It appears that in my geographic area the pool game is slowly but surely fading away. No youth = no future. I live in a rural town about 35 miles from the nearest billiard parlor. Many, many more miles in any other direction to any other establishment. That means about $15.00 gasoline, a few hours travel and over $3.00 per hour per person to play / or get practice table time. A very excellent facility with many amenities, great environment ,etc.etc. etc. however not very practical, in particular for today's youth. Much different from way back in the good ol days pool halls were located much more conveniently for all to access. Even in many small BURGS. Of course the original Bar Tables decimated many pool halls by making the game easy to get involved with for adults. At .25 c per game - Fine business. However the youth were basically locked out - unless dad could get the bar keep to allow a son or other youths to play a bit while their parents were present. Another series of problems have reared there head around my neighborhood. There are approx a dozen bar tables within a few miles of my location, in bars and clubs in other rural towns, however with mostly ludicrous drink prices .75c per pool game, the business is sliding down down down. Good players run out in minutes - way to much to pay to play. Again the youth are vanquished from the game. Many bar tables are in terrible condition - larger or smaller cue ball's, out of level tables, rails that are unmanagable, cheesy balls, etc. etc. and .75c per game !!!!!. Having been active in the sport for many years I can't help but feel sad to witness the demise of such a great challenging sport / activity. The many adventures, competitions, friendships and fun derived over my many years may just be gone for ever. Unfortunately the pro circuit is also faltering. With a lot of co-operation, management and dedication, all involved could do much to bring the game back to life, however ????? - PS - I'm not the pro pool player Tony Frank