[Foxy_Rei]

Sissy I loved your post… very inspiring. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

And Natalie I really do feel bad for you… I’ll be praying for you! And I definitely like Fleur’s advice to do some of your own research and see what you can find.

This reminds me of that show called Mystery Diagnosis or something like that… I think it’s on TLC (or Discovery? hmmm…) but it’s a show all about people that have strange illnesses that plague them for years and doctors can never seem to give them the right answers. But always at the conclusion of the show, there’s a specialist or someone (like Dr. House, hehe) that pours over the right books and finds some odd condition that no one has hardly heard of and they can treat it. One poor girl had unbelievable stiffness in her hands and she eventually couldn’t move them at all, and soon spread throughout her entire body. Turns out she had "sclera derma" (spelling?), means "hard skin" in Latin or Greek or whatever. The skin and tendons in her hands would literally just turn hard, resulting in her not being able to move her hands. With treatment and therapy, she can now move her body just fine, but her hands are stuck. She can move maybe a couple fingers and her wrists, but that’s it. She’s still very lucky!

Ok that was a random tangent but my point kinda-sorta (I’m very articulate tonight, aren’t I?) was that it may take a while, but I hope that someone somewhere has some answers for you. It does suck for now, but take what Sissy said and remember that you are still you and keep your head up high and never stop looking for answers! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

Somewhere (not here) I read that X-Pole doesn’t recommend using rubbing alcohol on their poles, but a lot of us here, myself included, have used it with no problems. It’s recommended to wash the excess grease off the screw threads before you assemble the pole, and there’s wax? coating the pole when you first get it, but it’s a very thin layer to protect it during storage and shipping: not enough to do much of anything… It’s not polish, though, that’s for sure.

Like Fleur said, are you sure it’s a true X-Pole? 2 things to check: 1) color of the rubber on the top of the dome. Black is fake, clearish is real and 2) that there’s 2 little Xs inscribed on the base of the pole, right below the hex screws that you use to switch between spin and static. Fakes don’t always have the Xs.

Another possibility is your cloth… was it brand new or have you used it in the past for something else? Either way there might have been something in the cloth that didn’t mix with the rubbing alcohol. Try cleaning your pole again with a different cloth (because whatever was causing that smell is still on your pole so I’d clean it again anyway) and see if you get the same result. I’d also not dilute the rubbing alcohol…

If you’re worried it’s doing damage to your pole, look at the edges of the pieces, like the "corners" at the very ends of the pole by the screw threads, etc. and see if your chrome is chipping off or anything out of the ordinary.

Also don’t be afraid to call X-Pole customer service and see what they say. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

Links at the bottom??? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif The page I see has a menu on the left side and Pole Moves Directory is like second or third on that list…

I’m waiting for the spins directory, myself. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

http://www.studioveena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1184&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

However if you’re a newbie I’d say try and see how far you get without any grip aids.

I personally don’t like Mighty Grip because I have sweaty hands, it’s definitely for someone with drier hands.

[Foxy_Rei]

Well what it really comes down to is your preference. Chrome and 50mm are the standards for finish and size – most clubs and studios will use those. Titanium has better grip than chrome, and 45mm is easier to hold onto than a 50.

If you’re only planning on using your own pole and never switching or playing on other poles, then it’s purely up to you – get whatever you would like because you’ll get used to your own pole and it won’t matter. But if you’re going to be more, um, "universal" with your poling (especially because of the poles at the club you like to play on) I’d go with chrome and 50mm. If you can do moves on a pole like that, you’ll be able to pole on just about anything.

Also check into how big the poles are at the club. That way you can either choose to get the same thing or something similar or get something different. Unlike most newbies, you have a comparison base to work from. If the poles you’re used to are chrome and 50mm and they’re too slippery for your taste, then go with titanium; if you have a hard time holding on, then go with 45… etc. etc.

Hope this helps! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

I don’t really have any suggestions, unfortunately, but WikiPole has a list of pole studios if you want to browse through them and maybe get some ideas. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

One thing I used to do to stretch my abs and back was a bridge. Lay on your back and push your body into an arch with your arms and legs, belly up. You may want to stretch out and loosen up a bit before you do it; it can hurt if you’re not careful.

http://elsieyogakula.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/urdhva-dhanurasana.jpg

[Foxy_Rei]

I tried it last night and I can do it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I got it on video but I’m having issues uploading, I’ll try it again tonight…

[Foxy_Rei]

OOoo I have a good song as far as the movie match up goes: popular love song but no one knows what it’s from! But I’m not sure if I can pole to it… hmmm… must think on this more.

But I do like the idea, Sascha, hopefully Veena will like it, too! (we could always just do it for fun anyway, https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif)

[Foxy_Rei]

Thanks for the clarification with the rubbing alcohol, Roxy. Apparently there’s a misconception about it because every time I’ve complained of the sweaty hands people immediately have said "try rubbing alcohol!" so it was natural to assume it was meant to dry up sweat. I’ll edit that portion of my post so the rumor doesn’t continue…

And yes Mighty Grip is not good if you’re a sweaty hand sufferer… I’m sure it works great if your hands don’t sweat, but it doesn’t have the chance to work if you just sweat it right off!

[Foxy_Rei]

Very impressive, indeed! I have to admit I was watching that first video asking myself, "Is she naked!? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif" But she wasn’t. Not that it would’ve been a bad thing, I think it would’ve fit the mood very well, personally. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

They’re in kinda random forums. I knew we had some threads around here somewhere, and I had a heck of a time trying to find them again! There may be one or two more, but I couldn’t find them. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

so far this is the first music thread i found.. tho there should be a music sticky cuz i always am on the look for music =D

so..

BUMP!!

ill post a list here in a few..

http://www.studioveena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=362
http://www.studioveena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=31
http://www.studioveena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=840

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

Hey I have a question. how do u use the rod method for the last extention? we have weedled our way down to the last attached section and there isnt another tube to put a 2nd rod in just hte one. Any suggestions on how to get it apart? im so fustrated

Well to be honest I’m not sure… I always loosen that joint first when the pole is still standing, then take the whole length of the pole down, lay it on the floor, then use the rods to take the individual pieces apart.

Have you tried having someone stand on the base while someone works the extension? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif The only other thing I could think of is calling X-Pole and asking them if they have an idea. Their customer service is great! Good luck!

[Foxy_Rei]

http://www.wikipole.org/

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

I just watched this video on YouTube of Sarah at Rock the Pole doing an exit from the pretzel like what Roxy was describing. It’s at about the 2 minute mark:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUKDpcNSuuw

[Foxy_Rei]

Yay, Veena! We’re all rootin’ for ya! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

It’s easier to a gemini??? Hmmm… I may have to try that.

And yes, I can do this move, I just never posted about it or put it in a video yet… It still needs perfecting. I only have 7′ ceilings so half of the time I do my superman I’m not far enough off the floor to drop anywhere. Also my superman still hurts like a b*tch because of all the lovely humidity we’ve been having; makes pole burn 5 times worse. I do it to scorpio, so I may have to give it a try to gemini if I don’t slide half-way down the pole in the process, hehe.

[Foxy_Rei]

Hey Shelby, I unfortunately don’t have any advice for you, but I wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and missing you! I’m very sorry you’ve had it rough lately… I hope things turn around for you and you know we’re all here for you! Just keep your head up high – you’re a wonderful person and you have remarkable talent (on a canvas and on a pole) so just keep on truckin’! Remember that stress and worry solves nothing and will only make you miserable, so may as well try to be cheerful so at least you’re not miserable. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif

Keep us posted!

[Foxy_Rei]

At first, stainless is the worst as far as grip goes. The stainless needs to be conditioned over time so it eventually will get more grippy, but to start out with, it’s the worst. After it’s broken in, I’m not sure where it ranks exactly.

Other than the stuff from manufacturing that Charley mentioned, X-Poles don’t really need to be broken in… just make sure your clean it when you get it to take off anything they put on it to protect it during shipping and you’ll be fine.

This is the grip continuum:
stainless > chrome > titanium > brass

From the sounds of it, an X-Pole would be great for you if you have 2 different homes that you go back and forth between. It packs up nicely and comes with carrying cases. It doesn’t require fixtures or needs to be screwed in and won’t damage ceilings or floors if put up properly. Lil Mynx and Platinum Stages both make a similar pole but they’re both more expensive than an X.

Even if it’s different than your studio’s poles, I’m sure you wouldn’t have any complaints. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif Me likey.
I did a video comparing my old Electra Pole to my X-Pole and had it on YouTube. I removed it from YouTube and my computer died before I had a chance to re-upload it here https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif I’ll double check and see if it got transferred to the external with my other files, but I’m not sure if it did… I’ll put it up if I still have it.

[Foxy_Rei]

*goes to find some old videos*

Am I the only one who feels like they have to redeem themselves after making stupid comments like that? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

My big huge mirror is from my husbands closet door! I just pulled it off the track. The mirror with the silver around it is from Ikea. Ikea also has so cool small mirrors that you could put side by side to make a large mirror. I think they are about 9 bucks a piece. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

Mirror with the silver??? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Where’s that one? I’ve always heard you talking about your mirror being from Ikea and the only one I’ve ever seen is the big one by your 12 foot pole, so…

I’ve been doing a lot of putting my foot in my mouth a lot lately. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_silent.gif Maybe I should take the hint… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

Awww I am so FREAKIN’ HAPPY FOR YOU right now! I know you’ve been stressing about you’re other job and such and such so I can imagine what this is doing for you right now! Yay yay and more YAY!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Foxy_Rei]

I’d bug ’em. Even if you’re worried about being the customer that never stops calling or whatever, you’re still the customer and you’ve been more than generous by waiting this long. Also, the more you call and annoy them, the more they’re going to want to satisfy you so you leave them alone. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif