New Aramith Laminated Billiard Tip

Saluc is proud to announce the introduction of a high-end Aramith laminated pool cue tip. Classical in its conception (9 layers, high-quality pig skin), the Aramith laminated tip is characterized by a special leather treatment made at Saluc’s factory in Belgium. Thanks to its past experience in the leather processing, Saluc developed a treatment that optimizes the mix of qualities required for a tip by the most demanding professional players.

Saluc, a 75 years old Belgian company, is specialized in the production and distribution of billiard equipment and world leader in its field.

Contact:
Nicolas Catrix
Communication Manager
nicolas.catrix@saluc.com
www.aramith.com

Simonis Sponsors Blair Thein in pool, Poker and Pain
Simonis, one of the billiard industry’s oldest companies and makers of pool and billiards cloth, has struck an arrangement to be an initial sponsor of pool, Poker and Pain, the extreme challenge series being promoted by Blair Thein. Under development for nearly four years and rapidly gaining interest from key players in the extreme sports world, the pool, Poker and Pain challenge provides a stage where contenders will have to balance mental and physical toughness with finesse and strategy in order to be victorious.
“Blair Thein has a vision about combining these sports and his dedication is without equal,” stated Ivan Lee, the president of Iwan Simonis Incorporated. “He brings a real passion to what he is pursuing and he has made a very positive impression on me as an individual. I decided to sponsor his event to push the boundaries of pool as a universal game of nerves and skill and to see how it fares as one of the three disciplines combined to provide a new kind of entertainment and interest in our sport.”
“I am very happy to have the prestigious Simonis Company on board,” said Blair Thein, the creator of pool, Poker, and Pain. “As one of the best-known companies in the billiard industry, it was great to find that they are interested in my project. I think that this is the support that I needed to get pool, Poker and Pain into the national spotlight.”
For more information on pool, Poker and Pain, please visit poolpokerandpain.com.
Founded in 1680, Iwan Simonis set the standards for billiard cloths and continues to be the reference standard for cloth in the billiard industry. Simonis seeks to enhance the player’s enjoyment of the game by providing the truest-playing cloth, including the most accurate and consistent playing surface possible. For more information, visit SimonisCloth.com or call 800-SIMONIS.

Brunswick billiards Delivers Home Theater Experience
Partners With Berkline To Introduce New Furniture Offering
Brunswick billiards and Berkline are teaming up to create a new line of Brunswick-exclusive home theater seating that represents Brunswick’s introduction into this fast-growing, home entertainment category.
“Home theater seating is the most exciting and explosive growth segment in upholstered furniture today,” said Grey Hunsucker, Berkline vice president and national sales manager. “Dedicated rooms with flat screen TVs and upscale video equipment are becoming commonplace in the housing market, both in new construction and remodeling.”
In fact, installed home theaters and multi-room audio systems are expected to grow from $6 billion in 2007 to more than $11 billion in 2012, according to market research firm Parks Associates.
“We know home entertainment,” said Debbie Groshek, marketing director, Brunswick billiards. “People continue to invest in their homes to create fun environments where they can spend quality time together. Taking our current home game room suite offerings to an even higher level with this stylish furniture will meet our customers’ evolving entertainment needs. The home theater seating category is an ideal fit for Brunswick’s dealers and customers.”
Three home theater seating styles will be built by Berkline for Brunswick. Two versions will be contemporary styling, the third a traditional model. Eight different types of leather will be available with multi-color options. Features will include taller backs on the furniture for greater head support, and lighted cupholders, lighted bases and power recline options.
The product was recently unveiled and received enthusiastically at Brunswick’s Business Enrichment Conference, an annual convention of Brunswick’s dealer network, which will sell the product in specialty retail showrooms throughout the United States and Canada. Prices will start at $1,249 MSRP per seat and will be available for shipment in early summer 2008.
The Brunswick-Berkline home theater seating partnership combines Berkline’s reputation and depth of manufacturing experience with Brunswick’s extensive marketing expertise, brand name recognition, and strong dealer network.
Hunsucker said that Brunswick’s dealers will be a key factor in the success of the new line.
“The Brunswick retail format is exciting,” he said. “The company’s dealers create an experience for the consumer, and their sales associates are well trained and knowledgeable of their products. We believe Brunswick’s desire to enter this new business coupled with their proven marketing capabilities and Berkline’s strength in the home theater seating category are winning formulas for all parties.”

