Lit-Net Member Interviews

[AimusSage]

Welcome to this new feature brought to you by the Lit-Net Town Crier.

The Member Interview

In this new feature members of the Literature Network will be interviewed. The goal is to get to know our fellow members a little better. The original concept is by Nightshade and Pensive, who operate the Towncrier news agency. The idea is to have lit-net members interviewed at a somewhat regular basis, these members are chosen based on very strict selection criteria, as you have to be a member to apply for an interview.

General Information
The first post in the thread will have a list of the people that are interviewed, including a link to the interview.

Interview nominations
It is possible to nominate yourself or anyone else for an interview; however, all interviews are on a voluntary basis and as such it depends on the willingness of the person you have nominated whether it will proceed. Please do not give more than one suggestion at a time. Only the first nomination per member will be considered, so choose carefully who you would like to see interviewed.
The final decision as to who will be interviewed is up to the Lit-Net Town crier board of interviewers.
The Nominations are to be done by PM, so as not to clog up the thread with suggestions and such. Please contact either me or Pensive.

Schedule
There will be no complete schedule posted, however who the next person is that will be interviewed shall be posted a few days in advance.

Questions
It will be possible to suggest questions for the person via PM. These questions will then be reviewed by the interviewer, and might find their way into the interview. Editors reserve the right to alter questions to better fit the interview, the original meaning will be reserved as much as possible.


List of interviews:
Mono (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=228520&postcount=3)
Logos (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=232727&postcount=26)
Pendragon (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=240535&postcount=78)
Papayahed (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=243370&postcount=121)
Robinhood3000 Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=247264&postcount=180), part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=247265&postcount=181)
Virgil Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=253073&postcount=224), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=253074&postcount=225)
Subterranean Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=260844&postcount=291), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=260848&postcount=292)
Admin Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=266681&postcount=343), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=266682&postcount=344)
Jay Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=281472&postcount=376), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=281474&postcount=377)
Taliesin Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=301555&postcount=427), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=301556&postcount=428)
Nightshade Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=318961&postcount=474), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=318963&postcount=475), Part III (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=318964&postcount=476)
AimusSage Part I (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=345290&postcount=561), Part II (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=345291&postcount=562)
KathyCF (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=367468&postcount=648)
Koa (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=445283&postcount=733)

[papayahed]

Can we nominate people that we want interviewed?

[AimusSage]

The first interview is with Mono. I think we all know him as a very kind and intelligent member of the Lit-net, and after long debating it was decided that we would kick of the member interview series with him, also because he recently accomplished something admirable. :)

----
So, I present you, our member interview with Mono:

Introduction

1. How are you today?
Quite well, but suffering from some seasonal allergies.

2. What is your (user) name?
mono

3. How did you decide on your username?
Contrary to what others may think (such as from infectious mononucleosis, monolith, or one of my favorite musical groups, Mono), I derived the name from a Unitarian concept of thought and oneness.

4. Why did you initially join the lit-net?
I originally arrived at the site, searching for the works, essays, and biography of Virginia Woolf; needless to say, I found more, and joined the forum not long after frequenting the site.

5. What would you say is the best aspect of the forum?
Among others things, I admire the diversity of thought, and how most forum members can maintain a sense of respect and reverence for such subjectivity and uniquity.

Personal Questions

6. What do you do in real life? Student, work?
I very recently graduated from nursing school, and have already earned a job at a local intensive care unit (ICU).

7. Could you tell us a little more about what you do?
Unfortunately, I cannot begin working until obtaining the results of my state licensure exam, but intend on working as an RN very soon. Though not an official occupation, I very frequently write, too – primarily poetry, plays, and music.

8. Would you to tell us a bit about your various hobbies?
Reading and writing (of course), bicycling, walking, wandering around nature and other scenic areas, thinking, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and attending stage-plays and films.

9. Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I do not necessarily dislike sports, but cannot say that I especially enjoy them. As a child and young teenager, I loved baseball, and even played as a pitcher, but have since faded from that hobby.

10. Do you like to travel?
Unfortunately, I have travelled very little, and never internationally. What I have seen, however, I have loved greatly, and intend on travelling more in the near future.

11. Which countries have you visited? And which ones would you really like to visit someday?
Never having travelled internationally, I have only wandered about my country, the United States.

12. What about your own country? What do you like about where you live?
The United States, seeming a fairly large country, has quite a considerable amount of various sub-groups and culture (or lack thereof). In my city, Portland, Oregon, I particularly love the nature and scenic areas (even in the middle of the city), the vast amounts of art and artists, the diversity, and overall peace of the city.

13. Do you have a personal hero, or someone you look up to?
I have no individual hero, but often look up to, or admire, anyone for specific attributes and aspects.

14. Now, for all the singles of the Lit-net, marital status?
Single, indeed.

Favourites

15. We can’t have an interview on a literature site without asking the obvious questions, so who is your favourite author?

Tough question, but here goes . . . Since I cannot narrow my favorite author to one, my favorite exists somewhere between William Shakespeare, D.H. Lawrence, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Oscar Wilde, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Pushkin, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, the Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, George Eliot, Gustave Flaubert, Giovanni Boccaccio, James Joyce, Henry James, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Gabriel García Márquez, Mark Twain, O. Henry, Guy de Maupassant, Zora Neale Hurston, Arthur Miller, and various philosophers and thinkers.
If I included favorite poets, my list would extend immensely longer.

16. And your favourite book?
Also difficult to answer, but anything written by favorite authors above.

17. What kind of music do you enjoy?
Depending on my mood, it can range from classical and blues/jazz to alternative rock, acoustic rock, and electronica.

18. Which are your favourite bands/singers/composers/etc?
In classical, Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Antonio Vivaldi, Edvard Grieg, Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Samuel Barber, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert; among other trends in music, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Nick Cave and the Badseeds, Björk, Travis, Azure Ray, Fiona Apple, Mono, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Starsailor, Bob Dylan, and Tori Amos.

19. Tell us something about your favourite movie.
Though I have many favorites, most of them often have elements of suspense, dark humor, not-so-ridiculous romance, mystery, psychology, twists-of-plot, and an overall good storyline.

20.Your favourite game in the Games sub-forum?
Either ‘Book Title Game,’ ‘Ask The Person Below You,’ or ‘Would You?’

21. Amazons or Dastardly Stans?
Peace. :D

22. Any other favourites we should know about?
In terms of the forum, I spend a lot of time around the ‘Poems, Poetry, and Poets’ section.

And now, the most important question of them all

23. How do you like your turnips?
Chopped or sliced, simmered, and mixed with green vegetables.

I would like to thank Mono for a wonderful Interview, and wish him all the best in his future profession :)

[mono]

:lol:
And thank you, too, Aimus. Trying to maintain all modesty, I suddenly feel so famous! :blush:

[AimusSage]

Can we nominate people that we want interviewed?
It is possible to nominate people, however, the interviews are voluntary and as such it depends on the willingness of the one who is nominated whether the interview will proceed.

Also, please do not nominate people in this thread as to keep it focussed on the interviews themselves. If you would like to nominate someone, tell me or Pensive in a PM, and we will see if it is possible to fit the member in the schedule. :)

[papayahed]

Can we have a schedule and perhaps write in questions?

[AimusSage]

Can we have a schedule and perhaps write in questions?
Thank you for your suggestions. I will take them into consideration, but I think they have a good chance of being implemented. :)

[papayahed]

Should I delete my posts, they seem to be mucking up this thread?

[AimusSage]

I don't think that'll be necessary. I intend to keep it structured, but a few posts don't matter. :)

[grace86]

This is an awesome idea, being the curious little booger I am. Papaya, you're so cute "Should I delete my posts."

[Pensive]

Thanks guys I am glad that you liked the idea and this new feature of LitNet Crier. A few days ago, I felt that LitNet Crier is being deserted, why not start something fun and then credit goes to AimusSage for writing this stuff and organizing it.

Three Cheers for him!

[Virgil]

Fabulous idea. I loved the interview.

[Ryduce]

Very Cool.

[Shannanigan]

Wonderful idea and first interview! I didn't know you were in Portland, Mono! I visited there for the first time recently and I have to admit it must be one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. I envy you :) Kinda wish I had known before I had gone so that I could have held a faint hope of running into you (stifling a giggle). Congratulations on your graduation and new job, by the way!

[miss tenderness]

amazing idea!

Mono u r already famouse, but I thought u r a nice female!there is something about the name! isn't more feminene?

sorry about that :lol:

[SleepyWitch]

cool interview! it reads like an interview of a really famous person :) fun to read :)

[mono]

I didn't know you were in Portland, Mono! I visited there for the first time recently and I have to admit it must be one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. I envy you Kinda wish I had known before I had gone so that I could have held a faint hope of running into you (stifling a giggle).
Indeed - proudly born and raised in Portland, Oregon (not Portland, Maine :D). I certainly love the city, too - very green, friendly people, lots of history, etc. Too bad I had not known of your visit; I could have taken you to one of the many thousand coffeehouses, or something. :)

Mono u r already famouse, but I thought u r a nice female!there is something about the name! isn't more feminene?
Of course, no offense taken, miss tenderness. For some strange reason, several people have thought me female - maybe the nurse, poet, playwright combination! :lol:

[Idril]

Indeed - proudly born and raised in Portland, Oregon (not Portland, Maine :D). I certainly love the city, too - very green, friendly people, lots of history, etc.

I had a good friend who was from Portland, Oregon and one of the many things I remember about her, other than her almost fanatical obsession with Plymouth Rock and Robert Kennedy is the fact that she was very particular about how one pronounced 'Oregon'. If someone pronounced it the wrong way as in or-a-gone, her standard reply was, "We're not gone yet". :lol: I still hear her voice in my head whenever anyone pronounces it that way and in fact, many times, I actually say it for her because I know if she were here, she would appreciate it.

[cuppajoe_9]

I certainly love the city, too - very green, friendly people, lots of history, etc.Indeed. The last time I was in Portland my friend Sarah and I spent about half an hour standing on a patch of grass loudly telling each other how green it was. I believe we managed to convince about half the population of the city that people from Canada are raving fruit loops.
For some strange reason, several people have thought me female - maybe the nurse, poet, playwright combination!I think it's the avatar.

[Pendragon]

.I think it's the avatar.Indeed, to borrow your phrase. Mono's the guy trying up the girl's blue spaghetti strap! ;) ;)

[Pensive]

Logos (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?u=2229)

Our next nomination is Logos, friendly, helping and confident/ready to press her red (mod) button.

Those members who wish to ask her questions can PM their questions to me but it will be the LitNet Crier team who will decide which questions to include.

[Petrarch's Love]

Oh good, I'll look forward to learning more about Logos.:) She's always so quietly poised when posting.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Our next nomination is Logos, friendly, helping and confident/ready to press her red (mod) button.Excellent suggestion :thumbs_up I'm looking forward to it.

/Claes

[RJbibliophil]

I think is is absolutely awesome Pensy and Aimus. I have missed the daily town crier, but never actually motivated myself enough to find it.

[Pensive]

Thanks ClaesGefvenberg and RJ!

Important Note: We have already received some questions to be asked from our nomination, Logos. But if someone still wants to ask her any question can PM me today as soon as possible. Our interview is ready but we LitNet Crier Team can include questions you will ask in next twenty four hours after my post.

Thanks
LitNet Crier Team

[Pensive]

Interview With Logos
~How are you today?
I'm great, thank you for asking :)

~What is your (user) name?
Logos

~How did you decide on your username?
Ideally I wanted a gender-neutral name that fit the role of my being an impartial Moderator. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary `logos' means in part; from the Greek `word, speech, discourse'; also `reason', so I thought that would be quite fitting for a literature discussion forum. But in hindsight now my aim to be gender-neutral went by the wayside when I posted pics and my avatar (most of the members before that thought I was either some bot created by Admin, or a guy!).

