convex
5 Mar 2010
History / Chance of Lwów once again became coming part of Poland [344]
May want to consider fixing what you have first.
May want to consider fixing what you have first.
convex
4 Mar 2010
Life / COMBATING "POLACK" JOKES [460]
Polish jokes have been around since Prussian times. Stop trying to make it more than it really is. People like you screw it up for everyone else. Nice cut and paste job though.
Polish jokes have been around since Prussian times. Stop trying to make it more than it really is. People like you screw it up for everyone else. Nice cut and paste job though.
convex
3 Mar 2010
Work / Average monthly salary in Poland is around 1000 PLN (few hundred bucks). [387]
You forgot to mention that it's a time of the cheapest money in the history of the modern world.
The prices are coming back down. House prices historically raise in value at the rate of inflation. Corrections happen over the same period of time as it took for prices to rise. Regarding CHF/PLN, the first one was a freebie, the interest rates dropped and it made up for the change in exchange rate. Interest rates can't drop anymore...
Basic economics
You forgot to mention that it's a time of the cheapest money in the history of the modern world.
As for prices being inflated - if the market is able to bear them, and given that the market didn't crash despite the CHF/PLN exchange rate going the 'wrong' way, I'd suggest that the market was actually pretty stable.
The prices are coming back down. House prices historically raise in value at the rate of inflation. Corrections happen over the same period of time as it took for prices to rise. Regarding CHF/PLN, the first one was a freebie, the interest rates dropped and it made up for the change in exchange rate. Interest rates can't drop anymore...
convex
3 Mar 2010
Life / I'm from Polish descent. CAN YOU GUYS EXPLAIN THE EU TO ME? [115]
How does the Lisbon treaty reinforce democracy? Wasn't that the document that was voted against by the people of multiple countries, and was then renamed and rammed through national parliaments?
The Swiss and the Norwegians seem to have the right idea. All the benefits without all the stupid laws.
Bwahaha....
The Treaty of Lisbon reinforces democracy in the EU and its capacity to promote the interests of its citizens on a day-to-day basis
How does the Lisbon treaty reinforce democracy? Wasn't that the document that was voted against by the people of multiple countries, and was then renamed and rammed through national parliaments?
The Swiss and the Norwegians seem to have the right idea. All the benefits without all the stupid laws.
That's the thing. Poland should be Polish (I have been to Poland). Not a mess like the UK or France.
Bwahaha....
convex
3 Mar 2010
News / What does Poland Import? [18]
energy, building supplies, german car radios.
Do you know which company? PZL used to make engines. I don't think anyone is making aircraft engines here now.
energy, building supplies, german car radios.
Also, it exports aircraft engines (I know! Right?!)
Do you know which company? PZL used to make engines. I don't think anyone is making aircraft engines here now.
convex
3 Mar 2010
Life / I'm from Polish descent. CAN YOU GUYS EXPLAIN THE EU TO ME? [115]
No, we just get pulled over now 5km inside of Germany.
You can have open borders, abolition of tariffs, and all the other benefits without the need for a powerful EU wide law making body.
People used to have to queue for hours at Swiecko (the main German-Polish border crossing) - now - no-one even has to stop.
No, we just get pulled over now 5km inside of Germany.
You can have open borders, abolition of tariffs, and all the other benefits without the need for a powerful EU wide law making body.
convex
3 Mar 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
I was illustrating my point.
There are options currently available, and the market is reacting to the demand. More people need to just vote with their wallet and use the power they currently have.
I was illustrating my point.
There are options currently available, and the market is reacting to the demand. More people need to just vote with their wallet and use the power they currently have.
convex
3 Mar 2010
Work / Average monthly salary in Poland is around 1000 PLN (few hundred bucks). [387]
Exactly. Children aren't a right, they're a responsibility. A costly responsibility at that.
Why then plan 2 children if one cannot afford to raise them?
Exactly. Children aren't a right, they're a responsibility. A costly responsibility at that.
convex
3 Mar 2010
Life / I'm from Polish descent. CAN YOU GUYS EXPLAIN THE EU TO ME? [115]
It might be more interesting to show net benefit, total or per capita. Remember, half of the EUs budget goes to farm subsidies....
Sweden: 0.50 per cent of GNP
It might be more interesting to show net benefit, total or per capita. Remember, half of the EUs budget goes to farm subsidies....
convex
2 Mar 2010
Life / COMBATING "POLACK" JOKES [460]
Louis CK sums it up pretty well
...
