What's the one question...

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
Black Viking... what's the most amazing thing that ever happend to you?

The most amazing thing that ever happened to me how my life changed, literally overnight, when my little sister was born. I was an extremely selfish and self-centered child, but all that changed when she arrived. She is the first person in this world that I truly cared about other than myself.

Qty - If you won the lottery, and you never had to work another day in your life, what would you do? Why would that make you happy?

quote:

Originally posted by HonestBrother:

ddouble, Frenchy, and Virtue, what gave you the idea for your avatars? They are maybe the most distinctive on the site and give very strong first impressions about your personalities...

I didn't start out with the avatar I have now. I originally had a picture of the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, then the character Black Panther. I happened upon some pics of my bodybuilding idol Sergio Oliva and chose the one you see currently. There is a sense of power & panache about the shot.

quote:

Originally posted by qty226:

quote:

Originally posted by ddouble:

quote:

Originally posted by virtue:
D?

Are you as muscular as your avatar?



Peace,
Virtue

Yep - currently cleaning up my diet to increase definition. Gotta get ready for summer!

DDouble.......you mentioned cleaning up your diet to increase definition.

What are you eating?

Gaining muscle mass is largely a function of intense weight training & taking in more calories than you burn. Typically, when I'm bulking, I'm less restrictive about what I eat. I have drinks, desserts & plenty of yummy things people are shocked to see me eat!

When it's time to lean out, I drop my calories, add more cardio & get selective about what I eat & drink. Right now, I'm transitioning back to a disciplined diet, so I'll be eating lots of:

oatmeal

salmon, tuna, chicken, ground turkey, and steak

brown rice, sweet potatoes, & whole wheat products (bread, pancakes, pasta)

protein smoothies (homemade)

veggies

Add that to 1- 1.5 gallons of water daily, fish oil, vitamins, and various supplements (that I'll discuss in my blog ).

quote:

Originally posted by ma'am:
Artsy, what's one song that decribes you?

Your theme song.

I guess it would have to be Joe Jackson's Shanghai Sky, which is about world travel and journeys to new destinations....

It's one of my all time favourite songs by one of my favourite songwriters... this track has astoundingly beautiful piano and is from his Big World cd... 1980-something.

This line from the song is me, in essence...

And I can dream,
until I go,
of smells that I don't recognize...
And by the river, in Shanghai,
the colour of the sky....
.... is something I've never seen.

I also like the ambiguousness of 'until I go...' which could mean until 'he goes there' or until he dies.

It's a big world indeed, and I would love to see as much of it as possible.

quote:

Originally posted by Black Viking:
Qty - If you won the lottery, and you never had to work another day in your life, what would you do? Why would that make you happy?

*First, i cant imagine having so much money*

I would of course, get married, have a few babies.........and stay home, to take care of my family.

But i would also do something in the black community........like mentor small children, helping them financially........pay for their college education, etc.

I would be happy, knowing that im not only making a difference, but im actually giving someone a chance at having a bright future.

virtue... are you working, and in what field... I remember something about law... ?
And is it your first choice?

kresge... my understanding is that you are an academic....?? I wondered if you have ever been a teacher in some capacity?

HonestBrother... this is a 3-part question, lol, what is your all-time favourite book, film, cd?

James Wester Chester... previously you've recommended Jefferson's Pillow and I have only recently seen it in a book store (quite a slim volume) ...in your opinion, what makes it such profound reading?

I can't pick just one

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
HonestBrother...this is a 3-part question, lol, what is your all-time favourite book

"Ulysses" by James Joyce

"Black Boy" by Richard Wright

"The Gay Science" by Nietzsche (No - has nothing to do with gays)

"I & Thou" by Martin Buber

quote:

film

"Wings of Desire" - a German film ("Die Himmel Uber Berlin" actually) made in the 80's... I've seen this film many many times...The American movie "City of Angels" was a very cheap rip off/ bastardization...

Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing"

A Japanese film called "Tampopo" - I love it... I've also seen it many times...

quote:

cd?

Eric B and Rakim's "Paid In Full" - great album with the added bonus of having one of my favorite hip hop cuts "My Melody'...

"A Love Supreme" by John Coltrane

"O Paraiso" by the Portuguese group Madredeus - melodic and atmospheric "chamber folk"

"Songs In the Key of Life" by Stevie Wonder

PS: I was just teasing when I asked why you hadn't asked me a question ...

quote:

Originally posted by HonestBrother:
I can't pick just one

typical! are you a Libran, lol

quote:

PS: I was just teasing when I asked why you hadn't asked me a question ...

...like I didn't know that...?

