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Thread: marcus300 interviews Times Roman

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    marcus300 is offline ~Retired~ AR-Platinum Elite-Hall of Famer ~
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    marcus300 interviews Times Roman

    marcus300: Which country are you from and how do you like living there?
    Times Roman: I am from the United States. But it is a large, diverse country, so I’ll limit my response to what I know... California. The weather is beautiful so I can ride my Harley most of the time. Until recently, the economy was such, so that finding jobs, for me, was not problematic. But California has a full range of issues that taint its ambiance. For example, it is a highly socialistic state, relatively, and attracts a larger percentage of those looking for aid than in many other states. We are like a welfare magnet, you can say. Due to this and other reasons, California has one of the highest income tax rates in the Country, and one of the highest sales tax rates as well. Because we are a border state with Mexico, we have a large immigrant population. Like anything else, there are both positives and negatives on this. It is a burden on our educational system, yet without immigrant labor, our agricultural industry would be severely impacted. Negative impact on crime, yet a positive impact on culture and diversity. I also resent my 4th amendment rights being impinged. It is extremely difficult to get a concealed weapons permit where I normally live. I’ve been kicking around the idea of hiring an attorney on this issue. And I am extremely irate about the helmet laws in California as well. (No surprise there, huh?) So to answer your question, I have mixed feelings about where I normally live. I have lived all around though, Asia, Europe, and now Afghanistan. I imagine there will come a time in my life when I will leave California over these and other issues.

    marcus300: What do you do for a living?
    Times Roman: As little as possible for as much money as I think I can get away with! But I don’t think that’s the answer your are looking for, so to be straight, I am a Certified Public Accountant. But this isn’t what I do. Normally, my function would be that of a Controller in the manufacturing industry. I have worked for 4 or 5 major manufacturing companies over the last 10 years. My span of management has ranged from zero, to thirty-five employees. From Controller to Division Controller. I’m usually the #2 guy in the organization. Right now, I’m a finance director for an energy program in Afghanistan.

    marcus300: Are you married and do you have children?
    Times Roman: yes, my woman and I have been together for 25 years, 23 of which after the blessing of the pontiff. I have a 20 year old son and a 13 year old daughter. I’m a little sideways about my being here in Afghanistan when my daughter is still young. But she seems to be coping very well. Skype is a wonderful thing, no? My son is still a growing boy, but I think he’s almost through. He says he’s 6’3”, 210, but he seems a short 6’3”. I’ll have to measure him next time i go home. But he is taking after his old man in the gym. Seems like he is getting his routine down solid, 5x a week... and get this... his routine includes deads, squats, military press, and all the other routines most newbs try to avoid. Proud of him!

    marcus300: What are your current stats and what would be your ideal ones?
    Times Roman: Over the years, my stats have been all over the place. I’d like to tell you my current stats are the same as they where ten years ago, but that’s fantasy. Currently 6’, 220lbs, 14% bf. Pretty mild for this group, but not too shabby for my age group. Upper body, once again, is really looking good, lower body is lagging but improving due to lack of equipment until recently. I’ve been as high as 250 at under 14% BF, but I think that is too much for me now physically. I would be happy about 235lbs and 12% BF. Wait til you get to be my age, lads. Dropping BF% is a bitch!

    marcus300: How long have you been training and what are your goals?
    Times Roman: I’ve been training since I was 13. Was introduced to Kung Fu that summer, and learned all about isometric training. That Christmas, my pops got a Ted Williams ***ent weight set and this is when I initially began lifting weights. Although I lifted, really no clue what I was doing, other than following the pictograms that were provided in the box. Not long after, I started and continued with Tae Kwon Do until I went in the army. But there have been breaks too. And when there are breaks, if you look real hard, you’ll see that it is often due to drugs/alcohol. In my earlier years, anyways. But my training was fairly continuous until I was around 30. With the birth of my son, and graduating (one of the many times) from College, I took an office job and grew “love handles” for the first time in my life. I didn’t train for about 6 years after that. But after awhile, I couldn’t stand it anymore, so i resumed weight training and dedicated myself for about the next 5 years. And I actually figured out how to grow. Hit 250 during this period. Back in my earlier years, there were no computers, no internet, so information and proper weight lifting knowledge were difficult to come by. I made all the typical rookie mistakes.... ignoring legs for many years, over working my muscle groups, improper rest, improper diet. Currently, I’ve been adhering to most of the principals of, and think of myself as, a “Life Extender”. My goals are to be healthy, fit and strong well into my 80’s.

    marcus300: Have you ever taken steroids, if so what and how many cycles?
    Times Roman: Aas is a recent development for me. I don’t know how many of you remember Andro, but I was taking it over a decade ago, before it became illegal. More of a prohormone in my humble opinion. I began experimenting with test, mixing it with DMSO, applying it topically, that sort of thing. Then i picked up 5 grams of var, which I liked. Didn’t like Winnie, hurt my joints, liked drol at first, but it made me tired, and the gains evaporated quickly, so I figured what’s the point? Tried some primo. I’d been on the board for awhile, and began reading about TRT. Over a year ago, I went and had some blood panels, and sure enough, pretty much like everyone else my age... low test. So I began TRT, with a standard dose of 200mg cyp eow. Currently, I’m running 1000mg enth ew and peptides (cjc-1295 and two others), and I’m expecting a shipment of var to arrive any day. But ultimately, I see myself simply cruising, with peptides and periodic cycles of var.

    marcus300: What have been your happiest times of your life?
    Times Roman: Hands down, no questions asked... the birth of my children. Not ashamed to tell you blokes, but each time, when I placed my new born child into my mom’s open arms, I couldn’t hold back the tears, so out they came. Streaming down my face. Big shit eating grin on my face too. There’s nothing like it!!! I was so proud. The next big moment was becoming a CPA. It’s one of those things that unless you’ve done it yourself, you have no idea how difficult it is. The years of sacrifice I made….

    marcus300: How old are you?
    Times Roman: born 1961, which means I’ll be 50 here in a couple of months. But everyone tells me I don’t look a day over 48~! =)

    marcus300: What would be your ideal job?
    Times Roman: I played horn for 8 years, I always thought earning a living as a jazz musician would be satisfying. But the typical pay scale is low, so not ideal. And when I was younger, I always looked up to Bobby Fischer, then #1 ranked chess player in the world. Always thought it would be cool to earn a living that way. But then I began to realize most chess masters actually had a day job, so no go there. I was a traveling photographer for two years, (how I met my woman), and it was an incredibly fun and exciting job, met a lot of women, but the pay also sucked, so no go there as well. So my current career is probably best suited for me. Very comfortable pay, intellectually stimulating, not routine, certain amount of prestige, and I get to work with people. Unless you are talking fantasy job, then I’d say just elect me as dictator of the world, and let my extremely vast and attentive harem feed me grapes and fan me with palm fronds all day.

    marcus300: Who would you most like to meet from AR?
    Times Roman: There are a couple of individuals I’m chatting with I’d like to meet someday. Don’t know if they’d like to meet me or not, so one can only hope.

    marcus300: If you was Admin for AR, what would you change?
    Times Roman: If I were Admin? Hmmm…. Well, anytime I come into an operation, my first rule is to understand first, change second. The understanding part takes time. And before you go and make changes, you have to consider the unintended consequences. Having said all that, I think that a minor issue the board has are trolls and spammers. Instead of immediate membership, there could be one extra step where a candidate would have to wait an hour or two before receiving the ability to post on the board. But I’ll tell you what Marcus. I think Admin is doing a good job. The role of Admins and the role of governments should be the same… smaller is better, less interference the better, and only get involved when absolutely necessary.

    marcus300: Have you ever cheated on your wife while you have been working away?
    Times Roman: I’ve never cheated on her period (or any woman for that matter). Since the first time we were together. I had to break up with another lady to be with her. Since one lady was in one town, and my future woman was in another town 5 hours away, juggling would have been a no brainer. But that’s not how my momma raised me. She taught me to respect women and to treat them right. Momma taught me well…

    marcus300: If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money?
    Times Roman: I bet yer hoping I’d say I’d give it to you? =) So let’s see…. After taxes, I’d have about $11million spread out over 20 years, so that comes to $550k/year. There’d be no point in my continuing to work. After foolishly throwing around some of it in the beginning, I’d probably pack up the Harley, stuff the saddle bags full of clothes and my ATM card, and haul ass for a few years. I think I’d go low key. Stay in run down hotels, eat at grubby diners, go to biker bars and shoot pool, drink tequila shots, smoke cigars. And after that, who knows? Of course, without thinking, I’d give some to my kids and family. And maybe a little scratch to a couple of my friends.

    marcus300: What makes you angry?
    Times Roman: Hopefully less and less as I continue to mature. However noble that may sound, I still do get angry. I get angry when I see people wasting time, especially MY time! I get angry when I feel people are trying to take something from me without asking, and this includes the government. I get angry when I hear people lying. I have no tolerance for cheating and stealing. And I will go nuclear if anyone tries to harm anyone close to me, especially my kids.

    marcus300: When was the last time you cried?
    Times Roman: Cried? Seriously cried? When my daughter was born. But I regularly get misty eyed because I have such delicate sensibilities! OK, that’s probably over the top, but I do get emotional watching a movie from time to time. Remember Ghost? With Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze? That scene at the end where he reveals himself to her? Yeah, sissy stuff like that.

    marcus300: How many close friends do you have?
    Times Roman: We all define close friends differently. I define a close friend very narrowly. To be a close friend, you must have withstood the test of time. Must have been in some hairy situations together. And a close friendship transcends money. If I gave my close friend $250,000 to hold for me, I have no doubt that when I asked for it back, not one penny would be missing. Let’s put it this way… I only trust my Harley with one person, and it’s parked in his garage at this time until I get back. But I seem to have a good handful of friends that consider me close.

    marcus300: On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you?
    Times Roman: probably about a 7 right now. By nature, I’m usually pretty happy. I love to laugh, and do so regularly. Not being home with my kids/family/friends drops me down a point, otherwise I’d say I’m usually an 8.

    marcus300: Describe yourself in 3 words?
    Times Roman: Direct. Honest. Generous. Ok… my friends/family would tell me to add…. “Loud” as well. You know, boiling oneself down to three labels is pretty tough. I think a better question would be how would others describe me in three words? And I think the general consensus would be from my friends… Crazy (a little), Funny, and dependable. Everyone else might just call me an asshole!

    marcus300: Tell our readers 2 things what would shock us about your or your life?
    Times Roman: the word “shock” kinda throws me off a little bit, but here goes… 1) When I was in the military, we used to dare each other to do things for money. It was right before payday, and someone brought a huge water beatle up to me and dared me to eat it. It was enormous, about as big as my hand. I told the guy I’d eat it for $5. Since right before payday, no one had $5, but I had 5 buddies with $1 each. I put the damn thing in the freezer to stop it from squirming a little, then pulled it out, threw it up in the air, caught it in my mouth, chewed it five (5) times, and then swallowed it down. Actually looked like a giant cockroach. Had a metallic taste to it. Almost gagged, but I maintained my composure, and the contents of my stomach. Everyone else went running out the tool room gagging. I just laughed and put the $5 in my pocket. (is that shocking enough?) 2) I don’t like going to the doctor for minor stuff, so if I need to cut a toenail off (100% of it) or put a few stitches in me due to a cut, I’ll just do it myself. No pain killers. Just me and my determination. Woman thinks I’m crazy, but I take my time and I actually do a great job. True, it’s painful, but that’s just a mental thing you can get past once you know how to deal with it. I don’t mess around with broken bones too much, since that is not a fix I can do in an hour. I didn’t think you guys wanted to hear about me eating dogs and cats in Korea, so we’ll save that for another time.

