Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Thank you
The distant rumblings and ramblings of a pool nut.
- Thread starter boogieman
- Start date
Not sure what wrap you prefer, but I solved that by getting away from Irish Linen. Go leather or wrapless, use the same loose "grip", and the out of control slips go away.I have played serious pool on mushrooms. It is intense. It took me just a little bit to get settled in the first time I tried it but once I was...it was on. Great play as I was living in the zone.
Only advised for home play
Cool thinks in the OP. I focus on looooose grip too. 4 times now in my pool playing career I have lost my cue completely out of my hand during a shot. My grip was just too relaxed. I believe I made every shot though.
It’s jarring when you’re so relaxed and just going round the table and then you hit a shot and the cue comes out of your hand and then see-saws on the rail and you’re trying to stop it from hitting balls or your face or the ground lol.
Not sure how I overlooked a thread that falls in my wheel house. Rambling that is.
I once played slow pitch softball on LSD. I was three for four at the plate and caught line drives at short stop. Still don't understand how I fell through the cinder block wall of the dugout though. Lucky for me no one noticed.
Ok pool related; on one occasion (while wearing my lab coat) , I played pool with a gifted rock of crack. I now understand the addictive effects of it and fortunately my uh personality allowed me to recognize that and never touch the stuff again. Even though I could focus down to the molecular level, I had a hard time thinking logically. An attribute that I noticed in players that I suspected were playing enhanced.
I once played slow pitch softball on LSD. I was three for four at the plate and caught line drives at short stop. Still don't understand how I fell through the cinder block wall of the dugout though. Lucky for me no one noticed.
Ok pool related; on one occasion (while wearing my lab coat) , I played pool with a gifted rock of crack. I now understand the addictive effects of it and fortunately my uh personality allowed me to recognize that and never touch the stuff again. Even though I could focus down to the molecular level, I had a hard time thinking logically. An attribute that I noticed in players that I suspected were playing enhanced.
This is amazing.Not sure how I overlooked a thread that falls in my wheel house. Rambling that is.
I once played slow pitch softball on LSD. I was three for four at the plate and caught line drives at short stop. Still don't understand how I fell through the cinder block wall of the dugout though. Lucky for me no one noticed.
Ok pool related; on one occasion (while wearing my lab coat) , I played pool with a gifted rock of crack. I now understand the addictive effects of it and fortunately my uh personality allowed me to recognize that and never touch the stuff again. Even though I could focus down to the molecular level, I had a hard time thinking logically. An attribute that I noticed in players that I suspected were playing enhanced.
The mushroom rambling; I was new to pool(1974) and went to the local tavern after consuming a mushroom or two. The pool table was a money table requiring at least a dollar bet. That night I made it through the door but not to the table as there were so many things along the way that attracted intense interest on my part.
One of my mentors at USAFA was one year ahead of me and in charge of my basic training the last semester as a basic. Through Hell Week, at which point I was recognized as a cadet and first names were used. Ok so I will just call him Mark. His IQ was measured in the 160+ range. During finals week there was a poker game every evening in his room. (I did quite well and won in the neighborhood of twice my monthly spending allowance of $28 from my salary of 1/2 a second lieutenant). At one point Mark organized a mass resignation over........ hair cut regulations and the length of sideburns. A big deal in 1970. The number of cadets prepared to submit resignations over the length of an earlobe was well attention getting to upper management. The mass resignation didn't happen but Mark did resign at the jump off point. We had the option to resign and be out free and clear up until the end of sophomore year. After that we had a commitment of at least 3 years if wanting out and 5 years as a second lieutenant upon graduation. Normally a submitted resignation took 6 weeks to process. Mark submitted his at the end of the day on Friday. He was on a plane noon Saturday. I did see Mark again shortly before my resignation at my jump off point. He spoke of touring in a 1958 Volkswagen bus that had Magic Bus and flowers painted on the sides. Go figure... He got stopped by a state trooper who inquired, "What's so Magic about the bus?" (Obvious anticipation of a big bust.) Mark's reply, " It's a 1958 Volkswagen and still running." Left the officer speachless.
I can Ramble with the best.
I can Ramble with the best.
In the don't try this at home category and in the interest of transparency. I did acid in the neighborhood of 6 times. Orange sunshine in the barrel tabs. The last was a religious experience. I was seeing things that had me say, " Oh my God!" (The spell correct had it as " I'm my God", perhaps a Freudian correction). That is when I realized that I didn't have a god. Since then I have come to terms with "my God". Without feeling a need to force Her on others.
