Some old timers may remember playing at Downtown Wally Brown's just west of Lawrence Dumont. Then Wally moved to Mt. Vernon and Hydraulic. Wally never had darts there, but that was the location that sponsored my first team and another team that eventually became the Rats.
Wally wanted darts in his current (now former) location at 31st and Oliver. Negotiations to put a team there broke down at the last minute when the manager didn't think they had the staffing to handle 10 extra people every other Thursday night.
I inadvertently attended the "Grand Closing" of Wally Brown's tonight. A very good friend of mine invited me to see the band he's playing with now. It just happened that the band's first gig and the last night ever for Wally Brown's was the same night.
If you have a chance to see AOR (Agents of Retro), go see them. The band is good. The vocalist is especially strong on British bands from the '70's and '80's. Tommy Carlyle is the keyboard player, a great friend of mine and the best rock keyboard player ever in Wichita.
When I played with Tommy I told people it was like listening to a blues band with the keyboard player from Deep Purple taking free-form licks. Tommy was the touring keyboard player for the Gregg Allman band when Gregg Allman released his last recordings.
Great band. You need to see them.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Over-50 League results
Team #1
Mary Nicholson
Randy Scheltgen
Gerald Walker
Team #2
Denise Lowery
Larry Fleetwood
Pete Wisecaver
Team #3
Kathie Wisecaver
Rick Lowery
Merlin Suderman
STANDINGS – after October 17
First Place: Team # 3 14 wins 5 losses 73.68%
Second Place: Team # 2 19 wins 19 losses 50%
Third Place: Team # 1 5 wins 14 losses 26.32%
Individual Standings
Larry – 11 wins
Rick – 6 wins
Pete – 5 wins
Merlin – 5 wins
Randy – 4 wins
Denise - 3 wins
Kathie – 3 wins
Mary – 1 wins
Gerald - 0 wins
Format in the league is:
3 501 Doubles
3 501 Singles
3 301 Doubles
3 301 Singles
3 Cricket Doubles
3 Cricket Singles
1 Team-of-3 601
Wins are awarded to players who hit the winning dart in Doubles and Team-Of-3. That's what makes up the Individual Standings.
It's an interesting league and pretty laid back. If we feel like it's time to go before we've finished the schedule for the night, we quit and next week we take off from where we started the previous week.
We can't predict when the league will finish and don't really care. We can certainly handle more teams in this league. I will try to give about a 4-week notice on when the next league will get going. It will be some time in winter.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Great finish to the Saturday League
Going into the final night Merlin and Richard were tied for the lead - and were first-round opponents. The match went all 3 games and Richard won, which guaranteed him 1st.
In the other bracket, Ian beat Kenny (subbing for Doug) in 3 games. We took a look at the standings and realized that if Ian won the winners bracket and Merlin lost to Lisa and Kenny in the losers bracket, Ian would tie Merlin for 2nd.
In 2 more 3-game matches, Merlin beat Lisa and David beat Ian. We took another look at the standings and realized that if Jimmy beat David in the winner's final match and Richard beat Ian in the consolation round, then Jimmy and Ian would tie for 3rd.
It was an exciting finish, but in the last week, David won the winner's bracket. He had a hot date. I think everyone kind of let off a bit so he could impress his date. Ian took Richard out in the 3rd-4th game, but Richard had enough to hang on for the league win.
Final standings:
1st - Richard
2nd - Merlin
3rd - Ian
4th - Jimmy
5th - David
6th - Lisa
I don't want to embarrass anybody by publishing low finishes. I would like to thank Doug, Najet, Darryl, Nick, Jeff, Moe, Randy G., and Kenny for either playing in the league or subbing when scheduled players couldn't make it.
Unfortunately, October 20 is the Saturday after the end of the league and the date I established for a blind draw at the Legion for current and prospective members of the next Saturday league. That date was decided before I was aware of the WDA's Halloween Party.
We were looking for an October 27 start for the next league. There are still a few openings for the next league. I have some contacts interested in the next season. Due to the conflict with the Halloween Party, we may extend the signups to October 27.
I've discussed future WDA affiliation with league members. If we get even one player that comes from any source other than recruitment from current members, we will continue our WDA affiliation. It is disappointing that the vast majority of WDA members aren't aware this WDA league exists or that recruitment for signups is underway.
In the other bracket, Ian beat Kenny (subbing for Doug) in 3 games. We took a look at the standings and realized that if Ian won the winners bracket and Merlin lost to Lisa and Kenny in the losers bracket, Ian would tie Merlin for 2nd.
In 2 more 3-game matches, Merlin beat Lisa and David beat Ian. We took another look at the standings and realized that if Jimmy beat David in the winner's final match and Richard beat Ian in the consolation round, then Jimmy and Ian would tie for 3rd.
