Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Travel / Poland in photo riddles [3134]
Is it the central attraction on your mantelpiece, pawian? ;) ;)
It has an illuminati sign in the middle so I'm thinking Tusk's bedroom ;) ;) Seriously tho, in the Polish Central Bank or somewhere in Kazimierz, the Jewish quarter of Kraków? The Vatican don't publicise so openly ;)
Is it the central attraction on your mantelpiece, pawian? ;) ;)
It has an illuminati sign in the middle so I'm thinking Tusk's bedroom ;) ;) Seriously tho, in the Polish Central Bank or somewhere in Kazimierz, the Jewish quarter of Kraków? The Vatican don't publicise so openly ;)
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
To answer the thread, they went to administrative offices for documentation and then took a plane elsewhere, only taking their blindfolds off whilst in the said offices ;) ;)
To answer the thread, they went to administrative offices for documentation and then took a plane elsewhere, only taking their blindfolds off whilst in the said offices ;) ;)
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Language / Having trouble pronouncing Polish words? [35]
Tso che nye zabeeye, toe che vizmotsnee :) (fast viz) Choose Seanus ;) ;)
Tso che nye zabeeye, toe che vizmotsnee :) (fast viz) Choose Seanus ;) ;)
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
History / Poland and Orientalism [115]
He thinks all of Palestine should be for the Jews? I'll wait for him to comment on that. If he really believes that then he should be, well, dealt with ;) ;)
Let's let the man speak first. If he is indeed educated then he should see the Palestine position well.
He thinks all of Palestine should be for the Jews? I'll wait for him to comment on that. If he really believes that then he should be, well, dealt with ;) ;)
Let's let the man speak first. If he is indeed educated then he should see the Palestine position well.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
History / Poland and Orientalism [115]
DE, I don't think yehudi is a hardline IDF supporter at all. I say this in so many posts but I hate labels. Yes, he is a Zionist by definition insofaras to say that he thinks Jerusalem should be for the Jews but, for me anyway, he doesn't come with the harsh rhetoric that right-wingers bring to the table. He is respectful to Poland and seems to understand the plight of the Palestinians. Like many, he rejects radicalism but I hope he sees where they are coming from at least.
DE, I don't think yehudi is a hardline IDF supporter at all. I say this in so many posts but I hate labels. Yes, he is a Zionist by definition insofaras to say that he thinks Jerusalem should be for the Jews but, for me anyway, he doesn't come with the harsh rhetoric that right-wingers bring to the table. He is respectful to Poland and seems to understand the plight of the Palestinians. Like many, he rejects radicalism but I hope he sees where they are coming from at least.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
People need to learn how to channel their grievances and not blow things out of proportion. I have no idea how but I have also succumbed to the phenomenon whereby you have one negative encounter and then all of Poland is somehow bad. Time to snap out of that, folks. Take it for what it is.
People need to learn how to channel their grievances and not blow things out of proportion. I have no idea how but I have also succumbed to the phenomenon whereby you have one negative encounter and then all of Poland is somehow bad. Time to snap out of that, folks. Take it for what it is.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
You see, milky, it's all a question of what you focus on but, even when on the same topic, you can see positive instances too (unless the blinkers are on).
The key is to see it as 'a Pole I saw did this' or 'a Pole I know, at one moment, said this or that'. Their being Polish is often coincidental. Be like Jesus and try and encourage good behaviour and see commonalities, not differences where those differences hamper folks.
Thanks, Admin :) :) I don't like misquoting people erroneously :(
You see, milky, it's all a question of what you focus on but, even when on the same topic, you can see positive instances too (unless the blinkers are on).
The key is to see it as 'a Pole I saw did this' or 'a Pole I know, at one moment, said this or that'. Their being Polish is often coincidental. Be like Jesus and try and encourage good behaviour and see commonalities, not differences where those differences hamper folks.
Thanks, Admin :) :) I don't like misquoting people erroneously :(
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
I think Admin summed it up ever so succinctly, 'Poland, the Good, the Bad, the Ugly'. Now who is Admin to argue with Sergio Leone's 2 to 1 focus on negativity? ;) ;)
Il Brutto i Il Cattivo it is for many ;) ;)
Anyone care for the Bueno aspect? Yes, there is much in that regard. The family aspect is one. I am eternally indebted to my father-in-law for renovating our flat, being one of the nicest people I have ever met and being the voice of reason even after quite a few shots of alcohol (he's not much of a drinker but on occasion...). My mother-in-law is a gem too. She has many good things to say about Poland and Scotland, is a superb host and really cares for animals and children. People like that command the utmost respect, esp in my eyes. My wife's bro has also made himself available in different ways. He has repaired my laptop on several occasions, laid on veritable feasts and really made sure that I enjoyed his wedding celebrations. Great great people!! This is a MAJOR plus about many many Poles, that they spare no expense when it comes to meaningful events. They are not people of means either yet their hearts put themselves into a position of sacrifice for the benefit of others.
