HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: gregw@hspice.portal.com ()
Subject: Bowling - a "blue collar" sport?
Organization: Meta-Software,Inc.
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 21:00:20 GMT

One interesting observation I have made is that in Australia,
where I started bowling many moons ago, bowling is sort of a
yuppie sport.  Most of the bowlers I knew were typically
office worker types, and being in a bowling league was looked
upon as a "legitimate" sport.

Here in the States (maybe just in the Bay Area?) bowling to me
seems much more "blue collar", and when I mention that I bowl
I get sort of a, "You mean with those 'bowlers'", implying that
it's not really a sport of the "computer crowd".

I know it is really an over-dramatization, but there is definitely
a put-down about the sport here.  I bet most people I work with
think softball is a more legitimate sport than bowling! ['Tis
better to play rugby and have lost, than to ever have played
softball at all]

Has anyone else noticed this perception of the sport between
one country and the next.  Is it just that most of the computer
folks here are lazy, unskilled slobs and can't appreciate it?

One thing I'm damn sure of is that the standard of bowling in
the US is a quantum level above that in Australia. The house
I bowled in back there was open for about ten years and had a
house high-game record of 289!  It's not that the lanes were that
hard to score on, it's just that no one knew squat about drilling
balls and there is nothing to aspire to, like the PBA.  Back when
I bowled there bowlers with 180 averages were like gods, sure put
me in my place the first time I bowled against a four person
team whose *team average* was about 750!

Another funny quirk is that everyone where I bowled used to wear
these little pins that were awarded for certain milestones.
They joined together like a ladder, so if someone bowled a 267,
they would have something like:

+====================+
| name of center     |
+====================+
     O          O
+====================+
|       2 0 0        |
+====================+
     O          O
+====================+
|       2 2 5        |
+====================+
     O          O
+====================+
|       2 5 0        +
+====================+
     O          O
+====================+
|       A M F        |
+====================+

where the "O"'s were chain links to join the pins together.

Bowlers would have these things pinned all over them, the Leagues
were patch cities, you got a patch for just about everything:

Big 4
7-10
298, 299, 300
Century Club (100 over average in a game)
600, 700, 800 series

and so on.

I look back now and laugh :-D

-- Greg

-- 
     Greg Widdicombe     |  Meta-Software, Inc.  |    _--_|\
  * Up from Down Under * | 1300 White Oaks Road, |   /     *\
                         |  Campbell, CA 95008   |   \_.--._/
 gregw@hspice.portal.com |     (408)369-5451     |         v   
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: just curious...
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6CCE734DF082631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Fri, 4 Sep 92 15:13:08 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:19:22 GMT

In article <1992Sep4.031421.10005@ncsu.edu> MARK ALLAN HUNT,
mahunt@eos.ncsu.edu writes:
>I heard this is the hottest ball on the pro tour.

You heard wrong.  No one that I know (or even suspect) use that
ball but I may be wrong.  The most poplular balls right now
seem to be the Hammers and the Rhino Pro series.  And a
few Turbos floating around...

-aki
The Worldbank Wash D.C.
E-Mail: akidamme-233324.worldbank.org
(202)458-1112
*********************************
"How come the best ball for me is always
the one I don't own?"
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: good side (was closings)
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6CA5A0780012631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Wed, 2 Sep 92 16:46:15 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 15:52:23 GMT


Probably part of the reason alot of houses closed was that during
the 60's and early 70's alot of houses opened up.  That was
at the tail end of the "bowling boom"  when Earl Anthony
and others was really making a name for bowling.  Just as
anything else, the bowling industry overdeveloped.  As the
recession hit (we've had a couple since the 70's _atleast_),
alot of people just couldn't afford to bowl.  Contrary to
popular opinion, bowling is NOT cheap.  It's very easy
to blow $20 or more open bowling and even more league
bowling.  Alot of the baby boomers now are parents and
they are tight for money.  Alot of "leasure" activities
are also feeling the pinch.  Since alot of parents can't
afford to bowl, they don't encourage their kids to bowl.
It's REALLY easy to spend alot of money taking your kids
bowling with you since alot of houses don't reduce the
cost per line for kids and if they do, it's not much.  Try
and take 3 or 4 kids bowling with mommy and daddy,
watch daddy have a heart attack when he finds out he
just spent 40 dollars for bowling and junk food.  See
mommy recommend they don't go bowling anymore because
it's too expensive.  See a bowling alley not making
enough money.  See another house close.

