I’d like to give a big shout out to Jay for his hospitality last Monday, and share some of my memorable 15 hour visit. Hopefully you won’t find this too long winded (what can I say, I like writing).
I was in California on vacation for a week, visiting friends and relatives a bit further up the coast from Jay's house. On my last day he was quite gracious and put me up for the night, although by his own admission he does not do this often, but must have had a spot of bad judgment. :wink: He and the empress Ming Ng had just got back from the WPBA’s San Diego Classic. (BTW, congrat’s to Monica Webb for a stellar performance!!! Jay stated she could have gone toe to toe with SVB the way she played!) Jay was also putting up Ming at his house, and she had the identical flight out in the morning as I.
I got into Jay’s neck of the woods early and happened upon the Billiards and Barstools store on Hawthorne. Inside I chatted with a friendly chap named Greg. I told him I was burning time before going to meet up with Toupee Jay. Like most every pool enthusiast on the planet, he knew Jay, and spoke well of him. He pointed me to a local hall that opened at noon, Mr. Luckys.
Mr. Luckys was a fine little establishment, harboring 8 Gold Crowns, 2 Diamond boxes and some fine players. Chad was at the helm and I took him to be the owner. Super guy, that… guess what? Yup, his face lit up upon the mention of Jay. As I would find out hours later, I received the red carpet table time special. Free. Thanks again Chad for your hospitality!
The “Monday regulars” were playing partner one hole. Baby Ray was in full shark mode. But ole cagey Joe could probably fade a Tsunami. After a beer and a burger, Chad pointed me to the tightest GC, whereupon I grabbed a house cue.
The hall began to fill by 2 pm on this beautiful So Cal Monday afternoon and soon all tables were taken. :thumbup: In short order a professional retired gent named Mike asked if I cared for a game, and I accepted. I admire this man Mike, as he is still married despite spending (surely) obscene amounts of time playing golf, tennis, cards, pool and watching sports (Mike, a word to the wise, screen the pool boy help, k?). He’d just got off the links playing with an old LA Dodger great, and now he wanted some of me. He handled his game quite well and I got the impression that had I had a couple more days in town, he’d have got me into all kinds of fun!
After some back and forth on the green, then some goodbyes, off to Jay’s I went @ 4:00. I easily found his cozy digs, laying a scant 3 miles from the white sands of Redonda Beach. Through the gate he led me into his beautifully landscaped, private yard. Into the house I followed him where, oh surprise surprise, there’s a gorgeous Diamond Pro-Am in the living room!
Jay told me that Ming was “playing cards and would be back in a couple hours.” I left my suitcase in the foyer and after the 25 cent tour, we went back to his office, which is surrounded in wood walls and a sliding glass door with a nice view. Jay really took to that wood, for upon it hold hundreds of post-its, pictures, receipts and letters. About his work domain lay stacks of papers, files, books, pictures and office supplies. It was quite apparent to me, HE knew his system. :wink: BTW, his house is like a pool museum, I am very envious!
Anyway, I got the impression Jay was serious about getting his Pool Wars orders up to date, so after some instruction, we got down to it. In @ an hour’s time I had helped package a whole eleven books. It was slow going as we gossiped about half the AZBers in the universe. J/K! It was great conversation and I enjoyed seeing pic's of his family and getting to know more of Jay. He's very proud of his family, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual.
It was 40 minutes before the tip of the Carolina-Michigan State massacre, and empty bellies were calling. “There’s some good Thai food that will deliver, or there’s good pizza.” I’d never had Thai, and I felt adventurous. I ordered an entrée, Jay @ 4 apps. While we waited we banged the balls around for 3 racks or so. Great table, if not tighter than a tick’s ass!
Good eats, piss poor basketball game… Ming came home early in the second half. She had in fact been playing one hole, not cards, and was quite excited. “Papa!” she exclaimed (Jay’s nick from Ming). “I learned some new one pocket moves! I gotta show you!” As I would soon find out, boy had she! We were introduced and I met the little empress with the huge glowing smile.
I’d not played much 1P in my life. That night I learned 10x’s more about it than ever before. As the final drops of Michigan State blood was let on the court, Jay stepped in the box with the fired up Ming. Jay quickly realized it was no longer the cat and mouse play he’d been accustomed to. Ming was so excited and proclaimed the moves she learned had been an epiphany, and she could “see” the table better than ever. But Jay out-moved her in game one. Game 2 was tighter, but he got her again. Then I got winners. This would be one time I would see him do this, before I broke, lol:
I quickly announced my 1P innocence. Ming jumped up to my defense. “I’ll be your coach!” And boy did she. She was on my every shot, giving me solid shot by shot direction. It was a blast, and if only Jay had spotted me 8-1, I’d have smoked him! :wink:
We alternately played a few more games. Around midnight, after a 45 minute epic game where Jay narrowly defeated Ming 8-7, he said he needed to pack more books and work on an article for Billiards Digest. Truth be told, I think he wanted out winners! On the last game Ming had come back from 7-1 and was making double cross corner banks! She was on fire! But Jay got the last laugh. Ohhh... Jay… can… play!!!
And then there were two… I was going to prey upon a woman pro for an appetizer! 6 balls were removed, and I rubbed my hands together expectantly. Ming and I were going to put on the gloves! And it was MY game we were playing this time! Well, actually we made another Vodka/Fanta Orange first.
It was a pleasure getting to know her that night, even if just a little. She told me a bit about her life starting with how she’d moved from China to the US (Miami I believe) at age 13, on through to current, enjoying married life while working her tail off near DC. Some foreigners, seeing things from multiple perspectives, take so much less for granted. It's refreshing and I hope some of her optimism rubbed off on me.
I believe Ming yearns to play more competitive pool (and poker), but economics are not her friend at the moment. Jay is a Godsend for her, helping her so much. She is such an inquisitive sort with incredible insight; a rarity in my experiences. And boy is she full of piss and vinegar! She has a BS detector armed with a quick pointed stick. :slap: But (as she noted) I have a few good moves in me too, and we laughed our asses off and played some pretty good pool.
So we played a little 9. I soon found some rhythm to match hers and held my own nicely (IMO anyway!). But after I made after a cocky barb, she decided she wasn't taking kindly to her chair. She caught a gear and firmly put me in my place; with a wink and a smile. This woman really played world class level! :bow-down: Alas, the clock struck 2 am, and with a 6:30am wakeup call for our flights lurking, off to dream land we retired.
“Papa Jay” woke us after what seemed like a Kat nap. He’d been up since 5 am, working diligently. Sporting his robe and a shit-eating grin :smile2:, he brought out a postal crate, half filled with freshly packaged books. “I am all done with March orders!” he proudly exclaimed. I can tell Jay is very proud of his book and is going to make damn sure all who order get good care!
At 7:30 Jay hugged his “adopted” daughter, I shook his hand and tried to thank him enough. Ming and I drove to LAX for our flight in my goofy ass PT Cruiser rental.
Ming sat right behind me on our 4 hour flight, and in between our naps we passed Jay’s enthralling book back and forth (If you hadn’t got one yet, what are you waiting for?!). In Charlotte she peeled off to B Concourse; after a warm hug and hope we’d meet up again soon. Best of luck to you in the future Ming! 'Twas a pleasure indeed!
Jay, I can’t thank you enough for a memorable night! You are more than just a credit to pool, but also a credit to all who are fortunate to spend time with you. You made my trip!
I was in California on vacation for a week, visiting friends and relatives a bit further up the coast from Jay's house. On my last day he was quite gracious and put me up for the night, although by his own admission he does not do this often, but must have had a spot of bad judgment. :wink: He and the empress Ming Ng had just got back from the WPBA’s San Diego Classic. (BTW, congrat’s to Monica Webb for a stellar performance!!! Jay stated she could have gone toe to toe with SVB the way she played!) Jay was also putting up Ming at his house, and she had the identical flight out in the morning as I.
I got into Jay’s neck of the woods early and happened upon the Billiards and Barstools store on Hawthorne. Inside I chatted with a friendly chap named Greg. I told him I was burning time before going to meet up with Toupee Jay. Like most every pool enthusiast on the planet, he knew Jay, and spoke well of him. He pointed me to a local hall that opened at noon, Mr. Luckys.
Mr. Luckys was a fine little establishment, harboring 8 Gold Crowns, 2 Diamond boxes and some fine players. Chad was at the helm and I took him to be the owner. Super guy, that… guess what? Yup, his face lit up upon the mention of Jay. As I would find out hours later, I received the red carpet table time special. Free. Thanks again Chad for your hospitality!
The “Monday regulars” were playing partner one hole. Baby Ray was in full shark mode. But ole cagey Joe could probably fade a Tsunami. After a beer and a burger, Chad pointed me to the tightest GC, whereupon I grabbed a house cue.
The hall began to fill by 2 pm on this beautiful So Cal Monday afternoon and soon all tables were taken. :thumbup: In short order a professional retired gent named Mike asked if I cared for a game, and I accepted. I admire this man Mike, as he is still married despite spending (surely) obscene amounts of time playing golf, tennis, cards, pool and watching sports (Mike, a word to the wise, screen the pool boy help, k?). He’d just got off the links playing with an old LA Dodger great, and now he wanted some of me. He handled his game quite well and I got the impression that had I had a couple more days in town, he’d have got me into all kinds of fun!
After some back and forth on the green, then some goodbyes, off to Jay’s I went @ 4:00. I easily found his cozy digs, laying a scant 3 miles from the white sands of Redonda Beach. Through the gate he led me into his beautifully landscaped, private yard. Into the house I followed him where, oh surprise surprise, there’s a gorgeous Diamond Pro-Am in the living room!
