gair rhydd Monday February 24th 2014 | freeword | Issue 1023

All staff, including externally contracted cleaners (pictured), will now be paid at least the Living Wage Living Wage success University agrees to pay all staff a living wage

She put the proposal to the University Ex- Ms. Dowden told gair rhydd of the news ditions of each company’s contract and now Tom Eden ecutive Board (UEB) on Monday 17th Febru- from her office where a bunch of flowers every single cleaner is paid the Living Wage. Editor ary and says the move has the full support stood next to a large ‘Thank You’ card, given “This has made a real difference to peo- of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Colin Rior- to her by some of the University’s cleaners ple’s lives and this [the flowers & card] is a A policy to pay every single member of Car- dan, adding that, “He is personally very com- who had benefited from this decision. very moving gesture.” diff University staff at least the living wage mitted to this.” She explained that it has been a lengthy Ms. Dowden made clear that a wide range was officially approved last week. It is believed that, if the application is suc- and complex project to get off the ground, of people had been working on getting the The move by the University to seek accred- cessful, Cardiff University would become the not least with the nature of the cleaning con- University to a stage where it was able to ap- itation as a ‘Living Wage employer’ was pro- first University in Wales to be an accredited tracts. ply for Living Wage accreditation. posed by the newly promoted Acting Chief Living Wage employer, paying a minimum “We have thirteen separate cleaning con- Operating Officer, Ms. Jayne Dowden. hourly rate of £7.65. tracts so we had to change the terms and con- Continued on page 7 >> CARDIFF STUDENT MEDIA AWARDS 2014

SATURDAY 4 COURSE TICKETS £29 10 MAY 2014 MEAL AVAILABLE@ GREAT HALL WITH CHAMPAGNE CARDIFFSTUDENTS. STUDENTS’ UNION RECEPTION, WINE COM/BOXOFFICE 7PM–11.30PM & AFTER PARTY

CARDIFF STUDENT MEDIA Monday February 24th 2014 | @mediacsu 3

EDITOR Tom Eden

CO-ORDINATOR A note from the editor Elaine Morgan SUB EDITOR Jacob Dirnhuber

NEWS Ashley Bebbington demonstrates that.’ I couldn’t agree more, but alongside the THE BALD HEAD SAID... Max Eshraghi LIVING WAGE POLICY PASSED staff there is another vital stakeholder in this Georgia Hamer University: the students. Rowan Whittington This decision to seek Living Wage accredi- tation came in the same week that the UCU OPINION union announced that some of it’s members Olivier van den Bent-Kelly will refuse to mark exam papers in the next Gareth Evans stage of its strikes to secure higher pay. Beth Lyons On both a personal level and as an Elected Officer, I support the cause of the staff who COLUMNIST feel like the 1% pay rise offered for lower paid tiers of the University is very unfair, especial- Jess McFarlane ly when compared to the alleged five per cent Charlotte Wace increase for the Vice Chancellor. However, there is no way that the staff should be us- POLITICS ing students as hostages in this fight for more Matt Harding Where else to start but this week’s front page money. Refusing to mark exams and essays is ‘The Bald Head Said...’ may go down as one of Greg Landon story? Following last week’s issue, which con- undeniable a bold move and one which will my lasting regrets as Editor of this paper. The tained a strongly written piece about why the certainly gain the attention of the national man above is Martyn Fowler, who has been SCIENCE living wage is essential (and in doing so may pay body (it’s not something individual uni- Head of Rugby here at Cardiff for the past Scott Davies have criticised the University and Students’ versities have control over), however it could eight years. This year, he has become quite the David Mason Union), I received several missed calls from mean students aren’t able to graduate when cult icon within the Media Office as the Sport the University’s Public Relations department. they should. team have somehow managed to include him Naturally, I thought I was in line for a stern From my position, as a student representa- in the paper on a near-weekly level. SOCIETIES word or two, but as the piece was an opin- tive, this is absolutely unacceptable, and the Because of his prominence within these Bryony Price ion piece, was fairly happy that we had done Students’ Union has quite rightly withdrawn pages, we regularly suggested he should have nothing wrong. It is certainly not the first its support for the action. You can read more a column. Suggested names for this proposed- CSM LISTINGS article that we’ve included advocating the about this on page 4. column included gems such as ‘Fowl Play’, but Anthea Crowe living wage and it’s something that has my we settled on ‘The Bald Head Said...’ due to wholehearted support. It also received major- GO GLOBAL Martyn’s trademark afro. Obviously. SPORT ity support from the Union’s democratic body; It is with sadness, then, that we found out Rory Benson Student Senate. Martyn will be leaving in the very near future, David Hooson Once I did finally end up speaking to the leaving the ‘Bald Head Said...’ as one of those University’s PR team, it was with some shock pipe dreams that unfortunately never materi- Ross Martinovic that I found out that Jayne Dowden - the new alised. Arthur Russell Acting Chief Operating Officer (effectively the All the best for the future, Martyn. Vice Chancellor’s right hand man or woman CONTRIBUTORS when it comes to running the non academic Taliesin Coombes Thomas Bamford parts of the University) - was submitting a Sum Sze Tam paper that, if passed, would mean the Univer- Anna Lewis sity’s official policy would be to pay every sin- Katie Evans gle member of staff at least the Living Wage Bronwen Weatherby (£7.65). James Griffiths The proposal was passed, apparently with Oli Dugmore the full backing of the VC, and I met with Matt Hale Jayne Dowden on Tuesday morning to find Lilly Harper out more. Daniel Faraz Alauddin Matthew Jones As soon as I walked into her office, the first On Saturday, the Great Hall was host to the Helen Wilson thing that I noticed was a big bunch of flow- annual Go Global spectacular. I was lucky Michael Arnott ers and one of the biggest ‘Thank You’ cards enough to be in the audience and it was an in- Geraint Harries I’ve ever seen. It was explained that these were credible evening with a hugely diverse range Gareth Short gifts from some of the cleaners who would be of acts, from Bellydancing to a hilarious adap- Harry Thompson benefiting from this pay increase to the bot- tation of Aladdin. Jon Chapman tom earners at the University. Every single act had clearly put a vast amount Jack Di Francesco Jayne was, quite rightly, very touched by of preperation in, and they all deserve mas- Kirstie Smith this gesture and was clearly very proud to be sive credit - it was such a good night! If you Vidya Brainerd Lisa Childs able to talk about this progressive and positive weren’t able to go, or just wish to re-live it, Nilarnti Vignarajah decision. then I have some good news. Cardiff Union Aaron Mathai Cari, the SU President, speaking about TV (CUTV) were there and filmed the whole Jake Smith the new policy said ‘‘It is important that the thing and it’s available to watch on their web- TOM EDEN Steffan Bryn Jones University truly values the staff who make its site and youtube channel. Just head across to Melda Lois Griffiths existence possible and this move is one which www.cardiffunion.tv to see what I’m on about! EDITOR Eliza Nicholas Ellie van Klaveren Joe Atkinson Paul Davies Sam Kimish Steffan Thomas We wish to make it clear that the man pictured in one of the photographs used in the article from issue Anna Athanasiadis 1021 entitled ‘‘NekNominate’ phenomenon critisised after drinking game is linked to two deaths’ was not Holly Duhig CLARIFICATION involved in a ‘NekNominate’ challenge and, as the picture was taken from 2012, does not show current activity. Lillith Hickling Bryony Humphreys

GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE ARE PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, CARDIFF CF10 3QN TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY AND THEY ARE HELPED THROUGH DEADLINE NIGHT BY A PROUD PART OF DOMINO’S, WHO KINDLY PROVIDE THE TEAM WITH PIZZA SO THAT THEY DON’T GO HUNGRY WHILE MAKING THIS PAPER. CARDIFF STUDENT MEDIA 4 NEWS Pay dispute could affect students as UCU threatens ‘marking boycott’

As dissertation deadlines edge mer.” to students and sit down and talk to Thomas Bamford closer, it is unclear how students The last marking boycott took us seriously about pay. They have News Writer would be able to graduate or prog- place in 2006, once again over pay refused. It is their obstinacy that has ress with their degrees if the boycott issues. University staff engaged in forced our hand with the marking The University College Union’s were sanctioned. This boycott would the ‘mark and park’ boycott method, boycott.” (UCU) proposed ‘marking boycott’ is also affect students waiting to receive marking the essays yet refusing to re- There have been six strikes since planned to go ahead, a move intend- their grades in order to apply for lease them to the general public until October 2013, causing disruption to ing to resolve the on-going pay dis- placements, jobs and years abroad. pay disputes were settled. scheduled classes for both postgrad pute between universities and their Cardiff University Students’ The latest action follows the and undergrad students. Students staff, which would have a negative Union have distanced themselves strikes of October and December last are becoming increasingly frustrated impact on students. from the plans, releasing a statement year, where dispute escalated over as the bickering between unions and Graduations are at risk if the boy- saying: “Cardiff Students’ Union rec- universities’ failure to better their universities continues to affect their cott is to proceed, as the action threat- ognises the right to industrial action offer of a 1% increase in wages. The education. ens to leave students without the and has previously supported UCU’s UCU suggested that this was “an in- Vice Chancellors at Russell Group final marks they need to gain their exercise of that right… for industrial sult too far.” universities have enjoyed an aver- degree. Additionally, it could leave action to be effective, it has to have University staff have endured a age pay rise of 5.1% last year, with second and third year students with- impact. Unfortunately, that impact 13% reduction of pay since 2009, this an average salary of £235,000 - the out their grades until the pay dispute is often felt by the wrong people and ‘‘ statistic made all the more appalling UK Prime Minister earns £142,000 in comes to an end. in this case will be felt primarily by as Vice Chancellors in the Russell comparison. As a rebuff to proposed Last week UCU announced that it students.” Group Universities have received an strikes, Vice Chancellors threatened had given staff ‘the green light’ for “Cardiff Students’ Union exists average salary increase of 8.1% in to dock a days full pay for the two the proposed marking boycott if uni- to represent students at Cardiff Uni- The prospect of the last year, the average pay-packet hour demonstrations that took place versities failed to broker a deal over versity and works to improve their Cardiff University equating to £314,000. on the 23rd of January 2014. fair pay for its staff. As part of the student experience. The prospect students not The UCU have stated that a mark- A recent article in the Financial protest, staff that are UCU members of Cardiff University students not receiving their ing boycott could still be averted if Times suggested that there had been could refuse to mark essays, portfoli- receiving their grades for assessed the employers of the UCEA agree to a steady decline in the pay of further os, dissertations and exam scripts for work and therefore potentially not grades for assessed ‘serious’ negotiations, having until education lecturers and teachers all undergraduates and postgradu- being able to graduate means that work and therefore now refused to engage in any dia- since 1975. It also states that almost ates at British universities. we cannot and do not support this ac- potentially not logue regarding pay. one in ten of University lecturers Dan Ashley from UCU stated: tion.” The UCEA released a statement made up the top 5% of earners the “The pay dispute is a national one. Third year History and Politics being able to this week: “HE [higher education] same year.” We would urge all Cardiff students to student, Steve Plowman, expressed graduate means institutions will certainly be disap- It has also been revealed that lobby the vice-chancellor to put pres- his concern over the upcoming that we cannot and pointed that the UCU is still threaten- university staff are being paid less sure on the UCEA [University and strikes: “It’s obviously quite discon- do not support this ing a marking boycott, as this is ac- than their contemporaries in other Colleges Employers Association], certing that we may not graduate this tion that is once again aimed directly English speaking countries such as who do the negotiating on behalf of summer. We are plaintively stuck action. at students’ education.” Australia, Canada and the USA. Only universities, to come back to the ne- between a rock and a hard place, be- Sally Hunt, the General Secretary New Zealand’s academics earn less gotiating table to seriously talk about tween the UCU and the university, as Cardiff University of the UCU refuted this ardently, than those of the UK. Yet the UK’s pay and get the dispute resolved be- the strikes show no sign of abating. Students’ Union suggesting that: “Throughout the higher education system is ranked fore the marking boycott starts in two It could potentially disrupt our job dispute we have been calling on the second out of the 50 countries for the months’ time.” applications and could ruin our sum- employers to minimise disruption results that they produce. Monday February 24th 2014 NEWS 5 Citizens UK: Love Your Cleaner day celebrates Living Wage success

self-contradictory. However, the vis- ing Wage employer is still their final Sum Sze Tam ible reaction to the action has been goal. News Writer very positive, with many academics The effects of the Living Wage on finding personalised replies to their the university’s cleaning staff has On February 13th, Cardiff Univer- memos the following morning. immediately become apparent, with sity students and staff conducted a The ‘Love Your Cleaner’ action one of the university’s cleaners ‘Love Your Cleaner’ campaign to cel- was also a celebration of the hard saying that they could now afford ebrate and publicise the successful work that cleaning staff at Cardiff to buy presents for their grandchil- negotiation of the Living Wage for University do. Many of them have dren. Another cleaner expressed all subcontracted cleaners on the commented that the action was a how the Living Wage allowed them university campus. The event was refreshing break from the usual to rent out a flat in Cardiff, rather publicised over twitter using the feeling of being overlooked by the than having to live in and commute hashtag #LoveYourCleaner. university, despite the important from Newport, where their living Standardised memos thanking contribution their work makes to conditions had been highly unpleas- the cleaners on behalf of the stu- the smooth functioning of the insti- ant. dents and staff were posted around tution. Thank-you cards were also issued the toilets and cleaning cupboards In addition, the standardised to several members of the univer- in many of the university’s main notes provided cleaners with the op- sity’s Executive Board and Coun- campus, including the Law, Sir Mar- tion to text in with feedback or any cil, to express gratitude for their tin Evans, Bute, Glamorgan, Red- significant complaints that they had decision to work towards a Living Photograph courtesy ofJonathan Cox wood, and John Percival Buildings. with their current work conditions. Wage. Enclosed within these cards Several academics wrote person- Texts received since have included were blank thank-you cards and en- alised thank-you cards and letters to suggestions for further campaigns velopes, in an attempt to encourage the cleaners, leaving them in their and action, and expressions of grat- these members of staff to acknowl- own personal offices where they itude for the appreciative gesture. edge the difficult work of the clean- could easily be found. The action follows a milestone ing staff themselves. Some students and staff ex- achievement realised by the Cardiff This event was organized by Citi- pressed doubt regarding the action, University Living Wage campaign zens UK, a community-organising as putting up memos and cards that that has lasted over one and a half body who aim to unite members of would eventually have to be dis- years, though the campaigners em- local communities and galvanise posed of might be construed as caus- phasise that the accreditation of them into taking action to improve ing more work for the cleaners, and Cardiff University as an official Liv- the lives of everybody involved.

