Happy New Year!!

Distractions Distract

Who'd a thunk it?

If your brain is distracted, it takes focus away from the primary task at hand.

The National Institute of Health says that multitasking is a myth.  Human brains do not perform two tasks at the same time:

• The brain handles tasks sequentially
• The brain switches between one task and another
  
  

The brain engages in a constant process to:

1. Select information the brain will attend to
2. Process information
3. Encode to create memory
4. Store information
5. It must also:  Retrieve and
6. Execute or act on information

When the brain is overloaded, these steps above are all affected.

OMG! Knowing the above, then how can one play pool with distractions?!

Heck, I'm distracted by all these words coming at me in this blog entry!  ;)

The thing is, in the Encoding stage (#3 above), the brain filters information due to overload. AND most importantly, we are not aware this is happening. Plus, we miss critical information that is right in front of us that is needed to make decisions at the table.

Now it should make complete sense to you:

• why when someone is arguing on the table next to you, you miss shape while trying to execute a shot during your match.
  
  
• why when someone deeply upsets you during a match, you don't even see the obvious safety in front of you (even though everyone on the sidelines points it out to you afterwards).
  
  
• that when you check your voicemail or text message and it's not pleasant, you cannot play your best pool after that.
  
  
• that when you are too worried about people second guessing your shot selection, you can't focus on your fundamentals which causes you to miss more than usual.
  
  
• why when you care too much what others think, you have a bad day at the pool room.
  
  
• why when you think about winning the set, it gets in the way of actually winning.
  
  
• that when you keep thinking about that missed shot, embarrassment is flowing through your veins and your arms are wobbly and you can't make a ball.
  
  
• that when you are consuming your thoughts with how cold the room is, you can't focus your mind on pool.
  
  
• that when you get upset at bad rolls that you feel are *against you personally* that your mind is too upset to concentrate on your fundamentals, pre shot routine, and playing your best pool.

Take this in, PLEASE!  If your brain cannot multitask like the National Institute of Health has confirmed with tests, then stop THINKING while you are down on your shots.  THINK only about the shot in front of you.  Not that you are hungry, who your next opponent *might* be, that everyone is watching, that you want to impress your friend, that you want to win, need to win, etc.  Everything gets in the way of executing perfect fundamentals if you are thinking of anything else besides the shot in front of you.

Focus only on the shot in front of you and stop the chatter in your brain.

Try it, you'll like it.  I promise!

Looking Back at 2010

Time to see how I did with my 2010 Goals!

Blogging:
I want to write more blog articles. I'd also like to make some of them shorter to keep you interested and from daydreaming, lol. -snip-
Conclusion:  I blogged more (yay!), but not necessarily kept them shorter (sorry). 

Practice:
For me to play well, I have to practice. I will practice even if I don't officially "write it down" as a goal; practice is the key for success for me. But, it is a goal of mine to try and practice once a week (if physically feasible).
Conclusion:  I practiced often the first 6 months, then slacked off immensely on putting in practice time on the pool table.  Part of it was because my Mom was in the hospital in the Fall and Winter.  In the Summer - I had too many weekends out of town (and that's when I would normally practice)

Tournaments:
I have learned that I should not set a goal to 'plan to attend all the events I want to go to' because situations may come up in my life that may prevent me from going. -snip-
Conclusion: So, just as the goal states, I tried to attend "as many as I could go to."  See why it's crucial to word goals carefully?  I see this goal as a BIG check mark!  I attended MANY tournaments through Sept!  In Oct - Dec I wasn't able to go due to Mom being in the hospital, but I am okay with that!

Men's Events:
I want to play in Open events this year. Put myself out there and play them. -snip-
Conclusion:  I played in quite a few Open events in the Spring!

One Pocket:
Continue playing one pocket. -snip-
Conclusion:  I didn't so well with this goal.  :(

Straight Pool:
I'm not into practicing straight pool right now but I know I want to still continue with my Straight Pool league so that I do indeed at least continue to play the game.
Conclusion:  I played in both the league seasons this year!  BIG check mark again.  :)

Videos:
I want to watch at least one video a month. One pocket, straight pool, also some player reviews of 9ball. :) Accustats and youtube here I come!
Conclusion:  I kept up with this goal until Oct.  This was one of my TOP favorite goals for 2010 - I believe I'll steal it for 2011!

