News / Poland Remembers start of WW2 [200]

Ironside, may I recommend wink marks? Poland was trounced in a matter of weeks. To the Nazis, it was a stroll in the park. One of the best armies would have been much better prepared. Even listen to what Piłsudki himself said in 1933, just 2 years before his untimely death. He managed to foretell the dreaded events (tho he predicted a Russian onslaught) and he hadn't modernised the Polish army at all. They barely had any tanks (20 Nazi tanks to 1 Polish one). Unconventional weaponry was never going to yield positive results against the Nazis.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

Also, regimenting things against the will of the people can only be detrimental in the long run. Yes, there is containment but the flip side of the coin is repression and civil unrest. I kid you not, communism was carcinogenic. The grudges that some people bear now are staggering.

Falsity and pretense rear their ugly heads. An even distribution, as advocated by pure Marxists, was never going to be an acceptable mode of governance here.

Juche, very well said. Nobody takes the blame here and I can tell you that it isn't only the case that the top dogs are this way. It has trickled down and filtered through the whole social strata. Kinda like osmosis and permeation in Biology. I remember not getting any apology for them being late, quite a few times.

I see more and more credit agencies popping up on the streets. These are would-be beggars who have the bailout of a credit fix (the service users I mean). Sad!

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

True enough. Still, communism sought to streamline things more. There was a more definite way of doing things and people had to tow the line or risk incurring the wrath of the nearest Vladimir or Fyodor.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

I meant those outwith the political sphere, Juche. I had everyday people in mind. Animal Farm showed the evil machinations of communism amongst the power brokers. The average Joe had to queue in the freezing cold for precious little. They had to create their own things to look forward to as material goods were never going to generate contentment.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

I agree, there were other factors in play. Still, communism was pervasive and stuck in the psyche of many Poles. Religion was not as played out as it is now. There was constant wrangling between priests and communist figures. Family ties? How does that operate here?

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

Mvefa, that's the other side. They have a right to pursue legitimate options presented to them. After all, communism was intrusive and unwanted by most. I'm just saying that, as a sociological phenomenon, it worked well to stymie/thwart the natural spur of some to be an exhibitionist. Modesty should never be understated :)

Chris, hope you had a good class. You are a good forum poster too :)

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

Juche, you are just the right man to understand my next point. My commentary about Poland is generally positive but I want to know what you think about this. I believe that communism served as a containment valve to the natural tendencies of people. I'll be killed for saying this but it was beneficial on one level. I see too many here saying they have the best of everything and constantly trying to outdo their neighbours. Their modesty and humbleness has disappeared in one way. Communism put shackles on (I'm not advocating its imposition back then) and didn't allow too many to be too showy and grabbing. They have quickly become Western in their approach to money and that isn't good.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

They are sharks and crooks. I've heard horror stories about them upon the death of a regular payer of it. They keep most of it and don't return it to family members. The bosses make damn sure that they can drive around in the latest flash car. SAAAAAD existence that, crippling others.

UK, Ireland / Exploiting Polish Workers by the UK businesses [90]

They were exploiting British workers long before, especially through agencies with their astronomical cuts. The problem in Britain is, too many people think they are a somebody and want bonuses for this and that. Their overinflated egos never cease to amaze me. Politicians, for example. They creamed off a lot of Treasury money for things that your average punter has to work hard to pay for. Who the hell do they think they are? So, to the point. Their exaggerated sense of self has made them use their power to cement their positions, maximing their incomings and following the old 'I'm alright Jack' mentality. The Poles are seen as Eastern European parasites by a fair few. This stems from ignorance. If they had any decency whatsoever, they'd honour their obligations as employers and ensure that wages always met the minimum wage standard.

However, there are 2 sides to every story. What the Poles don't get in the workplace, they can make up in the various benefits that are on offer in the UK. My Scottish friend was basically told to go back to Poland as he wasn't gonna see a penny there. His Polish ex-wife and girlfriend, who live in the same city, are both extracting nice little sums from the state. This, as relative newcomers, is quite incredible. That's why I'm loathe to make NI contributions. I've heard horror stories of those who have been contributing all their lives, only to get nothing at the end of it. Money management in the UK sucks!!