Photograph courtesy ofJonathan Cox

Government underestimates 25,000 e-books added to cost of unpaid student loans University libraries to the 8th, dedicated to encourag- models to help forecast how much These include setting more mean- Katie Evans ing and connecting e-book readers Anna Lewis will be paid to the Exchequer from ingful targets for debt expected to News Writer worldwide. News Writer student loan repayments. be collected and improving trans- Cardiff University is set to em- Currently, the Cardiff Univer- The committee also criticised parency. Furthermore, it has been brace the growing trend of an sity LibrarySearch only stocks Following the publication of a the government’s current lack suggested that the department electronic readership with the around 1,000 e-books and so the new report, the Committee of of information concerning the and student loans companies provisional addition of 25,000 e- temporary availability of tens Public Accounts has revealed debts of British and EU students should work together in order books to its Library catalogue. of thousands of electronic books that the government has dramati- who have moved abroad follow- to share data about borrowers’ From March 6th, the electronic is an opportunity for students to cally underestimated the cost ing graduation. It was revealed whereabouts and earnings to help books will be available for a trial access beneficial resources that to the public of unpaid student that the Students Loans Company identify previously undetected period through the LibrarySearch would otherwise be unavailable. loans. While the government has have lost contact with over 350, fraud. catalogue where students can then A spokeswoman for the Univer- predicted that 35-40% of student 000 graduates who are not repay- In a response to the report, the ‘rent’ the e-books for seven days sity Libraries said: “We are hop- loads will never be repaid, the ing their loan despite being clas- Department for Business, Innova- at no expense to themselves. An ing that this will enable students committee has now stated these sified in the ‘repayment’ category. tion and Skills has stated that it is e-book rented three times by dif- to find new titles which are not on figures are up to 8% lower than This loss of communication has ‘improving the collection process ferent users will then be bought reading lists but which are still expected. been partly attributed to the inad- for borrowers’ and ‘will carefully by the Library and added perma- relevant to their studies.” Following the rise of university equate IT services and premium- consider the PAC’s recommenda- nently to stock. There has been a 35% increase fees to £9,000 a year, it has been rate phone lines used by these tions as part of this programme.’ A capped amount of money has in e-book purchases in the past predicted that there will be £200 companies discouraging students The department has also stated been reserved for this meaning year. The number of printed billion worth of outstanding loans from further contact. that they are developing “a new only the most rented e-books will books added to Cardiff University by 2042 compared to the current As a result of these issues, the and more accurate forecasting remain available after the trial libraries has increased by 20% student debt of £46 billion. Since Committee of Public Accounts system,” in the hope that they will period, the launch of which co- from the academic year ending student loans were introduced in has proposed a set of recommen- have a more reliable service in the incides with the annual ‘E-Book 2012 to the academic year ending 1990, there have been no reliable dations to improve the situation. future. Week’, running from March 2nd 2013. 6 NEWS Future world leaders Free course about welcomed to Cardiff Islam in Britain to but we can play our part in Bronwen Weatherby helping to create lasting positive News Writer relationships with the world’s be offered at Cardiff future leaders, influencers and As a part of a prestigious global decision makers,” he added. that are often perpetuated by the patterns of settlement that British scholarship programme designed After being met by the James Griffiths media. Muslims have followed, the cul- to create close relationships with University’s Vice-Chancellor News Writer The course addresses media rep- tural diversity within Islamic com- future decision-makers, Cardiff Professor Colin Riordan and Pro resentations of Islam, which are munities in the UK, and how all of has welcomed around 50 Chevening Vice-Chancellor for International A free online course, run by Fu- often shown to be predominantly these factors affect contemporary scholars to the university who & Engagement, Professor Hywel tureLearn in conjunction with negative - often placing discussion debates surrounding Islam in the are posed to be the future world Thomas, their visit included, Cardiff University, is aiming to of Islam within the context of ex- Western world. leaders. receiving a presentation on the widen understanding about Islam tremism. The course looks to move Lead educator of the course, The future world leaders, Welsh language, as well as a visit and the lives of Muslims in the away from this viewpoint and give Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray said, including two Cardiff students are to the Welsh Assembly, where they UK. The course, ‘Muslims in the its students an understanding of “We’re really excited about host- visiting the university as part of a were briefed on welsh politics. UK: Changes and Challenges,’ will what Muslim communities in the ing this course, because we want series of events organised to enable The programme funded by be using Britain as a case study UK are really like, by looking at the to give people a better understand- them to widen their knowledge of the Foreign and Commonwealth to shed light on broader issues lives of Muslims who live in Car- ing of some of the challenges and the UK and meet fellow students. office (FCO) gives scholars the concerning the growth of Islamic diff specifically. issues that face Muslims in Brit- Chevening is a global opportunity to pursue a one-year communities across the culturally A wide range of topics will be ain today, from the perspectives of scholarship programme run by Master’s degree in a subject of Christian and increasingly secula- covered in the four-week course Muslims themselves.” the UK government as a key part their choice at any of the UK’s rised Western World. including the History of Islam in FutureLearn is a part of the of their diplomacy effort, standing leading universities. Professor of Religious and Theo- Britain, how Islam has influenced Open University that runs many to encourage young professionals Chevening scholarships are logical Studies, Sophie Gilliat-Ray, British society and the well-estab- courses alongside leading universi- that display excellent leadership offered in 118 countries worldwide, will be leading the course, to start lished associations Britain has ties and cultural institutions, and skills, to study in the UK. this year marking the 30th on March 10th, along with Dr Mu- with the countries from which is running a large number of pilot “The Chevening programme anniversary of the programme. hammad Mansur Ali, Lecturer in British Muslims originally hailed. courses this year. The “Muslims in is one of the most prestigious British Embassies and high Islamic Studies, and development It will also provide an outline of Britain: changes and challenges” international schemes, awarding commissions throughout the world officer Mark Bryant. The course Islamic beliefs and practice, course is one of two “MOOC”s run scholarships to help the world’s personally select scholars, and intends to break down the stereo- a look at the various by Cardiff University, the second emerging leaders study in the there are currently around 42,000 types of Muslims in viewpoints with- being JOMEC’s “Community Jour- UK,” according to Vice-Chancellor, Chevening alumni, forming one Britain in Islam, nalism.” Professor Colin Riordan. of the most influential and highly “With Cardiff University’s regarded global networks. More information on the course can renewed commitment to the Scholars have gone on to reach be found at “futurelearn.com/ internationalisation agenda, I highly influential positions, courses/muslims-in-britain am delighted that not only are we alumni including those in able to support the programme Politics, Business and Banking.

Facebook introduces 50 gender identity options

identities that many people use ‘female’ to ‘trans-woman.’ Ashley Bebbington to describe themselves… in an The changes made by Facebook News Editor authentic way.” place the website ahead of its Cardiff Students’ Union’s competitors in tolerance of gender Social media website Facebook LGBT+ Officer, Adam Duce, minorities. Google+ only offers recently increased the number of supported the change, saying: “It’s three options, ‘male,’ ‘female,’ and gender options available to users very pleasing to see that Facebook ‘other.’ to 50 in a bid for greater tolerance is making such a stance of This progressive move has of minority gender identities. The inclusion particularly during the been widely supported, with 50 options including ‘transgender,’ civil unrest in Russia highlighted large numbers of appreciative ‘bi-gender,’ and ‘transsexual,’ will at the Winter Olympics. I know a comments being posted on the give users the option to be referred lot of people who identify outside Facebook Diversity page. However, to as ‘they’ rather than ‘he’ or ‘she’, the gender binary are very pleased some LGBT+ groups believe it and will allow users to control who with this recognition of their should go a step further. their gender identity is shared gender identities.” Some believe that more options with. Speaking to Associated Press, should be added, whilst others The change has been announced Facebook engineer, Brielle think that there should be no in the midst of LGBT+ history Harrison, said: “There’s going to gender options, allowing users month, and the Sochi Winter be a lot of people for whom this to input their own response. Olympics, which have been at is going to mean nothing, but for Additionally there have been the centre of a furore regarding the few it does impact, it means calls for the allowance of family LGBT+ rights in Russia. In a post the world.” Harrison, who is relationships beyond ‘son’ and on the ‘Facebook Diversity’ page, undergoing gender transition from ‘daughter’ to be added, as well as the social media giants said: “We… male to female, said that she has an increased number of sexual offer an extensive list of gender changed her Facebook gender from preference choices. Monday February 24th 2014 NEWS 7 OFT warns universities against using academic sanctions for non-academic debts

“Preventing progression or gradu- Oli Dugmore ation not only affects students’ News Writer educational experience but could also significantly harm their fu- The Office for Fair Trading (OFT) ture employment prospects and has told universities that prevent- ability to pay off debts.” ing students from graduating be- One alternative approach advo- cause of non-tuition fee debts may cated by the OFT is the limitation be a breach of consumer law. of the service related to the debt, OFT has written to more than such as denying access to library 170 UK universities and other facilities until late fees have been higher education groups warning paid. This system would bypass il- that halting graduations for debts legal activity. such as library fees or accom- Aside from the disputing the le- modation debts could be illegal. gality of such academic sanctions, This follows complaints by the the NUS also argued that the pun- National Union of Students (NUS) ishments were disproportionate to regarding the alleged widespread the offence. practice by universities of using Colum McGuire, the NUS’ vice academic sanctions to enforce president for welfare said: “I’m non-tuition fee debt. delighted to see that the OFT has Of the 124 universities initially responded to our complaints and contacted by OFT, 75% of the 115 confirmed that this practice is in- respondents were found to use a credibly unfair.” system that breaches several piec- “It’s almost laughable that stu- es of consumer law. dents who are in thousands of The letter written by the OFT pounds worth of tuition fee debt expressly states that universities were having academic sanctions ment in an already challenging job of Tuition Fees and Other Mon- charges and ‘other monies’. should refrain from potentially placed on them for money owed for market. Universities... now need to ies’. A Cardiff University spokesper- unfair and/or unreasonable terms non-academic debt.” review their policies.” The Procedure for Payment of son confirmed that the University and practices, before recommend- “Students who owe money for Under Cardiff University’s Tuition Fees and Other Monies is yet to be contacted by the OFT, ing a review of rules and regula- accommodation, overdue library Rules of Behaviour, which applies states that if a student does not adding that: “the University en- tions. books or other non-academic to all students of the University, it pay their debt in accordance with sures that every opportunity is giv- Nisha Arora, Senior Direc- debt should certainly pay off the is stated that: ‘a student shall pay appropriate procedure, ‘the Uni- en to students to clear educational tor of Consumer Enforcement at money they owe, but this sanc- all fees and other money owing to versity also reserves the right to debts.” It was also confirmed that the OFT, has highlighted the ap- tion was disproportionate, and the University in accordance with refuse permission to attend Grad- unresolved educational debt may proaches used by the other 25% actually made it more difficult for University Financial Regulations. uation, and to withhold any certi- result in a student being prevented of universities in the study, be- students to repay by restricting ac- If payment is not received the Uni- fication/references confirming an from graduating, and that library fore stating that others needed to cess to student support, or making versity may initiate proceedings award’. This clause regards tuition fines in excess of £30 were includ- change their ways in light of this: it more difficult to secure employ- under the Procedure for Payment fees, but also relates to residential ed in the term ‘educational debt’. University to seek Living Wage accreditation

<< Continued from page 1 ary 2014 the Living Wage was imple- The Shadow Secretary of State for mented for all contract cleaning Wales, Owen Smith MP, who said, One of the most prominent fig- staff within the University and it is ”This is fantastic news. I congratu- Jayne Dowden put the case forward at University Executive Board ures to have pushed the agenda was something of which the University late Cardiff University unreserv- Dave Sheppard, the University’s can be justifiably proud.” edly for being the first Welsh Uni- Cleaning Services Officer, with Ms. The University has been widely versity to implement a Living Wage Dowden commenting that, “He has praised for this announcement. policy. worked tirelessly to make this hap- The Living wage has the poten- pen.” tial to transform the lives of work- Mr Shepherd explained that, ing men and women in Wales and ‘Back in 2012 I submitted a paper we need more public and private outlining the business benefits of sector institutions to introduce it for adopting the Living Wage for con- employees and contractors.” tracted cleaning staff within the Cari Davies, the Students’ Union University. I believed that it would President also backed the Universi- enable us to attract and retain the ty’s policy. She said, ‘I’m extremely highest calibre of staff in what is pleased that Cardiff University are traditionally an under valued oc- committed to becoming a Living cupation, and increase competition Wage employer, it’s a campaign that between potential suppliers. students have shown a passion for “Detailed budget proposals had and backed through our democratic to be prepared as the cost implica- processes.’ tions of adopting the Living Wage This is fantastic ‘It is important that the Univer- were substantial. Once these had news. I congratulate sity truly values the staff who make been agreed we met with all the cur- Cardiff University its existence possible and this move rent contractors to advise them of unreservedly. is one which demonstrates that. The our proposal and to determine any Students’ Union hopes to join the potential barriers or difficulties in ‘ University in securing accredita- Owen‘ Smith MP implementation. tion and whilst all full time staff are “New contract prices were invit- paid the living wage, there is some ed and approved and I am delighted Shadow Secretary work to do before all casual and part- to say that with effect from 1st Janu- of State for Wales time staff can be offered the same.’ DELIVERING 5AM UNTIL

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Does Solus really need to be redevloped? ing at capacity. Any measures that designed to be a nightclub into Matt Hale mean extra space in the Taf should Lilly Harper somewhere for people to sit down Opinion Writer be given the highest priority. Opinion Writer and chat about their day. It Some highlights of the conver- sounds all too similar to that Cardiff Students Union recently sion include the much needed addi- The old phrase “if it ain’t broke, room on the third floor we all announced that their night club, tion of natural-light through a don’t fix it” seems relevant when stumbled into once during Solus, is to be upgraded as part of ‘glazed roof structure’. The idea of applied to the intended changes freshers week and never went a multi-million pound redevelop- a night out with friends star gazing to Solus. The multi-million pound back to. ment of the Union’s second floor. at the Lash does have something of redevelopment project of the For me, the whole appeal of Having been a near ever presence a romantic quality to it. Moreover Students’ Union was recently Solus comes from being able to at both the Lash and Flux this year, a delightfully named ‘Mezzanine’ approved, and plans are under strut through those double doors I can only view this as a positive (fancy balcony) will be installed. way to make various changes like you’re in a Beyoncé video move. Whilst Solus has its own This should bring a sort of amphi- within the building, which straight onto a packed dance unique charm, there comes a point theatre feel to the room. Standing include renovation to our beloved floor. The DJ is probably playing where seemingly endless Yaya/ up there, I for one would feel like Highlights of Solus. something guaranteed to be in Kolo renditions can no longer Caesar at the Coliseum, looking the conversion The Students’ Union’s club is a the charts and you’ll be able to mask its obvious deficiencies. down at the Lashiators doing bat- include the much frequent nightspot for students find at least 17 people you know The primary reason to support tle below. needed addition from all years of the University within the same number of these developments is undoubtedly There is the obvious argument on both Wednesdays and minutes. It may be a lone opinion that Cardiff already has an out- that this money could be better of natural-light Saturdays and anyone would be but I’m not thrilled at the idea of standing Students’ Union. To be spent on other facilities more through a ‘glazed hard pushed to find a Cardiff weaving between seating and up voted the best Union in the country closely linked with academia. This roof structure’. Student who doesn’t have a fond and down the seemingly pointless for satisfaction in 2013 by The is a valid grievance. However, like ‘‘ story to tell about the club. new mezzanine floor to try and Telegraph is no small feat and is it or loathe it, nightlife is impor- The idea of a Despite the sweat pit of a dance find an area large enough to bust something that should feature tant in attracting future students night out with floor, the sticky floors and the some of my finest moves. more prominently in advertising to any university. Again, you could friends star classy plastic cups, the venue Perhaps the worst thing about campaigns. It is precisely because argue that Cardiff already has suf- gazing at The manages to reach its capacity of this whole ordeal is the potential the Union is so strong that it needs ficient clubs to fulfil all your twerk- 2,200 people pretty much every loss of the name. Just hearing the to reinvest in infrastructure to ing needs. Yet on open days, short Lash does have a night it opens, and students word Solus in a passing maintain its position. The likes of of organising a daylight Carnage romantic quality continue to pay up to £5 entry per conversation can bring back a Leeds and Sheffield will not remain for attendees, there is no way for to it night, so why does it need plethora of brilliant memories static in the years to come and nei- visiting young people to assess the changing? from Lashes past, Dusk til Dawn ther should we. Considering this, quality of town’s nightlife. So if The initial plans for the or Drink the Bar Dry. whilst Solus is a good facility with their only impression of the night redevelopment include exciting The redevelopment is not only ample space, it is simply not fin- life here is a tour of the often sub- features such as a staircase to robbing Solus of its character, it ished to an acceptable standard. merged Solus toilets, it will be CF10 and a “mezzanine balcony.” could even be taking its identity. There are certain areas of the sec- hard to sell Cardiff as a clubbers (For people as uncultured as me, To add further insult to injury ond floor, which the redevelopment dream. that’s another floor in between the project manager has even team rightly labelled as ‘visibly Another, perhaps flippant, rea- the current two levels of the cruelly described Solus as “tired tired’. Some of the décor needs to son to support the change is that it club). The article which was and dated,” but like I’ve said, this be brought into, if not the 21st cen- will see the name of the night club The whole available on the Students’ Union doesn’t stop the venue selling out tury then at least the 20th century. changed, subject to a student vote. appeal of website states that the project night after night. So the question Students’ Union President, Cari The current venue does have a Solus comes aims to ‘modernise and diversify’ still remains - why is an Davies, also stated that as part of slightly ambiguous title depending from being the entire second floor, and the unfathomable amount of money the redevelopment, Solus would be on regional accents. Perhaps I am plans will involve closing the being spent on a development converted into much more of a amongst the more easily irritated able to strut club for the rest of this year that has limited benefits for the ‘Common Room type space.’ of undergraduates, but I take an through those before re-opening at next year’s student body? Currently, the room is rarely uti- instant dislike to those who pro- double‘ doors freshers’ with a possible new Much like the introduction of lised between the hours of 8am nounce it ‘Soulus’. Thus, a move ‘ name and a new look. Essentially, “Flux” this year, I’m sure the like you’re and 8pm and is only really suited away from ambiguity will quell my the plans aim to put an end to whole thing will take some to its nightclub role. Hitherto I can internal rage somewhat. in a Beyoncé Solus as we know it. getting used to. Similar to my only remember entering the night Without question, £3.3 million is a video straight The designers are trying to inability to let go of Come Play club before darkness falls once and vast amount of money; you could onto a packed create a space that can be used I’m adamant I’ll still be mourning that was part of my three hour sign a decent Premier league squad dancefloor for more than just drunken the loss of Solus until my wait for a wristband during player for that. However it is an revelries and fooling around with graduation in 2017. It might be a Freshers week! This is definitely a investment that Solus desperately strangers. sweaty dungeon but it’s our space that could be used more pro- needs to keep pace with other lead- I don’t quite understand why sweaty dungeon and we love it ductively in daylight hours, espe- ing Student’s Unions in the coun- you would change an area just the way it is. cially when the building is operat- try. 10 OPINION The real preachers

