Q: This is the first time you’ve played at All-Star. Did you think that the Chinese players were going to vote for you as the mid lane representative?
Rooke: I really didn’t think that I was going to be voted in as part of the Chinese All-Star team. I can’t express how happy I am about that.
Q: So compared to other mid laners, do you think you are you stronger, better looking or cuter?
Rookie: No one has ever told me I was good looking in my lifetime. I think I’m a pretty strong mid laner though. Also, it might be because I’m cute.
Q: What do you think about your teammates? How does it feel to work with them?
Rookie: I think I’m playing with China’s best players. If we can’t work together well, then we wouldn’t be able to have such good results today. They’re all very good players. I really enjoyed winning today.
Q: Many players in China call you Rookie Bao Bao (Rookie Darling/Baby). Do you like this nickname?
Rookie: I’m really thankful that people gave me that nickname. People are willing to give me this nickname because they like me. But, to be honest, I think it’s better to be called good looking than to be called cute. I think this means I need to start losing weight!
Q: Who would be the strongest in 1v1s from LPL?
Rookie: I’m definitely number 1!
Q: It’s the transfer period right now. Would you consider leaving iG?
Rookie: Right now, my contract hasn’t ended up IG yet. After I go back, I still have matches I need to play. Right now, I’m not at the point where I need to change teams. However, if I have other opportunities, I might consider changing teams.
Q: Why is your Chinese so good? Are you just naturally talented at learning languages? What part of learning Chinese is the hardest?
Rookie: I spent some time living in America. At that time, my parents said I learned English really quickly. I thought they said it only because I was a kid and they just wanted to praise me. However, after I came to China, I realized that I also learned Chinese really quickly. It could be that I’m just really good at learning languages. As for what’s the hardest, I would say pronunciation. Because, in the end, I’m not native to China.
Q: Which Chinese songs do you like to sing the most?
Rookie: <<What Kind of Man>>, <<Rainy Day>> and <<Li Bai>> (Suan Shen Me Nan Ren, Xia Yu Tian, Li Bai)
Boca Bearings All Star Interview Series: Todd Iwamoto
1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Todd Iwamoto and an avid tournament fisherman on the Left Coast who loves getting on the water for fun and competition!
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
30+ years of fishing in general and 12 years of tournament bass fishing
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
Of course, my Father was the one who initially got me "hooked" back before I could figure out which shoe went on which foot! He taught me the basics on mostly trout fishing but got me into fly fishing, fly tying and eventually rod building. It was on an outing with my Dad and Uncle where I was minnow fishing and this green fish (largemouth bass) gulped it down and put up a spectacular aerial show that got me fascinated to this day. On the tournament side of fishing the kickboat club SCBBBC (www.scbbbc.com) got me inspired to take on tournament fishing. Skeet and his brother Jimmy Reese along with Andy Parsons (regular writer for several west coast bass fishing publications) and Rich Caro (founder of SCBBBC and owner of custom wood baits – Catchem Caro Baits - http://www.catchemcarobaits.com) really helped me foster my tournament fishing desires and gave me the tips and tricks to help me get competitive.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
Well, competition is something I have craved since my days playing traveling soccer and track. Winning is a hunger that needs to be replenished. Eventually getting to the point of taking the step to compete with the best of the best, the drive. The camaraderie is the joy I experience with the people I have grown to be friends with along with meeting new people. Last, teaching newbies of the sport and watching them grow and develop to the point they become confident with their skills and competitive in tournament fishing.
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
This is a difficult question. Lots would be my answer but if I had to narrow it down on the tournament fishing/marketing, I would have to say Skeet Reese. He played an instrumental role in my basic bass fishing knowledge when he used to manage Outdoor Pro Shop in California and to see where he has gone from there along with his marketing ability…working alongside him would be great. Another would be Gary Yamamoto. He seems to me to be a great business man, fisherman and cattle rancher (producing some of the most premium/tasty beef in the world!). Rick Clunn because he so cerebral about fishing. Kevin Van Dam because he's a machine that doesn't know slow or 2nd place. I'm sure there's others I'm missing, especially outside the fishing world but I guess that will be for a later day.
6. What is your goal this year?
Win at least one tournament and get in the money in at least 50% of tournaments entered. Also, get better visibility for my sponsors such as Boca.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
If someone just wants to learn about fishing, use the internet and find a club or group. Find seminars and meet with people there and ask questions. Join various fishing forums online to help get questions out to people who are more experienced than you. These are all places where you can meet with people (either in-person or virtually) and can help you learn 10 times quicker than trying to do everything on your own. Joining a club helps you make new friends, get new buddies to go out on the water with you and makes learning a collective rather than individual experience.
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Have fun. From my Mom and Dad when I was a child. If something isn't fun for you, why do it?
9. What kind of equipment and bearings do you currently use?
Daiwa Steez
Daiwa Alphas
Daiwa Zillions
Shimano Aldebaran
Shimano Curado
Some of the Kits I use:
FTP 103C-2OS#7 LD
FBK103C-2OS#7 LD
FBK693C-2OS #7 LD
FBK693-YZZ #5 LD
My name is Steven Gee, I'm a fisherman with 5 years of bass fishing experience.
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
I've been involved in bass fishing for the past 5 years.
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
A close friend had convinced me to try bass fishing and from that point I've been hooked to the hobby.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
Striving to be the best motivates me to competing.
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
I would like to work with Warren Buffet and get the opportunity to learn the craft of money management.
6. What is your goal this year?
My goal this year is to get angler of the year.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
I would advise beginners to join a local bass club and learn to compete through club tournaments.
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I received was to give it my all till the weigh in. There were many times when I caught my best fish during the last our of the tournaments. So I learned to fish hard throughout the entire tournament regardless of what I have in the livewell.
9. What kind of equipment are you currently using?
I currently use the Shimano Curado 200E, Curado 100D and Chronarch 50mg, the bearings for my Curado 200E are FR-008C-OS LD.
1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Silas Høgholt, from Denmark. I am 27 years, and I race 1/8 Buggy and truggy.
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
I have been racing Buggy for 5 years now. It's been great, super fun!
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
I haven't really been inspired by anyone special. I had just visited my local hobby shop and asked if I could get a car that would participate in any form off championship. That's how I got hold of Kyosho's MP777, and that's how it all started.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
My motivation is to beat myself, every time I go out on the track.
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
The people I like to work with are the top drivers: Jared Tebo, Adam Drake etc. I would really just like to try their cars, because it can't be that they are just that good. It's got to be the car. At least that's what I tell myself.
6. What is your goal this year?
My goals... I have 2.
First goal is to recapture my 3rd Danish Championship. Second, I would really like to make the top 50 at the Euro's.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
Start off small- get a RTR car, for instance the Losi RTR, and then just hit the track, to see if it appeals to you and iIf it does then move on to competition because that's where the action happens.
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received was that power is nothing without control, and an A-main is 45 minutes.
9. What equipment are you currently using?
I race the LOSI 2.0 EU, OS Speed, Boca Bearings, Spektrum Electronics, AKA/LOSI/VP-Pro Rubber
#57-170C-OS NB2
Boca Bearings All Star Interview Series: Andrew Gormley
1. Could you Introduce yourself to our readers?
My name Is Andrew Gormley, I live In Woodenbridge, co Wicklow, Ireland. I am 38.
2. How long have you been Involved In your sport?
I started when I was 15 years old so 23 years.
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
Yes Sam Roach, Irish International angler and tournament caster, he has seen the potential and encouraged me to take it further.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
Getting out with friends to enjoy what we do and seeing and trying all the new rods, reels bearings etc.
It's enjoyable to see companies go forward with new ideas to try at the top level of tournament casting.
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
Anyone who looks to the future and is willing to try different things, to find out if they work or not.
6. What is your goal this year?
To stay on top of casting in Ireland, and try and push the sport along.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
Be very patient, distance will come when you master technique.
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
In competition measure every cast no matter how far it goes and don't think you will beat it by the end of the day coz things happen.
9. What equipment are you currently using?
I use Zziplex rods , Abu reels with custom qtc cages , and chris macey centre mag units and all my reels run on Boca Bearings (FBK104C-YZZ#5LD). My choice of line is Sakuma.
Boca Bearings All Star Interview Series: Christine Grant
1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, my name is Christine Grant. I compete nationally in triathlons. I also work full time as a Manager of Operations and Client Programs for a consulting firm (Linkage, Inc.) that specializes in leadership and organizational development.