I have a maths question for you tomorrow... better study up....LOL

hey, btw Wings Of Desire is a great film... I was lucky enough to be part of an audience when Wim Wenders came out to Sydney as part of Popcorn Taxi's one-to-one with film directors. He told lots of stories about the making of that film (and others.) In particular, was that most of that film - as you know, shot in B/W - was filmed through an old 1940's black silk stocking loaned to him by the son of an old woman. Wim was supposed to return the stocking at the end of filming as it was precious to the lender... as it happened the stocking became ruined before the film was complete... in some of the final filming the techo's had to 'match' the effect of the stocking. A great film and a truly remarkable, warm and generous director.
He was actually out here to promote Milliondollar Hotel... which was IMO his only crap film. [Except for some of the heavyweight musicians in the film.]

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
A great film and a truly remarkable, warm and generous director.
He was actually out here to promote Milliondollar Hotel... which was IMO his only crap film. [Except for some of the heavyweight musicians in the film.]

I agree (also about Milliondollar Hotel..it did nothing for me) ... he's one of my favorite filmmakers...

Huey... how did you get involved in filmmaking?

Frenchy... do you consider yourself a feminist?

Fabulous... what is the one type of clothing or accessory you are happy to spend way too much money on.... ?

FireFly - can you share the source of your interests in AA's and AA culture?

quote:

Originally posted by LibDem:
FireFly - can you share the source of your interests in AA's and AA culture?

Many and varied. I don't know if I can describe it in a way that might make sense to you, or anyone else or even be entirely accurate because I see it as an organic process and a journey.

I guess it grew from personal friendships with African American people (and yes, also a romance) that prompted questions about AA culture and history, and how to go about building a bridge to connect. If 'you' respect people, 'you' make every attempt to try to work out 'where they're coming from'. Please don't think I'm studying AA culture is if it's a piece of still life. Quite the opposite!

Remember that in America there is still a degree of 'assumed' knowledge about African American and American history that I wasn't exposed to... that grew into an appreciation of the people, and culture, and then a passion to explore, and learn, and have the facts as well as the warmth... and on the flip side, to confront my own Australian/European colonial history and acknowledge it. Acknowledge the differences, the priviledges and the inaccuracies. To be able to acknowledge the history, I have to know it ... up to now I've had too many knowledge gaps to 'join the dots'... things have come into focus a little more clearly over the past year. Also... as a white person, not to be in denial, to confront white priviledge, and in some simple way become a better person, and perhaps in some way make a modest difference...
Because I believe life is a journey for all of us... and I've jumped on this path with both feet, now I'm seeing where it takes me. Who knows where...? I truly don't know... It just feels right.
.

This has probably already been answered somewhere (and I missed it..shocker there huh?) but...

HonestBrother, what field(s) are your degrees in?

ddouble...Do you know of a good weight training routine for a slightly aging martial artist to do to not only gain strength but to keep what little speed, quickness and agility he has left?

*Not that its me of course. I'm asking for a friend, yeah thats it, a friend.... *

quote:

Originally posted by xxGAMBITxx:
ddouble...Do you know of a good weight training routine for a slightly aging martial artist to do to not only gain strength but to keep what little speed, quickness and agility he has left?

*Not that its me of course. I'm asking for a friend, yeah thats it, a friend.... *

I would try the following 3x/week, cutting back martial arts training volume a bit for the first 4-6 weeks:

Leg Press - 125%/250%/400%

Toe Presses (on the Leg Press machine)
100%/200%/300%

Pull Ups
100%/110%/125%

Bench Press - 125%/150%/200%

Leg Curl - 75%/100%/125%

3 sets each. This should be a 30-45 minute routine in total.

The percentages are of bodyweight as a target beginning weight. Every 2-3 weeks, I would increase weight on each exercise 5-10 lbs.

On day 1, focus on a rep range of 15-20
The aim here should be to use quick, explosive movements on the exercises.

Day 2, a rep range of 8-12
The aim here is to build/maintain muscle mass

Day 3, a rep range of 4-6
The aim here is to build strength.

I would take 1-2 rest days between each training day. Hope this is useful!

Fabulous... what is the one type of clothing or accessory you are happy to spend way too much money on.... ?

----------------

Although some folks I know don't believe this, I am really a very modest person. I enjoy the simpler things in life. . .I'm usually most comfortable in jeans & a t-shirt and I don't wear much jewelry.

HOWEVER~ I am more than happy to spend waaaaaaay too much money on a sexy dress or shoes for ballroom dancing (when I go). I'm petite. . .5'3" about 122-24 pounds. And I carry most of my weight in the hips & butt.

