercrombie & pology was in a statement posted women. I’ve experienced this standing at the entrance to Hollis- Fitch stores do not keep female XL on Abercrombie’s Facebook page. kind of hate in the past because ter greeting the other cool kids, go- or XXL sizes in stock. He could only argue that his com- of my lifelong struggle and even- ing slowly blind due to the lack of It seems that these techniques ments were “taken out of con- tual success in becoming beauti- adequate lighting. are the brand’s way of associat- text”. AB ful. My opinion? Being a size XL Without the attractive, cool and Mark Jeffries ing itself with a specific standard is a choice. If you want to fit into successful crowd standing out, ev- has once again of beauty. The ideal Abercrombie Abercrombie & Fitch clothes, do erybody else would have nothing highlighted customer is marketed as young, something about it. to be threatened by and nothing to “the retailer’s pretty, and skinny inside and out- As I pointed out in a recent ar- aim for. The world is a duller place side of the store. To control who ticle, my husband has always said without people like us. SB longstanding buys Abercrombie clothes, the that he’ll divorce me if I give up my practice of only store simply ensures that fat girls meticulous dieting regime. No, I’m *Probably not actually Saman- stocking small sizes can’t fit into them. Rival clothing Got an opinion?

not married to Mike Jeffries, but tha Brick and spurning plus- brands such as H&M and New you see his point. Men want to Look accommodate plus-sized sized customers [email protected]

10 / Opinion Facebook: your new home? Beth Lyons looks at Facebook’s latest improvements and at how they affect you

acebook has an- enables the user to employ Face- see if they can work out my pref- networking. to check their online existence nounced a new mo- book for all text messaging and erence... Perhaps information from a rather than their actual life. bile platform in col- basically any form of communi- On a more serious note, soci- recent University of Massachus- I find it incredibly frustrat- laboration with HTC cation. ety’s obsession with constant so- setts study will change this. The ing when people choose to share that will allow users A benefit of this is that you cial network updating is clearly study exposed that anonymised their entire life with Facebook, to integrate the social can store all contacts in the same helping to diminish our private location-tracking data from mo- not only as I usually have no in- networkingF site into every aspect place, but the negatives outweigh lives. Updating a Facebook status bile phones can identify 95% of terest in what people are moan- of their mobile experience. the positives. The synchronisa- daily is the internet equivalent of individuals. This is due to corpo- ing about, but secondly due to The USP of HTC’s latest re- tion with the social networking airing your dirty washing, some- rations like Google and Facebook the fact that all the information lease is the phone’s unique Face- juggernaut that is Facebook will thing that many of my Facebook having knowledge of users’ loca- posted can be utilised by Face- book-orientated interface, which allow the company to find out ‘friends’ are guilty of. tions. book to personalise your online replaces the usual Android home even more information about The recent highlights from They occasionally distribute ‘life’. screen with the user’s Facebook those who use it, particularly my newsfeed are the revelations this data to other companies; Recently, a close family friend newsfeed. those who use it constantly. that an old school friend has a anonymised data that is of huge passed away. Almost immedi- Some may think this is a bril- This information will then be psychotic ex-boyfriend that she financial value to advertisers and ately, a relative of theirs posted liant idea, although I personally used by Facebook to spam news- should probably report to the service providers. There is a sil- a status expressing his sadness can’t think of much worse than feeds with tailored adverts, with police rather than Facebook, ver lining in all this, as the data – an understandable action. It waking up, checking my phone Mark Zuckerberg recently an- alongside another former class- can be used in ways other than to just seems questionable as to and discovering that another nouncing that increased adver- mate who set fire to his face in promote brands, such as allocat- whether Facebook was the best one of my former schoolmates tising will be introduced in due exchange for £50. ing the provision of emergency place to share this information, has been impregnated. It seems course. As well as being informed services. and whether the aforementioned pretty ridiculous to constantly If this is the case, then I might about their recent activities, in- It seems that through the re- relative will now be exposed to have your newsfeed on display; start liking a few unexpected formation is also offered to me as lease of the new Facebook phone, adverts promoting bereavement what’s wrong with a digital clock pages merely to ruffle Facebook’s to where these events took place. the company is almost trying companies. and wallpaper? feathers. I might even try to con- Many people seem unperturbed to replace real life with a social Another enticing aspect of fuse them by liking an array of by the fact that their every move networking version. The inter- HTC’s Facebook phone is that it Premier League football teams to can be tracked through social face appears to encourage users What’s wrong with humanity? Victoria Chandler and emotional maturity needed images of aborted foetuses into to fall pregnant through rape, ing of the emotional and physical Opinion Writer to raise a child. The thought of the faces of distressed passers-by. he’d see the child as a ‘gift’ from consequences of childbirth. actually falling pregnant and be- It saddens me that people feel the God. To me, that is ridiculous. Archaic social attitudes dictate Walking through Cardiff last ing unable to terminate the foe- need to resort to shock tactics in that women must adhere to the week, I encountered a large tus terrifies me. order to get their point across. Rather than wasting image of a child bearing ‘perfect group of anti-abortion protes- I do appreciate, however, that Thankfully, I’ve never had to time calling for female.’ This shouldn’t mean that tors armed with banners that im- abortion is and always will be an make the heart rending decision, abortion to be a child has to be brought up un- plored me to ‘pray to stop abor- incredibly sensitive subject, that but I have the utmost sympathy happy and unwanted by someone tion’. Being a 21st century woman a line should be drawn some- for those who haven’t been so outlawed, protestors who was never ready to become who holds strong pro-choice be- where. For instance, I agree that lucky. It is in some cases the only should concentrate a mother. liefs, this made my skin crawl. it is morally wrong to use it as a viable option. So perhaps rather than wast- In Ireland, a deeply Catho- form of post-coital contraceptive. What if a woman just wasn’t on education ing time calling for abortion to be lic country where abortion has ready to have a child? Many fe- There are so many moral and outlawed, politicians and pro-life been in the spotlight after the 2013 has already seen males aren’t in stable relation- ethical issues that are raised protestors should instead con- death, abortion can carry a mur- conflicts within the ships or have enough money to within the controversial argu- centrate on giving young girls der charge. What is wrong with support a child. Some may be too ment of abortion but what infuri- and women the right education humanity? 2013 has already seen government over young, or too old. ates me the most is that a signifi- towards sex and contraception. conflicts within the government gay marriage laws And what if the woman in cant number of protestors and In the Netherlands, there is an over gay marriage laws and now question was a victim of rape? politicians that I’ve seen voice extensive sex education pro- we have to face debates over However, I am getting tired of Should she be forced to keep a their opinions on the situation gramme, and it is no coincidence abortion rights? The outdated at- the same repetitive and illogical child that will serve as a per- are male. I do not believe that the that they and also have one of the titudes of those in power concern arguments from pro-life and re- manent reminder of a horrific vast majority of men are appro- lowest teen pregnancy rates in me. ligious groups. On the news re- ordeal? Controversial American priately informed to call for such the world. As a university undergraduate, cently, the pro-life group ‘Abort politician Rick Santorum once far-reaching legislative changes I’m not just pro-choice, I’m I lack both the financial stability 67’ resorted to thrusting graphic claimed that if his daughter were when they know next to noth- pro-woman.

Opinion 11 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddop 9-12 Festivals are failing us

