This is The Cool Magazine! In this magazine, we’ve tried to combine a selection of writings which we believe will be most interesting. Children, Teenagers, adults – there’s something here for everyone!

1. Written by:
Julia Bizoń,
Konrad Deka,
Tomek Kleiner,
Gosia Szymańska.

2. This is The Cool Magazine! In this magazine, we’ve tried to
combine a selection of writings which we believe will be most
interesting. Children, Teenagers, adults – there’s something
here for everyone!
Contents:
Page 3: Minority and majority groups in Poland – find out about majority and
minority groups in our country. A very interesting read about the differences in our
cultures).
Page 4: How to prevent social exclusion in schools? – an essay written to help people
understand what exactly social exclusion is and what can we do to stop it.
Page 5 and 6: Ever needed to talk to someone? Ever felt like just giving up! Know that
you’re not alone! Psychologist Gosia Szymanska talks about self-harm incidents with
teens.
Page 7 and 8: Local foods in the UK – have you ever wondered what is eaten in
England? How about Scotland? And Wales and Ireland? In this article you will find
out!
Page 9 and 10: Haggis, a special Scottish dish – Here’s a brilliant recipe so you can
make this traditional meal at home!
Page 11: Ahmed’s story – terrorism from the other point of view.
Page 12: Religious diversity – advantage or disadvantage of today's world?
Page 14 and 15: “Mysterious Universe” – interview with Piotr Bizoń, an astrophysicist
from Jagiellonian University.
Page 16 and 17: Are there other universes? – Find out about theories and latest
studies about multiverse!

3. Minority and majority groups in Poland
Ethnic groups thousand of citizens. They mostly
live in Podlaskie Voivodship.
Poland is inhabited by various
national minorities: Belorussians, Religions
Czechs, Lithuanians, Germans,
There are 138 officially registered
Armenians, Russians, Slovaks,
religious associations in Poland. The
Ukrainians and Jews. In addition, in
biggest religion in Poland is the
the Pomorskie there are Kashubians
Catholic Church, which collects
a community speaking their own
about 30 million of believers. The
regional language.
Polish Orthodox Church counts half
Germans are the largest a million believers, most of them
national minority in Poland. Nearly being Belorussians. Lutheran Church
200 thousand citizens claimed their has about 85,000 believers. Other
nationality as German, most of them groups are not too relevant, as they
living in Opolskie Voivodship. As are smaller than 10,000 people.
they're the largest minority in
It is estimated that about 10%
Poland, two deputies represent
of Polish citizens are atheists, and
them in the Parliament, as well as
that number is constantly
there are over 300 schools where
increasing.
approximately 40,000 students can
learn in German language. Most
members of the German minority
are Catholic and some of them are
Protestant (the Evangelical-
Augsburg Church).
Belorussians are the second
largest minority, with about 50
Written by Konrad Deka

4. How to prevent social exclusion?
Social exclusion is a very big Disabled people are also a
problem which is becoming more group that is socially excluded. It is
and more common. It is extremely much harder for them to find work
hurtful and can cause a lot of pain – than for ordinary people. Luckily,
for adults and for children. People the amount of organizations helping
are usually excluded for their: race, the disabled is increasing.
gender, sexuality. There are also
The last group of people being
examples of people being excluded
socially excluded that I want to
because of their appearance.
mention are women. Although the
I think the best way to situation for woman is way better
prevent social exclusion is to make than it was before the war it still
sure that the bullies realize how isn’t good. It’s harder for women to
much damage they are making. find jobs and they are usually paid
Maybe they do not know how less than men for the same job.
hurtful they are.
Summing up, I think we all
Most social exclusion happens have to try and remember how
in schools. Teenagers quickly hurtful social exclusion is. We
assume things about other people. should all try and stop it as best as
Usually, they think that something we can and do what we can to help
“different” is equivalent to people that are socially excluded.
something “wrong” or “bad”. The
children being socially excluded
have to know that they can always
go to the school psychologist, who
will try with all their might and help
them. Of course, the best option are
schools, with a no bullying policy.
Written by Gosia Szymanska

