When you lose, You win ...

"I've always looked at it like this ... you will always learn more when you lose than when you win. If we won all of the time - how could we stay motivated towards constant improvement? In the game of pool, "losing" is just another word for "Motivational Fuel" ... Losing teaches you - it teaches you where you need to improve - and it teaches you that you still have a lot of work to do to get where you want to go ... Losing keeps your ego in check - and losing shows you exactly what you should be working on during practice ... No matter what happens out there on the table - I don't care what it is - you can take it and use it to your advantage in the future. This includes all of the bad rolls - all of the missed shots - all of the silly mistakes - all of the position errors - and all of the losses. They are all gifts from the pool Gods that should be used to transform you into a stronger, better player - a stronger, better person - and eventually ... a stronger, better CHAMPION!" ~ Blackjack's Random Thoughts, November 30, 2014.

What I think ...

I received a question from somebody yesterday about the Michael Brown incident. The questions was this ... "Having been a police officer - what do YOU think of their decision to not have the officer face charges for this murder?"

Not knowing much about this incident - I hesitated to respond. First of all, I realized that I was being baited into a pissing contest - and I try to avoid pissing contests at all costs - but I did feel that I owed my friend a response - and I'm pretty sure that he didn't expect to hear this from me - or anybody else.

----,
What do I think?

... what I think doesn't matter half as much as what I am seeing. I see cars being flipped over - buildings being damaged and looted. On one channel, I see a police officer trying to explain his actions, while on another channel I see the parents mourning their child - and mourning the results of a legal process that they have lost faith in.

I see people yelling. I see people marching in the streets. I see people hating each other.

I hear cries. I hear arguing. I hear disagreements on both sides of an issue that just seems to be bringing out the worst and best from so many people.

I see the media sensationalizing this situation from every angle in an attempt to keep the emotions on both sides heightened for as long as possible. I find that disrespectful to everybody involved in this situation.

You see ... I have no side in this in this issue - but I do have life experience that gives me a very unique perspective. I find it interesting that you have asked me this question because I was a police officer.

When you think of that uniform - you obviously think of me - and you have baited me into this response because I was a "a cop" ... and because I was "a cop" - I am being singled out and baited into a private sub-argument. So ... against my better judgement, I'll bite around the hook.

Let me state that my law enforcement career is just a small part of my life experience. It does not define my life - nor does it define me as a person. In almost 50 years, I have been many different things - I have worn many different uniforms - many different hats - and I am aware of who and where I am today because of all that I have experienced.

Now ... I can clearly see that you are upset with law enforcement. That is understandable because of the emotions that are charging and fueling this incident. I won't pretend to understand your point of view because I have not walked in your shoes. I have not lived your life - I have not experienced your struggles. Your perspective is unique to your personal experience. So is mine.

So ... I thought I would take a moment to share with you my experience and why I became a police officer (over 20 years ago). You may be surprised - you may change your mind - or maybe you won't. I have no control over how you will take my response, but here it goes ...

In the fall of 1980, I was 14 years old. I was at my brother's flag football game at local field in Hollywood, Florida. We had forgotten something at home, and my mother had asked me to walk back home - it was about 5 blocks - I had to run home - retrieve what ever it was - and bring it back. So off I went - powered by Converse.

I looked no different than any other teenage at the time. I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt - my hair was kind of long and shaggy - and I probably looked like I was up to no good - but I really wasn't. I was good kid - even if I didn't look the part.

Two blocks into my journey - from out of nowhere - a police car quickly pulled up beside me and stopped abruptly. The officer got out of his car and approached me with a scowl - screaming for me to put my hands on the car. I was scared shit-less. Even though I had done nothing wrong - I almost ran out of fear. The officer startled me - and his demeanor gave me the impression that I was going to experience his wrath.

After I was told to put my hands on the car. I did. Then I found out that it wasn't good enough for him, so he violently kicked my legs apart and tossed me head first over the hood of the car. My left arm scraped against the windshield wiper on the passenger side of his patrol car. When I raised my arm up to look at my injuries, he pulled me by the back of my t-shirt and ripped it as he tossed me back on the hood of the car - head first. He asked me my name. He then rummaged through my pockets. He tossed everything I had onto the hood of the car and berated me for over 10 minutes.

People came out of their houses to watch. This was not my neighborhood - nobody knew who I was. The officer continuously insulted me personally - I was called an asshole. I was called a spic (being Italian, I wasn't sure if I qualified for the slur - but he seemed to like calling me that). I was also called a dumb-ass. All I was doing was walking home and doing what my mother had asked me to do.

I was to told to "get the f--- out of that neighborhood" and then he left.

I ran home. Got the item. I took a different - longer route back to the football field - and completely avoided that neighborhood.

My mother was enraged when she saw my arm - my clothes were ripped - and I was terrified. I distinctly remember that when she called - there was no record of any police officer stopping me in that neighborhood.

