Trevek
8 Apr 2011
Trevek
4 Apr 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
Most gay guys are pu88y magnets!
As Oscar Wilde has Gwendoline say, in "The Importance of Being Earnest", And certainly once a man begins to neglect his domestic duties he becomes painfully effeminate, does he not? And I don’t like that. It makes men so very attractive.
Hang around with a gay guy and try to pick up his chicks!
Wasn't it a Serbian lesbian band who won Eurovision a few years back?
Are you some kinda pu88y magnet?
Most gay guys are pu88y magnets!
As Oscar Wilde has Gwendoline say, in "The Importance of Being Earnest", And certainly once a man begins to neglect his domestic duties he becomes painfully effeminate, does he not? And I don’t like that. It makes men so very attractive.
Hang around with a gay guy and try to pick up his chicks!
in Belgrade the heaven for gays?"
Wasn't it a Serbian lesbian band who won Eurovision a few years back?
Trevek
1 Apr 2011
Life / "Whiskification" of Poland? [32]
I think that it shows people realise the world of whisky/whiskey doesn't just end with Johnnie Walker and Balantynes. It's like UK finding out there are other brands of vodka than Smirnoff.
I get paid to do whisky tasting presentations and people are genuinely interested in sampling different types. I don't see it any different to the spread of wines from around the world.
The thing is that you can get such a selection in places like Real and tesco, it is surprising. I had a sudden urge for Bourbon (I usually drink Scotch) and popped into Real. I was surprised to find they not only had the ever-popular Jim Beam, but also some rather pricey Bourbons, not much different in price to a good single malt.
I think that it shows people realise the world of whisky/whiskey doesn't just end with Johnnie Walker and Balantynes. It's like UK finding out there are other brands of vodka than Smirnoff.
I get paid to do whisky tasting presentations and people are genuinely interested in sampling different types. I don't see it any different to the spread of wines from around the world.
The thing is that you can get such a selection in places like Real and tesco, it is surprising. I had a sudden urge for Bourbon (I usually drink Scotch) and popped into Real. I was surprised to find they not only had the ever-popular Jim Beam, but also some rather pricey Bourbons, not much different in price to a good single malt.
Trevek
28 Mar 2011
News / Polish people mocked and humiliated in Season 7 of House MD [60]
No, the limp is due to some muscle condition and wastage.
that explains the limp then....
No, the limp is due to some muscle condition and wastage.
Trevek
21 Mar 2011
Work / Any TEFL teachers in Poland out there? [28]
You may have a point, but I've experienced more than a few "real" teachers who were similar. Likewise, I've heard the whine of teachers that they can't teach classes full of mixed-language learners. Well, that's what a lot of TEFL people have to do.
I've worked with many teachers with such minimal certification and they don't have a clue to what's really going on or why or how people best learn language.
You may have a point, but I've experienced more than a few "real" teachers who were similar. Likewise, I've heard the whine of teachers that they can't teach classes full of mixed-language learners. Well, that's what a lot of TEFL people have to do.
Trevek
21 Mar 2011
UK, Ireland / How ENGLISH has been affected by POLISH [73]
Possibly the American use of "meeting with my friends" (meaning a pre-arranged meeting) comes from Polish. It is still viewed as 'non-standard' in UK English.
The "alright, already" of US might also be influenced by Polish but I'm not sure.
Possibly the American use of "meeting with my friends" (meaning a pre-arranged meeting) comes from Polish. It is still viewed as 'non-standard' in UK English.
The "alright, already" of US might also be influenced by Polish but I'm not sure.
Trevek
20 Mar 2011
Life / Hey, I speak English and can say F**K! Poles use the F-word to impress native speakers. [23]
I forgot to mention that this was actually in Olsztyn.
I must learn to swear properly in Polish so I can demonstrate.
I forgot to mention that this was actually in Olsztyn.
I must learn to swear properly in Polish so I can demonstrate.
Trevek
20 Mar 2011
Life / Hey, I speak English and can say F**K! Poles use the F-word to impress native speakers. [23]
Can anyone explain why some obviously educated people in Poland seem to feel it shows their coolness and linguistic ability by talking to a Native Speaker and using the F-word all the time?
