Pool Players

Its Rainng

2009-05-27T07:25:00.002-05:00

What would we do without rain?It started yesterday and has been raining off and on through the night.Its a nice rain and everything is so green.My lawn needs mowing though and as soon as it drys up I will have to take care of that.
I hope the sun is shining in your life out there and have a great day.

Its a beautiful day in Wisconsin

2009-05-03T11:41:00.002-05:00

I have sure had it going so far today,cleaned some of the house,made some of my famous soup,that would be chicken vegetable,took tucker for a walk,cleaned out the back of my truck,went to the pool and checked the chemical balance,had some coffee and conversation at Mc Donalds and now I'm checking out the web.
I hope you all out there are staying positive and remember when a door closes another one will open.Just look for it.

Working at the Swimming Pool Today

2009-04-30T10:39:00.002-05:00

We are getting the pool ready for next week.Water temp is now 73 and we need to get it to 82.I take care of the chemical balance of the water and general cleaning.It gives me something to do,gets me out of the house for a while and I swim once in a while.
I took Tucker for a walk yesterday and he had lots of energy,he sure loves it.I will go to the pool again this afternoon and meet a professional pool person and see how it is coming along.There's more to operating a pool than just filling it with water.Have a great day and checkout finecue.com.

2009-04-28T14:21:00.003-05:00

What a Performance.

2009-04-27T18:22:00.002-05:00

Its unusual that I would do what I did yesterday at the pool table.I had 4 run outs and lost only one game in 2 hours of playing time.I just was stroking the cue ball real well and seeing the shots and managing the table very well.I hope that if you play the game and are learning the game you have a afternoon like that.It felt great.Then to top it all off a much needed rain came last night with some wind and thunder and lightning.It made for a great night,I love listening to a storm.
I hope this finds my friends all well and say a prayer for my friend Ron who goes for a checkup tomorrow on his bout with cancer.It touches us all,if you smoke please think about quitting and living a cleaner life and a healthier one too.Have a great day.

Great Pool Players

2009-04-25T10:56:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine let me watch a tape of Efren Reyes and Mika Immonen playing a race to eight.Wow what these fellows can do and how there ball selection and cue ball control is so great.The absolute attribute a world class player has is table management,and that is one of the many things that separates them from the amateur.Anyway if you get a chance watch it ,it was published by Accu-Stats productions.
I just returned from the gym and had a good work out.It feels real good when you are all done.I always have enjoyed some kind of exercise even if its taking a walk.When I was younger I would take the boys for a walk and they still remember that.Have a great day and remember take a look at finecue.com we have not only pool cues we have billiard room furniture and bar stools and a whole lot more.

Taking a road Trip

2009-04-19T06:33:00.002-05:00

Well today I'm going with my cousins to see our aunt June in Red Wing Mn.Its not far we should be there in a few hours.Its a nice drive up along the river from La Crosse Wi. to Red Wing.We will probably go on the Minnesota side.I suppose its to early for the sailboats to be out on Lake Pepin.The drive through Lake City is always enjoyable in the summer because of the boats that are out.
I must take some of my own advice and maybe see a pro and find out why I shoot poorly on some occasions and good on some others.Maybe its just attitude,I wasn't feeling real spry yesterday.I really didn't care if I played or not.Come to think of it on some shots my cue isn't sounding quite right,like there is something wrong with the tip.Well I can get that fixed easy enough.
I hope this finds you all well and keep shooting pool its a great game.

Good Morning

2009-04-16T05:29:00.002-05:00

Its early and I will go to the pool and help get it ready for summer.We have a local swimming pool here indoor and I help maintain it in the summer.By the way taking a swim is a great way to exercise.
I played some pool yesterday afternoon and played poorly,I think I was just tired from working 7 hours or so.When you start getting up in years its takes a little longer to recover from a lot of things.
I said goodbye to my friend Jon Haun yesterday afternoon.Jon passed very quickly this passed weekend.I will miss seeing Jon and having a laugh or two with him.I have known Jon since I was in little league in 1051.Jon was the bat boy and I was a catcher,he was 6 years old and I was 10.Well got to go have my morning coffee and go to work.Have a nice day and visit finecue.com.

