Super Billiards Expo thread

[Kerry Impson]

That's interesting, jaz, the same thing occurred to me after I hit "submit". Although harder to enforce because they're harder to see, I think perhaps they should be in the same category. I wonder what (if any) guidelines the WPBA has on earplugs? Good question!

 

[Eric.]

Pam Treadway was the talk of the Super Billiards Expo. Everybody was checking her out in the finals. She's only 17 years old and quite easy on the eyes according to some male spectators. She's usually in the company of another player, Josh Brothers.

Barry Behrman and Buddy came to watch Pam competing in the finals. He was quite taken with her skills set on the table, and I saw him talking to her after the victory. She was so very happy about this achievement in her young career. Pam told me she got a new sponsor, thanks to her great performance at the Super Billiards Expo. I think she said it was "Eurocue."

First time I saw Pam compete was in Toledo about 2 years ago at a Glass City Open. She was the only woman in the event, and as I remember, the 15-year-older cashed, taking down quite a few good players in this event. I knew she was going to be a star, and her hard work and dedication to her game has finally paid off. A big congratulations go out to her!

Pam Treadway is shown in this pic standing next to Dawn Hopkins holding the biggest trophy for her great win. Check out the two faces in the background between the charts, watching from behind as Pam shines in all her glory. That's Maryland Young Gun Shawn Wilke and Pam's companion, Josh Brothers, checking out the awards presentation. Josh told me later he was so very proud of Pam. He couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear either!

JAM

I agree with ya, Jen. Pam has got some game and she'll make some wave in the WPBA (if she decides to go that way). As a side note, the second place finisher, Zinni Panju has got some game too. She won the VF Open last year, finished second this year... not too shabby for someone that just popped up on the radar.


Eric

 

[sarahrousey]

Hey JAM,

It was a pleasure to finally get a chance to sit down and talk with both you and Keith. There are so many stories! See you around on the tournament trail.

Sarah

 

[Timberly]

Great Minds think alike...

This pic was taken Thur night at the InsidePOOL party. JR & Chris were discussing how similar their choice of wardrobe was. I'm thinking Chris was giving the camera his "sexy look".

 

[JAM]

Here's a few new pics of my Super Billiards Expo journey!

JAM's picture page of the 2005 Super Billiards Expo

JAM

 

[or1pkt]

Here's a few new pics of my Super Billiards Expo journey!

JAM's picture page of the 2005 Super Billiards Expo

JAM

Jam,
I mudt hand it to you you do a wnderful job of covering tournaments and your photography skills are incredible, IMO you do much better at taking pictures than Diana Hoppe not taking anything away from her but you are much better at taking pics of players in their element.

 

[PatH]

Here's a few new pics of my Super Billiards Expo journey!

JAM's picture page of the 2005 Super Billiards Expo

JAM

Jam sorry I missed you at the AZ get together. I was in and out in a hurry. I saw you a couple of times on the floor but you were usually in a conversation with somebody.
Quick question just to show my ignorance, in the pic of "Kid Delicious" racking the balls who is the player in the foreground holding the cue. I watched him play in the afternoon and he was holding the table pretty well.

PatH

 

[1pRoscoe]

Jam sorry I missed you at the AZ get together. I was in and out in a hurry. I saw you a couple of times on the floor but you were usually in a conversation with somebody.
Quick question just to show my ignorance, in the pic of "Kid Delicious" racking the balls who is the player in the foreground holding the cue. I watched him play in the afternoon and he was holding the table pretty well.

PatH

That's Ryan McCreesh

 

[Mike Templeton]

Kerry,

Good points.

But...Headphones are no "quick fix" for people who do not have the ability to concentrate. These players didn't just "slap on" a pair of headphones and were all of a sudden able to concentrate. I have played BJ without him wearing headphones and his concentration is still phenomenal. Bemaoning is one thing. Denying your opponent because you don't like what he (or she) is wearing, or because you feel something gives him an advantage is quite another. I do agree that an opponent should be heard if he has a question for the opposing player. But, like I said, I have always had questions and conversations answered without incident when I played opponents with headphones.

I think that the major difference in our opinion on the subject is that I can understand a player not being given a physical advantage (like a corked bat in baseball). But rules on mental advantage are an entirely different thing. You seem to be more inclined to put the two advantages in a similar category. Physical advantage is one thing. Instating rules on what some perceive as mental advantage is another (IMO).

Mike

Mike, while I respect your opinion as well, I must (respectfully) disagree with you, too.
I think it can be argued successfully that headphones are just as much an unfair advantage as finger extensions - they enable you to perform at a higher level than without them (especially if the player "may need help concentrating", as was quoted previously). Also, do finger extensions affect one's opponent any more than headphones do?

No. Finger extensions do not affect your opponent any more than headphones do. But finger extensions give you an unfair physical advantage (see the "devices" rule) like using mirrors or chalk to mark the table.