Stay Down:
I still want to focus on staying down! Take my time and follow through. This goal helped me immensely last year and I am therefore carrying it over to this year.
Conclusion:  Not sure how or what exactly happened, but I am staying down well more than EVER!  I honestly think it's because I watched a lot of good pool all year and focused on a smooth stroke.  But mostly because I focused on looking at the object last which forces me to stay down longer.

Overall:  VERY happy with how I did with my goals! 

Straight Pool Tourney Results

While I didn't get to play in the Dec 11th Straight Pool Tourney that my 14.1 league held (I was busy placing 2nd in a scotch doubles tourney that same day across town!), I still want to share the results.  :)

End of Season Tournament Results:

They had 16 out of a maximum of 20 players.  Mike Grosso won the event (he's in the highest division) with Don Baker (he's in the middle division with me) the runner-up.  Below are the scores and statistics from the tournament. Normally our divisions are races to 150, 100 and 75, but in this tournament due to time constraints of a one day tourney, the races were smartly adjusted to 75, 50 and 40 respectively.

Click on the images to enlarge!  Congrat's to everyone who played!  Tough tourney!

Merry Christmas!

T-Shirt - There's No Crying in Billiards!

I occasionally see t-shirts on peeps that make me LOL so hard that I grab my camera and take their picture. Seriously!  Everyone so far has oblige, and some of them I don't even know!

Some of the t-shirts are obviously pool related, but some are simply crude/rude (lol), and some remind me of my past (like a great movie quote, for example). 

I've decided I'm going to start a t-shirt Section on my blog.  Be forewarned - some of these might offend you!  If I do, let me apologize to you in advance - I am SO sorry!

I will start off nice and put up a funny non-pool-related one and a funny pool-related one. Click to enlarge.

Here is one of a guy who at the pool room during one of our Ladies stops in Sept:

And here is Lisa Marr wearing a great pool-shirt from that same weekend!

Game Plans for Winning at Life

I came across these 10 Insights for a Game Plan for Winning at Life by Rudy Ruettiger (from the hit movie Rudy, who is also an author and inspirational speaker).

I always love finding these gems.  Yes, they resonate about winning at life, but they also relate to winning at your passion - Pool!
 
Insight #1
Be the person you want to be. “Make the decision to take action and move closer to your Dream. Create daily success habits and surround yourself with information that will empower and inspire you.”

My Comment: 

Be the pool player you want to be by setting goals and following through with your desires.

Insight #2
Use anger in a positive way to get results. “Anger is a normal reaction. It’s what you do with anger that makes a difference in your life … direct your anger towards a goal … use anger in a positive way to get results … from anger comes determination … comes triumph.”

My Comment: 

When you get upset during a match, use it to your advantage.  Recognize WHY you are upset and fix it the move on quickly so you can focus back on pool with a clear head. 

Insight #3
It starts with a Dream. “Visualize your Dream and make a commitment. Having a Dream is what makes life exciting. Never underestimate the power of a Dream. It will change your life. A Dream gives you the ability to determine your future.”

My Comment: 

One of my favorite books, Dare to Win, has taught me this.  Goals are important to achieve what you want - dreams/goals are key to get your game where you want it to be; or be the person you want to be in the pool world. 

Insight #4
Eliminate the confusion. "Find mentors who encourage you. The right information will eliminate confusion. Visualize exactly what you want to be … and focus on that … believe in yourself and don’t let anything stop you. Reinforce your Dream every day with positive information from tapes, books, and mentors. Each day you will get closer to your Dream. Eliminate the confusion and fears, and make it happen.”

My Comment: 

Learn!  Always be a pool student.  Never stop learning. 

Insight #5
The greater the struggle, the greater the victory. “Most people allow struggles and fear of failure to stop them. The key is to learn from your struggles and move on. Failures will make you stronger and give you the information you need to reach your Dream. Struggle will prepare you for success. Without struggle there is no success.”

My Comment: 

Struggles make me stronger for future events/episodes in my life.  It prepares me. 

Insight #6
Follow your passion instead of the dollar. “There’s nothing wrong with making money … but, it’s important to focus on your passion instead of the dollar. For me, decisions based on my passion brought me closer to my Dream, while decisions based only on money took me further away. If you focus on what really fulfills you, you will have success. The dollar alone does not bring happiness.”

My Comment: 

I don't play pool because I want the money. But I am blessed with a fortunate job that helps me get to pool tournaments.

