Seanus
30 Dec 2010
News / A devestating verdict on the Polish church [279]
At last sb said it :) :) Spot on, sobieski :)
At last sb said it :) :) Spot on, sobieski :)
Seanus
30 Dec 2010
News / A devestating verdict on the Polish church [279]
Very good riposte, Olaf :) One of the best retorts to a biased and inaccurate post of a Plastic Pole. Food for thought indeed!
Very good riposte, Olaf :) One of the best retorts to a biased and inaccurate post of a Plastic Pole. Food for thought indeed!
Seanus
30 Dec 2010
News / A devestating verdict on the Polish church [279]
There is a lot of money to be made through an institution like the church. The very fact that they believed he could get to the heart of the corruption dealings showed how much power they felt he had.
There is a lot of money to be made through an institution like the church. The very fact that they believed he could get to the heart of the corruption dealings showed how much power they felt he had.
Seanus
30 Dec 2010
News / A devestating verdict on the Polish church [279]
What does secularity have to do with it?? Non-believer, that's one of the funniest things I've heard!! I think you have me confused with sb else. Now, personal 'wayward' assessments aside, let's stay on track and see how they lack credibility. Why give to an institution which only now has begun to instigate reforms and implement measures which seek to curb laundering? My faith comes from within (a very deep one), a distant cry from those who want the latest model of Alfa Romeo, thank you very much!!
What does secularity have to do with it?? Non-believer, that's one of the funniest things I've heard!! I think you have me confused with sb else. Now, personal 'wayward' assessments aside, let's stay on track and see how they lack credibility. Why give to an institution which only now has begun to instigate reforms and implement measures which seek to curb laundering? My faith comes from within (a very deep one), a distant cry from those who want the latest model of Alfa Romeo, thank you very much!!
Seanus
30 Dec 2010
News / A devestating verdict on the Polish church [279]
bbc.co.uk/news/world-12092471
a further scathing indictment against the church. Now, they are officially tackling the problem, and that's great! However, criticism against them has been mounting for quite a long time now and they need this transparency drive to restore some shreds of credibility.
bbc.co.uk/news/world-12092471
a further scathing indictment against the church. Now, they are officially tackling the problem, and that's great! However, criticism against them has been mounting for quite a long time now and they need this transparency drive to restore some shreds of credibility.
Seanus
30 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
I would imagine so were enough people to support it :)
I would imagine so were enough people to support it :)
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
I was simply alluding to the tendency to paint things matter of factly. Sok does the same. Now, I'm out of my depth in such discussions but I can see that you can't both be right. What I notice when I discuss things with non-Slavic people is that there tends to be more consensus or compromise and seeing where the other side is coming from.
What I say now may be prophetic in a sense but it needs to be said. It is that that Slavs must get back to the value of one life. What has struck me when reading or watching inter-Slavic conflicts is the sheer numbers of deaths involved and how they are treated as merely statistics. Whether it be Balkans history or Russo-Ukrainian-Polish history, the numbers are staggering! Start treating life in a more sacred way and see the needlessness of deaths.
I was simply alluding to the tendency to paint things matter of factly. Sok does the same. Now, I'm out of my depth in such discussions but I can see that you can't both be right. What I notice when I discuss things with non-Slavic people is that there tends to be more consensus or compromise and seeing where the other side is coming from.
What I say now may be prophetic in a sense but it needs to be said. It is that that Slavs must get back to the value of one life. What has struck me when reading or watching inter-Slavic conflicts is the sheer numbers of deaths involved and how they are treated as merely statistics. Whether it be Balkans history or Russo-Ukrainian-Polish history, the numbers are staggering! Start treating life in a more sacred way and see the needlessness of deaths.
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Have a look at the threads involving Kresy, Lviv and Wilno, Crow. The Sikorski doctrine too. Many think like Nathan and Ironside. They come from 2 very different places and the national curriculum of their respective countries tells them 2 very different versions of events. Me? I'd like to see Poles and Ukrainians get closer but I may be disingenuous to people who have lost distant family. This is the same in the Balkans too where many haven't and can't move on. I don't want to sound pessimistic, far from it, but I just feel that too much work needs to be done to build and solidify the relevant bridges. That doesn't mean people shouldn't try but realism must set in.
Ah tam, na zdrowie/na zdrawie anyway :) :) Here's to hope that common ground can be found and to the realisation that we live in a different century now.