~Why did you initially join the LitNet?
I'm sure I found the site because of a google search for either a book or author, but I can't remember the specifics.

~What would you say is the best aspect of the forum?
Well, it's the people who populate these forums, and I'm not going to name names because I'm impartial like that .. but those who log in everyday or only check in with us when time allows, those who go out of their way to help others with their queries, or giving feedback on poems and stories, participating in the contests and the Book Club, those with a cheery hello for newbies, even you crazy peeps who are attempting to count to 10,000! or those who doggedly argue your point of view, you are all who make this place so great! and while I don't really participate in the fora, I still enjoy reading what you all have to say.

~When did you become a Mod, and how did it happen? (suggested by Papayahed)
I became a mod sometime in February of 2004. Basically out of the blue Admin sent me a Private Message and asked me if I would be interested and I thought `hey, that would be cool, I could actually be of some use to the site that I enjoy so much..' or something like that. It so happened that I had to quickly learn a bunch of techy behind-the-scenes stuff with the software, like how to move topics or deal with spammers, and Admin had to endure a lot of dorky questions from me, but I think I've mostly figured it out now :D

~Tell us what it is like being a mod? The good, the bad and the ugly!
Well I still really enjoy the site, it's pretty much the first site I look into in the morning while relaxing, waking up and drinking my coffee, as long as there is not too much bickering going on! that demands a double espresso :D Despite what some people might think, I basically do the mod thing because I like to help people. I like to help keep the site organised and easy to use, and I like to assist in maintaining the atmosphere here. I don't have a modus operandi, I don't aim to control the content unless it falls outside of the forum rules, I don't like having to edit or delete posts, and I don't like having to warn people about their `behaviour', but human nature being what it is, that will always be a part of the job. Sure, there have been some bad and /or ugly things happen on this site over the years, but I try to take it all in stride, one post at a time.

~Is it true the red mod button can be used to destroy entire civilizations?
Heh, brings a tear to my eye, the day I received by Specially and Secwetly Engineered and Distributed only by Admin's Literature Network Mod of Doom Keyboard and Interactive Centre3000™ .. I knew I had twuely come into my own, my secwet plot to rule the world and then.. oh yeah, I accidentally dumped one of those double espressos on it one day, Admin told me the replacement is in the mail.. :lol:

~Are there going to be new authors and works added soon? Which are on the list to be added?
I have a huge list roughly compiled right now, but I'm always adding to it, and I appreciate it when people bring to my attention an author that they wish to see here. In the coming weeks I will be posting the list, as well as posting regular updates of stories/novels etc. that have been added.

~How long on average do you daily spend on the LitNet? (suggested by RJbibliophil)
Heh, oh boy.. is this where I get to plead innocence? Say I'm not really addicted? Actually, I spend a few hours a day on average reading the forums and dealing with forum-related issues, in addition to the time I spend working on LitNet related projects. See above.

~How old are you?
well.. I'm in the 34-39 age range :D

~How would you describe yourself, your personality?
I'd say I'm pretty even tempered, it takes a lot to shock or unsettle me. I'm a neat freak and obsessed with keeping things organised. I'm very quiet, more of an observer than participant.

~Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
The most recent sports I was involved in was training and competing horses in dressage and show jumping. I don't really pay much attention to other sports.

~Which countries have you visited? And which ones would you really like to visit someday?
I've travelled all over Canada and the United States, I've been to Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, The Netherlands, and would love to go someday to Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Morocco, New Zealand, and Scotland to name a few.

~Could you tell us something about the countries you have visited? Like the culture, environment, etc.
I love the Western European countries, their culture, music, food and wine are my main interests :D

~What about your own country? What do you like about where you live?
I live in Canada and love the diversity of culture, climate, and geography here and despite all my travels and love of other countries wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

~Who is your favourite author?
I don't really have a favourite author or book, way too many to list, but I tend to 18th-19th century English and Russian literature.

~What kind of music do you enjoy?
I'm not actually a big current music aficianado believe it or not. I like many types, some classical, some blues, some `alternative' which covers a wide range. My favourite band or type is seeing it *live* on-stage, preferably in a smaller intimate venue. In such settings I've been to some great concerts by including Rufus Wainright, Big Sugar, Blue Rodeo, Sarah McLaclan, Chemical Brothers, Rheostatics, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, Franz Ferdinand, I Mother Earth, Belle and Sebastian, Tom Waits, David Bowie, David Sylvian, David Byrne, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, Matthew Good, Bif Naked, Michael Hedges, Jeff Buckley, The Headstones, Arrogant Worms, Ashley MacIssac, .. the list goes on and on.

~About movies..
As far as movies go I tend to like independent or foreign films, documentaries, edgy, and some would call `weird' stuff I guess :p I'm not much up on current box-office films. Some that I have liked, or could watch over and over though are Pulp Fiction, Hurlyburly, The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, Leolo, 2001: A Space Odyssey, My Life as a Dog, Bladerunner, Highlander, Fargo, Cool Hand Luke, Little Big Man, Life of Brian, The Graduate, The Grapes of Wrath, Trainspotting, Snatch, Sling Blade, Brazil and on and on!

~Favourite Food?
I love cooking but eating out is great too. I'm not a big seafood lover but love fresh fish like salmon or trout. I cook a lot of Mexican food like burritos and quesadillas, make a lot of curries, samoosas and vegetarian dishes though I'm not vegetarian. I love Belgian chocolate and think that the Dutch make the best `french' fries. Things taste better dining al fresco, whether I'm camping or at a cafe. I know some classic french cooking techniques and manage to make decent sauces and soups, gives me something to do when I'm not in the mood to read or write! :D

~How do you like your Turnips? (Most important question of all)
As far away from me as possible :lol:

Litnet crier Team thank Logos for sparing her time and giving us interview. :D

[RobinHood3000]

Whoo!! Great interview!

[kathycf]

Cool, thanks to Logos and Mono for being interviewed and Pensive and Aimus for interviewing. :)


I especially enjoyed the questions regarding turnips! :p

[mono]

Well done, Logos, Pensive, and Aimus! :nod:
I love learning more and more of my fellow forum members, and members who moderate the forum. I look forward to seeing more interviews!

~What kind of music do you enjoy? . . . Tom Waits, David Bowie, . . . Jeff Buckley, . . .
I just realized I forgot to add others to my list of favorite musicians. :D

[RobinHood3000]

I wonder, though -- who's next?

Maybe we could have each interviewee choose their successor?

[TEND]

These are very nice, very fun to read. Please keep them coming :D .

[Petrarch's Love]

Another enjoyable interview. It's nice to know a little more about Logos. Thanks guys.

[Pensive]

Thanks guys, I am glad that you liked the interview. :)

I wonder, though -- who's next?

Maybe we could have each interviewee choose their successor?
Hmmm, maybe you should have a look at this:

Interview nominations
It is possible to nominate yourself or anyone else for an interview; however, all interviews are on a voluntary basis and as such it depends on the willingness of the person you have nominated whether it will proceed. Please do not give more than one suggestion at a time. Only the first nomination per member will be considered, so choose carefully who you would like to see interviewed.
The final decision as to who will be interviewed is up to the Lit-Net Town crier board of interviewers.
The Nominations are to be done by PM, so as not to clog up the thread with suggestions and such. Please contact either me or AimusSage.

Reminder: For those who haven't nominated yet, please don't forget the member you will like to be interviewed. :D

[ShoutGrace]

Please contact either me or Pensive.


Okay. Pensive it is! :D

[Logos]

Glad to be a part of it, I look forward to the next member's interview! :D

[Shannanigan]

Awesome interview...these are so much fun! I can't wait for the next one...

[Pensive]

Okay. Pensive it is! :D
Edited now! :D

[Hyacinth Girl]

Great interview! Am really looking forward to the next one! Nice to know more about you, Logos. :wave:

[Idril]

Interview With Logos

~About movies..
... My Life as a Dog,... Brazil...


I haven't seen or thought about My Life as a Dog in years but I remember being very touched by the movie, I should see if I can find that around here.

And Brazil is a fabulous movie. I've tried to make believers out of several of my friends but every one has made the same comment, that the movie is just odd, can't imagine what makes them think that. ;)

[RJbibliophil]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Who's next?

[RobinHood3000]

Aye, I was wondering the same thing...

I nominate PENDRAGON!!!

[Virgil]

Kudos to Logos and Pensive on that interview. I too think Pen should be next interview.

[kathycf]

Sounds like a fine choice.

[Pendragon]

Well, if my friends insist, I will bow to the will of the others. I would have went with Robin, myself... :nod:

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Well, if my friends insist, I will bow to the will of the others. I would have went with Robin, myself... :nod:Great... and I nominate Robin for next round :D

/Claes

[RobinHood3000]

Hmm...well, so long as I have your attention, may I direct your attention to this thread? (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18216)

[RJbibliophil]

no, of course not.

[RobinHood3000]

:p Nyeh. :p


You want the interview or not? :cool:

[miss tenderness]

intersting interview Logo . I agree with the nominations :)

[RJbibliophil]

guess what?

I already nominated Pen in the beginning :D

[miss tenderness]

you win then RJ!

[Nightshade]

Well wow :thumbs_up ( I seem to hve lost most of my smilies while I was away ) But can I just say why am I geteting credit...I dont seem to rember .ah well great Idea anywho.
:D:D

[grace86]

Hey Nightshade, where have you been?? Glad to see your smiles around here again.

[miss tenderness]

that's right , we missed your lovely smiles Night , glad your back darling:)

[RobinHood3000]

Hey Nightshade, where have you been?? Glad to see your smiles around here again.All infinity of them :D.

[thevintagepiper]

Great... and I nominate Robin for next round :D

/Claes

I second that...I enjoy reading these and I'd love to see Robin do an interview after Pendragon.

[Nightshade]

Well IM afraid it may just be me minus the smilies for a while at least but They will be back evantually :D

So can someone explain how this nomination works??

[RobinHood3000]

You just say who you wanna see interviewed (one nomination at a time per member). You can also nominate yourself.

[Pendragon]

So, Archer, it looks like you'll be following me into the mysterious realm of interviews after all. Remember, guys, I said, "Personally, I would have went with Robin." when I said I would accept my friends' nomination! :nod: :p

[papayahed]

I nominate Admin.

[RobinHood3000]

Pendragon -- so it would appear. Can't run from sharing personal stuff forever, can I?


Papaya -- heehee, that would be funny.

[RJbibliophil]

Go for it Papaya! :p

[Jack_Aubrey]

Cool thread so far. Get some more interviews up!!!

[Asa Adams]

defintely admin.

[Pensive]

Hey Night, it's great to have you back here! Now we have quite a long list of people for interview but according to the rules, Pendragon should be the first one to be interviewed as he was nominated first!

Come on and PM me the questions you want to ask from Pendragon!

[subterranean]

Mono, you answered these Qs like a pro :D


The first interview is with Mono. I think we all know him as a very kind and intelligent member of the Lit-net, and after long debating it was decided that we would kick of the member interview series with him, also because he recently accomplished something admirable. :)

----
So, I present you, our member interview with Mono:

Introduction

1. How are you today?
Quite well, but suffering from some seasonal allergies.

2. What is your (user) name?
mono

3. How did you decide on your username?
Contrary to what others may think (such as from infectious mononucleosis, monolith, or one of my favorite musical groups, Mono), I derived the name from a Unitarian concept of thought and oneness.

4. Why did you initially join the lit-net?
I originally arrived at the site, searching for the works, essays, and biography of Virginia Woolf; needless to say, I found more, and joined the forum not long after frequenting the site.

5. What would you say is the best aspect of the forum?
Among others things, I admire the diversity of thought, and how most forum members can maintain a sense of respect and reverence for such subjectivity and uniquity.

