JonnyM
16 Jun 2011
History / So called "inconvenient parts" of Polish history - what do you think? [158]
I blame the Russians.
Porton Down knows a lot more about this than they're letting on.
I blame the Russians.
JonnyM
16 Jun 2011
History / So called "inconvenient parts" of Polish history - what do you think? [158]
Dear God! No!
I've just had a horrible thought. If they made two of them - did the factory make more? Will they keep coming out in droves muttering 'spieprzaj dziadu'?
Dear God! No!
I've just had a horrible thought. If they made two of them - did the factory make more? Will they keep coming out in droves muttering 'spieprzaj dziadu'?
JonnyM
15 Jun 2011
Life / Best place to buy cigarettes in Warsaw? [23]
Round the back of Stadion at the start of ul Targowa or the subway by the tram stop at Rondo Waszyngtona. 5zl per packet (so 50zl, a little over 10 quid a carton). Mornings up to about 10 or maybe 10.30 only.
Round the back of Stadion at the start of ul Targowa or the subway by the tram stop at Rondo Waszyngtona. 5zl per packet (so 50zl, a little over 10 quid a carton). Mornings up to about 10 or maybe 10.30 only.
JonnyM
4 Jun 2011
Language / Polish verbs are confusing/I get many results when I look them up in an online dictionary [54]
Just look up the word 'follow' in an English - Polish dictionary to show what happens.
Here's an example of French - Polish that someone sent me:
Just look up the word 'follow' in an English - Polish dictionary to show what happens.
Here's an example of French - Polish that someone sent me:
Wyniki tłumaczenia: manquer
francusko-polski
manquer (Ectaco-Poland)
v,
1 brakować
2 udawać się
3 nie udawać się
4 popełnić błąd
5 osiągać
6 nie osiągać czegoś
7 zmarnować
8 chybiać
9 rozminąć się
10 powieść się
11 nie powieść się
12 sukces
13 nie odnieść sukcesu
14 trafić
15 nie trafić
16 zastać
17 nie zastać kogoś
18 wykorzystać
19 nie wykorzystać
20 być
21 nie być
22 uczestniczyć
23 nie uczestniczyć
24 odmówić posłuszeństwa
francusko-polski
manquer (Ectaco-Poland)
v,
1 brakować
2 udawać się
3 nie udawać się
4 popełnić błąd
5 osiągać
6 nie osiągać czegoś
7 zmarnować
8 chybiać
9 rozminąć się
10 powieść się
11 nie powieść się
12 sukces
13 nie odnieść sukcesu
14 trafić
15 nie trafić
16 zastać
17 nie zastać kogoś
18 wykorzystać
19 nie wykorzystać
20 być
21 nie być
22 uczestniczyć
23 nie uczestniczyć
24 odmówić posłuszeństwa
JonnyM
3 Jun 2011
Food / Pierogi recipe and filling from my grandmother [179]
You can keep them chilled in the fridge for 5 days before using, easily. If you really want to freeze them, make sure you freeze them individually and uncooked (and keep them separate, don't put them together in a bag) then drop straight from frozen into boiling water, one by one. You should use fresh strawberries and serve with cream (in PL they use smietana, a bit like single cream and sour cream mized).
Most people here prefer the ones with blueberries - the strawberry ones tend to lose flavour during cooking.
However, can I use fresh strawberries and make them 5 days ahead of time and freeze them?
You can keep them chilled in the fridge for 5 days before using, easily. If you really want to freeze them, make sure you freeze them individually and uncooked (and keep them separate, don't put them together in a bag) then drop straight from frozen into boiling water, one by one. You should use fresh strawberries and serve with cream (in PL they use smietana, a bit like single cream and sour cream mized).
Most people here prefer the ones with blueberries - the strawberry ones tend to lose flavour during cooking.
JonnyM
1 Jun 2011
UK, Ireland / Why are Polish people, especially women, so disrespectful toward the English? [442]
Basically it's Poland B moving en masse to Britain B.
I've had the great pleasure of meeting many educated Poles who cringe at the thought of those divvies representing their up-and-coming country
Basically it's Poland B moving en masse to Britain B.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
It's simply not a priority for them. Websites, government or not, are not official channels of information here.
That's exactly what's happened. Normal here in PL.
Here people are far less trusting - they often want to see all the documents etc. The best way to find somewhere to rent is either through Gumtree or ideally by asking around. Best to avoid professional renters with several flats to let and stick to people who are renting just the one.
e why are those civil servants not up to speed on current laws and why does that go so far, as you suggest, as wrong info being on their govt's website?
It's simply not a priority for them. Websites, government or not, are not official channels of information here.
I had thought if there were regulations and they are published on a website with a Polish government URL that I could depend on them?
