News / Don't let Poland become like my country, France. [630]


One of my former colleagues (electronic engineer) recently moved to Germany (from Russia). A week or so ago he was back in Moscow for a few days to visit their parents. We got some beer and talked a bit...

Their first opinion after half year in a large German hi-tech company - there is about 5% is older German engineers, really smart and experienced ones, real "stars"... About 20% of remaining native German engineers is average-to-good, notning special. The rest cannot produce something new, good once you need to make DIN-standard paperwork or something similar, but no creativity at all.

As he said, it looks that 60% of new ideas and solutions come from 20% of immigrants working in their department. Serbs, Russians, Poles..

As to this topic - I was really shocked once I drive all the way from Lithuania to southern France and back late last year (first time in my life made such trip on a car). Belgium looks like patient with terminal stage of cancer for a "fresh eye".... In the middle of workday, I seen LOTS of blacks and arabian-looking guys, without any hurry walking down the streets and sitting in street cafe... More than european looking people..

And, maybe someone can tell me which business may nave a horde of 40-50 arabs (including 12-15 yrs ord girls and boys) on a gas station, near toilets, in the middle of the night? (It again was in Belgium, on my way back).

Life / cellphone: no data plan on Orange SIM card? [6]

I always buy local prepaid SIM once I come to different country. My phone is not locked to particular provider so it accept any SIM card. It turns out to be much cheaper than any roaming.

For incoming calls I use SkypeIn and call forwarding to foreign number.

PS: Don't forget that US use 850 and 1900 MHz bands for GSM, while Europe/Asia uses 900 and 1800. Be sure that your phone support 900/1800 MHz bands before taking it to EU.

News / CHERNOBYL...threat to Poland? [29]


AFAIK there was attempts to put some monitoring devices inside and get some samples. One interesting thing - there is something living inside. Some previously unknown (or maybe newborn) black fungi grow there. It is harvesting energy from intense radiation using melanine-based "radiosynhtesis" just like regular green plants use chlorophyll for photosynthesis to get energy from sunlight.

News / CHERNOBYL...threat to Poland? [29]

But there is some interesting notes in ancient texts, that make me think that our civilisation is not first on this planet.


Yes, especially for India that have lots of monazite...

But I would prefer sub-critical units, that need external neutron source for reaction and can be turned off almost as easily as light bulb. ;)

News / CHERNOBYL...threat to Poland? [29]


I think they will consider "nuclear waste" as valuable resource, there is a lot of isotopes that is extremely rare or not exist at all in Earth crust. But first 100-200 years anyway it is too radioactive to perform any reprocessing attempts.

AFAIK, submarine reactors is liquid metal cooled, so now they represent depleted active zone encased in chunk of solid lead-bismuth alloy. And all these still in submarine reactor compartment (it is cut out as a whole while sub is dismantled for scrap metal).

There was idea to launch well protected containers with active waste to pre-determined sun orbit out of ecliptic plane where they can rest for millions of years if necessary but will still be available for reprocessing (preferably on same orbit) if our descendants will ever need any unique materials that may be found there.

News / Pubs in Poznan kick out Roma? [256]


There is lots of opportunities to integrate into much beter position in society. Some Romas use it, but vast majority simply don't care. Most of them consider yourself "too good" for hard work.

News / Pubs in Poznan kick out Roma? [256]

In reality a lot of Poles integrate into Russian society with success. I know such Polish families that live in Moscow area for about a century. Speak Russian like natives but define yourself as Poles. Nice people, very intelligent.

But Roma - totally different matter. Here it is well known as street thiefs and drug dealers. Local people trying to avoid them like a plague.

News / Pubs in Poznan kick out Roma? [256]


While it is allowed to keep their way of life, they do not NEED nor WANT your training, but will readily accept any food/money/clothes/etc that you may provide. Just don't forget to check your purse after you do something good for them.

One very simple thing that you (as it seems to me) do not understand. Culture cannot be changed from outside, it can be destroyed (together with people who carries it) but any attempt to tell people how they should live and which customs they must abandon will be rejected at once. If I'm wrong - why Poland doesn't look like Russia (and vice versa) after so many large scale assimilation attempts from both sides during last millenium? ;)

News / New Polish Light Tank - Anders [74]


Look at year... And think what changed in anti-tank weapons since...


Concerning georgia - quite a number of georgian armoured vehicles that was taken by russian army was simply abandoned by crew, fueled and loaded with ammo. So, there was not so much entusiasm on georgian soldiers side to fight and die for Saakashvili stupidity. Not very good example here.

