HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: Bowling - a "blue collar" sport?
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6CCE2C66F052631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Fri, 4 Sep 92 14:54:14 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:00:26 GMT

In article <1992Sep3.210020.16472@hspice.portal.com> ,
gregw@hspice.portal.com writes:
>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.

When I the military, I had the "opportunity" to bowl/live all over the
states and in several countries around the world.  One thing that I
noticed is that the attitude toward bowlers/bowling depended on your
geographic location.  For example in the D.C. area, bowling is NOT
considered a bluecollar sport.  In fact, it's not uncommon to see
BMW's,Vettes,Jags,Benz's etc in the parking lot.  It was kinda
strange the first time I saw a guy pull up in a 450 SL in a 500
dollar suit, yank out a bowling bag out of the trunk and rush to the
front doors of a local bowling alley hastilly pulling off his tie as
he ran across the lot!  Also until I arrived in the D.C. area, I never
saw a house sell wine (in wine glasses no less!).  I'm not talking about
cheap "box with a nipple" wine, but expensive reds and whites.

In Japan, bowling is an obsession.  If you are a professional over there
you are looked at in awe. (I've even had people ask for my autograph!).
Bowling ranks just below baseball/sumo etc as a national obsession.
You ought to see some of the houses they have over there!  The are
_beautiful_!

So I guess it all really depends on where you're at...

-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: Re: YABA & LBPT news from Bowlers Digest (R)
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6CB89837F072631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Thu, 3 Sep 92 14:21:07 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 13:27:18 GMT

In article <92246.51402.L621035@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM> , L621035@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM
writes:
>Happier news is, that the LBPT now has regional programs, similar (but to a
>very lesser scale) to the PBA.  Now women bowlers can compete locally, in
>their regions, & get discounts & benefits.  The Bowlers Digest lists the
>regional breakdown & the directors for the states.
 I know the this topic has been brought up with the PBA in the past.  With
a new commissioner there might be a better chance of the PBA becoming
more involved.  Your best bet is to have the colleges call the PBA, ask to
talk to the commissioner (or his rep) and see what they have planned
in the future for regional programs.  I know we work closely with the
LBPT on serveral issues.  ABC has now formed an alliance with the PBA
to sponsor pro tournaments.  The ABC now even publishes a monthly (or
is it quarterly I forget) newsletter just for PBA members that they mail
out to PBA members.  The also now require PBA members to obtain their
league sanction cards through the PBA.  This might be a topic to address
to the ABC also since lately the ABC seems to be getting involved in
all aspects of bowling, instead of just leagues.

TAN to Pam:  That's great!...thanks alot, I'm sure he'll get a kick out of 
it.

-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: jeffh@crchh317.BNR.CA (Jeff Hammond)
Subject: Re: Reverse Block and Christmas Trees
Followup-To: Lane conditions		
Keywords: lane conditions
Reply-To: jeffh@crchh317.BNR.CA (Jeff Hammond)
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 12:23:00 GMT

Dticle <17ose1INNkp6@agate.berkeley.edu>, mafu@ocf.berkeley.edu (Mark
Fujimoto) writes:
|>
|>In article <1992Aug28.210105.27064@bnr.ca> jeffh@crchh317.BNR.CA (Jeff
Hammond) writes:
|>>Howdy;
|>>	Could somewhere out here please explain to my outdated brain-cells
|>>what reverse-block & christmas patterns are. I know they are oil patterns
|>>on the lanes but I'm not exactly sure what they are.
|>>     .
|>>      .
|        .
|>>	Info is appreciated.
|> 
|>I'll try...
|>      .
|>      .
|>      .
|>	.
|>
|>In reference to the "reverse block" conditions:
|>      .
|>      .
|>      .

	Thank's for the help. Let's all have a good season.
		jeffh
---------------------------------------------------------------^--------------
jeffh@bnr.ca | My opinions do not represent those|            /|\
mss	     | of my employer or any other person|           \ | /            
-------------|-------------------- I know.       |            \|/
The only true power of the universe| SO THERE!   |<------------+------------>
is that of the individual. The   |---------------|            /|\
only true individual is one      |    GO!!!      |           / | \
who knows his place in the cosmos|   COWBOYS     |         |/_ | _\|
and seeks to extend it. jjh      |    BILLS      |             |
---------------------------------------------------------------v--------------


                                                                        
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: New bowling balls...
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6C801E17B042631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Mon, 31 Aug 92 22:05:37 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 21:11:43 GMT


