PolBlog - Poland 24/7, Local Voices East of the Elbe. Poland's first generation English-language news blog -- Polish news, with views.
Blogging about issues and people behind the stories in Poland.
Read, hear, and watch the news -- Share your views.
PolBlogcast: Halloween, All Saint's Day, and 95 Theses
PolBlogcast: Halloween, All Saint's Day, and 95 Theses
Another PolBlogcast
In our PolBlogcast today we change the subject from Polish elections to a comparison and celebration of two very old and often seen as conflicting traditions: we are speaking of course about Halloween and All Saints Day (in Poland called Zaduszki?).
The Jack-o-Lantern: Symbol of the
trickster who even fooled the Devil!
Most Poles (young and old) I speak with about Halloween really don't understand its origins, usually describing it in the superficial way that most in the USA do when they go from house to house and say 'trick or treat'(smell my feet give me something good to eat!) dressed up like clowns or Casper (the friendly ghost). Few Poles know about the very Halloweenish "Jezi Baba" from their pre-Christian past. Sounding as formidable as any witch from Western lore:
Jezi Baba is portrayed as a witch who flies through the air in a mortar using the pestle as a rudder sweeping away the tracks behind her with a broom made out of human hair. She lives in a house that revolves around by means of three pairs of chicken legs that dance. Her fence outside was made with human bones that had skulls atop of them.
And also today, according to traditional accounts, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses onto the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany, marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
Halloween Chart Buster: Monster Mash Music (A Nice fusion of traditional with pop culture) (3 minutes)
The first of about 9 sequels!
PolBlogcast: Halloween, All Saint's Day, and 95 Theses (20 min. w/Bonus Song)
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
PolBloglet: Chicago supported Kaczyński
PolBloglet: Chicago supported Kaczyński
News Poland Another PolBloglet
Some sites in the USA are reporting that about 80% of eligible Polish voters in Chicago voted for Kaczyński. The tough on crime image of Kaczyński may have convinced Poles living in Chicago that he is the right choice, rather than the economic reformist Tusk.
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views on our new Blog Forums
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
sobota, października 29, 2005
PolBlog's Daily Dilbert
PolBlog's Daily Dilbert
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views on our new Blog Forums
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
środa, października 26, 2005
Jaded for Free: Lies, Damned Lies, and Public Opinion Polls
Jaded for Free: Lies, Damned Lies, and Public Opinion Polls
Jaded for free By Jordan Seidel
A few of us bloggers (1, 2) in Poland have noted the marked disparity between the election results and information from polls before the election. Polblog conducted its own Internet survey, and lo and behold, our survey didn't reflect the results either. Almost 80% of our respondents indicated that they would not vote for Lech Kaczyñski, while the remaining 20% said they would give him their vote. So, how to explain this? Like some of us suggested in earlier bloggings, Internet access is like phone access - it already excludes a certain segment of potential 'pollees.'
The sense of a good situation in Poland increased this month (10/2005) Source: CBOS (PUBLIC OPINION RESEARCH CENTRE), Poland.
Then there is the difference between face-to-face and telephone interviews. Whereas face-to-face interviewees tend to be a bit less truthful (politically correct) and feel a need to 'perform' or look informed by giving any answer instead of "I don't know" - telephone subjects apparently get impatient, or tired sooner and visual cues are missing. And as mentioned earlier, not everyone in Poland can be interviewed by phone which skews things. I'm not a person who studies poll taking and making, just sharing some info I've read. Although I have found conflicting research which tends to view face-to-face interviews more positively:
[T]elephone polls measure the “mood” or the “emotional” response to an issue, whereas face-to-face polls measure the more considered response—and that voting is best measured by capturing the electorate’s considered response—as their vote on the day will be a considered one. (See Roy Morgan Research, Finding No. 3472, 13 November 2001).
Ok, so there isn't a consensus on the best way to collect the opinions (and how to weigh the answers once gathered), now how about the way the results are distributed, and presented?
