OT Kind Of. My 37th Anniversary, SS Billiards
Lloyd Olson
OT kind of. Though my life is interwoven in coin op and pinball. Please
don't read, if you aren't interested.
I'll be heading home shortly, to get some sleep before my work day starts on
Sunday September 20th. My 37th Anniversary with SS Billiards.
http://www.ssbilliards.com/
I was debating making an anniversary post on RGP this year. Not that big a
deal to most, just milestones in my life.
I snuck out earlier to go get dinner. Put my "back in ten minutes" sign in
the door and off I went.
Heard a polka on the radio as I was switching channels. Got me to thinking.
I was about four years old, sitting by the band stand in the city park in
Chaska, Minnesota ( my Mother's home town ) listening to a polka band and
eating a bag of cherries, I remember thinking "it doesn't get any better
than this".
About this same time I built my first EM pinball. I had a big piece of wood.
Screwed down every stepper unit, score motor, relay, anything I could find
to it. I wasn't allowed to solder yet. So every once in awhile my Dad would
come over and solder wires where ever I wanted them. After a long time,
every thing that could have a wire to it, did. When we couldn't squeeze
anymore wire onto it, I said to my Dad "lets plug it in". He got real bug
eyed and shocked ( a look I saw many times in the following years ) and
tried to explain that we couldn't and some crap about it being dangerous.
Got me thinking, "man, it doesn't get any better than this".
Working at the shooting gallery he ran at the Minnesota State Fair. One very
hot August evening, I took a five second break. I was covered with sweat,
dust, graphite, gun oil. Juke box in the back cranking out music out front.
The front of the building was facing West. I saw the sun in all it's
splendor starting to think about setting. Got me thinking "it doesn't get
any better than this.
My Dad's arcade was the Rifle Sport, located at 812 Hennepin Avenue when I
started working there for him. The smell of Luminal paint was quite evident
there. I used it to paint the 22 caliber shooting gallery. This gallery
wasn't even one fourth the size of the one at the state fair. I always
looked at that gallery as work. The one at the Rifle Sport, always made me
feel good when I worked on it. Clean out the graphite, grease it. Paint it,
step back and admire how great it looked before anyone shot at it. Made you
think it didn't get any better than this.
When the Rifle Sport Arcade moved to 604 Hennepin Avenue, upstairs. A B-B
gun range was added. That thing always leaked air, and the air compressor
was always running. I came up with the idea to put a bigger pulley on the
pump so it would fill up quicker. Worked great. Well almost. Later that
evening my Dad went into the kitchen area ( used to be a nightclub up
there ) to heat some water for his instant Folgers coffee. He walked in and
the pump was glowing cherry red, he ran back out just as it blew up. Later
we found out that the faster it ran, the hotter it got, and put less air
into the tank, each cycle running longer and longer as less and less air was
going through the pump until it blew up. When I came in the next morning, my
Dad was on about something. His usual screaming and yelling. He told me to
go look in the kitchen. There was a fair amount of shrapnel imbedded into
the walls and stuff around the air compressor tank. Looked like a small
grenade went off. Got me to thinking this was cool, I wish I'd seen it.
Doesn't get much better than this.
The one year I worked for about the largest op in the Midwest. I got to be
in on delivering the juke box to the high school cheerleader party for the
state basketball and hockey playoffs. When I was done I got a pop and was
sitting watching all the cheerleader warm ups, stretching, practicing their
routines. I knew it didn't get any better than this.
In October 1987. Just got done with getting the new rug in. And right after
disassembled a Sega sit down Afterburner and reassembled it inside. Got it
up and running. got a Pepsi, watching customers playing it, got me to
thinking, "it doesn't get any better than this".
The first Goose pinball party was on March 2nd, 2001. All by accident. I'd
been trying to do leagues or tournaments and there wasn't enough interest to
make them happen. There was a pinball tournament in town on March 3rd, and
they only had access to the area they were using on that day. So about a
week and a half before Paul Madison stopped by and told me that the guys
coming up from Chicago for the tournament would probably stop by here and
practice on Friday. I thought we should have a small party. Order some
pizza, let the out of town guys meet and play the locals. Just got in High
Roller Casino and borrowed Greg Kemnitz's Big Bang Bar, got some mugs
printed up for the event, and had the Launch Those Geese party.Watching my
business packed with people, I couldn't help but think that man, it doesn't
get much better than this.
October 21st, 2002, I was celebrating my 30th Anniversary with the Bolshoi
Goose party. ( back some years before on the 20th or 21st anniversary I
started celebrating my anniversary on the wrong date for about ten years ).
With the help of many. Greg Algaard, Jim Hallock, Greg Kemnitz, Todd
Andersen, Dave Slabiak. I was sitting talking with Dave and marveled at the
sound of 40 pinball machines all being played at the same time. Man, it
doesn't get any better than this.
