New Year celebrations are soon to begin, and no doubt there will be lots of fireworks going off, frightening dogs and children until the small hours of January 1st, 2007. Fireworks originated in China (206 BC–AD 220) and produced the loud sound (known as Chinese: "Bian pao") that was intended to frighten evil spirits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks

This week we have Film Club, where you’ll be watching Shrek 2 on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Also there is James’ lecture on Polish immigration to America, on Friday at 7.30pm. Usual drill, sign up with the secretaries if you want to attend.

After the Christmas break...

Advanced Conversation Club will be on the 4th of January and Rock Climbing Club will be on the 5th.

The Snowman

Wordless (save for the song "Walking in the Air") animated adventure about a young English boy who makes a snowman one Christmas Eve, only for it to come to life that night and take him on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. I love this film, never get tired of it!

FESTIVE FILMS – These are a staple part of the annual Christmas diet. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and just after, television and cinema is filled with themed movies. Some are good, some are really bad, but all get you in the mood for a good party…

SANTA CLAUS – THE MOVIE (1985) – This movie tells the story of how the old man who eventually became Santa Claus was given immortality and chosen to deliver toys to all the children of the world. The second half moves into the modern era, in which Patch, the head elf, strikes out on his own and falls in with an evil toy manufacturer who wants to corner the market and eliminate Santa Claus.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (many versions!) – In this, an old man named Ebenezer Scrooge (like a Scotsman, doesn’t like to help people or give money) is taught by three ghosts how be compassionate towards others. This comes from a short story by Charles Dickens.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1993) - A little girl discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle - Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) - Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween -- but alas, they can't get it quite right.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989) - It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. Like all the Vacation movies, this is hilarious. Watch it!

FESTIVE TUNES – Again, these seem to pop up every year, and different artists always have new takes on old songs. The battle to be Christmas Number 1 in the music charts is always the most important, and predictably in Britain it mostly goes to some lame pop group. Here is a list of some of the most popular:

Last Christmas – Wham! (1984)
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens (1985)
Mistletoe & Wine – Cliff Richard (1988)
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day – Wizzard (1973)
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl (1987)
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid (1984, 1989 & 2004)
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono (1972)
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Perry Como et al. (1930s)
White Christmas – Bing Crosby (1942)
Winter Wonderland – Perry Como (1946)

Well, that’s it for this week! And indeed, for the year. So have a good Crimbo all, and we’ll see you in the New Year. Probably nursing a hangover ;)

Travel Club
Date: Saturday, 16th December
Time: 1pm
Place: Meet at the school!!

Gosia has promised to take everyone to the museum in Gliwice, as she couldn’t afford to take us all to Disneyland.. szkoda. If you want to go then make sure you get your name down in the usual place and be at the school for one o’clock on Saturday.

Ok, so I just want to say thank you to everyone who turned up for my lecture on Friday evening. It was a great success, and the two people who came left full of wondrous information about the great nation of Wielka Brytania.

David.

So.. Saturday was the Speed Christmas party, and a great night was had by all. We managed to raise money for the children’s orphanage and get nicely drunk at the same time. You could say that it was like killing two birds with one stone. Thanks to everybody who showed up and may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas.

The Queen, England :)

Phrases related to the body
OK, so last time we looked at some phrases related to the face. Now let’s look at some others..

Bury your head in the sand – this means that, like an ostrich when in danger, we ignore the problem e.g. You must pay your debts. You can’t just bury your head in the sand.

A chip on your shoulder – this means that you don’t like someone because of what has happened in the past, and you won’t forget about it e.g. Jack has had a chip on his shoulder ever since Jill stole his umbrella.

An army marches on its stomach – Mr. Callan would love this one! It means that soldiers march when they are fed and have the energy to march. We might use it when deciding whether to eat or not e.g. You’d better eat something before going to the train station. An army marches on its stomach.

4th – 10th December, 2006.

This week’s edition by: David


Howdy! It’s only two weeks until Christmas, are you all excited? I’m not quite sure of the Polish traditions at Crimbo, but in England we tend to get loads of gifts. Unless you’re me, and are classed as “too old…”

In other news this week, I am not happy. Do you remember I mentioned last time about England v Australia battling it out in the cricket? Well England are now 2-0 down in the best-of-five series. We have to win the next three to guarantee keeping that magnificent trophy!

Also, some of the teachers went to Wieliczka Salt Mines near Kraków, and into Kraków itself afterwards, They had a great day, eating in a Georgian restaurant and seeing the sights. Nice one guys, hope you took plenty of pictures!


REVIEWS

ROCK CLIMBING CLUB

Only one student attended this week, but we had a welcome return to the scene for The Beast, a former student here. I couldn’t climb because I had the wrong shoes, so I went and bought some. However, Brian and the others had great fun! Looking forward to next month, test those shoes…


INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION CLUB

I heard this was a great success! Held at Promil, seven people attended, and they chatted and chewed the fat for almost two hours! The topics covered are too many to list! Apparently the same kind of stuff you’d talk to people at Hemingway’s at 3am… Well done guys!


NEWS AND EVENTS

There’s a lot happening in the next week or so, read on! Unfortunately this means there’s no room for fun stuff. Never mind! Normal service will resume next week!

LECTURE – A BRIEF HISTORY OF BRITAIN
Friday 8th December, 19.30.

Ok, so it’s the turn of yours truly (me!) to give a lecture. I’ve chosen to talk about the history of my great collection of nations, so if you want to know a little more about Britain’s history then come along. I’ll try and make it interesting, inject a bit of humour. I promise! Usual drill – sign up with the secretaries.


ADVANCED CONVERSATION CLUB
Thursday 7th December, 19.30.

Sean will be hosting this once more, so for all you self-confessed “experts”, come along and expand that cranium! Sign up with the secretaries.


SNOOKER & POOL CLUB
Sunday 10th December, 14.00.

Daniel and Kel will once again be your hosts, for some (semi) competitive action. See you there, see the secretaries!


INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION CLUB
Tuesday 12th December, 19.30

I know, we’ve only just had the last one! This will again be held at Promil; Hugh and Caroline your host and hostess. Get your name on the list at the secretaries’ office!


MUSIC CLUB
Saturday 16th December, 20.00.

Our very own Marcin will be playing at the London Pub, a favourite place for our Music Clubs. He promises to play something different to the usual, including a few covers and versions that might surprise you. He may also have a special guest to accompany him! Sign up at the secretaries’ domain, and remember – don’t wear yellow socks to the gig!


LET’S PARTY!

The SPEED CHRISTMAS PARTY is for teachers and students alike, and will be held at BABILON, wherever that is, on Saturday 9th December at 20.00. Go see the secretaries for more information and to sign up. SEE YOU THERE!

And for the Kids of the Callan School, there is a party just for you! It’s on Saturday 16th December, at 11.00. It’ll be held in Rooms 7 & 8, on the 4th Floor. Again, see the secretaries for more information and to sign up!