Get in the Spirit with DECA SPORTS 2

San Mateo, Calif.– Feb. 1, 2010– To celebrate the popular DECA SPORTS franchise, Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American subsidiary of Hudson, has lowered DECA SPORTS 2’s retail price from $29.99 to $19.99. With more than 2.5 million units of the first DECA SPORTS shipped to date, gamers around the world have been enjoying the variety of sports in the series, including winter sports such as ice hockey, speed skating and mogul skiing, in DECA SPORTS 2 for Wii™.

“People around the world are brushing up on knowledge and practice of winter sports,” said Dai Kudo, Director of Consumer Products of Hudson Entertainment.“Now more Wii players will have a chance to experience the diverse games in DECA SPORTS 2 , including three winter sports.”

With the addition of Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection online multiplayer, DECA SPORTS 2 allows players to remotely do battle with other gamers across the country in tennis, ice hockey and dodge ball. The game also features diverse sports such as synchronized swimming, motorcycle road racing, speed skating, mogul skiing and darts, as well as lesser known, but no less exciting, international sports such as pétanque and kendo. Gamers will also be able to design their own teams, customizing uniforms, athlete skills and even the looks of the athletes themselves. DECA SPORTS 2 will truly take the original game’s credo of“the Everybody Sports Game” to the next level.

For more information on DECA SPORTS 2 , please visit Hudson Entertainment at www.DecaSports2.com

The New Dam Party

Dear N Cal Boulistenautes,


Sunday, Jan 31 High: 60 °F RealFeel®: 62 °F Partly sunny

At this time of year that rates as a pretty good forecast, and unless there's a major turn for the worse, this is definitely good-enough weather for our ever-morphing winter boules encounter. Eldon is working on turning out the Mendocino and Coastal representatives and all that remains is to recap some of the basic outlines so you can fill in the details.

There's a new locale. Peggy and David have scouted out the replacement for the now paved parking lot. Click here for directions.

Let's all try to be there so we can start to play at 10:00. If for you this means being there at 9:15, so be it. Some others may interpret it to mean getting there between 9:42 and 9:45.

As always this is a pot-luck, that means bring foodstuffs appropriate for sharing with everyone. We will not have the same cushy setup with the pavillion/tables/firegrate/

restrooms that we have grown used to. There is however a port-o-san and a short hop in a car will get you to more civilized accomodations.

So please bring things like portable tables and chairs or you'll be eating off the roof of your car and sitting on the fenders. Also, since we'll be without running water you might want to fill a couple of big jugs with eau de maison for cleanup, handwashing, coffee making etc. It would be great if anyone who has one of those pop-up awnings brings it, if only to act as an anti-rainfall fetish.

I'm sure I've forgotten something, but don't let that influence your planning. Be prepared for bad weather and then we'll all be pleasantly surprised when it's only mediocre. Anyway, I'm sure someone will chime in to remind me what I left out.

Oh, and don't forget your boules --- remember those rusty things that have been tripping you up on the garage floor since October?

Look forward to seeing you on the 31st,

frank pipal

Club de Pétanque "Bolos de Santa Anita", Guadalajara, México

PÉTANCA A LA MÉXICANA

As most people who are familiar with the game of pétanque may be aware, it is a sport growing in world-wide popularity. What many people may not know however is that one of the countries where we have been seeing growth, is México.
In 1998, in the town of Santa Anita, Jalisco located in the shadow of the city of Guadalajara, capitol of the state of Jalisco, the late Mr. Miguel Angel Iñiguez Sanchez formed the "Bolos de Santa Anita" pétanque club. At first Don Iñiguez started by teaching his sons, Miguel Angel, Luis Fernando, Hector and Alfonso. Later, cousins and then friends were invited to play and be a part of the club. They have two courts, one of which is covered for use during inclement weather. Presently under the leadership of their President, Mr. Ramon Carrillo Aldrete, the club is 16 members strong. If you think that you may find yourself in Guadalajara and would like to play "pétanca a la méxicana", please contact Alfonso Iñiguez Lazcano

As many of you may also know, two of our now ex-pat members, Douglas and Donna have recently settled, 40 minutes away, in the small town of Ajijic (ah-hee-HEEK) located on the shore of beautiful Lake Chapala.