That's exactly what's happened. Normal here in PL.
Here people are far less trusting - they often want to see all the documents etc. The best way to find somewhere to rent is either through Gumtree or ideally by asking around. Best to avoid professional renters with several flats to let and stick to people who are renting just the one.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
No worries - excuse my earlier tetchiness - I've had years of dealing with the Polish state and know not to trust any 'official' information. You can get two civil servants sitting at adjacent desks, doing identical jobs and saying three entirely different things! The rules and regulations usually change far more slowly than the reality.
As for renting, Poles avoid using agents wherever possible. But be careful - some adverts that pretend to be private ones turn out to be agents. Much better to deal direct here.
the answer and pointers
No worries - excuse my earlier tetchiness - I've had years of dealing with the Polish state and know not to trust any 'official' information. You can get two civil servants sitting at adjacent desks, doing identical jobs and saying three entirely different things! The rules and regulations usually change far more slowly than the reality.
As for renting, Poles avoid using agents wherever possible. But be careful - some adverts that pretend to be private ones turn out to be agents. Much better to deal direct here.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
Some do - usually half the first month's rent payable when you sign the contract. If any want a finder's fee just for looking, avoid them. There are usually no credit checks. Try gumtree - you can filter out agents' ads and judt see ads from the person renting.
is whether they charge a tenant fees here when he/she applies for a tenancy?
Some do - usually half the first month's rent payable when you sign the contract. If any want a finder's fee just for looking, avoid them. There are usually no credit checks. Try gumtree - you can filter out agents' ads and judt see ads from the person renting.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
Weird. You've had three or four answers, all good. But don't keep repeating stuff from websites that are never updated. Trust me - if you have a UK passport, you don't need a visa to live in Poland.
a chocolate teapot
Weird. You've had three or four answers, all good. But don't keep repeating stuff from websites that are never updated. Trust me - if you have a UK passport, you don't need a visa to live in Poland.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
It's clear you haven't been in Poland very long. 'Official' websites don't count for anything.
And no need to post rubbish about UK citizens needing visas, Mr Brit in Poland in body but not in mind.
Even more ridiculous to keep posting out-of date information when you've been told by three long-term residents that it's wrong. Just phone the consulate instead - their number's in the book.
How can official websites be wrong? As far as I know, I have supplied you with official websites.
It's clear you haven't been in Poland very long. 'Official' websites don't count for anything.
And no need to post rubbish about UK citizens needing visas, Mr Brit in Poland in body but not in mind.
pretty ridiculous atttitude to take with me for pointing out official websites to you isn't it.
Even more ridiculous to keep posting out-of date information when you've been told by three long-term residents that it's wrong. Just phone the consulate instead - their number's in the book.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
Because they are wrong. If you think otherwise, just phone the Polish consulate. Stop trolling.
why do the official websites say otherwise then?
Because they are wrong. If you think otherwise, just phone the Polish consulate. Stop trolling.
JonnyM
31 May 2011
Real Estate / How do I rent a flat in Poland? [44]
This is wrong. British citizens do not need a visa to be in Poland and vice versa.
but apparently any stay over 90 days regardless of working or not working -needs a visa. Please see this link:-
This is wrong. British citizens do not need a visa to be in Poland and vice versa.
JonnyM
23 May 2011
Genealogy / Polish DNA? Poles have the most genes in a group includes Balts, Macedonians and Greeks. [264]
So what's the problem about how people describe themselves? The activities or identity of their ancestors is irrelevant - their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness today is all that matters.
long enough to get to know your neighbour, right!
So what's the problem about how people describe themselves? The activities or identity of their ancestors is irrelevant - their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness today is all that matters.
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
The point is that people do just that. Every day.
Do you deny he existed? Do you also deny that Suetonius existed? There's less written about him from contemporary and near-contemporary sources, but i've never heard anyone rational deny his existence. Either.
That doesn't really mean very much. At all.
Humans believe - but true believers tend not to get hung up on historical detail. I respect all choices - however irrational. Some of the stranger ones are quite fun.
When "one" says? Somewhat racist, don't you think?
simply do not buy anything they get served for what there is not proof that is existed.
The point is that people do just that. Every day.
As a rational person it's quite hard to 'believe' in sth or someone noone has 100% proof that he/it existed
Do you deny he existed? Do you also deny that Suetonius existed? There's less written about him from contemporary and near-contemporary sources, but i've never heard anyone rational deny his existence. Either.
to pull the bible about their reliability also many researchers argue is not any good argument.
That doesn't really mean very much. At all.
At the end believe or non believe is a personal thing and I respect anyone's choice. :)
Humans believe - but true believers tend not to get hung up on historical detail. I respect all choices - however irrational. Some of the stranger ones are quite fun.