Jay told me that Ming was “playing cards and would be back in a couple hours.” I left my suitcase in the foyer and after the 25 cent tour, we went back to his office, which is surrounded in wood walls and a sliding glass door with a nice view. Jay really took to that wood, for upon it hold hundreds of post-its, pictures, receipts and letters. About his work domain lay stacks of papers, files, books, pictures and office supplies. It was quite apparent to me, HE knew his system. :wink: BTW, his house is like a pool museum, I am very envious!
Anyway, I got the impression Jay was serious about getting his Pool Wars orders up to date, so after some instruction, we got down to it. In @ an hour’s time I had helped package a whole eleven books. It was slow going as we gossiped about half the AZBers in the universe. J/K! It was great conversation and I enjoyed seeing pic's of his family and getting to know more of Jay. He's very proud of his family, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual.
It was 40 minutes before the tip of the Carolina-Michigan State massacre, and empty bellies were calling. “There’s some good Thai food that will deliver, or there’s good pizza.” I’d never had Thai, and I felt adventurous. I ordered an entrée, Jay @ 4 apps. While we waited we banged the balls around for 3 racks or so. Great table, if not tighter than a tick’s ass!
Good eats, piss poor basketball game… Ming came home early in the second half. She had in fact been playing one hole, not cards, and was quite excited. “Papa!” she exclaimed (Jay’s nick from Ming). “I learned some new one pocket moves! I gotta show you!” As I would soon find out, boy had she! We were introduced and I met the little empress with the huge glowing smile.
I’d not played much 1P in my life. That night I learned 10x’s more about it than ever before. As the final drops of Michigan State blood was let on the court, Jay stepped in the box with the fired up Ming. Jay quickly realized it was no longer the cat and mouse play he’d been accustomed to. Ming was so excited and proclaimed the moves she learned had been an epiphany, and she could “see” the table better than ever. But Jay out-moved her in game one. Game 2 was tighter, but he got her again. Then I got winners. This would be one time I would see him do this, before I broke, lol:
I quickly announced my 1P innocence. Ming jumped up to my defense. “I’ll be your coach!” And boy did she. She was on my every shot, giving me solid shot by shot direction. It was a blast, and if only Jay had spotted me 8-1, I’d have smoked him! :wink:
We alternately played a few more games. Around midnight, after a 45 minute epic game where Jay narrowly defeated Ming 8-7, he said he needed to pack more books and work on an article for Billiards Digest. Truth be told, I think he wanted out winners! On the last game Ming had come back from 7-1 and was making double cross corner banks! She was on fire! But Jay got the last laugh. Ohhh... Jay… can… play!!!
And then there were two… I was going to prey upon a woman pro for an appetizer! 6 balls were removed, and I rubbed my hands together expectantly. Ming and I were going to put on the gloves! And it was MY game we were playing this time! Well, actually we made another Vodka/Fanta Orange first.
It was a pleasure getting to know her that night, even if just a little. She told me a bit about her life starting with how she’d moved from China to the US (Miami I believe) at age 13, on through to current, enjoying married life while working her tail off near DC. Some foreigners, seeing things from multiple perspectives, take so much less for granted. It's refreshing and I hope some of her optimism rubbed off on me.
I believe Ming yearns to play more competitive pool (and poker), but economics are not her friend at the moment. Jay is a Godsend for her, helping her so much. She is such an inquisitive sort with incredible insight; a rarity in my experiences. And boy is she full of piss and vinegar! She has a BS detector armed with a quick pointed stick. :slap: But (as she noted) I have a few good moves in me too, and we laughed our asses off and played some pretty good pool.
So we played a little 9. I soon found some rhythm to match hers and held my own nicely (IMO anyway!). But after I made after a cocky barb, she decided she wasn't taking kindly to her chair. She caught a gear and firmly put me in my place; with a wink and a smile. This woman really played world class level! :bow-down: Alas, the clock struck 2 am, and with a 6:30am wakeup call for our flights lurking, off to dream land we retired.
“Papa Jay” woke us after what seemed like a Kat nap. He’d been up since 5 am, working diligently. Sporting his robe and a shit-eating grin :smile2:, he brought out a postal crate, half filled with freshly packaged books. “I am all done with March orders!” he proudly exclaimed. I can tell Jay is very proud of his book and is going to make damn sure all who order get good care!
At 7:30 Jay hugged his “adopted” daughter, I shook his hand and tried to thank him enough. Ming and I drove to LAX for our flight in my goofy ass PT Cruiser rental.
Ming sat right behind me on our 4 hour flight, and in between our naps we passed Jay’s enthralling book back and forth (If you hadn’t got one yet, what are you waiting for?!). In Charlotte she peeled off to B Concourse; after a warm hug and hope we’d meet up again soon. Best of luck to you in the future Ming! 'Twas a pleasure indeed!
Jay, I can’t thank you enough for a memorable night! You are more than just a credit to pool, but also a credit to all who are fortunate to spend time with you. You made my trip!
Last edited:
:grin-square:
