week at APA in vegas

Duane Hinton said:
Did any of you play Nothin Personal from Topeka, KS in the 8 open? This team finishes in 5th place at the national tournament but dead last in their summer 2008 session. In the past three years this same team, or at least four members have finished 1st (Bankers and snookers), 9th (Bankers and snookers), and now 5th (Nothin personal). They do this by winning a session and then finishing in the bottom half in the other two sessions a year to keep their skill levels down. Only their 2 7's are correctly handcapped. Thier captain, a 6 should have a skill level of 7; their 5 is really a 6; their 4 should be a 6; and their two 3's should be 4's. Since 2003, teams from Topeka have finished 3rd (2003), 1st (2004), 1st (2006), 9th (2007) and 5th (2008). Are we a hotbed for pool or what?

No, not a hotbed for pool...just cheaters doing an extremely good job of it...
 
ronhudson said:
How many NBA or NFL local league franchise owners are former players? Whoa. I'll bet they're in it for the money.

Probably not many but there is a big difference between your example and an APA LO. Not to mention the "owners" have a highly paid team of employees surrounding them on a lot of their decisions who actually have EXPERIENCE in determining the level of players they are paying the big bucks. Last I knew the APA & NBA weren't exactly likewise sports.

Find a better example than that.
 
I too am from Maine and was at the nationals

mongoose- said:
Probably not many but there is a big difference between your example and an APA LO. Not to mention the "owners" have a highly paid team of employees surrounding them on a lot of their decisions who actually have EXPERIENCE in determining the level of players they are paying the big bucks. Last I knew the APA & NBA weren't exactly likewise sports.

Find a better example than that.

Mongoose,
I have been reading your posts and I do not agree with you on bashing the APA or our LO. I have watched the APA grow here in Maine and it is due to the dedication the LOs we have in our area. I watched this league grow from 1998 until now and they have done a great job of promoting our sport and bringing more pool players into this game. The first year they ran this league they both starved and really things did not take off for the first five years. I know these guys I have seen the house they live in and I can tell you they might be paying the bills but they are not getting rich. Much of the funds payed in weekly goes into pay offs and to the national office leaving a small portion to run the business and profit to support themselves.

The APA is a league of all skills of pool players and yes the 23 rule is a business plan but it also brings more people into the sport and that is a great thing. There will always be winners and losers and I could tell you a couple of stories of an SL3 winning to take a team to Vegas that had not one thing to do with skill but hands down we won. I watched Gary and his lady friend play the semi and final round 8 ball doubles at the nationals and Gary played so well that she really did not have a hard shot. Really they should have lost as their opponents scratched on the eight ball.

For me watching sub-par pool all night is a bummer which is why I would love to see the masters get started as regular weekly play. I would actually travel quite a distance to play in this as I know it would be small. Really, this is the APA answer for players that want to play at a higher level, but, there just has not been enough interest in the regular weekly play to get it started. A friend of mine from Oregon plays every week in the masters and they handicap it just a smidge to let the 6s feel like they might be able to compete and it works.

I am sure your sentiment towards the APA comes from a beef that has turned you off. What has happened in the past cannot change how you react to it you can.
 
Koop said:
I wonder if it's the team we lost to? We wound up in 33rd and got crushed by a team from Philly. All I can say is, "HOLY CRAP" they were good. The 6 I played didn't miss a shot the entire set. I ran with him for 3 games but just couldn't keep up. Best 6 I have ever seen :(
He must be a 7 now ...
 
Opinions are like a** holes everyone has one

Bigkahuna said:
Mongoose,
I have been reading your posts and I do not agree with you on bashing the APA or our LO. I have watched the APA grow here in Maine and it is due to the dedication the LOs we have in our area. I watched this league grow from 1998 until now and they have done a great job of promoting our sport and bringing more pool players into this game. The first year they ran this league they both starved and really things did not take off for the first five years. I know these guys I have seen the house they live in and I can tell you they might be paying the bills but they are not getting rich. Much of the funds payed in weekly goes into pay offs and to the national office leaving a small portion to run the business and profit to support themselves.

The APA is a league of all skills of pool players and yes the 23 rule is a business plan but it also brings more people into the sport and that is a great thing. There will always be winners and losers and I could tell you a couple of stories of an SL3 winning to take a team to Vegas that had not one thing to do with skill but hands down we won. I watched Gary and his lady friend play the semi and final round 8 ball doubles at the nationals and Gary played so well that she really did not have a hard shot. Really they should have lost as their opponents scratched on the eight ball.

