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Post by jeanne on Jun 13, 2008 11:56:59 GMT 1
As a rule Polish students are intelligent but only few are really brilliant enough to master English so that they could become teachers. What good fortune that we here on this forum are lucky enough to know one!! ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Jun 13, 2008 23:19:34 GMT 1
As a rule Polish students are intelligent but only few are really brilliant enough to master English so that they could become teachers. What good fortune that we here on this forum are lucky enough to know one!! ;D ;D ;D Yes, you are really lucky. ;D I must say I envy you so much. What exactly? That you are on the other side and may communicate with me. Can read my posts and see my photos... It must feel so wonderful... I would like to feel like that ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D PS. I wasn`t so wise as to invent it myself. One great Polish actor, peeking from backstage at the audience gathered in the theatre, told his friend before the curtain went up: I envy those people so much that they can watch me on stage... ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by jeanne on Jun 13, 2008 23:25:43 GMT 1
What good fortune that we here on this forum are lucky enough to know one!! ;D ;D ;D Yes, you are really lucky. ;D I must say I envy you so much. What exactly? That you are on the other side and may communicate with me. Can read my posts and see my photos... It must feel so wonderful... I would like to feel like that ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Not only brilliant, but modest and humble too!!  |
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Post by valpomike on Jun 14, 2008 17:09:26 GMT 1
But I still think things in Poland are still better than they were twenty years ago.
When things, still get better, the bad teachers will be forced out, I am sure. Just wait and see.
We also, have bad teachers here in the U.S.A. and it is the job of the parents to correct this, and we try, and many times, do.
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Post by Bonobo on Jun 14, 2008 20:25:46 GMT 1
Not only brilliant, but modest and humble too!! I am brilliant enough to know that when people resort to such self-praise, they usually suffer from some inferiority complex and need to boost up their ego. So, I will never be serious about my brilliancy. I am just brilliant and that`s all. Nothing special. ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by valpomike on Jun 14, 2008 22:26:12 GMT 1
We all are, that's why we are here, to share, and learn more, to make us even smarter.
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Jun 16, 2008 23:52:48 GMT 1
I had an interesting experience the other day. My seven year-old son enjoys learning about history, so for Christmas we gave him a children's encyclopedia of history. He is currently reading about WWII and has been asking me many questions about Hitler. My younger son overheard the conversation and became a bit agitated, as he is currently in a phase where he is very fearful of anything that has to do with dying. My older son explained to his brother that sometimes you have to die to rid the world of evil, and that if Hitler were still alive he would gladly give up his life if it would get rid of him. I was stunned. I wasn't sure if I should feel proud or scared or what.
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Post by Bonobo on Jun 17, 2008 20:54:56 GMT 1
I had an interesting experience the other day. My seven year-old son enjoys learning about history, so for Christmas we gave him a children's encyclopedia of history. He is currently reading about WWII and has been asking me many questions about Hitler. My younger son overheard the conversation and became a bit agitated, as he is currently in a phase where he is very fearful of anything that has to do with dying. My older son explained to his brother that sometimes you have to die to rid the world of evil, and that if Hitler were still alive he would gladly give up his life if it would get rid of him. I was stunned. I wasn't sure if I should feel proud or scared or what. Hmm, quite mature for a 7 year old one... to read encyclopedia and ask about Hitler. I am not sure what to think, I don`t know the psyche of 7 year olds too well... |
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Post by Bonobo on Jun 21, 2008 20:19:57 GMT 1
Do you think that doing chores may damage the image of a macho??
I repeatedly wonder if doing housework concurs with the image of a macho type I would like to develop for myself.
What do I do at home? I take rubbish out, of course, like a typical American husband. I do the vacumming, I clean the windows before Easter and Christmas, I clean the bathroom and toilet. I drive kids to school in the morning. I give them bath in the evening. I read to kids every night. I change bulbs and do repairs.
I drive the car and clean it. Sometimes I do the shopping. I always carry those loads of food and stuff home (Well, kids also help).
I have kept certain habits from the time when I was single. Therefore, I do the laundry for myself. I also prepare my meals from time to time, when I prefer to eat sth different than my wife cooks.
What does my wife do? She prepares meals for kids and us. She washes the dishes (in the dishwasher so it`s not a big deal) and cleans the kitchen. She generally looks after kids when they are babies( but I take kids on boys` vacations)
Now, don`t you think that I do too many chores? After all, it is me who works and brings home the bacon. I feel that as a macho I shouldn`t engage in so many activities at home. Other guys do nothing, only read a newspaper and watch TV, or go to a pub to drink beer with mates. And their wives love them anyway.
What do you think? Should I seriously talk to my wife about it?
