Spirit
13 May 2017
Life / What do Poles really think about cats? [354]
I'm Polish, and I and my entire blood family have always loved cats.
I'm Polish, and I and my entire blood family have always loved cats.
Spirit
1 Nov 2014
Life / 3 reasons why you hate Poland. [1049]
I Hate Poland because:
1. I haven't been able to travel there (yet).
2. Polish girls are beautiful, more than most other places.
3. My dziadek and babcia left there in the 1800's.
I LOVE Poland because:
1. I have strong Polish/Mongol genes! I'm tough and smart.
2. It has a varied history of invasion and reclamation. (Showing Polish resilience.)
3. It's the gateway between Europe and Russia.
I Hate Poland because:
1. I haven't been able to travel there (yet).
2. Polish girls are beautiful, more than most other places.
3. My dziadek and babcia left there in the 1800's.
I LOVE Poland because:
1. I have strong Polish/Mongol genes! I'm tough and smart.
2. It has a varied history of invasion and reclamation. (Showing Polish resilience.)
3. It's the gateway between Europe and Russia.
Spirit
26 Aug 2014
History / Whom do the people in Poland hate more: Germans or Russians? [869]
Natalia, I think you misunderstand me or my intention; perhaps I did not state my position clearly enough, and I apologize if I insulted you in any way. I can sometimes be obscure in my thoughts, relying too much on metaphors not everyone will interpret correctly. My fault.
I'm proud to be Polish, but that doesn't mean I need to hate others. In fact I'm willing to accept the friendship of anyone, male or female, from any race or culture or nation.
My reference to nationalism being for sheep was a direct reference to Nazi Germany, where people were tricked into a World War under the guise of national pride.
The same thing is happening in the Middle East, under the guise of religion. I have no use for that sort of division.
It was not your post that I was commenting on, but the general topic. And no, you don't sound like a racist to me, therefore not a coward.
Natalia, I think you misunderstand me or my intention; perhaps I did not state my position clearly enough, and I apologize if I insulted you in any way. I can sometimes be obscure in my thoughts, relying too much on metaphors not everyone will interpret correctly. My fault.
I'm proud to be Polish, but that doesn't mean I need to hate others. In fact I'm willing to accept the friendship of anyone, male or female, from any race or culture or nation.
My reference to nationalism being for sheep was a direct reference to Nazi Germany, where people were tricked into a World War under the guise of national pride.
The same thing is happening in the Middle East, under the guise of religion. I have no use for that sort of division.
It was not your post that I was commenting on, but the general topic. And no, you don't sound like a racist to me, therefore not a coward.
Spirit
25 Aug 2014
UK, Ireland / Living in a Polish/Gypsy community in Poland. People don't like me there. [25]
Gypsies are citizens of the world. Roma are everywhere, and they belong everywhere. IMHO.
Gypsies are citizens of the world. Roma are everywhere, and they belong everywhere. IMHO.
Spirit
25 Aug 2014
History / Whom do the people in Poland hate more: Germans or Russians? [869]
We are all brothers (or sisters). All one species, capable of interbreeding (the definition of species), with infinate cultural and outwardly physical variation.
Why don't we get along? Prejudice (judging before knowing) and stupidity.
Nationality - the tool of sheep herders.
Racism - tools of those afraid or scared of variation- cowards.
We are all brothers (or sisters). All one species, capable of interbreeding (the definition of species), with infinate cultural and outwardly physical variation.
Why don't we get along? Prejudice (judging before knowing) and stupidity.
Nationality - the tool of sheep herders.
Racism - tools of those afraid or scared of variation- cowards.
Spirit
9 Aug 2014
Genealogy / THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4501]
Well, they have evolved beyond 'quiet', but thank you for the translation.
Well, they have evolved beyond 'quiet', but thank you for the translation.
Spirit
9 Aug 2014
Genealogy / THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4501]
I had an uncle in Detroit, Michigan, a former Lippezan equestrian, his last name was something like Chicowski (Pronounced Chee-koff-ski), I may have spelled it wrong.
Any ideas as to meanings?
I had an uncle in Detroit, Michigan, a former Lippezan equestrian, his last name was something like Chicowski (Pronounced Chee-koff-ski), I may have spelled it wrong.
Any ideas as to meanings?
Spirit
3 Aug 2014
Love / Do Polish men find African American women attractive? [25]
I sure do.
Angel: Black with yellow eyes, but, alas, already taken.
Tirrell: Hot as a pistol, preferred white men.
I love them all.
I sure do.
Angel: Black with yellow eyes, but, alas, already taken.
Tirrell: Hot as a pistol, preferred white men.
I love them all.
