USA, Canada / A Polish-American Paper's Final Edition [10]


I can't function without newspapers. I once read that Scandinavia has the highest newspaper readership in the world, maybe that's where I got my addiction from? Nowadays I read mainly on my iPad but I have several newspaper subscriptions, WSJ, NYTimes, FT, several Swedish papers, etc. Then I read local newspapers (English editions) wherever I might be whether Seoul, Shanghai or Cologne. I am more into reading and listening to books (I looove you audible ;) but I still like my daily paper.

Oh well, we're all different...

schoolvoorjournalistiek.com/europeanculture09/?p=1752

"...Far more people read newspapers in Sweden, compared to Western-Europe. The readership figures are very high.More than 80 percent of all adults are reading a newspaper on a daily basis..."

Love / Is this dress good for a Polish wedding? [15]

Very nice blog mama, enjoyed the summary.

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]


Guesswho, convex talks the way many Americans think but few vote that way. It's the libertarian ideology and often I too agree with their reasoning. Convex simply used a more colorful or mor direct way of describing those feelings.

I do understand your position and you're right, it's easier for me as I have no wife or children (not by choice though). Yet our society is slowly turning into the European model of constant government involvement in peoples' lives. We have lazya@$ bums who've lived on welfare for decades, we have those who procreate simply to keep getting more checks from the government. Of course, people with that mindset are a minority but a sizable minority which is draining our coffers. A few months ago I was downtown Anchorage, AK getting a cop of coffee when I saw this bum who asked me for money. I said I'd buy him a sandwich and a coffee instead if he wanted. Really?, he said. Yeah, let's go inside and you order what you want, I replied and so we did. He took his meal into a paper bag, thanked me and as he was walking out I told him "hey you do know they're hiring, right?" as I pointed at the flyer on the door which in large letters said "HIRING". "I know," he replied, "I don't wanna work in a coffee shop though," and he exited the store. This mentality is becoming more and more prevalent, some people just won't work no matter what. I guess in a way I became his enabler.

It's tough to move but if there are jobs elsewhere than you ( and your family) should move. Ideally move first to make sure the job is stable and that you like it there and then bring your family. Tough but necessary.

USA, Canada / Polish President Says Cleveland is Like Home [30]

Nope but hopefully we can send them to jail for decades...

USA, Canada / American...Polish Resident...Returning to the land of milk and honey [103]

If they do they'll type in the numbers manually, no biggy Ms. RFID activist ;)

USA, Canada / Polish President Says Cleveland is Like Home [30]

I'm sure you're right although major changes are coming to the way information is processed.

USA, Canada / American...Polish Resident...Returning to the land of milk and honey [103]

Depending on the airline and your status. Here's Delta for example: (they're still combining Delta and Northwest programs after the merger)

For travel between the United States or Canada and Europe:
First checked bag: No fee applies
Second checked bag: 50 USD if checked in online or 55 USD at the airport

Checked Baggage Exceptions

First and Business Class passengers may check up to three bags up to 70 lbs each at no charge on Delta and Delta Connection operated flights.

SkyMiles MedallionŸ members traveling in Economy may check up to two bags up to 70 lbs each at no charge on Delta and Delta Connection operated flights.

Passengers with a confirmed Full Y Class Economy ticket may check up to two bags that comply with our size & weight restrictions at no charge on Delta and Delta Connection operated flights.

Gold, Platinum, and Reserve Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers from American Express may check their first bag for free for all Delta and Delta ConnectionŸ flights.

USA, Canada / American...Polish Resident...Returning to the land of milk and honey [103]


That's normally the case. Unless you travel with United (Lufthansa) which are Star Alliance and American Eagle (OneWorld & Star Alliance) flies you domestically. AE which is AA's regional carrier has an agreement with United Airlines and flies some of their routes (the regional jets have United paint scheme though). Confused yet? ;)

Not sure how it's done in your case, better double-check it just in case...


Depends on your frequent flier status but generally you're correct.

USA, Canada / REFUSED A HOLIDAY VISA TO THE U.S CAUSE IM POLISH [323]


Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S.

I posted the link because it looks like his/her advice was followed after all. ;)

USA, Canada / Polish Americans and religion [28]


No apology needed, it was mostly a joke (at least on my part).

You'll quickly learn that most of us like to poke fun at each other, we have some heated discussions and often we agree to disagree. That's PF in a nutshell

USA, Canada / Polish Americans and religion [28]


Agree, my pet-peeve too. (unless he was talking about cleaning products ;)

Ps. I'm Polish American and I am religious so I'm balancing you out. :)

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]

Convex is right GH, if there are no jobs in your area then move. That's what capitalism is all about. Some people in Detroit area collected unemployment for years and years while there were jobs available in the very same industry but in other states. I understand the concept of living near your family but sometimes moving makes most sense.

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]


Check out the link I provided earlier about the human costs of the illegal immigration. Click on victims and there somewhere you'll find Tricia from Detroit who lost both legs to a drunken illegal alien who was drag racing in a 25 mph zone. I remember when many years ago we were collecting money for her rehabilitation at a previous place I was based at. We have plenty of our own criminals, we don't need criminals from other countries too. But we do and that's what the problem is...

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]


Yes, conduct the typical investigation other refugees go through (is this person's life truly in danger, an anti-gang informer, etc.) and if so allow them to stay.


Bingo!!! Severe penalties to scumbags who're "importing" and hiring illegal aliens into the US. Those who brought in illegals who later ended up murdering people here in the US should be eligible for death penalty as co-conspirators - absolutely!

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]


You are missing my point, "letting people move here "was NEVER our tradition. Our tradition was to let refugees in (the American way to save people whose lives were endangered) AND -> when we needed labor <- to entice laborers to come en masse. Stop spreading this Hollywood propaganda, it sounds very nobel but the truth is we let people in because we needed them, additionally we let refugees in (as we should have). Totally different things but you keep combining the two into this utopian picture which simply isn't true.

Please don't ever run for a government office! ;) [Sanfran-sickos and Newyorkers would love you)

Ok, I'm done discussing this, I'm an American not a UN welfare sponsor so we'll never agree.

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]

Exactly REFUGEE not economic migrant! When US needed workers we invited them and even gave them land if they're willing to relocate (Ellis island), when we didn't need more laborers (recessions, etc) we still accepted REFUGEES or people who were persecuted, who were risking death in their home countries. We still accept REFUGEES and always will. Because THAT is the American way, to save the oppressed not the ones who simply want to make more money.

Currently there are 300 million Americans within the 50 states. Based on your thought process are you willing to let in let's say 5 million or so immigrants tomorrow? Since you want to "let them all in" 5 million is optimistic, there are over 100 million Mexicans alone. Then we have all the other nations. Or are you reserving your graciousness to selected poor people? I mean neighbors. Sounds pretty selective, maybe even racist wouldn't you say?


Terrorists? What are you talking about? Are all 1.3 billions Indians terrorists because they've been attacked by Pakistani jihadists? What about China? I have no idea where that comment came from... You're hiding your own prejudice by saying you want to help the "neighbors." Poor people looking for work are poor people looking for work no matter where they came from...

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]

Really? I am in Shanghai, Beijing and Mumbai several times a month. Just in those cities alone I could probably get a couple million people each who'd love to come over tomorrow, better yet yesterday. Is that ok with you? Or is your "American way" approach limited to Mexico and Latinos?

I keep my iPad wrapped up into this cheap book-looking cover not to stand out in India (or many other places) as my iPad is worth more money than the majority of people make in a year. The poverty here is simply mind-boggling. Yet if you give a child a few dollar/rupees bills, the next time you try it the child's friends will pull a knife on you. Has happened many times and there are warning everywhere not to give out money to beggars. Just makes you sick to your stomach to see their sad eyes. If we had no borders or if we didn't enforce our laws at all I bet you 90% of India's 1.3 billion population would come over to the US (or EU) tomorrow, same with China, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Uganda and on and on. We couldn't be racist so we'd have to "let them all in"... Nowadays boats and airplanes make mass-migrations possible...

What you described is a world without borders, a total anarchy and a communist utopia, as far from the "American way" as it gets. You've watched too many Hollywood flics if you truly believe in what you're saying. The American way was always about respecting the law, about respecting local regulations, heck even the Mormons altered their laws on polygamy to obey the US law, had they used your translation of "the American Way" having multiple wives would still be legal in Utah (i know some are still doing it, but I'm talking about what's legal) As long as there are such disparities in living condition between different nations borders should exist and borders should be respected.

With all due respect (and I do respect you) people with your mindset scare me, full of utopian gaga and no practical and realistic solutions... Your approach reminds me of Marie Antoinette. Let them all in, if they're hungry we'll feed them a cake.

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]


Apples and oranges PP. Ellis island was for LEGAL aliens, the government actively sought labor from other countries and they used work permits and even land deeds as a carrot to bring the people here.

What's going on now is unacceptable. More than 10% of a nation lives illegally within our nation. It's bad for the US (except the business owners who make tons of money) and it's bad for Mexico. Instead of investing in schools, hospitals and factories they're relying on remittances the illegal workers send back home.

You mentioned 2 categories of immigrants but if only 10% of the illegals commit a series crime than who's paying for it? The business owners? Nope, as always we, the taxpayers do. Who's paying for the numerous child births, prenatal care costs, vitamin supplements, etc., etc? The business owners? Nope, the taxpayers do. (Latinos have higher child birth rates than most muslim countries, they definitely put Poland to shame.)

What about the thieves, the gang hoodlums, the drug smugglers and the dealers, the maffia hire-to-kill murderers and the rapists? Do the business owners pay for the costs of their prosecution and incarceration? (won't even mention the human cost the victims have to endure). Nope, the taxpayers pay... The vast majority of gang members in the California, Arizona but also North Carolina and Alaska prisons belong now to Latin Kings, the Mexican Maffia, MS-13 and other Latino gangs. Who's paying the costs of keeping those thugs in prisons? The business owners? Nope, it's you and I.

Illegal immigration hurts this country even if most of the immigrants are "honest and hardworking" people as you describe it. (and I agree with that description)

Don't be fooled by the "poor Mexico" mantra. In 2006 Mexico was the 6th largest producer of oil in the world. Their corruption is killing them from within and the worker drain to the US only make things worst.

1st offense 1 month in prison plus a large fine, second offense 5 years in prison that can be waived by your embassy paying a $1,000,000 fine. I bet you Mexico would beef up their border enforcement prompto once we started collecting the illegal immigration fees. Also, non-neighboring countries would let the fine to be paid by the offender and this illegal immigration fiasco would end sooner rather than later.

immigrationshumancost.org/text/crimevictims.html

USA, Canada / Canada Increasingly a Gateway for Undocumented Polish Immigrants Entering the U.S. [150]


Things have changed greatly in the last 10 years and are changing as we speak. It's getting more difficult but it's still possible to break the law. For those who say Poles no longer come to the US to work, just go to Disneyland, California and talk to some of the technicians (a pretty good paying job btw), more often than not they will speak with a Polish accent, few have legal papers. (a friend's brother works there so I know the internal politics).

Technically INS doesn't exist under that name anymore. After 9/11 there were several reorganizations and after the final one we have the "good cop" and the "bad cop" INS agents or CIS and ICE to be specific; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) which handles legal immigration, asylum seekers, naturalization ceremonies, etc. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which handles lawbreakers, deportations, etc.

IF someone want to work illegally in the US California is the place to go as many cities there are "sanctuary cities" (police won't notify ICE even if you've committed a serious crime), after all cheating the "system" is the Kalifornia Way. :)

From wikipedia:

"The administration of immigration services, including permanent residence, naturalization, asylum, and other functions became the responsibility of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), which existed only for a short time before changing to its current name, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The investigative and enforcement functions (including investigations, deportation, and intelligence) were combined with INS and U.S. Customs investigators, the Federal Protective Service, and the Federal Air Marshal Service, to create U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

News / Poles don't have a heart for math... says The New York Times [84]


Is there a norwayforum.com where we could share the love and ***** about Norge? Just askin' :)

Food / Polish honey liquor called something like "vitatass"? [37]


= miód pitny... (Vikings' favorite drink + the shrooms of course ;)

Work / Polish students among best in OECD [32]


Are you saying Poland should rank higher or lower? Don't follow your quote??

News / Poles don't have a heart for math... says The New York Times [84]


What a jacked up comparison BB, seriously. Concentration camps and extermination gulags versus jobs for NASA, etc. It's true that the initial moves weren't voluntary but after a few years they were free to go, most stayed due to the great benefits they received. Poor taste in comparisons...

News / Poles don't have a heart for math... says The New York Times [84]

Overall yes. Yet there was no real reason to single out Poland in this math-drama, was there?

News / Poles don't have a heart for math... says The New York Times [84]


NYTimes is a very leftist newspaper (as in socialist, anti-Republican, etc., your preference Zeti ;) and often will publish nonsensical articles just because it's NYTimes. Often they also publish very good articles. You just never know.

If they prefaced the post by saying that most western nations suffer from an education crisis BUT that Poland's history made it extra hard to teach sciences than I think it'd be a pretty good article. The Nazis DID wipe out a large portion of the Polish intelligentsia, no doubt about it. Of course the Russians (not just the communists but also the tsarists) murdered even more but NYTimes seldom goes after Russia, the birthplace of NYTimes own ideology.

Most of what was said in the article came from the Polish professors who were being interviewed so maybe the article was ok after all?

Travel / What would make you think I was tourist in Poland? [7]

Well, it's an obvious troll. I found it so amusing that Krakowiaks (is that a word?) do not have an American accent; i mean how dare they! LOL

Travel / What would make you think I was tourist in Poland? [7]

"...because when I was in Krakow, I must have looked like a local because people asked me in Polish (without an American accent) for information/directions on several occasions..."

WHAT?! People in Kraków speak Polish? ...and they don't even have an American accent? Wow, that's shocking!

Reread your own story...

News / Polish Foreign Ministry 'prepared' for new Wikileaks material [100]


Hope you are right but reading the cable it sounds like those politicians were simply overruled...

In a way this cable will embarrass some of the western European countries and hopefully more emphasis will be given to the "new" members...

This summarizes it pretty well:

"...The Poles and the Baltic states have long argued that rhetorical declarations of commitment to article 5 are meaningless without concrete defence planning to back them up.

The Baltic demands for hard security guarantees became much more desperate in the past three years.
A cyber-attack on Estonia in 2007 was believed to have originated in Russia, and the Kremlin invaded Georgia a year later.
Nerves were further set on edge last year when the Russians staged exercises simulating an invasion of the Baltic states and a nuclear attack on Poland.

The eastern European calls for hard security guarantees, however, were stymied by western Europe, led by Germany, which did not want to antagonise Russia.
"We've found the way forward with Russia. The Baltic states have received strategic reassurance," said a well-placed source. "That's backed up with contingency planning that did not exist before. It's done now. We told them we'll give you your reassurance if you agree to the reset with Russia. That made it easier for the Germans."During intense – if discreet – diplomacy last year, the resistance was overcome by the Americans, and the new policy was tabled as a joint US-German move..."

Shame on you Germany and the other western European pansies (politicians, not the people)

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!

-> NOT Russian oil for some and no one for all! :( <-

News / Polish Foreign Ministry 'prepared' for new Wikileaks material [100]

Why is that so secret? LOL Defending other member states from an outside aggression is the whole premise of NATO.

The shocking part is how German politicians seemed to be terrified of upsetting the Russians... I guess blitzkrieg has been replaced with pansy-krieg.

The German oil dependency on Russia is becoming more and more obvious...

"...Attempts by Stavridis's predecessor, General John Craddock, to push through defence planning for the Baltic were stymied by German-led opposition in western Europe, anxious to avoid upsetting the Kremlin..."

Maybe Germany wants a similar approach to NATO as it has to the €uro? You know, NATO-zone (the countries that will definitely be helped if attacked), and the second-tier NATO (Poland and the Baltic states) that will be helped ...BUT only if it doesn't upsets the Russians?! (a GIGANTIC sarcasm smiley if PF would grant me one)