I-70 Challenge Official Group Photo

mthornto said:
Thank you for taking the pictures. I am always amazed at how much better pictures taken by a professional look. You really have a great eye for catching the moment.

I think this picture particularly stands out: http://www.japrophotos.com/photo365197.html
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Thanks for the compliment. Its easy to shoot when you have an attractive lady and handsome gentlemen for subjects. :D

So, next year, is it gonna be held in Columbus?
 
sandianakid said:
OK, I need someone to tell me what exactly this comment is saying....
possibly who it's coming from... Thanks, cause I don't get it..... Jeff


To the gang from Columbus, it was nice to meet all of you. Your all a class act. Hopefully we can get more of our league members involved next time. Hope to see you guys again! Jeff
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JB,
The comment was from an anonymous local guy who has bashed you on at least one other occasion. He is one of a misguided, but vocal, minority who believe that amateur players should be able to play for money, and that they should not have to compete with anyone better than they are.

The entire issue is laughable; and has developed only due to the greed of amateur players and promoters. The amateur believes he can make some money playing tournaments; but does not have the gumption or enough love-of-the-game to actually become proficient - so he lobbies for skilled players to be barred from tournaments he chooses to enter. The promoters know that there are more unskilled than highly skilled players; so they will often cater to the unskilled players to insure more entry fees and cash for themselves.

While the answer to the issue is to develop fair and accurate handicapping methods; it has thus far been a pipe dream. No one has come up with such a system that is satisfactory to all. The sad part is that the players with a true love for the game, that have invested countless hours developing their high degree of skill, are the ones that suffer (and have to listen to the drivel dished out by the greedy, so-called "amateur", players).

I think you can be sure that most of the forum, and ALL of the true students of the game, support and look forward to the participation of good players in all open competitions.

P.S. - for those of you who don't know, both JB and JL participate in LOTS of pool-related activities FOR FREE WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT OF FINANCIAL REWARD. The reason is simple; they love the game (that's how they got good:) :) ). I would also NOT expect them to pass up any competition that offered them a chance to make money. As JCIN said, if you don't like it, then PRACTICE until you can beat them; don't whine to us.
 
satman said:
See you found us. I'm not sure if he was just joking with you or what. Apparently some of the others thought he was taking a jab at you. That happens on here. I just ignore em when they take a shot. I don't play straight pool, but I wish I could have come down. I'm sure someone would explain the rules as we went. Sam
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satman,
Yes, the rules are extremely complex and tough to follow. You must shoot the little round ball into the hole - and the object is to do this more often than your opponent. Something tells me you would catch on rather quickly.

I hope you can make it down to Betmore's Basement some day; you would enjoy a bit of straight pool.
 
mthornto said:
Thanks again to Don for hosting the Columbus vs Indy straight pool challenge. The match was one sided, but I can speak for the entire Columbus contingent in saying that it was one of the most fun pool weekends ever. We can't wait to do it again.

Special thanks goes out to Jeanette and Jeff. Neither of them had anything to gain by playing bangers from out of state. They did this for the love of the game and I am very grateful. Both were professional, friendly, and deadly at the table - everything you want to see from a pro player.
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MT,
You are welcome.

We had a great time. The matches were hotly contested, and it was a great day of pool. The Indy team ended up winning 7 of the 8 matches. There was also some ring game action in Betmore's Basement both before the match and late into the wee hours of the morning after the match, that was a great deal of fun (quite a bit more sharking and woofing involved in the basement matches).

I think I can speak for our whole team in saying that it is ALWAYS a pleasure to meet and play with others that have such an obvious and abiding love of the game. I hope we can do it again.

P.S. - Just to clarify your statement - there WAS some money wagered on the match (it was mthornto's idea); but both Jeanette and Jeff had agreed to play before any such wager was discussed.
 
Hey Vagabond

vagabond said:
It was my way of acknowledging how good he plays pool and if some one wants to interpret it as a Jab at that player in question there is nothing I could do about it.It was not an attempt to impune his charecter.he is good man.He does play PRO speed.
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I don't think it was your comment that was being discussed. I've never met you in person, at least that I know of. But from all your past post's that I have read, you know something about pool players and their skills. At least in my opinion, your comment WASN'T that jab that was mentioned.
As for Jeff not playing at pro level, I've seen him play a lot, played him a lot. I've played against full time pro players, road players, and shortstops. While opinions on speed will vary from one person to the next, Jeff can play in pro events and be a dangerous player against any person at any given time. Pro caliber, YEA!!!!! tHE OTHER GUY IS welcome to voice his opinion, but thats mine. SAM
 
Thanks for the photo of Jeanette Lee, but the others in the photos seem to be out of focus. Maybe they aren't really pool players after all.
 