Can we, as some have suggested, look at polls through the framework of quantum physics? No, I'm not Tuvak and you are not on the bridge of Capt. Janeway's Voyager. Some social scientists have argued for the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in polling:
The problem faced by pollsters is when they measure and report the intentions of likely voters, they alter the population of likely voters, and sometimes they even alter the votes of the very people they polled.
But some are uncertain about the Uncertainty Principle's real influence on behavior:
The conclusion is that any effects are difficult to prove and in any case are minimal. Opinion polls do provide a form of “interpretative assistance” which helps undecided voters make up their mind. But the media are full of such interpretative aids, including interviews and commentaries, and in this perspective, election polls are a relatively neutral and rational interpretative aid.
Hold on, according to some, the Polish case is noteworthy:
[T]here is strong evidence that opinion polls under certain circumstances might in fact influence election results (Holmberg and Petersson 1980; Petersson and Holmberg 1998). One important example is proportional election systems with a threshold limit, such as Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. Surveysshow that tactical voting, that is whether or not to support a party close to the barrier for parliamentary representation, is partially based on media reporting of poll data.
Clear as mud -- At the end of the day, we may have to accept the wisdom offered about polls by US humorist E. B. White:
The so-called science of poll-taking is not a science at all but a mere necromancy. People are unpredictable by nature, and although you can take a nation’s pulse, you can’t be sure that the nation hasn’t just run up a flight of stairs.
As some have suggested it might not be about objectivity at all. Are polls actually instruments of deliberate influence? And how closely tied is Polish media with polling organizations? An article in the USA recommends some critical distance between media and polling organizations -- to be put there primarily by journalists (who else will ask the difficult questions?). Interestingly, recent surveys find that under 60% of Poles trust mass media -- so perhaps polls have less influence than some of us foreigners suppose. The whole concern over how badly the polls got it in terms of predictive efficacy in this last election, might come down to our own cultural filters linked to higher levels of trust in mass media at home (though I don't know what the surveys say about trust in USA mass media outlets).
Alas, the best predictive poll we may have then is the one that takes place in the booth on election day...I don't think there is a 'silver bullet' answer to the problem with the recent polls - perhaps just a case of sour grapes from Tusk voters?
Links: 1) Report (.pdf file/ 31 pgs): The Foundation for Information is an independent organisation registered in Amsterdam. It was formed in 1996 by ESOMAR. The Foundation operates on a world-wide scale. It takes action to protect the rights of individuals and commercial enterprises to obtain and make use of information without any unfair or unnecessary restrictions.
3) "Regulating Election Polls" - Olof Petersson Research Director, Democratic Audit of Sweden, Centre for Business and Policy Studies
4) ESOMAR is the world organisation for enabling better research into markets, consumers and societies. With 4000 members in 100 countries, ESOMAR’s aim is to promote the value of market and opinion research in illuminating real issues and bringing about effective decision-making.
5) World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) was founded in 1947 by a group of experts and scholars interested in promoting and improving public opinion research all over the world. Since then, WAPOR members have effectively worked with this aim in mind. Polish representative: Dr. Krzysztof Zagórski (CBOS, Poland)
6) The International Survey Center conducts research on social, economic and political issues using survey data from large, representative national samples from many nations. Most of our work is addressed to sociologists, economists and political scientists; it is based on rigorous multivariate statistical methods and is regularly published in sociology's leading academic journals.
7) Central European Opinion Research Group Foundation (CEORG)- The Central European Opinion Research Group (CEORG) is a newly established research foundation consisting of three major public opinion research institutes in the Czech Republic (Centrum pro výzkum veřejného mínění, CVVM), Hungary (Társadalomkutatási Intézet, TÁRKI) and Poland (Centrum Badania Opinii Spolecznej, CBOS)
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views on our new Blog Forums
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
poniedziałek, października 24, 2005
PolBlog's "Caption This!"
PolBlog's "Caption This!"
Captionable
Submit your best caption using your humor, wits, and creativity (and knowledge of Polish/Poland). Use the comment button to submit. Click on image to enlarge. Powodzenia!
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views on our new Blog Forums
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
niedziela, października 23, 2005
Oh _ _ _k, it's the Duck!
Oh _ _ _k, it's the Duck!