Just a quick note...I periodically get notices in the mail
announcing new bowling balls coming out in the market
(usually about 4-6 months before they are released
to the public).  The prices range anywhere from $25-
$80 depending on the manufacturer and type of ball.
For example about a year ago, Brunswick announced
the Rhino Pro and was selling to PBA members
(maximum of 2 per order) for $55.  Since most of
us aren't millionares, this can be a substantial
savings (you have to get it drilled at your local favorite
pro shop).  If no one minds, I'll periodically post
any of these notices (that I don't want or can't
afford at the moment).  If you are interested
in ordering one, let me know and I'll order it
for you.  Anything I can do to help bring down
the cost of bowling supplies, hell I'm all
for it.

-Aki
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: yiky@bcarh29a.bnr.ca (YikHon Yu)
Subject: Re: just curious...
Organization: Bell-Northern Research, Ottawa, Canada
Date: Tue, 01 Sep 92 20:22:26 GMT

In article <1992Sep1.180836.12130@worldbank.org> aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org> writes:
>
>I'm just curious..I'm wondering what are the popular balls in your
>area..
>
>In this area the most popular balls are (not in particuliar order):
>
>The Rhino Pro (both black and purple)
>Black Sumo (the favorite it seems)
>Black Phantom (although dying out fast)
>Any kind of Hammer (everyone has atleast one)
>Turbos (same as the Phantom, dying fast)
>U2 (ALOT of people swear by it)
>BUD II (U2 clone)
>Shark  (still a few diehards that love it)
>
>Obviously from the list above you can assume most of
>the houses here are _wet_.
>-Aki

The last time (last Friday) I was at Club 440 in Montreal, Quebec,
I saw a lot of people using Columbia 300 The Beast (at least a
dozen people). I own one myself. I also saw a few Nu-Line X-Calibers (SP?).

Yik
From: Gudmundsen@a1.relay.upenn.edu (Tom Gudmundsen)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: House Closing
Date: 26 Aug 92 12:15:15 GMT
Organization: Computing Resource Center

The demise of our bowling place has brought about this message.

The lanes on which I have spent most of time bowling over the last 16 years
has lost its lease. It is a sad day for a number of people who 
have bowled there. I personally used to bowl in five leagues a week 
there, until six years ago when I herniated three disks in my back.
I have watched, at my count, the closing of twelve houses in the 
Philadelphia area over the last seven years. I am scrambling to find 
a new house for the league, but it doesn't look good. All the houses 
have already signed contracts with the winter leagues for this year.

Here is a question that I am posting. If bowling is growing in 
popularity why have so many houses closed in the last several Years???

Where have the bowlers gone from these houses???

I know finances have played a part with not bowling the number of 
leagues that I used to, but I even have had trouble finding bowlers 
for the High School team that I coached. Is bowling still percieved 
as that sport that only fat slobs and beer drinkers do??? 

Our houses in the area are older and I am wondering why only it 
seems that in the Midwest, Florida, and California area's are 
getting the newer types of houses? 

Tom Gudmundsen
Secretary/Treasurer 
Sunday Night Mixed League
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: Leaving 10 pins
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6C7E8563E0A2631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Mon, 31 Aug 92 20:16:38 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 19:22:44 GMT

In article <wperz.4.715285949@edc3jr.gpsh.pitt.edu> Walter G. Perz,
wperz@edc3jr.gpsh.pitt.edu writes:
>A question:  When I throw several games, 15-20 a session is not uncommon,
>I notice inflamation at the base of my thumb.  This turns into a callous,
>which invariably gets ripped off the next session and I have to quit for

Walter,
It sounds like you may be gripping your ball too hard.  Then
again it might just be the number of games you're bowling
at one time.  I suggest you get your ball checked for correct
measurements.  The pitch of the thumbhole may be off and
you are having to grip the ball too hard to hang onto it.
Pearl Hammers have a weight block that rides high towards
the shell, I haven't had a problem with my Pearl but I've
known atleast one instance where a bowler had trouble
because the weight block is slightly rougher than the
shell so there was more friction (although slight).  You
might consider getting more positive pitch to your thumbhole
so you don't have to grip it so hard.  I tend to grip my thumbhole
more towards the TOP of my thumbhole with places less
pressure on the flat part of my thumb.

