October 4 2011,
Someone I know who runs a pool tournament (the tour director) in the area got bashed up this weekend. A player was bitching to the Tour Director that the handicap system was screwd up. The player then punched the Tour Director 3 times in the face injuring his jaw and banged up his face. He went to the owner of the pool hall, and she did not do anything about it.
Luckily the pool hall has a footage on the whole action.
The Tour Director has gone to the police already and filed a complaint and a report.
Now, does pool have to get that violent?
Quilt & Bitch
Showing posts with label Pool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pool. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A House Warming Present
November 10 2010,
Seen these before? OMGWTF has kindly sent a beautifully hand made key chain as a house warming present. Isn't it cool? If you want one, you can get one here. And as some of you know, orange and blue is my favorite color combination.
Thanks OMG, your humble fan.
And not to forget, thanks p00lriah, for the gift card to Target. I still haven't figured out what to get with the gift card that would be suiting to you.
Quilt & Bitch
Friendship and Pool :: Evolution of a Pool Player
November 10 2010,
This entry is inspired by p00lriah's entry call "aspirations".
I started playing pool in Feburary of 2007. Before then, I have only been to a pool hall maybe twice. Hubby on the other hand grew up playing pool, so he wasn't starting from scratch like I was.
Hubby and I were mulling around not having much to do, and he had gotten a pool stick for Christmas, so I suggested that we go to a pool hall and play a little bit.
I looked around for places to play and came up with a list. We also found a local pool hall that offered free pool on Fridays and Saturdays for two hours. We started slowly, because I had no idea how what I was supposed to do with a stick. We took a table at the corner of the room so that there were less distraction and that I would not stick out like a sore thumb.
Once I got the hang of things, we started playing 8 ball. Hubby would of course break and I devised a plan to get ball in hand at the beginning of my turn. Believe it or not, this was helpful not only making shots, but in strategizing on cue ball position. The other thing I am allowed to do when playing with hubby is if I shoot a ball and another ball goes in, it is still my turn. These handicap made the game less stressful and less frustrating. It's good to have fun and not be discouraged.
In the summer of 2008, we decided to join the local pool league. Oh my, what a disaster it was for me. I had just started learning how to break and I knew what the rules were, but I kept on losing games and it was really discouraging. In the middle of the league, I dropped out. But I did not stop going, because I would hit some balls and practice while hubby continued with the league.
This is where we met Phil, the guy who passed away three weeks ago. The very first time we lay eyes on Phil, I was sitting watching a match with Hubby on the next table. Phil comes storming by pissed as hell. I whispered over to hubby and said, "Be careful of that guy, he has a temper." Oh boy, was I wrong. Turns out that he was a great guy.
Hubby had the most points in the "B" league and came home with a trophy that now sits proudly in the corner.
In between 2007 and 2008, hubby bought a bunch of cues. We started with McDermott cues. Hubby got me a McDermott cue which had geckos on it. I instantly fell in love with it because it was balanced right. Everything about it was right.
After hubby bought a bunch of cues and researching on custom cues, he decided to order a Webb cue sometime in the summer of 2008.
Hubby decided to join the fall season league. The original operator of the league resigned and another person took it over. Hubby was put into the "A" section, after a few weeks of league playing, he was downgraded to the "B"s. Hubby was pissed. Pissed because the new person running the league did not talk to him first, and if he was placed in the "B" again, it shows that his game was not improving and there was no point in being in the league. He dropped the league and just played during the weekends.
In March 2009, we went to the Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge, PA. We met a bunch of memorable people, including OMGWTF, the TAR crew, and people from Jimbo's Army. Here's a recap of the event. I remembered meeting OMGWTF for the first time and gave her a hug. Later on her blog I read that she does not like strangers giving her hugs. Oosps. Oh well, live with it OMG.
In July 2009. Our new cue was ready. It took hubby's cue a little bit longer because Webb wanted me to get a cue at the same time that hubby did, so hubby's cue was postponed at least six months. :) Lucky me.
The story with my Webb cue was, Webb wanted Christmas presents for his family. So as barter, I was to make him 5 quilts in exchange for a cue. I had 4 months to make the quilts for him. It was all wrapped with fabric bags and little notes were written on behalf of him. All he had to do was give them to his family.
I think it was around this time when hubby found that another pool hall offered free pool on Mondays and Wednesdays if you buy a minimum of $10 of food. Phil at this time was frustrated with the league too and decided to drop the league. That was the start of Phil and hubby going to this other pool hall either on Mondays or Wednesdays or both days. I would occasionally join them, but most of the time, they were together from 5:30 till midnight.
Fast forward to August 2009. We started looking for a house. Our criteria for the house was that it could fit a pool table. After searching for a few months in the 2 mile radius from the apartment where we were at with no success, we expanded it to a 4 mile radius. Finally on February we found a place that would fit the pool table perfectly with some work.
In September 2010, we were ready for a pool table. We were debating between the Gold Crown V and the Diamond. Phil and his wife made the decision for us, because they loved the Diamond much more than the Gold Crown. So we ordered the Diamond with a firm deadline installation to the local installer of October 15, 2010. The table was delivered and installed on October 14, 2010.
Phil came over as often as he could, and hubby and Phil would play for hours. I would interject here and there with a few games. It's too bad Phil only enjoyed the table for a few weeks. It was his dream to have a pool table where he did not have to pay to play. But our house was always opened to him and his wife.
Since Phil's passing, playing pool has been tough. I hardly play on our table. We still go to our local pool hall to see pool buddies, it gets us out, and forces me to play for two hours.
