The BEST Guide to POLAND
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Posts by AntV  

Joined: 25 Feb 2011 / Male ♂
Warnings: 1 - O
Last Post: 14 Jul 2025
Threads: Total: 3 / Live: 2 / Archived: 1
Posts: Total: 732 / Live: 715 / Archived: 17
From: USA

Displayed posts: 717 / page 17 of 24
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AntV   
23 Jun 2022
History / POLISH AND RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP WILL LAST FOREVER [513]

He defends their war crimes

I don't think that's true, I think the Russians are irredeemable orcs or huns trope is getting in the way of some pro-uke posters. He is, however, providing a valuable Russian perspective, whether that perspective is agreed with or not.
AntV   
23 Jun 2022
History / POLISH AND RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP WILL LAST FOREVER [513]

@Bobko

That line of reasoning sounds like an unquenchable, perpetual, and eternal recipe for not only global discord but conflagration. May as well erase the word "sovereignty " from the lexicons of the world.
AntV   
21 Jun 2022
Life / Poland's birthrate on the decline [480]

Ladies:

How do you view the man/ woman relationship? Do you see it as competitive or complementary or something else?

Do you think femininity and masculinity have distinct characteristics? Do these characteristics complement one another? Do these characteristics serve particular roles?
AntV   
21 Jun 2022
Life / Poland's birthrate on the decline [480]

third, fourth, fifth kid will statistically have lower outcomes, if other factors are kept static.

But, is that true? In most true market economies, education is accessible to any who wish to avail themselves of it by way of public subsidy or taking on debt.

Granted, cost of an education (not to mention extra-curricular and other things ) has increased dramatically and has an economic impact (on the student who assumes the debt ), but that is independent of family size.

I wonder if the real cause for a decline in births in the developed world is radical materialism and pursuit of luxury. In other words, a sort of radical self-absorption.

these things are hard to discount.

And, most importantly, those things typically mean economic growth.

rather be a Japan, than a Nigeria or Brazil. Not so sure if I would prefer to be Japan over India or China, however.

Yep!

India is one of those countries that shows just how important those other factors are, ie political stability and governmental policies. They have immense potential that has to be realized. It's going to be interesting to see how their renaissance of hindu nationalism plays out for them economically as well as geopolitically.
AntV   
21 Jun 2022
Life / Poland's birthrate on the decline [480]

a larger family meant poorer outcomes in both education and career for the children.

Is that true, though? Certainly, in a modern urban setting, children are significant net drain on family resources, but has that necessitated poorer outcomes in both education and career or standard of living for those children?

There is compelling data that would indicate that population growth is a factor in economic growth. The greater the population the greater the opportunities for innovation and an increase goods and services, as well as hard capital. Granted, other factors contribute to economic growth, but population growth does appear to play an important part. Do you agree?

progress we have made as a species means that people do not need large families anymore in order to provide for themselves in old age

But those progressive provisions depend on funds. I am unaware of any developed nation's social welfare system that is not funded by the taxes of active workers. Most western countries, including Germany, and China are facing a current or looming social welfare crisis because of an aging population.

I'm happy to announce that I am not coming back empty handed. I have developed several potential solutions

:D :D. You are quickly becoming my favorite Russian.
AntV   
19 Jun 2022
Life / Poland's birthrate on the decline [480]

hopeful fatalism, but still fatalism. Perhaps you need a bit of an American

But, GK's idea of leaving a better future for your children is very much an American idea, as well. American culture was always about building a better tomorrow. On a micro-level that meant a better future for one's children. Only recently is that becoming less prominent in the US, which might be a contributor to some of the decline we've had over past two decades.

It's not fatalism, at all; rather it's a constructive optimism and a sense of duty to enduring prosperity and well-being. So, I'd say GK has some American in him already. :)
AntV   
19 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Random Sports News [855]

The return on investment benefits contractors and the venue owner. It's decades of loss for the taxpayer.
AntV   
19 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Random Sports News [855]

World Cup is coming to North America.

And, thank the good Lord my fair city was passed over as one of the venues.
AntV   
19 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Pop A Cork - Wine [396]

Rarely a sauvignon blanc dud comes out of Marlborough. Chile produces some very high quality sauvignon blancs as well. A few months ago I had a sb from South Africa that more than held its own. Kim Crawford winery out of Marlborough makes a sb that has a strong grapefruit note that I really like--if you come across it in Poland give it a try. Pair it with salmon and you might combust.

Last week I had a Massaro Del Fondo Apassimento 2019 from the Puglia region in Italy. Primitivo grape was the dominant grape. Had very juicy berry and cherry notes with a certain tanginess I find in many of the apassimentos and governos I've had. Personally, I love Italian wines--especially those using dried grape techniques.

As I'm writing this I'm imbibing, no, poetically drinking a 2019 Domaine Chanson Pere et Fils Chablis. This wine is just damn good. It has the minerality of a champagne and acidity that brings the mouth happily alive. I'm getting a pear and apple note. The texture is full...and the minerality, man oh man, the minerality.

This is one to buy again and again.
AntV   
12 Jun 2022
Language / A study on how bilingual Polish-English speakers think [86]

Before you blink, it will be a US vs EU fight.

Hahaha! That would be funny. Nah, I hit the lottery marrying who I married...in-laws are good people.

I avoid the under 30s when over there anymore. Bunch of brats. Now, the over 30s are as solid a people as there are, IMO. They remind me of my grandparents' generation and my parents' generation (the ones who weren't braiding flowers in their hair).
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Language / A study on how bilingual Polish-English speakers think [86]

Jon, GK, Lyzko. Thanks.

Jon your tips are duly noted and sound. Very reasonable. I appreciate it.

