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Posts by Polonius3  

Joined: 11 Apr 2008 / Male ♂
Warnings: 1 - Q		 Last Post: 9 Apr 2018
Threads: Total: 980 / In This Archive: 576
Posts: Total: 12275 / In This Archive: 6848 		From: US Sterling Heigths, MI
Speaks Polish?: yes
Interests: Polish history, genealogy

Displayed posts: 7424 / page 211 of 248
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Polonius3   
20 Feb 2011
History / Insoluble Judaeo-Polish imbroglio? [44]

I wonder if Alex68 realises that:
1) He did not advance the question raised a single iota and provided not a stitch of substantive input;
2) He put on a typical display of florid rhetoric and what he apparently regards as clever and witty repartees; and
3) He preferred to take the ad hominem tack, which is the lowest form of debate, but ideal for those who have nothing meaningful to say.
Polonius3   
19 Feb 2011
History / Insoluble Judaeo-Polish imbroglio? [44]

I know similar threads have appeared here perennially but my question is whether ongoing mutual Judaeo-Polish recrimiantion will ever be soluble.
I have tried on occasion to present a balance-sheet of mutual wrongs, pulling no punches and thinking the facts could speak for themselves. But even facts seem to be unaccetpable. The result was that Poles/Polonians said it was Polanophobic to even mention numerus clausus or uni beatings in the '30s, let alone Jedwabne or Kielce. And Jews regarded any mention of their disproportionate representataiton in key economic fields or their collabroation with the Soviet enemy as anti-Semitic. Has anyone had any luck in getting both sides to admit their mutual transgressions? I was at All Saints Church, Warsaw's biggest, when the entire Polish Epsicopate on their knees begged forgiveness for the Jedwabne pogrom. But has there ever been an apology for Naliboki or the Berman gang?
Polonius3   
19 Feb 2011
Life / Young Poles' manners? [10]

I know there is no glaring difference between the manners of teens and 20s in different countries if they all watch MTV (Mannerless Toxic Vision) and idolise the same celebs. But are there any subtle nuances of difference between younger Poles and their peers in other countries you know. I would say younger Poles are perhaps a tad more polite, have slightly better manners and show a bit more respect than their American opposite numbers. But I'd like to hear what those who have to do with young people on a daily basis (teachers, coaches, disco owners, etc.) have to say on the subject.
Polonius3   
19 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

There is 'blind religious nonsense' and 'blind consumerist nonsense'.
Anyone blinded by any kind of fanaticism, be it of the religious or political variety or the fun and creature-comfort obsessed 'born to spend' and 'live above your means' version is leading a one-track existence. There are many people who espouse the 'shop till you drop' and 'drink till you're wasted' ethic who strangely enough do not consider themselves fanatics.
Polonius3   
19 Feb 2011
Life / Polish migrants & expats in Poland? The Polish market would be flooded. [9]

Banking? Managerial posts in Polish branches of other English-speaking firms? Interpreters, translators, advisers to Polish public authorities at different levels. The reason I'm asking is becuase I haven't got the answers. Just wondering.

Also, Poles are more by and large more family-minded than British Islanders, so family considerations may influence their decision to return home.
Polonius3   
19 Feb 2011
Life / Polish migrants & expats in Poland? The Polish market would be flooded. [9]

It appears unlikely most the Poles worjking in the British Iselas and elswhere in Erope would suddenly pick up and return home. But if an appreciable number did, how would that affect foreign expats living and working in Poland? The Polish market would b flooded with some if not many with a good commann of English, thereby undermining the monopolistic position of native English speakers. Also skills in other fields (medical, legal, administrative, skilled trades, hospitality sector, etc.) would increase competition in the job market.

Any comments?
This query has been inspired by one PF expat who said he wished all Poles would return home.
Polonius3   
19 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

Capital itself is neutral -- it's like a kitchen knife you can slice bread or trim a joint with, but can also be put to nefarious use to maim or kill.

Capital untempered by ethical relgious considerations and spiritual values means total injustice.
Polonius3   
18 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

The commercialist dilemma is one of the problems of the modern era where most eveything has become highly depersonaised and commercialised. But this is a multi-faceted problem not easily dealt with.

For instance, Poles rank amongst Europe's biggest users of over- the-counter medications, remedies, dietary supplemernts, beauty aids and the like. Many of the remedies and supplements are of little proven medical value and some may actually be harmful by preventing patients seeking prpfessional medical assistance.

But to restrict their production and sale in the name of public helath would deal a crippling blow to the economy, cost to loss of jobs and the bankruptcy of many companies in the parapharmaceutical sector.
Polonius3   
18 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Ratajczyk/Guzniczak Surnames [5]

nancbear1230
RATAJCZYK: patronymic from rataj (freeholder, farmer not in the service of the squire); or topo-patronmyic for son of the chap from Rataje

GU-NICZAK: from guz (lump, tumour), perhaps guźnik was the nick of someone covered with lumps and bumps and his son got dubbed Guźniczak; alternatively, the son of someone from Guźnia.
Polonius3   
17 Feb 2011
News / What must be done to improve politics in Poland? [72]

Pol-Ger relations are fairly good, but why does Germany discriminate its 2-million-strong Polonia? No benefits of the type enjoyed by other minorities, Polish divorced parents must speak German to their kids in the presence of a Jugendamt official...

