Earl the Pearl

[jimmy-leggs]

JAM,your right and everyone here is wrong.end of thread.

 

[JAM]

JAM,your right and everyone here is wrong.end of thread.

Well, I happen to like your line of thinking.

Sorry it makes you angry to know the truth. Earl Strickland is an American legend, and as such, I am proud of every single one of his accomplishments.

Now that he's suffering a medical illness which causes him great pain, I want to be even more supportive of him. Sorry this makes you so damn angry, but then again, you're only a Canadian trying to figure out what makes this American gal so patriotic. You may never understand.

JAM

 

[parvus1202]

That's were the problems lies, no sponsors. WPA and BCA should at least sponsor top three or four players of the year to compete outside the USA, all expenses paid. And also, American players are probably dwindling because they cannot compete head to head with Asians or the Germans. Some think it's useless to play when they are entered. I still think US have players can collide head on with these foreign players. How many foreigners won US open? Not many, almost all were Americans. But yes, you're right, Philippines/Asians are getting the big chunck followed by the Germans. But hey, it's not just in America, it's everwhere.

 

[TheOne]

Craig, I can personally attest to the fact that the men's professional tour in America does not offer a LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. The ranking system is a big joke. Transparency, Craig, is what is missing. Those behind the scenes do whatever the hell they want to, and all others are discriminated.

As far as the American dream, here in the States, all players should be treated equal.



Ranking? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!



We have nothing to sell? Well, our little American pool pie seems to attract the likes of you on our shores to compete in American events. Take the money and run, I guess, is how you see it.



Oh, boy. I can hardly wait to see the Dragon boys strut their stuff.

Oh, is it a UPA event? I'm sorry. I must have missed that.



Craig, you couldn't give me personally $100,000 to get on an airplane and fly over there. As far as 4 Americans being invited, well, they must have had their reasons for not going. You can dress it up all you want, but the United Arab Emirates is in the Middle East. I feel safer over here on American soil.



I want Americans to root for the home team. American pool is being eaten up by foreign nationals consisting of boring robots and Buckingham Guard personalities. They hit and run and don't give back, and they're not very much fun to watch on American TV. Is it that so damn difficult for you to understand that you have to struggle?

JAM

Make it easy for me, give me some names who are these "robots and Buckingham guards?". Let's stop hiding behind these innuendos, are you seriously trying to suggest that every American is a walking entertainment machine? Didn't you see the photos Mr Janis posted, the two Americans playing in the Final where Americans and all the crowd looked bored $hitless, the crowd only grew when they matched up. Doesn't this show you it's got nothing to do with RACE?

I'm talking about sponsors not some back room gambling match up but maybe my hopes for pool are bigger than yours? The UPA published their ranking system on their website as promised after I called them out for it on this forum, I got an email saying it will be up soon and they kept their word.

But I get the impression that not only do you not like the middle east, the whole of London (including the queens guards), Canada, the European and Asian robots, the WPA, the BCA, the World 8 Ball Championships, Gamblers in general, Dragon promotions, but also the only American Pool Tour AKA the UPA?

Please give me some names and maybe tell me what you DO LIKE and maybe we can agree on some things?

 

[jimmy-leggs]

Well, I happen to like your line of thinking.

Sorry it makes you angry to know the truth. Earl Strickland is an American legend, and as such, I am proud of every single one of his accomplishments.

Now that he's suffering a medical illness which causes him great pain, I want to be even more supportive of him. Sorry this makes you so damn angry, but then again, you're only a Canadian trying to figure out what makes this American gal so patriotic. You may never understand.

JAM

hey,i agree about earl being an american legend but the guy needs professional help(physichatric).
you americans make me laugh.you talk about how sooo patriotic you are BUT you dont support your own economy.
I.E. the american auto industry is in shambles and your laying off thousands of people every month because you are not supporting your own people.TOYOTA, will this year take over number 1 market share in auto sales,first time ever,an import company has taken over the auto industry.so where is the patriotism in america?
WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE JAM ?