Frankly white males in general have been taking it on the chin lately lol
Louis CK sums it up pretty well
...
convex
2 Mar 2010
Work / Average monthly salary in Poland is around 1000 PLN (few hundred bucks). [387]
Average, not median.
minimum wage works out to about 1300 a month, or 8 an hour.
kariera.pl has lots of jobs posted with salaries.
3200 PLN after taxes?
Average, not median.
minimum wage works out to about 1300 a month, or 8 an hour.
kariera.pl has lots of jobs posted with salaries.
convex
1 Mar 2010
Life / You are Polish if... [433]
You forgot LH...oh wait...
:)
I've never seen a Pole misbehave on BA, LOT or Sabena
You forgot LH...oh wait...
:)
convex
1 Mar 2010
Law / Scrapping a vehicle in Poland? [21]
Based on his fleet, I think wildrover collects these types of vehicles.
Is it on local plates?
Based on his fleet, I think wildrover collects these types of vehicles.
Is it on local plates?
convex
1 Mar 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
Of course, it's the status quo and you're trying to change it.
It's a bit selfish of you to impose your views on what should and should not be allowed.
lokalbezpapierosa.pl
Non smoking restaurants and pubs and growing in number to cater to exactly that segment of the market. Support those places with your wallet, and you will see more of them.
That's a slightly narrow-minded and selfish point of view, but convenient and typical for smokers. And
Of course, it's the status quo and you're trying to change it.
It's a bit selfish of you to impose your views on what should and should not be allowed.
lokalbezpapierosa.pl
Non smoking restaurants and pubs and growing in number to cater to exactly that segment of the market. Support those places with your wallet, and you will see more of them.
convex
1 Mar 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
Good, then let me continue to enjoy my current smoking chambers, you can pay normal rates at non smoking bars. See, we're all happy again. Just don't come to the smoking chambers. You're not being forced to.
Good, then let me continue to enjoy my current smoking chambers, you can pay normal rates at non smoking bars. See, we're all happy again. Just don't come to the smoking chambers. You're not being forced to.
convex
1 Mar 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
It's needless regulation. You just ignore the fact that self regulation (due to market forces) is working in places like Prague.
In public, I agree with you in full. On private property, no.
Indeed, we should also make fat people run and get people to stop drinking, truly healthy people!
How about smoking sections, and walled off smoking areas like in Germany? The non smokers could subsidize the construction and then you don't have the problem of burdening the proprietor with additional cost. Just make the drinks more expensive on the non smoking side and it would work. That sounds like a plan.
What's not to like here!
It's needless regulation. You just ignore the fact that self regulation (due to market forces) is working in places like Prague.
Respecting non-smoking majority rights
In public, I agree with you in full. On private property, no.
Healthier people - Good!
Indeed, we should also make fat people run and get people to stop drinking, truly healthy people!
How about smoking sections, and walled off smoking areas like in Germany? The non smokers could subsidize the construction and then you don't have the problem of burdening the proprietor with additional cost. Just make the drinks more expensive on the non smoking side and it would work. That sounds like a plan.
convex
1 Mar 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
It's because the non smoking patrons are willing to accept it. It's not a big enough concern for them to vote with their money.
You make it sound like this is forced upon people. If I don't like blaring disco polo, I won't go into the establishment. It's the patrons choice where they decide to go. There are more and more restaurants and pubs that are going non smoking everyday, even here. In Prague, the number of non smoking pubs and restaurants has exploded in recent years, without any government help. Stop being lazy and vote with your wallet.
Now, how can you reconcile this tiny proportion of non-smoking bars with the fact that the majority of pub goers don't smoke?
It's because the non smoking patrons are willing to accept it. It's not a big enough concern for them to vote with their money.
Now if you think it fair that workers and customers who are prepared to suffer in such an environment, should do so at the cost of their health then fair enough.
You make it sound like this is forced upon people. If I don't like blaring disco polo, I won't go into the establishment. It's the patrons choice where they decide to go. There are more and more restaurants and pubs that are going non smoking everyday, even here. In Prague, the number of non smoking pubs and restaurants has exploded in recent years, without any government help. Stop being lazy and vote with your wallet.
convex
1 Mar 2010
News / Should 16-year-olds in Poland vote? [58]
For military personnel. The state laws were changed to 21 when the Federal government threatened to remove highway money. I think Louisiana held out for quite some time.
We are talking soldiers here. For the general population, we're talking about people that can enter into contracts, pay taxes, can get married, well past the age of criminal responsibility, can operate a motor vehicle, can purchase a firearm, and of course, can be drafted into the military.
