Gair Rhydd

You could be poorer than you think

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Too many students miss out on free money because they don’t think they are poor enough to apply for University hardship grants

So much to do, so little money to spend… juggling a part time job and study time… and going out time? Having to skilfully budget your student loan to cover all your expenses is not easy. 

The Financial Contingency Fund (FCF) could help ease your financial worries. The University is given money every year by the government to help home students experiencing financial hardship. A ‘home’ student is someone from the UK or who normally resides in the UK according to the government’s definition.  

Sexy selling

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Does sex not sell anymore? Amy Davies looks at our immunity to sexed-up adverts

It’s an old formula, cliché, adage, whatever you want to call it – everyone knows that in the world of advertising, sex sells. Or does it? With more and more research suggesting otherwise, we question whether consumers are growing weary of the constant barrage of buff bodies on display and instead leaning more towards new and inventive advertising styles?

Remember the 1994 “Hello Boys” Wonderbra advert? Of course you do, it is ingrained in our cultural subconscious, forever enshrined as the holy grail of sexy advertising. It increased the sales of Wonderbra astronomically and caused distracted drivers to swerve into distracted pedestrians (apparently). Here of course lies the all important difference, that is, between sex and sexy. A spokesman for the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising has stated that “sexy sells much better than sex”, further adding “the gratuitous use of sexual imagery is a turn off”. The woman in her bra was sexy yes, gratituous, no.

Don’t give up on giving up

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As the smoking ban gets closer to being enforced in Wales, Health offers some advice to potential non-smokers.

After a big night out, the hangover the next day is not the only thing some people dread. The smell of cigarettes that linger on clothes and hair can also be a problem.

However from April 2, 2007, this is all set to change as it will no longer be legal to smoke in public spaces such as pubs, clubs and restaurants. Smokers will be forced to take their cigarettes outside which is good news for non-smokers. But what does the future hold for those who do indulge themselves.? For some, the ban is seen as the perfect opportunity to quit once and for all. But as most people are aware, getting unhooked is not the easiest thing to do.

The Ig Nobel Awards hit Cardiff

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Science talks you through the eminent scientists awarded for their improbable research

Kees Moeliker

Documented the first scientifically recorded case of homosexual necrophilia in the Mallard Duck

Hollywood saving the world... again

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Spielberg calls ‘Action’ to encourage communication between Israel and Palestine

From the adventures of Indiana Jones, to a great white terrorising Amity Island, to that adorable alien three million light years from home, everyone knows Steven Spielberg’s work. His films have earned him Oscars, Golden Globes and Directors’ Guild Awards to name a few.

Spielberg has directed, produced or executively produced eight out of the thirty top grossing films of all time. Entertaining the world for decades, with titles such as Amistad, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan under his belt, it’s hard to imagine cinema without Steven Spielberg.

Smoking is not alone as the only ‘sociable’ habit that can play havoc with your health

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Many victims of liver disease are not alcoholics, and even moderate social drinkers are at risk from liver damage.

Alcohol is one cause of liver disease, but just one of many, and the risk depends on how much you drink and over how long a period.

Kathryn Foot from the University’s Careers Service talks on work experience

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The results of a recent survey, conducted by the Cardiff University Careers Service, revealed that work experience is a top priority for students from Cardiff University.

These findings are in line with similar surveys conducted by universities and careers groups across the UK. Potential employers are now looking for much more from our students, a good degree needs to be backed up with evidence of additional employability skills developed through extra curricular activities including work experience.