2018 Sports Stories of the Year

source: E:60's ESPN
L: Deland McCullough, R: Sherman Smith

source: Washington Post
L: Lin Wang, Charles Barkley

If you know me, or follow this blog regularly, a BIG part of my life is sports. I don't follow NCAA Division I College and MLB, NBA and NFL as closely as I did as a kid. These days, it's the sports history stories with gripping, memorable programs such as ESPN's SC Featured, E:60 and 30 For 30.

Here are my top sports stories of 2018:
Lin Wang and Charles Barkley
My Twitter feed was blown up about a story from NPR's It's Only A Game. People like Soledad O'Brien and Seth Meyers tweeted at how much they sobbed reading Shirley Wang's essay about her father Lin and his friendship with former NBA standout/current TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley.

I've read the print story at least 3 times, but it was Shirley's voice in the podcast that had me bawling for hours.
Click here to read or hear the podcast.

Deland McCullough and Sherman Smith
Their story has become one of my favorite sports stories ever. Deland is currently the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Sherman is a retired running backs coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Deland and Sherman first met when Sherman recruited Deland in high school to play football for Miami (Ohio) University.

Here's the YouTube video:


Wishing everyone a safe, warm and wonderful 2019.

Mookie Betts in 2018

source: ESPN
Mookie Betts

What a year for Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts.

In 2018:

• American League MVP
• American League Batting Champion
• Rawlings Gold Glove Winner
• American League Silver Slugger
• World Series Champions

Betts also threw a 300 game on November 12, 2017 in the PBA World Series of Bowling in Reno, Nevada.

Here are his 2018 baseball highlights:

PBA Tour debuts on FOX Sports

source: Twitter/PBA
L to R: Rob Stone, Kimberly Pressler, Randy Pedersen

UPDATE: Two of my favorites on the PBA tour, Dom Barrett and Marshall Kent made the PBA Clash Finals. Marshall surged back with 4 consecutive strikes (HAMBONE) to defeat Dom 218-215.

Next week, on December 23, the PBA moves from ESPN to Fox Sports. The televised schedule on the PBA website has broadcasts begin next week and go through mid-June.

For this avid PBA fan, this is very exciting. The move to FOX reunites former ESPN PBA sportscaster Rob Stone with Randy Pedersen and Kimberly Pressler.

Here's the promo trailer:

Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)

source: CAAM

Lately, my Sunday afternoon and evenings have been spent on the Cinema Asian America channel watching films from Center for Asian American Media (CAAM).

CAAM is how I found out about Abacus: Small Enough to Jail featuring the Sung family. Last month, I got to see a great sports documentary directed by Ursula Liang called "9 Man". It's a modified street game of volleyball played in Chinatown playgrounds.



The other documentary is from Canadian director Jeff Chiba Stearns called "Mixed Match". The documentary explores the challenges of those with blood diseases of multi-ethnic heritage.



If you don't have Xfinity/Comcast, they are available for viewing on YouTube for a small fee.

It's A Boy

Li -Chin baby shower

I missed last week's blog post as I was in Sacramento most of the day bowling in the annual California State Senior Bowling tournament.

Four days later on November 15, after 24 hours of labor, my sister-in-law Kat gave birth to a healthy 7 pound, 9 ounce boy. Mom and Dad are home resting comfortably.

Proud dad (my brother Sherman) has been sending Cindy and me pictures almost daily since his birth. And I can't get enough of them. The proud auntie in my saw his latest photo at 10 days old and he already looks like he's 3 months old.

Best part since his birth, he sat with dad watching Ohio State annihilate Michigan 62-39 yesterday. Never too early to begin father-son bonding traditions.

I'll close with a song dedicated to Kat and Sherman, Talking Heads's 1985 song, "Stay Up Late".

