The Collegian Online

Second Year Film Reviews

2011-03-20T20:38:00.002+01:00

It's a well-known fact that second year students, used to studying at College but not yet writing their theses, have very little work to do. This allows them to spend their time relaxing; watching movies, for example. Two of them have produced interesting reviews of the second Bridget Jones film. You might like to comment on which one you like best, The reviews, that is, not the reviewers: better to tell them that sort of thing in person.

“Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” by Daria Brząkała

The film is based on the novel by Helen Feilding telling the story of eccentric Bridget in modern London. The director Beeban Kidron has made the second part of the story a bit varied from the first one by showing on intriguing trip to Thailand. Harry Gregson Williams responsible for music has done very well by creating perfect atmosphere to all sorts of events. Bridget played by Renee Zellweger is an on-air personality for a TV show that has ups and downs in actually two relationships with Mark Darcy played by Collin Firth and with Daniel Claver played by Hugh Grant.

The story begins with Bridget lying in her bed and staring at her sleeping boyfriend Mark, who later makes funny remarks about that behaviour. Their relationship is perfect until Marks colleague Rebecca appears. Bridget makes mountains out of mole hills because she feels worse than Rebecca. They split up and our heroine has to fly with Daniel to Thailand to make a TV programme. Events take an unexpected turn there. The episode in Bangkok prison and the fight between Mark and Daniel are the best of all.

The chemistry between the three movie stars makes the story very convincing. Although the plot is predictable, it’s fast moving as well and there are still hilarious scenes that can surprise everyone. All that because of the main character of Bridget. She seems to be strong and independent but in real she ends up as lovable, cute, innocent and clumsy Bridget. Unexpectedly, she is genuine in her emotions and relations with both men. She always has a good answer to cheeky and shameless questions that Daniel asks her. She truly loves Mark.

You should definitely see it. You will enjoy this slapstick comedy and typically British humour after a long day at work or school. Well-know hits and compositions suitable to the mood give energy and additional dose of humour to this simple story. Despite this drug smuggling episode, it is still a movie addressed to women not men. The whole story is seen from the point of view of “twisted” Bridget. It’s a perfect way to relax and forget for a while about duties.

And:

Marta Klucha

"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" Movie Review

The romantic comedy „Bridget Jones: the Edge of the Reason”, directed by Beeban Kidron tells the funny story. The film is set in modern London and colourful Thailand. The main character, Bridget Jones, played by Reneé Zellweger, is a surprising and amusing woman in her thirties. Her love troubles are connected with two men: handsome and smart Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, and intelligent barrister Mark Darcy by Colin Firth. The film is a sequel to “Bridget Jones’s Diary” based on the novel by Helen Fielding. The catchy songs are perfectly matched to the auction and pace.

The film is about the adventures of absent – minded Bridget Jones and her friends. Bridget works with Daniel Cleaver on a new program. They go to Thailand and take some photos, collect material and make a wonderful report. Bridget and her best friend, Shazzer, have a really good time. Unfortunately, Bridget gets into trouble and is arrested. In prison she makes some new friends and learns how to control her emotions such as envy, anger and sadness. Thanks to help of Mark Darcy she leaves the prison and realizes how much she loves him.

Although “Bridget Jones: the Edge of Reason” is a romantic comedy and can seem to be predicable, this is also a kind of story that happens in everyday life. It is presented in a realistic and fascinating way. The script is hilarious but also very emotional. Together with dynamic acting, it creates an amazing impression of the unforgettable adventures and the true love story.

All in all, it is well worth seeing it. This film is definitely one of the best romantic comedies that create the atmosphere full of emotions, laughter and curiosity. All elements of the film entertain and relax viewers. On the whole, I would recommend it all people from the different age groups.