LPM 2010 Calendar

All tournaments will start at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays (except as noted).

For further information, call Christine at: 415-302-5069 or by email at: petanque.marin@gmail.com

Or if you are on your way but going to be late, call Christine at: 415-302-5069

Caution: all data susceptible to change

Saturday March 14 - Northern CA Commemorative Cup.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS
Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own lunch.
Select Mixed Doublettes (1 man & 1 woman). Plaques, but no cash prizes.
Apéritifs will be served after awards ceremony.


Sunday April 11 - Lentils & Sausages OPEN tournament

Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
No Cash Prizes. Prizes awarded by raffle.
Panaché for members & newcomers. Lunch $10.00.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday April 8!!!
Please call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or aefron3@comcast.net


Sunday May 9 - Potluck Picnic

Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m.
Tête a Tête (Gender Specific). There will be separate male and female tournaments.



Sunday June 13 - Steak Picnic and OPEN tournament

Mini pétanque clinic to be held between 10 and 11
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
No Cash Prizes. Prizes to be awarded by raffle.
Panaché. Bring friends or guests. $13.00 per person.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday June 11!!!
Please Call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com


Sunday July 17 & 18 - FPUSA WOMEN'S and JUNIOR WORLD QUALIFIER

BOTH QUALIFIERS ARE TWO DAY EVENTS
PRE -REGISTRATION REQUIRED - DETAILS FORTHCOMING


Sunday July 25 - Fourth Annual "Bay Area and Beyond" Interclub Tournament

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
DETAILS FORTHCOMING

Sunday Aug 8

Lentils and Sausage Picnic and Open Tournament
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. All games start after lunch. (1pm or before)
Cash Prizes.
Panaché for members & newcomers. Lunch $10.00.
Reservations mandatory by Thursday August 5th!!!
Please call Alain Efron, 415.479.5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com


Sunday September 12 - Lamb Picnic, and OPEN tournament

Panaché Tournament Open to ALL
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. !!
Casual games before lunch. Games will start after lunch at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Menu: BBQ Lamb, white beans, salad, cheese & bread.
Free for Members in Good Standing, $13.00 for non-members.
Friends, family and guests are welcome.
No Cash Prizes – Wine awarded by raffle drawing
Additional raffle drawing for a $150.- gift certifcate to PÉTANQUE AMERICA
Reservations are required by the evening of Thursday, Sept. 9
Contact Alain Efron (415) 479-5820 or lutecemeister@gmail.com

Sunday October 10 -

Casual Play for members not wishing to compete in the
FPUSA Mixed Triples being hosted by Lamorinda


Saturday October 24
Business meeting/buffet.
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Reservations by Thursday November ?? mandatory!!!
Please call Alain Efron, 415 479.5820 or Claudie Chourré, 415.456.1778


Sunday November 14

Tournament a la melée. Bring your own lunch
Registration ends at 10:00 a.m. All games start at 10:30 a.m.

December
Happy Holidays!

Fresno Pétanque

Here is the latest newsletter from our neighbors to the not-so-far south. Click here to read it in it's entirety.

Holiday Wishes from LPM

Merry Christmas Everybody,


The Holiday Season 2009 is upon us, yet Christmas and it's traditions don't always bring visions of joy and happiness to everyone. Keep in mind that when you are looking for that perfect gift, that love is the easiest gift to give. Its simple... its elegant... and it lasts a long time. It's always brand new... and if it's returned it brings even more joy. At this time of the year, let us reach out and forget all our bitterness toward our fellow man, extend to him or her, our true hand of love and friendship... because love brings hope... and hope removes doubt...without doubt there is no uncertainty.
With that, all of us at La Pétanque Marinière would like to wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years.

Pétanque Wines at Trader Joe's

It's time to stock up on the popular wine from Michel-Schlumberger in the Dry Creek Valley as it is now available from Trader Joe's in San Rafael. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are all selling for the unheard of $4.99 per bottle.

La Franc Pétanque Boules

Welcome to La Franc pétanque boules from Thailand!


FBT Sports is considered the Sporting Giant of Thailand because of its wide range of sports equlpment and wear manufacturing facilities, and also its dominant marketing and sales activities throughout of Thailand.

Another reason is FBT’s cars and responsibility as a Corporate Citizen committed towards the development of sports in Thailand with its philanthropic contribution as a donor or sponsor since the inception of the company in 1952.

As a manufacturer, a wholesaler and a retailer, FBT can control the quality of its products to the end customers and, at the same time, have the flexibility to suit all types of markets. This allows FBT the advantage of producing high quality products at affordable prices.


Click on video to go to the factory and watch the actual boule making process.

When at the factory click on "area 6" to begin the video.
Click on boule department to see fotos of the boule making area of the factory.

La Franc Pétanque balls are now available directly from
Pétanque America and are approved by the International Pétanque Federation for International Competitions.

Have a Ball this Christmas?

LAPC Newsletter

Click on November issue of the LAPC Newsletter. It is now ready to be perused.

Pétanque Spreads in Northern Florida

Grand opening of The Bakery by Opus 39 in St Augustine, Florida

It seems that since the Pétanque America Open, the sport is catching on in the northeastern part of the state. the following article appeared today in the Historic City News out of St. Augustine, Florida

The Bakery by Opus 39 reported to Historic City News that they will be holding their grand opening next Tuesday, December 15th.

The new Bakery is located behind Opus 39 on Cordova Street.

The Bakery’s retail pastry and bread shop is open to the public for breakfast, coffee, lunch and catering. Wholesale breads, pastries, etc. are available for restaurants.

Historic City News reader and City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline reported that this is very exciting news. “If you have never tasted the bread at Opus, you should; it’s to die for”, Sikes-Kline said.

Fresh bread with real butter dripping down your elbow as you enjoy it — hot, fresh, right out of their ovens. All breads are made daily to satisfy.

Chef Michael says the deck is great,The Pétanque Court is ready to play and the new patio furniture and fountains are really nice.

36 Hours in Austin, Texas

THE city’s unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” blares from bumper stickers on BMWs and jalopies alike, on T-shirts worn by joggers along Lady Bird Lake and in the windows of independently owned shops and restaurants. It’s an exhortation for a city that clings to eccentricity, even in the face of rapid development — downtown Austin, for one, is being transformed with a fleet of high-rise condos and a W Hotel, scheduled to open late next year. But this funky college town, known for its liberal leanings and rich music scene, has little to worry about — at least as long as its openhearted citizens, with their colorful bungalows and tattoos, do their part to keep the city endearingly odd. As one local put it: “As long as Austinites keep decorating their bodies and cars, we’re going to be fine.”

part of what happens in 36 hours in Austin is pétanque...

8:30 p.m.
8) FRENCH CONNECTION

There’s something almost Felliniesque about driving down a dark road lined with industrial warehouses, and stumbling onto Justine’s (4710 East Fifth Street; 512-385-2900; www.justines1937.com), bistro. a new, pitch-perfect FrenchOutside, a family plays pétanque on the driveway; inside, groups of friends and couples sit on Thonet chairs at candlelit cast-iron-and-marble cafe tables, as a turntable, manned by the owner, Pierre Pelegrin, plays old jazz and reggae tunes. With atmosphere this good, the meal — Parisian comfort food, and delicious — is just a bonus. Order the duck confit ($15) or the steak frites with pepper sauce ($18).

to see what happens the rest of the 36 hours, click here

Frederic Matocq

Greetings All,

Many of you have already heard that Frederic Matocq, a true gentleman and long-time member of La Petanque Mariniere, passed away last week. Health issues have kept him and his wife Henriette from being active members of the club for some years now. I am grateful to say that I became a member in time to have at least gotten to know him, if only a little. His friendly and gentle nature was always welcome on the courts. I will remember how he always greeted people with a smile. I know that he will be missed by many. He originally came from France in 1953 and worked as a head baker for Bordenave's for 34 years. Frederic was a devoted Catholic and member of Saint Raphael's. He married the love of his life Henriette Lanneretonne in 1960 and had three children Michele, George and John-Claude. Frederic was a long time member of the French League Henry IV. He enjoyed playing pétanque in his retirement years. He is survived by his beloved wife Henriette, his daughter Michele, his son John-Claude, and his one and only granddaughter Marissa all of San Rafael. The light of his life will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.

The Rosary will be held at Keaton's, 1022 E St., San Rafael, at 7pm on Tuesday, Dec 1st.

The service will be held at Noon on Wed. Dec 2. at St Rafael Church, Fifth Street, San Rafael.

Christine

Pétanque America Open foto montage

Here is the latest slideshow of the Pétanque America Open to be published
Thanks to Christophe Chambers of New York and Gary Jones of North Carolina for capturing some great moments during the Open with such wonderful images.

Click here to watch the slideshow.

Pétanque America Open Finals

Spoiled by a fabulous November weather the Amelia Island Petanque America open showed some fabulous artistry, especially by European Shooting champion and former World Champion Claudy Weibel who was teamed up with his friend Xavier Thibaud from the New York Petanque club. The two proved to be too strong for the rest of the 200 plus competitors. The population of Amelia Island has embraced the century old French ball game and the city of Fernandina Beach has left permanent courts on the side of its brandnew Marina complex. A new league is already in the making and next year we expect an expanded field of players.

Click here to watch a video of the final match. Courtesy of SearchAmelia.com

Pétanque America Open Slideshow

Finally, here is La Pétanque Marinère's slideshow from the Pétanque America Open which took place on November 14 & 15 in Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island, Florida. Philippe Boets, owner of Pétanque America, organised the Open with many enthusiastic and impassioned volunteers helping him along. La Pétanque Marinière was represented by four of it's members who reported to have enjoyed the games and conviviality a great deal. Everyone was so enthused that 8 courts were left as they were to entertain people who want to come to the waterfront and play pétanque. It looks like Fernandina Beach has welcomed pétanque with open arms and that it may be a permanent fixture at the waterfront. Rumor is that another Open may take place next year, and people are already expressing desire to be involved.

We would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to, of course, Philippe, for all the sleepless nights, the countless days of planning, coordinating and endless energy and passion. The wonderfully able and erudite Christophe Chambers for directing the tournament, Mayor Susan Steger of Fernandina Island, François Kloc of the Alliance Française de Jacksonville. To T.J. Seaton, Philippe's adorable girl-friday, to Robert from the New York Pétanque Club for his tireless efforts in turning the parking lot into the pétanque courts, to Monsieur Jacques Pépin and his wonderful wife Gloria, Michel and Lori Nischan of Wesport Connecticut's The Dressing Room. to Pete "da meat" for catering a mouthwatering "welcome-to-amelia-island party", to the Police Auxiliary for providing refreshaments all weekend to thirsty competitors and spectators, to Babe Ruth Baseball for hitting home runs with their hamburgers and hot dogs.
To Niko of Ace Taxi for always being at the ready, with a smile, to pick up someone and take them somewhere at a moment's notice. To Bob Ramshaw General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites and all of his wonderful staff for being so accomodating to so many of us. To the staff of the restaurants Le Clos, Karibo, España, Bright Mornings Café, Brett's Waterway and The Palace Saloon for keeping us fed in fine fashion and ALL of those who spent tireless hours and days preparing for the onslaught of so many boulistes.

We would also like to thank the participation of so many enthusiastic players hailing from as far away as Belgium, Germany, St Barts, FWI. Canada, California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Maine. Delaware, Iowa, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Click here to view the slideshow.

Feel free to download copies of any foto. They are all high resolution images.

French game petanque welcomed in Fernandina Beach

International petanque tournament attracts hundreds of players, spectators

Gleaming metal balls from France flew through the air last weekend as many passersby wondered about all the people wandering around wearing straw Ricard hats.

With the number of different languages heard on the street, Fernandina Beach might have passed for a European town when it hosted its first petanque tournament Nov. 14-15. It was the second international petanque tournament ever held in the United States.

Petanque, pronounced "pay-tonk," is a French game that is wildly popular in Europe and is similar to both horseshoes and Italian bocce ball.

Almost 100 two-player teams from Europe and 22 U.S. states competed in the 2009 Petanque America Open on 45 gravel courts set up along the waterfront just south of the Fernandina Harbor Marina. In keeping with its roots, the tournament was sponsored by Ricard Pastis, an anise-flavored liqueur popular in the South of France.

click here for the complete article

Chef Jacques Pepin at Petanque America Open

Celebrity Chef Jacques Pépin, Ambassador for Pétanque

During last weekend’s Amelia Island Pétanque America tournament we had the pleasure and honor to interview several world famous chefs and players in front of our cameras. The first one of a series is TV celebrity chef Jacques Pépin, who with his wife Gloria gave a very special dimension to the event.

click on the title to view complete article and interview

Chef Michel Nischan at Petanque America Open

Interview with Pétanque playing Master Chef Michel Nischan

One of the most delightful down-to-earth people ever to set foot on Amelia Island is, in my opinion celebrity chef Michel Nischan owner/operator of the famed ‘Dressing Room’ restaurant in Westport Ct. During last week’s Pétanque America Tournament, he and his charming wife Lori lit up the town and a lot of hearts. A novice Pétanque player, attracted to the game by fellow celebrity chef Jacques Pépin, his presence among some of the best Pétanque players in the world was somewhat short-lived, which gave him and his delightful wife Lori abundant time to explore our island.


click on the title to view complete article

Jacques Pepin at Petanque America Open

Master Chef Jacques Pépin and Pétanque America Go Way Back

The game of Pétanque attracts people from all social and cultural levels of society. However there are two particular high profile groups that seem to have a special affinity to this century old French ballgame: Actors and Chefs.

The explanation for this phenomenon turns out to be quite simple: They have short spurs of idle time on their hands between performances. Anyone who has ever worked a restaurant kitchen knows the hectic pace of lunch time, usually followed by a lull of about an hour or so. In France this break is often filled by a relaxed but highly competitive game of Petanque. Especially in the South of France, most of the kitchen staff have their own set of balls (boules) and when the work pace slacks, the game begins.

click on the title for the complete article

Petanque America Open #1

Weibel and Thibaud too Strong for Competition

European Champion Claudy Weibel and New York partner Xavier Thibaud were too strong for the rest of the Petanquers in the Amelia Island Pétanque America Open last weekend.

click on the title to view entire article

Pétanque America Open 2009

Pétanque America Open 2009 comes to a close

Here are the photographic impression of the second and finals day of the American Open Petanque 2009 on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach. The second day may have been even more glorious in weather than Saturday’s treat of a phenomenal sunrise followed by azure blue skies and temperatures in the high 70’s. The weather was so beautiful that many a player and spectator at the end of the day had slight sunburns and wearing a hat or cap was almost a necessity.


click on the title to read the complete article and to view the fotos

All Open Related Posts.............................. Who's coming?

Celebrity chef to visit Amelia Island

Celebrity chef Jacques Pepin will visit Amelia Island next weekend. His main mission in coming to Fernandina is to participate in a petanque tournament, but he will also sign books from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the tournament site just north of the Fernandina Marina.

Pentanque is French game described by the tournament organizer Philippe Boets as a cross between bocce ball and horseshoes. The game is played with balls, but instead of rolling them like bocce ball, you throw them.

Pepin, who is French, is an avid player and has even started a league in his neighborhood in Connecticut. Pepin is a longtime fixture on PBS cooking shows, is a dean at the French Culinary Institute and was a featured judge on "Top Chef."

In addition to Pepin, Boets said the tournament will be drawing in other French chefs as well, including Chef Michel Nischan, who has written several cookbooks and is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and cooking with local foods.

The Pentanque America Open will span the weekend and is open to spectators. Nearly 200 players are expected to participate. Newcomers to the game can also participate in pick-up games. For more information, visit petanque america.

Third-Annual Interclub Tournament

November 8, 2009

hosted by La Pétanque Marinière

at Pierre Josque Courts, San Rafael

To register, contact Alain Efron by Friday, November 6

email: lutecemeister@gmail.com or phone: 415-479-5820

Pre-registration is required for this event.

Tournament details

On-site PRE-REGISTERED PLAYER CHECK IN ends: 9:30 / Games start: 10:00

Registration fee $3.00 per player

No Cash Prize

Club Name and Winning Team will be engraved on Tournament Trophy

Winning team will be awarded individual plaques

Tournament Format

3 Qualification Games in doublettes – with random paring of members of the same club.

Within each club, players will be ranked according to number of wins and number of points.

Clubs will then be given a ranking by adding the number of wins and number of points of their 8 best ranked players.

Final Championship - Triplette to 15 points

The clubs ranking 1 & 2 will play a Final Championship round by opposing their 3 best ranking players in a – 15 point final round.

In the event of:

* Two clubs ranking equal for second place, the club having the larger number of players enrolled in the tournament wins second place and plays in the finals.

* Two players of a given club who rank equal for third place, the tournament director will choose randomly between these two players by a coin toss.

LPM Members,

Join us in helping Marin take back the trophy!

Sign up soon to make sure you can get a spot in the tournament!

FPUSA 2009 NW Regional Doubles

La Boule d'Or - October 4, 2009

It was a beautiful day in Golden Gate Park as a small but enthusiastic group gathered to compete in this years FPUSA NW Regional Doubles competition. I had the pleasure of playing with my sister, Donna Klaiber, a member of Club Francais de Sacramento. We were the first to arrive - after Joss and John Krauer who, of course, were already busy setting up for the day. As players arrived and coffee and cake were consumed, the team numbers were pulled and the tournament soon began.

With ten teams playing three qualifying games before lunch, Donna and I were happy to get 12, 11 & 9 points, against the fine players that we were paired against. As the day progressed, the wind picked up a bit, but the sun held and soon lunch was over and the afternoon games began. I was busy trying to win - so I can't give you any specific game details - but I can give the final results.

Second Place Consolante: Jacques Avedissian and Richard Prydz

(they took off before our camera came out)

First Place Consolante:

Joss Krauer and Jean-Claude Bunnand

In the Concours:

Third Place: Alain Gusella and Yvette Ghione

(Alain accepting for the team)

Second Place:

Louis Toulon and Ed Porto

With First Place n the FPUSA NW Regional Doubles

going to

Antoine Lofaro and John Krauer.

To John, Joss and the members of La Boule d'Or,

many thanks for a great day!

Christine Cragg

Greetings everyone! CLICK HERE to download the flier for the upcoming FPUSA Northwest Regional Tournament being hosted by Club Français de Sacramento. This event will be held in Rancho Cordova, CA on Sunday, September 20, 2009. The flier provides all the details you should need. However, if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our Director of Pétanque, Kevin McGill, or event co-coordinator, Reid Evans. We're planning on a great day of FPUSA competition pétanque, so please encourage your members to join us. See you all next month!

Tim Dugas
CFdS Secretary

Lamb Picnic 2009

The ever anticipated annual Lamb Picnic was held Sunday. In spite of the blustery weather, of the 80 plus people who were present to enjoy the food and festivities, there were 60 players. We welcome John And Nancy Mengshol as our newest members, and were happy to see Birgit Alton, Gentry Bronson and Steve and Ellie Termecz, newcomers to the sport, enjoying themselves and even winning in the raffle as well as in the competition.
Even the rain looked upon us with favor and decided not to dampen our endeavor until we were all finished with the clean-up.
La Pétanque Marinière was also proud to have Mark Koppen present from the Dry Creek Valley winery of Michel-Schlumberger. Michel-Schlumerger is the maker of Pétanque Wines and they graciously sponsored the event. Click on slide show to see the days events.


The winners of the tournament were:
First Place: Jacques Sarafian, Douglas Vernet and Laura Bohin
Second Place: Luis Velez, Jean Ectcheverry and Claudie Chourré
Third Place: Richard Bagel, Steve Termecz and Eva Lofaro

Lamb Picnic & OPEN Tournament

Sunday September 13

Panaché Tournament OPEN to ALL.
Guests and newcomers are welcome.
Registration ends at 11:00 a.m. !!
Casual games before lunch.
Games will start after lunch at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Menu: BBQ Lamb, white beans, salad, cheese & bread.
Free for Members in Good Standing, $13 for non-members.
No Cash Prizes – Wine awarded by raffle drawing, as well as PÉTANQUE wine raffled for participation
Post-Lunch raffle drawing for a $200.- gift certifcate to PÉTANQUE AMERICA
Reservations are required by the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10
Please send reservations to Alain Efron (415) 479-5820 or aefron3@comcast.net

Sponsored in part by our friends at Michel Schlumberger Winery. Makers of Pétanque Wines

Louis Vuitton Pétanque

Louis Vuitton pay special tribute to this quintessentially
French sport with a set of pétanque balls featuring their legendary monogram. The time has come to take pétanque across frontiers, whether it's in London's Hyde Park or New York's Central Park, or in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel.


