Oh my I'm Polish myself
By the way I don't find this that funny because it remembers me that whole history of Polish troops fighting in Italy and Middle East is rather sad one - after losing in 1939 to German/Soviet invasion they were kept in captivity in Russian gulags, and, after being released Polish POWs not only formed own Army, but they also took responsibility for Polish families and children which were looking to leave Soviet Union. Despite almost non-existant supply and toughest climate conditions afterwards they fought with Nazi Afrika Korps and finally joined British forces. Polish troops were later recognized by Allied generals as the backbone of battle for Tobruk and - mentioned above - Battle for Monte Cassino monastery, one of biggest bloodsheds in whole II WW. (you could see bear Wojtek mentioned here) Polish commitment in II WW took lives of 850k troops. Nazi and Soviet occupation took lives of 6 000 000 Polish citizens (yes, that's bigger than Nazi losses). Polish goverment, unlike any other, refused to surrender after Polish defeat to superior joined German-Russian forces in september 1939. I'm not making this up. Polish troops fighting in Middle East, North Africa, Italy, Operation Market Garden, on Eastern Front and in Battle for Britain or Warsaw Uprising were fourth force (concerning quantity) in whole Allied armies. Most of them were refused coming back to country after Soviet regime taking control of Poland. Tens of thousands since their last days lived on exile, in Great Britain, some in Canada and US. Some of you might have heard of them, but I often find out that in most english-speaking countries people tend to forget or refuse to understand this sad story.

Sorry for mentioning that whole thing on this rather entertaining topic. I've just found it proper to mention whole story worth mentioning to show you the context. It's interesting one, extremly tragic, but interesting and I encourage you to read about Poland in Second World War if you're even vaguely interested in history. Also, if some of you knows any stories about Polish troops on exile I'd be more than glad to hear it, as I'm personally interested in Polish history

Anyways, sticking to the topic: I'm posting whole solider-bear story below, and I also remembered that there was at least one other bear serving in Polish forces, during late 1st WW Well, we call it... chivalric fantasia (term itself is hard to translate, maybe chivalric spirit) and Polish armies were often famous for incorporating such ridicule ideas into life
Dig whole bear story here. I could also translate Polish wiki on it, which is a bit more extensive

Once again, I hope that mentioning whole story here didn't upset you. I just think that such grown community, as GWJ, should find this side of story also interesting.

Don't overlook the triangle-shaped ukulele near the (presumably filled vodka) barrel. They know how to kick ass, but those bears also know how to party.

I was so sure this was going to be pr0n related.

Fixed that for you.

I'm confused why guys who are capable of saddling a bear wouldn't think to also use stirrups. Also, that first bear seems to be a two-star general, indicating that there must be at least a division of bears out there to command.

Kudos, Mr. Bear, on rising so far above your station.

That is brilliant, UCRC.

Thanks also for the information on Poland's involvement in WWII. My grandfather was Polish American and fought in the D-Day landing at Normandy, but he died when I was still a toddler and I have always been curious about that part of my heritage.

I'd drop you a PM, except unfortunately I don't have much more information than that.

That's called a balalaika.

Bardzo dzenkue, pan, yo!

Yup, that's a balalaika -- a 3 string mandolina variant for the masses. Apparently introduced by the Golden Horde from the Central Asia. Amazingly versatile, with virtousos being able to crank out nothing short of Guitar Hero awesomeness. Balalaika is considered a quintessential Russian instrument, but these days few are learning to play it, and fewer and fewer competent instructors are available, I hear.

Some nameless virtuoso here, playing a traditional folk song.
More formal contemporary guitar/balalaika due here, doing improvisations and several songs from the revered wartime repertoire.
A typical blue collar type doing crazy improvs here.
A shifty teen doing a Super Mario theme song here, passably.
Quintessential Russian folk song "Kalinka" orchestrated here in another typical arrangement -- balalaika + accordeon.

The inscription on the barrel seems to say "pivo", or beer.

The fighters appear to be generic "partisans", or the Soviet guerillas in WWII in the areas of German occupation. Not necessarly Cossacks. The band on the right rider's hat is a semi-official insignia they used. If that is the case, however, then the picture would be historically inaccurate in light of the left rider holding and firing an AK-47. The war ended in 1945, as we know.

The bear seems to be wearing a uniform shoulder strap on his chest. Two stars -- Red Army lieutenant colonel.

And, indeed, Soviet 1920 aggression and 1939 betrayal of Poland is a freaking shame and national dishonor.

We're everywhere!

By the way,

And it sings what my guitar wants to say.

Glad to see I wasn't the only one thinking of "A Bridge Too Far."

btw: Polish film from Oscar-winning director, Andrzej Wajda - Katyn was nominated to Oscars as best foreign film, and it's biggest contender to win. You would have to look it up on p2p though, as the chances of it hitting american cinemas are non-existant. Film itself isn't the best piece of cinematography, but the story should really get to you.