A Great Game Of Pool

2009-04-13T10:53:00.002-05:00

Its not that often I shoot what I would call a great game of pool but every once in a while the light comes on for a rack that is hard to get out on and it all comes together.When I talk about this I don't mean a rack where you get lucky from a bounce this way or that but a rack that you have to pick apart and every movement of the cue ball is correct.Right down to the 8ball.
Now if you are new to the game it will take a while before you see a game like this.Unless you are very talented.As I have said in other postings the knowledge of where the cue ball is going after each shot is the key.Some of your dedicated pros or amateurs will have a round piece of felt to lay on the table for practice.The idea being to bring the cue ball to the piece of felt after your shot.I have had friends that play a game where they must not only call the shot but call where the cue ball will end up.I feel that most of us should do what I did and still do and thats have a certain area of the table in mind before you shoot of where you want to go with the cue ball for your next shot.Otherwise don't just bang a way and hope and pray.
Pool is a game that a person can get a lot of satisfaction out of and also can be frustrating. Yet when that one game comes along it is quite rewarding.A feeling of confidence comes with it.Keep shooting and stop by my website at www.finecue.com.

My friend Tucker

2009-04-09T09:42:00.003-05:00

My first video,could be better and I will be.

Defense

2009-04-09T09:23:00.002-05:00

When I first started playing in Madison I was lucky and really didn't know it.I was playing people that were for the most part better players than I.When that is the case you learn to be careful where you leave the other guy,otherwise he might run out on you.
I don't play as defensive as I used too,but its never far from my mind and my train of thought on where the cue ball is going after each shot.Number one thought is position for the next shot and number two is keeping my shot progression going till its the final ball and a win.When you get out of line and the shot is marginal then defense should come to the front of your thinking.
So in closing first make the shot and then let the rest of this follow.Your plan stops when the ball is not finding the pocket.Keep shooting and good luck.

When to Hit the ball low.

2009-04-08T07:32:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed some players and maybe its just me but I notice women pro's seem to hit hit the ball low.I for one believe that if you are striking the ball real low you must have a soft tip or it seems you would have a lot of miscue's.Maybe they just have a real good chalk.
Anyway hitting the ball real low can cause problems for amateur players.A lot of amateurs feel they have to do that to draw the ball.When actually all you have to do is strike the cue ball a little below center and make sure you hit through the cue ball.Follow through is the key.You don't need a real long stroke to start with but you must hit through the ball.Just like anything else practice will make you better if you are doing it right.If in doubt go see a pro or maybe a friend can show you how.You know that person you see them do it all the time with little effort.
Drawing the ball can get out of control,for a player that does not have the shot the best move is don't use it.Shooting stop and follow will get you wins on the pool table all you have to do is play your shots and position for your shots.Sounds easy.Good luck and remember practice,practice.
Oh and when you need a new cue take a look at finecue.com.Thanks

Rocky Mountain High Colorado

2009-04-07T10:59:00.001-05:00

Took a drive into the mountains west of Denver,it is sooo beautiful.

Potential Customer for Finecue.Com

2009-04-07T10:46:00.002-05:00

Whoaa!! I received a phone call from a fellow that was interested in some pool cue shafts made by predator.My first call for some business.This website idea takes work and don't let anyone tell you that you can make a lot of money quick.I feel that they are all out there to sell you something.
You might have heard of the one if one out of three persons is a sucker and you are with two others that you feel are alright,then guess who the sucker is?Anyway I have high hope's to do somethings to help my family and with a little hard work maybe this internet thing will pay off.Never say Never.Had a great workout yesterday and will just walk with tucker today.Oh by the way predator shafts are very good my son uses them and he says the are excellent.Have a great day\.

Lets go Workout

2009-04-06T13:11:00.002-05:00

I have to energize my self.I get more energy by going to the gym and getting that exercise.I know its boring and at first I'm reluctant but I get over it and sometimes I gain a new friend.
Here in Viroqua we have a small gym at the hospital but it has all that most people would need.It is a heart rehab center first and can also be used by the general public for exercise.So I guess I should get going and do my thing.I will probably shoot some pool later but not sure.I could use the practice ,I didn't shoot very well last week.I hope everyone out there is having a good day.

The Break Shot

2009-04-04T10:19:00.002-05:00

Well if you have a weak break shot your game is off to a poor start.The positive side of it is that if you don't make anything the balls are as such that it takes a good player to run out.When you are playing a average player you should get a shot.On the other hand if you have a great break and the balls are well distributed and you don't make one,you might not shoot again.
The main key to a good break is to get a solid hit.So it comes back to the basics,stance,balance and a smooth solid stroke.I have tried breaking the balls from everywhere and nothing works if you don't get a solid hit first.Keep your head down and follow through.
We have break and jump cues at finecue.com by Lucasi and others take a look.Lucasi is great brand in the pool cue arena.

The Sun Is Out

2009-04-03T07:55:00.004-05:00

Here in Wisconsin we can go for a while with out sun,I know for you folks out in the desert of Arizona and the southwest might find that hard to take but we are used to it.You see when the sun does finally appear it just makes it that much more enjoyable.We know up here that it will come back and we will have that ray of sunshine to warm up our souls.
If you see the glass half full you understand,if you see it half empty its not difficult for a person to believe that it might not return.
Now take this kind of thinking to our economy of doom and gloom and it just promotes fear.Fear is exactly what we don't need.We need the optimist club to come to the front and lead us on.A good healthy week or two of optimism would be good for us.Think positive and the sun will shine again and it won't take that long before this time of gloom will pass.

Walk with Tucker

2009-04-02T09:32:00.001-05:00

I will walk with Tucker today.I picked up a bone for him at the store today,he sure likes a treat once in a while.

It Alwys good to Work Out

2009-04-02T09:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday it was my day to go to the gym and get some exercise.I enjoy it to some extent and get bored at times with the cardio.It does give me a time to let my mind try and be quiet and that is very hard for me to do.Have you ever tried to not think about anything period?Just try it some time and watch what happens,you can become the watcher,otherwise watching what thoughts pass through as you try not to think.It is hard.Meditation!!! From the silence comes everything that is and will be.So just try it sometime.
If you are a pool player try it on the table and see if you can only concentrate on the shot at hand and nothing else.Not the noise in the background or conversations you hear from other players on what you are about to do,just block it all out.For me it is a challenge.A great place to get some instruction is the easypooltutor on the web check him out,He has a lot of good information.Have a great day.Oh you can find his link on a page at finecue.com.

2009-04-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

April showers will bring may flowers and these were my tulips last spring.I thought they were nice.

Pool Cue Selection

2009-04-01T09:50:00.000-05:00

Good morning,as usual I got up early and had my morning coffee at Mc Donalds.Some more morning humor and a couple of laughs.Its a good way to start the day.
I have been thinking about what I offer on the website for selection of pool cues.We have I think a variety that will serve most that shoot pool.Some of the brands are Lucasi,Players,Rage,Mc Dermott,Viking and more.You can find a cue that is under $50 and some that sell for over $500.
If I'm missing something let me know with a email to cstafslien@gmail.com and I will respond better yet check out the site and then let me know.
I took Tucker for a walk yesterday afternoon and it was windy but not to cold,I enjoy the wind for some reason,it seems to connect me to the elements.Have a great day and stop by Finecue and browse.

Another Day

2009-03-31T11:24:00.000-05:00

Got up early and had my morning coffee at the golden arches,same group and had a few laughs,if I have to go back to Eau Claire I will miss talking to the guys here.
One time a few years back before I came back here a friend in Eau Claire asked me why go back to Viroqua? My reply was when you folks talk about the past here I know nothing,when I'm in Viroqua at least I have a idea of what they are talking about or even know who it was,where it was and what happened.Thats small town living.I like it in some ways and in some ways I don't.I have always said all small towns or neighborhoods have the same characters just different faces on them.I do believe for the most part that is true.There are the extremes.
Its cold today and its been raining,will do some work on my website.I'm trying to get more links to it,if you have any idea's email me or better yet go to www.finecue.com and see what its about.Have a great day.