 

[quitecoolguy]

I still say...see quitecoolguy previous post in this thread

 

[catscradle]

...but he's one hell of a player and fun to watch...

That is the key point, he's fun to watch.

 

[JAM]

...the crowd only grew when they matched up. Doesn't this show you it's got nothing to do with RACE?....

Maybe it was a short race then, and the crowd would have preferred a longer match, like a race to 11 or something.

JAM

 

[DeadPoked]

Somehow this seems appropriate...

 

[JAM]

hey,i agree about earl being an american legend but the guy needs professional help(physichatric).

As do some of the posters on this forum, but that's a topic for another thread.

you americans make me laugh.you talk about how sooo patriotic you are BUT you dont support your own economy.

I know it sucks to have so much of our work outsourced. In fact, I called my American Express the other day and got connected to Canada for assistance.

I.E. the american auto industry is in shambles and your laying off thousands of people every month because you are not supporting your own people.TOYOTA, will this year take over number 1 market share in auto sales,first time ever,an import company has taken over the auto industry.so where is the patriotism in america?
WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE JAM ?

I drive a Volvo, which was bought out by GM in 1998, but we're talking about American pool. I thought this was a pool forum.

JAM

 

[DeadPoked]

As do some of the posters on this forum, but that's a topic for another thread.



I know it sucks to have so much of our work outsourced. In fact, I called my American Express the other day and got connected to Canada for assistance.



I drive a Volvo, which was bought out by GM in 1998, but we're talking about American pool. I thought this was a pool forum.

JAM

So your patriotism only extends towards pool for which you have a vested interest in? The thousands of people in Detroit and throughout America that lost jobs because of American's buying foreign cars are apparently none of your concern. This might be a pool forum but your argument is about being a patriot and yet you are driving a swedish buckingham guard made vehicle.

 

[TheOne]

Maybe it was a short race then, and the crowd would have preferred a longer match, like a race to 11 or something.

JAM

Yeah it couldn't have been those fun filled American players hey.

Still no names I see?

 

[RobertR]

Well, since your xenophobic rant shows no signs of letting up...

The foreign players that you claim are 'ruining American pool' are a very small (if at all) part of the problem.

The real problem with American pool is that pool has a negative image in America.

The only players I 'root' for are the ones that not only play well, but make an effort to improve the image of themselves, and by extension, our beloved game.

I root for America every year in the Mosconi Cup, but I also secretly root for none of our players to make an ass of himself and his country.

As to your constant harping about 'Buckingham guards' and 'foreign national robots', just stop. It's just an obvious attempt to excuse the irrational and downright detrimental behaviour of some American players.

What it boils down to is this: American players have ruined American pool. American players should stop acting like the game owes them something and realize they owe the game so much more.

I love this country, probably more than you, since I welcome diversity.

I love this game, probably more than you, since I don't excuse the ones that belittle it.

 

[cuetrip]

Well, since your xenophobic rant shows no signs of letting up...

The foreign players that you claim are 'ruining American pool' are a very small (if at all) part of the problem.

The real problem with American is that pool has a negative image in America.

The only players I 'root' for are the ones that not only play well, but make an effort to improve the image of themselves, and by extension, our beloved game.

I root for America every year in the Mosconi Cup, but I also secretly root for none of our players to make an ass of himself and his country.

As to your constant harping about 'Buckingham guards' and 'foreign national robots', just stop. It's just an obvious attempt to excuse the irrational and downright detrimental behaviour of some American players.

What it boils down to is this: American players have ruined American pool. American players should stop acting like the game owes them something and realize they owe the game so much more.

I love this country, probably more than you, since I welcome diversity.

I love this game, probably more than you, since I don't excuse the ones that belittle it.

Tap tappity tap tap...now THAT'S a post.
Thank you for being articulate enough to put into words exactly what I have been thinking.

