Life / Top 3 Most Important Things about which polish dentists will LIE to you bigtime [46]


If you paid 3000zl for canal treatment then you've got robbed. As simple as that, your dentist robbed you. I've got canal treatment in Poland, it took about five visits cost me 250 zł with insurance, without would cost me 500 zł... It was private clinic. CHANGE YOUR DENTIST! (and tell that thief that he/she is a thief)...

History / Russia: Poland responsible for WW II [300]


That is awesome :-)
All what I would say about Russian version of modern history is:

"It is a lie! Copernicus was a women!" (around 7:02, and 7:50)

For clarification, those two poor guys is Poland in this allegory ;-)
I feel sorry for non polish speakers now... It is great movie in polish :-)

But this moment expresses my feelings and is easy to understand:

"K... mać..." (around 0:50)

Heh, I almost sad now that there is no censorship in Poland anymore. If it were I'm sure that some artists would invent proper response to this kind of "view" of history...

Hm... but maybe, just maybe this crazy Russian colonel is on the right track ;-) :
"How I broke out WWII" begining (around 8:00):

I don't know which one of this two commedies is better, but if anyone of you here try to learn polish those two movies are must see for you.

PS. Didn't Poland drop nuke on Hiroshima?

News / Are people losing jobs in Poland? [5]

Like Seanus said, some are, some aren't. In Q1 unemployment rose, but in april unemployment droped by 37,8 thousands. But of course it is probably seasonal thing. Usually in april all "outside" work starts for good....


It is quite outdated statement. Since EU entry, those poles who want emigrate prefer western and north Europe... Those who move to USA do that mostly because of some family connections (because it is easier)

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


Sorry ShelleyS, like I said "Because it doesn't look nice" is not an argument for me :-)
Anyway, my fiancee says the same thing as you... I think that in future, when some equal rights for man movement will emerge, then one of the top slogans would be:

1. Every man has a right to wear socks with sandals!
2. Further, those socks could be different!

Probably political correct compromise would be: one leg with sock, the other without ;-)


Huh, and I've thought that France was a free country ;-) fashion slaves...

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

Ha, this things about sandals and socks always makes me wonder: WHY NOT?
In time I've become convinced that this idea is based ENTIRELY on its source, which are most probably fashion houses in Italy and France. Countries, where if you have 30 degrees, then you have it all day long... All this "socks and sandals" critics should:

1. start thinking for themselves
2. understand that in Poland you can have within and hour frame slide from 25 to 15 degrees. It is really not fun to have sandals without socks in that situation... :-)

Hm.. another thing I've really never understood is why socks have to be always the same?
But I rarely have a courage to break that stupid custom :-) Only, when I cann't find the other sock... :-)

Or maybe I'm just a man and there is some logic behind this two habits...
PS. "Because it doesn't look nice" it is not the point :-) it is not even valid argument :-)

USA, Canada / Work ethics in Poland vs US [66]


Ha, in that case you are justified :-)

USA, Canada / Work ethics in Poland vs US [66]

Ha kioko, I've got you! You are a Pole, you have 26 days off and it is friday 14:17!! What about your work ethics?! Get back to your work immediately! ;-) Don't tell me you are on holiday wasting time in the internet ;-)

USA, Canada / Work ethics in Poland vs US [66]

I see that some of you are working in USA. Is it true, that in USA employee has only 10 days of paid leave ? If so, how do you cope with that? I mean in most of Europe it is at least 20 free days. In Poland it is 20 or 26 free days. Currently I have 26, and it is unimaginable for me to have only 10. It is not even about paid or not paid, but off work. Are you in USA getting more not paid off work days to have sensible holidays a few times in a year?

USA, Canada / Work ethics in Poland vs US [66]

Work ethics? How about that, which one of you are posting at polishforums at work, ha ? ;-)
Working hours don't tell you anything. A lot of people sits 10 hours, 5 of which they are serfing in net... I used to work in a project with some Indians people. They've literally sleeped at work sometimes, but hey, they've been at work for 20 hours... Productivity counts, not only time at work.

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


With that I can agree, present generation of Germans cann't be morally blamed for their fathers sins. But to say things like this:


is just HUGELY inaccurate. Yeah... "this little crazy Hitler guy, came from nowhere, nobody really know him, etc...", "Devilish SS vs knightly Wehrmacht....". Even Germans finally discredited this kind of crap. Facism was a MASSIVE movement with HUGE public support (till they were winning war...).

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


Hm... I suppose it was ironic on your side :-) These are even two different words in Polish: 'wendeta' and 'zemsta'.

News / Should Poles become a minority in Poland? [150]


"Missing point" thing in history discussion vary with point of time which is used to support arguments :-) What you said is true if you choose something around 1600. But why those minorities become so disloyal? Look here (in Polish):

pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kontrreformacja_w_Polsce
and it will become obvious. In late XVI century strong Counter-Reformation took place. Catholic church fought with protestants, and by the way with Orthodox church (Union in Briest in 1596). Counter-reformation in Poland was effiecient process of destroing social stability in Kingdom. I find it hard to blame minorities that they fought back. Especially when I take into consideration how important was religion in those times.

BTW. Ha, above-mentioned history lesson should teach us, that we should avoid strongly religious immigrants because in time they would be a problem... Hm... to late for UK... While in EU we can only hope that our winters are to severe I suppose...

News / Should Poles become a minority in Poland? [150]


It depends what period you have in mind. And how you count it :-)
In the biggest moment (in terms of territory, around 1600) it was like this: around 11 milion, 4.5 mln of Poles, 0.75 mln Lithuanians and 5 mln Ruthenians. And of course smaller amount of Jews and Germans (with questions like: Copernicus, Pole or German? don't start it...)


Yes, my fault, I've check East Smaller Poland region, not Poland. Others sources (more or less) are in line with yours. But it doesn't change much my point :-) Which was that most of the time (beside midle ages) Poles was minority or not too dominant majority in Poland.

News / Should Poles become a minority in Poland? [150]

@mrlol "Should Poles become a minority in Poland?"
In short, in fact your question is about culture not about ethnic. In order to understand that you need short glimpse of polish history:
- Poles were minority in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, in fact this Kingdom was much more mixed than current Britain, except colour of skin,
- then Poles were even smaller minority in Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia
- then Poles were the bigest minority (less than 50%) in Poland betwen WW1 and WW2
- last sixty years is in fact first time in history (except midle ages when it is arguable to even use a concept of nationality) when Poles weren't minority in Poland...

So, why we are still here? Because of our culture (good or bad, doesn't matter). Culture equals language. And here lies your Brits biggest strength and weakness... Because you gave your language to the world, and the world took it... So your language is no longer yours, ergo you don't possess your culture... Ok, this is exaggeration, but is it really? I think this is the source of problems with a question "what does it mean to be British person ?"

So, at last, to answer your question. Of course Poles shouldn't become a minority in Poland, but in the sense of culture and language. Simply because without coherent culture there is no stable society (even USA has such thing as coherent culture, but it is probably most open culture, monster which so far has been able to consume everything :-) ). Ok, enough, this topic is to complex...

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

Wroclaw Boy, you need to introduce some nuances. Poles blame past generations of Germans, not current (or at least we try to make that distinction). Fortunately there is no concept of vendetta in Polish culture... That is why we are able to move on with Germany, and still have some problems with finding common ground with Russia. Generation of German invaders is almost gone, last generation of Russian communists currently rules in Russia... Fortunately last generations of Russian communists used much milder tools in order to rule CEE area. So we have not to many reasons to blame them... but, ex-KGB agent as their president/prime minister wasn't easy to swallow...