Shannon O'Keefe - 2018 Qubica AMF Women's Champion

source: PWBA
Shannon O'Keefe

Big congratulations to McKendree Women's Bowling coach and 2018 PWBA Player of the Year Shannon O'Keefe on her exciting win over Malaysia's Sin Li Jane in the 2018 Qubica AMF World Cup held at Sam's Town in Las Vegas.

Without further ado, here's the semifinals and finals women's matches from Bowl.com:

Bowling Players Packing Review at Mightygoods.com

Come check out the Mightygoods.com review site. Included is my review of how I pack bowling equipment.

In awe that my review is featured alongside PBA legend Parker Bohn III.

Click here to read the review.

Dom Barrett - 2018 PBA US Open Champion

source: Bowl.com
2018 PBA US Open Champion
Dom Barrett

On the right side of my blog page, there is a list of links which are labels I've added to all entries.

You'll notice bowling and San Francisco Giants are the biggest and darkest. It's no secret among professional bowlers, Danielle McEwan and Dom Barrett are my favorites.


So it was only fitting that this past Wednesday during league night, Dom Barrett climbed the stepladder as the 4th seed to win the 2018 PBA US Open.

Before league shadow practice started, I caught about the first 4 frames of Dom's match with Kris Prather live on CBS Sports. My first thought, wow, Dom's defeated Marshall Kent and EJ Tackett.

Kris had a rather sizable lead over Dom. I figured then it'd be a Prather-Buttruff final, especially after the way both bowled all week. Our scoreboards came up and I had to go to my pair to start league for the night.

It wasn't until my last game my teammate Jason asked me if I wanted to know who won. I said yes. He showed the picture from his phone.

Dom's wearing a green jacket. WOW.

Fist pumps follow and cheers of yes! yes! yes!

Along with Liz Johnson's climb as the 5th seed in the 2017 PWBA US Open, the 33-year old native of England demonstrated poise, experience, grit, grind and determination to defeat 4 bowlers in their 20's (Kent, Tackett, and Prather are 26, Buttruff is 24).

I've already watched the match twice. I'll likely watch it again tonight. I watched his 2013 PBA World Championship match versus Sean Rash at least 6 times.

Congratulations Dom!

ESPN's Basketball: A Love Story

source: ESPN

On September 25, ESPN2 aired the first 5 episodes of Basketball: A Love Story from Dan Klores. The full series is 10 episodes, 2 hours each.

From the ESPN Media Zone:
The unique format of “Basketball: A Love Story” gives ESPN the chance to offer it to viewers in a variety of ways. Beginning on Tuesday, September 18, all 62 short stories will be available on the ESPN App. The full film will air in a serialized format in primetime on ESPN over five Tuesdays: October 9, from 7-11 p.m., October 16, from 7-11 p.m., October 23, from 7-11 p.m., October 30, from 8 p.m-12 a.m., and November 13, from 8 p.m-12 a.m. (all times ET.) For a more binge-style experience, a special preview of the full film will be shown in two installments on ESPN2 on September 25 (9 p.m. – Episodes 1 through 5) and September 27 (9 p.m. – Episodes 6 through 10).

This is one of the most thoroughly told and entertaining documentaries on the game of basketball. Among my favorites: early 20th century stories of point shaving, player profiles of college and NBA stars in the 1960's and 70's. Very excited to see my big NBA crush Gail Goodrich interviewed from his UCLA and Los Angeles Lakers days. Another favorite was interviews from some of the greatest female players ever to play basketball: Nancy Lieberman, Cheryl Miller, Lynette Woodard, Ann Meyers, and Carol Blazejowski.

Here's a preview clip:

Baseball, Bowling, Betts in 2018

source: zimbio
Mookie Betts

The 2018 season cemented Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts as one of the best in Major League Baseball.

Batting average: .346 (1st)

Home runs: 32

Stolen bases: 30

Betts and teammate J.D. Martinez are heavy favorites to win the league's MVP.