Chris Williams Editor Ever since I bought my first Reading Festival ticket when I was 16, festivals have been a massive part of my life. Each summer was spent saving up money and buying far too many crates of beer for Reading. If I’m honest, it became the high- light of my summer – four days of not showering, early-morning drinking and a host of incredible music. However, each year the amount of money I needed to save got greater and greater, to the point at which I stopped going to festivals. The cost outweighed the benefits and so I jealously sat at home watching the bands from the comfort of my own home... hardly the festival experience I wanted. It seems most festivals have increased ridiculously in price over the last 10 years. The stalwort of festivals – Glastonbury – has increased in price by 95% in 10 years. In fact, I was stunned to read that in 2003, a ticket to the festival with REM, Radiohead and Moby headlining cost just £105. In the past few weeks, Hop Exit Festival is one of those for around £300. The smaller festivals, though, Farm Festival has had to an- that undercut smaller festivals The fact is, people will make have no excuse for increasing nounce that it won’t be holding like Hop Farm, at just £95 for five decisions based on cost. If you their ticket prices. Reading, for their event due to poor ticket nights camping and all the music. can see a few world-renowned example, have only just increased sales. This year, the line-up includes acts abroad for a similar cost as their stage numbers to include Rodriguez and My Bloody Val- Bloc Party, The Prodigy, Snoop going to a smaller, less estab- more acts, perhaps in an attempt entine were headlining the event Dog, Fatboy Slim, Rudimental lished festival, you will. to justify the escallating cost to which boasts no sponsorship and The organisers and so much more. Glastonbury is the one festival punters. no branding at a cost of £135 a need to recognise In fact, even with the cost of that seems to be exempt from The organisers need to recog- ticket. “ flights and travel, you could get any backlash over price hikes. nise that, while their costs are in- Considering the epic, £205 that those who there and attend the festival for The reason is fairly simple: it’s a creasing, those who attend festi- price tag for Glastonbury, Hop less than £200. Add the cheaper well-established festival that at- vals aren’t getting paid more. The Farm Festival’s price seems fairly attend festivals cost of food and drink on the tracts massive names every year cost just adds another barrier to reasonable. aren’t getting continent and you’re looking at and has a huge following sur- attending a festival and is a great That is... until you compare five incredible nights with some rounding it. People will always deterrent for anyone questioning that cost to European festivals. paid more of the world’s best-known bands go to Glasto, that’s just a fact. whether or not to go. So... you’ve almost finished Uni With the end of degrees looming, Opinion editor Nick Evans offers a bit of advice kay, so you’re time you did it, but you get better Lastly, some people are just else. You’re completely exposed ing enjoy yourself. If you want about to fin- – that’s the point. straight-up terrified because to the world for the first time in to do something, do it. You’re in ish university Everyone seems to be freaking they have no idea what they’re your life, you could save up and your early 20s, you’ll probably and you’re com- out because the next step isn’t going to do next. This is the ship go travelling, you could go into live for 70 more years so you’ve ing to a point in planned; some people are gutted I’m currently sailing, except I’m teaching or you could get a shitty got all the time you need to make your life when because they didn’t get onto that not terrified, I’m happy. To use a bar job and surround yourself mistakes and change things. Othe next step isn’t planned out precious grad scheme (good for metaphor, a lot of people see uni- with friends and just be happy. That’s me and my life lessons for you. You’ve gone from being you if you did, but sitting more versity ending as a door closing I’m not saying don’t work hard done, so it’s a big goodbye and cared for to looking after yourself exams is my idea of hell – yes, you and them being left trapped in- – if you want something, you ob- thank you from me, Alex and Al- and now you’re going to go from have to sit exams for at least two side a room. True, a door is clos- viously need to work at it – but ice and the rest of the gair rhydd having things planned for you to years on most grad schemes). ing but you’re not being trapped panicking and freaking out won’t team. We’ve had an awesome having to plan for yourself. Some people don’t want to go inside, you’re being kicked out- help, and if you find yourself in a year writing, hope you’ve had a I can appreciate why that’s back home because they love side. position where you’re not happy, mildly enjoyable time reading. daunting; it may be the first time Cardiff so much – well, that’s fair, You’re not allowed to go back then whatever you’re doing prob- Thanks once again, Cardiff, you you’ve ever had to do it and it but if that is the case, just thank through that door into university ably isn’t right for you, whatever sexy bitch. may turn out that you’re not very your lucky stars you have a home (unless you’re doing a Masters/ it is. good at planning for yourself. and parents to go back to; there PhD, but they’re not really the This is an opinion section so I Well, you weren’t very good at are much worse things than hav- same as a bachelor’s degree), should probably summarise my cooking or even walking the first ing to go home and live rent-free. but what you can do is anything opinion, and here it is: just fuck- 12 / Columnist