Spirit
3 Aug 2014
Love / Am I The Only One Who Doesn't Find Polish Women Attractive? [93]
All the Polish (descent) girls I dated were beautiful in my eyes.
All the Polish (descent) girls I dated were beautiful in my eyes.
Spirit
3 Aug 2014
Genealogy / Mongolian the Golden Horde - do Poles have Mongolian ancestry? [256]
Ah, we are all a mix, some more some less.
It's a good thing.
Racial purity is a Nazi theme....
Ah, we are all a mix, some more some less.
It's a good thing.
Racial purity is a Nazi theme....
Spirit
2 Aug 2014
USA, Canada / Why do Americans (and Canadians) hate Polish people? [226]
I grew up in America, of Polish descent - Golinski/Wisniewski.
I went to school in Greenwich in the 1950's - 1960's, and "dumb Polack" was a common epithet. Yet, I was smarter than many of my classmates.
Intelligence is an individual/cultural thing, discrimination "don't mean nuthin".
I grew up in America, of Polish descent - Golinski/Wisniewski.
I went to school in Greenwich in the 1950's - 1960's, and "dumb Polack" was a common epithet. Yet, I was smarter than many of my classmates.
Intelligence is an individual/cultural thing, discrimination "don't mean nuthin".
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
UK, Ireland / Polish people in the UK using the English version of their name? [56]
Thanks looker, Wulkan and Jon for helping me learn about my heritage.
In Google translate if you separate the name as such: Mieczy sław
It translates to "sword of fame."
Who would have guessed?
Thanks looker, Wulkan and Jon for helping me learn about my heritage.
In Google translate if you separate the name as such: Mieczy sław
It translates to "sword of fame."
Who would have guessed?
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
UK, Ireland / Polish people in the UK using the English version of their name? [56]
Ah, Micheslaw Golinski has a "son of" 'Miche' with a surname Golinski?
Ah, Micheslaw Golinski has a "son of" 'Miche' with a surname Golinski?
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
UK, Ireland / Polish people in the UK using the English version of their name? [56]
I assume you know better than I. Was it just ethnic? With no connections? No equivalents? I like it better than "John...."
I assume you know better than I. Was it just ethnic? With no connections? No equivalents? I like it better than "John...."
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
Language / Problems Polish People Have with Learning English [63]
Cool, I just tried to help. Evidently you are beyond that.
Sometimes I wish we had a ONE WORLD language (allowing for dialect difference), but probably not till 2100!
Cool, I just tried to help. Evidently you are beyond that.
Sometimes I wish we had a ONE WORLD language (allowing for dialect difference), but probably not till 2100!
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
Life / What do Poles really think about cats? [354]
I worry about that. Although my Hawai`ian kitty has the colors of the Polish flag (red and white), plus a bit of black ( to signify her evil nature), I am certainly concerned that the rats she kills and eats have fleas and flea larva''''''''''' which can cause a variety of worms.
I monthly treat her with a topical medicine to avoid all that (Frontline, Revolution, etc.), but I still worry.
My black doesn't tolerate Revolution, so I use Frontline.... I use Revolution (stronger) on those who tolerate it.
Available in Poland? Even in the US it is expensive.
I worry about that. Although my Hawai`ian kitty has the colors of the Polish flag (red and white), plus a bit of black ( to signify her evil nature), I am certainly concerned that the rats she kills and eats have fleas and flea larva''''''''''' which can cause a variety of worms.
I monthly treat her with a topical medicine to avoid all that (Frontline, Revolution, etc.), but I still worry.
My black doesn't tolerate Revolution, so I use Frontline.... I use Revolution (stronger) on those who tolerate it.
Available in Poland? Even in the US it is expensive.
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
UK, Ireland / Polish people in the UK using the English version of their name? [56]
My grandfather was named Miecheslaw, I guess the Polish for Michael, but on entry to the US it was changed to John. Go figure.
My grandfather was named Miecheslaw, I guess the Polish for Michael, but on entry to the US it was changed to John. Go figure.
Spirit
1 Aug 2014
Language / Problems Polish People Have with Learning English [63]
Actually, there is a minority of languages that use the 'th' sound, including English, German, Castilian Spanish, modern Arabic and Greek. Perhaps a few others, as well.
It's called a "dental fricative" and is used voiced and unvoiced.
Often new speakers of English from other cultures that don't use the 'th' sound will substitute 'd' or 't' - like 'dis' for 'this' - or 'bat' for 'bath.'
A guide for practicing the 'th' pronunciation can be found on a video at:
youtube.com/watch?v=h5LO0hHGfQg
Best of luck.
Actually, there is a minority of languages that use the 'th' sound, including English, German, Castilian Spanish, modern Arabic and Greek. Perhaps a few others, as well.
