Upcoming Announcement

Be sure to check out http://www.8ballexpress.com/ this Thursday for an exciting upcoming announcement!

Start of Session

Good to see everyone today at the Start of Session meeting. Happy to see new faces and the familiar ones. If you got any questions/comments you know the numbers. Also, as always, available on Twitter, Facebook and email for the early morning risers.

Looking forward to the following Blog Posts:
1. "Team Names of Note" List
2. "You've Got To Be Kidding Me" Nicknames
3. "Stop Playing So Slow - We Gotta Go To Work in the Morning" Splitting Matches Reminder
4. NEW! Feature Host Location Review
5. And many more to come...

Welcome back players! Looking forward to the new year and new session. ~Dawn

Playoffs Got You Wound Up?

Playoffs got you wound up? Check this clip out!

Good for a chuckle in the middle of these very serious playoff times:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/101512/saturday-night-live-ladies-billards

Rack 'Em Pub & Billiards - Matthews, NC

FYI: Ever tried to get a team into Rack 'Em and you couldn't? Got privy to some info. and wanted to pass it on ASAP.

This upcoming session there are a few openings you may be interested in. If you want to play, please let Bob/Blake, the bartender or us know before week's end.

Space availability is first come/first serve.

Sundays - Inhouse 8-Ball. There is an opening for a team and possibly a few slots for players. Great relaxed division and a great way to start the week!

Mondays - May have some availability for a travel 8-ball team.

Tuesdays - Travel 8-ball and 9-ball. Travel is contained pretty much to a five mile radius and lots of fun.

Wednesdays - Travel 8-ball. Travel is contained in a five mile radius.

Thursdays - Inhouse 8-ball & 9-ball travel. With the addition of 3 more 9-ball teams an inhouse could be created. This Inhouse 8-ball division produced last Winter's $10,000 winning team, so the competition is high but the people are friendly.

Email info@8ballexpress.com for more info.

Playoffs Are Coming!

As both a friend and a league manager, kindly let me offer the following tips to those who will be in the playoffs to ensure a safe and happy holiday post-season:

• Two people will step to the table, one will win and one will not. Accept this and move on. Do not talk bad about their mother or question their moral up bringing if you loose. You just look silly and I may have to laugh at you and include you in a future blog post.


• I don't care how good a player is or what your put up strategy is, if a player is drunk or drinking heavily, play them early or not at all, then call a cab. You can check with the bartender before hand if not sure or make them do a practice lag to judge. If the ball flies off the table, ends up in a pocket or they try to lag with a coaster, just go ahead and bench them. They probably weren't going to win anyways.


• The rules are the same in post season as in regular season. Keep this in mind during the regular season AND the post season. While it's not right, if during weeks 1-13 you've let opposing teams go over the handicap limit, take 20 minute time outs, run late and then weeks 14-playoffs turn around and hold them to every rule in the book, don't be surprised if they don't exactly send you a Christmas card or ask for a group hug when it's all over. How about, for the most part, sticking to the rules through the Session to avoid this sudden change of good will. This will help people learn rules and hopefully avoid unnecessary confrontation. Chances are you will see your opponents again/play against them after all is said and done, so treat them accordingly.


• Week 2 of the Playoffs is not the optimal time to bring up handicap questions. If you see something Playoff Week 2 you've never seen before, like a 2 running racks, ok then, it is the optimal time. But if you've known/suspected for a while that a handicap is not right, let us know as soon as you can. If you know something isn't right the ENTIRE Session or even the 2nd half of it, but only let us know if your team looses AFTER the matches are all done, the situation is a lot messier than it has to be. We can handle the issues much better if we know there may be an issue AHEAD of time. Contact kim@8ballexpress.com right now if you have a handicap complaint or if you think there may be another issue at a match coming up.


• Don't take out your issues/stress/problems on your opposing team or your league manager. Hey, we've all got problems these days. How about you leave yours at home and let everyone have a good time! If you can't don't be surprised if you are removed from the league. One bad grape will not be allowed to spoil a bunch (or a division).


• 8 Ball Express is competitive but above all else it's about coming out each week and having a good time.

Now, good luck and have fun!

New Divisions Forming For Jan 2010 Play!

In case you are interested, there are some new things happening in our area for next session.
New Divisions:
* There will be a Wednesday 8-ball Inhouse out of Sharky's in Mint Hill with a min.
of 6 teams. If you are interested, let Sharky's or me know.
* New Tuesday 8-ball Travel Division forming on the North/West Side of Town. New locations include an awesome new bar that recently opened in the old Derita Station location. It's now "Da Bear's Den" (as in The Chicago Bear's) and they really did a great job with remolding and offer a full kitchen, patio and tons of tvs. Let them know if you want to play Tuesday 8-ball travel.
* Open spot in Tuesday 9-ball travel for 1-3 teams.
* New teams forming out of the recently opened "Bad Fish Billiards" in downtown Matthews. Check with Danny Caldwell for more info. Travel any night S-Th 8-ball or travel Tues/Thurs 9-ball.
* New locations joining and looking for a few members such as Yesteryear's, Five Steps, Sharky's, Da Bear's Den, Bear's Lair, Jillian's, Bad Fish Billiards and a few others. If you are interested, email me at dawn@8ballexpress.com.
There are some more things in the works and we are VERY excited about 2010 and hope you are too!

The Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots

COURTESY OF DR. DAVE - PRESENTING THE VIDEO ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POOL SHOTS:

"I'm very excited to announce the release of the first DVD in an instructional series I've been working on with Tom Ross this past year. The series is called: The Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots. If you are interested in checking it out, I have a video trailer for the entire series near the bottom of the page here:

http://www.dr-dave-billiards.com/veps/

The first disc, which includes 1 hour and 27 minutes of video, covers basic shot making and position play. Video excerpts for a collection of shots from the DVD can be viewed online here:
http://www.dr-dave-billiards.com/veps/disc_I.html

Here's the outline of the entire series, and here's the complete list of shot categories included on Disc I.

The series includes over 750 shot categories within 50 different major categories, with over 250 "gems" of the game. We think, and we hope you agree, that the series is the most comprehensive collection of useful pool shots ever published (and demonstrated).I think Tom and I made a good team for this project because he is an experienced player, coach, and instructional columnist, and I have more skills on the understanding, illustration, and explanation side of things. I hope you guys like our stuff. We have worked really hard on this project ... months of planning, months of filming, and months of editing and production. It has truly been a labor of love.Please check out all of the video clips online. Also, if you think the series might be of interest to others, please help spread the word.

Thank you for your time,
Dr. Dave"

This One's For Tony G.

This one's for Tony G. Found it!

Happy Haunting!

Check out a haunted pool room!

See You Next Tuesday and the Next One and the Next One

Tuesday night was so much fun! I got to stop by and see so many teams, but not everyone unfortunately. I saw old friends and met new ones and really had fun. Thanks Tuesday teams, I needed that!

Getaway was full of fun as a team that is struggling to hold it all together that had nothing but bad news all week managed to pull together and hammer out a few wins. Yea!!! :)

Found out that a new location for the Winter, Sharky's in Mint Hill, will be offering free Bar-B-Q, a band, and FEMALE BIKINI JELLO wrestling this Halloween. Never seen that before, might have to check that out.

Bear's Lair in Indian Trail was so much fun. I'm really liking the crowd in there. I am looking forward to seeing the fun levels increase with the hopeful passage of liquor-by-the-drink next week.

Green Room was Green Room, a warm and strangely comforting stew of John's Facebook activity discussions, Lori's overall lead over Sean in stats, met the new group that's under careful watch of Erin (Hey Tony!) and much more.

And Rack 'Em, oh Rack 'Em. Seeing Donny on the Diamond and listening to Tiger talk about how great he is, how else would I finish up my night? ;) (Nothing but love guys...)

There's more than enough stress and bad news all around these days. Nice to get out and have some fun!

And FYI in case you didn't know... Mexican Lunch Wednesdays are supposed to make Tuesday evening hangovers all better. Try it sometime!

8 Ball Express Presents "Come Out & Play" 9-Ball Tournament

8 Ball Express Presents "Come Out & Play" 9-Ball Tournament
Chance to Come Out & Try 8 Ball Express’ 9-Ball Format, Have Fun & Win Prizes!

DATE: SATURDAY NOV. 7
REGISTRATION: 2:30PM
PLAY STARTS: 3:00PM

* Single Player Tournament
* Modified Single Elimination
* $10 Entry Fee
* 100 % Payout = 1st 70%, 2nd 30%
* Race to Best of 3 Games
* Handicapped - Play at:
- Current 9-Ball Handicap, if none then...
- Current 8-Ball Handicap, if none then...
- Will Handicap You Based on 1st Match
- Handicap = # Balls Must Be Made Before Shooting 9-ball
* Giveaways/Prizes For:
- 1st 8 Ball Express Member Out
- Last Female Standing
- And More!
* Will NOT Affect or Determine Handicaps In Regular League Play
* Play Both 8-ball & 9-ball league for chance at $20,000!
* Come out & have fun!

Location:
The Other Woman Sports Bar
7200 Albemarle Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28227
704.537.1487

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
DAWN REID, AREA MANAGER
CELL: 704.654.1522 OFFICE: 704.545.3599
DAWN@8BALLEXPRESS.COM

Click for flyer: http://staging.8ballexpress.com/national/uploads/9ballpromotourney.pdf

Mid Session Fun

Since we are half way into the session, thought I'd have a little fun. My 7th inning stretch, if you will. Random snippets I've heard around the league lately:

"Yeah, I had to explain to my mom what 'tea bagging' is. I tried to tell her in an email, she couldn't open it, then called me for an explanation." EW! Moms and xxx rated things just don't mix. Why did he look so surprised when I quickly returned to my side of the bar?

"We are changing our team name to 'We Like the Taste of Windows But Our Helmet That We Have To Wear Because We Are So Stupid Gets In the Way and That is Why We Don't Like Helmets'. What do you mean you can't fit that on a scoresheet?" Seriously, can't make this stuff up.

"I'm playing so great I bet I get to be a 7 soon. Oh, wait, our top heavy team can't play me if I'm a 7. Never mind, did I tell you how bad I am playing lately?" This was actually a serious conversation on his end.