 

[TheOne]

Well, since your xenophobic rant shows no signs of letting up...

The foreign players that you claim are 'ruining American pool' are a very small (if at all) part of the problem.

The real problem with American pool is that pool has a negative image in America.

The only players I 'root' for are the ones that not only play well, but make an effort to improve the image of themselves, and by extension, our beloved game.

I root for America every year in the Mosconi Cup, but I also secretly root for none of our players to make an ass of himself and his country.

As to your constant harping about 'Buckingham guards' and 'foreign national robots', just stop. It's just an obvious attempt to excuse the irrational and downright detrimental behaviour of some American players.

What it boils down to is this: American players have ruined American pool. American players should stop acting like the game owes them something and realize they owe the game so much more.

I love this country, probably more than you, since I welcome diversity.

I love this game, probably more than you, since I don't excuse the ones that belittle it.

Im sorry JAM, I have to agree with this post because he hits the nail on the head. I know for a FACT that MANY MANY Americans who love pool feel very much the opposite as you do. It's good to see so many Americans come out and make a stand even if it hurts them to say so. As they say the truth hurts sometimes.

Big rep I_Need_D_8 for saying it EXACTLY as the way it is.

 

[Ken_4fun]

WOW my first time disagreeing with JAM!

You just might feel a wee bit different, friend, if you had devoted your entire life to pool here on American soil, only to watch foreign nationals come to our shores and pocket some American pool monies. It's bad enough that American pool players have to come in first, second, or third to break even, but now they have to compete with foreign nationals on American soil, but in some foreign national countries, Americans are not welcome.

The Filipinos came to American shores and competed in just about every American pool tournament they could. Now there's been a shift. They don't have to follow an American tournament trail because pool is elevating in their own countries where Americans in some instances are prohibited from competing. Nice deal.

The wilderness of American pool is now dried up, but the Filipinos, Koreans, and Germans enjoyed eating up what little there was, leaving Americans to fight for scraps while they go back to their own countries and get treated like kings and queens. The existing lot of American professional players continue to wander in a Nowhere Man's Land. Pro players are dwindling in numbers here in the States.

That's my story, and I'm sticking with it.

JAM

Jam -

I love the foreign players! Obviously, I want the US boys, (especially that Keither guy) to win, but I love the way that foreign boys (and girls) come over and take the level of play up a notch.

Face it, before Allison Fisher (and I am not a huge fan of WPBA) the womens pool had maybe 2 good players. Jean on the East coast, for example. Now I think there are several good players.

I hate having an "inventational" tourneyment. Or qualifiers so only East Coast players have opportunity to qualify verses West coast, or even Mid Western players.

HOW CAN ANYONE BE PROUD OF BEING WORLD CHAMPION IF THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN COMPETE IS THE PLAYERS IN THE US? WOULDNT THAT MAKE YOU US CHAMPION?

All I am saying is dont blame the foreign players for being so good that the win tourneyments! I say get you "A" game back on step it up a knotch!

Lets accept the challenge!

As far as little money, who can blame the US? Watch one of Earls tantrums and then say "WOW, now that is a guy we want to represent us!"

We have chased off Camel, the Busch group, and got in bed with a magic cure salesman!

Make fun of me if you will, but you gotta take your hats off to the WPBA, and the NASCAR group. My sister who knows nothing about nothing makes buying desicions based on car sponsors!

Your friend in pool,

Ken

 

[quitecoolguy]

OKAY..i have said my peace...Im gona pop some popcorn and just watch how this thing unfolds..i have stated how i feel earlier in the thread...so i hope this ends without to much trouble

 

[cuetrip]

Your sarcasm is about as witty as your post. It is because of Americans like you that pool continues to dwindle here in the United States.