2007, the last chance I had to get up to Grand Marais, MN on my 4th of July
day off. To rest, unwind. Have a good dinner, watch the fireworks. Then the
long drive home. I ate dinner at Naniboujou lodge. Sat outside on one of
their Adirondack chairs by Lake Superior. Just enjoying life. Couldn't help
but think not too many years before I was sitting there with my wife and how
happy I was. All of a sudden I got very lonely, I got up and left. I was
thinking this is a pretty poor time to feel lonely or breakdown, over five
hours from home. Unbeknownst to everybody, I skipped the fireworks. I drove
about an hour up the Gunflint Trail. I found a lake I discovered and fished,
too many years ago. I looked at the beauty of that spot. Thought of happier
times. Heard a moose calling from across the lake. Got me to thinking if I
hadn't been feeling sorry for my self, I would have never returned to that
lake. Man, it doesn't get any better than this.
September 20th, after my day's work. After the 37th anniversary party. The
last people will leave. I'll be all alone. Feeling pretty pathetic. The
parties are pretty tough on me. Check my email and the newsgroup in case I
can try and help anybody that needs it with their games. And head out.
Wondering why I do it. And I'll think about the last episode on Cheers, when
Norm was sitting having a beer, and talking to Sam. Norm tells Sam he knew
Sam would return, because he wouldn't be unfaithful to his one true love,
the bar.
I want to thank each and every person I've met along the way. I am truly
blessed. I am the most fortunate person alive. I am living my dream. It
doesn't get any better than this. LTG :)
Pinmeister
Brad Czernik
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, it is appreciated. I
wish you the best with everything and know you will have the chance to
appreciate many more anniversaries. In recognition of your work, here are a
few LTG pictures from the archives:
http://www.jellikit.com/rgp/ltbh.jpg
http://www.jellikit.com/rgp/ltgiraq.jpg
http://www.jellikit.com/rgp/rbionproto.jpg
http://www.jellikit.com/rgp/repro-rm.jpg
http://www.jellikit.com/rgp/tronproto1.jpg
http://www.jellikit.com/rgp/ltg_coil.jpg
Take care my friend, much of the enjoyment of life is simply what we make of
it.
- Brad
"Lloyd Olson" <l...@ssbilliards.com> wrote in message
news:k4mdnfP7__hWICjX...@skypoint.com...
Cliffy
--
Cliffy - CARGPB2
Home of the world's finest pinball protectors
http://www.passionforpinball.com
Rockotaco
be one of the nicest, warmest, most sincere people I have ever known
on the internet, and I've been posting on forums for over 15 years
now. This group would not be the same without you. It would be great
if you got paid to be on here hehe. Thank you for everything you do
for all of us. I wish you nothing but the best, you are one hell of a
good man.
I know every time I make a post, I am hoping you will find it first.
It's hard being a noob to pinball ownership. Luckily you are around
though and you have never insulted me or made me feel dumb. I
appreciate everything so much. Thank you Lloyd for being who you are.
PinTrain
Dude Who can miss the LLOYDSTER! He is bionic poster! and a TON OF
HELP TO EVERYONE!!
God bless you my man!!!!
~Train/Justin
Sacramento, CA
yzfguy
Lloyd- I've been around here for around 7 years. I don't post very
often, but I learn a lot and obviously you are an important part of
most of it. I think that even when you haven't yet posted a response
to someone's problem, everyone sort of waits-anticipating your answer.
This is the only site I have participated in that has a sort of
omnipresence like that. Pinball itself is cool- you help this place
make it that much cooler. Thanks and happy anniversary (if you
actually have the date right now!)
captkirk
> OT kind of. Though my life is interwoven in coin op and pinball. Please
> don't read, if you aren't interested.
>
> I'll be heading home shortly, to get some sleep before my work day starts on
Lloyd,
Your post...it doesn't get any better than this.
Happy 37th and wishing you many more.
captkirk
beaver
regularly take stock to appreciate how good life can be. A very happy
anniversary to you.
Edward Cheung CARGPB26
TheKorn
> I want to thank each and every person I've met along the way. I am
> truly blessed. I am the most fortunate person alive. I am living my
> dream. It doesn't get any better than this. LTG :)
Happy 37th, you old mop top! (or have you gotten a haircut lately? :) )
--
Have a home video that's trapped on your camera? Want to share it on the
web or on DVD?
Butterflygirl24
>
> - Show quoted text -
Very happy 37th anniversary to you LTG!!
Your post is a great reminder to stop and smell the roses!! ;-) Thank
you for everything you do to help so many each and every day!
