The document of our pool related road trip across the U.S. updated daily

[Blue Hog ridr]

So when Rhea bottoms out, is she going to join the Air Force.
She has already mentioned in this thread that the Military isn't for her.

What is she going to do when she can see the bottom of the barrel.

Yeah, and I also followed my dream and rode on the side of a wooden wall in a Motor Drome for 20 years off and on.

Only broke my leg in 4 places once, and once smacked my head and the side of my face into the bottom of the pit at 45 mph from 12 feet up.
Always wondered if that was the cause of the brain aneurism that I was to have in the future.

Good times they were. Now, I relish the time spent and the incredable experience, but I also seriously regret the time also wasted that I could have been doing something concrete with my life. I could have done 2 tours with the military and got a half decent pension.

I still ended up doing ok in life. Still all that wasted time.

I have known a couple of people that sold all their worldly possessions and traveled the World. 2 people did it in a sailing boat.

But, they had good jobs before they did it. They had a plan and a bank roll and also had something to fall back on once they came back to the real world and had to start over.

Huge difference here.

JB, you're essentially telling someone to go FK their life away, or at least to the point of making it difficult to make a return to normal life.

When you made money playing pool, when the Hustlers made huge scores, That Was Then, This is Now.

And that was also a book and a movie btw.

 

[The Saw]

Good point Saw, because you never know who is reading the Forums.

If you have one, two, or three guys conspiring to get your roll, you will beat the first guy for cheap sets. You'll go back and forth a bit more on the second guy. You'll end up thinking that these guys are fairly easy marks. Your game seems to be great now, you're playing your best, or at least you will think so.
Maybe start off small and get higher on the second guy.

Now, when you think that you have the best of the deal, ( remember, you hammered the first guy, really started to get into dead Stroke with the second), number three is going to mess with your head and chances are, he is going to end up raising you and teake it one fell swoop in the end.

The guys will, split what was once yours, and split. And you won't be able afford a banana split and be regretting that you split from Gene.
Should think about it Rhea. When I cut boards, I always measure twice, and cut once.

Send me a Post Card from Bugtussle.

I passed thru there but didn't stop in. Nice area of Tennessee.

Yeah, but no car, no phone, no computer and on a short bankroll it is utter stupidity to even contemplate it... That's not a slam, that's just being realistic.

When Rhea was in Columbus there were guys that I spot giving her pretty good weight and I wouldn't even begin to think about going on the road solo, or being the main player with two people because I have zero chance in the end. And trust me, I've probably spent a year to year and a half total on the road and hustle and move pretty good... On the road I never played a soul, Chris or whoever I was with did all the playing, that's how we made more money than most. Trust me, what she is contemplating is IMPOSSIBLE.

And for those encouraging it, you have absolutely no clue what you are encouraging Rhea to do.....

 

[JB Cases]

So when Rhea bottoms out, is she going to join the Air Force.
She has already mentioned in this thread that the Military isn't for her.

What is she going to do when she can see the bottom of the barrel.

Figure something out. What if today right now is the bottom of the barrel? All of you are giving her your opinions, get a job etc... what job? Do you have a job for her?

No you don't. No one on this forum is willing to step up and provide employment and I would guess most here can't anyway.

So basically she is facing the crossroads right now the way I see it. One thing about being human is that inside each of us is generally a will to live. We are biologically hardwired to do whatever we can to stay alive. Some are more motivated than others but generally surviving is what we do.

So with that in mind I am not too worried about it. If she is homeless or figures out how to start over it's her story to write.

Imagine the next interview?

So what have you done for the six months since you quit your last job? Well, I had the opportunity to travel the country with a professional player and learn all about the pool subculture which I plan to put in a book someday.....you would not believe the stories and characters. Librarians by day and stone cold hustlers by night... hire me and I will tell you all about them.....it's all a matter of perspective.

 

[sopadre]

BETMORE,you hit it right on the head.I couldn't agree more."you can't cure stupid"

 

[JB Cases]

Yeah, but no car, no phone, no computer and on a short bankroll it is utter stupidity to even contemplate it... That's not a slam, that's just being realistic.

When Rhea was in Columbus there were guys that I spot giving her pretty good weight and I wouldn't even begin to think about going on the road solo, or being the main player with two people because I have zero chance in the end. And trust me, I've probably spent a year to year and a half total on the road and hustle and move pretty good... On the road I never played a soul, Chris or whoever I was with did all the playing, that's how we made more money than most. Trust me, what she is contemplating is IMPOSSIBLE.

