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Continuing with our festivities, we’re showcasing some of our long time and loyal Club Pogo members! Today we meet Mike from Ohio! 
First name: Mike
Screen name: Ffmed124
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am a career Firefighter / Paramedic and currently hold the position of Captain at our Fire Department. I have lived in Ohio for the majority of my life but I was born in Bangor Maine. I still have a lot of family that live in Maine so I enjoy going back up there every few years to visit.
I have two cats who are brothers that I acquired about 4 years ago after my sister couldn’t find homes for them so I took both of them so they could stay together, their names are Spanky and Scooter.
I enjoy doing the weekly challenges and have purchased many Premium Badge Albums along with Mix-n-Match Albums. My favorite game is CLUE: Secrets & Spies, the new challenges can’t come quick enough for me. Sure hope they start putting them out a little faster. Turbo 21 is a very close second favorite game although there are many that I really enjoy playing along with a couple that I hate (ha ha).
I always played the free version through AOL when I met someone in Bingo one day who sent me a guest pass and from that point on, I was hooked. I purchased a membership and have continued it through the years and have become very good friends with Kim, the person who sent me the guest pass in the first place. Although Kim and I have never meet in person, we continue to chat via messenger services and e-mail to this date. Our friendship is one that I cherish dearly and it amazes me that it all started from a simple Bingo game, who knew? I think somethings are just meant to be, I think the world of her. I have also been fortunate enough to become friends with a few others that I continue to keep in contact with.
In 2007, I was lucky enough to be in the player spotlight and have recently received the 1000th Weekly Special Edition Badge. I have enjoyed all my time on Club Pogo and look forward to new challenges, games, and features that are yet to come. I hope that they offer more CLUE Secrets & Spies Challenges and put them out a little quicker ( hint, hint), they can’t come out quick enough.
State, Province or Country? Ohio, USA
Astrological sign? Aries
How long have you been playing on Club Pogo? Almost 10 years, I believe.
What was your first impression of Club Pogo? I was very impressed by the graphics and the layout compared to the free AOL versions.
What was the first Club Pogo Badge you earned? Other than the Official Club Pogo Member Badge, I earned the “Bonsai Badge” in Pop Fu.
What is your favorite Club Pogo game? CLUE: Secrets & Spies
What game do you find most fun for doing Club Pogo Challenges? CLUE or Turbo 21
What’s your favorite looking Club Pogo Badge? I like them all
Club Pogo has lots of features – Challenges, messaging, exclusive games, ad-free gaming… which is your favorite? I really enjoy the challenges with the ad free gaming
Do you have a favorite room? If so, which is it and in what game? Not really
Who are your favorite Pogo characters? Tiki Bros
What goes on in your mind when you’re deciding how to dress your Mini? I usually try and dress with the season
Have you made any long-term friends on Club Pogo? Yes, I have been fortunate enough to have become friends with a few people who I continue to chat with today but have never met in person. Kim, screen name njredhead08752 being the longest.
Did you attempt to do the Quackadoodle Challenge before it was changed? Yes I did, that has to be the all time hardest challenge to this day.
What makes you a unique Club Pogo fan? I have been a loyal Pogo player for years and always willing to help others earn their badge if they are having troubles with a challenge but I find many others who would do the same so that really isn’t unique.
Do you ever eat while you play? If so, what’s a favorite “Club Pogo” food? Twizzlers but any snack food works
Do you read the Pogo News? If so, what do you like most about it? Yes, it’s nice to keep up on up coming events or any browser or game issues.
Popping balloons, swapping candy, or playing cards? Hmm, cards!
Challenge Wednesday or Mini Thursday? Definitely Challenge Wednesday
Puzzle Games, Board Games, Word Games, Card Games or Solitaire? I like them all really.
WTG on your 10 yrs. w/ Pogo, and earning your 1000th Weekly Special Badge. Great spotlight bio too. Good Luck from a fellow Buckeye!!! :)
Thank you
Go Bucks!! Yet another fellow Buckeye wishes you the best.
Thanks
To Ffmed: well done on your career choices and thank you also. Pogo is the place to be for sure for all the reasons you gave and I might add that it is a good stress reliever too. Congratulations and gl from another fellow Buckeye.
