Earl tossed out of SBE...

[morthnrdy]

truth

I guess the good news for Earl fans is that we can look forward to watching him play Shane next week on TAR. I bet THEY won't give him the boot for a little jawing.

thats the truth, n im gonna be there lovn every minute of it...hope its a good match...maybe Earl is just setting the stage??

 

[inside_english]

I wonder how this cat (South Philly), handles HECKLERS!

The perfect choice for TD, A COMEDIAN!!
Sounds like the Comedian from "The Watchmen" to me!:grin-devilish:

Posted that in another "Earl, thread." Seems appropriate here, too!

If anyone really cares about the truth, in Earl's statements, like, "the whole world is against him." Please, re-read the majority of the comments in this thread. There just might be "SOME TRUTH" in why Earl see's it that way!:scratchhead:

You know what? You are ABSOLUTELY right!

I think you should contact all of the pool and billiard magazines, websites, and all of the major tournaments and directors, all of the pool sponsors, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, and don't forget Eurosport and Asian TV, and let them know PRONTO that we, and they, are all against Earl.

We are at fault here, the select fans and other players who are "out to get Earl".

Your loyalty to your precious Earl is admirable, because you are clearly in denial about his behavior.

Maybe enough of you Earl-a-holics can get together and start a campaign to help him at every tournament, because CLEARLY he is NEVER at fault.

Even better, I would bet Earl would treat fans like you (who support him no matter what) no differently than he treats everybody else.

Just keep telling yourself it is OK because you think he is the best ever, if that makes you feel better.

 

[barrett9ball]

Was upclose for both incidents after match w/Parica

I arrived at the Pro Arena just in time to get a great general admission bleacher seat for the Earl/Alex match. I did not see the Parica match prior. I can say that the quotes from the TD are exact as I heard it go down.
Earl was acting up from the start. 1st the rack... Then ya know how sometimes ya hit a shot a little too firm and tap the table in a matter as though asking the cueball to please stop.... Well, Alex (like 30 other players I saw do the same thing) tapped on the rail a few times during the match with the chalk. Everytime Earl will tell him to stop tapping on the table. Alex would just smile. Yet when Earl missed a ball or a safety he would smack his shaft on the table. He was sharking Alex and nothing more. Earl was on the fans in the bleachers for cheering/moving etc.. He acted like when he was at the tables it might be best for everyone to just completly stop whatever they are doing. Then he was also giving other players a hard time as well. He missed a shot at one point and looked back in the direction of Corey D. and said something to the affect of "I'm trying to shoot and I'm listening to what your saying". Corey just laughed because it was nuts. Archer/Williams match had not actually started. Archer had come in to hit a couple balls on the TV table which was beside Earl/Alex. Archer walked behind him as he shot. It should have never bothered him but he went ballistic. He literally beat his cue into the side pocket rail 4-5 times. His face got blood red.... The TD warned him... Later that evening...
I had VIP seats and was sitting just inside the player/fan arena entrance. Could hear Earl for the time he entered the arena. He kept walking in & out checking to see if the previous match was done. After match ended Earl came in and went to the table. Can't confirm what was said at that point as he was too far away... There was alot of applause when he was thrown out... Pretty sure majority of the crowd had seen enough of him and just wanted to see some good pool.... Later heard 1 top player who will remain nameless state it was a good thing and a long time coming. So apparently Mr. Bartram was correct in his previous post when he mentioned how distracting it is to the other players.

 

[Zbotiman]

Bull-sh*t Brother!!!

You know what? You are ABSOLUTELY right!

I think you should contact all of the pool and billiard magazines, websites, and all of the major tournaments and directors, all of the pool sponsors, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, and don't forget Eurosport and Asian TV, and let them know PRONTO that we, and they, are all against Earl.

We are at fault here, the select fans and other players who are "out to get Earl".

Your loyalty to your precious Earl is admirable, because you are clearly in denial about his behavior.

Maybe enough of you Earl-a-holics can get together and start a campaign to help him at every tournament, because CLEARLY he is NEVER at fault.

Even better, I would bet Earl would treat fans like you (who support him no matter what) no differently than he treats everybody else.

Just keep telling yourself it is OK because you think he is the best ever, if that makes you feel better.

....yeah, yeah, yeah, It's not a question of, is his behavior correct, of course it's not, it's that he has been the best player ever, in nine-ball!! How has he been paid off, even from the beginning, by a bunch of know nothings that don't even understand his many contributions to the game! Most of you are the type of players that argue about playing safeties in nine-ball, still! Is it any wonder "REAL Pro's" don't come on these forums for long???

I'm sure your a great bunch of deserving fans, all of you criticizers. Pool is what it is and no more! T.V. in any country doesn't want pool because of no market base, most of the time, that's your end of it. So what the fu** are you supporting in this sport? Be thankful for the GREAT CHAMPIONS IN THIS SPORT, PAST AND PRESENT, they've given their lives to it and for what? Fans like you, good job! POOL IS, AND HAS BEEN, A SPORT generally disrespected, even by the fans. Any wonder it's best are frustrated with the results of their lives within this sport?

Notice, if you will, anyone who gets it, doesn't even question the antics and gamesmanship of "all the other top pro players? Earl is just, such a disappointment, to "YOUR fantasy champions image, isn't he? He's flawed in significant ways, obviously, but hey, after all he's only human, just like you and me! That's what the grace is for, dude. You know what, it's all in your head anyway!!!

That sound like enough like Earl to make you happy? I wish I could play like him, too!!!:banghead: uttahere:

 

[The Saw]

Yeah, that might be the case, but then again, Strickland (big Earl) still listens to, and likes, DiLiberto. When Danny talks to Earl, he listens still. With Joe, as long as he was seen as the Alpha male, nothing changed!

You are right! Here's my thoughts on Earls dimeanor.... I have watched him play guys like Keith and Buddy that were his equal when he was at the top of his game and there is never any issues, its just good pool the way its supposed to be. IMO, the problem lies with the young guns that stole his thunder as his game started to slip a little.... He has issues with Archer, Johnny came on strong when Earl was still top dog and has continued to play world class speed for over twenty years now. He has had several issues with the young blood like Cory, Alex, SVB, etc... They came along as Earl was on the downhill side and they now receive the glory once held for Earl.

I've got mad respect for guys like Buddy and Keith that took the downhill side of their careers gracefully and did so with a ton of respect for their fans. As true legends do, they have treated the young players, fans, and their legacies with respect and grace. I understand Earls frustration... He still thinks he is the best and there is nothing wrong with that. Just show it in play, not words and disgraceful actions....

 

[KRJ]

Hmmmm

I'm a huge Earl fan, like wathcing his game, took some lessons from him a few years back, heck, he played in my dad's pool room 30 years ago....

But he got what he deserved this time. Sometimes it takes something like this to let Earl know that nobody is gonna put up with it anymore. Hopefully, he learns his lesson, doubt it, but hoping for the best.

Anger Management course can't be that expensive !!

 

[Wags]

Favoritism

...snip...Let's just say that Earl requires special handling, more so than most other players. I accept that as part of my job.

...snip...I will always try to rein him in and keep him on track if possible. What I've noticed is that if I can calm him down he usually plays well. And that's what people want to see, Earl at his best. ...snip...QUOTE]

Some people/players/fans might call that kind of TD-ing favoritism. From reading Jay's posts, listening to his commentary and forming an opinion of his character, I believe that he would do the same for Joe Schmo.

As someone that has run over 1000 weekly, monthly and casino tournaments, no TD wants to DQ anyone. In that time, I have only forfeited 2 matches on late issues, which are very cut and dry. I have issued unsportmanship warnings but never had to issue a second. That said, when Earl started whacking the table with his cue I might have declared a match DQ and given the match to AP. That type of action is gross unsportmanship conduct. Many opponents couldn't recover from that type of "sharking". That only makes Jesse Engels win over Earl even more impressive.

I wouldn't put much, if any blame on the TD. Earl seems to have a knack of pushing people's buttons and taking issues to the edge of the limit. With the exception of his two previous tournaments, in which I was happy to see Earl behave, he has been trouble for years. Actually, I'm surprised he hasn't been DQed more.

 

[bookmd]

I arrived at the Pro Arena just in time to get a great general admission bleacher seat for the Earl/Alex match. I did not see the Parica match prior. I can say that the quotes from the TD are exact as I heard it go down.
Earl was acting up from the start. 1st the rack... Then ya know how sometimes ya hit a shot a little too firm and tap the table in a matter as though asking the cueball to please stop.... Well, Alex (like 30 other players I saw do the same thing) tapped on the rail a few times during the match with the chalk. Everytime Earl will tell him to stop tapping on the table. Alex would just smile. Yet when Earl missed a ball or a safety he would smack his shaft on the table. He was sharking Alex and nothing more. Earl was on the fans in the bleachers for cheering/moving etc.. He acted like when he was at the tables it might be best for everyone to just completly stop whatever they are doing. Then he was also giving other players a hard time as well. He missed a shot at one point and looked back in the direction of Corey D. and said something to the affect of "I'm trying to shoot and I'm listening to what your saying". Corey just laughed because it was nuts. Archer/Williams match had not actually started. Archer had come in to hit a couple balls on the TV table which was beside Earl/Alex. Archer walked behind him as he shot. It should have never bothered him but he went ballistic. He literally beat his cue into the side pocket rail 4-5 times. His face got blood red.... The TD warned him... Later that evening...
I had VIP seats and was sitting just inside the player/fan arena entrance. Could hear Earl for the time he entered the arena. He kept walking in & out checking to see if the previous match was done. After match ended Earl came in and went to the table. Can't confirm what was said at that point as he was too far away... There was alot of applause when he was thrown out... Pretty sure majority of the crowd had seen enough of him and just wanted to see some good pool.... Later heard 1 top player who will remain nameless state it was a good thing and a long time coming. So apparently Mr. Bartram was correct in his previous post when he mentioned how distracting it is to the other players.

i didnt see this situation but i showed up just in time for mika's last match against alex and seen his, which seemed a bit calmer. but he was throwing his stick on the table during his turn to rack and was obviously irritated with how his game was. appleton later ,against shane, had one throwing his bridge and kicking the rack under the table. people are fallible. and going for 20k and not shooting your game is frustrating. being that it was my first pro tourney im not sure if these were isolated incidences. was an awesome experience watching these beast pocket balls and interact with the fans.

 

[mcmlb55]

Jump off...

There are a lot of big horses in this thread.

 

[punter]

If I remember right I think there was a thread last year right after the SBE about this Frank/TD guy. Maybe there is a pattern here with him.

Yes, maybe Frank's track record should be put under the microscope and every action he takes in the future should be analyzed, sliced and diced by everyone on AZ (no matter if you actually saw anything) and we should start several threads a week on how Frank is doing. Wonder how Frank would fare?

 

[ccshrimper]

....yeah, yeah, yeah, It's not a question of, is his behavior correct, of course it's not, it's that he has been the best player ever, in nine-ball!! How has he been paid off, even from the beginning, by a bunch of know nothings that don't even understand his many contributions to the game! Most of you are the type of players that argue about playing safeties in nine-ball, still! Is it any wonder "REAL Pro's" don't come on these forums for long???

I'm sure your a great bunch of deserving fans, all of you criticizers. Pool is what it is and no more! T.V. in any country doesn't want pool because of no market base, most of the time, that's your end of it. So what the fu** are you supporting in this sport? Be thankful for the GREAT CHAMPIONS IN THIS SPORT, PAST AND PRESENT, they've given their lives to it and for what? Fans like you, good job! POOL IS, AND HAS BEEN, A SPORT generally disrespected, even by the fans. Any wonder it's best are frustrated with the results of their lives within this sport?

Notice, if you will, anyone who gets it, doesn't even question the antics and gamesmanship of "all the other top pro players? Earl is just, such a disappointment, to "YOUR fantasy champions image, isn't he? He's flawed in significant ways, obviously, but hey, after all he's only human, just like you and me! That's what the grace is for, dude. You know what, it's all in your head anyway!!!

That sound like enough like Earl to make you happy? I wish I could play like him, too!!!:banghead: uttahere:

I love your post except I doubt very few (if any) pros gave their life to the sport for any other reason except themselves. Yeah, Earl dedicated himself to the sport unlike any other but to think he did it for the fans is naive so why should they support him? To get their kid cussed out asking for a pic?

I look past his antics not as a fan, but as someone who just respects his talent. I look at Charlie Sheen much the same way, he cracked me up for years even though he's a drugged out nut.

 

[Koop]

Did he go the whole tournament being proper, not just one match?

Not at all.
I wasn't there for the Alex match but the feud started with his match against Jose Parica. I think what triggered him was that a player, I believe it was Shane Winters, was practicing on the table next to him and Earl didn't like it. Frank said that as long as Shane wasn't practicing on the side of the table closest to their table it was ok. Not sure exactly what was said but Earl and Shane got into it and Frank got involved.
From there is where Earl started going on full tilt. Everytime he would miss he would blame someone and then Frank warned him a couple of times to knock it off. To me it's really sad because, with all his outbursts, he still managed to win easily. The guy is a major talent but also a major head case.

Koop - still loves watching Earl play

 

[SpiderWebComm]

EARRRRRL!!!!!!!

F-it. I still love the guy. I could care less if they find him wearing make-up and a wig with his pants down crapping in the side pocket with the lights out.

Who cares.

I mean, Vincent van Gogh cut his own ear off and look how much people would LOVE to own one of his originals. That guy could have cut his own ear off, wrapped it around a scallop and bacon and stuck a toothpick through it and ATE it and people would STILL shoot the next guy if it meant owning one of his paintings.

Earl obviously is bipolar. Maybe medicated, maybe not. The man has 5 US Opens and however many world 9ball titles. Not to burst everyone's bubble, but people go to watch THAT GUY play--- not someone who's never won much. Even if he's a train wreck--- he's a legend and then some.

Tiger Woods sent the golf world spinning banging whores in Vegas, bringing diner waitresses back to his house (an ugly one at that), banging them there, hurt his gorgeous wife/kid/family, screams "F#$K" and "Son of a B1tch" while throwing his clubs down on missed shots and yet....get this... they still allow him to play in the tournaments. Why? Because.....*DRUM ROLL* ...... NOBODY GIVES A RAT'S ASS ABOUT THE OTHER PROS.... THEY'RE THERE TO SEE TIGER PLAY BECAUSE HE'S A WINNER (well, he hasn't been lately, but that's just because he hasn't gone back to whore-mongering yet).

You can duct-tape every pro in that arena together and you still don't have 5 US Open Titles. People wanna watch Earl - end of story.... even if it's to see if he can finish the event or melt-down. Nobody strokes like that guy.

So, while I appreciate the "Earl has to be stopped" talk and many are right when he's out of line..... but it is what it is. Earl is exciting and everyone else isn't. If a TV producer walked in wanting to do a pool reality show, etc, ..... they go straight to Earl and run over everyone on the way.

Does it hurt pool.... C'MON--- no. Not even close. It's crazy crap like his antics that will raise pool into something MARKETABLE. Pool will NEEEEVER get anywhere with "cricket-style" talk like, "Hello ol' chap... fancy a tea and crumpet before our match?" Pool isn't golf and will NEVER be golf so stop trying to think anything short of PGA-Tour personas (on average) will hurt pool. Pool's already at rock bottom.

What we DO NEED is someone like Earl to have a meltdown, pick up a folding chair and bash it over whoever is sharking him. While they're down, jump up on the table and drop "the big leg" on their throat and then proceed to win by default. Maybe then.... pool will get back on TV.


Sorry for the rant...

 

[Tom In Cincy]

EARRRRRL!!!!!!!

Sorry for the rant...

Best 'rant' I've read in a long time.

Thanks

 

[dorabelle]

I was watching the stream/chat during this time. The mod did not call you a jacktard. They said something to the effect of, if you want to be angry at someone, be angry at Earl for being a jacktard and getting himself booted.

The mod did tell you to stfu though. You were in the chat when Earl was kicked out and right away you started to defend Earl and said the td was a horrible person and he can't do that and Earl should be given his money back, etc.

I understood the mod to be saying if you're going to be angry at someone about Earl getting booted, you should be angry at Earl for acting the way he did in order to get himself booted.

No one else that was behaving themselves in the tournament got booted. Earl got what every TD should give him when Earl acts up. Earl did something wrong and Earl suffered the consequences (as he should have). Want to be angry at someone, be angry at Earl, he is the only one to blame for his actions. It is called "accountability" and most adults and most children are aware of this.

Yes the mod did say that. The chat was going fast and maybe you missed it. I had to scroll back re read it myself. You say I was defending Earl but your wrong. I was asking what he did to get tossed and no one knew. Earl being Earl isn't a thing that you can get you thrown out of a tournament. Thats not called defending anyone, that is asking what happened. I thought surly he did something awful if he was getting tosses and surly someone can tell us what it was. The TD told the booth that Earl was going to get ejected before the horrific act of him asking where his opponent was even happened.
I could care less what Earl says to his fans or what he does outside of being on the table. Seeing the guy run racks and playing the game is a special treat for pool fans.
Lets see the refs start taking games away from players for unsportsmanlike conduct. This is what is supposed to happen. You want silence at pool matches, you got it because for most, pool is as exciting as watching grass grow as it is.
Its got to be hard for these pros to go from venue to venue. At some events your allowed to run around drunk talking as much as you want and nothing happens to you. At another you cant ask where your opponent is or question tilted racks without getting kicked out.

 

[PoolSharkAllen]

EARRRRRL!!!!!!!

Earl obviously is bipolar. Maybe medicated, maybe not. The man has 5 US Opens and however many world 9ball titles. Not to burst everyone's bubble, but people go to watch THAT GUY play--- not someone who's never won much. Even if he's a train wreck--- he's a legend and then some.

Tiger Woods sent the golf world spinning banging whores in Vegas, bringing diner waitresses back to his house (an ugly one at that), banging them there, hurt his gorgeous wife/kid/family, screams "F#$K" and "Son of a B1tch" while throwing his clubs down on missed shots and yet....get this... they still allow him to play in the tournaments. Why? Because.....*DRUM ROLL* ...... NOBODY GIVES A RAT'S ASS ABOUT THE OTHER PROS.... THEY'RE THERE TO SEE TIGER PLAY BECAUSE HE'S A WINNER.

You can duct-tape every pro in that arena together and you still don't have 5 US Open Titles. People wanna watch Earl - end of story.... even if it's to see if he can finish the event or melt-down. Nobody strokes like that guy.

So, while I appreciate the "Earl has to be stopped" talk and many are right when he's out of line..... but it is what it is. Earl is exciting and everyone else isn't. If a TV producer walked in wanting to do a pool reality show, etc, ..... they go straight to Earl and run over everyone on the way.

Does it hurt pool.... C'MON--- no. Not even close. It's crazy crap like his antics that will raise pool into something MARKETABLE. Pool will NEEEEVER get anywhere with "cricket-style" talk like, "Hello ol' chap... fancy a tea and crumpet before our match?" Pool isn't golf and will NEVER be golf so stop trying to think anything short of PGA-Tour personas (on average) will hurt pool. Pool's already at rock bottom.

The pool world already runs itself like the World Wrestling Federation, wherein pool players commit personal fouls when the ref isn't looking, they gamble and shark each other, they cheat, play drunk and give their opponents slug racks. It's no wonder pool doesn't get much tv coverage. This kind of behavior just isn't televisable.

The image of the sport and the players does matter to the sponsors. Tiger Woods may still be allowed to play in golf tournaments but he's lost most of his sponsorships. You say that Tiger is a WINNER but given that he's lost his sponsorships and his gorgeous wife and kids, I'd have to conclude that he's actually a LOSER.

Earl simply isn't the exciting player that he used to be. Nowadays, Earl just sucks the oxygen out of the room. He perpetually engages in sharking opponents, disrespects everyone and requires constant baby sitting by the tournament director. Did I mention that Earl is also an embarassment to the sport?

While I admire Earl for his past accomplishments, it's now time for the train wreck of a legend to retire.

 

[billiardchick7]

Ken Shuman or Scott Smith would be great!
AS FAR AS I KNOW, the Pro Player's Championship at VF is the ONLY tournament Frank D does. I've been there several times & I just don't care for his style. Took much ego & acting like HE'S the attraction.

VERY MUCH AGREED! People come there to watch the players, not listen to the referee and deal with his ego. I went to SBE last year, and I saw the abuse he dishes out to the players. Plus, he gets on the microphone while they are playing and just talks, talks, talks. Nobody wants to hear you but yourself! Just be quiet!!! They definitely need a new tournament director, and then maybe I'll come back in the future.

 

[Mike Templeton]

Sorry, Earl, but maybe *you* are a "has-been." Better enjoy the stage while you have one to shoot on.

Jam,

Everyone has their own opinions. This thread shows that more than any. And while I respect your opinions, and really enjoy your posts, I find fault with this post. And I can't believe you would be so disrespectful to any other professional player. Plus, I thought that you and Earl were pretty good friends.

I have seen posts on here from respected members about another former pro player to whom you are very close. I remember many tournaments where he would cause disruptions. Although some (including me) thought they were funny, most considered them distractions. And I'm sure that if someone posted here that he is a "has-been" (arguably more than Earl who is still very competitive), and that he should quit, I know you wouldn't appreciate that.

No one feels that Earl should show restraint, and calm his temper and antics more that I do. But as a long time player, and fan of the game, I also think that he deserves respect from other respected members of the billiard community.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[JAM]

Jam,

Everyone has their own opinions. This thread shows that more than any. And while I respect your opinions, and really enjoy your posts, I find fault with this post. And I can't believe you would be so disrespectful to any other professional player. Plus, I thought that you and Earl were pretty good friends.

I have seen posts on here from respected members about another former pro player to whom you are very close. I remember many tournaments where he would cause disruptions. Although some (including me) thought they were funny, most considered them distractions. And I'm sure that if someone posted here that he is a "has-been" (arguably more than Earl who is still very competitive), and that he should quit, I know you wouldn't appreciate that.

No one feels that Earl should show restraint, and calm his temper and antics more that I do. But as a long time player, and fan of the game, I also think that he deserves respect from other respected members of the billiard community.

Thanks,
Mike

I'm sorry my opinion offends you, Mike, but the truth of the matter is that I have lost respect for Earl Strickland when he disrespected not only himself but my other half with his comments.

Yes, Earl was disrespectful to Keith McCready, and because of that, he has lost my respect. Keith and I both have been EXTREMELY supportive of Earl Strickland over the years. In fact, I have been slammed on this very forum for defending Earl. I have written numerous posts in Earl's defense, only to have forum members attack me for doing so.

It was only a year or two ago that Keith and I searched for Earl Strickland to give him $500 as a Christmas gift when Keith struck gold. We called his phone number and could not even leave a message. It stated his phone call box was full.

Sorry if I have disappointed you, but I refuse defend Earl anymore. You have to be a friend to have a friend, the way I see it.

I feel sorry that Earl has a medical condition that requires medication in order for him to not experience unpleasantness. Unfortunately, if he is medicated, he may not be able to shoot pool to the level he is used to. It's a Catch 22 for Earl. I think he should give lessons and travel the globe, as others have suggested, and enjoy a private audience where he can be the center of attention and tell it like he sees it. He'd probably make more money doing that than being a tournament soldier.

As far as Keith not performing to your satisfaction, well, I wasn't around at that time to see it. If you ever see Keith again on the tournament trail, though, I can assure you that he will be on his best behavior if I'm in the joint. People can change, you know. They don't always have to be somebody's punching bag.

 

[Mike Templeton]

I'm sorry my opinion offends you, Mike, but the truth of the matter is that I have lost respect for Earl Strickland when he disrespected not only himself but my other half with his comments.

Yes, Earl was disrespectful to Keith McCready, and because of that, he has lost my respect. Keith and I both have been EXTREMELY supportive of Earl Strickland over the years. In fact, I have been slammed on this very forum for defending Earl.

It was only a year or two ago that Keith and I searched for Earl Strickland to give him $500 as a Christmas gift when Keith struck gold. We called his phone number and could not even leave a message. It stated his phone call box was full.

Sorry if I have disappointed you. I won't defend Earl anymore. You have to be a friend to have a friend, the way I see it.

As far as Keith not performing to you satisfaction, well, I wasn't around at that time. If you ever see Keith again on the tournament trail, I can assure you that he will be on his best behavior if I'm in the joint.

Thanks for the explaination, Jam. I knew there must be more going on than I knew. And you haven't disappointed me. I was just curious.

I grew up in SC and played tournament around the Southeast almost every weekend in the mid 80s to early 90s when Keith was a staple in Greenville and Knoxville. I don't know if Keith remembers, but Burl, Susie, Keith, me and a ton of other folks had tons of fun (and some excitement) back then . I'm a huge fan of Keith's, and I would enjoy nothing more than to see Ether out competing again.

I guess that's why I want to see Earl make a comeback. I remember the old guard, and those old days fondly. And it's just not the same as it was then. Ahhhh. Nostalgia...

Mike