Haha yeah nothing better than a good ramble. Sideburn resignations...I love it.
I was introduce to the ol Lucy when I was 13. And since I had taken 1 and had a great time I thought more was always better...I was 13, a miniature idiot
...8 sugar cubes was my introduction to gods, real fear, and self control under duress. A harsh lesson but one that has served me well ever since.
I was introduce to the ol Lucy when I was 13. And since I had taken 1 and had a great time I thought more was always better...I was 13, a miniature idiot
...8 sugar cubes was my introduction to gods, real fear, and self control under duress. A harsh lesson but one that has served me well ever since.
At the marijuana dispensary they inquire, " medical or recreational?" My response is, "Religious!" Good thing I haven't medicated yet this morning. Oh wow time to go...
Oh wow time to go...
Upon exit through the front door to head for my shop where my table and pot are..... I was greated by an owl. He said, "Who who?" Just before launching from the top of the power pole. What a beautiful way to start a day. Anyone that knows owls knows that is unusual behavior. I take it as a message. Owls are sacred to many.
Excellent. I’ve never met an owl, I don’t think.
Walking through the early morning woods though I scared up a turkey or a turkey buzzard. Pre sunrise. Not sure which just that a giant dark winged figure broke the silence just feet away and nearly gave me an attack of the heart. The noise, the wind, the deafening silence afterwards. I love nature
Sounds like a great start to your day!
Walking through the early morning woods though I scared up a turkey or a turkey buzzard. Pre sunrise. Not sure which just that a giant dark winged figure broke the silence just feet away and nearly gave me an attack of the heart. The noise, the wind, the deafening silence afterwards. I love nature
Sounds like a great start to your day!
Ok upon further review:
I just heard the morning dove and that was the call the owl was giving. So he wasn't talking to me. He was just hunting.....morning
. I can't root for either but hope for a fair playing field.
Kind of like pool, some nights the hawk, others the Pigion. Gotta love the hunters. And be able to identify lures.
I just heard the morning dove and that was the call the owl was giving. So he wasn't talking to me. He was just hunting.....morning
. I can't root for either but hope for a fair playing field. Kind of like pool, some nights the hawk, others the Pigion. Gotta love the hunters. And be able to identify lures.
I identify very precise with the near heart attack. At night it came out of the bush next to me and it was big and loud. Still don't know but it definitely made me just want to go back home.
Greg, did you resign or finish the academy? I have a lot of friends who are Academy grads, and in my experience the Academy Officers were some of the best officers I had the pleasure of working for and with.One of my mentors at USAFA was one year ahead of me and in charge of my basic training the last semester as a basic. Through Hell Week, at which point I was recognized as a cadet and first names were used. Ok so I will just call him Mark. His IQ was measured in the 160+ range. During finals week there was a poker game every evening in his room. (I did quite well and won in the neighborhood of twice my monthly spending allowance of $28 from my salary of 1/2 a second lieutenant). At one point Mark organized a mass resignation over........ hair cut regulations and the length of sideburns. A big deal in 1970. The number of cadets prepared to submit resignations over the length of an earlobe was well attention getting to upper management. The mass resignation didn't happen but Mark did resign at the jump off point. We had the option to resign and be out free and clear up until the end of sophomore year. After that we had a commitment of at least 3 years if wanting out and 5 years as a second lieutenant upon graduation. Normally a submitted resignation took 6 weeks to process. Mark submitted his at the end of the day on Friday. He was on a plane noon Saturday. I did see Mark again shortly before my resignation at my jump off point. He spoke of touring in a 1958 Volkswagen bus that had Magic Bus and flowers painted on the sides. Go figure... He got stopped by a state trooper who inquired, "What's so Magic about the bus?" (Obvious anticipation of a big bust.) Mark's reply, " It's a 1958 Volkswagen and still running." Left the officer speachless.
I can Ramble with the best.
had to be a big cow,
found this roll of suede on a shelf, it was 25yrds long, all one piece; seemed like the most honorable thing to do, wrapped it on my cue.
the 5-ply jute twine served its purpose, don't think it was the problem on all of the missed shots, more so lately.
It wasn't till I decided to change it that it was loose, was kind of excited, maybe that's the problem.
it was pointed out many moons ago I have a wobble in my forearm.