-aki
The Worldbank Wash. D.C.
E-mail: akidamme-233324.worldbank.org
(202)458-1112
********************************
"How come the best ball for me is always
the one I don't have?"
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: c9a-az@po.berkeley.edu (Mark Fujimoto)
Subject: Re: House Closing
Summary: even more
Organization: University of California, at Berkeley
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 18:20:50 GMT

In article <ostubble.715445401@uclagsm> ostubble@agsm.ucla.edu (Otha Stubblefield III) writes:
>
>Let's add to your list of closures during this time period.  I don't 
>know where Major Bowl was, but I think on your list Hawthorne or Imperial
>was the First.
>
>Greater Los Angeles Area (LABA and Southeast District Mens):
>Manchester Western, Sportsman, Pro 300, Brunswick Santa Fe, Trojan,
>King Pin, Picwood, Western, Jefferson, Rodeo Bowl, Pleasure (Morningside)
>Lanes 25-48 of Midtown Bowl (converted to a skating rink)
>
>Valley:
>Reseda Bowl
>
>Orange County:
>Wonderbowl Anaheim, Aztec, Champion, 

Thanks for confirming the fact that LA is losing more lane beds than
it is gaining.  All of the center I mentioned I had been to before;
now that I see your additions, I remember others -- Rose Lanes, Marina
Lanes, Rosecrans Bowl, Hermosa Bowl -- in the area.  Places I've never
had the chance to see -- Vermont Bowl, La Cienega Lanes, plus a couple
from your list. 

Orange County: Pacific Lanes, Hacienda de los Bowleros, Maple Lanes, 
Mission Bowl (Oceanside)...what was the name of the center that was
down the road from Linbrook on La Palma (I think)?  I'm pretty sure
they're closed down, too.

Oh, Major Bowl was in Long Beach...
From: v060p9rr@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (SYS$LOGIN:SIGNATURE.TXT)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: money leagues in the UB-Buffalo areas?
Date: 27 Aug 92 06:26:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41


	Me and a couple of friends are really interested in any leagues that 
offer jackpots.  If you catch wind of one or know of a tournament in the 
Buffalo area, please drop me a line.


    [][][][]   [] [][] []    []  ***********************************************
   []     []  [] [] [] [][]  []  *  EVAN CHAN  V060P9RR@UBVMS.CC.BUFFALO.EDU   *
  [][][][][] [] [][][] [] [] []  *  DELTA GAMMA TAU------SPANKY                *
 []       [][] []   [] []  [][]  *  "Inspiration not perspiration." Hulk Hogan *
[][][][][][]  []    [] []    []  *  "Wowyougotalotofpepporoniinthatbread!"kid  *
                                 ***********************************************
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: dfo@well.sf.ca.us (Duane Ott)
Subject: Re: PBA Card
Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 01:18:17 GMT


re: touring I vs Touring II

You sure you don't have them backwards, Aki? I thought Touring I was the top
level (2/3 or so of national tournaments required) and Touring II was
the next step down.
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: pierce@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Dave Dalke)
Subject: Sponsors
Followup-To: alt.sport.bowling
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 18:31:51 GMT


	In a previous post, AKI, was discussing the benefits of carrying a PBA
card and touched on the fact that many sponsors will pay bowlers to
advertise for them by wearing their clothes and using their equipment.  I'm
curious as to whether or not these sponsorships are available to regional
pros.  How difficult is it to  obtain these sponsorships, and what kind of
money are we talking about?
	Any information would be appreciated.


Dave Dalke
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

pierce@casbah.acns.nwu.edu
From: pktst+@pitt.edu (Pat K Thompson)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: Re: new balls
Date: 1 Sep 92 01:04:40 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Originator: pktst@pmax1.cis.pitt.edu


Yes, definitely post anything you have on prices of the bowling balls.
Only one problem, possibly, where do you live??? By the time a ball
is sent, and drilled, it may cost about as much as just buying the
ball in the shop (but still probably cheaper---I just spent 130 bucks
on my Rhino Pro, after inserts and tax and stuff).
Good luck with the arm, hope it heals up...

mike
From: ashley@oasis.gtefsd.com (Bob Ashley)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: Lind's Shoes on Synthetic Lanes ...
Date: 28 Aug 92 16:34:28 GMT
Reply-To: ashley@oasis.gtefsd.com
Organization: GTE Federal Systems Division

In article 280892102026@skipper.bmbcb.nwu.edu, pierce@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Dave Dalke) writes:

>	I have  question on a different topic.  I have a pair of Linds bowling
>shoes.  As I travel around the area bowling in different centers, I notice
>that whenever I get on synthetic lanes, I have a problem with my left foot
>(slide foot) heel sticking at the line.  I don't know if it is increased
>friction due to the synthetic surface over wood or what.  But I have tried
>everything I can think of.  I have used that teflon resin stuff to no
>avail.  I have found that rubbing ashes on the heel seems to work for a few
>shots, but then before I know it, it's back to the sticking problem again. 
>Unfortuneately for me, this is enough to throw off the little concentration
>that I am able to muster, and I end up thinking more about whether or not I
>am going to finish true at the line rather than concentrating on making a
>quality shot.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  


Our company league just changed houses with synthetics ... I did make it a
point to bowl there during the summer, and I noticed the same problem with
my Lind's ... although it seemed to affect most of the bowlers, but that's
something else.

The only thing I can recall doing is applying a little "Easy Slide" and
rubbing it in on the carpet behind the lane area.  A little goes a long way
on these lanes ...

I will still find a sticky spot on the approach, but most times it's usually
on the left 15 boards, when I am shooting right hand spares.  Being a right
hander, I usually don't have to worry about sticking on the strike ball.


Bob - 164, 180, 197 (541) on GTE Opening Night ... so much for handicap  :-)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bob Ashley                        Internet:  Bob.Ashley@oasis.gtefsd.com

Software Engineer, (703)-818-4656  | Winter Leagues 1992-1993
   GTE Federal Systems Division    |    GTE FSD Mixed Secretary: Thu 17:45
   15000 Conference Center Drive   |
   Chantilly, VA   22021-3808      |    NFL Mixed Secretary:     Mon 21:00
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: ostubble@agsm.ucla.edu (Otha Stubblefield III)
Subject: Re: House Closing
Distribution: na
Date: 3 Sep 92 08:03:09 PDT

c9a-az@po.berkeley.edu (Mark Fujimoto) writes:

>In article <ostubble.715445401@uclagsm> ostubble@agsm.ucla.edu (Otha Stubblefield III) writes:
>>



>Orange County: Pacific Lanes, Hacienda de los Bowleros, Maple Lanes, 
>Mission Bowl (Oceanside)...what was the name of the center that was
>down the road from Linbrook on La Palma (I think)?  I'm pretty sure
>they're closed down, too.

Could that have been Anaheim Lanes?  I know it closed in 1990, before
they opened the Concourse of Anaheim (off the 91 at Tustin).  It's
interesting to see from the freeway.  I also forgot about La Mirada.  
The SEDYABA city tournament had singles and doubles their about two weeks
before the closed.  It was horrible, because they had stopped oiling.


Anyone in the bay area miss L&L Castle (SF) and Golden Gate (El Cerrito)?

Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: new balls
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6C8D784E7052631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Tue, 1 Sep 92 13:17:08 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 12:23:16 GMT

In article <1992Sep1.024836.13892@pasteur.Berkeley.EDU> Mark Fujimoto,
c9a-az@po.berkeley.edu writes:
>Here's a ballpark figure -- the last time I sent a ball UPS from
>LA to San Francisco, it cost around $3.50 -- ten years ago.  Depending
>on how tight you are with your ball driller, drilling a blank that
>isn't from the shop can amount to a pretty penny.  Many shops charge
>in the neighborhood of $20-30 to drill a blank; add $5-10 if it's
>urethane; add $5-15 for a pair of finger grips, $5-15 for a thumb
(other important information deleted)

True, the cost can get up there if you have to pay for shipping/drilling
etc.  Fortunately, the balls are shipped directly from the
factory (the cost of the ball includes shipping anywhere in the U.S.).  
So for example, if you order a ball that retails for say $130
and you can get it direct for say..$65 and drilling cost you $30
(I haven't seen a difference for urethane .vs. plastic), add $10 
for inserts and the total cost for the ball comes to around
$100 - $105 you still save around $25-$30.  In my experience, 
I actually saved alot more than that (usually around $50 when all is
said and done).  It really depends on what the ball will retail 
for and what the price is to order it from the factory.  
OBTW, the average turn around time from when you order it to 
when you actually receive it is around 1 week.
The last ball I ordered (Purple Sumo) was $55 (it retailed here for $130),
it took 4 days to arrive via UPS, drilling/inserts cost me $25 ($20 to
drill, $2.50 each for inserts).  Total cost = $80...a savings of
$50.  Nothing to sneeze at...either way it was just a thought, I'll
still post anything that comes up just in case there's someone who 
might be interested...if nothing else you can order the ball, sell it
for ten or twenty over what you payed for it and pocket the
change toward a new pair of shoes! ;-)