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
I have been a competitive runner for more than 20 years; however, I only recently began competing in triathlons. 2011 will be my second year and I am very much looking forward to it.
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
I find myself continually inspired by many people; however, the story of what prompted me to get started is actually quite humorous. I was away on a family vacation and was bored with my usual running routine. We were all sitting around watching television one night, when a new show came on called "Superstars". In this show eight celebrities are paired up with eight elite athletes to compete in a sports elimination tournament that includes head-to-head matchups in swimming, biking, running, kayaking and other athletic challenges. I had been searching for a new challenge, so after watching this show things clicked for me and I knew I definitely wanted to try my hand at a multisport competition. I signed up the next week for my first race. It was a duathlon (run, bike, run). I loved it and went on to immediately start training for triathlons.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
I guess if you were to ask any of my friends, co-workers or family members they would tell you that I am very competitive person by nature. I like to challenge myself and to push myself one step further than I have been before. I enjoy racing. It is a wonderful atmosphere filled with the friendliest group of people. It is very inspiring to see and hear of each person's story as to why they are there racing. Some of the stories are so captivating – it definitely keeps you motivated.
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
It would be so thrilling to get the chance to work with Miranda Carfrae, Chrissie Wellington and Emma Snowsill just to name a few.
6. What is your goal this year?
My goal this year is to place in the top 18 at the Age Group National Championship race in Burlington, Vermont on August 20, 2011 and earn the opportunity to represent Team USA at the World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand in 2012.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
You can start anytime – it is never too late. Just getting out there and doing it is an accomplishment in itself. The reward is great – go for it!
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Oh, that would definitely be "have fun and enjoy what you are doing." Otherwise, why do it?
Christine is currently using the following bearings in her wheels SMR6803C-2YS/C3 NB2 and SMR6902C-2YS/C3 NB2. She is competing with her Scott Plasma Bike.
Boca Bearings All Star Interview Series: Cheyenne Cox
1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi I'm Cheyenne Cox! I'm 15 years old.
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
I have been racing for 5 years now!
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
Yes, I think who really inspired me is my dad.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
Wow the whole racing industry keeps me going, the competition, the people most of all speed!
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
I would like to work with Earl Pearson Jr. I think that would be great!
6. What is your goal this year?
My goal is to get a feel for the car and know how to read it and just to be able to get a good start and win rookie of the year.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
"No guts no glory."
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Jim burke always tells me "Race the track" and my dad would always say "slower is faster."
All Star Interview Company: Grandfather Clock Towers
1. How can people find and buy your products?
I have a web site that clock enthusiast can view. www.grandfatherclocktowers.com
2. Where do you find inspiration to build your clocks?
I have always had an interest in clocks but to pursue it as a hobby it is a very time consuming but a very a rewarding experience and sense of accomplishment.
3. What are some of the materials you use in your clocks? Why do you prefer these over others?
All of the material necessary for constructing clocks is fabricated from raw material the gears are cut from leaded brass, sometime called engravers brass.
4. Why have you chosen to follow the styles and designs of E. Howard?
The E Howard and others clocks give one the opportunity to be able to skeletonize the movement, in order to be able to view all of the inner workings such as the gears and striking mechanism so one can view how everything function
5. What are some of your favorite pieces you’ve constructed or worked on?
Some of my favorite’s one are, small tower clock by John Wilding, the Strutt Epicyclic Train Clock by W Smith, a skeleton wall clock also by W. R. Smith. I enjoy any clock that can be skeletonized that can be seen, like street clock and tower clocks.
6. Are there any pieces you would like to have the opportunity to examine?
I am now looking into 30 day clock movements and now in the process of building one.
7. What advice would you give someone who is trying to get into clock building?
There is a lot of information on the web and a lot of books on clock building and for anyone wanting to start I would recommend the books by William Smith.
8. Are there any specific tools and experience beginners should consider when getting into clock building?
The basic tools for constructing clocks would be a good substantial metal lathe, a milling machine, and a clock maker’s lathe would be very helpful, band saw, a typical bench drill press. All of the tools necessary are explained in the publications by different authors on how to build clocks.
