Pulled the trigger...

Rip,

I just want you to know that you have done a terrible thing--getting me interested in all this Starting Strength nonsense. :) I have robbed my grandchildren's educational funds to purchase every book you and your partners in crime have written--started watching all the videos (may take a a lifetime at my age--thanks!) and bought into the novice masters' program hook, line, sinker, and dead minnow for bait.

I made the mistake of buying a dinky little sorta-rack that nearly falls over when I re-rack my massive work squat of 80 pounds. (Did I mention, I'm an older-than-dirt novice with a bad knee?) So I found myself standing in (Pardon the expression) Dick's, trying to choose between two much more substantial racks--made by separate companies. And they were probably OK for where I will get anytime soon. But for whatever reason, whenever I talked with the store clerk for the "Fitness Department", whenever he walked over from the fishing department, it was clear he didn't know his butt from a hole in the ground with regard to the equipment or its use. And during those conversations, I could almost hear you behind me whispering: "P---y"!

So just two days ago, as I was getting ready to pick between the two, I happened across the videos you did about the SS rack and bench, respectively. Yesterday, as soon as they opened, I was on the phone with Eric at Texas Strength Systems in San Antonio (my old, hometown), and today, I pulled the trigger and ordered:

The Starting Strength Power Rack
An extra set of bolts
The Starting Strength Bench
The SS Weight Tree (Hey, you might as well have stuff that matches.)
The SS Deadlift Jack
And an extra bar (the 1,200 pound rated model so I can do dips)

So now, I suspect I will hear you over my shoulder, shaking with anxiety over whether your rack will stand up to the pressure I am putting on it!

But seriously, I want to tell you how much I appreciate the incentive you have created in at least this one old fart to get up off the couch and put down the donuts. I admit to having had a hard time wanting to keep combining cardio (on the Concept II) and incorporating weight loss with strength gain. But now, I have abandoned the former and am two weeks into the program--and loving it.

Russ

You've joined the club. We should have a meeting.

Thanks, Rip. I would love to. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the next session in lovely, downtown Wichita Falls, but your staff tells me there will possibly be another one at the home location in the Spring. So perhaps then. Best regards, and congratulations on a great profession. Just remember what our former President said: "You didn't build that business--someone had to help you."

Russ

Russ,
Tell the grand kids to look to their parents for college money, Grandpa is getting strong!

I love it when we have new inductees to the club...

Hey, Red Bear: Thanks, and You are spot on. One of my grandsons is--let us say, more conservative than the old man--he is doing extremely well at the London School of Economics. His cousin, one year older, is a gifted musician and actually orchestrating for off-Broadway musicals. He thinks I'm pretty much a Nazi--but is too chickenshit to come right out and say it. :) When he comes out with some stupid-as-shit liberal claptrap, I always send him an audio recording of The Internationale--the Communist Anthem. Really, really, really, pisses him off. The family had a few hundred acres since even before the Republic of Texas. The little fart asked me once if we would be able to keep it if, as he supported, Barack Obama was able to repeal the Estate Tax exemption. I told him no, but it was OK--because I planned to contribute it to the State for a state park. "No way," he cried. "Way!" I told him. He still has no idea whether I'm for real or not.

It always comes home to roost.

JD: Your club almost makes me wish I lived in Houston instead of in Rockport...almost. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Comancheria

Hey, Red Bear: Thanks, and You are spot on. One of my grandsons is--let us say, more conservative than the old man--he is doing extremely well at the London School of Economics. His cousin, one year older, is a gifted musician and actually orchestrating for off-Broadway musicals. He thinks I'm pretty much a Nazi--but is too chickenshit to come right out and say it. :) When he comes out with some stupid-as-shit liberal claptrap, I always send him an audio recording of The Internationale--the Communist Anthem. Really, really, really, pisses him off. The family had a few hundred acres since even before the Republic of Texas. The little fart asked me once if we would be able to keep it if, as he supported, Barack Obama was able to repeal the Estate Tax exemption. I told him no, but it was OK--because I planned to contribute it to the State for a state park. "No way," he cried. "Way!" I told him. He still has no idea whether I'm for real or not.

It always comes home to roost.

---

This had me rolling! Thanks for the laugh.

Thanks, danomite. You know the funny thing (sad, really) is that the "Internationale" has to be the best damned anthem ever written--more stirring by far than "The Star Spangled Banner" or "Les Marseillaise". It's a real pity it was wasted on a bunch of Socialists. Hope I don't get in trouble for being to0 political on this board--if so I will cease and desist--but the other day, said grandson--with whom I really get along very well--told me he was supporting Bernie Sanders for the Presidency. I offered to buy him a one-way ticket to Caracas so he could bask on the beautiful beaches of Venezuela--also offered to rent him a 1967 Ford pickup to drive while he was there. No response as of yet.

I hope there are not enough voting-age children in this country to elect this hypocritical sack of shit. He would carry California, who obviously prohibits adults from running for office. Statewide rent control and the elimination of 1099 employment is a lot of 12-year-old girl for one week.

Good God but I love this thread.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mark Rippetoe

I hope there are not enough voting-age children in this country to elect this hypocritical sack of shit. He would carry California, who obviously prohibits adults from running for office. Statewide rent control and the elimination of 1099 employment is a lot of 12-year-old girl for one week.

---

Rip: I assume you mean Sanders—but there are a lot of sorry sacks of shit chasing or leading him—-all of whom possess high credentials for the title—and all hypocrites as well!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Comancheria

The Starting Strength Power Rack
An extra set of bolts
The Starting Strength Bench
The SS Weight Tree (Hey, you might as well have stuff that matches.)
The SS Deadlift Jack
And an extra bar (the 1,200 pound rated model so I can do dips)

---

Please post a picture when it's all set up!

Will do, Balazs. I'll have to figure out how at the time (No, don't try to tell me now--I'll forget where the post was!) The good news is that they will be setting it up as part of (or maybe added on) to the shipping--but I'm glad to have someone doing it for me. I don't like lifting heavy weights. :cool: Best regards,

Russ

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Comancheria

... I don't like lifting heavy weights. ...Russ

---

Careful, Rip may have you carry it in 5 times and then 3 sets, hahahahaha. Enjoy the new setup and let us see it's beauty!