Insight #7
Excuses will kill your Dream. “What we’re really talking about here is commitment. Until you make a commitment to your Dream, it’s not really a Dream … it’s just another fantasy full of excuses. Fantasies don’t come true because they’re not real, we’re not committed to them. When we make commitments, we eliminate excuses and they become Dreams … and Dreams are definitely real.”

My Comment: 

I'm tired of hearing excuses.  Be real to yourself and and truly look inside why you didn't win.  It's okay to do that - that will help you prepare and be ready to prevail next time.  Excuses get in the way of progress!

Insight #8
Prepare for your Dream. “Preparation is what comes from struggle. Knowledge comes from preparation. These are the elements that pave the road to your Dream. If we do not prepare we will not succeed. Set your goals and pursue your Dreams with all your heart. If you miss a goal, don’t quit, reset it! You just need to learn more … step by step you will win!”

My Comment: 

If you don't prepare, then don't complain how bad you played.  If you do prepare, it goes a lot further for you and your pool game!

Insight #9
Focus on your Dream and Never Quit. It is always too soon to quit. If you quit, you can’t succeed. By achieving your Dream you will be an inspiration to others. You will set the example and make an enormous impact on the world. Make it happen!”

My Comment: 

Setbacks are normal. Feeling like you want to quit is normal. Give it some time and you will want to hit those balls before you know it!  (usually within a week!)

Insight #10
Always have a Dream. “Dreams give us energy to go to new levels. Dreams change lives … the power of life is in your Dreams!”
My Comment:
Again - goals and dreams go a long way in life and for your love of the game.

Wow, Free Pool!

I went to a little hang-out last Saturday that I have been going to now for a few months about twice or more a month.  I go there to socialize with friends, relax, and have fun.

Vino's, as you might imagine with the name like that, reminds you of an Italian restaurant, right?  And guess what?  It is!  But, it's not just a restaurant with a full menu, it also has a full bar, a decent sized dance floor, karaoke every night, a separate room with it's own jukebox and pool tables (4-6 bar tables), and an area with adult video games (golf game, cherry masters, etc).

the pool tables

It's a very friendly bar and I consider it my Cheers because I have been very welcomed every time I go there.

Well, on Saturday night I ventured in the pool room area to watch my friends play some pool.  I had been in there a few other times, but not enough quality time was spent for me to really check out the place.  I all of a sudden noticed this on the wall:

(click on the picture to enlarge)

WTH?  I looked closer, grabbed my camera, took this pic.  Really?  FREE Pool on the coin tables?  WOW!  I haven't ever (and I mean EVER) seen a place that gives free pool to it's patrons if you buy food or drinks anytime of the day or night.

Sure, we've all seen specials like this, but this is a sign that remains on the wall all the time.  It's like a never-ending pool special! 

How freaking cool is that?

I'm still in shock as I write this!

I know many-a pool rooms that make quite a bit of money with coin tables, so this is a surprise to me.  It's also a surprise because it shows Vino's loves it's patrons.  After all, it is a place where everyone knows your name.  :)

Nostril Trick

Read in Prevention magazine a 2-Minute Memory Trick!

** Constantly forget where you parked?  Breathing through your left nostril may help, say Indian researchers.  Adults ages 20-45 who practiced this yoga technique had a 16% boost in spatial memory, which is key for navigating complex parking lots or garages.  Experts beleive there's a link between the nostril you breathe through and the parts of the brain that control memory.

Gently press your right thumb against your right nostril.  Inhale and exhale through your left nostril 27 times.  Repeat up to 4 times a day.  

Can't remember how to shoot that bank or remember the diamond system?  Can't remember how to play the best safe on that shot?  Can you imagine if you saw someone pressing on their right nostril to close it to help them remember something at the pool table?  If you see me doing this, DON'T LAUGH!  I sometimes need all the help I can get!  ;)

( ** reprinted without the permission from Prevention magazine - eeek! )

Tiger vs. Jack

I am SO excited for my friend Phil Capelle (yes, the famous author of the Play Your Best Pool series).  I remember that crisp, cool morning when I read this in his email to me "top secret - working on a Tiger versus Jack book."

Well, the dream has come to fruition for Phil!

December 8th marked the release of Tiger vs. Jack by Phil Capelle, the first and only book dedicated to golf’s two all time greatest players.  Woo-Hoo!  Congrat's Phil!