Have a look at the threads involving Kresy, Lviv and Wilno, Crow. The Sikorski doctrine too. Many think like Nathan and Ironside. They come from 2 very different places and the national curriculum of their respective countries tells them 2 very different versions of events. Me? I'd like to see Poles and Ukrainians get closer but I may be disingenuous to people who have lost distant family. This is the same in the Balkans too where many haven't and can't move on. I don't want to sound pessimistic, far from it, but I just feel that too much work needs to be done to build and solidify the relevant bridges. That doesn't mean people shouldn't try but realism must set in.
Ah tam, na zdrowie/na zdrawie anyway :) :) Here's to hope that common ground can be found and to the realisation that we live in a different century now.
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
He just fell into the murky waters of ethno-politics. It was the peak of that tension and he was always going to be treading on eggshells. Even in 2009, I saw tension. Two Croatian women were sitting next to me and a group of Serbian businessmen came along. The Serbian guys wanted some extra chairs but the Croat women just scowled at them and they left.
Another aspect of that sitting episode in Sarajevo was to do with Slavic language. Having been in the Czech Republic 3 times, I know that it's ućet (my writing may be wrong) for bill/check. We didn't know as the Bosnian waiter didn't understand English. We gestured to him and he didn't get it at first. Then he said raćun and we understood that as it is close to rachunek like in Polish. It's rakhunok in Ukrainian so near enough. Very similar.
On the death rate note, Milo applied to the Russians for help as he sensed he was going to be poisoned but he had to eat. The Russian doctors saw sth fishy going on but very few press outlets ran that story. It is clear why not!
It was Milo who inadvertently taught me 'mir' and rat was often used in the videos I watched. Serbs are forever referring to the year, Croats too. Always godine godine godine ;)
He just fell into the murky waters of ethno-politics. It was the peak of that tension and he was always going to be treading on eggshells. Even in 2009, I saw tension. Two Croatian women were sitting next to me and a group of Serbian businessmen came along. The Serbian guys wanted some extra chairs but the Croat women just scowled at them and they left.
Another aspect of that sitting episode in Sarajevo was to do with Slavic language. Having been in the Czech Republic 3 times, I know that it's ućet (my writing may be wrong) for bill/check. We didn't know as the Bosnian waiter didn't understand English. We gestured to him and he didn't get it at first. Then he said raćun and we understood that as it is close to rachunek like in Polish. It's rakhunok in Ukrainian so near enough. Very similar.
On the death rate note, Milo applied to the Russians for help as he sensed he was going to be poisoned but he had to eat. The Russian doctors saw sth fishy going on but very few press outlets ran that story. It is clear why not!
It was Milo who inadvertently taught me 'mir' and rat was often used in the videos I watched. Serbs are forever referring to the year, Croats too. Always godine godine godine ;)
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Karadzić initially signed the Vance-Owen plan but later did a U-turn after watching Mladić discuss the territorial implications. The rest of the Serbian Assembly were convinced too and Milo/Buli had no choice in the matter. Milo was really painted in a bad way but he went for peace here and also was dubbed a 'nationalist' for saying that 'no one will harm you again' at a rally. Also, several Serbian authority figures tried to catch him out at the Hague but he beat them all. They even lied and he calmly brushed them off. To call ethnic cleansing a "policy" of his is absurd! Back to my point, the leader is always key in international relations but let the truth shine. Milo did many bad things but not those levelled against him for the most part.
Isn't that weird? I have never studied Serbo-Croatian but I could translate most of that article without the help of any translators. I have watched enough videos in the language to know that mir is peace and rat is war (I'll look stupid if I'm wrong, hehehe). It's close enough to Polish and the rest I can glean from context. Thanks for the link, Natasa :)
Karadzić initially signed the Vance-Owen plan but later did a U-turn after watching Mladić discuss the territorial implications. The rest of the Serbian Assembly were convinced too and Milo/Buli had no choice in the matter. Milo was really painted in a bad way but he went for peace here and also was dubbed a 'nationalist' for saying that 'no one will harm you again' at a rally. Also, several Serbian authority figures tried to catch him out at the Hague but he beat them all. They even lied and he calmly brushed them off. To call ethnic cleansing a "policy" of his is absurd! Back to my point, the leader is always key in international relations but let the truth shine. Milo did many bad things but not those levelled against him for the most part.
