Mike is an Excellent Player

Mike has been showing real progress in his boule playing. As of late his shooting and pointing has been flawless. I am really proud of him as he has a boatload of difficulties to overcome - and yet - he's been playing like a real pro.

Kikkoman Petanque Club

Kikkoman is the official new mascot for the Detroit Petanque Club.

Check out his kick-ass video HERE

Army, Blisters; and Charlene Returns to Denver

Saturday's club meet began with Cheryl showing us her Pop-Tart injury... (see photo if you haven't eaten yet). The blisters were caused by the searing hot insides of a brown-sugar pop-tart leaking all over her hand. Cheryl's a trooper - and she played petanque all day despite her injury!

The Detroit Marathon ran Sunday, and the local Military ROTC cadets came out in force to help with the set-up. They spent a few hours marching around, singing in unison, packing and unpacking, moving canopy tents, and keeping us all safe.

Charlene, from Denver, came by to let us know that she would be returning to Colorado after her long stay in Michigan helping with a family matter. We'll all miss her but we're sure she'll return next season.

New Rule for Cochonnet Size?

I was perusing the Aoyama Petanque (Japan) website and looking over their excellent photos and comments from the 43rd Petanque World Championships in Thailand when I found this entry (see photo). Perhaps it is time to throw out our 25mm & 35mm jacks? Looking at Article 3 which states:

Article 3— Approved Jacks

Jacks [Cochonnets] are made entirely of wood or of synthetic material which carry the maker’s mark and have secured confirmation by the F.I.P.J.P. that they comply exactly with the relevant specification.

Their diameter must be between 25 mm (minimum) and 35 mm (maximum).

Jacks may be painted any color.