Phil's website lists the table of contents, but let me share this about the book:

"Tiger vs. Jack is divided into four parts. Playing for History (1) sets the stage for Woods’ quest with a fresh look at the majors, the all time greats, and each player’s competition. Playing the Game (2) compares their swings and games from tee to green, their mental games, and the author’s offers his well-considered opinion of who would win if they could have only competed in each other’s eras.

In Tiger vs. Jack (3) Capelle provides his expansive new definition of greatness and compares Woods’ and Nicklaus’ careers with an in depth analysis and new perspectives that are sure to inspire clubhouse debates. Finally, in The Best Ever (4) the author explores the risks that Woods faces, bias in the media, and then he talks about how golf needs to go beyond major titles only in making The Big Decision."

Phil adds from this Golf Blog, "The coming season is the most anticipated one since Woods’ turned pro. Will his new swing work? Can he regain the magic on the greens? Is he still the game’s top closer? And will the host of young talent challenge him at the majors?"

"Tiger Woods will supposedly replace Jack Nicklaus at the top when he breaks his record of 18 major titles. But Capelle refutes this overly simplistic notion with his comprehensive new definition of golfing greatness. In his view, the heartbreaking “losses” each has suffered do count, and so he does with the introduction of his Contender Finishes ranking system.

The quality of competition, the rules of the game, equipment, and course conditions are among the ever changing factors that must be weighed when debating who is the best, Tiger or Jack? And, of course, luck’s role must also be considered."

A lot of hard work, sweat, and dedication were poured into the pages.  So, again, a BIG Congrat's to my pal Phil for the release of his book!

Show Us Your Cue Collections!

My partner over at PoolStudents.net is looking for those of you who have cue collections.

I know you are out there!

We are starting a new page at poolstudents.net for cue collectors!  And since the website revolves around videos, we would like to see videos of your collcetions.

The page will specifically be geared toward people with modest collections, but we will obviously accept less-than-modest collection-eests if you like to talk about your collections on camera.  :) 

The idea is to have an entire web page of people talking about their cues. How cool is that?  I cant wait!

Contact us if you have a collection you want to talk about. We'll post the page when we have several videos. Thanks in advance for your help! 

(I wonder if my website partner would accept a video from me chatting up about me 3-4 cues?  Hmmm.)  He knows how I love to talk!  lmao. 

PoolSynergy Volume 14 - Recommendations

Admittedly, I struggled with the topic for my first PoolSynergy hosting job, but decided maybe a list of recommendations by the PS writers might be fun and/or interesting.  With the Holidays close by, maybe this month's topic may help you pick out a gift for your fav pool playing friend/relative or YOURSELF!  The goal was to recommend their favorite book and video/dvd.  Let's see what they like/recommend:

p00lriah: The first writer to send in his recommendations to your host this month (me), thank you p00l!  Mr. Riah recommends two books because he didn't have a fav video.  BUT, he offers where to find them and in what format (nice touch, p00riah). The first book is an all-time favorite among pool players. The second recommendation is not even related to pool! (i love that!) Check out his selections.

Mike Feiman:  Guest Writer for this month (maybe he will become a regular?!) through the newly wed Samm Vidal Claramunt (formally known-as Samm Diep).  Mike is the smart Marketing Director for PoolDawg.  As you can imagine, Mike gets to review just about every pool book and dvd out there but he was able to find a favorite DVD to recommend.  Read why his choice was easy! 

Charles Eames:  One of my favorite fellow posters over at AZBilliards.com, Charles shares his favorite DVD with us.  Sound easy?  Not at all.  Charles shares, "with a collection of well over 150-200 pool matches on dvd was like choosing which child I love more."

Pool Cues News and Review Guy:  PCNRGuy doesn't have a favorite instructional DVD so instead he shares why he likes this certain autobiography.  You will be surprised who he chooses.

Michael Reddick: Michael shares three recommendations:  Two books and a match on DVD.  After reading his article, I think I know what I want for Christmas!  His write-up truly inspires me to go to the book store asap.

Jake Dyer:  The famous R.A Dyer offers not just one, but recommends 4 books!  (at least he admits he can't follow the rules, lol.) Click here to find out if all his recommendations are history-related billiard books or does he have some other recommendations up his knowledgeable sleeve?

Mark Finkelstein and Alison Fischer: Two of NYCgrind.com's contributors have joined together this month to offer their favs!  Mark is a billiards instructor & columnist for NYCgrind.com and Alison is the editor of that great website. Curious to read what an instructor would recommend to help your game?  Then also find out what this Kiss of Death team member (Alison, not Mark (smile)) recommends from her arsenal.  Read the combined article here.