The following are extracts from These are just some of the ap- cases of such extreme viciousness justification to those who wish Danial Faraz Alauddin the article: parently satirical events in the al- are rare but the fact they happen to persecute this minority. In an Opinion Writer leged timeline of the day. Reading at all shows an underlying unrest era of increasing community ten- through the rest of the timeline amongst some people. An unrest sions and aggression against the 9.50am Rear coach packed with only reveals further hatred, pack- which an individual may be en- Muslim community, these sorts Recently, The Daily Mail, the ech- explosives stops in Parliament aged in the guise of satire and free couraged to act upon if such ste- of sensationalist stories only fan elon of journalism, published yet Square. As Big Ben strikes ten, speech. reotypes are constantly pushed as the flames. How long can the Daily another article of hate and fear driver will blow himself up, en Would this perpetual and per- the norm. Mail be allowed to publish such mongering, intended to demonize route to Paradise, where 72 virgins sistent demonization of any other The only purpose of these sto- sensationalist stories under the and tar the Muslims of Britain. await. In the event of heavy traf- community be tolerated? ries is to serve as some sort of façade of news? The article I refer to is entitled fic, he will detonate in the Black- Consider this; if the Jewish “Jolly Jihadi Boy’s Outing to Lego- friars underpass. community, or the Afrocarib- land” published on Febuary 18th bean community, or indeed any on their website. other community had hired out The article picks up on a com- 10.30am Arrive Legoland, Wind- Lego land for a community family munity event of a family fun day sor. Coaches containing women event? in Lego Land organised by the and girls to use segregated car Would any disgusting stereotyp- Muslim community in East Lon- park and entrance at rear. Guests ing, based on the actions of a few don and turns it into a plot of ex- are reminded that music and to tar the majority, been printed? tremism and terror training. dancing are punishable by death. Such stereotypes are disgusting, This narrative of sensational- Mobile phones are also prohibited, and rightly so would never be pub- ising everything to do with the because they may inadvertently lished. Why is it then that equally Muslim community has become set off the hi-viz suicide vests be- disgusting stereotypes of Muslims far too common. Almost every ar- ing worn by our own security per- can be, and are continually, pub- ticle they publish regarding Mus- sonnel.” lished? lims is negative, full of deceit, Promotion of a violent, extrem- and, sometimes, outright lies, all ist Muslim stereotype can lead to with the intention to scaremon- 3pm Guests assemble at the Pirate horrific acts of violence, such as ger their readership into thinking Shores attraction, where they will the case Pavlo Lapshyn and his the Muslim community is evil and be treated to a re-enaction of a campaign last year in which he has sinister plots to take over the typical pirate raid off the coast of murdered an elderly pensioner country. Their regular crusade to Somalia. Thrill to the true story of and bombed three mosques in the demonize the entire Muslim com- Captain Phillips as brave Somali Midlands, as well as the numer- munity is in fact, so common, that freedom fighters defeat the might ous acts of arson that the English often we, as British Muslims don’t of the Great Satan’s Navy Seals. Defence League (EDL) have been bat an eyelid to it anymore. responsible for. Thankfully these Full breakdown of the 2014 BAFTAs Matthew Jones Linings Playbook’ last year was ceremony and tells himself he’ll ACTOR NOW. Somebody give that better get a hold of some hair and Opinion Writer totally deserved and she is probably win this time? “Come on Leo, you’re man an Oscar. Or at least a hug. PVA glue. In an uncertain world the most down to earth star around. the king of the world!” I’d like to As a man who cannot grow facial where Matthew McConnoughay and Last week marked the 67th British Yes, Lawrence’s turn is probably the believe he does that chest-beating hair to save his life, this next section Jared Leto are winning awards, you Academy Film Awards, hosted by standout performance in an chant from The Wolf of Wall Street. will probably sound a little bitter, need all the help you can get. National Treasure (because that extremely well-acted American If matters weren’t bad enough for but where the hell did all those Okay, this one is a little bit title seems to be given out like, well, Hustle, but she didn’t even turn up poor old Leo, host Stephen Fry beards come from? Even Stephen pernickety, but one of the things BAFTAs these days) Stephen Fry to to accept her award! I was watching actually made him blow a kiss to the Fry asked for beard advice on that really bothered me about the the lowest viewing figures since with a few mates and one of them, camera. HE’S NOT IN THE BEACH Twitter just before the ceremony. BAFTA’s was the insistence in 2010. With all this pomp and who’s a little enamoured with our ANY MORE OKAY ? Clearly it was an important factor in showing clips from films that clearly ceremony (even the Duke of Jennifer (aren’t we all), visibly sunk HE’S A the amount of screen time you gave away the entire plot. One Cambridge was there!) and some in his seat when he found out she SERIOUS got. There’s a reason the unforgivable instance of this was embarrassing efforts to appeal to a wasn’t in attendance. Yet she still camera lingered on when the final frame of Peter younger audience (again involving won Best Supporting Actress! Let’s Chiwetel Ejiofor Greenway’s 1989 opus The Cook, the Prince William), we ask whether face it, there’s no stopping the instead of Tom Thief, the Wife and His Lover was these award ceremonies need to step Jennifer Lawrence train. She could Hanks (yeah, I shown. I screamed out in disgust up their game to stay relevant. Here spend an hour and a half on screen know he won but my friends (none of whom had I present an assortment of the picking the fluff out of her Best Actor, but seen the film) really could not care cringe-worthy, the upsets and the bellybutton and we’d queue round you get my less. They also showed the final Tinie Tempah moments of the the corner of the cinema to see it. point). scene of Gravity, one of the biggest BAFTAs 2014. Myself included. Luv u J-Law. There’s even films of 2013, which probably spoiled Grime superstar Tinie Tempah Another awards ceremony, a video clip the story for everybody in and Laura ‘the one your mum likes’ another instance of Leonardo doing the attendance. I know Tinie Tempah Mvula were drafted in to kick off DiCaprio not getting recognised for rounds of was particularly excited to see it. the show with a song so wet it his work in the fantastic The Wolf Michael Not cool, BAFTA. Not cool. sounded like it had spent the last of Wall Street. Do you think he Fassbender So there you have it. The five week sat in Bute Park. Yet the psyches himself up nodding at worst moments of this year’s audience were still baffled. Perhaps in the mirror Ejiofor as BAFTAs. I suppose this article’s it was a little bit too urban for the before if he been quite cynical, so here’s my Hollywood elite? Everyone knows every knows his favourite moment of the ceremony. Tom Hanks is a Tinchy Stryder fan beard is Barkhad Abdi, the former limousine anyway. At least it was not another the best. driver who went on to win this ‘You’ve Got the Dirtee Love.’ But So Leo, if year’s Best Supporting Actor award, then it happened. Tinie Tempah you hope accepted his award with dignity, actually went and high fived the to have grace and genuine shock. It was a future King of the United Kingdom. any well-deserved accolade and a heart- I wonder if, in 50 years’ time, when chance on warming moment in the middle of the Colin Firth-starring Oscar- March quite a disjointed and, at times, just winning story of Prince William’s 2nd, plain odd awards ceremony. Check life is released, they’ll include this you back after the Oscars for my review moment. (doubtful). of Pharrell Williams’s hats. I won’t lie; I’m a big fan of Jennifer Lawrence. Her Oscar win for ‘The Silver Monday February 24th 2014 | @gairrhyddop OPINION 11 Do snowsports deserve increased funding?

Team GB extend their summer suc- the extension of government funds on to use this funding to their (and the conditions are most favourable. Dom Booth cess to winter sports, I can’t help will be meaningless. Athletes who Britain’s) advantage, winning gold However, we do have terrain that Opinion Writer asking myself whether all that gov- are already committed to a certain medals and Tour de France titles suits many other sports: athletics, ernment sports funding is worth discipline will receive sponsors or galore. Is Britain ever going to pro- rugby, golf, tennis, football, cricket, In the midst of the bewilderment it. In this day and age where we money from competing to supply duce this many world class winter cycling, rowing, sailing – these are of curling complications and skel- are recovering from an economic their sport. Olympians? I’m afraid the answer all sports in which Britain could eton success, the question over recession and still paying off the Of course there is an argument is simply, no. achieve the accolade of being “the whether Britain should be dedicat- debts of London 2012, can we jus- for improving these areas so that This may be a very cynical at- best”. ing valuable government funds to tify giving money to such obscure, Britain can be better represented titude to take, yet I can’t help feel- Don’t get me wrong, I like winter obscure winter sports has reared little-known sports? at the presitigious games, but why ing it is the correct one. While it sports. I have enjoyed the events its head once more. Dominic Booth Britain has virtually none of the be jack of all trades and master of is true that the British men and in Sochi as much as anybody and suggests that some sports should facilities required to host a win- none? Surely sports like football, women’s curling teams are up with I hope Britain is represented in take priority. ter Olympics. No skeleton or bob- cricket and cycling which have a the best in the world and to de- future games as much as possible. Everyone loves an Olympic sleigh track, no natural ski slopes far greater number of active par- mand the achievements of Yarnold I just think it is time for the Brit- medal – as a nation it seems fit- outside of Scotland and no hope ticipants deserve the majority of and her colleagues Amy Williams ish nation to accept we are a major ting that the Queen calls a national in any of the major winter sports government attention. Why can’t and Shelley Rudman, all of whom player in summer sports and we holiday every time a brave Brit de- such as ice hockey or skiing. If the Britain try to be the best at some- have brought back medals from a should try and conquer the world, feats the odds to awkwardly shuffle government’s funding isn’t going thing? winter Olympics in the last three rather than settling for 20th place to the top of the podium. In Sochi towards any of these aspects of Cycling is a great example of attempts, would be wrong – we may in the winter Olympics medal this time around, skeleton skidder the winter games, then where is it a sport highlighted by the pow- have hit a glass ceiling. The United table. I extend my congratulations heroine Lizze Yarnold belly slid going? Where does Lizzie Yarnold ers-that-be as a potential medal- Kingdom just does not have the cli- to all the Brits who became Olym- head first to golden glory and has train? Somehow, I think it can’t be winning discipline where Britain mate to encourage any sort of mass pians in the last month and I com- deservedly taken the plaudits. All anywhere in Britain. Therefore, was well endowed with talented participation in winter sports. mend their achievements, but at credit to her. Britain have also seen she is most likely funding her own athletes. Chris Hoy, Bradley Wig- To be exceptional in any of these the same time, the government success in curling and snowboard- training and preparation, which I gins, Vicky Pendleton, Mark Cav- events involves training or practis- should think very carefully before ing and while it is brilliant to see have no problem with at all – but endish and Chris Froome all went ing abroad, in the Alps or wherever dishing out its millions.

vox pop Power is a funny thing. It changes enthusiastic, fresh-faced, concert for the latter. Things can’t carry on like this. wore in Nazi camps, a leopard print t-shirt will be the univer- individuals into Gordon Brown. Cheerful and hopeful Tonys Of course you could use it for bad by following the ex- sal sign that you’re a detainee at ‘Camp YOLOSWAG.’ into Blairs. In fact anyone who’s done anything worthwhile amples of such political leaders as Bush, Blair, Mussolini, Asking students this question fully explained the inepti- has lacked official political power, just look at Gandhi, Lu- Obama, Gadaffi, Cameron, Hitler, Mugabe, Thatcher, Kim tude of politicians. Seemingly no one can remain level-head- ther-King, and the gair rhydd editors. Jong - you get my drift. In fact you could create some intern- ed when power rests in their clammy palms. Look at these Would you use your power for good? Eradicate world pov- ment camps for those who commit your pet hates. ‘YOLO- answers. They read like a heavily edited version of UKIP’s erty? World peace? Refurbish the toilets in The Taf? All are SWAG Camps’ for those people who only seem to exist within manifesto. deeply pressing issues and I am in fact arranging a Live Aid the confines of nightclubs. Like the armbands prisoners - Gareth Evans

“Have a bash” – Lewis Humble “Destroy Wrexham and all its creatures” – Bebbs “Destroy Chester and all its toffs” – Beth “Become editor of the Daily Mail” – Jacob Dirnhuber “Go power crazy, institute martial law and go all Hunger Games” – Scott “Take a bath and beer” – Craig Longdon “Turn people into minions” – Ellie “Burn down URN” – Josh “Make ‘gay’ illegal to use as an adjective” – Jasmine “Change the name of gair rhydd to the Eden Project” – Tom Eden “Abolish discrimination and derogatory treatment of others” - Ali “Eliminate all evidence of Justin Bieber” – Max Eshraghi “Wipe out prejudice” – Adam Duce “Bring back fox hunting and legalise hunting the poor” - Boris Johnson “Be the next VP media and marketing” – Ross Martinovic A living guide on what not to do... “Increase portions of mash within pie and mash from the Pantry” – Arthur - Griff “Build a massive statue of myself ” - Oli “Build a Tardis” - Kayleigh Chan ‘‘ “Make everyone turgid” - Rob England “I’d ban people from asking the question: ‘Are you ready for Christmas.’ And - Elaine Morgan “Abolish tuition fees....oh, wait...” - Nick Clegg 12 OPINION How to avoid pre-graduation blues

to say that university has been a tunity to do them with uni pals for on a Tuesday night has made all Helen Wilson majorly positive experience for me. much longer. the difference to the stresses of my Opinion Writer I have made some life-long friends, In years to come, Cardiff will workload. enjoyed my English Literature represent both a time and place to Lastly, don’t forget to take advan- As I go further into my final se- course and will take away some me: a time in my life that was care- tage of being in Wales’ capital city. mester at Cardiff University, it is brilliant memories. Other than how free and not unbearably stressful, Whether it is taking advantage of becoming unmistakably clear and to analyse literature classics, uni- excluding essay period, and a place the live music scene, embracing daunting just how much I am going versity has taught me to mature, to where I studied and live(d). I can the array of theatre productions to miss university life. decide what is important to me and always return to Cardiff, and un- on show or by sightseeing histori- This sense of nostalgia for some- to live semi-independently. doubtedly will on a regular basis, cal landmarks around South Wales, thing that I still have and depress- Each year at university has but it will never be quite the same don’t take for granted that there is ing feeling that comes over me brought new experiences and new place again since I will never be an so much on offer. It might not be on when I contemplate what it will be people into my life thus proving to undergraduate student here again. your doorstep forever. like not to be a student anymore be an incredibly formative period The majority of friends who made How do I feel about the end of can mean only one thing: final year in my adult life. Knowing that this my experience of university what university approaching? I sup- blues have taken hold. part of my life will soon be coming it had been won’t be living here ei- pose that I will only know when it The dreaded question for the ma- to a close is not only saddening, but ‘‘ ther. is hitting me hard in the face after jority of final year students, ‘what also stressful; finding the right bal- As for advice for younger stu- completing my final essay deadline. are you going to do with the rest of ance between workload and mak- dents, I would recommend taking I am hoping to study for a Masters your life?’ is becoming increasingly ing the most of your time in Cardiff full advantage of Cardiff ’s social next year and therefore I can delay more common to hear, especially at is a tricky one. calendar. The annual sporting entering the real world of work for family events. I don’t think I’ve heard of a bet- event, Varsity, is fast approaching. at least another 12 months. Even It feels like it was just a couple ter solution to final year blues than This event is not to be missed, espe- though I hope to be a student for of months ago that I moved into what two of my friends recently I contemplate cially when students are given the another year, I am well aware that Senghennydd Court and began to suggested: creating a bucket list of what it will chance to visit the Millennium Sta- it will be overwhelmingly different. acquaint myself with Salisbury things to do before graduating. be like not to dium for such a reasonable price. I wish someone had reminded me Road’s finest eateries and Cathays’ Just some of the things on my Secondly, I would encourage regularly that university doesn’t pubs. Despite this, I am being in- bucket list include spending the be a student every student to join a society or last forever. Take advantage of it creasingly reminded, whether by day at Barry Island when the sun anymore can sporting club. It doesn’t matter from the very start because, before being gently reminded to complete decides to make a regular appear- mean only what it is as long as you enjoy it you know it, you’ll be preparing to the NUS survey or worrying about ance, taking a trip to the seaside and you get involved. I only joined say goodbye to the university and how my degree will be classified, town of Tenby and visiting St. Fa- one thing: Cardiff University Ladies Football city. At least I have th e comfort my third year is not far from being gan’s National History Museum. Club at the beginning of my final of looking back at these formative over and I am only a cap and gown Since I don’t live far from Cardiff, blues have year and thoroughly regret not do- years of my life and knowing that away from adult life. I can do these things whenever I ing it earlier. Meeting new people, Cardiff University was the right Personally, I feel incredibly lucky choose but I won’t have the oppor- taken hold. the socials and a fun kick about choice for me.

