iPod Touch & iPod Nano: Compare Prices at Save Buckets!

Roleigh Tuason, a billiards buddy, is looking for sites offering iPods and iPod units, one of the world’s most popular music and video players. My pool player friend wants to browse such sites for either an iPod nano or an iPod Touch. I quickly activated my ever-reliable online search tools to find such, which, by the way, make great gift ideas and are must-have gifts this coming holiday season. My search results highlighted a number of links offering price comparison site features to find the best prices online, including that of www.savebuckets.co.uk.

From the basic iPod Classics to the latest iPod Touch and iPhones, Save Buckets has them all! Indeed, Apple Inc. has inspired a whole generation with its range of awesome portable multimedia players, and Save Buckets features each and every one of the iPod models!

But wait, there’s more! One can actually utilize Save Buckets to compare price, locate the best deals on the World Wide Web information retrieval system, and pick up a cheap iPod from one the many retailers connected to Save Buckets! Truth be told, it is that simple to find, choose, and buy one’s iPod of choice! And I kid you not!

For friends who maybe on the lookout for great iPod selections, do try Save Buckets! It features them all at popular prices!

Violence, Violent Acts & Acts of Violence in Billiard Halls & Pool Rooms!

Billiards buddies and pool players, I just finished an interesting read, “The Top 8 Ways To Get Ejected From A Pool Hall,” by Matthew Sherman. Truth be told, it is one interesting post, everyone!

Without further ado, here is the post in its entirety, friends! Enjoy!

The Top 8 Ways To Get Ejected From A Pool Hall

"What manners, what class!" is either a negative or positive depending how you comport yourself at your favorite poolroom. Behave yourself and read this simple set of rules for pool… with… cool.

1. Use a Pool Table as a Dining Table, Ashcan or Easy Chair
Respect for the great baize battlefields of pool includes placing your bridge hand on the table, not your behind. Sitting on the rails of a table will ruin the surface. For best play, the level is to be to tolerances of thousandths of an inch. Do you sit on tables or chairs at home?

Food and drink are also a no-no and halls that serve refreshments must constantly guard against their patrons’ mess. Dirt and stains add to throw and ruin play. How to learn if you’ve aimed accurately but the ball failed to pocket due from grease or liquid induced throw? And, all owners dread cigarette burns on the felt.

2. Blurt Foul Language
Pool needs to shake its Depression-era reputation as a game for bums. Speak the King’s English as best you can upon all occasions. Be a proper ambassador for our magnificent, complex sport.

3. Shoot Vicious Massé Shots
The best massé technique includes a precise but gentle stroke. Bangers slam their stick as hard as possible in a vain effort to add spin to the cue ball. If they miscue they tear strips from the cloth or dent the table’s slate. A very poor, hard massé will break a cuestick.

4. Gamble Where Disallowed
We’re not talking about a race to three of 9-ball for a can of Coke between pals but real gambling. Laying cash down where the sign reads “No Gambling!” is done at your own peril, and where there is illegal gambling at a pool hall there is a hustler waiting to snatch your cash as well.

5. Become a Juvenile Delinquent
The law still raids a pool hall every so often where there is underage drinking or attendance inside regular school hours. Vice and undercover cops are on watch at a pool hall if it contributes to the delinquency of minors or has otherwise sunk below a healthy family atmosphere.

Pool halls serving alcohol typically restrict the hours when unaccompanied minors may visit.

6. Sell Cues or Wares Without Permission
If you are a courteous and knowledge salesperson, many room owners will look kindly on your selling pool equipment (like a personal cue you want to rid yourself of to another player) at their hall. Other players get to test your cue(s) and add the spice of variety to their experience at the owner’s poolroom.

If the hall sells pool cues already, however, they may frown on you as possible competition. Ask the management before initiating sales to strangers.

7. Abuse Equipment
Throwing the ball roughly onto the table bed created micro-dents on the slate under the felt. Over time, these dents accrue to become full-fledged wobble spots affecting play. A proprietor’s house cues, racks and other equipment are to receive loving care from the patrons wherever possible.

8. Shoot Dangerous Trick or Jump Shots
It happens every pool season. A table light, window or someone’s tooth is cracked by an errant jump shot. Use caution and consider caring for equipment where you can.

*Credits for the above post all go to Matthew Sherman of http://billiards.about.com.


A-Kid: I’d like to add one more to the list, if I may: violence and acts of violence. But before we dwell on that, it is very important to note a distinction between violent acts and acts of violence.

“Violent” is an adjective, and a violent act, an act appropriately qualified by that adjective. On the other hand, an act of violence is an act belonging to a particular category or class off actions not co-extensive with violence. Thus, one can state the distinction between violent acts and acts of violence in this way: Almost any action a human being can perform can be carried out violently.

And for those of us who dislike the circularity of saying that a violent act is an act performed violently, one can simply state and say that a violent act is any act appropriately characterized by the following sorts of words taken fro the “violence” entry in Roget’s Thesaurus, e.g., inclemency, vehemence, might, impetuosity, boisterousness, turbulence, bluster, uproar, riot, row, rumpus, fury, brute force, outrage, shock, and explosion.

