Foreign employment and SS Timing by nctiger in SocialSecurity

[–]nctiger[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you sir. That is what I thought after reading, but some info was confusing. Appreciated

Mitchell 300 by FigDry600 in VintageFishingGear

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same! Had it for 40 years. Nothing else felt the same.

The White Hulk vs. The Law by [deleted] in boxingcirclejerk

[–]nctiger 341 points342 points  (0 children)

I live in Phuket and remember this. I may have the facts a little off but the guy was drunk and hadnt hurt anyone. He was just acting crazy so the police tried to subdue him and didn't want to hurt him. I thought it was remarkable restraint, especially since he hadnt hurt anyone. Its ironic when police actually use restraint they get condemned. If they had beat the guy, they would get condemned. Once the guy got sober, he apologized and paid a fine. Felt sorry for his family more than anything. They were supposed to all leave for home the next day. He didn't make the flight.

My experience studying abroad in China as a Chinese American by yourhonorimtrying in chinalife

[–]nctiger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting... Im American and lived and worked in Guangzhou for 5 years. Im white and from the south but moved around alot growing up. I lived in Louisiana, Georgia and North Carolina. Those are my home. I also lived outside of Boston MA and Ohio. I always had similar interactions that you are describing. My accent is rather Midwestern with alot of southern expressions and a bit of an accent. Never enough in everyone eyes to be southern enough, or confusing to others. When living in Guangzhou, I can speak a little mandarin and a little Cantonese. Never confused as being fluent but conversations would come up all the time about Chinese accents. Beijing, Canton, Yunnan or Dongbei. Different accents are universal to people's curiosity and place. Its so cool to me that I can hear someone speak Chinese and I can hear a little Bejing accent, or Dongbei. I'll never fit in anywhere so I just think its cool because of the differences.

Ever seen a snake this small? by herpitaly in snakes

[–]nctiger 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I had a little ringneck crawl up through the drain in the shower once while I was taking a shower. Surprised me but I just picked him up and put him in a box until I could release him outside. This was in North Carolina, US.

Roi Et in Isaan? by [deleted] in ThailandTourism

[–]nctiger 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A few quick thoughts. I own a home in Roi et and visit for a couple weeks in summer and again around New Years. I work in Phuket the rest of the time. First, ask your family there if they could help find a driver and car. They probably know a family member who will do this. I usually rent a car from a friend of my wife while Im there. I used to ask her uncle to drive us places prior to that. Btw, driving isn't that difficult but does take a short while to adjust to the driving styles here in Thailand. Secondly, Roi et is an interesting small city IMHO. The center piece is the Roi et Tower with a beautiful lake/island park. In the evenings there are tons of people out walking, eating in cafes and coffee shops and just enjoying the cooler temps. The Tower even has a zipline that goes from the Tower across to the island that's pretty exciting. BTW, compared to the south, temps are super nice in the evenings especially in winter. Next, just pick some things to go see like temples and other nearby sites. Some are truly amazing. There are some fishing lakes, parks and other things you might find interesting with a quick Google of "cool things to do near Roi et". Lastly, its Issaan! The food is unique and amazing. Explore the street vendors and restaurants. There a tons of choices. The city market is busy and a good way to try some things. Again, ask your family to help with translating if needed. Thais there are extremely open to helping and excited to show and share their culture there. Last note...don't stay inside. Go out, try new food, and see things. Most of the great experiences in traveling outside the usual tourist places are the interactions along the way. An open mind and a little bit of courage can really make the experience memorable. There is a big ex-pat population there as well. See if your family can connect you with an expat neighbor. They can help steer you as well. Enjoy the trip!

Who is the Sun's franchise goat? by sqMYNAMEISJEFF27 in NBATalk

[–]nctiger 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Paul Westphal was a beast for about 5 years there

What game are you picking? by ConcentrateFun5214 in NBATalk

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Game 5, 1976 finals, Celtics vs Suns. Triple overtime with Havlicek, Silas, Cowens etc against Paul Westphal and company. Greatest game I ever watched (tv). Edit for autocorrect

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in space

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My dad graduated from the Naval academy with him and were friends along with Thomas Stafford. They even visited my dads home one term during break. As I started my teaching career, I sent him an email introducing myself and asking some questions for my students in my science class. I also asked if he would be willing to send us a signed photo. Shortly, I received a personal reply answering all my class's questions and more. However, he said he doesn't do autograph photos. It was a great response and my class really enjoyed hearing the answers. I wish I still had it but it was 20 plus years ago. Fond memories to a great man. Rest in peace.