Good News

2009-03-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

I have a good friend that has lung cancer and some problems that come with it.He got a report this weekend that the treatments are reducing the cancer and we are all hopeful that it will continue.
Ron is one of my friends that I shoot pool with at our Eagles Club here in Viroqua.Some days he beats me and some days I beat him.All in all we have fun and give each other a hard time.Rons game is good and he just like the rest of us has a good game and then a not so good game.My opinion of his game is that he reads more into it than he should and then it gets him into trouble.When in doubt use the kiss method,keep it simple stupid.Make the shot first when you get in that indecisive situation.We all do it and I speak for the amature player not the pro.I guess most pro's know how to keep out of trouble and never take a cue ball through traffic.I wish my game was that good but I keep shooting because I do enjoy it.Have a great day and check out my website at www.finecue.com

My friend Bill Asher

2009-03-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

Just to go get away from hints about pool for a while,I would like to tell you about a friend of mine in Madison Wisconsin that I shot pool with more than a few times.His name was Bill Asher.In the seventies Bill was in his early sixties and was a very good pool shooter.He was known around Madison for is ability to play the game of pool.
One day he and I went to Pitchers Pub on the south side of Madison.They had several tables there and were active in the pool league's of Madison.I can't remember if we played on a bar table or a big table because its been a while.All I remember was the lesson Bill taught that day on straight pool.Most on the day I watched and would rack the balls.I believe Bill was 63 at the time and he ran 108 balls before he missed.I was amazed at how he moved the cue ball around and nudged one ball and the other to get through the rack and have position for his break shot.Bill not only was a good shooter he was kind enough to share his talent with someone who was by far not in his league in the game of pool.He never ever shot hard but he always knew where the cue ball was going.That day I was left with the secret to the game of pool and that is in my mind the control of the cue ball.We all can make a shot that is difficult once in a while,but control is major,and the art of not getting out of line is almost a gift.I know some people that read this might not know some of what I said but a pool player will.
Here's to the guys that shot great pool back then and I hope still to this day.Jim Lewis,Randy Lamarr,Kenny Cross,Jim Fitzpatrick and they all went into Jerry B's place the Cue Nique I'm not sure how that was spelled.Have a great day and shoot well.

Lets Talk Pool

2009-03-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

If you play pool a lot of what I have to say will be somethings you already know and then maybe not if you are new.
First a little about myself and when I started to really learn the game.In Madison Wi.back in the seventys I was layed up for about two years and thats when it all began.I didn't play when I was young but when I did I liked the game.The best way to learn the game I feel is to play better players if you can.Although I do recomend getting a lesson or two from someone that really can teach the game of pool and that would not be me.I did help my sons a little but for the most part they did it on there own.
Having a pool cue that feels good to you is important and it doesn't have to be a $500 dollar cue.As in the game of golf where the clubs won't make your game neither will a expensive pool cue.Practise Practise and learning from a teacher the correct way to practise is very important.First of all a good teacher will identify your faults if you have any and get you started practising to eliminate them.Thats enough for today I will enter some more tomorrow.

Working Today

2009-03-26T10:08:00.000-05:00

Good morning.I slept late this morning because for some reason I couldn't sleep in the middle of the night.So I'm a little late in getting going.I will work on the website today and see if I can link to some more people and then I will take a walk with by buddy Tucker.Its going to be real nice today maybe around 50 degree's.Thats good here.Well stay positive and have a great day.

Frustration

2009-03-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

When you know the correct way to do something and you don't do it that is just lame.I had a nice run in 8 ball yesterday and went right down to the 8 and had a negative thought and took the shot anyway and of course I missed.The shot was almost straight in and not more than 3 feet.Why!! I know I will learn and I know I'm better than that.I have been thinking of getting out of my comfort zone and going to La Crosse and shoot with someone I don't know.Just to get the experience.Have a great day and get some exercise, I will.

Its a dreary day.

2009-03-24T12:43:00.000-05:00

It is a typical March day in Wisconsin windy and a little cold.I haven't been out to see my friend tucker and walk yet but maybe later.Working on my website finecue.com and trying to get link shares with others.This internet stuff is new to me but interesting.Check my site out if you like and have a great day.

