Published News » View from The DeadBox

Posted by pbguide Posted   170 daysago

How likely do you think it is that some sponsors (Kee) will go through with their rumored threats to pull out of the NPPL?The easy button answer is not very. And that's because any hard line change would be a break with history and past practices and I'm disinclined to believe it until I see it. And yet I keep hearing nattering about a mostly united front blah blah blah. So it's hard to know--but » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   172 daysago

A couple of quick notes. Yes, GI has in fact bought Procaps--and the deal is officially done. VFTD was supposed to receive an early copy of the official Press Release (which may still happen)--I foolishly agreed to delay posting in exchange for the presser--but it didn't matter as they proceeded almost immediately to leak the information, AGAIN. This time after having signed all the app » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   174 daysago

This is it, slackers. A December freebie--and the final installment discussing our WC practice weekend on the event layout. (Yes, I could go on almost forever but I'm stopping with this installment. If you have additional questions feel free to ask or post them up in comments.) It's also now December--and that means Mailbag Month is here. (This is your final reminder that all » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   176 daysago

Below is the joint statement issued by the PSP & NPPL in the wake of a final effort to bring the merger to fruition. If VFTD was a paintball news site (or beholden to industry support and advertising) that's the way I'd leave it too. But VFTD isn't so ... it looks like CYA to me. "Remain committed and optimistic .." Yeah, right.Here's the (rumored) dealio. Some time in the last day (or two?) » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   176 daysago

Is in full force and doesn't show any signs of letting up. From here on out all bets are off. I'ma repeat about a third of what I'm hearing and I'm not even gonna worry about it's accuracy. If you don't want unvetted rumors--stop reading them. At this point I'm quite certain most of the rumor makers and powers that be in paintball don't know what's happening either so we're all in good company. Y » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   178 daysago

Or as our Brit friends would write (assuming basic literacy, which is, more and more, a dangerous assumption given the factoid literacy rates in the Western world have declined in recent decades despite [or because of?] the gold star mentality of what passes for educators these days) 'Outer Limits of Rumourology'. As VFTD regulars know I have a penchant for beating a dead horse or am otherwise un » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   181 daysago

The final numbers are in for the 2011 season major league paintball participation. Back in July I posted on the mid-term--(Buy the Numbers?)--and while the numbers are correct I got it wrong. I predicted by the end of the year participation numbers would stabilize across both leagues and end up similar to 2010 numbers. As it turned out both leagues saw real numbers rise. Good for e » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   182 daysago

December posts will be devoted to Baca's Mailbag. (Unless timely & interesting news demands a comment or two.) All postings in December will be in response to questions, comments, observations, etc. either posted on VFTD's Facebook page or delivered to my own private Tora Bora via the email link on the sidebar. So it's up to you, slackers. If you want some VFTD to occupy you through the dark » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   183 daysago

To one and all. (I'm feeling magnanimous.) Even though it is an American holiday and VFTD has an international following it is worth a moment of reflection on everyone's part to acknowledge and be grateful for family, friends and all the good things in life. » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   183 daysago

There's a thread in the WCA (Asia) forum at the Nation about girls in paintball. Specifically about girls playing at World Cup Asia but as such posts always do it quickly devolved into the usual irrational nonsense--except for one sensible girl, IceBox. (You go girl!) Let me see if I have this right: Girls are every bit the equal of guys, Grrl Power, girls are tough, capable and can do anything a » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   186 daysago

It's back! (World Cup practice posts, d'oh.) Despite a lack of popular demand. (This one's for you, Devon.) (Okay, not really just for you but it does prove I almost keep up to date with VFTD's Facebook page.) To quickly recap parts 1 & 2 practice is for developing players and the skills required to be successful in actual tournaments. Versatility is a key training goal. Not only does th » Read More...

Posted by pbguide Posted   189 daysago

Before I get started it occurs to me that perhaps it's worthwhile to be transparent on any association I presently have with GI Sportz. I know and like a number of the staff. My team is sponsored by GI Sportz and I hope that relationship continues but I'm out of that loop (though I am from time to time consulted for my opinion.) There was also the briefest of conversations about an opportunity th » Read More...