Scenario: I was in a pub the other night, about the play with my band, when a middle aged man asked me "What part of England are you from?" When I told him, "Shropshire", I got a "Where the F***'s that?" When I enlightened him (West Midlands of England, along the Welsh border) I was told, "Yeah, that's why you have a Welsh accent, not a Scottish one!" I don't have a Scottish accent, it's true... but I certainly don't have a Welsh one either.
I asked my wife if she knew the guy and she said he was probably showing how much he (thought) he knew, because he was an English teacher at one time. I just hope the F-word wasn't part of his syllabus.
Last night I was in the same pub and my wife was playing Polish music. At one point we started singing some Irish songs and a bystander asked me to sing "Greensleeves" (he was stunned that I didn't know it... even more stunned to learn I didn't drink tea at 5pm). As he seemed an agreeable sort, I sat down and was asked, "So, who the fu*k are YOU?" which he apparently thought was a perfectly agreeable thing to ask someone he'd only just met. This was followed by, "What the f**k are you doing here?", "Why are you playing f**king folk music?" and a few other enquiries. The crazy thing was I don't think he was (intentionally) being abusive. I think it was only when i said, "Because I f***ing live here, my f***ing friends f***ing live here because they are f***ing Polish and all f***ing play f***ing folk music!" that he realised I might not be into his style of speech.
OK, I should have just pointed it out but I was fed up of it all by that time of night.
Can anyone explain why some obviously educated people in Poland seem to feel it shows their coolness and linguistic ability by talking to a Native Speaker and using the F-word all the time?
Scenario: I was in a pub the other night, about the play with my band, when a middle aged man asked me "What part of England are you from?" When I told him, "Shropshire", I got a "Where the F***'s that?" When I enlightened him (West Midlands of England, along the Welsh border) I was told, "Yeah, that's why you have a Welsh accent, not a Scottish one!" I don't have a Scottish accent, it's true... but I certainly don't have a Welsh one either.
I asked my wife if she knew the guy and she said he was probably showing how much he (thought) he knew, because he was an English teacher at one time. I just hope the F-word wasn't part of his syllabus.
Last night I was in the same pub and my wife was playing Polish music. At one point we started singing some Irish songs and a bystander asked me to sing "Greensleeves" (he was stunned that I didn't know it... even more stunned to learn I didn't drink tea at 5pm). As he seemed an agreeable sort, I sat down and was asked, "So, who the fu*k are YOU?" which he apparently thought was a perfectly agreeable thing to ask someone he'd only just met. This was followed by, "What the f**k are you doing here?", "Why are you playing f**king folk music?" and a few other enquiries. The crazy thing was I don't think he was (intentionally) being abusive. I think it was only when i said, "Because I f***ing live here, my f***ing friends f***ing live here because they are f***ing Polish and all f***ing play f***ing folk music!" that he realised I might not be into his style of speech.
OK, I should have just pointed it out but I was fed up of it all by that time of night.
Trevek
14 Mar 2011
Life / Strange laws in Poland [39]
Some time around 15th C, I think. It's on the wall display at Inverary Prison.
Not recently i take it...?
Some time around 15th C, I think. It's on the wall display at Inverary Prison.
Trevek
14 Mar 2011
Life / Strange laws in Poland [39]
Shot in the head with what? maybe it refers to whatever position you are in with the animal at the time.
In Scotland there was once a case of a man "riding" a horse. Both he and it were executed and burned.
In Krakow, Poland it's not only a crime to have sex with animals, but three-time offenders are shot in the head.
Shot in the head with what? maybe it refers to whatever position you are in with the animal at the time.
In Scotland there was once a case of a man "riding" a horse. Both he and it were executed and burned.
Trevek
6 Mar 2011
UK, Ireland / Criminal gangs luring Polish migrants to UK for benefit fraud [16]
Was he able to get it refunded? I would imagine whoever cashed it didn't have id.
I remember when a friend of mine worked for a temp agency and they sent his wages to the wrong address...
Was he able to get it refunded? I would imagine whoever cashed it didn't have id.
I remember when a friend of mine worked for a temp agency and they sent his wages to the wrong address...