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ick Clegg has indi- tential deal with Labour. aid Britain in its road to becoming leader must be pleased to be ahead cated a willingness to Clegg was certainly scathing a “better country” in its recovery of the Conservatives, he might also work with the Labour on the subject of the Conserva- from the 2008 recession. be concerned to know that this Nparty after the next tives, complaining about a return Clegg’s desire for power was number is only 2% higher than the election, in a snub for to “their familiar theme tunes,” noted by the interviewer, Steve vote share the Tories polled at the his current coalition partners. such as “demonising immigrants,” Richards, who got the impres- last election, when they could only The Deputy Prime Minister was ‘banging on about Europe’ and in sion that “he’ll seek to work once form a minority government. speaking in a BBC radio documen- extreme cases “denying that cli- more with the party that gets most Currently the Tories are only 4% tary when he made his remarks, mate change exists.” This attack, seats.”Richards also pointed out behind Labour, and the situation which seemed to offer an olive as well as scolding David Cameron some stumbling blocks for Clegg’s still seems very balanced. The year Nick Clegg has said that a Labour- Lib Dem coalition is possible branch to the opposition party. He and the Tory leadership, seems to coalition planning, which include before the next election it would said that Labour had ‘changed’, poor scorn on the backbench MP’s a majority government being elect- appear that the British public is yet and accused the Conservatives of who have consistently frustrated ed, and in a worst-case scenario los- to make up its mind. Unless either becoming more ‘ideological’ and Clegg’s Liberal Democrats. ing his own Sheffield Hallam seat. of the two major parties manages not being ‘fair’ in their leadership The Lib Dem leader went on to Ed Miliband was quick to dis- to capture the public mood before of the country. level an outright charge of deceit tance himself from the comments, next May, it looks like neither will Clegg also claimed: “I think at the Conservatives, claiming they maintaining that his focus will re- be able to claim a majority. This there’s nothing like the prospect had rebuked their promise to lay main on forming a majority Labour would make forming a coalition of reality in an election to get aside the issue of Europe during government. He said ‘I don’t think a requisite for the next five years, politicians to think again and the the partnership. He claimed that the parties, in advance of elections, and the Liberal Democrats could Labour Party, which is a party un- they had been “rewriting a fair should be engaging in this.’ He well be the kingmakers again. Ed Miliband pledged that his aim was used to sharing power with others, amount of history within the coali- has clearly not changed his public Nick Clegg appears to be des- still winning a Labour majority in 2015 is realising that it might have to.” tion,” specifically by taking credit opinion on the issue; shortly after perate for his party to stay on the He did have some words of for the idea of raising the tax allow- becoming his party’s leader back in government benches. Despite the warning for Ed Miliband’s party ance to £10,000. 2010 he said of Clegg “Given what public lashing he and his party has however, promising that in the case Despite this apparent siding he is supporting, I think it is pretty received since joining the Conser- of a coalition between the parties, with Labour, it would still appear hard to go into coalition with him.” vatives, they still have the viable he would insist “that government that Clegg’s overarching aim for Miliband may be forced to recon- argument that they can do more on would not once again see us break the 2015 election is to be a part of sider come 2015, as polls suggest the inside than they can being on the bank.” Whilst scathing at face any government formed, as he said that a hung parliament could well the outside looking in. Labour may value, this particular comment “I want to see us back in power.” be on the cards again. The most be more natural coalition partners does show the serious consider- He argued that a Liberal Democrat recent BBC poll of polls places for the Lib Dems, and it is a wise Lib Dem MP Jeremy Browne warned the ation that Clegg is giving to a po- presence in the government would Labour ahead on 38%. Whilst its move to prepare for the possibility. moves risked making the party look ‘insipid’ North Korea: The beginning of the end? mented. This, with other recent in- sion of Inquiry (authors of the announcement that the PRC are Geraint Harries ternational incidents, could suggest report) have no power to seize the “strongly dissatisfied with” and Politics Writer it is the beginning of the end for the DPRK’s leadership and requires “firmly opposed to” the DPRK’s DPRK. the UN Security Council’s power to third nuclear test, illustrate a break- Last week saw the release of a UN Shin Dong-Hyuk, described as refer the report to the ICC. The Peo- down with one of the DPRK’s only report regarding the Democratic the “single strongest voice” of the ple’s Republic of China (PRC) have allies. It seems China’s patience is People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) crimes happening within the camps, a history of vetoing the UN Security starting to wear thin and it’s very crimes against humanity. The 372- was the first person to successfully Council’s decisions in the DPRK’s likely that the DPRK may soon lose page document highlighted evi- escape from a DPRK “total-control favour, but with tensions running their support. dence of executions, labour camps, zone.” In 2005, he escaped from the The world has high it’s likely that the PRC will These factors, among many oth- suppression of freedom and system- infamous ‘Kwalliso No. 14’ (Camp only veto out of ideological obliga- ers, may prove to be the beginning atic rape among other widespread No. 14) and lived to tell the tale. His always been tion and not out of any significant of the end for the DPRK. The UN instances of abuse, yet this hardly testimony helped form the UN re- aware of North self interest. report has set in motion the formal comes as a shock regarding North port and gives a rare first-hand view Korea’s abuses, Further still, last year saw an process of bringing the DPRK’s Korea. The most surprising part of of life within the camps. This has increase in hostility between the leadership to the ICC. Couple this the report, is simply that it exists. started to cause tension between the but it has never DPRK and PRC, when most PRC with the deteriorating relationship The world has always been aware DPRK and the International com- been formally banks closed the account of the between North Korea and her oldest of the abuses of the failed Stalinist munity. ‘documented‘ DPRK’s main foreign exchange ally, and it is clear for all to see how satellite state, but until this report Unlike the International Crimi- bank. This, in addition to Yang Jie- worrying things look in the world’s it has never been formally docu- nal Court (ICC), the UN Commis- until now chi’s (China’s Foreign Minister) most secretive nation.

Vienna hosts more nuclear talks Diplomatic tensions rife between Liberia and the Ivory Coast between Iran the West Politics Iran has begun formal talks with six The head of the UN refugee agency in Liberia has expressed concern over the world powers in Vienna to try to reach “forced extradition” of 14 Ivorian refugees. an agreement to limit its nuclear pro- There were among a group of 23 accused by Ivory Coast of being mercenaries. gramme. The Liberian security forces are alleged to have handed them over to their Ivorian The three-day meeting seeks to build on counterparts. an interim deal signed in Liberia’s government said it wasn’t aware of the extraditions and will investigate. November that saw Iran curb uranium enrich- Proposed new state a hot-button issue in Indian politics ment in return for sanc- tions relief. The chief minister of India’s Andhra Pradesh state has quit Both Iran and the US in protest against a bill in the parliament to create the new have downplayed state of Telangana. hopes of a Kiran Kumar Reddy said he had also resigned the ruling quick break- Congress party. World through. Mr Reddy’s move came a day after the lower house of the parliament approved the bill amid much protest. Monday February 24th 2013| @GairRhydd_Pol POLITICS 15

Politics writer Gareth Short reviews the protest movement in Venezuela with the help of a local contact. Recent events in the country have been woefully underreported in the West he leader of Venezu- not there.” movements after meeting with sev- comed in Washington. ela’s opposition party, The student source has said that eral students. On Sunday, three US With Mr Lopez in custody, it is Leopoldo Lopez, has there is no national TV coverage of diplomats were expelled from the yet to be seen what ramifications Thanded himself in to the protests, as the TV network has country after these alleged meet- this will have over the coming Venezuelan authorities been censored by the state. He said ings. Naturally the US has outright weeks. However our source has after giving a speech to opposition the only tools which are currently denied involvement, stating that said that this is no longer an issue protesters in the country’s capital, available to students are social me- they are “baseless and false”. How- of rival politicians, but of the na- Caracas. dia, primarily Facebook and Twit- ever, noting the US-Venezuelan tional food and commodity short- Venezuela has been thrown into ter, which are being used to spread past tensions, it is not a stretch of ages, crime and inflation. Until a state of civil unrest as rival par- information about marches and de- the imagination to imagine that these issues are resolved, they will Harry Thompson ties have held deadly rallies in the velopments in the situation. these protests will be highly wel- continue to protest. FMQ Columnist capital over the past week. The Despite the good intentions of This week in First Minister’s protests have left at least four dead. march organisers, it appears that Questions, focus returned to the Three were killed by bullet wounds, some of the students have gone be- health system in Wales. Plaid two being anti-government and one yond the remit of their intentions. Cymru leader Leanne Wood being pro-government. A final stu- After the daytime marches, many questioned the Labour First dent was run over during a march students have been taking to the Minister, Carwyn Jones, on the in the city of Carupano. streets to wreak havoc, destroying centralisation of health services The protests originated in vehicles and attacking buildings in South Wales proposed by the western Venezuela in the state of and police. Police have reportedly Welsh Government. Cwm Taf Tachira where several students been making use of tear gas, pep- Health Board had voiced “un- were arrested. Although they were per spray and rubber bullets to precedented opposition” to the released the following day, students suppress these more violent activ- plans, according to Wood, and the from Tachira and Merida initi- ists. Plaid leader claimed this proved ated protests in the region, target- Nicholas Maduro, leader of the there was no “universal consen- ing government buildings. These United Socialist Party, announced sus” among medical profession- original protests seemed without that he would bring Mr Lopez to als. Carwyn Jones said that most aim, as they were hooded and be- justice. “He must answer before the consultants did agree with the having in a manner reminiscent of prosecution, the courts, the laws centralisation plans, and that the London riots. However when his calls to sedition, his unaware- Wood wanted a “second class asked, the students claimed to be ness of the constitution” said health service,” in which profes- protesting against “insecurity.” Maduro, however our source in sionals were undertrained, and These protests have now spread Venezuela has disputed the claims that Plaid were simply trying to to the capital city of Caracas, that protests are banned by the score political points. What’s where thousands of demonstra- Constitution. Indeed, article 68 of clear is that the plans are a con- tors have emerged to protest crime, the constitution allows citizens to tentious issue in South Wales, high inflation and a shortage of ba- “demonstrate, peacefully and with- and the health service certainly sic commodities. One interviewed out weapons.” Although this could needs to be a priority. student from the region said that work in Leopoldo Lopez’s favour in Lib Dem leader Kirsty Wil- the country lacked supplies to treat highlighting the “unjust justice” liams also asked about issue of cancer, and had no facilities to pro- which is currently taking place, it the health service’s performance. vide chemotherapy to sufferers. could also backfire as many of the She said that the Health Minister Furthermore, he said that there is protests have included weapons. had made it a priority to reduce a severe shortage of the products As ever with Venezuela, the US stress levels of ambulance work- that should be available, essen- has been dragged into the thick of ers - who in some cases had com- tially meaning that “3/10 products the action amid claims they were Photo courtesy of Samuel Diaz plained that they were having to which should be on your table are directly involved in inciting the wait outside hospitals with pa- tients in need of treatment in the back. Carwyn Jones assured her that, while some incidents like Salmond struggling against London tide these existed and efforts were be- ing made to eradicate them, the Paper, at shipbuilding contracts in made around the time of the pub- the end of his woes. performance of the ambulance Jon Chapman Clyde, at the truth behind North lication of the White Paper, telling In a third corner, seemingly service was improving overall. Politics Writer Sea oil revenues. But now it seems of a Westminster not conducive to unanticipated by the SNP, Euro- The final party leader with the that George Osborne and co have Scottish interests. That both Eng- pean Commission President Jose opportunity to question the First Par serve. Deuce. Advantage. Foul stopped the foreplay. The Chan- lish and Scottish businesses would Manuel Barroso has stated very Minister was Conservative lead- play. It does not take a profound cellor’s announcement that there be better off after independence. clearly that it would be “extremely er Andrew RT Davies. His party knowledge of sporting lingo, or would be no possibility of a curren- Indeed, he reiterated such a point difficult, if not impossible” for has been at the centre of the news indeed a love of Netflix’s House cy union, something advocated as in his recent defence of a currency Scotland to join the EU if it at- in politics this week, but not for of Cards, to recognise the tense an option by Mr Salmond, was met union, publishing Scottish govern- tains independence, citing the fact the right reasons. The party’s in- political atmosphere emanating with outrage on the other side of ment analysis showing that £500m that as it would be emerging from ternal divisions were made clear, from the fierce debate over Scot- the border, and for good reason. The of transaction costs would be the a current member state it would and this was acknowledged by tish independence. In the blue SNP know that nationalistic argu- price of having to acquire a sepa- need the approval of all 28 mem- the AMs of the chamber, when corner sits Alex Salmond, desper- ments for independence are prime rate Scottish currency. ber states. Mr Salmond has parried Tory cheers in support of Davies ately trying to prove to the Scots, sound-bite material, but making But is it time for him to stop this by saying that Scotland has were mocked. However, the tone Westminster and now it seems the the economic case is the real key to merely shielding himself from the already been part of the EU for 40 of the questioning became more entirety of the EU, that his coun- swaying those perturbed by West- bludgeoning criticism of Mr Os- years. We have already seen how serious when Davies questioned try’s true potential lies outside of minster’s hostility as we near Sep- borne and Mr Cameron and go on hard it is for countries like Kosovo whether more could have been London’s control. In the… um… tember 18th. This is the route Mr the attack? The answer is a shaky and Turkey to gain entry due to the done to prevent the recent Ian multi-coloured corner, an array of Salmond took in his rebuttal, “My no. Mr Salmond knows that Scot- agendas of other nations. Watkins case at an earlier stage. Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative submission is that this charge - let tish trade is vital to the rest of the It is now becoming highly tenu- Carwyn Jones acknowledged the politicians are dissecting the First us call it the George tax - would be UK, and that the measures he is ous whether Mr Salmond will be seriousness of the matter, and Minister’s directives and uniting impossible to sell to English busi- proposing are not only incendiary able to weather this new storm said that the devolution of po- against the potential schism in the ness. In fact if you remove oil and to the tiny population of London- front, as well as dealing with the licing was necessary for all ser- Union. gas from the equation, Scotland is based politicians in terms of both constant barrage of generally vi- vices to work in harmony. He did We’ve seen in the past few one of the very few countries in countries’ economic futures, but able criticism of his independence however ensure the Conservative months strained attempts by both the world with which England has more importantly not grounded in plans. Frank Underwood was right. leader that everything was being factions to bruise the other by a balance of trade surplus.” These enough evidence to appease the NO The butchery is just beginning. done to investigate any problems. simply jabbing away at the White words echoed earlier sentiments he campaign backers. And that’s not 16 SCIENCE

