Pool gets a 5 minute spotlight on ABC news today (video included)

[keith@greatbilliards]

Florian

Hi Florian,

I am getting out of the ProShot Glove business and wanted to know if you want anymore Gloves.

Regards,
Keith

ps: email to me at klarsen425@aol.com

 

[Runnintable]

Great spot.

The lady actually f-ed up one of the easiest trick shots in the world. All she had to do is hit the 1-ball full. She actually thin cuts it in clean without even touching the 3-ball, hilarious!
I set this shot up all the time for people that are not to familiar with pool, and they usually make both balls over 90% of the time.

 

[TheNewSharkster]

No nitpicking involved, just comments on what I witnessed.

You as is Spiderwebcom both want to be seen favorably and damn the naysayers. If you think a show isn't better with stories so be it.

I'll tell you the best trickshot video I've ever seen is Semigh and he doesn't speak English that well, but manages to tell stored by pointing with his cue, makes animated motions with his stick when English takes and is very personable.

You've changed lately calired from the way you talk to people to everyone who is now your friend after meeting them for a short period of time. I was a big fan of your videos you filmed
And the help you've given users.

You want to assert your opinion and tell me I'm entitled to one but it sure feels that if my opinion isn't yours then it's wrong.

It started off with a review from luxury with which I agreed and rather than accept the review or critique it was his friend tothe rescue and then he comes to mention how wrong we really are

I'm not going to sugarcoat anything or be your friend and then walk outside and plot against you. I give you my honest opinion on the subject and it appears that. Spiderweb, calired, and even florian disagree.

Are you always this much of an ass?

 

[pooln8r]

Wow a live news spot for pool!

Florian...That spot was Awesome!!!! The lead in from your video I think showed the exciting part that would have been hard to do in 4 minutes.

Glad to hear you're in the states and getting yourself, as well as pool in general some long needed attention.

No matter what people have said in this thread about your performance or choice of shots I think you did awesome in handling the whole thing with class. It's not as easy as it looks to do live work on a show with unexpected or slightly odd questions especially with English not being your first language.

What counts is that I'm sure you got people excited and talking about pool again. Isn't that what counts when doing a public LIVE spot on a major network? I think so. I just wish they gave you a longer spot in which to do your magic.

I really hope that MTV or VH1 chooses to show the documentary that Nathan mentioned is going to be offered. It would be great to spark kids into shooting pool again. I didn't have much exposure to pool as a kid but once I did I knew it was for me. It just takes that bit of exposure to get things going again.


Great job! I wish you much success on your tour.

Kevin

 

[tommyceilings]

See that's an interesting thing you mention, because I say my opinion and get berated for it.

Aren't you doing to me what you say I did to him? Minus calling people an ass. I'll let you choose your own words for that.

I'm sorry that I just didn't get the plan before. If you agree with the OP, then post. If you dissent, then remain quiet or be chastised.

Are you always this much of an ass?

 

["CaliRed".]

No nitpicking involved, just comments on what I witnessed.

You as is Spiderwebcom both want to be seen favorably and damn the naysayers. If you think a show isn't better with stories so be it.

I'll tell you the best trickshot video I've ever seen is Semigh and he doesn't speak English that well, but manages to tell stored by pointing with his cue, makes animated motions with his stick when English takes and is very personable.

You've changed lately calired from the way you talk to people to everyone who is now your friend after meeting them for a short period of time. I was a big fan of your videos you filmed
And the help you've given users.

You want to assert your opinion and tell me I'm entitled to one but it sure feels that if my opinion isn't yours then it's wrong.

It started off with a review from luxury with which I agreed and rather than accept the review or critique it was his friend tothe rescue and then he comes to mention how wrong we really are

I'm not going to sugarcoat anything or be your friend and then walk outside and plot against you. I give you my honest opinion on the subject and it appears that. Spiderweb, calired, and even florian disagree.

I'm not sure what to tell you here. You gave your opinion here, as did several other people. I gave my opinion and made it a point of saying its strictly my opinion.