I like it, smooth with a little slip if one chooses. Has a couple applications of natural color shoe polish on it.
been lots of drugs of late, a covid thing and the club house(s) are closed.
Getting away from a closed bridge, trying to get my hand as flat, stable on the table as comfortable as possible.
was
found this roll of suede on a shelf, it was 25yrds long, all one piece; seemed like the most honorable thing to do, wrapped it on my cue.
the 5-ply jute twine served its purpose, don't think it was the problem on all of the missed shots, more so lately.
It wasn't till I decided to change it that it was loose, was kind of excited, maybe that's the problem.
it was pointed out many moons ago I have a wobble in my forearm.
I like it, smooth with a little slip if one chooses. Has a couple applications of natural color shoe polish on it.
been lots of drugs of late, a covid thing and the club house(s) are closed.
Getting away from a closed bridge, trying to get my hand as flat, stable on the table as comfortable as possible.
was
Lost the owl story trying to get a picture of
5 at graduation warrented the title of Ace. Females had not entered the academy yet. Mark could have been Hawkeye on Mash. No Really!!!! I was in the class of 73. I once did 73 push-ups to get my roommate s rifle returned. In a special inspection. The level of instructions administered by the 3rd classmen. It would have been broken down and distributed through out the squadron. Anyway during Hell Week they strive to take you to the limit. Mark who would wear his golishes pair of unpolished dress shoes to formation. And match shoes for desert s. The assholes had a special unworn pair for strawberry shortcake days. So he was rarely called up. If you declined the wager he would have you look down. Anyway during Hell Week Mark displayed his big brother affection for me by turning into a hellbent tyrant. Only on me! He had me in the glass enclosed stair well double timing with the rifle at present arms. So long that the arms were having to bend to get the weight closer. (10 pound M-1). Several times they went bent and then back to full extension to his demands. The final time they came bent he extended his chin to where the strap should be and snarled, "Touch My Chin". I don't know where it came from but I snapped the rifle forward at a velocity that could have knocked him through the window. The strap bounced on his chin twice. His eyes got as big as saucers and a smile crossed his face. I had his recognition at that point and didn't see him the rest of hell week.
Academy grads were called Ring Knockers. At board meetings if they weren't being given their due a tapping of the ring was to remind where they came from. Mark I found a few years back through social media and he was on a board of directors of a large company.
So I guess I am a chin knocker.
I resigned at a year and a half. I was not the military type. 4 Commandant Disciplinary Boards in that time convinced me.
5 at graduation warrented the title of Ace. Females had not entered the academy yet. Mark could have been Hawkeye on Mash. No Really!!!! I was in the class of 73. I once did 73 push-ups to get my roommate s rifle returned. In a special inspection. The level of instructions administered by the 3rd classmen. It would have been broken down and distributed through out the squadron. Anyway during Hell Week they strive to take you to the limit. Mark who would wear his golishes pair of unpolished dress shoes to formation. And match shoes for desert s. The assholes had a special unworn pair for strawberry shortcake days. So he was rarely called up. If you declined the wager he would have you look down. Anyway during Hell Week Mark displayed his big brother affection for me by turning into a hellbent tyrant. Only on me! He had me in the glass enclosed stair well double timing with the rifle at present arms. So long that the arms were having to bend to get the weight closer. (10 pound M-1). Several times they went bent and then back to full extension to his demands. The final time they came bent he extended his chin to where the strap should be and snarled, "Touch My Chin". I don't know where it came from but I snapped the rifle forward at a velocity that could have knocked him through the window. The strap bounced on his chin twice. His eyes got as big as saucers and a smile crossed his face. I had his recognition at that point and didn't see him the rest of hell week.Academy grads were called Ring Knockers. At board meetings if they weren't being given their due a tapping of the ring was to remind where they came from. Mark I found a few years back through social media and he was on a board of directors of a large company.
So I guess I am a chin knocker.
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And yes the Air Force Academy provided the best leadership training available. Far far above Annapolis or West Point.
Whew Rambler calling Pool Nut. Uh over.
Took a while to find my way back. Should have left a trail of crumbs.
USAFA stories.....ah we were cautioned. Don't tell the chicks about your training. That never works...
I skipped baseball my senior year in highschool. As based on my demonstrated scholastic, athletic and leadership ability I had received a congressional appointment. So I ran track, the mile. My best time.....5:0.1 Was in top shape....then I learned that we all finished together. Our last morning run was the last of hell week. It was a doozy. Going up from 7,250 double time with M-1 rifles. Just at 10 lbs. As my classmates started to fall, first I took an extra rifle. If he still faltered I would take another rifle so he could support the tired one. When they could not keep up another had to come in on the other side after giving me his rifle. When we crossed the finish line, I was carrying 6 rifles.