-aki
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: c9a-az@po.berkeley.edu (Mark Fujimoto)
Subject: Re: What happens after a 300?
Organization: University of California, at Berkeley
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 21:40:37 GMT

In article <Bu0sL4.94C@csi.compuserve.com> dfo@csi.compuserve.com (Duane Ott) writes:
>In article <1992Sep2.125923.23181@worldbank.org> aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org> writes:
>>I'd take 800's all day long over a singular 300, I remember the first
>>300 I threw, I was so shaken up over it that I shot a 603 set!
>
>You think that's something, my first (and only) 300 was the last game of a 
>601 set! I started with a 115, then got lined up...

Ummm...can't say I can "beat" these scores :) but a fellow I 
know shot a 300 (at the center I worked for) in a whopping 572
set -- 150-300-122 -- No one knows for sure if he just kind of
lost it or never really had it...he refuses to discuss the issue
with anyone!
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: $ $ $  a factor, so I got a mid-range ball
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6CA34AC57182631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Wed, 2 Sep 92 14:06:52 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 13:13:02 GMT

In article <BtxAJn.3Kr@acsu.buffalo.edu> When will Mergle EVER shut up?,
v051r9bf@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu writes:
>My questions are:
>
>1.  Does anyone have any pros/cons to my ball?  I like it a lot, even
though
>    I know it's not a U-Dot or a Rhino.  It's not a popular choice, and
I was
>    wondering why. (I can accept it--I know myself it's not the best ball
>    out there)
There is nothing wrong with your ball..  Just because it's not the
most "popular" ball doesn't mean it's not the best ball for you.  Believe
it or not, there are alot of pros (including myself) who would never
part with their old black u-dot.  It's probably the most popular, most
widely used ball that has ever been sold.  Alot of balls now a days are
a flash in the pan, great today, gone tomorrow.  You could spend a
fortune just try to "keep up with the joneses".  If you want to try
a Rhino or U-dot, try buying one used at a local pro shop.  If they
don't have a used one in stock have them take your number and have
them call you when one becomes available.

>
>2.  My average has evened out at 175 and stuck pretty good there.  I
can't seem 
>    to progress further---anyone out there with tips on how I can further
>    advance my level?  Equipment? Attitude?    
>
lessons...lessons...lessons...the "peak" or "crest" of alot of male
bowlers are
just where you are at.  Some blame it on lane conditiions, ball, humidty,
the president whatever but usually it has to do with your release,
attitude
and yes sometimes the type of ball you have.  Take a couple of lessons
from
the local instructor, alot of times all it takes is a simple (yet unknown)
change in your stance or release and you can break that barrier before
you know it!

>I've been bowling since I was 10, and I've come a long way, and know a
LOT
>about the game, ...but.  I can't get to that other level where I can
just 
>sorta 'dominate' a league or be a contender for high average.  Most of
the
>leagues have bowlers around 180 here, and although I could do well in a 
>scrub league, I wanna do better and keep up with the electrical workers
>and big guns!
>
you can...it's amazing how hard it can be to raise you average just 5 -10
pins
when your average starts getting around the 200 mark (e.g. 170-180,
180-190
and ESPECIALLY 190-200).  One mistake, one open frame and it can take
ten or more pins off your game just like that.  From your post you
obviously
have the "desire" to bowl better and that my friend is the most important
part of bowling.  No desire = low scores = frustration = quitting.  (kinda
sounds like life huh?)

good luck!

***************************************
-Aki                                     
The Worldbank Wash D.C.
E-mail: akidamme-233324.worldbank.org
(202)458-1112
****************************************
"How come the best ball for me is always the
one I don't own?"
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: pierce@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Dave Dalke)
Subject: Re: House Closings and Oiling Patterns
Followup-To: alt.sport.bowling
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 15:20:17 GMT

In article <5226@blue.cis.pitt.edu.UUCP>, pktst+@pitt.edu (Pat K Thompson)
wrote:
> 
> 
>> On a different subject, has anyone else purchased the purple Rhino Pro?
> If so, how is it reacting on the lane conditions?  My ball tends
> to do horrible on dry lane (which is why I switched to a pearlized Rhino),
> really good on medium conditions and lanes with dry backends, but
> doesn't do that well on heavy oil with lots of carry-down (use a
> Columbia U2).
> 