Therefore, when one classifies an act as an act of violence, we are saying that it is part of a single phenomenon, that all men who use violence are involved, in some sense, in the same activity. And when one asks what this activity is, the answer that forces itself upon us is, I honestly believe, that it must be the infliction of injury or suffering upon others.

In addition, violence is the exertion of force so as to injure or abuse. More often than not, the word describes forceful and intentional injury to people, and verbal and emotional abuse towards others.

Acts of violence and violent acts in pool halls? Violence against one's person? I say, it’s time for action – tough action! Ban the perpetrator from entering the billiards hall or any other pool rooms! Only a lifetime ban would be right for one who commits an act of violence inside a place deemed by anyone, and everyone, as space geared towards fun, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and recreational activity!

It’s an absolute NO to violence, violent acts, and acts of violence in billiard halls and pool rooms! And a deafening and resounding YES to a lifetime ban! And I kid you not!

These are my thoughts. These are my views - personal or otherwise. What do you think, thinker?

"The AnitoKid ain't for violence!"

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5.11 Tactical Gear from Work Boots USA!

Anthony Ual, a billiards pal from Marist School, is looking for 5.11 Tactical series clothing for one of his buddies. My pool player friend wants only the best of such, and thus, has requested my help to find some.

My online search tools highlighted a number of good sites, including that of Work Boots USA. Work Boots USA features a ton of 5.11 Tactical gear, which are superior products that improve the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of law enforcement, military, and firefighting pros. From what I’ve read, 5.11 Tactical leads the industry in offering and delivering functionally innovative gear – from head to toe! In fact, the firm was ranked a cool #211 on the 2007 Inc. 500 — Inc. magazine’s yearly ranking! And I kid you not!

Sneaky Petes & House Cues: A Great Read!

Billiards buddies and pool players, here is another good read from Matthew Sherman. The article highlights one of my favorite cues – Sneaky Petes! And just like all of Sherman’s works, it is one great piece! And I kid you not!

Sneaky Petes & House Cues

House Cues

Any two-piece cue stick whether a sneaky pete or no, that costs more than seventy dollars should feel utterly like one unit when assembled. Little more than a hairline should be visible between the sections.

If you must have an inexpensive stick for personal use, buy a decent one-piece house cue (a cue resident in the pool "house") from an equipment dealer or a pool hall itself. Your cost will be about $10.

Leave 'Em At The House

Ideally, you will use the house cue in the privacy of your home. If not, it should prove fairly embarrassing to travel about with your fifty-seven-inch-long pride and joy hoisted over one shoulder!

A good story tells of one shooter who didn't mind the embarrassment of lugging his "big one" to his local pool hall over his shoulder daily. Receiving many snickers and curious looks, he could afford them. Sean won most of the tournaments played there with his one-piece stick!

Why Hustlers Want HC's

Fine cuesticks vary in price from about $70 to $5,000 or more. Most players do quite well with something from one to three hundred dollars, except hustlers who typically prefer to grab a house cue instead, since they want to hide their pool expertise.

The Name's Pete, Sneaky Pete

The least costly type of two-piece cue is called a Sneaky Pete. Your Pete might have a knack of disappearing when someone picks it up by mistake, because Sneaky Petes are crafted to look exactly like a plain house cue.

3 Reasons for "Pete"

There are only three reasons why someone buys a Sneaky Pete. First, they wish to save money. Second, they want to buck the tide of fashion, and buy a stick that has no decoration on it whatsoever. Third, they want to hustle someone's pants off, and not wishing to advertise, they conceal a fantastic stick as a Pete!

This last reason is comparable to Michael Jordan slipping on smelly old sneakers, a wig, dark sunglasses and moustache, so he can mosey on down to the local playground and shoot hoops for a "few friendly dollars". Hustler's Petes, if they disguise cues of stellar quality, can cost $300 or more!

What To Do If Suspicious

If you suspect someone you're playing of hustling, and their cue looks like a house cue but in excellent condition, search for a monogrammed brand name on their stick. Maybe the poolroom's house cues are labeled brand X, but your opponent brought in a brand Y Sneaky Pete.

Stare At The Middle

You can also look closely at their cue's midsection for where the joint might be on their "one-piece", another clue. The telltale hairline where two sections would separate, or any sharp difference in color between the top and bottom halves of the cue, indicates two sections joined together to make a disguised cue.

If your opponent continually holds their cue near its midsection, closing their hand around where the joint might be (a dead giveaway), ask them nicely if you can examine their cue.
Knowing For Sure:

Most shooters don't mind if an acquaintance hefts their stick in their hands, or even shoots a few shots with it. This is a common act of pool courtesy. Shooting full massé shots with a neighbor’s cue, and "checking out" thousand-dollar cues studded with precious gemstones are two obvious exceptions.

If your opponent, when you ask to see their cue, (you suspect it's a Pete) hits you over the head with it and then runs from the room, odds are they probably were hustling you.


*Post credits all go to Matthew Sherman of http://billiards.about.com.

"The AnitoKid loves Sneaky Petes!"

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Buy An Orange County Drums & Percussion Avalon 6-Piece Drum Shell Pack with 1-Coupons' GuitarCenter Coupon Codes!

Joey Magcalas, a billiards buddy of mine, heard about promotional deals on Orange County Drums and Percussion Avalon 6-Piece Drum Shell Pack and wants to know more about them. I activated my online search tools to help out my pool player friend. Guess what! My search results highlighted GuitarCenter.com coupon codes found at 1-Coupons!

The Guitar Center coupons found at 1-Coupons’ GuitarCenter.com coupon code deals and discounts offers Internet shopping discounts on guitars and other musical instruments. It lists a totally comprehensive index of Guitar Center coupon codes, including discounts and promotions, to help all music lovers save on instruments, gears, and equipment.

With a ton of value packages, including deals on Orange County Drums and Percussion Avalon 6-Piece Drum Shell Pack, onsite financing offers, clearance merchandise, free shipping deals, and instructional books and videos, Guitar Center truly helps everyone to make their music dreams come true! Besides the promotional deals on Orange County Drums and Percussion Avalon 6-Piece Drum Shell Pack, the site highlights acoustic, electric and hybrid guitars, amplifiers, effects, strings, replacement parts, and associated MIDI gear. And yes, most of the items featured sell well below list price!

1-Coupons more than just sell guitars! It also features a ton of interesting products that are of interest to everyone! These include Radio Shack ham radios, Red Envelope deluxe wall gallery frame sets, Toys R Us Sesame Street toys, and more! 1-Coupons - discount solutions aimed to fulfill dreams of music and more! And I kid you not!

Luther Lassiter Balabushka Pool Cue: An Auction!

Billiards buddies and pool players, I just saw this interesting read on the Internet computer network. It highlights a Luther Lassiter Balabushka pool cue which is being auctioned off! Yes, you’ve read right, everyone! It’s a Luther Lassiter Balabushka! And I kid you not!

Here is the great read in its entirety, friends! Enjoy!

Pool Cues - Luther Lassiter Stick Weighs In
Lassiter's "Bala" Fetches High Asking Price
by Matthew Sherman

A Luther Lassiter Balabushka joins the ranks of fabulous pool cues hitting auctions this year.

Luther "Wimpy" Lassiter's pride and joy, a George Herman Balabushka custom cue, was recently posted on eBay.com for a starting bid of $45,000.00 US. Why so much money?

Lassiter is arguably the greatest 9-Ball player of all time. And add Balabushka's devastatingly brilliant cue craftsmanship and you have a real winner.

While I admit to having paid four figures for really fine cue work, I at least got to shoot with my most expensive cues. I can't imagine anyone but an enthusiastic millionaire ever taking more than a few shots with his new Lassiter Balabushka--unless he wanted to potentially incur the wrath of an insurance company. Out of sight!

That’s it for the great read, billiards buddies! But wait, here’s more info on Balabushka and all! Truth be told, IT IS another great read from Matthew Sherman, everyone!

George Balabushka
aka George Herman Balabushka

Named to pool's hall of fame for his woodwork, Balabushka, a master craftsman, poured his life into creating the finest custom cuesticks ever. An original "Bala", many of which have a unique name as does a Stradivarius violin, can fetch incredible prices at auction time. Steve Mizerak refused before his passing more than $10,000 for his beloved cue, "The Dove", a Bala with the bird of peace inset as an insignia near its grip.

Mr. Balabushka, a woodworker who lost a finger in an accident, made a replacement of plastic. His superb craftsmanship meant most of his contemporaries did not know he had lost a real finger!The little nickel (or stainless steel) rings used in conventional cues today was an early trademark of George Balabushka cues and are generally referred to as "Bushka Rings". Balabushka began his career modifying house cues off wall racks, adding a joint, and building them into his own new two-piece designs.

Never Fully Duplicated

The lengthy list of pros and celebrities waiting for Balabushka's treasures ended when the maestro passed in 1972 in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. A national brand, Adam Cues, since acquired Balabushka's name for a line of sticks.

The originals disappeared with their maker himself, however, since cue making masters painstakingly craft sticks on an individual basis. Aspiring creators need many years to produce the best. Fortunately for the world of pool, Balabushka handed down many trade secrets to his apprentice, Gus Szamboti, who was a top cue maker in his own right, and whose line of cues feature his name.

A Novel (and Movie) Cue

Moviedom's most famous Balabushka was featured in 1986's smash, "The Color Of Money". Tom Cruise's character, Vincent Lauria, is given a "Bala", (actually a Hollywood prop replica) from Paul Newman's character, Edward "Fast Eddie" Felson.

In one scene, Cruise opens his case to fetch his new toy. A small-town hustler who can't quite see the fabulous cue inside mocks him, asking: "What do you have in there?" Cruise smirks and says, "Doom!"

Interesting fact: The alleged Balabushka used by Tom Cruise in the filming of The Color Of Money, was in fact a copy of an original and was made by Joss.

What They'll Say 100 Years From Now: No one else was able to make cues as fine.


*Post credits all go to Matthew Sherman of http://billiards.about.com.

"The AnitoKid loves beautiful pool cues!"

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Black Friday Sales and Discount Coupon Codes at 1-Coupons!

Jet Lazaro, a billiards pal, wants to find some Black Friday sales sites on the World Wide Web information retrieval system. My pool player friend is crazy about discount coupon codes sites and the popular items that can be found in such. My ever-reliable online search tools highlighted a number of good links, including that of 1-Coupons.

1-Coupons is a discount coupon codes site listing online promotional codes, instant discounts, special bargains, clearance sales, and other great deals for online merchants for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas Shopping, and all year round shopping. 1 Coupons is quite popular, too! It has generated that specific distinction for the online coupons that it features – all designed to help anyone, and everyone, save on almost everything! These include the Apple Macbook, Mitchell MU70 Concert guitars, Dell Inspiron 6400 laptops, and more! Online coupons found at 1-Coupons provide such massive discounts on purchases made at merchants’ sites that almost everyone I know go to 1-Coupons to do their shopping this Christmas season! And I kid you not!

For those not in the know, 1-Coupons is free to use! Absolutely no payment or registration are needed! And you have my word on that! Most of the discount offers can be accessed just by clicking on special links and proceeding to shop on the merchant's site. Sometimes, there is a coupon code – which one needs to enter into the store's online shopping cart to realize the discount! It's as easy as A-B-C!

To friends who may be on the lookout for Black Friday sales, do check out 1-Coupons. It is one great site to do some serious shopping!

Billiards Charity Marathon Aims to Help St Luke’s Hospice!

Billiards buddies and pool players, here is an interesting read sent in by one of my good friends from the Northwich Guardian. The article highlights pool players and their inaugural charity marathon for St. Luke’s Hospice.

Truth be told, it is truly a worthwhile effort! After all, we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. And I kid you not!

Kudos to all the event participants and organizers! Mabuhay!

Event Will Help St Luke’s Hospice
by Andew Simpson

Pool players plan to pot through the night to raise cash for St Luke’s.

The best cuers in mid Cheshire will play without a pause for 24 hours next month as part of a their inaugural charity marathon.

“It’s the perfect combination,” said organiser Kevin Barry.

“We get to play the game we love and make money to help a charity that does magnificent work in our community.”

Leading players Amos Wright and Steve Moores suggested the Northwich and District League put together a fundraiser last month.

Since then the competition’s committee has come up with a format.

“The response we’ve had has been incredible,” said Mr Barry.

“It started as an idea we floated on our website forum and it’s grown from there.

“I think it says a lot about the pool players in the town – we are rivals on the table but there is a lot of respect and, more importantly, camaraderie between the guys which means they are happy to get together and support an event like this.”

Two tables at Weaverham’s Owley Wood Club will be used, non-stop, for 24 hours from mid morning on Saturday, December 27.

The first will see eight senior players taking turns playing single-frame challenge matches against allcomers.

Challengers pay 50p for the chance to beat the best.

The other table plays host to a range of pool games, including Bullseye adapted to the green baize.

“Everyone at Owley Wood has been fantastic,” said Mr Barry.

“They’ve had a 24-hour licence for a while but I think this is the first event that will test it in practice – it might even tempt a few more people to come down and cheer us on.

“If it goes well then hopefully we can turn it into an annual event.”

He will spend the next fortnight talking to businesses in Northwich and Winsford in a bid to get their backing.

He added: “We haven’t set a target for how much money we’d like to raise as we simply haven’t got a clue what sort of response we’ll get on the day.

“It would be nice to make four figures though.”

If you would like to get involved, or want to find out how to make a donation, call Kevin Barry on 07775 958593.

"The AnitoKid supports St. Luke's Hospice!"

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Powerful Time Software at Atlantic Global!

Eric Ylagan, a billiards buddy from Marist School, is looking for sites offering time software. My pool player friend wants a powerful enterprise timesheet and expense management software to accommodate his contractor management and resource tracking needs.

My ever-dependable online search tools highlighted a number of sites, including that of Atlantic Global’s Timesheet, Expense & Project Management Software. Atlantic Global’s time software features a ton of great features, such as automatic entry, time tracking, time sheet billing, easy reporting access, and more! Such powerful options in a time software will definitely allow anyone, and everyone, to plan projects, manage resources schedules, forecast costs, and revenue – all at the same time! And I kid you not!

Predator Catalog: Request One and Win A Predator Pool Cue!

Truth be told, IT IS better technology. For those not in the know, IT IS world-class performance. Indeed, IT IS the whole package wrapped up in the sleekest designs on today’s market! And I kid you not!

A website doesn’t do justice to Predator’s newest product offerings. Thus, order your 2009 catalog today and see for yourself how Predator can take your game to new heights!

