Fifth issue

• title page

• Our Crew

  People of Something

  
  

  Gabriel

  Editor-in-chief

  How does it work

  
  

  Lucie

  Writer

  Travel with me

  
  

  Adéla

  Writer

  Once upon a time in Fashion...

  
  

  Karolina

  Writer

  Netflix Tips

  
  

  Kevin

  Writer

  Physical health

  
  

  Michal

  Writer

  Sports

  Elen

  Writer

  From A to Z with guests

  
  

  Tereza

  Illustrator

  
  

  Tomáš

  Designer

  
  

  
  

• osnova

  Content

  
  

  Editorial

  
  

  Christmas Truce

  
  

  Origin of Christmas

  
  

  Travel with me

  
  

  Once upon a time in Fashion...

  
  

  How to stay fit

  
  

  From A to Z with Mrs. Lomičová

  
  

  Netflix Tips

  
  

• introduction

  Editorial

  
  

  Written by Gabe

  
  

  Hello, everyone! This school year’s second issue of Something is here, this time with a classical(ly clichéd?) Christmas theme!

  
  

  
  

  Since it’s "the most wonderful time” of the year - at least for us, I suppose, as I’m not sure whales like having even more delicious plastic to feast on  - many of you might struggle with the typical Christmas stresses related to buying presents for loved ones or staying fit. A fitting remedy for this consumerism-fuelled anxiety would be Lucy’s article, through which you can, with a bit of fantasy, travel around the world to see how other cultures celebrate Christmas.

  
  

  
  

  If you are really unsure how to remain healthy during the holiday season, check out Kevin’s article, in which he offers tips and tricks on exactly that.

  
  

  
  

  The traditional A - Z interview conducted by Elen, who interrogated Ms. Lomičová this time, and Kaja’s Netflix Tips make a return, as usual.

  
  

  
  

  If you’re interested in the way Christmas evolved through the ages, be sure to read my article, and if you want to see that mankind isn’t as bad as it may sometimes seem to be, Michal’s got you covered - with his article is about the famous Christmas truce.

• christmas truce

  The Christmas truce of 1914

  
  

  Written by Michal

  
  

  WWI was a very tough era of evil. The world was divided, families separated, millions of souls were lost battling in terrible conditions.  Life in the trenches was rough - they were long and narrow, filled with mud and disease. However, on Christmas Eve 1914, in a dank, muddy trench on the Western Front, a remarkable thing happened. Some might even say it was a Christmas miracle.

  
  

  Photo: During World War I enemies stopped fighting and celebrated Christmas together, Businessinsider.com

  
  

  Late on this Christmas Eve, men of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) overheard carols and patriotic songs from the rival territory. Lanterns were seen along the opposing German trenches. The troops were singing and not long after messages began to be shouted between the trenches.

  
  

  
  

  The next day, on Christmas morning, to everyone’s surprise, German and British troops met in no man's land. They exchanged gifts, took photographs, shared family pictures, and celebrated the holiday by playing an impromptu game of football accompanied by song.

  
  

  Photo: WWI's Christmas Truce: When Fighting Paused for the Holiday, history.com

  
  

  
  

  This cease-fire was not an event that spread throughout the Western Front. Fighting persisted in most areas, and so there were still casualties on Christmas Day in 1914. Some higher-ranking officers were weary with the cease-fire and disallowed it, fearing that it would weaken their men's fighting spirit in the upcoming days.

  
  

  
  

  In the coming months of 1915, both sides' High Commands attempted to avoid similar truces from occurring again. Despite this, soldiers were involved in a few isolated events, becoming further examples of the 'Live and Let Live' system. 

  
  

  
  

  Nowadays people can only imagine the harshness of WWI. Nights were long, death was everywhere, and morale must have been low all year round. I believe that this Christmas truce gave everyone present  feelings of joy, hope, and relief. It must have presented  them with a chance to see we are all human, all the same, and that there is still good in the world even in the worst of times. It must truly have been a Christmas miracle.

