Ok, It’s been a while since I’ve written anything on this be-fangled website, but it’s also been a while since I’ve enjoyed playing a game of pool. At the start, I had a lot of fun being Karol’s guide and mentor but after a while, standing around a table having to listen to her complain about [her perfect life] got old. What a whiny bitch.

at the service station on the corner of Meeker and Lorimer:

now if only any of us had a car...

Now, this is no political site, but I couldn't help being impressed with Obama's effortless shots. In the interest of not taking sides, if anybody has a McCain video of him doing the same, we'll be glad to post. I have to imagine he may have been one of the first people to play pool...EVER.

we usually can't stand Time Out NY, but last week's "Drink!" issue managed to grab our attention (go figure). THREE of billiardsburg's finest establishments were featured, and all we have to say is...well, alright. here's what they said:

in the "hipster" category (tourists often find hipsters exotic):

The Levee-- shabby-chic joint...wide selection of affordable bottled beer...loads of bar games (Big Buck Hunter Pro, darts).

Second Chance Saloon-- There isn't much gunplay at the Second Chance-- maybe because there's usually room enough for everyone. On Saturdays, the place hooks up patrons up with free BBQ in the spacious backyard.

in the "gay" category:

Tuesday night-- not a lot going on. I was fixing to settle in for a night of finishing up the Sunday Times and reorganizing my iTunes library, when I noticed it was still light out, beautiful, and I might possibly be able to get a couple of good games in before Hell’s Kitchen. I hadn’t played in a couple of days, so I started putting on my shoes.
 

We rarely go to R Bar, but the other night Matt and I thought we'd check out what the 11222 had to offer-- you know, really see what's out there. It wasn't our first choice, but after being IGNORED at Boulevard Tavern, we thought we'd take our business to the potentially less douchy establishment along the BQE.

You've had a long day. There's nothing more you'd like to do than shoot some pool, but the usual suspects aren't around. Here's some tips on how to get a game in solo (and enjoy it):

My pop taught me all about breaking from the side rail.  It gives you the best chance of sinking the eight off the break--the billiards equivalent of a hole-in-one.  It's pretty risky, though.   Your chance of a scratch on the break is increased as well.  Generally, it is a good idea once you get it down.  Plus, using the side rail to anchor your hand gives you greater stability with the least amount of friction, offering you more power on the break.  Not everyone shares this opinion, however.

monday night, the billiardsburg crew (matt, mike, and myself) decided to hit up the breeders listening party at soundfix. advertised: free pbr, a raffle, free schwag, and a chance to hear the new album Mountain Battles (of course, we had all gotten the advance). we had nothing to do, so we strapped on our cons and got out there. and miraculously, we were ALL feeling good-- no one was being bitchy, depressed, and/or judgmental. i guess that's what happens when kim deal is involved.

The Risotto Challenge last night was a huge success! As first time cook-off organizers, we could not have been happier with the tremendous turnout and the culinary vision and skill of our 17 amazing contestants. Thanks to everyone who came out, our judges, Loki Lounge, and our sponsors for making the event possible! And an EXTRA BIG THANKS to BARCADE for generously donating a $100 Gift Certificate for our Grand Prize, taken home by winners David Roderick and Shana Wright for their Scarborough Fare risotto.