So ... I've been there - and I know what it is like to feel violated. That was 34 years ago - but I remember it like it was yesterday. It was my one and only experience - I can't even imagine having to deal with that on a regular basis.

In 1986, a friend of mine was being harassed and threatened by her estranged boyfriend. She pleaded with the police to help her because she feared for her life. They dismissed her requests for help as a simple "lovers spat" - they did nothing at all - and 2 nights later she was murdered by him at the location she was hiding. She was shot twice in the head - and then he turned the gun on himself. She was 20 years old. She did everything she was supposed to do. It's a shame that law enforcement didn't do all that they could do.

Those are the two significant reasons that pushed me to becoming a police officer. I wanted to be different. I wanted to make a difference. That is why I wore the badge.

I believe that I did make a difference. My 5 years as a police officer was a lot of things - but it mostly a struggle for me to try to find a way to "fit in". People that served with me on the El Paso Police Department will tell you that as well. I did the best that I could day after day - night after night - and I parted ways when I didn't enjoy the job anymore. If you don't love that job, you shouldn't be out there. If you don't love that job, you become a liability to the people around you. Thank God I noticed that and moved on.

In my law enforcement days, I worked with some really great people. I also worked with some real jerks - but its like that in any job. There are good and bad people everywhere. I never tossed anybody over the hood of a patrol vehicle. I never called anybody names or lashed out on them in anger. If somebody called for help, I did all that I could do for them - even if some of the people that I worked with thought that I was getting too "personally involved" in the call - I did all that I could because ... I had a purpose. I always believed then - as I do now - you can never do too much for somebody in need. I never looked the other way.

That is who I was behind the badge. That is who I am now. I doubt that I will ever change. If that's a fault, so be it - that's how I'm wired.

I have also lived through the experience of losing a child. It has been 22 years. That pain never goes away. You think about it all the time. Holidays are different - so are anniversaries - it is sharp, dull, constant pain that pierces your heart and soul on a daily basis. I pray for anybody that has lost a child. They know a pain far too great to explain in words.

I have also worked in the local media on and off for many years now. I know what goes in to "keeping a story alive". The depths that some people will go to aggressively "keep a story a live" or to "manipulate/add fuel to the fire/create a public outcry" is limitless. When I see this at any level of media, it is a sure sign of a lack of talent, creativity, and personal integrity. I know that because on several occasions I have lacked talent, creativity, and personal integrity when faced with a deadline. Guilty as charged.

So what do I think?

Having the perspective that I have today - I think it is a very unfortunate situation. I think that people need to put love where there is no love. I think that people need to try and understand each other more. I think that people need to listen more than they talk. I think we need to love our kids. I think that we should exercise our compassion more than we exercise our need to exploit our political views. I think we need to do something for somebody other than ourselves - expecting nothing in return. I think that we need to realize that skin color does not perpetuate hatred - people perpetuate hatred. I think we need to show compassion. I think we should think before we speak. I think we need to look at ourselves before we look at others. I think our actions need to reflect our words. I think we need to forgive more than we realize. I think we need to turn to God - not violence. I think we need to realize that we are all human and we all make mistakes - and that "human" is an all-inclusive, terminal condition. I think that we need to concentrate on what we have in common - rather than to use the things that make us different as an excuse for division. I think that in this situation - everybody is right - and I also think that everybody is wrong ... ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MIRROR.

That's what I think ... and I won't try to force anybody to think the same way.

Marek Hajdovský - Jan Meisner (MR 2014 - 10-ball)

Amazing player - so proud of Marek Hajdovsky!!  Highlights from the final match of the Czech Republic National 10 Ball Championship Vs Jan Meisner !!! Check this out! Phenomenal! 

14.1: The Crucifix Drill

Rich Can Come Fairly Easy ...

Obsession?

"I didn't start running hundreds over night. For me, it was a struggle. I played every single day and I learned everything that I could possibly learn from some of the best teachers in the world. I would cleverly pick the brains of world champions and hall of fame players - desperately searching for those magical words of wisdom that just might get me there. Despite my best efforts, I still struggled for years - and was never able to run a hundred balls.

My quest to run a hundred was just heartbreak after heartbreak. I had come close a few times. I hit 99 twice, and 98 four or five times. On two of those 98 ball runs, I scratched on the break ball. My first 99 ball run - I got stuck in the pack without a shot.