5. A more and more common problem.
Nowadays, we are hearing more and more information about children
and teens self-harming themselves. This is a very terrifying thought, for parents
as well as other kids, who are worried about their friends.
Maybe I should start by saying why people start harming themselves.
Most of the time, it is a way of dealing with feelings such as: helplessness,
despair, low self-esteem, loneliness, shame. People also start self-harming
because they don’t have control over their own life or because the only time
they feel “real” is when they cause physical pain to themselves. Some self-harm
is related to huge emotional pain. When people have experienced abuse or
violence. Self-harming people sometimes say that when they hurt themselves
physically, it helps take away the emotional pain.
Why do people keep harming themselves? – is the question that comes
to mind. A lot of people claim that self-harming is addicting and after a while it
gets just as hard to stop as it does to stop smoking or taking drugs.
And now the most important – How can you help a friend or family
member? First of all, stay calm. When you find out that someone is self-
harming themselves it’s usually very distressing. It’s important to educate
yourself – find out as much information as you can and then try and talk to a
professional about what you can do to help the person. An important thing is
also to make sure your friend knows you are there for them.
If currently a self-harmer is reading this, know that there are people out
there always ready to help. Here is a list of the most important home
numbers/websites:
• Depression Hotline: 1-630-482-9696 (UK: Depression Alliance, 0845 123
2320)
• Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-8433 (UK: Samaritans, 08457 90 90 90)
• LifeLine: 1-800-273-8255

6. • Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• Sexuality Support: 1-800-246-7743 (UK: London Lesbian & Gay
Switchboard (serves all LGBTQ people), 0300 330 0630)
• Eating Disorders Hotline: 1-847-831-3438 (UK: National Centre for Eating
Disorders, 01372 469 493)
• Rape and Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673 (UK: SupportLine, 01708
765 200)
• Grief Support: 1-650-321-5272 (UK: The Bereavement Trust, 0800
435 455)
• Runaway: 1-800-843-5200, 1-800-843-5678, 1-800-621-4000 (UK:
Homeless UK, 0808 800 70 70)
• Crisis Chat Online: www.crisischat.org
• Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233 (UK: National Domestic Violence
Helpline, 0808 2000 247, Broken Rainbow (for same-sex relationships),
020 8359 9507)
• http://www.selfinjury.com/
Get Connected (puts you in touch with appropriate hotline (UK only)):0808 808
4994.
Written by Gosia Szymanska

7. Local UK foods!
Every country is famous for some of their traditional foods and dishes.
Here is a list of some of the most famous dishes in England, Wales, Soctland
and Ireland. Some of them are really yummy! You should try them!
England:
• Yorkshire Pudding (even though the name might
state otherwise, this isn’t eaten as a dessert but
as art of the main course),
• Toad-in-the-Hole (similar to Yorkshire Pudding
but with sausages),
• Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding (a traditional Sunday lunch),
• Fish and chips (I think this doesn’t really need explaining, does it? )
• Ploughman’s Lunch (a dish served in Pubs, which consists of cheese,
pickles, onions and a piece of bread),
• Shephards’ Pie,
• English Breakfast (we definitely can’t forget about
this! Eggs, bacon, sausages, fried bread,
mushrooms and baked beans)
Ireland:
• Irish Potato Soup,
• Irish Farm House Broth,
• Irish Wheaten Bread,

8. •
• Irish Spiced Beef.
Wales:
• Laverbread (boiled seaweed),
• Bara Brith (a rich cake)
• Welsh Rarebit (melted cheese on toast)
• Cawl (a rich stew made with bacon, Welsh lamb and vegetables),
• Welsh Cakes, also known as Griddle Scones.
Scotland:
• Haggis (the best known Scottish delicacy),
• Scotch Pies,
• Black Bun (a very rich fruit cake)
• Porridge (even though a lot of people don’t like this dish, it is still eaten
in loads of houses because it’s cheap and easy to make),
Written by Gosia Szymanska

9. Haggis!
As I said before, Haggis is the most popular and traditional dish in Scotland.
Here is an easy recipe how to make this food.
Ingredients
• 1 sheep's stomach or ox secum, cleaned and thoroughly, scalded, turned
inside out and soaked overnight in cold salted water
• heart and lungs of one lamb
• 450g/1lb beef or lamb trimmings, fat and lean
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 225g/8oz oatmeal
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground dried coriander
• 1 tsp mace
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• water, enough to cook the haggis