It was an exciting finish, but in the last week, David won the winner's bracket. He had a hot date. I think everyone kind of let off a bit so he could impress his date. Ian took Richard out in the 3rd-4th game, but Richard had enough to hang on for the league win.
Final standings:
1st - Richard
2nd - Merlin
3rd - Ian
4th - Jimmy
5th - David
6th - Lisa
I don't want to embarrass anybody by publishing low finishes. I would like to thank Doug, Najet, Darryl, Nick, Jeff, Moe, Randy G., and Kenny for either playing in the league or subbing when scheduled players couldn't make it.
Unfortunately, October 20 is the Saturday after the end of the league and the date I established for a blind draw at the Legion for current and prospective members of the next Saturday league. That date was decided before I was aware of the WDA's Halloween Party.
We were looking for an October 27 start for the next league. There are still a few openings for the next league. I have some contacts interested in the next season. Due to the conflict with the Halloween Party, we may extend the signups to October 27.
I've discussed future WDA affiliation with league members. If we get even one player that comes from any source other than recruitment from current members, we will continue our WDA affiliation. It is disappointing that the vast majority of WDA members aren't aware this WDA league exists or that recruitment for signups is underway.
Friday, October 12, 2007
I owe Matt an apology - a big one
Could someone please pass the ketchup?
Matt Rathbun has done an outstanding job with the Team Dart Frogs (Link) web page. Please visit that page and take a look around (which I failed to do last time I visited). Click on Local Events (which I failed to do last time I visited). Click on all sorts of stuff. The web site is well-constructed and informative.
I requested Matt post information about the Legion's singles "Tournament" leagues. He did. It was my mistake that I didn't find it when I visited the site.
Matt, I did wrong. I criticized you when there was no basis. For that I sincerely apologize.
I have done what's possible to correct the erroneous statements I made. I regret they were published so long and seen by so many before my error was discovered.
COMMENTS:
---------------------------------------------
I appreciate the comments. Working on the site, although enjoyable, can be overwhelming sometimes. It is certainly possible that I may have missed something that anyone has given me. If you don't see anything you requested in a few days or I have not replied, just send me a friendly reminder.
Thank you for setting the record straight. I appreciate it.
-Matt
----------------------------------------------
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Post 4 is hosting Friday and Saturday night darting events
This information is not available anywhere but here. It has been submitted to the Frogs several weeks ago. The Frogs website is still promoting a soft-tip event on Friday nights. This information was submitted to the WDA, but is not in any WDA publications or on their website. CORRECTION This is my error. I missed where Matt put it on the Kansas Dart Frogs web site.
The Legion is offering 7-week sessions of 8-player singles leagues in a 2 out of 3 format with a 100% payback. This is set up as a tournament format and is an excellent way to get used to a tournament format. This is a league darters have been asking for for years, but I don't have the phone numbers or e-mail addresses to inform the players who are looking for an event like this.
The Frogs are not promoting this to their members. The WDA is not promoting these events to their members. Correction The Frogs are promoting this.
There's a reason the address to this site includes "merlinrants" and I'm about to start one.
The Legion has had a great symbiotic relationship with the WDA. The Legion has been a huge asset for the WDA and has improved what the WDA could offer its members. The WDA has been a huge boost to the Legion and has improved what the Legion could offer its members.
Losing the Turkey Shoot is no biggie. That was a good revenue source for the Legion, but sharing the wealth has never been a problem with the Legion. Losing the WDA-sponsored Halloween Shoot falls in the same category.
Losing both in the same year is losing 2 revenue sources that generally helped the Legion recover from summertime slow business and A/C bills.
I am the Financial Officer of the Legion and it is my duty to report to the members on the state of the Legion's finances, the causes of any shortfalls, etc.
Those of us at Post 4 who understand the WDA and support darts understand that the WDA needs to move special events around between sponsors. The majority of members at Post 4 are not familiar with the WDA.
When Post 4 no longer had the space available to store the WDA's standards, Post 4 bought a semi trailer and parked it in their lot for the WDA.
I have to give a financial report to the members of Post 4 Wednesday, Oct. 10. I don't see any way to spin it that the Legion members won't raise questions about the Legion's future financial or facility involvement with the WDA.
Post 4 has become the WDA's host for qualifiers because it's the only facility with the available space.
The absolute lack of support for Post 4 events and the use of Post 4 by the WDA "when it's convenient" is not conducive to raising support of Post 4 members who vote on how Post 4 utilizes its resources.
