China Romance

General Discussion and Useful Links => Useful Links And Articles => Topic started by: Martin on May 13, 2014, 03:42:21 pm

Title: Changes Again
Post by: Martin on May 13, 2014, 03:42:21 pm
I announced a few days ago that there were some changes coming up. As you may notice, there are some new sections in this forum.also, there is another bigger change. I have decided to retire from this group.I suppose retirement might not be the best use of the word, since I will be sticking around in a reduced capacity.I have decided to hand over the forum to someone else, that I feel can take this group in a better direction. I feel I have taken it as far as I can given my time constraints, and considering myown personal direction in life, that does not include China.

Robert Snelgrove is the new commander in chief. He is the new owners of the site, and the new boss.any role that I have in this group, I answer to him.I have enjoyed running this group since day one. It certainly turned into something that I never anticipated.originally, the Facebook group was intended to share pictures and swap travel stories. It quickly transformed after that.so as of today, robert is now in full control of the site.I hope you welcome him as the new owner of the site, & I hope we continue to see this group grow.

I will be sticking around as a moderator of some of the new sections, and he is letting me stick around as an honorary administrator.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Pineau on May 13, 2014, 05:38:13 pm
Very good choice Martin.

Roberts the man.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: maxx on May 13, 2014, 06:14:41 pm
I think Robert is a good choice. Best of luck Robert.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: IrishGuy65 on May 13, 2014, 06:22:23 pm
I think Robert is a great choice!

Martin, I think you were an outstanding owner while you were in charge.  Thanks for all your hard work in keeping this forum alive.  It's been so beneficial to me that I can't even put it into words.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: shaun on May 13, 2014, 06:23:40 pm
Congratulations Robert.  Stunned though.  Now who are the mods?  I see Arnold, Martin, and Maxx.  Any more?
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Scottish_Robbie on May 13, 2014, 06:33:50 pm
Congrats Robert :)
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: JohnB on May 13, 2014, 09:21:46 pm
Martin, Robertt a terrific selection!
also, am happy to read you will stay on as a 'Mod'. I guess you will be
our Philippines correspondent.

Robertt. Congrats! Just like the recent NFL draft last week. A great 1st round selection.
You will do well.
May the sweet winds of your successes be full of peace & harmony.
regards, John
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Robertt S on May 13, 2014, 10:18:03 pm
Thanks for the Congrats! Hopefully, I will do as good a job and Martin, Irishman, and all the mods have done over the past few years. I added a few new boards and a few new mods to those new boards. I based my decision on who I thought would actually have experience with the board subject. If anyone I assigned as a mod does not want to be a mod just let me know and I will remove you from the mod list. Again, thanks for the vote of confidence and hopefully we can carry this site well into the future and increase our membership levels.   Thanks, Robert
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: JustJim on May 14, 2014, 09:42:59 pm
I have to say nice things... Robert is helping me with my application... ;D

But seriously, when I think of things pertaining to China I think of this board first, and when I want the most up to date advice about how to negotiate the ins and outs of all of this paperwork I think of Robert.

Now mind you, my experience with the board has been limited and I don't know all of the things that Martin and previous administrators brought to the table, but I really appreciate that they did what they did and that this board was here.

Maybe I still would have met someone in China without this board, and maybe I would still be able to figure out all the ins and outs of getting married and getting her to America, but I am quite sure it would have been a much harder process, and a more difficult experience.  I might still have been stuck over at China Love trying to negotiate through that site.

So this board has been invaluable to me.  The advice of everyone here has been so helpful to me.  It has made this whole thing possible for me, in my opinion.

I understand that things change.  I was president of my local soccer league for four years and there came a time when it was time for new blood because I had given my best, and I needed a change.  I stayed involved for a couple more years, but at a reduced capacity.  Overall my experience was a good one, because I did not have to be at the reins "forever."  I think we all understand that life is like this, and that change brings new vigor, new ideas, and new direction.  And I think that we all recognize that it is the good work of the previous ones in charge that has laid a solid foundation for continued improvement.

