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  8:18 pm on January 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

  Celebrating New Years in Poland 

  New Year’s Eve was just around the corner, and so were the celebrations. Every country welcomes the new year in different ways- Poland is no different. They have traditions, parties, and dances. Poles particularly like to spend this holiday The official name of this holiday is called the Sylvester and holds a special place in the hearts of the poles.

  Going to Wroclaw

  One city that likes to go to the extreme is Wroclaw. This city loves to celebrate the New Year with a bang by inviting musical guests to play on the market square. You will also find a variety of entertainers and performers on the square.

  For those of you who are not in the mood to brave the cold, try going to a bar or nightclub. Most will be hosting private parties for various companies and clubs.

  The Student Way

  The mountains have become popular spot for student during the day. They would often stay in either a shepherd’s shed or a mountain hostel. Students would only be able to do this if the weather would permit it.

  The Origins of Sylvester

  

  Many people in Poland call New Year’s Eve Sylvester. Outsiders may find this odd, but the Poles have been raised with this name. This name comes from a bishop and a saint who died in 335. He was the last patron of that year and the day was named after him.

  Spending the Holidays

  It doesn’t really matter where you spend the holidays, so long as you are with your friends and family. Being at home is never fun, people should try to get out more and find ways to have good holidays. If you spend Sylvester alone this year, try going to Poland next year!

   

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  10:38 pm on December 9, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  The Polish Flag 

  Knowing the origins of any flag is important for every citizen of the country. The polish flag was created officially in 1919. The polish colors of white and red were accepted in 1831. We will be taking a look at a few aspects of the flag in the following paragraphs.

  The History of the Flag

  The history of any flag is always fascinating- and the history of the Poland flag is no different. The two national colors, white and red, were sewn together to create the flag. With the white being on the top and the red on the bottom. In a few places, the court of arms could be displayed.

  The Coat of Arms

  The coat of arms is often used only for abroad and overseas. For example, at the airports, or on a ship at sea would be allowed (and required) to show the Polish flag with the court of arms. However, places like the Presidential house or the Sejrn (lower house of parliament) are not allowed to display the court of arms. They have to display a flag with just the white and red strips.

  Punishable by Law

  Nowadays, the Polish community are more lenient with their flag. They used to arrest people who just had their flag out on their front lawn. However, the Polands will allow their flag to be displayed on a few seperate days. One of them is May 2, national flag day.

  However, if the flag is treated with any degree of disrespect, the accused could be charged with a fine or even spend up to one year in prison. However, most people do not treat the flag with disrespect so the law is not often enforced.

  The Display

  Not long ago, the citizens of Poland could not display their flags. This is because the polish flag was often known to be a slap in the face for communists. Whenever the police would find a flag hanging near your door, the person responsible would often go to prison for about a year.

   
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  9:26 pm on November 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  The Majestic White-tailed Eagle 

  
  The White-tailed Eagle, also known as the Haliaeetus Albicilla, is Poland’s national bird. The White-tailed Eagle is known as the fourth largest eagle in the world, standing at 27-37 inches and with a 6-8 foot wingspan. The female is often larger than the male, weighing between 6-12 pounds.

  Mate for Life

  True love does exist! These birds mate for life, unlike many of their fellow forest companions. The courting process takes place in the air with the two birds clasping each other’s talons and screeching at each other.

  Once they have finally decided to mate for life, they find and build an suitable nest. These birds can produce 1 to 3 eggs per year. One other thing to note is that if a mate dies, a replacement can be found.

  Compared to the Golden Eagle

  When put up against Golden Eagles, the White-tailed Eagle will surely lose in a one-on-one battle. However, the White-tailed Eagle has a couple of advantages that the Golden Eagle does not. The White-tailed Eagle can survive longer without food and has a better digestive system than the Golden Eagle. The White-tailed Eagle also has a few of the hunting abilities that the Golden Eagle has.

  Another fun thing to note is that Golden Eagles like to dwell in forests, which the White-tailed Eagle prefer the climate of the coast and ocean.

  The Near Extinction

  The White-tailed Eagle was facing extinction in several places across Europe. Farmers thought that these birds were after their livestock and would trap or shoot them down. However, conservation efforts have been made to preserve this majestic creature. Now, the White-tailed Eagle is hardly extinct and can be often seen in the wild. Poland is truly blessed to have the White-tailed Eagle as their national bird.

