Joe featured on KSVY Radio 91.3 in Sonoma, CA

The Hans & Tom Show is THE petanque radio show to hear, you can reach them over the Net at http://ksvy.org/. Their show is on Tuesday nights at 8:00 (11:00 EST, although their time slot is moving soon, so check the radio station's website for their new time). Joe was able to talk about all of the success our club has had this past year, which is alot! And of course he had to mention the Petanque America Open for this November, if you're a serious petanquer, you MUST be there!... Give Joe a little pat on the back for overcoming his stage fright!

Tony and Hal Beat Gene and Jeff in both Games

It had to happen sooner or later, and today it did. Tony and Hal beat Jeff and Gene in both games of doubles played this afternoon at the Renaissance Center Petanque piste (along the Detroit River).

"I'd say the placement of the cochon really factored in on our game results," surmised Jeff, there were some spots that definitely had a Bermuda Triangle effect on our boules."

We couldn't have asked for better weather, clear skies, with cooling breezes from the nearby river.

Tony, Hal, and Jeff play at Renaissance Center

Tony played an excellent game of Petanque against Hal and Jeff, almost coming out with a victory. I say almost, because at the last round (12/12) Team H&J (Hal & Jeff) were able to keep the final (13th) point.

But Tony is definitely been practicing and his pointing skill is right up there with the best of us.

James and Cheryl go Overboard

James and Cheryl drove up from Detroit to meet the Royal Oak troupes! They play with our growing group down at Campus Martius. But they go overboard sometimes... I told James not to bring his tents (in the background), but he insisted, with the added touch of bringing the MPC-colored balloons, Blue & White! Thanks James! :-)

....of course I'm just kidding... Those tents are much too small to fit all of our players these days!

Joan comes to meet the Club

New player, Joan, comes to meet the club after reading about the club in last weekend's newspaper article. Thanks to Sharon Dargay at the Eccentric for helping us promote the club! Joan came, she pointed, met some new friends, and had some great fun!

Ken Teaches New Recruit the Ropes

Even though Jeff and I played for 7 hours teaching Petanque at Campus Martius, we were happy to have a qualified backup ready for playing in Wyandotte. Joe's neighbor Ken came down for Jeff's barbeque that night and was happy to stand in to give lessons to our new, but dangerous petanque-playing visitors...

8-Year old Branden plays like a Pro

Allen, a new player (on left) and Branden - only 8-years old and he's pointing better than the rest of us. Branden joined us (his grandmother looking (and cheering) on). This is one of the best aspects of petanque, the ability for people of all ages to participate (on an equal level). I wonder how well he'll be playing by age 14 !!! Allen played particularly well, using a number of different throws (rolling, hi-lob, half-lob) with very good results. Both only just started playing today!

Joe and Marley Take a Break

Joe and Marley, at the baseball fields in Wyandotte, during an evening (yes, another series of boule games) of petanque with Jeff, Ken, Don and Denise. After 10 hours of petanque playing, they BOTH deserve a little sit-down time.

Gene's Pointing and Shooting Skill is Rising

Gene only just started playing last week, and already he's sizing up the strategy, using his pointing skills, and point-shooting (rolling shots) with great results.

Petanque is like that, it just hooks you in, and before you know it, you're practicing all sorts of throws, and sizing up different offensive/defensive moves.

Bobby and MaineGal Show Us Their Skills

Gene (shown pointing) playing with new players, Bobby (with hat) and Melissa (a/k/a MaineGal). It started to rain (a little) but we all decided to just get a little soaked and continue petanque play. I was impressed with how well both Bobby and Melissa played at their very first petanque session. I'm sure they'll be back for more. Bobby tells me that cricket may be another perfect and obscure (for Americans) sport to add to my list.

Campus Martius shows another great turnout

Despite the threat of rain, there was a magnificent turnout at the Campus Martius Park for petanque playing.

We see here new players, Ed (and his wife, Mauria (sorry about the spelling)) with that amazing animated fountain in the background.

We had all sorts of people joining in on the fun. And if you're reading this, and haven't yet been down there, come on over next Saturday - it's a blast!

Michael: Writer and Petanque Player

Michael, an unusually quiet player (doesn't trash talk like Joe and Jeff) offered up a bit of good news, his writing has found favor with a publisher. I'll offer up details once I learn them.

Michael has a very smooth pointing technique, with a fluid release, and follow-through. Watch him play on Saturdays at Campus Martius.

Official Mascot Status Threatened Again

Marley tries to keep "Buttons" out of his official mascot portable water dish. "What's going on here, first T'Choupi, now Buttons!? I've got to put my paw down on these visitors before I start to make this ugly!? :-) "

We're all kids at heart afterall...

I know we all come on Sundays to play some serious petanque, but we can't help that we're there for the fun... and what couldn't help more in that effort but to get a great ice cream treat on a hot Sunday! As seen here, Cathy, Eric, and Maude believe that for sure!

Shooter Michel Has So Much Room

Normally Michel is called in to do the shooting. But with the 95+ degree heat, none of our pointers has the energy to point accurately. Being caught off guard with the wide spread of boules, he's not quite sure what to do...

Jeff wants to be sure...

Jeff wants to be sure his new team players get adequate pointing recognition... There's no reason not to do a quick measure to be sure. Jeff will always stand up for his team!

Great Fountain distracts Jeff's Team

Campus Martius' great grounds include this entertaining fountain. It's tough to play down there with the distracting display! Despite Jeff's great coaching, his team happened to come up short... kind of looks like they're seeing a mirage back there!! (They happened to loose that game!, Is the fountain to blame!???, Joe thinks not! :-)

Daniel is Determined to beat Olivia!

Olivia watches closely while Daniel tries to beat her great point... She's not too worried as you can see! She ended up victorious in this match!

Boules before Weddings!

Nick and Anna Maria had a great time at Campus Martius, but it ruined my day! "You can throw boules in a wedding dress!", I said! They promised to come back after the honeymoon. I gave them the OK, but I said "revenez vite" (Come back quick!). Of course I didn't say that, I Googled it...

Joyce is our new Promotions Director

Everyone knows Joyce, our ambassador to new members at our Petanque meetings, and that's kind of why we appoint her to be our Promotions Director for the Club(s). Joyce needs no introduction, I know, but for the Press who may be reading this BLOG, and for new members, she is kind, considerate and outgoing.

Some of Joyce's duties will include working with the media, arrangements with city officials, and responding to information requests about the club.

We know that she'll do an outstanding job. Congrats Joyce!