10. • stock from lungs and trimmings
Preparation method
1. Wash the lungs, heart and liver (if using). Place in large pan of cold water
with the meat trimmings and bring to the boil. Cook for about 2 hours.
2. When cooked, strain off the stock and set the stock aside.
3. Mince the lungs, heart and trimmings.
4. Put the minced mixture in a bowl and add the finely chopped onions,
oatmeal and seasoning. Mix well and add enough stock to moisten the mixture.
It should have a soft crumbly consistency.
5. Spoon the mixture into the sheep's stomach, so it's just over half full.
Sew up the stomach with strong thread and prick a couple of times so it doesn't
explode while cooking.
6. Put the haggis in a pan of boiling water (enough to cover it) and cook for
3 hours without a lid. Keep adding more water to keep it covered.
7. To serve, cut open the haggis and spoon out the filling. Serve with neeps
(mashed swede or turnip) and tatties (mashed potatoes).
Written by Gosia Szymanska

11. Ahmed's story
Ahmed ibn Muhammad abd Khalifa was a 14 years old child from
United Arab Emirates. His father was an average citizen of Abu Dhabi, a
shoemaker in poor district. The family of Ahmed was very zealous, so the child
grew up as a very devoted Muslim. He has got a lot of friends, not only Muslims
but also Christians and Buddhists. Everything in Ahmed's life was going well
until he reached the age of 15. Groups of Islamic fanatics took to their
ranks persons older than 15 years, and Ahmed's dad forced his son to join one of
them – Al Shakira.
Al Shakira consisted about 50 people who were ready to die for
Islam in Jihad. Ahmed was terrified when he thought about death, but he was
hiding out from others. After long preparations and training, he was sent on his
first and last mission. A suicide mission. The situation between countries on this
territory was stable, Ahmed's mission had no military benefits. It was the Jihad
mission.
On 10th February 2011 Ahmed, dressed in school uniform, entered
the Pakistani Army training base in Mardan. He had no problem to get into the
center, guardians did not even think of searching the student. Ahmed was not
sure whether what he does is right, but if so decided his father … The boy threw
the uniform away and pushed the detonator of C4 explosives attached to his
belt. And it was over.
31 Pakistani soldiers were killed, 42 went to the hospital. Ahmed
couldn't survived it, explosion scattered his limbs for a few metres. The whole
world was crying, but Ahmed's father tears were filled with pain and pride.
But whether it was really worth the lives of the boy and so many brave Pakistani
soldiers?
In acts of terrorism on religious ground has already killed hundreds
of thousands people. In the name of what? God?! If God would command to kill
so many of his children? Try to avoid stories such as Ahmed's. Let's do
everything we can to stop religious attacks.
Written by Tomek Kleiner

12. Religious diversity – adventage or
disadventage of today's world?
Nowadays, issue of religious diversity concerns the whole
world. Let's see what are pros and cons of it. But for first a little
introduction. There are many religions all over the world. Christianity,
Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and many others. Each one of them has a
lot of believers and a lot of traditions that should be respected. But in
today's world persecutions on religious grounds are common,
especially in countries where there is one dominating religion.
From one point of view, people may share traditions with
others so culture develops, and in my opinion mixing of traditions is a
prerequisite for progress - when we compare two things we may
choose the better one. Of course it is impossible to unite all religions
– it would cause riots and terrorist acts. But I think that they are
many aspects which various religions agree, so why couldn't we
eliminate one of flashpoints of religious war?
Another advantage of religious diversity is that everybody
may choose religion which best suits to his religion views. Even if
somebody is irreligious (agnostic or atheist), he may decide about
what he wants to do. In theory, there is full freedom of religion. In
practice, things look worse...
On the other hand, there is a discrimination on religious
ground. Many people suffer because of their faith – there is no
understanding of dissimilarity. Even in Poland, we often have
prejudices to people that are not Christians, but it is not that bad as

13. in Arab countries. Many man were killed because they refused to
convert to Islam. There are also many religious wars, such as war of
the Holy Land, Jerusalem.
Other problem is that there are many believers who
wouldn't agree for such changes as I mentioned at the beginning.
They would protest that mixing religions attacks their history and
culture. I am talking mainly about Muslims and their Jihad – the holy
war. Their attitude to other religions is very negative and they
wouldn't cooperate in a process of combining religions, and could
even cause mentioned before Jihad.
To sum up, I'm not sure whether religious diversity is good
for our world. There are many pros and many cons, but none of
them convince me that I finally chose a clear position on this issue.
But definitely discrimination because of religion must disappear
immediately for good of all of us.
Written by Tomek Kleiner