If one person gives you a opposite opinion then your own, I don't know why you would take that as them trying to make you out to be the one with the wrong opinion.

Why can't it be as simple as you say what you want to, and I say what I want to and that's the end of it? If there's something I get from your post, great... If there's something you get from mine, great. If neither of us get anything from each other thats fine too.

I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. There's a difference between debating something and just simply stating your opinion. With me throwing in smilies and me saying this is my opinion and that's all it is, I thought I made it very clear of my intentions.

As far as all that other stuff you wrote about me, I don't know what to tell you. I'm the same guy I've always been....just a regular Joe schmo that is trying to give back something to the pool community with this game we all love.

Sent from my phone. Lucky you, you get the abbreviated version.

 

[tommyceilings]

I do appreciate you Cali, all you have done, and believe me you have done a lot. From all the producing and converting you do to the personal videos you have done, the tech help, etc.

This was not a dig at you, you just seem to not be the same. Maybe you're worn out, or maybe I have bad perception.

No attack was intended on you, that would negate my point that I'm trying to say we can all have opinions. If the OP wanted to post a video, how can he acknowledge all the "good" replies, and if a critical one comes up, here come the excuses.

Meant to add, go ahead on the non abbreviated version, I'm an old guy and don't foresee any heart palpitations.

I'm not sure what to tell you here. You gave your opinion here, as did several other people. I gave my opinion and made it a point of saying its strictly my opinion.

If one person gives you a opposite opinion then your own, I don't know why you would take that as them trying to make you out to be the one with the wrong opinion.

Why can't it be as simple as you say what you want to, and I say what I want to and that's the end of it? If there's something I get from your post, great... If there's something you get from mine, great. If neither of us get anything from each other thats fine too.

I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. There's a difference between debating something and just simply stating your opinion. With me throwing in smilies and me saying this is my opinion and that's all it is, I thought I made it very clear of my intentions.

As far as all that other stuff you wrote about me, I don't know what to tell you. I'm the same guy I've always been....just a regular Joe schmo that is trying to give back something to the pool community with this game we all love.

Sent from my phone. Lucky you, you get the abbreviated version.

 

["T"]

At least it was some very good exposure for pool and i'm proud working on the promotion of pool whatever its form is and yes, its Angel Levine who brought the table to the studio, she's done an awesome job !

After seeing Angel a couple weeks ago, the fact that she was able to pull this off actually doesn't surprise me.

Chicago is a really tough town to promote anything pool related because there are so few common connections. Mostly bars with pool tables rather than pool tables with bars and you have to physically go to each and every nook and cranny to get anything noticed. Angel came into Cary's on Devon while she was doing just this, and let me tell you, she is indeed an awesome promoter!

The way she had everyone in the room excited about the show, sharing youtube vids, was terrific! I really hope her hard work pays off and the shows tonight and tomorrow are a huge success! Best of luck!

 

[mantis99]

Pretty cool. He's a great ambassador for the game. I hope his shows sell out. I wish I had been able to make one of his shows. His stuff is amazing.

 

[ugotaction]

Awesome stuff

 

[inside_english]

ABC news brought in a Diamond table into their newsroom for this. 4 million viewers is their audience for this particular time slot. Very impressed.

Flash version:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8465415&pid=8465335&section=resources

Mobile friendly version:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/html5/video?id=8465415&pid=8465335&section=resources

Couldn't watch the whole thing.

Maybe it's because I don't think much of trick shots.
Or because the idiotic comments by the hosts were annoying.

Anyway, I wish Venom success with his artistic pool.

 

["CaliRed".]

I do appreciate you Cali, all you have done, and believe me you have done a lot. From all the producing and converting you do to the personal videos you have done, the tech help, etc.

This was not a dig at you, you just seem to not be the same. Maybe you're worn out, or maybe I have bad perception.