At 17, you are eligible for a security clearance in the US, up to TS. I know that all rangers have secret clearance, and with recent missions, quite a few are TS as well. Most rangers are in their early 20's with quite a few in the 18-21 bracket. We trust these people with national security issues, not to mention the lives of their comrades. However, they can't be trusted with alcohol.
The same goes for our police forces, firemen, and public servants.
For military personal
For military personnel. The state laws were changed to 21 when the Federal government threatened to remove highway money. I think Louisiana held out for quite some time.
If someone can't wait 3 years to drink (18-21) they don't need to be drinking because they don't have the maturity (patience) for it. Getting wasted is not a right nor a necessity. If people were reasonable we wouldn't have to worry about it but people are not able to control themselves.
We are talking soldiers here. For the general population, we're talking about people that can enter into contracts, pay taxes, can get married, well past the age of criminal responsibility, can operate a motor vehicle, can purchase a firearm, and of course, can be drafted into the military.
At 17, you are eligible for a security clearance in the US, up to TS. I know that all rangers have secret clearance, and with recent missions, quite a few are TS as well. Most rangers are in their early 20's with quite a few in the 18-21 bracket. We trust these people with national security issues, not to mention the lives of their comrades. However, they can't be trusted with alcohol.
The same goes for our police forces, firemen, and public servants.
convex
1 Mar 2010
News / Should 16-year-olds in Poland vote? [58]
It's disgusting. That rule was changed in the 90's I believe.
If you're old enough to serve and die for your country, give the kid a beer already!!!
It's disgusting. That rule was changed in the 90's I believe.
convex
1 Mar 2010
News / Should 16-year-olds in Poland vote? [58]
I'm just looking at what I grew up with. In the bottom half of the economic scale, kids are leaving the home much earlier. I could probably count the number of people that I know in the states in their 20s living with their parents on one hand.
You are selecting a few cases that do not speak for the greater population of teenagers.
I'm just looking at what I grew up with. In the bottom half of the economic scale, kids are leaving the home much earlier. I could probably count the number of people that I know in the states in their 20s living with their parents on one hand.
convex
1 Mar 2010
News / Should 16-year-olds in Poland vote? [58]
I was "out on my own" at 15, most of my friends were out taking care of themselves at 17-18. With all the kids growing up in single parent households, more kids are being forced into taking on burdens of adulthood at a younger age.
I know a couple of 7 year olds that "get it" when compared to some elected officials (Michele Bachmann and Chuck Schumer come to mind).
Most people really don't "get it" until they are out on their own and responsible for all facets of life. That means 25 or older for many people.
I was "out on my own" at 15, most of my friends were out taking care of themselves at 17-18. With all the kids growing up in single parent households, more kids are being forced into taking on burdens of adulthood at a younger age.
I know a couple of 7 year olds that "get it" when compared to some elected officials (Michele Bachmann and Chuck Schumer come to mind).
convex
1 Mar 2010
Food / Polish Beer Recipes [39]
Just a quick update.
There is a great homebrewing store here in Poland now. They've got grain and extract kits for Polish beer :)
browamator.pl
Just a quick update.
There is a great homebrewing store here in Poland now. They've got grain and extract kits for Polish beer :)
browamator.pl
convex
1 Mar 2010
Travel / Clubs, bars and general night life in Poland [13]
wroclaw.dlastudenta.pl/lokale/ - dla studenta has some information on places to waste the night away...
wroclaw.dlastudenta.pl/lokale/ - dla studenta has some information on places to waste the night away...
convex
28 Feb 2010
Work / Boyfriend going to Poland from the US to study may possibly live there [10]
He's gay? I'm guessing he'll be back soon enough.
He's gay? I'm guessing he'll be back soon enough.
convex
28 Feb 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
Private property is not a public area, end of story. That is we can do things like reject people that don't meet a certain dress code. We can also play whatever kind of music we want, at what ever volume, as long as it does not infringe on anyone elses rights outside of your own property. I know about the permits and inspections that are required to open a bar. You also know that we are required to provide adequate ventilation. You do know that right? Enforce the laws on the books, don't introduce more. Why can't you just leave us alone and go to non smoking bars and restaurants? If you don't like it, just don't go there.
That argument doesn't make sense. Does that mean that McDonalds should be paying a health tax too? You're really not getting it, just let the market work. You said it yourself, more money can be made at non smoking bars, more people will go to non smoking bars...Wouldn't it just be a matter of time before non smoking bars are the norm? Why would someone chose to have less customers and less turnover?