Make your request between November 25, 2008, and January 25, 2009 and Predator will even sweeten the deal by entering your name in a drawing to win one of 15 new Predator cues! Yes, you’ve read right, billiards buddies and pool players – win one of 15 new Predator Cues!


*Offer runs November 25, 2008 and January 25, 2009. Catalog requests will be tracked from November 25, 2008 and January 25, 2009, and 15 people from the request list will be drawn at random to win one of 15 cues.

First five names selected will win an Ikon cue (Ikon 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5 will be given to the first five respectively), next five names drawn will win one Sport Playing Cue, and last five names drawn will win one Air Jump Cue. Drawing will be held on January 26, 2009, and winners will be notified by January 30, 2008. All requests for a Predator catalog must include full name, valid mailing address and valid email address to be qualified for the drawing.

CLICK HERE for Predator Catalog

Other interesting reads

*Predator Sport
**My Predator Blak Cue Case
*Predator Blak Case – Coolness!
*Predator P3 Pool Cue
*Predator BK2 Break Cue
*Predator BK2 & One Shattered Ball
*Predator Air Jump Cue
*Predator Ikon Cues
*Predator Ikon & P3
*Poison AR2 Pool Cue
*Predator Fire & Ice
*Meet Up with CEO Karim Belhaj
*

"The AnitoKid loves Predator technology!"

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Business Cash Advance & Unsecured Small Business Loans at Merchant Capital Source!

Rodolfo Valentino, a billiards buddy from Marist School, is searching for sites offering business cash advance programs and bad credit business loans to help out a friend. My pool player pal wants to take out a cash advance for a small business but does not know where to start. Thus, I activated my ever-dependable online search tools, which came upon hundreds of good sites, including that of Merchant Capital Source.

Merchant Capital Source is a leading provider of alternative financial services for both small businesses and restaurants. Merchant Capital Source converts future Visa and MasterCard sales into immediate cash - now! It provides one’s business with the cash needed for expansion – truly unlocking true potential and all! Merchant Capital Source’s business cash advance products do not even require fixed payment schedules, friends! Collections are directly tied in with the success of the business! Now, that is very good news, everyone!

For those not in the know, Merchant Capital Source is not a lender or a traditional source of financing. Thus, there are no hoops to jump through, no personal guarantees, no tax returns, no liens, no fixed loan repayments, and no bankers. Merchant Capital Source simply buys a portion of one’s future Visa/Mastercard receipts! In exchange, it pays business owners with cash today!

But wait, there’s more! Merchant Capital Source only gets paid as quickly as one’s business allows. Thus, the amount that one pays Merchant Capital Source each month is actually determined by how well the business performs! Truth be told, that is being partners in one’s success! And I kid you not!

Mika Immonen Wins All Japan Championship! The Ice Man Has Done It!

Congratulations to Mika Immonen for winning the 41st All Japan Championships! The Ice Man has done it again and more! It’s the US Open and All Japan championships for this great pool player from Finland! Way to go, Mika!

The All Japan Championships was participated in by the world’s best – a full 128 super elite field, everyone! They include Wu Chia Ching, Kuo Po Cheng, Li He-wen, Fu Jianbo, Kunihiko Takahashi, Young Hwa Jeong, and Seung Woo Ryu Thorsten Hohmann, Ralf Souquet, Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Max Eberle, Efren Bata Reyes, Francisco Django Bustamente, Alex Pagualyan, Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcullo, Marlon Manalo, Antonio Gabica, Warren Kiamco, Ramil Gallego, Lee Van Corteza, and Antonio Lining.

Mika Immonen started the day with an exciting 11-9 win over Japan's #1 Satoshi Kawabata! And Immonen won despite the crowd support for Kawabata! The Ice Man then disposed of Japan's last and final hope, Naoyuki Oi, who is currently ranked #3. Oi had no answer for Mika's tremendous break and offense and succumbed 11-3! This win put Mika in the finals waiting - again. For those not in the know, the popular pool player from Finland finished 2nd place a record four times at the All Japan! And I kid you not!

On the top brackets, Ronnie Alcano defeated fellow World Champion Efren Bata Reyes, while Antonio Gabica escaped 11-10 against Alex Pagulayan. The semi-finals with Alcano and Gabica saw the match see-saw as neither was able to gain a significant lead. Gaga Gabica reached the hill first at 10-9 and made a perfect break making two balls on the break but hooking himself with no shot on the 2-ball. He pushed to a kick, which Alcano later gave back. Gabica then played a near perfect 2 rail kick and played the ball up table leaving Alcano a long off angle shot with cue ball near frozen to the rail. Alcano fired in the table length shot and then came short on the 3-ball.

With a possible bankshot or natural safe, the crowd gasped at a razor thin cut shot on the 3ball that sent the cueball zigzagging 3 rails. Making the shot was difficult, but now Alcano faced his third tricky shot with another backrail frozen cueball shot on the four ball. Again Alcano came with it! Then he got too straight on the 6ball and had to play it leaving a funny angled cut shot on the 7-ball, but Alcano didn't hesitate on the shot and made an amazing ran out!

