Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]


Interesting, I was about to say the opposite... In my view New Yorkers and Californians curse a lot but overall I think Poles curse much more than the average American...

Life / Womans day in Poland? [242]


What? October??? I always thought we, men celebrated the International Day of Men between March 9th and March 7th the following year? I feel cheated! LOL

On March 8th my dad often leaves small notes for my mom (in her car, on the mirror, attached to the garage door opener, you name it). When I was a kid I thought it was so silly but now I realize how much my mom loves those notes.

They ARE silly and often illogical; usually he'll write something like "You are my sunshine and I'm your sunscreen factor 50 - let's sing in the rain", "I'm glad God made You", "You can keep my rib as long as you want!", "roses are red and sky is blue, where's my pretty wife - I need you!"

Of course he does the whole flower and gift thing too but my mom loves the little notes and saves them all...

So happy Women's day to all the ladies here;

This "small note" is to all the XX representatives here - "Thank you all for making the world prettier and gentler".

This includes all the ladies, even those not born yet.

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]


Because those are not minimum wage "service" professions but rather jobs where you have to be educated.

When I started delivering pizzas my "education" or training took less than an hour - then I was on my own. That's why I was paid minimum wage which I then more than doubled and sometimes trippled with tips. It paid for me to be friendly AND punctual AND to deliver to as many customers as I could and that's what I did.

I am not looking down on service professions, far from it, I've held a few myself. However, many European "properly remunerated" waiters and waitresses without a doubt make less money than they'd have in the US even though the base salary is higher in Europe. On the other hand, the quality of service overall and attentivness is higher in the US thanks to - you guessed it , the "im-properly remunerated" tips.

There are some cases when I too wonder if the person should be tipped or not but overall it's a great system. If you don't like it - simply don't tip.

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]


I wouldn't go that far. France, Germany and Holland (as an example) are expensive however southern Italy and Greece are not as bad (granted, it's been 4 years since I was there last). Dollar goes up and it goes down, normal phenomenon and things will turn around again... However the taxes and the prices in general are much higher in Europe and part of the reason is that your "tips" as you've mentioned are already included in the prices.


Well again, that's your take on it. As a European living in America who travels an awful lot I've seen both types of service and now I prefer the American service but understand if some people disagree with me.

Vive la différence

Love / How do Polish boys feel about foreign girls? [163]

Wambrita - you welcomed all comments but you probably won't like mine... :(

Did you really "RESPECT the fact" you were there with your Polish friend?

When another guy asked you to dance with him you could've turned toward your friend and said "is that OK with you?" That's what I'd have done if a lady wanted to dance with me while I was there with another woman. Of course, I'd probably say, "sorry, I'm here with my friend but thank you so much for asking." That wouldn't imply she owns me or that I'm obligated to ask for her permission. Instead it'd imply I'm polite and respect her being there with me.

You know, I have tons of South American friends, men and women. Argentinian, Brazilian, Peruvian, etc. Non of them would do what you call "like Latins...they rescue their girl" - that's not rescuing a girl, that's being possessive. Machismo gone amok.

Respecting a friend whether male or female means you trust his or her judgment. Don't expect a guy to get into a fight with other guys "to rescue you" just to make you feel wanted - that's just silly and sounds like something a caveman would do.

If you went out with your friend the nice thing to do would be to spend the time with him. If you you wanted to dance with someone else - sure go for it but don't expect him to become a testosterone moron, hopefully we men have progressed past the stone age.

I don't mean to sound demeaning, I really don't but it's almost like you have an attention addiction? Let your man be a MAN - and not a CAVE MAN...

Just my take on it since you said...


Either way, I wish you both the best...

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]


Stupid? Really? How about different?

Most Americans like the system (some old surveys I've seen) and when asked about their European vacations they always say they loved it, had a great time but everything was sooo expensive and the service in hotels and restaurants mediocre at best.

It's a normal, human behavior to become complacent (sp? - no spell checker 2day), to take things for granted after a while. This "included in salary" tip mentality gives you poor service and an attitude of "hey, you don't like it then go somewhere else". Again, keep it your way but in my view the service DOES improve when servers are tipped. You can't change the human mentality just because you like it "simple", or "NOT plain stupid".

As far as not adding taxes to the prices - at first I didn't like it but I think because of the way system works I'm very aware of the level of sales taxes in different states and of tax rates in general. In a way it's great advertisement for low tax states. Anchorage, Alaska = 0% sales tax, L.A. California = 8.75%, etc. Not sure why the system is the way it is but it doesn't bother me anymore.

PS. Beelzebub's explanation above sounds good to me too.

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]



I used to work as a line/dispatch person at a small general aviation airport. Did it only one semester because I found out we got no discount on airplane rentals so I bailed for Domino's - more money which I desperately needed for my flight training.

We were never tipped but this was a small airport with few "high rollers". Although I did open up the door for Reba McEntire getting out of a Slo..., I mean Citation once - of course at the time I had no idea who she was. LOL I like country music (but I like almost all music) however she's not my cup of tea. Her pilot left $20 bucks for the two of us who worked that day - much appreciated and that bird got a "free" wash out of us later. ;)

Either way, as lineguys we made $9 an hour and this was some 15 years ago.