Trevek
6 Mar 2011
Love / Arabs: "Polish women are easy and stupid" [132]
Just a comment on how Polish men treat Arab women... olsztyn.gazeta.pl/olsztyn/1,90712,9143822,Co_zszokowalo_saudyjs kie_studentki_w_Olsztynie.html
Just a comment on how Polish men treat Arab women... olsztyn.gazeta.pl/olsztyn/1,90712,9143822,Co_zszokowalo_saudyjs kie_studentki_w_Olsztynie.html
Trevek
1 Mar 2011
UK, Ireland / Scottish people in Poland [14]
Kenny contacted me after he'd (already) contacted the Sikorski club in Glasgow, I sent him here.
He's specifically interested in Scots who have moved to Poland since EU membership of Poland.
Kenny contacted me after he'd (already) contacted the Sikorski club in Glasgow, I sent him here.
He's specifically interested in Scots who have moved to Poland since EU membership of Poland.
Trevek
23 Feb 2011
Work / English with a Polish girlfriend. Experience in engineering, machines - working in Poland? [19]
It might be worth trying to contact some of the bigger companies, especially international ones, as places like Phillips use English in the upper levels. Also, an international company might find your selling experience useful.
True, Peter, but they have a number of foreign (French and British) working for them. And what about smaller companies like Bujalski in Dywity? They manafacture tanks for industry and export around the world (Israel, Indonesia, Kazakhstan etc). A few years ago they were screaming out for workers (especially welders). Phillips in Kętrzyn etc.
Experience technical support and selling products, but next to no Polish language.
It might be worth trying to contact some of the bigger companies, especially international ones, as places like Phillips use English in the upper levels. Also, an international company might find your selling experience useful.
For example in Olsztyn there is only one big employer Michelin but town has about 180ooo inhabitants.
True, Peter, but they have a number of foreign (French and British) working for them. And what about smaller companies like Bujalski in Dywity? They manafacture tanks for industry and export around the world (Israel, Indonesia, Kazakhstan etc). A few years ago they were screaming out for workers (especially welders). Phillips in Kętrzyn etc.
Trevek
21 Feb 2011
News / Lech Kaczyński statue in Warsaw? [66]
I agree. It's enough that there are new street names and little monuments springing up everywhere.
As well as this, it will mean Jaroslaw will also have to be made as an accompanying statue when he dies...
I don't think a personal monument is especially called for. It might be had his nitwit brother not sqandered the opportunity for creating a positive national unity with his half-baked witch hunts. But I don't want Jaroslaw to have more opportunities to use his brother's corpse for political gain. It's an ugly spectacle and the sooner it's ended the better.
I agree. It's enough that there are new street names and little monuments springing up everywhere.
As well as this, it will mean Jaroslaw will also have to be made as an accompanying statue when he dies...
Trevek
19 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Where is Borchersdorf, Germany, and Kal, Austria? [16]
Kalborno, near Olsztyn, or Kallenczin, near Szczytno (not far from Nidzice)?
Or maybe this place: kartenmeister.com/preview/City.asp?CitNum=21813
Not sure why the link in my earlier post doesn't work: kartenmeister.com/preview/databaseUwe.asp
OR it might be: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kal,_Poland
Kalborno, near Olsztyn, or Kallenczin, near Szczytno (not far from Nidzice)?
Or maybe this place: kartenmeister.com/preview/City.asp?CitNum=21813
Not sure why the link in my earlier post doesn't work: kartenmeister.com/preview/databaseUwe.asp
OR it might be: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kal,_Poland
Trevek
19 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Where is Borchersdorf, Germany, and Kal, Austria? [16]
The ones I've looked at are in East Prussia, Warmia-Mazury.
When you get the result, click the name in blue. It gives you more info, including the names in Polish.
Soldau is Działdowo, near Nidzice between Warsaw and Olsztyn. There are several Bochersdorfs, but also one near Nidzice, as most of them seem to be.
Nidzice is one of the lowest (geographically) Teutonic castle towns in Warmia-Mazury. It is one the main Warsaw-Gdansk road, about 30-40mins from Olsztynek (an hour from Olsztyn).