Pat19, I wasn't having a go at mike for his experiences at all. My maxim is 'we are born to experience'. His input is more than welcome but he doesn't outline specific instances like I or others do (not that he has to btw).
Also, Pat19, I like your views and I can say that my blood pressure has never been lower than in Poland. It was gey high in Scotland and my folks noticed it. I am a calm and respectful guy and I don't get riled easily. I just want mike not to be overly declaratory and dictatorial. Let people say their piece, as you advocate, and don't tell them how to frame it unless they are being unreasonable.
In summary, we shouldn't be untargetted in our outbursts or posts. See an experience for what it is and don't take it as universal truth.
I think Admin summed it up ever so succinctly, 'Poland, the Good, the Bad, the Ugly'. Now who is Admin to argue with Sergio Leone's 2 to 1 focus on negativity? ;) ;)
Il Brutto i Il Cattivo it is for many ;) ;)
Anyone care for the Bueno aspect? Yes, there is much in that regard. The family aspect is one. I am eternally indebted to my father-in-law for renovating our flat, being one of the nicest people I have ever met and being the voice of reason even after quite a few shots of alcohol (he's not much of a drinker but on occasion...). My mother-in-law is a gem too. She has many good things to say about Poland and Scotland, is a superb host and really cares for animals and children. People like that command the utmost respect, esp in my eyes. My wife's bro has also made himself available in different ways. He has repaired my laptop on several occasions, laid on veritable feasts and really made sure that I enjoyed his wedding celebrations. Great great people!! This is a MAJOR plus about many many Poles, that they spare no expense when it comes to meaningful events. They are not people of means either yet their hearts put themselves into a position of sacrifice for the benefit of others.
Pat19, I wasn't having a go at mike for his experiences at all. My maxim is 'we are born to experience'. His input is more than welcome but he doesn't outline specific instances like I or others do (not that he has to btw).
Also, Pat19, I like your views and I can say that my blood pressure has never been lower than in Poland. It was gey high in Scotland and my folks noticed it. I am a calm and respectful guy and I don't get riled easily. I just want mike not to be overly declaratory and dictatorial. Let people say their piece, as you advocate, and don't tell them how to frame it unless they are being unreasonable.
In summary, we shouldn't be untargetted in our outbursts or posts. See an experience for what it is and don't take it as universal truth.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
Another relevant dimension to the thread is how some Poles set themselves up for light digs. Yes, there are some things in life which you have to take seriously, esp at certain moments, but humour really takes the edge off of things. Rebirth, I think you see the logic in that stance. However, as I said in the previous post, know who you are dealing with. Quite a few are sensitive and we need to respect that to a certain extent. There is a fine balance between keeping the flow of the forum interesting and insulting others. Sometimes people don't err on the wrong side of caution but that's because some don't take things on the chin well ;) ;)
Another relevant dimension to the thread is how some Poles set themselves up for light digs. Yes, there are some things in life which you have to take seriously, esp at certain moments, but humour really takes the edge off of things. Rebirth, I think you see the logic in that stance. However, as I said in the previous post, know who you are dealing with. Quite a few are sensitive and we need to respect that to a certain extent. There is a fine balance between keeping the flow of the forum interesting and insulting others. Sometimes people don't err on the wrong side of caution but that's because some don't take things on the chin well ;) ;)
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
I keep stating this phrase when it comes to truth but it seems highly apt here so, 'We both have truths, are mine the same as yours?'. This was Pontius Pilate to Jesus Christ. Be careful what you call truth(s), that's what I say.
I need to sound humble with this but I feel my stance of 'some are, some aren't' or 'some can, some can't' or 'some do and some don't' is right on the money a lot of the time. Our perceptions of Poland are really dependent on what we have in our minds at any one time. I think a large part of the problem lies in the defensiveness of many Poles to see that particular thing we have in mind. I also believe that part of the problem stems from the fact that many PF Poles feel the need to take a clear position, seeing no areas of grey/gray in many things. To do otherwise is seen as sitting on the fence. When you actually sit down with sb and go through an issue calmly and rationally, you will see that part of your position isn't as valid as you first thought it was. People sow the seeds of doubt in others and that is the benefit of experience. Rather than become defensive, we should see where they are coming from and try and learn from that experience. This brings me to my next point. Pat19, valpomike doesn't appear to have anything like the exp that many PF members have of Poland. I'm a firm believer in the notion that teachers can easily be taught by those in a superior position of knowledge. Some students look to me as the ultimate source of authority but I happily acquiesce and bow down to their more detailed knowledge in some areas. I suggest valpomike does the same. Humility is a virtue, as is humbleness :)
Rebirth, you have been branded a troll by many but keep striving for the truth as it sets you free :)
I keep stating this phrase when it comes to truth but it seems highly apt here so, 'We both have truths, are mine the same as yours?'. This was Pontius Pilate to Jesus Christ. Be careful what you call truth(s), that's what I say.
I need to sound humble with this but I feel my stance of 'some are, some aren't' or 'some can, some can't' or 'some do and some don't' is right on the money a lot of the time. Our perceptions of Poland are really dependent on what we have in our minds at any one time. I think a large part of the problem lies in the defensiveness of many Poles to see that particular thing we have in mind. I also believe that part of the problem stems from the fact that many PF Poles feel the need to take a clear position, seeing no areas of grey/gray in many things. To do otherwise is seen as sitting on the fence. When you actually sit down with sb and go through an issue calmly and rationally, you will see that part of your position isn't as valid as you first thought it was. People sow the seeds of doubt in others and that is the benefit of experience. Rather than become defensive, we should see where they are coming from and try and learn from that experience. This brings me to my next point. Pat19, valpomike doesn't appear to have anything like the exp that many PF members have of Poland. I'm a firm believer in the notion that teachers can easily be taught by those in a superior position of knowledge. Some students look to me as the ultimate source of authority but I happily acquiesce and bow down to their more detailed knowledge in some areas. I suggest valpomike does the same. Humility is a virtue, as is humbleness :)
Rebirth, you have been branded a troll by many but keep striving for the truth as it sets you free :)
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
Pat19, if that is indeed the case then fine. However, you can't deny people their legitimate opinions which don't trangress the boundaries of decency, can you? Many are not libellous here yet, at the same time, are not favourable towards Poland.
In addition, I always used keigo (respect language) in Japan and still use Pan i Pani to older people here. Nobody that knows me would ever say I'm disrespectful. Quite the opposite!
However, respect is earned and telling people to write only good things or disappear is hardly respectful, IMHO. Is it respectful to you, Pat19? You live in America so do you value freedom of expression within reason? Do you believe constructive criticism has a place?
People form opinions through a multitude of factors ranging from the rational to the downright emotional aspects. If Poland was such a paradise (and in some ways it is), then why do so many Poles leave?
Pat19, if that is indeed the case then fine. However, you can't deny people their legitimate opinions which don't trangress the boundaries of decency, can you? Many are not libellous here yet, at the same time, are not favourable towards Poland.
In addition, I always used keigo (respect language) in Japan and still use Pan i Pani to older people here. Nobody that knows me would ever say I'm disrespectful. Quite the opposite!
However, respect is earned and telling people to write only good things or disappear is hardly respectful, IMHO. Is it respectful to you, Pat19? You live in America so do you value freedom of expression within reason? Do you believe constructive criticism has a place?
People form opinions through a multitude of factors ranging from the rational to the downright emotional aspects. If Poland was such a paradise (and in some ways it is), then why do so many Poles leave?
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
Don't they have rose-tinted glasses stalls in Warsaw, Harry? ;) ;)
Don't they have rose-tinted glasses stalls in Warsaw, Harry? ;) ;)
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
Mike, Admin specifically asked posters to be truthful, rounded and candid in their postings. Part of that means stating the bad aspects as well as the good ones. I love my Polish family, much of the food here, the fact that many people leave you alone, lovely architecture and so much more. However, life is not all about tinted glasses. We are born to experience and share with others. Why paint a wrong picture through just seeing what you want to see? You might be doing people a disservice in so doing. Know where posters are coming from and their likely expectations.
Mods, I'd even suggest a warning for this guy's harsh rhetoric and inflammatory stance. People are free to voice their opinion and Poles, of all people, should know what it's like to have freedoms removed. It is vital that people can speak out through constructive criticism and painting as clear a picture as they can.
It is important to have respect for your host country, esp when some go out of their way to make your stay a fruitful and comfortable one. However, I clearly get the impression that valpomike is having a laugh and I find his style offensive. Lucky for him I'm tolerant but if he persists with his insistence on a one-sided view of Poland, I recommend stern action when the right time comes.
Mike, how about some specifics rather than loose rhetorical garbage? Where do you live in Poland for starters?
Mike, Admin specifically asked posters to be truthful, rounded and candid in their postings. Part of that means stating the bad aspects as well as the good ones. I love my Polish family, much of the food here, the fact that many people leave you alone, lovely architecture and so much more. However, life is not all about tinted glasses. We are born to experience and share with others. Why paint a wrong picture through just seeing what you want to see? You might be doing people a disservice in so doing. Know where posters are coming from and their likely expectations.
Mods, I'd even suggest a warning for this guy's harsh rhetoric and inflammatory stance. People are free to voice their opinion and Poles, of all people, should know what it's like to have freedoms removed. It is vital that people can speak out through constructive criticism and painting as clear a picture as they can.