GK, the parallel reading thing is a damn good idea. Much appreciate it. Look for your inbox to be full. :)

Pawian, I've got a pair of balls...I don't quit. But, I appreciate your concern for my stress levels. :)
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

he meaning of the last supper and its macro relevance today in terms of socialised health are, welfare, education, housing etc.

I would disagree that was the meaning of the last Supper, though. I believe to understand the Last Supper you must view in within the context of the Passover and Good Friday, it's a sacrifice that saves us from death, that is to say a separation from God. It's meaning is that it established a sacrament, the Holy Eucharist.

Certainly from that works of charity and mercy flow, but I don't think that's the meaning of the Last Supper.

But, I do get what you mean. I'm just very guarded in politicizing it--not saying you necessarily are.

I'll have to give Underhill a look-see. The Anglican church has produced some really great spiritual and theological thinkers, and some great converts to Roman Catholicism, John Henry Newman and Chesterton never get old.
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Language / A study on how bilingual Polish-English speakers think [86]

Polish, I want to learn Polish. I've been going over to that country for 20 years, and I can barely order a cup of coffee, let alone carry on an intelligent and coherent conversation with my in-laws.
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

The ineffable is foreverly (I just made that a word...work with it :) ) glimpseable and inexhaustible.

Yes, ithere's overlaps in many religions--I've seen that as a validation of its truth. What sets Christianity apart from non-Christian religions is the ressurection. Without it, Christianity can go fly a kite. But, with it, I'd die for it.

This is a quibbling splitting of hairs tha's not important, really...but: we don't know who wrote Cloud of Unknowing. But, it'sa spiritual masterpiece.

I'm not familiar with Underhill. I've heard of Kempe, but never read her writings--wasn't she from the middle ages or am I mixing her up with someone else?
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Language / A study on how bilingual Polish-English speakers think [86]

Simplicity...all things we cherish are expressed simply.

This is why poetry is an effective literary medium. Probably also why poetry is most readily identified as beautiful amongst all mother literary forms.

I am 80.

I can only imagine how much of a pain in the ass you were when you were in your 40's. :D

Anyhow, I'm...once a-freaking-gain..trying to crack the nut that is the Polish language. Can any of you truly bilingual speakers give any hints or tips to learning this god-forsaken beautiful sounding language?

After using atleast 6 different texts (over the past 20 years) this Sadowska text seems to be the best, so I'm using that. But, any tips how to approach learning Polish from English.. My wife is no help--she has no interest in teaching language and when I try to humor her with some Polish she usually ends up calling me an ass :D.
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

Yes, it's immeasurable. However, what we have glimpsed through revelation is enough for us to experience God here on Earth and live according to His will...but, it's no doubt a preeminent struggle. Human pride is the most obstinate thing on Earth. To get to the point to where we can emulate John the Baptist's "not my will, but His will be done," is the work of one's life. It's such a struggle, because it's preeminently important and ineffably meaningful. Not to mention very interesting. Self-knowledge is as interesting and beautiful as it is frightening sometimes. If you are inclined or have an interest in such a topic, read St. Teresa of Avila, especially her "Interior Castle" and "Way of Perfection."
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

God and His design. How this is manifested in the created world is too voluminous to list, but it can be summed up as Natural Law.
AntV   
11 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

Just not acting as a long term pattern of behaviour in direct opposition to the core teachings.

That should be the goal. Life isn't static, we're going forward or backward. Forward to a life lived in Absolute Truth is the path toward fulfillment and happiness.

God bless.

God bless you, ptak!
AntV   
10 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

I'm not sure there is such a thing as a fake Christian or Muslim or Buddhist or whatever. Bad and scandalous ones for sure, but I'm not so sure fake is a correct term.

You seem to be intimating that to be a good Christian means you must be perfect. That's wrong. It is about striving toward perfection, which is nothing other than spiritual communion with Christ. We do this through humility and obedience to Christ's will as found in His teachings.
AntV   
10 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

Not everyone slants the 'sins' of others, do they?

What do you mean?

As far as what makes one a Christian: generally speaking 1) Christian baptism and 2) accepting Christ as the Son of God who was sent to redeem man by His passion, death, and resurrection into communion with God and accepting His teachings as Truth and striving to live in accord with His teachings.

I could probably do better defining a Christian, but I'm dragging arse right now.
AntV   
10 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

What do you mean by criticizing?

We all have our foibles and licentiousness we need to overcome. Having them and professing to be a Christian doesn't make one fake. Calling licentiousness what it is isn't being fake.

Being a scoundrel and claiming to be a Christian isn't even necessarily fake-just makes one a bad Christian that causes great scandal.

Life is a spiritual battle with victories and defeats. To my mind, the key is engaging this battle with humility, which is a struggle in and of itself.

So, just because someone isn't living a life in complete alignment with Christ's will doesn't make him a fake Christian. I think "fake Christian" is a misguided term. The real question to be asked, IMO, isn't whether someone is a fake Christian, but rather is that person striving towards sanctity or not-and within that is realizing one's own sinfulness and need of mercy and that each of us are no better or worse than the sinner across from any of us; however, that doesn't mitigate or equivocate the sin itself and the need to acknowledge the sin and work to amend sinfulness.

Which, reminds me, I need to get to confession.
AntV   
10 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

@Novichok

I am sure you do. :)
AntV   
10 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

@jon357

Yes, I do. That's why I said it

My question was, though, what do you mean by a fake Christian?
AntV   
10 Jun 2022
Off-Topic / Best posters [886]

A fake Christian

What makes one a fake Christian? I hear that term thrown around a lot (ironically, oftentimes by non-practicing Christians), and I'm not really sure what is meant by it.