Billy,
There is NO trap here. (other than baiting for an outburst) I am quite sure Fred and I, will never cross swords on a pool table.
I know, I know...I'm the antagonist here. I am just not as good as you are at applying the soft needle... You seem to get away with alternately pissing him off, and then nut hugging..
From what I've seen, this has been the basis of your relationship, from day one. (I just have trouble with the N.H. part)
You actually got him started on his last tirade, by disagreeing with him on a stinking WEI shot, and I bore the brunt of his frustration... Now you are assuming the role of DPK..(Designated Peace Keeper) 'sup wi' dat ?
Fred has an all-consuming need, to be "right" on ALL things pool related... In denying him that, at least from my perspective.. I have incurred his wrath, but I do admit to being guilty of "over-needling". (due mainly to the incessant brag)
I actually like Fred, and admire him for his contributions, and the hard work he puts into his writing and DVD's.
If (God forbid) he and I were cast together in the same pool room, in our "dotage"...I would hang on his great stories...but, I would still tell him, to his face, when I thought he was full of s**t, as I'm sure he would me... It could be a double knock-out..
I don't think I've near approached the animosity, and bitterness, (or name calling) that erupted last year with his "homeboy". Some things were said there, that made even ME cringe.
What is fun for me, is cruel and thoughtless to him, and maybe some of the forum members too...For that, I "humbly" apologise !
In the words of Tiger..."I need to work on being a better person, to my (forum) family"..