News Poland just in from TVN24
Luck or not, according to the latest polls, Poland's next President is Lech Kaczynski.
Poland's new leader
If you're anxious, your concern is misplaced according to the Center for International Relations (reported in International Herald Tribune):
'I think there will be differences in accent, in verbal policy, but the real strategy will be the same,' said Antoni Podolski, policy director for the Center for International Relations.
Leads by 7.0%
The turnout was a shade under 51%...historically quite impressive.
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FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
We were prompted to do this PolBlogcast as a result of a few things. Not only did the recent Transparency International Global Corruption Report 2005 results come out, but a few bloggers in Poland have been reporting and discussing the results. For example, Warsaw Station announced the news with the headline "We're Number One!" It's not even disappointment, but a tone of disgust and resignation that quite a few English language bloggers in Poland are sounding.
According to the Report, Poland ranked last among EU states in the Global Corruption Perception Index, with Finland at the top, squeaky clean. This is a crucial indicator for many global investors because as an 18th century British philosopher once said (to paraphrase): "Perception is reality." And so the perception of Poland as corrupt doesn't do much for its image. Furthermore, as our colleague at the Beatroot reports, there may just be a link between cheating in school and dubious behavior in politics (an area rife with corruption).
In our interview, Ms. Brennek spoke about the Legal Aid Program at the Polish office. And she also announced the launch of a corruption forum on the Polish site. The Forum is only in Polish right now, but we posted a request on the site for just a single thread in English, we'll see. Ms. Brennek also provided a concise definition of corruption itself (How do you define it?). Additionally, she wondered how much the current Polish Presidential candidates are committed to fighting corruption, much of it reportedly in government itself.
As always, we invite your comments, and proudly announce our new (and improved) Blog Forum. We hope it will be easier and more interesting to use and participate.
PolBlogcast: Poland and Corruption (Interview - 9 min)
2) CORISweb is Transparency International's (TI) Corruption Online Research and Information System, a portal, which provides all those with an interest in anti-corruption and governance issues with easy access to high quality, processed information.
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
piątek, października 21, 2005
PolBlogcast: Warsaw Bomb Alert Interview
PolBlogcast: Warsaw Bomb Alert Interview
Another PolBlogcast
In this PolBlogcast, we interview Newsweek (Polska) journalist Wojciech Rogacin about yesterday's bomb hysteria in Warsaw.
A few issues came up, for example, did Mayor Lech Kaczynski squander a golden opportunity to make peace with a part of the Polish electorate with his rather ambiguous comments regarding the connection between the dummy bombs and claims of responsibility by a radical gay group (Gay Power Brigade)?
Was this a staged event by the government itself? Will this event actually bring sexual minorities and more liberal leaning Poles together as a voting bloc?
How well prepared was Warsaw for such an attack had it been genuine? Where were you when you heard the news? How much is the government doing to prepare its citizens for such a situation? Did you feel well-informed by authorities?
Do you think the EU could give more support? Was this story buried by the world media?
As always we invite your comments!
This interview was conducted by mobile phone and so we apologize for any problems with quality.
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
środa, października 19, 2005
Where is it? The answer!
Where is it? The answer!
Who, What, Where ...and why!?!
Last time we asked you where in Warsaw was this photo taken.
It seems that we should've given you more clues... After all our fair city is littered with solemn faced heroes of recent - or not so recent - date.
If the features are not enough...
...maybe the silhouette will look more familiar?
Or does it?
No, it's not a statue erected to commemorate all those anonymous commuters that didn't catch their bus on time.
It's a monument dedicated to Kosciuszko Infantry Division - a Polish Army force formed in USSR, that fought alongside Red Army against Hitler in order to liberate their country - only to be ordered to stop at riverbank and watch the Warsaw Uprising being squashed at the other side.
The monument, designed by Andrzej Kasten, was erected in 1985. Google Earth view.
And WHERE exactly is it? Between Wybrzeże Helskie and Okrzei str.
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
PolBloglet: Poland Makes Wikipedia's Front Page
PolBloglet: Poland Makes Wikipedia's Front Page
News Poland Another PolBloglet
Perhaps not a 'muffin choker,' nonetheless Wikipedia's 'Featured Article' today is about Polish History.