Thus, a new chapter begins and may hubby and I write a new chapter in our evolution or pool playing.
Getting back to p00lriah's entry called "aspirations", yes, we all have aspirations to become better players, but it is the journey that is important. Pool playing is a hobby that is social, even though sometimes there is not much talking but playing, it is the time that is spent with the other person and the bond it forms.
By the way, with hubby, I no longer take ball in hand for every turn and I break even if he wins. He is also required to bank or kick the eight ball, and when I call a ball into a pocket, and another ball goes in, it's still my turn. :) Lucky me.
Quilt & Bitch
This entry is inspired by p00lriah's entry call "aspirations".
I started playing pool in Feburary of 2007. Before then, I have only been to a pool hall maybe twice. Hubby on the other hand grew up playing pool, so he wasn't starting from scratch like I was.
Hubby and I were mulling around not having much to do, and he had gotten a pool stick for Christmas, so I suggested that we go to a pool hall and play a little bit.
I looked around for places to play and came up with a list. We also found a local pool hall that offered free pool on Fridays and Saturdays for two hours. We started slowly, because I had no idea how what I was supposed to do with a stick. We took a table at the corner of the room so that there were less distraction and that I would not stick out like a sore thumb.
Once I got the hang of things, we started playing 8 ball. Hubby would of course break and I devised a plan to get ball in hand at the beginning of my turn. Believe it or not, this was helpful not only making shots, but in strategizing on cue ball position. The other thing I am allowed to do when playing with hubby is if I shoot a ball and another ball goes in, it is still my turn. These handicap made the game less stressful and less frustrating. It's good to have fun and not be discouraged.
In the summer of 2008, we decided to join the local pool league. Oh my, what a disaster it was for me. I had just started learning how to break and I knew what the rules were, but I kept on losing games and it was really discouraging. In the middle of the league, I dropped out. But I did not stop going, because I would hit some balls and practice while hubby continued with the league.
This is where we met Phil, the guy who passed away three weeks ago. The very first time we lay eyes on Phil, I was sitting watching a match with Hubby on the next table. Phil comes storming by pissed as hell. I whispered over to hubby and said, "Be careful of that guy, he has a temper." Oh boy, was I wrong. Turns out that he was a great guy.
Hubby had the most points in the "B" league and came home with a trophy that now sits proudly in the corner.
In between 2007 and 2008, hubby bought a bunch of cues. We started with McDermott cues. Hubby got me a McDermott cue which had geckos on it. I instantly fell in love with it because it was balanced right. Everything about it was right.
After hubby bought a bunch of cues and researching on custom cues, he decided to order a Webb cue sometime in the summer of 2008.
Hubby decided to join the fall season league. The original operator of the league resigned and another person took it over. Hubby was put into the "A" section, after a few weeks of league playing, he was downgraded to the "B"s. Hubby was pissed. Pissed because the new person running the league did not talk to him first, and if he was placed in the "B" again, it shows that his game was not improving and there was no point in being in the league. He dropped the league and just played during the weekends.
In March 2009, we went to the Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge, PA. We met a bunch of memorable people, including OMGWTF, the TAR crew, and people from Jimbo's Army. Here's a recap of the event. I remembered meeting OMGWTF for the first time and gave her a hug. Later on her blog I read that she does not like strangers giving her hugs. Oosps. Oh well, live with it OMG.
In July 2009. Our new cue was ready. It took hubby's cue a little bit longer because Webb wanted me to get a cue at the same time that hubby did, so hubby's cue was postponed at least six months. :) Lucky me.
The story with my Webb cue was, Webb wanted Christmas presents for his family. So as barter, I was to make him 5 quilts in exchange for a cue. I had 4 months to make the quilts for him. It was all wrapped with fabric bags and little notes were written on behalf of him. All he had to do was give them to his family.
I think it was around this time when hubby found that another pool hall offered free pool on Mondays and Wednesdays if you buy a minimum of $10 of food. Phil at this time was frustrated with the league too and decided to drop the league. That was the start of Phil and hubby going to this other pool hall either on Mondays or Wednesdays or both days. I would occasionally join them, but most of the time, they were together from 5:30 till midnight.
Fast forward to August 2009. We started looking for a house. Our criteria for the house was that it could fit a pool table. After searching for a few months in the 2 mile radius from the apartment where we were at with no success, we expanded it to a 4 mile radius. Finally on February we found a place that would fit the pool table perfectly with some work.
In September 2010, we were ready for a pool table. We were debating between the Gold Crown V and the Diamond. Phil and his wife made the decision for us, because they loved the Diamond much more than the Gold Crown. So we ordered the Diamond with a firm deadline installation to the local installer of October 15, 2010. The table was delivered and installed on October 14, 2010.
Phil came over as often as he could, and hubby and Phil would play for hours. I would interject here and there with a few games. It's too bad Phil only enjoyed the table for a few weeks. It was his dream to have a pool table where he did not have to pay to play. But our house was always opened to him and his wife.
Since Phil's passing, playing pool has been tough. I hardly play on our table. We still go to our local pool hall to see pool buddies, it gets us out, and forces me to play for two hours.
Thus, a new chapter begins and may hubby and I write a new chapter in our evolution or pool playing.
Getting back to p00lriah's entry called "aspirations", yes, we all have aspirations to become better players, but it is the journey that is important. Pool playing is a hobby that is social, even though sometimes there is not much talking but playing, it is the time that is spent with the other person and the bond it forms.