Took a while to find my way back. Should have left a trail of crumbs.
USAFA stories.....ah we were cautioned. Don't tell the chicks about your training. That never works...
I skipped baseball my senior year in highschool. As based on my demonstrated scholastic, athletic and leadership ability I had received a congressional appointment. So I ran track, the mile. My best time.....5:0.1 Was in top shape....then I learned that we all finished together. Our last morning run was the last of hell week. It was a doozy. Going up from 7,250 double time with M-1 rifles. Just at 10 lbs. As my classmates started to fall, first I took an extra rifle. If he still faltered I would take another rifle so he could support the tired one. When they could not keep up another had to come in on the other side after giving me his rifle. When we crossed the finish line, I was carrying 6 rifles.
I don't really "hold" the cue, so much as I have my fingers cupped and let gravity push the cue into the skin on my fingers.
My thumb touches the side of the cue only to restrain the cue from rocking back and forth in the direction the fingers curl.
I think this is one of the reasons I do not use a cue with a wrap. The glossy finish of the cue has inherent friction with the slight moisture/grease of the fingers.
The cue pretty much holds itself in my hand rather than the other way around.
I have not thought about loose or tight for about a decade..........
Ok now the I could have been a Contender story:
It was a big deal to eat at training tables. The dinner hall seated uh 5,000 ? It was The Jungle. At our assigned tables of 10. Basic cadets took uh extreme training. Sitting at attention and swallowing to answer questions in 3 seconds. Well anyway if you were on an interscholastic team, you sat and ate at training tables . Relaxed and eating. They weighed us weekly to make sure the training wasn't excessive. Anyway so the first try out for freshman baseball saw around 200 prospects. Fall tryouts, down to 30 for training tables. With 3 flyballs and 3 swings of the bat. All caught and all swings on ball I was eliminated the first day . After I caught a pitch in on the handle of my Jackie Robinson or Nelli Fox. Thick handle for protect the plate. The bat failed and the incompetent captain told me I was holding the bat wrong when it broke. I simply turned and showed him my hands and the lable. Must have pissed him.
So some of the 30 spots on freshman baseball were used to keep football players on training tables. Come spring, they held another closer look tryouts. I made all the cuts with my base hit skills. They got down to cutting the last 6 after long enough that I was confident I was the best hitter and took a Micky Mantle 32 to the plate and hit more out of the park than the current cleanup hitter. The next day the coach says, I am sending you to the J V as a pinch hitter. You hit too good to be second string freshman. And I have my 1st string that has practice together all winter.(grrrr on Training Tables!)
So I show up after class the next day to join JV... only to find a note on the bulletin board. Do to budget cuts we are combining freshman and JV. If you are not first string, don't come.
It was a big deal to eat at training tables. The dinner hall seated uh 5,000 ? It was The Jungle. At our assigned tables of 10. Basic cadets took uh extreme training. Sitting at attention and swallowing to answer questions in 3 seconds. Well anyway if you were on an interscholastic team, you sat and ate at training tables . Relaxed and eating. They weighed us weekly to make sure the training wasn't excessive. Anyway so the first try out for freshman baseball saw around 200 prospects. Fall tryouts, down to 30 for training tables. With 3 flyballs and 3 swings of the bat. All caught and all swings on ball I was eliminated the first day . After I caught a pitch in on the handle of my Jackie Robinson or Nelli Fox. Thick handle for protect the plate. The bat failed and the incompetent captain told me I was holding the bat wrong when it broke. I simply turned and showed him my hands and the lable. Must have pissed him.
So some of the 30 spots on freshman baseball were used to keep football players on training tables. Come spring, they held another closer look tryouts. I made all the cuts with my base hit skills. They got down to cutting the last 6 after long enough that I was confident I was the best hitter and took a Micky Mantle 32 to the plate and hit more out of the park than the current cleanup hitter. The next day the coach says, I am sending you to the J V as a pinch hitter. You hit too good to be second string freshman. And I have my 1st string that has practice together all winter.(grrrr on Training Tables!)
So I show up after class the next day to join JV... only to find a note on the bulletin board. Do to budget cuts we are combining freshman and JV. If you are not first string, don't come.