And for those encouraging it, you have absolutely no clue what you are encouraging Rhea to do.....

How far will she get? Not far. So encouraging her is meaningless because as Billy Incardona says, consider where she is at, from that spot anything is better.

Being a nomad of sorts myself I have a different outlook on life than most people do. I don't operate from a safe base and venture out only when I have a soft pillow to land on. I make my way wherever I happen to be and make the best of it.

Nothing puts your life in perspective more than sitting in your car in a strange city broke and trying to figure out your next move. If that doesn't kill you then you only get stronger and more resilient.

I will say this, having a little skill at pool definitely helps to turn $20 into $200 once in a while. When the serpentine belt broke in Mobile Alabama and I had less than $100 on me I had the car towed to a 24 hour mechanic and walked to the nearest bar. Walked out with a couple hundred more and paid for the repair and got back on the road. Could have gone otherwise and I would have had to figure it out then.

The road you are talking about and the road Rhea is on are two vastly different ones.

 

[nobcitypool]

John, I swear, I could tell you the 8 ball is black and the CB is white and you could make 50 posts arguing against that. LOL

 

[JB Cases]

John, I swear, I could tell you the 8 ball is black and the CB is white and you could make 50 posts arguing against that. LOL

If I had proof that it was so then yeah. What's the problem? You post your opinion and I post mine. It's all part of the discussion. Is there something about me relating my life experience as pertains to this discussion that is a problem?

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

I saw this on my face Book page. This is the second time posting it in about as many days. I will change the words, I am to We Are and I have to We have.

"Its not that we are trying to give you advice, its because that we have done more stupid shit that you".

Sorry, not a blanket statement for everyone here but I can claim my share of Dumb Azz
stuff.

. No one on this forum is willing to step up and provide employment and I would guess most here can't anyway.

Well, I doubt many of us are in the position to provide a job to Rhea. Thats not the point.
If I make a post stating that I am broke and someone on the board tries to help me by giving me their opinion, does that mean that in order for them to do so, they should pony up some cash to help me out.

If Rhea wants to move to Canada, I can put her on the taxi that is running my plate. In about 7 days she will be more than flush.
And don't say that is a stupid offer. With GPS, anyone can move to a small city and be comfortable driving a hack within a short period of time.

Driving a Hack even in my small city, once you learn the ropes, anyone can earn for a start, (newbie) 100 a day clear and then upwards of a 150 there after. 7 days a week for a month and you can get a decent apartment and start buying good groceries and pay bills.

As far as just getting a job. If a person wants to work bad enuff and take on a few crapola jobs here and there, the jobs are out there.

 

[nobcitypool]

If I had proof that it was so then yeah. What's the problem? You post your opinion and I post mine. It's all part of the discussion. Is there something about me relating my life experience as pertains to this discussion that is a problem?

John, it was meant as light hearted jest. But to be clear, I've seen you argue plenty of times when you didn't have factual proof. You're more than welcome to your opinion and I would be the first to argue that you have that right. To be sure, your life experience doesn't necessarily qualify as proof that Rhea going out on her own is a correct decision.

 

[JB Cases]

I saw this on my face Book page. This is the second time posting it in about as many days. I will change the words, I am to We Are and I have to We have.

"Its not that we are trying to give you advice, its because that we have done more stupid shit that you".

Sorry, not a blanket statement for everyone here but I can claim my share of Dumb Azz
stuff.



Well, I doubt many of us are in the position to provide a job to Rhea. Thats not the point.
If I make a post stating that I am broke and someone on the board tries to help me by giving me their opinion, does that mean that in order for them to do so, they should pony up some cash to help me out.

If Rhea wants to move to Canada, I can put her on the taxi that is running my plate. In about 7 days she will be more than flush.
And don't say that is a stupid offer. With GPS, anyone can move to a small city and be comfortable driving a hack within a short period of time.

Now that's something concrete. But to your point I have no problem with people offering only their opinion. Anytime anyone puts their business on the forum they can expect all sorts of advice and opinion.

Mine is only based on my perspective.

 

[BWColeman]

Pool Hall Riff Raff

I don't take a whole lot about myself personally and I learned you have to be able to take it if you're going to dish it out.