Students' Writing - The First Year

2011-03-20T20:23:00.003+01:00

In a new regular feature, The Collegian is to publish some of the best work produced in writing classes by the industrious and talented students of the College. The two works below are from first year students and another post above will carry work by the second year. Your comments are very much wanted - and if you have something you'd like to see online then send it along! Here are our first works:

Karolina Waliszek - An alien encounter

We had been covering outer space Since a very long time and we were really tired of this long voyage. Additionally we didn’t have much propellant. We were looking for some convenient place to lending and suddenly we saw some interesting planet. When we got through to this intriguing planet we immediately met its inhabitants.

They were looking a bit strange for us. They hadn’t any feelers or antennas and what was truly unbelievable to me they had only one pair of eyes! That was really weird. People, because that was their name, had also sharply bizarre appendages aside heads, which they called ,,an ears’’. We had really big fun of it. But our new homeboys had much more funny things in their appearance. They had fanciful outfit and enormous noses. It looked certain to they can small that my mom is cooking a dinner in other planet! The only thing I begrudged them was their amazing hair – long, silky and squarely beautiful.

People, who we met was really nice aliens. At first they were touching our forelocks and making lots of photos. It was a bit strange, but certainly decent of them. Then they invited us for coffee and we could talk. They were very helpful – gave us propellant and paid for our lunch, talkative- were telling a lot of their planet and interested in space- they were asking us of different relevant our lifes and cities. They also had a very good sense of humour – we all had been laughing during conversation. People surprised us with their wisdom – they knew a lot about physics and mathematics. But they hadn’t a clue about astronomy or celestial mechanics. After talking I also thought about people’s deeply sensibility and distrusting. I was impressed when they were describing their families and friends – they were full of love and positive emotions. I really wanted be like them.

Meeting with people teach me that we can’t sum up other persons at appearance. It is necessary to know somebody. I am glad that I could talk with them for a few hours. It was a great meeting!

And Florian Wieczorek -

Describe human beings seen from the point view of monkey In a cage at the zoo.

First I got to know about the creatures called humans beings five years ago when I was living with my parents in the jungle. Three of them came and captured me and brought me to this cage.

As far as their look is concerned they are much bigger, taller and stronger. They walk on two legs, their speech differentiate from each other. They wear huge, strange pieces of material which they call clothes. They are divided into men, women and children as we are but none of them resembles any other as we do. Men are mostly short-haired but women mainly have longer hair. Moreover, women appear to be much prettier than men but they definitively have worse characters.

At first sight they seem to be polite and kind, but when you are more familiar with them they become cruel, impatient and greedy. They consider pieces of paper (so-called money) to be first thing in their lives. I see nothing in their eyes but hostility.

In contrast to us they compete with each other not for food but for fame.

The people who I know have only one hobby. This is hunting. Sometimes I happened to see them smiling and keeping the skin of a caught animal.

All in all I do not know all people in the world. But from those who I know I found that they are not worth being appreciated. Although their look slightly take after us, their hearts are very far from ours.

New Year - New look blog

2010-10-03T12:13:00.003+01:00

Over the summer an extensive re-fit of the Collegian's offices has been carried out, allowing some staff to leave their motivational counsellors and sit briefly at their desks for the first time in months. If the shock of actually posting something doesn't kill them, who knows, maybe they'll get used to it.

The Second American History Web-Quest

2009-05-18T21:34:00.002+01:00

You can now find the next set of exciting questions here. Just find the answers, learn them and an end of semester signature could be yours to keep very soon.

American History Web Quest

2009-03-19T13:02:00.003+01:00

At last, the eagerly awaited American History test questions for both groups are available. You know what you have to do. follow the links and learn - it couldn't be simpler. Best of luck!

New Year Competition Entries

2009-03-02T12:29:00.004+01:00

The entries for the tie-breaker are now available online.
A feature on the winning entry will appear next week, hopefully along with some other interesting stuff.

American History Materials

2009-03-02T12:24:00.003+01:00

Extra materials are now available from the website.
Which, I think you'll agree, is pretty exciting!