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Post by jeanne on Jun 22, 2008 12:22:10 GMT 1
Do you think that doing chores may damage the image of a macho?? I repeatedly wonder if doing housework concurs with the image of a macho type I would like to develop for myself. The sign of a real man is that he helps out at home. He is not afraid to step outside the stereotype of a macho man. Care for one's family is something that women find attractive in men and it also indicates good character...  This is quite an impressive list of chores! Any woman would be thankful to have a husband who contributes so much to the running of the household. hmmm...but tell us, do you do it to cover up something else that might be going on...? ;D ;D ;D This is the troubling part of your ramblings...somehow I think your wife's list of chores must in reality be somewhat longer! Are you sure you're not overlooking a lot of the other ways she contributes to the workload??? Looking after children involves a lot more than just taking them on vacations... There is a saying in English..."Man may work from sun to sun, but woman's work is never done". Do you have that saying in Polish? Probably you do, because it's true!! Their wives may love them anyway, but they may also underneath be resentful and angry. They may feel that there is nothing they can do about it, so are resigned to their way of life... And, it could be that they don't mind their going to the pub because they are glad to get them out of the house!!! ;D ;D Nope, I think you should keep your mouth shut and continue doing what you are doing. I'm sure your wife does not just love you but is also very appreciative of your contributions. Also you are setting a good example for your sons. Your future daughters-in-law will thank you for it!!! ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Jun 23, 2008 20:12:18 GMT 1
The sign of a real man is that he helps out at home. He is not afraid to step outside the stereotype of a macho man. Care for one's family is something that women find attractive in men and it also indicates good character... That`s a female way of thinking. It is natural that women appreciate such guys. But only in the beginning. Because when other men learn that a husband does chores under a watchful surveillance of his wife, they lose all respect. After a man loses his companions` respect, he is also treated lowly by his wife. Nope. I do it because I have a strong sense of duty developed in my psyche. I can`t get rid of it. It crushes me. ;D Yes, you are right. I forgot to add that my wife looks through our eldest`s copybooks and books and generally takes care of his school stuff. But I teach them English so there is a draw. And she also feeds three cats and a tortoise. But I feed the snake and the turtle so a draw again. Probably it exists in Polish too but it isn`t too popular. Polish women are strong and they don`t complain! When men died in wars or risings, or were deported to Siberia, it was Polish women who took over all household duties. Resentful resignation is dangerous ... One may take up drinking because of it... To watch their favourite soap operas. Yes, example is a good thing. |
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Post by jeanne on Jun 24, 2008 2:04:07 GMT 1
That`s a female way of thinking. It is natural that women appreciate such guys. But only in the beginning. Because when other men learn that a husband does chores under a watchful surveillance of his wife, they lose all respect. Who's more important to please here, your wife or your companions??? I can't agree with that statement. I doubt it is true if the reason he loses respect is because he's helping out at home!! A little sense of duty never hurt anyone! ;D Hmmm...I'm beginning to think your wife has a lot more to deal with than we imagined...three cats, a tortoise, a snake and a turtle... not to mention a bonobo...   This saying isn't a complaint...it is a statement of fact! ;D And when our men went off to war or died, women didn't have to take over all household duties, they were already performing them! When American men went to WWII, women also took over in the industrial, business, etc. workplaces as well!! |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Jun 24, 2008 2:24:31 GMT 1
Because when other men learn that a husband does chores under a watchful surveillance of his wife, they lose all respect. After a man loses his companions` respect, he is also treated lowly by his wife. So maybe the key is the "under a watchful surveillance of his wife" part, as in the husband is expected to do the chore, but he has to do it the way his wife wants him to do it - sometimes while she stands there and watches him.  Agreed! Are they popular in Poland? I can't stand them! |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Jun 27, 2008 3:13:57 GMT 1
This is for all you John Cleese fans... ;D
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Sept 5, 2008 13:34:11 GMT 1
Bonobo and jeanne, How is school going so far? Are you getting back into your school year routines, or are you missing the days of summer already? My younger son couldn't stop grinning when he got on the school bus for the first time. He seems to be enjoying kindergarten, but right now the bus ride is his favorite. |
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Post by locopolaco on Sept 5, 2008 16:13:38 GMT 1
Bonobo and jeanne, How is school going so far? Are you getting back into your school year routines, or are you missing the days of summer already? My younger son couldn't stop grinning when he got on the school bus for the first time. He seems to be enjoying kindergarten, but right now the bus ride is his favorite. i'm actually taking a class now too.  it's been a while since i've taken any classes. i sure hate homework. lol |
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Post by valpomike on Sept 5, 2008 16:45:16 GMT 1
I am not going to say what I want to, but you all know.