I hope you have a Wonderful day!! You deserve it!! Enjoy! ;-)
Phoebe
Adm56
> "Lloyd Olson" <l...@ssbilliards.com> wrote innews:k4mdnfP7__hWICjX...@skypoint.com:
Congrats on the 37th Lloyd! Keep them coming! I've only met you on
this newsgroup but you certainly make it a better place. Your help has
been great!
Rob
Rob
On Sep 20, 1:28 am, "Lloyd Olson" <l...@ssbilliards.com> wrote:
> OT kind of. Though my life is interwoven in coin op and pinball. Please
> don't read, if you aren't interested.
>
Lee
Very nice story, Lloyd
Thanks for taking the time to answer so many posts and help us less
experienced folks out.
I always appreciate the ops. Brings back memories of being an 18-yo
kid just off to college at a large university where I only knew 1
soul. It took me a week or so to discover a great coin-op arcade
downtown (Playland, State CVollege, PA) that helped pass some initial
lonely hours and soon became a hangout with new found friends. I
remember the two men that ran it were good guys and once/wk on
Thursdays, they would set out a couple large trays of pizza at
noontime for the student customers to munch on while in the arcade.
Thanks Lloyd for what you do.
Lee
skbrothers
I remember changing fuses in a Dodge Caravan, on a cold Minnesota
winter's night...thinking. "It's gotta get better than this"
;-)
It did!
.
.
.
Stories and memories made with friends are what makes life worth
living. Lloyd (my friend), you have more stories and memories made
with friends than anyone I know. That post barely scratches the
surface!
Happy anniversary to you my old friend!!!
Steve
Fuey
establishment, as well as meeting some of the other Minnesota Pinball
crew. It's nice to see such a great group of people and the passion and
enthusiasm they have for the hobby. Thanks for doing your part to keep
this going Lloyd....can't wait to see you all again!
Happy Anniversary, my friend.
-Mike
pinballmike217
> don't read, if you aren't interested.
>
> I'll be heading home shortly, to get some sleep before my work day starts on
Happy Anniversary Lloyd, Great stories. I enjoyed them. Don't feel
lonely, you have almost 6000 RGP'ers right behind you all the time.
You are truly one of pinballs all time top ten greatest.
Mike
Terrapin Mark
Happy Anniversary Lloyd. See ya at Expo.
Mark Salas
CARGPB 30
gpsdrew
to hard work and perseverance.
Congratulations to you Lloyd!!!
And thanks for helping everyone on RGP (especially us dumb ones...)
See you at Expo!
Drew
Steve Charland
time I read a post Lloyd writes about happenings in his life, I think,
"it doesn't get any better than this". :)
-S (CARGPB1)
BlueMalibu
> don't read, if you aren't interested.
>
> I'll be heading home shortly, to get some sleep before my work day starts on
Wow. I can tell it comes from the heart. Many of us have thoughts
like this but few of us put them in words. Thanks.
Parker
Gunstar Hero
In a row? =)
Congratulations LTG!
Steve Kulpa
face to face.
Until then, take care.
steve
---
Steve Kulpa (cargpb10)
Nolensville, TN
http://stevekulpa.net/faces/rgpidx.htm - Faces
http://stevekulpa.net/pinball/pinball.htm - Pinball
Brad
it was not for all of the help from you and many others on here.
You've helped me many times with issues on games in the past!!!
Randy P.
> OT kind of. Though my life is interwoven in coin op and pinball. Please
> don't read, if you aren't interested.
>
> I'll be heading home shortly, to get some sleep before my work day starts on
Lloyd, it inspires me that someone who has led a pretty tough life has
the depth of character to focus on the good in it -- to recognize that
a whole lot of seemingly small things (and a whole lot of friends who
think a lot of you) ultimately add up to a wonderful fulfilling life.
Consider the hundreds (thousands?) of people you have helped in so
many ways over the years, with technical advice and life counseling.
Think about all the guys like me, who you've never met in person, but
who consider you a beacon of our hobby -- to be one of the most
helpful and kind-hearted people we know.
Thanks for sharing some of those memorable moments.
Congratulations, Lloyd!
Randy P.
chuck
> don't read, if you aren't interested.
>
> I'll be heading home shortly, to get some sleep before my work day starts on
Congrats Lloyd. Hopefully many more to come.
Corvette Bob
forget it. For all the newbies out here, you've come to be a trusted
friend who never complains about our shortcomings. I'm going to my
very first Chicago Expo soon and plan on attending your seminar.
Looking forward to saying hi and thanks in person.
Bob
Borygard
more.
--
Rob Anthony
Pinball Classics
www.LockWhenLit.com
Quality Board Work - In Home Service
314-766-4587
"Lloyd Olson" <l...@ssbilliards.com> wrote in message
news:k4mdnfP7__hWICjX...@skypoint.com...