COMMENTS
------------------------------------------
The WDA has always enjoyed a great relationship with Post 4. Other than this column, no one has brought any concerns regarding this relationship. I hope that the WDA and Post 4 enjoy a long-standing relationship, as was evidenced by the WDA's committment to work out the Spring Fling inside of the constraints of the Post so that we could have the event there. The new leagues out of Post 4 have not yet committed that these are WDA events. One league has committed 50% but that was stated as temporary at our last Board of Director's meetings. If these new leagues are to be incorporated into WDA leagues, then the WDA will promote them and support them to the extent possible. Unequivocal support for the American Legion Post 4 is WDA Policy and we look forward to that remaining in place.
-Kraig
------------------------------------------
The Legion certainly appreciates the support the WDA has provided through the years the Legion and the WDA have been associated.
I disagree with the comment that the WDA went out of its way to accommodate the Legion regarding the Spring Fling.
The Legion offered to move the Spring Fling into the "Members" area. The Legion had the same number of boards and capabilities of more seating and table space than the Laid Back, which had successfully hosted the Spring Fling for many years.
The WDA membership voted to award the Legion both the Spring Fling and the August General Membership meeting. That would have been 2 days of significant revenue for the Legion. Combining those events gave the Legion 1 day of significant revenue instead of 2.
What I stated at the last Captain's Meeting was that if the WDA did nothing to promote or provide darters for the Saturday league and if I had to do all the promotion, publicity and recruitment of players, then I saw no reason to continue the requirement that league members pay the WDA.
The WDA has historically promoted and supported many non-WDA events that WDA sponsors have offered.
-Merlin
--------------------------------------------
One possiblitly could be that no one wants to play in the above mentioned new weekend leagues.
I for one have been a league player with the WDA for 4 years. I chose to play at side pockets on Saturday for a few reasons
1. No political posturing, before, during, or after I throw each dart. It's amazing how much fun can be without having to hear the latest backstab, or complaint about who is doing what in the WDA.
2. I love the legion, I have grown up there. I will never bad mouth it. I will continue to support it as I see fit, not how someone else tells me I should.
3. A juke box with a selection of music that fits more than one demographic.
4. Electronic boards. How can I socialize, enjoy my drink, sit with friends or even eat a meal when I am chalking any event I am not playing in. 3 bucks a night is a small price to pay to be able to enjoy the time that I have when not at the board playing.
5. Promoting darts and good will. I played at Side pockets Saturday night along with 87 other people. There were by my drunken count around 20 "soft tip" players there all enjoying steel tip darts.
I was there for 7 hours, yes 7 and during that time I did not have to hear one negative word about the game that I have grown to love, nor did I hear one negative word about anyone else there that was playing.
I bring this up because in the 3 hours a week that I spend playing in WDA sponsored events I get to hear who isnt doing thier job, who isnt appreciated, who needs to go, who needs to stay, who needs to pay for what. blah blah blah.
I suggest that you embrace what the Frogs are doing with darts instead of try and rain on the parade. They had 88 people show up to have fun, have a couple of drinks, and play the game of darts without any B.S.
It isnt the "legion" that people are not supporting. Its the amount of crap that goes with playing at the legion that keeps people away.
- Paul, Jr.
--------------------------------------------
Just like what would happen at a captains meeting, this has turned into a bickering match back and forth. Gotta love the dysfunctional dart family. Now for my two cents.
If I remember right, isnt the WDA's mission to promote steel tip darts in Wichita. Isn't the legion and the singles league held there in Wichita? Ive been playing in the singles league and have watched half of it go to the WDA, but no mention at all of it on the WDA site, or in the newsletter. By giving 50% of weekly fees, that should get some kind of promotion. But no, nothing. Merlin is right, if he has to take the time to recruit and do everything else, then the WDA shouldnt get anything.
Its understandable that the frogs wouldnt post anything about the league, they are protecting their own interest. I mean 4 or 5 people playing in a Friday or Saturday night singles league would just kill their attendance of what 30 people who go out there.
I will stand behind the Legion, after all they have done for the WDA, to not have a league out of there promoted by the WDA, or the lack of WDA members showing up there is just an insult.
I thought it was the job of the executive council to do everything they can to promote ALL steel tip darts in Wichita. I guess theres fine print, maybe they should have stated it as "promoting steel tip darts in Wichita....only if it fits our hidden agenda"
Come on people, support the legion, get involved in a sponsor that has done alot for our association. They deserve that respect from us. Otherwise someday we may be sitting at a captains meeting deciding how many bars we can split qualifiers and events between to have enough space.