   
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  5:56 pm on November 10, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Places to See in Poland 

  For the people who love World War II, Poland is the place to go to see the rich history that lies there. It is full of rather painful memories of the Jews being thrown into concentration camps and then put in gas chambers. There are a lot of places in Poland that used to house concentration camps that can still be visited today.

  The Warsaw Ghetto

  The Warsaw Ghetto is known as one of the most popular attraction in Poland. Known for the famous capture of the Jews that were at Warsaw, the town has flourished to be more popular than ever. Nowadays, museums decorate this city where the concentration camps used to be. There is also some of the original wall there to remind all who looks upon it the pain and suffering that happened there.

  Majdanek

  Another popular place in Poland that housed the first Nazi concentration Camp is Majdanek. Majdanek was the final resting place for those who were unfortunate enough to have to face the gas chamber. When the allies arrive, the gas chamber was still working; the only one that they could ever find that was still in operation.

  Tykocin

  Tykocin is also near an extermination camp of Treblinka. This Jewish village was completely destroyed when the Nazis came in. The synagogue there was sacred and one of the best places to visit in Poland. Today, the synagogue has been turned into a museum to show off famous Jewish artifacts.

  Why Poland

  People who like to look at history and learn why things happened the way they did would be delighted to go to Poland. People would be interested to see how the Jews lived during the time of World War II. Look up Poland guides today to find out more

   
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  6:30 pm on October 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Private Healthcare Sector Growing in Poland 

  

  The stark contrast between privately-ran hospitals, and state-ran hospitals in Poland is pretty alarming to say the least.

  If you were to walk into a privately-ran healthcare facility in Poland (like the one pictured above), you would be greeted by a nice, clean, and tidy surrounding. On the other hand, if you were to visit a public hospital in the country, your environment would morph into one of overcrowding, chaos, and rundown conditions.

  Poles Looking to Safer, Healthier, and Cleaner Alternatives

  Because of underfunding in its healthcare system, state-ran healthcare facilities across Poland have seen a major decline in quality. Most hospitals and clinics funded by the state haven’t seen a remodeling project in years, let alone an upgrade in technology, medical instruments, and doctors.

  That being said, private healthcare entities have used the state’s demise to their advantage, as many have started setting up shop in Poland. Currently, the Polish Association of Private Hospitals (PAPH), estimates that their are now 500 privately-ran hospitals and clinics currently running in the country.

  These 500 health facilities range from large, metropolitan hospitals in Warsaw, to small clinics that are ran by just one or two doctors at most. Either way, this increase is most certainly a promising sign that Polish healthcare is making a turn for the better in the 21st century.

  Change in Economy and Middle Class

  Along the lines of an improved healthcare system, we should also note the fact that Poland’s economy has been on the rise lately, contributing to a wealthier and larger middle class.

  And what can this wealthier and larger middle class do in terms of eventually swaying the country’s healthcare system more towards being a private entity? Well, its these middle class people who are lining up to pay for private insurance policies. Because of better financial outlooks, more and more people are turning away from the ills associated with Polish public healthcare.

  They have options now that don’t include waiting in long lines too see overworked and underpaid doctors and nurses. Basically, its no coincidence that private healthcare has emerged in Poland as its economy has risen.

  What Does the Future Hold?

  There is no way of knowing how far private healthcare can spread in Poland. Still, the potential, opportunity, and demand is there for continual growth. Private healthcare companies should, and most likely will, continue to try and set up shop in the country until they are dissuaded not too. And from the looks of it, there won’t be any factors in the near future that could dissuade these private entities from entering the country and making profit.

  The government seems to be fine with it at this point, and the people themselves are most certainly in favor of the change I would presume.

  All in all, Poles and private companies alike have to be enjoying the current healthcare situation. The people are getting better healthcare, and the insurance companies and healthcare providers are making a profit off of them. Seems like a win-win situation for the time being right?

  We can only hope the trend continues in the direction its heading right now.

   
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  6:32 pm on September 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Top 10: Most Famous Poles 

  

  Poles probably aren’t the most celebrated or well-known group of people in the world. Still, there have been several who have not only altered the course of their country, but the world as well.