Just a thought

-Aki
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: New bowling balls...
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6C8E09937062631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Tue, 1 Sep 92 13:55:53 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 13:02:04 GMT

In article <pierce-010992074523@skipper.bmbcb.nwu.edu> Dave Dalke,
pierce@casbah.acns.nwu.edu writes:
>	Please do!  That's a nice offer, especially in light of the fact that
>these new weapons run upwards of $125 in the local pro shops.
 Sorry, haven't heard anything about the new Weapons, if they
are already out on the market then they are not available through
the factory.  We usually get the notices for new balls about
4 months or so before they get to the pro shops..I'll keep an eye
out though..

-Aki
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: cone@controls.ccd.harris.com (Tom Cone)
Subject: PBA Card
Organization: Harris Controls and Composition
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 20:41:50 GMT

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)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: Reconditioning urethane balls
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6CA724449032631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Wed, 2 Sep 92 18:29:40 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 17:35:49 GMT

In article <1992Sep2.160635.13776@hspice.portal.com> Greg Widdicombe,
gregw@.hspice.portal.com writes:
>Is there a "proper" way to do this?  [Especially one that requires
>power tools Argh Argh Argh]

actually there is a proper way.  The way you did it is just fine
except it requires alot of work.  Pro shops have what they
call a "ball spinner".  Basically it's a small 120v motor connected
via belts and pulleys to a rotating disk or "cup" that the ball
sits in.  When the spinner is turned on, the spinner spins the ball
at a high rate of speed.  The all you have to do is take sandpaper
in both hands and press the paper against the ball.  This gives the
ball a circular sanded "milled" look, just like from the factory
when it was new.  I have one I made at home that I bought from
a pro shop that went out of business a while back.  It's also
really helpful when I want to refinish a polyester ball to
give it a "like new" shine.  BTW that's how the pro shops
"refinish" your ball.  There's alot more involved by basically
to hand sand your ball:

1. use a deep sink or similiar sink (it gets messy).
2. get 200 grt, 400 grt and 600 grt WET sandpaper.
3. place ball in sink (remove any tape in holes first).
4. starting with the 200 grt sandpaper and water running
    over the ball, sand in one direction ONLY, this will
    prevent that "scratched to hell" look.
5. repeat step 4 over again with the 400 grt followed by the 600grt
    wet sandpaper.
6.  dry the ball off and usually I take rubbing alcohol and wipe it
     over the ball to get rid of any small particles of dust in the
     finger/thumb holes and around the ball.
Wah -la!  a refinished urathane ball!  Just remember you keep doing
that though and eventually you will end up with a ball the size of
a baseball!
If you want to smooth it out any (not so rough), add 800grt sandpaper
to the final sanding and when the ball is dry rub rubbing compound
(the same kind you buy in auto stores) over the surface of the ball with
a terry cloth, it will shine up the ball and prevent the ball from
hooking to hard.  If it still hooks too much throw it in the polishing
machine at the bowling alley for a few minutes...

-aki
The Worldbank Wash D.C.
e-mail:  akidamme-233324.worldbank.org
(202)458-1112
********************
"How come every ball that's best for me
I don't own?"
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: labelle@intelhf.hf.intel.com (George La Belle)
Subject: Re: PBA Card
Organization: Development Tools Operation, Intel Corp., Hillsboro  OR
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 92 15:10:49 GMT

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.

	As far as I know the requirements are - average 190 for 2 consecutive
	years, and get 3 letters of recommendation from people in your
	community or other PBA members, or a PBA director. This gets you into
	the regional program. To get on tour you need to cash in 2 regional
	events, or win one, or some such.

	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!

		George
From: mafu@ocf.berkeley.edu (Mark Fujimoto)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: Re: House Closing
Date: 27 Aug 1992 02:26:22 GMT
Organization: U.C. Berkeley Open Computing Facility
NNTP-Posting-Host: tornado.berkeley.edu

Speaking of bowling center closings, I just heard that Little Tokyo Bowl
will cease operation after their summer leagues end.  LTB is/was one of  
a small handful of centers near downtown Los Angeles (3rd/Alameda for 
those who know LA), and by far, one of the newest and most modern centers
in Southern Cal (considerably less than 10 years old).  

I've heard that other centers are having no problem accomodating the dis-
placed LTB patrons, further affirming the fact that many centers are hurt-
ing for business.
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: House Closing
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6C11E81C3032631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Wed, 26 Aug 92 16:41:53 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 15:47:53 GMT

In article <87063@netnews.upenn.edu> Tom Gudmundsen,
Gudmundsen@a1.relay.upenn.edu writes:
>Where have the bowlers gone from these houses???
Tom,
Probably the economy has alot to do with it.  Games are getting more
expensive and alot of people are out of work.  Hopefully once the
economy stabilizes things will get better.  It's a sad fact that alot
of people don't hunt for another house once the one they bowl in closes.
They just quit.  No participation from parents/adults, no support for
bowling related programs in school.  The bowling industry has experienced
the same thing about ten years ago, hopefully it's just a phase we'll
have to ride through.  Most people I know, don't think of bowling as 
as "beer fest" sport anymore.  Unfortunately, the bowling industry is
not drawing in new bowlers, just trying to hang on to the ones they have.
One MAJOR problem the industry has is that the houses don't encourage
new bowlers to learn how to play the game.  When was the last time you
saw a house actually try and teach a new uninformed bowler how to score
or how to roll a ball?  Most houses I've seen the new bowler is expected
to already know how to do everything and then gets chewed out by the
house if they cross over the foul line or use their house shoes on the
lanes.  The houses have as much to blame for the non-participation of the
sport as anyone else (IMHO).
-aki
From: ostubble@agsm.ucla.edu (Otha Stubblefield III)
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
Subject: Re: House Closing
Date: 2 Sep 92 15:06:28 GMT
Distribution: na

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


>Gee, aren't you lucky???  While I was growing up, I got to see these
>centers close down: Hawthorne Bowl, Tropicana Lanes, Cove Bowl,
>Century Bowl, WonderBowl-Downey (and WonderBowl-Anaheim), Imperial
>Bowl, Red Fox Lanes, Major Bowl, Plaza Lanes, Grand Central Lanes,
>Lucky Lanes, Eagle Rock Lanes, Encino Bowl, among others; and Little
>Tokyo Bowl, a ~5-year-old center and the only one I can recall that was
>built during this time where I grew up, closes down at summer's end...
>...ALL in Los Angeles County, thank you.  (Orange County and San Fernando 
>Valley closings not included.)

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, 

On the plus side, though, Cal Bowl in Lakewood has expanded to
68 lanes, from 40.  Colima Lanes (formerly Rowland Bowl) in Rowland
Heights expanded to 48, from 40.
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling
From: aki <aki@atlas.worldbank.org>
Subject: Re: getting information on being a pro
X-Xxmessage-Id: <A6C91F9E19012631@akidamme-233324.worldbank.org>
X-Xxdate: Tue, 1 Sep 92 18:24:46 GMT
Organization: World Bank
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d8
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 17:30:55 GMT

In article <BtwqAq.ECx@acsu.buffalo.edu> Scott T. Koker,
koker@acsu.buffalo.edu writes:
>
>    I am posting this in regards to AKI if I remember right. My name is
Scott 
> Koker and I just found out about this awesome bowling bulletin board.
I've 
> been bowling for 15 years and have 18 300's (sanctioned and tournament
play)
> and 2 800's both sactioned (810&855). I am thinking about going pro
once I 
> graduate from UB in NY. I would like to get the Information on becoming
a PRO.
> I know some of the qualificatons, but I want to know everything. I buy
alot of 
>bowling balls and travel to alot of the major scratch tournaments, so I
feel 
> that this Info would be great.

Scott,
That's a pretty impressive record you have.  If you desire to become a
pro (or for anyone else who may be interested), you can obtain information
from:

								The Professional Bowlers Association
							  P.O. Box 5118
								1720 Merriman Road
                Akron Ohio 44334-0118
                (216) 836-5568

If you call them, they can send you a packet containing the rules and
regulations, an application form and a list of minimum requirements
to join the PBA.
Applications for membership are accepted and reviewed about 4 times
a year (but you can send it in anytime you wish).  Remember that your
average MUST be for the past 2 previous consecutive years.  Once you
send in your application package (I posted all the stuff in an earlier
post), it takes usually 6-8 weeks before you hear if you have been
accepted.  If you are accepted, you will receive a registered letter
for the PBA congratulating you on your acceptance into the PBA and
(now the bad news) all the damn money they will expect from you (e.g.
membership dues, initiation fees etc).  In addition you'll have to 
attend a PBA members school which is held about 4 times a year in
various parts of the country.  I attended the class in Cleveland OH.
If you can find _anywhere_ else to attend the class, go there!
Cleveland is _boring_ and (IMHO) has _no_ nightlife....
You get over 100 bowlers together for three days, you EXPECT some
nightlife!...

Oh and TAKE YOUR BOWLING EQUIPMENT...I got into some horrendous
pot games in the evening...

-Aki
Newsgroups: alt.sport.bowling