To read the complete article click here

Buddhist Boules?

It is the quintessential French pastime uniting millions around dusty courts and bottles of aniseed liqueur. Now la pétanque — boules — has been elevated to a higher plane by a Buddhist master, who has been hailed across France for his theory that the activity is a helpful tool for meditation.

The thoughts of Maître Kaisen have been well received in a country that has always believed the national sport to be a superior discipline. Journalists have flocked to his retreat in southwest France to record his wisdom since the publication of his book on the art of throwing metal boules.

“If pétanque is practised in a just frame of mind, then yes, it can help you to grow,” he said. His words earned plaudits from amateurs on internet chat forums, but also from the country’s greatest boulistes, including Philippe Quintais, who has won the world championship 12 times. “I am not an adept of Buddhism, but people like that, they help you to recharge your batteries,” said Mr Quintais after visiting Ho Sho Ji, the temple founded by Master Kaisen in the Dordogne.

For the full article click here

Lamorinda Summer Tournament

LAMORINDA SUMMER DAY TOURNAMENT

SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2009

SELECT DOUBLES * WE WILL HELP YOU MAKE UP A TEAM * $5.00 A PERSON

BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH * FREE ICE COLD LEMONADE ALL DAY

SPEND THIS SUMMER DAY UNDER THE SHADE OF OUR TREES AROUND THE COURTS

STARTS AT 10:00 am * TWO GAMES BEFORE LUNCH & TWO GAMES AFTER LUNCH

RELAX AND ENJOY THE GAME OF PÉTANQUE, AN APPERITIF AND PATÉ AT THE CLOSE OF THE DAY

Mary Albright 925-283-2682-or-Bill Hansen 925-283-6452

Emile Furlan Memorial 2009

THE EMILE FURLAN MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT 2009

SEPTEMBER 5th and 6th



Greetings everyone! This is just a reminder that the deadline for team entries in the 2009 Emile Furlan Memorial Tournament, to be held in Knight's Landing, CA on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, is rapidly approaching. Please forward your team information as quickly as you can. As you know, this is a popular annual event for us and we've already had an enthusiastic response. Please remember again that the dinner on Saturday night requires separate reservations, so be sure to calculate your total fees for the weekend carefully. Click here for the entry form, hotel information and directions. If you have any additional questions please email Kevin McGill or Reid Evans right away.

This event is hosted annually by Club Français de Sacramento to honor the memory of Emile Furlan who did so much for our club. It promotes and encourages camaraderie and the enjoyment of the sport of Pétanque. While we follow the FPUSA's tournament rules for gameplay, please know that this is not an FPUSA-sanctioned event.

Best wishes to you all! See you in September!


Tim Dugas
CFdS Secretary

WATCH THE SLIDESHOW FROM LAST YEAR'S TOURNAMENT HERE

Pétanque & Pot Luck

1st French-American "Petanque" & Pot Luck

Thursday, August 20, 2009. 11-2

at the SF Victory court !!!
(at Hallidy Plaza, in front of City Hall, San Francisco,
between McAllister, Grove, Polk and Larkin
one block from Civic Center Bart)

Sponsored by
Apple to Pomme,
I.S.A.R.C.
and SF Education not incarceration.
Come and celebrate Franco-American
Fun and Solidarity,
in memory of Idriss Stelley

Bring a dish or try our Petanque sandwiches !
(Thanks to Fabrique Délices)

Boules provided if you don't have any

FPUSA NW Regional '60+Over' Mixed Doubles

La Pétanque Marinière is proud to host the FPUSA NW Regional '60 & Over' Mixed Doubles on Sunday August 9th. Registration is from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Competition will commence at 9.
Coffee and pastry in morning with apéritif at tournament conclusion – provided courtesy of LPM. Please Bring your own Lunch.

Click on the following for access to the official FPUSA entry form and local hotels.