About Brunswick billiards
For more than 160 years, Brunswick billiards has been the leader in designing the highest quality pool tables and game room furnishings with a standard of superior craftsmanship and preferred by experts around the world. Based in Bristol, Wis., the billiards division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has more than 300 retail dealer locations across the United States and international distributors in more than 40 countries. For more information about Brunswick billiards and its product line, visit www.brunswickbilliards.com (http://www.brunswickbilliards.com).

About Berkline
Berkline has been a leading manufacturer of reclining furniture for over 75 years. Berkline specializes in motion, home theater and upholstered furnishings with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Morristown, Tenn. For more information about Berkline and its products, please visit www.berkline.com (http://www.berkline.com).

BCA Names Sean Cummings of Brunswick billiards Board President
Following its general membership meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 11, 2008, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced the results of the 2008-2009 Board of Directors elections.
In follow-up elections, Sean Cummings (Brunswick billiards) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board president, as did each of the remaining seated officers: First Vice President Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis); Second Vice President Kathy Vegh (Danny Vegh’s billiards Home); Secretary Renee Poehlman (American Poolplayers Association); and Treasurer Bob Radford (Antique Billiard Supply).
The remaining directors include: Nick Alexander (Clicks billiards); Mike Baggett (Cue Case Sales); Karim Belhaj (Predator Products); George Darafeev (Mikhail Darafeev, Inc.); Kathy Etheridge (Showcase billiards); Barry Hart (Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.); John Petti (Atlas Billiard Supplies); Anthony L. Stick (The Billiard Factory); and Eric Weber (CueStix International, Inc.)
View the International Billiard and Home Recreation Show image gallery (/gallery2/v/Billiards+Industry/international-home-recreation-bca-trade-show/)
“With a 60-year legacy of promoting and enhancing the game, it is an honor to be selected president of the Billiard Congress of America,” said Sean Cummings. “I look forward to working with the outstanding Board of Directors, comprised of leaders in all facets of the industry, to continue to make the BCA a relevant, forward-thinking organization for all companies involved in billiards.”
About Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 866.852.0999.

Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing Completes Reorganization
Press release:
Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing is pleased to announce that it’s comprehensive reorganization and restructuring has been completed. In the past 12 months we have reduced the debt incurred during our move to Tennessee by over five million dollars and we have established new banking relationships with local and national financial institutions who share our vision that “Made in America” still means something. We have survived some difficult times since moving our factory to Tennessee and it is refreshing to be dealing with personnel at financial institutions who do believe in the future of an American manufacturing company. This successful reorganization could not have been accomplished without the joint efforts of Olhausen attorney and financial advisor, Tim Smith, Olhausen new CFO, David Robinson, and our key production and office personnel who have been instrumental in solving problems that arose after the move to Tennessee.
Olhausen has emerged a stronger, smarter and more responsive company. We have had many dealers comment that our finishes are now the best they have ever seen from us and that our response time is also better than ever. We have introduced more new models in the past year than in any prior year in our company’s history, and we are currently developing a new designer line of tables that not only addresses the need for a high durability gloss finish, but also takes advantage of our ability to customize and feature exotic hardwoods to allow a wide variety of customer choices
We have managed to maintain our market share in the face of increasing competition from imports and shrinking customer traffic. This has been primarily due to our loyal and educated dealer network. I have received several letters and emails from customers expressing their gratitude for the quality of our American made product and the education and service they received from our dealers.
The last year has allowed Olhausen billiards to better realize the importance of our dealers and the commitment they represent. In a market that continues to shrink, and with more and more retailers and manufacturers turning to cheap imports, the commitment of our dealers to sell even more Olhausen tables truly is a testament to the loyalty of our dealer network.
We here at Olhausen are also committed. We have experienced dedicated, talented employees who will continue to meet or exceed the demands and expectations of our dealers and insure that the Made in the USA label proudly displayed by Olhausen is the benchmark by which all pool tables are judged.
Olhausen, now located in Portland, Tennessee, is known for their beautifully hand-crafted pool tables and fine line of matching game room accessories. The Olhausen Authorized Dealer Network extends throughout the United States and the world. Olhausen products are proudly made in the USA and are available in Oak, Maple, Cherry, and a variety of exotic hardwoods, which can be custom-finished to match your décor. Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing, Inc. is celebrating over 35 years in the business and has consistently pursued a tradition of dedication to Quality, Service, Selection, and Value. These attributes have earned the company the title of The Best in billiards.

