History / Poland's 1945 - 1989 under communism or during socialism? [65]

In which case, comparisons/contrasts need to be drawn to purely communist regimes such as in Cuba or the USSR as it was known. Even then, it was called the United Soviet Socialist Republic. That's why I have drifted away from the overly simplistic nonsense I was taught at secondary school and look beyond the labels.

History / Poland's 1945 - 1989 under communism or during socialism? [65]

I think this discussion needs mention of curfews, or the police hours as they are called in Polish. When you start imposing such restrictions on people then it's one step beyond mainstream socialism IMHO. My main conception of socialism is sth like Aneurin Bevan's vision for the NHS, 'from cradle to grave'. Socialism isn't oppressive in the wider sense. The rich have more taken from them and the poor often have decent social care/provisions. For real oppression, see harsh regimes like the former Bathi one in Iraq.

News / Drug Policy Reform in Poland [29]

Drugs are a reality and they should always start from that premise. They are an integral part of cultures beyond subculture. I really don't see sb enjoying music on hashish as being any 'worse' than sb sitting on a balcony and admiring the view. Both are in their own thoughts and aren't harming others.

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

No, I am not :) I wouldn't have come to Poland if I was, I think.

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

Nah, nothing like that. Just moved on and kept the faith with my missus :)

I did, thanks :)

Other reasons? The TEFL market was booming at the time. Also, Poland is a fine base and a beautiful country :)

Study / AFRICAN STUDENTS INVASION in Krakow [197]

Poles show remarkable restraint. I've watched documentaries which show unsavoury characters (Ross Kemp interviewed them) but they tend not to lash out.

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

New experiences, a new environment and a fresh new challenge :)

News / Drug Policy Reform in Poland [29]

I think I need to upgrade my drugs ;) Donald, pass them round ;)

I don't believe govt should be overly protective when it comes to drugs. Let people make choices :)

News / Poland's Lost Generation [172]

Poland's lost generation?? What is this supposed to mean? You can't just leave out a generation.

News / Drug Policy Reform in Poland [29]

Thanks, welshboy! I throw in my two cents for what it's worth. I can never seem to come up with new ideas on the drugs debate as it always reverts back to the same trotted out lines. Still, I like to try and defend the corner of the drug user, hard as it can be, in order to show that motivation goes beyond mere escapism. We live in an age of informed consent and many would know, come the age of 18 for sure, what they might be getting themselves in for. If governments are hellbent on preserving life, they are doing an awful job of it in different ways. War kills, drugs may kill.

Life / Rules of Etiquette in Poland [22]

It all comes back to intentions. You can't always second guess or presume things in this day and age. My wife receives gifts for her professionalism and I have no issues with that. I trust her and most relationships should be predicated on trust. Granted, I would be a little peeved if she got flowers on a repeated basis but we need to let people explain their intentions. There is a difference between appreciation and people trying it on.

News / Drug Policy Reform in Poland [29]

It all comes back to the same old chestnut, that of responsibility. Were I to use sth like cocaine or ecstacy then I would do so for experimental purposes. Part of being human is to experience and share your views with others. I took morphine under controlled conditions and I have to say that it was a memorable experience. It didn't drive me doolalley and I felt sth new. However, it was for pain relief and was much needed. Many weakly escape and continue to do so at the cost of their health and the pocket of others. Life is hard for some, yes, but drugs as a means of escape is not the answer. The problem is stated purpose. Just like many could claim insanity after having committed heinous crimes, many could procure heroin under dubious pretense. It is accepted that musicians do drugs to allegedly enhance their music so why deny others their semi-valid reasons? Poland doesn't make it easy for those who are unemployed so they could do likewise with 'druggies'. However, society in a sense tacitly condones it if it makes them accessible. Ah well, at least social workers are kept in a job ;) ;)

Precisely, Flagless. He was looking for positive experiences. Provided we don't harm others, we should be entitled to explore our own inner space and look for that which may give us a lifting exp. Besides, curriculums often suppress the true talent of individuals. Confining them to sequential, humdrum existences helps little. We shouldn't fear the unknown so much. Give people the chance to broaden their horizons and don't curb their inner drives so much.

Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]

I think one potential problem, and sorry if it has already been discussed (forgive my laziness here), is one of exclusion. Old people don't value 'being cool' for the most part. A lot of the borrowed or absorbed words suit the tongue of the youngster more than their older counterparts. Polish doesn't benefit from having syllabaries in the same way as Japanese does. In Japanese language, there is katakana. Should you learn how to read it, you will see words like 'chikinu' (chicken) as opposed to the equivalent 'tori' in hiragana.

More English words, in one sense, shows evolution. The level of contact with English since May 2004 (esp) has meant that many Poles have begun to think in that language and look to create new Polish/English words. When you think of music, you can see fusions of styles. However, this is chanelled differently. Language tends to be more direct in its delivery and usage.

Too many words? Well, everything (almost) comes through choice and one can choose to use or not to.

Oh, I can. Trust me! I just felt like showing face :)

Too many English words? Words creep into the lexicon for sure but I think it is a good thing when a Polish person uses a word which another Pole doesn't understand. In that way, if they want to continue the conversation then they have to ask and can learn in so doing. They can always revert back to their L1/mother tongue at any time.

History / Polish flag over the Reichstag first? [399]

Why would Russia have hidden their Katyń deeds for so long? Why would many Brits not acknowledge the Polish contribution in WWII? The world isn't linear, BB.

News / POLISH CHILD ABUSING A CAT.. [74]

Utterly despicable! Animals are there for our love and caring. How sb could do that is beyond me.

History / Polish flag over the Reichstag first? [399]

I agree, BB. Still, it is not entirely implausible. It is a strange world we live in.

Language / How to remember Polish words? [23]

It sounds like pełny funnily enough :)

History / Polish flag over the Reichstag first? [399]

It is quite possible given the desire of nations to hoist their flags everywhere. It goes right back well before the time of Jesus that people wanted to assert their supremacy and show their victory through symbols.

Language / How to remember Polish words? [23]

Maybe snooty folk pronounce it that way ;)

Whatever works, Lyzko :) They are versatile as a tool.

Language / Correct usage for 'going' in Polish [25]

Chodzicie do kościoła - Do you guys go to church?

Idziecie do kościoła - Are you guys going to church?

News / What's the stupidest question asked about Poland? [414]

It's all in the jeans ;) ;)

UK, Ireland / Do Poles in the UK pretend to be uppity because they have an inferiority complex? [60]

One could say it's reflection and one could say it's observation ;) ;)

Part of the problem stems from the constant feeling of being badly governed. They feel that everything is in a bad state and why bother trying to change it. Many would rather sit on their bums and talk about it rather than actively change it.

News / What's the stupidest question asked about Poland? [414]

You imagine them to be curious, £ódż. That's what many Poles would like, feedback on how they are doing. They ask many questions to foreigners. I was reading Ryszard Kapuścinki's book about Herodotus and he grew tired of the endless questions of the Congolese people. I guess he now knows how foreigners have it.

News / Euro 2012: Budget cuts delay road construction in Poland [21]

It's one thing when the people laugh at the state of the roads but it's quite another when the govt does it too ;)

UK, Ireland / Do Poles in the UK pretend to be uppity because they have an inferiority complex? [60]

Some do and some don't, in truth!

News / Euro 2012: Budget cuts delay road construction in Poland [21]

Right! This change was long in coming and I fear that certain regions will take precedence over others. The roads are in a sorry state here and that's the main reason I spent 3 days in hospital. I lost concentration, then couldn't brake in time for a big hole. I hope local MPs do their jobs and report on the seriousness of the situation.

UK, Ireland / Do Poles in the UK pretend to be uppity because they have an inferiority complex? [60]

I haven't, no, but many are pessimistic. However, many would say starkly realistic. Those who are in a position to tend to be optimistic ;)

UK, Ireland / Do Poles in the UK pretend to be uppity because they have an inferiority complex? [60]

Kudos to Eurola and aphro, both Poles, for being so honest in their answers. The forum is about gaining a rounded perspective and they are generally pro-Polish. There is a stubborn pride here and it comes partly through stamping one's oneness regardless. The take me or leave me approach.

UK, Ireland / Do Poles in the UK pretend to be uppity because they have an inferiority complex? [60]

Let's assume such a Pole picks up a fair bit of English whilst in England and then moves back to such a town. How are they going to better themselves? Very often they can't transfer any meaningful experience gained to such a small and often parochial place. They are back to square 1 unless they get creative somehow.

News / Euro 2012: Budget cuts delay road construction in Poland [21]

I don't think so, wildie. I was thinking America more. They do look good, those plans.