  SOURCES 

  Businessinsider.com, “During World War I enemies stopped fighting and celebrated Christmas together”,

  https://www.businessinsider.com/world-war-i-christmas-truce-2016-12

  
  

  History.com,  “WWI's Christmas Truce: When Fighting Paused for the Holiday”,

  https://www.history.com/topics/christmas-truce-1914-world-war-i-soldier-accounts

   

  Robson, H., “The real story of the Christmas truce”, iwm.org.uk

  https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-real-story-of-the-christmas-truce

  
  

  
  

  IMAGES

  During World War I enemies stopped fighting and celebrated Christmas together, Businessinsider.com,

  https://www.businessinsider.com/world-war-i-christmas-truce-2016-12

   

  WWI's Christmas Truce: When Fighting Paused for the Holiday, history.com, https://www.history.com/topics/christmas-truce-1914-world-war-i-soldier-accounts

• Origin of christmas

  The origins of Christmas 

  
  

  Written by Gabe

  
  

  Christmas is so ingrained in Western (and partly even global) culture that we don’t really question it - it’s viewed as something very natural, as something that routinely happens each year. It’s such a normal occurrence that nobody really stops to think about it. However, to an observer unaccustomed to modern culture, such as a denizen of the stone age, the whole tradition could seem rather bizarre - why do we celebrate the birth of the supposed son of God by giving each other gifts and eating gingerbread? What do all those trees and wreaths have to do with it?

  
  

  Image: Frankfurt, sborisov, britannica.com

  
  

  
  

  What led to Christmas in its present form? Let us start with a bit of history for context. During Christianity’s earliest three hundred years of existence, Christians frowned at the celebration of the birthdays of martyrs and saints. The first recorded Christmas festival took place in 336CE. However, while it definitely was observed in the following years, it was overshadowed by other holidays until roughly the 9th and 10th centuries CE.

  
  

  
  

  Christmas became especially prominent in the High Middle Ages (11 - 13th centuries). At this point in time, it was heavily associated with alcoholism, promiscuity, gambling and other forms of “misbehavior”. Due to this, celebrating it was even banned in several places, such as Great Britain in the 17th century. It later started acquiring a positive image during the nineteenth century, thanks to the contributions of writer Charles Dickens, among others. However, various dictatorships and totalitarian regimes banned Christmas throughout the twentieth century, such as the Soviet Union. Even today, celebrating Christmas is prohibited in several countries, such as Tajikistan, Brunei,  and, until recently, Saudi Arabia.

  
  

  
  

  December 25th as the birthday of Jesus

  
  

  Image: The last supper, britannica.com

  
  

  
  

  Despite it being a very common claim that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth, there is little to no evidence suggesting that to be the case. The New Testament of the Bible itself doesn’t contain any concrete references to the specific time and year Jesus was born.

  
  

  
  

  Depending on the country, Christmas Eve is even celebrated on different days - December 24th/25th in Europe and the West but the 6th of January in various Orthodox countries, since they still use another calendar for their religious ceremonies.

  
  

  
  

  One possible reason for the current celebration date of Christmas could be the ancient Roman cult of the sun god Sol Invictus - the holiday of his rebirth was celebrated exactly on the 25th, and was preceded by festivals called Saturnalia, dedicated to the head god of the Roman pantheon, Saturn. The Saturnalia even involved gift-giving and feasts, amongst other things. Furthermore, December 25th was even considered the time winter solstice happens among the Romans, signifying a symbolic “rebirth” of the sun.

  
  

  
  

  Another hypothesis states that the Roman emperor Constantine, responsible for the officialisation of Christianity in the Roman Empire, set the official date for Christmas on December the 25th so as to weaken the pagan religions that celebrated at a similar time. 

  A third alternative is that 25th December as the birth of Jesus was inferred from the writings of Roman historian Sextus Julianus Africanus, who thought that Jesus was conceived on the 25th of March, which would lead to his birth roughly nine months later.

  
  

  
  

  However, none of these possibilities are in any way conclusive, and we may never know the definitive answer to why exactly we celebrate his birth at that specific time.

  
  

  
  

  The Christmas Tree

  
  

  Image: Christmas tree, Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, britannica.com

  
  

  
  

  Long before the existence of Christmas, trees and wreaths were used as symbols of immortality in ancient Egyptian and Hebrew cultures. European pagans typically worshipped trees, especially in Scandinavia. Even after Europe became Christian, this tradition remained a part of the culture of various countries.

  
  

  
  

  The “modern” Christmas tree was most likely started in Germany during the 16th century. It was based on the tree from the Garden of Eden, from which Adam and Eve ate the Fruit of Knowledge. 

  
  

  
  

  It was often accompanied by a “Christmas pyramid,” which was decorated by figurines and stars. Eventually, the two objects merged into what we’d consider a Christmas tree.

  
  

  
  

  In the following few centuries, the Christmas tree spread all over the Western world.