Wily Crocs climb trees for vantage point and thermoregulation

Croc in a tree, looking out for prey and predators

Jack Di Francesco the American crocodile (Crocody- crocodiles up to 1 meter long were climbing steep river banks, and response led Dr Dinets and his Science Writer lus acutus), Australian freshwater observed lying on aerial roots and even attempting to climb chain co-authors to believe that the tree crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni), low branches of mangrove trees link fences up to 1.8 meters tall. climbing and subsequent basking A team of biologists from the Uni- Central African Slender-Snouted during the day. The scientists also Dr Dinets, who is the lead author behaviours of crocodiles are versity of Tennessee, led by Dr crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) observed a two metre long Nile of the paper stated: “Climbing driven by thermoregulation and Vladimir Dinets, have made an and the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus crocodile in the Okavango Delta, a steep hill or steep branch is the surveillance of habitat. interesting discovery about croco- niloticus). Each crocodile species Botswanna, basking on a tree mechanically similar, assuming “The most frequent diles after conducting the first was observed climbing trees above approximately 0.5 meters above the branch is wide enough to observations of tree basking were thorough study on their basking water, but how far up the trees or the surface of the water. The walk on. Still, the ability to in areas where there were few and tree climbing behaviour. The along the branches they ventured crocodile dropped into the water climb vertically is a measure of places to bask on the ground,” results suggest those living in ar- depended on their size. Smaller from the branch as the team passed crocodiles’ spectacular agility on reported Dr Dinets, “implying eas home to crocodiles may need to crocodilians were able to climb by in a boat, and it is assumed the land.” that the individuals needed be more careful than before. higher and farther than larger croc probably climbed up onto the Crocodiles that were seen alternatives for regulating their The team found that four spe- ones, and had been observed as branch from the point where the climbing trees by the team body temperature. Likewise cies of crocodile can climb trees, high as four meters up a tree, and tree dipped into the water near the appeared very nervous of being their wary nature suggests that despite not showing any obvious five meters along a branch. bank of the river. recognised, jumping or falling climbing leads to improved site morphological adaptations nec- In Everglades National Park Australian freshwater into the water when an observer surveillance of potential threats essary to do so; these species are in the United States, American crocodiles were observed was as far as 10 meters away. This and prey.” Substance abuse higher in mentally ill Carbon capture concerns

This includes alkynyl carboxylic Daniel Di Francesco Science Writer acid, with uses such as making food additives and cyclic carbon- In the bid to reduce global warm- ate, which is used to make poly- ing, many governments are at- mers or as a starting material for tempting to limit the amount of a wide variety of useful products. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) being emit- Just like in carbon capture and ted into the atmosphere. However, storage, the exhaust fumes are some say that this alone will not be passed through a solution, cap- enough, insisting instead that we turing the carbon dioxide whilst need to target the production of letting other gases pass. Heat is CO2 at its source. There are vari- applied to the salt product which ous solutions available in order to results in the pure carbon dioxide A man snorts a line of cocaine remove carbon dioxide from the that can be used in chemical reac- emissions of fossil fuel power sta- tions. Hong can then recycle the tions, including Carbon Capture solution at least 55 times without expect from patients with severe pertained to heavy marijuana and Storage. New research from a loss in yield. Thomas Bamford Science Writer psychiatric illness. They die from users: 50% of people with psychotic Korea now shows that this ‘caught’ Researchers from University of heart disease and cancer, problems disorders used marijuana regularly, CO2 can be directly taken from the Rostock, Germany, have also re- In the largest ever assessment of caused by chronic alcohol and compared to 18% of the general emissions and reformed into new cently published a paper in Nature the correlation between substance tobacco use.” population. Similarly, 50% of the chemicals. Communications, outlining anoth- use and severe psychiatric illness, The study analysed smoking, mental illness sufferers engaged in Carbon Capture and Storage er new reaction that can use this Washington University School of drinking and drug use in nearly other illicit drug use, while the rate captures the carbon dioxide from CO2 called alkene carbonylation. Medicine and the University of 20,000 people. This number included of usage in the general population exhaust gas streams, often through This reaction usually involves Southern California have identified 9,142 psychiatric patients diagnosed is approximately 12%. nitrogen-containing amines, and the toxic carbon monoxide, but that rates of smoking, drinking with schizophrenia, bipolar Hartz noted: “It’s always then compressing it for storage in in this instance, carbon dioxide is and drug use are significantly disorder or schizoaffective disorder. surprising when I encounter a geological areas such as drained instead used to form the carbon- higher among individuals who have The study also investigated patient that doesn’t smoke or oil fields. This compressed gas can oxygen bond required in the syn- psychotic disorders. smoking, heavy drinking and hasn’t used drugs or had alcohol also be used as a raw material in thesis of carboxylic acids. This is The study, published in JAMA marijuana usage, along with problems.” She further suggests chemical factories, most often as much safer than previous synthe- Psychiatry, provides some recreational drug use in more than that the solution lies in being more a chemical feedstock in the for- sis methods involving CO2, all of surprising results: among those 10,000 people who did not suffer aggressive with attempts to curb mation of urea. Carbon dioxide which involved the use of a flam- who use nicotine, drugs and from mental illness. nicotine, alcohol and substance use capture is possible in trees and mable zinc compound. This means alcohol, the rates of death among The research found that 30% in patients with severe psychiatric some microbes, which can then that scientists can now synthesise individuals with severe mental of those with severe psychiatric illness, in order to lengthen their be incorporated it into more com- these useful chemicals, found in illness are significantly higher than illness often binge drink, (defined lives. She believes that health plex chemicals. Scientists have at- everyday objects such as varnish those of individuals without mental as drinking four servings of alcohol professions who treat the mentally tempted to synthetically replicate and paints, with less risk. This illness. at any one time, e.g. 4 glasses of ill need to do a better job of trying to this process, but with limited suc- puts an increased importance on Sarah M. Hartz, MD, PhD, wine or 5 small beers). Also among get patients to curb their drug and cess. carbon dioxide’s use in the chemi- assistant professor of psychiatry those with mental illness, 75% were alcohol consumption, suggesting: Dr Soon Hong and colleagues cal industry. at Washington University stated: regular smokers, whilst only 33% “We can do better, but we also need from the Institute of Basic Sci- While energy is still needed to “These patients tend to pass away of people without mental illness to develop new strategies because ence in South Korea have recently capture the carbon dioxide used much younger, with estimates smoked regularly. Although the many interventions to reduce found a way to capture carbon to fuel these types of reactions, ranging from 12 to 25 years earlier rates of smoking have declined smoking, drinking and drug use dioxide and incorporates it into researchers are hoping that an than individuals in the general in the general population, people that have worked in other patient useful chemicals. The research, increase in this gas’ demand at an population. They don’t die from older than 50 are much more likely populations don’t seem to be very published in Angewandte Chemie industrial scale will drive develop- drug overdoses or suicides — than younger people to have been effective in these psychiatric outlines how the captured gas can ment of the technologies needed the kinds of things you might heavy smokers. Similar findings patients.” be turned into useful products. for carbon capture and storage. Monday Febuary 24th 2014 SCIENCE 17 Women’s sexual preference changes during ovulation since the late 1990’s, particularly sults showed women favoured the Kirstie Smith Science Writer focusing on the ovulation stage. scents of symmetrical men when The shifts in mate choice is not most fertile, possibly indicating a UCLA researchers have analysed only present in women but also strong preference of genetic qual- dozens of published and unpub- other female mammals such as ity in terms of proportion. lished studies in order to anal- chimpanzees who, when fertile, In her own research, Haselton’s yse women’s sexual preferences. choose to mate with several dif- “dual mating hypothesis” sug- Their findings suggest that during ferent males to increase their off- gests women can shift between certain times of a month, women spring’s chances of survival. two types of mates. One type hav- will show signs of preferences in However, despite several repli- ing strong genetic features and their sexual partners. Ovulating cations of these studies concern- the other type having “father- women have a tendency to favour ing women, similar results have like” qualities such as kindness, certain scents, as well as features yet to be found. Hasleton, accom- resourcefulness and reliabil- such as muscular body structure panied by Kelly Gildersleeve, ity. “Ancestral women would have and dominant behaviour. a UCLA doctoral candidate in benefitted from selecting part- These preferences are believed psychology and the study’s lead ners with characteristics such to date back to women’s ances- author, has spent three years as kindness that indicate they’d try, where the need to pass on attempting to resolve these is- be good co-parents, such as being strong genetics was a priority, sues. Their findings have been kind, as well as characteristics in- along with finding a genetically compiled from data of scholars dicating that they possessed high high-quality male. Martie Hasel- who conducted research in this genetic quality,” says Haselton. ton, professor of psychology and area, and they have performed Hasleton and Gildersleeve be- communication studies at UCLA, an analysis of 50 studies. One lieve that these studies into mat- states: “Women experience intri- specific area of research investi- ing preferences can ultimately be cately patterned preference shifts gated the appeal of certain scents of benefit to all women. By under- even though they might not serve to women during the ovulation standing these shifts in desire, any function in the present.” period. Women were asked to women can make sense of new at- Women’s change in sexual pref- smell t-shirts worn by men of dif- tractions that appear to come out erences has been a topic of study ferent facial symmetries; the re- of nowhere. Otterly fantastic funding for fantastic otters

David Montague ters through to their current diets cline in the 1950s-70s, believed to be of the otter in mainland Brit- Science Editor and use of scent communication. primarily due to pollutants. While ain, and will be able to develop a The project’s work on chemical the situation appears to be improv- much clearer understanding of Thanks to new funding from the pollutants is set to continue, given ing, UK otters are still noted to gen- the threats faced by otters, and International Otter Survival Fund the importance of the otter in such erally die younger than continental the challenge faced by all of us to (IOSF), Cardiff University’s Otter research. Otters are often regard- ones. maintain a healthy environment.” Project is opening its doors to Scot- ed as key markers of the ways in Coincidentally though, despite Dr Yoxon expressed a simi- land’s otters for the first time in which environmental pollutants af- the research being conservation- lar concern for the way in which 20 years. The project’s new study, fect all wildlife and human health. based, dead otters are precisely chemical pollutants affect our envi- encompassing the entirety of the They are top of the freshwater food what the Otter Project deals with. ronment, stating: “We can’t afford UK, aims to grant a greater insight chain and their bodies tend to ac- The secretive nature of otters in to be complacent about the health into how chemical pollutants pose cumulate chemicals and pollutants their natural habitat makes direct of our otters or the environment, a threat to the habitat and health from all stages of the food chain. observation particularly difficult, and we look forward to developing of otters. IOSF have been Dr Paul Yoxon, Head of Opera- and thus the project relies primari- this work further.” Considerable research has been tions for the International Otter ly upon post mortem examinations The inclusion of Scottish otters undertaken by the project previ- concerned for a Survival Fund, expressed his en- of found carcasses. Members of in future research is a promising ously, including a focus on repro- long time that thusiasm at the inclusion of Scot- the public are encouraged to report step forward towards understand- ductive problems in male otters ‘we have‘ had no tish Otters in this research: “We dead otters in England, Wales, and ing the effects that pollutants have that raised several causes for con- information on are delighted to be working with now Scotland too, thanks to the as- upon our environment. The Otter cern. These included undescended the health of Cardiff University on this proj- sistance of the IOSF. Project has examined a total of testicles, cysts, and shrinking re- Scottish otters ect,” he stated. “IOSF has been Dr Elizabeth Chadwick, project over 2000 otters, though the proj- productive organs. Such issues since the late concerned for a long time that we manager in the Cardiff University ect has previously been limited to were believed to be associated with 1990s have had no information on the School of Biosciences and lead re- those in England and Wales. Given chemical pollutants, and consider- health of Scottish otters since the searcher of the Otter Project, has that previous research has been able work has since explored this late 1990s.” suggested that the inclusion of of great importance in informing area, including this newest devel- Dr Paul Yoxon The Otter Project, established in Scotland will greatly expand this conservationists, policy makers opment. Other research from the 1992, has noted a recovery in otter research: “By expanding our re- and the general public, this expan- project has been wide-ranging, International Otter population throughout its studies. search to Scotland, our research sion opens the door to considerable from the history and genetics of ot- Survival Fund This follows a period of rapid de- now encompasses the whole range further developments. 18 SOCIETIES

Cupid’s Arrow striking Asian Society’s Elements launch party Cardiff City Centre Vidya Brainerd ties; ‘The Ceylon School for the Deaf Societies Writer and Blind’ and ‘One Cause’. Both tious love that was spread! to host lots more events in the near these charities are close to our hearts Ajitha Arunthavarajah future, portraying a multi-cultural After having ended last Saturday’s and help less fortunate children to Societies Writer “The flashmob was a very re- association that welcomes all!” Go Global 2014 event with a bang, gain an education in all parts of Sri Cardiff University’s newly found- warding experience, our team’s Do not hesitate to contact them and having its Presidents host the Lanka and India/Kenya respectively. ed Tamil Society was spreading commitment and hard work has if you have any queries or sugges- spectacular show, Cardiff Univer- Details of them can be found on their the love on Saturday February 15th really shone through” the Presi- tions. You can now find them on sity’s Asian Society would like to websites at the end of the article. 2014 by performing a Valentine’s dent of TamilSoc – Girish Kumar, facebook: formally invite each and every one In order for this show to be a suc- Day Flashmob in Cardiff City a 3rd year Computer Science stu- https://www.facebook.com/ of you to its annual flagship event cess and to raise a lot for our chari- Centre. This event was specifically dent- stated “TamilSoc is aspiring TamilSocietyCardiff ‘elements’. This year’s show will be ties, we need your help. In the run up organised within a week by the held on Saturday March 15th 2014 at to elements, Asian Soc will be host- TamilSoc committee as a symbol The Royal Welsh College of Music ing a variety of fundraisers, with the of what the Society represents: a and Drama, for the first time. It sees first one being this Tuesday 25th Feb- fun, dynamic, welcoming commu- Cardiff Asian Soc’s take on a classic ruary at 7.30pm. It is a launch party nity. The performance itself was a love story with a modern and quite to be held at an up and coming res- clash between Tamil and UK hits, controversial twist. Will an age old taurant on City Road, ‘Dabba Walla’. creating a cinematic blend of fu- tale inspire our modern day Raja on With Asian Street Food, performanc- sion choreography. During the per- his quest to find his one true Rani? es and games, how can you miss it? formance, as well as entertaining a Not only does this show offer bril- Tickets are £7 for members and £8 for pleasantly surprised audience, the liant acting, it also boasts outstand- non-members. The price includes a dancers presented the public with ing music and dancing as well as a free mocktail on arrival, food and the heart-shaped balloons and roses. fashion show, all of which represent after party - to be announced soon. The goal was to have an impact by the British Asian culture in some All proceeds will be going towards making the day memorable and way. our two charities. bringing a smile to people’s face’s The cast of this year’s show are So, what are you waiting for? this Valentine’s Day! St. Valen- driven by ambition, enthusiasm and Visit: www.cardiffstudents.com/ tine himself would’ve been truly pure love for Asian Culture. They events/6345/2564 for tickets! impressed and proud of the infec- want to provide you with a snapshot Hope to see lots of you there and of our culture, traditions as well as remember, you don’t have to be Asian their very own talents. Elements to come! Act One presents: Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia is, and always has been, an event to Charity Websites: http://csdeaf- Societies Writer Lisa Childs gives the low down on the latest production raise money for charity and this year, blind.lk/ we have chosen to support two chari- http://www.onecauseuk.org/ Cardiff University’s reknowned 7,000 theatregoers voting in the to waltz and Final Year Music stu- Drama Society continues its season online poll. The Top Ten featured dent, Andy Hawkins, has even com- of main productions with Arcadia. modern plays, such as Arcadia, sit- posed an original score for the final The well-loved classic by Tom Stop- ting alongside established classics scene.” pard, who is often hailed as Brit- such as Oscar Wilde’s The Impor- Arcadia will be performed at Lla- ain’s greatest living playwright, is tance of Being Earnest. nover Hall Arts Centre in Canton regarded as his ‘masterpiece’. A regional analysis of the poll from Wednesday February 26th to The production will be running revealed that voters in Wales pre- Saturday March 1st. this week at Llanover Hall Arts ferred Arcadia, which bodes well Tickets will be available in cash Centre in Canton, from Wednesday for this Cardiff production! or card on the door (subject to avail- February 26th to Saturday March The play was cast at the begin- ability), or online at cardiffstudents. 1st. ning of the Academic year in Oc- com/actone. Keep up to date on the The plot is set in two time peri- tober, and comprises of twelve activity by following the production ods, the modern day and the early students - postgraduate and under- on Twitter: @ActOne_Arcadia. nineteenth century, and centres graduate - ranging across a variety around two sparring modern aca- of schools and colleges. demics as they try (and fail) to find Director, third year English Lit- out what happened in Sidley Park erature student Charlotte Tigwell, during a visit by the poet Lord By- commented: ron in 1809. The true story of the “It has been a great journey Regency occupants unfolds along- shared with a hardworking cast so side the discoveries of their twenty- keen on engaging with this diffi- first century counterparts. cult, yet rewarding, text. I’m very Stoppard’s amusing and absorb- excited that many more people will ing play takes us back and forth now get to enjoy this modern clas- between the centuries and explores sic.” the nature of truth and time, the The cast and crew have commit- difference between Classical and ted to a demanding rehearsal sched- Romantic temperament and the dis- ule alongside their studies, with ruptive influence of sex on our lives Vice President and Leading Lady – ‘the attraction which Newton left Lizzie Fitzpatrick adding: out’. “Not only have we refined our Arcadia recently came fourth in acting and developed an under- a poll commissioned by the English standing of Stoppard’s unique Some of the Act One members Touring Theatre, with more than writing style; we have also learned Monday February 24th 2014 SOCIETIES 19 Go Global dazzles again Spectacular cultural evening reviewed by the night’s hosts, Nilarnti Vignarajah & Aaron Matthew

