Law / The differences in business cultures between the west and Poland [11]

A problem is something that is problematic, McCoy ;) I don't mind if they chew gum, it helps concentration.

It depends also on what vibes you put out. I often get a friendly reception as I put out friendly vibes.

History / Poland: dont blame us its the Germans. [174]

France was very harsh. Lloyd George had personal reservations about this approach being a former close trade partner with Germany. He bowed to public opinion and was a bit sterner.

Still, it stuck in the craw of the Germans from the end of WWI to the start of WWII. They didn' like being dictated to in such an unfair and offhand way but war arouses those emotions unfortunately.

We must always pinch ourselves that we are writing in times of peace (well, out of the window I am looking anyway, oh, a Polish couple have just started to argue, LOL ;)) War is a plunderous game!

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Oh, I don't deny that at all. For example, look at this,

nato.int/docu/basictxt/fndact-a.htm not adversaries with Russia, hmm...

Lesser, is defence a short or long-term goal? They even had long-term defence plans as early as 1952.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Lesser, was it intended to be formed and ran as a temporary association? Straight question.

Again I ask, Lisbon Conference 1952. What was the central theme?

History / Poland: dont blame us its the Germans. [174]

Well, had there been no Hitler, it is a matter of speculation as to whether the Allies would have allowed the Red Army to waltz in and then impose communism.

Roosevelt and Churchill invoked the depleted army and tiredness card, allowing Poland to fall prey to the scourge of communism.

In hindsight, we can see that communism was attacked afterwards but Poland was largely left to its own devices to shake it off.

For sure we can blame the Germans as the proximate cause but we need to understand the fury of theirs after Versailles. Yes, I understand the anger of the Poles but not fully as I've never lived it.

Language / Dates in Polish ( examples ) [21]

It means 6 in Japanese :)

It is a changed form of rok, which means year in Polish.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

That's just a blanket statement, gumishu. The whole EU Vs Russia issue is central to NATO. There are many others but I agree that its role is becoming diluted slowly.

International layering is common :(

On your last point, I agree. Just look at the Bilderberger group and the presence of monarchs there. They go above governments.

History / Territories of eastern Germany should rightfully belong to Poland? [161]

Well, what she said was correct. It really depends on the issue and not the nationality sometimes.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Let's talk specifics then, gumishu. What specific NATO proposals do they take issue with and why? Nord Stream is relevant here as it encompasses the thread title.

Merkel and Sarkozy see Obama as a very reasonable man and a spirit of cooperation has been fostered. They are not as anti-NATO as you think.

Food / Murzynek - Traditional Polish Cake with Chocolate Glaze [12]

Well, I thought the same but many Poles say it's not racist at all. Polewa is very good, this is chocolate glaze.

My fiancee makes this from time to time. Very good it is too.

Law / The differences in business cultures between the west and Poland [11]

This could be an interesting one, very open.

I've discussed this with publishing experts and there were some differences but not so gaping. It all depends on what you have encountered in life and what criteria you apply.

The intense scrutiny of a business card isn't required in Poland and the West. In Japan, it's a must.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Well, try telling that to your government. PO are decidedly pro-NATO and only 2.5 months ago were pressing new agendas for it.

There are bigger powers than those 2 in NATO ;)

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

The Poles may well seek to bolster it in the future. They have lended their support to various initiatives and will strive for its sustenance.

It was the fact that he was the top dog for 4 years, gumishu. Discussions may well be available from NATO's website or BBC archives.

History / Territories of eastern Germany should rightfully belong to Poland? [161]

I usually go for a balanced perspective, Rock, but this time I have to agree. 70% of Serbians want to join the EU and Croatia will join soon, more than likely. If Turkey join, Europe will fragment and complicate the voting procedures. Some old wounds just haven't healed.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

It's not the content that was critical here, it was the fact that he was outlining a long-term vision for NATO. Don't forget how popular NATO was with Poles.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Bringing in Europe through the auspices and pretense of NATO, yes.

George Robertson, former Secretary-General of NATO, gave a speech outlining the role of NATO for the 21st century. I can assure you that he wasn't planning only for the next 10 years.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Aha, a man who wants to discuss its beginnings. OK then, tell me a key conclusion of the 1952 Lisbon conference, Sokrates?

Given that the war in Afghanistan is still predicted to be going on in 2025, 10 years seems to be a little short. Tell me Sokrates, what happened in Stirling, Scotland, last Monday?

Club of convenience?? You really don't know the structures that well then.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

The purpose of NATO was to form an enduring alliance based on the continuing need for security.

Your very use of 'if' totally undermines your point, gumishu. Tell me, is that a realistic prospect that NATO will fall apart in 2 years? Do you want to bet on that? I'll bet my life savings that it won't in the next 2 years.

If this, if that. Hypotheticals don't apply here.

History / Territories of eastern Germany should rightfully belong to Poland? [161]

I second that. Let me make one very simple point. Rights can be enforced by competent courts. Tell me a land court which wouldn't be forum non conveniens here.

There were 14 long years to do something after WWII before the EEC was entered into. Poland didn't join for a long time after.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

So you are telling me NATO is a "temporary cooperation based on common interest"? What's temporary about it?

Not all friendships are what we call lasting friendships, lesser. You can strike up a friendship but life changes.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Aha, well if that British ally ruins Krakow then some Poles may well carry out reprisals ;)

Drunken Brits do this :(

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Ally means friend. Did you mean a guy in an alley?

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Well, reprisals against the US just isn't an option. I meant more at the interpersonal level, as opposed to the intergovernmental level.

History / "Shafting the Poles" [44]

Is he satisfied? ;)

Seriously though, shafting the Poles will result in a lifelong grudge and some reprisals.

News / Kaczynski laughs at Tusk because of his English language skills [18]

The problem is that they've overplayed the crisis. This was a chance at solidarity but infighting has put paid to that. Tusk really had the chance to shine but he just doesn't have the economic credentials of a Gordon Brown.

A more dynamic PM may have really raised the profile of Poland here. Tusk clearly falls short. Many Poles came back in hope AND expectation but Tusk just hasn't put enough incentive-based packages in place to lure them back for the long haul.

Kaczyński is too busy saber rattling and making noises rather than doing anything of note.

Law / What will happen to PLN Zloty when the Euro is adopted? [10]

Things will seem to be much more expensive, esp housing. Best make the big purchases now.

News / Kaczynski laughs at Tusk because of his English language skills [18]

It's quite tragic and embarrassing for Poland. Many students see the funny side of it but if people get on in workplaces in today's diverse world, they can get on too.

News / I love Poland because... (in 10 words or less) [182]

I can have a BBQ in a super garden :)

Life / Polish men in shorts with sandals and socks.. [63]

Walking round the city in sandals is quite nice. Sandals and socks are for old dudes, those travelling types who are off their tree.

Life / Getting married in Poland - Marriage of no impediment [11]

How long is this certificate valid for if issued here in Poland?