Finally, if one player is adjusting to the distractions of, say, Buddy's little yips at the Expo au naturel and the other player has headphones on and so doesn't hear them, is that not an uneven playing field, with the headphones giving the wearer an advantage?

I'm not arguing that they don't give the wearer an advantage. The first guy who used chalk, or a leather tip certainly found an advantage. Every pool player has been looking for an advantage since the game was invented. As long as a player is within the rules, he will (and should) use every advantage possible. Legislating rules on mental advantage, though, will be tough to write.

No, I'm not comparing headphone use to drug use; I just happened to like the parallel in the quote to the topic at hand. However, if there are two players, one of whom finds he must use headphones to remain focused while the other has used training and discipline to do the same thing, is not the player who has worked so hard to learn how to maintain focus and ignore distraction at a disadvantage? It's certainly easier to ignore distractions when you can't hear them! Wouldn't such a player perchance bemoan the hours spent training laboriously when he could have just slapped on a pair of headphones to achieve even better results?!

I don't understand why do you feel that "slapping on" headphones is such a quick fix and why players who use them are not disciplined. Every player that I know who wears headphones has certainly put in many, many hours of laborous training on every aspect of pool. And headphones are not a "must" for them to concentrate. But sometimes, against other quality opponents, that small advantage could be the difference in winning and losing a tournament. And with pool being the livelihood of most of these players, it could be the difference between $10,000 for 1st place, or $5,000 for second.

 

[JAM]

That's Ryan McCreesh

a/k/a The Genie Man, shown here in the Action Table pit. The eyes say it all!

JAM

 

[Eric.]

Nuts, Getting the Nuts and Barbara's Nutz...

Ya gotta love Valley Forge. I've been going every year since 1921 (OK, maybe '95 when it was still in NJ). They should have something like this every month. As usual, there was too much going on and you just can't be in two places at once. I tried though. Anywho,

The Nuts:

-the usual suspects; old friends, new friends, players, Internet forum people, roadies, sweaters, betters, and everything in between.

-Charactors; A couple of years ago, two of the more vocal railbirds musta got tired woofing about Pool and decided to woof at each other about who can run faster than the other. The one guy puffed up and said"I used to be an 'Olympic hopeful' and plus, I'm 23 years old", the other taller, thin guy says "OK, you're on. Race around the building for a Dime". The "olympic" guy lost. I tried to get them to do the "Thrilla in Manilla II"(Manilla/VF...), but htey wouldn't go.

-Drama; always something. This year it was NOT me, so don't even go there! In the latest episode of "As Valley Forge Turns", it was a recurring theme. Party A disagreed with Party B, things got escalated over the phone and Internet(this is the 21st century) and all accounts were to be settled in person, in VF. The funny part was when someone was about to "have an accident and fall down", a woman bystander wanted to call security. At that time, one of the guys involved said "Don't bother, I AM Security" . Tune in next year for more. "Like sands thru the hour glass..."

-Screwballs; So I'm playing Pom-Pom girl for Jimmy B, along with Rich R, Mrs. Rich R and Susie. Jimbo is on the hill, in the 3rd set, breaking for the win. He snaps the 9 ball in, along with 5 other balls! I made a comment that "Hey, 6 balls on the break, you just broke Fast Larry's (imaginary)"world record". Everyone laughed. Then, a guy behind me says in a southern drawl "You know Fast Larry?" I turn slowly and say "Maybe". Apparently, this guy was from Atlanta and musta been Larry's only fan. He musta been the only guy gullible enough to believe all of Larry's false boasts and "titles"

Getting the Nuts:

-The Action tables; whadda ya wanna bet? Step up and you will get played. No matter who you are. 10, 20, buck, sawbuck, nickle, dime, whateva, someone will take your action.

-Best match; Lil John and Virginia Matt. 8 ahead, even for 5 Dimes. Skill wise, it was a good match up. Things started off back and forth til Matt makes a charge and gets the Nuts. This was the first time I checked out Lil John's game. He plays well and looks like he has the skills to go to the next level. If he doesn't go broke first. The guys got heart and isn't afriad to bet it up. The only problem is that there is a fine line between having balls and putting your balls on the chopping block...

-Up & comers; John Morra, 15 yrs old, finished high in the Amateur Open.
Pam Treadway, 17 yrs old, wins the Womens Amateur Open.
Zinni Panju, age unknown, but finishes 2nd in the Women's Open after winning it last year.

Barbara's Nutz:

Well, what can I say other than I'm one of her "crack whores". They are delicious, I'm eating them right now and I thank you. Addicting stuff.


I had a great time again. Enjoyed catching up with old friends, not-so-old frineds and friends-a-new. Looking forward to seeing everyone down the trail, I'll buy the first round.


Eric

 

[vapoolplayer]

Kerry,

Good points.

