News / Poland needs a left wing govt. [111]

I don't know which countries you are referring to and more, what your definition of good social welfare is. What we can say is, that very few western countries are doing swell these days. Big welfare systems are a real pain for any economy, that's just how it is. They are very expensive. Greece can't/couldn't fund theirs. Neither can the brits. Ironically enough, they only truly work when times are good. When times are bad, it doesn't work for the simple reason that too many people depend on it.

Nobody should have to live on the street because they can't work (for whatever reason), that is my view on what welfare is about. But it can't go to excess, like it have in many western countries. And in order for them to exist, lot of people have to work and make money. You have to start in that end, and that is not left goverments strongest sides (my opinion).

News / Poland needs a left wing govt. [111]

I am not going to say what is right for Poland, but in order to have good social welfare, you first of all need wealth. And that does not come from lefties. All they can do is to take wealth that is already there and distribute, they cannot create it.

And the last thing economies that want to grow need is higher taxes to fund expensive welfare systems.

Life / Winter in Poland? [160]

There are three main areas which is important to keep warm to be comfortable at low temperatures:
Feet
Hands
Head

So get a pair of boots, gloves (preferbly leather), hat and a decent winterjacket/coat and you will be fine. When it comes to jeans, don't wear your typical cool summer jeans, they are a little too thin. Regular jeans will be fine.

Personally I only wear normal white socks, jeans, t-shirt, sweater, jacket, sneakers and gloves even down to -20 degrees. But then again, I've been living in this type of climate for 26 years... ;)

It might come as a chock when your nostrils and the liquid in the eyes starts to freeze (if it is cold enough), but you will quickly get used to it. Eventually low tempratures won't bother you so much.

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

Biggest problem when they banned smoking from bars in Sweden, was the wide range of disgusting odors that was exposed in a flash. Sweat, cooking odors, farts... Awfull.

Smoking ban fun fact:

They banned smoking because it was a danger to the health of people working in pubs and restaurants. After the ban I was out having a beer, but it was hard to get service because all the waiters/bartenders were outside... Smoking.