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Sept 5, 2008 17:26:44 GMT 1
i'm actually taking a class now too. it's been a while since i've taken any classes. i sure hate homework. lol Cool! What kind of class are you taking? I'd really like to take a foreign language class again. I don't mind the homework, it's the oral exams that bother me. I have been told by several people that their foreign language skills improve when they have been drinking. I suppose it is the whole losing your inhibitions thing. Do you think I can find a class where everyone takes a shot of vodka before the oral exam? ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by locopolaco on Sept 5, 2008 18:14:03 GMT 1
i'm actually taking a class now too. it's been a while since i've taken any classes. i sure hate homework. lol Cool! What kind of class are you taking? I'd really like to take a foreign language class again. I don't mind the homework, it's the oral exams that bother me. I have been told by several people that their foreign language skills improve when they have been drinking. I suppose it is the whole losing your inhibitions thing. Do you think I can find a class where everyone takes a shot of vodka before the oral exam? ;D ;D ;D lol.. polish or russian probably. |
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Post by jeanne on Sept 7, 2008 12:21:53 GMT 1
Bonobo and jeanne, How is school going so far? Are you getting back into your school year routines, or are you missing the days of summer already? My younger son couldn't stop grinning when he got on the school bus for the first time. He seems to be enjoying kindergarten, but right now the bus ride is his favorite. School so far is going great! I do miss the days of summer, but I also enjoy the structure that the working day gives my life. I now know that I will be working in only third grade ( and maybe a little bit in second) this year and that is fine with me. It's great to see all the kids after the summer and to see how they have grown and matured... Glad to hear your son is happy about school (at least about the bus ride!) How's mom doing with it? |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Sept 7, 2008 13:11:22 GMT 1
Glad to hear your son is happy about school (at least about the bus ride!) How's mom doing with it? It is nice to get back to a regular routine, but I'm still getting used to the house being so quiet! This is the start of a transitional year for me, as I need to reassess my family/career balance and make some decisions for the future. Exciting, but also a bit stressful! |
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Post by jeanne on Sept 8, 2008 11:35:56 GMT 1
It is nice to get back to a regular routine, but I'm still getting used to the house being so quiet! This is the start of a transitional year for me, as I need to reassess my family/career balance and make some decisions for the future. Exciting, but also a bit stressful! You said it! I've been there and know what that's like! I have 3 children with a spread between them of seven years from oldest to youngest and I ended up staying home for 16 years! But I wouldn't trade it for anything and I'm thankful I was able to do it... Good luck with your decision making/transition! |
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 14, 2008 21:13:32 GMT 1
Conscription has lasted in Poland since 1918, the year when Poland regained independence.
In 1986 I became a uni student. I had to go to a medical examination where the army doctors gave young people draft categories. A meant fully qualified, B - partially qualified, lighter service, C meant rejection due to mental disorders and other serious health problems.
I got B because, being an avid reader, I wore glasses.
But I heard stories about the service from my friends and cousins. The stories were very sad, sometimes appalling. My cousin was in an engineer unit. He told me about an accident which happened during field practice - a soldier lost his arm when trying to detect mines with a metal stick. Unbelievable....
Very few people wanted to be in the army then despite Polish military traditions. Why? The major reason was the duration of the service: 2 years in the army and 3 (!!!) in the navy. I thought it was an incredible waste of time.... Also, I certainly didn`t want to go to such an army which send boys to a mine field equipped with sticks. I valued my limbs and other organs very much.....
Besides, the communist army wasn`t respected because it was used by communists to suppress the national rebellions a few times after 1945.
Young people tried to avoid it at all cost. Most were unlucky.
Uni students weren`t drafted but they had a military training on the 3rd year of studies.
And now, it seems everything is over. The forced conscription in Poland becomes the thing of the past....
Poland ends army conscription
The Polish defence ministry has launched an advertising campaign encouraging the country's men and women to "Join the Best" and enlist in the army, after the government pledged its intention to abolish military conscription.
By Matthew Day in Warsaw
Last Updated: 4:23PM BST 05 Aug 2008
Following in the footsteps of France and Spain, both of which abandoned conscription earlier in the decade, Poland's defence minister, Bogdan Klich, said the country will move towards a professional army and that from January, only volunteers will join the armed forces.
The decision means that by October next year, when the last draftees complete their nine months of compulsory service in the ranks, Poland should have a conscript-free army.
Without conscription, the Polish army, which stood 180,000-strong in 1999 when Poland joined Nato, will shrink to about 120,000. Poland has had a conscription army since before the Second World War, and the draft has long cast an unwelcome and controversial shadow over the lives of hundreds of thousands 18-year-old men.
But with more than 1,000 troops in Afghanistan, and more in Iraq and the Balkans, Poland's commitments abroad require a modern fighting force, the army said.
Poland's 48,000 conscripts are banned by law from being sent on foreign missions, rendering them "not operationally useful", according to Lieutenant-Colonel Artur Galwaski, an army spokesman.
"Ending conscription will allow us to have fully-trained professionals who understand their duty, and the equipment they use," he said.