Personal Questions

6. What do you do in real life? Student, work?
I very recently graduated from nursing school, and have already earned a job at a local intensive care unit (ICU).

7. Could you tell us a little more about what you do?
Unfortunately, I cannot begin working until obtaining the results of my state licensure exam, but intend on working as an RN very soon. Though not an official occupation, I very frequently write, too – primarily poetry, plays, and music.

8. Would you to tell us a bit about your various hobbies?
Reading and writing (of course), bicycling, walking, wandering around nature and other scenic areas, thinking, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and attending stage-plays and films.

9. Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I do not necessarily dislike sports, but cannot say that I especially enjoy them. As a child and young teenager, I loved baseball, and even played as a pitcher, but have since faded from that hobby.

10. Do you like to travel?
Unfortunately, I have travelled very little, and never internationally. What I have seen, however, I have loved greatly, and intend on travelling more in the near future.

11. Which countries have you visited? And which ones would you really like to visit someday?
Never having travelled internationally, I have only wandered about my country, the United States.

12. What about your own country? What do you like about where you live?
The United States, seeming a fairly large country, has quite a considerable amount of various sub-groups and culture (or lack thereof). In my city, Portland, Oregon, I particularly love the nature and scenic areas (even in the middle of the city), the vast amounts of art and artists, the diversity, and overall peace of the city.

13. Do you have a personal hero, or someone you look up to?
I have no individual hero, but often look up to, or admire, anyone for specific attributes and aspects.

14. Now, for all the singles of the Lit-net, marital status?
Single, indeed.

Favourites

15. We can’t have an interview on a literature site without asking the obvious questions, so who is your favourite author?

Tough question, but here goes . . . Since I cannot narrow my favorite author to one, my favorite exists somewhere between William Shakespeare, D.H. Lawrence, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Oscar Wilde, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Pushkin, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, the Brontë sisters, Jane Austen, George Eliot, Gustave Flaubert, Giovanni Boccaccio, James Joyce, Henry James, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Gabriel García Márquez, Mark Twain, O. Henry, Guy de Maupassant, Zora Neale Hurston, Arthur Miller, and various philosophers and thinkers.
If I included favorite poets, my list would extend immensely longer.

16. And your favourite book?
Also difficult to answer, but anything written by favorite authors above.

17. What kind of music do you enjoy?
Depending on my mood, it can range from classical and blues/jazz to alternative rock, acoustic rock, and electronica.

18. Which are your favourite bands/singers/composers/etc?
In classical, Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Antonio Vivaldi, Edvard Grieg, Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Samuel Barber, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert; among other trends in music, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Nick Cave and the Badseeds, Björk, Travis, Azure Ray, Fiona Apple, Mono, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Starsailor, Bob Dylan, and Tori Amos.

19. Tell us something about your favourite movie.
Though I have many favorites, most of them often have elements of suspense, dark humor, not-so-ridiculous romance, mystery, psychology, twists-of-plot, and an overall good storyline.

20.Your favourite game in the Games sub-forum?
Either ‘Book Title Game,’ ‘Ask The Person Below You,’ or ‘Would You?’

21. Amazons or Dastardly Stans?
Peace. :D

22. Any other favourites we should know about?
In terms of the forum, I spend a lot of time around the ‘Poems, Poetry, and Poets’ section.

And now, the most important question of them all

23. How do you like your turnips?
Chopped or sliced, simmered, and mixed with green vegetables.

I would like to thank Mono for a wonderful Interview, and wish him all the best in his future profession :)

[Shakira]

I would love to see Pendragon's interview.

[RJbibliophil]

When do we get the next edition?

[Pensive]

When do we get the next edition?
Oh dear, there is no dead-line. And I am a bit busy now a days so I am afraid that you will have to wait for about three to four days.

[Madhuri]

I would love to read Pen's interview.

How do you take interviews??? Send them the questions or call them or anyother way???

[AimusSage]

It's a secret, but it involves the interviewee's brainwaves and a microwave oven.

[Madhuri]

You have this thing for keeping secrets, Aimus.

[AimusSage]

No I don't.

[Madhuri]

Oh Really??????? :brow: Are you sure?????

[Shea]

This is a great idea! I actually had no idea that Logos was a girl. I think because she's a mod I associated her with Admin who I knew was a guy. I guess she posted her pic while I was gone.

Congratulations Mono! I knew you were studying for nursing, but I hadn't known you'd gotten a job yet. We certainly need good nurses!(I wonder how many time you've heard that?)

Can't wait for the next interview!

[kathycf]

It's a secret, but it involves the interviewee's brainwaves and a microwave oven.

Or the magic of the PM... :lol:

[ShoutGrace]

Or the magic of the PM... :lol:

Thats why I shiver with trepidation when opening one of Aimus' PMs . . . . I think to myself - Is he unfairly using any nuclear reactors or brainwave machines on me at the moment? :D

[Pensive]

Interview With Pendragon

Forum questions

~How are you today?
Today I am feeling my usual self, a little nervous and touchy, but OK.

~What is your (user) name?
Pendragon. David Pendragon. (Flaming, not cold!)

~How did you decide on your username?
My favorite two Pseudonyms (Blade & Raven) were taken!

~Why did you initially join the lit-net?
To talk to people about Sherlock Holmes, I am a great fan of literature dealing with the Great Detective. I have an entire bookshelf with nothing but Holmes books on it, floor to ceiling.

~What do you like the best about the forum?
The friends I have made on the forum

~How long on average do you daily spend on the litnet?
Hummmm. At least a couple hours.

Personal Questions

~How old are you?
Presently, the ripe old age of 45.

~How would you describe yourself, your personality?
I am the Mad Poet, remember? I'm moody, but usually good for a laugh or two.

~What do you do in real life?
Unfortunately, I'm disabled. Not unable, disabled. Big difference there. I write short fiction and poetry with fair success, which means I have been published, but not in anything any of you are likely to read. I've made a whopping $85 out of more than 150 poems and more than 27 short stories. So I'm not in it for the money!

~Now tell us about your hobbies. What you do in your spare time?
Write, mess with graphic programs, repair computers

~What got you so interested in comic books? (suggested by Robinhood)
Well, I'm also an artist, an back in the seventies as a teenager, I actually made money by drawing superheroes onto tee-shirts with permanent markers. I still have a large database of superhero images, and besides, I've lived in a dream world for most of my life, so why stop now? LOL.

~Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I was great at basketball (called me Dr. Hook, for a specialized shot), until injuries and my current size sidelined me.

~Who is your inspiration?
Anyone who won't quit despite the hand fate deals them. Stephen Hawkins is a great example.

~When did you start being so creative? I mean all your poems and brilliant birthday sonnets, when did you start writing them?
Grade school. Not bragging, I just always found it easy to write, maybe because I read university level before grade 3.

Favorites

~Who is your favorite author?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

~And your favorite book?
The Hound of the Baskervilles

~What kind of music do you enjoy?
The Eagles (They cannot BE classified), and I will always love Gospel, although not everyone would agree with my choices of Gospel

~What kind of movies do you like?
Action/Adventure. Something better be happening fast or I loose interest.

~Your favourite game in the games sub-forum?
Another Creative Game, AKA, The Obit, File

~What is your favourite part of the forum?
I used to visit many parts bu usually I can be found in games.

~Favourite Food?
Turkey and the works. (I was born on Thanksgiving Day)

~What's your favourite avatar so far? (suggested by Robinhood)
Probably the one I have now.

Here comes the most important question of all

How do you like your turnips?
In a nice Brunswick Stew or New-England Pot-roast Stew!

Thanks a lot for the interview, Pen! :D

[Ryduce]

It's always nice to read about all the wonderful people here on Lit-Net.Very nice Pen!!

[Madhuri]

These interviews are so informative. You get to know so much about the person.

[TEND]

Yes, I love these interviews, it's torture waiting for the next....p.s. I sent a PM but I nominate Virgil for the next interview!

[Shea]

Interview With Pendragon

~Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I was great at basketball (called me Dr. Hook, for a specialized shot), until injuries and my current size sidelined me.

If I may ask, are you in a wheelchair? I got to meet an amazing group of people who played wheelchair basketball. Their disabilities ranged from amputee to paralized from the chest down. The had such inspiring determination that it was a privilage to meet them. Maybe there's an organization where you live.

I love these interveiws, we learn so much more about our friends.

[Pendragon]

If I may ask, are you in a wheelchair? I got to meet an amazing group of people who played wheelchair basketball. Their disabilities ranged from amputee to paralized from the chest down. The had such inspiring determination that it was a privilage to meet them. Maybe there's an organization where you live.

I love these interveiws, we learn so much more about our friends.No, Shea, I can walk fine, even hike rugged trails. I have had sevral injuries to my spine which makes moving fast enough to play almost impossible. Then, also, one of the medications I was put on for my illness packed more than 50 pounds onto me inside a month! The drug has since been pretty much blacklisted, but I'm stuck with weight I cannot loose, since it has nothing to do with diet or exercise. A 300 pound man can't move like a 220 pound one could! Both legs have been broken at least twice, but it never bothered me until this weight. I can still hit the shots, (got a goal in my driveway), but my days of running the court are over. ;) Thanks for your concern! :wave:

[Logos]

It's great to get to know you more Pen, sounds like you've had your share of challenges in life but remain quite positive about it all and have adjusted to use your strengths to advantage.. thank you for the interview and your positive contribution around here :)

[Virgil]

Another great interview. Thanks Pen and Pensy.

[Shannanigan]

that was fun to read :D I really love these interviews, they're turning out to be better than I thought!

[grace86]

Oh yes, I love these interviews. I am so glad I have gotten to learn more about you Pen.

[Nightshade]

*bravo*http://www.websmileys.com/sm/fingers/fing24.gif

but I didnt get to ask my question I clean forgot to send it in :blush:
ah welll
who is next???
*rubbs hands together *

[Petrarch's Love]

Good to see another interview out, and Pen was a great choice! Wow, a whole bookcase of Sherlock Holmes books!!! Are you part of a Sherlockian society too Pen? I used to know someone who did that and went off to some event in NYC every year where everyone dressed up as Holmes and Watson. I went through a period in my teen years when I read every one of the stories, and I remember with great fondness getting the chance to dress up and represent the great detective myself for a report in high school. I'll have to go dig out my well worn copy of the Holmes stories and start re-reading. :)

[Pensive]

Papayahed, Our Nomination.
Those members who wish to ask her questions can PM their questions to me but it will be the LitNet Crier team who will decide which questions to include.

~And I am really glad that you guys liked the interview. :D

[SleepyWitch]

yep, great interviews everyone...
Pen, are there any of your stories in the writing section? (too lazy to check)

[RobinHood3000]

Pendragon, always a pleasure to learn more. Few have lives so fascinating.