My frustration grew to epic proportions. Sometimes I got mad at it - sometimes I got furious. There were days when I just wanted to say the hell with it and never play again. I remember one day in particular where I sat in my chair after yet another sub-par performance - clenching my cue in my hands and ready to snap it over my knee. Maybe I was just trying too hard. Maybe I didn't have enough talent. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

Instead of smashing my cue - I just kept showing up every single day - getting on the table and hitting balls hour after hour - all day - all night - all week. I wasn't getting the result that I wanted, so I made it my business to find out why. I found out what was holding me back, and then I did something about it. I just kept playing - shooting ball after ball - rack after rack. With each shot I was getting a little bit stronger - a little bit wiser - and little bit closer ... until finally .... that day came where the stars aligned and the balls moved like magic - and I did it! I finally did it! Not only did I run a hundred - I ran 122 balls that day - smashing my previous high run by 23 balls. I'll never forget how it felt to finally accomplish that goal.

Since then I have run 100+ balls more times than I can remember. I have even been over the 200 ball mark on four separate occasions. I learned that hard work and persistence only pays off when you invest your energy into the solution - not the problem or the frustration.

Of course it's cool to have a 200+ high run - but I never forget where I come from and what I had to do to get where I am at today. If you're discouraged - if you're frustrated - if you tired of trying - tired of failing - if you feel as if you don't have enough talent - just remember this:

A long time ago, in a land far, far away I sat in a chair - angry - bitter - frustrated - pissed off at the world - ready to smash my cue over my knee because I didn't think I had what it took to play the game of straight pool.

Somehow, I was able to transform all of my anger and all of my frustration into positive, powerful energy that propelled me and my game to a level I could have never imagined as I sat in that chair.

Today, I have a high run of 212 balls in 14.1 Continuous. Somehow - someway I have also became highly regarded as one of the best teachers in the game of straight pool. Crazy stuff like that happens when you refuse to give up - and when you don't smash your cue." ~ Blackjack's Random Thoughts, November 25, 2006.

4 Basic Lessons

Your Capacity to Learn

"Your capacity to learn is limited only by your desire succeed. Your desire to succeed is limited only by the size of your dreams. The size of your dreams are limited only by your imagination. Your imagination is limited only by what you believe. If you BELIEVE you are limited - then you are limited. If you believe that you are limitless - then your potential is infinite.

Many of us are conditioned to recognize limits and it shackles us to the word "impossible". The word Impossible makes most obstacles in our lives "impassable". This leads to frustration and avoidance behavior, and eventually we surrender ourselves to our circumstances.

I believe that it doesn't matter what you are facing in life - or what extenuating circumstances you may have going on. Your situation may be bigger than you - but it is NOT bigger than God or His power to guide you through it.

Every single minute of every single day, you have to free yourself from the chains of limiting beliefs and the impossible. To be a champion at the pool table, you must first be a champion at defeating your own doubts and limiting beliefs. Start every day and face every situation with faith, conviction, positivity - combined with an attitude of gratitude for all that you have been blessed with. When you do that, you will finally realize that the word "impossible" was invented by some loser who just wanted to attract others to join him in his misery. Now you know that the misery is optional."
~ Blackjack's Random Thoughts, December 11, 2012.

Ignore The Haters

Sorrows Are Our Best Educator ...

How Did I Get So Good?

John Wooden: Blame

Greatness

"Greatness doesn't fall from the tree of complacency.

Complacency is a silent killer. It creeps up on you like a thief in the night and robs you of your full potential. You won't even know that complacency is there until after everybody else has noticed it - by then, most have already taken advantage of complacency's presence in your life. Just as weeds will choke out and destroy the flowers in your garden - complacency will choke out and destroy every goal and dream in your life.

Complacency lures you in by giving you the illusion of self-satisfaction and contentment. Contentment kills motivation. If greatness is your goal, then you have to protect and defend yourself against and from complacency in your attitude, in your approach, and in your actions.

Greatness doesn't fall from the tree of laziness.

Laziness is the result of the loss of momentum that leads to the cessation of progress. The loss of momentum and the loss of progress is usually attached to disappointment and discouragement which fuels a lack of self esteem - a lack of self belief - and ultimately - a lack of motivation.

A lot of players get trapped into trading in their long term progress for short term comfort. As they trudge the road of happy destiny - they finally arrive at the fork in the roads that leads to PROGRESS or STAGNATION. They look down the road of progress and see that there are battles to be fought and mountains to climb. As they stare down that road, they realize that they might have to crawl on their hands and knees through fields of broken glass and razor blades - through minefields and firestorms - it's tough - dangerous road that intimidates more than it entices.

Suddenly ... they look down the road of stagnation. It is much more inviting. There is a warm, comfy couch - sitting in front of a fireplace - a remote control for a big screen TV that hangs on the wall - add in a couple of pepperoni pizzas from Domino's and a 12 pack of Bud - and it looks like a great place to relax and enjoy! It's an easy decision! They take the easy way - and the easy way takes you to an abrupt dead end that I call STAGNATION.