John Barton:  Of the famed JB Cases, John recommends two goodies for you to fill your stocking with.  You will be surprised what he reccomends for his book selection and then he surprises us even more with a DVD recommendation he hasn't even seen yet!  Check out his blog here.

Gary Frerking:  Another great contributor to PoolSynergy, Gary recommends a "pleasant" instructional book and a DVD by one of the greats for you to improve your game.  I can't wait to check the DVD out he recommends - I haven't seen this one yet!  Check out Gary's article.

John Biddle: Founding Father of Poolsynergy offers books from "what seems like" his favorite author.  Or, maybe this author has so many good instructional books, it easily comes across that way.  :)  I happen to love this author too, so I am glad John recommends these books.

Gail Glazebrook: G Squared (your 2010 BCAPL Women's Open Champ) tells us with words and photos (nice touch, Gail!) what her favorite book is, which is really a game.  What?  What does that mean?  You'll have to read her blog to find out what I am talking about. :)

Mike Fiedlhammer:  Mr. BillardCoach tells what he doesn't recommend (you'll get a kick out of why he says this).  But then recommends his favorite book of all time.  :)  What could it be?  Is it pool-related?  A novel?  An instructional-book?  Read here to find out!

Melinda (Me) (akaTrigger):  I knew right away which DVD I was gonna recommend.  The book - ooooh, a toughy.  I have so many favorites. I almost decided to recommend a book in every pool genre (8ball, mental, 9ball, one pocket, etc). lol. Instead, I picked my most recent fav book that was recommended to me by the lovely and talented Liz Ford.  Check out what I recommend by clicking this blue link here.

My PoolSynergy Recommendations

As the host of this month's PoolSynergy month, I asked the writers of PoolSynergy to recommend a favorite book and a favorite DVD.

Well, what do I recommend?

My Fav DVD: 

Anyone who has read enough of my blog prolly knows what my favorite DVD is and therefore what  I will recommend.  I honestly watch this DVD before big tournaments, especially if I hadn't had a chance to practice ON the table before a big event.  I swear this player review by Buddy Hall and Grady Matthews prepares me because I get to watch such smart pool, along with the "why's" of the shots because Buddy and Grady are the commentators of the DVD. This was a match from the June 1992 Sands Regency Open.

I thoroughly enjoy watching this DVD several times a year because each time I watch it, I always learn from it.  When I show up at a tournament after watching this DVD, I can SEE the shots, patterns, and choices so much clearer.  I can even hear Buddy and Grady in my head, telling me how I should position the cueball for my next shot!

 
My Fav Book:

I have so many favorite books. I almost decided to recommend a book in every pool genre (8ball, mental, 9ball, one pocket, etc). lol. Instead, I picked my most recent fav book that was recommended to me by the lovely and talented Liz Ford.

In March I emailed Professional Pool Player Liz Ford:

"I was looking through Billiards Digest and saw from the Feb issue you were in the Quick Hits section.  I loved your response to the Q: 'What specif area of your game are you working on right now?'"

She answered in Billiards Digest:

"I am always working on my game but this year I am focused on believing in myself.  There is a difference between showing up at a tournament and wanting to do your best and showing up at a tournament prepared to take people down."

I wanted an explanation - I was VERY curious what exactly she meant.

She explained to me via email:

"I can't remember if I said that before or after reading Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert.  I think it was before but that sentiment was reinforced heavily by that book.

For a long time I focused on all the things that I didn't know.  It gave me determination to get better and an unending quest for knowledge - but come tournament time I never felt confident.  In trying to get better all the time I never really thought or felt a sense of pride about all the things I already did really well.  Practice is for learning but competition is about executing what you do best.

In terms of being prepared to take people down... I'm not sure if it is just the phase of life I am in or if Winning Ugly changed my brain in some way, but lately I take great joy in dismantling my opponents mentally.  I want to push them to the point where there game breaks down.  It has nothing to do with sharking or mind games and everything to do with having a plan to be the smarter, more aware and mentally stronger player.  I don't feel like I can explain it adequately... you should definitely read the book."

So, I did.

And guess what?  I think I finally found the killer instinct.  I can't explain why, I can't explain what exactly this tennis book by Brad Gilbert shared that changed my mindset but Liz is correct: I want to win more than ever and I have no ill feelings if you happen to scratch, I beat you 7-0, or I follow the rules which leads to you losing.  I no longer am scared to win or take someone down or feel bad for my opponent.  As Liz explains, I too now take pride when my opponents are frustrated; I sometimes smile to myself, even.

I am simply more prepared to win.

Although Winning Ugly sounds like the book may be about sharking, it has nothing to do with. In tennis, Brad Gilbert "is the best in the world at the mental side of the game" and he shares his wealth of knowledge in this book and explains how he won millions (by being prepared).  

Brad Gilbert is not a well-known tennis player but pro tennis players know him well.  They would tell him he won ugly because he wasn't necessarily talented.  But he PREPARED.  The book tells you how he prepared.  How he took down the greats.  How he prepared before even setting foot in the arena.

I highly recommend the book - it's an easy read and chalk-full of great tips to develop a stronger mental game, if you've been looking for that.

I wish I could explain exactly how the book helped me be a more confident, prepared player, but I can't.  All I know is, if you have problems with the killer instinct or you want to be more prepared to "take people down" as Liz stated, I highly recommend Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert. 

Bathroom Talk

Is it just me, or do you all also always use the same stall?  I always go to the left if I have a choice, and for some reason pick the second one.  When I return to that bathroom throughout the day because I'm playing in a tourney, I use the same stall.  If it's being used, I get a little miffed.  Don't they know?

Do guys do this?  Do you use the same urinal?  Has this ever crossed your mind?  Am I the only OCD one here?

And the hand dryers.  Seriously - leave it going for just like 3 seconds more and then I wont have to turn it back on again and waste hot air after I use it for only a few more seconds.  It's kinda crucial for our hands to be completely dry for when we return to our tables and grab our cue to shoot, right?

And as a courtesy to your fellow non-smokers, don't smoke in the bathroom.  It's a SMALL room.  Give us a break, please.

And finally, if you don't wash your hands, we talk about it among our friends.  Yes, we do.  So, ladies, wash them or even pretend to wash them if fellow pool players are there in the bathroom with you at the same time.

And on a completely different note, but ending this bathroom-themed blog article in the bathroom:  Check out my fellow player and friend David Parker's visit to the bathroom with my video camera back in July in Austin at Fast Eddie's Billiards:

Perfect ESPN Magazine

ESPN Magazine contacted me in mid September about Perfection Stats.  They were dedicating a whole magazine about perfection stats in sports and they wanted some info about pool. 

They said, "We are compiling data for an issue that deals with perfection in sports. Would you have a source we can use or data you can provide that comprises anything that could be considered “perfection" in any pool and billiards competition? We can use consecutive victories, shutouts, perfect scores, unbeaten streaks in a season or career, etc., throughout all levels of competition."

I immediately went to my sources (the fine folks at AZBilliards.com Forums) to ask for their help!  I received numerous suggestions on what they considered "perfect" records in pool. 

I then compiled some of the details from the responses and sent them to my contact at ESPN Magazine. 

I crossed my fingers.

Would they use anything for billiards in their magazine?

Would we get even a tad amount of exposure?

Which would they pick?  Johnny's break and run of 13?  Jean Balukas' 16 wins in a row?  A straight pool run?  (Mosconi's 526 run or the numerous 150-and out in tourneys?)  Earls' run of 11 racks for a million?

Anything?

Then their online version came out.

No Billiards!

!@##$@$%%^&**)!@

Ugh.  I was afraid of that.  I took all the blame.

I didn't write up enough details. 

I didn't give them a good enough perfect stat.  It wasn't perfect.  :(

They still sent me a copy of the magazine and as I flipped through the pages reading about Tiger Woods and some NASCAR guy,  Michael Jordan and archery (archery!) I found myself sick to my stomach until I ran across page 84.  Billiards.  Next to NFL, Soccer and Surfing! 

We were there!  I didn't see it at first because it wasn't in alphabetical order.  Archery, Bowling, Golf, NASCAR... NFL then Billiards!

We made it! 

OMG, Billiards got a little bit of exposure!  Yeah, Baby!

What did they write about?

Well, click the image below to enlarge and Read All About It!

Woo-Hoo!

Great Domino Story!