- Richard Cranford
------------------------------------------
I have been in charge of the Dart Frogs's web site for going on a year now. And dang it.. what I am reading about the criticism of what we promote is senseless and to be honest... a little over the top... even for me. I know I have not been involved in the sport of darts for long at all.. In fact its really been just a little over a year. But reading this article and especially some of the comments makes me angry and to be quite honest.. sad.
The thing that compelled me to write this is that some of what I am reading is just downright untrue.
Merlin, you sent me an e-mail with all of the information for this Friday "Early Bird Air Cap Warmup" League. I posted it (where is still continues to be available) on our Local Events page. This information was posted THE SAME DAY YOU SENT THE INFO as well as a mention on the FRONT PAGE of our website for over a week! In fact.. the local events page received nearly 400 different hits since that info was posted. So to see talk that the frogs don't promote anything at the Legion is rediculous to say the least. And to be quite honest, anyone that thinks the frogs don't care what happens at the Legion is wrong.
I am sure I can speak for every one of the frogs when I say our single goal is to promote darts. Plain and simple. What we do at Sidepockets, Regional Tournaments, On the Internet, etc.. to gain new players will filter down to the WDA and the Legion multiple times over. We don't ask anything in return, we don't make a penny, we all donate our time and our love of the game so that others can enjoy it as well. To see most everyone here arguing over a "weekend" is childish. If you all can't look past a "weekend" and look at the "image" you are giving darts by bickering.. than you have already lost in your efforts to promote anything.
I am sorry for any feathers I have ruffled by saying this. It takes a lot to get me going.. but when I personally put the info on our site and give it front page billing and then learn that it is somehow our fault???? Seriously.... Are you going to blame the frogs for people not showing up??
-Matt
------------------------------------------
Am I in the right place? This is where we saddle up the Drama Llamas right? I would like to present a pin or better yet a very large trophy ( I would be willing to pay for the trophy but I have to use those quarters to have fun playing darts, or pay for beer or cigarettes or whatever you choose to drink or smoke) for the person(s) who can conjure up the most drama in a season. It would have a nice gold plated llama standing proudly atop the trophy, no…..better yet one llama whispering into another’s ear, yeah that’s it.
I don’t come here for information, rather a good chuckle or two. It’s somewhat reminiscent of middle school banter. I visit the Frog site for information concerning darts, like the information I found under “Local Events” listing some kind of league hosted by the American Legion Post 4 on Friday and Saturday nights (it’s been there for awhile). I also frequent another site for information as well, some may be familiar with it, www.wdanews.com. Although most of the information on that site is also reiterated on the Frog site. But, one thing that caught my eye was a somewhat vague statement on their home page….see if you can figure it out. “Promoting the sport of darts in the Wichita area”. Does this mean “Steel-Tip” darts, “Soft-Tip” darts, or perhaps it means all darts? Maybe it even includes Yard Darts?, no……I think those were banned in all 51 states (or are there 50?). Maybe if the states were “electronically” counted we wouldn’t have to worry whether it’s 51 or 50. I will have to write a letter to my congressman to see if we can do that, but he might want a quarter to do a practice run and I’m not sure I like that idea.
I think it’s great that the Frogs are, “still promoting a Soft-tip event on Friday nights”. After all I think they still use darts at said event. I feel that every darting event in Wichita should be promoted on every website that [promotes the sport of darts in the Wichita area]. That way, darters would have the choice to play wherever and whenever they wanted.
$52.50 for a lifetime of Drama? I’m in. Only because I’m not sure how long Jerry Springer will run. All the drama and the people creating it will be instrumental to the destruction of the sport of darts in Wichita and eventually the WDA as a whole. Let’s band together, keep our mouths shut when the only reason for opening it is too create controversy and drama, and throw solid darts at establishments that we feel comfortable with and have fun doing it.
If I had a Drama Llama I would saddle up and ride off into the sunset at this point, but I don’t. So I will borrow one (they are plentiful, I found one downtown, they breed like mice). HIYOO DRAMA LLAMA, AWAY!!!!!
--Ben
-----------------------------------------------
The Legion is offering 7-week sessions of 8-player singles leagues in a 2 out of 3 format with a 100% payback. This is set up as a tournament format and is an excellent way to get used to a tournament format. This is a league darters have been asking for for years, but I don't have the phone numbers or e-mail addresses to inform the players who are looking for an event like this.
The Frogs are not promoting this to their members. The WDA is not promoting these events to their members. Correction The Frogs are promoting this.
There's a reason the address to this site includes "merlinrants" and I'm about to start one.
The Legion has had a great symbiotic relationship with the WDA. The Legion has been a huge asset for the WDA and has improved what the WDA could offer its members. The WDA has been a huge boost to the Legion and has improved what the Legion could offer its members.