Again, I can't say enough how much this board has meant to me.  I wish it , and all of us, much success...

And thanks Robert, for stepping up and taking the lead.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Willy The Londoner on May 14, 2014, 11:55:22 pm
Ok one question?

How is it that Americans refer to the golden game of Football as SOCCER.

Where did that name come from? ::)

Mind you not long to go before the FOOTBALL World Cup starts in Brazil. ;D ;D

That will give the Americans the occasional opportunity of supporting a home international team in an International competition. ;)

Willy

Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: David E on May 15, 2014, 05:45:02 am
Just to digress a little....

As far as I am aware the word "Football" refers exclusively to the Game played in Aus...known as Australian Rules Football..."AFL"

This is a real game, played by very hard Men and requires incredible hand, foot and eye skills, needs superhuman fitness and endless capacity to drink ice-cold Lager.

Any other game played with a ball is just for wimps and Poms....

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Willy The Londoner on May 15, 2014, 07:56:11 am
Just to digress a little....

As far as I am aware the word "Football" refers exclusively to the Game played in Aus...known as Australian Rules Football..."AFL"

This is a real game, played by very hard Men and requires incredible hand, foot and eye skills, needs superhuman fitness and endless capacity to drink ice-cold Lager.

Any other game played with a ball is just for wimps and Poms....

 ;D ;D ;D
Your correct David, it is for the roughest and the toughest.

But I thought Aussie rules Football was only introduced to enable the winners to be granted a pass to leave the island to where the bad boys and girls of England were sent for life.  Thereby being able to control them, during their perpetual confinement.  I suspect that the lager was a later addition.

Willy

From what I hear on the news all Aussies have to tighten their belts for a few year to come.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: IrishGuy65 on May 15, 2014, 08:35:56 am
Let me help you understand the difference.  Football, American style, is a thinking man's game.  It is all about strategy, which changes from team to team, from game to game, and from play to play.  It is a tough sport also, but if you can't think quickly and adjust on the fly, you can't win.  Now, soccer and rugby... the strategy rarely changes, there is no deep thinking or difficult decision making.  You see the same things all the time, and, ultimately, the best players win the games.

The difference is in the strategy.  I've played all 3 sports competitively, and I can tell you first hand that none of the 3 are the toughest physically, but strategically American football is far superior.  Not only do you need to be athletic physically, but also mentally.

The toughest physical sport is ice hockey.  No other sport is even close.  Ice hockey is also probably the most intense sport.  It is too fast for most people, which is why it never because as popular as so many other sports.

Finally, I personally cannot understand the interest in soccer, or rugby.  They are very boring.  I may as well watch golf or tennis or bowling.  YAWN!
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: JustJim on May 15, 2014, 09:20:57 am
And another controversy rears its ugly head...  I hope a brou-ha-ha does not ensue.

Soccer is called the "beautiful game" because it is all about creativity.  I love watching it but I wish they would not be so creative with the flops...  In fact I wish they would give out post game yellow cards after reviewing the replays to discourage flopping.

And I understand that it got its name from the Association of football team schools that was formed in the 1800's.  Association was shortened to "soccer" by the Americans.

And the Rugby School disagreed with the rules as laid out and started their own sport with their own rules, thus the game of rugby.

As for hockey, I believe the joke was...    "I went to a prize fight last night and in the middle of the third round a hockey game broke out..."

I agree with Patrick that it is probably the most demanding, but I don't have a lot of interest in it, nor could I bring my kids to a game, perhaps because of the fighting.

Australian Rules Football?  I have watched a few games...  It just seemed like an organized mugging with silly officials in derby hats... ;D

Actually I think of that replay where that guy got his leg broke in so many places I lost count.  Think Joe Theismann squared... :o
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Willy The Londoner on May 15, 2014, 09:30:43 am


'And I understand that is got its name from the Association of soccer team schools that was formed in the 1800's.'   Association was shortened to "soccer" by the Americans. Association Football was its name and we still have the FA Cup - Football Association Cup.