No attack was intended on you, that would negate my point that I'm trying to say we can all have opinions. If the OP wanted to post a video, how can he acknowledge all the "good" replies, and if a critical one comes up, here come the excuses.

Meant to add, go ahead on the non abbreviated version, I'm an old guy and don't foresee any heart palpitations.

I'm now aware I've been acting different. I guess I'm going thru one of the worst times of my life right now, but I don't get on here when I'm feeling like crap and take it out on anyone. That would be too easy to do, like shooting fish in a pond.

Anyways.. I don't look at this thread the same way you do. I see a post alerting everyone that the Venominator got a coveted TV spot in prime time Chicago.. I see some congrats, then I see a couple of people take the opportunity to offer some constructive criticism about things he could have done differently. And then I come along.

I wasn't singling anyone of you two out, I guess I got a little caught up in the fact he got that opportunity for that short little spot and I saw how he really didn't have time to do much of anything and I just thought this particular time, it was right to just enjoy it, as opposed to critique it.

I would agree that there are people that "pile on" I would also like to point out that over time, a person that is a daily reader here will notice that the same x amount of people will post negative posts about just about anything. It doesn't matter what the thread is about, they are going to criticize, find fault at something or someone, or just be plain negative. (and no this is not about you guys) I suppose if one reads and notices that on a constant basis, they may subconsciously be a little more sensitive or easily irritated. How's that for offering a excuse

As another offer of proof that I was just offering a opinion, is my past history. If you notice, one of my traits are, I say what I got to say and I'm done. It's not often I go back and and explain myself more or debate with someone. There's a few people here that will post 100 times in a thread saying the same thing in different word structures. That irritates the crap out of me so I try to practice what I preach in that area. If it's important to get a point across and I feel I'm being misunderstood, I may go back and try again. Looking back, I've been doing that more then usual, so maybe that's a reason I'm coming off differently.

Thanks for the compliments. I hope to get the Greg Sullivan Interview done this weekend and also to finish up several other projects I'm way behind on for other people.

Just to end this... Contratulations again Mr. Venom! I think I'll snag this video and maybe play around with it some day when I'm bored and come up with something funny.:grin:

 

[dr9ball]

lol...you can never win in this industry. Everyone is a critic. :grin:

And no one can seemingly accept suggestions either with out thinking it's an insult to them or their friends.

Florian is one of the nicest guys in the pool industry as you are Nathan but the industry as a whole seems very defensive of anyone inside or out making suggestions they feel may improve anything. That's just how I see it and my opinion matters very little if at all.

 

[Chicagoplayer]

Ridiculous...

I have grown up in the pool halls of Chicago.
I have spent the past 5 years and every dime I have to film the people, places and problems that our sport, the industry and the players face.
I have endeavoured to take the time to speak to and listen to
HUNDREDS of people
in EVERY DISCIPLINE of cue sports from AROUND THE WORLD from EVERY FACET- to ask the questions, listen to the answers and DO the things necessary to fix those problems.
I have done this of my own volition.
What started out as a story about the IPT and the blessings and problems it created-because it did both, has evolved into a much more intricate tapestry.
But, like when one peels an onion, I cry with each layer revealed.

I.T.guru & photographer, Markus Hofstaetter of Austria, introduced me to Florian "Venom" Kohler through his YouTube clips in March 2009.
Upon meeting "Venom" and his family, hearing his story, and watching his natural ability, it became hugely apparent that Florian could be the hub for bridging the gap between JoeQ Public and the Pool/Billiard world.
Nathan DuMoulin saw this. EVERY person and EVERY pro who has watched a clip or "Venom's" DVD, has smiled, shook their head and said "wow".

let's just say for a moment,
20 other people can do the shots Florian does, perhaps with even more flair and percipacity than him.
Part of the wonderment is that he doesn't just execute-he conceives new ideas and modifies old ones to become something new. He re-purposes.
He is magnetic because he dares to DO.
I hold in high esteem those who DO.
we all contribute, perhaps not everyone understands this.