The Collegian Website

2009-01-03T21:12:00.002+01:00

Just when you thought your favourite student magazine couldn't get any more technically exciting, we've gone and established a brand shiny new website. It's in its infancy, of course, but you can already find there the very exciting New Year Competition and the almost equally exciting, if you haven't read them yet, Collegian Back Issues. There will, naturally, be much, much more to come!

Poetry Evening

2008-12-29T11:54:00.009+01:00

Before the Christmas chaos of late December, the real winter excitement took place at the college in the form of the annual Poetry evening. This or cultural event was a massive success as always but restrictions on the media were tight in order to protect our celebrity hosts and performers from prying eyes. Naturally, our man was able to circumvent security and report from inside the beautifully decorated competition hall itself. At tremendous risk to his own safety he also managed to secretly film some of the stars on show using a camera hidden in his briefcase. The lighting was dim but the star quality shone through undiminished, as you can see below.

Dagny of the first year gives a great debut performance, only just missing out on a medal.

But there was only ever going to be one winner...

The ravishing Milena, star of stage and screen.

The two runners-up, however gave every indication that they can go on to claim the presitigious title for themselves next year. Both recieved tremendous applause from the assembled dignitaries. First, the flame-haired Joanna Stasiun of the second year evening group:

And then, Marta Kosecka of that well-known group of troublemakers, the first year day group: a girl with bags of potential.

Of course, it was Milena though who stole the show:

And showed tremendous presence of mind, remembering to smile convincingly at the Director's witticisms.

That, however, was from being that. The second competition of the night, for poetic composition, turned into a hard-fought derby match between two experienced competitors from group IIIa. The judges found it impossible to separate them and awarded two first prizes but see what you think for yourselves.

Who was better, the suave Seweryn:

or the inevitable Milena?

Let us know what you think.

Jason Spaceman makes everything cool!

2008-12-11T23:03:00.002+01:00

I realise that no-one else is going to like this much but I'm posting it anyway as an important part of your education. The above mentioned Mr. Spaceman was behind the group Spacemen 3 and then Spiritualized. And these guys were seriously cool. The sound quality isn't fantastic but you can just turn up the volume, turn off the lights, lie back and let Jason take you into outer space.

Spacemen 3 - Big City

This one is later and more professional but still oh so very easy...

Spiritualized - Ladies and Gentlemen, We are floating in space

Here's a lttle festive fun.

2008-12-09T17:40:00.001+01:00

Santa needs your help!!

Online Game: Santa's Tower. Red Beard Attack

Help Santa to protect Christmas presents from Red Beard and his gang

Play This Free Game Now

Poetry Mania

2008-12-07T23:35:00.002+01:00

Once a year, every year, the College goes crazy for poetry and this Monday is the big day. Not one but two VERY EXCITING competitions will reach their conclusion at the annual poetry evening and, as usual, the Collegian will be there to bring you all the latest news, views and scandalous gossip from the event. Our special reporter will be INSIDE the jury room when the great decision is made: Who will be this year's winner? Who will take home the VERY LARGE prizes on offer. All will be revealed on Monday evening amid the very special atmosphere which is always created at this event. Not to be missed!

First Year Day Group - Pop Videos

2008-12-01T20:28:00.003+01:00

Here is a selection of music videos for you to comment upon. Remember to be as original as possible in your comments; don't just say what happens and don't repeat what other people have said but feel free to refer to earlier comments.

First up, Travis - Sing

Next it's Coldplay - The Scientist

Finally, The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

If you'd like to suggest any others, I'll try to include them.

MORENEWS!MORENEWS!MORENEWS!

2008-09-25T20:29:00.002+02:00

Following on from the wonders outlined below, the College timetable has materialised before the beginning of the school year! As usual it's a pretty fair spread of classes with something for everyone. Starting in September is another welcome innovation - let's face it, the summer holidays are rather long aren't they? The thirst for knowledge must be quenched!

