Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Here & There Column 2-24-09

Doing The Rebate Thing

Have you ever tried to figure out what the buying public would do without the "Rebate" thing?
Most people stay away from rebates because they are afraid they will either be denied or they just don't want to fool around with all the regulations and paper work involved.
On a recent purchase I made the paperwork I had to fill out wanted my life history, the sales slip (and no copies) along with the product ID and serial number, where I purchased the product, the total cost and the UPC code from the original packaging ..........all of this for a $10 rebate.....you might wonder whether this is worth it or not.
But then again on a different product I purchased there was this scenario......the item I purchased included a free carry case with an easy rebate. The catch here was that I had to pay for the full price for the case, then fill out a rebate coupon (which was an easy procedure because all they wanted was my name, address, phone number and email address and everything else about the product was included on the rebate redemption form which told me I should receive my rebate in four to six weeks.......with a small catch here being that my rebate would come to me in the form of a Visa debit card.
Just a quick note here......don't let the card lay around the house because some folks tend to set them aside on their kitchen counter and forget they have to be used within a certain time frame .... this forget-fullness almost cost me $40 one time.
Just have to scratch my head sometimes and wonder why the store made me pay for the case when they were going to refund me the full cost of it in the form of a rebate....can you imagine the extra help this company must pay for to handle the rebate process when it would have been just as simple and more cost effective to not charge me for the case in the first place.
I know some folks have a good organization method and save hundreds on rebates and they make for sure they won't be denied this savings.
To play by the rebate rules it's good to have a copier, stamps, envelopes and scissors. Always make copies of what you send in because if you get a denial all you have to do is call the number on the sheet and let them know you have copies of the submission and usually this is all you need to do to get the rebate issued.
Important to remember that in most cases, the rebate paperwork must be sent to the manufacturer or retailer within 30 days of the purchase and companies are required by law to send rebates within the time frame promised.
Happy rebate shopping.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Bowling Highlights Column 2-20-09

Bowlers Must Unite--Say No To Tax On Bowling

Bowlers could very well be faced with a sales tax on their favorite sport if Gov. David Paterson's proposed budget passes.
Some have tabbed the proposed new tax "a tax on fun."
The tax would even go as far as having New Yorkers pay sales taxes on rounds of golf, concerts, movies and live theater.
The proposed tax would change the definition of "amusement" in the state tax code to include more kinds of fun and would result in taxes being charged to swimming pools, amusements parks, bowling alleys, horse race tracks, circuses and boxing and wrestling matches.
The tax would include the state charge of 4 percent and local taxes (the amount your country charges) and this would be added onto the state tax and the county governments will not have the option to drop the sales tax on amusement.
The state of course protects itself here by saying that the proposed tax would not apply to government owned parks, pools or the state fair. Non-profit groups, such as the YMCA, would be exempt, but a for-profit health club would be taxed.
If the state legislature approves the budget with this new tax proposal it would take effect June 1.
The reference numbers for this proposed legislation is Budget Bill AB. 160 and S. 60.
This bill is definitely anti-small business and the sales tax would be disproportionately distributed upon low, moderate and fix income citizens and would further be unevenly distributed to league bowlers who bowl in a regular 32, ,34 or 35 week season.
The governor and state legislators appear to not understand that bowling is a great recreational and competitive activity for all ages and that bowling centers are the heart of the community, often sponsoring charity fundraisers, providing scholarships for youth bowlers, hosting and supporting high school and in some areas college bowling teams and hold local food drives and D.A.R.E. programs.
Write, call, fax or email your state legislator and remind them that bowling is a great sport and one of the few that you and your family can still afford......tell them that if they want your support next time they run for office they must spare us from a sales tax on bowling.
Bowlers......its time to let Governor Patterson, Assembly member Aileen M. Gunther and State Senator John J. Bonacic know that bowlers cannot afford this type of "fun" tax.
Each and every league secretary and president is being asked to write a short letter stating league bowlers opposition to this proposed tax.
The New York State Bowling Proprietors Association has send a packet of materials to all bowling centers asking each bowling proprietor to conduct a bowler opposition card campaign, to put posters up, to make direct contact with legislators and to have league officers send personal letters to the legislators.
Priscilla Zonneville, president of the NYS USBC Women's Bowling Association issued the following statement to NYS local association presidents and association managers:
"Twenty years ago, NYS proposed a tax on the sport of bowling and with the efforts of the association leaders, league members and proprietors, it was defeated. 2009 has brought a new governor who again wants to tax our sport. Bowling centers across New York have received postcards for bowlers to fill out discouraging the proposed tax. We need your assistance as leaders to check at your local bowling centers to make sure this is happening.We hope you will comply with letters to politicians in your area. You may also want to comment on how a tax will be disproportionately distributed upon low, moderate and fixed income citizens, it would be unevenly distributed to league bowlers who bowl 35 weeks and it would generate a loss of bowlers and ultimately a loss of money to the state. Bowling has lost many members over the past 20 years and that drop is continuing due to rising costs."
Call the Governor at 518-474-8390 or go to New York State on the Internet and email the governor at www.ny.gov/governor/contact/index.html , call Assembly member Gunther at 845-794-5807 or email her at gunthera@assembly.state.ny.us and call Senator Bonacic at 845-344-3311 or go to the New York State Senate Members page and find the senators name and you can email him there.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: One of our previous tips was designed to help you achieve the correct body position to properly execute a bowling shot and be able to repeat it.
This week, we will cover the release....information that will help bowlers on all levels.
A properly executed release is possibly one of the most misunderstood parts of a bowling shot. Most bowlers tend to muscle the ball through the release zone, either accelerating or decelerating on the downswing. The proper release for all bowlers, (whether you are a six-year-old with a conventional grip or an accomplished bowler with many years experience), can be executed by letting gravity bring the ball from the top of your swing through the release zone with no interference from your arm or shoulder muscles.
If your ball fits properly, the gravity will take it off your hand at the right time providing your body is in the proper position.
Any rotation on the ball should come from your hand only, not your arm. Using the proper technique will allow you to get as much rotation on the ball as desired. Note, however, if your ball does not fit properly, it will require excessive grip pressure to hold on to which will make the release harder to execute.
Gravity can be your best friend or worst enemy depending on how you use it.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-341-1694 or via email at mikespro@warwick.net