HEADLINE GOES HERE! by Katie Bennett-Davies

ince you’re reading this column you are either very lucky, and have already finished exams, or are procrastinating from Srevision. Whichever category you fit into, you are likely to be looking at the sunny, blue sky and pondering how life will pan out for the next couple of months, now that university is almost finished. Okay, so maybe that’s just me, and chances are that it’s rain- ing, since we live in Wales, but this is my very last column, so obviously I was going to use this chance to dole out some more of my pop-psychology, post-mod- ernist, should-be-in-a-teen-magazine advice. Although I am not graduating this summer, like many of you I face an uncertain future. If you are a dedicated reader of this column, you will know that I suffer from chronic illness. Since January, I have been almost bed bound. I try to get out of the house once a week, and I force myself to get out of bed every day, even if it’s just to go to the toilet, but I have not come close to being able to study. My school are understanding of my however, also discover your pas- You’re into a real life, big adult not just working at the local su- from each other so it all gets a bit situation, and considering the sion. Find out makes you actually job, with a limited amount of hol- permarket. Everyone needs some tense when your mum wants to circumstances have said they’re want to work. If you hated every iday days (bye bye three months sun on a beach or mud at a festi- know your schedule for the next happy for me to re-do the year second of your degree, and were of summer), deadlines, and a val. If not, then you need to grab few months and you’re used to (pending exam board approval of bored to tears in lectures, chanc- boss who will frown on you turn- a tent and get some friends to- planning something an hour be- course). I would happily go along es are it’s not the subject your ing up late wearing joggers with gether. Having a staycation (holi- fore. The best thing to do is to try with that plan, if it weren’t for the degree is in. a big hangover. It’s likely that you day in Britain) can be cheap as and show you have respect for fact that this is already my fourth Maybe it’s something that you have a job in something you find chips, as the saying goes. them and their house (actually year of university (cue gasp of won’t get paid for, in which case interesting, or at least would like Worse than facing a long sum- saying this is a pretty good start), horror). I love my degree, I didn’t you need what is referred to as to have a go at, I don’t think many mer working, is moving back in but now that you’ve moved out, go to university because it was the ‘good enough’ job. Something people would start applying for with your parents for a couple of well for most of the year, things the next logical step, but because which will pay the bills, and then jobs they hate quite so early on. months. Don’t get me wrong, I are different and you need more it had always been my dream to use your spare time (no matter Your worry is really how you are love my parents, me and husband of your own space. If they’re go, which is why I have fought how little of it you have) for pur- going to ease the transition from (yes, I’m married at 22 years old, vaguely rational, and let’s be hon- so hard to stay here, but with suing what you love. If you’re not university into work life. Since I you’ve missed the boat on telling est, despite what we would have the debt mounting up, I have to graduating this year, this is some- know absolutely nothing I about me I’m too young) get on weirdly said in our early teens, most of consider whether I should really thing you should get started on this, I turned to trusty Google. well with both sets of our parents. our parents are reasonable, then be in university. If my life were now. It’s much easier to volunteer There was little to be found I’m I love being at home...for the first they’ll appreciate your respect a soundtrack, ‘Should I stay or and have internships in the sum- afraid, but I did score one gem. week or two. I suppose if we had and think you’ve matured. should I go’ would be playing mer or spare hours while you’re Carry a notebook and write ev- our own car, things might be a This is it folks, we’re at the right now. studying, than when you’re in erything down, there’s usually a little better, but we don’t, and our end of my last column. Save your Alright, I’ll admit my situa- work. Perhaps this all sounds lot more information and tasks parents live in the middle of no- tears. I hope you have enjoyed tion is pretty different to that of a little pie in the sky, happy go than you’re used to so it’s best to where, so there really isn’t much reading my columns and that my a bright and ambitious gradu- lucky, idealistic trash to you, but not have to keep asking your co- to do. Even when there is some- advice hasn’t ruined your life. I ate but the feeling of a big black I’ve seen it work with the people workers the same question. I told thing to do, it involves asking have certainly enjoyed writing question mark hanging over the I know. You don’t get to do what you it was slim pickings! mum for a lift, just like a teenag- them and will miss searching future is there. The best advice you love, if (a) you never take the Don’t think I’ve forgotten all er. Moving home, even if you do Google for life coaching. Anyway, I’ve heard for graduates is to ap- time to find out what you want, you students that aren’t gradu- have access to lots of activities, have a great summer- whatever ply for everything, push every and (b) if you never pursue it. ating! For the majority of you, isn’t easy, and I’m not just talking you’re doing! door, better to have lots of op- Perhaps, you’re not in that boat a nice long stretch of summer about the nightmare that is pack- portunities to reject than to have though, you’ve got a job for the lies ahead, hopefully filled with ing. Both you and your parents nothing to accept. You should, day after exams finish... BAM! at least some fun activities, and are used to having independence Politics 13 Monday MayJanuary 20th 28th 2013 2013 | @gairrhyddpol | @gairrhyddpol 13–15 Historic elections in Pakistan Greg Landon recaps a controversial week in Pakistan’s political history, which culminated with a seasoned veteran being elected as the country's leader awaz Sharif ar- party only needs seven more to to on the eve of the last general the whole process was the way the international community has guably has the claim an overall majority. Even if election. Her son, Bilawal Bhutto citizens participated on an un- generally been extremely wel- most interest- this target is not met, a coalition Zardari led the party during the precedented scale. Voter turnout coming of the result. Sharif has ing and event- could easily be formed with one, election, although their poor was positive, with an estimated a history of pursuing peace with ful backstory of or several, of the many indepen- showing makes it unlikely he will 60 per cent of eligible voters tak- historic rival India, something any politician in dent candidates. ever come close to emulating the ing to the polls despite the risk of that many feel was a catalyst Nthe world. The former industri- political successes of his mother. intimidation and violence. Com- for the military turning on him alist and current leader of Paki- There is an The newcomers on the scene paratively, the last time 60 per in 1999. As an industrialist, it is stan’s Muslim League-N served overwhelming are the Movement for Justice cent of able Americans voted in also hoped he will attract for- two non-consecutive terms as longing for (PTI) who are led by former a Presidential election was 1968. eign businesses and investment, Pakistan’s Prime Minister during cricketing icon Imran Khan. Still, the election was not something that is naturally diffi- the 1990s. He was then ousted in sustained peace They have so far registered 28 without controversy. Areas with cult in a country so hampered by a 1999 military coup by Pervez and stability in seats, meaning they are predict- external moderators generally violence. Musharraf and exiled to Saudi Pakistan ed to finish a close third. PTI’s reported satisfactory behaviour, David Cameron took time out Arabia. He returned to Pakistan popularity is based around the although there were widespread of his US tour to call Sharif, and in 2007, and has spent the last The outgoing government, the removal of corruption and wide- reports of violence in regions declared that the “strong bond” few years attempting to revive Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) spread disillusionment with tra- with no foreign presence. The between the UK and Pakistan his political career. All his efforts has endured a tough five years ditional parties, much like Beppe biggest story of the week came should remain, according to a have clearly paid off, as after last since victory in the last election Grillo’s ‘Five Star Movement’ and two days before the election, Downing Street spokesperson. week’s election, he is once again in 2008. They have been plagued Vitali Klitschko’s ‘Punch’, both of when the son of the outgoing Similarly, a White House spokes- set to take over as leader of the by inefficiency as well as the in- which coincidently also finished Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gi- person confirmed that Barack country, following an enthralling creasing threat of violence, and third in general elections this lani was kidnapped at a political Obama has made contact with and unprecedented election. have only taken 30 seats so far. year. rally, throwing the whole elector- Sharif, and has made a pact “to NOt all results have been fi- Many pundits feel the party nev- Despite a history of violence al process into question. strengthen US–Pakistan rela- nalised, but with just 18 out of er recovered from the assassina- and controversy at election time, The opposition have naturally tions”. 272 seats undeclared, Sharif’s tion of then-leader Benazir Bhut- arguably the greatest success of blamed Sharif and his more radi- The death of Osama bin Lad- cal supporters for this act, as well en on Pakistani soil last year is as a string of Taliban-led attacks a good indication of the level of in the lead up to the election. tension and insecurity that con- Sharif was one of the main cor- tinues to surround the Middle ruption targets of Imran Khan’s Eastern state. campaign, and the cricketer However people view Nawaz turned politician was severely Sharif, the overwhelming longing injured following a mechani- amongst both nationals and for- cal platform failure at a political eigners is for a sustained period rally a week prior to the vote. All of peace and stability in Pakistan. these incidents are supposedly Hopefully, this election result Made an impact: Poor showing: Bilawal Winner: Nawaz Sharif being investigated both domesti- will help bring that about rather Imran Khan of PTI Bhutto Zardari of PPP of the PML(N) cally and externally. than postpone it. Foul play allegations aside, Developments in Syrian conflict Events in recent weeks have once again thrown Syria into the limelight. Matt Harding investigates the developments to see if any progress is being made ollowing almost two However, with Israel showing between U.S secretary of rebel groups of Syria. The so ing written in the blood of her years of conflict, ing their hand, and their unwill- State, John Kerry, Russian Presi- called ‘umbrella coalition’ is not people – and it’s happening on Syria is once again ingness to compromise on this dent Vladimir Putin and Russian deemed to be a credible politi- our watch,” once more extending returning as the pre- situation (after all this isn’t the Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. cal movement, or even a united- the reach of UK foreign policy mier international first set of airstrikes on Syria this The commitment of the Rus- enough movement to host talks into the troubled region. He sug- issue. Israel led a year) there is a very real possibil- sians, along with the Lebanese with, making the idea of a tran- gested that the UK government Fcampaign of airstrikes on Syr- ity that Syria will be provoked and Iranians, is and has always sitional government extremely and the U.S government should ian targets, deep inside Syrian into conflict with Israel. This is been to not demand the Syrian difficult. work closely to ensure that the territory. The Obama adminis- something Assad would be keen government be brought down by David Cameron has also voiced opposition to the Assad regime is tration has also acted, having fi- to avoid, whilst the internal tur- force, whereas before the United his opinion on the ongoing crisis, strengthened, and a transitional nally come to an agreement with moil continues, but it wouldn’t States were voicing their stance stating that “Syria’s history is be- government be formed soon. Moscow over the handling of the be unthinkable to see this latest as being the removal of the re- conflict, whilst David Cameron set of actions ending with war. gime before negotiations could has been attempting to drum up Washington and Moscow, take place. With the U.S posi- support from both the USA and meanwhile, have agreed to terms tion now moving more into line Russia for a peace conference to over how the Syrian crisis should with the Russians’, there now enable a handover of power in be handled. During the outbreak stands to be a possibility of a Syria. of the crisis, thanks to mounting peaceful transfer of power. This The Israeli airstrikes follow public pressure on the UN se- essentially means the future of rising tensions in the region, Is- curity council to act on Syria in Assad’s regime could depend on rael have become suspicious of the same way they had against the outcome of negotiations be- the Assad regime transporting Libya, Washington and Moscow tween the rebel fighters and the heavy artillery to their allies in were at the centre of a ‘big power government, ultimately ending in Lebanon. The strikes were used disagreement’, ultimately ending a choice for the people. to destroy two convoys thought any chance of immediate action. However, this was originally to be carrying anti-aircraft weap- However, hope has now been rejected as an idea by the U.S. onry. revived with a successful meet- because of factions within the 14 / Politics

We have had a great time reporting on political stories this year, but before we say goodbye for the summer, we look The Future of Politics forward to the stories of tomorrow... Summer 2013 Chris Huhne is released from jail September 2014 Success for Alex Salmond

The disgraced former energy secretary and ‘big dog’ of the Liberal Democrats gives a very candid interview where he admits that there is probably Although the SNP do not technically win the long something about the Lib Dem philosophy that awaited vote on Scottish independance, enough attracts men who like fast cars and extra-marital people vote ‘Yes’ that First Minister Alex Salmond a!airs. can at least continue to claim that the Scots are an oppressed minority. December 2013 May 2014 Pussy Riot Win Eurovision

In tribute to the late Prime Minister, the editors at Time Magazine name the Spitting Image Thatcher Despite some of their members remaining in puppet as ‘Person of the Year’ for its valuable Russian Prisons, the Russian protest group claim contribution to popular culture and preventing the a decisive victory with their song ‘Kill the Sexist’. Iron Lady from becoming a total megalomaniac. Even notoriously hard-nosed premier and ex-KGB man Vladimir Putin admitted that their song was pretty catchy and a worthy winner. Politics 15 Monday MayJanuary 20th 28th 2013 2013 | @gairrhyddpol | @gairrhyddpol 13–15

May 2015 Nigel Farage becomes Prime Minister 2020 Michael Fabricant is revealed to be an actor

Thanks to an impressive amount of coverage from the BBC during the general election campaign, Con"rming the suspicions of many, Michael UKIP sweep to power in the UK, winning 600 out Fabricant reveals himself to be a character actor, of the 650 seats in the Commons. Elsewhere, he is under the control of that ridiculous bou!ant. elected President of Europe. Following this revelation, the hair is appointed both Home and Foreign Secretary, and the MP for Lich"eld is appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary.

November 2016 Matt Damon elected POTUS 2050 Bee armageddon

After the shock announcement of his candidacy, the popular actor and handsome man Damon Due to the failure to reach a political solution, the storms to victory, only to misteriously vanish three pollinating species of bee become extinct, and years later. He is inexplicably replaced by Jeremy the only remaining species mutate into powerful Renner. buzzing overlords who wreak painful vengeance on humanity.

