convex
17 Jan 2010
Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]
Really? Salaries are pretty much normal for the Benelux and tax rates are fairly high.
Luxemburg
Really? Salaries are pretty much normal for the Benelux and tax rates are fairly high.
convex
17 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / What do Polish people think of the USA [287]
98% of the worlds population believe everything they read, even if it is blatant satire
huffingtonpost.com/steven-shehori/poll-37-of-americans-unab_b_150933.html
scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/usa/pages/Poll-finds-37-percent-of-Americans-unable-to-locate-America-70-percent-unable-to-read%20polls-Scrape-TV-The-World-on-your-side.html
For what it's worth, there are massive hordes of idiots everywhere you go.
I am sorry, but if THIRTY SEVEN percent of a country's population can locate their country on a map, what can you expect fro mthe country?
98% of the worlds population believe everything they read, even if it is blatant satire
huffingtonpost.com/steven-shehori/poll-37-of-americans-unab_b_150933.html
scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/usa/pages/Poll-finds-37-percent-of-Americans-unable-to-locate-America-70-percent-unable-to-read%20polls-Scrape-TV-The-World-on-your-side.html
For what it's worth, there are massive hordes of idiots everywhere you go.
convex
17 Jan 2010
News / Too much change in Poland?! [25]
I think that the best example of that is the lifespan of a political party. It seems that parties come and go with the election cycles. Parties that once controlled the government just disappear a couple years later.
On the otehr hand, at the official level there is so much change in Poland that the result is instability.
I think that the best example of that is the lifespan of a political party. It seems that parties come and go with the election cycles. Parties that once controlled the government just disappear a couple years later.
convex
16 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / Expired Polish passport; will the English one suffice? [9]
Can Poles travel to and from the UK on an ID card?
Can Poles travel to and from the UK on an ID card?
convex
16 Jan 2010
Food / Mother of all hangovers....Polish Beer! [71]
The majority of what Europeans drink is watery p*ss, light lager. Hell, if you look up the definition of light lager, you see a picture of watery p*ss. tastes the same everywhere you go because it's all produced by the same couple of companies. Rest assured that the quality of the watery p*ss light lagers are pretty much the same all over Europe.
Normaly our beer is rather better then the watery p*ss they serve in the West also:
The majority of what Europeans drink is watery p*ss, light lager. Hell, if you look up the definition of light lager, you see a picture of watery p*ss. tastes the same everywhere you go because it's all produced by the same couple of companies. Rest assured that the quality of the watery p*ss light lagers are pretty much the same all over Europe.
convex
16 Jan 2010
Food / Mother of all hangovers....Polish Beer! [71]
It must be very difficult coming from Belgium to a place where most beer is sold in can form.
Alma and Piotr&Pawel have a decent international selection. Nothing special, but they've got the big Trappist beers.
I'm not much of a fan of lagers, especially the light lagers that are so popular here. I did find a diamond in the mass produced Polish rough, Zywiec makes an excellent porter that is available all over the place. Great winter beer.
Inbev, being the largest brewery in the world, doesn't seem to have anything to say in Poland.
It must be very difficult coming from Belgium to a place where most beer is sold in can form.
Alma and Piotr&Pawel have a decent international selection. Nothing special, but they've got the big Trappist beers.
I'm not much of a fan of lagers, especially the light lagers that are so popular here. I did find a diamond in the mass produced Polish rough, Zywiec makes an excellent porter that is available all over the place. Great winter beer.
convex
15 Jan 2010
News / Should Poland Remove Visa Restrictions? [285]
A high minimum wage calls for high prices, products as well as labor. Minimum wage that is not harmonized in an area that has free movement of goods and labor will lead to a drop in standard of living for the areas that maintain high minimum wage laws.
I was under the impression that the goal of open borders was to accelerate bringing the new EU countries up to the same level as Western Europe...not to bring standard of living down to the level of Portugal.