Thank you, yes it is a great stress reliever.
wplayer195. wtg from another buckeye
Thank you, go Buckeye’s
Very nice profile from just another fellow buckeye! w2g!!
Thanks – O H
Wow! What an excellent profile! Congrats on the 10 years! Thanks so much for sharing with us all. And no, I am not another Buckeye….but Ontario is just across the border, so only a few hours away….hahaha Here’s to Pogo gaming, and good luck!!
Thank you, love Canada
Lots of us Buckeyes today ! God bless you for being a firefighter.Keep up the good work.-bearly57
Thanks, there are a lot of Buckeye’s on Pogo
Very fun to have read this! Keep stories like these coming! Nice putting a face to a player, and making us realize that there are people on the other end. Not just some screen name.
Thank you, it is nice to put a face to a name.
Thank you Mike for serving us (As, a fire fighter) as well as, giving your time here on Pogo.
Funny story… I too received two (Brother) Cats whom, ended up Pregnant (Yep, my Alix & Manny turned out to be an “Allie” and “Hanna”) so, I went from 2 cats to 12 in a matter of weeks! (Thank God for a pet Loving family and our 16 acres our here!)LOL!
God Bless you my Friend and THANK YOU (Again)
Love and prayers …. Jani11148 ……
Thanks Jan, that is a lot of cats. Mine have turned out to pretty good and I truly enjoy them.
You are awesome! from “next door” Indiana
Thank you very much!
Nice to meet you Mike, awesome profile, and Thank You for what you do as a firefighter and paramedic. I have a Grandson who is also a firefighter. Very proud and cudos to all of you and that also includes our military, Thank You :)
Thanks Fran, that is fantastic about your grandson, it truly is a great profession.
Totally agree with you on getting the clue episodes out quicker!! How about making more ranks for Turbo 21 as well?? Both games are my top too. Well done Mike.
Thank you, hopefully Pogo will start putting out more episodes for us, fingers crossed!
Great profile, Mike. Like to thank you for the public service you provide us Buckeyes to keep us safe and sound. Hope to see you in one of the game rooms some time…”Clue” is one of my favorites too. God bless you and keep you safe, Ffm.
Thank you, I am honored to be a part of this great career!
Wow, thank you all for your kind comments! It is always a pleasure to meet new people. Be careful and stay safe! Mike
Love your spotlight Mike.
Ty for being a firefighter too.
We have a lot in common….. Ohio resident, cat lover ( we have 11 rescued cats on our 5 acres and 1 rescued dog that found our home and asked to be part of the family),I was married to a firefighter ( now divorced from him )and have made many, many long term friends ( and some new ones ) in Pogo that I haven’t met personally but feel they are as close as my family and will be a member of Pogo for 10 years in August.
Ty for a great profile and I hope to meet you in Pogo sometime !
Thank you – Great job on the animal rescues! My hat is off to you. Congrats on your years in Pogo, you do get to meet some great people.
Congrads on 10yrs, love the mini me.
Thanks niccole, appreciate it.
HI, I’m not from Ohio, I also started on AOL in gin. I enjoy the clue the most, maybe some day see you in one of the rooms. Congrats.
Thank you and good luck with your challenges.
Way to go on your 10 yrs. I read your page and I can’t believe how many things we have in common. I too am from Ohio. Good luck Mike
Thank you and good luck to you too!
WOW>>>>you were born in Bangor Maine!! So was I Eastern Maine Medical Center it was called back in the day…they have since changed the day. I now live just outside Nashville but I grew up in Orrington right outside Brewer. My 2 grown/married children still live in Maine. My daughter graduated from Orono and now teaches. I love pogo and I’m a badge addict…I’m working towards 4,000!! I purchased 5 personals every week and was able to complete 1,000 for the badge. WTG on your 1,000!! Thank you for your sacrifice in giving of yourself and protecting.
I met a wonderful friend from NY here on pogo and we have become great pogo buddies. It’s our wish to meet someday. It was nice reading your profile and maybe see you around sometime…ayup!
Nana Punk
Thank you, I love going back to Maine to visit. When I retire, I may just move back that way. Congrats on your Pogo accomplishments!
Really enjoyed reading your profile, Mike. My husband is also from Maine, who met me here in Oklahoma while in USAF.