[SleepyWitch]

No, Shea, I can walk fine, even hike rugged trails. I have had sevral injuries to my spine which makes moving fast enough to play almost impossible. Then, also, one of the medications I was put on for my illness packed more than 50 pounds onto me inside a month! The drug has since been pretty much blacklisted, but I'm stuck with weight I cannot loose, since it has nothing to do with diet or exercise. A 300 pound man can't move like a 220 pound one could! Both legs have been broken at least twice, but it never bothered me until this weight. I can still hit the shots, (got a goal in my driveway), but my days of running the court are over. ;) Thanks for your concern! :wave:

hurray for the FDA and the American health care system, whatever that may be. Vote Shrub! sarcasm still allowed is? helloooooo, Logos... i hope this doesn't count as a comment on current politics...
why don't you sue them or something? i know that won't make you any healthier, but at least it'll make you rich
well, if it's any help: these things even happen in Old Europe... you could be worse off actually... the father of my friends brother's friend (???) broke a leg and got operated on at a hospital that's infested with MRSA superbugs. so his leg was infected and had to be amputated... but the MRSA didn't give up so the doctors couldn't do anything and the man died of the infection....
yep, that should cheer you up :)

[Pendragon]

yep, great interviews everyone...
Pen, are there any of your stories in the writing section? (too lazy to check)Buch of them in the Brain Teasers thread. You'd have to back-track, and of course, they've already been solved. ;) The site I write for limits me to about 500 words. Amazing how you can make a story fit that, and still hide a mystery. Of course here, the unedited versions get posted when I do one! :D

[Pendragon]

Good to see another interview out, and Pen was a great choice! Wow, a whole bookcase of Sherlock Holmes books!!! Are you part of a Sherlockian society too Pen? I used to know someone who did that and went off to some event in NYC every year where everyone dressed up as Holmes and Watson. I went through a period in my teen years when I read every one of the stories, and I remember with great fondness getting the chance to dress up and represent the great detective myself for a report in high school. I'll have to go dig out my well worn copy of the Holmes stories and start re-reading. :)No, I don't belong to a society, although I am friends with an author of two modern Holmes books. I tried a total Holmes forum, but I soon found that my own deductions would be overlooked, and then brought up by a member with more seniority as if he had thought of them himself. After that happened three times, I e-mailed him, and told him I didn't like what he was pulling. He responded that if I was unsatisfied, I could leave. I did, letting the whole forum know what the guy was doing!

That bookshelf doesn't even begin to cover all the books on Holmes out there, just what I could afford to buy. Many different authors write them. One anthology even has a great story written by Stephen King! ;)

[RobinHood3000]

At the risk of drawing too much attention to myself, who's next?

[miss tenderness]

Pen, very interesting interview. Honestly , you are of the few who know how to please people .Your sonnet made me happy. A very new present for my birthday. your woman is so lucky to have you . One of the liked gifts to please women is a man who knows how to talk and,they are rare!

Paya is a good choic
I nominate Virgil to be next
Then, Rachel
Then, Robin( I got your point above :lol: )

[RobinHood3000]

Nutbunnies, not subtle enough. :cool:

[kathycf]

Interesting interview, Pen. Thank you for sharing some things about yourself.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/kathycf/smileys/hug.gif

[thevintagepiper]

I say Robin.

[Pensive]

Who's next?


Papayahed, Our Nomination.
Those members who wish to ask her questions can PM their questions to me but it will be the LitNet Crier team who will decide which questions to include.

~And I am really glad that you guys liked the interview.
That's it, papaya! I have already received some PM's asking questions but I am waiting for more!!!

[Nightshade]

ok dokye (dont do the interview pensy till I think of some really tough questions ;) :D )

[papayahed]

ok dokye (dont do the interview pensy till I think of some really tough questions ;) :D )



Well, now I'm worried!!!!

[Scheherazade]

Well, now I'm worried!!!!As you should be! http://smilies.storagebin.us/smilies/firedevil.gif

[Nightshade]

As you should be! http://smilies.storagebin.us/smilies/firedevil.gif
I agree but scher I just cant wait till its your turn :brow:
:p

[papayahed]

I agree but scher I just cant wait till its your turn :brow:
:p


me neither!

[RJbibliophil]

...I read university level before grade 3.

Just goes to show what idiots the average uni student is. Even standardized tests. How come 6th graders who are no smarter than other bright, studious children, manage to score as well as 11th graders who took the same test?

Hats off to the staff, eagerly await Papaya's torturous interogation. ;)

[Taliesin]

Oooooo!!
We can nominate!

So, for the general evil, we nominate Scher.

Being really evil now, the interviews are nice and all, but we feel as if they were sent to the interviewed person via PM and politely asked to fill in the blanks. There is too little on-the-spot-questions, asking about things the interviewer just learned in the interview and stuff like that.

[Rachy]

I'm confused...What is this about? Sounds fun! xx

[Hyacinth Girl]

Wonderful to know more about you Pen.
And kudos to the Crier Interview Staff for another job well done. :D

[SleepyWitch]

Oooooo!!
We can nominate!

So, for the general evil, we nominate Scher.



I'm totally against this idea... I enjoy being frightened of Scher :lol: there's got to be somebody around to straighten out cheecky little witches :)

knowing silly trivial things about her would not help...
aaarrrrrrgh.. no I'm not saying the questions you asked in the other iterviews were trivial Pensy and Aimus.. don't get me wrong...erhm.. gotta go to the loo, *crawling away to hide behind a rock*

[Pensive]

Oooooo!!
We can nominate!

So, for the general evil, we nominate Scher.

Being really evil now, the interviews are nice and all, but we feel as if they were sent to the interviewed person via PM and politely asked to fill in the blanks. There is too little on-the-spot-questions, asking about things the interviewer just learned in the interview and stuff like that.
I was feeling it too and I agree but there was not another way. Yes, there was an option of asking followup-questions on msn, yahoo or any instant messenger but the problem is that everyone doesn't use them. If you have any idea, we will like to hear it out. :)

[Nightshade]

err whatty?? not understanding :S:S:S

[miss tenderness]

isn't Paya's interview so late?
we are waithing .....

[thevintagepiper]

I'm confused...What is this about? Sounds fun! xx

Basically we can nomintae members for interviews and then someone gets interviewed. You can suggest questions when you know who the next is.

[Pensive]

I have sent Papaya her interview questions. *waiting to get it back with answers*

[RobinHood3000]

Whoo!!

Can't wait to read 'em!

[Pendragon]

Just goes to show what idiots the average uni student is. Even standardized tests. How come 6th graders who are no smarter than other bright, studious children, manage to score as well as 11th graders who took the same test?
Ouch! ;) A left handed compliment at best, Piglet! I nominate both Night and Piglet for interviews, myself! http://www.cosgan.de/images/more/bigs/a115.gifhttp://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/scull.gif

[papayahed]

isn't Paya's interview so late?
we are waithing .....

I just got it yesterday, I'm working on it :banana:

[miss tenderness]

ok, dahling....

[Pensive]

papayahed (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?userid=2154)

Forum questions

~How are you today?
Good.

~How did you decide on your user name?
There are several factors:
-My uncle's user name was "bushelhead" .
-I'm a Jimmy buffett fan and his followers are called "Parrotheads"
I liked my uncles username and I wanted something that had to do with buffet but i didn't want to outright copy either one. The first tropical fruit that seemed to work was a papaya. Truthfully I don't even like papayas.

~Can you tell us Papaya that what your user name means? We all know papayas but what’s a “hed” without an “a”? :D (suggested by SleepyWitch)
My middle name is Hedwig...

~And if you could use another fruit for your head, what would it be? :p
(suggested by Robinhood)
we could all use a little more fruit on our heads (Just like Carmen Miranda). Let's see, it's a toss up between pineapple and cherries, I can't get enough of either.

~Tell us, how did you come up with a Groover for your avatar (suggested by Pendragon)
As most of the old timers know I had Charlie Brown forever. On another website a poster was looking for a new avatar and somebody posted the grover avy and I copied it to litnet. I've always liked the whole Sesame Street/Muppets scene.

~Why did you initially join the lit-net?
I was searching for a book club that chose more of the books that I wanted to read. Most of the other book clubs I found were reading a lot of chick lit or the Oprah stuff. (But lets not talk about Oprah right now)

~What do you like the best about the forum?
The other website I go to is a website about hair - curly hair specifically, the posters can get really intense and mean -it isn't uncommon for fights to go on for 15+ pages - just back and forth she said/she said crap. I like litnet because it isn't like that everybody has respect for each other and it's a friendlier place (I don't go to the religious section very often).

~How long on average do you daily spend on the litnet?
Not as much as I used to, I'd say 1/2 hour a day. Work seems to be taking up more time then it should...: ) One of these days I'm gonna get a computer for home...

Personal Questions

~How old are you?
I'm 36.

~How would you describe yourself, your personality?
I'm pretty easy going, I have a good sense of humour.

~What do you do in real life?
In real life I'm a Chemical Engineer, but right now I mainly focus on Environmental, Health, and Safety (for a manufacturing facility).

~What made you want to be an Engineer? (suggested by Virgil)
Actually growing up in Detroit I hated engineers everybody thought they were hot ****. (Car companies and all). After high school I floated around a little, went to community college and my first semester I had three classes : psychology, a math class, and a business class. The only one I ever went to was the math class. After a few semesters and a whole lot of math classes I found myself taking differential equations and wondering what the heck I'm gonna do with all these math classes. I did some research and the 2 options were engineering and becoming an Actuary. I'm not one to sit behind a desk all day so i decided on engineering, but because of my hatred of engineers (mechanical engineers - those were the ones hired by the car companies) I decided on becoming a Chemical Engineer

~Have you found difficulties being a female engineer in a male-dominated
field? (suggested by Virgil)
Not until just recently. My first boss was a well respected powerful woman, she liked me and helped me out a lot. After that job I worked for smaller companies where it was easier to be seen as Papaya rather then that woman engineer.
There has always been a few sexual harrassement issues but nothing that couldn't be handled - I've learned to dish it out.
At my current job I'm having problems with my boss and it doesn't help that a good deal of my responsibilites involve other projects outside this facility that he doesn't know anything about. The upside is that corporate is starting to keep a close eye on our plant: this morning I had a talk with a corporate guy and he pretty much told me to do what I thought was best and if i got into trouble with my boss I could tell him that "Corporate guy" told me to do it - so things may be looking up.
In trying to figure out how to handle my boss I bought a book called "Hardball for women - Winning at the game of business" . I'm finding it interesting - it talks about how men and women have different views. i think it may be useful in many other situations and not just wioth my boss.
And finally, sometimes the problem can be the other women, a lot of them can be "catty", unsupportive, and just plain mean to each other.

~Do you do anything in particular to help or motivate women in the field of
engineering? (suggested by Virgil)
No but I should. It annoys me when I see young girls (and boys) pretend to be dumb or say they can't do math. It may take a little time and sweat but anyone can do math - it's just a few rules!!!

~Now tell us about your hobbies. What are your hobbies?
uh oh, I have a math-a -day calender. I do a math problem each morning. it's not much of a hobby but that's the only one have except reading...

~Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I do like sports, I don't really play anything - I run and bicycle.

~Who is your inspiration?
Probably my mom.

~Do you do make-up? What kind of make-up do you like? Soft make-up or dark make-up?
I love makeup, and manicures, and pedicures - the whole nine yards. The only other website I go to is my hair board I get a lot of information and product reviews on hair care products.
I do soft make up especially at work - I can't go all whored up and be taken seriously.

Favourites

~Who is your favourite author?
For pure entertainment I'd have to say either Michael Crichton or Stephen King.

~And your favourite book?
I don't really have a favorite. I guess the ones I've reread more then once could be considered favorites: Lord of the Rings, Pride and Prejudice, It...That's all I can think of at the moment.

~What kind of music do you enjoy?
I grew up in the 80's so my heart belongs to 80's hairbands but I also like alternative, disco, showtunes. Basically anything I can sing along too.

~What kind of movies do you like?
Sci-Fi, comedies, Thrillers

~Your favourite game in the Games sub-forum?
Song title Game and Name that Song

~What is your favourite part of the forum?
The Book Club - You guys make me read crap I never would on my own.

~Favourite Food?
Ohhhhh Mexican. I'm salivating thinkinig about the fajitas and Margaritas at my favorite mexican restaurant back home.

~Your favourite eyes and hair color? ;)
My left eye is my favorite... hehahahahaha I crack myself up. The last guy I dated had brown eyes and there was just something about them that I really liked. I like brunettes but I always wind up with blondes.

Now the most important question of all

How do you like your turnips?
On someone else's plate.