Thank you for reading us this year, good luck in all your exams, and best wishes to Greg and Matt who will be taking over from us next year! Rachel and Thom 8 / News Xpress show nominated for international radio award

Kendal Archer Thomas said he only submit- ing would have happened. This News Editor ted the award to see if he could nomination sounds like a recog- Xpress Radio’s very own Thomas do it, and was over the moon nition of these amazing times, Hercouet’s show ‘The Detective’ when it was actually nominated and I am more under pressure has been nominated to win the for the award. However, he hu- than I’ve ever been. I’ve had a prestigious New York Festival morously added that winning blast, and I’ll have to work very Award. this award would not work if he very hard to top that. Then again, Every year, awards are given tried to hit on girls. you know what they say: chal- out for Best Television show, He said the award would be a lenge accepted.” Best Adverts, Best Radio show, huge milestone, help him to work and more. Thomas sent in a com- in radio in France, and also make plete show – the nominations his grandma very proud of him have to be an hour long to enter. so she will buy him chocolate at The show he chose to submit fea- Christmas. tured an interview with English Finally, Thomas said, “So, I stand-up comedian, writer and am supposed to write something actor Chris Addison. It also fea- about being nominated for an in- tured cleverly edited clips, which ternational award and stuff, but made it sound as if he had inter- awarded with a medal. ed to try radio in English; he ex- the thing is, its not about me. If viewed both Barack Obama and People from all over the world plained that in the UK, radio is I hadn’t decided to go to Car- the Queen. The submission also have submitted entries, including very different because it is the diff University, if I hadn’t met consisted of an accompanying countries such as Afghanistan. presenters and the producers amazing, talented, inspirational 200-word written passage. Ultimately, Thomas said he who are most important, where- and massively crazy people, if The winner of the award will would love to do radio in Swe- as in France, the most important it hadn’t been for the mood and be announced in a couple of den. Part of the reason he came people in the radio are in fact pack of fun brought by Xpress weeks, and their success will be to England was because he want- journalists. Radio and its members, noth- News 6 4–7 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddnews 18 / Science Bacteria-infected mosquitoes may help fight malaria Alice Tobin Science Writer Researchers have infected mosquitoes with a strain of bacteria that makes them resistant to the malaria parasite. In the future, this could help to curb the spread of the disease. Malaria is a huge global problem. The World Health Organisa- tion estimates that every year 220 million people get malaria and 660,000 people die. Caused by a parasite in the blood, it is passed from person to person by some species of mosquito. By making these mosquitoes resistant to the parasite, scientists hope to re- duce the number of people who catch the disease. The researchers at Michigan State University injected Wol- bachia bacteria into thousands of mosquito embryos, and one female was successfully infected. Wolbachia occurs naturally in butterflies, cockroaches and la- dybirds, but not in mosquitoes. Artificially infecting dengue fe- ver mosquitoes has seen success, but malaria-causing Anopheles mosquitoes have been difficult to infect. Temporary infection with Wolbachia has been shown to give these mosquitoes immunity to malaria, but the challenge for this team faced was to ensure it was inherited, which they did. All wards using Wolbachia to pre- took away the punch.” Asia, but the Anopheles gambiae we would need to apply the same 34 generations descended from vent malaria, but many challeng- He points out that the infected of Africa are a much bigger prob- technique again.” The bacteria, the one infected female were es remain. Prof David Conway, of mosquitoes lay fewer eggs, so lem. he says, could be used in com- infected with Wolbachia, with a the London School of Hygiene & could struggle to compete in the Dr Zhiyong Xi, lead author of bination with mosquito nets and fourfold drop in malaria parasites Tropical Medicine, told the BBC, wild. And the researchers used the study, accepts this will be the medication. So even if Wolbachia compared to uninfected mosqui- “It is interesting and is the first the mosquito species Anopheles next challenge. He told the BBC, may not be ready to use quite yet, toes. report of Wolbachia clearly rep- stephensi, most commonly found “We have done only one strain. this study provides new hope for This is an important step to- licating, but a number of things in the Middle East and South If we target Anopheles gambiae the fight against malaria. Brain scans show we can spot different types of laughter

David Mason ny, led by Dirk Wildgruber, have participants were asked to count recognition. those involved in analysing the Science Writer published research in the journal the number of bouts of laughter While ‘ticking laughter’ is intentions of other people. Upon PLOS ONE that suggests neural in recorded clips. more complex at an acoustic hearing joyous laughter however, Laughter can be appropriate in a differences in recognising differ- In both cases, the participants level, resulting in the activation the areas involved in analysing wide variety of social situations, ent types of laughter. were more accurate in their rec- of brain regions more sensitive intentions were more strongly allowing us to distinguish be- A total of 18 young male vol- ognition of joyous and mocking to this acoustic complexity, it connected with visual areas of tween various types: joy, mock- unteers had their brain activity laughter. In explanation for this, did not prompt the activation of the brain. ery, or merely a response to tick- scanned and monitored while lis- Wildgruber suggests that “per- brain regions used to process so- Described as ‘remarkable’ by ling. New research now suggests tening to three types of laughter. ception of these types of laugh- cial information. a leading neuroscience profes- that, beyond these basic social These voice clips were recorded ter activates a partially overlap- Differences also existed be- sor of Washington State Univer- connections, we are able to dis- by professional actors simulating ping network of brain regions”. tween the perceptions of mock- sity, this research provides a new tinguish various types of laugh- the laughter of being tickled, joy- He states also that “laughing ing and joyous laughter, through insight into how the brain per- ter through complex connections ous laughter, and mocking laugh- at someone and laughing with visual and auditory perceptions ceives laughter, paving the way within the ‘laughter perception ter. Participants were found to be someone leads to different social of these examples. In hearing for future studies. network’ of the brain. generally accurate in identifying consequences”, suggesting that mocking laughter, a strong con- A team of researchers from the each type of laughter. Further the social nature of these types nection could be seen between University of Tübingen, Germa- testing was carried out, in which of laughter may lead to easier auditory areas of the brain and Science Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddsci 18-19 19 Carnivorous plant deletes most of its junk DNA Scott Davies actually used for functions such plant was analysed, 97 per cent low phosphorus levels in the parts of DNA that create genes, Science Writer as regulating and promoting consisted of genes in a highly plant’s environment trigger the but the sections that make a com- DNA conversion into RNA, the compact genome being two per formation of the bladders. Phos- plete human could be a lot small- One man’s junk is another man’s raw material used to create pro- cent the size of a human’s sug- phorus is a key component of er than first thought. This study treasure, but it seems that you teins. It is with great interest that gesting non-coding DNA plays a DNA and a lack of it may have also casts a bit of perspective on and I are mostly the former. DNA a carnivorous plant called a blad- significant role in this plants ad- triggered a selection pressure to our quest to find a purpose for all is the building block of all life on derwort has deleted most of its aptations. create a highly efficient and com- our DNA. We might like to think Earth, and while our DNA is bil- non-coding DNA. Not only has the plant purged pact genome. all our DNA is used to create us, lions of base pairs long, only two A bladderwort lives in swampy superfluous genes but has non- The fugu puffer fish also has a complex collection of cells and per cent codes for genes, the rest or liquid environments finding it coding sections that control a compact genome, with little processes, but it might be sober- being labelled as junk. hard to get nutrients from its sur- genes either side of it in an ef- space between genes. These two ing to think that we may be car- Previously, a massive effort roundings. When an organism ficient space saving design. It examples give credence to the rying some excess baggage in our called ENCODE sought to give brushes past the titular bladder, has even concatenated genes fact a large genome is not nec- genome that is simply junk. purpose to this junk (or non- it sucks up the surrounding wa- with overlapping sections that essary for a complex organism. coding) DNA. ENCODE found ter along with any organisms it eliminates all junk DNA between Non-coding DNA is still essential that 80% of non-coding DNA is carries. When the genome of this them. The researchers note that for regulating and controlling the Painted turtles facing extinction David Mason Science Writer Currently a hot topic, the effects of global warming and the rising temperature of the planet may have further consequences for specific animals. The gender of the North American painted turtle is, like many species in the reptile world, determined entirely by the temperature at which eggs are incubated. Given that males require cooler temperatures to develop, rising global temperatures may soon trigger an influx of female turtles with few male counterparts. Scientists at Iowa State University have suggested that mothers do have some control over the birth and are able to shift their nesting days slightly to compensate for temperature rises and falls. Regardless, it is suggested that this may become a distinct possibility in our near future, following multiple recent studies on the turtles. The latest of such studies has concluded that even the approximately 10 days a mother can delay her nesting by may be insufficient to ensure a balance of males to females. The researchers suggest that “females will not be able to buffer to be all female, but “our model extinction for the species. Potentially, such extinction last month, and it is hoped that their progeny from the negative suggests many nests will fail.” Many climate models predict might be prevented through further study of this may aid in consequences of climate change It is suggested that a however that the temperature better understanding of how understanding of how the turtles by adjusting nesting date alone.” temperature rise of merely of the US Midwest, home of the the turtles initially adapted to might adapt to future changes, They add also that whilst not all 1.1°C could prompt such drastic Painted turtle, will rise by 4°C their environment. The genome such as these. offspring sex ratios are expected consequences and ensure or more over the next century. for the species was sequenced Sharpening memory skills won’t make you a braniac Fatima Muhammad training has firmly established perfect gift. prior combination, the volunteer The study also shows a dis- Science Writer made a name for itself. Psychologist Thomas Redick was to press a computer key. The crepancy between self-reporting Studies have shown that mem- of Purdue University in Indiana task became progressively harder and actual scores. The majority Astonishing feats of memory ory training does exactly that - showed that, while brain training over time. The volunteers went of people who undergo memory have fascinated people through- it trains the memory. However, did impact memory recall, there through 20 of these sessions. training report improved intelli- out history. As far back as the the according to a study published was no actual increase when in- Then their intelligence was mea- gence, increased problem solving 6th century BC when all were in in the Journal of Experimental telligence scores were measured. sured against a second group abilities and the ability to multi- awe of Simonedes of Ceos and Psychology: General, it remains He did this by showing pop ups who had undergone 20 sessions task. This remains to be seen, as his legendary memory, to our 21st to be proven whether there is a of block shapes on a screen to a of seeing similar shapes and be- more studies are done on a wider century obsessing over shows causation link between memory group of volunteers. Each time ing asked to pick out the different scale. There are still unanswered like Sherlock, the ability to retain training and measurable increas- a block would appear it would ones. A third group who had not questions, as critics of the study large amounts of information has es in intelligence. Right now all be paired with a spoken conso- experienced training were used have pointed out, such as the va- always left us reeling. Even while that can be said is that your new nant, pairing the visual percep- as a control group. While the two lidity of the tests used in measur- we tussle with debates about in- found ability to remember your tion with an auditory one. If the trained groups were good at their ing intelligence and IQ. formation overload and decreas- Mum’s birthday will not increase shape’s location on the screen task, their intelligence had not ing attention spans, memory your prowess of picking out the and the sound heard matched the increased in a measurable way.

Societies 21 21 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddsoc A year in the guild of societies Some of the societies have reviewed their fantastic year and incredible achievements Asian Society Nilarnti Vignarajah came together, and we as a com- Societies Writer mittee could just sit back and watch like proud parents of what From chilli eating contests in our children had achieved. It is CF10 during our ‘Initi-Asian’ at this point I would like to say a back in October; an extravagant huge thank you to all the help the show and dinner: ‘Elements’ in Union gave us this year, especial- the National Museum, to attack- ly Adam Curtis, Kieran Gandhi ing each other with coloured and Emma McKeogh; you guys powder and freezing water dur- are legends. ing our Holi celebrations in Bute I think it’s amazing how a so- Park; this year has certainly been ciety can become such a big if a crazy and memorable one! not the biggest part of your Uni- After singing for Asian Soc in versity life, something which I Elements last year, I felt like I had never expected. Whilst it had inherited a large family and has been quite a challenge on that, as I’m sure all our members the ‘organising’ side of things, would agree is exactly what our the satisfaction of providing our society is about. This is why it members with fun and success- was quite a change from member ful events and a welcoming envi- to becoming committee member ronment, a home away home of this year, and the pressure was sorts, where they can find like- on from the beginning to make minded people; will continue to Asian Soc even more successful be the biggest achievement we and to make Elements even big- make and it is important we don’t ger. So we decided to take a risk lose sight of that. And on that and incorporate a storyline into note, I look forward to running our show, and boy did those long Asian Soc next year with Aaron, nights of rehearsing pay off; the Harshni, Vidya Brainerd, Keval love story of Kajol and Nikhil Patel and Pranav Shriram, as we was a big hit with the audience! hope to lead our society to even Our lead actors: Aaron Matthew greater success. So look forward and Harshni Malde worked in- to Bollywood movie nights, trips credibly hard to make their per- and visits, more socials (both formance as convincing as possi- alcohol and non-alcohol orien- ble, and our dancers’ and singers’ tated), collaborations with other huge commitment and effort is universities such as Bristol, and what held the show together. In other societies within Cardiff as the end, despite all our worry- well as more charity orientated ing and concerns, everything just activities. I for one cannot wait! Malaysian Society Jasmine Chong rived. It is not everyday you get Societies Writer to be with people who share the same dedication and the same Student Volunteering Cardiff Have you ever felt alone in a for- goal as you. To be a part of this eign land? Especially if you are an amazing family made each and Emily Cope have not had many volunteers. of SVC’s calendar year, ‘March international student, this feeling every one of us closer and miss Societies Writer SVC has also been non-stop Madness’ came from nowhere. A Malaysia a little less than before. is nothing alien but familiar. We, What another outstanding year it with their fundraising events too. whole month dedicated to ran- the Malaysian Students’ Society Weeks after this we had our Volunteering Week which in- dom fundraising events and one- annual sports event, Cardiff Eu- has been for Student Volunteer- of Cardiff University (MSSCF) ing Cardiff (SVC)! SVC is a vol- cludes, events like dog-walking, off volunteering opportunities. strive to bring our home, Ma- ropean Games (CEG). Seeing all community gardening and beach This included SVCfest in Solus; Malaysians from different parts unteering charity ran by Cardiff laysia to all Malaysians pursuing University which have over 40 cleans, was a huge success. This a talent showcase of many rising their dreams here. of United Kingdom was definite- successful week ended with SVC stars in the Cardiff area. SVC also ly one of the best feelings one different volunteering schemes The term started off by gather- making it the largest student- and RAG’s second Jailbreak. In hosted their first ever duck race ing all the Malaysians for a buf- could embrace. What better way 48 hours, teams had to get as far in the River Taff. Over 300 rub- than to participate in a healthy led charity in Wales. There have fet, trips to IKEA and occasional been new projects added this away from Cardiff and back again ber ducks raced down the river potlucks. This was perhaps the and stimulating event. without any money. The winning in attempt to win some prizes. In a nutshell, MSSCF is a fam- year which have been extremely time where friendships were popular, for example, ‘LOL Fri- team, Houdini, managed to get There were great efforts with bloomed and love was budded. ily and those who are a part of as far as Fontainebleu in France. customising ducks too, including it will comprehend this warm days’ – a social group for young Gradually into the term it was people with Down’s syndrome. Thanks to everyone’s brave Iron Man duck and Teenage Mu- the time again for our biggest and personal feeling. After all and dedicated efforts, Jailbreak tant Ninja Turtle duck. This in- we, Malaysians are famous for We’ve also seen volunteers in- musical production yet, Festival crease from 825 volunteers to 2012/2013 raised over £4000! This novative fundraising event raised of Diversity (FOD). This year our outstanding hospitality and money will go towards to creat- over £300 for SVC and will hope- this is what MSSCF brings to all 990. As well as increased engage- marked our tenth anniversary. ment with university schools ing even more volunteering proj- fully happen again on a much For most of us this was the high- our members, a home away from ects for next year. bigger scale next year. Watch this home. such as engineering, physics and light of our year ever since we ar- music which have in the past Just as everyone thought vol- space. unteering week was the peak 22 / Taf-Od Wythnos ym myd Gwleidyddiaeth Cymru