Working Out for Body and Mind

2009-03-23T15:53:00.000-05:00

I just returned from the gym and did my usual hour and a quarter.Sometimes I get bored and it can be a drag but I feel so much better when I get some exercise.One thing to remember when you are working at anything if its possible take a break from it and do something else for a few minutes and you will find your mind to be more alert and focused when you go back to the other task.Just a thought to pass on.

Pool Playing Tips

2009-03-23T09:12:00.000-05:00

I have been playing pool a long time and some days I play real well and some not.It seems that I can tell right away if I'm seeing the shots well.I don't know what triggers it but it just seems to happen.A person just feels it.My thoughts on this are mixed but I know if I'm not seeing them I might as well look for another day of pool that will produce winning shots and confidence.Oh! on my bad days anyone can beat me and on my good days I play good pool.

There's Always Next Year .

2009-03-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

Well if you don't score its just hard to win.Seven minutes and 25 seconds without a score did us in.The Wisconsin badgers this year were a good team but not a great team.Bo Ryan got as much out of them as any coach could have.We are so lucky to have the great program and the type of kids he gets to represent Wisconsin.Good Job Badgers.So long seniors and good luck.

Pool Playing Tips

2009-03-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Remember shooting pool is just like a golf swing.You must have a routine and it should be the same every time.If something disrupts it ,back away and look at the shot until you have a positive shot making thought. Then take the shot with confidence.

2009-03-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

If you don't know my main business is a warehouse rental in Eau Claire Wisconsin.It currently is leased but will be available in January of 2010.The warehouse is 26,000 sq.ft. and is heated with well and septic.Rent is $3.00 triple net and $3.50 triple net if leasing one third of the building or 8600 sq.ft.The building has 6 loading docks and can have access from grade level if needed.Contact Cy Stafslien at 608-637-7173 or email at cstafslien@gmail.com.

Pictures From Tucson

2009-03-22T06:52:00.000-05:00

Spent some time with my friends Keith and Pam Johnson in Tucson and had a great time.

Basketball Tourney

2009-03-22T06:45:00.000-05:00

What great basketball I have been watching.Its refreshing to see young people compete and work hard to excel.These kids really are talented and play smart basketball.Much much better than the old days.The girls work with the ball better than we did when we were in high school.Well some of them.Going to have some coffee and take my pal for a walk.
Make sure you watch the badgers today and cheer them on.Go Badgers!!! Have a nice day.

My friend Tucker

2009-03-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

The Tuck is not the smartest dog in the country but ya got to love him.Has a mind of his own and never one to turn down a bone, or go find one and bring it home.He loves to go for a walk with grandpa Cy.

Go Wisconsin Badgers

2009-03-21T08:09:00.000-05:00

We did it.What a shot.I didn't think we would win in the first half the way things were going.That shows you never,never give up.The Badgers can play with anyone but must be on there game and shoot well.Go Badgers.

Basketball Tourney

2009-03-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

Good Morning
Well my team plays tonight,I'm a Wisconsin Badger Fan.Go Badgers.I do believe though that Pittsburgh will win the tournament.Have great day and if your looking for a pool cue try my website finecue.com.Thanks Cy Stafslien

Visit Finecue.Com

2009-03-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

Good Morning.
What a beautiful day in Wisconsin,Iwill take a walk with tucker and enjoy.I hope you all find today great and be thankful for just being here.Oh! Tucker is my sons basset hound.If you like to play pool visit my website at www.finecue.com. Thanks and have a great day.
Cy Stafslien

Cold in Wisconsin

2009-01-14T20:27:00.000-06:00

Hi
Its cold here and the furnace is running all the time,20 below in the morning and school was canceled tomorrow.Yesterday was my birthday and today I look forward for another good year.

2009-01-12T12:49:00.000-06:00

Hi there.This is Cy Stafslien saying hello and asking all you pool players out there to take a look at my website at finecue.com.We are just getting started and hope to provide you with quality pool products and information.I'm a Wisconsin native and have lived here all my life.Shot a lot of pool with great players and also with amatures like myself.Have a great day and stay tuned for special promo's.