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores from the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a real nice 583 series with singles games of 187, 199 and 197 by Desiree Rossomondo, Debra Loughrey 212, 524, Debbie Schick 181, 186, Maureen Schlott 201, Rebecca Rhodes 217, 528, Donna Dubois 186 and Lillian Zieres 182.
In the Delaware Valley Men's league Damien Vanluven scored a 200, Jon Duffy 203, Mark Herbert 222, Scott Herbert 231, Jon Wayne 206, 224, 622, Steve Lagoda 202, Tim Ackerman 201, Mark Goda 210, Mike Hubbard 219, Mark Hawley 227, 216, Tom Russell 201, 219 and Bob Cady 217.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Dave Maus scored a 200, Phil Jacoby 203, 220, 614, Roger Widmann 225, 209, 614, Paul Minton 224, Dwayne Cabrera 214, Ed Townsend 201, Mark Hawley 224, Joseph Gager 207, Kory Keesler 235, 203, 627 and Tom Russell 217.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Early Birds Ladies league include a 184-183-530 by Anne Couse, Chris Lamoreaux 503, Nikki Andriano 193, 502, Kathleen Maltese 187 and Diana Miller 181.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Mitch Persbacker scored a 233, 200, 220, 653, Ryan Kille 212, 242, 652, Arthur Gately 225. 223. 644, Howie Couse 245, 632, Tony Wright 210, 226, 619, David Thomason 211, 224, 615, Frank Couse 200, 217, 607, James Dibble 210, 202, 604, Brian Drumm 203, 216, 603, Frank Couse Sr. 253, 601, Neil Mosher 223, Lee Stanton 223 and Shawn Tracy 233.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Andrew Bullis scored a 226, 231, 216, 673, Craig Conklin 216, 212, 245, 673, Neil Mosher 208, 238, 630, Jim Valentine 243, 618, Robert Johnson 216, 220, 615, Howard Couse Sr. 213, 205, 613, Bill Gleim 245, John Lanner 220, Al Bullis Jr. 225 and Greg Keesler 244.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Daniel Wormuth scored a 223, 259, 673, Scott Ellis 214, 210, 232, 656, Howard Couse 232, 605, Nick Hazen 228, Paul Fritz two 200 games, Carl Davis 241, Mark McGraw 206, Brian Tiffany 203, James Dibble 202, Crystal Ellis 191, 508, Kristina Couse 200, 506, Kathy Smith 503, Janet Ellis 201 and Hope Jones 182.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Dave Mills scored a 212, 237, 204, 653, Fred Shakelton 246, 213, 629, Ray Cornwell 200, 203, 602, Erwin Haeussler 214 and Julie Cornwell 186.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 238, 604 by Nate Sanders, Willy Bartley 214, David Graham 201, 267, 630, Lloyd Bridges 211, 259, 645, Chuck McAllister 202, 214, 602, Keith Smith 218, John Fischer 218, 607, Bill Helms 204, 212, Steve Rivera 216, Brian Mirino 221, Wayne Pirnos 212, Kevin Stackhouse 223, 221, 617, Mike Mulligan 223, 212, 625, Roy Sweeney 223, Mike Weiner 234, Jim VanAken 214, Jason Jones 221, John Hoffmann 232, 237, 644, Rudy Belanchia 232, 246, 217, 695, Peter Mitro 204, 242, 620, Keith Shaddock 203, Nolan Levine 205, Frank Amore 223, Tim Bilyeu221, 227, 278, 726, Harrison Cherry 200, Joey Smith 202, 206, Robert Hamilton 216, 236, 645, Donald Durland 260, 628, Jaryl Scott 200, Mark Wegener 238, 225, 658, Tim McIntyre 203, 228, Al Caycho 200, 205, Jack Moylan 200, 239, 621, Rob Sze 223, James Ratner 212, 213, 622, Kort Wheeler 245, 215, 634, Angel Rodriguez 238, 277, 203, 718, Eddie Lake 204, 258, 268, 730, Rick Lake 211 and Paul Curry 216.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Cara Nicholson scored a 180, Pat Mulhern 224, 561, Matt Cooper 217, Ed Guthrie 201, 208, 600, John Cascone 206, Cecil Walters 201, 202, Mary Lee Williams 193, 193, 562, Joan Lake 233, 532, Dorian Jennings 186, 537, Jack Rustic 204, George Kelley 202, Barbara Yeomans 186, 212, 181, 579, Donna DuBois 191, Cliff Starr 200, Dale Sonnenschein 213, John Fischer 248, John Hoffmann 233, 236, 227, 696, Debbie Durland 202, 513, Larry Berens 236, Andrea Grossman 191, 540, Lisa Cartwright 194, Stan Gilmore 252 and Todd Telesky 215, 207.
In the Wednesday Men's league Donald Durland scored a 219, Matthew Fallon 203, 247, 631, Richard Bradford 202, 225, 212, 639, Jon Wilhelm 215, 207, Jerry DiGioia 211, Jody Farquhar 202, Tim McIntyre 235, 232, 226, 693, Vincent Scuderi 255, 612, George Battle Jr. 201, 213, Frank Muller Jr. 211, 223, 609, Larry Berens 213, 200, 610, Dean Shattuck 225, Art Eggleton 201, John Hoffmann 216, Tom Belgiovene 234, Vinnie Collura 247, 233, Rich Hendricks 225, 601, Al Caycho 214, 245, 638, Eugene Morton 226, Eddie Lake 267, 279, 235, 781, Shaun Lyons 226, 205, 601, Anthony Atkins 235, Tim Minton 217, 237, 614, Wayne Atkins 233, Chris Magie 222, David Porter Jr. 213, William Danchak 257, Frank DiCostanzo 235, 224, 626, Rick Lake 202 and Frank Scuderi 244.
In the Thursday Ladies league Rita Burdick scored a 187, Barbara Durbak 190, 502, April Aldrich 183, Sue Vazquez 217, 553, Valerie Fersch 185, Mari Jane Conklin 197, Joan Lake 183, 504 and Joyce Haring 180, 502.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division A. Edwards scored a 60, R. Schreiber 83, G. VanAken 88, E. Jones 93 and C. Jones 72. In the Bantams division S. Patel scored a 112, 122. In the Preps division S. Patel scored a 96, R. Patel 110, 133, M. Hope 136 and N. Scudari 79. In the Jr/Mjrs division A. Bock scored a 121, S. Patel 173, C. Israel 141, S. Comfort 98, 109, M. Brown 111, M. Scuderi 179, 199, P. Agapito III a 233, N. Price 194, S. Deitchman 202, 196, 207, C. Ciliberto 126, 107, E. Walsh 210, J. Durland 219. 221, J. Friedman 141, K. Gessman 143, M. Edwards 133, 145, 171 and B. Fraser 117.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a professional consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-County NY USBC where he serves as Chairman of the Publicity Committee. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an email to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com
PBA SHOW AIRS AT 1 P.M. SUNDAY ON ESPN

Until recently, John Nolen of Waterford, Mich., was a virtual unknown on the national bowing scene. He used last Sunday's nationally televised championship round of the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Masters to change that in a hurry.
Competing on television for the first time, Nolen defeated Danny Wiseman of Baltimore, 202-193, to win the USBC Masters and claim his first career Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour title.
Nolen, the No. 1 seed for the championship round, finished as the top qualifier and blew through match play undefeated to win the title. He finished 7-0 in his matches and became the first top qualifier to win the title since Mike Scroggins accomplished the feat in 2005.
"This means everything to me," said Nolen, who earned $60,000 and a two-year PBA Tour exemption. "I came into this week wanting to get a win, and if this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life, I have to think that way."
Nolen, 29, sat helpless on the bench as he watched Wiseman finish the match. Needing a strike, nine, spare to even the score or two strikes to win outright, Wiseman stepped up and left a 10 pin on his first shot to hand Nolen the victory.
The tour continues this week with the GEICO Plastic Ball Championship at the Brunswick Zone at Wheat Ridge, CO. ESPN TV finals are Sunday at 1 p.m.

TOP SEED NOLEN CLAIMS USBC MASTERS TITLE

Until recently, John Nolen of Waterford, Mich., was a virtual unknown on the national bowling scene. He used Sunday's nationally televised championship round of the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Masters to change that in a hurry.

Competing on television for the first time, Nolen defeated Danny Wiseman last Sunday , 202-193, to win the USBC Masters and claim his first career Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour title.

Nolen, the No. 1 seed for the championship round, finished as the top qualifier and blew through match play undefeated to win the title. He finished 7-0 in his matches and became the first top qualifier to win the title since Mike Scroggins accomplished the feat in 2005.

"This means everything to me," said Nolen, who earned $60,000 and a two-year PBA Tour exemption. "I came into this week wanting to get a win, and if this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life, I have to think that way."

Nolen, 29, sat helpless on the bench as he watched Wiseman finish the match. Needing a strike, nine, spare to even the score or two strikes to win outright, Wiseman stepped up and left a 10 pin on his first shot to hand Nolen the victory.

"I don't like rooting for people to miss, really I don't," said Nolen, who won the PBA Regional Players Invitational in December. "If someone strikes, they earn it and they deserve it, but I wasn't too upset to see that 10 pin standing. Danny is a great champion, and I didn't expect anything other than for him to put 10 back in the pit to win the title."

Wiseman started the title match with three consecutive strikes before struggling with ball reaction down the stretch. In the end, he said he just didn't make the right subtle adjustments to win the match.

"You can't second guess yourself," said Wiseman, who was seeking his second Masters title after winning in 2004. "It's all about decision making. You have to make the change and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You have to live with the decision."

Wiseman, the No. 3 seed, defeated second seed Steve Harman of Camby, Ind., and fourth seed Tommy Jones of Simpsonville, S.C., to reach the championship match.

In the opening match of the championship round, Wiseman pulled away early from Jones with five consecutive strikes to start and cruised to a 257-216 victory. Against Harman, Wiseman struck on his final four shots in a 223-188 victory.

The 2009 USBC Masters featured a field of 452 of the best professional and amateur bowlers from around the world. A major on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, the players competed for an overall prize fund of $350,000.

For complete coverage of the Masters, including stories, photos and results, visit bowl.com.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Bowl with US

2009 USBC MASTERS
At Cashman Center, Las Vegas
Sunday's results

Final standings

1, John Nolen, Waterford, Mich., 202 (one game), $60,000.
2, Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 673 (three games), $30,000.
3, Steve Harman, Camby, Ind., 188 (one game), $20,000.
4, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 216 (one game), $15,000.

Stepladder results

Match One - Wiseman def. Jones, 257-216
Match Two - Wiseman def. Harman, 223-188
Championship Match - Nolen def. Wiseman, 202-193

USBC YOUTH PROGRAM TO MAKE MAJOR CHANGES

The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has approved several major changes to USBC Youth programs that will take effect in the 2009-10 season. These changes are designed to attract more youth bowlers to certified league play and provide a more efficient and rewarding system for youth bowlers.

"We have seen USBC Youth membership decline at a significant rate," said USBC Youth Development Director Brian Graham. "Our research shows that kids love the sport and a large number are currently bowling in non-certified leagues. These changes aim to provide more value in USBC leagues and make it easier to join."