Back in May, someone was posting on AZBilliards.com Forums telling us his wife had taken a bad fall, he was out of work, his A/C quit working (it was pretty hot this time of year), and he was therefore trying to sell his personal playing cue to raise some money for his tough times as he and his wife were in dire straits.  I donated some cash to him and his wife then several other AZB'ers stepped up and sent him money, including a fellow player from the Dallas/Fort Worth-area, Mike.  Although I've never met Mike (Fort Worth really is a big city, lol), we know each other through the pool community and through the AZB Forums.  I also did not know the gentleman who was on tough times.  Turns out he is Tony, who makes Russell Cues.  Tony didn't have any cues that were already finished that he could sell and he doesn't "rush cues ever" (which is the sign of a good cuemaker). 

Long story short, Mike ended up placing an order with Tony in June and after several discussions of designs, Mike received his FIRST-EVER custom designed cue in early September!

Mike was striving for a "very simple, clean design that lets the beauty of the wood grain be the focal point."  He added that he is extremely happy with the "entire experience and product I received from Tony Russell and will do business with him in the future."

I love domino stories like this!  

Here is a pick of Mike's custom Russell Cue:

(Click to enlarge)

Calcuttas Are Poo, Or Are They?

As a female pool player, I was never interested in calcuttas (i.e. Player Auctions). I guess because the money for calcuttas is mostly shoveled into the men's side of the tourneys. Larger attendance, bigger pots, better players = all equal to more money in the men's tourneys for the calcuttas.

So, calcuttas never served me. If I happen to be at a tourney with a women's calcutta, I don't even buy half myself (that doesn't make my buyer's too happy; sorry).

Calcuttas are illegal in Texas and while the TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) doesn't normally care about calcuttas, a large Tour in Texas lost their ability to run calcuttas because a competing pool room "turned them in" to the TABC. Because the Tours' pool rooms could lose their liquor license from the TABC, the associated Tour had to stop running the calcuttas (even though they ran calcuttas for 7 years with no problems before that).

However, I naively didn't think this would hurt the Tour at all. I figured that it's the player's that make or break a tour, not a side bet auction thingamachigy.

Well, I was wrong.  After two years of the no-calcutta rule for this Tour, it's quite evident that calcuttas are very important for men's Tours. The Tour has lost a lot of participation because they are no longer allowed to have calcuttas. To the point where some events didn't even occur because the Tour didn't have enough players show up to even hold an event! And I am talking about a $1,000-added event, too. Wow.

While I admit two new home-grown tours in the area might be hurting the Tour I am referring to, it goes to show that those two new tours have calcuttas and are doing well while this established Tour struggles.

I will confide I am extremely surprised that calcuttas are that important to guys - us women don't usually have calcuttas associated with our events so I am very green behind the ears I guess.

Here are a couple of good comments from some male friends about calcuttas:

"Yea the auctions are what get the spectators in to spend the money and watch some pool in the establishments."

"I know the best tournaments in the south have auctions..If they didn't they would have no tournament..I know people that don't know much about pool but they do go to tournaments because they can participate without playin..I think it should be legal..but that's me.... "

Holiday Wish List

Do you know what you want for Christmas that is pool-related? (if you celebrate this holiday.) 

I know you are thinking about it!

My holiday-pool-related wish is simple - I hope I still have my stroke after taking all this time off from big tournaments, practicing, and my straight-pool league break. 

My bigger wish is I hope Mom is home by Christmas!  :)

What is yours?  If you haven't thought about it, start now please so you can tell Santa. :)

Stop My 5-0

I was at league two weeks ago. I hadn't been in some time because teammate Ashley was trying to get her weeks in before November and I then would cover her weeks in November/December.

It had been so long since I played league, I walked in without my cues. I thought, "What am I forgetting? I feel a little naked." lol.

As the night progressed against the team we were beating, I noticed I had won each of my matches so far and was sitting at 4-0 and was on the cusp of having a 5-0 night!

As I racked my last rack, the team was gathering across from the table, figuring out who was up next. My opponent, a big bulky guy, evidently saw my stats for the night and said out loud to his teammates, "I'm gonna stop her 5-0 right now."

I look up from my racking abilities, and one of the teammates saw me look over at them and he figured out I had heard my opponent. I admit I had an evil grin on my face - kinda of a "go ahead and try it" look with an added smile.  Oooh - a challenge! 

I break, make a ball, and run out to the 8 ball but miss. Eeek! So close! He stammers to the table, eyes the layout, table wide open, shoots and misses his first shot!

Wow, really? How is that stopping my 5-0? I make my 8ball and we shake hands as he walks toward his team kinda embarrassed and deflated as I walk toward mine all happy and giddy. :)

Welcome back to league!