Cerith Rhys Jones Alun Ffred yn ymddeol Leanne Wood yn ad-drefnu ei Ysgrifennydd Cymru’n gorfod Carwyn yn cefnogi Ewrop Taf-od chabinet ad-dalu arian Cyhoeddodd Aelod Cynulliad Mae Llywodraeth y DG wedi Maen nhw’n dweud yn y Saesneg Plaid Cymru dros Arfon, Alun Mae arweinydd Plaid Cym- Mae Ysgrifennydd Gwladol cyhoeddi bil drafft ar refferend- fod wythnos yn gyfnod hir ym Ffred Jones, na fydd yn sefyll ru wedi cyhoeddi ei bod wedi Cymru David Jones wedi gwneud wm ar aelodaeth y DG o’r Undeb myd gwleidyddiaeth. Dyw saith eto wedi i’w amser fel AC yn y gwneud rhai mân-newidiadau £81,446 o elw ar ei gartref yn Llun- Ewropeaidd. Ben arall yr M4, niwrnod ddim yn gyfnod arben- Cynulliad presennol ddod i ben. i’w chabinet. Mae’n debyg fod y dain a ariennir gan arian cyhoed- mae Prif Weinidog Cymru wedi nig o hir inni fyfyrwyr – llond Etholwyd ef gyntaf fel AC dros newidiadau hyn yn adlewyrchu’r dus. Ers 2010, y mae wedi bod yn bod wrthi’n canu clod yr Un- dwrn o ddarlithoedd, un neu Gaernarfon yn 2003 yn olynydd newidiadau a wnaed i’r cabinet anghyfreithlon i ASau ddefnyd- deb Ewropeaidd. Ar Ddiwrnod ddwy noson allan yn y dre, ac i Dafydd Wigley, a symudodd go iawn ryw ddeufis yn ôl. dio arian cyhoeddus i dalu llog ar Ewrop, a gynhelir ar Fai’r 9fed yn y blaen. Ond i lawr yn y Bae i sedd newydd Arfon yn 2007. forgeisi, ond penderfynodd Ipsa, bob blwyddyn i nodi arwyddo a draw yn San Steffan, mae wedi Pan oedd Plaid Cymru’n rhan o Leanne Wood y corff sy’n rheoli safonau prof- Datganiad Schuman ym 1950, bod yn wythnos ofnadwy o bry- Lywodraeth Cymru’n Un, roedd Arweinydd Lles, y Cyfansoddiad, fesiynol a threuliau Aelod Sened- dywedodd y Prif Weinidog bod sur! Maddeuwch imi os oeddech Alun Ffred Jones yn Weinidog a Materion Rhyngwladol dol, y gellid parhau i hawlio arian 150,000 o swyddi yng Nghymru’n chi’n gobeithio am erthygl hwy Treftadaeth, ac ef oedd yn gy- cyhoeddus at y pwrpas hwn ar yr ddibynnol ar fasnach gyda gwle- am ryw fater arall yn Nhaf-Od frifol am Fesur y Gymraeg 2011 Ieuan Wyn Jones amod bod ASau yn talu unrhyw dydd eraill yr UE a bod 50,000 ola’r flwyddyn, ond mae cymaint a sefydlodd swydd Comisiynydd Cyllid elw cyfalafol yn ôl. Mae nawr yn cael eu cyflogi gan gwmnïau i roi sylw iddo fe, dw i am roi tro- yr Iaith. Ar hyn o bryd, ef yw lle- gofyn i’r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol o Ewrop yng Nghymru. Mae 4 o solwg bach ichi bopeth. Cofiwch farydd y Blaid ar yr economi, ac Alun Ffred Jones dalu’r swm, sy’n fwy na theirg- ASau’r Ceidwadwyr yng Nghym- fod mwy o sylwebaeth ar y ma- mi oedd yn allweddol yn ystod Busnes, yr Economi, a Gwydd- waith y tâl cyfartalog y mae pobl ru, yn ogystal â dau o brif enwau terion hyn oll ar Golwg360! trafodaethau’r Blaid gyda’r Lly- oniaeth yn y DG yn ei dderbyn, yn ôl. cabinet David Cameron, wedi cy- wodraeth adeg y Gyllideb. Mae e’n un o 70 fydd yn gorfod hoeddi y byddan nhw’n pleidle- Dafydd Elis-Thomas talu arian yn ôl, ond mae Ipsa isio o blaid y bil. Trafnidiaeth a Chymdeithas wedi cyhoeddi efallai bydd modd ymestyn y cyfnod ad-dalu i 2015 Rhodri Glyn Thomas os fydd talu’r arian yn ôl yn syth Llywodraeth Leol ac Adfywio yn peri caledi i ASau.

Ffurfio clymblaid ar Ynys Môn Llyr Huws Gruffydd Yr Amgylchedd, Egni, ac Amaeth Yn dilyn etholiad ddechrau’r mis ar Ynys Môn a welodd yr Elin Jones ymgeiswyr annibynnol yn ennill Dirprwy Arweinydd Busnes y Araith y Frenhines 13 sedd rhyngddyn nhw, a Phlaid Cynulliad a Phrif Chwip Cymru’n ennill 12, mae’r grp an- Yn ystod ei haraith yn Nh’r nibynnol wedi cytuno i ffurfio Jocelyn Davies Arglwyddi, cyhoeddodd y Fren- clymblaid gyda’r tri chyngho- Menywod, Pobl Ifanc, a Thai hines y bydd Llywodraeth y DG rydd o’r Blaid Lafur yn Neuadd yn cyflwyno bil drafft ar Gymru. Sir Llangefni. Croesawodd y Lindsay Whittle Mae disgwyl i’r bil waredu ar y Gweinidog Llywodraeth Leol y Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol, gwaharddiad ar sefyll fel ymgei- gytundeb gan obeithio y bydd yn Cydraddoldeb, a Thai sydd yn un o etholaethau Cymru ‘drobwynt’ i’r ynys, ond myne- yn ogystal ag yn un o’r rhanbar- godd arweinydd Plaid Cymru ar Simon Thomas thau yn ystod etholiad i’r Cynul- Fôn, a oedd wedi gobeithio ffur- Addysg, Sgiliau, a’r Gymraeg liad. Bydd y bil hefyd yn ymestyn fio gweinyddiaeth ei hun, siom hyd unrhyw Gynulliad i bum fod Llafur wedi cefnu ar adde- Bethan Jenkins mlynedd yn hytrach na phedair. widion etholiadol i beidio ffurfio Darlledu, Chwaraeon, Diwylliant, Croesawodd y Prif Weinidog clymblaid gyda’r annibynwyr. a Threftadaeth Carwyn Jones y bil, ond ategodd Enillodd y Democratiaid Rhydd- hefyd ei farn mai’r Cynulliad frydol un sedd, ond ni lwyddodd Cenedlaethol yn unig ddylai allu y Ceidwadwyr na Ukip ennill deddfu ar drefniadau etholiadol sedd. Cymru.

Hungover. Os gair Cymraeg call am y teimlad afiach sydd mor gyfarwydd i gymaint ohonom ni fel myfyrwyr? Digon eironig yw’r ffaith fy mod i’n eistedd yn y swyddfa nawr yn teimlo fel cadach gwlyb, wedi golygu Taf-Od am y tro cyntaf mewn stad digon tebyg. Ychydig o siom yw golygu Taf-Od ola’r flwyddyn yn y stad hon, a finnau’n disgwyl rhyw seremoni llawn pomp a drama; efallai cael Bryn Fôn i gyflwyno beiro aur i mi… neu rhywbeth o’r fath. Er bod golygu’r tudalen(nau) hyn wedi bod yn boen ar adegau, dwi’n credu bod Taf-Od wedi dod yn ei flaen fel adran o’r papur a gobeithio y bu Taf-Od yn parhau i ddatblygu yn y dyfodol! Rhaid i mi roi ychydig o’n amser i ddiolch i bawb yma, ond er mwyn osgoi rhyw baragraff hir yn enwi pawb sydd wedi siarad efo fi yn ystod y flwyddyn, ddywedai un diolch mawr i bawb sydd wedi cymryd rhan gyda Taf-Od. Diolch! News 6 4–7 Monday May 13th 2013 | @gairrhyddnews 24 / Puzzles Sudoku Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically. Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Easy

Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 4, Book 9

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck. 25 Monday May 20th 2013 | @mediacsu Mazes kakuro Fill in the grid so that each run of squares adds up to the total in the box above or to the left. Use only numbers 1–9 and never use a number more than once per run (a number may recur in the same row, in a separate run).

Rhys’ riddles Steve has been challenged by Leather Sher- lock Holmes to a race. Steve has a one-mile race track and must complete two laps at an average of 60mph for the whole race.