f you were to describe Go Global 2014 in three words they would probably be: colourful, magical and I inspiring. This year’s show has to be by far one of the best Go Global shows to date, with each and every one of the twelve cultural and interna- tional societies that took part, pouring their heart and soul into their performances with no real limit to what could be achieved on stage. Cardiff Paksoc demonstrated what it was like to attend a Paki- stani wedding, whilst some of the finest festivals of India were on display during Yuva Indian Society’s performance. There was even a full feature Aladdin musical complete with props, convincing costumes and comi- cal dialogues by the Arab Soci- ety who managed to add in a few plot twists to keep the audience guessing. Throughout the show, henna artists created beautiful designs for some of the audience mem- bers whilst they sat around tables basked in the glow of the candles and fairy lights that hung above the stage. A whole range of tal- ents were on display including singing from Bollywood movies, belly dancing, martial arts and some serene Korean instrument playing to provide a nice contrast to all the fast-paced acts. Malay- sian Society, on the back of their successful Festival of Diversity, treated us once again to their impressive ‘Dikir Barat’ made up entirely of clapping sounds and singing, whilst the Asian Soci- ety gave us a small but powerful glimpse of their annual cultural showcase: elements 2014! What was even better was that the show was made more interac- tive to Cardiff students this year thanks to CUTV’s live coverage and preshow interviews with performers during rehearsals. This created a very excited and tense atmosphere backstage as they watched and waited eager to perform on stage. There’s always a buzz that sur- rounds Go Global every year es- pecially as the friendly competi- tion between societies increases. It continues to be the largest cel- ebration of diversity within Car- diff University, giving the societ- ies that take part the opportunity to showcase the very essence of their own cultures on stage in front of thousands; it doesn’t get much bigger or better than that! 20 SOCIETIES

The Annual General Meeting of Plaid Cymru Youth, the youth WHAT’S ON and student movement of Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales, will take place during the Party of Wales Spring Conference at the Holland House Hotel on Newport Rd at 4.30 pm on Saturday 8th March. AGM is a chance for members across Wales to meet up to discuss policy and ideas, elect a new NEC, and, of course, to socialise. Contact the chair of the Plaid Cymru society, Daniel Roberts, at [email protected] or at plaidifancyouth@gmail. com for more information. Engineers Without Borders

Patrick Barry Societies Writer

Coming up on Saturday March 1st, Design for Difference is challeng- ing students and professionals to use their design skills to solve chal- lenges set by local international development organisations. Your idea might end up in action on the other side of the world! Whether you volunteered abroad during your gap year, have an interest in the development sec- tor or are the veteran of a dozen placements, you’ll meet like-mind- ed people, both students and pro- fessionals working in the sector. Over the course of the day there’ll also be speakers on a va- riety of topics... from shelters in Bangladesh, to 3D printing, solar energy in Zambia and hydropower in Uganda...we’ll cover a range of topics in just a few hours from 10:30am-4pm. Check out http://d4d2014.event- brite.co.uk or shoot patrick.bar- [email protected] an email. Erasmus go to Dublin

bands to trendy bars and clubs, Elanor Humphrey Dublin can offer something for Societies Writer everyone. On Saturday night join Invasion for their infamous The time is now fast approaching t-shirt bar crawl. For just £20 we Charity Taekwondo for our big second semester trip take you to five of the best bars and this year we have chosen to and clubs in Temple bar, Dublin’s Taekwondo is like with one of the take you to Dublin. This wonder- best nightlife area. Included in Aeri Yu UK’s top instructors and Wales’ ful city has something for every- the price – loads of free drinks, a Societies Writer head coach Mr. Dean Matthews one, whether you want to spend free tee and club entry at the end Cardiff University Korean Soci- (VI Dan, former World champion, time exploring its culturally rich of the night!! ety is joining forces for the very current British and European streets, or simply party the night For just £50 you can secure first time with the Taekwondo champion) himself ! You will defi- away you won’t be disappointed. your place now on the trip of the Club to present you the Charity nitely see how it is so distinct Here’s what the travel company year! Do you Dare to Invade?” Taekwondo Night in aid of UNI- from other martial arts! The night has to say: Price: £120 (£50 Deposit) CEF. is open to students and non-stu- “Are you looking for a weekend What’s included: Let’s fight our way to Korea dents alike, so bring along your filled with culture, parties and 2 Nights Accommodation and discover this scientific tradi- friends and family to witness jaw- Guinness? Where better to spend Luxury Coach Travel tional martial arts. Taekwondo dropping breakings, sparring, a weekend than in Ireland’s capi- Overnight Ferry Crossing teaches more than physical fight- and performance by various belt- tal city, Dublin....” Onsite Reps ing skills. Get ready to enhance holders. Spend your days exploring this Drinks Discounts through- your spirit and even your life Join us at 7.30pm on Thursday ancient, beautiful city. Make a out the break through the practice of this Ko- February 27th at the Old Hall visit to the Guinness factory, Dub- Optional extras: rean martial art. Train your body in the Talybont Sports Centre. lin’s ancient castle, or spend the Bar Crawl (£20) and mind to this internationally Please note all the proceeds will afternoon in one of Dublin’s fa- Booking link: http://book.inva- renowned sport. Who knows you go to UNICEF and their fight for mous traditional pubs, drinking sion.com/group/cardiff-erasmus- might turn yourself into a Tae- children’s rights. For ticket enqui- Guinness to your heart’s content! invade-dublin-2014/ kwondo Olympics Champion! Did ries, please email us at koreansoc. By night, Dublin is trans- Places are limited so make sure you know it was introduced at the [email protected]. Alternatively, formed into one massive party! you get booking quickly to avoid Olympic Games in 2000? you can pay on entry. Thanks and From pubs with traditional Irish disappointment! Come and have a feel of what hope to see many of you there! Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Taking place between Febru- Student Minds Cardiff. Eating disor- dents with Eating Disorders through- each other, and help to provide the ary 24th and February ders are serious mental illnesses af- out their time at university by equip- skills to support one another and the 28th, Eating Disorders fecting 1.6 million people in the UK – ping students to bring about positive knowledge to look after the mental Awareness Week is a they claim more lives than any other change at uni through campaigning health of ourselves and others. Check chance to raise aware- mental illness but are treatable and and facilitating peer support groups. out out twitter @StudentMindsCDF ness and understanding recovery is possible. The problem is We want to silence the stigma sur- and facebook: /studentmindscardiff of eating disorders, chal- awareness of eating disorders is too rounding mental health and to foster for more information about what we lenge stereotypes and low – can you help us change this? an environment where everyone has do, and for information on when our stigmas and raise funds for Student Minds Cardiff support stu- groups run.

SOCKS GIVE AWAY SUPPORTING THE SUPPORTERS WORKSHOP Date: Monday 24th & Wednesday 26th Date: Monday 24th Venue: In the SU foyer. Venue: CF10, Student Union Time: 11-2pm Time: 7-9.30pm Cost: FREE

‘Sock it’ to Eating Disorders is just part of our campaign during Eating Disorders Aware- What is supporting the supporters? ness Week. Running low on socks? Need to do some washing? Come down and grab a pair At Student Minds, we understand that sometimes it can be difficult supporting a friend of FREE socks and find out what Student Minds are doing at Cardiff Uni, the groups we who may be suffering from an eating disorder. Supporting a friend or relative with an run, and how you can get involved! Talk Over Tea will be there giving out free refresh- eating disorder is never easy. It is all too often the case that taboo, stigma and uncertainty ments….now there’s no excuse! prevent people from broaching the topic, at a time when effective communication is key. The workshop is aimed at students whose housemate, boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, or Student Minds Cardiff will be launching a PHOTO COMPETITION on Facebook and relative has an eating disorder. The workshop aims to help you understand eating disor- Twitter using the #SockED or by tagging us in your picture on Facebook or Twitter (@ ders and how to effectively communicate with a friend or loved one who has difficulties StudentMindsCDF) where we will offer a prize to the person who posts the most creative around food. (yet non-offensive) picture of them in their socks. We will announce the winner at our The work shop will cover: charity gig on the 27th February. - Types and triggers of eating disorder - Behavioural, psychological and physical effects of eating disorders - Basic do’s and don’ts - Communication skills based on motivational interviewing and reflective listening EATING DISORDERS AND RECOVERY TALK - The stages of change model: identifying what ‘stage’ of recovery someone might be Date: Tuesday 25th Feb. at and how you can help at each stage Venue: Psychology Tower building; room LT2 Time: 5-6.30pm Cost: FREE

A short informative talk from two volunteers which will cover the basics of eating disor- ders as well as a bit about their own recovery journeys and leave time for questions and answers.

Rachel Egan was the co-founder and coordinator of Student Minds (formerly SRSH) in 2011/2012. She graduated as the Honour Student for Exceptional Contribution to Student Mental health in 2012 and has worked in youth organisations and research consultancies before starting her current role as Content Officer at MindFull UK. She volunteers for Time to Change and writes for the about her experiences with anorexia. Cat Lenain helped launch the Student Minds group in Cardiff in 2011 with Rachel, and last year coordinated the group. She was motivated to volunteer for the charity having found recovery from her own battles with an eating disorder, and is currently on her placement year of her Psychology degree at Cardiff. Cat & Rachel will speak about their own experiences of an eating disorder, and their jour- neys into recovery, as well as covering the basic facts about eating disorders, and common myths and misunderstandings. The aim of the talk is to give you as an audience a better understanding of the illness, and the things we can be doing to help those that suffer.

MIND YOUR HEAD GIG Date: Thursday 27th Venue: The Vulcan Pub Time: 7.30pm – 11pm Cost: FREE

Student Minds present our annual MIND YOUR HEAD gig featuring Cal Hillan and The SunCats

Come along to the Vulcan, completely FREE of charge, for an evening of great music, company and a chance to win some awesome raffle prizes! The gig is to raise awareness of Student Minds, a service run by students across the UK aiming to support students with mental health problems, specifically eating disorders & depression.

It’s going to be a great night; can’t wait to see you all there!

Acts: Cal Hillan, a 20 year old singer songwriter from Bristol, currently studying Maths at Cardiff Uni. The SunCats are an acoustic trio that blends elements of soul, reggae and pop into a unique energy all their own. Playing exciting original material alongside quirky covers, which draw on an eclectic mix of influences, they make a full and lively sound. 22 SOCIETIES Discover Islam the modern Muslim, and to wel- meal on Friday 28th, and an event Jenan Ashi come all students to participate in called ‘ ‘The word of God, and quiz’ Societies Writer the various activities and events ‘, by Cardiff University’s own Dr The Islamic Society is proud to held throughout the University Mansur Ali (Thursday 27th). present this years ‘Discover Islam during the week. A most exciting event, open to Week’. Formerly known as ‘Islam From Monday 24th February to all Cardiff students, is the ‘Dar- Awareness Week’, it was started Saturday 1st March they will ul-Isra Mosque open day’. The lo- to dismantle those be hosting a plethora of events, cal mosque has several thousand well-known from lectures by fantastic members in its community and stereo- speakers from hosts a range of activities each types around the globe evening. of including Majed The open day is a wonderful op- Mahmoud to a portunity for students to see ‘Cross Cardiff where the local Muslim communi- Challenge’ ty, including many of their friends (Wednesday and fellow students, gather. afternoon) All around the country Islamic where par- societies will be holding such a ticipants will week, allowing students to come compete in together and take part in some- teams against thing of common interest. The each other. week is a chance for students to They welcome all get to know more about Islam, and to their brilliant to become familiar with one of the events every evening, most successful societies in Car- including a ‘Question and diff University and to learn what Answer’ dinner, with a free they really represent.

