Job Discussion Forums

[Lee_Odden]

Some of you know that I used to be a regular contributor on this forum. I stopped being one after the "Christmas thread" incident that talkdoc referred to. I only post now when I can't control myself from posting some snide remark - otherwise, I stay away and really don't follow most of what is going on here anymore.

CJ750 you made some very valid points but you overlooked one very important fact (one that was made by Old Dog before it was deleted) - talkdoc has broken his anonymity - we know his real name, his location, his place of birth, exactly where he was educated (before the "Are you American Enough"? thread was deleted) and many ohter important facts about him that anyone could validate. We don't know who "Roger" is or even "Old Dog" for that matter - but we DO know who talkdoc is. So when people attack him, they are not just attacking a handle like Roger or Old dog or kev716 or cj750 - they are attacking a REAL person - you are attacking him personally and as a licensed professional. Anyone can say anything they like when they are anonymous. It is something else completely different when someone speaks as him or heself. For that reason, his "viewpoints" DO carry FAR more weight than anyone else's on this forum, as I see it, because he personally and professionally stands behind them. The only other member who has done that here is "sealawyer" whose posts I also respect (for the same reasons). If you want to criticize and attack talkdoc and tell him he doesn't know what he is talking about, then at least have the courage of your convictions to post your real name, place of employment, credentials and contact information. Otherwise, don't expect anyone in their right mind to give your anonymous opinion the same weight as talkdocs.

Talkdoc doesn't speak from just personal experience or hearsay, he speaks from facts (in the case of visas and requirements) and I respect that. How many people on this forum have bothered to pay a visit to their provincial foreign affairs officer for the facts? Only one that I know of. Yet, that doesn't stop people from telling him that he is full of sh*t. Does it "cj750", "kev7161" or "Roger"? People challenge him for speaking wiht "authority" when all they have is "I know of a friend of a friend of a friend who did it this way". Oh boy, is that ever so compelling.

I hope he doesn't stop contributing to this forum but to argue that we don't know who he is, is just not true. Hell, he even posts his photo here. What's the big mystery?

The other thing I would mention is that this forum is much more about "internet relationships". Many people here, including me, have made real friendships with people who we have met on this forum - I know that is true for me and for many others. So to argue "anonymity" as the basis for everyone's opinion being of "equal authority" simply isn't true. At least for me it isn't. I also "consider the source".

So as we used to say in Teaneck, New Jersey, "Put Up or SHUT UP".

[Roger]

[quote="Lee_I know of. Yet, that doesn't stop people from telling him that he is full of sh*t. Does it "cj750", "kev7161" or "Roger"? People challenge him for speaking wiht "authority" when all they have is "I know of a friend of a friend of a friend who did it this way". Oh boy, is that ever so compelling.



Not a bad post, but still a bit wrong and misleading, not to mention partisan and emotionally overcharged.

I have NEVER said TalkDoc's posts are full of sh*t, quite to the contrary.
I respect his advice on visa matters although I don't think he knows the full truth. He is pedantic, which is not a vice and in his position may stand him in good stead. It would be better for others to be more scrupulous too.
But he does occasionally err as do others. His opinion on my advice on attendance taking was just that - opinion, not fact; I didn't call it "sh*t" either but I stand my ground for good reasons.
I too wish he wouldn't disappear. I have no personal grudge against him; unfortunately I have a hunch that this is not mutual: he has clearly demonstrated to us that he has difficulty controlling his emotions although he does maintain a scholarly and gentlemanly posture. His emotions come through when he criticises people without naming them, leaving it to them to identify who he targeted. THis was very obvious in that blasted American Ok thread.

[Old Dog]

Roger said:

[kev7161]

[Old Dog]

My point, dear Kevin, was the simple one that if you want to attack in a specific defamatory way someone who makes no secret of who he is, where he is, what his qualifications are, what his background is and gives us his picture, then you should come clean yourself about who and what and where you are.

Do you not consider defamatory charges that a known, specific person in a professorial position in a known university doesn't know his job, isn't doing his job, is a slacker and is complicit in cheating and deceitful practice? I certainly do and I think the only decent thing for a person making such charges is to come out into the open in making them. It's just not good enough to make such charges behind a very thick veil of anonymity.

I am certain that Talkdoc uses Talkdoc for convenience in these forums but, if it would sooth your scruples in these matters, I am sure he would have no hesitation in providing in his profile all you indicate is lacking.

As for who you are, I don't care. You don't make defamatory accusations about me and I don't make them about you but if you were to invent such charges as the litigious Roger has invented about Talkdoc, I think I'd be wanting to know.

Who Mr Roger is, I don't personally care despite the fact that my opinion of "forum persona's" worth is not high but you may notice that I restrict myself to asking questions and to pointing out certain contradictions in what he himself has written. I don't invent for the sake of leading a savage pack attack as has happened in this thread - a savage attack which you joined in with some enthusiasm I note.

[Lee_Odden]

[kev7161]

Hi Old Dog,

I'd be curious to know what you think about this "Lee Odden's" two recent postings. Do you think he is just a pot-stirrer? Is he another persona of Talkdoc's? Did he have permission (or the right) to post all of Talkdoc's personal information (I know, I know, it is supposedly listed elsewhere in this forum, but still . . . )? I think it is admirable for anyone to defend a friend (a friend in need is a friend indeed), but what do you think of his defensive manners? I don't need to say more about him, these past two postings speak volumes - - - but I'd be curious to know your take on the *ahem* gentleman.

[Spiderman Too]

Kevin

I have communicated with Greg (a.k.a. Talkdoc) by e-mail innumerable times, spoken with him a dozen times and benefited from his generosity in both time & spirit.

And Lee_Odden is correct, Greg has posted his full name and e-mail address on a number of threads; perhaps you missed them. He is also using a real photo of himself as his avatar.

I recently sent you a PM regarding satellite TV;

Just before the Spring Break, Greg referred to his satellite TV system on this forum so I sent him a PM asking for purchase details. He offered to buy a system on my behalf, from the same supplier, and ship it from Hainan to Chongqing (and please, one & all, don�t go pestering him for similar favors). I delayed a decision until after the holidays, which was fortunate because Greg became aware of a satellite TV owning expat�s impending departure from China.

He negotiated purchase on my behalf for less than half the new cost. He dismantled the system, packed it up and arranged shipment. Shipping proved to be a major trauma; the first company that collected the consignment subsequently decided that it was too difficult and delivered it back to Greg, conveniently forgetting to return the money he had paid them.

In any event, Greg put in a lot of time & effort to do a favor for me, simply in my capacity as a fellow Dave�s forum member; nothing in it for him.

To be frank Kevin, I have to bite my tongue, very hard indeed, when I read some of your threads. In particular, during the past 12 months your threads have been predominantly negative (if I were to disregard polite intercourse etiquette I would call you a bloody whinger).

I can still remember what you wrote on the Job Information Journal about your school and your students some 18 months ago before you had completed your first term. That you have remained there close on to 2 years exceeds my capacity to empathize with you.

However, I know that you do not mean anyone ill-harm when you express an opinion and/or offer advice.

As for Roger, on one occasion I sent him a PM enquiry because his domicile was close to a school in which I was interested; that being the only reason that I, as an individual, would be prepared to rely on his opinion. Roger has a distinctly frank (no, let�s call a spade a spade � harsh) writing style in PMs. Come to think of it, go back and have a look at some of Roger�s replies to those who have posted a warning about one school or another; Roger can be quite harsh and ruthless at times.

Roger �lost� me back in June 2004 when I posted a thread asking for information about a city where I was considering accepting a position. Roger wrote � Not first-hand experience, but some insider knowledge. ��.. No one, to my knowledge, has worked in XXXXXX ��. For good reasons! Outside the city, it's fairly underdeveloped, poor and often unhygienic. But you might have a good time if you are after the "genuine" China.�

Well, I have been in XXXXX for the past 9 months and Roger�s implied disparagement does not collate with my actual experience.

But, as with you, I know that Roger meant no ill-harm; indeed he was trying to be helpful.

Now, as for Greg, I can assure you, and everyone else, that he also endeavors to be helpful in each and every one of his posts. IF anyone finds his writing style condescending (or, Roger, too long and repetitive), think for a minute, it�s not personal; that�s Greg�s style!

Kevin (and Roger) you have been around long enough to remember Bertie, Ludwig, that abrasive openly gay guy whose name I cannot recall, that weird Spanish writing girl who acted like a sl*t in every one of her posts, et alii, by comparison, Greg doesn�t deserve the mud-slinging currently directed at him, does he?

[Spiderman Too]

Another recollection;

When Greg first appeared on this forum �venting� about the misery that was his first job in China, up in Shenyang, Johnslat and I ripped into him (tongue-in-cheek, of course) about being uncharitable towards his (BMW-driving, private) employer. Greg took it like a man and made no (retaliatory) personal attacks on Johnslat & I.

[ChinaMovieMagic]

In such a highly-charged environment,
with ad hominem anger&flaming frequently flaring,
it may be unwise to post a Photo
which can be closely viewed by others
---with malevolent (whether consciously or unconsciously) eyes.

Dr. Rupert Sheldrake has done extensive research/written a book on "The Sense of Being Stared At"
http://www.sheldrake.org/experiments/staring/exp/results.html
===============================================


Evil Eye


principally Sicilian and Mesoamerican superstition, although it is known in other cultures. According to the Native American version, a person who stares fixedly at a pregnant woman or a child or who is too admiring or physically affectionate with children may produce a malicious effect on their lives, whether or not by intent. In rural Sicily any person or animal was considered vulnerable to the evil eye, and many individuals wore protective amulets or charms to nullify its effects.
Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2005.
===============================================

http://www.llewellynjournal.com/article/513

Psychic Vampires
Date: 2003-10-10 By: Joe H. Slate, Ph.D.

Let's face it--we've probably all fallen prey to a psychic vampire, possibly without even knowing it. It may have been a chance encounter with an energy predator that left us temporarily exhausted, or possibly along-term vampire interaction with serious wear-and-tear effects on the mind and body.

Psychic vampirism is alive and flourishing in the world today. As consumers of energy rather than blood, vampires of the psychic kind exist in many guises but with one common trait--their own inadequate energy system compels them to tap into and feed upon the energies of unsuspecting host victims. The immediate results of such a one-on-one vampire encounter are a new but temporary surge of energy for the psychic vampire and a serious loss of mental and physical energy for the unsuspecting prey. If you suddenly feel emotionally or mentally depleted, you may be under attack by a psychic vampire. The unfortunate effects of prolonged energy loss are damage to the energy system itself and in some instances, serious illness.....

....An early example with clear fingerprints of psychic vampirism is the Biblical account of Delilah's cunning seduction of Samson in which she vampirized him by cutting his hair, the source of his strength. Even the Biblical version of creation in which God breathed into man the "breath (energy) of life" and then took from him a rib (of energy) to create woman illustrates the transferable nature of life-force energy. That give-and-take make-up of energy is even more dramatically illustrated in the Biblical account of the woman who, upon touching the hem of Christ's garment, was infused with energy while Christ simultaneously felt the energy leaving his body.....

...Protection Techniques.
Fortunately, highly effective strategies are now available to prevent a psychic vampire attack, or once it's underway, to promptly end it. These laboratory tested strategies can also promote healing and repair damage to the energy system resulting from long-term vampire assaults. They can even be used effectively by psychic vampires provided they are motivated to overcome their energy addiction.

One of the most effective protection procedures known is the Finger Interlock Technique. Developed in our labs, this technique is easy to implement, and its effects are instant. To begin this technique, simply bring together the tips of your thumb and middle finger of each hand to form two circles. Then, bring the two circles together to form interlocking circles, while envisioning your body enveloped in a bright sphere of impenetrable energy. Finally, relax your hands and simply affirm, "I am now energized and fully protected." This simple, inconspicuous technique requires only seconds and can be used almost any time or place. With practice, you can use the finger interlock gesture alone as a cue to instantly activate the effects of the full procedure.

...A later study funded by the Parapsychology Foundation of New York not only confirmed the findings of our earlier research, it showed that certain persons were highly skilled at deliberately tapping into and directly feeding upon the aura of others. By draining energy from another person's aura, these so-called psychic vampires not only deplete the aura's energy resources, they interrupt the capacity of the aura's central core to generate new energy, particularly when the interaction is prolonged. Consistent with our earlier findings, direct observations of the aura as well as aura photographs taken before and after a psychic vampire interaction showed the victim's aura becoming severely de-energized and constricted following an attack while the vampire's aura became energized and expansive.

Joe H. Slate, Ph.D. is a professor, psychologist, and author of several books, including Psychic Vampires: Protection from Energy Predators and Parasites. He is the founder of the International Parapsychology Research Foundation and the Psychology Research Institute. He is a frequent lectures and has appeared on several TV programs. His books are available throughout the U.S. and in other languages around the world. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at Athens State University.

[ChinaMovieMagic]

RE: The Topic

The university has been sending teachers to Middle Schools, and they've been complaining about the students' passivity/passive aggression/disruptive activities. The university just started sending me to a Middle School, one day a week. The school has granted me the regular use of the DVD Large-Screen mini-Auditorium. I've been warming them up w/various Movie Segments/Activities---as described in Job-Related thread "Promoting Change..." Now we're ready to begin w/a movie they may relate to:

DEAD POETS SOCIETY

(from www.imdb.com)

Heartstrings get yanked., 10 April 2004

Author: jeffrystirler from Sioux Falls, SD USA
This movie is one of my three all time favorites.

What if we looked at life from a different "angle"?

What if we push someone too far away from THEIR dream and passion?

What if no one ever challenged their students to grow and take risks?
What if CODE, HONOR, etc... were not just words used as political punching bags, and really meant something to EVERYONE, from the proverbial TOP, to the proverbial BOTTOM, without regard to their OWN reputation alone?

So many characters were pivotal in this movie. I was intrigued by how much one person can influence another, for the better or for the worse. This movie has made me very conscious of what I say, to whom I say it, and how it is said.

[Madmaxola]

get a life

[ChinaMovieMagic]

RE: "Get a life..."

�Is not life a hundred times too short to bore ourselves?�
�The growth of wisdom may be gauged exactly by the diminution of ill-temper.�

~ Friedrich Nietzsche

[Long ai gu]

Dear respondents, all of your futile mudslingings show a gross lack of intelligence, tis my opinion. Addressing the said problem of Mr Peter Griffen, I have this to say: "don't worry about it dude". If you can get 1 to 5 of your students to speak you're doing well. Don't sweat it, try to have a good time while you're here in China and experience whatever you can. Compared to what you know in jolly Vancouver it's all backwards. Take everything that you know and have experienced in this life and turn it upside down and you will have China. I love it here and have taken all the abuse that I have faced and turned it into love, because I really want to spend my life here. My tolerance level has skyrocketed since I have been here and that's a good thing. What I would be totally pissed off at 2 years ago, now doesn't even touch me. Rise above it and live with it has been my life here. You have been given excellent advice by many people on this forum, between the mudslinging B.S. Take this advice on teaching methods if you need it. Talk Doc spoke of confronting your students with the god honest truth about exactly what's happening--good idea. Man, don't lose your cool or you will lose your students. Humour is your greatest friend. Be friends with them first and you will win their respect. They have to know that the alien from another planet is their friend. Remember, many of them have never seen the world outside of China and ignorance plays a big part in their mannerisms and behavior. It's not good, it's not bad, it's just different. Tolerance my friend, tolerance. Let it roll off your back. I know, it's harder than I try to make it sound, but plant the seed and it will grow. Smile baby, give me a big god damn smile