Steve was slow off the mark and averaged 30mph on the first lap. Can he still average 60mph for the whole race, and how fast

would he need to travel on the second lap?

took you 2mins 40s to cover two laps, an average of 45 mph. mph. 45 of average an laps, two cover to 40s 2mins you took

0 seconds. Impossible. A lap at 90mph would take 40 seconds, which would mean it just just it mean would which seconds, 40 take would 90mph at lap A Impossible. seconds. 0

already taken that long to cover the first mile, you would have to cover the second lap in in lap second the cover to have would you mile, first the cover to long that taken already

To average 60mph for a two-mile track you will need to complete it in 2mins. Since it has has it Since 2mins. in it complete to need will you track two-mile a for 60mph average To

This week’s answer: It's not the obvious 90mph. Here's why: Here's 90mph. obvious the not It's answer: week’s This

prompted by the security guard. "Twelve" has six letters, ‘six’ has three letters. three has ‘six’ letters, six has "Twelve" guard. security the by prompted

need to halve the number. The correct way is to take the number of letters in each number number each in letters of number the take to is way correct The number. the halve to need Last week’s answer: The answer is 4. Clive incorrectly thinks that to enter the club you you club the enter to that thinks incorrectly Clive 4. is answer The answer: week’s Last News 6 4–7 Monday May 13th 2013 | @gairrhyddnews

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Sport 29 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddsport 29-32 Imperial brushed aside as Cardiff promoted

Ellie van Klaveren Cardiff remained ahead. Strong Sport Writer defence from Tina Battersby, Gaby Glennon and Gabi Shields After an extremely successful made it impossible for Imperial season, the Cardiff University attacks to get through to goal. Ladies’ Lacrosse team faced two More goals, from Anjuli playoff matches against Imperial Seabourne, Liv Burke, Emily College London, in order to gain Weighton, Rochford and Cecil, promotion into the BUCS South- saw Cardiff retain a strong lead ern Premiership League. In what throughout the second half. would prove to be two of their Finishing the game attacking, toughest matches this season, just missing out on a final goal Cardiff were determined to win. before the whistle, Cardiff ap- At the SWALEC on Wednes- peared to be the stronger team day May 8th, the team played the after the first match. home leg of the playoff. In spite Cardiff won the home leg with of poor weather conditions, the a final score of 15-7, giving the team started strong, with loud team an eight-goal cushion going support on the sidelines from the into the away leg. men’s lacrosse team. Following an early start on Goals straight from the draw Sunday morning, the team, mi- by Amy Rochford and Emily Ce- nus a few players due to exams cil meant that Cardiff took an and injury, travelled to London early lead in the first quarter. for the away leg. However, the game was far from Imperial started strongly, es- over. Imperial came back fight- tablishing a 4-0 lead in the first ing and closed Cardiff’s 7-0 lead. half, and quickly closed down Despite Imperial’s comeback, Cardiff’s eight-goal lead.

After a timeout and team talk meant that the visitors dominat- been a brilliant season for Cardiff from captains Seabourne and ed the second half. Lacrosse! Weighton, Cardiff finished the Cardiff’s fitness was tested first half well with a goal from with only one substitute, but CARDIFF: Catrin Williams, Weighton. the whole team dug deep, deter- Gabbi Shields, Gaby Glennon, Nerves settled, Cardiff con- mined to gain promotion. The Tina Battersby, Sophie Jones, tinued to grow from strength to away side kept the score line Charlotte Jones, Naomi Stageman, Ellie van Klaveren, strength throughout the second close, losing only 7-5 to Imperial. Liv Burke, GG Gore Brown, half. Goals from Weighton and After two very physical and Emily Weighton, Anjuli Seabourne closed the score line tiring matches, Cardiff won 20-14 Seabourne, Amy Rochford, to the relief of their supporters. on aggregate and the ladies’ first Emily Cecil, Kate Turnor, Some excellent saves from the team will now be playing in the KitKat Nicholas, Emily Cardiff goalkeeper, Catrin Wil- Southern Premiership next sea- Wiltshire, Ellie Parker liams, and persistent defense son, a great way to end what has Cardiff waltz their way to the top Sophie Banks of both novice and intermedi- the social scene and the team’s Sport Writer ate. Hannah Garfield and Sophie achievements. It is thanks to ev- Timbers came fourth in the May- ery member that we were named Dancesport headed to Manches- fair Quickstep, while Tim Hardi- Cardiff’s Club of the Year, es- ter for the Star Wars themed man and Tash Dumingan came pecially our brilliant commit- competition (May the 4th be sixth in novice Waltz and fifth in tee: President, Jonathan Patron; with you!). novice Quickstep. Team Captains, Laurence Lovell After many competitions this Ali Naeem and Sophie were and Fliss Morris; Secretary, Bec- year and, of course, SUDA, which fourth in both intermediate ca Martin; Social Secretary, So- we won the bid to hold in Cardiff Quickstep and Waltz, and Lau- phia Hirst; Salsa Officer, Rebecca this year, Manchester was our fi- rence Lovell and Bethan Edwards Howe; Media and PR officer, nal competition of the academic came sixth in Quickstep. Also, in Sarah Phillips and Treasurer, Ben year and the most fun competi- intermediate Jive, Laurence and Cole. tion! Hannah came sixth. We hope that the next com- As this was the final competi- Overall, it was a fun competi- mittee will be able to keep up the tion, only a small but dedicated tion, with a Star Wars fancy dress good work! Welcome and con- team went as it was so close to team match and lots of open gratulations on getting elected. exams and deadlines. However, dances. It was a great way to end our eight-member team domi- an amazing year with Dances- CARDIFF: Bethan Edwards, nated the semi-finals and finals port. Over the year, we have had Becca Martin, Laurence of the whole competition. many successes as a team, as cou- Lovell, Hannah Garfield, Our couples made it through ples and on an individual level. Sophie Timbers, Ali Naeem, to both ballroom and Latin finals Thank you to every single Tim Hardiman and Natasha and across the difficulty levels member of Dancesport, for both Dumingan 30 / Sport Champions CARBS FC do the Business Sport editor James Shapland speaks to CARBS and IMG Varsity captain, Liam McDermott

ARBS captain Roath Park Rangers and Momed. would be the turning point of have the CARBS Awards on the the Awards night, the guy who I Liam McDermott the season when you knew 12th June after everyone has fin- have asked to do it has accepted will bow out of What has been the secret to that you had a potentially ti- ished exams. I will present some the role. From the minute he IMG football on your success this year? tle-winning side? awards at Kasturi and then one stepped into the squad, I could an enormous high First, we gelled quickly with the I think it has got to be the Law big finale at Solus to cap off a tre- see he had the perfect character- after captaining istics to, one day, captain CARBS. Cthe boys in blue to an undefeat- I have absolutely no doubt he will ed season and Premier Division do a fantastic job. He is a hugely title. popular guy, well respected by He was also given the nod as everyone and certainly leads by IMG Varsity captain and man- example on the field. He’s always aged to lead Cardiff to their first involved socially so I’m 100% ever victory against rivals Swan- confident he will lead the boys sea at Pontcanna. to further success. He certainly Sport spoke to McDermott deserves it! about his success and the secrets behind captaining an unbeaten On a personal note, you have side. captained both a league-winning IMG team and the victo- So, you finish the season as rious Varsity team this season. winners of the Premier Divi- You must be delighted with sion. You must be delighted? the way things have gone? It is a fantastic achievement Any nerves about captaining and I think we deserve it. Hav- CARBS were soon thrown out ing not won the title in my three the window. We got off to a flaw- years and playing in a team with less start and it soon became heightened expectations who ev- apparent that everyone was on eryone wants to beat, it is great to board and wanted to win it not finally say, “CARBS have won the only for themselves but also be- Premiership”. It’s a great feeling cause it was my final year. And and one that I’m sure the boys new boys. We had plenty of so- game. It was the second game of mendous CARBS year. what a way to go. will want to repeat next year. cials to really make them feel the Prem with both teams having It was an incredible honour to part of a team and learn from the got off to winning starts. It was How is the future looking for captain the Varsity side and I was CARBS are unbeaten through- senior players. 0-0 for 80 minutes despite both CARBS? determined to guide Cardiff to out the season. Could you have Secondly, we were fortunate sides having numerous chances, The future is bright. Sam their first ever IMG Varsity win. imagined such a great season enough to be blessed with some but we turned up the heat and Pritchard and I are the only ones The game was played in good for you and the lads? outstanding footballers. We had ended up winning 4-1. leaving so the core of the squad, spirit and the crowd were unbe- With the amount of players we a solid goalkeeper in Sujit Dadar In previous years, I don’t think who know what it takes to win lievable, spurring us on to victo- lost and with a huge reliance on and a solid defensive quartet. We we would have had the character the title, are here next year. ry. Credit to Richard Tweed and fresher recruitment, I could nev- had speedy and dangerous wing- and belief to win, but this team Having said that, teams will Jon Morse for organising it all. er have imagined it at the start. ers in Josh Walker and David had the drive and fitness to finish put out their ‘A’ game against us Credit must go to the new boys, Isaacs, who ended up joint top- the job. Had we not won that, it next year, as they will want to Finally, your prediction for who have quickly adapted to the scorers. could have been a different story. get one over on the defending the Champions League final? CARBS culture. All in all, we had a great bal- champs. But I’m confident they’ll Having seen Benfica put up a Without blowing our own ance and credit must go to the Have you enjoyed any final big remain undefeated again. Big brave underdog fight, I am going trumpet, most teams concede whole squad. nights out to celebrate win- shout, but I can’t see them losing! to go for Dortmund. I think Jür- that we have been their tough- And finally, I must mention my ning the league? gen Klopp has it in him to mas- est opponents. Having said that, vice captain Elliot North, who We did enjoy a huge social in The Next year’s captain certainly termind a smash-and-grab win at all the Prem games have been helped me along and our spon- Lash when we all but secured the has a lot to live up to. Do you Wembley. Bayern blew it in the tough and we have had some re- sors PwC. title with two games to spare. But think he is up to the task? final last year and I think light- ally hard fought games, especial- since we became official cham- Although I’m not officially an- ning will strike twice. Either way, ly against Law, Psycho Athletico, If you could choose one, what pions, we haven’t celebrated. We nouncing the next captain until I’m really looking forward to it.