At 10-10, Ronnie Alcano made a ball on the break and started off again with a tough one ball cut shot which he made with extreme inside english creating position for the 3ball. By the time he reached the 6ball which again was too straight, he again faced the same off angle cut shot on the 7ball with the cueball near the siderail. He again held his nerve with his smooth styled stroke but after making the 8-ball he drifted too far down and left himself a backward cut on the 9-ball which would naturally be a scratch in the side.

Laughing aloud with a smile, he chalked his cue and smoothly finessed stroked the cueball and avoided the side pocket scratch with draw while the 9ball slid into the back of the corner pocket for the win, ending with Alcano's heavy sigh of relief!

On the ladies side, Xiao Ting Pan cruised undefeated to the finals for her third time here. The Taiwanese and Chinese were dominant in the 75 player field. Japan's Chihiro Kawahara, recent winner in Korea at the Asia 10-Ball Championships, was Japan's highest finishing female and in the semi-finals had given Pan a hard time with the score at 8-7. With an open table run, Kawahara miscued and fouled giving Pan a sigh of relief and the win without going through the headache of a hill-hill match.

The finals had Taiwan's Chieh Yu Chou against Pan. Pan's experience in winning this event ,as well as international wins, was too much for the inexperienced #2 Taiwanese player and Pan crushed her 9-2 for her third All Japan Championship title. Taiwan's top bet Yuan Chun Lin, the reigning World 9-Ball Champ, was eliminated to 9th place by Korea's Yun Mi Lim.


The men's finals would be an unforgettable re-match of the US Open Championship. It is also Ronnie Alcano and Mika Immonen's 3rd match against each other in 30 days! Alcano could easily be considered the hottest Filipino player with a multitude of consistent finishes including runner-up at the 2007 US Open, 2nd in 2008 World 8-Ball Championships, 2nd in 2008 US Open, and now again in the finals. Meanwhile, Immonen is the definition of hot with wins at the US Open, IPT Challenge, 2nd in Asia 10-Ball Championships, and now the finals of the All Japan.

Mika Immonen jumped out to a 3-0 lead, looking strong and determined to overcome the close calls of the past. Then Immonen made his first error leaving Ronnie Alcano an out to get on the board 3-1.

Mika clearly looked irritated at his carelessness and could be seen reinforcing himself to bear down. Then Immonen went on an offensive tear giving Alcano no chance or open shots, with Mika breaking and running out and playing superb safeties. Almost as if he could sense the sweet taste of victory, Immonen finally made an error missing the 1-ball. By that time Immonen had surmounted a 10-1 lead.

Ronnie Alcano made a great effort with a tricky out to add one more game and people wondered if there would be any real match. Alcano faced an easy 8-ball stop shot with the 9-ball sitting pretty next, but Alcano fired too hard and popped the 8-ball out. Immonen sensing the closeness of a finality to his objective, raised his eyebrows, seemingly to slowly realize this could be it. After making the final 9-ball, Immonen brought both hands together down in a pump, as if to forever push away the demons that haunted him in this event!

After a few moments, Mika Immonen sat down in his chair and could be seen with his hands pinching away the tears from his eyes. After sitting frozen in his chair blocking the tears, the Ice Man gathered himself together to be embraced and congratulated by his friends and fans.

"I can't believe I got wins in both events I've wanted to win so long in the same year!" said the jubilant Mika Immonen. When asked about his preparations for the finals this time, Immonen answered, "I just went to my room and relaxed. I knew I was playing well and I shouldn't change anything. The key was just staying focused and not worry about anything else. At the very least i put myself in the best possible position to win by just getting to the finals."


From his peers:

"When Mika gets behind he knows how to come back. But when he gets out in front, he can whiz right by you better than anyone I ever seen." observed Rodney Morris.

"That guy (Mika) might be the greatest front runner ever. It's dangerous to let him lead, he shoots straighter than anyone I know." commented Alex Pagulayan.

"Mika's playing his absolute best game right now. Even better than I've ever seen before, and as the level of play gets stronger, he still finds a way to rise up. I think it's safe to say right now he's the world's greatest player." said Charlie Williams.


So, what’s next for Mika Immonen? The ice Man from Finland will head to Manila to participate in the Quezon City Invasion which will pit the World Team against Team Philippines. Immonen will partner up with Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Raj Hundal, and Thorsten Hohmann.

The home team will consist of Efren Reyes, Francisco Django Bustamante, Alex Pagulayan, Dennis Orcullo, Ronnie Alcano, Warren Kiamco, Lee Van Corteza, and Roberto Gomez.

Indeed, Mika Immonen's hot streak will be a welcomed key force for the World Team. Immonen adds his win at the All Japan to his impressive list for 2008 including 2nd Place World Pool Masters, 5th Place World 10-Ball, 1st Place US Open, 1st Place IPT Challenge, 2nd Place Asia 10-Ball.

Congratulations Mika! Mabuhay!



Other interesting reads

*Top 8 Players – All Japan
**All Japan Championships - Updates
*Yu Ram Cha in All Japan Championships!
*Wu-Chia Ching Wins All Japan
*Efren Bata Reyes in All Japan Quarter Finals
*

"Wins are synonymous with The AnitoKid!"