I find it ironic that the people with whom I've spoke have all said,
"pool just needs something"
and when "something" comes along,
they malign, they sabotage, and in effect, kill it.
Both in word and deed.
The blame gets passed around, but no one "does it to us"
We have done it to ourselves-
we've dumped and double dumped ourselves into a chasm of folklore and
"back in the day" obsolescence.

Our ego's and pride have weighed down the pool world for too long.
I've watched it unfold before my eyes.
We aren't concerned with respect and how we are viewed.
We all too infrequently act with little or no regard to what consequence our actions bring.
We are animals,
I too, am no exception and recognise this-
But equally as important,
I know what I am not.
I am not afraid.
Show me I'm wrong.
And I'll show you a hundred hours of footage proving my point.
Tell me I'm wrong.
I'll show you another hundred hours.
I have spent 25+ years of my life with you, as "you"
If you've ever picked up a cue, I fight for "US"
If you've ever found solace in the sound of the balls clicking,
I fight for "US"
If a poolroom and the people in it have ever given your weary head, shelter and clarity. I fight for "US"
and there are others who, like myself, fight for "US"
they're not trying to get over on anyone; they give of themselves.

We are all trying to make money, to survive, to live-
but when we must cut each others throats to do it,
we turn into the thing we hate most.
I don't expect "yes men"
I expect people to do right by the sport that feeds their families and their souls.
-Angel Levine

 

[Masirib5]

One of the best and positive posts I have ever read.

Angel you are a shining star in the background that actually contributes to the sport I love - pool and billiards!

Thanks you!

--Jeff

 

[Scaramouche]

I understand English isn't your first language. You also have said you don't play much eight ball so I wanted to let you know how much Americans are against scratching. Even the host said, "but I scratched" on the botched finale.

Millions of American bar players play if you scratch on the eight ball you LOSE even if you don't make it.

I believe you will get more tv gigs so my advice is to avoid every single shot you do being a scratch shot. Definitely not back to back shots shooting balls right into a pocket.

Americans relate better to object balls being pocketed. Scratching is acceptable in trick shot competitions but for tv spots less scratching will be good.

Even that jump masse shot should have the object ball in a spot where a scratch won't happen. The cue ball should be coming straight at it with the cue guide so an inch further from the pocket should help.

Then of course the finale needs to work so I suggest just telling the shooter to shoot directly at the one.

I hope you can appreciate free advice. I give it because in everything I've done I've been willing to appreciate feedback and listening and adjusting has done wonders for me.

Obviously you must create regional videos.

For American pool players - No sewering the white.

For the UK - Every shot a scratch, one way to score in English billiards.

Better yet, Ignore your critics.

 

[TheNewSharkster]

See that's an interesting thing you mention, because I say my opinion and get berated for it.

Aren't you doing to me what you say I did to him? Minus calling people an ass. I'll let you choose your own words for that.

I'm sorry that I just didn't get the plan before. If you agree with the OP, then post. If you dissent, then remain quiet or be chastised.

Blah blah blah STFU

 

["CaliRed".]

/snip for brevity/

I have grown up in the pool halls of Chicago.
I have spent the past 5 years and every dime I have to film the people, places and problems that our sport, the industry and the players face.
I have endeavoured to take the time to speak to and listen to
HUNDREDS of people
in EVERY DISCIPLINE of cue sports from AROUND THE WORLD from EVERY FACET- to ask the questions, listen to the answers and DO the things necessary to fix those problems.
I have done this of my own volition.

-Angel Levine

Welcome Angel! Is it this thread that's heating you up or did something happen during the weeks/days leading up to tonight's event?

Hopefully you can make a new thread and tell us how the Venom
event went tonight. Anyone in the Chicago area tonight, maybe there's still tickets left.

Watch out here, sometimes the rebels can get a little harsh when they smell new blood... oh, never mind, you're from Chicago

 

[JoeyA]

We like our

This was an EXCELLENT piece of television exposure and what "VEnom" covered was PERFECT. The reason it was PERFECT is illustrated in the video by the two television announcers. They were as giddy as two people could be. They were entertained and it showed big time.