PS. I've noticed (on internet forums) that expats living in Poland tends to acquire Polish "complaint syndrom" in time, especially during autumn and winter times... So, maybe it is just a weather... ;-)

News / Kaliningrad. Problem, Threat or Opportunity for Poland? [185]

If I may few words about initial topic "Kaliningrad. Problem, Threat or Opportunity?"
It was opportunity until Putin centralized Russia again... Maybe in the big picture it was necessary for Russia but it killed local initiatives. In order to change Kaliningrad into some small version of Hong Kong Russia has to change it into some kind of autonomy. Without it is impossible to make different arrangements on local level (not EU-Russia level). In fact it is Russia own choice to make it a threat (huge military presence), and problem, for example: Pilawska Strait and city of Elblag. This city has nice port and many sailors would love to get there from Gdansk area via Pilawska Strait, they would also like to join such trip with visit in Królewiec (Kaliningrad). But they can't because Russia closed that strait for polish vessels... So Elblag and Kaliningrad are losing money... Maybe in time when Russia gets more self-confidence restrictions would be gradually lifted, but for now it seems that Russia feels unsecured and pursue for Kaliningrad policy of one big closed military base. What is worse inhabitants of Kaliningrad region have no tools to change that.

Genealogy / What region of poland is my family from? [27]

Sorry man, that is too little. Pgtx said that 'kartofle' is from Silesia, but the same is for south-central Poland where I am from (but it is quite close to Silesia...).

Love / Should I Be Nervous About Going to Poland? Black female dating a Pole. [158]


I was trying to reconstruct typical way of thinking for simple bandits... Not like they have a lot of brain, but one thing they try to avoid is to assault on someone who can be somehow connected to others people in their area.. Black skin is simple hint to them...

So, maybe someone will help, but it is better to avoid this type of accidents, isn't it?

Love / Should I Be Nervous About Going to Poland? Black female dating a Pole. [158]


Popularity for black women here could be dangerous. "Do not go alone after dark in not safe districts". That is what I mean. Of course this is good advice for everyone. I just think that black woman is preferable for bandits:

- she is black (rarity here)
- she obviously is stranger (nobody will help, nobody will take revenge).

I know it is obvious but should be said

Love / Should I Be Nervous About Going to Poland? Black female dating a Pole. [158]



Sokrates, why are you so excited? It looks like you want to scare her... Are you racists or something ? :-)


Well, yes but if she must go to Poland, then she souldn't act as a frightened mouse... She needs simple facts not some lament...

News / Poland growth rate [34]

I think that in clinic in Poznan you sacrifice could be rewarded of 30$ for sample... :-)

Love / Should I Be Nervous About Going to Poland? Black female dating a Pole. [158]


Well, yes... but keep in mind:
1. 99% of people in Poland are white
2. Poles don't used to smile to strangers

If we stare at you it is mostly because we are curious. Of course some people do that because they are racist. Problem is that you cann't tell the difference because (point 2.) Poles don't smile when they stare at you... Sorry, no good advice here...

In general as a black in Poland you would have some tough time (especially in smaller towns), as a black woman you should be veeery careful (because for some morons you would be kind of delicacy)...

Older people, the easiest part: those you don't care about, ignore. Those you care, could be easily transformed from "oh, these black people" to "oh, these black people, but you are really nice my dear" (of course only if you are really nice to them...)

Life / What should Poland and Poles do, after first day of nuclear war? [133]


I think polishforum.com works on servers in USA... At least google search engine says so.
So, polishforum.com existence would be good indicator of USA existence ;-)

What would I do? Probably I would enjoy last minutes of my life...

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]


Bearing in mind how easy it is for big countries start a war between two small other countries, possibility of using nuclear weapon in conventional war bothers me a lot... I don't bother to look for USA doctrine because I remember that they've had this stupid idea of small nukes for battlefield purpose... I'was pointing my finger on Russia only because of the context of this discussion


The problem with that threat is that Russia used to threaten Poland with some rockets at least from late 90'. I mean common awarness in Poland is that some Russian rockets are aimed at Poland anyway. So what is the difference? Nobody can be sure what is true anyway... You know, Poland is living in nuclear shadow almost from begining of Warsaw Pact, because in case of war between NATO and USSR as usual Poland destiny was to be a battlefield. Plans assumed nuclear strikes in army concentration spots...

So it shouldn't surprise anyone, that for many Poles shield conception doesn't look so stupid... (maybe not current conception, but idea of a shield)


Yes, they are the blanket as Poland was and this is most unfortunate. I have no intention to defend politicians but I think that Russian "pull methods" are a little more harsh to put it mildly. Especially regarding Lukaszenko I think this last dictator in this part of Europe would have been out a long time ago if it wasn't for Russia's persistent support for him.

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]


We are already recycling your cars, isn't that enough? ;-)

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]

Sasha, this is quite good too:

da.mod.uk/colleges/arag/document-listings/russian/OB77/view

"The section concerning Russia's use of nuclear weapons has already been commented on, but it would appear that the earlier choice of words - which caused the alarm bells to ring in the West and also raised a few eyebrows in Russia itself - was deliberate in its vagueness and should be seen less as being constructed on Russia's own lack of clarity and more on its deliberate policy of keeping "the enemy" in the dark, so to speak, concerning the precise conditions of use of its nuclear arsenal."

OMG, I love internet, there is everything in it now :-). You know Sasha, you should search more before you start using words like "piece of crap"...

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]


Here:
nti.org/db/nisprofs/russia/weapons/doctrine.htm

It is a little more complicated indeed. In simple words Russia allow for a possibility to use nuclear weapon in conventional war between Russian ally and somebody else...


Presidential campaign in 2004 and gas issues prove it isn't paranoia at all :-)
Add to that sentiment manifested by some Russian officials that "Ukraine is not a real country"... Personally I really regret that Russia has this postcolonial syndrom (and Poland too as a recent colony). Reality is that Russia-Poland affairs could be now best then ever because there is no border or colony-center issues between them. The only real issues are energy monopol and future status of Belarus and Ukraine. It is funny how history repeats itself. Ukraine and Belarus were for centuries bone of contention between Poland and Russia. Well, Poland finally comprehend that these are independent countries. It is time for Russia to do the same.

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]


All big countries have document like "military doctrine". If I remember right Russia current military doctrine assume preemptive nuclear strike... I would say it isn't very peaceful doctrine.

Of course nobody really thinks that they want to invade Poland but do they have plans? They have plans just in case for many, many not very pleasant things. For example I think they have document like "how to split Ukraine in half"...

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]


Ha, here is the problem what is better:
- man with great balls and firm but not cunny, or
- man with smaller balls, not very firm but at least a little cunny?

I don't know, but it turned out that in first case on global scale this great balls were peanuts, and in the second this cunny fox turned out to be weasel... Internally this firm man just pissed people off, this not firm at least didn't put his finger where it didn't belong...

So we are looking for a new, better balanced leader but in the meantime for me as long as Tusk don't let to print money (as Kaczynski would like to) I will vote for him. In fact external affairs has a little meaning during slow down... In fact nobody in Poland cares about this shield much now (except people near Slupsk) ...

News / Poland. Sold for nothing. [341]


Poland is a pawn on global scene, no doubt... but even a pawn can checkmate the king sometimes...

Personally I dislike the idea of Poland being a shield... it is never good to be a shield... But in current envirement I don't see other solution but to sustain NATO which seems too fall apart gradually... NATO=USA unfortunately... EU is a set of pawns mostly, I hope that in time some sort of common military will arise, but I don't see that happens in next ten years... So, if the outcome of this shield agreement would be no shield but patriots (because formally it were two different agreements) then I'm ok with that.

Anyway I think that tensions in our region will be decreasing in time. The main factor wich destabilize CEE is Russia, no doubt. But sooner or later Russia will have to move most of attention to the east and make eternal peace with the west...

China is a real threat for Russia not Poland with some not even working shield.