Mookie is also an elite level bowler. PBA Commissioner Tom Clark invited him to participate in the 2015 World Series of Bowling (see October 11, 2015 blog entry). Due to injury in 2016, he did not bowl.

Before the 2018 baseball season began, Mookie participated in the 2017 World Series of Bowling at National Bowling Stadium in Reno. On November 12, 2017, Mookie bowled a perfect 300 game in the PBA Scorpion Championship.

Dude's got game. Nike needs to come out with a reboot of the "Bo Knows" commercials with Mr. Betts.

Whitehall-Yearling High School - 40th Reunion, Class of 1978

Senior Photo/Reunion Badge

Last weekend I took Thursday and Friday off to attend my 40th high school reunion (see April 8, 2018 entry).

On previous reunions, I usually take an early flight on Friday, arrive early evening, have dinner with Cindy, attend the reunion on Saturday and fly back Sunday morning.

This flight for this reunion was different. For the first time EVER, I flew direct. Southwest Airlines now has a single daily non-stop from Oakland to Columbus (John Glenn International). It's about a 4 to 4.5 hour flight.

Man, what a difference. I saved so much in travel time and the drudgery of catching a connecting flight. I now can consider making weekend trips without feeling like all my time's been sapped traveling.

As the last 3 reunions have been, it was loads of fun. It was expanded to 3 events: Friday school tour, Saturday banquet, and Sunday brunch. Most attendees participated in 1 or 2 events. I attended all 3.

After the Friday tour to see the remodeled school, we met at Gatsby's in Gahanna for drinks (club sodas for me). Toward the end of the evening, we pushed picnic tables together for a high school-like girls only chat. On Saturday, I took selfies with many classmates, participated in a very fun, hammy sing along/karaoke to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, and had a few very meaningful conversations with others I've known since elementary school.

My most favorite part of the weekend was to see classmates that had not attended previous reunions connect as Facebook friends. There were at least 5 to 6 classmates that had 5 or more new friends by the end of the weekend.

If you've never attended a high school reunion because it's too painful and/or you don't have fond memories, I respect your decision. I can't speak for everyone, but my experience has been if you get to a 30 year reunion, all the cliques are pretty much gone. Everyone will have experienced death, divorce, illness, or some other kind of life changing event.

We are now on common ground on an even playing field. We share life experiences which connect us to our past and present. We reflect and look forward to seeing everyone again at the next reunion.

If you're interested in reading my blog entries from previous reunions, click here.

San Francisco USBC Board Member

source: SFUSBC

On my way to Wednesday night league last summer, I was unloading my bowling equipment from my car when the current president of San Francisco's USBC approached me.

She told me my comments at a previous meeting open to league bowlers impressed her. She asked if I'd be interested in becoming a board member.

Surprised, honored and flattered I accepted. Due to a schedule conflict, I didn't become a board member right away. Meetings were taking place Wednesday nights, the same nights I bowl league.

This past November that changed. Meetings were moved to Sunday mornings. Perfect day and time as I'm already at the center for practice every week. Our most recent board meeting took place this morning.

In my capacity as a San Francisco USBC board member, some duties include:

• Lane inspection/certification
• Fund raisers 
• Local tournaments
• Management of sanctioned leagues at Classic (Daly City), Sea (Pacifica), Brentwood (South San Francisco), and Presidio (San Francisco).

As the 2018-19 season has officially started, I attended 3 league meetings last week (including my own) to introduce myself and briefly describe San Francisco USBC's role and upcoming events.

Being a board member requires time, dedication, and passion combined with a strong grasp of diplomacy. Not all that different than a full-time job. I find both roles very fulfilling and hope that I'll continue in both roles for a long time.

Hello Cinemark Movie Club

Shortly after I cancelled my Movie Pass membership, I enrolled in a new movie club membership, Cinemark Connections.

I chose this membership because most movies I watch are at Cinemark owned theaters. I can purchase in advance my tickets, choose my seats and have the tickets downloaded to my phone's wallet in minutes.