14. „Mysterious
universe”
An interview with Piotr Bizoń, an astrophysicist from Jagiellonian
University
Let’s talk about universe! What Interacting Massive Particles.
is it made of? We hope to discover them in
Large Hadron Collider.
In 5% it consists of stuff we are
made of – protons, neutrons, You said that we don’t see it,
electrons – ordinary matter. but it’s there. How do we
20% of it is dark matter, which know that?
we don’t see but know it exists.
When we look at galaxies and
The rest is made of dark energy.
how they move, we observe
Does the universe have a that they pull on each other as
center? if there was about 4 times more
matter than we see. Its
No. In fact, it looks basically the
movement would be different if
same from any point of view –
there was no dark matter.
galaxies moving away from us
in all directions. What is dark energy?
What is dark matter? Well, from observations we
know that the universe is
We don’t know, but we have
expanding. One would expect
some ideas. Most cosmologists
that this expansion should slow
think that dark matter consists
down because galaxies that
of so called WIMPs – Weekly

15. move apart pull on each others. antimatter right after the big
Thus it was a great surprise bang, beginning of the universe.
when in 1998 it was discovered But when matter meets
that in fact it’s the opposite – antimatter they annihilate and
the universe accelerates. We produce radiation. The fact that
believe that this acceleration is there is 5% of matter is left
caused by the energy of empty means that there was more
space, and that’s what dark matter than antimatter at the
energy is. It has a negative big bang, but we don’t know
gravitational effect, which the origin of this antisymmetry.
means that its gravity pushes
things apart rather than pulls
things together. The problem is
that all attempts to compote
this energy give a result which
is much, much larger than the
observed value. It’s one of the
biggest mysteries in cosmology.
That is fascinating! Are there
other mysteries?
Yes, of course. For example we
don’t understand why 5% of
the universe is composed of
ordinary matter. According to
physics of elementary particles,
there should be the same
amount of matter and
Written by Julia Bizoń

16. Are there other
universes?
Our universe may seem gigantic to us, but there’s a possibility
that it’s just one of many others. There are lots of theories and
studies trying to decide whether or not they really exist. The term for
this is “multiverse”, which was invented in 1960 by Andy Nommo. Its
original definition is “an apparent universe, a multiplicity of which, go
to make up the whole universe”.
Recently London scientists published 2 papers detailing how to
search for signatures of other universes. In the CBA (cosmic
microwave background radiation) they discovered four patterns, that
may be the places where our universe crashed into other. Imagine
bubbles, next to each other, existing in the same time – universes
may be like that. If they collide with each other, they create bruises
that can be seen in the CBA. Thanks to NASA satellites the map of
multiverse was created. One of the scientists said: “"The work
represents an opportunity to test a theory that is truly mind-blowing:
that we exist within a vast multiverse, where other universes are
constantly popping into existence."
Scientists Thibault Damour and Sergey Solodukhin suspect
that what some of the black holes could be actually wormholes. A
black hole is an object with an enormous gravitation field that
nothing can escape. They cannot be seen, but can be identified by
the way matter swirls around them. Wormhole, on the other hand, is

17. a kind of a rift in space, a bridge connecting two places. Damour and
Solodukhin were trying to find out how a wormhole connecting two
universes might look like and they discovered, that it would look so
much like a black hole that it would be impossible to tell the
difference between them.
According to “The Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum
Mechanics” by Hugh Everett, if something didn’t happen, but could,
happens in a parallel universe. Every choice you make might create
other universes in which you chosed differently. Those universes can
be either very similar, eg. The only difference between them is that in
one you’re having a pizza and in other a bagel, or it can be
completely different – eg. You don’t even exist. Actually, that’s how
some scientists explain existence of human kind or anything we
know, even our planet – so many things influenced life on earth that,
when you think, there was a small possibility for us to turn out as we
did. But when you think of our universe as just a one between many
others, in some of which there is eg. no life, it may seem less surreal.
To sum up, there’s not a lot of facts that we can be sure of
when it comes to multiverse. Studies are continuing and the chances
of a great discovery are just as high as the possibility that we will
never know for sure. For now we can be intrigued by the mystery
powered by our own imagination.
Written by Julia Bizo