The way to build up Poland would be to create a market in Poland. Foreign investments and loans, controlled inflation, harmonization of labor laws, deductions. Even infrastructure investment via distribution of wealth in the form of taxes in rich countries. That's (infrastructure investment) kind of already happening, but it's not presented like that to the people.
The average Pole has managed to get themselves into serious debt over the last 10 years (GDP growth!), that's alright while interest rates are low...
If the objective is to level everything, that's pretty easy. Completely open borders, no tariffs, free movement of labor... Seems pretty easy. If you want to bring the country in question up to the same standard of living, it needs to be done with strategic investment and the creation of internal demand.
Personally, I'd love to see completely free trade without any kind of tariffs. It would bring an end to the current situation of borrowing to consume.
Well take Ireland, it has a very high minimum wage. So some companies have left and some are ending up here in Poland.
A high minimum wage calls for high prices, products as well as labor. Minimum wage that is not harmonized in an area that has free movement of goods and labor will lead to a drop in standard of living for the areas that maintain high minimum wage laws.
I was under the impression that the goal of open borders was to accelerate bringing the new EU countries up to the same level as Western Europe...not to bring standard of living down to the level of Portugal.
The way to build up Poland would be to create a market in Poland. Foreign investments and loans, controlled inflation, harmonization of labor laws, deductions. Even infrastructure investment via distribution of wealth in the form of taxes in rich countries. That's (infrastructure investment) kind of already happening, but it's not presented like that to the people.
The average Pole has managed to get themselves into serious debt over the last 10 years (GDP growth!), that's alright while interest rates are low...
If the objective is to level everything, that's pretty easy. Completely open borders, no tariffs, free movement of labor... Seems pretty easy. If you want to bring the country in question up to the same standard of living, it needs to be done with strategic investment and the creation of internal demand.
Personally, I'd love to see completely free trade without any kind of tariffs. It would bring an end to the current situation of borrowing to consume.
convex
15 Jan 2010
Food / Where to buy Sloe Gin in Warsaw? [9]
Is tarnina easy to find? If so, it's not that difficult to make sloe gin... berries, sugar, and gin...wait a couple of months, imbibe!
You may be able to find the Polish near equivalent -- tarniówka.
Is tarnina easy to find? If so, it's not that difficult to make sloe gin... berries, sugar, and gin...wait a couple of months, imbibe!
convex
15 Jan 2010
News / Should Poland Remove Visa Restrictions? [285]
Yes, I think there should be visa restrictions for transient workers.
If it's a job that can be performed by a local, then it should be performed by a local. Companies that aren't happy with that should relocate and be at the mercy of duties to get their products into the lucrative markets.
If the labor is too expensive, it has to be driven by something. The entire idea of open borders was to bring up the standard of living in all countries. People are now realizing that free movement of labor and goods is equalizing standard of living, dropping it in some countries and raising it in others. Free movement of labor and goods works in an environment where the labor laws are the same, where tax rates are the same, where deductions are the same... it doesn't quite work as implemented. Companies are just hoping from country to country feeding from the tax payer trough. Duties would check that power.
So you think there should be visa restrictions for Polish people going to Ireland, like it was before the E.U?
Yes, I think there should be visa restrictions for transient workers.
As there are Polish living and working in Ireland who do not know much about Irish culture, how would you go about changing that?
If it's a job that can be performed by a local, then it should be performed by a local. Companies that aren't happy with that should relocate and be at the mercy of duties to get their products into the lucrative markets.
And if the labour is too expensive in any country, is that not a bad thing anyway?
If the labor is too expensive, it has to be driven by something. The entire idea of open borders was to bring up the standard of living in all countries. People are now realizing that free movement of labor and goods is equalizing standard of living, dropping it in some countries and raising it in others. Free movement of labor and goods works in an environment where the labor laws are the same, where tax rates are the same, where deductions are the same... it doesn't quite work as implemented. Companies are just hoping from country to country feeding from the tax payer trough. Duties would check that power.
convex
15 Jan 2010
Travel / Travel to Silesia (contacts, places to stay?) [8]
And if you want information on the current environment, I'd suggest contacting KGHM. They are the biggest mining company in Poland.