Key changes to the youth program include:

Membership delivery and processing. Bowling centers will have the option to directly process memberships, averages and awards to USBC. In many areas, local associations will continue this function; however, bowling centers will be able to make the choice to take sole responsibility or continue to work through local associations for Youth processing.

Membership options. A USBC Youth Basic Membership ($5) option has been added for youths in leagues that meet for 12 or fewer sessions. The USBC Youth Standard Membership ($17) and Junior Gold Membership ($30) remain. For the Junior Gold program, the new average requirement for girls has been adjusted to 150; the boys will remain at 175.

Youth Awards Program. The program will undergo significant changes in an effort to better match awards to the skill level of the youth bowler. Included will be special awards for ages 12 and under, and the return of the 300 game and 800 series rings.

Age requirement. USBC Youth membership will be available to bowlers who have not reached their 20th birthday on or before Aug. 1 of the current bowling season.

"Some local USBC associations have fantastic youth programs and we expect these changes will make those associations even stronger," Graham said. "This change also gives bowling proprietors a way to partner with USBC directly to grow their youth participation."
Please visit www.bowl.com for more details on the changes for 2009-10.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.
Six Top Women Bowlers to Return to TV in Women’s Series Showdown
USBC-Sponsored Season-Ending Special Event to Feature Unique Petraglia Scoring System

Six of the nation’s top women bowlers will return to television in April, competing in a radically different bowling format for a $25,000 first prize in the Professional Bowlers Association’s inaugural Women’s Series Showdown presented by the United States Bowling Congress.

The special event, to be hosted by Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Fla., will result in a back-to-back one-hour shows which will air on ESPN on Sunday, April 12, from 1-3 p.m. Eastern.

The field includes five winners of PBA Women’s Series events held earlier in the 2008-09 season, plus Missy Bellinder of Fullerton, Calif., who finished second to two-time titlist Michelle Feldman of Auburn, N.Y., in the CLR Carmen Salvino Scorpion Championship. Other contestants are Feldman, who won the Chameleon and Scorpion Championships; Stefanie Nation of Arlington, Texas, winner of the Pepsi Viper Championship; Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Keller, Texas, winner of the Cheetah Championship; Jodi Woessner, Oregon, Ohio, winner of the Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship, and Wendy Macpherson of Henderson, Nev., winner of the Bayer Earl Anthony Medford Classic.

The PBA Women’s Series Showdown presented by USBC will feature a “Showdown” elimination round, followed by a championship round – all using a unique scoring format created by PBA and newly-elected USBC Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia.

“An event as unique as the Women’s Series Showdown deserves a unique format that will showcase the competitive skills of these great players,” said PBA COO and Vice President Tom Clark.

The Petraglia Scoring System ignores pinfall, but counts the number of balls thrown to clear the deck in each frame. A strike thus equals a “1” and a typical spare would result in a “2” for the frame. A 7-10 split, however, might require three balls for a “3” and a miss could escalate the score for the frame.

Under the Petraglia system, the lowest score wins. Players will bowl their entire game on one lane. The 10th frame will be treated like a normal frame. A perfect Petraglia game would be a “10” for 10 strikes. Any ties will be broken by a one-ball sudden-death roll-off.

The opening “Showdown” elimination round will feature Dorin-Ballard, Woessner and Macpherson bowling the first game, and Feldman, Nation and Bellinder in the second. The winner of each game will advance to the championship round. The highest Petraglia total among the remaining four players will be eliminated. The other three will advance to the championship round’s wild card match.

The championship round will feature a three-player wild card game with the winner advancing to bowl with the two “Showdown” round winners in the title match where the lowest Petraglia Scoring System total will claim a $25,000 share of the $50,000 prize fund.

“USBC is doing its best to create as much public awareness for women’s bowling as possible,” said USBC Vice President-Media Pete Tredwell. “By adding this unique, colorful event to our continued support of the PBA Women’s Series, USBC is providing America’s bowling fans with another opportunity to appreciate the talents of some of our sport’s best women athletes.”

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events and will award over $4.3 million in prize money during the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA National Tour. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.

About the United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Here & There Column 2-17-09

Neversink residents Christina & Alan Buckler enjoy the 3-D event as part of this years Super Bowl game.

Super Bowl Party Becomes A 3-D Event

Super Bowl productions always seen to come up with a different touch each year and this years event added more then Bruce Springsteen's halftime show and James Harrison's 100-yard return....viewers experienced a monstrous 3D event at the end of the 2nd quarter called Monsters vs Aliens.
Several folks hosting their annual Super Bowl party noted that with a downward spiraling economy and holiday credit card bills to pay off the last thing they were going to do was notch up a spending spree and a pricey Super Bowl Party.
For football fans, winters means only one thing......"The Big Game"......and whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just eager to check out those million dollar plus commercials, no Super Bowl Sunday would be complete with friends, family, food and liquid refreshments.
Football fans certainly were treated to an action-filled Super Bowl XLIII thriller between the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Arizona Cardinals but the majority of the folks at the party my wife and I attended were still routing for the failed New York Giants.......well I even went as far as wearing my New York Giants sweatshirt.
Our afternoon activities started off with the ever growing popular Wii Bowling and chowing down on delicious snacks, sandwiches and liquid refreshments...we left Shirley's famous "lemon tort" for our halftime desert.
The folks at the party we attended seemed to enjoy Bruce Springsteen's halftime show but others we talked to felt the show was an abomination......and what about those expensive commercials....at several points of this event I was wondering if they ever would return to the actual football game.
That's a wrap on NFL football for this season but that 3-D event proved to be something else with folks staring at the big-screen TV through Intel 3-D glasses.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Bowling Highlights Column 2-13-09

USBC Breaks Ground On Training-Research Center

Staff members at the new International Bowling Campus were on hand recently for the groundbreaking of the International Training and Research Center.
United States Bowling Congress Chief Executive Officer Kevin Dornberger, USBC Vice President-National Governing Body Neil Stremmel and Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America Executive Director John Berglund briefly addressed the group before various people donned hard hats and used shovels to ceremoniously move dirt in the complex’s south parking lot.
“This facility has been a long time in the making,” Dornberger said. “It will be the facility to teach, the facility to train and the facility to coach. We will make this the learning place of the world.”
“There are more than 30 National Governing Body training centers in the United States so, this is a positive step to the future success for bowling,” Stremmel said. “The ability to perform testing, conduct research and administer high-quality coaching is a key component to be a national governing body.”
Others on hand included USBC High Performance Director for Team USA, the USBC Coaching program and the International Training and Research Center David Garber and International Training and Research Center Head Coach Rod Ross.
“I am elated that USBC, along with BPAA, has the foresight to build a state-of-the-art training and test center,” Garber said. “This is another huge step in being able to grow the sport of bowling and continue to increase credibility to USBC and the coaching department.”
“This is a very exciting time for the sport of bowling. Having a facility like this is needed if we want to grow and develop the sport,” Ross said. “The tools and techniques that we have and continue to develop will not only help the elite athletes and teams that will train here, but the programs we develop will also help bowling centers improve their bowler retention and bowler developmental programs.”
The facility will include 14 lanes for training and six for research and testing of bowling equipment with four of the lanes being equipped for televised broadcasts. High-tech tools in the test center's research area will include a robotic ball thrower, computer ball tracking system and state-of-the-art biomechanics technology such as motion capture, which uses a sensor array and computer system to precisely track body movements of bowlers. " Plans call for coaches to use that technology on the test center lanes to coach Team USA, Junior Team USA, national teams from World Tenpin Bowling Association countries and possibly coaches who want to train in the facility. In addition, the plan is for the training center to be available for a fee to bowlers who want to take high-tech coaching lessons.
"This if the fulfillment of a dream," Berglund said. "But it's not the end of a dream. It's the beginning and BPAA is happy to play a role in making it happen."
Full-time construction on the 20-lane facility has started with a goal to be finished by Sept. 1.
“USBC is the world leader with regards to equipment specifications and rules and now coaching will have an appropriate place to become world class,” Stremmel said. The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Bowling Tips
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This weeks tip is for all bowlers regardless of your level and it has to do with understanding the correct body position needed to execute a bowling shot and being able to duplicate it.
If you were to stand straight on the approach, facing the pins, letting the ball hang on your hand, you could not swing the ball straight without hitting your hip with the ball. This is impossible to do without swinging the ball around your hip because the ball is too big.
This "roundhouse swing" is not able to be duplicated shot after shot. Therefore, you might be in a position to be able to swing the ball toward your desired target without any obstacles.
The tip: Get your head as far to the right (or left if left-handed) and tilt your bowling shoulder slightly downward. Contrary to what some of your fellow bowlers might tell you, you must drop your shoulder toward the floor in order to avoid the "roundhouse" swing. At the same time, slightly open your hips and shoulder and you will be able to swing your arm straight toward your target time and time again. Due to different physiologist, the exact position may very slightly from person to person, when when correctly positioned, you can use gravity to control the tempo of your swing.
Note: If you were to shoot a game of pool, or go to a range and shot a bow or rifle, note the position your head would have to be in to be effective in these activities. Watch Pro Bowling on TV and make note of the bowler's body positions.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