Williebetmore said:
The entire issue is laughable; and has developed only due to the greed of amateur players and promoters. The amateur believes he can make some money playing tournaments; but does not have the gumption or enough love-of-the-game to actually become proficient - so he lobbies for skilled players to be barred from tournaments he chooses to enter. The promoters know that there are more unskilled than highly skilled players; so they will often cater to the unskilled players to insure more entry fees and cash for themselves.
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You put this into words far better than I ever have when discussing this issue with people here in Arizona. Prior to the AZ All-Around Tour (which is now the Olhausen All-Around Tour, I believe), this pretty much summed up pool in Arizona. They have a state-wide handicap system here that most TD's and room owners use to segregate players (instead of using the system for what a handicap system should be used for - so everyone can play together) for the very reasons that you described. So, rather than there being a tournament where everyone plays together with the handicap, they just say, "only this handicap and below are allowed to play in the tournament". It really is a ridiculous situation.
 
JCIN said:
You took a shot at Jeff before and I asked if you were mad because he snapped you off. Looks like I was right. I guess if you dislike everyone that plays stronger than you, you probably are pissed at a lot of people (and most everyone in the Phillipines)

This kills me.

This is what leagues have done to pool. "That guy plays too good. Ban him" Stupidity. Guess what? You don't like losing? GET BETTER!

Oh I got a pretty good feeling Mr. u12armresl would have no problem if he happened to be the stongest player in the field snapping off a tournament.

Whatever.

Why don't you you just go hate on somebody in an arm wrestling forum. I'm sure some one is better at that than you.

Now that the negativity fairie has been responded to, I would just like say how cool it was for Willebetmore and mthornto to put this together. I think we need more stuff like this. Thanks go to the above mentioned gentlemen and to everyone who showed up to play.
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Ya that's great logic. You haven't beaten me before, and I don't like you. Because I don't answer you, it makes you right? Since you are new to the scene (as is Willie) I'll help you out, not everyone that you meet now, acts the way now that they used to act or even act the same way to everyone. You (and Willie) haven't been around that long at all. But for some reason you feel you have risen to a status which you can play or comment about playing lol. Driving a truck once, don't make you a truck driver.

Not sure about the leagues comment as you would be insulting a huge portion of the board who are league players, including your friend Jeff and Willie.

Personally, I could care less if I am the strongest or weakest player in a tournament.
 
u12armresl said:
Ya that's great logic. You haven't beaten me before, and I don't like you. Because I don't answer you, it makes you right? Since you are new to the scene (as is Willie) I'll help you out, not everyone that you meet now, acts the way now that they used to act or even act the same way to everyone. You (and Willie) haven't been around that long at all. But for some reason you feel you have risen to a status which you can play or comment about playing lol. Driving a truck once, don't make you a truck driver.

Not sure about the leagues comment as you would be insulting a huge portion of the board who are league players, including your friend Jeff and Willie.

Personally, I could care less if I am the strongest or weakest player in a tournament.
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Dude...who are you and why the hell should I care if you were a railbird for the last 30 years talking about all the stuff you are gonna do and scores you are gonna make and how good you used to be.

My name is Justin Collett. My picture is in my avatar. Who the hell are you keyboard warrior. You are right, I have not been around pool in Indy for long. I got here in '97. The first time I walked into Airport Billiards to hit balls, Beckley asked me to gamble, I said "No thanks" he said "Ok" turned and went back to what he was doing. You are right he is the devils spawn:rolleyes:

Over the years I have gotten to know the pool scene fairly well, but I don't know who is screwing who in the parking lot of John Waynes or Airport, or who stiffed someone for $3, or who gave you a dirty look 11 years ago.Because I don't care. So forgive me if I am not up on the pool room gossip from the last 20 years.

You don't like me. Cool. You don't like Wille and JB either. If I am in with those guys I KNOW I am on the right side of that bet. I have NEVER seen Jeff get out of line, not once, even when warranted.

As for Willebetmore he may very well be "new" to you but I'll bet whatever, he has given more to the game and the members of this forum than you ever have or will. Jusk ask any one of the many people he invites into his home to play or any AZ'er who stopped in the AZ Room at the Derby, or the people who met Grady at the exhibition he set up, or the straight pool challenge from this weekend. Maybe I missed your name on the list of organizers....nah probably not, you just talk.

Regarding my comment about leagues, I stand by it 100%. I did not say "all league players suck" I said the mentality that leagues have brought about sucks. And it does. I play in a local league because I commited to my friends, and I hate it. I hate playing people who can't make 3 balls. Most league players I know have no idea what good pool is because they NEVER see it. They don't know there are guys out there that give JB the 7.

While were at it what do you contribute besides taking shots and making asinine comments that make no sense?

Edit to add: So there is no confusion. In my avatar I am the guy in the back row. You could say I am the back row.
 