But...Headphones are no "quick fix" for people who do not have the ability to concentrate. These players didn't just "slap on" a pair of headphones and were all of a sudden able to concentrate. I have played BJ without him wearing headphones and his concentration is still phenomenal. Bemaoning is one thing. Denying your opponent because you don't like what he (or she) is wearing, or because you feel something gives him an advantage is quite another. I do agree that an opponent should be heard if he has a question for the opposing player. But, like I said, I have always had questions and conversations answered without incident when I played opponents with headphones.

I think that the major difference in our opinion on the subject is that I can understand a player not being given a physical advantage (like a corked bat in baseball). But rules on mental advantage are an entirely different thing. You seem to be more inclined to put the two advantages in a similar category. Physical advantage is one thing. Instating rules on what some perceive as mental advantage is another (IMO).

Mike


No. Finger extensions do not affect your opponent any more than headphones do. But finger extensions give you an unfair physical advantage (see the "devices" rule) like using mirrors or chalk to mark the table.


I'm not arguing that they don't give the wearer an advantage. The first guy who used chalk, or a leather tip certainly found an advantage. Every pool player has been looking for an advantage since the game was invented. As long as a player is within the rules, he will (and should) use every advantage possible. Legislating rules on mental advantage, though, will be tough to write.



I don't understand why do you feel that "slapping on" headphones is such a quick fix and why players who use them are not disciplined. Every player that I know who wears headphones has certainly put in many, many hours of laborous training on every aspect of pool. And headphones are not a "must" for them to concentrate. But sometimes, against other quality opponents, that small advantage could be the difference in winning and losing a tournament. And with pool being the livelihood of most of these players, it could be the difference between $10,000 for 1st place, or $5,000 for second.

out of risk of pissing people off with this post, i'll explain it to you mike.........LOL

its call the "i can't beat them, so its got to be some other reason than them just playing better than i did that day" syndrome.

just wait, BJ will win something major, and someone will be throwing a hissy fit about how he must have been listening to some psychoanalytical hypnotic super powered c.d. that gave him the power of God in his stroke.........LOL

when all it was, is that he played better than them that day, and someone just doesn't want to face the facts.

if people want to say that the head phones are enabling him to play better, then what about the people that drink before a game? not just beer but anything besides water??? or the people like kid delicious........he obviously has some ticks and tendancies that he does physically that calm him down.......... should he not be allowed to play the way that he feels comfortable just because his opponent doesn't do it????

bottom line is, nothing is really going to make you play better............whether it be head phones, drinking beer, taking more time to shoot a shot.........its all a matter of personal preference.

for all of those who say the headphones give BJ an unfair advantage.......if you think they do........nothing is stopping you from putting on a pair for yourself.........

hell as long as he wears the headphones, you'll always have an excuse when he beats you.......... ........if he takes them off and beats you then you'll have to face the facts............

VAP

 

[CaptainJR]

out of risk of pissing people off with this post, i'll explain it to you mike.........LOL

its call the "i can't beat them, so its got to be some other reason than them just playing better than i did that day" syndrome.

just wait, BJ will win something major, and someone will be throwing a hissy fit about how he must have been listening to some psychoanalytical hypnotic super powered c.d. that gave him the power of God in his stroke.........LOL

when all it was, is that he played better than them that day, and someone just doesn't want to face the facts.

if people want to say that the head phones are enabling him to play better, then what about the people that drink before a game? not just beer but anything besides water??? or the people like kid delicious........he obviously has some ticks and tendancies that he does physically that calm him down.......... should he not be allowed to play the way that he feels comfortable just because his opponent doesn't do it????

bottom line is, nothing is really going to make you play better............whether it be head phones, drinking beer, taking more time to shoot a shot.........its all a matter of personal preference.

for all of those who say the headphones give BJ an unfair advantage.......if you think they do........nothing is stopping you from putting on a pair for yourself.........

hell as long as he wears the headphones, you'll always have an excuse when he beats you.......... ........if he takes them off and beats you then you'll have to face the facts............

VAP

Maybe I'll get out my walkie talkie head phones next tournament. Just kidding of course. It would'nt bother me, but in this age of techno. I'd have to know it was music they were listening to and not a home made cd of things not to forget in your pre-shot routine.

 

[DaveK]

I'd have to know it was music they were listening to and not a home made cd of things not to forget in your pre-shot routine.

Why ? What's the difference between music, racing car noises, white/pink noise, and the home made cd with pool talking ? Having said that, it would seem to me that playing competitively against someone listening to talking on headphones would be easier ... it's hard enough to keep the 'Japanese admirals' quiet inside ones head, let alone when they are amplified in your ears !

Dave, who has no problem with players and headphones as long as they can hear calls ...

 

[Kerry Impson]

First, I'd like to apologize for this topic having hijacked the thread (hopefully briefly).