We don't know how familiar you are with Wikipedia, but we recommend it as part of your data-mining routine. It has a very impressive Polish language section.
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
piątek, października 14, 2005
UPDATE: Special PolBlogcast: Not Just for the Birds - Avian Flu Approaching Poland
UPDATE: Special PolBlogcast: Not Just for the Birds - Avian Flu Approaching Poland
Another PolBlogcast
In this PolBlogcast we report on the latest information about the Avian Flu. According to our latest updates, Romania doesn't have the lethal strain for humans. We have a number of very informative and up-to-the-minute links below.
If you live in Poland and have any informational updates please share them with us by adding links and comments to this post by using the 'Your Response/Comments' link at the end of this post.
We are in the process of securing a few interviews with some outspoken and knowledgeable folks from the blogoshpere...we will add updated PolBlogcast links below -- just look for UPDATE information.
[UPDATE] In our latest Polblogcast (below) we added a phone call we made to the USA Embassy here in Warsaw. At the moment, they didn't seem aware of the latest news, but they did provide an Internet link. Stay tuned for our interview (recorded on separate PolBlogcast to be posted below)
UPDATE: Special PolBlogcast: Not Just for the Birds - Avian Flu coming to Poland (6 min)
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
czwartek, października 13, 2005
Video Kiosk: "In the Works" - Flurry of Public Work Projects Noted in Warsaw
Video Kiosk: "In the Works" - Flurry of Public Work Projects Noted in Warsaw
PolBlog Video Kiosk
In this Video Kiosk we document some developments in our neck of the woods. Our local park in Grochów, was very much a work-in-progress as we strolled around the not yet ready for prime time bike trails, baby stroller lanes, and pedestrian paths. That didn't stop the locals (like ourselves) from enjoying a beautiful Fall day in the park. We caught a few Public Works officers in action as they worked.
Golden Polish Fall (Złota Polska Jesień)
Is it us or is there a conspicuous increase in the number of city beautification projects afoot? In the past two weeks we have noticed several sidewalk improvement projects throughout the Praga District. Wearing our cynical hats we see these as public relation ploys by politicians to garner votes. On the other hand, there are rumors that fresh piles of EU cash have come in earmarked for such activities. Does it matter, really? There is such a need to fight the entropy that is vandalism and innocuous, but incessant, daily wear and tear that it's hard to object to such tangibles.
Kids (young and at heart) having fun with new equipment
Have you noticed an increase of sidewalk renovations around your neighborhhod? Would you prefer more work done on roads instead?
The local tennis club
It ain't the French Open, but it's clay!
A bit of history in the park -
HQ's of the battle of
Olszynka Grochowska (1831)
As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions...Do you think Warsaw is doing enough in terms of local infrastructure? What's the most important issue in your district?
PolBlog Video Kiosk: "In the Works" - Flurry of Public Work Projects in Warsaw (2 min)
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
wtorek, października 11, 2005
PolBlogcast: Polish Presidential Election Round #1 - Ringside with the Beatroot
PolBlogcast: Polish Presidential Election Round #1 - Ringside with the Beatroot
Another PolBlogcast
In our continuing election series of PolBlogcasts, we turn again to the Beatroot for some Polish Presidential punditry. Coming off the heels of a closely watched and contested election, the two leading parties and their candidates stand alone as the sole choices for the Polish electorate. Round One turnout was underwhelming, but with such a slim margin and so much at stake, diseffected voters may just participate.
Profits and Politics
A few interesting issues came up. The role of the Internet was discussed, as well as some pretty ridiculous political slogans. Which party stands to benefit most from the Iraq issue, and how USA-friendly are the key players? The Beatroot also spoke at length about what he called 'supermarket politics' and the so called consumerization of presidential politicking.
As always we invite your comments and suggestions for future PolBlogcasts...
PolBlogcast: Polish Presidential Election Round #1 - Ringside with the Beatroot (12 Minutes)
Links mentioned in this PolBlogcast: 1) the Beatroot
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
niedziela, października 09, 2005
Gdzie to jest? / Where is it?