For me watching sub-par pool all night is a bummer which is why I would love to see the masters get started as regular weekly play. I would actually travel quite a distance to play in this as I know it would be small. Really, this is the APA answer for players that want to play at a higher level, but, there just has not been enough interest in the regular weekly play to get it started. A friend of mine from Oregon plays every week in the masters and they handicap it just a smidge to let the 6s feel like they might be able to compete and it works.

I am sure your sentiment towards the APA comes from a beef that has turned you off. What has happened in the past cannot change how you react to it you can.

You certainly don't have to agree with my posts as everyone has an OPINION. My posts are that, My OPINION. As for bashing the LO here I haven't said 1 thing I wouldn't be happy to say to their faces or yours. You speak like a true "a** supporter" of the APA. I too have been around this game for many years & met the LO's when they first purchased the franchise here. YES they brought a lot of PEOPLE into the sport in this state. That is their business. As far as just making a living I seriously doubt that. It don't take an accountant to figure it out but as I said it is a BUSINESS and this is America so to each their own.

As for bringing PLAYERS into this sport they have not brought but a very few. Go across the state and get a game of 9ball with 90% of these APA players and they will say how are we going to keep score. Well buddy REAL 9ball isn't played by marking ball points on a score sheet. Ask 90% of these APA players who Efren Reyes is and I will bet they can't even answer that but they sure can tell you who Alison Fisher is. WHY ? Because of APA marketing. 90% of those participants in the APA couldn't even tell you the name of a custom cue maker but they can tell you what a cuetec is.

Now to the LO setting scores as they want. I have seen on several occasions calls be made the night of league play to the office there and peoples numbers get changed when they are already set on paper. AND I have seen calls be made and some individuals be told theres nothing we can do the computer sets it. Stats don't lie that are posted on their site either. I could go over plenty and we could have the discussion of why such & such isn't higher or lower but that would take a looong time as the variences are that high.

Let's move on to the "all expense paid trip to Vegas". We live in Maine not BOSTON. There are airports in this state. 1 in Bangor & 1 in Portland. Why would players from this state have to drive 7+ hours from up north which of course it is less for you guys down south at the price of gas. This league is not in MASS. Just figure out what is paid in & after your expenses of travel, rooms, etc to win the "all expense trip" what you actually win.

As for my opinion on Gary Abood. Do I think he belongs in an Amateur league. No I don't. As he is NOT an Amatuer player. Anyone can lose a race to 5 and he is certainly not unbeatable. BUt for those who paid their dues and made it out there "which I had a few friends in that 8ball doubles" deserve to compete against just that... Amateurs.

There are a LOT of unhappy people up north with the way this league is being run and I can assure you that... a LOT. I don't know how the feelings are down your way as I haven't been down south much since I moved back home.

The REAL game of pool has changed a lot in this state over the years & it has not been for the good. Why don't you ask a couple of the well respected players like TJ Laflamme, Kerry Hebert, or Don Simpson what they think of the APA and it's LO's.

They are just looking for FREE table time to run events. But hey the speel is we are bringing in people to your room. But hey 70% of those players don't even buy a beer.

You may have your OPINION all you want as I will have mine. Just make sure you keep enough tissues handy to wipe that brown stuff off your nose.
 
Let us just have our opinions then

mongoose- said:
You certainly don't have to agree with my posts as everyone has an OPINION. My posts are that, My OPINION. As for bashing the LO here I haven't said 1 thing I wouldn't be happy to say to their faces or yours. You speak like a true "a** supporter" of the APA. I too have been around this game for many years & met the LO's when they first purchased the franchise here. YES they brought a lot of PEOPLE into the sport in this state. That is their business. As far as just making a living I seriously doubt that. It don't take an accountant to figure it out but as I said it is a BUSINESS and this is America so to each their own.

As for bringing PLAYERS into this sport they have not brought but a very few. Go across the state and get a game of 9ball with 90% of these APA players and they will say how are we going to keep score. Well buddy REAL 9ball isn't played by marking ball points on a score sheet. Ask 90% of these APA players who Efren Reyes is and I will bet they can't even answer that but they sure can tell you who Alison Fisher is. WHY ? Because of APA marketing. 90% of those participants in the APA couldn't even tell you the name of a custom cue maker but they can tell you what a cuetec is.