By the way, with hubby, I no longer take ball in hand for every turn and I break even if he wins. He is also required to bank or kick the eight ball, and when I call a ball into a pocket, and another ball goes in, it's still my turn. :) Lucky me.
Quilt & Bitch
Monday, October 18, 2010
Welcoming Our Latest Member of the Family
October 18 2010,
We would like to welcome our latest member of the family, the Diamond Pro-Am in a rosewood stain which got installed last Thursday.
The installer said that this pool table is the first one in the country to be installed in any residential or commercial space. Isn't that exciting?
(Above: the white cabinet on the top right is the water heater, and the white thing on the bottom left is the couch)
(Above: Ball Return)
(Above: Lights from Lowes, approximately $125.00)
(Above: Two sets of lights with 4 bulbs each)
We would like to welcome our latest member of the family, the Diamond Pro-Am in a rosewood stain which got installed last Thursday.
The installer said that this pool table is the first one in the country to be installed in any residential or commercial space. Isn't that exciting?
(Above: the white cabinet on the top right is the water heater, and the white thing on the bottom left is the couch)
(Above: Ball Return)
(Above: Lights from Lowes, approximately $125.00)
(Above: Two sets of lights with 4 bulbs each)Ok, since you got half a tour of the garden level of the house (basement), there's a fridge, sink, dishwasher on one side of the area, what do you think?
I think the Gold Crown 5 would have been a prettier and elegant piece of furniture than the Diamond Pro-Am, but because this came straight from the factory brand new, I think it is a better choice.
The cloth is the Simonis 860 HR in tournament blue.
Hubby planned the lighting really well. I really did not light the hanging pool lights that were being sold everywhere, including the diamond pool lights. We also did not have enough ceiling height to put those table hanging lights, and note the beam in the middle of the room. So hubby bought these two flush mount ceiling lights with 4 florescent bulbs on each light fixture. There are no shadows and it gives out plenty of light. In addition, hubby ordered louvers which were $25.00 and replaced the cover which came with the light fixture.
Well kids, drool over it.
Quilt & Bitch
I think the Gold Crown 5 would have been a prettier and elegant piece of furniture than the Diamond Pro-Am, but because this came straight from the factory brand new, I think it is a better choice.
The cloth is the Simonis 860 HR in tournament blue.
Hubby planned the lighting really well. I really did not light the hanging pool lights that were being sold everywhere, including the diamond pool lights. We also did not have enough ceiling height to put those table hanging lights, and note the beam in the middle of the room. So hubby bought these two flush mount ceiling lights with 4 florescent bulbs on each light fixture. There are no shadows and it gives out plenty of light. In addition, hubby ordered louvers which were $25.00 and replaced the cover which came with the light fixture.
Well kids, drool over it.
Quilt & Bitch
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"I Ain't Your Babysitter"
June 30, 2010
About a month and a half ago, one of our pool buddy came into the pool hall with his son. His son is 15 years old. The father proceeds to the other side of the hall to play with his buddy (more serious players), while his son comes over to where hubby and I are and joins us.
This happens every Friday. Technically, he is not suppose to be at the pool hall, because kids under 21 are not allowed in the pool hall after 5:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Here's the problem. He is 15 years old. He acts like a typical 15 year old kid. Doesn't pay attention to the game and is always distracted looking at other tables. Typically our "group" gets two tables with five players and we round robin. Occasionally we get six players, and things get tricky because it is hard to time the players to end at the same time.
If the boy was more serious in the game and wanted to learn, it's fine by me. Half of the time you have to tell him that it is his turn because he is busy watching a game at another table.
I wonder how much longer this will last before the other players on the table, including hubby will get fed up by having to baby sit this kid.
Is this fair?
Quilt & Bitch
About a month and a half ago, one of our pool buddy came into the pool hall with his son. His son is 15 years old. The father proceeds to the other side of the hall to play with his buddy (more serious players), while his son comes over to where hubby and I are and joins us.
This happens every Friday. Technically, he is not suppose to be at the pool hall, because kids under 21 are not allowed in the pool hall after 5:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Here's the problem. He is 15 years old. He acts like a typical 15 year old kid. Doesn't pay attention to the game and is always distracted looking at other tables. Typically our "group" gets two tables with five players and we round robin. Occasionally we get six players, and things get tricky because it is hard to time the players to end at the same time.
If the boy was more serious in the game and wanted to learn, it's fine by me. Half of the time you have to tell him that it is his turn because he is busy watching a game at another table.
I wonder how much longer this will last before the other players on the table, including hubby will get fed up by having to baby sit this kid.
Is this fair?
Quilt & Bitch
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I Can See, I Can See
February 25, 2010
It's been a few months since I received my contact lenses. The eye doctor has finally found the correct lenses for the right eye, but is still working on the left lenses. Currently the left lens is shifting everytime I use it, and it is not as comfortable as it can be.
Overall when shooting pool with contact lenses, I miss less and have more confidence during my shot making.
For me it's all in the stance. If my stance is off, it is almost a gaurantee that I will miss.
So with the combination of being able to see better, not having things distort, soon, I'll be able to hang with the others.
Quilt & Bitch
It's been a few months since I received my contact lenses. The eye doctor has finally found the correct lenses for the right eye, but is still working on the left lenses. Currently the left lens is shifting everytime I use it, and it is not as comfortable as it can be.
Overall when shooting pool with contact lenses, I miss less and have more confidence during my shot making.
For me it's all in the stance. If my stance is off, it is almost a gaurantee that I will miss.
So with the combination of being able to see better, not having things distort, soon, I'll be able to hang with the others.
Quilt & Bitch
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
How Much Calories to you Burn Playing Pool?