It's called a "dental fricative" and is used voiced and unvoiced.
Often new speakers of English from other cultures that don't use the 'th' sound will substitute 'd' or 't' - like 'dis' for 'this' - or 'bat' for 'bath.'
A guide for practicing the 'th' pronunciation can be found on a video at:
youtube.com/watch?v=h5LO0hHGfQg
Best of luck.
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Genealogy / Mongolian the Golden Horde - do Poles have Mongolian ancestry? [256]
There are three historical Mongol invasions of Poland and Eastern Europe in general.
1st. 1241
2nd. 1260
3rd. 1287
It is obviously likely that some Mongol genes were left in the Polish gene pool.
Nothing to be ashamed of, Mongols were tough, resilient and resourceful warriors.
My paternal Grandfather Michieslaw Golinski (born late 1800's) had distinct epicanthic eye-folds (oriental eyelids), and a sallow-yellowish skin color. Otherwise he looked typical Pole. No, he did not have liver problems or jaundice.
Most Mongol genes have been so diluted over the past 750 years that it's hard to detect physically, and even DNA gene dropout ensures it won't always show in DNA tests.
But, since the Mongols were horny, and the Polish women exotic (to them), the obvious happened.
There are three historical Mongol invasions of Poland and Eastern Europe in general.
1st. 1241
2nd. 1260
3rd. 1287
It is obviously likely that some Mongol genes were left in the Polish gene pool.
Nothing to be ashamed of, Mongols were tough, resilient and resourceful warriors.
My paternal Grandfather Michieslaw Golinski (born late 1800's) had distinct epicanthic eye-folds (oriental eyelids), and a sallow-yellowish skin color. Otherwise he looked typical Pole. No, he did not have liver problems or jaundice.
Most Mongol genes have been so diluted over the past 750 years that it's hard to detect physically, and even DNA gene dropout ensures it won't always show in DNA tests.
But, since the Mongols were horny, and the Polish women exotic (to them), the obvious happened.
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Life / Polish people are the most ignorant people in the world! [331]
Let's face facts.
As a country, Poland has been abused, misused, divided and redistricted.
As a people, the Polish have excelled as much as, even more so, than any other national group.
I grew up with the phrase "dumb Polack" spat at me and whispered behind my back, but it was just class racism - discrimination.
If not for Copernicus (a Pole), we would probably still think the Earth was the center of the Universe.
Get real.
Let's face facts.
As a country, Poland has been abused, misused, divided and redistricted.
As a people, the Polish have excelled as much as, even more so, than any other national group.
I grew up with the phrase "dumb Polack" spat at me and whispered behind my back, but it was just class racism - discrimination.
If not for Copernicus (a Pole), we would probably still think the Earth was the center of the Universe.
Get real.
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Language / " Miawes matka and Meow " correct spelling and pronunciation of these phrases please [12]
(Sniff) no, I have no facility for languages. I flunked Spanish 2 twice, and even now Spanish speakers can't understand what I say in 'Spanish.'
Actually, we learned some basic politeness words, out of respect for our ancestry.
Thank You - dziękuję
Good evening - Dobranoc
Grandma/Grandpa - dziadek/babcia
Father/Mother - ojciec/matka
Of course we learned to SAY them, not spell them. They sound very different than English speakers would guess.
We also had some Cieszkowski relatives. One of my uncles rode the Lippezan Stallions.
So, anyway, we have ascertained that cats speak Polish, even if they don't know it.
will you ever be cool enough to learn a bit of your grandfather's language?
(Sniff) no, I have no facility for languages. I flunked Spanish 2 twice, and even now Spanish speakers can't understand what I say in 'Spanish.'
Actually, we learned some basic politeness words, out of respect for our ancestry.
Thank You - dziękuję
Good evening - Dobranoc
Grandma/Grandpa - dziadek/babcia
Father/Mother - ojciec/matka
Of course we learned to SAY them, not spell them. They sound very different than English speakers would guess.
We also had some Cieszkowski relatives. One of my uncles rode the Lippezan Stallions.
So, anyway, we have ascertained that cats speak Polish, even if they don't know it.
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Language / " Miawes matka and Meow " correct spelling and pronunciation of these phrases please [12]
Cool. Didn't know about Google translate function!
translate.google.com/#en/pl/you%20had%20a%20mother%3F
'have had' is 'miał' pretty close,
'Miałam matkę' is 'I had a mother.' And it sounds close enough to what I remember my dziadek telling me years ago.
'Miałeś matkę?' is 'you had a mother?'
The pronunciation button on Google makes them both sound close enough to what I heard.
Thanks for giving me the tools to find out myself.
Edwin Golinski
Cool. Didn't know about Google translate function!
translate.google.com/#en/pl/you%20had%20a%20mother%3F
'have had' is 'miał' pretty close,
'Miałam matkę' is 'I had a mother.' And it sounds close enough to what I remember my dziadek telling me years ago.
'Miałeś matkę?' is 'you had a mother?'
The pronunciation button on Google makes them both sound close enough to what I heard.
Thanks for giving me the tools to find out myself.
Edwin Golinski
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Language / " Miawes matka and Meow " correct spelling and pronunciation of these phrases please [12]
No, but we do have some Dombrowski relatives. I've lost touch with most of my cousins, and all my aunts & uncles are deceased.
Mi-au... is that a Polish word or phrase?
No, but we do have some Dombrowski relatives. I've lost touch with most of my cousins, and all my aunts & uncles are deceased.
Mi-au... is that a Polish word or phrase?
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Life / What do Poles really think about cats? [354]
I don't think my cats are Polish, but one is a murderer, a cute calico, she catches, kills and eats (yuck) rats here in Hawaii (we have two types, brown tree rats and larger Norweigan gray rats, which she prefers...). I get to dispose of the heads and tails.
My other two cats are a lovable, cuddly black, and a nasty-tempered gray.
I don't think my cats are Polish, but one is a murderer, a cute calico, she catches, kills and eats (yuck) rats here in Hawaii (we have two types, brown tree rats and larger Norweigan gray rats, which she prefers...). I get to dispose of the heads and tails.
My other two cats are a lovable, cuddly black, and a nasty-tempered gray.
Persephone the Rat Murderer
Jette the cuddle bunny
Ahinahina of the nasty temper
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Language / " Miawes matka and Meow " correct spelling and pronunciation of these phrases please [12]
I know that mieć (pronounced like mitch in English) is 'to have,' but I can't find the past tense, 'have had.'
Paternal Grandfather Micheslaw Golinski, wife Bertha (Chicowski, I think).
Maternal Grandfather Stanley Wisniewski, wife Mary (Wirawski I think). Though for some reason I thought her first name was Veronica, maybe a second marriage?
I know that mieć (pronounced like mitch in English) is 'to have,' but I can't find the past tense, 'have had.'
Paternal Grandfather Micheslaw Golinski, wife Bertha (Chicowski, I think).
Maternal Grandfather Stanley Wisniewski, wife Mary (Wirawski I think). Though for some reason I thought her first name was Veronica, maybe a second marriage?
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Genealogy / THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4501]
My last name is Golinski, which as far as I can tell has something to do with 'naked.' From Golina.
My mother's last name was Wisniewski (related to cherry trees), and have seen several different coats of arms for this name.
The Golinski Coat of arms:
My last name is Golinski, which as far as I can tell has something to do with 'naked.' From Golina.
My mother's last name was Wisniewski (related to cherry trees), and have seen several different coats of arms for this name.
The Golinski Coat of arms:
I have also seen this coat of arms with three rings in the lion's paw.
Spirit
31 Jul 2014
Language / " Miawes matka and Meow " correct spelling and pronunciation of these phrases please [12]
My paternal grandfather (from Poland in 1880's) told me that cats speak Polish.
He would say something that sounded like "Miawes matka?" Which he said meant - "Have you had a mother?"
Then he would squeeze the cat's paw until it cried 'Meow,' which he claimed meant - "I have had it."
Can anyone give me assistance with the proper spelling and English pronunciation of this phrases? I can't find past tense Polish verbs online, just mieć, for 'to have.'
Incidently, my maternal grandfather used to say "Polish is the language of the birds," in the woods behind his house in Stamford, Connecticut was a trail we walked together, and though I was young I can recall wild birds flying down and sitting on his shoulders. True. I don't remember if he whistled or called to them, but I do remember the birds pecking at his lips, as if kissing him.
Back to the original subject, does the cat's meow sound like a Polish phrase?
My paternal grandfather (from Poland in 1880's) told me that cats speak Polish.
He would say something that sounded like "Miawes matka?" Which he said meant - "Have you had a mother?"
Then he would squeeze the cat's paw until it cried 'Meow,' which he claimed meant - "I have had it."
Can anyone give me assistance with the proper spelling and English pronunciation of this phrases? I can't find past tense Polish verbs online, just mieć, for 'to have.'
Incidently, my maternal grandfather used to say "Polish is the language of the birds," in the woods behind his house in Stamford, Connecticut was a trail we walked together, and though I was young I can recall wild birds flying down and sitting on his shoulders. True. I don't remember if he whistled or called to them, but I do remember the birds pecking at his lips, as if kissing him.
Back to the original subject, does the cat's meow sound like a Polish phrase?