Game Time billiards Sports Bar in South Carolina Closes Doors
On Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 Game Time closed its doors for business for the last time. Game Time formally known as Sporty’s and GameTime/Riptide owned by former road player Jimmy Hodges was a massive facility with 30,000 square feet of space in Greenville, SC. It housed 18 billiard tables, 3 bars a full restaurant, patio deck and volleyball courts and was home to many pool tournaments from professional to league play.
The owner, Jimmy Hodges was very sad in reporting the news. He sated We just couldn’t afford to stay open any longer. Game Time was know for its excellent tournament tables and nightclub atmosphere. At times you had to stand in line just to get in the door because they were usually filled to capacity. Hodges cited several reasons for the closing, he stated For many years their yearly revenue exceeded 2.5 million but with the weakened economy, higher expenses and the smoking ban in his region which stated (no smoking on the property) shrank the yearly revenues to under $700,000 which is less than operating expenses and forced him to close his doors.
Hodges additionally stated that he was verry sorry to have to notify all the tours and leagues that all events scheduled at Game Time billiards will not take place.
Game Time billiards and Sports Bar will be missed by all. Myself and all the Viking Tour members always enjoyed the events at Jimmy’s place. We all wish him the best of luck in the future.
The Viking Tour events scheduled for July 12-13, 2008 at Game Time are cancelled.

Executive billiards Delta-13 Rack Brings on New Marketing Representation

Executive billiards, makers of the DELTA-13 rack, is pleased to announce their marketing alignment with Samm Diep of Aurora, Colorado (creator of SammsPocket.com and PoolTipJar.com). Diep will be promoting and representing the DELTA-13 rack at upcoming professional and amateur events across the country in 2008.
So far in 2008, the DELTA-13 rack is already the official rack for the UPA Tour and Tony Robles Predator 9-ball Tour. It was also the sponsoring rack for the 8th Annual Predator International 10-ball Championships in Las Vegas, NV. It will also be the official rack for the BCA GenerationPool.com 9-ball Championships in Charlotte, NC during the BCA tradeshow.
“I’m thrilled to have someone with her experience so close to home,” says Terry Taggart, founder of Executive billiards. Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb”, semi-professional player, instructor, writer, reporter, and author of “You Might Be A D Player If…” has a degree in marketing and comes from a strong business and marketing background. She plans to use her expertise and relationships in the industry to educate players on the quality of the DELTA-13 rack.
“I couldn’t represent a product that I didn’t truly believe in. The wooden and plastic racks can’t touch the DELTA-13. It’s truly state of the art,” says Diep. She has been using the DELTA-13 rack during all her practice and teaching sessions.
She’s not the only one excited about that rack so far. There’s already a buzz amongst the professionals that have been using it in the tournaments. “It’s the best rack I’ve ever seen. There are no spaces in between the balls. It’s awesome!” says Tony Robles, Professional Player and Predator 9-ball Tour Director. “My custom laser engraved rack looks beautiful and works great! Straight pool enthusiasts will love the small size of this rack— many more break balls are usable with this thin but strong profile.” says Mike Fieldhammer (BilliardCoach.com), Professional Billiard Instructor.
“Delta” is for the Greek symbol for its shape and “13” is for aluminum’s place on the periodic table of elements. Made from 6061 Aluminum, the DELTA-13 racks are quality checked on a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) to ensure accuracy. Unlike the standard plastic or wooden rack, it’s guaranteed to never warp, bend, or break. There is absolutely no give in the sides of the rack and that’s why it outperforms the others.
Ask for the DELTA-13 rack at Seyberts.com or PoolDawg.com. The unique, patent-pending ergonomic design of the rack allows for easy removal from the balls. It’s available in red, blue, black, or gold and each side can be personalized with custom engraving to include text and graphic logos. The retail price is $119 plus $12 shipping/handling. Please visit ExecutiveBilliards.com for more details.
Executive billiards is a subsidiary of RJD Machining, a 21 year old precision machining company which manufactures components for aerospace, medical device, and computer storage industries. 85% of the components they manufacture are made from aluminum, which has given them a great deal of experience and expertise in cutting this material. Executive billiards is also a member of the billiards Congress of America.