One of my sayings that most people that know me have heard around the poolroom alot is "We aint much...but we're all we've got".



Like I said, I'll say alot of shit to alot of people...but if the chips are down...I'll be there.

That includes Gene and Rhea.


Hell, if we ever play...they can probably get half their money back.

I just started reading this thread today working my way through it and have enjoyed the heck out of it , I have not been out on the road in a long time. But what Steve said here rings so true with me and my experiances.

I have met and played guys all over the south and a few in the noirtheast in my time with this game. Some when i first met them i wouldnt take a leak on if they were on fire.

But you cut through the bull'S--t and I have to say that most all of of these guys when the chips are down will come through for a fellow player . We may talk trash all night , and hustle each other out of every dollar we could get . But there is defintely an unspoken kinship.

there are places i have played and players i know, if i need a meal , a couch to crash on , or just a line on the local action all I gotta do is call , and they know they can expect the same if they are in my neck of the woods.
Thats one of the things alot of people miss about this game and passion of ours. Where else will you find the diversity of characters and people and stories that you find in the pool halls while on a road trip

 

[JB Cases]

John, it was meant as light hearted jest. But to be clear, I've seen you argue plenty of times when you didn't have factual proof. You're more than welcome to your opinion and I would be the first to argue that you have that right. To be sure, your life experience doesn't necessarily qualify as proof that Rhea going out on her own is a correct decision.

Can you point to one time on a pool related subject where I haven't had proof or the subject hasn't been one where NO ONE has proof and it's all opinion.

EVERY time I say something about pool and I am in error I thank the person who gives me the right information.

But regarding Rhea, there is no "correct" decision because it's her life and not yours. The decision she makes will be whatever it is and may work out for her in unexpected ways, good or bad. That's point I am making.

 

[JB Cases]

I just started reading this thread today working my way through it and have enjoyed the heck out of it , I have not been out on the road in a long time. But what Steve said here rings so true with me and my experiances.

I have met and played guys all over the south and a few in the noirtheast in my time with this game. Some when i first met them i wouldnt take a leak on if they were on fire.

But you cut through the bull'S--t and I have to say that most all of of these guys when the chips are down will come through for a fellow player . We may talk trash all night , and hustle each other out of every dollar we could get . But there is defintely an unspoken kinship.

there are places i have played and players i know, if i need a meal , a couch to crash on , or just a line on the local action all I gotta do is call , and they know they can expect the same if they are in my neck of the woods.
Thats one of the things alot of people miss about this game and passion of ours. Where else will you find the diversity of characters and people and stories that you find in the pool halls while on a road trip

+1 Right on.

 

[ScottyDzntKnow]

How does anybody encourage a C player to go on the road who has put themselves out in public how they play and love to blow off. Everyone will be waiting to rob her....and she will get robbed cause she's gullable.

John I had a little more respect for you before your last few post. If people encourage her to live her fantasy and go be a road player there f@$@ing delusional. Just like Saw I spent a lot of time on the road and if I as an A player at the time would of been the horse we would of been trying to win the Grand championship on a donkey.

With gene is one thing, but alone it is inevitably a disaster. Roast me if you want but the truth is what it is.

 

[AtLarge]

... Now, if the goal is to become a professional player ...

Apparently Rhea is about 37 years old, has been playing for about 18 years, and plays at about a B speed.

Food for thought: has there ever been anyone who was that old, had played for that long, and played at that speed (or lower) -- and then went on to become a decent professional player?

 

[The Saw]

Nothing puts your life in perspective more than sitting in your car in a strange city broke and trying to figure out your next move. If that doesn't kill you then you only get stronger and more resilient.

Did you read Rhea's manifesto on here 3-4 weeks ago? From the beginning until now? Rhea's seen that spot you speak of a few times.... Rhea has a gambling problem and is a go off at that. Seriously. Rhea's best move is to quit pool all together and get a job. You can't teach an old dog new tricks. I had an Asian kid that worked for me years ago that actually played pretty good. He would book a few winners but was born to lose and never had a winning week, he blew every nickel he could get his hands on. He was a friend and I gave him the same advice. People like them can't be around it period, it's their drug.

The road you are talking about and the road Rhea is on are two vastly different ones.

True. You and I know that because you've seen that side yourself, but the overwhelming majority here haven't and have no clue. Not a slam, just the truth. It's a job and one you best be disciplined in doing. Loving pool and living pool are two completely different things.