Losing the Turkey Shoot is no biggie. That was a good revenue source for the Legion, but sharing the wealth has never been a problem with the Legion. Losing the WDA-sponsored Halloween Shoot falls in the same category.
Losing both in the same year is losing 2 revenue sources that generally helped the Legion recover from summertime slow business and A/C bills.
I am the Financial Officer of the Legion and it is my duty to report to the members on the state of the Legion's finances, the causes of any shortfalls, etc.
Those of us at Post 4 who understand the WDA and support darts understand that the WDA needs to move special events around between sponsors. The majority of members at Post 4 are not familiar with the WDA.
When Post 4 no longer had the space available to store the WDA's standards, Post 4 bought a semi trailer and parked it in their lot for the WDA.
I have to give a financial report to the members of Post 4 Wednesday, Oct. 10. I don't see any way to spin it that the Legion members won't raise questions about the Legion's future financial or facility involvement with the WDA.
Post 4 has become the WDA's host for qualifiers because it's the only facility with the available space.
The absolute lack of support for Post 4 events and the use of Post 4 by the WDA "when it's convenient" is not conducive to raising support of Post 4 members who vote on how Post 4 utilizes its resources.
COMMENTS
------------------------------------------
The WDA has always enjoyed a great relationship with Post 4. Other than this column, no one has brought any concerns regarding this relationship. I hope that the WDA and Post 4 enjoy a long-standing relationship, as was evidenced by the WDA's committment to work out the Spring Fling inside of the constraints of the Post so that we could have the event there. The new leagues out of Post 4 have not yet committed that these are WDA events. One league has committed 50% but that was stated as temporary at our last Board of Director's meetings. If these new leagues are to be incorporated into WDA leagues, then the WDA will promote them and support them to the extent possible. Unequivocal support for the American Legion Post 4 is WDA Policy and we look forward to that remaining in place.
-Kraig
------------------------------------------
The Legion certainly appreciates the support the WDA has provided through the years the Legion and the WDA have been associated.
I disagree with the comment that the WDA went out of its way to accommodate the Legion regarding the Spring Fling.
The Legion offered to move the Spring Fling into the "Members" area. The Legion had the same number of boards and capabilities of more seating and table space than the Laid Back, which had successfully hosted the Spring Fling for many years.
The WDA membership voted to award the Legion both the Spring Fling and the August General Membership meeting. That would have been 2 days of significant revenue for the Legion. Combining those events gave the Legion 1 day of significant revenue instead of 2.
What I stated at the last Captain's Meeting was that if the WDA did nothing to promote or provide darters for the Saturday league and if I had to do all the promotion, publicity and recruitment of players, then I saw no reason to continue the requirement that league members pay the WDA.
The WDA has historically promoted and supported many non-WDA events that WDA sponsors have offered.
-Merlin
--------------------------------------------
One possiblitly could be that no one wants to play in the above mentioned new weekend leagues.
I for one have been a league player with the WDA for 4 years. I chose to play at side pockets on Saturday for a few reasons
1. No political posturing, before, during, or after I throw each dart. It's amazing how much fun can be without having to hear the latest backstab, or complaint about who is doing what in the WDA.
2. I love the legion, I have grown up there. I will never bad mouth it. I will continue to support it as I see fit, not how someone else tells me I should.
3. A juke box with a selection of music that fits more than one demographic.
4. Electronic boards. How can I socialize, enjoy my drink, sit with friends or even eat a meal when I am chalking any event I am not playing in. 3 bucks a night is a small price to pay to be able to enjoy the time that I have when not at the board playing.
5. Promoting darts and good will. I played at Side pockets Saturday night along with 87 other people. There were by my drunken count around 20 "soft tip" players there all enjoying steel tip darts.
I was there for 7 hours, yes 7 and during that time I did not have to hear one negative word about the game that I have grown to love, nor did I hear one negative word about anyone else there that was playing.
I bring this up because in the 3 hours a week that I spend playing in WDA sponsored events I get to hear who isnt doing thier job, who isnt appreciated, who needs to go, who needs to stay, who needs to pay for what. blah blah blah.
I suggest that you embrace what the Frogs are doing with darts instead of try and rain on the parade. They had 88 people show up to have fun, have a couple of drinks, and play the game of darts without any B.S.
It isnt the "legion" that people are not supporting. Its the amount of crap that goes with playing at the legion that keeps people away.
- Paul, Jr.
--------------------------------------------
Just like what would happen at a captains meeting, this has turned into a bickering match back and forth. Gotta love the dysfunctional dart family. Now for my two cents.
If I remember right, isnt the WDA's mission to promote steel tip darts in Wichita. Isn't the legion and the singles league held there in Wichita? Ive been playing in the singles league and have watched half of it go to the WDA, but no mention at all of it on the WDA site, or in the newsletter. By giving 50% of weekly fees, that should get some kind of promotion. But no, nothing. Merlin is right, if he has to take the time to recruit and do everything else, then the WDA shouldnt get anything.
Its understandable that the frogs wouldnt post anything about the league, they are protecting their own interest. I mean 4 or 5 people playing in a Friday or Saturday night singles league would just kill their attendance of what 30 people who go out there.
I will stand behind the Legion, after all they have done for the WDA, to not have a league out of there promoted by the WDA, or the lack of WDA members showing up there is just an insult.
I thought it was the job of the executive council to do everything they can to promote ALL steel tip darts in Wichita. I guess theres fine print, maybe they should have stated it as "promoting steel tip darts in Wichita....only if it fits our hidden agenda"
Come on people, support the legion, get involved in a sponsor that has done alot for our association. They deserve that respect from us. Otherwise someday we may be sitting at a captains meeting deciding how many bars we can split qualifiers and events between to have enough space.
- Richard Cranford
------------------------------------------
I have been in charge of the Dart Frogs's web site for going on a year now. And dang it.. what I am reading about the criticism of what we promote is senseless and to be honest... a little over the top... even for me. I know I have not been involved in the sport of darts for long at all.. In fact its really been just a little over a year. But reading this article and especially some of the comments makes me angry and to be quite honest.. sad.
The thing that compelled me to write this is that some of what I am reading is just downright untrue.
Merlin, you sent me an e-mail with all of the information for this Friday "Early Bird Air Cap Warmup" League. I posted it (where is still continues to be available) on our Local Events page. This information was posted THE SAME DAY YOU SENT THE INFO as well as a mention on the FRONT PAGE of our website for over a week! In fact.. the local events page received nearly 400 different hits since that info was posted. So to see talk that the frogs don't promote anything at the Legion is rediculous to say the least. And to be quite honest, anyone that thinks the frogs don't care what happens at the Legion is wrong.
I am sure I can speak for every one of the frogs when I say our single goal is to promote darts. Plain and simple. What we do at Sidepockets, Regional Tournaments, On the Internet, etc.. to gain new players will filter down to the WDA and the Legion multiple times over. We don't ask anything in return, we don't make a penny, we all donate our time and our love of the game so that others can enjoy it as well. To see most everyone here arguing over a "weekend" is childish. If you all can't look past a "weekend" and look at the "image" you are giving darts by bickering.. than you have already lost in your efforts to promote anything.
I am sorry for any feathers I have ruffled by saying this. It takes a lot to get me going.. but when I personally put the info on our site and give it front page billing and then learn that it is somehow our fault???? Seriously.... Are you going to blame the frogs for people not showing up??
-Matt
------------------------------------------
Am I in the right place? This is where we saddle up the Drama Llamas right? I would like to present a pin or better yet a very large trophy ( I would be willing to pay for the trophy but I have to use those quarters to have fun playing darts, or pay for beer or cigarettes or whatever you choose to drink or smoke) for the person(s) who can conjure up the most drama in a season. It would have a nice gold plated llama standing proudly atop the trophy, no…..better yet one llama whispering into another’s ear, yeah that’s it.
I don’t come here for information, rather a good chuckle or two. It’s somewhat reminiscent of middle school banter. I visit the Frog site for information concerning darts, like the information I found under “Local Events” listing some kind of league hosted by the American Legion Post 4 on Friday and Saturday nights (it’s been there for awhile). I also frequent another site for information as well, some may be familiar with it, www.wdanews.com. Although most of the information on that site is also reiterated on the Frog site. But, one thing that caught my eye was a somewhat vague statement on their home page….see if you can figure it out. “Promoting the sport of darts in the Wichita area”. Does this mean “Steel-Tip” darts, “Soft-Tip” darts, or perhaps it means all darts? Maybe it even includes Yard Darts?, no……I think those were banned in all 51 states (or are there 50?). Maybe if the states were “electronically” counted we wouldn’t have to worry whether it’s 51 or 50. I will have to write a letter to my congressman to see if we can do that, but he might want a quarter to do a practice run and I’m not sure I like that idea.
I think it’s great that the Frogs are, “still promoting a Soft-tip event on Friday nights”. After all I think they still use darts at said event. I feel that every darting event in Wichita should be promoted on every website that [promotes the sport of darts in the Wichita area]. That way, darters would have the choice to play wherever and whenever they wanted.
