Life / Why are so many Polish People rude on the internet? [147]

Right on, Soggy. I've been attacked recently for no good reason and for trying to stamp out racism. Also, they write atrociously yet criticise my Polish. That's very rude!

This is on Youtube.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

They voted for what they got, that's how :)

Georgia was temporary, VERY much so in comparison.

Maybe they have just "manned up", Nathan ;)

Buttery butter? I'm just more aware of how Western pretexts and behind-the-scenes motives work, Nathan.

Also, I'm Scottish. I find Poles and Ukrainians to lack objectivity when it comes to Russia in a MAJOR way. You all appear to be experts but, sorry, are guided by bias.

Love / 20% of adult Poles are single and live with Mummy! [241]

Circumstances play their part. Italians also love being with family, eating meals and talking. There's no great shame in wanting to live alongside your family.

Love / 20% of adult Poles are single and live with Mummy! [241]

The boomerang generation became a more widespread phenomenon but likely applied in large measure here. Property is quite expensive here compared to some of the salaries I hear bandied about. Besides, it may just be a stopgap. I lived with my parents when I was at university, moved to Japan for 2 years, then moved back in with them for a few months. I lived on my own for just over 2 years thereafter and 3 with my wife.

There has been displacement of Poles so that's one factor. Another is that there is a family culture here so they wanna be close. Also, they finish uni later. Some are even 25/26 when they graduate from an MBChB or dental qualification. I was 22 when I finished my postgrad (Sep 2000) and 23 when I graduated (Nov 2000) so that puts it in perspective.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Abkhazia and South Ossetia asked for protection, they felt intimidated. They voted for their independence and Saakashvili was not ok with that.

They stepped in and sorted the matter out. Neither of us know what really went on behind the scenes but they restored order.

I agree that Russia casts the net too wide given their imperialistic streak. However, they pulled out quick enough. It was not an occupation and Polish troops were in Iraq and Afghanistan for much longer.

Those autonomous states have unquestionable leanings towards Russia. They fear further Georgian action against them.

I agree that intervention wasn't the best decision on the table but Putin did it, I think, because he missed a chance some 6 months before to take a firm stand on Kosovo. He took an easy option and should be glad that McCain didn't get in. He would have stamped that out very quickly. Bush and Putin have remarkable similarities.

Weak and unstable? There was Torq telling me that the EU would turn that round full circle. With Ukraine on board, America has an excellent strategic asset. They want that. Invest? Who said anything about investment?

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

The 'invasion' was to quash disturbances, Sok. Georgia interfered in internal Abkhazian and South Ossetian matters, it was deliberate provocation. Iraq and Afghanistan, now they were invasions and Poland was a part of that.

How! (gives an Indian salute). There were fears of Russian troops reentering but they were quickly allayed as it was a false alarm.

No-one except Poland wants them in? I think America would play their card when the right time came around.

Russia has been modernising its tanks but it found that even its old ones serve its interests well.

France has almost always been that way. Let the Muslims ask them questions.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Nie twoja sprawa, bambo ;) ;) You can find just as many reports that Saakashvili set it up and overreacted. Just 3 weeks ago there was a 'misunderstanding' which could have flared up, Sok. I'm more likely to be more objective than that barking little bumptious git that looks like he leaped out of a pond.

Well, I don't see much rushing going on at all. The best hope lay with the last PM, Yushenko. The new PM is an unknown quantity to me.

My mistake, I assumed it was a done deal. The reports I read said so. Amazing that different reports say different things, isn't it? ;) ;) ;) The point is the French willingness to arm them through that worm of a man, Sarkozy. He brokered the ceasefire in Russia but only because he licked bal*s!

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Torq, I think you get me wrong. I am with what Kasparov is trying to do. Putin couldn't accept defeat after the first Chechen War. He obviously believes in 'if at first you don't succeed, try and try again'. I'm just saying that he tolerates no nonsense and Lech Kaczyński's stand in the Georgian issue could have inflamed the situation without knowing the full truth of it.

Fine, Nathan. NATO membership has logic for you and I see that. However, your politicians have hardly been rushing towards it and let's see how Ukrainians man up without NATO over Sevastopol or other conflicts with Russia. They can crush your country and you know it. It's just a shame that politics ruin(s) the relationships between people, i.e Igor Vovchanchyn and Fedor Emelianenko are a famous example but many common people too.

Maybe you should be talking to the French who have been supplying them with fairly advanced weaponry.

Study / Rumor about racism - will I be fine in Poland as a black International student from Africa? [245]

I understand his fear, though. Nigerians have a bit of a reputation as I've known white people to need manned escorts through parts of their country. The Poles are aware of that and Successor may feel that he is entering the lion's den. He shouldn't worry too much. 'Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me'.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Nathan, you already fight alongside Poles in Kosovo. Crow mentioned a big regiment down there. Why do you need NATO? Selfishness undermines the whole idea of a union. If you can't see past your own nose, you risk a future conflict. I understand the motive but half the time it's just to spite Russia and that's a double-edged sword.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

On the first point, agreed. Russia is heavily dependent on Europe for business. However, that doesn't detract from the fact that it has principles to uphold. We will never truly know the truth but Putin gave a very good account of himself in that international gas conference. It is likely that some foreign intervention was involved to rock the boat with them and Ukraine. Just like in Georgia before.

The 'take on Europe' was an extension of the principled approach. It turned off the gas and we saw the devastating effects and the reliance of Europe on it. In an ideal world, each party would recognise the symbiotic nature of the relationship but games are played and which country championed roulette? ;) ;) They rolled the dice well, a calculated gamble!