And if you want information on the current environment, I'd suggest contacting KGHM. They are the biggest mining company in Poland.
convex
15 Jan 2010
News / Should Poland Remove Visa Restrictions? [285]
Absolutely. Unless they are there only on a work visa...which should ONLY be given if the if the skill isn't available in country, not because the labor is too expensive in the country...
But the Polish person in Ireland does not have to become Irish, he can keep his Polishness.
Absolutely. Unless they are there only on a work visa...which should ONLY be given if the if the skill isn't available in country, not because the labor is too expensive in the country...
convex
15 Jan 2010
News / Should Poland Remove Visa Restrictions? [285]
Integration needs to happen. It should be the basis of any residency permit for reasons other than employment. The person has to want to be part of Polish culture, not just live on Polish soil.
I am saying that the two can coexist without one having to become the other.
Integration needs to happen. It should be the basis of any residency permit for reasons other than employment. The person has to want to be part of Polish culture, not just live on Polish soil.
convex
15 Jan 2010
convex
15 Jan 2010
Life / Internet / Telephone provider in Krakow [28]
UPC has treated me well. 20/2 package right now... the 120mb fiber to the house isn't much more expensive...might be time for an upgrade.
UPC has treated me well. 20/2 package right now... the 120mb fiber to the house isn't much more expensive...might be time for an upgrade.
convex
14 Jan 2010
Travel / Polish zloty - Canadian dollar: What is the exchange rate? [8]
or just asking google nicely...
1 eur to pln.... or 57.98 eur to pln... or 1373 pln to cad...
or just asking google nicely...
1 eur to pln.... or 57.98 eur to pln... or 1373 pln to cad...
convex
14 Jan 2010
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]
Worthless parents make worthless kids. If you can't afford to raise one right, don't have one in the first place.
Worthless parents make worthless kids. If you can't afford to raise one right, don't have one in the first place.
convex
14 Jan 2010
News / Poland rejects H1N1 vaccine [28]
Actually, I'm not really a doctor, and there's no such thing as a Prostometer.
Actually, I'm not really a doctor, and there's no such thing as a Prostometer.
convex
14 Jan 2010
Law / Polish passport for a Pakistani guy in Poland? [20]
All the information you need is right here
infor.pl/dziennik-ustaw,rok,2000,nr,28/poz,353,ustawa-o-obywatelstwie-polskim.html
Article 10 is relevant.
If he's learned Polish, integrated into Polish society, understands that he will be required to give up his Pakistani passport, then good deal. Welcome to Poland, you love it, you adapted to it, congratulations.
If on the other hand, he doesn't speak Polish like a champ, doesn't know about Polish culture and history, and doesn't want to renounce his Pakistani citizenship and give up his passport... Well, he's going to have to come to terms that he will never get a Polish passport.
hey evry one....i m frm pakistan living in poland last 3 years with polish wife can now i apply for polish passport kindly let me know asap GOD BLES U
All the information you need is right here
infor.pl/dziennik-ustaw,rok,2000,nr,28/poz,353,ustawa-o-obywatelstwie-polskim.html
Article 10 is relevant.
If he's learned Polish, integrated into Polish society, understands that he will be required to give up his Pakistani passport, then good deal. Welcome to Poland, you love it, you adapted to it, congratulations.
If on the other hand, he doesn't speak Polish like a champ, doesn't know about Polish culture and history, and doesn't want to renounce his Pakistani citizenship and give up his passport... Well, he's going to have to come to terms that he will never get a Polish passport.
convex
14 Jan 2010
News / Poland rejects H1N1 vaccine [28]
This was interesting to me, as I remember doing some reading a while back about the over prescription of antibiotics here.