PS. Watch that smokin' on airport property - fines are getting steep in the US... :)

Overall, I agree with your ideas on tipping. I'm biased of course but my perception is that the waiters are much more attentive in the US than many other countries. Either way, if in doubt on whether tipping is the norm in the specific profession/country - I tip. YMMV

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]


Ok? This was a tipping (and minimum wage) thread, right? The vast majority of airlines are unionized and use their contracts for pay and benefits guidance. Most airlines pay time and a half for open time, many pay 200% for out of domicile (x-ross domicile) open time.

You're correct that many airline employees are underpaid (especially FAs) if that was the point you were trying to make. However, it'd have to be a really tiny, nearly bancrupt airline for the employees to live on minimum wage... ...and yes, regional airline employees are truly underpaid. Either way, I'm extra slow today so I struggle with the point you're trying to make...

Back to Polish customs of paying gratuity?

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]

F-stop Yeah, we used to have 2 maybe 3 months of the year when Domino's had to raise our pay. The disadvantage was that they kept an eye on our tips - IRS :( and every now and then would call a customer to see how much they tipped the driver to make sure we were keeping it honest.


I think we kept it monthly to simplify things. I believe most Domino's stores did although they are all franchises so each owner can change the rules I guess.


Don't follow you here? We get time and a half for JA (junior assignment) trips for example. ...or what am I missing?

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]

F-stop - we averaged it monthly at Dominoes - there were good months and bad months.

Back to "Poland only" tipping before folks get antsy... ;)

Life / Giving tips in Poland [235]


Well, you left out some parts of the minimum wage law (I used to wait tables at O'Charlies and deliver pizza at Dominoes to pay the college tuition)

[i]Question: Is it legal for waiters and waitresses to be paid below the minimum wage?
Answer: According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, tipped employees are individuals engaged in occupations in which they customarily and regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. The employer may consider tips as part of wages, but the employer must pay at least $2.13 an hour in direct wages.

An employer may credit a portion of a tipped employee's tips against the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. An employer must pay at least $2.13 per hour.

However, if an employee's tips combined with the employer's wage of $2.13 per hour do not equal the hourly minimum wage, the employer is required to make up the difference.

Source: Dept of Labor

In plain English your wage plus your tips should equal at least the minimum wage ($7.25 in Hawai'i right now). That's not much for sure but the vast majority of waiters/waitresses earn much more.

Either way, I do agree with you and think their service should be rewarded with tips. I tip 15% regardless of how the service was (aka it was bad) and 25% and up for good service. Hotel pick-up drivers usually get $1 per bag if the driven distance was less than 30 minutes, otherwise we (airline crews) usually tip more.

Same in Asia except Japan where I found out many feel you look down on their profession if you tip them. YMMV


I disagree with you Olaf. When I travel overseas I often hear that the Americans tip the most (don't have anything to back it up with, just what I hear everynow and then).

As someone pointed out, the difference in tipping is based on the pay structure in the States. I think if we compare tipping we should compare "the full picture", or compare apples to apples - don't you think?

I'd imagine I'd tip in Poland the way I tip in the States not knowing the local pay structures.

Food / Do you call it kiszka or kaszanka? [55]


So does "kosher" mean "no blood" or does it have to do with how the food is made? Friend of mine (non-Jewish) always tries to buy kosher food (not easy to find where we live) because she says it's healthier - is it?

Life / Feeling ashamed of my Polish heritage. [237]


Well, I'm probably wrong but I thought a nationwide sales tax only applies to the final product/customer whereas VAT is charged each time the product is being sold to the next customer?

Not sure about this of course but I do like the idea of flat tax on income where zero deductions would be allowed (to get rid of 95% of the IRS agents!!!) and a nationwide tax to get those who get paid "under the table" (illegal aliens).


How come? I wasn't aware of that fact.

Life / Feeling ashamed of my Polish heritage. [237]


You don't sound ignorant - you sound curious and that's a good thing.

As you can see this thread created lots of negativity so your relatives aren't as unique as you think... LOL

Seriously though - there's plenty to be proud of when it comes to being Polish - even if you've never been there or maybe haven't been there in years. Remember that Poland didn't have the luxury most of the Western world had after WWII when it comes to building a strong economy. The cold war put an end to that. Yet overall Poland is doing pretty well; sometimes I wonder if France or UK or Italy would've recovered from years of post WWII Soviet dominance as quickly as Poland did.


I like that idea but I also like a nationwide sales tax - this way even the illegal aliens would have to pay taxes...

Life / Feeling ashamed of my Polish heritage. [237]

Sebastian - not sure how old you are but I assume you're pretty young, correct?

I'm very surprised you feel "ashamed" of being Polish but I think it simply boils down to your relatives being very negative - you equate your relatives' behavior with being Polish.