Brunswick Dealer Advantage Expands to Include Dealer Logo Wear and Promotional Items

Brunswick Dealer Advantage is helping dealers promote their businesses by offering logoed clothing and promotional products at preferred pricing through Threds. Brunswick dealers across three industries and two countries now have access to the program; Brunswick billiards dealers, Life Fitness dealers and Brunswick marine dealers in the United States and Canada can take advantage of special pricing on everything from dealer branded dress shirts for employees, to logoed plastic cups and giveaways for customer events.
“Local awareness and word of mouth are two keys to success for our dealers,” said Brunswick Dealer Advantage director Betsy Lazzara. “Threds gives our dealers access to products to help them stand out.”
Founded in 1994, Threds is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and boasts an impressive client list in a wide range of industries. Threds is capable of fulfilling small custom jobs for dealerships of any size or developing elaborate retail programs for additional dealer revenue. In addition to preferred pricing on all promotional items available through Threds, Brunswick dealers will have access to monthly specials at even deeper discounts.
“Threds has a great reputation in the industry,” said Thred’s Director of Sales Stephen Ladner. “Combined with the volume of business we conduct through our vendor partners, we frequently enjoy significant savings opportunities which we can pass along to our clients. Based on our experience, we believe we can help Brunswick dealers effectively promote their businesses while saving them money.”
Brunswick Dealer Advantage features three levels of participation – silver, gold and platinum – each based on the amount of the dealer’s business with Brunswick. The deeper the partnership with Brunswick, the higher the dealer’s level of eligibility, with more benefits and services available to them.
In addition to promotional products, Brunswick Dealer Advantage benefits and services include preferred pricing on customized retirement strategies and succession planning, discounted rates on computers and equipment for dealerships and their employees, college scholarships for dealership employees’ children, and much more.

Dealers can learn more about Brunswick Dealer Advantage by visiting its dedicated web site at www.brunswickdealeradvantage.com (http://www.brunswickdealeradvantage.com/) or by calling 1-877 GO-ADVTG (462-3884).

About Brunswick Dealer Advantage
Brunswick Dealer Advantage is offered through Brunswick Corporation to Brunswick billiards dealers, Life Fitness dealers and Brunswick marine dealers in Canada and the United States. It provides dealers access to benefits and services designed to address the unique needs of independent dealers. The deeper the partnership with Brunswick, the higher the dealer’s level of eligibility and the more benefits they can access through Brunswick Dealer Advantage.

About Brunswick Corporation
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill “Genuine Ingenuity”™ in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Albemarle, Arvor, Baja, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Laguna, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Örnvik, Palmetto, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Savage, Sea Boss, Sea Pro, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land ‘N’ Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; IDS dealer management systems; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Dynamo, Tornado and Valley pool tables, Air Hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com (http://www.brunswick.com/).

March Madness Tournament Creates Crazy Competition

Merit Entertainment’s March Madness 11-Up TournaMaxx Tournament proved once again that the TournaMaxx program is a success for operators.
The competition for the top spot was tight this month with the winning averages being less than 200 points apart. Donna Hill of West Hazelton, PA pulled out the win with a March average of 170,850 points. Donna plays at Amore Pizza in West Hazelton on a touchscreen from Aaaamusements Rrr Usss. Tim Chan of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada came in a close second with an average of 170,690 points. Tim plays on a Walmac Amusements machine at H2O in his hometown. Jan Benson of Marseilles, IL rounds out the top 3 with an average of 170,470 points. Jan plays at P.J.’s Tap, which is operated by Metro Amusement.
“We do as much as we can to get our players involved in the TournaMaxx program,” said Elmar Klapstein of Walmac Amusements. “The players love the tournaments and the extra benefits we provide to them. It keeps them coming back and playing time after time.”
Sandy Buelow of Dakota, MN took this month’s Single Game High Score title. Sandy scored a whopping 177,150 points during a game at Pete’s Inn located Dresbach, MN. Williamson Music operates the Megatouch machines found at Pete’s Inn.
“Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s March Madness Tournament,” said Bob Mills, Merit’s Vice President of North American Sales. “With the proven power of games like 11-Up plus the continued support of our operators, TournaMaxx remains one of Merit’s most successful features.”

For 30 years, Merit has ensured long-term return on investment for operators by providing continually high-earning equipment along with updates and upgrades for its products. With an installed base of over 250,000 touchscreen games garnering nearly 4.6 billion plays per year, Merit Entertainment is the worldwide leader in touchscreen entertainment devices. Merit Entertainment products appear globally in a wide array of venues and appeal to an almost limitless demographic. Merit continues to expand its position in the industry with ever-increasing entertainment, content, and new games. The company maintains a Web site with all the latest information at www.meritgames.com (http://www.meritgames.com/).

Billiard Congress of America Releases Results of Annual Membership Study
Findings Focus on Issues Specific to Billiard Retailers and pool Room Operators

The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announces the availability of the results of its annual membership study, including two in-depth and comprehensive reports specific to the billiard retailer and pool room operator segments of the BCA membership.

The BCA, in partnership with Ellison Research, of Phoenix, Arizona, conducted the annual membership study in January of 2008. The main goals of the study were to understand the overall state of the BCA, in addition to providing retailers and room operators with specific information about their respective parts of the industry. A total of 300 interviews were completed during the course of the study, including 153 billiard retailers and 61 room operators. Information gathered from the participating retailer and room operator BCA members was used to compile the two reports.

During the course of conducting interviews, billiard retailers and room operators were asked a series of questions that were unique to their specific businesses. The information gathered provides insight into how other billiard retailers and room operators run their businesses, the priorities they place on various issues and their thoughts on specific issues facing their businesses.
Each report is broken into several parts, including:
• Various baseline indicators used to assess key similarities and differences between billiard retailers or room operators;
• The financial implications of owning a retail establishment or a billiard hall;
• General challenges billiard retailers or room operators are facing;
• The role of the Internet in owning a retail establishment or a billiard hall; and
• Subsequent overview of the main findings throughout each specific report.

“As the trade organization for the billiards industry, the BCA is committed to helping our members grow their businesses. By gathering and compiling data on market trends and making it available to our membership, we have created an informational tool that our members can use to better understand the complexities of the marketplace,” states BCA President Ivan Lee. “The results of this study present a snapshot of the unique issues facing our retail and room operator members, but I believe that the billiards community at large and not just these specific segments of our membership can benefit from this information.”

Both reports are available on the BCA Web site at bca-pool.com. Current BCA members can access the reports free of charge using their BCA username and password credentials. The reports are also available to non-BCA members for $250 per report. The order form is also available on the BCA Web site.

About Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 866.852.0999.

McDermott Handcrafted Cues Introduces Cue for the Cure to Benefit Breast Cancer Research
McDermott Handcrafted Cues debuted a stunning masterpiece: the Pink Ribbon Limited Edition Cue to benefit the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, a New Jersey non-profit corporation dedicated to raising public awareness and supporting research of triple negative breast cancer.
The specially designed cue features a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon to support those touched by breast cancer.
“We are proud to display the Triple Negative Breast Cancer ribbon on our latest limited edition cue,” says Nat Rosasco, President and CEO of McDermott. “We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer and we are pleased to be working with an organization that makes a difference and ultimately saves lives.”
The Pink Ribbon cues features highly figured Birdseye maple, aged burl wood, six floating points, 134 total inlays, Everest tip by Tiger, stainless steel joint and German brass rings. This cue is the latest masterpiece from renowned cue designer, Larry Liebl.
As with all McDermott cues, the new Pink Ribbons come standard with McDermott’s Lifetime Warranty, including warpage, and McDermott’s new Free Lifetime Maintenance Program, which features a 10-Point Inspection, new tips and overall cue clean up, twice a year, for life.
The Pink Ribbon will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,449 and will be available at Authorized McDermott Retailers in the United States and the rest of the world starting on May 15, 2008.
About Mcdermott Cues
Since 1975, McDermott Handcrafted Cues has consistently raised the performance standards for what billiard players expect from a high performance cue. McDermott builds billiard equipment for people who view playing pool as an end in itself, drawing on cutting-edge technology and tasteful yet aggressive design. McDermott equipment is rooted in performance, using the latest technology in a state-of-the-art facility and utilizing the finest materials available. For further information about McDermott Handcrafted Cues, please visit our website at www.mcdermottcue.com (http://www.mcdermottcue.com).

CONTACT:
McDermott Handcrafted Cues
Nat Rosasco, 262-251-4090
SOURCE: McDermott Handcrafted Cues
W146 N9560 HELD DR. • MENOMONEE FALLS, WI • 53051 • PHONE: (800) 666-2283 • (262) 251-4090 FAX: (262) 251-9290 • EMAIL: SALES[at]MCDERMOTTCUE.COM • MCDERMOTTCUE.COM

PoolontheNet.com Launches New Website Design

PoolontheNet.com (http://www.poolonthenet.com/) would like to announce the launching of its newly designed website which now includes testimonials from all of its clients. including WPBA Touring Pro Liz Ford, former US Open 9-ball Champion Tommy Kennedy, and World Class Professional pool Player Tony Robles.
Tony Robles had this to say about his Predator9BallTour.com website designed by Rob Staskowski and pool on the Net. I have known Rob for almost 15 years and I can honestly say that I have had several sites done for me in the past by someone else. The site that Rob designed for me is not only by far the best one ever made for me, but one the best pool sites that I have ever seen in my pool period!”
Liz Ford had this to say about her website LizFord.net, one of the first websites designed by pool on the Net in 2007. I had strong ideas about how I wanted my website to look; lizford.net was my first attempt at an online presence and I wanted something professional and attractive. Rob created a solid, organized site and advised me on the best way to present myself online. I’m very happy with the results — I have an award winning site! . Liz’s site, LizFord.net won the award for Best Female pool Player Website presented by billiards Digest in 2007.
pool on the Net strives to provide affordable website design for pool Rooms, pool Tours pool Players. If you have a pool related website that you would like designed just contact Rob Staskowski at rob[at]poolonthenet.com.
Looking ahead in 2008, pool on the Net would like to announce that it will be designing a brand new website for the J. Pechauer Northeast Women’s 9-ball Tour and a fresh new design for 3-Time Australian 9-ball Champion Lyndall Hulley, so stay tuned!

Rock-Ola Goes Green

Torrance, CA — The Rock-Ola wraps up the “green conversion” of its Torrance factory just in time for Earth Day on April 22. The facility’s prominent new green awnings are a sign of the environmentally conscious changes taking place inside the renowned 70,000 square foot factory.

Throughout the Rock-Ola headquarters and factory building, all standard fluorescent light fixtures—almost 1,700 plus emergency exit signs—have been replaced with high-efficiency fluorescent tubes and computer-controlled electronic ballasts. Service for the conversion was provided by California Edison, who also picked up three-quarters of the cost of replacement. In exchange, California Edison can draw down 10% of Rock-Ola’ s power during peak summer usage hours, helping to offset power needs in other parts of the state. “It’s a win-win for Rock-Ola and the environment,” beamed CEO Glenn Streeter.

The conversion is estimated to pay for itself in energy cost savings within 11 months and lighting expenses are estimated to be 40% of the cost prior to the new lighting hardware. In addition to the cost savings, the new system provides significantly more light than the older conventional fixtures.
Rock-Ola Product updates
Since the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) Directive, Rock-Ola has been using RoHS compliant parts in all export jukeboxes. Effective July 1, 2006, the directive requires that all products for sale in the EU comply with RoHS. Though the United States has not yet adopted a comprehensive policy on the matters of electronic waste, Rock-Ola has taken the initiative to replace its domestic product parts containing lead with RoHS compliant parts, using California’s SB80, Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 as a guideline.

Under its new green-colored awnings, Rock-Ola will continue to make “environmentally friendly” choices for products and procedures just as the famous jukeboxes create a “friendly environment” in restaurants, bars, and at home.

For more information on eCycling, visit the U.S. Government Environmental Protection Agency website: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/rules.htm (http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/rules.htm) .

Reyes, Bustamante, and Amit to Star in Upcoming Film 9-ball
World Champion Efren Reyes, International Champion Francisco Bustamante, and Champion Rubilen Amit have been cast to star in the movie 9-ball. The film is being directed by Anthony Palma of Main Street Productions, who also created the story, wrote/ the screenplay and will produce. Palma says, “It is a honor, and privilege to have these three great pool players now part of the cast of “9-ball.” pool players, and fans of the sport everywhere can look forward to seeing the Best of the Best, and most exciting players in the World in “9-ball.”
Francisco Bustamante, and Efren Reyes are two of the most respected pool champions in the history of the sport. In the film “9-ball” the audience will get to see what makes these champions the Heroes they are.

9-ball is about a young, up and coming pool player who breaks away from hustling pool in the back rooms of bars, to follow her dream of becoming the Women’s 9 ball Champion of the World. Palma is delighted to have World-renowned players cast in “9-ball.” Palma says, “ I want “9-ball” to show pool as the great sport it is and what better way to do that then have real life World Champions in the movie, these players represent what the movie “9-ball” is all about.”
Jennifer Barretta who is cast in the lead role says, “This project is the most exciting thing happening in pool right now and I’m excited to be a part of it. 9 ball is destined to become a classic,” The film has also garnered excitement from other greats such as Karin Corr and Julie Kelly who have already served as technical advisors on the script. They have also been cast to play themselves in the movie. World Champion Corr says, “After reading the screenplay for “9-ball” I was more impressed than ever to be involved with this film. “9-ball” is the first film produced that combines women’s professional pool with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat…Gail is a young woman with a lot of guts, determination, and ambition to become the 9-ball Women’s World Champion. “9-ball” is a film that you want to see, and after you see it to go shoot pool,” Kelly is also excited to be a part of the movie. “I also like that it is about a woman pool player, we’ve seen great pool movies but nothing like “9-ball.” The film aims to inspire all up and coming pool players to take their craft seriously and follow their dreams professionally. said Kelly.

9-ball
The film is scheduled to begin principal photography June 15th. at Universal Studios. This independent film will be directed, and produced by Anthony Palma for Main Street Productions. Executive Producer is Ralph Clemente. For more information about the film, please visit the website at www.mainstreetproductions.com (http://www.mainstreetproductions.com/) or call 215-764-6128

CueTable Launches New Billiard Web Site
Manhattan, NY - CueTable.com proudly announces the launch of their new website and free billiards layout software. The new CueTable site has an improved design featuring the pool Shot Browser, bringing layouts from all over the Internet right to your fingertips. New software lets pool enthusiasts add high-resolution color layout graphics to their e-mails, personal blogs, web pages, or forum discussions using only simple mouse clicks, copy, and paste. Plus, the new CueTable software is faster and leaner than before—it runs perfectly on any reasonably current computer.

Our goals at CueTable are to encourage clear communication among a newer generation of players to enable sharing within the billiard community and to promote the benefits of pool to the general public. Let’s work together and share all the great ideas and fun with everyone! said Wei Chao, the original creator of CueTable software.
For years CueTable has been a great online visualization tool, used by 320,000 people in e-mails and online discussion forums, but now pool players can add CueTable layouts directly into their own blogs and web pages. Top professional players such as Mika Immonen and Thorsten Hohmann have already used this feature to show interesting tournament shot layouts that they discuss in their blogs. Now people can learn about what goes on inside a champion’s mind—directly and with vivid descriptive and visual details.

This is the greatest invention for all billiard enthusiasts. I love it and use it for training and communicating, said Mika Immonen, World pool Champion 2001.

Cuetable goes to the future! Every student, teacher, and fan of our fascinating sport should browse, study, use, and share this modern and global way to talk pool! said Thorsten Hohmann, World pool Champion 2003.

In addition to the CueTable layout diagramming software, there is also have a pool Shot Browser and an Aiming Calculator. pool Shot Browser allows people to flip though interesting layouts drawn by others on the Internet. Then, with a single click they can go directly to the original source and participate in the discussion. Aiming Calculator teaches how to aim at a ball when playing pool using the ghost ball system. By dragging different balls around, the user gets an instant calculation of the cut angle, the parallel projected ghost ball overlap percentage.

A truly great learning tool for players at all levels, including the professionals, said Tony Robles, founder of the Predator 9-ball Tour.

CueTable is cool, helpful, and a lot of fun. The graphics and capabilities are great. They bring pool diagrams off the napkin and into the twenty-first century! said Max Eberle, professional player, artist, and writer.

CueTable is the best tool for billiard education and communication today. It has served over 800,000 layouts to 320,000 individual users since its original release in March 2006. It has been widely used by many professional players, instructors, and serious students to communicate with each other.

What took you so long?! I love it! People always want to talk about pool. This makes things so much easier. Great job! said Jeanette Lee, “The Black Widow,” WPBA champion.

A beautiful tool for pool! I wish I’d learned it before I wrote my book, said Mike Massey, artistic billiard champion, BCA Hall of Fame Member.

CueTable is a significant development for all players and has great potential to stir new life into our sport. To learn more, please check CueTable.com.