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Find Designer Sunglasses at Sunglasses Online! Amazing Selection of Sunglasses!

John Madriaga, a billiards buddy, is looking for designer sunglasses and wants to know some of the best sites on the Internet computer network to purchase such. My pool player friend is specifically looking for Ray Ban sunglasses. Also, he is keen on purchasing a pair of women’s sunglasses for his fiancé.

My ever-reliable online search tools highlighted a number of good sites on the subjects at hand, including that of Sunglasses Online. Sunglasses Online carries discount price designer sunglasses by many different manufacturers, e.g., Ray Ban, Anarchy, Angel, and Body Glove. The easy-to-browse website carries men’s sunglasses, women's sunglasses, unisex sunglasses, and performance sunglasses at popular prices.

But wait, there’s more! A further browse of Sunglasses Online reveals that it is indeed a one stop shopping shop for the latest and trendiest designer sunglasses! The website features the very best selection of shades, e.g., Hobie Sunglasses for those with rugged lifestyle, or Gargoyles for the modern day crowd! For those not in the know, Sunglasses Online also specializes in specialty sunglasses, e.g., prescription and bifocal sunglasses, golf sunglasses, motorcycle sunglasses, and clip on eyewear.

Sunglasses Online also carriers performance sunglasses, which are built to be steadfast and to endure whatever one can throw at them! These make excellent sportswear for those in the active lifestyle, whether it is white water rafting in the rapids, mountain biking some rough and hilly trails, or surfing the perfect wave! Performance sunglasses by Arnette, Body Glove, Smith, and more dot the landscape of this cool sunglasses website! Such distinctive styles will truly make one a step ahead of the competition !

In addition, it is nice to know about Sunglasses Online’s vision, which is to bring the most distinctive sunglasses from the world over, and offer such to anyone, and everyone at unbelievably low, low, low prices! And it makes me happy to announce that Sunglasses Online knows that the true heart of a successful business, online or not, is excellent customer service. This is the chief reason why Sunglasses Online has representatives available 24/7 to answer any queries that one may have in their shopping experience! Lest I forget, Sunglasses Online has a 30-day “No Questions Asked” Return Policy! Yes, you’ve read right, friends! It’s a No Question Asked Return Policy from Sunglasses Online! Wow! That truly is saying “Thank you” to everyone for shopping at this great sunglasses site.

For those who truly know the definition of style when it comes to sunglasses, visit Sunglasses Online. It bring the greatest selection - from the classic styles to runway looks! And I kid you not!

Masta Plann: Hip-Hop RNB Party Tour at White Avenue Bar & Restaurant!

Billiards buddies and pool players, get your plaid shirts and baggy pants out of ‘em closets because it’s Back to the Future with the Masta Plann DJs Hip-Hop RNB Party Tour: Chapter 1!

Once again, The Ultimate Clubber, Jesse Gonzales of DMC Philippines, and The Ultimate Blogger, The AnitoKid of www.anitokid.blogspot.com, have prepared another unforgettable night of hip-hop and RNB music for everyone! And I kid you not!

Chapter 1 will see three of the country’s most popular turntablists - DJ M.O.D., DJ Sonny, and DJ Ouch - perform LIVE at the White Avenue Bar and Restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, on November 29, 2008, Saturday, 9 PM!

Chapter 1 will last for 10 weeks and starts the party countdown for the historic Back to the Future reunion concert of the legendary masters of Hip-Hop, Masta Plann, in 2009! Every Saturday night thereafter, the Back to the Future Tour will make a stop at 10 more bars in the heart of the metro and in key cities of the pool capital of the world! These include stops in

Tacloban City - CELCOM - December 6, 2008
Angeles City, Pampanga - KLUB BOSSA December 20, 2008
Cebu City - CLUB PUMP - January 17, 2009

For those not in the know, The Back to the Future concert in 2009 will feature the other Masta Plann DJs, i.e., DJ Tracer and DJ Type! And it goes without saying that the historic event will be graced by notable guest performers and the MASTA PLANN BOOTYLICIOUS CREW!

Truth be told, it will be a night of non-stop hip hop and RNB - turtablism at its finest once more! Bring dat booty over at White Avenue!


*For more info, please call Xris at 09163958112 and/or Jonjie at 09273446601.

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Amazing Sterling Silver Jewelry Selection at Archmaille Designs!

Francis Acop, a billiards buddy, is looking for sites selling sterling silver jewelry. My pool player friend wants to buy a cool birthday present for his nieces, and wants to know the best site to purchase such. I, thus, activated my ever-reliable online search tools. I came upon a ton of sites including that of Archmaille Designs.

Archmaille Designs feature an awesome line of handmade sterling silver jewelry, many of which are created by the renowned chainmaille artisan of the blogging world - Cody Sortore! Much of the jewelry found at Archmaille Designs is done in sterling silver or other precious metal mediums, and copper. All items are handmade, and are of very high quality!