People who are Jewish. When one says "The Jews" its not refering to all the Jews but some influential rich Jews who live in America.
When "one" says? Somewhat racist, don't you think?
JonnyM
23 May 2011
Genealogy / Polish DNA? Poles have the most genes in a group includes Balts, Macedonians and Greeks. [264]
That isn't exactly last Tuesday is it?
they descend from the Slavic Tribes that entered the GrecoRoman World
sometime around the close of the 6th Century A.D.
sometime around the close of the 6th Century A.D.
That isn't exactly last Tuesday is it?
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
Go on then, cite some.
How do you make any connection between the existence or otherwise of the historical Jesus and church attendance?
And a couple of other sources, but the writings you know as the bible are in themself enough - unless you think a whole raft of people decided to pretend the guy existed :-D
Which is a deep theological point - he was exactly 'anyone' wasn't he?. But at least we can be sure the guy existed and said some very wise things.
"The Jews" or just people who are Jewish?
many Askenazi scholars say otherwise, also by giving DNA studies.
Go on then, cite some.
Pal, the churches are loosing their sheeps, not only because of their 'misbehaving' priests, but that's another topic.
How do you make any connection between the existence or otherwise of the historical Jesus and church attendance?
Yap, like the books of the apostel etc. ;)
And a couple of other sources, but the writings you know as the bible are in themself enough - unless you think a whole raft of people decided to pretend the guy existed :-D
It could be anyone.
Which is a deep theological point - he was exactly 'anyone' wasn't he?. But at least we can be sure the guy existed and said some very wise things.
The Jews own the largest media companies
"The Jews" or just people who are Jewish?
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
"Who tells" people that he "really existed"? The only doubt I've heard on the matter has come from gobshites on this forum.
There are of course an unusually large amount (given the period he lived in) of written references to him. Perhaps you're mixing up the quest for the historical Jesus with the Logos issue?
Who tells you that Jesus really existed?
"Who tells" people that he "really existed"? The only doubt I've heard on the matter has come from gobshites on this forum.
There are of course an unusually large amount (given the period he lived in) of written references to him. Perhaps you're mixing up the quest for the historical Jesus with the Logos issue?
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
They are who they say they are. Exhaustive DNA studies have proved this beyond any doubt. Why would you want to say otherwise?
No they don't. There were some whacky theories about this - those theories were never fully accepted in their day and are now completely discredited.
About who Askenazis are, there is no any theory yet, that is universally accepted.
They are who they say they are. Exhaustive DNA studies have proved this beyond any doubt. Why would you want to say otherwise?
Cultural, linguistic and history studies show Askenazis moved from Khazar state after its collapse in 10th century
No they don't. There were some whacky theories about this - those theories were never fully accepted in their day and are now completely discredited.
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
You are talking about an entirely different thing. The issue is ancestry, not culture. It is a proven fact that the Ashkenazi Jews (or any other Jews) are NOT descended from the Khazars. That is an old piece of nonsense that was never universally accepted and is now universally debunked as nonsense.
Proved untrue. By science. Now buzz off and stop spouting rubbish about subjects of which you kow less than nothing.
DNA itself, relating to cultural identities, is a racism itself, scientific racism
You are talking about an entirely different thing. The issue is ancestry, not culture. It is a proven fact that the Ashkenazi Jews (or any other Jews) are NOT descended from the Khazars. That is an old piece of nonsense that was never universally accepted and is now universally debunked as nonsense.
Proved untrue? Not at all. For example, the word Askenazi appears in written history sources first time in old bible and it's not known more than this though Hellens/Greeks claimed a lake name, an Iran/Persian historian ,n 11th c. claimed Khazar region people, etc etc
Proved untrue. By science. Now buzz off and stop spouting rubbish about subjects of which you kow less than nothing.
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
You mean a guy who isn't racist - meaning someone normal and not obsessed with bizarre conspiracies and spurious racial slurs.
And regards it as disreputable for one of his employees to sit hunched over the net writing holocaust denial.
Any surprises here?
my boss is a Ukrainian who loves Jews
You mean a guy who isn't racist - meaning someone normal and not obsessed with bizarre conspiracies and spurious racial slurs.
and doesn't like me posting on Forums on the subject
And regards it as disreputable for one of his employees to sit hunched over the net writing holocaust denial.
Any surprises here?
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
I refer you to previous threads which contain all the scientific and historical data. In great length and in great detail. Amazing really that the racists keep trotting out the Khazar nonsense when the theory has been comprehensively, exhaustively and completely debunked.
Must be malice. Either that or they assume others are as ignorant as they are.
This was proved untrue years ago. Instead of quoting spurious websites, check out some scientific sources. You'll find links galore if you use the search function.
DNA doesn't mean much
I refer you to previous threads which contain all the scientific and historical data. In great length and in great detail. Amazing really that the racists keep trotting out the Khazar nonsense when the theory has been comprehensively, exhaustively and completely debunked.
Must be malice. Either that or they assume others are as ignorant as they are.
10 million of 13 million Jews today are the descendents of the Khazars and they are known as Askenazi.
This was proved untrue years ago. Instead of quoting spurious websites, check out some scientific sources. You'll find links galore if you use the search function.
JonnyM
23 May 2011
History / 'Defamation': The Anti-Semism Industry & Poland [188]
That particular bit of nonsense was debunked decades ago by historians and confirmed as nonsense by DNA evidence. Today's Jews are not the descendants of the Khazars.
as this is where the vast majority of today's Jews come from.
That particular bit of nonsense was debunked decades ago by historians and confirmed as nonsense by DNA evidence. Today's Jews are not the descendants of the Khazars.
JonnyM
16 May 2011
News / Achievements of the Tusk's Polish government [538]
A crazy guy but he speaks a lot of common sense.
Forget Tusk & Kaczynski and elect Palikot. He stands not only for much faster reforms but also for ideals which could finally unite the Poles.
A crazy guy but he speaks a lot of common sense.
JonnyM
15 May 2011
News / Achievements of the Tusk's Polish government [538]
Given the number of one child families in Poland, it is very sensible to 'lump them in' with other kids of various ages.
Given the number of one child families in Poland, it is very sensible to 'lump them in' with other kids of various ages.
JonnyM
14 May 2011
Law / Weapons laws in Poland. Carrying a concealed handgun? [918]
You can't. Maybe in Finland or the Czech Republic, and even there it would be a very bad idea.
Why would you want to? It's a safe city.
Only in very strict circumstances which don't apply to you. What would you do with it anyway - rob a bank?
Seriously, you are coming to a very different culture. If you shot somebody for tresspassing, you would be tried for murder.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how safe Warsaw is - carrying a gun or any other weapon is something that would never occur to most people.
I'm fairly certain I won't be able to do that anywhere in Europe,
You can't. Maybe in Finland or the Czech Republic, and even there it would be a very bad idea.
other things, such as knives and pepper spray
Why would you want to? It's a safe city.
Also, in Poland can you have a firearm in your home?
Only in very strict circumstances which don't apply to you. What would you do with it anyway - rob a bank?
Seriously, you are coming to a very different culture. If you shot somebody for tresspassing, you would be tried for murder.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how safe Warsaw is - carrying a gun or any other weapon is something that would never occur to most people.
JonnyM
14 May 2011
Life / Customs - First Holy Communion in Poland [42]
Is there any reason they should be held "ONLY" in the home or school?
Communion parties used to held ONLY in the home, and studniówkas ONLY in schools.
Is there any reason they should be held "ONLY" in the home or school?
JonnyM
14 May 2011
Life / Customs - First Holy Communion in Poland [42]
I don't think so. People in the past bought as much as was available, including communion robes, presents etc. Now the choice is bigger, and people can decide what not to buy. Weddings are the same - they have always been as 'commercial' as people can afford. In Brueghel's The Wedding Feast from the mid 16th Century, the people serving the food were caterers.
the hyper-commercialisation of our times. High-powered adverts have brainwashed people into allowing what since time immemorial had been family occasions par excellence fall into the ‘just reach for your credit card, we’ll do the rest’ mode.
I don't think so. People in the past bought as much as was available, including communion robes, presents etc. Now the choice is bigger, and people can decide what not to buy. Weddings are the same - they have always been as 'commercial' as people can afford. In Brueghel's The Wedding Feast from the mid 16th Century, the people serving the food were caterers.
JonnyM
10 May 2011
Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]
The British Council in Bucharest ran a screening of Trainspotting when it was new. They gave the audience a questionnaire afterwards with multiple choice questions. Almost all of them though it was set in England rather than Scotland, and that the characters were middle-class!
One of my favorite examples is the movie "Trainspotting", a Scottish-made film from around the late '80's, early '90's, which required English subtitles for English-speaking audiences,
The British Council in Bucharest ran a screening of Trainspotting when it was new. They gave the audience a questionnaire afterwards with multiple choice questions. Almost all of them though it was set in England rather than Scotland, and that the characters were middle-class!
JonnyM
7 May 2011
History / Polish and other Slavic nobility in our time [71]
Usually when someone in Poland tells you they're a member of the nobility, you can count the minutes before they try to tap you for a loan.
Usually when someone in Poland tells you they're a member of the nobility, you can count the minutes before they try to tap you for a loan.