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Great comments everyone!
I don't take those comments to heart anyway.. Just a little fun with em'.
Thanks for the back up from my buddies( you know how you are.... and aren't)..
Jimmy, nice to hear you man! I still think of back in the day when we met.. You and Morton , the L.A. big dogs , came strolling into my area, Hard Times S.D.. Do you remember? Ya you do cause I bring it up everytime I see you!! Good memories.. Back when you had that long mullet, with the comb in your pocket.. When you guys left, I tried to pick up your style stroke. I never could get it.. I remember watching you in all the ring games at H.T. Bellflower thinkin man , I wish I could do that!!..
Hope your doin' good Jimmy.. Keep in touch every now and then..
Me, I'm back to building decks. IPT efforts crashed my moneys....:mad:
So back to the drawing board, ya know.. It's like a bad road trip..:)


Good job Justin. I knew you were good at SOMETHIN".. lol. Just kidding.
Great quality. See you soon.. At a YMCA or something?
 
Hey Jeff,

Welcome to the forum. I just wanted to say I enjoyed your input on the IPT situation broadcast and hope to see you in Vegas.
 
What's going on, Jeff? Are you going to be in Vegas this year? Last time I saw you in Vegas you said you had been playing a lot of golf. Are you still playing? I was but I finally realized how bad I sucked and had to try to play pool again. I'm starting to realize how bad I suck at that and might start playing golf again! :D

Eh, I just go back and forth between sucking at one game or the other. I love it. Although, I do admit, I'm far higher on the suck-o-meter in golf than I am in pool. I still have a phone number for you. I'll PM you and find out if it's the right number. Hope you're doing well. Say hi to Jeanette for me even though she never responded to my message on MySpace asking to add me to her friends list.

sandianakid said:
Great comments everyone!
I don't take those comments to heart anyway.. Just a little fun with em'.
Thanks for the back up from my buddies( you know how you are.... and aren't)..
Jimmy, nice to hear you man! I still think of back in the day when we met.. You and Morton , the L.A. big dogs , came strolling into my area, Hard Times S.D.. Do you remember? Ya you do cause I bring it up everytime I see you!! Good memories.. Back when you had that long mullet, with the comb in your pocket.. When you guys left, I tried to pick up your style stroke. I never could get it.. I remember watching you in all the ring games at H.T. Bellflower thinkin man , I wish I could do that!!..
Hope your doin' good Jimmy.. Keep in touch every now and then..
Me, I'm back to building decks. IPT efforts crashed my moneys....:mad:
So back to the drawing board, ya know.. It's like a bad road trip..:)


Good job Justin. I knew you were good at SOMETHIN".. lol. Just kidding.
Great quality. See you soon.. At a YMCA or something?
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Jimmy M. said:
You put this into words far better than I ever have when discussing this issue with people here in Arizona. Prior to the AZ All-Around Tour (which is now the Olhausen All-Around Tour, I believe), this pretty much summed up pool in Arizona. They have a state-wide handicap system here that most TD's and room owners use to segregate players (instead of using the system for what a handicap system should be used for - so everyone can play together) for the very reasons that you described. So, rather than there being a tournament where everyone plays together with the handicap, they just say, "only this handicap and below are allowed to play in the tournament". It really is a ridiculous situation.
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JM,
This is an area where golf beats pool all to hell. Because golfers really play against the course; handicapping is easy (and for honest and honorable golfers also fairly accurate).

Pool, however, is played against opponents; and handicapping is difficult. In 8-ball and 9-ball it is difficult to devise any handicap under which a beginner can compete with a pro.

My solution (of course), is to bring back straight pool; it is relatively easy to provide a handicap with which a poor player can compete with better players. Our straight pool league offers weekly examples of tremendously competitive matches between players of disparate skill levels.
 
Hey Willie...

I know Chris F. from the U.S. Amateur qualifiers over in Columbus(Mark W. from Fort Wayne). He is a very solid player and a nice guy to boot. Is he an AZ member? if so, do you know his AZ name? Would just like to say hey to him and tell him he should let me know the next time you guys are all going to get together for a challenge...It sounds like it was a blast and I would love to join in...Thanks
 
oneshotwiss said:
I know Chris F. from the U.S. Amateur qualifiers over in Columbus(Mark W. from Fort Wayne). He is a very solid player and a nice guy to boot. Is he an AZ member? if so, do you know his AZ name? Would just like to say hey to him and tell him he should let me know the next time you guys are all going to get together for a challenge...It sounds like it was a blast and I would love to join in...Thanks
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Swiss-man,
I don't believe that Chris posts here often; though I believe that he may lurk on occasion. You could send a PM to "mthornto" as he is active here, and is a good friend of Chris's.

Chris had me down in our match 91-67; and I was able to run out in a couple of innings to win a barnburner (100-91).
 
Eric H. said:
Is that pic taken in Chalkies?
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Eric,
All of the pictures in the gallery were taken at Chalkies.

It is a very upscale (meaning expensive) room with good food, and a new owner that is an expert player and seems more interested in pool activities than the previous owners.
 
I thought so, im from that area, just stationed in Korea at the moment. looking forward to getting back. thanks.
 
JCIN,

I like the pictures very much. Really enjoy looking at them.

The room is also looking really nice, and upscale.

Thank you very much for sharing this.

Regards,
Richard
 
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