This was interesting to me, as I remember doing some reading a while back about the over prescription of antibiotics here.
convex
14 Jan 2010
Food / Burgers, why not in Poland? [54]
jesus christ, pork? that's wrong, pork belongs in a lot of things, but despite it's name, a hamburger should only be perverted with bacon.
pork and beef and grind the meat yourself
jesus christ, pork? that's wrong, pork belongs in a lot of things, but despite it's name, a hamburger should only be perverted with bacon.
convex
14 Jan 2010
News / The chances for Warsaw to become capital of eventual Slavic confederation? [183]
I think that Poland isn't nearly as "in touch" with it's Slavic heritage as say Serbia. Poles are first and foremost Poles, then either Europeans or Slavs with equal weight. If it were to come to pass, Belgrade would be the capital and driver of any confederation.
i can`t understand that most people here (by the poll) believe that Warsaw doesn`t have chances to become capital of eventual Slavic confederation
I think that Poland isn't nearly as "in touch" with it's Slavic heritage as say Serbia. Poles are first and foremost Poles, then either Europeans or Slavs with equal weight. If it were to come to pass, Belgrade would be the capital and driver of any confederation.
convex
13 Jan 2010
convex
13 Jan 2010
Travel / Polish zloty - Canadian dollar: What is the exchange rate? [8]
convert $20000 to zloty, and you should be able to have a really nice time for 4 weeks.
convert $20000 to zloty, and you should be able to have a really nice time for 4 weeks.
convex
13 Jan 2010
Travel / Fish and Chips in Warsaw [53]
curry or kebab?
It surprises me that you are so up for everything British but dislike our national dish :D
curry or kebab?
convex
13 Jan 2010
Food / Burgers, why not in Poland? [54]
This is what your burger should look like.
Can't post a link, I just mean something that actually tastes like a burger and contain some kind of steak or beef.
This is what your burger should look like.
convex
13 Jan 2010
Work / What jobs pay 10,000 zlotych per month? and Where can i find one? :o) [101]
you don't have to watch zeitgeist to realize that credit is slavery.
you don't have to watch zeitgeist to realize that credit is slavery.
convex
13 Jan 2010
Work / What jobs pay 10,000 zlotych per month? and Where can i find one? :o) [101]
Considering that they're paying more for their expenses than you are in the USA, it's nice to compare. It shouldn't be threatening, your social standing isn't defined by how much money you make.
Yes, but money can buy you a house. I think most Poles are asking themselves why they can't afford to buy their own property on what everyone is telling them is a decent salary.
Transparency is really important right now, especially as salaries are volatile. It allows people the information to be diligent and prevent themselves from being taken advantage of.
I've met several people from central and eastern Europe before and noticed they were really interested in how much money I was making and what kind of benefits, retirement plans, etc. I had. I barely knew those people and was kind of uncomfortable with their questions but maybe that's just a regional preference?
Considering that they're paying more for their expenses than you are in the USA, it's nice to compare. It shouldn't be threatening, your social standing isn't defined by how much money you make.
However, I think the old adage "money can't buy you happiness" is true in both countries.
Yes, but money can buy you a house. I think most Poles are asking themselves why they can't afford to buy their own property on what everyone is telling them is a decent salary.
Transparency is really important right now, especially as salaries are volatile. It allows people the information to be diligent and prevent themselves from being taken advantage of.
convex
12 Jan 2010
History / Have Poles blood on their hands? :) [496]
commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AA-Hitler-08-22-1939-at-Obersalzberg-on-extermination-of-the-Armenians.pdf&page=2
Do you have a source for this quote actually?
I only find this saying but not the original source....
I only find this saying but not the original source....
commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AA-Hitler-08-22-1939-at-Obersalzberg-on-extermination-of-the-Armenians.pdf&page=2
convex
12 Jan 2010
News / Should Poland Remove Visa Restrictions? [285]
Fraczak across from Korona. I think the one in Fabryczna is only for trucks.
that sounds about right, is that the dealership in Psie Pole or Fabryczna?