Feedback / Why do you keep coming back to PolishForums? [13]

It's international and you can get a more rounded perspective of Poland. WB is right, though. To really 'fully' take part in the discussions (outside of jaded stereotypes), you should live here with your eyes open. Also, your working day plays a large part. I only have 2 classes today (16.30-18.30) so part of my free time will be spent here with posters who actually reply and discuss (mvefa, M-G and WB at the mo).

I was gonna go swimming but my muscles ache after the footie last night. I'll do sit-ups instead, good stomach crunchers.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

ZUS also. They seem to think that, by virtue of having your own company, that you are some kind of self-made millionaire. It's just a convenience for schools but an inconvenience for me and others who will have to pay around 840PLN a month for entering the third year of my company. Scandalous! For my 4 main monthly payments, I'll be forking out around 2700PLN. I'll be working like a demon to get privates on top of working for 2 schools.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

Imported foods, WB just reminded me of sth. There is a place on the way to Inverness, near Nairn, that's for the well-to-do snobby cnuts. I was there last summer and the prices have rocketed since I went there a few years back. They were bad then. Anyway, to the point. It was 2 pounds for a bag of Black Dragon sushi rice, around 8PLN. It's 12PLN here in Tesco, sometimes more. The other imported goods are treats as they are so pricey.

UK, Ireland / Recruitment agencies advertise for Polish only workers [162]

I think multiculturalism is fine provided that the resident/native group remains visibly in the majority. I'd like to go to Holland to speak to Dutch people, not some other country's people where I could go to their country for that.

Recruitment agencies will likely cheat their fellow Poles more. They are in it for their cut and a person is just an opportunity to get it. What does it matter to them if Paweł, Piotr or Jozef gets the job? As long as one of them does.

Life / Most overpriced things in Poland? [72]

Some medication is overpriced here.
Designer label aftershaves. I wait for the discounts :)
Społem shops for basic Polish food

News / 14 year old rape victim from Warsaw denied abortion! [348]

His back is against the wall as I have asked him this too. He is bordering on the indefensible with his stance. He must address the practicalities and try to imagine this happening to innocent women with no desire to be traumatised.

I, for one, would respect my fiancee/wife's choice but would strongly encourage an abortion. I want us to have a baby from my sperm, not from some wack job.

News / 14 year old rape victim from Warsaw denied abortion! [348]

I'd like to tell you that, M-G, but I'd be lying. Lesser has some tough questions to answer.

Life / HOW WIDESRPEAD IS RECREATIONAL DRUG USE IN POLAND? [30]

What about hash pipes? I tried those as a teen and got a helluva bad throat. Pink Floyd sounded very good though :)

Life / HOW WIDESRPEAD IS RECREATIONAL DRUG USE IN POLAND? [30]

Are bongs popular in Poland?

Language / Praca vs robota [16]

Perhaps it is :)

News / 14 year old rape victim from Warsaw denied abortion! [348]

Lesser, should a murderer not get multiple 25-year sentences for precluding/denying the possibility of the woman having 5 kids? You are talking about potential life and not a functioning human being with broad awareness and a well-defined personality.

What is your take on a murderer murdering a pregnant woman? One sentence of 25-years or two?

Language / Praca vs robota [16]

I thought robota was Silesian, LOL. It is used quite often here and some Silesians claim the word as theirs.

News / 14 year old rape victim from Warsaw denied abortion! [348]

We both have truths, clearly mine are not the same as yours :) :) (Jesus Christ Superstar, the 39 lashes scene)

Your child? Lesser, a child is a planned thing. You think this way too as, were you to accept it is as unplanned, you'd be no better than those slack people who slip up and roll the dice with life. A victim of rape doesn't plan for a man to rape her and have a child by him. I'm guessing that you believe in a husband and wife having a kid and raising it in their way. Why then would you bestow this ghastly fate on a woman, to have a kid with a rapist who gave his sperm? Please address this as you keep ducking it. If my fiancee were raped, and touch wood she won't be, I'd expect her to have an abortion. Do you really expect that I'd bring up that child, knowing how it got there? Please open your mind to such eventualities. I don't want a kid that was provided by a criminal.