  Here is a quick rundown of the 10 most (and yes, very arguably) famous Poles to date, including:

  #1: Pope John Paul II

  Otherwise known as Karol Jozef Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II was born in the small town of Wadowice. He was Pope from 1978-1995, and became the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years! Pope John Paul was great friends with many heads of state and religions, and made it a priority to spread his and the Catholic Church’s international reach and influence.

  #2: Lech Walesa

  For those of you who don’t know Walesa, he was the main instigator behind the “Solidarity Movement” which helped to drive Communism out of Poland. Walesa was actually an electrician by trade, and his humble background made his prominence as the Movement’s leader that much more intriguing.

  #3: Ryzard Kuklinski

  Kulkinski had quite the occupation – a Cold War spy for the United States. He was an army officer in the Polish Army during the Cold War and provided invaluable information for the USA as one of their chief spies stationed behind enemy lines.

  #4: Henryk Sienkiewicz

  Sienkiewicz is best known for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905. His novels were known for being highlighted by his strong and devote Catholic views. Sienkiewicz has had his works published in over 50 different languages.

  #5: Fryderyk Chopin

  Here is name that should be familiar to most music fans – at least the Classic type. Chopin was a Romantic composer of the 19th century and is best known for his concertos and work with the keyboard.

  #6: Nicolaus Copernicus

  Ah, here is another name that you should recognize. Copernicus, in what was seen as a heathen and damning idea at the time, proposed the once preposterous-idea of Heliocentrism or that the Earth actually rotated around the Sun, rather than vice versa.

  Lo and behold, we now of course know that Copernicus’s theory was correct.

  #7: Marie Curie

  Curie, born of two Polish parents, forever changed the way that man viewed nuclear physics and cancer therapy through her research and finding of radium. Curie, is perhaps best known for eventually dying due to her work and the exposure she subjected herself too while studying the elements of radium.

  #8: Irena Szewinska

  The winner of 3 Olympic Gold medals, and 7 overall as a track and field sprinter, Szewinska was the first women to hold world records for the 100m, 200m, and 400m at the same time and participated in 5 Olympic Games before retiring.

  #9: Roman Polanski

  Polanski is perhaps one of the most famous European movie and Jewish directors ever. Polanski’s work was influenced heavily by the time he spent living in Krakow ghetto during WWII.
  His most famous films include “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown.” He also directed “The Pianist” with Adrian Brody, and the latest version of “Oliver Twist” which he directed in 2005.

  #10: Krystyna Janda

  Janda is by far one of the most famous Polish actresses. Janda is known for her roles in politically-oriented films, especially films that have centered on Communism and the effect that it had on Poland, and still has today.

   
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  4:16 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Update on Euro 2012 

  Who has Already Clinched?

  After the latest round of Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures, what was once a muddy picture is starting to become more clear. Soccer giants, and the last two squads to hoist the World Cup trophy in Spain and Italy, both clinched their tickets to the second-biggest soccer tournament in the world with their respective results against Lichtenstein and Slovenia yesterday.

  The two join Germany, Netherlands, and hosts Poland and Ukraine as 6 of the 16 spots for Euro 2012 have already been filled.

  As for other big-name teams, France struggled to a 0-0 draw against Romania but still remain atop their group by a single point. England on the other hand, netted a goal from ManU’s Ashley Young to top Wales 1-0. The victory gives England a clear lead in their group as they look to clinch their spot with a good result in their next fixture.

  Poland’s Preparations

  As for Poland, who has the luxury of skipping qualification due to their host nation status, The White Eagles played to a very respectable 2-2 draw against Germany in a recent friendly. The Poles actually led until the 90′ minute before Cacau of Die Mannschaft pulled his team even.

  Granted, German coach Joachim Low, rested many from his regular Starting XI, but Poland showed that they wouldn’t back down against their superior neighbors.

  38th Friend

  Meanwhile and on the volunteer front of Euro 2012, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Urania swimmer, Yana Klochkova was announced as the 38th Friend of the tourney.  Klochkova won two of her gold medals in the 2000 games held in Sydney, with the other two coming in Athens in 2004.

  “It is a great honour for me to become a Friend of EURO 2012,” said Klochkova in an interview with UEFA.com. “”I will do everything I can to help Ukraine host the tournament in the best possible way.”

  There will be a total of 200 Friends nominated for Euro 2012, with 100 apiece coming from both host nations.

