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Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Hey HoP and all ye' inhabitants, picked up my first set of sock poi, well actually made my first set of sock poi with old tennis balls my cousin used for keeping laundry fresh in the dryer so they've got good weight to them but are relatively soft. I might be a newbie but I think I've got a nice starting pair.

By name I'm known as Drake, or Paül, although my given name is Kevin Meyerriecks, you can call me any variation of said names, or Sgt. Fury

Currently I'm staying in Long Island, New York. I technically live over in Queens NYC, but at my address there is a big hole due to demolition, so I'm a bit of a vagabond, but I've got plenty of friends and family willing to let me crash with them. I have to really look on this as an opportunity because if I didn't find myself homeless I never would've picked up spinning and that would be a shame.

Born 19 years ago in the middle of September, the 16th to be exact. Thus my sign is "Virgo". I was born in the year of the horse, and under the element of METAL. Not really sure how the element thing works but someone explained it to me once, all I know is I'm a welder by trade so it's pretty fitting.

Sex: Not yet today, oh you mean gender? Male

Right now I'm working on a novel, haven't titled it yet but its getting along, up to 293 pages and I'm really enjoying it. I'll be transcribing it soon so anyone who wants a free copy just send me a message or an email and its yours. Its a bit of a spin on the Grim Reaper, using Santa Clause logic. If he were a physical being yadda yadda he wouldn't have enough time to do what they say he does, likewise with the death (and birth, think about it, if a soul needs to be guided off of Earth what makes you think an infant soul can make it on its own to Earth?) rates as they are he can't do it alone, especially if he's a skeleton with no organs and thus cannot talk. He isn't the main character either way this isn't my publicity page, just thought I should let you know a basic synopsis, but now I realize, we're here not for books, but for poi and other related objects

Favorites, well I'm quite partial to a good homemade chili, my grandma made it, my mom makes it and now I make it (Note to anyone who cares, chili+tostitos scoops = explosion of awesome) and color, deep blue, the kind that gets you lost in a trance like the ocean.

What is the wing speed of an unladen swallow? Yellow

Toys: right now just my sock poi and a spare set of tennis balls I'm trying (rather unsuccessfully) to use to juggle

I'm a big weapons collector, and know how to use just about everything I own, used to train martial arts but then I had a pretty bad knee injury and was out of commission for nearly two years, I'm finally back up and moving but have gotten way out of shape and my knees hurt on a daily basis. I guess poi reminds me of the fluidity and movements of my old martial arts days, but with a new twist. Can't live without my music, classics, blues, jazz, classic rock, heavy metal although not screaming or death metal and Eurobeat which no one in the whole of New York but me seems to know exists.

Edumacation: High School and Tech School, I would go to college but I lack a home, money and the ability to sit still through classes, but if I fail at this writing thing I'll suck up my pride and find a scholarship

Favorite Book(s): Mine!, no seriously I don't read nearly as much as I should, but the sword of truth series is awesome. Dracula, heard there's a new one out by his great-grand nephew, will have to pick it up. Currently (sort of) reading Ozzy's memoir I Am Ozzy, its really good, quite entertaining and enlightening but I stopped reading when I got into full on author mode, to prevent distractions, you see how well that worked out.

Favorite Movie(s): Not really a big movie person, I'm told on a daily basis "You haven't seen that? COME ON!"

Godzilla vs. a Star Wars Star Destroyer. Who wins? Why? Based on size alone this would be a draw. The Empire would send out troops to face Godzilla on the ground, then I get to a point where answering becomes difficult. The Imperials obviously have blasters and other similar weapons, but if these are energy weapons we have to take into account the natural resistance Godzilla would have, without a sample to study I'm afraid any kind of answer would be mere speculation. Of course of Vader or the Emperor were with them it would be a completely different story as they could force choke him to death, even if their lightsabers did nothing.

Favorite TV show(s): See Movies

Plans for life in general: Somewhere down the line, if I ever make enough money for it, I want to open a real nice little tavern. Have a few rooms on the top floor for people to crash if they need it, serve only the best food and drink, many of which will be made by me. Book shows of all kind from my friends who'll probably still be rocking in a metal band to good Irish music. A guy can dream can't he?

Grew up on Billy Joel, I can't go and say anyone gets me more then he does, although I'm also a big fan of Sabbath, pre-dio is better but he's not bad in any way.

Do you think these pants make my butt look too big? Naw, but if I take off my glasses I'm legally blind so I don't know how much that means coming from me.

Favorite ice cream flavor(s): nothing beats good old vanilla in my book.

Marmite, Vegemite, or Nutella?* since I've never had any of them, I'll go with whatever makes you happy, I'm willing to try anything once.

Sorry if that was a bit long but yeah, this is me at a glance. I hope to make a lot of new friends, pick up some great advice and become a half decent spinner in my time. Most of all I hope that one day I can contribute something back to a beginner who doesn't know what he's doing and is looking for help.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


astonSILVER Member
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa


Posted:
Welcome to HoP!

Goodluck with the writing. smile

'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland


Zephyre PhoenixFamiliar stranger giving out popcorn. (formerly Ascilith)
1,264 posts
Location: Lawrence, KS


Posted:
I'd like to see this book sometime smile Sounds intriguing

Welcome to HoP! Definately can tell that you're a writter smile

Help yourself to the popcorn and have fun smile I wish you great luck with the writing grin

Never take candy from strangers...... But popcorn is okay!


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Thanks guys, and I just had breakfast so I'll pass on the popcorn for now, already a bit full. Feels like a great community.

Also, both of you nice signatures. Huge fan of Carroll. Its a little... a lot on the dark side but if you haven't heard of Zenescope's Wonderland Trilogy you should check it out. Its a comic take on the future of wonderland, involving Alice's children. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


FugeeBRONZE Member
Cooler than bubblegum!
2,501 posts
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA


Posted:
Pass on popcorn.... I don't trust people that pass on popcorn. You should highly reconsider Ascilith's offer.

Aston forgot to tell you to avoid the squirrels. There's also a kissy thief named Rougie roaming around here.

The popcorn extends life... The popcorn expands consciousness...


Zephyre PhoenixFamiliar stranger giving out popcorn. (formerly Ascilith)
1,264 posts
Location: Lawrence, KS


Posted:
but shes a dragon, so she kinda has dibs over many things

Never take candy from strangers...... But popcorn is okay!


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
A dragon, then she's like me. If you really insist then I can have a little popcorn, its been a few hours since I ate.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


Seaspraystranger by the day
924 posts
Location: At the Back of the North Wind


Posted:
... y'know I'm suprised we don't have more dragons around here

Just a dancer in the dark


SpinnerofDetroitGOLD Member
All High Dude, Ruler of What You Want
2,280 posts
Location: Trenton, MI, USA


Posted:
Yeah with all this fire going on, we have like no dragons laugh3 Also if you ever do decide to get fire poi, since you don't have much money to spend. I would suggest making your own with wick TAPE. It is much much much cheaper. Don't want ya spendin all ur money wink Also if you live in NY, you could do some busking when you get better. Gotta keep these things in mind grin I'm sure you'll love your new community, I know I love you all grouphug
EDITED_BY: SpinnerofDetroit (1271620652)

The only luck is bad luck.

Shut up before I stall my poi up your ass grin


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
I'm actually going to be constructing my set of fire poi once I get a feel for the basics. My cousin is fronting me the money for the materials, including the Kevlar wick

plans from www.androgen.net.au

not really afraid of burning myself, I mean I'm a welder by trade so I'm used to being around fire, plus a little tap here from a flame isn't going to blow you up. Still I'd like to be confident I don't run the risk of smacking myself in the face(or crotch... been doing that a lot) with an ignited poi.

as for the dragon bit, been saying that ever since I was a little kid, no siblings, mother worked nights slept days, no father or family so I dunno, I fantasized about being related to dragons to keep from being so lonely. Been obsessed with fire for just as long too, I'm no stranger to it, but poi is a new field for me. Day 2 is getting close to its end, I'm... I dunno I am never satisfied with anything I do, that's just who I am, I'm working on 5-beat weaves, got down all sorts of turns and the corkscrew although due to the lack of a ceiling that's higher then my head I didn't get windmill down, I supposed I could just kneel. Also figured out stalls and sort of isolations but this sock is very springy so its giving me trouble, I know I should blame my newbieness and lack of skill, not the tool though.

Completely unsure if this is a "move", if it has a name, if people do it but I was messing about and the poi flew out of my right hand when it was perfectly horizontal, flipped up in the air, landed back in my hand perfectly and started swinging the other way. I started messing about with it and can do it pretty reliable with both hands, either direction and getting it to swing in either direction, no one's around to tell me how it looks though.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


SpinnerofDetroitGOLD Member
All High Dude, Ruler of What You Want
2,280 posts
Location: Trenton, MI, USA


Posted:
Well, there is easier ways of making better poi. I would look up Moonbalze heads. What you have to look out for is the hot metal because that is what ends up giving you burns. Moonblaze design will also give you bigger flame, longer burn, and it should be more consistent. I would be very careful with that chain design though. Key rings are almost never a good thing and are quite hard to find good ones. And working with those are pretty hard, but worth it if you find it. if you want split rings, you want to look for heavy duty ones made for deep sea fishing. I would suggest using stainless steel oval quicklinks. I'm not sure how well zinc works for them. All I would tell you to do is look for some strong chain, they should have a load of at least 120lbs if you don't want to replace it a lot.

So overall, I suggest using quicklinks, not splitrings, a triangle one for the handle works well. And I suggest using 1" Kevlasr tape to make Moonblaze fire poi, because You can just secure it with an eyebolt and washer in the inside of the poi, so the only exposed metal is the eye of the bolt smile

Here's how you make Moonblaze, for each head you need 2 lengths of 1" kevlar tape (very cheap) and stitch it like on here: https://www.laneyards.com/2008/10/circle-stitch.html
And start it like the square stitch, it tells you how on the side wink Just might want to show you some other ways to make poi because that one you showed us has so much exposed metal and unsafe splitrings which bend open after use and require frequent replacement.

See there is a reason you have us! There are so many ways you can make poi, but I personally think a moonblaze is the easiest and one of the cheapest. I don't know how much you need, but I think it's 4-5ft per strand basing on other tape designs. An extra foot can't hurt if you want larger flames wink

If you buy the tape from here, it would cost you about $10 for both heads if you go 5ft.

The only luck is bad luck.

Shut up before I stall my poi up your ass grin


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
cool, thanks Rock City (sorry, I can't help it) I'll definitely look into it. I dunno I've been spending all my time either looking through the forums or (mainly) practicing for pretty much the last two days

I technically started three days ago, but I spent all of my first day messing out to get a feel for things, so three days in, I know I'm nothing more then a beginner but I think I'm getting the hang of it, who knows maybe in a month I'll be halfway to decent. Too bad I don't have any kind of a camera right now, I'd love to be able to record my first days to look back on them

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


SpinnerofDetroitGOLD Member
All High Dude, Ruler of What You Want
2,280 posts
Location: Trenton, MI, USA


Posted:
Yeah I still have my first burn video, make sure to record that vital moment. I also wish I had recorded myself when I first started, as I'm sure many others do. By a month, you'll probably be good enough to start with fire. Just make sure before you start, the most important thing is to be able to spin without hitting yourself for a duration of time, because you don't want to smack your face. What I went by was spin for 10 minutes without hitting myself.

But yeah, I just don't want to hear about you using split rings and that a fire head went flying off somewhere. And the tube core on that website just screamed unsafe to me. And if you need help on anything, just ask on here and we'll all answer as best we can wink

The only luck is bad luck.

Shut up before I stall my poi up your ass grin


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
sure, good to know. Truth is I hadn't really looked over it yet, nor do I have any real desire to build one right now, I'll be homeless and crashing in random places for the duration of the summer

Anything in particular you think I should focus on learning while I'm a fresh slate or just do what comes

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


SpinnerofDetroitGOLD Member
All High Dude, Ruler of What You Want
2,280 posts
Location: Trenton, MI, USA


Posted:
Well, from experience, I'd say learn flowers asap. Learn your high and low turns. Learn everything in both directions or it will bite you in the ass later. Learn to turn with everything you can do in both directions. Also, extensions are amazing to learn as they free up s lot of options for expanding your spin out. Crossers are a big thing. But there's also your basic weaves, basic butterfly, all that fun stuff. Also, this would come after flowers and extensions, but polyrhythms/hybrids are amazing for your spinning abilities. I'd say the first of that would be a triquetra, it will be tough, polyrhythms are among the hardest to learn. Also, you can start isolations whenever you want, they will take a long time to smoothen out, so learning them early is always good. And fountains are essential for transitions, and also learning buzzsaw stuff is good, easy, but not essential, so start that whenever.

Hope I was of help, as being homeless, you're bound to have a ton of free time. Also other toys that are easy to make would include Meteor, maybe Ropedart if you can tie a good monkeyfist, basic staves are pretty easy (wooden dowel + used bike innertube + duct tape).

And hell, you being a welder, you might even be able to sell equipment, not sure what kind of stuff you do, but when you're homeless, I guess any money-making ideas are worth thinking about.

The only luck is bad luck.

Shut up before I stall my poi up your ass grin


Rouge DragonBRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia


Posted:
*stomps on in*

Oi! I do NOT steal kisses! You lot were trying to steal MY kisses from my lovely miss gnor!!

Drake, sword of truth series = richard and kahlan? I started reading that in Vanuatu. Gave up reading it at about book 5 or 6 once I was back in Australia laugh3

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
@Rock City, yeah I've got a ton of free time, the school I went to lets me back in whenever I want the only thing is the size limitation, but for something like poi or a staff that shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the advice I started on anti-spins before I cooked dinner, it was hard to get my arms to move that way, but I started getting it although its far from fluid, wish I had a camera so I could show you all my progress.

@Rougie, yeah I read wizards first rule, but I lack the others.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


FugeeBRONZE Member
Cooler than bubblegum!
2,501 posts
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA


Posted:
ASCILITH! Threw me under the bus! Next time you die, I am going to kick you before I revive you!

The popcorn extends life... The popcorn expands consciousness...


Zephyre PhoenixFamiliar stranger giving out popcorn. (formerly Ascilith)
1,264 posts
Location: Lawrence, KS


Posted:
lol sorry. But... i didnt want to get eaten lol... hug forgive me? *offers popcorn*

Never take candy from strangers...... But popcorn is okay!


meshunderlayBRONZE Member
Juggler/Spinner
612 posts
Location: Hicksville, New York, USA


Posted:
Hey there, I'm a little late to the game it looks like, but Welcome to the HoP.

Just wanted to throw this out there, as my semester comes to a close (in about a month), I, the greatest juggler *cough* on my block *cough*, am always down to chill if you want to.

I do a bit of poi, but I was a tosser first *looks around*... wait, that doesn't sound right does it? ^_^

Anyhow, As soon as I'm done bing combarded by work, I am often to be found on a saturday afternoon at Eisenhower Park with a friend or two hanging out.

*shrug*

That is all.

Rouge DragonBRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia


Posted:
And here I was thinking you lot misbehaved in my thread - but here you are throwing each other under buses!

You've all been taking naughty lessons from George, haven't you? spank

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Hicksville! I was raised (well, until I was in fourth grade) in Hicksville! I went to burnes avenue elementary if you know where that is. I'm actually over in massapequa right now so I'll definitely stop by although this saturday I might be getting dragged into family business I'll let you know. Thanks for the welcome and I look forward to having someone to spin with. Also wouldn't mind a few pointers, if its cool with you, on juggling, I've practiced that for a while but never really been able to do it.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


meshunderlayBRONZE Member
Juggler/Spinner
612 posts
Location: Hicksville, New York, USA


Posted:
That's no problem, yeah, I'm familiar with Burns, and Massapequa as things go. I just helped a friend move onto N. Kings.

Keep me posted in a PM later on what's shaking for Saturdays in the future.

Perhaps we can trade pointers, juggling v. poi.

Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Shameless self-bump... actually not so shameless but I didn't know where to post it otherwise.

Had my first public burn last night! Feels good, uploaded the photos I have so far to here, they're all also in my newly formed fire folder on photobucket.
https://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f144/warior916/Fire/

More to come, almost sorry I waited this long to get at it, nothing I've done compares.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


Seaspraystranger by the day
924 posts
Location: At the Back of the North Wind


Posted:
Woo! Hey again Drakey!


The hop forums have been way too devoid of it's dragons!

Just a dancer in the dark


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Gotta say, Spray, its good to be back. Gotta photo shoot thing next week with my photographer and a few other artists. Choreographed stuff for his portfolio, should be awesome. I'll be wearing something better than a ripped up arizona t-shirt though.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


triptricianSILVER Member
UFO Spotting
350 posts
Location: Queensland, Australia


Posted:
nice photos drake. I really like the voi-gin pic and the one that is your avatar

would rather have a bottle-in-front-of-me than a frontal lobotomy

"The dangers of life are infinate and among them is safety"(geothe)


FugeeBRONZE Member
Cooler than bubblegum!
2,501 posts
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA


Posted:
Welcome back! Good pics smile

The popcorn extends life... The popcorn expands consciousness...


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Thanks guys, makes me feel quite good. There's still a ton he hasn't uploaded, but I don't think I'll have internet for a couple days so I won't be able to add em to my folder.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


Rouge DragonBRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia


Posted:
Hey there! how's the homelessness going???

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...


Warior DrakeSILVER Member
The Dragon Professor
203 posts
Location: New York, currently homeless, USA


Posted:
Eh, its still in existence, sort of. I'm currently crashing in my empty apartment while trying to sell it so I'm not without a roof, but you wouldn't call it a "home".

Workin with a good friend on a new fire... not gonna call it a toy, I'll post more when we have a prototype, but we're calling it the Ifrit Unit for now.

Don't let your world end with you

p.s. No, just in case you're going to ask, I did not misspell Warrior, its supposed to be like that.


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