Thanks a lot for the interview, papaya! :banana:

[RobinHood3000]

Whoo!! Great interview!

Who's next in line?

[Nightshade]

Well that was interesting :D:D


Whoo!! Great interview!

Who's next in line?

Scher pleeeeeeese!

[Pendragon]

Great interview, Papaya! http://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/twins.gif Bring on the next vic—, uh, interviewee! Scher? Robin? Night? Somebody say something! :lol: http://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/clock.gif The clock's ticking!

[Virgil]

Another great one. I really enjoy these. I had no isdea they have a forum on how to curl your hair. Good gracious! :lol:

[Shea]

I didn't know our Grover gal was an Engineer. My husband tried that (Electrical engineering) for his major and found it so tough that he never finished. Honestly, he should have studied buisness.

Great interview Papaya!

[Hyacinth Girl]

Wonderful to get to know more about you Papaya and the origin of the Grover avatar! :D

[Pensive]

~Can you tell us Papaya that what your user name means? We all know papayas but what’s a “hed” without an “a”? :D (suggested by SleepyWitch) [/I]
My middle name is Hedwig...
Oh dear old Hedwig, I hope that Harry will get Dumbledore's phoenix Fawkes so Hedwig will also have some company... oh nevermind...Hedwig just reminded me of Harry Potter's pet own which also shares your name. :D

[kathycf]

A forum for curly haired people? I never knew. I also love pedicures and other "girly" things.

Thank you for an interesting interview, papaya (and the interviewing team.)

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Great :thumbs_up This interview thread is getting better all the time. Not only do we get to know a bit more about each other. Some answers are also thought provoking:



papayahed (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?userid=2154) ~What do you do in real life?
In real life I'm a Chemical Engineer, but right now I mainly focus on Environmental, Health, and Safety (for a manufacturing facility). Well now, what have we here? :nod: We seem to have some common interests then: I deal with Quality, Environmental and H&S....



papayahed (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?userid=2154) ~Have you found difficulties being a female engineer in a male-dominated
field? (suggested by Virgil)
Not until just recently. My first boss was a well respected powerful woman, she liked me and helped me out a lot. After that job I worked for smaller companies where it was easier to be seen as Papaya rather then that woman engineer.
There has always been a few sexual harrassement issues but nothing that couldn't be handled - I've learned to dish it out. Good on you :thumbs_up Unfortunately women often have to deal with this in any line of work not thoroughly labelled as a womans job, and that is of course utterly ridiculous. You should not have to, but I'm glad to hear that you are able to stand your ground. I have to seize the opportunity and say that my female coworkers throughout my career have been great to work with.



papayahed (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?userid=2154) this morning I had a talk with a corporate guy and he pretty much told me to do what I thought was best and if i got into trouble with my boss I could tell him that "Corporate guy" told me to do it - so things may be looking up. That sounds good, (and I hope it is), but I do hope that you won't need to play that card. Thread very carefully if you do. It may win you the battle and cost you the war, if you get my meaning. Company politics can be such a bind. :brickwall Anyway, remember to cover your... er... bottom to the best of your ability.

/Claes

[RobinHood3000]

I'm a litle curious to learn more about kathy...

[Virgil]

I think it's Scher's turn. :D

[Madhuri]

Great interview Papaya. I really understand how difficult it could be working with such a boss, I have had similar experiences with collegues, but I think what worked for me was being assertive with facts.

It was wonderful knowing you Papaya. :)


Good job Pensive!!

[Nightshade]

http://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/twins.gif Bring on the next vic—, uh, interviewee! Scher? Robin? Night? Somebody say something! :lol: http://www.industreal.spb.ru/smiles/clock.gif The clock's ticking!
what clock :S:S

[Petrarch's Love]

Great interview Papaya. I'm not so much amazed that there's a forum about curly hair as that they have 15 page fights on it. What, do they all go about competing over who's got the curliest hair of all? :lol: I like the sound of "Hardball for Women." I've got some friends out in corporate land who need that. Hold firm and good luck with the boss.

[Madhuri]

Why not tell us about yourself Robin.

[papayahed]

Great interview Papaya. I'm not so much amazed that there's a forum about curly hair as that they have 15 page fights on it. What, do they all go about competing over who's got the curliest hair of all? :lol:

Yep, the website is called naturallycurly.com if anybody's interested. We talk about hair, hair products, then just like here there's a "nonhair discussion" board and thats generally where the trouble starts and they can fight about everything....

[papayahed]

Well now, what have we here? :nod: We seem to have some common interests then: I deal with Quality, Environmental and H&S....
/Claes

In what capacity?



That sounds good, (and I hope it is), but I do hope that you won't need to play that card. Thread very carefully if you do. It may win you the battle and cost you the war, if you get my meaning. Company politics can be such a bind. :brickwall Anyway, remember to cover your... er... bottom to the best of your ability.

Yes, I'm being cautious. The problem is that our corporate offices are in another state so no matter what any corporate people say I'm still stuck here alone with my boss and his sidekick.

[grace86]

Hey Papaya that was a wonderful interview. I thought you were a baby like me! It is really good to know that there are smart women like you out there. That is inspirational but I guess a bit intimidating to the male ego. Thank you for sharing with us.

[Virgil]

Hey Papaya that was a wonderful interview. I thought you were a baby like me! It is really good to know that there are smart women like you out there. That is inspirational but I guess a bit intimidating to the male ego. Thank you for sharing with us.
Why intimidating to the male ego? I work with women. They are not intimidating nor do I try to intimidate them.

[grace86]

I was talking about the men around her...all the harassment cases and stuff. Not all men are like that, I know Virgil. I too work with men, sorry for the lack of clarification.

[Virgil]

I was talking about the men around her...all the harassment cases and stuff. Not all men are like that, I know Virgil. I too work with men, sorry for the lack of clarification.
Yes, I wasn't claiming you were. Let me clarify my question. Why would Papaya (let's say she's not afraid of her boss and stands up to him) be intimidating to the male ego? Are you saying that the male ego cannot handle strong women? Is it not possible that the male ego can work with strong women just like it can work with fellow strong men?

[RobinHood3000]

Is it not possible that some male egos cannot?

[Pensive]

RobinHood3000 (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?u=9603)

Please send me the questions that you wish to ask from RobinHood3000. :D

[Koa]

Are you saying that the male ego cannot handle strong women?


I've met more men that cannot than men who are able to. (in life in general, not in work).

[papayahed]

Yes, I wasn't claiming you were. Let me clarify my question. Why would Papaya (let's say she's not afraid of her boss and stands up to him) be intimidating to the male ego? Are you saying that the male ego cannot handle strong women? Is it not possible that the male ego can work with strong women just like it can work with fellow strong men?

Why wouldn't I be intimidating to the male ego? :D :banana: :banana:

It's hard to say because I am a woman I can't gauge if I'm being treated differently or not. For example many times in the past I've had men (no women that I can remember) down play my knowledge and expertise was that because I was a woman or because I was new? It's hard to say.

[grace86]

AAAAHH!!! Sorry, apparently I started something that was not intended! I simply meant to compliment Papaya, but this whole male vs. female thing could go on endlessly. Sorry about that.

[Shannanigan]

Another awesome interview to read :D God I love this thread.

Papaya, I admire you for your obvious love of math and for taking the engineering world head-on...I am good at math, but sorely dislike it...right now I'm working for a construction company and I'm glad to say that here, too, men are for the most part decent and accepting of a woman in the midst of a male-dominant occupation...it's never perfect, but it's nice to see women in places we never would have been only such a short time ago...

I'm going to have to subscribe to this thread so that I will know the absolute MOMENT robin's interview is posted, lol...

[Jay]

I've got the opposite problem with math, I like it but I suck at it most of the times :p

[Pensive]

Same is the case with me. I like Maths but I can't even do simple questions. Hey but I can. I can if my friends show me their's, then I can copy them. :p

[Shannanigan]

lol...I consider my problem a curse, I just really don't understand it, why would I be given the gift of excellent math skills only to be born with a dislike for math as well?

I was talking to one of my math professers, she wanted to know why I was an English major when I was so good at math. I told her that math had always come easily to me, but I just didn't enjoy it once I finished geometry. She looked at me and said "you enjoyed geometry?" and I said "well, yeah, sure...shapes are fun!" and she just groaned and was like "You really are in the wrong major..." lol

I enjoy helping others understand math, though :) Teaching is just a part of me, I think...

[kathycf]

Yeesh, I have yet to take any college level math...and I have 3 classes that I need for basic requirements and 1 specifically for my major. *shudders* I would much rather do a science like biology or anatomy & physiology than math.

[Virgil]

RobinHood3000 (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?u=9603)

Please send me the questions that you wish to ask from RobinHood3000. :D
Robin? How did Robin get selected? I thought it was Scher? If it's Robin, can I get some questions from hs old buddy, Starwriter? ;)

[Pensive]

Robin? How did Robin get selected? I thought it was Scher? If it's Robin, can I get some questions from hs old buddy, Starwriter? ;)

It is possible to nominate yourself or anyone else for an interview; however, all interviews are on a voluntary basis and as such it depends on the willingness of the person you have nominated whether it will proceed. Please do not give more than one suggestion at a time. Only the first nomination per member will be considered, so choose carefully who you would like to see interviewed.
The final decision as to who will be interviewed is up to the Lit-Net Town crier board of interviewers.

[Koa]

I've got the opposite problem with math, I like it but I suck at it most of the times :p


I hate maths and I suck at it :D The day I got rid of maths (ie when I finished school) was one of the happiest of my life. God bless calculators!!! :brow:

[SleepyWitch]

i have zero talent for geometry (used to get Ds and Es in school)... I liked algebra well enough, except when we did horrid things like Euler's number and differential calculus or whatever... is there any other country where you have to do advanced math like this in high school? i don't really see any point in it...
our exams were 50% algebra, 50% geometry, so I invariably wound up with a C or D no matter how good i was at algebra.
anyway: very interesting interview! i liked Virgil's questions a lot..
hehe, my dad is a mechanical engineer :) do you still hate them Papaya?

so you have naturally curly hair? me too.. it's such a hassle...

could you explain about this corpororate guy? what's his place in the hierarchy? or is it some kind of trade union? sorry, i don't know the first thing about American corporate.. things... er? organizational structures? don't know the first thing about German ones either, for that matter...

[papayahed]

hehe, my dad is a mechanical engineer :) do you still hate them Papaya?


I don't hate them. It was just that everybody thought it was such a big deal to be an engineer and I couldn't see what was so special.


so you have naturally curly hair? me too.. it's such a hassle...

Yep, especially in humidity.



could you explain about this corpororate guy? what's his place in the hierarchy? or is it some kind of trade union? sorry, i don't know the first thing about American corporate.. things... er? organizational structures? don't know the first thing about German ones either, for that matter..

It's not a trade union. We have 9 plants throughout the US. There is a president and several vice presidents, the corporate guy works directly for one of the Vice Presidents. My boss is the plant manager of one of our locations, he reports to a director, who then reports to a Vice President.

[RJbibliophil]

I dislike math because I am doing high school algebra, and I always seem to mess up all the equations with variables and stuff, almost always get less than 90%, often 70%, and therefore find it unpleasant.

[RobinHood3000]

Hmm. I like math.

[Chava]

I, very much against my will, failed maths. It's funny, all through my childhood i've disliked it, and then, my first year in highschool, i did really well, came out with one of the highest averages, an i really enjoyed it. Then we got an absolutely ****e teacher and only 20% of the class didn't fail... (i didn't fail, but it was a close cut!)
So tragic really.

[Nightshade]

The final decision as to who will be interviewed is up to the Lit-Net Town crier board of interviewers.
You know You seem to be bringing up THe Crier quite a bit and since I am the crier does that mean I get an extra vote?????
:D :brows:

[Pensive]

Hehe, you do Night! After all, you are the head deputy crier.