New Spring League
Offers $1,000 First
Place Guaranteed

A new Tuesday Mixed Spring league with a $1,000 first place prize guaranteed has been announced at Kiamesha Lanes.
The $1,000 first place guaranteed is based on a 10 team league which would compete on Tuesday nights starting at 7 p.m. and would be a 12-week league ending the last Tuesday in June.
A team would consist of 4 players, men or women and any combination.
This league would feature a position night every week with a 90 percent handicap of 900 team average.
There will be a $25 team entry fee and league bowling will be $18 per bowler per week.
All monies after game fees goes tot he prize fund and all prizes will go to team standings as there will be no individual or team awards.
All prize monies will be paid out after the last night of bowling. Weekly fees must be paid in full by the week before the last night of bowling.
Individuals are also welcome to sign up for this league.
A $25 entry fee check (which goes into the prize fund) and your team's roster can be mailed to Kiamesha Lanes at P.O. Box, Route 42. Kiamesha Lake, NY 12751. Information can be obtained at 845-794-5561.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 200 by Willy Bartley, David Graham 203, Nate Sanders 201, Andrew Douglass 205, Lloyd Bridges 205, Chuck McAllister 214, 205, 216, 635, Keith Smith 202, Francisco Martinez 216, John Fischer 213, Steve Rivera 213, Wayne Pinnos 211, 224, 629, Roy Sweeney 206, 210, 248, 664, Jim VanAken 212, 211, Jason Jones 203, 223, Tom Belgiovene 210, 213, 616, John Hoffmann 224, 258, 213, 695, Rudy Belanchia 204, 267, 643, Peter Mitro 276, 628, Serifin Rodriguez 216, 200, Jo Jo VanKeuren 200, 258, 245, 703, Keith Shaddock 201, 200, Richard Levine 224, Jim Frost 232, Tim Bilyeu 267, 645, Joey Smith 201, Robert Hamilton 202, 212, 611, Donald Durland 236, 225, 642, Paul Durland 214, 215, Jaryl Scott 206, Mark Wegener 235, 278, 212, 725, Al Caycho 237, Jack Moylan 254, 203, 264, 721, Rob Sze 212, James Ratner 238, 237, 645, Kort Wheeler 236, 206, 625, Angel Rodriguez 205, Frank Scuderi 221, 223, 210, 654, Eddie Lake 280, 208, 236, 724, Rick Lake 233, Billy Curry Jr. 206 and Paul Curry 233, 203, 628.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Pat Mulhern scored a 216, 587, Bryan Babcock 220, 202, Ed Guthrie 226, Cecil Walters 212, Joan Lake 225, 572, Dan Allen 201, Dorian Jennings 190, 537, George Kelley 212, Rich Blackford 215, Crystal Price 185, 510, Stan Gilmore 242, Lisa Cartwright 191, 181, Larry Berens 214, 204, 606, David Graham 245, 603, Tom Cooney 220, Debbie Durland 203, 188, 552, Donald Durland 216, 206, 279, 700, Kevin Stackhouse 224, 205, Roberta Yakin 191, John Fischer 243, 214, 640, John Hoffmann 226, 223, 247, 696, Chet Smith 224, Kris Gwiozdowski 256, Dale Sonnenschein 203, 227, 211, 641 and Barbara Yeomans 182, 194, 522.
In the Wednesday Men's league Shane Conner scored a 246, 605, Donald Durland 200, Matthew Fallon 204, 221, 605, Jon Wilhelm 235, 202, 241, 678, Jason Jones Jr. 214, Rick Lake 255, 226, 206, 687, Steven Rivera 200, Peter Mitro 208, 226, 605, Rick Lara 200, 235, 247, 682, Tim McIntyre 215, 233, 641, Larry Berens 218, 227, 603, Dean Shattuck 257, 214, 233, 704, Paul Durland 225, John Hoffmann 245, 225, 652, Tom Belgiovene 200, 220, 251, 671, Vinnie Collura 222, 201, 277, 700, Richard Hendricks 256, 619, Pedro Agapito 244, Al Caycho 201, Mike Weiner 223, 212, 618, Eugene Morton 241, Eddie Lake 226, Tim Minton 215, 237, 643, David Porter Jr. 203 and Frank DiCostanzo 203.
In the Thursday Ladies league Camille Carpinone scored a 187, Pat Gibson 181, Cheryl Neist 188, 193, 523, Hope McKeon 184, 198, 512, Kathy Shapiro 181, Valerie Fersch 209 and Joan Lake 199, 531.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pees Wees division Amerlia Edwards scored a 63 and George VanAken 95. In the Bantams division Shivam Patel scored a 132, 129 and Nathaniel Edwards 117. In the Preps division Mikayla DeGraw scored a 127, Michael Hope 95, 107, Sarah Rustic 127, Shaym Patel 105, Parth Patel 120, Rup Patel 150 and Makenze Shaver 66. In the Jr/Mjr division Shivani Patel scored 188, Kishan Patel 160, Chase Israel 125, 125, Jason Moss 163, Eddie Walsh 201, Meghan McCormack 110, Taylor McCormack 127, Michael Brown 105, 102, Isiah Rosado 113, Jared Friedman 163, 158, Kristy Gessman 150, 126, Michael Edwards 158, 140, 125, Michael Scuderi 181, Nick Price 193, Cory Ciliberto 101, 124.

Gravity Alley

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Mixed league had Alma Brill scoring a 184, Bill Rutledge 208, Scott Ropke 234, 231, 642 and Kevin Breidenstein 203.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Early Birds league include a 222, 540 by Kathleen Stanton, Angie Ferris 192, 538, Nikki Andriano 190, 530, Kathleen Maltese 517, Sally Ballard 191, 515, Diane Miller 186, 512, Jennifer Raymond 187, 504, Melinda Ferris 181, 503, Tammy Kane 501, Linda Ferris 185 and Louise Botsford 183.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Daniel Wormuth scored a 241, 243, 668, Thomas Anderson 202, 235, 202, 639, Robert McNaught 233, 212, 629, Allen Bullis Sr. 205, 238, 623, Bill Gleim 243, 623, Shawn Tracy 227, 619, Francis Wormuth 230, 207, 605, Howie Couse 222, 218, 604, Jerry Kulakosky 255, Mitch Persbacker 246, Robert Johnson 222, Brandon Drumm 234, Pat Kille 222, Lee Stanton 223 and Brian Drumm 232.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Jeff Curtis scored a 212, 221, 624, Neil Mosher 231, 207, 608, Robert Johnson 225, 600, Al Bullis Sr. 215, Al Bullis Jr. 212 and Craig Conklin 216.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Howard Couse scored 202, 238, 202, 642, Daniel Wormuth 224, 225, 641, Bill Gleim 224, 215, 631, Mark McGraw 266, 631, Paul Fritz 214, 225, 628, Cecil Spencer 201, 216, 613, James Dibble 211, 204, Rick Mills 206, Robert Ellis 215, Gary Resti 213, Sandy Winans 189 and Hope Jones 185.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Fred Shakelton scored a 250, 224, 259, 733 and Marty Haeussler 254, 205, 654.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 183 by Dee Dee Schrader, Judy Mohn 188, Julie Burlingame 200, Ingrid Ott 188 and Mary Ellen Rutledge 192.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Joel Turner scored a 254, Jon Wayne 227, Karl Adams 213, Gary Erlwein 244, Steve Lagoda 230, Damien Vanluven 235, Jon Duffy 203, Scott Herbert 207, Tom Bisig 206, Mark Schriber 221, Mark Hawley 200, 220, John Fink 228, Tom Russell 209, Bob Cady 236 and Mike Hubbard 216.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Paul Minton scored a 210, Bobby Cooper 207, Shirley Townsend 198, Alan Rutledge 227, Kory Keesler 223, Bruce Rutledge 208, Joseph Gager 203, 203 and Roger Widmann 222.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County USBC where he serves as Publicity Chairman. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com
. PBA ON SUNDAY AT 1 P.M.

