What is the nature of the universe? Does God need a universe? Does God play dice with the universe? Where do we belong as individuals, or as members of a community? These are some of the fundamental questions which have puzzled young people for centuries. What inspires young people? They are looking for a place in the world and to make the Earth the best place to grow up.

1. YS
Nr 1 January
Young
Society
Small hoarding- pay
Price: 1 ₤ (with 8% VAT)
attention !
Help people:
volunteering
Amazing world:
Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World
HOT TOPIC: Flash
mob – a new fashion

2. E D Y T O R I A L
Once, somebody asked me about the definition of the world. I may say
to you, that I had no idea how to response straightaway that time. Why?
Shall I shine through giving a pretty trite definition? I’d rather told him
about the sky and its colours, about the forests and the wind, about the
grass and the morning dew, about the Paradise (which exists- really!),
about the girls and the boys and their silly loves, about people who are
still in the run, about stars and the Universe, about the books and the
word , about everything which is surrounding us. Then, he asked me
about the definition of time. So I told him, that this was our individual
property, which can be observed while ageing. The first step taken by a
child, the granny recalling the step while drinking tea … It seems that
was two days ago. Out memories are so vivid. This is exactly what time
stands for.
So, my dear readers, do not get lost in this big, crazy world. Have always
a sense of time and have some time to smell the roses, run barefoot
after the rain and be yourself, because the World is your home- feel like
at home.
The editors
Gaba Kocjan

3. Table of Contents
ON TOP: Flash Mob 4-7
Subcultures at schools - are we this different? 8-10
A small hoarding problem among young people 11- 13
Volunteering - it is good to help others 14-15
My Nation vs. other Nations: minority and ethnic groups
in Poland 17-18
Do you see the treats ? 19
Religious diversity 20
Seven wonders of The Ancient World 21-22
The band of the month: The Beatles 23

4. A meditation in Cracow Gallery.
It had gang together about 1750
persons.
FLASH MOB
Y ou are going across the park, when all of a sudden several people appear
and start to dance. You think this is a good TV material and you may even
notice a film crew. You are watching them. You hear the music. Suddenly
they stop at the same time and everyone disperses in multiple directions. The art
or an attempt to challenge? This is a flash mob exactly !

5. THIS IS A FLASH MOB !
A flash mob is an organized event
where a group of people gathered to
perform a short show to
unexpectedly entertain or confuse
an existing crowd of people.
Participants usually do not know
each other. They organise the
meeting via various mass
communications to get together at a
specified place and time to show up
A meditation in the main
at a certain place for a few
moments, then disappear.
shopping centre in Cracow.
About 1750 people assembled
together in one place.
A BIT OF HISTORY?
The first Flash Mob was
organized in the United States. The
first attempt to perform the action
was unsuccessful, but the second,
which occurred on June 3, 2003 at
Macy's department store in
Manhattan, proved to be a success.
Participants were to meet at Macy’s
department store and pretend they
lived together in a warehouse on the
outskirts of New York, that they were
shopping for a "love rug". Then the
group moved to the Hyatt hotel and a
shoe boutique in SoHo. In each place
they were following the prepared
instructions. The popularity of flash The ‘No Pants Subway Ride’
mobs is growing because people have
got tired of different protests against.
organized by Improv
They just want to be a part of Everywhere. What about the
something and have some fun instead. shame? Who cares! It is just
for fun!

6. FLASH MOB HITS POLAND
The idea of a flash mob is making its way round the globe… Poland is not an
exception. The first Polish flash mob was organized on 17th October at 17.00 at the
Warsaw Rotunda. The plan was “Everyone involved is weaings shower caps and goggles.
They are pointing at the Palace of Culture and Science for about two minutes, then we
will disperse. “
In Lublin the idea was “Have your CDs and break them shouting: no more CDs,
long live the DVD!". Unfortunately, after a reminder from the administrator of the Web
Side, who said that The Flash Mob must have “no theory”, they changed the script for
“We're having binoculars and looking for 2 minutes at the clock tower.
In Radom in M1 Shopping Center, 60 people started eat sandwiches with cheese.
They praised loudly the meal saying “How great are these sandwiches!”. A tasty idea,
ain’t it?
There was a funny flash mob on the Kabaty platform. A girl with red hair started
the performance. She dropped a teaspoon on the ground. Then 70 people did the same
after 10 minutes.