"Besides, nine months is not enough time to train a soldier properly. You can't have conscripts running around with a Kalashnikov."
To reach the goal of 120,000 professionals, "Join the Best" advertisements have already appeared on public television channels and will also hit billboards nationwide in an effort to drum up support.
But despite the marketing campaign and the high-esteem Poles have for their army, the government could face a recruitment shortfall.
Growing prosperity in Poland and increased opportunities to work abroad may encourage Poles to opt for a more lucrative and less taxing civilian life, while at the same time a falling unemployment rate may shrink a traditional recruitment pool.
Lt Col Galawski said that the government had contingency plans in case it failed to attract enough recruits, including the possibility of allowing people with duel-citizenship to sign up, and lowering the educational requirements for officers.
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 27, 2008 20:18:31 GMT 1
5 young people died in an accident in a small Volkswagen car, 2 got injured. They were coming from a disco and they conditions were foggy.    Why do young people die so stupidly? Every month we are struck by the news of an accident in which a few people die, usually young. They come from discos and crash into trees on curves or in thick fog. The cause is always speed. What is going on in those cars before they crash, killing the people inside? One can easily imagine that a young male driver tries to impress his female passengers. He has probably performed dangeorus manouvers before, and nothing happened, so he believed in his permanent luck. The tragedy happens when luck leaves for a while because life is brutal and nothing is permanent..... I read an article about it - it is the issue of breeding. Men try to win women`s hearts by being braver, stronger, more determined than other guys. It is true that women prefer such men for fathers of their children, the theory of strong genes plays a role here. Unfortunately, in some cases the determination and bravery proves lethal for some males. And their possible partners too. |
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 27, 2008 23:03:09 GMT 1
Poll affirms Poland's Catholicism
thenews.pl
25.09.2008
Hmm, a few years ago it was 96 %. We can see some decline....
I still don`t know what believer I am ...... I have so many doubts sometimes. God, forgive me, please....
I belong to this group....
because women are more fearful than men?
Obvious. The fear of dying makes old people more religious....
hmm... mandatory?
Obvious. In small communities old traditions die hard .....
Hmmm., not too few???
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Post by jeanne on Sept 28, 2008 1:09:01 GMT 1
because women are more fearful than men? No, because women are more intuitive and more in touch with their inner-selves! |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Sept 28, 2008 13:24:24 GMT 1
I still don`t know what believer I am ...... I have so many doubts sometimes. God, forgive me, please.... I have found that my beliefs get challenged when I have to explain them to my children. For example, we are taught to believe in Creationism, however in school we learn about Evolution. In my adult mind I can tell myself to just have faith and let the lines between the two blur a bit (even though I still struggle to rectify the two) but that doesn't really work with my kids. They often struggle to understand the teachings of the Bible. |
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Post by valpomike on Sept 28, 2008 19:45:29 GMT 1
God is still the answer.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 16, 2008 10:53:45 GMT 1
This matter has been haunting me since holidays.
While on vacation, we heard the news: a 3 year old boy drowned when he fell into the water, jet-skiing with his father. The boy wasn`t wearing a life jacket.
I can`t understand how stupid somebody can be as to take a child for a ride on a dangerous machine and not make sure it is secure. What did the man think? That he would be able to save the child in case it falls into water? Half peole who have drowning accidents go down under water like a rock, without any fight on the surface.
I wonder what the consequences have been for the man. I don`t mean a legal trial which is surely going to take place. He caused an accident in which another human was killed.
I mean the family. Will it survive? Will the wife forgive her husband his foolishness? Or will she drop him because he proved himself so stupid?
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Post by jeanne on Oct 16, 2008 11:28:46 GMT 1
This matter has been haunting me since holidays. While on vacation, we heard the news: a 3 year old boy drowned when he fell into the water, jet-skiing with his father. The boy wasn`t wearing a life jacket. I can`t understand how stupid somebody can be as to take a child for a ride on a dangerous machine and not make sure it is secure. What did the man think? That he would be able to save the child in case it falls into water? Half peole who have drowning accidents go down under water like a rock, without any fight on the surface. I wonder what the consequences have been for the man. I don`t mean a legal trial which is surely going to take place. He caused an accident in which another human was killed. I mean the family. Will it survive? Will the wife forgive her husband his foolishness? Or will she drop him because he proved himself so stupid? This is indeed a horrible tragedy. I'm sure the man himself is now distraught realizing his stupidity. Knowing that he himself caused his child's death will be a life-long punishment for him. I think the marriage would have to be incredibly strong to survive such an occurrence. Often times the death of a child by any means (let alone by accident caused by one of the spouses) can cause a marriage to fail. Of course, with determination and faith the marriage could survive, but somehow, based on the circumstances, I don't think the father, at least, has that strength of character, as indicated by his rather stupid actions. |
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it's been a while since i've taken any classes. i sure hate homework. lol