If you open up some books you'll be amazed at how this tiny nation managed to survive hundreds of years of oppression, numerous invasions and wars with Sweden, Austria, Prussia, Germany, Russia, etc. Read about the Warsaw uprising, about the Katyn massacre, about generations of Poland's non-existence, about Poles abroad fighting for independence of other countries hoping and dreaming of the day their own country would once again be free - and you'll be amazed and proud of being Polish.

I spent my whole childhood and teenage years in Sweden (and Norway on & off). I love Sweden and think it's a great country but Swedes probably feel more patriotic about hockey than about their own country (with the exception of the Aryan Resistance morons who turn patriotism into xenophobia, ignorance and stupidity). I also love the US and have served in the military here but I'll never be "ashamed" of having Polish roots. Instead I'll always be proud of it.

As all countries, Poland is not, has not and never will be a perfect country - however, open up your eyes to the past achievements of Poland and you will be proud sooner than you think.

I also agree 100% with Tymoteusz's

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]

Yeah, the army didn't want to lose the control of those "flying rangers".

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]


Sorry but that's a nonsensical comment. That could be applied to any nation. Germany "used" Turks, Italians, etc. for their own glory. Japanese used the Germans, Russians used the Americans and the Brits, etc. Very selective "examples" for sure... You are using your current biases and dislikes to portray the past...

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]


Well, we're actually saying the same thing. Equivalent to the many Swedes joining the Finnish forces to help them against the Soviet invasion.

Thanks for clarification about Cooper's heritage.

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]


Yeah, very true...

Tymoteusz - very cool link, thanks.

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]

You totally missed my point. The only reason you're here on PF is to make it clear to everyone that according to you Poles are nothing else than a bunch of anti-Semitic thugs who'd never done anything of value...

YOUR history is simple hate. Not history at all.

it would be nice if you kept to the topic.


Point taken

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]

You need to free your mind and stop hating - it'd do you good.

Your anti-Polish propaganda has nothing to do with history - it's pure nonsensical hate.

I'm sorry someone hurt your feeling badly enough for you to become a hatemonger. Don't blame Poland for what ails you - blame your parents.

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]

Interesting - America didn't have an Air Force during WWI and many Americans volunteered to fight for the French, the British (usually via Canadian military) and in this case for the Polish.

This explains it...

Merian C. Cooper in Polish Air Force uniform.

World War I
Cooper was a DH-4 bomber pilot during World War I. He was shot down and captured by the Germans, serving out the remainder of the war in a POW camp.[1]. According to Stephen Skinner (The Stand), Captain Cooper was allowed to remain in the U.S. Air Service after the war, despite serious burns to his arms incurred in the crash of his DH-4. In January 1919, while on special duty with the American Red Cross in France, he located the gravesite of Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., America's second-highest-scoring ace of World War I.

Poland

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merian_C._Cooper

Law / Old Polish money banknotes - what's their value today? [415]

Would you take 10 new zloty for it? LOL

History / 'Battle of Britain' won thanks to Polish aces !! [158]


Just ordered it.

I usually prefer books written by "the other side" - the enemy; for some reason I always prefer to study their reasoning.

Last one I read was Messerschmitts over Sicily: Diary of a Luftwaffe Fighter Commander

Fascinating.

I'll check out this book too. Have there been any films made about the 303rd squadron?

Love / How do Polish boys feel about foreign girls? [163]


You're welcome Jazz - working hard on bringing you some more of that to your perfect society... In the meantime keep telling all the aborigines and also the immigrants in your internment camps that all the evil came from America.

(Off the record - I do love Australia but obviously they have their share of 'problems')

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

It is so true! Never thought of it.

Here's a disadvantage of English (or a version of it ;) being "widely spoken" in several low cost countries...

- Sound only
youtube.com/watch?v=Y6C8Z9aBa2Y

In case the lingo gets confusing - pilots call "crew schedulers" to rearrange their schedules, drop or pick up trips, rearrange vacations, etc, etc...

- alpa is a pilot union
- "widebody" - is a large aircraft - not a person LOL
- "min coverage" - not enough pilots 'standing by' for someone to ask for a day off
- "oops" - "out of position" or no-show for work

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]


Poland has a second official language? What do you mean by that statement? Confused...

History / Famous Russian Poles [243]

Sasha - I don't want to ruin your thread; find it very interesting - the different people you and some others keep digging up.

No too long ago I was in Sweden and while in a cafe I got to watch a Polish satellite channel (SatPol or PolSat?).

There was a program on people of Polish heritage who still live in Russia and other former Soviet republics who've been trying to move to Poland. Do you have any links, info on that subject? Preferably in English or Polish. I read and understand Russian but poorly. Find the subject interesting.

Mahalo or спасибо

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

Lyzko - could you give us the German version too? I'd like to compare, it does sound funny

I'm sure the Germans don't struggle with English as much as the Italians do... LOL

Language / Polish slang phrases - most popular. [606]

Ooops, I was way off!

I'm sort of glad I'm not dating a Polish lady. I'd probably end up asking her to get drunk or lost while attempting to be sensual... LOL