What is particularly great about Archmaille Designs is that every piece of jewelry offered at the site is 100% handcrafted by the person you are purchasing from! You’ve read right, everyone! It’s 100% handcrafted for everyone to see and appreciate! There is absolutely no middle man and run around, friends! And if you are one looking for chainmail armor, then this is the right place for you, too!

For those looking for an excellent line of sterling silver jewelry, do try Archmaille Designs! It is a one-stop shop for such! And I kid you not!

Why You Play Pool?

Billiards buddies and pool players, here is the entry that I submitted to a writing contest sponsored by John Barton, inventor of the Instroke line of cue cases and CEO of JB Cue Cases.

The theme of the writing contest, featured at AZ Billiards, is “Why You Play Pool.” Everyone who gets in the contest is eligible to win a Jay Flowers style 1x2 case, while the most creative answer will win a case of one’s choice in size, style, and color.

Truth be told, my entry made it to the winners list, friends! And I kid you not!


To John,
Thank you very much for the generosity, kindness, and coolness! And more thank you's for the very nice surprise! I really appreciate it! And I kid you not!

Again, much thanks John! And more power to you, your company, and your passion! And more thank you's to your friends and family members who served as the judges! Thank you very much!

The Sport Has Been Very Good To Me!

This is going to be one long story! :)

Four years ago (2004), I was arranging the trophies and countless medals that my beautiful kids have garnered in school. Truth be told, I love arranging and cleaning them on my own. Looking at them is like staring at an aquarium - relaxing and all.

As I was arranging my children's achievements, I got this idea of inspiring them to also do good in sports. But how? Honestly, I had no idea then.

After about a week, I found myself inside the Makati Cinema Square mall in Makati City. One of the companies that I work for decided to initiate an annual sports fest, and I found myself competing in billiards!

And I instantly fell in love with the game at first stroke! And I kid you not! Though I failed to score a respectable finish, I knew I have found the sport of my life. And it hit me! I can possibly excel in it, too!

I spent my first month playing almost everyday (Mondays to Saturdays). And there were more losses than wins! I spent hours practicing alone, and hours playing with friends, but still more losses than wins!

I decided to get pool lessons. However, it didn't turn out too well. The instructor showed up for my first two lessons - and that was it. He was a no-show after the first two lessons, particularly after paying in full for the entire module he supposedly designed for me (about 10 lessons).

I knew I've been had, but I let it go. The so-called instructor may have had his reasons for cheating me. And that was that for me.

Still, more losses than wins for the next few days. :(

Then one of my billiard buddies introduced me to one of the instructors of Pool Players Academy (PPA). He saw my Predator P2 - (I was actually the first one at the club to have one). He asked if he could play with it - and I readily obliged.

After shooting with my P2, he asked, "That's one hell of a cue! I love it! And you're new into the game, you said? And yet, you bought yourself a P2!" I replied, "I just want to have the best equipment and take out one variable in winning. No excuses on why I missed or will miss - it will all be about me and my skill, not the equipment."

And the conversation led to my being his student. I didn't haggle with his fees - i just asked one thing from him - "Make me a better player. I will try to absorb and comprehend all your teachings - all to the best of my abilities. I only ask one thing from you, please help me become the best player I can be."

I took up one lesson once a for week. 10 lessons make up each module, and there are 3 modules under PPA. I wished I could have taken 2-3 lessons per week but my work sched did not allow me to do such.

On my 5th week under PPA, I found myself playing in the finals of a 9-ball competition of the Makati Square Billiards Association!

My friends from the two offices that I work at were there - cheering me on. My new-found billiards pal were also there, encouraging me. And most importantly, my two beautiful daughters - My Closeness - were there - inspiring me to be at my best - the best I could be that day!

I won my very first trophy in less than 4 months of playing billiards (just 4 weeks of being under the PPA)! And I won it playing one class higher, too! And lest I forget, I won it with My Closeness watching - intently. My Closeness clapping silently each time I pocket a shot! And clapping loudly each time I won a rack! And I kid you not!

Indeed, the sport that i have learned to love has loved me back and more! It has been very good to me and continues to be so in more ways than one! And my love for the sport has turned into a passion that I hope, and pray, I may be able to channel and put into good use. Someday. Somehow.


AnitoKid


P.S.

My beautiful children have added to their achievements sports medals and trophies. Some notable wins include:

My eldest daughter, Agi, holds the distinction of being her school's first-ever ping-pong champion, and 1st runner-up in badminton!

My twins, Levin and Kevin, are very good in playing chess – both have placed 1st in their school's chess competitions!

*Edit for pic info:

Pictured above is the very first sports trophy I have ever won in my life. With me are My Closeness, Agi & Patis, who received the trophy on my behalf; :) Lito de Castro (who has become one of my closest friends in billiards. He is also my money game, winner-take-all, and tournament sponsor (Lito is now the able president of the Makati Pool Players Association); and last, but not the least, is Jun Diamante, then president of MSBA.

"Billiards is cool with The AnitoKid!"

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