Isn't that weird? I have never studied Serbo-Croatian but I could translate most of that article without the help of any translators. I have watched enough videos in the language to know that mir is peace and rat is war (I'll look stupid if I'm wrong, hehehe). It's close enough to Polish and the rest I can glean from context. Thanks for the link, Natasa :)
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [450]
Many put in for the Leslie Nielsen role when his nose grew ;) He died recently (RIP) so there may be a chance for kichol types ;)
Many put in for the Leslie Nielsen role when his nose grew ;) He died recently (RIP) so there may be a chance for kichol types ;)
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Crow, I beg to differ. I think the Serbian Council around the time of the Athens meeting didn't want peace on terms acceptable to both Milosević and Bulatović. You cannot really talk of Serbia wanting peace when feelings of war ran rampant, Crow. You have to acknowledge that you had many hawks and also territory obsessed people like Karadzić and Mladić in your ranks. They didn't opt for peace in 1993 when Milo did.
Crow, I beg to differ. I think the Serbian Council around the time of the Athens meeting didn't want peace on terms acceptable to both Milosević and Bulatović. You cannot really talk of Serbia wanting peace when feelings of war ran rampant, Crow. You have to acknowledge that you had many hawks and also territory obsessed people like Karadzić and Mladić in your ranks. They didn't opt for peace in 1993 when Milo did.
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Crow, much depends on the leader. Also, there has to be some moving forward from the days of the Ottoman Empire. Erdogan came to Serbia and was warmly welcomed by Tadić. These are modern times. Besides, Turkey has more business with America which could exist concurrently with a Slavic Union. Serbian security would be shored up but the biggest issue would be the seat of power. With the diminishing role of NATO, a new body would need to regulate on Kosovo. However, this is all VERY hypothetical stuff.
Crow, much depends on the leader. Also, there has to be some moving forward from the days of the Ottoman Empire. Erdogan came to Serbia and was warmly welcomed by Tadić. These are modern times. Besides, Turkey has more business with America which could exist concurrently with a Slavic Union. Serbian security would be shored up but the biggest issue would be the seat of power. With the diminishing role of NATO, a new body would need to regulate on Kosovo. However, this is all VERY hypothetical stuff.
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
I like to give a rounded perspective ;) His being Turkish may have been incidental as I don't imagine Turks to be the closest friends of Albanians (Crow may disagree). I only wanted to make the point that there may still be sinister intentions but I don't imagine he was sent by the Turkish govt either.
Ever been to Poland, rock? Plenty Turks in business here and most Poles seem to be indifferent. Better than being hostile :)
I like to give a rounded perspective ;) His being Turkish may have been incidental as I don't imagine Turks to be the closest friends of Albanians (Crow may disagree). I only wanted to make the point that there may still be sinister intentions but I don't imagine he was sent by the Turkish govt either.
Ever been to Poland, rock? Plenty Turks in business here and most Poles seem to be indifferent. Better than being hostile :)
Seanus
29 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Many many, rock. Pages in fact. Yusuf Ercin Sonmez, he's your man.
Many many, rock. Pages in fact. Yusuf Ercin Sonmez, he's your man.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Rock, many Slavs go well back in history to support their claims. This is sth I have noticed. The Celts do it to a lesser extent but it is still visible. Asides from the organ doctor scandal, it would seem that Turks have been out of the picture for a long time. To my knowledge, they sent no troops to support Bosniaks and also didn't protect them.
Crow, rock does seem to make some good points about the Turks. I see the detrimental effect of the Ottoman Empire but modern Turkey doesn't seem to have axes to grind with Serbia. They wouldn't threaten any Slavic alliance IMHO.
Rock, many Slavs go well back in history to support their claims. This is sth I have noticed. The Celts do it to a lesser extent but it is still visible. Asides from the organ doctor scandal, it would seem that Turks have been out of the picture for a long time. To my knowledge, they sent no troops to support Bosniaks and also didn't protect them.
Crow, rock does seem to make some good points about the Turks. I see the detrimental effect of the Ottoman Empire but modern Turkey doesn't seem to have axes to grind with Serbia. They wouldn't threaten any Slavic alliance IMHO.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
The words are the same, Crow? Woda, ziemia, szczęścia, światło, chwała, miężczyzna, kobieta, trzymać? Sorry for the Polish, Mods, but I just want to see if the words are the same. Thanks! I think 3 or 4 are similar in Russian too.