> mike thompson
>  


	I recently purcahsed a purple Rhino Pro and I think it is beyond the
shadow of a doubt the nicest ball I have ever owned.  I watched a couple of
people that I know who are excellent bowlers who were using purple Rhino
Pros.  I have never seen such a reaction out of a ball before.  When this
ball hits the pocket, the pins actually jump up off the deck and then
straight back. Of course, you have to get it to the hole, but once it
arrives, it really packs a wallop.  I have mine drilled with one ounce of
sideweight, nothing else, and I can't say enough good things about it.

	I have  question on a different topic.  I have a pair of Linds bowling
shoes.  As I travel around the area bowling in different centers, I notice
that whenever I get on synthetic lanes, I have a problem with my left foot
(slide foot) heel sticking at the line.  I don't know if it is increased
friction due to the synthetic surface over wood or what.  But I have tried
everything I can think of.  I have used that teflon resin stuff to no
avail.  I have found that rubbing ashes on the heel seems to work for a few
shots, but then before I know it, it's back to the sticking problem again. 
Unfortuneately for me, this is enough to throw off the little concentration
that I am able to muster, and I end up thinking more about whether or not I
am going to finish true at the line rather than concentrating on making a
quality shot.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  


Dave Dalke
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

pierce@casbah.acns.nwu.edu
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: c9a-az@po.berkeley.edu (Mark Fujimoto)
Subject: Re: Excaliber..good bad?
Summary: no opinion anymore
Organization: University of California, at Berkeley
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 18:01:55 GMT

In article <1992Sep2.134227.23766@worldbank.org> aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org> writes:
>
>I've had alot of e-mail about my bashing of the
>X-caliber ball and I thought I might clarify my
>feelings about that particuliar ball.
>
>The only thing I knew was that the
>ball had a "new" type of surface on the ball
>that made it very sticky to the touch.  In
>fact it reminded me of the days when people
>used to "dip" their ball to make it that way.

This was one of the reasons I wanted to try out the ball; I thoroughly
love the old 5-9 series "bleeders" (especially 5 and 9), the old caramels,
but not the "soakers" -- too unstable and dangerous!   I thought Steve 
Cooper had finally come up with the urethane equivalent of the polyester
surface.  But the X-Calibur had a tackiness that wouldn't wipe away, unlike
the old polyester stuff.

>I don't like the X-caliber.  OBTW, I tried to
>put a shine on it via putting in a ball polisher
>for over _30_ mins..no change the polish does
>not stick that wierd surface...strange ball...

It cuts with a heavy wet-sand, then you can re-polish it; seems to 
tone down some of the over-under reaction.  I think i'd just get 
another ball instead (I did) of going through the work of trying 
to change the characteristics that much.
From: mafu@ocf.berkeley.edu (Mark Fujimoto)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: Re: PBA Card
Date: 27 Aug 1992 17:31:02 GMT
Organization: U. C. Berkeley Open Computing Facility
NNTP-Posting-Host: monsoon.berkeley.edu

In article <1992Aug27.151049.10523@intelhf.hf.intel.com> labelle@intelhf.hf.intel.com (George La Belle) writes:
>cone@controls.ccd.harris.com (Tom Cone) writes:
>
>>What exactly is required to obtain a PBA card. I know someone who
>>has one and I don't believe he is a very good bowler.(My opinion
>>ofcourse)
>
>	Not surprised, since the PBA has not raised their standards since
>	high scores on blocked lanes became the norm.

[PBA qualifications deleted]
For the National tour, don't forget PBA School!

>	A lot of people who average 190 think they are pretty good, 'till
>	they join the PBA and have to bowl on tough lane conditions - then
>	they find out the ugly truth!

No lie there!

A 190 average on the soft (i.e., short[er] oil) lane conditions we
have today means virtually nothing.  And don't let me get started on
urethane equipment.  But in defense of some PBA members, many of them
join just to say, "I'm PBA", or to get a leg up on the latest equip-
ment (as one poster had said).  These guys know they'll probably never
even enter an event, or if they do, not make a dime, much less a
check.  Plus, it's a great way to deflect off barbs such as, "If you
think you're such a hot bowler, why don't you enter the High Roller?
[or other mega-buck event]".
>
>		George


Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling