Work / I'M SO SURPRISED BY THIS SALARY FOR IBM in WROCLAW 3000 ZL gross [135]

It can be difficult. The city I live in is a bit cheaper but I'd pay a bit extra for the good feeling of being in Wrocław. However, that has its drawbacks too. It's easier to save here as there is less entertainment than in Wrocław so it just depends on your lifestyle.

2000PLN net in Wrocław? Might be tricky.

Food / Polish fast food joints? [59]

The zapienkanka places are pretty good. Then again, how far wrong can you go with a baguette, some chopped spring onion/chives and cheese? Oh, and mushrooms :) I rarely eat them but they have pride of place in Poland :)

Life / Poland's population predictions [59]

Media Watch, once the benefits are secured, they are off and running :) A sure way to extend the population.

Food / Polish fast food joints? [59]

Poland should open a corn on the cob shop. Some great all you can eat deals and a sore gut afterwards. Oh, and plenty of wind too :)

News / U.S. role in Poland is shrinking [82]

You'd see volcanic ash mysteriously popping up again. The only thing that's shrinking is Obama's enthusiasm, probably at the thought of meeting Komorowski ;)

The US doesn't have a big role in Poland as they are already onboard with NATO. Ukraine, however.......

News / U.S. role in Poland is shrinking [82]

We should always pinch ourselves as a reminder that many ties are covert. Covert operations take place more so than we could ever realise. What, we assume that everyone just does standard office jobs? Nah, plenty of undercover work. Just think of the allegations of beating Muslims in the woods, orchestrated by the CIA with Polish operators being complicit.

The role isn't entirely seen.

Life / Poland's population predictions [59]

The population is showing signs of aging and the low level of births isn't helping. Nevermind, there's always 1,000,000 that can come back and redress the balance ;) ;)

Food / Polish fast food joints? [59]

Złoty Kurczak is quite ok. They do burritos which are pretty tasty :) The only thing is that you have to tell them to hold the cabbage. Cabbage in a cheeseburger isn't the best but it makes for an interesting burger.

There is another burger chain on the main street which, I presume, is Polish. I can't remember the name of it.

The best places in Poland, like in Japan, are the places that are tucked away a little. The local places are great.

Language / in Polish slang, what is the difference between Siema and Siemka? [64]

Siemka is simply the diminuitive form of siema. It depends on the context.

That's what tomek1234 said. He's right. Hejka and heja is another.

News / Smoking ban in Polish bars and restaurants (AT LAST!) [400]

Guys, yeah, that's what I meant. You wouldn't get an ashtray if you sat in the non-smoking area. They would likely send you out for that. The smoke didn't waft across, maybe due to some directional ventilation.

However, I do see the side of the smokers. They gain access to an addictive substance, get addicted and are then told that they can't indulge in what many see as complementary goods, namely alcohol and tobacco. The tobacco firms can bail out with cash, safe in the knowledge that people will almost always buy their products.

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

Ian Paisley was the guy who attacked him but I think he was out of line. You have to question in debates and not attack in that fashion.

A little propaganda can provoke discussion but I have never rolled with it in places where it matters. I see the damaging effects of it when used by major PR firms and I'm thinking war rhetoric here.

I just find there to be little discussion of content on such threads and that's why a little spice can sometimes bring out perceived truths amongst posters.

It's not in my nature to go launching into personal attacks. I always rose above that so I hope I didn't cross any other lines.

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

The videos don't reflect my views, Barney, but stimulate discussion.

People cast aspersions on the role of the RCC with Islam but I fail to see where they are coming from. However, they have occupied positions that I'll never have in religious circles. I do tend to think those mason types are wackos with conflicts in their agendas.

I could also equally mention the good things the RCC does and I have already praised JPII elsewhere.

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

People make such issues their life. Do priests have an obsession with the RCC or is it just their work/interest? I don't discuss religion at work, with fellow Poles or in other places. I've just wanted to find out a few things from Poles here, that's all. Not an obsession!

Sorry but the Polish psyche has roots with the RCC, amongst other things. There is no smokescreen, only clear fact.

Care to quote some of that anti-Catholic propaganda? I'd happily defend any of my statements by reference to official sources. Best by PM as I don't want to repeat what has been done already.

Questions are open and no guns are pointed at heads.

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

Minority shareholders would be welcomed or not? ;)

Barney, you seem uncomfortable with me discussing it and I can't figure out why. Are you really so defensive? This is a forum and Catholicism is a large part of the Polish psyche. I'm not chasing my tail at all, what I addressed above was a separate point. If you cannot answer or are not comfortable with what you write, then don't. Simples!

I was merely making a theological point but you don't need to go into it if it doesn't interest you. A Catholic tends to work more on the deed side of things.

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

Aha, ok :)

I wonder if any Catholics feel let down by God. There was a chapter in Watchtower devoted to the scepticism of those that questioned the intentions of God. They felt he introduced natural disasters as a punishment to mankind. Catholics tend to be devout so perhaps they don't question in that way.

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

I'd say it's more down to ID, convex. The point is that they are not ensured of it at all. A Catholic believes in constant good works, infusing and transformation of the character to give themselves the best chance of redemption and ultimate heaven.

They follow the process of contrition/penance/salvation in order to show this working. When a Catholic finds himself 'justified' is a hard question and often transgresses into the realms of sanctification. The Council of Trent confuses this point. For a Calvinist, justification is a simple matter but a Catholic has to continuously work at it and the moment of justification is by no means clear. This is what puzzles me. A Catholic sees themself as practising only if they go to church. That's what I pick up anyone. However, the majority of 'good works' are done in society, outwith the direct gaze of the church. Is the church merely reinforcement or....?

Work / English teacher from Turkey, have any chance to work in Poland? [71]

They accept that teachers have a social life but not to the level that is often seen. They are often just there for the ride and not to hone their teaching skills most of the time.

To answer the thread, Turkey is not seen as the most natural place to look but life is strange.

Work / English teacher from Turkey, have any chance to work in Poland? [71]

As long as they are regularly observed. This is my beef with teaching generally, a lack of observations. This applies to natives too as they are often unqualified and inexperienced. Feeling only goes so far. I asked Germans to teach me German grammar and they were horrible at it. It was loose but still they couldn't get it across.

News / Smoking ban in Polish bars and restaurants (AT LAST!) [400]

3 years ago, Pizza Hut operated a segregation policy whereby one half could smoke and the other couldn't. A smoking ban is not before time. Scotland introduced it 4.5 years ago and we are a nation of heavy smokers. Ireland too, they were even quicker off the mark. There is no reason why Poles can't venture away from Cancer Crescent too.

Life / Polish "Forfiter" :) [26]

LOL. At least he didn't try and introduce himself to the alligator. I've often wondered about people that go out in those flattish boats. We got taken on one from the floating market back to Bangkok and we saw a crocodile in the water. I wasn't impressed. The Thais may be comfortable with it but Westerners tend not to be.

The ubiquitous 'kur*a' popped up :)

Life / Is Poland split into two religions: catholicism and non-believers? [103]

No need to dig here for me :)

Work / English teacher from Turkey, have any chance to work in Poland? [71]

Many teachers here make mistakes anyway. However, the preference will be to recruit a Polish teacher. I find it funny to see what they teach Polish students. In fact, I am stunned by what I hear and they have such conviction that they are right as their teacher said so.

International communication need not be a precise art outwith the domain of contracts.

Life / Why so many soldiers walking on Polish streets? [17]

Global police state training :)

UK, Ireland / The more subtle differences: Ireland/Britain v Poland [310]

I think many Poles like to create a quiet atmosphere upon entering a classroom. It takes them a while to build up but I didn't see this in Scotland. They don't seem to acknowledge one another that much, nor myself. When they get into their stride, they are ok.

UK, Ireland / The more subtle differences: Ireland/Britain v Poland [310]

Pawian, who is they? Anyway, please stay on topic :)

I find that Poles look for natives to affirm their beliefs about their country. What happens happens and shouldn't be overanalysed. They don't seem to like my 'some are and some aren't' stuff as they seem to interpret it as fence sitting. It's the truth though and Poles are not as homogeneous as they'd like to be in some regards.

UK, Ireland / The more subtle differences: Ireland/Britain v Poland [310]

Interesting point, warzawski. I've found that to be the case too.

WB, any examples? Poles tend to be truthful about things for the most part (opinions of how they feel or your country etc etc)

UK, Ireland / The more subtle differences: Ireland/Britain v Poland [310]

Taking shoes off is more an eastern thing (MUST in Japan) but we follow it in Scotland in many households.

The aloofness can be noticed but breaking their guard is not that difficult.

UK, Ireland / The more subtle differences: Ireland/Britain v Poland [310]

It's been mentioned elsewhere but handing across change is different here. You are supposed to place it on the counter for them to pick up but it can take a while to pick all the coins off of it.

News / Crash of Tu-154 at Smolensk-North--could it have been a bomb in the Polish plane? [233]

True, constant mourning! It's great that they pay their tributes but surely an anniversary is the right time for that, no?

UK, Ireland / More honest - Brits of Poles? [9]

Life was easier in terms of stepping into employment in my parent's generation. You didn't need to 'gloss up' your CV so they could be more honest along these lines. It depends from which standpoint you are viewing it. My generation probably lied more at the polls. The Tories were the party that few would admit to voting for but they won a landslide victory under Thatcher. Does that answer your question, Pol3? If not, please ask me sth more specific. If so, please have the courtesy of answering mine. Thanks!