Now to the LO setting scores as they want. I have seen on several occasions calls be made the night of league play to the office there and peoples numbers get changed when they are already set on paper. AND I have seen calls be made and some individuals be told theres nothing we can do the computer sets it. Stats don't lie that are posted on their site either. I could go over plenty and we could have the discussion of why such & such isn't higher or lower but that would take a looong time as the variences are that high.

Let's move on to the "all expense paid trip to Vegas". We live in Maine not BOSTON. There are airports in this state. 1 in Bangor & 1 in Portland. Why would players from this state have to drive 7+ hours from up north which of course it is less for you guys down south at the price of gas. This league is not in MASS. Just figure out what is paid in & after your expenses of travel, rooms, etc to win the "all expense trip" what you actually win.

As for my opinion on Gary Abood. Do I think he belongs in an Amateur league. No I don't. As he is NOT an Amatuer player. Anyone can lose a race to 5 and he is certainly not unbeatable. BUt for those who paid their dues and made it out there "which I had a few friends in that 8ball doubles" deserve to compete against just that... Amateurs.

There are a LOT of unhappy people up north with the way this league is being run and I can assure you that... a LOT. I don't know how the feelings are down your way as I haven't been down south much since I moved back home.

The REAL game of pool has changed a lot in this state over the years & it has not been for the good. Why don't you ask a couple of the well respected players like TJ Laflamme, Kerry Hebert, or Don Simpson what they think of the APA and it's LO's.

They are just looking for FREE table time to run events. But hey the speel is we are bringing in people to your room. But hey 70% of those players don't even buy a beer.

You may have your OPINION all you want as I will have mine. Just make sure you keep enough tissues handy to wipe that brown stuff off your nose.

You do not even know who I am and yet you feel you can speak this way? Your response is offensive to say the least and I shall waste no further time on this. Let us just keep our opinions at that.
 
Bigkahuna said:
You do not even know who I am and yet you feel you can speak this way? Your response is offensive to say the least and I shall waste no further time on this. Let us just keep our opinions at that.

Nope don't know who you are and yes that was a bit offensive so I will apologise for that last sentence. I've seen too many brainwashed people across this state over the last few years with this APA so yeah let's just keep the OPINIONS at that. Take care.
 
Handicapped leagues all have issues

mongoose- said:
Nope don't know who you are and yes that was a bit offensive so I will apologise for that last sentence. I've seen too many brainwashed people across this state over the last few years with this APA so yeah let's just keep the OPINIONS at that. Take care.

I am not brain washed and I to have some issues with the APA. However it is what it is and I just work with it. I have bigger things in life to worry about.
 
Bigkahuna said:
I am not brain washed and I to have some issues with the APA. However it is what it is and I just work with it. I have bigger things in life to worry about.

All handicap leagues have issues ? Really ? I also have more things to worry about but you won't see me lining anyones pocket in that league again. And yes it is what it is & poor people that can't see the big picture are BRAINWASHED. You guys can keep paying for that tiny house of those LO's. Which I bet the bank account is prob bigger than the house all funded by unknowing people who just want that "all expense paid trip" to vegas. LOL :banghead:
 
mongoose- said:
Probably not many but there is a big difference between your example and an APA LO. Not to mention the "owners" have a highly paid team of employees surrounding them on a lot of their decisions who actually have EXPERIENCE in determining the level of players they are paying the big bucks. Last I knew the APA & NBA weren't exactly likewise sports.

Find a better example than that.

Maybe it was a little subtle for you, but my point is that the APA is a business, just as are the NFL and the NBA. In that respect they are exactly the same. They operate in a manner that will grow and otherwise benefit their business. The APA business plan seems to be pretty effective.

All national leagues -- APA, TAP, BCAPL, Valley, and any others -- have rules. Players are free to choose which league's rules they like the best and play that league. No reason to ***** and whine and get all frothy at the mouth about a league; just quit and move on. A lot of people prefer Target to Wal-Mart, so they shop at their preferred store. Again, no reason to get all exercised, just go on about your business in the way that pleases you.

There's always another option. If you think you can do better, start your own league. That's the way all the others got started; somebody decided there was a need and filled it.
 
mongoose- said:
Dude... You really have a negative agenda going on here.

You look like you're being highly successful at getting others to bite on your negativism, via their responses and opinions.

You have a negative opinion of the organization. Fine. No sweat off my back or many others here. They obviously see things differently.

This thread was originally set up in reference to "week at APA in Vegas".
We don't need to hijack it with petty bickering.

That statement would include me too, so I'm OUT.

NOTE: Not looking for a petty flame war. The only thing I've said about you references "negative" posts in this thread. I think that's as accurate as it gets.
 
FLICKit said:
Dude... You really have a negative agenda going on here.

You look like you're being highly successful at getting others to bite on your negativism, via their responses and opinions.

You have a negative opinion of the organization. Fine. No sweat off my back or many others here. They obviously see things differently.

This thread was originally set up in reference to "week at APA in Vegas".
We don't need to hijack it with petty bickering.

That statement would include me too, so I'm OUT.

NOTE: Not looking for a petty flame war. The only thing I've said about you references "negative" posts in this thread. I think that's as accurate as it gets.

I guess it does look like the thread was hijacked so I will agree with you on that one.
 
ronhudson said:
Maybe it was a little subtle for you, but my point is that the APA is a business, just as are the NFL and the NBA. In that respect they are exactly the same. They operate in a manner that will grow and otherwise benefit their business. The APA business plan seems to be pretty effective.

All national leagues -- APA, TAP, BCAPL, Valley, and any others -- have rules. Players are free to choose which league's rules they like the best and play that league. No reason to ***** and whine and get all frothy at the mouth about a league; just quit and move on. A lot of people prefer Target to Wal-Mart, so they shop at their preferred store. Again, no reason to get all exercised, just go on about your business in the way that pleases you.

There's always another option. If you think you can do better, start your own league. That's the way all the others got started; somebody decided there was a need and filled it.

NO S**T Einstein I said it was a business... money making racket.

...I... to you Mr. Hudson.
 
Back to a positive note, I got to meet Koop, GoTulane, Scott, and a few others for a few beers, which was fun.

My team went 4-2 and both losses were hill-hill -- in each case, it came down to the last game of the last match. What's better than that? (Except for my 4 making an easy 3 ball run with BIH!).

I'm with Ron, if you don't like APA then take advantage of one of many alternatives: play in BCA, TAP, in-house leagues, tournaments, one-on-one tournaments, etc... If you don't like Starbuck's, buy coffee elsewhere. Spending a lot of time telling and re-telling everyone how much you hate Starbuck's seems just plain odd. Ditto for APA, even though a lot of people spend a lot of time criticizing it.

I think the logic of those who devote their time to criticizing the APA at every opportunity is something along these lines:
1. APA is for bangers (mostly true)
2. I hate APA (apparently true)
3. Therefore, I am not a banger (possibly true, but maybe not)

Cory
 
Cory in DC said:
Back to a positive note, I got to meet Koop, GoTulane, Scott, and a few others for a few beers, which was fun.
Cory

Great to meet you too man. Looks like we went out right after you. It was a good tournament and hopefully next year we can both advance a little further.

Regards,
Koop
 
Eric. said:
Hate to say it, but....thats the way it is.

Anything that is handicapped will always have these situations. Hell, I saw a bunch of guys floating around the mini tournies i.e. Brian Gregg, Gary Abood, Brian Groce (I think), et al. What are ya gonna do, lol?

BTW, how's "Irene" doing, Koop?


Eric >(Koops new booty call)
Nope, Brian Groce was not In Vegas during the APA.
 
Koop said:
Great to meet you too man. Looks like we went out right after you. It was a good tournament and hopefully next year we can both advance a little further.

Regards,
Koop

when did u find time for that party? I thought you were buisy with your matches!:cool:
 
vagabond said:
when did u find time for that party? I thought you were buisy with your matches!:cool:

No parties buddy, just a quick get together before the matches at Peppercorn's. I am really sorry I didn't get a chance to meet up with you. Once Wednesday came the matches were rolling fast and furious. We finished at 2:30AM and had to be back for an 8AM.
 
Bankin-B said:
Nope, Brian Groce was not In Vegas during the APA.


My bad, Brian. I saw someone (that plays well) in the Mini room that could be Groce's brother, lol.

Hope you did well.


Eric
 
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