January 6, 2010
Did you know that you can actually burn calories while playing pool?
According to one website, if you are 130 pounds, you can burn 150 calories per hour. If you are 150 pounds, you can burn 200 calories per hour. (Source: http://www.dietbites.com/article0102.html)
It's better than sitting on the couch and watching t.v.
You can calculate how many calories you burn through this "Calories Burned Estimator" which allows you to put in your weight and how many minutes of a certain activity you do.
So don't feel guilty for playing pool for many hours on end.
Quilt & Bitch
Did you know that you can actually burn calories while playing pool?
According to one website, if you are 130 pounds, you can burn 150 calories per hour. If you are 150 pounds, you can burn 200 calories per hour. (Source: http://www.dietbites.com/article0102.html)
It's better than sitting on the couch and watching t.v.
You can calculate how many calories you burn through this "Calories Burned Estimator" which allows you to put in your weight and how many minutes of a certain activity you do.
So don't feel guilty for playing pool for many hours on end.
Quilt & Bitch
Pool on TV
January 6, 2010
We finally got around to watching the International Challenge of Champions 2009. They once again played it on the new Aramith Fusion Tables. I realized that this table is not for short players. The sides of the table looks wider than normal Gold Crown or Diamond tables, thus for shorter player, they will have to reach more to hit a ball that is in the middle of the table.
Besides the table, the production of the show was annoying. Let's say two player's are playing a match on the first set, and the score is 3 to 3 and the match is a race to 5. At the next commercial, they jump directly to the second set. What happened to the rest of the game in the first match?
Worse, the production of this show would show "The Super Shot of the Match" and the shot they show was not in any of the match they showed to the home viewers.
Imagine what home audiences would say if they were watching a MLB or NFL game and they cut off almost half of the plays to fit it into a one hour time slot. People would be outraged.
Isn't the point of sponsors who sponsor pool tournament is to get exposure mainly on television? Yeah audiences can go to the arena and watch it live, but you can probably only get 100 people or so in the Mohegan Sun venue, but sponsors get more exposure on television.
To make things worse I've almost had it with the pool announcer Mitch Laurence. He sounds like he knows little about pool even though he has been announcing for many many years. There is a forum on this topic on azbilliards. I guess if Mitch is doing it for little or not money, then I should not be complaining.
Quilt & Bitch
We finally got around to watching the International Challenge of Champions 2009. They once again played it on the new Aramith Fusion Tables. I realized that this table is not for short players. The sides of the table looks wider than normal Gold Crown or Diamond tables, thus for shorter player, they will have to reach more to hit a ball that is in the middle of the table.
Besides the table, the production of the show was annoying. Let's say two player's are playing a match on the first set, and the score is 3 to 3 and the match is a race to 5. At the next commercial, they jump directly to the second set. What happened to the rest of the game in the first match?
Worse, the production of this show would show "The Super Shot of the Match" and the shot they show was not in any of the match they showed to the home viewers.
Imagine what home audiences would say if they were watching a MLB or NFL game and they cut off almost half of the plays to fit it into a one hour time slot. People would be outraged.
Isn't the point of sponsors who sponsor pool tournament is to get exposure mainly on television? Yeah audiences can go to the arena and watch it live, but you can probably only get 100 people or so in the Mohegan Sun venue, but sponsors get more exposure on television.
To make things worse I've almost had it with the pool announcer Mitch Laurence. He sounds like he knows little about pool even though he has been announcing for many many years. There is a forum on this topic on azbilliards. I guess if Mitch is doing it for little or not money, then I should not be complaining.
Quilt & Bitch
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Speed Pool
December 12, 2009
Recently I was watching pool on ESPN and noticed that they had these pool tables from Aramith call "Fusion Tables".
The concept is that you can turn these tables from a dining table, office table etc. to a pool table.
Watching the player's on television play speed pool on this table was not fun. It looked like every time they were moving from one end of the table to the next I could imagine them catching their sides on the corner of the table.
It is a pretty cool concept. My questions are
Recently I was watching pool on ESPN and noticed that they had these pool tables from Aramith call "Fusion Tables".
The concept is that you can turn these tables from a dining table, office table etc. to a pool table.
Watching the player's on television play speed pool on this table was not fun. It looked like every time they were moving from one end of the table to the next I could imagine them catching their sides on the corner of the table.
It is a pretty cool concept. My questions are
- how much are these things
- would you buy one of these
- will it always be leveled because you raise it when you want to play pool?
- how does it play in comparison to other pool tables?
I have not seen one in person, if you have any insights, please share.
Quilt & Bitch
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
8-Ball Pool Tournament Update
October 6, 2009
I had mentioned mid last month that the tour director was holding a 8 Ball pool tournament for all levels.
I just realized that I did not post anything about the tournament.
After a few days after the post, the owner of the pool hall had to close down due to financial difficulties.
So that's that for that. The decision was made that I was not going to play in it.
It's really hard to own a pool hall when one does not have a bar / liquor license. It's a sad thing for pool players because it is one less place for pool players to play in.
What are your thoughts? If you had a chance to buy a pool hall, would you by one? What's important to you at a pool hall? Is it the decor, food, liquor, environment etc.?
Quilt & Bitch
I had mentioned mid last month that the tour director was holding a 8 Ball pool tournament for all levels.
I just realized that I did not post anything about the tournament.
After a few days after the post, the owner of the pool hall had to close down due to financial difficulties.
So that's that for that. The decision was made that I was not going to play in it.