7. WHAT FOR?
It is for fun, to perform a show, to feel free, to forget about the rules just for a short
time. I introduces elements of absurd to a dull, urban reality. Imagine such a situation, you
are going across the street and suddenly a group of people start to sing the same song. Isn’t it
nice ? Usually surprising. We like to manifest, so Flash Mob is spontaneous, without any
purpose. Participating in a Flash Mob is a rare opportunity that you see happen. It is a
challenging, sometimes silly, risky and rewarding experience. These are the ideas that attract
the young modern generation.
The main feature of each flash mob is its short duration. At the appointed time, the
Mobsters disperse. The second rule is not to talk about the Flash Mob, there is no "source" or
"organizer" of the Flash Mob. You’d better not hang out at the flash mob location before or
after the action. Flash Mobs come in many different shapes and sizes and there really is no
limit to what can be done in a flash mob. Flash celebrations, Random acts of culture,
Marketing mobs, Flash politics and Urban prankster are just a few of the different types of
flash mobs and flash-mob inspired events taking place today.
Flash Mobs are a new crazy fashion the future of which is still unknown. It seems that
the popularity of the phenomenon is growing. It may break the daily routine, improve our
well-being, forget about everything else and make others happy. Who are the heroes of such
an event? They remain anonymous.

8. Subcultures at
schools - are we
I this different?

9. Creative people in your
schools- subcultures
In our school you can see many subcultures. They are hidden,
because our headmaster said clearly: “no promotion of subcultures!”,
but if you look for a minute and pay attention, you can see many signs.
People listen to many kinds of music, have different beliefs and opinions.
Subcultures make our school life more interesting and colourful. You
should have your own opinion on this topic, express yourself and have a
nice style. But remember- do not propagate it it at school!
Angelika Uchacz

10. Hippie „Peace”
The stereotype about them is that
they take drugs and travel around the
world with the “Flower Power”. Some
do that. But some do not. They just
want the end of the wars and peace.
Track-suit people They want to be free.
They often listen to rap music, dub Hipsters
step and hip-hop. There is a common This is not a new subculture. They
belief that they really like football, tend to be in their teens through to
don’t have a brain and are just stupid their 30s. It seems that they “don't
and aggressive. Sometimes yes, but I care” but the attitude is extremely
know some people who belong to this carefully constructed. Hipsters like to
subculture and they are intelligent perceive themselves as being highly
and nice. creative, intelligent, thoughtful, and
witty.
Punks and metals. Brains
Leather boots, jackets, pentagrams They are socially awkward and
and T-shirts with a favourite band. clueless. They just learn and learn, over
They listen to a loud, aggressive genre and over. They have got powerful
of rock music called punk rock. Most Sportsmen minds and often no friends. In Poland
of them have brightly colored hair They are usually well-built, high and they are called “kujony”.
gelled in weird shapes, or their hair slim. Girls like them very much.
might be shaved, cut intentionally
bad, or messed up.
Barbie girls
Artists They always have a ton of
They always have their own make-up, short skirts and look
Skates
opinion on everything. They are like huge dolls, a bit silly
They always have skateboards and
creative and often have manual sometimes because they care a
wear XXXL T-shirts, usually have a
abilities. They are dreamers. lot about appearance.
fringe covering a half of the face.

11. A small hoarding
problem among
young people

12. Nowadays appearance is very important to both boys and girls. It may sound shallow but
people are usually judged by looks. Since the first impression is very important, young
people take care of their image. When they are in school, it counts doubly. Children are
ruder than adults; they can laugh at everything especially when they see a boy or a girl who
does not look well.
How it begins? The truth about hoarding among
young people is very painful for them: if
Usually it does begin when young
they do not get pocket money, they will not
people change schools. They have to face
spend money on gadgets or designer
new people, find new friends. We all see
clothes.
what gadgets are used by our mates. Some
of us really want to be well-liked, and they What helps with spending money?
can do almost everything to be considered
We all see advertisements which show us
as someone cool. When they often see that
really pretty girls or handsome boys and we
their mates use for example i-phones, i-pads
want to get clothes they have on posters
or very popular netbooks they also want to
because we think that we will look prettier.
have that. From the desire 'to have' to buy
something the way may be very short.

