It was August 20th, 2010 at 12:01am. A minute past the deadline. 60 seconds of flagrant disrespect, and it wasn't going to stand. He had been fair enough, he gave them a chance. No more chances, not for them, not anymore. Now it's time for action, justified, swift and cutting. Exactly what they deserve. The man was Dino Zaffina, and the offense was that the southern california darts association had posted his name on their website without including his middle initial. Delinquents! No, there wasn't another Dino Zaffina people might confuse him with, it's a matter of disrespect by not altering their website software to have special conditions for him. Now, obviously that's not illegal, mind you, but if you're going to cross someone great and mighty like Dino Zaffina you better be damn sure you've crossed all your t's as well.

Soon enough Dino (w/e) Zaffina sent a message that was sure to rile every member of the SCDA. "Prepare for a lengthy and costly litigation that may possibly last in excess of two-years and cost each defendant approximately $50,000.00". The (sots?) at SCDA had let their business registration elapse, and so Zaffina legally incorporated as "Southern California Darts Association," and then sued nearly 60 darts players on grounds that they were using his SCDA name to host their events. He managed to disassembled the old SCDA and ruin the experience for many players who no longer participate in dart tournaments. What a character, lol.

I've seen this sort of behavior manifest itself in MDBP in the past. There was some guy back in 2005 or 2006, when things were just getting started and he felt slighted. He registered a similar domain name and was threatening to throw competing tournaments and put MDBP out of business. Luckily Austin knows his stuff and I'm sure he wouldn't let some random guy just come along and claim control of the business. We're fortunate in that regard. And yes this Dino Zaffina incident is 100% true, I read it on the internet.

The Winning Streak

I'm pretty certain that the people reading this aren't interested in hearing me talk on about myself. I'd rather not do it either, since I want people to actually read and enjoy my blog. Yet - I think it's important to bring something to light, so indulge me for a moment. I've really been kicking some ass this year, ye-yeah, but it wasn't too long ago that things seemed hopeless.

The Ghost of Pong Past

Then Steve Jobs died.

Then I lost a satellite with Ron Hamilton in Philadelphia.

Then I lost a satellite in my own backyard with Kessler against Austin and Jordan.

Then I lost MD States with Reap, regardless of playing against McAllister 7 times and coming out on top.

It was looking like it would be a second year in a row that I would have to pay my own way into the WSOBP. I just couldn't win a tournament anymore to save my life. I began to despair. It's something that can happen to anyone after losing a big tournament by a hair (flip). To me, things seemed pretty hopeless regarding Beer Pong. My (great) partners were telling me that it wasn't my fault that we lost, but no matter what I did, I just couldn't seem to win.

And that's when it happened

Victory at Miami Mikes

I played the worst I'd performed in months, actually lost 3 games even, but somehow that's when I finally claimed victory. Nothing can really explain it. Luck I guess. Near the middle, at one point we managed to hit 25 in a row as a team, so I'm not denying that we had a little spark. I had just played so much better in all of those tourneys that I lost! I guess what I want to say, is this< - no amount of talent will guarantee a victory. I think everyone out there has a shot at winning a tournament, and one day I hope there are no losers, and all of us can be winners together!

Highlights of Miami Mikes Satellite

It's lucky Kessler drove the rest of the way from PA, because in the car ride up, I felt what can only be described as a unique and rare form of nausea.

At the tournament, DJ Shughes and his friend used their phones to look up pictures of Haydee (pronounced Heidi) from the world series. They picked out a picture of me pantomiming a sexual act (/sarcastic thanks to barnes for convincing me to do this as a distraction) and then kept screaming "cherry chapstick" at me for the rest of the tournament. Naturally I had no recourse but to sing "I kissed a boy - and I liked it" and so the tournament went on.

My favorite part has to be when this guy tells me, "What?? You're not good enough to win a satellite down in MD?"

What are you supposed to say to something like that? I responded with how correct he was, and that people in MD were too good so the only way I could win a satellite was to come up and beat the crappy players in NJ instead. Boom. Immediately he realized the flaw in his statement, and never in my life before have I shut someone up so quickly and decisively. Haha, I won't lie, it was a real pleasure.

After the tournament was over, we were interviewed by a bpong camera man. I never know what happens to the bpong footage. But then miami mike himself came over. I didn't meet him at the last BOTE, since I came on saturday, but I had heard stories from Austin haha. Apparently he's quite a character. From what I saw firsthand, I can tell you that he is pretty excited about the upcoming BOTE! He kept talking about how much beer everyone drank last time. Best of luck to all the MD Squads. Today is actually my birthday (4/26) so be sure to buy me a shot in new jersey this weekend as I celebrate 29 years!