It's really hard to own a pool hall when one does not have a bar / liquor license. It's a sad thing for pool players because it is one less place for pool players to play in.
What are your thoughts? If you had a chance to buy a pool hall, would you by one? What's important to you at a pool hall? Is it the decor, food, liquor, environment etc.?
Quilt & Bitch
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Excuse Me Sir, But that's my Cue
September 19, 2009
Last night hubby and I played pool. We did a round robin with 7 players total on three tables. As more player's started to leave, we were left with one table and 3 players. Mr. Wacky asked if he could use my cue and I said it was fine, because he had broken his down thinking that we were all leaving for the night.
Out of nowhere, this other guy who we were also round robining with, Mr. Shy, took my cue to look at it. I thought to myself, that's fine. Next he started grabbing some balls acting as if he was going to hit it. And he was.
Startled, I exclaimed to him, "Hey, you can't hit with that! That's mine!"
He looked genuinely shocked. I continued to scold him and said, "It's just pool etiquette to first ask the person whether you can hit with their cue."
He was still stunned and proceeded to put the cue back down. I don't think he said anything back to me after the incident.
I don't have a problem if somebody asks to use my cue, but the point is, ask before doing it.
What are your thoughts? Should I not have scolded him? Was I too harsh?
Quilt & Bitch
Last night hubby and I played pool. We did a round robin with 7 players total on three tables. As more player's started to leave, we were left with one table and 3 players. Mr. Wacky asked if he could use my cue and I said it was fine, because he had broken his down thinking that we were all leaving for the night.
Out of nowhere, this other guy who we were also round robining with, Mr. Shy, took my cue to look at it. I thought to myself, that's fine. Next he started grabbing some balls acting as if he was going to hit it. And he was.
Startled, I exclaimed to him, "Hey, you can't hit with that! That's mine!"
He looked genuinely shocked. I continued to scold him and said, "It's just pool etiquette to first ask the person whether you can hit with their cue."
He was still stunned and proceeded to put the cue back down. I don't think he said anything back to me after the incident.
I don't have a problem if somebody asks to use my cue, but the point is, ask before doing it.
What are your thoughts? Should I not have scolded him? Was I too harsh?
Quilt & Bitch
Friday, September 11, 2009
Does a New Pool Cue Cause You To Play Better?
September 11, 2009
It's been over a month since I got my new Webb cue. And I love it. My game has improved, I'm not rattling or skidding the ball as much, and I can actually aim and make difficult balls.
I ponder upon the question, am I better because of the cue or is it just all mental. My old cue, a McDermott was heavier, and weighed 19.5 oz. Webb (the cue maker) said that it should be lighter, so it is now 18 something oz. My old cue felt balanced, and so is this one. As nuts as this may sound, I feel like I am one with the cue. With every stroke and every hit, it feels like an extension of my arm.
I have also gotten posession of Joe Tucker's "Stroke Trainer". I use this once in a while and do drills. I have a lot of problem hitting the center of the cue ball. And this tool has changed my stance to allow me to hit the center ball.
So the question is, does a new or better cue make you play better or do you play better because it is a new cue? (Did I phrase that question right?) Is it all just mental?
Quilt & Bitch
It's been over a month since I got my new Webb cue. And I love it. My game has improved, I'm not rattling or skidding the ball as much, and I can actually aim and make difficult balls.
I ponder upon the question, am I better because of the cue or is it just all mental. My old cue, a McDermott was heavier, and weighed 19.5 oz. Webb (the cue maker) said that it should be lighter, so it is now 18 something oz. My old cue felt balanced, and so is this one. As nuts as this may sound, I feel like I am one with the cue. With every stroke and every hit, it feels like an extension of my arm.
I have also gotten posession of Joe Tucker's "Stroke Trainer". I use this once in a while and do drills. I have a lot of problem hitting the center of the cue ball. And this tool has changed my stance to allow me to hit the center ball.
So the question is, does a new or better cue make you play better or do you play better because it is a new cue? (Did I phrase that question right?) Is it all just mental?
Quilt & Bitch
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Should Lower Ranked Players Play Among Themselves?
September 8 (Part II), 2009
I was looking forward to play in a local 8 ball tournament which is starting on September 27, 2009.
Unfornately the guy who is running the tournament decides to allow all players to play, including open and A players.
Last spring, he started this 8 ball tournament limiting the players to C and D players only. So I started playing this tournament because it was less intimidating and the chances of coming last place are slim.
Now the guy wants $15.00 as an entry fee (instead of the $10.00) and letting all types of player play. I doubt I'll be playing in this tournament because there is absolutely no incentive.
Why are people greedy?
If you think about it, letting the C and D players play by themselves allow them to improve and gain more confidence both in the game and playing in tournaments. It also is for the good of pool itself because it does not discourage the lower players and instead entices them to play in bigger tournaments down the road.
What do you think? Am I wrong to segregate C and D players?
Quilt & Bitch
I was looking forward to play in a local 8 ball tournament which is starting on September 27, 2009.
Unfornately the guy who is running the tournament decides to allow all players to play, including open and A players.
Last spring, he started this 8 ball tournament limiting the players to C and D players only. So I started playing this tournament because it was less intimidating and the chances of coming last place are slim.
Now the guy wants $15.00 as an entry fee (instead of the $10.00) and letting all types of player play. I doubt I'll be playing in this tournament because there is absolutely no incentive.
Why are people greedy?
If you think about it, letting the C and D players play by themselves allow them to improve and gain more confidence both in the game and playing in tournaments. It also is for the good of pool itself because it does not discourage the lower players and instead entices them to play in bigger tournaments down the road.
What do you think? Am I wrong to segregate C and D players?
Quilt & Bitch
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
More Pool Drama
August 19, 2009
This is an update about the raffle that occurred this past weekend.
In my previous post, I talked about a guy being pissed, let's call him Mr. B. Apparently Mr. B. had four of his friends / players give him entry fee cash and then Mr. B. turned around and wrote a check to the tour director for 5 entries into the tournament totallying $300.
Rumors have it that Mr. B. feels that because he brings friends and players into Mr. Tour Director's tournaments, Mr. B. is entitled to something. This something turned out to be that he wanted the Mike Webb raffle cue. Mr. B. wanted Mr. Tour Director to rig the raffle outcome so that Mr. B. would gaurantee a win.
Mr. Tour Director had no desire to rig the raffle and put me in charge of all aspects of the raffle. So, surprise surprise, the raffle was not rigged. Mr. B. blew a gasket (a huge one) and was really pissed.
The next day, Mr. Tour Director tried to cash the check from Mr. B., turns out that there was a stop payment to the entry fee check from above. In conclusion, I guess Mr. B. was really pissed because the raffle was not rigged.
Damn, if I was going to rig the raffle, guess who would have won the Webb cue?
The Webb cue was a donation from the cuemaker and a generous one. It is a shame that one jerk can ruin so much?
But I guess life wouldn't be exciting without these gossips, rumors and drama queens.
Quilt & Bitch
This is an update about the raffle that occurred this past weekend.
In my previous post, I talked about a guy being pissed, let's call him Mr. B. Apparently Mr. B. had four of his friends / players give him entry fee cash and then Mr. B. turned around and wrote a check to the tour director for 5 entries into the tournament totallying $300.
Rumors have it that Mr. B. feels that because he brings friends and players into Mr. Tour Director's tournaments, Mr. B. is entitled to something. This something turned out to be that he wanted the Mike Webb raffle cue. Mr. B. wanted Mr. Tour Director to rig the raffle outcome so that Mr. B. would gaurantee a win.
Mr. Tour Director had no desire to rig the raffle and put me in charge of all aspects of the raffle. So, surprise surprise, the raffle was not rigged. Mr. B. blew a gasket (a huge one) and was really pissed.
The next day, Mr. Tour Director tried to cash the check from Mr. B., turns out that there was a stop payment to the entry fee check from above. In conclusion, I guess Mr. B. was really pissed because the raffle was not rigged.
Damn, if I was going to rig the raffle, guess who would have won the Webb cue?
The Webb cue was a donation from the cuemaker and a generous one. It is a shame that one jerk can ruin so much?
But I guess life wouldn't be exciting without these gossips, rumors and drama queens.
Quilt & Bitch
Monday, August 17, 2009
Pool Tournament in NH
August 17, 2009
This weekend, hubby and I went to a pool tournament in New Hampshire. It was the season finale for the New England 9 Ball Series held by MD Promotions.
Hubby and I were helping out at the tournament. My main job was to sell raffle tickets. Hubby's main job was to hang out and be a referee for close call shots.
The main prize for the raffle was a Michael Webb cue. A beautiful cue with points and four veneers. I had my eye on that grand prize. Unfortunately, we did not win any of the prizes that were being raffled. Oh well, se la vie.
One guy was pissed (Mr. B), and rumors had it that he was pissed after the raffles because he told people he bought $200 worth of raffle tickets. To my knowledge, he only bought 3 (three) tickets which were $20. This guy was definitely a jerk. He was very dismissive to me and his attitude was that he had to make everybody around him miserable. He bitched and whined the whole two days of the tournament, even though he was knocked out after the first day.
Hubby and I met a bunch of really great players (they played really well, no comment on personalities), the one that stood out was Mike Dechaine (a 21 year old pro). Unfortunately, we left right before the final playoff, which was between Mike Dechaine and Dave Hall, so I have no idea who won.
The tournament was played at Buster's Billiards at Somersworth, NH. The people who run the place are great. The tables could be better. Some players complained that on a few tables, the rails were dead.
After everything was said and done, what I learnt through this experience was that most pool player's bitch, and they bitch a lot. They also make sure that you hear them. One time I was trying to sell a raffle ticket to two older gentleman, and they gave me a 5 minute lecture on how expensive the raffle tickets were. One for $10 or three for $20. One of the older gentleman had written a book that was being raffled off. Believe it or not, he had made the tour tournament director buy two of his books to be raffled off, instead of giving it to be raffled. Whatever.
He even tried to have me buy one of his books a few weeks ago. I told him, no thanks, I don't really read books.
In conclusion, if you ever go to a pool tournament, be ready for whiners and bitchers.
Quilt & Bitch
This weekend, hubby and I went to a pool tournament in New Hampshire. It was the season finale for the New England 9 Ball Series held by MD Promotions.
Hubby and I were helping out at the tournament. My main job was to sell raffle tickets. Hubby's main job was to hang out and be a referee for close call shots.
The main prize for the raffle was a Michael Webb cue. A beautiful cue with points and four veneers. I had my eye on that grand prize. Unfortunately, we did not win any of the prizes that were being raffled. Oh well, se la vie.
One guy was pissed (Mr. B), and rumors had it that he was pissed after the raffles because he told people he bought $200 worth of raffle tickets. To my knowledge, he only bought 3 (three) tickets which were $20. This guy was definitely a jerk. He was very dismissive to me and his attitude was that he had to make everybody around him miserable. He bitched and whined the whole two days of the tournament, even though he was knocked out after the first day.
Hubby and I met a bunch of really great players (they played really well, no comment on personalities), the one that stood out was Mike Dechaine (a 21 year old pro). Unfortunately, we left right before the final playoff, which was between Mike Dechaine and Dave Hall, so I have no idea who won.
The tournament was played at Buster's Billiards at Somersworth, NH. The people who run the place are great. The tables could be better. Some players complained that on a few tables, the rails were dead.
After everything was said and done, what I learnt through this experience was that most pool player's bitch, and they bitch a lot. They also make sure that you hear them. One time I was trying to sell a raffle ticket to two older gentleman, and they gave me a 5 minute lecture on how expensive the raffle tickets were. One for $10 or three for $20. One of the older gentleman had written a book that was being raffled off. Believe it or not, he had made the tour tournament director buy two of his books to be raffled off, instead of giving it to be raffled. Whatever.
He even tried to have me buy one of his books a few weeks ago. I told him, no thanks, I don't really read books.
In conclusion, if you ever go to a pool tournament, be ready for whiners and bitchers.
Quilt & Bitch
Monday, August 10, 2009
Oh no!
August 10, 2009
This weekend, hubby and I did the normal free pool on Friday and Saturday night. I skipped out on Saturday night due to a cold.
On Friday night, an embarassing thing happened. I was playing Mr. Wacky, and I it was my turn to shoot. So I got down on my shot, and realized that I had to put my leg up on the table (like what Alex Pagulayan does). So I put my leg up and positioned myself to shoot the ball. And I made it.
As I tried to get my leg down, my pants got caught on the edge of the pocket facing (those horse shoe looking thing on older Gold Crown tables).
Crap. I thought to myself that I should be fine if I try to rebalance myself and readjust my leg. The next second, I realized that I was falling down.
Here I was on the floor, with my leg still on the table. Mr. Wacky rushed over and see if I was even alive. The kid who was working there also rushed over to see if I was having a heart attack. I was fine, I was just embarrassed as hell. To make matters worse, because it was free pool, the hall was filled with people.
Oh well,
Quilt & Bitch
This weekend, hubby and I did the normal free pool on Friday and Saturday night. I skipped out on Saturday night due to a cold.
On Friday night, an embarassing thing happened. I was playing Mr. Wacky, and I it was my turn to shoot. So I got down on my shot, and realized that I had to put my leg up on the table (like what Alex Pagulayan does). So I put my leg up and positioned myself to shoot the ball. And I made it.
As I tried to get my leg down, my pants got caught on the edge of the pocket facing (those horse shoe looking thing on older Gold Crown tables).
Crap. I thought to myself that I should be fine if I try to rebalance myself and readjust my leg. The next second, I realized that I was falling down.
Here I was on the floor, with my leg still on the table. Mr. Wacky rushed over and see if I was even alive. The kid who was working there also rushed over to see if I was having a heart attack. I was fine, I was just embarrassed as hell. To make matters worse, because it was free pool, the hall was filled with people.
Oh well,
Quilt & Bitch
Friday, July 24, 2009
Time to Learn How to Play Pool
July 24, 2009
Hubby and I finally got our cues from Mike Webb of Webb Custom Cues.
Beautiful ain't it? And they are a matching pair. The pictures don't do justice to the beauty of this artwork.
Mine is with the purple heart and curly maple wood, hubby is ebony with olive wood.
Hubby and I finally got our cues from Mike Webb of Webb Custom Cues.
Beautiful ain't it? And they are a matching pair. The pictures don't do justice to the beauty of this artwork.
Mine is with the purple heart and curly maple wood, hubby is ebony with olive wood.
All I have to do now is to learn how to play pool.
Quilt & Bitch
Sunday, April 26, 2009
First Torney
April 26, 2009
Had my first pool tournament today. It was a tournament geared towards beginner and intermediate players. The handicap ranged from the highest, 6, a C player, and the lowest, 2, a D player. My handicap is a 2.
My first match was a race to a player with a handicap of 4. I lost the match, 4-0. Because it was a double elimination tournament, I got to play another match.
The second match was with a player who had a handicap of 5. I won the match. I think it was 2 -3. I won the first game because the guy scratched his cue ball after getting in the 8 ball. One down, one to go.
The second game that I won was pretty close. We both had the 8 ball left on the table. I had a perfect shot on the 8, almost a straight in shot, and I missed. The guy then called the 8 ball, but the 8 ball went into another pocket, so I automatically won that game. Woo hoo. I really did not deserve to win the match.
The third match was against a big guy. Triple my size. The player was a 4 handicap. He really was a 5 or a 6. He won with a score of 4-0. Yes, yes, that 0 is my score.
Overall, it was fun. Surprisingly I was not nervous at all. I was there just to have fun. The winner of this 8 ball tournament will be receiving a whopping $40. Woo hoo.
Quilt & Bitch
Had my first pool tournament today. It was a tournament geared towards beginner and intermediate players. The handicap ranged from the highest, 6, a C player, and the lowest, 2, a D player. My handicap is a 2.
My first match was a race to a player with a handicap of 4. I lost the match, 4-0. Because it was a double elimination tournament, I got to play another match.
The second match was with a player who had a handicap of 5. I won the match. I think it was 2 -3. I won the first game because the guy scratched his cue ball after getting in the 8 ball. One down, one to go.
The second game that I won was pretty close. We both had the 8 ball left on the table. I had a perfect shot on the 8, almost a straight in shot, and I missed. The guy then called the 8 ball, but the 8 ball went into another pocket, so I automatically won that game. Woo hoo. I really did not deserve to win the match.
The third match was against a big guy. Triple my size. The player was a 4 handicap. He really was a 5 or a 6. He won with a score of 4-0. Yes, yes, that 0 is my score.
Overall, it was fun. Surprisingly I was not nervous at all. I was there just to have fun. The winner of this 8 ball tournament will be receiving a whopping $40. Woo hoo.
Quilt & Bitch
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Nothing to See, Nothing to See
April 1, 2009
Below is a cue case that I made about a year ago after I got my cue. The case has 3 compartments, one for two shafts, and the other two compartments are for the two butts. It comes with a padded strap. The only thing missing, which I don't need, are pockets. The nice thing with cloth cue cases is that it is not heavy, and since I made this one, it is guaranteed that there is no other one just like it.
(Above: Custom made cue case)
Below is the original fabric.
I always liked the gecko / lizard design. So when I saw the cue below, I told hubby that I liked it, and he proceed to purchase it. Yeah, yeah, it ain't a custom cue, but the balance and the weight of this cue feels really good.
Remember the blocks I was making, the one with the Koi fishies and the yellow star? I am currently in the middle of quilting it. So far, the machine is behaving well, no skipping stitches, no thread jam, no disengaging of the bobbin housing (knock on wood). This machine will be getting the "motherboard" replaced soon (at no charge - thank God), so it'll be in the shop again.
(Above: Quilt in the process of being quilted)
Below is a cue case that I made about a year ago after I got my cue. The case has 3 compartments, one for two shafts, and the other two compartments are for the two butts. It comes with a padded strap. The only thing missing, which I don't need, are pockets. The nice thing with cloth cue cases is that it is not heavy, and since I made this one, it is guaranteed that there is no other one just like it.
(Above: Custom made cue case)
I always liked the gecko / lizard design. So when I saw the cue below, I told hubby that I liked it, and he proceed to purchase it. Yeah, yeah, it ain't a custom cue, but the balance and the weight of this cue feels really good.
(Above: McDermott M74A Pearl Gecko Limited Edition Cue)
Remember the blocks I was making, the one with the Koi fishies and the yellow star? I am currently in the middle of quilting it. So far, the machine is behaving well, no skipping stitches, no thread jam, no disengaging of the bobbin housing (knock on wood). This machine will be getting the "motherboard" replaced soon (at no charge - thank God), so it'll be in the shop again.
(Above: Quilt in the process of being quilted)
Quilt & Bitch
Monday, March 23, 2009
Exhausted
March 23, 2009
Oh what a weekend. Went to the Super Billiards Expo this weekend in Valley Forge, PA. It was a pretty exciting weekend. I was planning to buy a cue case, but did not see anything that I liked, so came home with just dirty clothes and not even a souvenir from the event. But I did bring back a pretty pendant from OMGWTF. The picture does not give the pendent justice, it is beautiful. You can see her work at "Sparkle Therapy".
I spent most of my time at the TAR (The Action Report) booth selling shirts and DVD's - but it's ok, I had tons of fun.
Memorable moments:
On to quilting. Below are two fabric bowls that I made for OMGWTF. Most of the fabric came out of the unused or small pieces of her quilt.
Why did I do this you might ask? I admire her. I admire her for her abilities in pool, her bluntness and a thank you for keeping me entertained for hours through her blog. She is a person who doesn't quite know when to censor, the opposite of me. Even if she doesn't know you, she'll definitely speak her mind.
(Above: Two fabric bowls made for OMGWTF)
(Above: Front of OMGWTF's quilt)
(Above: Back of OMGWTF's quilt)
Oh what a weekend. Went to the Super Billiards Expo this weekend in Valley Forge, PA. It was a pretty exciting weekend. I was planning to buy a cue case, but did not see anything that I liked, so came home with just dirty clothes and not even a souvenir from the event. But I did bring back a pretty pendant from OMGWTF. The picture does not give the pendent justice, it is beautiful. You can see her work at "Sparkle Therapy".
I spent most of my time at the TAR (The Action Report) booth selling shirts and DVD's - but it's ok, I had tons of fun.
Memorable moments:
- Meeting OMGWTF
- Meeting people from Jimbo's Army
- Not meeting Mika Immonen (Hubby got introduced to Mika at the party room while I was back in the hotel room sound asleep). Mika for me is "eye-candy" (blush)
- Being star-struck by so many pro pool players walking around the arena.
- Meeting big people. I mean big. People who are 3 to 4 times bigger than me (and I ain't exaggerating)
- Realizing that 2 XL and 3 XL shirts are a big seller at a pool expo, while I only sold a maximum of 4 medium size shirts the whole time
- Observing how people can drink beer like it was water
On to quilting. Below are two fabric bowls that I made for OMGWTF. Most of the fabric came out of the unused or small pieces of her quilt.
Why did I do this you might ask? I admire her. I admire her for her abilities in pool, her bluntness and a thank you for keeping me entertained for hours through her blog. She is a person who doesn't quite know when to censor, the opposite of me. Even if she doesn't know you, she'll definitely speak her mind.
(Above: Two fabric bowls made for OMGWTF)
Below is the quilt that I made for her. The size is approximately 84 x 84. She loves green.
(Above: Front of OMGWTF's quilt)
(Above: Back of OMGWTF's quilt)
The title of this quilt is "I play good for girl". I accidently forgot the "A" in between "for" and "girl". It's suppose to say "I play good for a girl". Osspss, by the time I noticed it, I was done with the binding (sorry OMG).
Quilt & Bitch
Quilt & Bitch
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