And the Rugby School disagreed with the rules as laid out and started their own sport with their own rules, thus the game of rugby.' The game was changed by Rugby School pupils.  Well what do you expect when the public  school lads l love getting to grips with the buttocks of others'

I agree with Patrick that it is probably the most demanding, but I don't have a lot of interest in it, nor could I bring my kids to a game, perhaps because of the fighting.

Apart from golf and the Ryder cup when do Americans get to cheer on their national teams?

Willy
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: maxx on May 15, 2014, 10:13:36 am
Willy every year, When the American basketball team beats the hell out of the rest of the countries. Who think they can play Basketball.

I have seen a couple of rugby matches. It looks like a organized groping to me. Where a bunch of perverts with mommy issues try to grab each other's junk. ;D ;D ;D ;D

We have a sport for the Aussies and the limey's mite be able to play. It is called lingerie football. It is where the limey and Aussies can run around in women's underclothes, groping each other and not even get a penalty. ;D ;D ;D In the states we let the girls play this game. So maybe the Aussie and limey men can put together a team. And compete on a international level. With the rest of the lady boys.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Scottish_Robbie on May 15, 2014, 02:53:01 pm
Let me help you understand the difference.  Football, American style, is a thinking man's game.  It is all about strategy, which changes from team to team, from game to game, and from play to play.  It is a tough sport also, but if you can't think quickly and adjust on the fly, you can't win.  Now, soccer and rugby... the strategy rarely changes, there is no deep thinking or difficult decision making.  You see the same things all the time, and, ultimately, the best players win the games.

The difference is in the strategy.  I've played all 3 sports competitively, and I can tell you first hand that none of the 3 are the toughest physically, but strategically American football is far superior.  Not only do you need to be athletic physically, but also mentally.

The toughest physical sport is ice hockey.  No other sport is even close.  Ice hockey is also probably the most intense sport.  It is too fast for most people, which is why it never because as popular as so many other sports.

Finally, I personally cannot understand the interest in soccer, or rugby.  They are very boring.  I may as well watch golf or tennis or bowling.  YAWN!

So I take it you not played the hardest game in sport..... Extreme ludo...LOL ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: David E on May 15, 2014, 05:07:09 pm
From what I hear on the news all Aussies have to tighten their belts for a few year to come.

Nah...not really true, just that now we have a Conservative (aka Capitalist) Government again, they are winding back some of the featherbedding that the previous lot gave to the bludgers in the system....

This is normal Aus Politics...labour get in, spend all the money, Conservatives get back in and unwind it...similar to every other so-called Democracy...or should it be Lunacy ????

MAXX

I truly find it difficult to believe that ANY sportsperson from ANY sport discipline could play a full game of Aussie Rules Footy........it is the hardest game I have ever witnessed and I reckon the guys who are at the top level can be rated with the finest Athletes of any sporting code...bar none.

If you cant finish the game despite a broken leg/arm/back etc then you are considered a wimp  ;D ;D ;D...of course, the Lager helps !!!
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Robertt S on May 15, 2014, 05:26:39 pm
I think Brazil and Mexico love soccer very much too! Rumor has it that Rugby players eat their dead! :o
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Martin on May 15, 2014, 08:44:13 pm
I think you are all wrong...Aussie Rules...American Football...International Football...why don't you guys try a real sport.....driving in China!  Hahahaha
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Willy The Londoner on May 15, 2014, 09:44:53 pm
Willy every year, When the American basketball team beats the hell out of the rest of the countries. Who think they can play Basketball.


Sorry Maxx I have never heard of it.  What is it called?
 
Now the Football World Cup is just that. A good part of the world gets involved.  Even China TV are cutting down on basket ball now and have three channels dedicated to Football.  There is life outside of the USA.

Of course the China TV shows the high lights of one American Football game per week.  It lasts for 2 or 3 seconds.  Ha ha

Another month or so, cold beer in hand I will be able to watch three or four games a day. 