With Movie Pass, it required me to be at the theater to check in through the app, choose the desired show time, and then purchase the ticket with the Movie Pass issued MasterCard.

If I wanted decent seats, then it would require for me to arrive at the theater at least an hour before  show time. On top of the lack of movies eligible, this sealed my decision to cancel my membership.

In case you can't read the screenshot, here are Cinemark's Movie Club benefits:

• One credit per month good for one 2D ticket.
• Unused credits roll over and never expire when you're a member.
• Pay just $8.99 for additional tickets.
• 20% off concessions.
• Waived online fees.
• Earn Connections points for every purchase.

If you visit other movie houses on a regular basis besides Cinemark, this membership probably won't work for you. 

Goodbye Movie Pass

CineArts @ Empire West Portal
September 3 2018
movie times

As Labor Day 2018 comes to an end, I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday.

For me, it was my annual trip to Reno: weekend stay at Silver Legacy and a walk across the street to bowl 5 squads over 2 days in the Asian American Labor Day Tournament. I bowled well in yesterday's squads, including a 225 game in my doubles match with Leo. Hopefully it will be enough for us to cash out.

Today, it was an encore viewing of Crazy Rich Asians. I knew from the time I saw it 3 weeks ago I would see it again. I laughed and cried as much as I did the first time.

I paid for the first viewing by Fandango. As the movie just came out, it wasn't likely I'd have the option of buying it through my Movie Pass membership.

Three weeks later, I thought that would change. It did not.

First photo is a screenshot of today's movie showings at CineArts @ Empire in San Francisco's West Portal neighborhood.

 

The next 2 screenshots show why I cancelled my Movie Pass subscription today. There is only ONE of THREE films showing at CineArts @ Empire eligible on Movie Pass.

This was also the case at Cinemark Tanforan. After 3 weeks from its wide release, Crazy Rich Asians is still NOT available on Movie Pass.

If I can't see a new and popular film from Movie Pass, then my subscription is useless.

hapa.me -15 years of the hapa project

source: KipFulbeck.com

As I'm still riding on the Asian American identity theme for the past 3 of 4 weeks, I'm going to shift gears a little and update you on my August 10, 2012 entry, The Hapa Project.

Continuing through October 28, 2018 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles is the exhibition "hapa.me - 15 years of the hapa project".

Taken from the first paragraph from the exhibition page: The word “hapa” is the Hawaiian transliteration of the English word “half.” Much of its current usage derives from the phrase hapa haole, meaning “half white.” The phrase was originally coined by native Hawaiians to describe the mixed offspring resulting from encounters between islanders and White settlers. In subsequent years, hapa (or Hapa) has come into popular usage away from the islands, most frequently embraced by Asian/Pacific Islander Americans of mixed descent.

Some well known Hapa:

• Oiympic swimmers Nathan Adrian, Natalie Coughlin and Jay Litherland
• Actors Keanu Reeves, Chloe Bennett, Maggie Q, and Daniel Henney

For me, I need to make this as a must-see on my next visit to Los Angeles.

Crazy Rich Asians on Food and Family

source: Mother Jones
L to R: Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Constance Wu, Ken Jeong, Awkwafina

Yesterday, I attended the early bird showing of "Crazy Rich Asians".
Love versus family with east versus west complications told in a fun yet very heartfelt way. With lots of eating in-between.

I'm ethnically biased, but it's the best movie I've seen this year.

From USA Today, here's the film's cast on their own experiences with food and family. Can't stress it enough. Especially if you or loved ones are Chinese. GO SEE THE MOVIE. And if you can, with a group of friends and/or family.

Nationwide PWBA Columbus Bowl - 2018 August 16-18

source: PWBA

With only 3 tournaments remaining for the 2018 PWBA season, the next tour stop is in Columbus, Ohio at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl.

Bowl Fearless.