Rejoice, my friend. Soon there will be nothing more to root for here in the States. Independently run events are drying up. There are not very many American young folk entering the sport known as pool. Continue to root for the foreign national robots and Buckingham Guards. As an American, that is your choice.

You are representative of the American pool culture at its finest. Don't worry and continue to be happy. The American pro players will soon become extinct. Some great American players have already left the pool scene, and I can assure you that there will be more to follow very soon.

JAM

Why do you immediately assume that anyone who has a problem with Earl doesn't support American pool? I support American pros in all events and in return for my support I demand graciousness and good sportsmanship. If a player displays poor sportsmanship on a regular basis, I don't care if he's the frickin' president, simply being American does not excuse it. A pro can be fun to watch and a great character for the game without being a jerk. These pro players represent me and all other American pool players, and when I see Earl acting out it makes me sick to my stomach.

I realize the advances in American pool that Earl is responsible for. I'm painfully aware of his record as stated in nearly all of your defensive posts. I desperately WANT to love Earl. I'm hoping that the recent events in his life will be a turning point for him and he can overcome his demons and once again be a champion worthy of hoisting up onto our shoulders to fly our flag.

Are you familiar with the term "blind faith" when it comes to religion? I do believe there is also such a thing as blind support, and I for one refuse to buy into it. And no, I'm not talking about the support of American pros as a whole. I'm referring to one player. Please don't assume that I'm anti-American. I choose my heros wisely. My hero should be one that I would not be ashamed to support. One who I wouldn't mind my children mirroring. If my child acted out like Earl does he'd be in deep trouble, and it would reflect poorly on me as a parent. Just as Earl's tantrums reflect poorly on us as Americans.

Ya know, I received a few PMs praising my original post from people who understood it but didn't think you'd be capable of grasping its content. Maybe the sarcasm masked the intended message too much.
I like you, Jam. I've generally enjoyed your posts, and I appreciate your tenacity in being an active part of the success of pool in America, but I will not be scolded for holding my heros to a higher standard, and I will not offer blind support based soley on nationality.

-Rob

 

[jimmy-leggs]

Why do you immediately assume that anyone who has a problem with Earl doesn't support American pool? I support American pros in all events and in return for my support I demand graciousness and good sportsmanship. If a player displays poor sportsmanship on a regular basis, I don't care if he's the frickin' president, simply being American does not excuse it. A pro can be fun to watch and a great character for the game without being a jerk. These pro players represent me and all other American pool players, and when I see Earl acting out it makes me sick to my stomach.

I realize the advances in American pool that Earl is responsible for. I'm painfully aware of his record as stated in nearly all of your defensive posts. I desperately WANT to love Earl. I'm hoping that the recent events in his life will be a turning point for him and he can overcome his demons and once again be a champion worthy of hoisting up onto our shoulders to fly our flag.

Are you familiar with the term "blind faith" when it comes to religion? I do believe there is also such a thing as blind support, and I for one refuse to buy into it. And no, I'm not talking about the support of American pros as a whole. I'm referring to one player. Please don't assume that I'm anti-American. I choose my heros wisely. My hero should be one that I would not be ashamed to support. One who I wouldn't mind my children mirroring. If my child acted out like Earl does he'd be in deep trouble, and it would reflect poorly on me as a parent. Just as Earl's tantrums reflect poorly on us as Americans.

Ya know, I received a few PMs praising my original post from people who understood it but didn't think you'd be capable of grasping its content. Maybe the sarcasm masked the intended message too much.
I like you, Jam. I've generally enjoyed your posts, and I appreciate your tenacity in being an active part of the success of pool in America, but I will not be scolded for holding my heros to a higher standard, and I will not offer blind support based soley on nationality
very well said
sorry very well said

 

[gopi-1]

OKAY..i have said my peace...Im gona pop some popcorn and just watch how this thing unfolds..i have stated how i feel earlier in the thread...so i hope this ends without to much trouble

Here!

One more thing, are you a Coke or a 7-UP kind of guy?