  
  

  
  

  Gift-giving

  
  

  Image: gifts under a christmas tree, Kelvin Kay, wikipedia.org

  
  

  
  

  The tradition of gift-giving may or may not have originated in the Roman Saturnalia festivals, which included it as well, and coincidentally occurred just before today’s Christmas Eve. 

  
  

  
  

  When Chrisitianity became more common in the Roman Empire, it was connected to the gifts the Three Wise Men gave to Jesus at his birth.

  
  

  
  

  In many countries, giving gifts is also associated with December the 6th and Saint Nicholas.

  
  

  
  

  Santa Claus

  
  

  Image: Odin, in his guise as a wanderer, Georg von Rosen (1886), wikipedia.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  The internationally-known legendary figure Santa Claus is based on a mixture of several mythological and folklore figures.  The first of them is Saint Nicholas, a bishop from Myra, in today’s Turkey, and was known for his generous gifts to children. The second is the British Father Christmas, who originally was an icon for the Christmas spirit and merriment and had no heavy associations with gifts. Surprisingly, the Germanic god Odin is also an influence - in fact, Santa’s signature robes and white beard, among other traits, are direct remnants of the Norse deity. Odin was one of the beings associated with Yule, an old pagan Germanic festival that happened at roughly the same time as Christmas today.

  SOURCES

  Brittanica.com, “Christmas Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts.”:

  https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas

  
  

  Wikipedia.org, “Christmas”

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

  
  

  Wikipedia.org, “Santa Claus.” 

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus

  
  

  Nationalgeographic.com “The History of How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus.”

  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/131219-santa-claus-origin-history-christmas-facts-st-nicholas

  
  

  Theweek.co.uk, “Which countries do not celebrate Christmas?”

  https://www.theweek.co.uk/104773/which-countries-do-not-celebrate-christmas

  
  

  Theatlantic.com, “Why Do People Give Gifts on Christmas?”

  https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/12/why-people-give-christmas-gifts/421908/

  
  

  Nationalgeographic.com, “Why do we have Christmas trees? The surprising history behind this holiday tradition.”

  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/christmas-tree-customs

  
  

  
  

  IMAGES

  Wikipedia.org, “Christmas gift.”

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_gift#/media/File:Gifts_xmas.jpg

  
  

  Britannica.com, “Christmas tree: Tradition, History, Decorations, Symbolism, & Facts.”

  https://www.britannica.com/plant/Christmas-tree

  
  

  Britannica.com,“Jesus.”

  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus/Scribes-and-Pharisees#ref223004

  
  

  Wikipedia.org,“Odin.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin#/media/File:Georg_von_Rosen_-_Oden_som_vandringsman,_1886_(Odin,_the_Wanderer).jpg

• Travel with me

  Travel With Me - Christmas Around The World

  
  

  Written by Lucka

  
  

  Have you ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated around the world? Well, you’ve clicked on the right article, because I will give you a tour around some pretty culturally-vivid destinations with interesting customs and traditions. Plus, there is a chance that you will learn how they celebrate this holiday in your favorite country! (Or at least learn how to say 'Merry Christmas' in five different languages.)

  
  

  
  

  Japan

  'Meri Kurisumasu!' 

  
  

  Christmas in Japan serves for commercial purposes rather than as a religious holiday.  Traditions have been adopted from the USA, such as the giving and receiving of gifts, decorating public places with lights and decorations, etc. Needless to say, most Japanese people would rather set off to Tokyo Disneyland than celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

  
  

  
  

  In terms of Japanese sweets, the traditional Christmas dessert is served in the form of a sponge cake, decorated with strawberries and whipped cream (it even has its own iPhone emoji!). However, if you expected the Japanese to enjoy huge sushi dinners on Christmas Eve, I must disappoint you. The whole family gathers in one of the popular fast-food chains instead, mostly KFC. In fact, the demand for their chicken is so high, that you must reserve a table at least 2 months in advance!

  
  

  Photo: WhyChristmas.com

  
  

  
  

  Russia

  'C рождеством!' - 'S Rozhdestvom!'

  
  

  In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. If you’re asking ‘why?’, it’s because the Russian Orthodox Church still uses the Julian calendar for religious festivities (for comparison, we use the Gregorian calendar). Accordingly, their concept of this holiday is probably the most religious of all European countries. Unlike most nations, it's not customary for Russians to give each other presents for Christmas nor decorate a Christmas tree. Instead, many people attend celebratory church services, make confessions and receive communion. 

  
  

  
  

  The day before Christmas is called “Sochelnik”, and it is named after the Russian dessert “Sochivo”, this being a wheat porridge topped with honey. Speaking of Sochelnik, there is a tradition to make 12 meatless dishes for this day, among which should be kutia, a porridge made of wheat, millet, rice or other grains with the addition of poppy seeds, nuts, and other toppings. All twelve dishes must be sampled, but never eaten completely, in order to ensure the prosperity of the family. However, this doesn't apply to traditional pork dishes that ought to be served at the festive dinner, especially aspic, homemade sausages, and ragout. 

  
  

  Photo: Russia Beyond

  
  

  
  

  China

  'Sheng Dan Kuai Le!' 

  
  

  Although the majority of Chinese people don't celebrate Christmas, there are still many who enjoy this time of year to the fullest. The largest cities are always full of Christmas trees and vivid decorations, and those who want to take part in this holiday wait for 'Shen Dan Lao Ren', the Chinese version of Santa Claus. 

  
  

  
  

  When it comes to Christmas Eve, people give their friends and family apples wrapped in coloured paper. This tradition originates from the similarity between the two Mandarin words  'Ping An Ye' (Christmas eve) and 'Ping Guo' (Apple). They also like to sing carols and those who are Christian go to the church for Midnight Mass every year.

  
  

  Photo: That's Beijing

  
  

  
  

  Italy

  'Buon Natale!'

  
  

  During Italian Christmas, there is probably nothing you will see more than Nativity scenes. They can be found literally everywhere - from churches and monasteries to public places and especially homes. Many Italian families possess one of these. Moreover, according to one tradition, children are expected to go carol singing and play songs on shepherd's pipes, while wearing shepherd sandals and hats.

  
  

  
  

  In terms of magical creatures, have you ever heard of La Befana? If you have, you surely know that La Befana is unlike any other present-givers. She is an old and ugly witch, who comes on Epiphany Eve - a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th - and brings gifts, fruits, and candies for the nice kids. Similarly to the Czech Republic, the naughty ones receive coal and garlic OR get kidnapped. (Lesson learned: be good and do good!)

  But what about food? Well, spaghetti forgetti! Also, there is usually no meat on the table when it comes to Christmas Eve. Instead, they have a light seafood meal - the types of fish being served depend on the region - and they head straight to the church for Midnight Mass. Then, they may have a slice of Panettone, a very popular fruit sponge cake.

  
  

  Photo: ItaliaRail

  
  

  
  

  Philippines

  'Mahavakya Pasco!'

  
  

  Filipinos are definitely one of the most excited nations in terms of Christmas. If you visit any local shops, you can hear Christmas carols playing as early as September! Celebrations officially start on 16th December - when many people attend the first masses - and continue until Epiphany day (again, January 6th). It is important to mention that about 80% of Filipinos are Catholic. In fact, it is the only Asian country with so many Christians. Accordingly, that's what makes this holiday so popular in the Philippines.

  
  

  
  

  Their Christmas customs are a mix of Western and native Philippine culture. Hence, Filipinos have a Santa Claus, decorated Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and much more! But in spite of being bombarded by Western customs, there is one special, entirely Filipino tradition. This includes having a Christmas lantern, which is called 'paról'. It is star-shaped and is supposed to represent the star of Bethlehem. Some people make them out of bamboo strips and coloured paper, but they can also be bought at Christmas markets.

  
  

  
  

  Like the majority of Christians, Filipinos also attend Midnight Mass, followed by a great midnight feast, called 'Noche Buena'. This event is celebrated with family, friends, and often also with neighbours. When it comes to food, the typical Filipino dishes, compared to Italian Christmas dinner, include a lot more meat, for example, lechon (roasted pig), and ham. To balance it out, fruit salad, rice cakes or steamed rice is served as well, along with some other sweets.

  
  

  Photo: Pinterest

  
  

  
  

  Bonus: Catalan 'Christmas Poo'

  Catalonia is an autonomous community in Spain, which consists of Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona and is known for one very special tradition. Every year, 'Caganers' - pooping figurines of peasants - are placed in the Nativity scene. A lot of people have them in their houses as well. They serve as a symbol of luck and fertility, and many families move them from room to room to 'fertilize' the land. There is also a children's game linked to this when they have to find the hidden Caganer.

  
  

  
  

  However, it doesn't end there! Catalonian children go further. They look after their 'tió' - a log propped up on sticks (yes, literally a piece of wood), which has a painted face, a barretina hat, and a blanket. If the children take good care of their tió (keep it warm, feed it, etc.), it 'poops out' gifts or sweets on Christmas Day. But of course, that can happen only under one condition, they have to beat it with sticks and sing a traditional ditty.

  
  

  Photo: BBC

  
  

  
  

  Let me know if you are interested in any other countries and/or you would like a part two. I'm open to suggestions! Have the Merriest Christmas!

  SOURCES

  Combs, Sydney. “How Christmas is celebrated around the world.” Nationalgeographic.com ,

  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-christmas-celebrated-around-world

   

  Kids-world-travel-guide.com. “Christmas traditions.”

  https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/christmas-around-the-world.html

  RussianPod101.com “How to Say 'Merry Christmas' in Russian.”

  https://www.russianpod101.com/blog/2017/12/14/how-to-say-merry-christmas-in-russian/

   

  WhyChristmas.com. “Find out how Christmas Traditions and how Christmas is celebrated in lots of different countries and cultures around the world!”

  https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/

   

  Catalan News. “Why do Catalan Christmas traditions involve poo?”

  https://www.catalannews.com/culture/item/why-do-catalan-christmas-traditions-involve-poo

   

  Helena Daily English, “Christmas Around the World: Britain, Russia, USA, Canada, Sweden, China, Japan.” Youtube.com,

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2YrzmGa5GI

   

  RussianPod101, “

  Russian Holidays - Christmas - Рождество Христово.” Youtube.com,

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODvaAKQxc2s&t=92s

• fashion

  Can a Christmas tree be designed by clothing designers?

  
  

  Written by Adél

  
  

  Who would have ever said that a Christmas tree can play such a big role in the fashion industry and tourism? Designers should only focus on clothing or shoes and tourists come to London to see the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace, right? Let me prove you wrong! Even if you are not a big fan of huge Christmas celebrations, there is a hotel in London that will make your Christmas unforgettable and you will never want to leave the winter wonderland. Claridge's is the magical name. 

  
  

  
  

  The hotel annually invites the most influential designers from around the world to participate in creating spectacular holiday decorations. Not only the tree, but the whole of Claridge's lobby has changed every winter for 12 years. Let me introduce you to some of the most successful tree designs and my personal favourites from these creative minds. 

  
  

  
  

  Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, 2011

  Alber literally brought to life the Christmas tree with its colourfulness and sparkle. He added silk figurines of his family and the hotel staff in front of the tree and instead of a star, he placed himself with angel wings on top of the tree. 

  
  

  Foto: Christmas tree 2011, Claridge's, https://www.claridges.co.uk/christmas/christmas-tree/

  
  

  
  

  Christian Louboutin, 2019 

  Christian Louboutin was another person to embellish the hotel’s interior. The main point of his decoration was the so-called “Loubi express” which was a lovely nostalgic throwback to childhood. He did not forget to put the landscapes we observe and love the most during our train journeys. Trees covered with snow with presents underneath, and of course - reindeer. No designer on the top of the tree this time, only the crown. P.S. Everyone was welcome on board the express, served with a glass of champagne!

  
  

  Foto: Claridge's Christmas tree 2009, https://www.thehoteltrotter.com/claridges-christmas-tree-2019-by-christian-louboutin-is-here/

   

   

  Christopher Bailey for Burberry, 2015

  A winter tree with a pinch of autumnal rain. This is something that Christopher Bailey introduced to us. The question is, how many umbrellas are needed to build a 6 meter tall Christmas tree? 

  
  

  
  

  100! Moreover, the sparkling beauty has a smart gadget, programmed to shine and glitter every time someone passes by. Not only the goldness itself, but another 77,000 lights attached to the construction create the bright effect. 

  
  

  Christmas tree 2015, Claridge's , https://www.claridges.co.uk/christmas/christmas-tree/

   

  
  

  How about this year?

  This Christmas the lucky designer was Kim Jones, a creative director of Dior's menswear. Not like the cozy, welcoming ambience of Christian Louboutin, Kim's tree evokes the cold and freezing wintertime. Yet, as with Louboutin, Kim Jones took us to our childhood memories with his magnificent snow globe. We cannot miss the lovely “star” representing Monsieur Dior's talisman, which led him to the decision of establishing Dior couture house in 1946. 

  
  

  Christmas tree 2021, Claridge's , https://www.claridges.co.uk/christmas/christmas-tree/

  SOURCES

  Claridge's Hotel, “Claridge's Christmas tree archive”,

  https://www.claridges.co.uk/christmas/christmas-tree-archive/

   

  The Hotel Trotter, “Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2019 by Christian Louboutin is here!”

  https://www.thehoteltrotter.com/claridges-christmas-tree-2019-by-christian-louboutin-is-here/

   

  Morwenna Ferrier, “Claridge's Burberry tree: what it says about Christmas 2015

  .” The Guardian,

  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/nov/16/claridges-burberry-tree-what-it-says-about-christmas-2015

• How to stay fit

  How to stay fit during Christmas?

  
  

  Written by Kevin

  
  

  Staying fit during Christmas is something every gym-invested person is troubled with, especially during these uncertain times. Questions race through the mind such as: How do I stay lean? What should I buy for my home gym? Can I eat what I want without getting extremely bulky? In this article I would like to cover the most worthwhile gifts for a home gym for your loved ones with an additional low calorie shortbread recipe!

  
  

  
  

  The doorway pull-up bar

  Compound movements are very important for muscle growth by activating multiple muscles at the same time. One of the most important compound exercises are pull-ups, and their many variations. Usually pull-up bars are available in calisthenics/workout parks or the standard gym but during the pandemic and winter time these pull-up bars are unavailable. The doorway pull-up is a great investment for various reasons, including not having to go to the gym on days when you are in a couch potato mood! Pull-ups are some of the best exercises for the pulling muscle groups such as back and biceps. The price of this product starts around 499 CZK (€19.46)

  
  

  Photo: How To Train Back, Biceps & Abs at Home, youtube.com

  
  

  
  

  Dumbbells and a barbell

  Of course, it wouldn't be a home gym without a pair of dumbbells and a barbell. Dumbbells are great at isolating any muscle group. And then there is the barbell which is useful for isolation and compound movements such as the deadlift or barbell squat, bicep curl and the shoulder press. The price of this product starts around 820 CZK (31.98€).

  
  

  Photo: SEDCO činky nakládací spojovací SEDCO AERO, mall.cz

  
  

  
  

  Resistance band

  The most useful item for its utility, resistance bands help with pull-ups by being helpful for beginner progression and help with a few muscle groups, e.g. biceps, legs and chest. One of its primary pros is that you can take it anywhere you want without it weighing you down. The price of the resistance band varies on the resistance it provides.

  
  

  Photo: Should I use resistance bands for pull-ups, moefit.com

  
  

  
  

  Low-calorie shortbread recipe

  And last but not least let's reveal the recipe! This recipe is for forty biscuits with a preparation time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 12 minutes. The calories per piece is 31.4 kcal. 

  
  

  
  

  Ingredients

  250g plain flour, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 175g butter, 2 teaspoons of icing sugar, 75g caster sugar, 2 teaspoons of water, 1 teaspoon of orange peel 

  
  

  
  

  Method

  Place the butter and flour into a bowl and rub together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the rest of the ingredients along with 2 tsp of cold water and combine to form a ball. Roll out onto a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 2.5mm. Using a 4cm star cutter, cut out approximately 40 stars. Place the stars onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Mix together the cinnamon and icing sugar and lightly dust over the biscuits.

  
  

  (Photo: Christmas Shortbread Stars, www.weight loss resources.co.uk

  SOURCES

  youtube.com, “How to Train Back,Biceps & Abs at Home (BODYWEIGHT ONLY

  )”

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z43yVCVUj0Q

  
  

  mall.cz, “SEDCO činky nakládací spojovací SEDCO AERO”

  https://www.mall.cz/jednorucni-cinky/sedco-cinky-nakladaci-spojovaci-sedco-aero-sada-2x7-5-kg-1x15-kg-100067684586 

  
  

  moefit.com, ”Should I use resistance bands for pull-ups?”

  https://www.moefit.com/post/should-i-use-resistance-bands-for-pull-ups 

  www.weightlossresources.co.uk 

  
  

  “Christmas Shortbread Stars”

  https://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/recipes/low_fat/christmas/shortbread_stars.htm)

• From A to Z

  From A to Z with Mrs. Lomičová

  
  

  Written by Elen

  
  

  In this edition of From A to Z you will learn SOMETHING about our czech and biology teacher Ms. Lomičová… In this series of interviews, we present teachers with a list of words for every letter of the alphabet, relating either to the issue’s topic or the teacher themselves and the subjects they teach, and they share their thoughts about each of them in turn.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Ambition…

  My ambition is to do everything I enjoy 100 %. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes I struggle, but it’s always worth it for a great result. 

  
  

  Buddy…

  Buddy the Elf? One of my favorite Christmas characters. 

  
  

  Coffee Tourism…

  Is my biggest passion. I love to travel around the Czech Republic and abroad and discover new cafes, bistros and restaurants. I’m also that weirdo who takes photos of almost every meal (and I also like to share it on my Instagram). Some people laugh at me for that, but then they always come and need advice on where to eat… :D 

  
  

  Dance…

  I cannot dance. I only dance with Mrs. Mindeková in public and I still hope that one day we’ll be able to handle the lift scene from Dirty Dancing…  

  
  

  Empathy…

  Empathy is an ability that many people lack. I wish everyone would try to be at least a little empathetic, because thanks to empathy, our relationships move to a completely different level. 

  
  

  Fish or Schnitzel?

  I eat both. As a family we follow the traditions and we eat carp with potato salad for Christmas. Actually I only eat carp because I don’t like potato salad (.... I know, I’m weird, I hear it every year). 

  
  

  Giving or getting gifts…

  I’ve always loved both. And then once I got a gift I didn’t like… A weird feeling, especially when you can’t pretend that you like something, like me. Since then, I’ve preferred to give gifts (and I hope the person will like them). :D 

  
  

  Harry Potter or Harry Styles?

  Definitely Harry Potter. Sometimes when I run around school with my plastic crate full of things, I wish the Wingardium Leviosa spell really works. Side note: If you like HP, you need to listen to the “Neplecha ukončena” podcast on Spotify. 

  
  

  ISO Students…

  Surprise me every day. Mostly in a good way. They’re also funny, creative and full of enthusiasm.

  
  

  Joy…

  Joy is to listen to Michael Buble's Christmas special all December. 

  
  

  Key to Success…

  Is to love what you do. No matter what. If it’s work, school, your hobbies. You need to enjoy the journey. And then you’ll succeed. 

  
  

  Love Actually…

  Love actually is the film you can watch in May and you don’t have to feel guilty about it. 

  
  

  Mrazík…

  Hate that film… 

  
  

  Nightmares…

  I don’t have nightmares. I’m afraid of quite a few things, but fortunately I don’t dream about them. 

  
  

  Optimism…

  Wow… I can think about a lot of cheesy quotes about optimism, I can also be a bit of a nerd and I can mention the one from Milan Kundera… But you know what, let’s just smile more! 

  
  

  Poetry…

  Poetry is something I admire a lot, but sometimes I get very lost in it. But maybe that’s the whole point of it…?

  
  

  Quiet…

  Quiet space is my comfort zone. I'm a very social person, but only in situations where I want to be. I prefer silence. 

  
  

  Refresher…

  I think that almost all of you have seen me with 2 glass jugs full of water and a coffee in the other hand. That’s all I need. 

  
  

  Snowy or Sunny…

  Snowy winter and sunny summer. But I’ve always preferred summer. 

  
  

  Tree (real, or fake?)...

  Real. I love the smell of it. But the very best option is to have a real tree in a pot. #biologyteacher 

  
  

  Upside down…

  Sometimes I envy the lives of sloths who hang upside down and just enjoy the moment. 

  
  

  Vandals…

  Are street artists vandals or artists? Let’s talk about it... And FYI, there’s The World of Banksy exhibition in Prague until June in St. Michael Church. 

  
  

  Wish…

  It’s gonna sound like a cliche. But my only wish is to stay happy and healthy. And I wish that to everyone. :) <3

  
  

  X-MAS…

  Love it! <3 Time spent with family, friends, long walks with my doggy, good food, films, books. I think it’s all we need right now. So let’s enjoy it! 

  
  

  Year 2022…

  2021 was probably one of the hardest years for me, so I’m convinced that the year 2022 will be awesome and will bring a lot of amazing memories. 

  
  

  Zeppelin…

  A Zeppelin is a type of rigid airship named after the German inventor Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin who pioneered rigid airship development at the beginning of the 20th century. (Wikipedia) 

  
  

  Something…

  We all need to hear right now... Better days are coming, so let’s not be upset and let’s have some cake.

• Netflix tips

  Netflix Tips for December 2021

  
  

  Written by Kája

  
  

  December is one of the most magical months of the year, and with it comes a great Christmas atmosphere. Carols, cookies, family reunions, gifts, great food and Christmas movies. We all know the classic movies like Home Alone and Grinch. They are great and can't be ignored, but there are some other great movies that will ignite the Christmas mood in you! 

  
  

  
  

  We’ll look at some Christmas movies that will make your holidays even better, so get ready to cozy up under your favorite blanket, brew up a delicious cup of cocoa and settle down for a movie marathon. 

  
  

  
  

  Holidate

  Two strangers are fed up with being single during the holidays, so they agree on being each other's holiday dates. Together they celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. They both start to have feelings for each other. Will they deny it or will they end up together? This funny, romantic comedy has some well-known actors like Emma Roberts (American Horror Story, Wild Child, Scream 4 and the crime comedy We're the Millers) and Luke Bracey (Dance Academy, Monte Carlo and the recent remake of Point Break). I definitely recommend this movie if you want to laugh and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

  
  

  Photo: IMDB.com

  
  

  
  

  Let It Snow

  This American Christmas movie is about a group of high school students living in a small midwestern town who get united by a snowstorm. They get to find new friendships and love. The plot is predictable but it is an enjoyable Christmas movie - there are some cringe and awkward moments which make the movie fun to watch. I would recommend this movie to teenagers who don't have anything to watch during the Christmas holidays. One of the main roles is played by actor Jacob Batalon, who played Peter Parker's best friend in Spiderman.

  
  

  Photo: IMDB.com

  
  

  
  

  The Princess Switch

  The Princess Switch is about two female look-alikes with completely different lives - one of them is a baker and the other one a princess. They decide to switch their identities for two days, but something goes wrong.. This movie is very heartwarming and perfect for the holidays. And for people who have already seen this movie I also recommend you watch the other two parts: The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again, The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Stars

  
  

  Photo: IMDB.com

  
  

  
  

  That’s all for my Christmas 2021 Netflix tips. If you are still hesitating on what to watch then go for the classics: Home Alone, Grinch

  
  

  
  

  The most important thing about the Christmas holidays is to spend them with our loved ones. That's what Christmas is all about.

  SOURCES

  IMDB.com,, “Holidate”,

  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9866072/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

  
  

  IMBD.com, ''Let It Snow'',

  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950235/?ref_=tt_urv

  
  

  IMBD.com, ''The Princess Switch'', https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8954732/?ref_=ttmi_tt

• Kevin medailonek

  Hello! My name is Kevin, and my main fascination is fitness. I also enjoy martial arts and learning their history and similarities and, on the more peaceful side, I enjoy writing stories in my free time. My primary aim in Something Magazine is to spread information and add tips about various physical activity-related topics because physical health is just as important as mental health.

• Michal medailonek

  Hello, there this is your captain speaking, Michal Ličko. I enjoy good television, a deep conversation, and short walks in the park. I am interested in learning things you normally wouldn’t and would gladly share those with all of you who are on board. I’m not great at writing, but we all start somewhere, and so hopefully, you’ll follow along and grow with me as I improve. We are now conducting pre-flight checks and should be ready to go on this journey with you very soon. Buckle your seat belts and enjoy the ride

• Lucka Medailonek

  Hi, I’m Lucy and I’ve been passionate about travelling since I was a kid. My unquenchable curiosity has always led to me wanting to find out more about the cultural differences between countries and the way people live. Together, we will visit some pretty amazing places, with me as your guide.

  
  

• Karolína medajlonek

  Hi! My name is Karolina. I am a big fan of TV shows and movies, and I've always liked to read articles about them myself. I like to share my tips for great Netflix shows and movies. 

  
  

• Gabriel Medailonek

  Hi! My name is Gabriel, and I’ve always been interested in the humanities, particularly linguistics. As well as this,, I enjoy all the sciences in general - hence my (not very creatively named) series “How does it work,” in which I explain how random things and concepts function, be it biology or literature.

• Elen M. Medajlonek

  Hi, I’m Elen and I’ve created ‘From A to Z’ so that you can find out more about the people we are surrounded by and even discover things you may have in common. In From A to Z you can find interviews with teachers, students, and even strangers, getting to know them from many points of view.

• Adél Medailonek

  Hi, my name is Adél and I’m an all-time fashion lover. I am interested in fashion history, designers, culture, and much more. This is also what I will be writing about in Something Magazine. I enjoy gaining more knowledge of fashion through listening to podcasts, observing people on the street, reading articles by my favorite fashion journalists, books, discussions, interviews, or watching videos and documentaries. In this magazine I will be sharing some of my findings about the industry from my point of view, so let's dive deep into the world of fashion!

  
  

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