And I am really sorry that the interview is getting a bit late. Actually, I am having a busy routine now a days...

[thevintagepiper]

I dislike math because I am doing high school algebra, and I always seem to mess up all the equations with variables and stuff, almost always get less than 90%, often 70%, and therefore find it unpleasant.


I'm not very good at math (at least I think so; I'm usually told otherwise....you never can tell when you're homeschooled. Maybe I'll know when I get my standard tests back), and I've never really liked it. This years (10th grade) I am doing Geometry, and if my parents say I have to do any more math I'm going to throw a good tantrum.

[Virgil]

Vintage - Welcome back. How are you? How was your move.

[thevintagepiper]

Thank you, Virgil. I am quite well, and the move was great. I love it here so far, although I miss friends a great deal. It's extremely upscale and materialistic though, so I'll have to work at keeping things in perspective.

[Pendragon]

Why wouldn't I be intimidating to the male ego? :D :banana: :banana:

It's hard to say because I am a woman I can't gauge if I'm being treated differently or not. For example many times in the past I've had men (no women that I can remember) down play my knowledge and expertise was that because I was a woman or because I was new? It's hard to say.Because, silly old furry Grover my dear, as a bonifide male I can say for certain that the male ego is highly overrated! :lol: My Doctor, whom I trust more than anyone I know is a woman, and by golly she's better than any male doctor I've ever had! She listens, she takes enough time to actually try to pinpoint the problem, and she cares enough to follow up by stopping me in the hall and asking how I'm doing, if I'm there to pick up medicine or something. So there! :nod:

[miss tenderness]

great interview Paya:)

next is Robin...so they considered my nomination...whomever wants to be interviewed plz pm me:D...

[Pensive]

great interview Paya:)

next is Robin...so they considered my nomination...whomever wants to be interviewed plz pm me:D...
One nomination per member. :p

[miss tenderness]

lol ok ..I nominate Pensive to be next!happy now princess:D

[miss tenderness]

great work you do Pensy,btw,I'll vote for you to be a moderator.

[Pensive]

lol ok ..I nominate Pensive to be next!happy now princess
I already said that a member can't have more than one nomination. :D


great work you do Pensy,btw,I'll vote for you to be a moderator.
Oh God no! We need no more mods!

~ And I am glad that you guys are sending really smashing questions for Robin's interview! :D

[thevintagepiper]

~ And I am glad that you guys are sending really smashing questions for Robin's interview! :D

I'm looking forward to that one!!!

[RobinHood3000]

:eek: Ohh, dear. :eek:

[Nightshade]

gotto say I LOVE that new avy robin :D

[Madhuri]

I already said that a member can't have more than one nomination. :D



You mean one nomination per interview???

[Pensive]

You mean one nomination per interview???
*nodding* :nod:

[Pensive]

Finally, I have prepared Robin's interview and questions are sent to him. :)

[thevintagepiper]

YAYY!!!!!!
*evil giggle*


Not that I sent any question in or anything, but still...

[Virgil]

gotto say I LOVE that new avy robin :D
I think it looks geeky. The other looked macho.

Will the real Robin stand up? :D

[Pensive]

Robinhood3000 (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?u=9603)

Forum questions

~How are you today?
Mm, remarkably motivated. I feel like I could get things done today, if I weren't answering interview questions. Still, I must make time for my fans.~snobby sniff~

~How did you decide on your username?
The very first time I formed an online account for anything was during a childhood Robin Hood phase. Since "RobinHood" was already taken, I tacked a "3000" on the end just for kicks, and it's stuck since.


~Why did you initially join the lit-net?
To riddle the International Library of Poetry with all manner of unsavory projectiles. The rest, as they say, is in the recent past.


~What would you say is the best aspect of the forum?
Perhaps the relative sophistication of the forumers, although exceptions naturally exist. All the same, it's astonishing to me how well most of them/you behave compared to the rest of the Internet. Let us say that LitNet is my Paradise Found.


~What new feature will you like to see in this forum?
MORE GIRLS!!

In all seriousness, so far, I think that LitNet has some very thorough features. The only thing that might come to mind is more PM space. When you get flooded by fan mail as much as I do, it gets more and more challenging to sort through it with only so much room to work with. :cool:


~How long on average do you daily spend on the litnet?
Too long, but I would estimate somewhere between "More than eating" and "less than sleeping."


~Tell us about each person mentioned in your signature, and why they are important to you or were they your archery trainers? (suggested by RJ Bilbophil and Shea)
Well, lesse now.Rubber Ducky, for those who have been here a while, started as a continuation of Night's FAILED attempts at magic, turning me from the semi-humble Emerald Archer into a part granted me to take on a variety of forms.

Green Arrow was my first avatar and is my favorite comic book hero of all time. Everyone seems to hearken back to this one whenever I change my avy, so ol' Ollie's my stand-by "default" avatar.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew was my chosen form for the Muppet Wars, since I gravitated towards him for his intellectual sensibilities.

Bill Nye was my avatar briefly for much the same reason, although I can't remember why I changed my avatar. Maybe I wanted a real person in my avy for once.

Obi-Wan Kenobi probably arose out of a long -time bath toy. I have subsequently made use of the shapeshifting abilities she series of Star Wars allusions compounded with avatar boredom. He's my favorite Jedi, barely beating out the incredible Yoda.

I became Fox McCloud briefly in order to call in air strikes against the Amazon Queen. He's also my favorite character to play as in Super Smash Brothers: Melee (if you don't know what that is, ask a gamer).

Finally, my current avatar, the Disney Robin Hood, is there so the ladies of the Forum can call me Foxy :brow:. I also think it's a nice canine symmetry with my friend Virgil's wolf avatar.


Personal Questions
~How old are you?
Do the research; you'll find it, I'm sure. :p


~How would you describe yourself, your personality?
I like to think I'm pretty hard to offend, for one thing, and that I have respect and sympathy for others. I'm both nerdy and geeky, with a dash of dork from time to time. I'm a little on the cynical side, I believe, but I think I know how to have fun from time to time. Add mischief, optimism, and humor to taste, and it sounds more or less like me. The positives, anyway. As for the negatives, feel free to PM me. I genuinely insist on knowing of any earnest opinions.


~What do you do in RL? Student, work?
Student and work-computer programming and secondary school.


~You seem very smart in lots of different fields. What do you want to do after finishing the school, other than being a writer? (suggested by Virgil, Nightshade and Papayahed)
Well, my plans were for some time to be an engineer, but at this juncture, I'm not really quite certain. Math and science are what I'm good at, but writing's what I enjoy most. Any suggestions you folks have would be great.


~Would you to tell us a bit about your various hobbies?
Well, besides writing, I play the piano and I golf and bicycle from time to time. I also make the occasional film, either for class or for the community. One of these days, I want to pick up archery, fencing, or kung fu, and I also think it'd be fun to take up cricket.


~Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I don't particularly lean TOWARDS sports, per se, although I do play a mean game of dodgeball.


~ On February 26, 2006, you made the following post:

I felt the same way when I went on a summer trip to the States and saw the library in the Vanderbilt mansion. Tan increíble...
My question is: was your use of the phrase "the States" simply a clever ruse on your part to convince your fellow forumers that you do not, in fact, live in the United States? (suggested by Basil)
Where's the fun in answering that? Hmm? Take it as you will, because I like my secrets.;) There IS a reason for my speaking Spanish on occasion, though.


~So if you don't live in USA, then where do you live and what do you like/dislike about the place?
EARTH is about as specific as I'm willing to say outright. I like the water, the water's nice here. Europa's indoor pools are cleaner, but I prefer outdoor heated to indoor non-heated. The problem is all the problems with humanity start here, too. Did you know that some parties actually spend money to find out which sandal is the "flip" and which is the "flop"? Where's the resource management there?? You couldn't divert the funds and the brainpower to curing cancer???


~What prevents you from sharing your photo in LitNet Photo Album thread? Anonymity and mystery? (suggested by Grace)
I like being enigmatic."enigmatic" is a fun word to use. Plus, all of the descriptions people have fielded of me thus far are too much fun to read, especially when so many of them peg me as handsome and dashing.


~Have you ever dressed up as robin hood in real life? (suggested by Nightshade)
You'd better believe it. :cool:


~What got you interested in Robin hood to begin with? (suggested by Nightshade)
I'm not quite sure. I think I liked how he had the fashion sense of Peter Pan, but didn't need that silly concern with flying and youth. Plus I climbed in trees and swung on ropes a lot as a child, and Robin Hood was the only famous hero I could think of who I could picture doing much of the same.


~How long have you been fasinated by Robin hood? (suggested by Nightshade)
YEARS. Probably around 6-8 years now.


~Which version of Robin hood is the your favourite? (suggested by Nightshade)
Errol Flynn, followed extremely closely by Cary Elwes in Men In Tights.


~Do you have a personal hero, or someone you look up to? By your posts, it seems that you think that you are a hero yourself. Why do you have a hero complex? (suggested by Madhuri)
Well, I look up to myself a lot, since I don't have a deity to fit that purpose. I guess that ties in with the hero complex all right. It's hard to choose a hero, since so many are so flawed. Einstein was a great mind, but he was a bit of a playboy, and not always considerate of his wives. I don't know, I've never been much for modeling myself after others very specifically. If you want a role model, though, I guess it's fair to say I try to do what Superman would do, sans the hyper-patriotism.


To Be Continued!

[Pensive]

Rest Of Robin's Interview

Favourites
~Tell us about your favourite author.
Michael Crichton, I believe, although it changes from time to time.


~And your favourite book?
Recently, The Great Train Robbery, by the above.


~What kind of music do you enjoy?
Oldies, 80s soundtracks and dance, movie themes, big band swing.basically everything from the middle 60-odd years of the 20th century.


~Which are your favourite bands/singers/composers/etc.?
John Williams is my favorite contemporary composer, by far (did you know he still does his scores by hand??), although Danny Elfman does pretty good work. Liszt is my favorite composer to perform, so far. Bands and singers, the list goes on and on.Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, Billy Joel, Chicago, Orleans, Buddy Holly, Huey Lewis and the News, and of course, (as Pendragon and Virgil know) THE EAGLES.


~Tell us something about your favourite movie.
"Use the Force, Luke." "I sense that something terrible has happened." "I find your lack of faith disturbing." "I haven't heard the name Obi-Wan since, oh, before you were born." "Mos Eisley Spaceport. The most wretched hive of scum and villainy in the Outer Rim territories." "C'mon kid, let's blow this thing so we can go home!"


~Your favourite game in the Games sub-forum?
I like just about all of the games that Pendragon starts, although lately, I'm partial to the "What is the image you have in mind." thread.


~What is your favourite part of the forum?
The "New Posts" part :p.


~Amazons or Dastardly Stans?
Come now. You know the answer. Well, for those newcomers who haven't heard of this ongoing war.DASTARDLY STANS, HOO-RAH!!


~What is your favourite smilie? (suggested by Nightshade)
Take a look at the bottom of my signature, and you'll see them. Exchange the numbers at the end of those two that are close together (I didn't have space to reprint the whole URL).


And now, the most important question of them all
~How do you like your turnips?
Flying through the air. Moving targets are more challenging.

Thank you very much for the interview, Robin! :D
You're welcome!!

[thevintagepiper]

That was very interesting, although, of course, not thoroughly enlightening...the great Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest still remains "enigmatic."

Thank you Robin! Great questions, everybody!

Personally, I think of you more as a counsellor than a hero :D Just kidding...

