marcus,

Where do you shoot pool? In NY? We may know each other (by sight at least).

I'm out of stroke these days, but I spent most of my teens and early 20s playing every day in the Golden Q in Queens. I still play once in awhile in Queens with Gene Nagy in Maspeth Queens. I can still run a 50-60 once in awhile, but I can't threaten 100 anymore.

The biggest problem with pool is the players themselves (at least on the men's side). They think that just because they play great pool it means they also know how to promote and run a business or tour.

IMO, poker will decline a bit from here. THis is the manic bubble phase. Eventually all the fish and wannabees will fall by the wayside, but I think the game has a lot of appeal because you can find "attractive" action 24 hours a day at any stakes you want from the privacy of your home.