Meanwhile, ethnic Germans in Poland have it very good, even two permanent seats in parliament, German-language signs in Opole vdshp, German taught in Opole schools, etc., itd, usw...
Polonius3   
15 Feb 2011
News / Lech Kaczyński statue in Warsaw? [66]

What's the incorrect inscription? I know intiially they left out the hyphen between Kaczyńska's maiden and married name, but that has since been corrected.
Polonius3   
15 Feb 2011
News / Lech Kaczyński statue in Warsaw? [66]

Marta Kaczyńska, daughter of the late president Lech Kaczyński, says her father should have a monument built in his honour, as well as a second statue commemorating all 96 victims of the Smolensk air disaster.

"I say this as a daughter, and as a person who loves Poland: my father deserves his own monument for his services to the country; for his long-term, disinterested work for the Republic," Kaczyńska explained. She also said that the Russian investigation into the crash last April in western Russia - which blamed pilot error for the disaster - failed to reveal the whole truth.

Agree? Disagree? No opinion?
Polonius3   
15 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

Thta's an interesting point. I know the upper classes not only in Britain often had limtied interaction with their offspring, relegating their upbringing to nannies, governesses, tutors and the like. But I have often also wondered about Britian's boarding-school culture. How has it influenced young people's personaltiy and behaviour? Does an away-from-home education at an early age make young Brits more independent? Does it weaken or strengthen their family ties?

This was far less common in the USA. What about Poland? Was the bursa and internat thing a marginal phenomenon?
Polonius3   
14 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

One of the main reasons for the problem is the decline of consensus. Atomisaiton of the family has developed along with the polarisation of society. Used to be in the USA that parents, school and Church (many if not most PolAms attended Catholic schools) were all on the same team rearing schoolchildren. So were neighbrs and family friends. If a parent was called into school because Johnny had done something stupid, little Johnny would 'sorely' regret it. He was not only grounded, depriced of TV and pocket money that week but may well have been in for a good thrashing. Now the parent starts badmouthing the teahcer, apparently siding with the kid. But isn't it really out of some parental guilt feeling that he/she isn't devoting enough time to he youngster? He/sge may be driving the kid to practice and showring him with gadgets and fashion items, but he is not giving of himself and sees this as an opportuntiy to redeem himself. What do you think?

If you disagree with that assessment, what is yours? Why has the child-rearing consensus collapsed?
Polonius3   
14 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

Not every choice is a good thing when it infects immature or underdeveloped minds. Do you really thing a nine or 10-year-old finding out about 'love' on an Internet prn site is the best solution.

And the topic was the trashiness of much of TV. There is no question that there's plenty of choice. The question is: why do so many choose that which is cheap, tacky, trashy and gutter-level?

Who is the blame: parents, the school, the church, the media, peer pressure?
Polonius3   
14 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

In America atomisation started when the youngster got his own TV set, then mum got a little portable to watch her soaps while working in the kitchen and other family members (if there were more) ditto... Originally the telly brought families together. in Poland relatives tell me that when they were one of the first in their village with a TV set, neighbours would come round with their chairs to sit on for DTV and Monday night Teatr Telewizji but even more so for Thursday night Kobra (murder mysteries) sessions.

Trashy TV in Poland? Quite! But what country would you hold up as a model of television excellence? Britain, the USA, France, Finland, Belarus? In the global era they all show tacky soaps, Jerry Springer type crap, reality shows, extreme sports, MTV, pûrn, etc., generously peppered with really stupid adverts.
Polonius3   
14 Feb 2011
News / Which modern developments harm Poland? [83]

Which modern developments, practices or phenomena in Poland or your home country do you regard as negative? Why? What is the alternative? For instance workaholism, Internet addiction, atomised families, environamental destruction, megabureacratic governments, etc.
Polonius3   
14 Feb 2011
Life / Animal Rights Movements in Poland [56]

Yeah, Burek na krótkim łańcuchu (what's a good English equivalent of Burek? - Fido, Rex?) on a short chain attached to his ramshackle buda is still pretty much the norm, innit?
Polonius3   
13 Feb 2011
Life / Animal Rights Movements in Poland [56]

Merged: Animal rights marchers in Poland

Hundreds of marchers, many leading their pet dogs, took to the streets around Poland to protest against cruelty to animals. Animal rights defenders want increased penalties for cruelty to animals and aree launching a citizens' legislative initiative by collecting 100,000 signatures. Marches were held in Gdansk, Lublin, Poznan, Kalisz, Torun and Olsztyn.

