Thanks, Paul. That's what I try and do -- make the reader feel like they are there, feeling some of what I went through. Makes it fun for both of us
Lou Figueroa
2011 US Open 1Pocket Trip Report
- Thread starter lfigueroa
- Start date
Thanks, Paul. That's what I try and do -- make the reader feel like they are there, feeling some of what I went through. Makes it fun for both of us
Lou Figueroa
I missed your match on the TV table. It sounds like you had a great game.
As fortune would have it, my match on the TV table wasn't anything to write home about. Jose Parica spanked me 3-0 and sent me packing. Still it was fun playing Jose on the TV table. I don't remember having to change clothes afterwards.
Enjoyed the meal and had fun at the Mandalay Bay restaurant with you and AlanB. Next time, you pick the place. (I know it will be Italian, but I eat practically anything and love Italia food as well).
You've made me a believer about having wheels in Vegas.
JoeyA
Joey, as I said in another thread, the score isn't what's important (well, OK, maybe a little). What counts is not folding under the pressure and even rising to the occasion. From what I saw of your match you did just that.
And you're on for dinner next time.
Lou Figueroa
I would like to just make one last addendum to this trip report:
I sent links to this story and the shot of me from Steve Booth's fabulous collection of photos from the US Open to a number of people, including my sister.
My sister, in turn, went to visit my Mother (80+ years and confined to a wheel chair) and frankly, I didn't know she was going to see this. My sister wrote:
"So today I took moms to the Burbank Senior Center for a luncheon with her
knitting cronies (they extended a special invitation to her). And during a
lull (there were plenty), I told her I had an email from you about playing
in the US Open and that I had a picture. It took her .2 seconds to rip my
phone out of my hand, turn to whoever was sitting next to her and say "Look,
this is my son. He lives in St. Louis and he's shooting pool here ... "
She's already asking me for a hard copy...."
My Mother knows jack about pool. But, I spoke to her today and she joked, "I want your autograph, and... you write so well. It was so funny."
Mom and Dad came to this country and worked tirelessly to raise my sister and I. My Dad worked days and my Mom the night shift. I lived for years thinking the greatest thing on Earth was the little small apple sauce desert in the middle of the Swanson's TV Dinner aluminum tray (and I am grateful for that memory).
And, it was through my Mom, taking me to the Excelsior branch of the San Francisco library system, that I learned to read at a very early age, as she took me, word by word, through the books we would check out. And now, I occasionally use that skill to some small degree to write about pool...
Thanks, Mom.
Lou Figueroa
I sent links to this story and the shot of me from Steve Booth's fabulous collection of photos from the US Open to a number of people, including my sister.
My sister, in turn, went to visit my Mother (80+ years and confined to a wheel chair) and frankly, I didn't know she was going to see this. My sister wrote:
"So today I took moms to the Burbank Senior Center for a luncheon with her
knitting cronies (they extended a special invitation to her). And during a
lull (there were plenty), I told her I had an email from you about playing
in the US Open and that I had a picture. It took her .2 seconds to rip my
phone out of my hand, turn to whoever was sitting next to her and say "Look,
this is my son. He lives in St. Louis and he's shooting pool here ... "
She's already asking me for a hard copy...."
My Mother knows jack about pool. But, I spoke to her today and she joked, "I want your autograph, and... you write so well. It was so funny."
Mom and Dad came to this country and worked tirelessly to raise my sister and I. My Dad worked days and my Mom the night shift. I lived for years thinking the greatest thing on Earth was the little small apple sauce desert in the middle of the Swanson's TV Dinner aluminum tray (and I am grateful for that memory).
And, it was through my Mom, taking me to the Excelsior branch of the San Francisco library system, that I learned to read at a very early age, as she took me, word by word, through the books we would check out. And now, I occasionally use that skill to some small degree to write about pool...
Thanks, Mom.
Lou Figueroa
Last edited:
US Open 1Pocket
Great story, Lou. There's nothing like stepping up and delivering when you've been forced into a situation you wouldn't have chosen. I had the pleasure of meeting you while we were both playing in the 2005 US Open 1 Pocket at the Plaza. I didn't make it this year, but my guess is that the Riviera is an upgrade from that. (Thanks, Mark Griffin!) If I remember correctly, you were using a 3 piece cue that you had manufactured to match the specifications of your Gina, but still fit in your suitcase. I always thought that was a cool idea. Congrats on your trip, and your performance.
Dave Smith
Great story, Lou. There's nothing like stepping up and delivering when you've been forced into a situation you wouldn't have chosen. I had the pleasure of meeting you while we were both playing in the 2005 US Open 1 Pocket at the Plaza. I didn't make it this year, but my guess is that the Riviera is an upgrade from that. (Thanks, Mark Griffin!) If I remember correctly, you were using a 3 piece cue that you had manufactured to match the specifications of your Gina, but still fit in your suitcase. I always thought that was a cool idea. Congrats on your trip, and your performance.
Dave Smith
Thanks, David. You're right on several counts: the Riviera is an upgrade to The Plaza and the tournament setup is very nice; and I did play with a three-piece back then, that I still use for travel. But for this event I wanted to go with the heavy artillery, hence the Gina making the trip.
Lou Figueroa