Gdzie to jest? / Where is it?
Does it look familiar to you? Play our guessing game!
Who, What & Where is it? ...and why!?!
Guess where - in Warsaw - was this photo taken, and what IS that guy's problem, anyway...
Use the "comment" feature to publish your answer.
The first correct one will be displayed as a caption, together with author's e-name: glory to the winner! Please include the country/city/district you are writing from....
The fourth edition of our contest remained unsolved - at least on the blog. We got some correct responses from people in our mailboxes, but none of them left their answer in the comment section here. And that is where it should be published in order to count. Sorry guys. Next time: it's the small link below each post, right hand corner. Looks more or less like that:
0 comments
So, where do you think it is? ANSWER: inside the escalator from "Trasa W-Z" up to the Old Town.
looks familiar?
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
piątek, października 07, 2005
Only in Poland
Only in Poland
Another Only in Poland Blogbyte
Two drunks who stole a steamroller from a building site in Legionowo near Warsaw last week were put away by the police, but only after they crashed the machine through a nearby fence. The 23-year-old who did the driving is being charged with “seizing somebody’s else’s mechanical vehicle for short-term usage."
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
poniedziałek, października 03, 2005
PolBlogcast: Poland's Car-nage
PolBlogcast: Poland's Car-nage
Another PolBlogcast
In this PolBlogcast we discuss the sorry state of Polish driving. This was prompted by a number of high profile accidents, lately, a tragic bus crash, that left 11 children dead, and just yesterday a fatal accident involving Olympic swimming champion Otylia Jedrzejczak. And only last month a prominent Polish politican died in a car accident. And it's not only PolBlog that notices a problem, a fellow Warsaw blogger at the Warsaw Station asks the same general question we do, "What is going on?"
Should cyclists surrender?
According to statistics, over 30% of road fatalities in Poland are pedestrians, that's roughly 2,000 people, significantly above the EU average. In many EU countries, when you walk across the street, zebra crossings act as a yield signal to traffic, rather than functioning as a cross-hair like it appears to in Warsaw. How safe is it for pedestrians and cyclists on Polish roads? Tell us what you think...
What Province in Poland recorded the highest increase of car accidents last year? -- Answer our Poll
Can't we just all get along?
Another possible contributor to overall car risk is the infamous Polish driving course (and test). Bribery is purported to often be more influential than actual driving ability. And then there is the cultural dimension that merits attention: social space in Poland is closer than in many western-EU countries, this may express itself in the way people drive as well. A casual observer would notice plenty of erratic lane changing and dangerously condensed spacing between fast moving cars.
Szerokiej drogi! (May the road be wide!)
As always send us your comments!
PolBlogcast: Poland's Car-nage (Under 10 minutes)
Links mentioned in this PolBlogcast:
1) Car Accident Vocabulary Guide for English Speakers in Poland - Car accidents
A Polish driving joke: A guy was returning home from a cross country business trip. He'd spent many hours behind the wheel and wasn't paying much attention to driving drowsy. He turned on the radio, to keep himself awake -- there was a live report: 'A madman is driving against the traffic on a main road towards Warsaw' -- "ONE madman? I see HUNDREDS of them!" the guy commented irritatingly.
****************************************************** PolBlog - News Poland 24/7 Poland's first (almost) daily English-language news blog. Read the news then share your views
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
"We had prepared a survey of 61 business journalists from seven countries on their attitudes towards Poland. We found that Poland was identified with traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing,with no recognition of excellence in knowledge industries such as technology. Poland ranked third behind China and India as a country with bright prospects, though most reporters had little knowledge of the country's economic policies or important companies. You must understand the Polish mentality to appreciate the true challenge of competing for foreign investment against such powerhouses as China, India and lesser lights such as Mexico and Russia. One of the Polish journalists I met suggested that she had been taught to sit in the corner doing her work well until recognized by the teacher. "
FAIR USE NOTICE This article contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in the efforts to advance understanding of Poland's economic, environmental, human rights, political, scientific, and social justice issues, among others. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this article is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes.