Thank you Crochetalot, have a great day and good luck in Pogo.
P.S. Is that Bar Harbor coastline in the background of your spotlight photo. I tried to friend you so as to send you the CLUE July 4th limited edition badge but you don’t accept gifts. That’s ok you probably already have it since CLUE is your game.
It is Bar Harbor area – Acadia National Park. Hmmm, not sure why I wouldn’t get the gift, I’ll have to see what the settings are on, thanks.
PS – Yes I do already have the badge
Congratulations on your 10 years and I thank you for your career choice and the dedication it takes to be a firefighter. My best friend’s husband is a retired firefighter. I met her in our career of Animal Control Officers (another tough job, but gratifying; though it is great to be retired now.) Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work!! Maybe we can talk sometime, if we meet in a chat room. Best wishes!!! valsgames1
Thank you Valerie and yes, Animal Control Officers is a tough career, one that not just anyone can do so thank you!
Enjoyed your profile read, from one Aries to another…LOL Good Luck in all your games, especially in Clue.
Thanks Cindy
Wtg on all your accomplishments Mike, not from Ohio, from Iowa, so almost same neighborhood, lol. I too became hooked on Club Pogo a year and a half ago and have amassed several badges. Definitely one of the best features they offer It is great to hear a positive note after reading so many criticisms, I truly enjoy Pogo and have great faith and patience that will fix any problem that comes up. Good luck to you!!
Thank you Barbara, good luck with the challenges.
kewl Beans
Thanks Dopey
Great profile Mike! I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for your participation in being a fire fighter. I was born in Houlton, Me. A 100 miles north of Bangor, and did live in Bangor as a youngster, for a short time. I too love Clue and can’t wait until Monday’s roll around! Wtg on your accomplishments and badges in Pogo.
Thank you, good luck with the games.
Hi!! I, too, am from Ohio.. Steubenville that is. I want to thank you for your duty as a firefighter. It is not an easy job. After 911 i have so much respect for firefighters. Congrats on your 1,000th badge!! Sincerely Danielle.
Thank you Danielle
w2g Mike!! I enjoyed reading your profile! My favorite is Clues Secrets And Spies also! Fun game!! Ive been a member since the beginning also! Bless you for your career as a firefighter!!! Hope to run into you some day, maybe in Clues Secrets And Spies!!!Take good care of yourself!!
WTG on all your years in Pogo!
Dear Mike
You wrote:
I have two cats who are brothers that I acquired about 4 years ago after my sister couldn’t find homes for them so I took both of them so they could stay together, their names are Spanky and Scooter.
I like the part where you said; so I took both of them so they could stay together.
What a wonderful caring person you are! I also, don’t like to breakup familys. You’ll notice animals that have relatives in their life grow up more mentally, emotionally, and physically healthier. And their personalities are more pronounced.
I have a cat named Sky. Have you ever noticed how animals are so much like human children? The more i dont want Sky to do something, the more she wants to do it. And she also talks back to me. Most of the time it is when she is doing something she isn’t supposed to be doing. I’ll give her that stern look and say NO! Then she stands there and looks up at me and starts meowing ALOT. She reminds you of a human child throwing a temper tantrum. It’s like she is saying; COME ON MOM, LET ME DO IT! She understands the words NO, and LAY DOWN, and OUTSIDE, and FOOD. She has excellent problem solving skills like opening the door without my assistance, or going out the window without my assistance. She gets a bath once a month, gets her nails checked twice a month, and is shaved during the hot months.
Anyhow, i just thought i’d write to tell you what a wonderful caring person you are for keeping Spanky and Scooter together. Caring is a rare thing in this world today.
“If an alien race came to earth how would they judge humans? They would judge them by the way humans get along together as a species. They would judge them by the way they treat their children, the way they treat their elderly, and the way they treat animals.” ~A. Einstein~
Impressive read cimbakahn. Perhaps Mike hasn’t seen this yet to respond. I just want to say you made a very nice reply to him.
Congrats Fireman Mike! Nice to read up on players. If only pogo would have more than one. I’d like to see about 10 a week to read about :)
Thank you for your kind words, it was nice to hear about Sky.