News / Ruski a slur like Pollack? [53]


In vast majority of cases and if pronounced correctly - it is fine. Unless you say this to hardcore ukrainian nationalist or chechen/daghestanian guy. ;)

News / Ruski a slur like Pollack? [53]


For russian ear, "Rosjanie" sounds neutral but it will be understood as "Citizens of Russian Federation", nothing more. "Russkie" in Russian is more precise term, meaning ethnic Russians, and, in extended meaning, all nationalities that have some of their roots in Kyivan Rus (Belorussians, Ukrainians).

But, of course any deviation from correct pronunciation can make it sound offensive. Russians sometime use distorted forms in some cases for humor or smth alike, but hardly tolerate this from others. Quod licet Jovi non licet bovi ;)

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


If you sitting on a horse, some loud and unexpected noise may do quite a lot of real harm. ;)

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


Good idea, if your guests will be late... Sales of strong alcohol during night time is banned here. ;)

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


Never tried this one. Regular Prazhechka is really not bad.

I'm not very enthusiastic about vodka and other strong liquors. ;) Have at least 3 different bottles of russian vodka in bar (got as gifts), one bottle of taiwanese vodka (bring it from Taipei as souvenir last time I was there), something latvian, bottle of Armenian brandy (gift), bottle of french Cognac (souvenir from La Rochelle)... But never even thinked to open one of them last few months. ;)

But beer never stay in refrigerator for too long time. ;)

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


Lots of brands here. Both imported (expensive) and locally brewed. You'l need to taste it to find which brands best suit your taste.

Try to look here how it look like (choose one of categories in list to see what's offered)...
utkonos.ru/cat/1310
This is some sort of Internet shop that sells food and beverages with delivery. Note that some well known brands is brewed locally, so you may find some difference, not always bad. Unfortunately, there is no English version, Russian only.

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


I'll think twice before storing anything valuable in a inhabited countryside house here, around Moscow.... And most likely both times decision will be negative. ;) Especially if house is in one of "dacha villages" that inhabited only during summer.

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Do you mean extermination of Poles on Volyn in the past? Or building numerous Bandera and Shukhevich monuments in the present? ;)

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Was Stalingrad so close to Ukraine? And why USSR was forced to create new industrial core on Ural?

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Eh... Poles still have some memorials of German science and human prosperity on their territory. And not only Poles...

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Well, try to google for Alexander Mozhaisky name and GIRD abbreviation, just for start. You may find something new for yourself, if you think that nobody worked on the similar things here.

Just to save you some time...

mentallandscape.com/S_GIRD.htm

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Rocket in space was a by-product of something else.

And wouldn't we also say "thank you" for a poor dressed and semi-hungry people to a German "carriers of civilization" that destroyed anything on their way when was pushed back to vaterland? Yes, americans was able to invest into better dentist machines, cars, etc... But can you show the place in US where a single german bomb was dropped during WWII? They lost some people in that war, but overall it was profitable for America, in a long term.

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Hm... Looks like you're been there to watch how nomads suddenly changed their mind and started to build a city. ;)


Yes. We are destructive enough to be able to put first satellite and first man in space (yes, after looking on some samples of German technology that somewhat speed up research, but USA got same samples together with author of that design and they was late with their first launches until they put all resources to Moon race - to make something that they will be unable to repeat in nearest years). China (modern industrial superpower) is just starting to make modernized replicas of our past designs. ;) They also managed to make their own fighter jets based on our past designs but still not learned how to make reliable turbines for heavily loaded jet engines.

And yes, our army twice visited Berlin and once Paris in the past. But look at preceeding history. Was there other choice for us?


At least half of blood in my own veins is Ukrainian. But I have no problems with self-determination. And I really don't like western-ukrainian peasants that trying to cause as many harm as possible to Slavic world, trying to divide it into powerless pieces. Just to make one more failed state where their local dialect is declared state language.

«Могущество России может быть подорвано только отделением от неё Украины… необходимо не только оторвать, но и противопоставить Украину России, стравить две части единого народа и наблюдать, как брат будет убивать брата. Для этого нужно только найти и взрастить предателей среди национальной элиты и с их помощью изменить самосознание одной части великого народа до такой степени, что он будет ненавидеть всё русское, ненавидеть свой род, не осознавая этого. Всё остальное — дело времени». ОТТО ФОН БИСМАРК

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


There was exclusion for persons going to permanent residence from abroad - they was allowed to import personal stuff and one car/van completely duty free. Not sure if it is still in effect, and what about sale of vehicle imported that way (there may be sale prohibition for a predetermined amount of time, not sure though). Anyway, I would suggest to dig curent legislation deeper. Used car import duties quite horrible now in Russia, so there may be some reason to use this opportunity to legally avoid it one time. ;)

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


AFAIK, many Lithuanian transport companies prefer not to enter Belarus at all if loaded with anything - they choose way through Daugavpils and Zilupe/Sebezh. Too many troubles on belarussian border. Any wrong point in paperwork - and you are in deep trouble. But they often return through Belarus with empty truck to save some time and fuel.

There is no customs control between Russia and Belarus. At least if you drive passenger vehicle. Never asked what happens if you cross this border on a cargo truck. In the past there was at least some sort of transport inspection near border, checking for axis load to be within allowed limits and so on.


Check at cargo.lt - there is hundreds of offers from various transport companies... You can also try to put your cargo to their database that is constantly monitored by many Lithuanian and Polish transport companies.

Polonia / MOVING MY STUFF TO MOSCOW and a Harley motorcycle ...any ideas? [58]


There is another way - through Latvia, directly to Russia. Belarussian customs is real nightmare, of course.

BTW: WR, if you moving to permanent residence, maybe there is chances to import some used van or pickup without taxes and duties? At least there was such thing in the past. Dig into russian legislation a bit deeper - it may make whole process of moving litle bit more profitable, if you select make and model correctly (spacious enough to hold all your stuff and popular enough to sell it later here without problems). ;)

But anyway, consult someone knowing more about possible legal issues.

History / Lwów, Wilno ... kresy - Poland have lost enormoust part of our heritage... [389]


Hm. You have to learn Lithuanian to live there without serious limitations. And with education in Polish for your kids you'll have ever more troubles than with education in Russian for russians living there since USSR collapse.

But, anyway, I like Lithuanians. Mostly good people and easier to deal with (for Russian/Ukrainian), compared to Poles and especially to Latvians. ;)

BTW: I visit Vilnius few times every year... Had business multi-entry visas in the past, until April 2010. Lithuania changed rules and it become simpler to pay for single entry visa every time and spend 2 days to visit embassy.

News / Upping the speed limit in Poland [92]


No... It was Sunday to Monday night, and there was _lots_ of trucks, driving to west.... I never seen so many before.

Just trying to imagine what was on old roads between Poznan and German border a couple of hours later...

News / Upping the speed limit in Poland [92]


Exactly the same problem in Moscow. ;) Any shithead driving some overpriced sparkling new iron bucket with nuts think that it is one step closer to heavens compared to others. ;) And usually ignore any and all parking restrictions as well.

Recently, someone ordered a batch of large permanent stickers with "I'm parking like idiot" text and gave it away to young people who lived in center of city. ;) Some of this stickers was used very well, placed on windshields of various luxury cars parked in 2 rows and blocking buses on one of streets, so that it was impossible to drive until sticker is removed. Glue was really strong. ;)


Same question here. Guys who spend almost all that they have as downpayment for a luxury car often drive it just like they have two more as spare near home. ;) Usually it is people who suddenly get much more money that they would imagine in the past and don't know what to do with it. ;)

And yes, here as well some people who rent 40 sqm flat in suburbs but have two $100k+ cars and park it on the street near guarded multi-level parking complex costing only slightly more than $100 per month to rent a box there. ;) And the same people often complain how expensive to live in Moscow... ;)

So, looks like it is not linked to something catholic in the mind... ;) Orthodox shitheads do exactly the same. ;)

News / Upping the speed limit in Poland [92]


I recently crossed whole country on my way from France to Lithuania. Most of roads that I seen really don't allow higher speeds. Toll part of M2 is rare exclusion.

And Poland was the country where I seen most speed cams during whole trip.

By the way, best expressways I observed during this trip was not autobahns in Germany, it was toll roads in France.

Travel / Crossing to Russia: Planning a Motorcycle Trip from Poland to Kalinigrad [26]

Well... Just checked what's new about visa invitations. Sorry, but no electronic document filing yet, invitations is still issued by Federal Migration Service based on paper application and supporting documents, and regular procedure takes up to 30 days, extraordinary - up to 5 days.

Agencies have another channel, directly through MFA, and it is much faster but not so cheap.