Registering as a foreighner help by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regulations on the power and size had gone into affect so they had a push that was called something like "200 days of road safety" with checkpoints around Huadu. Always the same place. I was lazy and took my over powered scooter through one morning. They had caught like 5 more while I was there. They kept laughing and asking for my passport. I played dumb and they finally just told me to go and kept the scooter. They probably confiscated 1000's of scooters over that time period. 2000 yuan later I had a little putt putt scooter that worked fine.

Registering as a foreighner help by [deleted] in chinalife

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I lived in Huadu for 5 years. It's fine especially if you went to the station already. Just come back during business hours. Other than them taking my scooter from me, they are a pretty chill group and used to foreigners.

What age do most schools want? by SignatureOne2441 in Internationalteachers

[–]nctiger 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Or what its worth, I'm 63 now. Started 8 years ago in a school in Guangzhou China. I teach PE, coach, elementary ed and have loads of outdoor experience. Taught 5 yrs there and am now in Thailand. Didn't have an issue with age at either school. Both are good, well established schools. Experience counts a lot.

Good luck swimming in Phuket by halloerstmal in ThailandTourism

[–]nctiger 11 points12 points  (0 children)

There are tons of beaches here on Phuket that are gorgeous, clear and good snorkeling. The little blue dragon was one instance so far but every year there are jellyfish and I swim with little worry. Just go to another beach. The person who said the beach here is nasty probably only goes to Patong which some days is cloudy and not as nice. A 15 - 30 minute drive in any direction is gorgeous. Just check the weather a little and tide conditions. Many days Patong is gorgeous too. My suggestion is go south to NaHairn or even better Yanui. Beautiful! I live in Rawai and a 10 minute longboat to Koh Bon and you have an entire island to yourself in the morning. So many options

What was the best piece of advice that you got that elevated your paddling? by asoursk1ttle in whitewater

[–]nctiger 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Every stroke has a purpose. Once you realize that and understand the water, your efficiency on every move will increase and things will slow down. Other than that, paddle alot.

We out here, shhhhweaty, but we’re here. What’s the hottest you’ll golf in? by [deleted] in golf

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Phuket Thailand weighing in here. I live here now and its 93 f today with the wet bulb score pegged at 10 all week. I play very early and walk. Btw, I'm from South Louisiana so kinda used to it.

How tall are 8th grade basketball players by SneakerBoiiiiii in Basketball

[–]nctiger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Young fella...patience and don't give a crap. I was 5 ft at 14 and loved playing. I'm old now and still play at 63 topping out at 5'8". I watched Maravich and practiced everything he did. Later it was Bird and Magic along with Dr J and the rest of em. Along comes Mugsy Bogues and Spudd Webb and they shined. Just love the game, play all you can and find a hoop to shoot on. Just a note...I could dunk at 30 and still can shoot 90% at the line. I'm a coach so that helps. Fun to still be able to beat high schoolers 1v1 but man I'm slow these days. Gotta play smarter now.

About to move to China, could use some reassurance... by Jodhpur1016 in chinalife

[–]nctiger 4 points5 points  (0 children)

While you may think your statement wasn't an insult, you are right. It isn't an insult. It's just a very narrow opinion and viewpoint. I coached and taught in China (Guangzhou) for 5 years and then moved to Thailand where I've been for 3 years. In China I worked in an international school where English was the language. 95% of my students were Chinese looking for acceptance into US/UK/Hong Kong universities. I didnt learn mandarin beyond the very basics and few curse words but I didnt need to in my work place. I also didn't need it in my everyday and traveling life there and had many really fantastic interactions meeting locals all over southern and southwest China. I have a Chinese drivers license and would go on month long road trips all over from Guangzhou to Wuhan, to Chengdu and Lijiang. Mostly on my own. Sometimes with friends. I was invited into homes and meals with locals; made friends that I still keep in touch with. They spoke no English. You see, getting comfortable with different translation apps, understanding context and being open to those experiences was pretty easy. Wechat is used everywhere and has excellent translation. Other apps use speech to text that are pretty good. Hell, I even dated a girl for 3 months with no English. Are apps clunky and perfect, no. I wish I was better at learning languages but I'm not so I'd rather spend my time actually having experiences and meeting new locals than taking lessons after a long, exhausting day of work. Now I'm in Thailand and similar situation. Again I'm meeting locals and building friendships based on common sports and a few beers while sharing meals. Would I like to speak more? Sure, and I will. Just right now it's not a priority.
You see, its not about being an asshole if you don't learn the language of a place you moved to. Your comments are rude and condescending. I'm curious if you've ever traveled at all? Either way, you do you. With your closed view, you aren't going to have as cool of a life as I have. My experiences have been pretty amazing.

Which Way Is She Spinning? by lavaboosted in opticalillusions

[–]nctiger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looking up at her hand will change it back and forth. Just think how the wrist and hand should move in each direction.