   
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  7:33 pm on July 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Betrayed, but not Lost 

  

  The history of Poland is a story of success after having been put down in the past. After the middle ages, Poland emerged as an dependent state of Russia, Prussia and Austria. However, shortly after World War I, Poland gained it’s independence. Ruled by an authoritarian government, Poland enjoyed it’s independence until it was betrayed by Nazi Germany starting World War II

  The First Betrayal

  On August 23, 1939, Germany and the Solviet Union signed a secret non-aggression treaty that divided Poland between the two countries. A week later, Hitler ordered his troops into Poland, and the famous battle of Westerplatte took place. During this battle about 200 Polish troops (including civilian reservists) held off over 3000 German troops for a week. Unfortunately, Poland was unprepared for such a vicious attack, and eventually succumbed to the Nazis. Later that month, the Solviet troops too, invaded Poland.

  However, Hitler was not one to keep his word. He invaded the Solviet union two years later and took over the rest of Poland. Though the Polish faced horrors from Hitler’s Holocaust, they created underground resistances, often led by Solviet command. Over 600,000 Polish participated in actual engagements against the Germans during the rest of the War.

  The Second Betrayal

  In 1943, the Solviet Union broke ties with the Polish resistance when Germany claimed to have found the graves of Polish officers in the USSR. With little help from the outside, uprisings in Warsaw were brutally suppressed, and when the Germans retreated in 1945 they leveled the city.

  When Poland was finally able to hold elections to re-establish it’s government after the war, communists left from the USSR still controlled the poles and formed a regime under their control.

  The Third Betrayal

  Due to unrest and dis-content with working conditions, several strikes and other sources of political unrest led to the Solidarity Movement. This led to the unraveling of the communist party in Poland. Because of this the Solviet Union instituted martial law and arrested activists and intellectuals. Poland remained in much of the same state in which it had post-WWII for another decade.

  Finally after many talks, Poland was able to have it’s own free elections in 1990.

   
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  3:10 am on May 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  The Flag of Poland 

  

   

  November 11th 1918 is a significant date in the history of Poland. For that was the day that a student at Warsaw University raised a large white and red flag on the Radziwiil Palace then the seat of the German occupational authority to herald the coming of Polish independence. Now the palace is the official residence of the President of Poland. 1919 saw the Sejrn of the newly resurgent state adopt the white and red flag and it remains unchanged even now.

  Poland like other countries has an ensign that differs from the national flag and it is flown by warships and to designate governmental authority on the homeland and foreign based embassies. The ensign has the addition of a white eagle on a red shield placed centrally on the upper white section of the flag. In addition the naval ensign of Poland has a characteristic swallow tale.

   

  

   

   
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  12:12 am on May 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Poland Euro 2012 

  

  The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk has warned that Poland may not be able to co-host Euro 2012 with Ukraine unless security at the stadiums is effective It is now believed that there are about 5,000 hardcore hooligans in the country. And the security mastermind for Euro 2012 said on Friday that he is pledged to keep the hooligans out of the nation’s stadiums before, during and after the footballing showcase.”Our goal is to ensure the security of the European Championships, and that includes ensuring security across Poland’s sports grounds,” said Adam Rapacki, the former commander of the Polish police’s anti-gang squad who is now at the interior ministry.

  “We want to work together with the clubs and the league, so that these hooligans are isolated,” Rapacki told reporters.

  “The group which causes trouble at Poland’s stadiums numbers around 3,000 to 5,000 individuals. If we get rid of that group, we’ll give the stadiums back to the fans, those who really love football,” he underlined.

  Hooliganism, long a concern in this nation of 38 million, is solidly in the spotlight amid fears that it could mar Euro 2012, due next year in Poland and Ukraine.

  It has become a front-page issue here again since a pitch-invasion and brawl with security forces on May 3 at the Polish cup final, involving fans of top-flight clubs Lech Poznan and winners Legia Warsaw.

  Police, who were criticised for failing to detain the perpetrators at the match in the northern city of Bydgoszcz, have since arrested and charged dozens of individuals.

  In another get-tough move, Poland’s PZPN national football association on Thursday banned away fans from all remaining first, second and third division matches of the season, at the request of the police.

  Centre-right Prime Minister Donald Tusk, an ardent fan and Sunday league player, has pledged to do all he can to stem the problem, warning that it poses a threat to Euro 2012.

  The tournament is a crucial showcase for the region, because it will be the first edition of the 16-nation competition to take place behind the former Iron Curtain.