    marcus300: What are your plans for the future?
    Times Roman: I applied to a position in Ethopia today. Five year contract. Not sure if I’ll get it or not. But my plans are to continue as a contractor until I’m 60, then cash out. Step 1 complete. After that, I’d like to spend a few years traveling on my Harley, traveling real light… fill up the saddle bags with clothes, atm card in my pocket, and see where the wind blows me!!

    marcus300: What have been the lowest times of your life?
    Times Roman: Let’s see... when I was 8, some punk made me kiss the ground in front of all my friends, and my girl-friend whom I was secretly sweet on. Extremely humiliating and it took 20 years to get over it. I used to get beat up all the time too. I was very very small, low hanging fruit for bullies. In junior high, I went on a shoplifting spree, and eventually was caught. Professionally, getting fired was low for me. But the firing was a retaliation, we ended up going to court, and yes, they did pay. But it was difficult for my family, and we really had to tighten our belts for several months until i found another job. But as I look at what i have just written, I would have to say I’ve been fairly fortunate in this area.

    marcus300: What was the last book you read?
    Times Roman: Lee Child’s “Worth Dying For” (almost through)

    marcus300: If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
    Times Roman: There are a few individuals it might be interesting to trade with. For example: Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon), Navy Seal (pretty sure I could have made it), one of the blokes that planted the flag at Iwo Jima, the Budha, Harry Houdini, and since you also included fictional, I would have to say Tony Stark (Iron Man). What about Mike Tyson, when he delivered a rib crushing upper cut to one of his many victims? Or one of the many quarterbacks that have won a second superbowl, like John Elway? To have actually played during that winning game? Or Mark Spitz when he won all those Olympic Gold medals? But I am quite content with who I am, imperfect as I may be.

    marcus300: How come you have so much time on your hands to post about all the topics you do in the lounge?
    Times Roman: Since January, I’ve lived in Afghanistan, and confined to a secure compound most of the time. I read, exercise, and come here when i’m not working. Seldom do i get out. I try to go to the Q&A section, really to be able to talk to the younger generation and help them decide not to start aas until their mid twenties. My son is 20, and i do get some comfort doing this. Call it “Fatherhood by proxy” if you will. But it is difficult too, since most of the kids will resent any advice that conflicts with what they really want to do. Which, when you think about it, sounds about right for kids that age. You can’t tell them anything. But I continue to try. It wears me out though. And I admit I don’t go there as often as I should…
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    marcus300 is offline ~Retired~ AR-Platinum Elite-Hall of Famer ~
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    marcus300: What would be your advice to help solve the conflict in the Middle East?
    Times Roman: 1st and most important.... become 100% energy independent and in large part, off oil. After that is achieved, then 2nd, leave the Middle East, and stop nation building. They resent us being here, and I don’t blame them. Ultimately, and let’s be real honest here, Israel is a huge problem which we created right after WW2 when we transplanted the Jewish people into someone else’s indigenous area. We still support them financially, even after 65 years, and it has to stop! The Israel problem will never go away, since each side will fight to the death to win, without compromise. But if we would just stop supporting Israel, then it would make them more realistic about what they should or should not do, and it would take the heat off the USA a little bit.

    marcus300: What makes you come to AR everyday and post?
    Times Roman: In the beginning, I had a lot of learning to do. The more I came, the more I read, the more I learned. There is actually quite a bit of information here, and many experienced individuals. But after awhile, it becomes like a little family. Not naming names, but there are some “brothers” that I don’t see eye to eye with on every issue. Then there are some that are like little kid brothers that annoy you from time to time, but can be funny at times too. And then 80% of the rest of the brothers and sisters you come to know and respect, and yes, develop some friendships. But we are all here, I hope, for a common purpose. To promote a healthy lifestyle, and to promote the sport of weight lifting.

    marcus300: What does a typical day look like for you?
    Times Roman: My days are fairly routine and go something like this… Alarm goes off at 5. Jabbing with peptides as i get up. Protein shake and a handful of supplements. Hit the shower. Granola cereal and skype the family by 6. In the gym by 6:30. Work by 8:30. 5:30 off work. Dinner at 6. Cardio at 7:30 (normally). In bed by 9:30. 6x a week. On the 7th day, Friday, I may get to go to Camp Eggers to check the mail, get a hair cut, maybe a cup of coffee. Flower street cafe for lunch. Back by around 3:30. Very routine. Very confined. I think a majority of people would not be able to handle this for too long. I’ve never been to prison for more than a few days, but I imagine there are similarities between my life and prison life. The routine, the confinement. I read books all the time to help cut the boredom, and recently started playing chess again, a childhood passion.

    Members question: Why he always seems so grumpy online,and how much longer are you staying in Afghan land and have you been banging the turbins off those young cute afghan boys over there and why are youso tired as of late.
    Times Roman: Grumpy? Not grumpy, just a lack of my natural sunny disposition shining through. To be serious though, I do seem to be on edge here in Afghanistan. Not so much to do with any perceived risk of being here, but more to do with isolation and dealing with culture “shock”. I’ve lived overseas before, and in Korea, so I’ve dealt with culture shock in the past. But this is different, very different. I’ll pass on the banging young boys part, and move over to the tired piece. Kabul is a mile or more above sea level. So when I work out, it takes more out of me. Additionally, I’ve had gastro intestinal distress since I’ve been here, which is a real shitty deal (pun intended). Finally, I found out a month ago I have salmonella, which seems to explain a lot in my mind as to why I seem to be run down and tired all the time. I’m on vacation in Cali as I write this, so hopefully by the time i get back to Trashghanistan, I’ll be feeling better.

    Members question: What would you do to pass your time in Afghanistan if you didn't have the internet?
    Times Roman: I read a lot and workout to pass the time over here. I’m currently reading “Nutrient Timing” by John Ivy and Robert Portman. I highly recommend this book, and is much more relevant to resistance training or weight lifting than I originally thought. PM me if you want to get a general synopsis of the book. BTW, we have a small compound, and I generally get out less than once a week.

    Members question: Name the one person or event that has made the biggest impact on your life? And how it has it/they changed you?"
    Times Roman: It has to be my mom. I don’t see how she could have put up with all my shit while I was growing up. She has always showed me unconditional love, which I certainly don’t deserve. So I pay her back by trying to do the right things in life, and to help others when they need it but don’t necessarily think they deserve it. My mom was a very stable element in my life, and if she weren’t so, I’d probably be in jail right now.

    Members question: Why do you dislike sportbikes?
    Times Roman: It’s a phase of life thing. I don’t dislike sports bikes, I’ve had several. A sports bike, to me, is an extension of a lack of impulse control. They certainly have gotten me in trouble on many occasions (racing, tickets, etc.). Now that I have the cash, I have no issues with dropping $25k on a bike, then another $5 to $10k on a custom engine. A sports bike has a very limited utility, and is a pain in the ass, say, over 250 miles. Plus it is a fair weather only bike, unable to lug your stuff around when you need it. With my MC, I can take me and a passenger and luggage anywhere in North America, in pretty much any weather, no problems. It is very liberating compared to a sports bike, and not nearly as many speeding tickets.

    Members question: Where did you gain all of your infinite wisdom from, Ghandi? Ghangus Khan? Spartacus? Leonitus? Divinci? Moses?
    Times Roman: Walmart had a sale on wisdom a couple of years back, so I bought two. =)

    Members question: How did you feel losing to Marcus300 for the heart of Slimmerme?
    Times Roman: It was a terrible, terrible loss. And in fact, I still get deeply emotional when I think about it. Maybe we should move on to the next question...