Angel Levine, Nathan Dumoulin & Florian Kohler should all take a bow.

Hoping to see more of "Venom" down the road.

Would love to see more television spots for Florian in the future.

I'll save any criticism for the show/shots etc. for private messages but right now, I can't think of anything to mention except, attaboy!

MAS! MAS! MAS! MAS! MAS! MAS! MAS!

 

[Cuephoric]

I have grown up in the pool halls of Chicago.
I have spent the past 5 years and every dime I have to film the people, places and problems that our sport, the industry and the players face.
I have endeavoured to take the time to speak to and listen to
HUNDREDS of people
in EVERY DISCIPLINE of cue sports from AROUND THE WORLD from EVERY FACET- to ask the questions, listen to the answers and DO the things necessary to fix those problems.
I have done this of my own volition.
What started out as a story about the IPT and the blessings and problems it created-because it did both, has evolved into a much more intricate tapestry.
But, like when one peels an onion, I cry with each layer revealed.

I.T.guru & photographer, Markus Hofstaetter of Austria, introduced me to Florian "Venom" Kohler through his YouTube clips in March 2009.
Upon meeting "Venom" and his family, hearing his story, and watching his natural ability, it became hugely apparent that Florian could be the hub for bridging the gap between JoeQ Public and the Pool/Billiard world.
Nathan DuMoulin saw this. EVERY person and EVERY pro who has watched a clip or "Venom's" DVD, has smiled, shook their head and said "wow".

let's just say for a moment,
20 other people can do the shots Florian does, perhaps with even more flair and percipacity than him.
Part of the wonderment is that he doesn't just execute-he conceives new ideas and modifies old ones to become something new. He re-purposes.
He is magnetic because he dares to DO.
I hold in high esteem those who DO.
we all contribute, perhaps not everyone understands this.

I find it ironic that the people with whom I've spoke have all said,
"pool just needs something"
and when "something" comes along,
they malign, they sabotage, and in effect, kill it.
Both in word and deed.
The blame gets passed around, but no one "does it to us"
We have done it to ourselves-
we've dumped and double dumped ourselves into a chasm of folklore and
"back in the day" obsolescence.

Our ego's and pride have weighed down the pool world for too long.
I've watched it unfold before my eyes.
We aren't concerned with respect and how we are viewed.
We all too infrequently act with little or no regard to what consequence our actions bring.
We are animals,
I too, am no exception and recognise this-
But equally as important,
I know what I am not.
I am not afraid.
Show me I'm wrong.
And I'll show you a hundred hours of footage proving my point.
Tell me I'm wrong.
I'll show you another hundred hours.
I have spent 25+ years of my life with you, as "you"
If you've ever picked up a cue, I fight for "US"
If you've ever found solace in the sound of the balls clicking,
I fight for "US"
If a poolroom and the people in it have ever given your weary head, shelter and clarity. I fight for "US"
and there are others who, like myself, fight for "US"
they're not trying to get over on anyone; they give of themselves.

We are all trying to make money, to survive, to live-
but when we must cut each others throats to do it,
we turn into the thing we hate most.
I don't expect "yes men"
I expect people to do right by the sport that feeds their families and their souls.
-Angel Levine

If there were 10 of you working like this for pool, the networks would be fighting for prime-time slots... if there were 100 the whole world would be trying to put pool ahead of other sports in airtime and sponsorships- any of the dissenters who feel it can be done better- step up and match the standard that angel has established, or try to pass it.then see how the world responds. A handful of people trying can only accomplish so much for those sitting on the rail.... its OUR sport and up to us to build it bigger and better FOR the sport. Personally, I applauded venom and angel for the hardwork and effort they put in for the rest of us degenerates that haven't even made the attempt. Keep up the great work- it may not always be seen but its most definitely appreciated!