Chris Hibler
Expo along with a bunch of pinhead friends because...it doesn't get
any better than that.
--
Chris Hibler - CARGPB #31
www.Team-EM.com
http://webpages.charter.net/chibler/Pinball/index.htm
seodude
comparison to the 41,000+ posts you have made here on RGP. Using
guestimation skills invested in me by supreme math powers, I would say
you have probably helped virtually fix 5,000-10,000 pinball machines
within the past decade. There is at least a little, and many times a
lot of, Lloyd wisdom in every person's collection. I think anyone
would be hard pressed to name someone who has done more for the hobby
then that.
Unless of course you just start travelling the country randomly
showing up to fix/restore pinball machines found in basements and
garages across america. I smell reality show...just need a catchy
title...
This Old Pin
Lloyders, Pins, & Money
A Lloyd in the Dark
The Pin Lloyd Experience
I'll keep working on titles while you enjoy your anniversary.
Lloyd Olson
on Pinball News soon. Savoy's Philly cheese steak sandwiches were awesome.
Diane Lundahl brought in a couple big trays of home made cookies. Ryan ran
the Joe Esposito Tournament, I'm not sure who won that. Somebody did. Dave
Gorka won the Tops tournament on POTC.
I want to thank each and everyone who came and helped make the celebration
and awesome event. It was great.
Man, it doesn't get any better than this. LTG :)
Red Rocket
Happy Anniversary !!!!! with more years to come It will even get
better just like a good aged wine!
Cheers yo you!!!
badbilly27
sincerest congrats to you!! Great writing.
37 years in the business is just awesome! Take comfort in reading all
these posts just how fondly people think of you whom you have helped
or touched over the years. 37 years not just in the business of coin
op - but in the business of helping others and the hobby. Congrats!
rubberpoultry
You're awesome! I haven't posted here in a very long time, but I often
come and see what's going on. You're the heart and soul of RGP. Thanks
for always sharing your knowledge, for welcoming newcomers and for
being an all around generous guy.
I'll never forget working with you on the logos a few years ago, and
how out of nowhere you sent me a brand coin door for my MAME machine.
I'd just asked if you knew where I could get one, and the next thing I
know one just shows up at my door. You wouldn't even let me pay for
the shipping.
You're one of the good guys Lloyd! I know with the tough times so many
are going through, and with the way the coin op business has declined
over the years, it must be a constant challenge, but I wish you the
best. I hope you can continue to stop and feel it doesn't get any
better than this.
May many blessings head your way!
Rubberpoultry
John Bigbooty
>When the Rifle Sport Arcade moved to 604 Hennepin Avenue, upstairs. A B-B
>gun range was added. That thing always leaked air, and the air compressor
>was always running. I came up with the idea to put a bigger pulley on the
>pump so it would fill up quicker. Worked great. Well almost. Later that
>evening my Dad went into the kitchen area ( used to be a nightclub up
>there ) to heat some water for his instant Folgers coffee. He walked in and
>the pump was glowing cherry red, he ran back out just as it blew up. Later
>we found out that the faster it ran, the hotter it got, and put less air
>into the tank, each cycle running longer and longer as less and less air was
>going through the pump until it blew up. When I came in the next morning, my
>Dad was on about something. His usual screaming and yelling. He told me to
>go look in the kitchen. There was a fair amount of shrapnel imbedded into
>the walls and stuff around the air compressor tank. Looked like a small
>grenade went off. Got me to thinking this was cool, I wish I'd seen it.
>Doesn't get much better than this.
>
much better than this". But, I know where you are coming from,
explosions are awesome.
Happy 37th Lloyd. May there be many more.
Mark
Atlanta GA
Les Manley
I said it in the local group and I will repeat it again here. Thanks
for the great party and the great time last night. I look forward to
going to your place and every party you have on the calendar. With
any luck, STTNG will be ready to go for your next one. I am proud to
say that I won the tournament, eventhough I lost round one of the best
two out of three match on Medieval Madness by a score of 636,xxx to
606,xxx. Yeah, that isn't a misprint. I went on to post some great
scores in the next two rounds, but 606,xxx on MM in a 3 ball game, I
couldn't score that low again if I tried, let alone two players
playing that bad simulataneously.
Mr. 68
Congratulations Lloyd. I’m sorry I was at your place a couple of weeks
earlier and missed your party. But at least I finally got there.
Best wishes to you my friend.
Kim - CARGPB #36
www.WrongCrowdProductions.com
DMD Glare Guards
AddictedToEMs
these years. I hope to make it out there sometime after my tour is
done in Iraq. Keep doing what you do best - helping out the pinball
community.
Scott
Expat
Congrats on the years,but man you sound like you need a woman in yer
life!
Get off RGP and on to the Internet Love lines or something like that!
Good luck!