Willy
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: JohnB on May 15, 2014, 10:06:32 pm
you guys are confused.
my monies are on American women's "Roller Derby"...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV9J_2--iGQ
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Robertt S on May 15, 2014, 11:06:19 pm
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1970729_499160206854949_1190872505_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: maxx on May 16, 2014, 01:47:53 am
It's called Basketball Willy. Last time I was in China it was on telly 2 to 3 stations ever mourning. My brother in law is a huge Yao ming fan. He also likes Shaq, Jordon, the Chicago bulls, And the Denver Nuggets. On his days off him and his hommies get together and watch the game on the telly. All of them wearing there favorite jersey and drinking beer like the Americans do.

Robert that isn't Fair there is something wrong with Hockey players heads. Those guy's elevator doesn't reach the top floor. Anybody that chases a little black circle around a frozen pond. Has got more then a few screws loose.

Women's roller derby is the sport of kings. They have a local team here that do's pretty good.5-0.
plus that they look sexy as hell in there little costumes.

David lets see a 200 pound guy. wearing a pair of shorts, And a funny looking shirt. Against a 325 pond linebacker dressed like a mideval warrior.It Isn't even a match. Most professional football players in the U.S play for five to seven years. After that they are 2 beat up to keep playing. Or they have had so many concussions. That they can't tie there shoes by themselves anymore.

I used to play American football back in school. I played right and left tackle nose guard, and inside linebacker. I broke more then one quarterbacks ribs. I hit one running back so hard and so many times. That he was laid up in the hospital for a couple of days. With contusions and bruising, I hit that kid so many times I got thrown out of the game. And his dad wanted to fight me after the game. At the time when I played I weighed 145 pounds and I was 5'10". The reason I quit playing was because I wasn't big enough to play at the next level.

There is one guy who plays at the pro level he go's 165 pounds and is 5'10 he is a receiver. So he is fast and has good hands. He is the smallest guy in the NFL. Most NFl linemen go from 280 up over 350 pounds. Running backs, receivers, quarterbacks usually run about 250 pounds. And are well over 6'3' Pro football in the U.S.A. is the toughest sport in the world.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Philip on May 16, 2014, 07:12:04 am
For tough sports, the Tour De France cycle race takes some beating. The object isn't to kill your opponent, but you come pretty close to killing yourself.
But I'm less interested in games involving people beating the shit out of one another, and more interested in games involving skill.
Football, as most countries in the world call the call the game with the spherical ball, which you kick with your foot, will always be the beautiful game to me. If you've grown up with with a game, supported your team through thick and thin, through bad times and good, it's like your best friend. Liverpool is my team. I love them like Scottish Robbie loves Celtic. With a passion. Nothing better than watching the movement of your team when they're playing at the top of their game.
But I can accept that the appeal of football, or sometimes sport in general, will always remain a mystery to some people.
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Rhonald on May 16, 2014, 09:21:14 am
For non team sports I would say MMA / Wrestling has a choke hold on all other sports as being the most demanding. But then, when I watch Women's Beach Vollyeball, I get a sense of it being Hard as well  ::)
Title: Re: Changes Again
Post by: Willy The Londoner on May 16, 2014, 10:35:43 pm
It's called Basketball Willy. Last time I was in China it was on telly 2 to 3 stations ever morning.


But the Football World Cup is the big one. Billions of people around the world watch it every four years.  Even here where the World cup does not kick off for another month the  three main sport channels are showing matches from the 2010 World Cup to get people into the World cup mood.  Basketball is being put on the back burner for a while. Even the NBA Playoffs have just become a brief news items here at the moment.

The nearest any other sports event that gets a world wide audience is the Tour de France. (I am now watching the Tour of California where previous tour winner Bradley Wiggins is leading the pack.)    But there is nothing like the World Cup.  I saw my first one on a grainy black and white TV in 1958 when it was hosted in Sweden and Brazil beat Sweden in the Final.  Since my first there has been 14 others and I have watched them all. 
Next month I will be watching my 15th.   There is probably no one alive today who has seen 20 of them.  Maybe I will make that milestone, maybe not.

Willy