"DOLPHIN" BILLIARDS: "DR. CUE"® & "BOGIE" IN YALTA!

DATES: July 28 to August 6, 2002

LOCATION: Yalta Hotel…Yalta, Crimea…in The Ukraine, Europe

ARTISTIC POOL PLAYERS: Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman – Indiana, U.S.A
Bogdan “Wizard” Wolkowski – Poland, Europe
One White Dolphin – Arctic Ocean
Two Gray Dolphins – Black Sea

Yalta…Yalta…Yalta! Many have heard of this remote city, but few know where it is located. The Ukraine in central Europe has a peninsula at its lower extremity named Crimea. It is surrounded primarily by the Black Sea, but includes a brief rendezvous with the Sea of Azov on the East. Yalta is attached to a protruding southern “boot” of this landmass. Turkey lies across the water to the South. Famous amenities of beauty within the Crimea region include ancient castles built on the rugged edges of select “rocky” shorelines, mountain waterfalls, colorful cave sanctuaries, grandiose canyons, stone fortresses from centuries ago, plus Greek and Armenian churches in 2500-year-old cities. Novy Svet…a region of Crimea…was once called Paradise, and is known internationally for its vintage wines. There are an assortment of modern day inclusions…for the thousands of tourists… who visit this enchanting and magnetic get-a-way each year.
On July 28, 2002 “Dr. Cue”® left New Orleans, LA for Kiev, Ukraine on an “artistic pool” journey of entertainment, international “crusade” development, and the “unknown”. The “unknown” was a key part of this escapade, in that a primary focus would be directed toward to a show “sometime” after August 1…in a “far away place”…near the Black Sea. The city was known as Yalta, but beyond that, little detailed information was given to the “doctor” about what was going to unfold in this visit. A certain mystery engulfed his mission. A few additional prayers for guidance, protection, and wisdom were made on the flight over…via Detroit and Amsterdam. The KLM Dutch Royal Airlines/Northwest 767 cruised at 39,000 feet…with a full passenger roster, numbering close to 500 people. Ahead of schedule, it landed in Amsterdam a day later (9 hour flight from Detroit). The Ukrainian Airlines transfer went smoothly, and a safe landing took place in Kiev several hours later at the Borisphil Airport.
Dimitrij “Dima” Yushkovskij, a close friend of “Dr. Cue”®, had arranged this trip many months earlier, and greeted him with a joyful welcome. Dima was the “key” person, who organized and promoted the 1st Annual European “Artistic Pool” Championship in September of 2001, at which time “Dr. Cue”® had made his debut visit to the Ukraine…in order to direct that continental event. Now, a return…with a more involved list of things to talk about, things to do, and things not known!
Soon after arrival, Dima revealed much of the puzzle. In a few hours, we would pick up another arriving “artistic pool” player from Poland – Bodgan Wolkowski, entertainment monikered as “Wizard”, but affectionately called “Bogie” by his close friends, and a growing number of “artistic pool” fans and players worldwide. In the summer of 2000, “Dr. Cue”® experienced a special blessing in meeting this uni”cue” showman of table trotting antics, in Las Vegas, NV…at the 1st Annual WPA World “Artistic Pool” Championship. Rare is his talent and showmanship in the international arena of “artistic pool”. He is a personal favorite of “Dr. Cue”® in this exclusive multi-disciplined sport, which combines the highest skill levels of “artistic pool” talent…with the audience entrancing techniques called “twists of humor”…at every turn of the cue ball. “Bogie” and “Dr. Cue”® would be teaming up to do a “tandem” entertainment show in where else…Yalta! The date was set for Saturday, August 3, 2002 at the Yalta Hotel, an exclusive resort hotel on the Black Sea coastline of southern Crimea. Wow! What a surprise! “Dr. Cue”® was originally expecting to do a solo act, and now, a “bonus” of “bonuses”. But more would follow.
“Bogie” arrived on schedule, and the three of us began our trip to Yalta. Where, oh, where was Yalta? Bogie and I had a vague idea, but Dima once again educated us about his homeland, telling us in detail of his many visits to Yalta. In a very short time we felt very knowledgeable about that musical sounding word. It seemed so real to us. After a short plane flight to a city in South Central Crimea, and a 3 hour car ride – over a curving, rolling, and picturesque highway,…stone walled on one side and sea embraced on the other…we arrived in Yalta. The Yalta Hotel would become our new home for 8 days. It sat majestically entrenched in the landscaped mountainside and offered a mind boggling 1500 rooms. This Las Vegas size structure was a city within itself. Years ago government officials of the old Soviet Union embraced its walls, and travelers of the past filled it to capacity. It is scheduled for a total makeover within the next 2 years…to encourage more tourist traffic, and to maintain its drawing card features, which included…an Olympic style swimming pool, souvenir shops, casino, specialty restaurants, beachfront exposure, conference facilities, outdoor cafes, and even a Sea World presentation of “dolphins” in perfectly timed acrobatic movements. Did I say “dolphins”? Another piece of the pie would soon be placed before us.
You must understand Dima…to realize what was transpiring…before our eyes. He is a lawyer by profession, but a man of vision and depth in the field of promotion…for something he believes in. After his first exposure to “artistic pool” in Kiev last year…at the European Championship, his mental wheels really started to roll. Creating this new idea was easy for Dima and became a “crusade” of sorts…to bring the entertainment value of “artistic pool” to Yalta, along with its international message. That message is three-fold in nature:

Professional image… Professional demeanor… Professional skills…

Dima is a “crusader” for “artistic pool”. He believes in it, and loves working with it. So he developed the plan, and revealed each part in sequential order…at the perfect time…to focus our attention on each “surprise” detail. He wanted us to enjoy the moment. That is why the mystery existed sometimes. He would have a last minute idea to put “icing on the cake”, work on it…until the flavor was just right, and then reveal it…only if, he knew it would instill a “bit of joyful surprise” to the tasting parties. On July 29, 2002 we started to realize that this culinary delight would be a double delicious dose of fun also. But, we still didn’t know…about those dolphins!!
Our first night in Yalta took us on a short walk to a nearby restaurant with what else…one 9 foot pool table and two 12 foot Pyramid tables. These playing size “monsters” were no strangers to “Dr. Cue”®…having played in two WPA sanctioned world Pyramid events to date…each, with fascinating enjoyment. Pyramid is primarily a Russian – born game of immense difficulty…with “croquet size” balls, 24+ ounce cue sticks, and reverse cut pocket openings…allowing only a 2mm clearance on each side for a successful object ball make. Compressing cushion points with the object ball is a big part of this game…in order to score. The rules are simple, but the challenge is probably the most demanding of any cuesport activity in the world today…due to table, ball, and cue features. Precision of aim, form, and stroke is pushed to the maximum. There is no room for error!
Dima had arranged for a practice venue right in our back door. That 9 foot table would get a workout for the next few days…prior to our show date. An occasional game on one of the Pyramid tables would surely adorn our free time. Our evening meal consisted of fresh fish…right from the Black Sea. Other Ukrainian mainstays of cuisine included potatoes, salad, and an assortment of breads. Everything was delicious, and a good night’s rest was had by all.
The next day would be no exception to the “surprise” agenda Dima had arranged. Around noon, another close friend of “Dr. Cue”®, and “crusader” for “artistic pool” arrived. Arkadiy Loshakov, from Moscow, Russia appeared at the Yalta Hotel. “Dr. Cue”® had a prior knowledge of Arkadiy’s visit, but the exact time of arrival was unknown…so, the time seeing this dear friend once again created an element of surprise and happiness. Arkadiy was to be the official interpreter for “Dr. Cue”®. He has done this for over 4 years now: In Russia…for “artistic pool” shows; at the Russian State Academy of Physical Culture, an Olympic training facility…for “billiardology” teaching sessions; and, on numerous occasions throughout the European continent…for competitive events and entertainment presentations.
The remainder of day 2 and the next 3 days would be spent practicing, meeting, and sightseeing…enjoying the beauty God had allowed us to be part of. Practice times went well…with “Bogie” and “Dr. Cue”® spending “solo” dedication on their own specialty shots. “Dr. Cue”® fine tuned his wing shot routine, roller coaster and “down under” cue motions, and an assortment of “artistic pool” attention getters. “Bogie”, meanwhile, worked on one handed jump shots, difficult masses, and some of his blindfolded wizardry shots. It is truly amazing to watch him shoot…without seeing the balls. A specific amount of time was given to “tandem” shooting techniques, in which both players shoot at the same time…on the same setup…on opposite sides of the table. The rhythm and fluency of each action on the table…whether a shot is made or missed…had to be in harmony between the performers, as well as, in sync to audience response. The “art” of a tandem show is a “thing of beauty and a joy forever”…according to Keats…who coined that phrase.
August 3rd finally arrived, and Dima had still not revealed the “dolphin” link to us. When would it come? The venue inside the Yalta Hotel was beautiful. An expansive ballroom style room on the second floor had been converted into our performance base. Dima had arranged for the pool table installation, elevated floor seating, and a variety of other amenities…to make the show venue look just right. It overlooked the Black Sea…through immense glass windows, and a balcony adorned the area, so people could get a “bird’s eye” view of the attraction, if they so desired. Arkadiy Loshakov introduced Bogdan “Wizard” Wolkowski and Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman to a huge audience at 8:00PM. The show began with tremendous introduction applause and continued with each shot attempted. Half way through the program “Bogie” and “Dr. Cue”® did a demonstrative version of an “artistic pool” competition – Europe vs. USA – Poland vs. Indiana. Final score: USA, by a nose, but both were winners! “Artistic pool” had never been seen here before, but all responded with warmth and enthusiasm for this newfound joy. This is especially interesting, since “Bogie” spoke in Polish to the audience, “Dr. Cue”® spoke in English, and Arkadiy translated to Russian. I am not sure if anyone really understood all the words, but that is what makes billiards so great. It speaks a universal language…understood by almost all. With the laughter of motions and occasional shot surprises, everyone present seemed to “just know”. They came, they saw, and they enjoyed all!! A grand finale of 6 shots was done, including a “spinning ball on the bottle” trick by “Bogie”…done in a Mexican theme with sombrero…and the “starburst” shot (15 balls in less than 3 seconds in 3 different pockets) by “Dr. Cue”®…done in a highly spirited and contagious style of cue antics. The last shot was quite a shot to behold. A chimney stack was built using triangles and pool balls…with 3 balls under a bottom rack, then 3 more balls on top…one balanced on each corner…another rack…another 3 balls…and so on, until 10 racks and 30 pool balls were perfectly balanced to a height of slightly over 4 feet. Two filled champagne glasses were placed on top of a flat board…acting as a crown of sorts for the chimney. The audience grew very quiet in amazement. “Dr. Cue” shot a cue ball into one of the bottom balls under the rack…into the side pocket, and “Bogie” did the same…in a perfectly timed one-second-coordination cue movement. Both balls disappeared into the pocket, and both cue balls locked into position…under the bottom rack. The “artistic chimney” stood in magnetic splendor! Three cameras from Dima’s professional film crew zoomed in on the final shot, while others captured the reaction of the shooters and audience members. The roar of acceptance was unbelievable! Even “Dr. Cue”® and “Bogie” got excited!! A reach was made for the glasses…over 15 seconds later. Then it happened! The chimney fell…with a crashing sound! Racks…balls…champagne glasses…everything!!! The cameras had caught the moment of victory, and then, a moment of defeat…so we thought. The audience loved it, and so did Dima! It appeared to be part of the act. Another part of the “art”…as we call it…if only we had planned it. It was as though someone had reached down from above and gently nudged the chimney…to make the grand finale a signature-closing spectacle…sealing the overall show…as a total success. Thank you, Lord!! NOTE: This shot had never been done in tandem before, but “Bogie” has done it numerous times solo, with an attempt coming later this year for 50 racks and 150 pool balls in Poland. That record will “stand” for a long time…or never “stand” at all, if it comes crashing down…according to him.
Well, the dolphins never showed up that night, but we had 2 days left in Yalta. Sure enough, the next day Dima asked us to come to the dolphin venue…before one of the scheduled daily shows, which are normally sold out. Dima had made an arrangement with the dolphin trainer for us to play billiards with them. 3 large plastic balls were bought and painted by Dima, colored as a 1 ball, 2 ball, and a 14 ball. “Bogie” tossed the 1 ball to one of the gray dolphins. “Dr. Cue”® tossed the 2 ball to the other gray swimmer. Each dolphin caught its respective ball with a mouth – clinching grip, and tossed it back to us…in a graceful, head-slinging motion. Bull’s-eye…right on target! We kept this up for about 10 minutes, and then threw the 14 ball into the water. Both dolphins took off across the pool…fighting for the striped ball. The final score: A gray dolphin…by a nose…but both were winners! After several more tosses and pictures with the dolphins…holding the plastic pool balls in their mouths, with “Bogie” and “Dr. Cue”® next to them…“Dolphin” Billiards was history. Moral of this story: Small, gray dolphins from the Black Sea are a natural at billiards! The large, white dolphin from the Arctic Ocean is a professional racker! Note: It was being held at bay across the pool, while the other 2 dolphins enjoyed our game. Dima had done it again!! Surprise…surprise…surprise!!
The balance of our time in Crimea was spent visiting a couple of famous castles, including the “Swallow’s Nest”, as it is called. This unique structure…perched 100 feet above the Black Sea on a protruding rock of sorts, resembled a medieval knightly castle in miniature. It now acts as an Italian restaurant with very “high” prices. Another place visited was The Great Livadia Palace. This immense building of 5 different architectural designs was a summer residence for the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II. The White Hall of the Palace was the meeting place for Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin after World War II…to discuss post war matters. From a surrounding garden, one could see the majestic Ai – Petri Mountain, one of the most dynamic and beautiful creations on earth.
A final point of this Ukrainian journey must be mentioned. During the 8-day visit, a considerable amount of time was applied to a meeting with the principles…Arkadiy, Dimi, and “Dr. Cue”®. These 3 individuals are on a 7 person board committee of the new WPA / APD, which stands for World Pool Billiard Association/Artistic Pool Division. The purpose of this entity is to develop, promote, and orchestrate “artistic pool” to a “brighter future”, from its “shining start” several years ago…in the international marketplace. That “crusade” was greatly enhanced during the stay in this resort paradise.
Many thanks to Dima, his helpers, film crew, the staff of the Yalta Hotel, the people of Crimea, audience members, Arkadiy, “Bogie”, and, of course…the “dolphins”. Finally, thank you, God for the opportunity to be part of it all. The return flight home on August 6th went very smoothly via Amsterdam and Minneapolis. “Ms. Cue” once again hugged and kissed the “doctor” upon his arrival. SPECIAL NOTE: Without “Ms. Cue” having a heartfelt understanding of “Dr. Cue’s”® work…and her logistical support for these travels…follow-up stories, such as this, might never exist. Thank you!!! Stay tuned for “Dr. Cue’s”® next travelogue experience…with billiards and “artistic pool” worldwide.