Now that I see you posting again, it occurs to me to ask about the book project. Has there been any progress on the book about Keith? I know many AZers look forward to reading it.
Hey, JAM
- Thread starter BillPorter
- Start date
BillPorter said:
It's a work in progress. Last time mention was made of it on this very forum, it was like a nightmare, that just kept getting worse and worse, if you know what I mean!
Keith's story is one which I think merits a worthy representation of pool here in America. He is one of the last great American players to triumph in an era when pool shined its brightest on American soil, quite a different climate then than now.
We are both conflicted about pool today, but for different reasons, and in order to write, one must have passion, something which I am continuing to struggle with.
JAM
In a few years you'll both be getting to an age when the extra bucks you might get off the book will begin to look real good... good enough to fire some passion I'd bet.
Regards, Jim... tired of going to work.
(wishing we had more expressive smilies from which to choose!)
Regards, Jim... tired of going to work.
(wishing we had more expressive smilies from which to choose!)
JimS said:In a few years you'll both be getting to an age when the extra bucks you might get off the book will begin to look real good... good enough to fire some passion I'd bet.
Regards, Jim... tired of going to work.
Me, too! This ball-and-chain job of mine is getting old, like me!
I have a dream, and I'm going to try to make it a reality. Olhausen donated a pool table to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, so I read, and I had wanted to contact the powers-that-be at the facilities to see if they would be interested in having an Exhibition Day at the rec center for the veterans. Sadly, my efforts have been temporarily thwarted because of the recent happenings pertaining to Walter Reed. However, I haven't given up on it.
I want to have Keith to put on his IPT attire, dressed to the nines, and give a brief presentation, detailing the story of his life in pool, hit some balls around, and then mingle with the vets. They have so much time on their hands while they're grounded there, and pool is a nice release for them. At any rate, that's my next move in pool. I'm burned out on pool tournaments, for some reason. Sometimes giving of one's self can bring on the passion, and that's what I'm aiming for.
JAM
It will be a BIG hit with the veterans. JohnnytJAM said:Me, too! This ball-and-chain job of mine is getting old, like me!
I have a dream, and I'm going to try to make it a reality. Olhausen donated a pool table to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, so I read, and I had wanted to contact the powers-that-be at the facilities to see if they would be interested in having an Exhibition Day at the rec center for the veterans. Sadly, my efforts have been temporarily thwarted because of the recent happenings pertaining to Walter Reed. However, I haven't given up on it.
I want to have Keith to put on his IPT attire, dressed to the nines, and give a brief presentation, detailing the story of his life in pool, hit some balls around, and then mingle with the vets. They have so much time on their hands while they're grounded there, and pool is a nice release for them. At any rate, that's my next move in pool. I'm burned out on pool tournaments, for some reason. Sometimes giving of one's self can bring on the passion, and that's what I'm aiming for.
JAM
That is one of the coolest things I have heard. I hope it works out because I believe the veterans and you both will get a huge return on that endeavor. There is nothing better than doing a charitable act for people less fortunate especially those that sacrificed for our freedoms and liberties.JAM said:Me, too! This ball-and-chain job of mine is getting old, like me!
I have a dream, and I'm going to try to make it a reality. Olhausen donated a pool table to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, so I read, and I had wanted to contact the powers-that-be at the facilities to see if they would be interested in having an Exhibition Day at the rec center for the veterans. Sadly, my efforts have been temporarily thwarted because of the recent happenings pertaining to Walter Reed. However, I haven't given up on it.
I want to have Keith to put on his IPT attire, dressed to the nines, and give a brief presentation, detailing the story of his life in pool, hit some balls around, and then mingle with the vets. They have so much time on their hands while they're grounded there, and pool is a nice release for them. At any rate, that's my next move in pool. I'm burned out on pool tournaments, for some reason. Sometimes giving of one's self can bring on the passion, and that's what I'm aiming for.
JAM
Best of luck to you both.
Title?
Yes, as I recall, you took offense at my suggestion that someone less emotionally involved with Keith might be a better choice to write the book. Looking back, I'd like to appologize for making the suggestion. While it was my honest opinion at that time, I now see that it was likely to be a hurtful comment that probably served no useful purpose. I hope you have had time to forgive if not forget.
All that having been said, the reason for this post is to suggest a title for the book. Of course, you may already have a title in mind, and if so, feel free to toss my suggestion into the cyber trashcan.
How about, "Earthquake! The Saga of an American Pool Legend"? I'm thinking that you may need some encouragement about now and tossing around some ideas for a title might plant a little seed that will "grow" some prose over time.