    Members question: Why don't you offer Marcus a pose down, how about a double bicep pose for the affection of slimmerme?
    Times Roman? A hoe down? I don’t know how to square dance! And I only pose in the buff, which is a powerful aphrodisiac for the ladies. It wouldn’t be fair to Slimmer if I sent a pic of me posing like that, especially if just sent only a pic, without backing it up with the real thing. Wait! That sounds like Vinnie the Chin?

    Members question: If you were President of the USA, what would be the top 5 things you would do?
    Times Roman: Well, in this fantasy scenario, let’s just assume I have dictatorial powers, and don’t have to deal with a congress to impose my will. 1) since 41% of all Americans pay no federal tax, then modify the 14th amendment, and impose a progressive flat tax so that all Americans pay federal tax. Remember, everyone enjoys the benefits of citizenship, so there should be NO free rides! When taxes need to be raised, it is done linearly, so that all Americans pay an increase. 2) Require that deficit spending must be offset in years of prosperity with surplus spending, so that on balance, there is no national debt/deficit. Structure a legal algorithm to ensure overall there is a balanced budget. 3) End handing out cash to foreign nations (Think foreign welfare to other national governments). End nation building. Take the money otherwise spent this way, and invest in America’s infrastructure, educational system. 4) Create a National Trade Czar. Purpose? Make sure that trade deficits are at a minimum, and overall cash outflow is at a minimum. 5) Create a national energy Czar. Purpose? Create a nation self reliant on energy. Develop Alaska and off shore oil fields in a smart, “green” way.

    Members question: What pushes your buttons the most?
    Times Roman: Arrogance, ignorance and stupidity. People quite often let their ego’s control their actions, or want to make decisions without fully considering the implications. Nothing frosts me more than someone talking beyond their abilities, leading people to believe things are under control when they are not.

    Members question: What do you think men need to learn regarding how to treat women?
    Times Roman: The golden rule, in this case, does not necessarily apply. Do not treat women how you yourself would like to be treated. Men want sex all the time (or at least I do), but you can’t treat women that way, as if they “want you” all the time. Women crave other things besides sex, believe it or not. They want to be listened to, and beyond that, they want to be adored. There is nothing sexier to a woman than a man that adores them and thinks they are the most beautiful, desirable thing on the planet. With women, sex happens in the mind first, and then the body follows. If you treat your woman this way, undoubtedly, she will give you all the sex you crave.

    Members question: What are some of your man tips?
    Times Roman: Always stay in shape and strength train. Don’t drink so much you lose control. Pick a hobby and stay involved (besides weight lifting). Bring your woman flowers at least once a year. Educate yourself. Never disrespect your woman or your buddies, no matter how stupid you feel they are at the moment. And remember, no matter how big or smart you think you are, there is always someone bigger or smarter than you, and not too far away, either. Learn to control your ego! And finally, never take unsolicited advice from a guy named after a font.

    Members question: why do you think some men refuse to listen to advice on how to treat women?
    Times Roman: Ego. I think many men have an over inflated sense of self, and for some reason, feel they are better than women. This is the basis of chauvinism. Chauvinism is also a cultural thing, and I am literally surprised to see otherwise enlightened individuals saying chauvinism is OK, saying it is a normal custom for citizens of certain nations. I don’t get that. Beyond all that though, I think that certain men are simply dense and don’t get it. Women should be cherished, and treated with respect for who they are. After all, it is women, in my humble opinion, that make this world we live in, interesting!

    In closing, I wanted to thank Marcus and the ***** staff for taking an interest in this old man and allowing me to spend time on the board. It has helped me maintain my mental health this last nine months. And I wanted to say thank you to all those that spend time with me chatting and helping me keep my spirits up. I won’t mention any names, but you know who you are…. Thanks!!
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