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Post by Sunaru on Nov 22, 2004 20:53:19 GMT 7
S'hito! She's onto us guys. Pizdec. Well, Jazz it's late so I shall part with this... da zavtra, spokioni noche chuvika. (...merner merner damn non-cyrillic using computer making me modify this post grumble grrrrrr...)
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Newbs
SuperDuperBarfly!
If you don't have your parents permission to be on this site, naughty, naughty. But Krusty forgives
Posts: 2,085
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Post by Newbs on Nov 23, 2004 17:04:17 GMT 7
G'day everyone
I'm Newbs. I've been stalking you all for a week or so, but I thought that I had better come out of the closet (but I mean that in only one sense of the word), and tell you a bit about myself.
I'm a 50yo male, straight, teacher who chucked in his well paid job in Australia to come here and teach ESL. Why? Well, my psychoanalyst and I are still trying to work that out. I'm so good looking that it would bring tears to your eyes. (Believe that and you'll believe anything).
My favourite drinks are beer and red wine, but not actually mixed together. By the way, if anyone is in Hangzhou or headed this way let me know, and we'll have a sip or two of the amber fluid.
The funniest thing that happened to me in China to date. Well, where do I start? I suppose one incident that happened soon after I got here was at a very small restaurant one night. After a few of the Qingdao's I felt the call of nature. The toilet was like some kind of metal basin and half way through performing the act I realised that all the spray off the metal basin was probably ending up in the wok that the chef was using, right next to me. Just to keep the element of suspense, I'm not telling you which restaurant it was. It could have been any restaurant in China.
I like Australian Rules football and cricket, as I'm sure you all do to, so I know that you will want to have deep and meaningful discussions with me about these two sports.
Newsflash! CCTV9 has just mentioned, on a programme about Taiwan, that teachers over there are under pressure but are respected. They're a long way ahead of us, guys. If you missed the programme don't worry, it will be repeated again, and again, and ....
Talk to you all again soon.
Newbs
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Nov 23, 2004 20:32:00 GMT 7
Welcome, Newbs. How long have you been in China and what age/grade are you teaching? What did you teach in Australia?
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Newbs
SuperDuperBarfly!
If you don't have your parents permission to be on this site, naughty, naughty. But Krusty forgives
Posts: 2,085
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Post by Newbs on Nov 24, 2004 9:15:08 GMT 7
Thanks for the welcome Ruth.
In Australia I taught Science, Chemistry, Chinese and ESL. Allow me to expand a little. My Chinese is about the same standard as the standard of English spoken by most local teachers of the subject. Are there any questions?
Here I'm only teaching 12 and 13 years old, so it is not too stressful by any means. I've only been in China about 2 months, but I've visited a number of times before, but only for periods of 2 to 6 weeks. This time I'm in for the long haul, a few years, I guess.
Thanks for the comments on another thread re "Gone With The Wind". I'll get back to you on that one.
Cheers
Newbs
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Farkie
Up And Coming
Time has all the answers though, and unfortunately, you can't see time without an appointment.
Posts: 27
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Post by Farkie on Dec 2, 2004 12:03:00 GMT 7
Was gwaaning all, i be me. i like the things i do, i look the way i do and i say they things i do. Hope you all feel like you know me. Oh and to any buff beanies big up.
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Post by Hamish on Dec 2, 2004 16:10:50 GMT 7
Say WHAT!?!
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gengrant
SuperBarfly!
Hao, Bu Hao?
Posts: 1,818
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Post by gengrant on Dec 30, 2004 1:38:26 GMT 7
well, in case anyone cares...yeah, right...
my wife and i are former China teachers (read: 2002) who are now back home in the US of A working our tail feathers off.
I am an Elementary Teacher...have taught everything from grade 3 through grade 8, math, history, science, reading, geography, etc...
I now have a cushy job "teaching" physical education to kindergarten through 8th grade students. I basically get paid to play all day long...plus no paperwork or homework to grade...parents never want to "discuss" their kids' progress...!
My wife owns a day care center...infant and toddler...through age five...she works 12+ hour days...loses about $1500 US a month (takes in less than the bills are)...complains about her staff...and tells me she "loves her job."
We taught at a private language school in Huizhou (Guangdong Prov)...we now are looking for work in the city of Shenzhen. (BTW, anyone with connections out there, feel free to let me know). We plan to return to China in July or August of 2005.
We adopted our daughter from the JiangXi Prov back in March of 2004. She is now almost 21 months old. She is one of the reasons we want to return to China...we want to make sure she gets some of her culture (the GOOD parts of it...)
Wife and I are both 37 this year.
I love basketball and American football. play a little bball now and then...when i am not hurt (I have a sprained ankle right now from my last bball outing). I also coach 8th grade boys' basketball.
We are not big barhoppers, but do love going out on the town for dinner and/or cultural events whenever possible.