ISoc President Shumon Alom & committee member Danial Faraz Alauddin speak to gair rhydd editor Tom Eden

Tell us about Discover Islam. prised at what Islam has to offer. myths that exist and that there’s don’t know what goes on in there. The second of which is Salah Not many people know much about lots of Muslim students on campus This is an opportunity to gain an (Prayer). This is the command that Danial Alauddin (DA): In the last it. We believe that it has a rational and they’re nothing like how the insight into the local Muslim com- Muslims must pray five times a day. decade there’s been a lot of nega- basis to it that withstands scien- media portrays them. munity. Wednesday, there’ll be a The third is Zakah (Alms Giv- tive publicity and coverage of Is- tific scrutiny. SA: It’s also a really good opportu- cross-Cardiff challenge. It’s like a ings). This means giving charity to lam and Muslims in general, espe- nity to see how beautiful the union treasure hunt across the Campus, those less fortunate than ourselves. cially from tabloids. What this has What can people expect from of Brotherhood and Sisterhood where participants can take some- Muslims believe in giving 2.5% of meant is that there’s been a build the week? is, and how welcoming and em- thing away about the faith, as well your annual wealth. up of negative and false stereotypes bracing Muslims are to everyone as prizes and freebies. Later that The fourth is Sawn (Fasting) being reinforced. Discover Islam DA: We’re not expecting people to regardless of their beliefs, race, evening, we have Idris Tawfique where it is obligatory for Muslims Week started about 5/6 years ago in come and fully embrace and con- background, gender, sexual orien- who was a Roman Catholic and he to fast from dawn until dusk in the Cardiff to combat these stereotypes vert to Islam, it’s more about peo- tation and anything else. We be- will talk through his journey and Lunar month of Ramadan. to show that we’re not like the cra- ple coming to find out more about lieve that everything is created by conversion to Islam. On Thursday, The fifth and final pillar is Hajj zy portrayals in the news. our religion and our viewpoint Allah (God) so it’s our obligation to we have our very own Cardiff Uni- (A Pilgrimage) where Muslims of the world. I think what we re- show love and respect to the rest of versity lecturer, Dr Mansur Ali, travel to Mecca, if they’re able to. Shumon Alom (SA): You’d be sur- ally want is to dispel the negative creation. delivering a lecture on the Qu’ran For Muslims, this is a highly spiri- DA: We would love it you would with a quiz and the launch of our tual journey, where people from all come at it with an open mind and Discover Islam video. Friday will corners of the world come together perspective. have a question and answer ses- in unity to worship Allah. sion followed by a meal. To close What’s do you have planned for the week, we have Majed Mahmoud the week? coming from America to talk about Muslim, both as a student and the road to happiness, which will here in Cardiff ? SA: A range of amazing activities be an amazing finale. and lectures throughout the week. In addition to these big events, DA: On the whole, Cardiff ’s really We’ll be going through the main we will be dotted around the Cam- good. Day to day, it’s about fitting tenets of our faith, showing what pus, wearing our ‘Discover Islam’ our life around our faith. This in- Islam has to say about how to live tops, on stalls to engage with stu- volves individual tasks such as your life. We realise that in Univer- dents so if you see us, feel free to making time for prayers, as well sity, students arrive to study here stop by and ask any questions you as more community based things from different cultures and societ- may have. like Jummah prayer (Friday con- ies. This is an opportunity to pres- gregational prayer),which some ent our world view. What are the fundamental students struggle to make due to On Monday 21st Hamza Tzortzis tenets [core beliefs] of Islam? academic commitments as well – a Greek convert – will be deliver- as being involved in the student ing his famous lecture on the Islam- SA: We have five fundamental pil- community via the ISoc. People in ic perspective of Allah. Tuesday we lars of Islam, the first of which is Cardiff are really understanding have a Mosque tour in Dar – Ul – Imaan (Faith) and that is to testify and open to our beliefs and this is Isra on Wyverne Road. The reason- that there is only one Allah and shown by the excellent relation- ing behind the Mosque tour is that that Muhammad (Peace Be Upon ship we have with the wider local the majority of people would not Him) was His servant and final community. have ever been inside a Mosque and messenger. Monday February 24th 2014 SOCIETIES 23 Cardiff Student Letting OWNED & RUN BY CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' UNION

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rarely. In terms of romantic at- sexual attraction towards people. be funded. though the increased media atten- Jake Smith traction, some asexuals are aro- Some asexuals may have a physi- In more recent years the rate tion, academic interest and vis- LGBT+ Association mantic which means they do not cal relationship with their part- of progress has increased. The ibility of the community suggests experience romantic attraction ner but it’s very important for American asexual activist David real progress is being achieved. It’s estimated that around 630,000 and seek non-romantic compan- each partner to be sensitive about Jay set up the Asexual Visibility As we move forward, compre- people in the UK are asexual. But ionship instead. However many each other’s feelings on the is- and Education Network (AVEN) hensive sex education that recog- what does this mean? Is it linked people who are asexual do feel sue. Upon revealing their sexual website in 2001, which now has nises the broad nature of sexual- to the asexual reproduction of romantic attraction and seek ro- orientation, asexuals are often over 70,000 users. In 2009 AVEN ity, tackling bullying to make our microscopic amoebas that split in mantic relationships. This means told that it’s just a phase they’re inspired sections in pride parades schools and work places safer half to create new amoebas? I’m an asexual can have any romantic going through even though they started to appear in the US and and comprehensive education for afraid the answer to that is no. orientation and be hetero-roman- may have considered themselves UK and now more widely. In pop- healthcare professionals as well Asexuality is frequently misun- tic if they are romantically at- asexual for many years. They ular culture, many also consider as shared campaigning with the derstood so knowing more about tracted to people of the opposite may be asked inappropriate ques- Sheldon from The Big Bang Theo- rest of the LGBT+ community for asexuality and its increasing vis- gender, homo-romantic if they tions about how they relate to sex ry and Sherlock to be Ace (asexu- acceptance should help Asexual- ibility will enable us all to better are romantically attracted to peo- and in an over sexualised society, al nickname). The 2011 documen- ity to find its place as a widely understand relationships in our ple of the same gender and so on. asexuals may feel out of place. tary, (A)sexual chronicled and recognised and unremarkable society and the people we meet. There are a variety of myths sur- In recent years asexuality has examined the ace community’s orientation in our society. So first of all, what is asexual- rounding asexuality which need been attracting more and more growth. In 2013 the Huffington Here at Cardiff University the ity? Asexuality is a sexual ori- to be challenged. As we have al- attention within academic circles Post published a prominent six LGBT+ Society and the LGBT+ entation. An asexual person is a ready established, being asexual and in wider society. As long ago part series of articles on the ace Association recognise asexuality person who does not experience doesn’t mean you don’t want re- as 1948 Dr Alfred Kinsey who cre- community and every October as a vital part of the + and ace sexual attraction. Like all sexual lationships or can’t fall in love, ated a scale to measure sexuality Asexual Awareness Week is held students as valued members of orientations, asexuality exists on because in the same way sex can from 0 for exclusively heterosexu- internationally. Asexuality has our community. During February a spectrum, and other people un- exist without love, love can exist al to 6 for exclusively homosexual legal protection in the US states which is LGBT+ history month der the asexual umbrella include without sex. Secondly asexual- also included an X on the spec- of New York and Vermont, and the Association will ensure asex- demisexuals who only experience ity is very different to celibacy trum for those individuals who the UK government recognised uality is part of our efforts to sexual attraction after forming which is a conscious choice not to did not experience sexual attrac- it in their 2012 action plan for re- raise awareness on campus, and a strong emotional bond with engage in sexual activity, asexu- tion. A 1994 UK study put asexual ducing hate crime. hopefully this article has gone someone, and grey-asexuals who ality like all orientations is not prevalence at 1% of the popula- Asexuality has yet to fully break some way to raising that aware- only experience sexual attraction a choice and is an absence of tion and new studies continue to into the public consciousness, al- ness.

cardiffstudents.com/lgbtplus Cardiff Student Letting OWNED & RUN BY CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' UNION TEL: (029) 20781525 | www.cardiffstudentletting.com NO Helping YOU fees

cardiffstudentletting.com call US on 029 2078 1525 ! Sally Cross SPE WHAT’S ECH I love being the speech program T HISTORY BOYS controller, I have met so many amazing N MONDAYS 4-4 PM people, even two of my best friends just E by having this role! Join Jess and KIeran for Political Breakdown, talking about the M issues that matter to you. Not only will they bring you the biggest ON national stories of the week, Political Breakdown lets you share !" N your opinions and get your voice heard about issues in I SAM THING FOR THE WEEKEND Cardiff . What matters to you? What politics issues do you Having done a speech show for three A SATURDAYS 2-3PM want to hear about? Make sure you tune in to have your say! years, I love passing on my passion to T Sam Lloyd and producer Alice Crabtree aim to others and helping people out. INTERNATIONAL BEAT R give you the best Saturday ever. From booking a FRIDAYS 6-7PM E Valentine’s Day meal at Burger King, to making a pe- #$ riod drama from erotic fi ction, you never know what to expect! Tune in and join the fun! International Beat with Tia and Amel is a great way T to start the weekend . Every week the girls have a N diff erent international student from I’d say so far I’m most proud of all the TOM AT TEN across the globe to talk culture, food and mu- speech shows! Everyone has been so EMONDAY 10 AM sic. Each week get a new taste of a new place enthusiastic and has just immersed them- with every guest! From France to Wales, According to the Xpress website, this show is : ‘Tom Eden, VP Head of Expedia the girls will help you explore the globe selves in their shows! I love listening to without even leaving the house! all the speech shows. I feel like they all & Gardening, keeping you up to date on horticulture and botany from around the world...at ten. ‘ In fact, the show almost as random as this description. It’s usu- have the same passion I do and it’s great ally a spontaneous look at the week’s student media, tangents and an embarrassing to know I’ve helped create that! platform to expose Tom’s lack of musical knowledge (he’ll often resort to playing the Red Hot Chilli Peppers...) !% Tom’s co-host, Jess McFarlane, is the self proclaimed ‘interesting one‘, which isn’t difi cult when Tom is almost certainly in a zombie-like state each Monday morning after the weekend’s antics. It’s going to be a big term for speech! We’ve got lots coming up! The next comedy panel show is on the 25th so look BRINGING BACK THE BLUES out for that to be aired! Also with elec- THURSDAYS 7-8PM tions we will be doing a lot of interviews Alice presents a really interesting show with the candidates to breakdown their which looks at New folk music. Her chilled manifestos and help you to decide who out style is great to listen to as she introduces

to vote for. Also, not to mention varsity! T you to new bands and artists that you may not

have heard before, as well as playing some better I’m so excited to do the coverage and work S with the Xpress team - we all work so well I known folkies such as Johnny Flynn and Stornoway. Alice

also does regular live sessions with local and up-and-coming together and I know everyone is going to L artists, what’s not to love?

get so involved!

A THE HOUSE HOUR

&$$ I MONDAYS 10-11PM

"$'*<=>\=^`{^{'`}<~ C Wyn, George and Tom bring you the latest house music

E every Monday, as well as promoting new releases, and days at 1pm - 2pm we have quizzes for ev- P local gigs and artists. They also play a mix of other

=<"$'*€=={}`=<=^="" genres, such as techno and garage, so there’s really <=>\=^\'€ `= "= "$ {‚ ` ^== S something to suit whatever mood you’re in on a Mon- Look out for a special Oscars week! day evening. APRIL FEBRUARY 03/04/14 DEVILDRIVER £17 ADV 28/02/14 HOSPITALITY PRESENTS... HIGH CONTRAST and more... £15 ADV 06/04/14 WALK OFF THE EARTH £15 ADV

28/02/14 NEWTON FAULKNER SOLD OUT 15/04/14 DEAF HAVANA £15 ADV

23/04/14 OF MICE & MEN £12 ADV SOLD OUT MARCH 27/04/14 FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND PLUS... 06/03/14 RIZZLE KICKS £17.50 ADV BOY SETS FIRE / SPECIAL GUESTS SOLD OUT

08/03/14 TREATMENT PRESENTS... SETH TROXLER and more... £17 ADV MAY

09/03/14 STRAIGHT LINES £7 ADV 03/05/14 TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT £11 ADV

11/03/14 ARCHITECTS £14 ADV 06/05/14 THE WONDER YEARS £13.50 ADV

29/05/14 BURY TOMORROW £10 ADV 13/03/14 CHVRCHES £13 ADV SOLD OUT

16/03/14 BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB SOLD OUT SEPTEMBER 20/03/14 STRANGLERS £23 ADV 25/09/14 EVILE £5 ADV 25/03/14 MILES KANE SOLD OUT NOVEMBER 29/03/14 LEGENDS OF HOUSE FEAT: JEREMY HEALY and more... £ 02/11/14 ASKING ALEXANDRIA £16.50 ADV

@CARDIFFUNION CARDIFFBOXOFFICE WWW.CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM All tickets subject to booking fee CUTV www.Cardiff Union.tv

Cardiff UnionTV @Cardiff UnionTV /Cardiff UnionTV1 /Cardiff UnionTV

It’s a busy week for CUTV. We’re still working hard at our NaSTA (National Student Television Association) award entries as well as putting together our regular shows so that you don’t miss out on anything. Check out our listings below to see what’s coming up this week! Another of our big projects is a joint venture with the Community Channel: Do Brilliant Britain. We’ve been working with projects around Cardiff on to help inspire people to do something brilliant. Our work will be broadcast online and on Freeview in late March. If you like the sound of what we do, then join us and become a member! We organise regular trips, our next one is to London to sit in the audience of The Wright Stuff, you can gain great experience with professional camera and live equipment and most importantly, it’s a lot of fun! What’s this If you want a better idea of what we do then come along to our monthly meeting and training evening. On Monday 3rd March at 6pm in CF10 we will be doing a whole host of activities about presenting, camera work and creating show ideas. There is also an opportunity to get some hands on week experience with our equipment and meet other CUTV members.

Wednesday - 6pm Thursday - 6pm Friday - 8pm CUTV News CSM Live Turn it up This week on CUTV NEWS we give the usual overview This week is CSM Live’s 25th episode and we’ll This week we’ll look behind the scenes at Xpress of all the stories aff ecting Cardiff University students. be looking back at some of CSM’s best bits. We Radio showing you what it takes to plan, produce and There’s also an extended look at the problems some will also be bringing you a sneak preview of the broadcast your own show. We’ll also be going along Bulgarian and Romanian immigrants face, and have latest episode of Turn It Up as an Xpress Radio to Refugee Rhythms, a charity concert that aims to faced, here in the UK. feature, showcasing what goes into the creation raise funds and awareness for refugees and asylum We’re also looking for people to join our LIVE of a quality radio show. We’ll also profi le Cardiff seekers living in the UK. Our coverage building up to production team. Want to experience the buzz University student Coral Kennerly, who has the Live Music Society’s Battle of the Bands continues involved with working on a show that is streamed qualifi ed for the Commonwealth Games as part as we interview The Starling Radicals as well as Animal live online every week? Get in touch with Cardiff of the Welsh team. Plus tune in to see our regular Brothers about making it through the fi rst heat. Plus Union TV and get involved! presenter challenge. we caught up with the gorgeous girls from Vanquish before their gig in Solus supporting M.A.D. ª‘ •

Mae Bwrdd Cyfarwyddwyr y Coleg Cymraeg wydd â gwaith y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Gair Cenedlaethol wedi cyhoeddi mai Andrew trwy eich astudiaethau. Efallai eich bod wedi Green fydd Cadeirydd newydd y bwrdd. Bydd derbyn ysgoloriaeth gan y Coleg ar yr amod y yn cychwyn ei swydd ar 1 Ebrill ac yn olynu’r byddwch yn astudio rhannau o’ch gradd trwy Golygyddol Cadeirydd presennol, yr Athro R Merfyn \ Jones. Yn dilyn y newyddion, cwestiwn perth- sonol, prin yw’r ddarpariaeth a gynnigir gan y nasol i ni fel myfyrwyr yw ystyried rôl y Co- Coleg yn adran Wleidyddiaeth y Brifysgol. Er leg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol yn ein bywydau hynny,, roedd darpariaeth y Coleg Cymraeg academaidd ninnau. Dyma swyddogaeth y yn adran y Gyfraith yn gadarnhaol iawn yng Coleg yn ôl ei gwefan: nghyfnod un ohonom yn adran y Gyfraith yn Prif nod y Coleg yw cynyddu, datblygu ac trwy’r Gymraeg gan ddarlithwyr a ariannwyd ym mhrifysgolion Cymru. Mae’r Coleg yn gan y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol a rhod- adeiladu ar waith blaenorol y Ganol- dwyd pob cefnogaeth i’r myfyrwyr a ddymu- fan Addysg Uwch Cyfrwng Cymraeg gan weithio gyda phrifysgolion i ddatblygu " \ partneriaethau cydweithredol effeithiol, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol ym mhrifysgol Caerdydd? A yw’r ddarpariaeth yn ddigonol? dio drwy’r Gymraeg, hyfforddi cenhedla- Cysylltwch: [email protected] eth newydd o ddarlithwyr i’r dyfodol, yh- ghyd â chyllido modiwlau ac adnoddau Anna George Cerith Rhys Jones un ohonoch fel ni’n dau yn holl gyfar-

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National Student Money Week is at your Students’ Union in February and March with events and information about your student finance and making it stretch as far as possible. Look out for the events at the Students’ Union, Park Place and the Heath Campus

Would it be better to have student finance paid monthly not termly? We need your opinion: Students’ Union, Park Place (2nd floor) - Monday 24th February, 11am - 2pm Heath Campus, IV lounge - Wednesday 26 February, 12 - 2 pm

Money Doctors aim to increase students’ financial skills and maximise their income Money Doctors is a partnership initiative between Cardiff University’s Student Support Centre and the Students’ Union’s Advice and Representation Centre

visit: cardiff.ac.uk/moneydoctors or cardiffstudents.com/advice/money-doctors/ %=  !  44 D       

Wednesday 9th April Cardiff University v Swansea University

#teamcardiffin association with welshvarsity.com Monday February 24th 2014 SPORT 33

Fowler to leave Cardiff University after eight years

derstands that the former Bedwas sity was that the academics had to Steffan Thomas and Merthyr RFC coach will take come first,” admitted Fowler. Rugby Club Correspondent charge of Cardiff for the upcoming “In the eight years that I’ve been Cardiff University Rugby Club Varsity match at the Millennium here, we’ve produced 172 semi-pro are looking for a new Director of Stadium on April 9th. players, so the programme here Rugby after the news that Martyn Despite his decision to leave, works. Fowler has resigned from his posi- however, Fowler believes that the “It could have been a lot more, tion. Fowler will take up a new role structure is very much in place to however, if there was a mechanism at Cardiff and Vale College from allow the University’s rugby play- to increase contact time.” March 25th. ers to continue to develop and play Fowler, who has also departed It is unclear at present how at a higher level. from his role as Director of Rugby much involvement he will have “We are essentially an academic of Principality Premiership side with the Rugby Club for the rest institution and one of the main- Cardiff RFC with immediate effect, of the season, but gair rhydd un- stays during my time at the Univer- believes that a number of the Uni- versity’s current players can go on to play professional rugby. Fowler cited Varsity captain James Thom- as and Ospreys flanker Arthur El- PHOTO: Taliesin Coombes lis in particular as exciting future prospects. With eight years of hard work, versity, the 1st XV were playing in “For me, the opportunity to work the man who has been the face of Division Two. We are now a Pre- with the new, young, talented play- Cardiff University’s rugby set-up miership side by right. ers in the Blues region and to play has many fond memories to look “Another thing I’m pleased with a small part in their development back on. His son, Aaron, lifted the is how players are actively seeking was an opportunity that I couldn’t Varsity trophy back in 2009. to come to Cardiff University be- refuse,” he explained. Since Fowler took on his current cause of the rugby programme. “The first goal is to achieve an role in 2006, he has overseen some “I think that would be my lasting ‘A’ licence to give the College the fairly big changes, not least in im- legacy. We have gone from a Uni- right to play in the new WRU Col- proving the University’s quality versity club with a strong social leges League every Wednesday. of rugby and creating an environ- culture, to a University rugby club “The fact that I am prepared to ment whereby Cardiff ’s young with a high performance-based cul- leave two world-renowned institu- players can give themselves the ture.” tions in Cardiff RFC and Cardiff PHOTO: Taliesin Coombes best opportunity of going further Fowler is already looking ahead University indicates the potential in the game. to his new challenge at Cardiff and of Cardiff and Vale College.” “When I first came to the Uni- Vale College.

