Meet The Mods: Managing Director Of The RX Forums: Curt James
Up next in the Meet-the-Mods series we have the Managing Director of the Rx Muscle Forums, Curt James. In the Rx Muscle world (and in the real world) Curt is a dinosaur who’s been around since Rx Muscle was in its infancy. Whether he’s correcting our grammar, posting pictures of long forgotten bodybuilders, or mysteriously making posts disappear, Curt is one the most active members of the forum. Curt was kind enough to give us an inside look at the man, the myth, and the legend (in his own mind).
Real Name: Curt James
Occupation: I'm an elementary school art teacher. Celebrating ten years full-time with my district this month!
Years you've been training: My stepfather pulled up in his convertible, popped the trunk, and there was a 110 lbs. gold plastic or vinyl-over-concrete adjustable weight set. I couldn't get it out of the trunk with two hands. He picked it up with one hand and dropped it in our backyard. I was 15. I'm 50 now so that makes it, what, 35 years? I'm still not Mr. Olympia.
Q.) What's your most embarrassing moment you'd rather forget?
A.) Pretty much any physique (cough) photograph of myself out there. Honestly, I don't embarrass very easily.
Q.) If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?
A.) Hyper, humorous, and hairy?
Q.) Before I die I would like to...
A.) Visit Europe again.
Q.) What's something that other members would be surprised to learn about you?
A.) My first ribbon in the military was for marksmanship with a .45 pistol? Although I've probably shared that trivia a few times.
Q.) What's your greatest success?
A.) I felt very successful recently when a former student saw me in public and took the time to say how much I inspired them as an artist. That really knocked me out.
Q.) What's your greatest failure?
A.) I should probably have a master's degree by now. Have a ton of postgraduate credits, but haven't applied any of them towards that extra piece of paper.
Q.) If you could give one piece of advice to members what would it be?
A.) Enjoy! Life is short.
Q.) You're from the Ephrata/Lancaster PA area, right? Do you ever miss Shady Maple?
A.) Yes, I am. Shady Maple is one of the best smorgasbords around. I love home style or Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. My current favorite eatery is the Carlisle Diner located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Q.) You've been a visible member of several boards for years now. What was it about Rx Muscle that made it feel like a place that you could call home?
A.) Dave Palumbo and John Romano. I loved MD for “No Bull Radio” and when Dave created RxMuscle.com I was glad to join. If you check your profile URL you'll see a number there.
http://forums.rxmuscle.com/member.php?241-Curt-James
I'm nerd enough to value that 241.
Dave is Number 1, of course.
http://forums.rxmuscle.com/member.php?1-huge285
Q.) Recently you took over the title of Managing Director of the Rx Muscle Forums from SallyAnne. Why do you think she decided to pass you the torch?
A.) I'll have to ask her sometime
. lol She trusts me to do the best for the board and its members? Maybe equal parts credit for sticking in there when I wasn't the most favored member on RX, being loyal to the board, my love for the sport, and because I'm soooo good looking?
Q.) You've seemingly been photographed with every bodybuilder on the planet. Who would you say is the guy or girl who'd be the most fun to sit down and have a beer with?
A.) Arnold, obviously, is “The Man!” And, though I have no idea where the Polaroid is now, I had a fan snapshot with Arnold. In 1989, the first event, their VIP package was just $100 for all the shows, seminars, banquet, and a pic with Arnold.
The girl who'd be the most fun to have a beer with? Mary Ellen Jerumbo. With seemingly countless contests under her belt, I bet she has some great stories.
Q.) Whose physique impressed you the most when you met them for the first time?
A.) Mike Mentzer. I didn't really meet him, but we were maybe ten or fifteen feet apart. I was an awestruck teenager and he was doing triceps pushdowns at a place in Pennsylvania called the Lancaster Health Spa. I thought he was some very fat man in the corner. There was no way arms that size were at all solid. But then he turned around and it was Mentzer! That was my first time witnessing an Olympia-level physique in person. Didn't have the nerve to even ask for an autograph.
Being the sheriff of the forums can be a thankless job, but if anyone’s up to the task it’s Curt. He’s someone that genuinely cares about making RX Muscle a real community, and a place that all are welcome. We’re lucky to have him…!
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