$52.50 for a lifetime of Drama? I’m in. Only because I’m not sure how long Jerry Springer will run. All the drama and the people creating it will be instrumental to the destruction of the sport of darts in Wichita and eventually the WDA as a whole. Let’s band together, keep our mouths shut when the only reason for opening it is too create controversy and drama, and throw solid darts at establishments that we feel comfortable with and have fun doing it.
If I had a Drama Llama I would saddle up and ride off into the sunset at this point, but I don’t. So I will borrow one (they are plentiful, I found one downtown, they breed like mice). HIYOO DRAMA LLAMA, AWAY!!!!!
--Ben
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Saturday, October 06, 2007
Saturday Night Standings Update
It was Cricket Night and Cricket is my worst game. Jimmy beat me in the Cricket finals.
Going to the last week, which is 501, here are the point standings
Going to the last week, which is 501, here are the point standings
Richard - 37
Merlin - 37
Ian - 31
Jimmy - 29
David - 25
Lisa - 23
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
October Captains Meeting Highlights
Halloween Party at SidePockets October 20. 300% payback blind draw. Both SidePockets and the WDA are matching the entry fees. Free dinner for all WDA members. Cash awards for best costumes and best costume playing in the blind draw. 6 PM for food. Signups at 7:30. Darts start at 8.
I'm thinking I could wear pleated pants, dress shoes and make a USA National Team shirt. I could go disguised as a darter and probably sweep the costume events.
Turkey Shoot November 2 at Mary's. Free food. Free blind draws. One handicapped and one scratch. Dillon's gift certificates for top 4 in both blind draws. Signups at Noon. Darts at 1. It's only $5 per person for a full Thanksgiving dinner for non-WDA members. This is a great opportunity to bring out your family and let them get to know the people we play with every week.
Captain Kenny's spaceship design will be the Air Cap Shirt this year.
Lifetime Memberships will be offered at a reduced price of $60 at the Halloween Bash and the Turkey Shoot. Annual members who have paid this year's dues can buy a Lifetime Membership for $52.50 from October 20 through November 3.
Two additional pin awards were approved. A "Red Bull" is any out ending with a double bull. A "Lizzard Out" pin will be awarded to anyone ending a game with a double 1.
Lifetime memberships were awarded to Rotten and Juanita for their contributions to darts over the last 20 years. Tommy, the bartender at the Air Cap, will get a plaque and a lifetime membership in recognition for his contributions to the Air Cap over the last 9 years.
A proposal to change the Monday format to eliminate 301, add singles Cricket and a 4-person Burma Road event was tabled. Rich Pike will put the proposal and rules in writing. This proposal is likely to go to the next General Membership meeting.
I'm thinking I could wear pleated pants, dress shoes and make a USA National Team shirt. I could go disguised as a darter and probably sweep the costume events.
Turkey Shoot November 2 at Mary's. Free food. Free blind draws. One handicapped and one scratch. Dillon's gift certificates for top 4 in both blind draws. Signups at Noon. Darts at 1. It's only $5 per person for a full Thanksgiving dinner for non-WDA members. This is a great opportunity to bring out your family and let them get to know the people we play with every week.
Captain Kenny's spaceship design will be the Air Cap Shirt this year.
Lifetime Memberships will be offered at a reduced price of $60 at the Halloween Bash and the Turkey Shoot. Annual members who have paid this year's dues can buy a Lifetime Membership for $52.50 from October 20 through November 3.
Two additional pin awards were approved. A "Red Bull" is any out ending with a double bull. A "Lizzard Out" pin will be awarded to anyone ending a game with a double 1.
Lifetime memberships were awarded to Rotten and Juanita for their contributions to darts over the last 20 years. Tommy, the bartender at the Air Cap, will get a plaque and a lifetime membership in recognition for his contributions to the Air Cap over the last 9 years.
A proposal to change the Monday format to eliminate 301, add singles Cricket and a 4-person Burma Road event was tabled. Rich Pike will put the proposal and rules in writing. This proposal is likely to go to the next General Membership meeting.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Post 4 Hosting Several Events
Friday Night - Singles League with 8 players - 100% payback for a 7-week session. Starts October 19. $35 entry fee for the entire session. Scratch league. Start time 7 PM.
Saturday Night - Singles League with 8 players - at least 50% payback for a 7-week session. Starts October 27. $35 entry fee for the entire session. Handicap league. Start time 7:30.
Both leagues are a "tournament" format using brackets. 1st through 8th are played out. Instead of randomly determining first-round opponents, a chart is used to make sure every person in the league has a first round match against every other person in the league. All matches are 2 out of 3.
501 and Cricket are played on alternating weeks. The league starts and ends on 501. There are 4 weeks where all matches are 501 and 3 weeks where all matches are Cricket.