Friday 9th May 2014 6:30pm, The Great Hall

Champagne Reception, 3 Course Meal, Awards Ceremony, Entertainment & After Party!

Earlybird tickets available for £25 until 7th March Tickets priced at £30 thereafter until 4th April Tickets available at cardiffstudents.com

Dress Code: Black Tie

Proudly Sponsored by 34 SPORT

Men’s lacrosse team More disappointment continue run of success for ladies’ lacrosse ful lacrosse. Joakin Schuwer, Chris effort, blocking Nottingham’s at- Eliza Nicholas Blood, James Tilley and another Ellie van Klaveren tacking moves and forcing them to Sport Writer two from Quarry completed the Sport Writer move the ball around. romp for Cardiff. Despite this, however, Notting- Plymouth Marjon ………………. 1 The visitors’ defence remained Nottingham ………….....……… 20 ham’s attack remained strong and Cardiff …………………...... …….. 9 resilient, meaning Marjon failed to Cardiff ………………….………… 2 there was little the Cardiff defence score again, despite several strong could do to prevent the home side Cardiff men’s lacrosse played Plym- attempts by the home side’s attack- Last Wednesday, the ladies trav- scoring. outh Marjon for the third time this ers. elled to Nottingham University to After another timeout, Cardiff ’s year, once again returning with a The final quarter saw consistent- play in the BUCS Championship passing in midfield improved con- victory to secure top spot in West- ly strong lacrosse from both teams, Last 16. siderably, but it was too late to close ern Conference 1A. with especially impressive skills Cardiff started strongly in at- the score line. After a long journey to Plymouth from Cardiff ’s Will Morris, along tack, winning the first draw which The final score was 20-2 to Not- Joe Atkinson in dire weather, play was slow for with new player Dan Bray and Jack lead to captain Amy Rochford scor- tingham. The ladies were disap- City Columnist Cardiff in the first quarter, with the Howe. ing a fast break goal. However, Not- pointed with the final score, feeling opposition scoring within the first Silas Fuller had an unfortunate tingham came back strongly in at- that they could have kept the match With time fast running out for 10 minutes. However, Cardiff were fall, and the game was terminated tack, scoring a number of goals. within reach. Player of the Match Cardiff City to pick up their quick to respond, with two goals by early due to the weather, with a final After a timeout, the visitors’ was awarded to both Williams and form and avoid Premier League Charlie Quarry making the score score of 9-1 to Cardiff. defence regained some composure Gabbi Shields for their fantastic de- relegation, Bluebirds fans have 2-1 at the end of the first quarter. Robert Bowen was named Man and showed resilience, forcing fensive efforts. been debating the merits of a Once again, Marjon were domi- of the Match for his determined Nottingham to take shots from dis- This was an unfortunate end to Premier League struggle com- nant at the start of the second quar- play in the face of strong marking tance. an extremely tough season, but the pared to last season’s Champi- ter, maintaining possession with a oppositions. The result leaves Car- With some fantastic saves from ladies will keep on training hard onship glory. period of impressive lacrosse. An diff with an unassailable lead at goalkeeper Cat Williams and a goal for the Welsh Varsity and their pre- A year ago to the day, City equally strong Cardiff defence en- the top of the league as the season from Fiona Tait, Cardiff finished Varsity friendlies over the next few were leading the Champion- sured no goals were scored by Mar- reaches its climax. the second half dominant. weeks. ship table with an eight-point jon, but finished for half time with However, despite constant advantage and a game in CARDIFF: A Rochford, A a superb goal from Cardiff ’s Paul CARDIFF: J Ward, R Bowen, turnovers and Williams continu- hand on their rivals. They had S Fuller, D Bray, J Howe, P Seaborne, E van Klaveren, Chapman. Chapman, C Quarry, J Tilley, ing to make some brilliant saves, G Glennon, G Shields, N scored more than double the The second half of the game J Schuwer, C Blood, M Lane, Cardiff ’s midfield ball movement Stageman, F Parker, L Gilbert, S amount of goals than they have saw Cardiff tighten up their play J Bodnar-Horvath, M Cork, H lacked confidence. Snell, E Bartholemei, F Tait, A amounted this term and had and demonstrate their usual skil- King-Oakley, O Teluch The ladies put in a fantastic Broughton, C Williams picked up just over three times as many points. The feeling around the club a year ago was of readiness and Fencer Radford receives international call-up optimism. Cardiff had domi- nated the league and, even in David Hooson February, looked to be cruis- Sport Editor ing towards automatic pro- motion. However, despite sig- nificant outlay on new talent Cardiff University physiology stu- in the summer and plenty of dent Amy Radford has been select- new acquisitions in the Janu- ed to represent Great Britain at ary transfer window, that form the World Junior Championships. has not been translated into the It is the next step in a burgeon- Premier League and the mood ing international career for the is now one of doubt and worry. 19-year-old épée specialist. This season has certainly Radford will travel to Plodiv in not been without its ups – a win Bulgaria to compete at the Cham- over title-chasing Manchester pionships, which will take place City in particular demonstrat- over 10 days in April. She will test ed the club’s ability to com- her credentials against competi- pete with the best teams in the tors from across the world in one league – but, all too often, City of the most important events in fans have been left frustrated the fencing calendar. by poor spells of form that have Her first taste of international seen their club slip down to the competition came at the inaugu- foot of the table. ral Youth Olympic Games in 2010, The controversial removal held in Singapore. Speaking to of Malky Mackay and subse- gair rhydd, she commented: “I quent appointment of Ole Gun- reached the quarter-finals against nar Solskjær highlighted how the world’s best young fencers, but results had not been deemed the whole experience was amaz- acceptable this term by those ing!” in charge at the Cardiff City

Since then, Radford has partici- Amy Radford will again represent Great Britain in April Stadium. With time not on pated in competitions as far afield their side, many observers have as Sweden, Azerbaijan and Malay- tipped City for an immediate sia, mostly bearing the financial She will be travelling to Jerusa- would be an advantage, but it’s not will help you develop. Fencing’s return to the Championship. burden herself. lem later this week, having only really,” she said. all about finding the angles to beat It must be remembered, “I’m really grateful and fortu- recently returned from the Junior “There’s a really high percent- your opponent.” She poetically though, that City spent many nate to get some funding from the World Cup in Slovakia. After that, age of left-handers in the sport. summed up the sport as “physical years in the third tier with university’s HPP (High Perfor- the senior World Cup event in Some suggest it’s because they chess”. little progress and with little mance Programme), but it’s most- Barcelona will cap off her prepara- have more success earlier and Summing up her ambitions for to get the fans cheering. Now, ly self-funded,” she explained. tions for World Juniors. then follow through with the sport. the future, Radford commented: the stadium fills every week de- This year, for the first time, Currently ranked number one “But, I must say, I don’t like “If there’s anyone out there better spite disappointing results and British Fencing are paying for in the British junior rankings and fencing against other lefties!” than me, I want to improve, and Cardiff are competing on the their team to travel to the World third in the senior rankings, Rad- However, in such a tactical then beat them.” biggest stage for the first time Championships, but Radford’s im- ford is coy over the reasons behind sport, coaching undoubtedly plays This attitude surely gives her in 50 years – with that perspec- mediate priority is the European her success. an important role, as Radford her- every chance of success going for- tive, things couldn’t get much Junior Championships in Israel. “You’d think being left-handed self suggested: “The best coaches wards. better. Monday February 24th 2014 SPORT 35 AU Matters: Ultimate Frisbee Ultimate frisbee Vice President Sam Kimish provides a comprehensive guide to how the sport is played

ne of the most frustrating things about playing Ultimate at OUniversity is answering the often-repeated question: “What even is Ultimate frisbee?” My go-to Paul Davies response is to compare it to an Blues Columnist American football/netball hybrid. Two teams of seven (or five if Recently, the Blues received the you’re playing indoors) start at news that their captain Mat- opposite ends of a rectangular thew Rees would be returning field, roughly half the size of a to full-time training after finish- football pitch. At each end is a ing his treatment for testicular marked-out end zone not too dis- cancer. similar to American football and The hooker has been out the two sides attempt to pass the of action since October and it disc to a teammate who can score is hoped that he will pull on a by catching it in the end zone that Blues jersey before the end of they are attacking. the season. Rees himself de- The player in control of play scribed the news as “a massive cannot run with the disc, but may weight off [his] shoulders”, add- pivot on one foot, and possession ing that he can now “concen- changes hands when a pass is trate on getting back to match intercepted or incomplete. fitness”. One of the largest differences Rees is a very experienced between Ultimate frisbee and other player. He is Wales’ most capped sports is the lack of referee. The CUUFC are going from strength to strength this year international hooker, having sport relies on the sportsmanship racked up over a half-century of of the players and invoking the normally suit our style of play, we begun to reap the benefits with an tional, will look to the veterans of caps and played in all three test “Spirit of the Game” (a guide for managed to qualify for Division impressive series of wins in a the side – including Mike Walters, matches on the 2009 Lions tour. self-refereeing and behaviour on Two Indoor Nationals after beating friendly tournament with Swansea currently in his eighth year with He only joined the Blues in the the pitch) to ensure fair play. Varsity rivals Swansea in a capti- University at Pontcanna Fields. the club – to help nurture the large summer but was awarded the Competitive play is encouraged, vating, hard-fought game that went Captain Camille Kostov and her contingent of promising freshers captaincy in pre-season before but never at the expense of the right down to the final buzzer and team of relatively inexperienced as they look towards the outdoor he’d played a single game for bond of mutual respect between prompted one opposition player to girls continued their outstanding season. his new team, having proven players. Teams are often seen con- break down in tears. form by qualifying for the Women’s The outdoor format better suits his leadership abilities when gratulating one another on the Division Two Nationals saw a Indoor Nationals in Dudley, despite the club’s athletic style of play and, captaining the Scarlets and the sidelines and socialising together. weakened first-team squad still having to compete with a number as such, expectations are high with national side. Our University season opened record a series of impressive of strong teams in what is argua- regional qualifiers just around the The level of support he has re- with two beginners’ tournaments results over strong opposition, fin- bly one of the toughest regions in corner. ceived shows how well respected in Manchester and Plymouth, ishing third overall, having beaten the country. Cardiff University Ultimate he is, both as a player and a per- where teams made up primarily of eventual winners Warwick in the This form bodes well for the Frisbee Club train on Tuesday son. He is affectionately known first-year students, representing pool stages. future of our side with the wom- nights from 9pm until 10:30pm on as ‘Smiler’ and this has led to a ‘No Frills’, finished first, second, A strong recruitment drive this en’s side of the game being recog- the 3G at Talybont Sports Village fundraising and awareness cam- third and seventh in a spectacular year saw extremely large sign-up nised by BUCS from the next aca- and at Pontcanna Fields on paign based around wristbands start to the year. numbers compared to previous demic year onwards. Wednesdays from 2pm and on with ‘Smile for your Captain’ An indoor season precedes the years – over 100 members and Over the coming weeks, men’s Sundays from 5:30pm until 7pm. written on them. His teammates outdoor games and, while the counting. first team captain Kei Matsumoto, They can also be found on Facebook added their support by shaving indoor format of the game does not Our women’s side has already a previous GB Under-20 interna- and Twitter. their heads to raise money for the Velindre Hospital near Car- ALLS, BALLS, tions anymore. Instead, I’ll be go- to talk to complete strangers and, diff, where Rees was treated. BALLS. Two things ing on about how you need to make safe to say, I loved it! After three This provoked a strong reaction about the AU Ball. sure you vote in the elections. If years of involvement, I must admit from fans on social media, who Firstly, award nomi- you’ve ever thought: “I wish the li- it’ll be strange to not be involved have so far helped to raise over Bnations are open braries stayed open for longer” or in a campaign. Of course, as an of- £15,000 for the hospital. online at cardiffstu- “Our sports club needs new equip- ficer, I’ll still be involved, but, for The Blues will be anxious to dents.com and I encourage every- ment”, then the only way to go once, I won’t be one of the people see him back on the field. His 58 one to nominate someone from a about overcoming these problems knocking on your doors and tell- international caps demonstrate club who they feel has contributed is to vote. By doing so, you’ll be ing you about manifesto points. his status as a top-class player. greatly to their club’s activity both backing a candidate who can help I’ll leave that for this generation of He can bring valuable qualities on and off the playing field. provide these extra library hours election candidates! to the side – he’s a good ball car- Secondly, clubs wanting to at- or new equipment. Finally, I’d like to congratulate rier, a powerful scrummager Ed’s tend the AU Ball will need to email For the first time in my Uni- Snowsports on an excellent bunch and a strong physical presence me with the people on their table versity career, I won’t be involved of results from their Kings compe- in defence. He can also be relied Note and any dietary requirements that in elections at all. In my first and tition in Gloucester last weekend. upon to lead by example and lift they may have. There will be tables second year, I helped friends with Our board team won, guaranteeing the players around him. of 10 and, if you require an extra their campaigns and, in my final them a spot in the finals. The third The Blues have won only table, then you’ll need to tell me. year, I obviously ran myself. These team also put in a remarkable shift, four games out of 14 and have I must stress, though, that ALL were some of the best weeks I had finishing better than our other conceded more points than any tables are allocated on a first come, in University. While I had barely teams and coming in an excellent other team in the league. They first served. any sleep, I was able to talk to and fifth place. need to toughen up and they Moreover, now that the election have a laugh with different people need stronger leadership on the nomination deadline has passed, I every day. It was one of the few EDORE EVUARHERHE pitch. Hopefully, Rees can give won’t be bothering you about put- times of year outside Freshers’ Athletic Union President them that. ting yourself forward for nomina- Week where you were encouraged @AUPresidentCSU cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk Sport /gairrhydd Monday February 24th 2014 | Issue 1023 Fowler departs as Head of Rugby

Martyn Fowler has left his roles as Cardiff University and Cardiff RFC Director of Rugby to head up rugby at Cardiff and Vale College (<< read more page 33)

Radford selected in GB squad for Junior Men’s lacrosse World Fencing AU Matters: secure top spot in Championships Ultimate Frisbee Plymouth

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