13. Unfortunately it is not always the truth, we
rarely look as good as models on posters.
What is worst? The worst thing is that when
we want to have something, we will buy it
no matter what.
Young people cannot resist
advertisements and it is leads directly to
hoarding. Beautiful people on posters show
us that we are not pretty or we do not look
well and as a result we want to imitate
them.
How can we help ourselves?
It is really easy to say that but hard to
do: We need to stop imitate our mates or
people on posters. We need to be ourselves
all the time, and what is the most important
we need to like the person we are. We may
practice a "so what" attitude toward
adverts and gadgets our mates have.
These things can help us not to spend
money but we have to know that spending
money on gadgets only it is not good and it
does not help with being ourselves.
Klaudia Gałuszka

14. Volunteering
Sometimes each of us needs help, children need help with doing their
homework, our grandparents need help with housework. Helping
people is integral part of our lives.

15. Direct contact with people This was one example of indirect
help but in Poland we have much more
Somewhere in every town, there actions like this one. For example a
is a place where people need help, for Christmas charity parcel. It is organized
example a hospice or a children’s in nearly every school and you can
home. There are many people who are help without leaving school. This
volunteers and help at such places. action is about collecting food (with
Work in a hospice is very hard. If long shelf life), toys, clothes or other
you want to work there, you must be things for people in need.
mentally strong and be prepared for
what you can see there. You will have
to help old, ill people, and always Help to man’s best friend
smile. This is work for people with
If you like animals and you are
strong nerves.
not allergic, you can help in animal
Work at a children’s home is a shelter. It is not an easy job. You have
little bit enjoyable if you like children to feed animals, take them for a walk
of course. When you work at children and do many other things. If you really
home your work may include playing like animals, watching them being kept
with children or helping with their in cages may be difficult to deal with
homework. Volunteers are very helpful but it cannot discourage you! It is
at such homes, they make the children exactly the reason to help them!
start laughing again.
Klaudia Gałuszka
Indirect help
If you have less free time you
can also help. There are charity actions
you can participate in, like WOŚP in
Poland. Each year on the second
Sunday of January WOŚP plays. Plenty
of volunteers go out on the street and
collect money for children. Every year
they collect large sum of money and
the foundation buys medical
equipment to save children.

16. My Nation vs. other Nations-
minority and ethnic groups
in Poland.
What makes a social whole? A society
Minority groups in Poland
is a very broad concept that is usually broken according to nationality
down into different levels and facets of life.
Within a society, there are smaller groups
with different subcultures associated with
region, nationality, ethnic origin or social
class. There are also other factors that
separate smaller societies one from another.
These are culture, language, race, and
religion. Of all the mention factors, ‘minority’
has been used interchangeably with
ethnicity. What are the consequences?
A Minority Group- what is that ?
It is a group of people, living on the area
of another country, differ from other part of
society in language, culture, ethnic origin or
religion.
These groups may be of different
nationality. In Poland there live: Germans–
from Germany, Czechs- Bohemia, Belarusians-
Belarus, Ukrainians- Ukraine, Lithuanians-
Lithuania, Jews- Israel and Armenians-
Armenia.
Another factor which defines minority is
Ethnicity. Members of each ethnic group
identify with each other, through a common
cultural, linguistic, religious, behavioural or
biological traits.

17. Ethnic minorities Rights of minorities
In contrast to other minority U- Ukrainians
After years of political non-
groups, ethnic minorities have N- Germans
existence, minorities have
never had a separate country. become the issue of political
S- Slovaks
An ethnic minority is a group of and legal importance to Poland T- Tatars
people that have a different since 1989. Poland treats all its Ł- Lemkos
culture, religion or language to citizens equally and respects B- Belarussians
the main one in the place or their right to preserve their O- Armenians
country they live in. Its own cultural and national
members constitute usually K- Karaims
identity, as well as their social
less than the half of the total Ż- Jews
and political aspirations. It was
population of the country. sanctioned by The Constitution
C- Czechs
Poland is highly homogenous, (1997) and by National and R- Roma
since those who belong to Ethnic Minorities and Regional R- Russians
ethnic minorities constitute Languages Act (2005).
about 3 per cent of all
inhabitants (according to the
public census from May, 2002).