Yeah, my gut feeling is that these are probably Polish or near Polish border towns that have had their name changed.
The ones I've looked at are in East Prussia, Warmia-Mazury.
When you get the result, click the name in blue. It gives you more info, including the names in Polish.
Soldau is Działdowo, near Nidzice between Warsaw and Olsztyn. There are several Bochersdorfs, but also one near Nidzice, as most of them seem to be.
Nidzice is one of the lowest (geographically) Teutonic castle towns in Warmia-Mazury. It is one the main Warsaw-Gdansk road, about 30-40mins from Olsztynek (an hour from Olsztyn).
Trevek
19 Feb 2011
Genealogy / Where is Borchersdorf, Germany, and Kal, Austria? [16]
Try this site. It's pretty good.
kartenmeister.com/preview/Results.asp
Try this site. It's pretty good.
kartenmeister.com/preview/Results.asp
Trevek
19 Feb 2011
UK, Ireland / Polish Language under threat at Glasgow Uni [4]
Indeed, all those british businesses having to move to Poland... just as well they speak English there, I suppose.
Of course, it's not like the UK has a stereotyped rep for being reluctant to learn those nasty foreign languages is it?
Indeed, all those british businesses having to move to Poland... just as well they speak English there, I suppose.
Of course, it's not like the UK has a stereotyped rep for being reluctant to learn those nasty foreign languages is it?
Trevek
19 Feb 2011
UK, Ireland / Polish Language under threat at Glasgow Uni [4]
It pains me to say it, but my Alma Mater is being an idiot...
Seems that Modern Languages are under threat of closure. This includes the Slavonics Dept, which teaches Czech, Russian and Polish. Indeed, it is one of only (if not the only) places to offer a degree course in Polish in Britain.
It pains me to say it, but my Alma Mater is being an idiot...
Seems that Modern Languages are under threat of closure. This includes the Slavonics Dept, which teaches Czech, Russian and Polish. Indeed, it is one of only (if not the only) places to offer a degree course in Polish in Britain.
Trevek
19 Feb 2011
Work / Some cold, hard facts about teaching in Poland for newbies [101]
Interesting, why is that?
Hmmm, my personal experience is different. I found work in 2002 with a local school in Olsztyn. It was/is privately owned (not part of a chain) and they made it clear that at some point I would need to start my own firm. The wages, even then were around 35-40zl a month and I had as much work as I wanted/needed. For most of that time I was working at least 20-24 hours a week.
Another brit who has been working there about 3 years has only just started his firm. I think in my case there were different factors at play: 1) I was/am married to a Pole 2) I was going to be long term in Poland 3) It was pre-EU.
This school has been great and is a very professional place.
Of course, the main drawback is the summer and short months, when it's a case of "no students- no work- no pay". That's when summer schools in UK are handy.
Strictly speaking, if you only issue one invoice a month - then it's illegal too.
Interesting, why is that?
I'd personally recommend that newbies stay well away from any such school - usually if they're demanding that, it's a sign of something else being wrong.
Hmmm, my personal experience is different. I found work in 2002 with a local school in Olsztyn. It was/is privately owned (not part of a chain) and they made it clear that at some point I would need to start my own firm. The wages, even then were around 35-40zl a month and I had as much work as I wanted/needed. For most of that time I was working at least 20-24 hours a week.
Another brit who has been working there about 3 years has only just started his firm. I think in my case there were different factors at play: 1) I was/am married to a Pole 2) I was going to be long term in Poland 3) It was pre-EU.
This school has been great and is a very professional place.
Of course, the main drawback is the summer and short months, when it's a case of "no students- no work- no pay". That's when summer schools in UK are handy.
Trevek
18 Feb 2011
Work / Some cold, hard facts about teaching in Poland for newbies [101]
That's all the time he'd have because the female teacher has spent 45 minutes doing her make-up...
That's all the time he'd have because the female teacher has spent 45 minutes doing her make-up...
Trevek
18 Feb 2011
Work / Some cold, hard facts about teaching in Poland for newbies [101]
This is a useful thread. Any chance of making it a sticky?
This is a useful thread. Any chance of making it a sticky?