[Virgil]

Great interview Robin and Pensy :thumbs_up

The following had me rolling in laughter. :lol:


Finally, my current avatar, the Disney Robin Hood, is there so the ladies of the Forum can call me Foxy :brow:. I also think it's a nice canine symmetry with my friend Virgil's wolf avatar.

[papayahed]

You seem very smart in lots of different fields. What do you want to do after finishing the school, other than being a writer? (suggested by Virgil, Nightshade and Papayahed)
Well, my plans were for some time to be an engineer, but at this juncture, I'm not really quite certain. Math and science are what I'm good at, but writing's what I enjoy most. Any suggestions you folks have would be great.

How about the guy that writes technical manuals or a patent lawyer??



Great Interview Robin!!! I was just at the Post office today. They have Superhero stamps now - Green arrow included. I think. I know I've seen in your avatar.

[Virgil]

How about the guy that writes technical manuals or a patent lawyer??

Oh you don't want to condem him to either of those. Engineering is good. I wonder if he'll be a mechanical or chemical? :D

[kathycf]

Fun interview, enlightening in some ways, yet Robin still maintains his "foxy" mystery as well. :brow: ;)

Thanks Robin and Pensive. :thumbs_up

[papayahed]

Oh you don't want to condem him to either of those. Engineering is good. I wonder if he'll be a mechanical or chemical? :D



GO towards the Light, Robin!!!!!!!!

[AimusSage]

If anyone wants to look up a past interview, look at the bottom of the first post in the thread, links are provided to each interview. :)

Pensive, you're doing a great job, keep it up, another great interview. Even if the subject was being a bit secretive, you still managed to get quite a bit out of him.

Robin, personally I think you should definately keep up the writing, even if you decide to take your career into a different direction, keep spending time with it. The three stories you've submitted for the competition are all of a very high quality, . Each one tackless a totaly different subject, which shows your willingness to experiment. :) You definitely have talent.

[Pensive]

Oh you don't want to condem him to either of those. Engineering is good. I wonder if he'll be a mechanical or chemical? :D
How about Electrical or Civil? There are other fields in Engineering than Mechanical and Chemical, papaya and Virgil. :D


Fun interview, enlightening in some ways, yet Robin still maintains his "foxy" mystery as well.
Oh well, I did a mistake in interview. I should have asked, which country he is from rather than where does he live... *banging her head against the wall*
But Robinhood can tell us that even now, if he wants. :D

[Schokokeks]

That interview just made my day, Robin and Pensive! Loved to laugh out loud when reading about Robin imploring for more female litNetters :D
Please keep these interviews going! :nod:

[TEND]

Ah Robin, always the entertainer :D . Excellent Interview!! Bravo!!

[Logos]

Great interview Robin, cryptic and charming :lol:

Pensive, thank you for all your hard work in organising and orchestrating these interviews :)

[Pensive]

Oh, it is no problem. The pleasure is mine too as I am having a lot of fun reading the interviews. :)

[Koa]

Oooh another interview! So great! Thanks Robin for devoting some of your precious VIP time to us ;) ! and thanks pensive for being our interviewer!!! :banana:

[papayahed]

There are other fields in Engineering than Mechanical and Chemical, papaya and Virgil. :D



huh??? :confused: :lol:

[Virgil]

How about Electrical or Civil? There are other fields in Engineering than Mechanical and Chemical, papaya and Virgil. :D

Oh I guess. :D

[RobinHood3000]

Don't forget Computer and Aeronautical.

[RobinHood3000]

Great Interview Robin!!! I was just at the Post office today. They have Superhero stamps now - Green arrow included. I think. I know I've seen in your avatar.I heard about those -- the United States Postal Service receives major bonus points from me!

[Hyacinth Girl]

I think there is also a division of engineering denoted as Environmental Engineering, is there not? Maybe you should go there, Robin. :D
My significant other is taking the PE exam in a month, and is also marketing his first novel and working on his second, so I'm thinking you all could start a new trend - Novel Engineering, or a new genre . . . . :lol:
In all seriousness, it was wonderful reading your interview, Robin. Thank you . . . "foxy" :)

[RobinHood3000]

Robin, personally I think you should definately keep up the writing, even if you decide to take your career into a different direction, keep spending time with it. The three stories you've submitted for the competition are all of a very high quality, . Each one tackless a totaly different subject, which shows your willingness to experiment. :) You definitely have talent...."three"? There's only been two completed eliminations so far. Was I that obvious in the last one?

At any rate, thanks for the advice. I'm definitely leaning towards the writing, but not before getting a toehold in the market.

And actually, there's presumably 19 official major fields of engineering.

[subterranean]

When is my turn? I thought I'm one of the few popular people around here ;)

[Madhuri]

Interesting interview Robin. About taking up a course may I suggest you something, why dont you go for Journalism. You can take it up as a profession and you can pursue your writing. Ofcourse, you'll have to see what kind of journals you want to write. Good Luck, for whichever stream you choose.

Good Job, Pensive! you are quite a journalist yourself. Good interview!!

[thevintagepiper]

When is my turn? I thought I'm one of the few popular people around here ;)

'Course you are! You can nominate yourself you know (not that you weren't doing just that...).

[AimusSage]

..."three"? There's only been two completed eliminations so far. Was I that obvious in the last one?

At any rate, thanks for the advice. I'm definitely leaning towards the writing, but not before getting a toehold in the market.

And actually, there's presumably 19 official major fields of engineering.
Not obvious, not at all, I meant to write two, but since there are three elimination rounds, I wrote three, not realizing only two are actually completed. My bad. :)

[miss tenderness]

I wonder how did the very busy Robin find the time to answer these questions!!I read somewhere, was it USA today?,that he was in his yacht with his cell phone on his ears and his eyes on the litnet screen when he was answering :D ,so p please everybody appreciate the time that he gives for you :lol:

Interesting interview messio…I nominate Vrig , Rachel(where is she?), Jay and Scher. And pensy I can't help it with the nomination rule!!

[Pendragon]

Perhaps I should call you Zorro, Robin, ma amigo, as you still chose to be so dark and mysterious, and there is a fox in your current atvar. :lol:

[thevintagepiper]

I'm a Fox!

Really.

One of the four "fox kits."

[AimusSage]

I'm proud to announce that the next Lit-Net Member Interview will be with
Virgil (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?u=9515)

Do you have a pressing question for Virgil? Have always been wondering who Virgil really is? Now is your chance to find out. Send me your questions by PM, and it might just find it's way into the interview. So don't hesitate, and start sending in those questions, now!

[Pensive]

With the pointing of Aimus's gun, Virgil this way comes! Yo!

[AimusSage]

Did you really have to tell them I had to force him at gunpoint? ;)

[Pensive]

Did you really have to tell them I had to force him at gunpoint? ;)
That's what we, litnet-intrviewers do, anything for an interview whether it include throwing Turnips or gun-pointing.:D

[RobinHood3000]

So long as it gets the interview, eh?

[Koa]

virgiiiiiiiiil???

i CAN'T wait!!!!

i should think of some questions...how much time do we have for that?

good job Aimus&gun! :D

[AimusSage]

You'll have at least a few days, I'll repost when the deadline for questions approaches, but since I am a bit busy myself, I can't give a definitive deadline.

[RJbibliophil]

Good interview Robin! :wave:


I was just at the Post office today. They have Superhero stamps now - Green arrow included. I think. I know I've seen in your avatar.


I heard about those -- the United States Postal Service receives major bonus points from me!

Yup! There's Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, Plastic Man, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, Supergirl, Bat Man, and Hawk Man.

https://shop.usps.com/wcsstore/PostalStore/upload/images/600x600_dc_comics.jpg

[RobinHood3000]

At last, some old-school recognition, eh, Pendragon?

[TEND]

You know, now this may offend ya Robin and thats the last thing I'd want to do, but I gotta say I prefer Marvel's Hawkeye as far as the superhero archers go. Not to mention the Avengers are quite the team :lol: .

[Pendragon]

Darn right! These guys are classics! I also found this interseting set: http://www.morganmint.com/ebay/images/SAV-SPIDERMAN.jpg

Now as to TEND's thing about Hawkeye http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/0404ea27b8.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

The comics trade ideas back and forth all the time. http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/f4f49acde5.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

This noble archer is Manticore from the City of Heroes: http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.b525adb49e.jpg (http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?b525adb49e.jpg)

[RobinHood3000]

Feh -- Green Arrow has a much cooler costume. :p

[Shannanigan]

Robin, that was wonderful :) You should REALLY take some archery lessons, it is so much fun!!! :D

If you love writing, get a job you love, and just keep writing...I love the fact that as long as you have time, you have time to write...

[grace86]

The "Enigmatic" Robin!

That was a wonderful interview...you gave some good information about yourself but I think you left out quite a bit of info that people were dying to know.....huhhh...ohh well!!


I cannot wait for Virgil's!!

[TEND]

I concur, I'm quite excited to learn more about Virgil.

And to Robin, all I can do is laugh, a mono coloured costume come on. Not to mention Hawkeye's wicked mask, it can't be beat.

[AimusSage]

Question for the interview with Virgil can be submitted until Tuesday.

Send your questions to me in a PM before the end of Tuesday, and they will be included in the interview.

[AimusSage]

Presenting to you, the long awaited interview with
Virgil (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/member.php?u=9515)
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g104/Aimussage/Interview%20pictures/Virgil.jpg

Introductory questions

How are you today?
I’m fine thank you.

What is your username?
Virgil.

How did you decide on your username?
I believe when I joined I had just finished Virgil’s Aneid and had been reading Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Virgil is Dante’s guide. I really liked him as a character and I really love him as a writer. So he was on my mind at the time and thought he would make a cool name.

Why did you initially join the lit-net?
I love literature. It had been slipping as a part of my life, and when I came upon this great forum, I thought I found what I needed as a fun way to keep me thinking about it. Plus the company is great. And the games got me hooked.

What would you say is the best aspect of the forum?
I really used to love the poem of the week discussion. It was great and educational and cantankerous. We would get pretty heated when we disagreed. It would get intense and while it would raise my blood pressure it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately most of those who participated are no longer with us. I would still love to revive it. I now really like the poetry contest. It’s write a poem of a picture and everyone submits a poem, and a winner is picked.

How do you feel about smilies? (suggested by Nightshade)
They make for a better day. I love Nightshade’s smiles. If anything is true in the world, it must be that Nightshade walks around with a smile for everyone. That’s how I imagine her. Oh, and don’t forget Pendragon’s. He’s got the coolest ones.

Personal Questions

What is your date of birth?
December 15, 1961. I’m getting old.

How would you describe yourself, your personality?
Curious, combative, petulant, opinionated, gregarious, fun, compassionate, creative. And don’t forget egotistical. If I were doomed to Dante’s Purgatory, I would be doomed to the Terrace of the Prideful

What do you do in RL? Student, work?
Oh, I work as a mechanical engineer.

Could you tell us a little more about what you do?
I’m a project manager (I prefer project leader as a title) of items that are somewhere between research and production. Some one has done the research and I take the idea and either prove it could work (sometimes referred to as proof-of-principle) or once that has happened develop it through qualification so that it goes into production and out to the world.

What made you become an engineer after having completed a degree in Literature? (Suggested by Schokokeks and Nightshade)
Actually I got my engineering degree first and then while working went back to school at night for a Master’s in English Literature. As an undergraduate I did double major in both mechanical engineering and English, but my undergraduate degree was in engineering. It took me six years to get my undergraduate degree. LOL It normally takes four years, but there were classes that were exclusive. Frankly I didn’t plan it this way. I just could never make up my mind. But what made me want to be an engineer was watching on a black and white TV as an eight year old boy the Apollo 11 astronauts walking on the moon. It’s still ingrained in my memory.

As an Engineer, What do you think of the way engineers are portrayed in literature? (Suggested by ClaesGefvenberg)

You know I don’t recall too many novels with engineers. I really should read some. I would guess they run the extremes from Dr. Frankenstein, who is overly ambitious for his own good, and someone from H.G. Wells who thinks he has all the answers for a better future. Ayn Rand I believe has major characters who are engineers. Unfortunately I have never read Rand or Wells.

Do you think that a poet has a mission he got to convey through his poetry or are you more with those who think that poetry should merely be there to express what the poet feels and experiences? (Suggested by Miss Tenderness)
Good question. I think a poet writes what he’s best writing about, or what turns out best. I guess that’s inspiration. Sometimes a poem turns out from what he feels and sometimes not. Perhaps that’s the point of view from an amateur like me. Perhaps a great poet like William Butler Yeats has the ability to write greatly on anything. I certainly think Shakespeare did.

Would you to tell us a bit about your various hobbies?
I like to garden. I cook when I have some time. I love to drink red wine. Of course reading and attempting to write. I think learning is my favourite hobby, and I usually dedicate a year or two to learn a specific subject, like classical music or ancient history.

Do you like sports, if so do you play sports yourself?
I love baseball and American football. My playing days are long, long gone. I jog and do some light weightlifting to keep in shape, but I’ve been really slacking off lately.

Do you like to travel?
Yes, but the older I get the more of a hassle it seems. Once I’m there I do enjoy being away and experiencing the beauty of the place.

Which countries have you visited? And which ones would you really like to visit someday?
Most of my travelling has been in the United States. My only international trips have been to Italy, England and Scotland, and a little Caribbean island named Aruba. I would love to visit almost everywhere in the world. But lately I’ve been thinking about Spain.

Could you tell us something about the countries you have visited? Like the culture, environment, etc.
Well, I am Italian-American. Actually I was born in Italy and my parents immigrated to the U.S. when I was three years old. I still have lots of family there. I’ve been to Italy several times and every city has its own distinct ambiance. Venice is the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to and Florence is the most comfortable. My wife, who is not Italian in any way, loves Italy. England and Scotland is like you read about. Aruba is an adorable little island with lots of beaches, but unlike other Caribbean islands it has a desert landscape rather than tropical. It never sees hurricanes.

What about your own country? What do you like about where you live?
I live in New York City, not the sky scraper section that you see on TV or movies, but in a residential area which has normal houses. I love New York in that it has everything, museums, orchestras, Broadway shows, parks, zoos, you name it, even a restaurant for every ethnic food in the world. And it’s on a bay so we’re by the ocean too. For our recent anniversary, my wife and I took some boat rides around and saw the city from the water’s perspective.

Do you have a personal hero, or someone you look up to?
Well, my father is the bravest man I know, facing personal struggles with such courage. There are lots of historic heroes. Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington. Anyone who puts honor above the easy and faces life with courage.

Have you ever been to one of those wild life parks where you can see real wolves and if so, how did you like it? (Suggested by Sleepywitch)
I’ve been to several wild life parks, but I’ve never seen wolves in the wild. Only in zoos. My wife and I went to Yellowstone Park several years ago and I drove her crazy by driving everywhere looking for wolves. We saw coyotes, bears, bison, elk, even moose, but we could not find a wolf. They hide themselves well and they are shy.

And related to the above question, do you like cute little wolf puppies as well, or only grown up wolves? (Suggested by Sleepywitch)
Oh I would love to play with a wolf pup. That would be great. I did meet a man once who showed me his dog who he claimed was half wolf. He looked it.

Tell us all about your dog!
Brandi is a yellow Labrador Retriever, almost three years old. She comes up and licks my face whenever she needs to go out or when I get angry at her and yell. She’s a hundred pounds (45.5 kg) and very rambunctious. I take her to a field on Saturday and Sunday mornings and play fetch with a tennis ball. She never quits, no matter how hot it is. She hasn’t met a person yet she didn’t love to death. When she’s tired, she climbs on the couch and cuddles with my wife.

To be continued in next post

[AimusSage]

Continuation of the interview with Virgil

Favourites

We can’t have an interview on a literature site without asking the obvious questions, so who is your favourite author?
Hard question. Amongst my favourites are Shakespeare, Dante, William Faulkner.

And your favourite book?
Oh, let’s just say Dante’s The Divine Comedy.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
I grew up with rock n roll but now I’ve branched out into Jazz and Classical. I’ve recently gotten into medieval music. It sounds very different.


Which are your favourite bands/singers/composers/etc.?
Band: I love The Rolling Stones; Singer: Frank Sinatra; Composer: Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi.

Tell us something about your favourite movie.
I can’t make up my mind whether my favourite movie is “Casablanca” or “Ben-Hur” I love Humphrey Bogart and Charlton Heston. I tend to like epic movies where the underdog overcomes great odds.

Your favourite game in the Games sub-forum?
I love Haiku game and I really like the Compliment the Person Above You. It seems to warm the heart to compliment another person.

Amazons or Dastardly Stans?
Hahaha. I started out with the Dastardly but I became a traitor and left for the Amazons.

Any other favourites we should know about?
Only that all the members of lit net are truly wonderful people.


[b]And now, the most important question of them all[b]

How do you like your turnips?
I cook turnips in my beef stew. It gives the stew a tasty flavor.

Thank you for the interview
Thank you. It is a real honor.

[TEND]

Bravo, fantastic interview Virgil! I hope you do find your wolf someday!

[miss tenderness]

what I most like about vrig is his being brief and clear. you gave a good answer to my question,Vrig ,and you are absolutely right.I'm with you on that point:thumbs_up

[Basil]

I'd like to see an interview with:

TALIESIN

[RobinHood3000]

Excellent interview, Virgil -- as always, your passion for literature is an inspiration.

A thought occurred to me; should we administer the Pivot questionnaire, a la Inside the Actor's Studio to all of the past and future interviewees?

[thevintagepiper]

Great interview!! Thank you Virgil, Pensive, and Aimus!!

[Madhuri]

Wonderful interview!! I am amazed how people manage to have this rare combination of Engineering and Literature. Thanks, Virgil.

Good job, once again, Pensive and Aimus.

Oh, well, for the next nominee, may I suggest, Aimus. :D

[Schokokeks]

Great interview, Virgil, amazing that you dedicate your time to learn new subjects ! I wish you tons of luck for everything you do :nod:

Thanks for carrying out these interviews, it's so interesting to learn about the other members ! Thanks Pensive and Aimus !!

[Pensive]

You know I don’t recall too many novels with engineers. I really should read some.
There was a wonderful novel that I read which was about a Mechanical Engineer working in coal mines, designing engines. It was wonderful. I would have strongly recommended it to you buy unfortunately, I have forgotten it's title name. *frowns*


Singer: Frank Sinatra; Composer: Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi.
I do love Frank Sinatra too, wonderful singer!


can’t make up my mind whether my favourite movie is “Casablanca” or “Ben-Hur”
I have watched Casablanca and I liked it a lot! How gorgeous was the acting of the heroine? (I have forgotten her name)

[RobinHood3000]

Ingrid Bergman, Pensy-lady.

Pivot questionnaire...please? It'd be fun...

[Virgil]

Thank you and your welcomed, whichever may apply to each one of you.

[Idril]

Which are your favourite bands/singers/composers/etc.?
Band: I love The Rolling Stones; Singer: Frank Sinatra; Composer: Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi.

My husband is a huge Stones fan. I, myself perfer the Beatles but I promise not to let that get in the way of a friendship. ;)

[AimusSage]

Pivot questionnaire huh? Well maybe, I think it's a bit corny, but the final deciscion is up to Pensive, so we shall see. :)

[Virgil]

My husband is a huge Stones fan. I, myself perfer the Beatles but I promise not to let that get in the way of a friendship. ;)

Well, I love the Beatles too Idril. :thumbs_up I don't understand why it would be one or the other. ;)

[kathycf]

I usually dedicate a year or two to learn a specific subject, like classical music or ancient history.

A Virgil version of continuing education. :)

I admire that..I think everyone needs to keep their mind active, open and flexible. The more we learn, the more we find we need to learn.

[Virgil]

A Virgil version of continuing education. :)

I admire that..I think everyone needs to keep their mind active, open and flexible. The more we learn, the more we find we need to learn.

Thanks Kathy. It started with a feeling that I was missing something after I had finished school. I considered taking classes for the hell of it, but I didn't need any more degrees and I wasn't going to try to keep up with a homework and test schedule. So I told myself I can do it on my own. Plus there are audio classes that you can buy if you want to learn on your own. Here's my favorite:http://www.teach12.com/teach12.asp?ai=16281. It's called the teaching company and the courses are taught by top notch professors. They can be a little expensive, but I always wait for a sale.

[Idril]

A Virgil version of continuing education. :)

I admire that..I think everyone needs to keep their mind active, open and flexible. The more we learn, the more we find we need to learn.

That reminds me of a report I heard on NPR about how as people hit the ages of 35-40, their willingness to try new things steadily decreases. No big news there I guess but they had done some study, focusing mostly on musical and food tastes that said that that's the age, 35-40 where a lot of people stop seeking out new music or new foods and I would imagine, new ideas and theories would fit right in there. They were talking about how important it is to continue to keep learning new things, being introduced to new things and not getting in that 'everything new is bad' phase. Common sense, really. It's nice to see you're bucking the trend, Virgil. ;)

[RJbibliophil]

Yay!! A good interview!! Who's next?

[Koa]

I feel like repeating what others said... great interview!
I'm so impressed by people who learn on their own, as in studying something, there are literally thousands of things I'd like to learn but I'm too lazy and i can't do anything if I don't have a class and exams ahead...I lack discipline :( That's probably why I'm going to go to Uni again... :rolleyes:
So I think what you do is great, especially since you probably don't have that much free time with a job and a wife and a grown-up life ;)

[Virgil]

So I think what you do is great, especially since you probably don't have that much free time with a job and a wife and a grown-up life ;)

Thank you Koa. But it's amazing how much you can squeeze in here and there. Frankly I'm lazy too. I'm sure that not having children makes a difference with spare time.

[SleepyWitch]

I usually dedicate a year or two to learn a specific subject, like classical music or ancient history.
that's such a cool idea! It's so simple only a genius could have come up with it :) I'll remember that and try it after I finish my univ studies! I like learning new things too, but I'm normally too unorganized to stick to anything for longer stretches of time... this scheme could be really helpful.
your dog is really cute. I think she's my toy dog Fuffel's cousin. He's a golden retriever (as will be immediately obvious ;) from his pic, which I've been promising to post for weeks and still haven't :) )

[Nightshade]

I think learning is my favourite hobby, and I usually dedicate a year or two to learn a specific subject, like classical music or ancient history.

But dont you get bored if you spend a whole year on somthiing?

[Virgil]

that's such a cool idea! It's so simple only a genius could have come up with it :) I'll remember that and try it after I finish my univ studies! I like learning new things too, but I'm normally too unorganized to stick to anything for longer stretches of time... this scheme could be really helpful.
your dog is really cute. I think she's my toy dog Fuffel's cousin. He's a golden retriever (as will be immediately obvious ;) from his pic, which I've been promising to post for weeks and still haven't :) )


.
But dont you get bored if you spend a whole year on somthiing?

A year is not too long. It usually means three or four books. You do more for a University class. And I usually break it up with a novels and poetry.

The dog in that picture was my Golden Retriever, Sasha. That picture was taken one or two months before she passed away. She was ill at that point and looks a little haggard. Poor baby.

[SleepyWitch]

oh, sorry to hear that. i thought it was Brandi. poor doggy. I'm sure my Fuffel will howl when I tell him.

[subterranean]

I'd like to see an interview with:

TALIESIN



Yea, both of him/her!

[Shannanigan]

love it, Virg! So nice to know more about you... :D

Golly but this was an AWESOME idea!