Division Two P W D L GD Pts Premiership P W D L GD Pts Division One P W D L GD Pts 1 C-PLAN AFC 8 7 0 1 19 21 1 CARBS FC 7 7 0 0 16 21 1 1st XI 7 5 0 2 9 15 2 JOMEC FC 8 6 1 1 13 19 2 Roath Park Rangers 8 5 0 3 7 15 2 Engin Loco FC 7 4 1 2 8 13 3 Time Team 8 5 1 2 3 16 3 Psycho Athletico 8 5 0 3 6 15 3 Cardiff Mets 5 4 0 1 5 12 4 Engin Auto FC 9 4 2 3 8 14 4 SOCSI 8 3 1 4 –5 10 4 Cardiff Uni IMG 1st 8 4 0 4 2 12 5 Law B 8 3 3 2 6 12 5 Law A 5 3 0 2 3 9 5 Inter Menan 4 3 1 0 4 10 6 OPSOC 9 3 1 5 –3 10 6 Momed AFC 8 2 0 6 1 6 6 CHAOS FC 7 3 1 3 -8 10 7 Gym Gym 7 3 0 4 –3 9 7 EarthSoc 5 2 0 3 0 6 7 AFC Dentistry 7 3 0 4 3 9 8 Chemistry FC 7 2 1 4 –6 7 8 Pharm AC 6 2 0 4 –12 6 8 Cardiff Uni IMG 2nd 7 1 0 6 –13 3 9 Computer Science FC 6 1 1 4 –10 4 9 FC Euros 7 1 1 5 –16 4 9 History AFC 6 0 1 5 –10 1 10 Too Big To Fail 8 0 0 8 –27 0 Sport 31 Monday May 20th 2013 | @gairrhyddsport 29–32

ENCAP’s winning Philosophy Sport editor Ross Martinovic discusses ENCAP’s unbeaten season with captain, Amalie Smith

f all of Cardiff It was mainly a disappointment, such a good game as always, and any players in particular for tice against (and vice versa!) and U n i v e r s i t y ’ s to be honest. I think both sides we came out of it really feeling praise, who would they be? was so beneficial to both teams. sports teams this were looking forward to a re- that we’d played at our best. All the girls have had a stun- Their goal difference was also year, few will ally close and competitive game, ning season and everyone has outstanding this year and I know have enjoyed as but with exam season looming it On a similar note, were there improved so much on previous that we’ll be sad to lose our third- successful a sea- year attackers, Amy Lord and Ni- Oson as ENCAP Netball. kita Salmon, who have also had a The girls progressed through fantastic season. We’ve been so the entire campaign without de- lucky to have so many talented feat, finishing with an exception- and committed girls to enable us al goal difference of +46 that saw to put out two brilliant sides this them finish 13 goals clear of near- year. est rivals, CARBS. Captain and goal attack Amalie What would your thoughts be Smith describes ENCAP’s fantas- on IMG Netball becoming a tic success and the experience of Varsity competition? spearheading such a tremendous I think it would be such a great season, as well as their prospects opportunity for IMG netball to of continued success in the new become more well-known and to academic year. play even more competitively. It would perhaps open the door to So, Amalie, ENCAP are the playing against other university champions of IMG! How does IMG squads in the future, which that feel and did you expect to hasn’t been an option before. be in this position at the start The integration of IMG and the of the year? AU is so important to Team Car- Obviously we’re absolutely diff and it would be great to show thrilled to have won the league. off the talent in the IMG netball All the girls have worked so hard league and really deserve it - I’m so pleased and proud to have had just wasn’t feasible to rearrange any particularly funny inci- years. However, I’ll be sad to How are you looking for next been able to captain such a bril- it. CARBS are obviously a great dents on the court that you lose the third-year girls who have year in terms of defending liant side this year. I was confi- side and to play them would’ve can tell us about? been such a crucial part of the your title? Are many of the dent in the team from the start of been a sure test of our ability and I know that there have definitely team - Susie Campbell and Freya girls staying on? the season, but it was still a nice strength as a squad. Hopefully been a few matches played by Kendall have proved to be one of We’re losing quite a few really surprise to be so comfortably we’ll get to play them next year some pretty hungover girls this the best defensive duos I’ve had talented third-year players who ahead on goal difference and to to settle that score! year, which provided entertain- the pleasure of playing alongside, will be difficult to replace, but I have such a successful year. We ment at times (ahem, Emily War- and Sarah Poole, who only joined know that we’ve got a great squad definitely didn’t expect to be un- Looking back over the course dle)! Trying to train in the snow us from Pharmacy this year, has of current second and first years beaten, but we’re so glad that all of the season, were there any and ice was pretty ridiculous too; been such an asset to our attack- who will step up to the plate and the hard work has paid off and key moments and matches I think a few of the girls ended ing and shooting, with the best continue the commitment and we’re able to finish on a high! that stand out as particularly up doing the splits on court! goal average of the whole squad. success shown this year. I’m important in you getting to However, I think the funniest in- hoping that, like this year, we’ll You were due to play CARBS where you finished? cidents on court this year took It’s been a great year all round get another large influx of new in a winner-takes-all match I think our games against both place in the tournament on tour for ENCAP, with the ‘B’ team players who will prove to be a for the title, but after the the Law teams were particularly in Salou, where most of the team winning Division Two as well. great asset to the team in the fu- teams couldn’t agree on a important, in terms of both our spent more time on the floor What do you have to say about ture. I know that Alex Uren and date, the match wasn’t played league position and our confi- than on their feet! their performance this year? Jess Barker will do a great job and you therefore won on goal dence. We were so nervous to They’ve had an incredible sea- taking over the captaincy from difference. Was it a relief or play them after they’d proven so Obviously it’s been a fantastic son. Emily Wardle has captained myself and Emily, and I’m sure a disappointment not to play formidable last year. They were team effort in finishing top, such a great side, which gave our ENCAP will have another fantas- that game? a pleasure to play and gave us but if you could single out ‘A’ team a brilliant team to prac- tic season next year.

Division One P W D L Pts Division Two P W D L Pts Division Three P W D L Pts Division Four P W D L Pts 1 ENCAP A 5 5 0 0 15 1 ENCAP B 5 4 0 1 12 1 SOCSI B 5 5 0 0 15 1 Cardiff Dental 6 5 0 1 15 2 CARBS A 5 5 0 0 15 2 SOCSI A 6 4 0 2 12 2 JOMEC 6 5 0 1 15 2 Cardiff Medics B 4 3 0 1 9 3 Law A 6 4 0 2 12 3 Pharmacy A 5 3 1 1 10 3 OPSOC 6 3 0 3 9 3 HistorySoc 6 3 0 3 9 4 Cardiff Uni A 6 3 0 3 9 4 Cardiff Uni B 5 3 0 2 9 4 Chemistry 6 2 1 3 7 4 Bioscience 5 2 1 2 7 5 Law B 6 2 0 4 6 5 Engin Auto 6 2 0 4 6 5 Psychology B 6 2 0 4 6 5 EUROS 6 2 0 4 6 6 Psychology A 6 1 0 5 3 6 Cardiff Medics A 3 1 0 2 3 6 CARBS B 6 2 0 4 6 6 Pharmacy B 5 2 0 3 6 7 Engin Loco 6 0 0 6 0 7 EarthSoc 6 0 1 5 1 7 URNU 5 0 1 4 1 7 Gym Gym 4 0 1 3 1 Dancesport travel to Manchester << page 29

cardi! studentmedia.co.uk SportMonday May 20th 2013 | Issue 1007 /gairrhydd Ladies’ Lacrosse clinch promotion

Cardiff Ladies' Lacrosse team overcame Imperial over two legs last week to achieve promotion to BUCS Premier League South.

Read the report on page 29

CARBS FC take ENCAP sweep IMG title away all comers << page 30 << page 31