A week-long break on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour was a welcome relief for PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke.
Coming off a disappointing 39th place-finish in the H & R Block Tournament of Champions three weeks ago, a rested Duke defeated Michael Fagan 278-168 in the championship match to win the Dennys Dick Weber Open Sunday at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley, Calif.
That week off was everything, said Duke, who was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame the same week as the Tournament of Champions. I needed it mentallyif there wasnt this break on Tour I would have probably taken a week off anyway.
Dukes win was the 32nd of his career tying him for fifth all-time with fellow Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III. In addition to coming into the tournament with renewed focus, the Clermont, Fla., resident admitted to a little added inspiration from the late Dick Weber.
When I started the practice session I noticed Dicks photo on a banner and I thought if Im going to win this tournament I better bowl like Dick Weber, said the 44-year-old Duke. It means a lot.
For Duke it was his third victory of the season having won the PBA World Championship to start the season, becoming the first player to win three consecutive majors. He also won the Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles with Liz Johnson in January.
The PBA Tour continues this week with the USBC Masters tournament from Las Vegas, NV. The ESPN finals are Sunday at 1 p.m.

Rested Norm Duke Wins Denny’s Dick Weber Open
Duke’s 32nd Win Ties with Parker Bohn III for Fifth Place on the All-Time PBA Tour Titles List


A week-long break on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour was a welcome relief for PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke.

Coming off a disappointing 39th place-finish in the H & R Block Tournament of Champions two weeks ago, a rested Duke defeated Michael Fagan 278-168 in the championship match to win the Denny’s Dick Weber Open last Sunday at Fountain Bowl .

“That week off was everything,” said Duke, who was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame the same week as the Tournament of Champions. “I needed it mentally—if there wasn’t this break on Tour I would have probably taken a week off anyway.”

Duke’s win was the 32nd of his career tying him for fifth all-time with fellow Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III. In addition to coming into the tournament with renewed focus, the Clermont, Fla., resident admitted to a little added inspiration from the late Dick Weber.

“When I started the practice session I noticed Dick’s photo on a banner and I thought if I’m going to win this tournament I better bowl like Dick Weber,” said the 44-year-old Duke. “It means a lot.”

For Duke it was his third victory of the season having won the PBA World Championship to start the season, becoming the first player to win three consecutive majors. He also won the Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles with Liz Johnson in January.

Duke, who won a $35,000 first prize, held off the hard-charging Fagan who won three consecutive matches from his No. 5 qualifying position to get to the championship match.

The 28-year-old Fagan opened the stepladder by defeating reigning PBA Player of the Year and 10-time titlist Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, 204-183, then beat four-time Tour titlist Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., 256-223, and Hall of Famer and 34-time titlist Pete Weber of St. Ann, Mo., 243-201.

“I really didn’t have high expectations and I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me,” said Fagan, who was trying for his first individual PBA Tour title. “I felt good going into the last match but the lanes were breaking down pretty quickly. I was just hoping I could get one more good game out of it.

“But when Norm’s on his game there’s really not much you can do.”

Fagan, of Patchogue, N.Y., won the PBA Exempt Doubles Classic with Danny Wiseman in 2008 for his lone Tour victory.


Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour
Denny’s Dick Weber Open
Fountain Bowl – Fountain Valley, Calif.
February 8, 2009

Final Standings
1, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla. 278 (one game) $35,000
2, Michael Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y. 871 (four games) $17,500
3, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo. 201 (one game) $ 9,000
4, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y. 223 (one game) $ 7,000
5. Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 183 (one game) $ 5,000

Stepladder Results
Match One – Fagan def. Barnes, 204-183
Match Two – Fagan def. Shafer, 256-223
Semifinal Match – Fagan def. Weber, 243-201
Championship Match – Duke def. Fagan, 278-168
PBA 50th Anniversary Gala Video Available on Xtra Frame
PBA.com Site Offers Golden Festivities from Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas

In the words of virtually everyone who was a part of the PBA’s 50th Anniversary Gala in Las Vegas, it was an event they will never forget. Many said the Gala at Red Rock Resort, Casino and Spa on Jan. 25 was the greatest night in the history of the Professional Bowlers Association.

Subscribers of Xtra Frame, the PBA’s online source for exclusive video programming, can relive the evening’s lineup of introductions, Hall of Fame inductions and the presentation of the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History.

The Charleston Ballroom at Red Rock was a “Who’s Who in Bowling,” packed with superstars past-and-present, industry leaders, long-time PBA support staff members and awe-struck fans of the sport. The crowd witnessed an event-closing parade of 38 of the players named to the list of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players and welcomed John Handegard, Del Ballard Jr. and Norm Duke to the PBA Hall of Fame.

For Xtra Frame subscription information, please visit pba.com/xtraframe.
USBC BOARD TO START EXECUTIVE SEARCH

The Board of Directors of the United States Bowling
Congress has decided to commence with a search for a permanent Executive
Director for the organization.

"The Board greatly appreciates the leadership shown by Chief
Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger," said USBC President Jeff Boje.
In accordance with the process prescribed when Kevin first took
the position as interim COO, we have decided to commence with a search
for a permanent Executive Director for USBC at this time. Kevin will
receive full consideration for this position should he choose to be a
candidate."

The Bowling Proprietors Association of America Board of Directors
has also announced that it will begin a search for an Executive Director
to replace John Berglund, who has previously announced his pending
retirement.

Additionally, the Board of Directors of USBC and BPAA have jointly
decided to commence a search for a Director of Shared Services for the
International Bowling Campus. This newly created position would report
to a joint committee comprised of USBC and BPAA representatives. This
decision came after a task force from BPAA and the USBC studied the
structure of each organization and made recommendations to both boards.
The USBC and BPAA boards then met independently and voted to support the
concept in principle.

"Many teams within USBC and BPAA are in the process of working
together at the International Bowling Campus currently, and this move
will simply represent a more formal unification of those teams," Boje
said. The Board believes that this operating model gives USBC and the
sport of bowling the best chance to succeed in the long run."

Although no formal timetable has been set, a professional search firm
will soon be engaged to assist USBC and BPAA with their respective
searches.
USBC Collegiate forms media partnership with Northeast Conference

Northeast Conference (NEC) Commissioner Brenda Weare announced recently a new partnership with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the national governing body for bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. The agreement enables the two organizations to work together on joint media opportunities to further the promotion and growth of women's bowling.
"We are pleased to announce this association with a nationally-recognized and respected organization like the USBC," said Weare. "This relationship will be a mutually beneficial one that fosters the advancement of bowling on the collegiate level while providing more exposure for the NEC's student-athletes."

The NEC website (northeastconference.org) will prominently display the USBC Collegiate logo and provide a direct link to the collegiate section on Bowl.com, the official Web site of the USBC. The USBC collegiate homepage will publicize the NEC's weekly award winners, highlight newsworthy items and provide information on the NEC Championship. In addition, the USBC will assist the NEC in promoting its championship to the organization's 2.6 million members.

"USBC's media partnership with the Northeast Conference will greatly benefit collegiate bowling fans and the sport of bowling as a whole," said USBC Collegiate Manager Gary Brown. "This partnership will give collegiate bowling greater national exposure, and that will drive more young men and women to the sport. This is positive step for USBC Collegiate and the NEC. We hope other conferences will be compelled to follow suit."

After announcing that women's bowling would become the league's 22nd championship sport in January, 2008, the NEC stands poised to host its inaugural women's bowling championship from March 20-22 at Parkway Lanes in Elmwood Park, NJ.

The NEC has quickly become a national leader in collegiate bowling with five of the league's seven members ranked in the latest National Tenpin Coaches Association Top-20 Poll, including No. 2 Fairleigh Dickinson and No. 8 Kutztown. FDU won the 2006 NCAA National Bowling Championship while Sacred Heart is the defending ECAC champion. Other NEC institutions that sponsor bowling include Long Island and St. Francis (NY). Associate members Adelphi and Saint Peter's round out the league.

Northeast Conference
Now in its 28th season, the Northeast Conference is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association consisting of 11 institutions of higher learning located throughout five states. Media coverage of the NEC extends to four of the largest markets in the United States - New York (#1), Pittsburgh (#22), Baltimore (#24), and Hartford/New Haven (#29). Founded in 1981 as the basketball-only ECAC Metro Conference, the NEC has grown to sponsor 22 championship sports for men and women and now enjoys automatic or play-in access to 13 different NCAA Championships. NEC core member institutions include Central Connecticut State, Fairleigh Dickinson, Long Island, Monmouth, Mount St. Mary's, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (NY), Saint Francis (PA) and Wagner. Bryant University will become a core member of the conference in 2012 upon completion of the five-year NCAA Division I reclassification period.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Here & There Column 2-10-09

An Old Fashioned Winter?

