Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 10) Mail Letters to the Editor TURNING A POTENTIAL NEGATIVE INTO A POSITIVE I know we’ve had a contentious relationship in the past, but I must thank you for the cover story in the September issue (“Major Frustration”). I was happy that a positive could be made out of something most would construe as a negative. I’m very proud of my record in all the majors, and it was nice to see (writer Steve T.) Gorches recognize that. Hopefully, a win in one of this season’s majors will allow me to grace your cover again. Ryan Shafer Horseheads, N.Y. LETTER OF THE MONTH ‘ULTIMATE SCORING’ EVENT: PBA NEEDS TO GO FURTHER I read with interest about the PBA’s decision to have an Ultimate Scoring Championship. Although Bob Johnson has reservations about this format (“Strikes Me,” September), I believe that it isn’t such a bad idea. It’s just that the PBA doesn’t go far enough. Watching 64 PBA players compete amongst themselves on (the equivalent of) a house shot will not prove to the bowlers at large just how good the pros really are. My suggestion is to have this pattern used in a large-entry event such as the U.S. Open. With the possibility of 400 or 500 entries, this would create a truly elite talent pool and enable the PBA to show the world just how good its players are when the conditions are the same for all. Lou Evans, Shoemakersville, PA a great game because the standards are set, so records mean something — except when you have players like (Barry) Bonds or (Mark) McGwire cheat. Steven Foon Pinole, CA IT SHOULD BE noted that all bowling ball manufacturers comply with USBC-mandated specifications, and that forgiving lane conditioning patterns also contribute to high scores. SMOKING CONTINUES TO BE BOWLING’S BURNING ISSUE I quit bowling twice over the years because of smoking. Washington state banned smoking in public places several years ago, and I can’t tell you what a difference that has made for me. I’ve run several marathons and value my health. Not having to deal with second-hand smoke has made bowling fun again. Don Schiele Snoqualmie, WA I bowl at a center that has a fully glassed-in room with air filters. The smokers can go in there to smoke and see when it’s their turn to bowl. It seems to work, as non-smokers do not smell the smoke, and everyone is happy. Dixie Williams Sedalia, MO LETTERS POLICY A CLASSIC COVER, AND A COMMENT ABOUT ETHNICITY I almost wrote a letter regarding the Ryan Shafer cover as soon as I saw it. That was a classic. I’m sure that was a picture just waiting for its 1,000 words. You could not get Mr. Shafer to pose for a shot like that. And I agree that he is the best non-major winner on the Tour. It just seems that he has developed “Barnesitis” during the big shows. But then, now that Chris has worked through that (we hope), perhaps we’ll see Ryan do likewise. This could be the year. I, too, was disappointed to learn ahead of time that Kim Terrell-Kearney had won the U.S. Women’s Open, but I can accept BJI’s reasoning for publishing “early.” My only comment to Frank Chandler (“Mail,” October) would be: When will we stop using the racial distinctions (AfricanAmerican, etc.) to differentiate the accomplishments of athletes? History was made? Yes, perhaps, if we want to “color” history. We can differentiate bowlers in any number of ways, including race, nationality and style of delivery, but there is no need to preface fantastic accomplishments with an ethnic adjective. We had enough of that when Tiger Woods came on the scene, and with Jim Thorpe and Jesse Owens before that. In each case, all of their accomplishments have superceded their skin color. And that is true here with Kim and Trisha Reid as well. BJI put the U.S. Women’s Open story in the magazine without the fanfare of history. In fact, putting it back in the body of the magazine did serve to keep us in at least a bit more suspense — until we read the write-up. Enough said. Mel Neely Vienna, WV THE POSITIONING of the story was dictated by the magazine’s new format, which involves separate and distinct sections. We simply placed the story within the proper format. DEVELOP A BASE STANDARD AND THEN STICK WITH IT I’ve come back to bowling after a long absence, and really don’t like the fact that skill and accuracy have been replaced by what equipment you are using. Bowling is killing itself, and needs to set some sort of standard and then stick with it. Baseball is To be considered for publication, letters must be signed and include an address. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Mail letters to: Bowlers Journal International, 122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1506, Chicago, IL 60603, or e-mail them to bobj@ bowlersjournal.com. 10 Bowlers Journal International | November 2008 www.bowlersjournal.com http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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