 

[JB Cases]

How does anybody encourage a C player to go on the road who has put themselves out in public how they play and love to blow off. Everyone will be waiting to rob her....and she will get robbed cause she's gullable.

John I had a little more respect for you before your last few post. If people encourage her to live her fantasy and go be a road player there f@$@ing delusional. Just like Saw I spent a lot of time on the road and if I as an A player at the time would of been the horse we would of been trying to win the Grand championship on a donkey.

With gene is one thing, but alone it is inevitably a disaster. Roast me if you want but the truth is what it is.

Why? You and I both know what the road is like. Who cares if she gets robbed (on the table)?

How else are you supposed to figure out where you stand then to get out there and do it?

Everyone wants to tell everybody else what to do. It's her life let her live it. Maybe she goes on the road by herself goes dead broke and takes a job waiting tables meets a millionaire and ends up with a permanent sponsor for her pool fix. No one here can predict the future.

You went on the road, how come it was ok for you and not ok for her?

Let me clue you in to something, hundreds of thousands of people in the USA are transient. They move around with only what they can carry and whatever skills they have. Somehow they manage to make it. Some of them do very well and some of them are perpetually on the edge of homelessness. For each and every one of them though they are living their own lives.

You're probably right that it's a disaster for Rhea to try and live life as a roaming pool player but guess what? Maybe it's not, maybe she finds a spot where she fits in perfectly, ends up owning or managing a pool room or something...point for me is that you and a lot of other people are just telling her no because it didn't work out for you possibly. I don't know that's just a guess. It didn't work out for me and I am still telling her to go for it IF that's what she REALLY wants to do.

Only she knows that. If it were me I'd definitely take everyone's advice and think hard about it and make my decision after careful consideration.c If I thought I could afford to run around near broke trying to make money on a C-player's speed then I would do it. If not then I wouldn't simple as that.

I don't care if you don't respect me for having that perspective. It's formed from my own life experience.

P.S. I actually know of a female player who IN FACT married a millionaire who does IN FACT sponsor her participation in all pool events she wants to play in. She can play so it's not a total donation but she isn't at the top tier consistently. And no, out of respect I will not name her but it's 100% true, ok maybe 99%.....

 

[Straightpool_99]

A woman, alone on the road in the US, with little starting capital, no car and no phone playing at B-speed. That seems dangerous to me, but I'm not as familiar with the US as you. What happens if one gets sick without insurance over there? I hope you at least have some insureance. Also, is there not a realistic chance of getting robbed and or beaten up, travelling alone with all of ones money on ones person? I'd be scared out of my mind of living like that.

I'd hate to sleep in my car, waking up stiff and cold from sleeping in the drivers seat and knowing that if I do not win the first game, I'll have to go hungry.

You've got the experience now of playing with Gene and I have enjoyed your threads so far. Seems the two of you have managed to get by ok, but that the teaching have really pulled you through a couple of times. I hope you have some kind of plan on what to do if this goes south for you. Be well and prosper.

 

[Pathetic Shark]

Now that's something concrete. But to your point I have no problem with people offering only their opinion. Anytime anyone puts their business on the forum they can expect all sorts of advice and opinion.

Mine is only based on my perspective.

Whilst I tend to agree with you in spirit, what she is doing is potentially disastrous in practice. To inappropriately paraphrase mixed metaphors, anyone who seeks to trade security for pool ends up with neither.

But we are all crashing and burning. It's just a question of speed.

And who the hell doesn't have a phone?

 

[KRJ]

Why? You and I both know what the road is like. Who cares if she gets robbed (on the table)?

How else are you supposed to figure out where you stand then to get out there and do it?

Everyone wants to tell everybody else what to do. It's her life let her live it.

How come you can tell her to "go for it" but nobody here is allowed to tell her NOT to go for it.

It's their opinion, based on the facts, that it is NOT a very good idea, it is not rational, it is not prudent, and it is not economically feasible.

Basically, being honest with her, as we would say to our own kids. There is not much money in pool, and there is almost NO money for woman B player,,, that's a fact, you can argue, you can pound the table, but the facts are on our side. Plain and Simple.
If she was 18, 22 or even 28, yeah, give it a shot. But at her age, she needs to quit thinking like a starry eyed dreamer of riches and glory in a sport that has neither .....

And yeah, some of us can help her with a job, if she wants to come to Chicago I will try and hook her up.