The words are the same, Crow? Woda, ziemia, szczęścia, światło, chwała, miężczyzna, kobieta, trzymać? Sorry for the Polish, Mods, but I just want to see if the words are the same. Thanks! I think 3 or 4 are similar in Russian too.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Why? Poles love Croats when they travel there. They also respect Serbs and have much positive history. They may tilt towards Serbs if they are older but there was an anti-Serbian stance in the Polish press during the Balkans War. The tour guide said as much when I was there.
Why? Poles love Croats when they travel there. They also respect Serbs and have much positive history. They may tilt towards Serbs if they are older but there was an anti-Serbian stance in the Polish press during the Balkans War. The tour guide said as much when I was there.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
They command respect from both countries. They have no inherent bias, unlike Germany or France would have towards Croatia (Britain too). They also regularly go to both countries and ties are amiable.
They command respect from both countries. They have no inherent bias, unlike Germany or France would have towards Croatia (Britain too). They also regularly go to both countries and ties are amiable.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Poland would really have to tread on eggshells with Croatia and Serbia. There are still many nationalists in both countries who either deny bad deeds or will just turn a blind eye. Crow, to his credit, has criticised Arkan though I wonder how he sees him as much worse than Ratko. Drabić redeemed himself with those wonderful hands :) :) His wife was eternally grateful :) As southern and Crow have themselves admitted, there is much machoism in the Balkans and Poland would be skating on thin ice if they had to mediate any scuffles. Poland would be an excellent mediator and I think both Serbs and Croats look up to them in a way.
Poland would really have to tread on eggshells with Croatia and Serbia. There are still many nationalists in both countries who either deny bad deeds or will just turn a blind eye. Crow, to his credit, has criticised Arkan though I wonder how he sees him as much worse than Ratko. Drabić redeemed himself with those wonderful hands :) :) His wife was eternally grateful :) As southern and Crow have themselves admitted, there is much machoism in the Balkans and Poland would be skating on thin ice if they had to mediate any scuffles. Poland would be an excellent mediator and I think both Serbs and Croats look up to them in a way.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Many Ustashe members were returned to them through the dealings of Ante Pavlić. Such radical elements are still at large in Croatia and they'd have to be brought to heel. Germany had that ability around the time of Genschner but Merkel is more concerned with Croatia's accession tempo and the stymying influence of Slovenia. Poland would have to be mindful of containing radical factions.
Many Ustashe members were returned to them through the dealings of Ante Pavlić. Such radical elements are still at large in Croatia and they'd have to be brought to heel. Germany had that ability around the time of Genschner but Merkel is more concerned with Croatia's accession tempo and the stymying influence of Slovenia. Poland would have to be mindful of containing radical factions.
Seanus
28 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
£ódź has lost his paddles :)
How about Poles and Croats? Many of my students enjoy the hospitality of Croatia and, of course, they have stunning seafood :) :)
£ódź has lost his paddles :)
How about Poles and Croats? Many of my students enjoy the hospitality of Croatia and, of course, they have stunning seafood :) :)
Seanus
27 Dec 2010
Life / Is/was Polish society patriarchal or matriarchal? [37]
Does it have to be one at the expense of the other? It is expensive to have children and many don't. That's why the thread title often has no answer.
Does it have to be one at the expense of the other? It is expensive to have children and many don't. That's why the thread title often has no answer.
Seanus
27 Dec 2010
News / Sikorski doctrine - Eastern Europe under threat. Poland's foreign policy. [203]
A biased newspaper if ever I knew one. She is in lobby central there.
A biased newspaper if ever I knew one. She is in lobby central there.
Seanus
26 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
£ódź, which part of Poland are you from? If Lithuania came in and annexed it to their country, how would you feel?
£ódź, which part of Poland are you from? If Lithuania came in and annexed it to their country, how would you feel?
Seanus
26 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Ratko plays hide and seek better than Saddam Hussein :)
Crow, depose of Tusk and who would you put in his place?
Ratko plays hide and seek better than Saddam Hussein :)
Crow, depose of Tusk and who would you put in his place?
Seanus
26 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
He's out of office for the foreseeable future, Crow :( :( Ratko may need to step in to rescue him.
He's out of office for the foreseeable future, Crow :( :( Ratko may need to step in to rescue him.
Seanus
26 Dec 2010
History / Poland in a Slavic Union/Alliance/Federation? [335]
Would Dragan Dabić play a part with his wonderful healing hands, Crow? ;)
Would Dragan Dabić play a part with his wonderful healing hands, Crow? ;)