We currently live in Northern US, and the cold and snow is downright KILLING me...it is a blistering 38 degrees Farenheit right now...we're having a heat wave...
Want to know more...just ask...
Gengrant
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Post by con's fly is open on Dec 30, 2004 6:15:17 GMT 7
vvvvvvvvv Welcome aboard, kids! I do have a Chinese friend in Shenzhen. She's a great teacher. What you really want, of course, is a laowai to show you around, but I'm no help there. Know what you mean about the cold: it's a balmy -18 (about 0 F) here in Calgary today. Winter would be fantastic if it lasted for three weeks. Good luck with China. You know that saying about wooden nickels...
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Newbs
SuperDuperBarfly!
If you don't have your parents permission to be on this site, naughty, naughty. But Krusty forgives
Posts: 2,085
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Post by Newbs on Dec 30, 2004 9:10:13 GMT 7
Well, I'll be the bunny and take the bait.
What do they say about wooden nickels?
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Post by Raoul Duke on Dec 30, 2004 10:48:24 GMT 7
Don't take any.
"Don't take any wooden nickels" is a very old North American expression meaning "Watch out for yourself; don't get ripped off." Great advice in China...
Welcome, all y'all new folks. Nice to have you with us...
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Post by Cossack on Jan 18, 2005 8:59:59 GMT 7
Hi, Cossack is an aquarius earth pig, single, living au, who floated thru/around fish-filleting/farm-hand/coalman/vege-factory/truckie/steel-works/bitumen-lab/wool-corp. 20 yrs ago he moved to the caring sharing Dept Social Security aka Centrelink, was an psb mans/investigator (no bullets/sodomizing but pen/taperecorder can be mightier than sword/nightstick). Moved to IT -now mainframes scheduling jockey & studying a BachIT. a Google search of my real name only brings up a Residents Protest Group (a rare species in PRC ?) letter protesting a new (not)free-way. Was active member pushing for those interesting p.(r.)c. concepts of community consultation/protection of trees/cleaner footpaths/improved pedestrian safety/traffic control/accountability of public spending/improved building design/promoting renewable energy & water usage & design........ lots of times just making council actually do what their missionstatements / politicalpromises said they would/should do anyway. Drinks? yes ;D . please. I plan to finish bachIT, maybe do a celta/tefl/something & then do a few sojourns/WorkHols maybe Cn or Vn. I was cn last year, amongst other things can recommend Yangtze River Chongqing-Yichang 3 nights boat tour, 1050rmb=4 starboat 1st classcabin. see below photo to give hope to those who haven't totally adapted to the 'squat'. img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/nevwar/toiletsummit.jpg [/img] & in case the image insert doesn't work. img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/nevwar/toiletsummit.jpg
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Post by Raoul Duke on Jan 18, 2005 17:48:32 GMT 7
Sounds like you've come to the right place. Welcome aboard, Dude!
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Post by Shane on Jan 25, 2005 16:00:31 GMT 7
Hi all,
My name's Shane, and I'm from England (Milton Keynes - the land of roundabouts). I've been teaching here in Dalian for the past four years (my fourth anniversary will be at the end of March).
Before I came to China, I had no teaching experience, but I did study Chinese for six years, which I have certainly found to be beneficial in the classroom here!
I currently teach in primary & middle schools, although I have taught everything from kindergarten to university & beyond. I even taught IELTS for a two year spell - that was fun!
I'm engaged to a wonderful Chinese girl, who is currently in her last year at university, and who possesses a frighteningly good level of English. We actually plan to go back to the UK later this year (August), in order for her to gain some working experience abroad. Of course, we plan to come back!
Nice to meet you all, I know I'll have fun here!
Shane
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Post by Raoul Duke on Jan 25, 2005 21:30:34 GMT 7
Willkommen bienvenu welcome, Shane. Nice to see you with us! Them Dalian girls is pretty.
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Post by dearbarbie on Feb 2, 2005 22:45:50 GMT 7
hey welcome even tho im new too!
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Post by Raoul Duke on Feb 3, 2005 0:57:43 GMT 7
Welcome yerself, dearbarbie. Nice to have you with us! Raoul
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Post by con's fly is open on Feb 3, 2005 11:56:45 GMT 7
Cossack, Shane, dearbarbie, welcome aboard. Are any of you in the greater Shanghai area?
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Feb 3, 2005 17:57:24 GMT 7
welcome to Cossack, Shane, and especially dearbarbie. I say 'especially' because of your gender. We need all the rational female voices we can find to temper the, you know, male ones.
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Post by dearbarbie on Feb 8, 2005 4:08:08 GMT 7
heh well ruth you can never have too many chicks in one place! no, I'm going to be in Tianjin with 3 others, however in the group of us coming from England (10 of us), one of the guys is going to Shanghai and he's rather pleasing on the eye, so I'll probably have to pop over and 'borrow his sofa'!
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Post by Lotus Eater on Feb 10, 2005 4:33:45 GMT 7
Eye candy is pretty short on the ground here - be very careful as there are plenty of others who will be happy to 'borrow his sofa' - there is no honour in this endeavour! Where in Shanghai? ;D
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Post by Mr Nobody on Mar 14, 2005 13:24:58 GMT 7
If anyone cares:
I am new.
Mr nobody by default. Long story, but Gonzo etc was taken, Mr Kung Fu seemed stupid, Bill was taken (my real name), Great Sage is too close to monkey king. and so on. The Mr Nobody has to do with the Terrence Hill movie "they call me nobody". (not a goldfish, george) When people ask who i am after i drop some surprise on them, i often answer, "Oh, Nobody" which confuses most people.
I don't teach in China yet but will be by the end of this year, within shooting distance of HK. I have been to china 6 times, each for 2-6 weeks, but decided i need a career change. The martial arts academy i own is reasonably successful, with lots of back up instructors, so i hope it will keep sending me money while i am away. I am 47. I am marrying a chinese girl for some reason. Oh, yeah, love, that's it. We met, and things got out of hand. It became too internetty, not enough face to face, so i am moving China to get a normal life for a while. (Normal compared to how i live, yes.)
I am large and hairy, and act like that too. 110kg, 6'4" long grey and brown hair usually in a pony tail. blue eyes. bearded. glasses both for seeing and at hand.
I have been many things, lately and mostly a Wing Chun Kung Fu teacher (teaching for over 20 years, full time for about 12, studying for nearly 30, registered in china and HK as a fully qualified sifu etc etc), although also have been a freelance writer, finance consultant, paintball field owner, a clerk with the defence department, a telegraphist, shop boy, security guard, security consultant, research associate, guest lectured at Uni, among other things. All people wishing to be science fiction writers need to have weird jobs for their blurb. I once won a national prize for a science fiction short story, so it works.
I have a BSc, and did most of a second degree in English literature and History, but got bored. I have tutored many subjects. Lately Chemistry. boring boring boring.
I am an Australian, living in Newcastle, NSW. I like vegemite, but hate cricket, golf, football and other sports. They too are boring. I will eat anything except pets, uncooked flesh, and endangered species, unless i am very hungry, then all bets are off.
Hobbies: beer, science, science fiction, skepticism, comedy, reading, beer, inventing foods and cocktails, and beer. History, historical reenactment, culture, psychology, archeology, paleontology, stuff. Museums. sculpture. old books. (all the drool marks on the glass at the vatican library are mine, sorry) Oh, and martial arts. good food and good wine, shiraz or grenache or merlot, Hunter of course, McGuigans for preference. with chinese food i will drink whites. Hobbies are my life. everything is a hobby.
PS, did i mention beer?
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Post by con's fly is open on Mar 15, 2005 2:28:33 GMT 7
Welcome aboard, meiyo nanren. In China there is plenty of dinosaurs, history, good food and, yes, culture; I hear there is a tad of history concerning martial arts. And China, I would suggest, IS the biggest comedy. Oh, and a huge bottle of decent beer sells for 18 cents US. I think you're coming to the right place. A warning, though: no foreigner is a nobody in China.
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Post by Mr Nobody on Mar 18, 2005 0:10:57 GMT 7
Welcome aboard, meiyo nanren. In China there is plenty of dinosaurs, history, good food and, yes, culture; I hear there is a tad of history concerning martial arts. And China, I would suggest, IS the biggest comedy. Oh, and a huge bottle of decent beer sells for 18 cents US. I think you're coming to the right place. A warning, though: no foreigner is a nobody in China. I am coming home, Lord!!!!!!
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Post by Lotus Eater on Mar 18, 2005 11:29:22 GMT 7
A minor caveat on con's "no foreigner is a nobody in China". We have a godlike status conferred on us as we walk around or visit places. Some of our students even see us as important - when they aren't sleeping! BUT - don't even consider for a nano-second that this godlike status will confer any ability to change anything anywhere. We are nobodies in the heirarchy, we aren't in the political game at all (institutionally, let alone anywhere else) and although there are attempts to invlove us in activities, the paramenters are clear. When someone in authority suggests that you may have some suggestions for them - keep your mouth shut - they DO NOT want to hear them! Not to rain on anyone's parade at all
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Post by Mr Nobody on Mar 19, 2005 7:36:45 GMT 7
Note to self - I am a nobody. Admin doesn't like the foreign perverts actually changing anything.
Hey, i thought education meant change?
Sorry, forgot, TIFC. Silly me.
Forget my heart next, if i had one.
(seriously, though, i had better watch this one. I am hopeless at leaving things broken. Sigh.)
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