I expect the Friday league will be able to play a doubles bracket in addition to singles. In doubles, your first-round opponent in singles becomes your doubles partner that night. The handicap format starts at higher points and the matches take too long to include doubles.
Everyone plays 2 out of 3 against 3 different opponents each night. The open league plays 2 out of 3 against 2 different doubles opponents each night.
Payouts are 50% for 1st, 30% for 2nd, and 20% for 3rd. Placings are based on points earned each night. In singles, it's 8 points for 1st, 7 for 2nd, etc. In doubles, it's 4 points (each) for 1st, 3 points (each) for 2nd, etc. The 3 people who get the most points during the league get the money at the end of the league.
This is your chance to get used to a 2 out of 3 format in plenty of time for the Air Cap. The league is set up so that every night is a mini-tournament.
For serious players, every round you win means you're against another winner in the next round. It provides a decent simulation of the pressures that can happen in a larger tournament.
For more casual players, it's a lot of darts, experience, fun and practice for the $5 nightly entry fee.
You can e-mail me by clicking on the little envelope right at the bottom of this message - or call me at 683-6316.
Note: Comments are generally made by others. I will identify the author of the Comment if the author identifies themself or if it is clear they do not object to being identified.
COMMENTS
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For those of you curious about this league, it is alot of fun. 8 people hanging out, BS'ing, and talking trash on each other. Unfortunately due to possible work schedule, I wont be able to return for another season, but hopefully we can fill both the Friday and Saturday night leagues. - Richard Cranford
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Saturday Night - Singles League with 8 players - at least 50% payback for a 7-week session. Starts October 27. $35 entry fee for the entire session. Handicap league. Start time 7:30.
Both leagues are a "tournament" format using brackets. 1st through 8th are played out. Instead of randomly determining first-round opponents, a chart is used to make sure every person in the league has a first round match against every other person in the league. All matches are 2 out of 3.
501 and Cricket are played on alternating weeks. The league starts and ends on 501. There are 4 weeks where all matches are 501 and 3 weeks where all matches are Cricket.
I expect the Friday league will be able to play a doubles bracket in addition to singles. In doubles, your first-round opponent in singles becomes your doubles partner that night. The handicap format starts at higher points and the matches take too long to include doubles.
Everyone plays 2 out of 3 against 3 different opponents each night. The open league plays 2 out of 3 against 2 different doubles opponents each night.
Payouts are 50% for 1st, 30% for 2nd, and 20% for 3rd. Placings are based on points earned each night. In singles, it's 8 points for 1st, 7 for 2nd, etc. In doubles, it's 4 points (each) for 1st, 3 points (each) for 2nd, etc. The 3 people who get the most points during the league get the money at the end of the league.
This is your chance to get used to a 2 out of 3 format in plenty of time for the Air Cap. The league is set up so that every night is a mini-tournament.
For serious players, every round you win means you're against another winner in the next round. It provides a decent simulation of the pressures that can happen in a larger tournament.
For more casual players, it's a lot of darts, experience, fun and practice for the $5 nightly entry fee.
You can e-mail me by clicking on the little envelope right at the bottom of this message - or call me at 683-6316.
Note: Comments are generally made by others. I will identify the author of the Comment if the author identifies themself or if it is clear they do not object to being identified.
COMMENTS
-----------------------------------------------
For those of you curious about this league, it is alot of fun. 8 people hanging out, BS'ing, and talking trash on each other. Unfortunately due to possible work schedule, I wont be able to return for another season, but hopefully we can fill both the Friday and Saturday night leagues. - Richard Cranford
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Just 2 weeks left in the Saturday League
There is a bit of separation in the standings with one week of Cricket and one week of 501 remaining, but the battle for 3rd place is really heating up.
David Garrett listed a Ton as an accomplishment - not 101 - not 121, but 100 points. I asked David if he actually considered that an accomplishment and he said he did. Okay.
I was going to talk a little trash on David for considering 100 points to be an accomplishment, but I realized that talking trash with David would be like talking psychology with Kraig.
Points PPD
1 - Richard 33 12.30
2 - Merlin 30 12.19
3 - Ian 25 11.07
4 - David 25 11.46
5 - Jimmy 21 8.42
6 - Lisa 18 9.41
7 - Doug 9 10.29
8 - Najet 4 8.12
High Score - Ian - 140
High Out - Lisa - 87
Hat Trick - David, Richard, Jimmy
7-count - Ian, Merlin
David Garrett listed a Ton as an accomplishment - not 101 - not 121, but 100 points. I asked David if he actually considered that an accomplishment and he said he did. Okay.
I was going to talk a little trash on David for considering 100 points to be an accomplishment, but I realized that talking trash with David would be like talking psychology with Kraig.
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