True. I was talking about Ukraine, though. Kasparov has been chipping away. Sasha is also the man here to outline the progress on that front. Just look at major powers, I don't buy into some of the views of Alex Jones and Aaron Russo (RIP) on America becoming fascist (far too strong a word) but China, Russia and the US are much more interventionist than they could be. EU states also wield forceps and have police state tendencies. The EU is far from democratic and Farage spells it out clearly why. Lisbon and Rompuy/Ashton spring to mind.

Having good laws is one thing, enforcing them is quite another. You got it right, regimented attitudes are hard to shake off and the modus operandi doesn't change overnight. The will of the people is key but you have to question why people take bribes. I feel that more success comes from understanding the root causes and imposing crackdowns/clampdowns.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

I realise that, Torq. However, Russia are prepared to stick to principles as they see them. Putin was convinced that he did no wrong in the last gas crisis and even crippled Serbia, a staunch ally (in theory anyway). They will take on Europe, if only to a certain extent.

Maybe but they are in a transitional phase with their new PM. Some regimes struggle badly in times of changes, e.g Hungary's regime change from communism to capitalism. Do you feel that corruption in Poland has been lowered by accession to the EU? If so, how?

Common standards don't always work well in practice. Just look at the CAP.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Aha, ok. Sometimes you have to be, especially in international relations :)

Well, it is a push and pull contest with Russia. Best get a clear position before 2017 ;)

What makes you think that Russia wouldn't impose embargos and thwart Ukraine's attempts to enrich itself? I can see them trying to stymie Ukraine as punishment for joining the EU. Just think of gas contracts!

Ukraine richer than Poland? Hmm...I don't think so, Torqy. What makes you so sure that the a future crisis wouldn't hit them hard? Poland is further down the inward investment road than Ukraine. They are playing a very long catch up game.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

I know you didn't mean it that way, amigo, but that just came across as selfish. You want them to join the EU and NATO not for their own interests but for yours. Joining NATO would destabilise their country.

However, I know that Poles look largely for security but there are other ways of doing it.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Not at all, I don't presume anything or pass judgement. I just want to see the same standards applied. We all have 'very good sources' in our own perception, but are they?

Anyway, aren't they entitled to a little rebellion given their history?

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Can't you apply the same logic to Lithuanians?

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Maybe they should be taking it seriously? 9/11 seems to have been an inside job ;) ;)

I think the Africans who have been attacked are taking it seriously.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

I've heard that there are quite a few of those types in Poland too ;) It was on the Ewa Dryzga show :)

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

I didn't see any in Vilnius or Kaunas, Ironside. That's not to say that they don't exist but they are likely very much in the minority. Nazi marches????

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

It's a tough call with Ukraine as they are neither in the EU, nor NATO. Plus, the true face of their new PM remains to be seen.

As for Piłsudski, he shouldn't be uttered in the same breath as Hitler and Stalin.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

That strategy rarely works, Borrka. We see still that the 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine' doesn't pay dividends. America have given you no shield. At least with Ukrainians you have hope if the dialogue is right. There is more of an even footing to negotiations.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Well, you have a point. If they claim Lithuania so vehemently (as almost all I have talked to do) then they should learn the language. Piłsudski tried so hard but was met with fierce resistance.

OK, it is pretty sad when seen in one way.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Many Poles may not think that Lithuanian is worth learning. It is quite different! It is funny that some Poles insist on foreigners learning some Polish, or at least saying they should know it.

Food / Traditional Polish Soups. [85]

here is a nice general guide to soups.

I wouldn't mind a good jarzynowa right now. I prefer Scottish vegetable soup but Poles could modify theirs a wee bittie and eke out more flavour (without using too much salt).

Food / Traditional Polish Soups. [85]

That makes sense :) Thanks.

I've tried cream of broccoli soup here. Although not Polish, they do it well.

Food / Traditional Polish Soups. [85]

Nice find. Did you know that it was Celts that took cabbage to Europe from Asia? Celtic food has many cabbage dishes too. Colcannon, for example.

I like grochówka here, pea soup.

History / Piłsudski, like Hitler and Stalin (according to some Lithuanians) [144]

Wilno is just the Polish name for it, Nathan. A bit like Kowno for Kaunas. The more important issue is the wrangling between Poles and Lithuanians with regards to education. There are tensions there.

What I've noticed is that many Poles play on the Słowacki/Mickiewicz connection to bolster their claims but they are but 2 men. Pan Tadeusz talked more about Lithuania as his love and you can read the inscription at the back of the vodka bottle. I got a guided tour of Vilnius and the Polish tour guide often made the point that they felt Lithuanian. Still, that's not the definitive criteria as we know.

Food / Traditional Polish Soups. [85]

What a surprise, it has cabbage in it ;) It's quite tasty when sour :)

The sour rye soup (żurek) here in Silesia is much tastier than near Warsaw. I tried it in a decent restaurant when coming back from my Baltic expedition but it's far more to my taste here.

I was discussing soups for about an hour on Wednesday with my EMPIK student. I recommended Baxters of Speyside for Scottish soups. It's a fair compliment for a Pole when a Scot says their soup is top notch as we are no slouches when it comes to making hearty and tasty soups.

I just wish that clam chowder was Scottish. Then we'd be undisputed no1 :) :) :)

Apparently there is a soup made from nails here, anybody heard of that?

Food / Traditional Polish Soups. [85]

Wodzionka? Chop up a half a head of garlic, a few cloves. Take a few pieces of bread and tear them up. Add 2 stock cubes to 1l of hot water and stir. Wait a little before adding the garlic and bread. Let the garlic get soft for around 2 mins and remove from the stove. Voila!

Food / Traditional Polish Soups. [85]

Lentil soup is not common here but it is in Scotland :)

Wodzonka is really simple and nice, I tend to eat that quite a bit.