18. These regulations are consistent to European
standards. A particularly important aspect of
state policy towards minorities is the
privilege guaranteed by the Electoral Law,
according to which national minorities' lists
are exempt from thresholds requirements
(which is 5% of the total votes cast for a party
list; 8% for a coalition list). Also the
conditions for establishing schools for
minorities in Poland are favourable
nowadays. The regulations guarantee the
opportunity to learn and to be instructed in
the minority language in public educational
The Jews
institutions, sustain and develop their own
native language as well as introduce themes
of history and geography of minorities in
Poland to school curricula. Ethnic minorities
may apply for grants for actions in the sphere
of culture, education or aimed at ensuring
equal opportunities in the field of public
affairs and preservation of minorities
identity.
What do we get from them ?
One could wonder what it is all about,
how people are distinct, how social groups
The Roma
relate to one another. Do we benefit from
the existence of minorities? Just think for a
while about the Polish language and how it
has been enriched by borrowings from other
languages. Minorities have their own distinct
culture and customs, elements of which have
been assimilated into the dominant national
culture becoming our common heritage.
Polish national cuisine was enriched with
various dishes originating in the incoming
minorities. The variety of customs and
traditions makes Poland more attractive and
unique to foreigners. Poland is visited by 12.5
million tourists each year. It has to do with
The Tatars
cultural diversity of our country.
Gabriela Kocjan

19. Do you see
the threats?
What is worse this addiction goes hand in hand
with drug addition. Any addiction is difficult to
Let’s play a computer game, shall we? overcome alone. Additionally. it may lead to
irreversible damage to the nervous system or
I would like to write about social threats long-term health problems. Once hooked,
to the youth. The first set of threats that youth addicts loose all sense of responsibility both
face is computer gaming, the internet and TV. If towards themselves and towards others as
someone is addicted to modern technology, well as the ability to manage time effectively.
nothing else matters. Playing computer games They need more and more of those substances
contributes to aggression and brutality. Those to sustain the illusion of complete relaxation
horrible bloody games cause many problems and happiness. The only way out of
for children on the one hand and for society on dependence is to undergo treatment for their
the other. Teenagers lose sense of reality and addiction.
as a result they become isolated from the
outside world. Such games are contributing to a Beat me with your intelligence instead
teenage lack of responsibility, a risk-taking of fists!
behaviour, a shortening of the attention span,
The third threat is juvenile delinquency. More
thus harming the ability to learn. They make
and more young people are committing crimes
children less sociable, less confident, and more
or minor offences. Juvenile delinquents begin
introverted or even narrow-minded. There is
offending or showing antisocial behaviour such
evidence that aggressive games have negative
as bullying, beating and humiliating weaker
outcomes, such as lower academic
even in childhood. This continues into
performance which may result in a lower
adulthood as they members of various gangs
chance of achieving success in life.
and aggressive football fans. Although, some
Alcohol and drugs? No, I'd rather not! Religious diversity-
young offenders tend to drop all criminal
activity as they grow older, some of them get
The second set of threats is associated jail sentences .
with alcohol and drugs. More and more young
people are experimenting with alcohol at a very To sum up, our role is to alarm authorities to
early age and becoming dependent on alcohol. undertake actions to stop or prevent those
threats.
K. Gałuszka

20. Religious diversity
- the most
important facts
There are many religions in the world.
Christianity, Buddhism, Calvinism, Religion of
Flying Spaghetti... Everybody has got their own
beliefs and opinions about God and answers for There are religions in which polygamy is
the questions: permitted. It takes two main forms – polygyny
(a man marries more than one woman) and
-‘How did the World begin?’
polyandry (a woman marries more than one
-‘Who cares about us ?’. man). Polygyny may be found in rural Tibet
where agriculture is difficult and food
Catholics believe in the seven
requirements have led to a marital system. In
sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation,
Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas
Marriage, Ordination,
polyandry is completely prohibited.
Reconciliation/Confession and Anointing of the
Sick. They were instituted by Christ who is Everyone should have the freedom to
believed to be the savior of humanity and he choose what religion he or she wants to
died on the cross to atone for the sins of all practice. No one has the right to tell you what
humanity. to think or what to believe in. You can even
create your own God or religion and get people
All Catholics are Christians, but all
to worship your God. If they believe...
Christians are not Catholics.
congratulations, you have your own followers.
Protestantism began with the "Protestant
We are told that there are ten thousand
Reformation”, led by Martin Luther who posted
religions in the world! Yet, there are many
his 95 Theses, calling for reform of the Christian
people who reject the existence of God and not
Church. Luther criticized some practices of the
believe in any supernatural deity or supreme
early 16th century Catholic Church, especially
being. These people are called Atheists.
the selling of indulgences. Protestants do
respect Mary as Jesus’ mother but no not In ‘Focus’ they wrote that Islam is taking
believe that one needs to pray to Mary, Saints control over the whole Europe. I do not think
or Angels. so. There are many Christians and atheists. One
people, one opinion, one belief.
A. Uchacz

21. Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World
The term Seven Wonders of the World refers to
works regarded by ancient Greeks and Romans as
the most remarkable structures of their times.
They were described by Philon of Byzance,
around the second century BC.
www.seven-wonders-world.com

22. The Great Pyramid of Giza also called The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is a
Pyramid of Khufu is the only one of the Seven monumental grave located in the southwest
Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. It of Turkey in the city of Halicarnassus
is located near the Cairo city, in Egypt. The (nowadays Bodrum, in south-west Turkey). It
monument was built around the year 2560 BC! was completed around 350 BC. Built in a
Is composed of 2,300,000 stone blocks, each mixture of Egyptian, Greek and Lycian styles,
averaging 2 1/2 tons in weight. Until the 19th it was unique because of life-size as well as
century it was the tallest building in the world. under and over life-size free-standing statues
of people, lions, horses, and other animals.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
(Modern Iraq), one of the Seven Wonders of The Colossus of Rhodes, built between
the Ancient World. This is a quite mysterious 292 - 280 BC, was not only a gigantic statue.
wonder. They were said to have been built to It commemorates victory of The Rhodians
please King Nebuchadnezzar's wife, Amyitis. over Demetrius. They melted down bronze
Gardens were built around 600 BC and from the many war machines Demetrius left
destroyed by an earthquake in second Century behind for the exterior of the figure. The
BC. statue stood upward of 105 feet high at the
harbor entrance, until a strong earthquake
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is the next
hit Rhodes. The city was badly damaged, and
miracle. It was located at the ancient town
the Colossus collapsed.
Olympia, on the west coast of modern Greece.
It was built around 432 BC. The figure's skin Finally, the Pharos at Alexandria which
was composed of ivory and the beard, hair and was a lighthouse at the port of the Egyptian
robe of gold which was attached to a wooden city named for Alexander the Great. The only
frame. It was completely destroyed by a fire one wonder which has a practical use. It was
that swept the city in 475 AD. built around 270 BC and was the first
lighthouse in the world and the tallest
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is
building in existence, with the exception of
another great human made structure. It was
the Great Pyramid. The white marble whole
located in the ancient city of Ephesus which is
measured approximately 135 m (440 feet)
nowadays called Selcuk, and which is located
height. It was the victim of earthquakes.
about 50 km in the South of Izmir. The first
shrine to the temple was probably built around We think of Seven Wonders of the
800 BC. It was destroyed and rebuilt several Ancient World as of one list. The truth is that
times over the next few hundred years. The there were several of them and many of
temple had 127 columns over 60 feet high and them agreed on six of the seven mentioned
was made completely of marble except for a wonders. It is still hard to believe that those
tile-covered wooden roof. buildings were build by humans.
AU

23. The Beatles were an English rock band, which started a new era of music. The group
consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The group was
active from 1957 to 1969. After their break-up in 1970, they managed to develop individual
musical careers.
Although their initial style was a highly original, the group later worked in many genres
ranging from rock-n-roll and R&B-based pop songs to psychedelic rock, often incorporating
classical and other elements in innovative ways. Their music rapidly evolved, becoming
increasingly subtle, sophisticated, and varied — ranging from ballads such as "Yesterday" to the
psychedelic hard rock of "Tomorrow Never Knows."
This band was – and still is - a great phenomenon. They have changed music and music
industry. Many artists have acknowledged them as an influence. Many bands today play The
Beatles' music and some of them do it very well, but original version of “Let it be” or “Hey Jude”
is definitely the best. The Beatles' line 'All you need is love' is a great motto to live by.
I believe that band will inspire us to love and feel better for a long time.
Love me do ♥ Angelika Uchacz