Because those countries are semi-socialist nanny states that think their citizens are too stupid to take care of themselves.
- Running a bar is a special kind of business as you open your premises for the public and therefore make the place public in this sense (maybe not in legal sense, let some lawyer here explain?).
Private property is not a public area, end of story. That is we can do things like reject people that don't meet a certain dress code. We can also play whatever kind of music we want, at what ever volume, as long as it does not infringe on anyone elses rights outside of your own property. I know about the permits and inspections that are required to open a bar. You also know that we are required to provide adequate ventilation. You do know that right? Enforce the laws on the books, don't introduce more. Why can't you just leave us alone and go to non smoking bars and restaurants? If you don't like it, just don't go there.
I think maybe it could be stated that a proprietor of a bar has to establish either smoking or non-smoking bar (and presumably pay some higher health tax!) and there actually should be special BARS FOR SMOKERS not other way round. That is a soluion: I just turned the anti-ban ramblers' argument into my own:).
That argument doesn't make sense. Does that mean that McDonalds should be paying a health tax too? You're really not getting it, just let the market work. You said it yourself, more money can be made at non smoking bars, more people will go to non smoking bars...Wouldn't it just be a matter of time before non smoking bars are the norm? Why would someone chose to have less customers and less turnover?
Why then such a law was imposed in some other countries in Europe. Do you think Sweden and many other countries made mistake or protected their citizens etc?
Because those countries are semi-socialist nanny states that think their citizens are too stupid to take care of themselves.
convex
28 Feb 2010
News / Poland's Vietnamese: A tough transition but they're surviving [31]
There are loads of Vietnamese in the Czech Republic. They've always got the best veggies in town.
There are loads of Vietnamese in the Czech Republic. They've always got the best veggies in town.
convex
27 Feb 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
Laws which infringe on personal and property rights aren't good.
It's not about the rights of the smokers, it's about the private property rights of the operators of the establishment. Feel free to ban smoking in publicly owned areas. If the majority of people don't want it, no problem. The problem is when you start telling private citizens what they can and can't do at their private premises. Again, I would think that if the majority actually wanted non smoking bars and restaurants, the proprietors would respond and you would see a lot of non smoking bars open up...without being legislated. The goal of a bar owner is to get customers in the door, that's why we have things like happy hour and theme nights. Show your local bar owner that they can make money being non smoking, and they will do it.
That is a terrible reason to create legislation. If that were true, restaurants cafes and pubs would already be non smoking. You can't tell me that someone running a place is purposefully making less money just to allow smoking...
We all find some laws we don't like (for some it's: speed limits on highways, legalization of some narcotics but not other, bureaucracy etc.), but so far we haven't figured out a better way to introduce order.
Laws which infringe on personal and property rights aren't good.
s their weak will and proneness to addiction so bad that they need this right to smoke everywhere?
It's not about the rights of the smokers, it's about the private property rights of the operators of the establishment. Feel free to ban smoking in publicly owned areas. If the majority of people don't want it, no problem. The problem is when you start telling private citizens what they can and can't do at their private premises. Again, I would think that if the majority actually wanted non smoking bars and restaurants, the proprietors would respond and you would see a lot of non smoking bars open up...without being legislated. The goal of a bar owner is to get customers in the door, that's why we have things like happy hour and theme nights. Show your local bar owner that they can make money being non smoking, and they will do it.
There's actually one very good reason to introduce a smoking ban - to raise revenue for restaurants, cafes and pubs. For example -
That is a terrible reason to create legislation. If that were true, restaurants cafes and pubs would already be non smoking. You can't tell me that someone running a place is purposefully making less money just to allow smoking...
convex
27 Feb 2010
UK, Ireland / Staying on in a 'small British paradise' [38]
We're all very eager to see your statistics for 2010 2 months into the year....
We're all very eager to see your statistics for 2010 2 months into the year....
convex
27 Feb 2010
News / German legal discrimination against Polish speakers [209]
What is the official language in the United States?
The official language in Germany is German.
When I immigrated to US, I did not expect everyone in US to accommodate me in Polish. When in Germany, do what the Germans do.
What is the official language in the United States?
The official language in Germany is German.
convex
26 Feb 2010
UK, Ireland / Britain... What the Poles did for us. [444]
That and the timeless naval riddle of...how do you put an ocean going ship onto a beach?
300,000 troops it was a case of everyman and their dingy to the rescue.
That and the timeless naval riddle of...how do you put an ocean going ship onto a beach?