USA, Canada / Pierogi Festivals across the States [17]

I have a blast at Pierogi Fest when I can make it. One of my cousins is in the Babushka Brigade, and its a riot to see her decked out for the parade! Good food, beer, family and friends. Missed it this year though. A co-worker (who usually attends yearly) said it was badly crowded this year, and he hopes they consider enlarging the space somehow.

I also have a good time at Taste of Polonia. Good food. Crowds there too, but it didn't seem as bad as Pierogi Fest.

Genealogy / THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4501]

Anyone have any ideas about the meaning of Dziubczynski? It was my grandmother's maiden name. I believe my great-grandmother's maiden name was Szustkowska. When I googled Szustkowska, I came up with a Polish language wiki page about Niemcowizna Szustkowska: A village in Poland located in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, in east Rypin, in the municipality Skrwilno. Nothing as far as name meanings comes up for Dziubczynski.

Language / Bookstore in Warsaw - Polish in 4 weeks LEVEL 2 [19]

As Vincent said, no one in their right mind would expect to learn to speak any foreign language in 4 weeks. A few travel phrases, yes. But to speak it fluently, of course not. However, despite the misleading title of the book, the contents seem to be of good quality. At least my instructor thinks so, since he chose to use it as our primary text along with supplementary materials and other books, like 301 Polish Verbs and a Polish-English dictionary.

I suppose the publishers thought a more accurate title like - "Learn to Speak Polish, But Only After Years of Intensive Study and Headaches" was a bit wordy and wouldn't generate the same level of interest and sales. : )

Off-Topic / What's your connection with Poland? Penpals. [512]

One of my grandmothers was born in Poland. That generation was the last to come over to the US. I also live near Chicago, which has a huge Polish population. Not too hard to find good Polish food there, though nothing is quite like babcia used to make.

Language / Bookstore in Warsaw - Polish in 4 weeks LEVEL 2 [19]

Polart/Poland By Mail has the level 2 book on their site: poland by mail.

Glad I saw this thread. I had no idea that a level 2 book was out. I'm still plugging through level 1, which is the text we were using in the last Polish class I took. Actually, I still need to finish off the Polska Mowa books from my first conversational Polish class.

USA, Canada / A questionnaire about smile and laughter in the US [13]

If you still need people, I'll do the survey for you. PM me if you do.