Headphones are no "quick fix" for people who do not have the ability to concentrate. These players didn't just "slap on" a pair of headphones and were all of a sudden able to concentrate....I think that the major difference in our opinion on the subject is that I can understand a player not being given a physical advantage (like a corked bat in baseball). But rules on mental advantage are an entirely different thing........Legislating rules on mental advantage, though, will be tough to write....I don't understand why do you feel that "slapping on" headphones is such a quick fix and why players who use them are not disciplined......But sometimes, against other quality opponents, that small advantage could be the difference in winning and losing a tournament.

I was merely bringing up hypothetical situations and players for the purpose of discussion. I did not mean to undermine BJ's (or anybody else's) ability or hard work. Did I really imply that a player using headphones cannot concentrate? I meant to indicate that that slight advantage tilts the playing field unfairly. As Barbara said, it's creating an artificial environment.

That's a good point about advantages - since time immemorial players have been looking for anything to give them an edge, and tournament organizers and pool associations have been writing rules to regulate them ever since. Rules against "mental advantages" are only tough to enforce if you allow those things which enable them to exist. For instance, one player may not have his headphone's volume turned up to a level where he can't hear external stimuli, but the next might. (It might even be loud enough to be heard by his opponent and the fans - in which case would the regulation then be on the volume?) One player might listen to a particular song, sound or motivational speech that pumps him up (somewhat like a drug, perhaps) while the other player merely listens to Muzak. The simple solution is to ban headphone use during tournament play, period.

The bottom line: You seem to be saying that as long as headphones are allowed, players should wear them; that's fine, but I'm saying I don't think they should be allowed at all (for the reasons above).

Anyway, we can agree to disagree. Thanks for the lively discussion!

 

[pbat2751]

Thanks for the report Eric....

oh and you owe me a new Keyboard for the FL comment

If only Jimmy could teach the dog to make balls

 

[Eric.]

Paul, ya hadda be there...

Jimmy did have the balls to dog it though (kiddin!)


Eric >AZB's Dan Rather

 

[vapoolplayer]

Maybe I'll get out my walkie talkie head phones next tournament. Just kidding of course. It would'nt bother me, but in this age of techno. I'd have to know it was music they were listening to and not a home made cd of things not to forget in your pre-shot routine.

i understand where you're coming from completely.

as for myself though, eventually i'd like to be good enough that i won't care if the guy had a two way radio with someone giving him advice and a loudspeaker blasting his pre shot routine to him...........

VAP

 

[onepocketchump]

First, I'd like to apologize for this topic having hijacked the thread (hopefully briefly).
I was merely bringing up hypothetical situations and players for the purpose of discussion. I did not mean to undermine BJ's (or anybody else's) ability or hard work. Did I really imply that a player using headphones cannot concentrate? I meant to indicate that that slight advantage tilts the playing field unfairly. As Barbara said, it's creating an artificial environment.

That's a good point about advantages - since time immemorial players have been looking for anything to give them an edge, and tournament organizers and pool associations have been writing rules to regulate them ever since. Rules against "mental advantages" are only tough to enforce if you allow those things which enable them to exist. For instance, one player may not have his headphone's volume turned up to a level where he can't hear external stimuli, but the next might. (It might even be loud enough to be heard by his opponent and the fans - in which case would the regulation then be on the volume?) One player might listen to a particular song, sound or motivational speech that pumps him up (somewhat like a drug, perhaps) while the other player merely listens to Muzak. The simple solution is to ban headphone use during tournament play, period.

The bottom line: You seem to be saying that as long as headphones are allowed, players should wear them; that's fine, but I'm saying I don't think they should be allowed at all (for the reasons above).

Anyway, we can agree to disagree. Thanks for the lively discussion!

How about a rule then that everytime a player does a whirlwind, has conversations with the crowd, says loudly enough that they shouldn't be losing to whomever they are playing and any number of other actions and comments that have nothing at all to do with the game, that they be fined a game loss for the first infraction and a set loss for the second?

Maybe if we didn't have players, promoters and fans doing things on purpose and innocently that do in fact provide distractions then players wouldn't need to look for ways to minimize them.

I could care less if someone is wearing headphones. In the WPBA events they play music. Any particular song may pump one player up while being annoying to another one.

Each of us needs to find our own zen.

John

 

[CaptainJR]

Why ? What's the difference between music, racing car noises, white/pink noise, and the home made cd with pool talking ? Having said that, it would seem to me that playing competitively against someone listening to talking on headphones would be easier ... it's hard enough to keep the 'Japanese admirals' quiet inside ones head, let alone when they are amplified in your ears !

Dave, who has no problem with players and headphones as long as they can hear calls ...

Don't be silly. Of course you know why. Is it ok if my teacher sits ring side and tells me which shot to play? Come on, 'why?' LOL