It's 38 days till spring and most old timers are saying that this 2008-09 winter is approaching the "old -fashioned winter" category.
Now I don't go back as far as some of the old timers I spoke to but its easy to say that this winter so far has given us some pretty hefty weather.
My snow blower has gotten more use this winter then the past several winters combined.
And we just know that those with snowmobiles and all the skiers are just loving every minute of what mother nature has given us.
The Old Farmer's Almanac in their Northeast annual weather summary said that "winter will be colder than normal, on average," and that "precipitation will be near or slightly above normal.
And if your thinking we have had enough of the snow the Almanac predicts, "the biggest snowstorm will occur in early March with other snowy periods in late January and mid-February."
Meteorologists are sometimes like our politicians and if you try to catch their spin on our local weather they point out that sometimes it does look like an old-fashioned winter.
Temperatures of late contribute to the facts that our ice and snow won't disappear for months.
It's been tough on those who have to work out in the weather and many have told us that their diesel trucks and equipment don't get along all that well with the cold temperatures which causes their fuel to gel.
Whether we can officially classify what we have outside an an old-fashioned winter we do hear that local highway department budgets are getting a heavy workout.
Buckle down folks.......spring is just around the corner.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Bowling Highlights Column 2-6-09

Bowling's Future Will Be Discussed At Syracuse

The United States Bowling Congress is taking its show on the road in a series of nationwide town hall meetings in late February and early March.
State and local association board and general members are invited to hear information on the present and future direction of the sport and organization. Local session dates and cities that local members can attend include Feb. 28 at Edison, N.J. and March 1 at Syracuse. NY.
Specific times and locations include the Sheraton in Edison from 4-7 p.m. and the Comfort Inn at 6701 Buckley Road, Syracuse from 1-4 p.m. Times will also be available on bowl.com . Sessions are free and no registration is required.
Topics to be discussed include USBC¢s move to the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas; the future of youth bowling including Bowlopolis; new membership options; dues structuring; communication and delivery systems; financial summary; awards and USBC Board of Directors decisions.
Following the formal presentation, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers from the audience.
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week's tip will help you understand correct shoulder alignment when throwing you strike ball and in making spares.
When throwing a bowling ball, the shoulders should not necessarily be straight(perpendicular) in relation to the lane.
Instead, they should be aligned straight to the target mark you are trying to hit. This is called pro setting the angle of the shoulders.
There are three rules regarding shoulder alignment:
1. When playing straight down the boards, your shoulders should be straight in relation to the lane.
2. When making shots to the right of the head pin, open your shoulders in relation to the lane.
3. When making shots to the left, of the head pin, close your shoulders in relation to the lane.
Doing this is easy if you imagine that there is a three foot arrow poised on the right shoulder (or left shoulder if you are left handed). Simply point the arrow at the target and the angle will automatically be correct.
Note: Your arm swing should never change, instead, adjust the angle of the shoulders so that your arm swing is in line with the target.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is the Northeast Regional Sales Manger with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

State Women's 600
Tourney at Troy, NY

The 42ed Annual New York State Women's 600 Bowling Club tournament will be held in June at the Uncle Sam Lanes in Troy, NY.
Reservations close on May 1 for this event which will take place June 4-7.
Five divisions are offered in this tournament.
Bowlers may obtain information from Rita at 518-271-6806 or Michelle at 518-210-3395. Checks made payable to NYSW600 Bowling Club must be mailed to Margaret Lancaster, 4950 Maple Ridge Road, Marion, NY 14505. Margaret's phone number is 315-483-8612.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highight scores in the Monday Men's league include 210, 203, 611 by David Graham, Nate Sanders 265, 224, 650, Lloyd Bridges 215, Keith Smith 238, Francisco Martinez 217, John Fischer 211, 214, Bill Helms 203, Pedro Agapito 226, 215, 208, 648, Wayne Pirnos 208, 214, 232, 652, Roy Sweeney 201, 258, Dan Ricco 242, 227, 630, Jim VanAken 289, 213, 228, 728, Jason Jones 225, 611, Tom Belgiovene 223, John Hoffmann 217, Rudy Belanchia 205, 245, 226, 676, Peter Metro 214, Serifin Rodriguez 204, 213, Jo Jo Van Keuren 241, 214, 614, Keith Shaddock 212, Frank Amore 208, Tim Bilyeu 235, 216, 225, 676, Harrison Cherry 226, Joey Smith 202, Robert Hamilton 226, 213, 227, 666, Donald Durland 235, 256, 663, Paul Durland 216, Mark Wegener 268, 220, 237, 725, Tim McIntyre 222, 203, 614, Bobby Cooper 212, Al Caycho 200, Jack Moylan 237, 2-7, 221, 665, Rob Sze 214, James Ratner 212, Kort Wheeler 205, Angel Rodriguez 221, Frank Scuderi 234, Eddie Lake 212, 227 and Rick Lake 224.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Ailene Eashington scored a 204, 502, Carol MacAdam 199, 531, Pat Mulhern 201, 539, Rob Keesler 200, Ed Guthrie 258, 244, 694, John Cascone 206, 257, 220, 683, Mary Lee Williams 180, 194, 547, Dorian Jennings 226, 191, 194, 611, Peter Scannell 213, Jack Rustic 236, 258, 664, George Kelley 226, Russ Keesler 237, 220, 637, Crystal Price 183, 186, 535, Lisa Cartwright 180, 500, Larry Barnes 203, Debbie Durland 185, 218, 577, John Fischer 258, 226, 665, John Hoffmann 246, 228, 238, 712, Robert Yakin Sr. 211, Barbara Yeomans 188, Linda Schaefer 197, 510, Donna DuBois 181, 234, 568, Cliff Starr 204, Barbara Merton 183, 518 and Allan Jones 217.
Wednesday Men's league was snowed out last week.
In the Thursday Ladies league Barbara Durbak scored a 214, 558, Liz Burgio 200, Liz Stubits 510, Hope McKeon 180, Pat Shuart 186 and Joan Lake 214, 544.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues. in the Pee Wees division Amerlia Edwards scored a 56, George VanAken 69, Taylor Porter 64 and Brooklyn McCosco 58. In the Bantams division Shivam Patel scored 110, 106 and Nathaniel Edwards 89, 114. In the Preps division Shayam Patel scored 103, Parth Patel 135, 110, Rup Patel 113, 127, 114, Nathaniel Goldsmith 110, 108, 119, Makenze Shaver 67, Michael Hope 107, Nicole Scudari 87, 69 and Sarah Rustic 124, 119. In the Jr./Mjrs Megan Gerow scored 143, 150, Michael Brown 90, Isiah Rosado 126, Michael Scuderi 178, 177, Pedro Agapito III a 214, 231, 210, 655, Nick Price 163, 191, Amber Bock 125, 118, Shivani Patel 156, 159, 190, Kishan Patel 170, Chase Israel 124, Shawn Comfort 95, Jared Friedman 192, 131, 210, Kristy Gessman 126, 123, Bryden Fraser 137, Steven Sinistorie 147, 162, 165, Shawn Sinistorie 163 and Eddie Walsh 200, 215.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league included a 208 by Jeremy Gulley, Josh Mulucky 200, 213, Jon Wayne 214, Karl Adams 206, Mike Hubbard 243, 216, 654, Bob Cady 200, Brian Kitson 202 and Mark Herbert 225.
Snow last week cancelled the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league.

Gravity Alley

Wednesday Mixed league play has resumed at Gravity Alley in Honesdale and recent highlight scores include a 218 by Dave Predmore, Scott Ropke 230, 621 and Terry Burcher 223, 601.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league include a 220, 205, 548 by Kathleen Maltese, Nikki Andriano 213, 518, Tammy Kane 516, Melinda Ferris 506, Sally Ballard 190, 503, Anne Couse 503, Louise Botsford 502, Carol Dailey 191 and Jennifer Raymond 181.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Josh Milucky scored a 233, 266, 688, James Dibble 263, 21, 646, Daniel Wormuth 222, 214, 209, 645, Richard Price 245, 618, Cody Conway 221, 203, 609, Brian Drumm 222, 203, 609, Robert Johnson 214, 234, 603, Allen Bullis Sr. 215, Thomas Anderson 223, Tony Wright 216, Scott Ostrander 234, Jack Hazen 220 and Josh Rice 218.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Paul Ignatovich scored a 201, 222, 621, Robert Johnson 212, 223, 613, Don Ferris 200, 233, 609, Norm Ellis 201, 216, 608, Jeff Curtis 222, Steve Hopkins 233, Al Bullis Jr. 227, Carl Davis 227 and Fran Wormuth 218.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Howard Couse scored a 214, 223, 212, 649, Jonney Stanton 213, 212, Carl Davis 218, Anne Couse 192, 189, 550, Hope Jones 503, Janet Ellis 198 and Kristina Couse 189.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Marty Haeussler scored a 217, 266, 244, 727, Don Marino 204, 213, 256, 673, Fred Shakelton 225, 266, 666, Dave Mills 213, Rick Mills 216 and Jean Mills 185.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY USBC where he serves as Chairman of the Publicity Committee. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by email at bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version o f our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com
PBA Finals To Air At 1 p.m. Sunday On ESPN

Norm Duke called his 31st career Professional Bowlers Association title the easiest Ive ever won and that was because he and partner Liz Johnson were nearly perfect in running away with the Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles Championship at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.
Johnson, the first and only woman to advance to the title match in a Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour event, and Duke defeated Jennifer Petrick of Canton, Ohio, and Steve Harman of Indianapolis, 274-180, in the title match to split the $50,000 first prize.
In the Baker Format stepladder finals, where teammates bowled alternate frames, Johnson threw strikes on all five of her shots and Duke had four to build a string of nine team strikes heading into the 10th frame.
Liz did everything you could ask a partner to do for two days, Duke said. He and his Cheektowaga, N.Y., teammate wound up paired together because they were respective top qualifiers in the mens and womens preliminary rounds.
With four games to go in qualifying, I looked up at the leader board and saw Liz was pulling away from the field, Duke continued. I was leading the men and I said to myself, I cant let anyone else have that gal to bowl with. Shes that good.
When we got to the TV show, the newly-inducted PBA Hall of Famer from Clermont, Fla., said, we were considering throwing our opponents a curveball by having Liz bowl anchor. But we didnt and we started with nine strikes. And then I miss the headpin in the 10th frame. It was embarrassing.
It also was a victory that moved Duke into fifth place on the all-time PBA Tour titles list.
The PBA tour continues this week with the Denny's Dick Weber Open from Fountain Valley, CA. ESPN finals are Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
Liz Johnson and Norm Duke

Johnson, Duke Nearly Perfect in Winning PBA Mixed Doubles Title
Duke’s “Washout” in 10th Frame Ends Bid for 300 Game

Norm Duke called his 31st career Professional Bowlers Association title “the easiest I’ve ever won” and that was because he and partner Liz Johnson were nearly perfect in running away with the Don and Paula Carter Mixed Doubles Championship at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.

Johnson, the first and only woman to advance to the title match in a Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour event, and Duke defeated Jennifer Petrick of Canton, Ohio, and Steve Harman of Indianapolis, 274-180, in the title match to split the $50,000 first prize.

In the Baker Format stepladder finals, where teammates bowled alternate frames, Johnson threw strikes on all five of her shots and Duke had four to build a string of nine team strikes heading into the 10th frame.

“Liz did everything you could ask a partner to do for two days,” Duke said. He and his Cheektowaga, N.Y., teammate wound up paired together because they were respective top qualifiers in the men’s and women’s preliminary rounds.

“With four games to go in qualifying, I looked up at the leader board and saw Liz was pulling away from the field,” Duke continued. “I was leading the men and I said to myself, ‘I can’t let anyone else have that gal to bowl with.’ She’s that good.”

“When we got to the TV show,” the newly-inducted PBA Hall of Famer from Clermont, Fla., said, “we were considering throwing our opponents a curveball by having Liz bowl anchor. But we didn’t and we started with nine strikes. And then I miss the headpin in the 10th frame. It was embarrassing.”

“Had I not had Liz as a partner, I might have bowled a 150 game,” Duke grinned. “She was perfect, perfect, perfect. It was the easiest tournament I ever won.”

It also was a victory that moved Duke into fifth place on the all-time PBA Tour titles list.

“It was pretty awesome,” Johnson said. “Norm was really a great partner. If I needed help, he’d offer it, but he pretty much left me alone. We both want to win. We were both hungry to win. We have that passion to win, so that’s what made it so great.”

Duke’s miscue in the 10th frame didn’t bother Johnson at all.

“I gave him a hard time about throwing a Brooklyn in the sixth frame,” she said. “I nailed the pocket in the seventh, and I came back and told him ‘That’s the way you throw a strike.’ But he got a harder time from other people than me. As far as I was concerned, the goal was to win and we pretty much had the game locked after six frames, so neither of us was concerned about a 300. It would have been something extra, but I was so happy to win, it didn’t matter.”

Johnson, 34, has been a shining star in women’s bowling since winning back-to-back United States Amateur Championships in 1993 and ’94. She won 11 Professional Women’s Bowling Association titles before the women’s tour ceased operations in 2003. Since then she has frequently competed in PBA events, winning a PBA Eastern Region title as well as finishing second to Tommy Jones in the 2005 Cambridge Credit Classic in West Babylon, N.Y. Most recently, Johnson won the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open, and she barely missed making the TV show in the PBA National Bowling Stadium Championship early in January in Reno.

It was also Johnson’s third PBA mixed doubles title. She won the inaugural Ladies & Legends in San Diego in 1996 with PBA Senior Tour competitor Mike Kench and the 2007 version of the Ladies & Legends in Rockford, Ill., with Senior Tour partner Roger Kossert.

Shannon Pluhowsky of Phoenix and Brad Angelo of Lockport, N.Y., started the stepladder final with a 247-209 victory over Laura Hardeman of Chula Vista, Calif., and Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa. Petrick and Harman then defeated Pluhowsky and Angelo, 217-199, followed by a 166-155 decision over Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of N. Richland Hills, Texas, and Sean Rash of Wichita, Kan., to advance to the title match.

The PBA Tour’s first mixed doubles event since the Philip Morris Mixed Championships in 1998 was named in honor of one of the sport’s most celebrated couples, PBA/PWBA/United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famers Don and Paula Carter. It also was the seventh and final event in the 2008-09 PBA Women’s Series.

LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR
DON AND PAULA CARTER MIXED DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nev., Feb. 1

Final Standings
1, Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y./Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $50,000
2, Jennifer Petrick, Canton, Ohio/Steve Harman, Indianapolis, $27,000
3, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas/Sean Rash, Wichita, Kan., $13,000
4, Shannon Pluhowsky, Phoenix/Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., $11,000
5, Laura Hardeman, Chula Vista, Calif./Tom Hess, Urbandale, Iowa, $10,000

Stepladder Results (Baker Format)
Match One - Pluhowsky/Angelo def. Hardeman/Hess, 247-209
Match Two - Petrick/Harman def. Pluhowsky/Angelo, 217-199
Semifinal Match - Petrick/Harman def. Dorin-Ballard/Rash, 166-155
Championship - Johnson/Duke def. Petrick/Harman, 274-180

Round of 16 (after 32 games, including match play bonus pins)
1, Duke/Johnson, 7,073
2, Rash/Dorin-Ballard, 7,013
3, Harman/Petrick, 6,798
4, Hess/Hardeman, 6,758
5, Angelo/Pluhowsky, 6,716
6, Ken Abner, Cincinnati, Ohio ($4,000)/Missy Bellinder, Fullerton, Calif. ($3,000), 6,662
7, Robert Smith, Columbus, Ohio ($3,700)/Clara Guerrero, Colombia ($2,700), 6,650
8, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla. ($3,400)/Amy Stolz, Castle Rock, Colo. ($2,500), 6,642
9, Ronnie Russell, Indianapolis ($3,200)/Shannon O’Keefe, Arlington, Texas ($2,300), 6,603
10, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla. ($3,000)/April Ellis, Arlington, Texas ($2,200), 6,582
11, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y. ($2,800)/Shalin Zulkifli, Malaysia ($2,100), 6,568
12, Scott Newell, Deland, Fla. ($2,700)/Tennelle Milligan, Costa Mesa, Calif. ($2,000), 6,534
13, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio ($2,650)/Lisa Bishop, Belleville, Mich. ($1,950), 6,443
14, Joe Bailey, Pittsburgh ($2,700)/Trisha Reid, Columbus, Ohio ($1,900), 6,385
15, Patrick Allen, Wesley Chapel, Fla. ($2,550)/Joy Esterson, Annapolis, Md. ($1,850), 6,286
16, Chester Rogers Jr., Milwaukie, Ore. ($2,500)/Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla. ($1,800), 6,252