Honour killing does exist in countries that are more Western than Poland. Do your research on the Benelux countries and Scandinavia.

What baby, Lesser? Are you even aware of the time frames between foetus, embryo and, ultimately, conception? It is not a legal personality and hasn't yet taken its first breath. Are you aware of the dangerous and damaging precedent you'd set if you followed your logic of not allowing an abortion? Rapists would have an open license to wreak havoc.

Lesser, politicians send troops to war zones all the time. I sincerely hope that you are doing your utmost to bring them to justice. FAAAAAAAAR more innocent lives are lost this way.

Her own child, LOL. What, the one that she didn't want and plan? You really can't see it from the woman's perspective, can you? You come across as chauvinist and I thought you were smarter than that.

Life creation is by conscious design. Are you saying that rape victims consent to being raped in order to have their beloved kid? You seem to be but I hope not. Are you aware that rape is a crime against the will of the rape victim?

Please use wink marks as I think you are just having a laugh. Nobody can be that heartless and lacking in understanding.

Shelley, you are usually right but this time you aren't. Trust me, I can well imagine the horrors a woman would face.

Love / Polish Girls Reputation [231]

If you look for the bad, you'll likely find it. However, it's often better to see the glass as half-full rather than half empty. Geez, I'm full of crap tonight ;) ;) Keeping up an age-old tradition I guess :)

Life / POLISH HOSPITALITY STILL ALIVE AND WELL? [17]

I undoubtedly have that impression. I'll never forget the time I was meditating outside a church and was approached by an old guy who could clearly see I was a foreigner. He invited me back to his flat to visit his wife and son. They live near where I do. His wife produced the most amazing bigos. She also brought out some classy mushrooms (not that kind, lol). There I was, sitting with complete strangers and enjoying what they had to offer. That memory is etched indelibly into my mind. It also improved my confidence with using Polish amongst unknown people.

I received the same excellent food at my second Japanese GF's house but it took quite a while for me to get their trust. Poles and Scots have a more natural entente.

Love / Polish Girls Reputation [231]

Let your own eyes judge. How do you know that posters aren't spinning yarns or exaggerating based on emotion? Why does it matter what they say? Let a reputation be just that.

Justy, you called out winkwink, are you crazy? ;) ;)

Winkwink, why do you concern yourself with what Polish girls are doing in foreign climes? What you don't know doesn't hurt you :)

Life / POLISH HOSPITALITY STILL ALIVE AND WELL? [17]

Poland is a country that sticks with traditions so I think you are right. We think likewise in Scotland but modern lifestyles call for modern options. I don't want to eat much after swimming and doing other forms of exercise. If I wanted to be super healthy, I'd eat more vitamins and buy from these health food shops.

I think another part of it is that they wouldn't want guests to leave with the impression that they scrimped and were stingy. There is also the expectation that a variety of foods will be produced.

Love / Polish Girls Reputation [231]

It is sad that labelling actually became stronger as we moved into the 21st century. People will always find a pigeonhole to put others into. I never really knew the reputation of Polish girls in 2004. Even now, I ignore whatever blank stereotypes are bandied about. I look around and judge people as people, irrespective of nationality. I have no desire to simplify my thinking to slapping on stickers to people.

Life / POLISH HOSPITALITY STILL ALIVE AND WELL? [17]

Young people have a more come and go attitude. They haven't had the years of experience that their parents have had in food preparation. They are more likely to venture off the beaten track when it comes to trying new dishes.

Life / POLISH HOSPITALITY STILL ALIVE AND WELL? [17]

Good points there, Eurola. Even when I could pack away a lot of food, I struggled. It was like this at my grandparents' place in Inverness too. I was offered a main course today in Zabrze after having soup. I had to refuse as I am on a diet. They are just too generous but we all have different agendas.

I bet even the really low earners in Poland would somehow be able to russle up sth good and hearty. Polish black magic, a well kept secret :)

News / Exploitation of Poles working abroad [30]

If you let yourself be exploited then that's your matter. Osiedla is right, many face this in their own countries. There are many support networks for Poles abroad, more than you'd think.