I received this email from "Norm" - read and enjoy!
Mark, here is something I wrote and Shaggy added some of his wise cracks.
Perhaps they can be read at the pin show. This is sent to you from Norm and Shagggy with LOVE!
Perhaps they can be read out as things you might consider at your next pinball tournament.
Our thoughts on tournies...I am sure there will be one at the show.
> Me and Norm compete here in Michigan, but only in EM
> tournaments. The competition is just too good in the
> solidstate games and we get killed! But
> here's some pinball tips that Norm and I (ok mostly
> Norm) put together. It's simple stuff, but
> we're simple guys.
> Do not drink alcohol during the tournament. It will
> lessen your skills. Well a beer here and there
> can't hurt too much...
> No drugs either. But if you have to play with Norm,
> drugs help A LOT.
> Play the games ahead of time and get acquainted with
> the rules.
> You can't win if you don't know the machine.
> So know it in and out.
> Even if you know the rules play the game. I
> have 4 friends with Fireballs and they all play
> different.
> Master the skill shots. hell if you can't do
> anything else, at least master that!
> On EMs if you forget the rules just
> keep shooting for the top and keep the ball as
> high as you can and prolong it's life. Sometimes too
> many hard shots up the center (targets) will increase
> the chance of losing the ball.Sometimes its not about
> hitting targets but prolonging ball life. It's
> really hard to score when the ball is in the outhole!
> Never give up even if you get a bad ball or two. You
> can always make it up. well not always, but
> sometimes.
> Never give up when you get two good balls or three
> because you must always shoot for the highest score
> that no one will beat that night.So always keep
> pressing and never let up.
> Focus. Focus. Focus. Then drink a beer and look at
> the chicks. OH WAIT THIS IS PINBALL. no chicks. damn.
> Why the hell can't chicks like pinball? And ever
> notice the chicks that do like pinball aren't
> really "chicks"? damn damn.
> Even if the ball drains you may get a Lazarus ball so
> watch for it.
> If you have a bad game take a break. Eat something.
> Go to the bathroom. Shake off the bad game and get fired
> up again. Then eat more. This is how Norm
> maitains his girlish figure while competing well.
> Don't be cocky, but be confident. Oh hell be cocky
> too it can't hurt.
> And if all else fails....cheat!
> Norm & Shaggy