Fraczak across from Korona. I think the one in Fabryczna is only for trucks.
convex
12 Jan 2010
News / Should Poland Remove Visa Restrictions? [285]
The why the hell do they keep rebuilding the road to the A4 in Wroclaw? How about the yearly "fix the massive gaps that have developed"?
What is being done with those €68 billion in structural funds other than to control the zloty?
That's interesting as I understand that the project has been put on hold. Not much going on when you look out the window..
We were talking about construction. It's always been Polish owned.
Again, it's 100% Polish financed, and German built.
Didn't really care to comment on the concrete examples? Fine, here's a one for you. MB in Wroclaw, I don't mind shaming them. I had to get the rear end on my SLK replaced (shock loading), took it to MB in Wroclaw, a new rear diff was sent over from Germany. Managed to install it and I picked up the car. A couple days later, notice there is oil on the trunk lid. Took it back in, and MB says they have no clue. They tear it down and stick by their guns and try to tell me that it wasn't broken in properly, and that I needed to get a new rear end. I'm livid, I pack up the rear end and fly to Germany to meet with the AMG area rep that I bought the car from. He manages to see it right away, MB PL failed to fill the rear end with enough oil. Metal ended up grinding on metal, and the gears got a bit hot. He makes a call, three days later my car is good to go with full apologies. That's one, I have one about aircraft maintenance too if you want to hear that.
Sure, the apartments built on Reja in Wroclaw are horrible, the ones that were built by Odra in Biskupin could use a level. The PZL SW-4 is a junk, and the gliders that PZL are known for, ahem, build quality issues.
You do know that RPP is part of the NBP right? I'm sure that you also know the role that interest rates and bond sales have on currency.
You do realize that we're talking about tax rates relating to FDI, we're talking about corporate tax rates, right?
New roads? Yes and they're built to the same standard as German ones, if you meant that new projects are shoddy then thats outright bull.
The why the hell do they keep rebuilding the road to the A4 in Wroclaw? How about the yearly "fix the massive gaps that have developed"?
Nope. enough money to repair (somewhat) already bad roads from communist time but not enough money to strip them off and build new ones
What is being done with those €68 billion in structural funds other than to control the zloty?
Quite fast.
That's interesting as I understand that the project has been put on hold. Not much going on when you look out the window..
Now google who's managing it now:))))
We were talking about construction. It's always been Polish owned.
Also use google once more for current management and co-investor:)
Again, it's 100% Polish financed, and German built.
Based on your non-existant experience?:)
Didn't really care to comment on the concrete examples? Fine, here's a one for you. MB in Wroclaw, I don't mind shaming them. I had to get the rear end on my SLK replaced (shock loading), took it to MB in Wroclaw, a new rear diff was sent over from Germany. Managed to install it and I picked up the car. A couple days later, notice there is oil on the trunk lid. Took it back in, and MB says they have no clue. They tear it down and stick by their guns and try to tell me that it wasn't broken in properly, and that I needed to get a new rear end. I'm livid, I pack up the rear end and fly to Germany to meet with the AMG area rep that I bought the car from. He manages to see it right away, MB PL failed to fill the rear end with enough oil. Metal ended up grinding on metal, and the gears got a bit hot. He makes a call, three days later my car is good to go with full apologies. That's one, I have one about aircraft maintenance too if you want to hear that.
Could you please point out that poor quality produce? You know specific brands? Or would you like to see pictures of Wrocław directly after the war and after we rebuilt its centre for an example on Polish Quality?:)
Sure, the apartments built on Reja in Wroclaw are horrible, the ones that were built by Odra in Biskupin could use a level. The PZL SW-4 is a junk, and the gliders that PZL are known for, ahem, build quality issues.
Uhuh you realise its not the NBP that kept the zloty low? In fact BNP has nothing to do with?
You do know that RPP is part of the NBP right? I'm sure that you also know the role that interest rates and bond sales have on currency.
Have another read, just because they changed the taxation form doesnt mean the tax got lower and as far as i'm aware no it did not drop down.
You do realize that we're talking about tax rates relating to FDI, we're talking about corporate tax rates, right?