It is important to have respect for your host country, esp when some go out of their way to make your stay a fruitful and comfortable one. However, I clearly get the impression that valpomike is having a laugh and I find his style offensive. Lucky for him I'm tolerant but if he persists with his insistence on a one-sided view of Poland, I recommend stern action when the right time comes.
Mike, how about some specifics rather than loose rhetorical garbage? Where do you live in Poland for starters?
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
History / Poland and Orientalism [115]
Good point, yehudi. Some are brown, some are black, some are yellow and some are white. Some are red after sitting in the sun too long but that's beside the point. I'm happy to be white here, not because white is such a magnificent colour to be, more because it's easier to fit in that way. A sense of identification comes with it.
Good point, yehudi. Some are brown, some are black, some are yellow and some are white. Some are red after sitting in the sun too long but that's beside the point. I'm happy to be white here, not because white is such a magnificent colour to be, more because it's easier to fit in that way. A sense of identification comes with it.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Life / You are Polish if... [433]
you wear socks with sandals. That gets a few laughs from Israelis who see it as odd. Not only them either.
you wear socks with sandals. That gets a few laughs from Israelis who see it as odd. Not only them either.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Love / Advice on a Polish girlfriend who suddenly stopped contact. [32]
Yup, entirely possible. They'd likely dissuade here.
Yup, entirely possible. They'd likely dissuade here.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Feedback / Why are there so many on here, who do not like Poland [150]
To the OP. Where do you currently live in Poland? That can change your perception a little.
There are so many good aspects about living in Poland and some Poles often don't see that. It's a pity but I think it shows that some are inclined towards pessimism.
To the OP. Where do you currently live in Poland? That can change your perception a little.
There are so many good aspects about living in Poland and some Poles often don't see that. It's a pity but I think it shows that some are inclined towards pessimism.
Seanus
19 Jul 2011
Life / You are Polish if... [433]
Pete, I said it as a good thing. My Polish family do that and its fantastic hospitality.
I use toilets, Pete, not loiter or snoop around them ;)
Pete, I said it as a good thing. My Polish family do that and its fantastic hospitality.
I use toilets, Pete, not loiter or snoop around them ;)
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Food / Lentil pierogi & mushroom gołąbki [23]
OK. I'd check up on the roots of those foods first before calling them Polish ;) ;)
OK. I'd check up on the roots of those foods first before calling them Polish ;) ;)
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Food / Lentil pierogi & mushroom gołąbki [23]
Then list me some Polish foods and we'll see, Monia. Show me that range.
Then list me some Polish foods and we'll see, Monia. Show me that range.
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
History / Norman Davies - the Brit who loves Poland and becomes one of Us [250]
Nott, I enough about mooting to know how to conduct a good debate. I just don't believe arguments are won with defensiveness. They are won by backing up your case to the max.
Nott, I enough about mooting to know how to conduct a good debate. I just don't believe arguments are won with defensiveness. They are won by backing up your case to the max.
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Food / Lentil pierogi & mushroom gołąbki [23]
Although I've never been, I've been to enough Asian places to know. There is a Vietnamese restaurant on the rynek here.
Although I've never been, I've been to enough Asian places to know. There is a Vietnamese restaurant on the rynek here.
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Life / You are Polish if... [433]
You love toilets without locks on the doors
You love talking about bums
You have complexes that leave even the most advanced mathematicians unable to unravel the riddles of your life
You believe peasant food trumps high cuisine like French food
You enjoy a good political discussion, tempered with reason
You pass drinks round the table in order to stimulate discussion
You love toilets without locks on the doors
You love talking about bums
You have complexes that leave even the most advanced mathematicians unable to unravel the riddles of your life
You believe peasant food trumps high cuisine like French food
You enjoy a good political discussion, tempered with reason
You pass drinks round the table in order to stimulate discussion
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Food / Lentil pierogi & mushroom gołąbki [23]
That was my thinking too, Monia. However, your vanity meets expectations ;) ;) Tom yam kum and clam chowder beat Polish efforts but Poland wins overall :)
Mushroom gołąbki, yummy. I love łazanki with mushroom sauce :) :0
That was my thinking too, Monia. However, your vanity meets expectations ;) ;) Tom yam kum and clam chowder beat Polish efforts but Poland wins overall :)
Mushroom gołąbki, yummy. I love łazanki with mushroom sauce :) :0
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Seanus
18 Jul 2011
Food / Lentil pierogi & mushroom gołąbki [23]
It's pretty bland without them, Monia. You are talking to a guy who, I feel anyway, is from the no2 country for soups in the world :)
It's pretty bland without them, Monia. You are talking to a guy who, I feel anyway, is from the no2 country for soups in the world :)