Usually a nice dress will fit me nicely everywhere but the top, so, I'll have it altered. Or, I'll have one made for the occasion. It's the one time I will splurged on myself.

btw. . .I don't have a question for anyone at the moment, but I'll be back.

quote:

Originally posted by ddouble:

quote:

Originally posted by xxGAMBITxx:
ddouble...Do you know of a good weight training routine for a slightly aging martial artist to do to not only gain strength but to keep what little speed, quickness and agility he has left?

*Not that its me of course. I'm asking for a friend, yeah thats it, a friend.... *

I would try the following 3x/week, cutting back martial arts training volume a bit for the first 4-6 weeks:

Leg Press - 125%/250%/400%

Toe Presses (on the Leg Press machine)
100%/200%/300%

Pull Ups
100%/110%/125%

Bench Press - 125%/150%/200%

Leg Curl - 75%/100%/125%

3 sets each. This should be a 30-45 minute routine in total.

The percentages are of bodyweight as a target beginning weight. Every 2-3 weeks, I would increase weight on each exercise 5-10 lbs.

On day 1, focus on a rep range of 15-20
The aim here should be to use quick, explosive movements on the exercises.

Day 2, a rep range of 8-12
The aim here is to build/maintain muscle mass

Day 3, a rep range of 4-6
The aim here is to build strength.

I would take 1-2 rest days between each training day. Hope this is useful!

Printed and made extra copies!

Thanks Big D, much appreciated!

*Although cutting back on time in the dojo...ooohhh thats gonna be tough..but I'll man up and do it. *

quote:

Originally posted by Fabulous:
I'm petite. . .5'3" about 122-24 pounds. And I carry most of my weight in the hips & butt.

(kidding)

Just to clarify Gambit - those percentages are for a specific day, first percentage for day 1, second for day 2, etc...

quote:

Originally posted by ddouble:
Just to clarify Gambit - those percentages are for a specific day, first percentage for day 1, second for day 2, etc...

Gotcha..

quote:

Originally posted by ddouble:

quote:

Originally posted by xxGAMBITxx:
ddouble...Do you know of a good weight training routine for a slightly aging martial artist to do to not only gain strength but to keep what little speed, quickness and agility he has left?

*Not that its me of course. I'm asking for a friend, yeah thats it, a friend.... *

I would try the following 3x/week, cutting back martial arts training volume a bit for the first 4-6 weeks:

Leg Press - 125%/250%/400%

Toe Presses (on the Leg Press machine)
100%/200%/300%

Pull Ups
100%/110%/125%

Bench Press - 125%/150%/200%

Leg Curl - 75%/100%/125%

3 sets each. This should be a 30-45 minute routine in total.

The percentages are of bodyweight as a target beginning weight. Every 2-3 weeks, I would increase weight on each exercise 5-10 lbs.

On day 1, focus on a rep range of 15-20
The aim here should be to use quick, explosive movements on the exercises.

Day 2, a rep range of 8-12
The aim here is to build/maintain muscle mass

Day 3, a rep range of 4-6
The aim here is to build strength.

I would take 1-2 rest days between each training day. Hope this is useful!

D,

Any tips for someone just looking to burn the fat and keep what little muscule they do have? I have no problems with working out. But I think I have the slowest metabolism on earth. It seems I have to kill myself just to make small gains.

Art_Gurl

I think you have mentioned that you are an artist? What is your area - painting, sculputure?

quote:

Originally posted by MidLifeMan:
D,

Any tips for someone just looking to burn the fat and keep what little muscule they do have? I have no problems with working out. But I think I have the slowest metabolism on earth. It seems I have to kill myself just to make small gains.

Shoot me your question here: Locker Room Talk

Originally posted by HonestBrother:
Originally posted by Fabulous:
I'm petite. . .5'3" about 122-24 pounds. And I carry most of my weight in the hips & butt.
---------




(kidding)

----------

I knew that. {whispers} I could tell.

Fab: <<<<<<<~~~very perceptive

LOL

Originally posted by Fabulous:

btw. . .I don't have a question for anyone at the moment, but I'll be back.

--------------

Ok, I'm back.

My question is for you, FireFly.

How does your family & friends feel about your interest in AA culture/ppl?

Or. . .

How tall are you? I envision you as a woman about 5'7"....5'9"....am I right, or close?

note: I couldn't decide which ONE question to ask you, so pick one. thanks.

xxGAMBITxx, which style of martial arts do you study?

quote:

Originally posted by ma'am:
xxGAMBITxx, which style of martial arts do you study?

I've obtained a black sash in Hung Gar, and 2nd dan (degree) black belt in Hapkido. I'm currently learning Shotokan and Aikijujitsu (purple belt rank in both). Thanks to my travels I've picked up techniques from Muay Thai, Sambo, Shorin Ryu, and Savate.

quote:

Originally posted by MidLifeMan:
Art_Gurl

I think you have mentioned that you are an artist? What is your area - painting, sculputure?

hi there MidLifeMan... I've been a graphic designer for the longest time and done a little illustration as well... in my limited free time, I like to do a mix of drawing and painting.

I've got a few ideas in my head that I'd like to make a start on soon... which are a mix of black and white pencil drawings on black paper, and some small paintings - in gouche.
Although I like oil painting, it is slow to dry - I'm too impatient - and the technique doesn't really suit my style.

quote:

Originally posted by Fabulous:

Ok, I'm back.
note: I couldn't decide which ONE question to ask you, so pick one. thanks.

I'll try to answer both.

quote:

My question is for you, FireFly.

How does your family & friends feel about your interest in AA culture/ppl?

Curious. It depends on the person and their age group, but most of my friends are really interested in what's happening outside our big island and about half of them are well-travelled and well read. I try to explain that Hip Hop doesn't represent all AA culture - which is the most dominant representation of black culture here. I also think there is a growing interest here because films like Crash and Block Party and Hotel Rwanda are playing over here.

With people I work with who are mostly in their 20s - who think they know everything anyhoo - the quote "everything but the burden" sums it up. They love the music, the hip talk etc. but think I'm being really serious if I make the odd comment on some of the realities of life in the USA (here she goes again LOL). However with friends and family I've been able to make comments and in some cases try to challenge certain 'misconceptions'. My flatmate now knows a lot more about AA history than he ever thought possible plus, I think it helps reflect and refocus on indigenous issues here. As my ex said, "black culture is everywhere".

quote:

Or. . .

How tall are you? I envision you as a woman about 5'7"....5'9"....am I right, or close?

nuh... reading your other post, we sound the same height LOL. I don't have the big hips thang due to genes and weighing only 51kg - but I do have a quite ok butt so I've been told, lol.

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
Frenchy... do you consider yourself a feminist?

Yes.

Black Viking: When you live in Hawaii, where do you go to vacation?

BlackViking...on the Sales table in the bookstore where I work is a book on Taoism - what are 3 reasons why I should buy it?

ma'am... would you ever go on Survivor? And do you think you'd win?

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
ma'am... would you ever go on Survivor? And do you think you'd win?

The challenges look fun, but I'm too prissy for that shit.

No.

quote:

Originally posted by AudioGuy:
Black Viking: When you live in Hawaii, where do you go to vacation?

Anywhere... except Hawaii.

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
BlackViking...on the Sales table in the bookstore where I work is a book on Taoism - what are 3 reasons why I should buy it?

There is no reason to buy any book on Taoism except the Tao Te Ching unless...

a) You've already read the Tao Te Ching, and you don't understand it.

or...

b) You've already read the Tao Te Ching, and you want to understand it better.

After reading the Tao Te Ching, the next book on Taoism that I recommend is "Taoism for Idiots". It breaks down the concepts very well, and it gives a detailed history of the religion as well as cultural explainations for various points of view.

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
virtue... are you working, and in what field... I remember something about law... ?
And is it your first choice?

I'm a legal secretary.....

My first choice is full time Wife and Mother.....

I only took the job because I had to....

they're paying for me to increase my skills to paralegal....

hopefully in the near future I'll be able to work from home....

outside of this....

my second choice is Education (specifically homeschooling development and philosophy for children)......

along with Pattern design, vegetarian catering, writing, community outreach,support for political campaigns and real-estate investment.....



Peace,
Virtue

quote:

Originally posted by FireFly/art_gurl:
fagunwa... if it's not too inquisitive - and I don't mean to be disrespectful - can you describe your choice/involvement as an Irfu healer and what it involves?

Sorry I just saw this. An Ifa healer is called a babalawo and one is initiated into it via a days long ceremony called 'Tefa. This was done when I was 7 years old. Afterward I was trained by my grandfather and my father for many many years before I was allowed to "practice" on my own.

In my case I come from a long line of Awos. So when I was born and my divination was done it was determined by the divinities that I was called to the priesthood.

My job involves divination for assisting others in aligning their heads with their hearts. And then aligning these two, in a healthy condition called "Iwa Pele" (good or smooth character) to their higher or heavenly self. In this way we become true human beings.

If I missed anything please ask me and I'll try to be more clear.