Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Warsaw rental bicycles thefts and vandalism

Sharing bicycles in the high density urban areas - what a great idea!  If you've recently been to London, perhaps to enjoy the Olympics, you might have noticed Boris Bikes all over the town.  The Barclays Cycle Hire bike rental scheme which began in 2010, with Boris Johnson as London's mayor, was an instant hit.  Short history from Wikipedia:
BCH commenced operations in July 2010 with 5,000 bicycles and 315 docking stations distributed across the City of London and parts of eight London boroughs.[10] The coverage zone spans approximately 17 square miles (44 km2), roughly matching the Zone 1 Travelcard area. Currently there are some 8,000 'Boris Bikes' and 570 docking stations in the BCH scheme, which has been used for more than 14 million journeys to date.

How does the system work?  You can register to receive a member key or just rent the bike with a plastic.  The best perk: first 30 min is free and the hour after, only £1!  The video explains how it's done.


The bikes had their share of vandalism, like the "F%&k" stickers placed right above the Barclay's logo, reading "F%&k Barclays".  The overall reception by Londoners, though, was favorable.

Similar bike-rental scheme called Veturilo, was launched in Warsaw just a month ago.  There are 1024 bikes and 57 rental stations in the major neighborhoods of Warsaw.  The bikes will operate between March and November.  

Finally, some great green idea for Warsaw and for the people.

However, after notorious thefts and vandalism totaling $15,000 in the first month, many question if Poles are ready for such advanced form of rentals.  Police is catching people riding the bikes after removing the banners and stickers even though the bikes have a very unique design are are easily recognizable.  

The repair crews have to replace parts, wheels, slashed tires, and even reconstruct whole bikes.  

Is this behaviour part of the culture or Poles just feel that any community property can be taken, read: stolen, without any consequences?   But wait, this is not community property.  Three companies shelled out a lot of money to launch this project.

The comments under the article describing the vandalism are merciless.  Those actions are, without a question, condemned.  Hopefully, the perpetrators will grow bored or be caught to stop this senseless acts.  Otherwise, whoever invested the money, will be taken for a ride.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

How will Polish-Americans vote this year?

The next Presidential Election is on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.  How will Polish-Americans vote this year? 

As with rest of the Americans, Polish-Americans are seeking good jobs and better lives.  It all comes down to the money in the pocket.  Chicagoland area is known for a large Polish population and Polish culture.  

When it comes to jobs, the majority of the Poles run their own contractor businesses.  Yes, many are employed in cleaning/caretaking industry but the real money is in building and remodeling gigs.  Correction: the real money was there, before the recession.  It seems that the main income stream comes from the "hail damage" insurance claims.  More about that some other time.

The other group invested in college education and is working for the private and public sector.  It seems that every large company has some Poles or Polish-Americans working there.  

Yes, the Poles are a large group in America but do they make their voices be heard during the elections?  The short answer is no. 

Many older Poles don't find the elections to be legit based on their experiences from the communist Poland (before 1989).  The undocumented Poles cannot vote.  And the rest are just simply keeping the politics out of their lives being busy working two jobs to support the family and the "American dream".

So how will Polish-Americans vote this year?  The jobs and taxes are very important.  Second, the immigration reform.  Romney wins on the taxes but Obama caters to the undocumented.  After talking to some friends, most are pro-Romney.  Mishandling of the economy is the number one disappointment.  Second, the Obamacare. 

Polish-Americans choice: Romney.

You can check both candidates and their stands on the issues at: Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Yorkville Polish picnic - it was fun!

The Yorkville, IL, "Picnic of Picnics" at Yorkville, sponsored by Radio 1030 AM and TV Polvision was quite fun.  Everyone could find something good: delicious Polish food, Zywiec beer, life entertainment for both adults and children, and gorgeous weather. 

The Marszalek Band delivered a great show.  Straight from Poland, the star of the evening, Agnieszka Wlodarczyk, performed some songs from her album and some covers.  Judging from the applause, the guys were especially happy.  

I'm not sure how many people showed up but they had to open a secondary parking lot to accommodate all the cars.

I have to agree with the comments on the 1030 AM radio, there were a lot of smiling faces of happy people at the picnic.  


Agnieszka Wlodarczyk

Agnieszka Wlodarczyk

Agnieszka Wlodarczyk

Main stage crowd.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The best Polish picnic in Chicagoland: Yorkville

        Radio 1030 AM and TV Polvision invite you to 
"Picnic of Picnics"
August 19th, 2012 

Located at Polish National Alliance Youth Camp
10701 River Rd, Yorkville, IL 60560
Starting at 11:00 AM with a Holy Mass

From the South Suburbs

Take I-55 (US 66) to Plainfield Rd.126 (exit 261) and go to Rt. 47 north and pass over the Fox River Bridge, turn left on River St. (camp approx. one mile down)

From the North Suburbs

From North Suburbs and Chicago take I-88 West go to 56 Sugar Grove then go to Rt. 47 South and turn right on River St.

  On the stage:

The Reason
Lady Aneta z The Silver Orkiestra
Chicago Marszalek Band
Jarek Spychalski as Shakin' Stevens
Electro Halny
Wishing Well 
DJ Seba K
DJ team: Paul Blend i DJ Dextro
and straight from Poland 
AGNIESZKA WŁODARCZYK

Hawaiian and African jungle kid's stage
with the best Hawaiian outfit contest
Winner receives $500 value photo session at Casablanca young talent agency 
Sports:
Jerzy Jurak trophy soccer tournament
Field race 

Also raffle lottery:
Prizes include: iPod, notebook, kids scouters, tickets to Bristol Renaissance Fair and Day Out with Thomas

Adult prizes include: TV set, notebook, kitchen appliances
Win one of the 40 free package shipments from POLAMER

Polish food:
Potato pancakes, kielbasa, pierogi, Polish grinders, fried fish and cold beer

Parking $15

Say hello to your friends all over the world with the picnic web cam!
Source: http://polskieradio.com/piknik-yorkville.aspx

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Animated history of Poland

This animated history of Poland created by a Polish master of animation, Tomasz Bagiński, remains one of the best testaments to a turbulent history of the Polish Nation.  The movie, sponsored by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, was a hit at the 2010 EXPO in Shanghai, China.  For someone unfamiliar with Poland's history, the highlights of the major events will spark a taste for more. 

In fact, to understand the current political and social trends in Poland, one must learn about the Polish past.  Kings and Queens, Teutonic Knights, union with Latvia, wars and uprisings, lost and won independence, famous leaders and scientists - all shaped the Polish culture and history.

Visiting Poland is a lot of fun and, for those who like the history, a great authentic adventure.  If you have a chance to visit, travel to Poland, you will be pleasantly surprised.


Tomasz Bagiński, "Tomek" Bagiński (born 10 January 1976, Białystok) is a BAFTA Award-winning Polish artist and animator, best known for his Oscar-nominated short movie, The Cathedral (2002). For his newest short, Fallen Art (2004), he received a BAFTA Award for Best Short Animation and Grand Prix for Digital Shorts at Golden Horse Film Festival 2005 (shared with: Jarek Sawko and Piotr Sikora). Bagiński also created cinematics for The Witcher computer game.
Source: Wiki

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Working the Poles and the polls

Visiting Poland to get the Polish-American votes?  Nice touch Mitt Romney.  Last week, invited by world-famous Solidarity leader and former Polish President Lech Walesa, presidential candidate Mitt Romney, his wife Ann, and son Josh, traveled to Gdansk and Warsaw.  Romney met with Lech Walesa, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President Bronislaw Komorowski, and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. 

By the way, most Poles don't realize that the last name of their president means an elephant's tooth.  That would explain his stabbing political agenda.

In general, the reception was very positive and warm.  Poles greeting Romney on the streets felt important and hopeful again after unfulfilled promises of President Obama.  Besides United Kingdom, Poland is the most loyal and steady ally of the United States in Europe.  

As for the political views, Poles still remember the influence and pressure on the Soviet Union from Ronald Reagan to end the communism in Eastern Europe.  Although the Polish transformation to a free market economy after 1989 was somehow rocky, overall, people are much better off then under the communist rule. 

We all know the visit was directed to Polish-American voters back at the States.  Large Polish diaspora cannot be ignored.  But it's a two way highway - Poles back at the States must mobilize and show up at the polls in great numbers, regardless of their political views.  Why bother to vote?  
Voter turnout is on the rise and out of about 60% voters, a slight majority of 31% or 1/3, will actually make a decision for the rest of the country.  Voter IDs laws and other ways to curb voter fraud will most likely have an impact on this election.

So how can you work the Poles at the polls?  What's important to an average Polish citizen?

1. Remove tourist visa requirements for Poland already - don't worry they won't flood US with mad carpentry skills and smuggle tons of vodka 

2. Polish forces are/were involved in Afghanistan and Iraq - promises of construction and supply contracts were never fulfilled - Poland needs some solid gestures

3. Install the missile defence system - Bush giveth, Obama taketh - well almost giveth, but Poles are convinced that EU/NATO alone won't be able to defend Poland from a sudden attack

What reception President Obama would receive?  I'm sure positive as well.  So all comes down to who can work the Poles at the polls the best.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Polish medals count at the 2012 Summer Olympics

The official website for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London provides great county profile for each of the participating counties.  You can learn about the athletes, competitions, and number won medals. 


Photos by Ambrozjo at SXC
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Poland was able to win 10 medals, 3 gold, 6 silver, and 1 bronze.  

So far, London has been difficult for Poles.  Can the athletes squeeze out more medals this year?

One most positive accent of the Olympics is the mass turnout of Polish fans, both from Poland and living in the Great Britain.  Some estimate the number of recent Polish migrants at around 1 million.  No wonder London turns white and red around the Olympic venues when Poles compete. 

                              Total medals: 10

Athletics: Men's Shot Put - 1 Gold - Tomasz Majewski

Athletics: Women's Hammer Throw - Anita Wlodarczyk

Canoe Sprint: Women's Kayak Double (K2) 500m - 1 Bronze - Karolina Naja and Beata Mikolajczyk

Rowing: Women's Double Sculls - 1 Bronze - Julia Michalska and Magdalena Fularczyk  

Sailing: Men's RS-X - 1 Bronze - Zofia Noceti-Klepacka

Sailing: Women's RS-X - 1 Bronze - Przemyslaw Miarczynski

Shooting: Women's 10m Air Rifle - 1 Silver - Sylwia Bogacka
 
Weightlifting: Men's 85kg - 1 Gold - Adrian Edward Zielinski

Weightlifting: Men's 105kg - 1 Bronze - Bartlomiej Wojciech Bonk
 
Wrestling: Men's 84kg Greco-Roman - 1 Bronze - Damian Janikowski

Go Poland!  The whole country is watching and hoping for more medals!
I was always fascinated with shot put athletes.  Wikipedia defines shot put as "a track and field event involving "throwing"/"putting" (throwing in a pushing motion) a heavy metal ball - the shot - as far as possible".  For me, it's simply a poor man's cannon from the Medieval era.  Besides, Poles are great with their balls.