Men’s Round of 64 (after 23 games)
17, Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C., 3,055, $2,41018, Andrew Cain, Scottsdale, Ariz., 3,050, $2,24019, Ken Simard, Greenville, S.C., 3,033, $2,23020, Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 3,032, $2,22021, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3,031, $2,20521, Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., 3,031, $2,20523, Rhino Page, Topeka, Kan., 3,028, $2,19024, Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 3,020, $2,18025, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., 3,015, $2,17026, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 3,014, $2,16027, Michael Fagan, Patchogue, N.Y., 3,011, $2,15028, Matt Freiberg, Somerset, N.J., 2,997, $2,14029, Tony Reyes, San Bruno, Calif., 2,991, $2,13030, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 2,990, $2,12031, Jason Lundquist, Delaware Water Gap, Pa., 2,989, $2,11032, Troy Wollenbecker, Miami, 2,987, $2,10033, Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., 2,984, $1,80034, Joe Ciccone, Buffalo, N.Y., 2,983, $1,80034, Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 2,983, $1,80036, Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, 2,980, $1,80037, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 2,977, $1,80038, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 2,969, $1,80039, David Traber, Hebron, Ill., 2,963, $1,80039, Dave D'Entremont, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, 2,963, $1,80041, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 2,960, $1,80042, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 2,958, $1,80043, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 2,949, $1,80044, Edward VanDaniker Jr., Essex, Md, 2,942, $1,80045, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 2,939, $1,80046, Mike DeVaney, San Diego, 2,932, $1,80047, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 2,924, $1,80048, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 2,910, $1,80049, Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 2,908, $1,80050, Jason Sterner, McDonough, Ga., 2,904, $1,80051, Roger LeClair, Clackamas, Ore., 2,902, $1,80052, Mitch Beasley, Puyallup, Wash., 2,890, $1,80053, Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., 2,888, $1,80054, Chad Kloss, Greenfield, Wis., 2,885, $1,80055, Billy Oatman, Chicago, 2,882, $1,80056, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 2,874, $1,80057, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 2,866, $1,90058, Todd Book, Wapakoneta, Ohio, 2,864, $1,80059, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 2,828, $1,80060, Terrance Reeves, Valrico, Fla., 2,819, $1,80061, Craig Tuholski, Washougal, Wash., 2,799, $1,80062, Randy Weiss, Columbia, S.C., 2,782, $1,80063, Humberto Vazquez, San Pedro, Mexico, 2,721, $1,80064, Kenny McPartlin, Reno, Nev., 2,672, $1,800

Women’s Round of 32 (after 23 games)
17, Adrienne Miller, Buffalo Grove, Ill., 2,837, $1,500
18, Olivia Sandham, Wichita, Kan., 2,824, $1,500
19, Michelle Feldman, Auburn, N.Y., 2,818, $1,500
20, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J., 2,804, $1,500
21, Lynda Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 2,798, $1,500
22, Robin Orlikowski, Grand Rapids, Mich., 2,778, $1,500
23, Tina Stickney, Phoenix, 2,763, $1,500
24, Jodi Woessner, Oregon, Ohio, 2,748, $1,500
25, Elysia Current, Ephrata, Pa., 2,729, $1,500
26, Diandra Asbaty, Chicago, 2,710, $1,500
27, Aumi Guerra, Dominican Republic, 2,701, $1,500
28, Karen Boyd, Plantation, Fla., 2,700, $1,500
29, Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 2,655, $1,500
30, Stefanie Nation, Arlington, Texas, 2,609, $1,500
31, Brenda Mack, Indianapolis, 2,587, $1,500
32, Ricki Williams, Wichita, Kan., 2,527, $1,500
BOWL EXPO CAPTURES CHECKERED FLAG WITH DALE EARNHARDT JR.
Two-time NASCAR Champion Scheduled To Welcome The Bowling Industry


The bowling industry is revving up for its premier
annual convention and trade show this year at the Mandalay Bay Resort
and Casino in Las Vegas, June 21-25. The event will be as busy as pit
road with the scheduled appearance by Dale Earnhardt Jr. to welcome the
industry to the venue, Monday, June 22.

The 34 year-old Earnhardt is a third-generation driver in a family
forever connected to the sport of stock-car racing. After winning the
1998 and 1999 NASCAR Nationwide Series titles, Earnhardt became the only
third-generation NASCAR champion. He follows his legendary father, Dale
Earnhardt Sr., a seven-time Cup champion and winner of 76 Cup Series
races and his grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, the 1956 NASCAR Sportsman
champion, and 2007 National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductee.
Combined, the Earnhardt family has 10 NASCAR championships.

Dale's flair for originality and common-sense charisma has helped
propel him to one of the most popular figures in sports. Race fans have
selected him six times as the winner of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver
award. And his appeal is not just limited to race fans. He has appeared
numerously on Harris Interactiveв's annual polling of America's Top
10 Favorite Athletes, frequenting the list with such names as Michael
Jordan, Tiger Woods, Brett Favre and Derek Jeter. In a recent Forbes
Magazine poll, Earnhardt was listed among the top-five athletes in
corporate endorsements; in May, 2004, RACER magazine noted him as one of
the most influential persons in sports; and in 2007 the Charlotte
Observer called him one of the top-10 most powerful people in NASCAR.

This year will be Earnhardt's 10th racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series and his #88 Chevrolet will hit the tracks sporting the colors of
Pepsi Cola's Amp Energy brand and the Army National Guard.

The International Bowl Expo is the bowling industry's premier annual
convention and trade show featuring nearly 800 exhibits and
approximately 300 companies showcasing a wide-array of products and
services. There will also be 50 seminars and workshops on the latest
trends, marketing ideas, profit center opportunities, and tools to help
owners, operators and managers build their businesses and spread the
excitement of bowling throughout their communities.

Sponsors who make IBE09 possible include Pepsi-Cola, the official soft
drink of bowling; Anheuser-Busch; Brunswick, North Pointe Insurance
Group and QubicaAMF Worldwide.

International Bowl Expo's registration booklets will be in the mail
soon. Online registration and other information will be available on
the official Bowl Expo Web site, www.BowlExpo.com; or by calling the
Expo answer line: 888.649.5585.
ESPN to Air Special PBA Bowling Series in Prime Time this Spring
PBA King of the Hill Powered By AMP Energy® debuts Wednesday night, April 22 at 9 p.m. ET

Wednesday night will be bowling night in America this spring.

The Professional Bowlers Association will be going prime time in a groundbreaking new five-week series to air Wednesday evenings on ESPN beginning April 22, the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour and Strike Ten Entertainment announced today.

The world's best bowlers will face off in the first-ever PBA King of the Hill Powered by AMP Energy® at 9 p.m. ET on April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13 and May 20 on ESPN.

In addition, during this five-week timeframe consumers will be encouraged to visit participating bowling centers to participate in the AMP/Dale Earnhardt Jr. promotion for a chance to win exciting prizes.

"We are thrilled to bring high stakes bowling to a prime time audience," said PBA CEO and Commissioner Fred Schreyer. "Working with ESPN and Strike Ten plus our great sponsor AMP Energy®, we will present bowling to fans like they've never seen it before."

The top 10 players in the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour Player of the Year points race at the end of this 50th Anniversary season will qualify for the PBA King of the Hill Powered by AMP Energy® series, plus one wild card entry. The Player of the Year, likely to be decided the last week of the season at the 66th Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open concluding April 5 on ESPN, will be declared the first "King."

Each one-hour King of the Hill show will feature three players. In the first show April 22, the No. 2 finisher in the Player of the Year race will face the No. 3 finisher in a one-game match, with the winner advancing to bowl vs. the King (Player of the Year) in a one-game match. That winner will come back as the King on the following week's show.

The players in the PBA King of the Hill Powered by AMP Energy® will be battling for a purse of $100,000. The event will be contested at the Kegel Training Facility in Lake Wales, Florida.

The second show will feature Player of Year points finisher No. 4 vs. No. 5; The third week finds No. 6 vs. No. 7; No. 8 takes on No. 9 on fourth show; and the last week has No. 10 vs. the wildcard. Each show concludes with the winners of those matches advancing to the King of the Hill match to face the reigning King, with that winner coming back to defend the crown the following week.

The PBA Player of the Year points list can be found on pba.com. Currently, Wes Malott leads the point race, followed by Sunday’s H&R Block Tournament of Champions winner Patrick Allen and PBA World Championship winner Norm Duke.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Here & There Column 2-3-09

Will "The Stimulus Plan" Help Sullivan County?

Our Sullivan County "coffee klatsch" discussed in detail last week the proposed economic "stimulus plan" and solidly supported a statement that "we should not count our chickens until the eggs are hatched."
The "klatsch" made up of three Republicans, three Democrats and one Independent was somewhat critical of a statement issued after the the State of the County address delivered by Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis in which County Manager David Fanslau pointed out that "we are poised to absorb some sort of cost-shifting from the state to the counties, and we are banking on the federal government coming forward with the stimulus program."
Several of our "coffee klatsch" members pointed out that "congress is driving blindly ahead with this plan and is ignoring public polls that show the majority of Americans do not favor this economic recovery plan."
We all agreed that the County of Sullivan is indeed facing very difficult economic times and we praised Chairman Rouis for pointing out that we have to prepare for "even worst economic times than we see now," but also agreed, we also should not count on a proposal until we are actually told what we will receive."
Our "klatsch" pointed out that government officials from time to time paint rosy pictures before the plant is allowed to bloom.
The "klatsch" as we poured our second cup of fresh brewed java and pulled out of the oven our delicious home baked donuts gave strong indications that we can't fully rely on traditional notions that government spending will spur growth and one in our group said very bluntly "who is going to end up paying for this swelling deficit?"
The "klatsch" supported the need to create jobs and agreed that government can and must have programs that actually create jobs and put people to work.
Knowing fully well that Congress will go ahead with their proposal the "klatsch" hoped that the federal proposal will not result in wasteful spending and an ill-considered expansion of the federal government's role.