The funny things is ... once you're trapped in that dead end - enjoying yourself and lounging on that couch - flipping the channels - enjoying the pizza and the beer and all the comfort that comes with accomplishing nothing - immediately the door slams shut behind you. You're trapped. You're locked in. There is no way out, Once the pizza and beer runs out and fire smolders to its death - you will be left there all by yourself - usually lost, usually disoriented, and definitely unmotivated. Your character building has been lost in your rush for comfort. If greatness is your goal - if you aspire to be an exceptional player as well as an exceptional person - then you MUST protect and defend yourself from laziness in your attitude, in your approach, in your thoughts, in your words, and in your actions.

Greatness falls from the tree of constant hard work, fearless dedication, and total commitment. Take note of the adjectives that I have attached to those qualities. Those are what I call "ABSOLUTE" words. I believe that it is extremely important to find and use definitive and descriptive words that add an "absolute" quality to everything that you do - then put those words into constant, permanent action.

The word absolute ... it means ... free from restriction or limitation; not limited in any way - unrestrained - unlimited - free from imperfection.

Strengthen your words and you will strengthen your mind and the thoughts that it will generate. Inner strength is the result of conquering inner weakness. Inner strength comes in many different shapes and sizes - but I recommend that you invest in the unlimited variety of inner strength - and bond that unlimited inner strength to your vocabulary.

When you add unlimited strength to your words - you add unlimited strength to the your thoughts - this will unavoidably add unlimited strength to your attitude. By protecting and defending yourself from laziness, complacency, and stagnation, you will have a distinct advantage in your overall approach to life and of the challenges that will come with it." ~ Blackjack's Random Thoughts, 03-15-2002.

Cowboy Jimmy Moore

No Points For Style

As life goes on, our priorities do change. There was a time when every spare second that I had was spent at the pool table - every last dime that I had went for table time - or entry fees - or travel - etc. Playing pool was my only priority. It came before work - my social life - it came before everything. My decision-making process was easy ... anything involving pool came first. Pool was what I did - pool was all that I wanted - and eventually pool was all that I had - and - my game was all that I had to show for it. That's what I really wanted and I took pride in it. I went out of my way to be what I was. No points for style. 

Then life happened. 

You find that special someone - you opt for apartment living rather than the back seat of your car - with that comfort comes bills - with bills come responsibilities - which eventually puts you in an office filling out a job application. For a pool player, "job" is 4-letter-word - but if you're smart and you enjoy the comforts of living indoors - you will do what you have to do - and eventually ... I did. No points for style.

Before I knew what hit me ... there was a bunch of kids crawling around the apartment ... these kids were loud - they were demanding - and oh-boy were they  expensive!!! So ... there I was ... being pulled away by my hair - kicking and screaming from the apartment into a 5 bedroom house ... the cost of which forced me back into the education system so that at some point I would be qualified to find a job that paid enough to afford all of this new found "responsibility" that was being shoved up my rear-end. I didn't like any of it - I bitched - I moaned - I complained - I would daydream about my glory days when my mailing address was the back seat of my Honda ... life was so much easier - so much simpler - and so much quieter back then ... but ... if you're smart - and if you enjoy the comforts of living indoors - and if you love you love your family - you will do what you have to do - and eventually ... I did. No points for style. 

To be able to meet those responsibilities, I had to reassess my life and prioritize. I was at the crossroads of Pool and Life ... While I was working and furthering my education, there were things that had to be sacrificed - and there were things that had to be put on hold ... and pool just happened to be one of them. My decisions were not so easy anymore because all of  my decisions affected other people - people that depended upon me - they affected my family. It wasn't so easy anymore to belly-up to the table and accept those $100 and $200-a-set challenges. A missed shot here -or- a bad roll there would have meant the difference between being able to provide -or- standing there having to explain why I was unable to provide. You just have to mess that up one time to really learn the difference between coming home with a reason and coming home with an excuse. Times were tough - but we managed - I learned how to stand there with fingers pointed at me as other called me names - labeled me this - and labeled me that - but I didn't have to answer to THEM ... so I did what I had to do. No points for style.

In hindsight - I guess I could look back at all those dreams that were never realized -at all that money that was never won - at all of those trophies that were never hoisted in the air ,,,  of course there are things that I never did that I wished I had - etc etc etc ... but my life - and all of the changes and responsibilities that came with it - has been abundantly filled with countless blessings. I was lucky enough and blessed enough to have been able to play this game every step of the way. I may not have played at the level or the frequency that I wanted to - but I was able to juggle my education - my career - my family - and when it made sense .... POOL. Along the way, I have learned that pool always will have a place in my life as long as I meet my responsibilities first -  and ensure that my life (and the people that are in it) are taken care of first and foremost ... but the biggest lesson that I have learned is that it is just as important to be amazing in life as it is to be amazing at the pool table ... you only learn all these life lessons in responsibility by living through it - and once again ...  you get no points for style. 

Blackjack's Random Thoughts - 11-10-2014