Anyway, the important business is that The Collegian Online is looking for a student blogger to errr blog, if you'll allow the use of such a new and, frankly, very inelegant verb. If you think you mighth be able to contribute occasional, short articles/pictures/ other content, simply call in at our luxurious offices, or e-mail the team at thecollegian@tlen.pl or, if you're feeling really brave, stop Mr Hinton in the corridor as he tries to flee after your class and beg him to consider you. He's not as scary as he looks...

NEWS!NEWS!NEWS!NEWS!NEWS!

2008-09-25T20:04:00.002+02:00

Good omens abound for the brand shining new acadmic year! Last week's teachers' meeting was the shortest on record, there was no shouting, and the refreshments, courtesy of the loveable Mr Rosiak, sadly no longer with us, in the sense that he's not working at College, not the sense that's he's dead, which he isn't, as far as I know, were of an exceptional standard.

The real excitement centred on the widely expected decision to reduce the number of English groups from seven to six. This has been done in order to enable the staff to give more personal attention to the individual students. As one happy methodologist put it: 'Our students are such wonderful people; I'm so pleased I'll be able to spend more time with each of them now.'

One cloud over this gathering came in the form of the student questionnaires. An incredible two or three people had actually bothered to fill them in, which speaks volumes about the level of dedication of the members of the College. Sadly, one or two responses were not entirely positive. It seems many students are, quite rightly in my opinion, unhappy that the staff do not organise their social lives for them.It has always been a fundamental part of the college teacher's job to take his young charges out on the town and get fifteen pints of lager down their throats before dropping in on a strip club, stealing some road signs, losing some clothing and waking up in a Police cell. That's student life and the refusual of certain staff members to provide it for the current generation of learners is an absolute disgrace.

Naturally, that fount of resourcefulness, mgr Jan Dutka, was quick to announce a raft of measures. Every class will be invited to an 8 a.m. 'Beer for Breakfast' party in the aula. This will be followed by pot smoking and intellectual discussion in the library around midday. The serious action will kick-off after classes at 8 p.m. with the 'Cocktail of the Day' served by the cleaning staff and followed by a range of vodkas, beers and fine wines, all at the College's expense. From midnight, keys to individual classrooms will be available to 'courting couples'. These rooms will come complete with matresses, contraceptives and a range of other 'novelty items' for your pleasure. At last, student life in the College will really take off. Enjoy it!

Things you should know about Britain - 1. The Stone Roses

2008-09-19T13:33:00.005+02:00

In a regular series of articles, our UK correspondent, Prof. Kevin Lagerlout, will take you through some important aspects of British culture of which you may not be aware. This week he's looking at music; specifically The Stone Roses.

Everyone knows the Beatles, some people have heard of Oasis, but for people in the know, there's one English guitar band which leaves all the others standing. Sadly no longer together, The Stone Roses were not only the best band ever, they not only recoreded the best album ever (The Stone Roses) but, perhaps equally importantly, they were also the coolest cats ever to swing a microphone.

In the summer of 1990, when some of you were just thinking about walking for the first time, the cool kids were wearing baggy clothes, scruffy, longish hair and listening to music from Manchester or 'Madchester' as it was dubbed at the time. As well as The Roses, there were The Happy Mondays:

The Inspiral Carpets:

And, of course, in many ways greater than them all, The Charlatans:

The Charlatans are still going, and still great. Their latest album was available as a free download. Now you'll have to steal it, but here's a taste:

All these bands were important in rebuilding the popularity of guitar music as opposed to the computer generated pop of the '80s. They made records you could dance to: and how we danced!

Slow Planet

2008-05-06T13:47:00.006+02:00

Slow Planet Website will give you new ideas on Slow Travel, Slow Sport, Slow Work, Slow Design. Very interesting! Read it and post a comment on every aspect - the overall limit is 200-250 words.
Useful sites:
Cambridge dictionary
Webster dictionary and thesaurus
Ling
Also have a look how 17-year-olds commented on the issue.

Take a look at Slow Food and Slow Food Polsk a. Enjoy it!

Is it art?

2008-03-16T17:06:00.000+01:00

They may cripple your desktop, but computer viruses can also be stunningly beautiful to look at, as an art exhibition in London shows. Here you'll find the video. What do you think?? Post a comment.

First Semester

2008-03-07T23:08:00.002+01:00

For some of our number, the semester just passed wasn't only the first semester of the year but also the first semester of their lives outside school, as students and members of the adult world. We'd like to hear from the (surviving) first year students about their impressions of their first few months at College - and perhaps some more experienced readers will comment on those impressions in the light of their greater knowledge.

For what it's worth, my first semester at the College was marked by feelings of surprise at how little work I had to do, and how much the students complained about how much they had to. The latter, at least, has never changed...

Opportunities Abroad

2008-03-04T08:38:00.002+01:00

As most of you will know, there are any number of interesting, stimulating opportunities to be found in the UK for those bold enough to grasp them. Today, The Sun outlines one of the more unusual ones ... http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article868092.ece

The Second Coming

2008-02-29T23:49:00.002+01:00

Back from the dead after a rush of people logging-on caused computers all over the world to crash, the Collegian still has something to say! All sorts of interesting things are going to appear, probably, when I have time, and so on.

Spring is here and spring is the traditional time for failing to get a signature for British Studies. We are here to help, of course. Follow some of the links in our new 'Useful sites' list and learn all about those bizarre Britons with their ridiculous pronunciation and grammar mistakes!

The Flood

2007-07-10T23:23:00.000+02:00

And Lo! it did rain and the people did say unto each other, 'let us build boats, for only then will our feet stay dry.' And thus were the boats built, but the people were not happy for they said unto their neighbours, 'thou hast a bigger craft than me and all the wood is gone. Was't not said that all men stand equal before the flood?' And so the people did stave in the boats of their richer neighbours and the wealthy people were drowned. And still it rained. And a man came unto the people and said he was come from God. He said unto the people: 'if ye would stop the rain, get into the waters and trust unto me.' And thus the people did for their feet were very wet already and the man had a most impressive beard. But when the people had all left their boats and taken to the waters of the flood, the rain did not cease and the people became angry with the man because they could not swim. The poor people drowned amongst the bodies of their wealthy neighbours and the man drifted off from the city supported by the beard, which was a miracle and all the fowls of the air did wonder at it.

Exam Frenzy

2007-06-14T12:37:00.000+02:00

It's early in the exam season and already we have seen some spectacular failures and a few notable successes. Send us your stories of exam hell or heaven! What was hard, what was easy, what was so weird you couldn't understand it all? Are you happy with your performance? If not, who have you found to blame? - because obviously it's not your fault....

What we'll be posting

2007-06-14T12:34:00.000+02:00

The staff hope to post on a variety of topics, from College news and gossip to world affairs, literature and philosophy. Your comments are extremely important to us - grammar and spelling correction costs extra - but please remember, this is a family weblog....

New Beginnings

2007-06-12T23:23:00.000+02:00

As you all know, the Collegian magazine has been a runaway success selling literally, oh, a hundred or so copies over its five issues. Times change, however, and magazines are increasingly seen as old hat by the young, trendy set to which the Collegian has always appealed. The editorial staff have, therefore, taken the momentous and difficult decision to move the whole shooting match onto the internet. Rumours suggesting that the continual breakdown of college copying facilities has prompted this move are completely unfounded.

It is hoped that this weblog will become a lively discussion forum for Sieradz students and staff. It is expected, however, that it will be completely ignored. The editorial staff are unconcerned either way. Since noone will now be paying to read what they produce, they will enjoy greater artistic freedom and liberation from financial constraints. The extremely high quality of the writing will, however, be rigorously maintained.

I thank you in advance, or from the mountain, if you prefer, for your kind comments and eager participation.