New Aramith Laminated Billiard Tip

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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

Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack Brings on New Marketing Representation

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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.

JR Calvert

Posted by admin as Billiards Industry News - Information, Pool Players

JR Calvert

Publisher and InsidePOOL Magazine Founder

JR Calvert started playing pool at the age of 15. He also started to attend college at this time. With hard work and practice, he quickly honed his game, rising to the top of the local ranks in Pittsburgh, PA, almost overnight. Then, as fast as he had appeared, he quit the game of pool to move his college career to the next level to attend the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Engineering. Several years passed before he was persuaded to play the university tournament by a friend. JR won the event and finished as runner-up in the ACU-I National Tournament. Soon afterwards, JR received an invitation to join the Professional Billiards Tour and joined without hesitation. After receiving his degrees from college, he set his sights o­n the Pro Billiards Tour. Within o­ne season, JR earned the distinguished rank of Touring Pro, in which o­nly a handful of other players laid claim. JR won numerous regional events throughout his career but failed to earn that honor on the top professional level. In 1996, JR won the U.S. Open Trick Shot Championship in Chesapeake, VA.

See photos by JR Calvert

In 1989, JR turned his attention to attention to cuemaking by joining efforts with Paul Mottey. His attention quickly moved to marketing the fruits of their labor. His dedication and professionalism landed him a sponsorship deal with Falcon cues, Ltd. where he acted as the U.S. Distributor for the fledgling company. To market Falcon Cues, Ltd. and his new software company, Definitive Synergy, JR tried his hand at writing. He syndicated instructions columns that he would take payment in the form of advertising with about a dozen magazines. After a few magazines failed that he was contributing to, JR decided to start his own magazine, InsidePOOL Magazine, in September of 2001. He stays dedicated to creating the best magazine that pool and billiards has to offer while having a daily hand in running his software company.

Inside POOL Magazine has become the hottest selling magazine while leading the billiards industry in print and online with almost 100,000 subscribers between online and print editions. Recently, Inside POOL Magazine started creating a video version of the popular print and online magazine. The videocasts are syndicated to thousands of online locations and the episodes have quickly become among the most viewed billiards videos. The hard work paid off as Inside POOL Magazine received a Partner Channel at Youtube.com in May 2008.

Watch InsidePOOL Magazine videos on Youtube

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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