(Said by a man to me) "I want to see you mud wrestle that guy over there that works for another pool league. He can borrow my thong. It's a white one that I am wearing inside out and he'll be cool with it." THIS was a joking conversation, but I don't think the guy from the other pool league found it funny. I did.

"How do you rack for a 9-ball game? Do you just turn the triangle sideways?" And he almost beat the very drunk 1 handicap he was playing. Almost.

I could just go on and on and on sometimes. These quips make the late nights interesting, that's for sure! Bank that in a pocket for the win 8 Ball Express members.

So...What's Up?

So...what's up? Questions? Comments? Complaints? Compliments? No news is either good news or REALLY REALLY bad. I'm going with good. :)

The Whole Enchilada

This weekend is the End of Session Championship for 8-Ball teams from the Summer 2009 Session & 9-Ball Teams from Winter/Summer 2009 Sessions.

Even if you are not playing in it, I always recommend members come and check it out to see what it's like, and to watch and support people you've played with and against. Also, when your team makes it, you'll know what to expect!

Friday-Sunday, Oct 2-4, 2009 @
Rack 'Em
1898 Windsor Square Dr
Matthews, NC 28105-4662
(704) 847-7665

The rounds will be played:
* 7:00 p.m. on Friday (1st Round)
* 12:00 p.m. on Saturday (1st Round)
* 5:00 p.m. on Saturday (2nd Round)
* 1:00 p.m. on Sunday (Semi-Finals)
* 5:00 p.m. on Sunday (Finals)

Help! They Neeeeeed Somebody! Help!

Hey there mid-to-high ranks. Yup, I'm talking to you 5-8's. Your attention is requested!

I ran across a team of mostly women tonight, new to the Tuesday night 8-ball travel division. The highest rank on the team was 4, 3, 2, 1 and 1.

Here's a classic scenario I'm guessing happens way too frequently: There was an adorable little brunette that called a time out the last game and no one, I mean NO ONE, on the team could give her one. They just all kinda sat there, shaking their head saying "We don' know what to tell you." so she had to turn around and shoot a random shot. Seriously. And if you guessed nothing went, bingo. (BTW, a nice guy on my team had already coached her through two shots, but I guess my team thinking enough is enough just left it to them for the final game.)

This team needs you! They've got two or three slots open and are VERY willing to accept help. They play out of "The Getaway" and are a fun loving bunch of ladies with a few gents. If you are not to busy bringing sexy back and are interested or know someone that would be a hero for the group, let me know! dawn@8ballexpress.com

FULL DISCLOSURE: At this point in the session, they are in last place, but not by much. There is still time to be a hero if you know of one.

Finally...A Game to Play With My Invisible Friend

Finally...A Game to Play With My Invisible Friend:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1899283

Genus Species

Check out some of the more interesting team names that have popped up this session:

• "Woosa" - The Other Woman"Us Against Ya'll" - The Getaway
• "Thunderballs" - Rack 'Em
• "The Legion of Doom" - Silver Dollar
• "The Wild Ones" - Mickey's 109
• "The Shafts" - JP's
• "The Pervs" - Rack 'Em
• "The Joe Rogers Experience II" - The Green Room
• "Pocket Rockets" - Moxie's Bar
• "Play the Damn Ball" - The Green Room
• "Ms. Kitty and Her Litter" - Getaway Pub
• "Hustlin' 8" - On the Hill Billiards
• "Have Cue Will Travel" - Getaway Pub
• "Hangin' & Bangin'" - Rack 'Em
• "Goonies" - Whooli's Sports Bar
• "Dream Killerz" - The Green Room
• "Do You Need to See That Again" - Getaway
• "Da Law" - FOP Lodge #9
• "Cre8ive" - On the Hill Billiards
• "Boom Boom Pow" - Tailgator's (*Love that song!)
• "Aces & Deuces & Jim" - JP's
• "2 Chicks 6 Sticks" - Sherry's

Who's 8BE's Biggest Fan?

I've had an 8 Ball Express "Group" on Facebook for a while, but have finally decided to switch over to Fan pages for 8 Ball Express as a whole and then seperate pages for each franchise area. Check out "8 Ball Express" fan page here and in this' Blog's side bar:
8 Ball Express:

8 Ball Express on Facebook

8 Ball Express - Charlotte:

8 Ball Express - Charlotte, NC on Facebook

Rock the Vote!

REMINDER: As teams finish out this week and their Week 3 score sheets are mailed out you will find ballots for the new Playoff format proposal with them.

Don't forget, for every team you play with you are entitled to one vote.

Local Tournaments

Looking to improve my game and for advice on how best to do it.

• Do local tournaments help?
• What do you think about playing in singles tournaments in relation to weekly league play?
• Is it worth ponying up the money if I get knocked out in the first round?
• What about scotch doubles?
• Would that help?
• Are some tournaments around better than others?

Let me know, post a comment or email dawn@8ballexpress.com. (BTW - added some new tournaments to Host Location Tournament Listing)http://staging.8ballexpress.com/national/modules/news/article.php?storyid=71