Mike, thank you for your service. My nephew is chief of a VFD and I know how hard he works, especially recently. Lots of grass and structure fires. I appreciate all that you firemen do every day. God bless.
Thank you Sandra, we appreciate all your support.
WTG Mike And What A Awesome Story.Thank You For Serving The Community.I Live In West Virginia And Pogo Is My Life As It Has Made Bad Days Into To Good Ones.I Also Started Out On A Free Pass And Started In Albia Slots And Have Also Bought Many Albums As I Love Pogo.A Very Nice Mini.Have A Blessed Day.
Thank you, good luck with the challenges.
Yes And Good Luck To Me With Some Of The Challenges But It’s Fun Trying To Learn Some Of Them.Thank You Mike For The Fire Fighter As We Sure Need Them.God Bless Every Fire Fighter.Have A Good Day.
firemen r so kewl ur def a hero dude
Thanks, but not really a hero.
Hi Mike. You have a wonderful profile. Thank you for your service to your community. I have two rescue cats…brother and sister…spayed and neutered, of course. lol They are my family and companions. If I’m not feeling well, my male cat never leaves my side. He is such a comfort!
I live in eastern Canada, almost beside the ocean. I am 46 days away from being on Pogo for 9 years and I never miss a day, away from Pogo. It’s my favourite site. :)
One day, maybe I’ll put myself in the spotlight section. I have many friends on Pogo and a few long time friends who I am in contact with all the time.
Enough about me. It is very nice to “meet” you here. Take care and I wish you well in all that you do, and keep on enjoying Pogo. :) If I see you in a room sometime, I’ll say hi. :)
Star, please do enter the spotlight. It’s nice to read about other players.
Thank You Mike for doing your part serving our great country your services are greatly appreciated your heart is very big taking both cats shows what kind of person you are
Turbo 21 is one of my faves to god bless you and keep paying it forward you will be rewarded
Thank you very much, be safe!
I enjoyed reading about your experiences on pogo. It is great that the free pass turned you into a Club Pogo member. Please be safe when fighting those fires. Sending you warm wishes and good health from Montana.
Thanks, it is neat to see how people started out on Pogo.
Hey Mike nice to meet you. I enjoyed reading about you. I want to thank you for being a fireman and medic. Even though I don’t live near you. I think it is a great that you help others keep up the good work and be careful. Bless you
Very kind of you Peggy.
Your very welcome
Nice profile Fireman Mike.Good Luck and happy gaming to you.
Thanks, you too!
Great profile, Mike and this is to thank you for your service and all you do. Your job is not an easy one and it’s quite dangerous.
I, too, am from Ohio (south of Canton) which is the state of two (2) seasons…….winter and construction…..
The story about your cats is so very nice and they’re great pets. (I’m sure you know that dogs have “masters” but cats have “staff”.) :-)
Please stay safe.
Anne, Thank you and you are so right about the seasons, that is funny!
Hi Mike, nice to meet you. I am Ginner18 and live in Indiana. It caught my attention you have a cat named Scooter,my son has a cat (and a truck) with the same name lol. I also love the hidden objects game. Nice to have met you.gl2u.
congrats mike. and like ev1 else thank you for your service!!!! I live outside Boston (I am from here) just moved back a year ago. lived in Toledo OH for 20 years. Maine is such a pretty area. The comment from Anne (stargazer00000) she is so right about the 2 seasons. lol have a great weekend. good luck with what ever u do!!!
Thanks Karen, Maine is beautiful and yes, I loved the season remark!
In reading your profile, I was struck with the thought that Pogo members and players really do come from all walks of life. You vocation is very much a “Guy” occupation, yet I don’t see you hanging around the beer hall. Instead, here you are on Pogo having fun and playing games.
Me too Mike, me too!
Thank you, Oh I have had my turns at the bars LOL.
Congratulations Mike on earning that highly anticipated and coveted 1000th weekly badge! You sound like a very interesting person and a loyal Pogo follower =) I also love Clue. I found it interesting that you named Clue or Turbo 21 as favorites considering the huge difference between those games. Maybe we’ll cross paths in Clue at sometime in the future…best wishes to you in your card playing (Canasta, spades and cribbage are awesome games!) Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks Mini, I really enjoy a lot of different games including the ones you mentioned.
um hi and some things I want to happy 10 and I am going to need help the whole time because I am new here and I need to now things better and hope you have a lot of fun! :)
There are many good players on Pogo that are willing to help, enjoy!
Congratulations Mike. I am also a retired paramedic/flight paramedic as of 1 year ago. Spent 24 years on ground and 16 doing flight (12 of those years combined ground.) Husband is also a retired captain of the DFD and two brothers who retired from Fairfax FD. Exciting careers but enjoying retirement!
Thanks Sophie, congrats on retirement, I have about 5 years left. Love the flight medic, I got to fly once and totally loved it, sometimes wished I went that path.
thanks for your profile, and thank for your service….I am married to a retired firefighter and I know how you enjoy your free time away from a stressful job but one that you love with all your heart….I to love playing pogo and have been for 10 years…keep up the good work and enjoy…hope to meet you in some room of clue or any other game
Thank you very much, stay safe!
Wonderful profile Mike, thanks so much for your years of service! Love your mini as well, you did a great job matching your professional life to your POGO experience. Having met many in your profession, I’m glad POGO is there to help you unwind and ease some of those stressors that come with the duties of your career. Congratulations on achieving the 1,000th weekly badge! Even with the busy life you have you were able to accomplish this goal! That in and of itself speaks volumes about your dedication and resilience. Actually, your profile describes your appraisal of who you are especially when it comes to your benevolence, “spot” on. Keeping both of your cat’s, Spanky and Scooter together was an admirable act of kindness! I’m sure they’ve rewarded you with companionship and amusement. Stay safe out there so you can keep having fun and meeting new friends on POGO!
Mike, I don’t know what I would have done without my Paramedics here in Garden City, Michigan. They have picked me up 6 times in the last year and 1/2 and got here within 3 minutes each time. We are now on a first name basis! They are great guys!! I’m sure you are the same way…I have also been with Pogo for 10 years and being that I can not work anymore, it a delight that I have Pogo and my TV to entertain myself so I multi task. I love the daily challanges and the Wednesday Challanges. I buy badges and books and am always busy on Pogo. I get many tokens and I buy gems all the time and I love it because I can buy badges and mini outfits for my friends and they love it too!! I did finiah that Duck badge but wrote to Pogo about it being too long…lol I also got the 1000th badge to display. When I get tired of Pogo (which isnn’t very often) I go to Ancestry.com and play with my Family Tree and find out lots of information about my Family, it is very interesting… :) Thanks for your great Service and I hope we run into each other in a game sometime as you are a very interesting person…Look me up sometime…I’m Darby4490 Thanks…:)
Thank you Darby, Hope you are feeling well these days and glad to hear of the badges and years you have got on Pogo.
WOW Mike, Enjoyed your player spotlight! Well written,kept me interested. I never bothered to read them before but something about yours caught my attention. Now I’ll have to check out others as they come along! I’m an Aries born @ St E’s in Dayton. Left at 19 & have been settled in NH for the last 23 years. I LOL @ the construction joke. It’s sooo true!! You sound like a very decent individual. And… yes, you are a hero! It takes a lot of strength and self sacrifice to enter a fire zone to save lives and property. POGO: You should set up a meet and greet for Mike and Kim. What a special bond, all through words!! (and POGO fun, LOL!!)
Take care and stay safe Mike! from playinmomsgames
Thank you, there are a lot of players with interesting spotlights.
Why can we only see one person at a time? Is there a way to see all of the people at once? I know this is the 2nd or 3rd interview posted for the 10 year celebration but I can’t find the previous one(s)… so is there a way to see all of them?
IF you click on “Player Spotlight” in the upper right hand corner of this page you should be able to see and read past player spotlights. Hope this helps.
im not a buckeyes im in the uk.wat a fantastic profile.i loved reading it.and may i say in my eyes ya a hero with ur job, a few yrs go i was in a very serious motorbike accident and paramedics were fantastic from wat i was told few wks later as i had no recollection of things if it wasnt for them,surgeons i wouldnt be here today..keep up the fantastic job ur doing.also may i say my heart goes out to all the heros who do a fantastic job but sadly lose their lives.
Thanks for your comments, sorry to hear about your accident, hope all of your injuries have healed, stay safe!