You may recall that I have sent you several photos of Keith from the 1980-1986 time period. I am sure I speak for Mike Haines, who took those photos, in telling you that you and Keith are welcome to use any or all of them in your book. All we ask is photo credit (just as we did with Freddy B. for his last book in which about 20 of our photos were used).
JAM,JAM said:It's a work in progress. Last time mention was made of it on this very forum, it was like a nightmare, that just kept getting worse and worse, if you know what I mean!
Keith's story is one which I think merits a worthy representation of pool here in America. He is one of the last great American players to triumph in an era when pool shined its brightest on American soil, quite a different climate then than now.
We are both conflicted about pool today, but for different reasons, and in order to write, one must have passion, something which I am continuing to struggle with.
JAM
Yes, as I recall, you took offense at my suggestion that someone less emotionally involved with Keith might be a better choice to write the book. Looking back, I'd like to appologize for making the suggestion. While it was my honest opinion at that time, I now see that it was likely to be a hurtful comment that probably served no useful purpose. I hope you have had time to forgive if not forget.
All that having been said, the reason for this post is to suggest a title for the book. Of course, you may already have a title in mind, and if so, feel free to toss my suggestion into the cyber trashcan.
How about, "Earthquake! The Saga of an American Pool Legend"? I'm thinking that you may need some encouragement about now and tossing around some ideas for a title might plant a little seed that will "grow" some prose over time.
You may recall that I have sent you several photos of Keith from the 1980-1986 time period. I am sure I speak for Mike Haines, who took those photos, in telling you that you and Keith are welcome to use any or all of them in your book. All we ask is photo credit (just as we did with Freddy B. for his last book in which about 20 of our photos were used).
Nice to see you back JAM ! 
Is that Dave Piona with him?
Good to see JAM posting again. I know how it feels at home since the IPT, JAM, but don't let it steal your joy for pool. You're a great person and we have missed you. Good luck with Walter Reed. I applaud yours and Keith's efforts in cheering up the vets.
Good to see JAM posting again. I know how it feels at home since the IPT, JAM, but don't let it steal your joy for pool. You're a great person and we have missed you. Good luck with Walter Reed. I applaud yours and Keith's efforts in cheering up the vets.
AHHHHHHHHHH... JAM is back.....man..how good it is to see you...you not posting here is like just tying to eat a plain old peanutbutter sandwhich..its good..but it aint the best with out the JAM
Yep
Linda, you are correct about Dave Piona.rackmsuckr said:Is that Dave Piona with him?
Good to see JAM posting again. I know how it feels at home since the IPT, JAM, but don't let it steal your joy for pool. You're a great person and we have missed you. Good luck with Walter Reed. I applaud yours and Keith's efforts in cheering up the vets.
BillPorter said:
With that handsome devil Dave Piona.
JAM said:Me, too! This ball-and-chain job of mine is getting old, like me!
I have a dream, and I'm going to try to make it a reality. Olhausen donated a pool table to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, so I read, and I had wanted to contact the powers-that-be at the facilities to see if they would be interested in having an Exhibition Day at the rec center for the veterans. Sadly, my efforts have been temporarily thwarted because of the recent happenings pertaining to Walter Reed. However, I haven't given up on it.
I want to have Keith to put on his IPT attire, dressed to the nines, and give a brief presentation, detailing the story of his life in pool, hit some balls around, and then mingle with the vets. They have so much time on their hands while they're grounded there, and pool is a nice release for them. At any rate, that's my next move in pool. I'm burned out on pool tournaments, for some reason. Sometimes giving of one's self can bring on the passion, and that's what I'm aiming for.
JAM
Jam,
I have an idea to share with you. I hope you will give it some thought, and maybe I can help you. Just PM me if you like it.
Why not book Keith on an exhibition toru across the USA. He can play a little pool, maybe a 9-Ball match with a local player, show a few things and just talk, talk, talk. You know, do what he does best.
I will never forget how popular Fats was and how many people turned out to see him. And he did very little shooting (except with women and kids) and a whole lot of talking. And everyone just loved him.
Keith just may be the most popular pool player of his generation. People always flocked to see him play. He may be more marketable than you think, and he doesn't have to win a match.
Let Keith just get out there and do his thing and tell stories (people can ask him questions about pool players and he can take it from there). He is at an age where it may be perfect for him, and you too. Like I said, I may be able to get him bookings. And it won't be for chopped liver either.
Take care,
Jay