Trevek
18 Feb 2011
Work / Some cold, hard facts about teaching in Poland for newbies [101]
I wonder about the 20 hours minimum for reputable schools.
There has been a big drop in numbers across the country and my school was not able to offer me 5 classes this year through sheer lack of numbers (and our school is the top one in town, our numbers as down less than others).
Another thing to consider is that some schools insist on long-term teachers opening their own firms (gets around them paying ZUS etc). While this is normal, as i understand it, they are now not allowed to make you sign an exclusivity clause if you have your own firm.
I wonder about the 20 hours minimum for reputable schools.
There has been a big drop in numbers across the country and my school was not able to offer me 5 classes this year through sheer lack of numbers (and our school is the top one in town, our numbers as down less than others).
Another thing to consider is that some schools insist on long-term teachers opening their own firms (gets around them paying ZUS etc). While this is normal, as i understand it, they are now not allowed to make you sign an exclusivity clause if you have your own firm.
Trevek
16 Feb 2011
Love / Sexual diseases! Please tell me how I go about getting tested in Poland? [103]
Not uncommon amongst mechanics.
Also, touching you mouth cold sores can spread the herpes virus to the next place (eyes etc)
indeed u can. i once knew a chap who got dermatitis because he didn't wash his hands before going to the men's room.
Not uncommon amongst mechanics.
Also, touching you mouth cold sores can spread the herpes virus to the next place (eyes etc)
Trevek
13 Feb 2011
Study / The worst of Polish education. No wonder Polish universities are bottom of the list. [142]
Two of my colleagues are Polish and are involved with Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE.
One of them told me that a couple of years ago changes were made to the set-up of the listening exams because due to it happening in different countries on different days, there was a high number of people recording the exam on their phones (aurally and visually) and then selling it on the internet. two biggest perps were greece and... guess where!
A friend of mine recently told of finding a student phoning for answers during an exam.
When I tell them about British exams and how even looking as if your looking might get you thrown out, they can't believe it.
Two of my colleagues are Polish and are involved with Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE.
One of them told me that a couple of years ago changes were made to the set-up of the listening exams because due to it happening in different countries on different days, there was a high number of people recording the exam on their phones (aurally and visually) and then selling it on the internet. two biggest perps were greece and... guess where!
A friend of mine recently told of finding a student phoning for answers during an exam.
When I tell them about British exams and how even looking as if your looking might get you thrown out, they can't believe it.
Trevek
6 Feb 2011
Love / Arabs: "Polish women are easy and stupid" [132]
and a not so discreet smell of cigarettes and armpits.
Polish guys who smell have usually the discreet smell of vodka.
and a not so discreet smell of cigarettes and armpits.
Trevek
6 Feb 2011
Love / Arabs: "Polish women are easy and stupid" [132]
Well, I've encountered more than a few Polish guys who could knock you out at 50 metres with their armpits.
One guy was a caretaker/janitor at a local school and he lived in a little glass kiosk at the door of the school. You could smell him from outside the door. I bet the teachers used to threaten naughty kids with half an hour in his fish tank.
Arabs smell a lot because of their sweat.You can smell them meters away.
Well, I've encountered more than a few Polish guys who could knock you out at 50 metres with their armpits.
One guy was a caretaker/janitor at a local school and he lived in a little glass kiosk at the door of the school. You could smell him from outside the door. I bet the teachers used to threaten naughty kids with half an hour in his fish tank.
Trevek
6 Feb 2011
Law / CRB checks in Poland? [26]
I mean the British Council, the culture organization, not councils in Britain. They, I know ARE.
I mean the British Council, the culture organization, not councils in Britain. They, I know ARE.
Trevek
4 Feb 2011
UK, Ireland / Why can't the poles speak english, if they want to work in England? [35]
One of my female Polish colleagues was attacked this morning whilst coming to work, by a crazy old Polish woman. My colleague's leg's in plaster now.
She's an English teacher... obviously the old dear didn't want to learn English.
forgive me im recovering from a stroke after being mugged by a bunch of polish men.
One of my female Polish colleagues was attacked this morning whilst coming to work, by a crazy old Polish woman. My colleague's leg's in plaster now.
She's an English teacher... obviously the old dear didn't want to learn English.