Bowlers Journal International - February 2008 - (Page 8) LETTERS CASTING THE FIRST STONE BOB JOHNSON'S COLUMN ON ROB STONE'S ANNOUNCing on PBA telecasts (BJI, December) could easily have included production values on the telecast. Is no one on the crew smart enough to notice that putting the score graphic into the lower left quarter of the screen will likely block out the shots of left-handed bowlers? I have never seen sports telecasts with so many shots that are out of focus, and attempts at making the camera work more "happenin'" often end up showing nothing worth seeing. If we have to put up with the overwrought Rob and his "hambone" twaddle, can't we at least hope for good camera work? — Scott Handley, Edmonds, Wash. men. In my opinion, Larry created PBA Players Services as it exists today. While he might describe himself as "rude, arrogant and rich," Larry possesses a true love of the sport. And while he has made as many friends as enemies in the bowling world, he has a heart of gold and has helped many men in the industry advance their careers. — Chuck Schommer, Erie, Pa. BAREFOOT IN THE KITCHEN Why, when USBC was formed, weren't men-only tournaments included in the championship events that could be held? I know for a fact that there are a lot of men who won't bowl in USBC Open tournaments because women are bowlI remember thinking to myself while watching the [PBA ing in them. A lot of men feel that we have been discriminated telecast] from Spartanburg, "If this hambone thing actually against by USBC because there are women-only tournabecomes part of the bowling lexicon, ments, but none for men only. I think I'll die." I think we all agree that — William Bean, Sierra Vista, Ariz. it's silly. At the same time, I wonder (Editor's Note: Perhaps so, but USBC > BJI WEB POLL < why we feel the need to treat bowling Open entry numbers are much higher Thanks to the efforts of the United States Bowling in such a solemn manner. [Recently], than those of the ABC Tournament Congress and the Professional Bowlers Association, womduring a particularly bad league seswhen it was a men's-only event. The en's pro bowling returned in 2007 in the form of the four-week PBA Women's Series. Because each Women's sion for my team, I got on a little bit policy also limits the possibility of sex Series event was comprised of a limited, 16-bowler field (determined via qualifying at the U.S. Women's Open), it of a roll, put up a four-bagger with a discrimination lawsuits by women.) brought up the question: Should a PBA Women's Series pretty dubious stuff-job, came back and title be considered the equivalent of an LPBT/PWBA title? The outcome of our BJI Web Poll was hardly definitive, proclaimed that I'd just put up a "hamPLAUDITS APPRECIATED as 51.79% said it should, and 48.21% said it should not. You can participate in the new BJI Web Poll by visiting bone." You know what it did? It made I would like to thank you for honoring bowlersjournal.com. people smile. It loosened them up. We Crazy Pinz as the "Best New Center" (in ended up winning the game by more the 2007 Bowling Center Architecture than 200 pins after losing the previous & Design Awards competition, BJI, one by more than 100. It was also mentioned in the ensuNovember). The award is very humbling, and means a ing conversation that people liked Stone's, "Drop and give great deal to us coming from Luby Publishing and Bowlers me 10!" I certainly prefer it to, "Sixty feet to success!" These Journal. — Vic Sockrider, Crazy Pinz, Fort Wayne, Ind. things work when they're organic and unplanned, and fall flat on their faces when they're contrived — and it seems like AND LET'S NOT FORGET CDB Congratulations on another great choice for BJI Person of Rob came up with these new expressions on the spur of the the Year in Jeff Bojé. I hope you also considered the impact moment. Let's remember that this is a sport we're supposed and significance of the accomplishments of another giant in to enjoy. It's a sport we associate with smoke-filled rooms, our industry, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard. The fact that Jeff beat out greasy cheeseburgers, flat beer and many of the greatest Carolyn for the honor means he had a very big year. people we've known. There's no need to ruin it by pretending — Tom Clark, USBC, Greendale, Wis. we're bowling in the Library of Congress or the Smithsonian. — Barry Muise, Methuen, Mass. (Editor's Note: CDB absolutely had a big 2007, but Bojé had more of an impact — in 2007 and potentially for the future.) LITCHY'S LOVE OF THE SPORT I read with interest Dennis Bergendorf's piece on Larry Lichstein ("Certified Genius, or Simply Certifiable?" BJI, December). As a former employee of Pro Bowlers Service Co., formerly known as the PBA Player Services Staff, I'd like to personally vouch for Larry's character and business acu8 bowlers journal international FEBRUARY 2008 LETTERS POLICY: To be considered for publication, letters must be signed and include a return address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Mail letters to: Bowlers Journal International, 122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1506, Chicago, IL 60603, or e-mail to bobj@bowlersjournal.com. http://bowlersjournal.com
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