What is the situation of animals in your country? Animal Planet seems to show that cruelty and/or neglect are rather widespread.
Polonius3   
13 Feb 2011
Language / Changing Polish punctuation? [23]

Indeed, equating things Western with America (re decimal pts, etc.) was too hasty a judgement on my part, as my interlocutors have plainly shown. Mea culpa! A manifestation of latent/subconscious American imperialism? But I repeat my question: does that mean that in Poland now anything goes?
Polonius3   
12 Feb 2011
Language / Changing Polish punctuation? [23]

At Warsaw's Chopin Airport departures and arrivals are listed with a colon: 10:35, 8:10, etc., but Polish newspapers mostly use godz. 21.10 with a full stop. So it appears there is no one binding norm at present.

And our one point four is rendered as 1,4 (jeden komma cztery).
Polonius3   
12 Feb 2011
Language / WHY IS SMS MASCULINE ANIMATE IN POLISH? [9]

Does some august, authoritative body such as France's Académie Française exist in Poland to rule on lingusitic puirty and propriety? Does PAN do this?
Polonius3   
12 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Polish names derived from peasant animal names / from tools [9]

The topic was Polish srunames, not zoology or word definitions.
Szczuka is the older (and current eastern) form but, as surnames go, there are more Szczukas in today's Poland than Szczupaks.
Wiewióra 2,000 Wiewiórka 600; 15 people surnamed Mysz, 3,900 Myszka.
Let's see what clever riposte Dupadomine comes up with thsi time?!

I know...typos!

there is a preview button as well as an edit button. you might like to try them.

Too lazy!

Merged: Tool-derived Polish last names

Tools, utensils and common household objects were often used as nicknames for peasants and other commoners. Eventually they evolved into normal last names. These include:

MOTYKA (hoe), £OPATA (spade), GWO-DZIK (nail), ĆWIEK (peg), TYKA (bean- or hop-pole), NOŻYK (knife), KOSA (scythe), SITO (sieve), ŚWIDER (drill), M£OTEK (hammer), GARNEK (pot), BECZKA (barrel), SZYNA (rail), BELKA (beam), MUREK (wall), OBORA (cowshed), SZPILKA (pin), HACZYK (hook), WIADRO (bucket), RYGIEL (bolt), ZAMEK (lock), SIERP (sickle), MISKA (bowl), WARZĘCHA (dipper), TARKA (grater, washboard), £YŻKA (spoon)....

For more information on the origin of the above or other Polish surnames please contact me
Polonius3   
12 Feb 2011
Life / Walentynki and March 8th? [4]

One of my Polish e-pals has remarked: Walenynki to czyta komercja, aby podnieść obroty między Gwiazdką a Wielkanocą, a Dzień Kobiet był czystą ideologią. (Valentine's Day is pure commercialism designed to perk up business between Christmas and Easter, whlst Women's Day [8th March] was pure ideology.)

Agree? Disagree? Comments?
Polonius3   
12 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Polish names derived from peasant animal names / from tools [9]

[plk123]
As surnames the non-diminutive Sikora is more common, whilst with mysz it is the diminutive Myszka that is more typical. Not my fault, that's just the way the language devleoped, so don't kill the messenger.

Never went fishing in Polnd? If you had,you'd have dug up robaki.
Bąk can be a top (spinning toy), a horsefly, bumblebee (aka trzmiel), a small tot and a fart. I only gave one equivalent per name. Koza also means a gaol and a snot. And kur may be archaic, but names tend to be archaic because most of them evolved centuries ago.
Polonius3   
11 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Polish names derived from peasant animal names / from tools [9]

The names of different species of livestock and wildlife often functioned as nicknames given to commoners, esp. peasants. They were usually associated with those creatures, but in some cases may have been though to resemble them in some way. In time, they evolved into normal surnames passed down from father to son. Some typical examples:

BARAN ram, KOZA goat, BYK bull, KUR cock, KOBY£A mare, KOZIO£ billy goat, WRÓBEL sparrow, KRUK raven, WRONA crow, KAWA jackdaw, SKOWRON, skylark, CZAPLA heron, DZIĘCIO£ woodpecker, PRZEPIÓRA quail, RUDZIK robin, GAWRON rook, SROKA magpie, DUDEK hoopoe, SIKORA coaltit, JARZĄBEK grouse, KACZOR drake, GĄSIOR gander, LABĘD- swan, ZAJĄC hare, WIEWIÓRA squirrel, ŻABA frog, RYBA fish, KARAŚ crucean, KARP carp, LESZCZ bream, SZCZUKA pike, MUCHA fly, BĄK horsefly, PAJĄK spider, ROBAK worm, KOMAR mosquito, MRÓWKA ant, PSZCZO£A bee, TRZMIEL bumblebee, SZERSZEŃ hornet, MYSZKA mouse, SZCZUR rat, KRET mole, JEŻ hedgehog, LIS fox, WILK wolf, BORSUK badger, KUNA marten, TCHÓRZ polecat and many, many more......

For more info on the above and other Polish surnames contact me