Bowlers featured in video in order of appearance:
Diana Zajvalova, Kelly Kulick, Daria Pajak, Stefanie Johnson, Liz Johnson, and the heavy favorite for Player of the Year, Shannon O'Keefe.

Crazy Rich Asians Film Premiere 2018.08.08

source: Amazon
novel by Kevin Kwan

In recognition of lucky 8 in Chinese numerology, the highly anticipated motion picture based on Kevin Kwan's best selling novel, Crazy Rich Asians will make its San Francisco debut in limited release on August 8, 2018.

I haven't read the novel but likely will see the film.

There have been some grumblings about casting Henry Golding, who is British Malaysian, in a Chinese role.

This isn't anything new.

Michelle Yeoh (Golding's mother in Crazy Rich Asians), Ziyi Zhang and Gong Li, who are all Chinese, were cast as Japanese in Memoirs of a Geisha. 

The late Miyoshi Umeki and James Shigeta, who are both ethnically Japanese, were cast as Chinese characters in Flower Drum Song. Tamlyn Tomita, ethnically Japanese, was cast as Chinese in The Joy Luck Club.

As we do every time we see a film, exercise your suspension of disbelief. Get an overpriced fat tub of popcorn lathered in real butter. Munch. Enjoy.

2018 PBA-PWBA Storm Striking Against Breast Cancer Doubles

source: PBA/PWBA
L to R: Storm Bowling founders Bill and Barbara Chrisman,
EJ Tackett, Liz Johnson and Luci Bonneau Tournament founder Donna Conners

Article by bvint - link to PBA/PWBA article

EJ Tackett, Liz Johnson Win PBA-PWBA Storm Striking Against Breast Cancer Doubles in Dramatic Fashion

As a big fan of the PBA and PWBA, I'd like to see more mixed tournaments. I eagerly await the match to be shown on YouTube.

Again, congratulations to EJ and Liz.

Alaska and Canada Vacation

Norwegian Spirit
 Western Mediterranean

Norwegian Jewel, Alaska

It's been a month since my last posting. I spent the first two weeks of July on vacation with my family to Alaska and Canada.

As it was last year, our visit to Alaska was on Norwegian Cruise Lines (Jewel). The cruise ship (Spirit) we took last year to Italy, Spain and France began service in 1998 and is 879 feet long (see June 4, 2017 entry). Jewel entered into service in 2005 and is 965 feet long.

This was my third cruise vacation. My first cruise was on Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas in 2008 to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. It was the last vacation Cindy, Sherman and I took with them. My parents had a great time, staying out late most nights.

We continue to do cruises as a family vacation because it's great value. Tremendous bang for the buck. No schlepping luggage, no extra expense for dinners and/or arguing where everyone wants to eat. You get to visit a bunch of different ports and cities.

It all can become a blur after awhile. But what you will remember beyond the countless photos is the time spent with your travel companions.

ESPN's SC Featured

source: ESPN
SC Featured

For the past year, most of my Sunday late afternoons and evenings have been stuck on ESPN2.

I've previously raved about the feature stories on ESPN 30 for 30. If you love sports documentaries but can't always devote 1 1/2 to 2 hours, then there's E:60. If you only have 30 minutes, then I strongly recommend SC Featured.

Archives of SC Featured stories can be found at the WatchESPN archives as well as ESPN's YouTube page.

Here's the story I finished watching a few minutes ago.

Save Cloverleaf Bowl - SIGN THE PETITION!

From Patricia Brown who posted the petition at change.org:
As of this writing, the petition has received over 8,000 signatures.

A developer is proposing to tear down the buildings in the old Fremont Center at the corner of Fremont Boulevard and Grimmer Boulevard in Irvington and replace them with 272 housing units.

The Cloverleaf Family Bowl, which has greeted generations of bowlers for 55 years, is one of the buildings that would be demolished.

The proposed project site extends from Fremont Boulevard west to Bay Street, and from Grimmer Boulevard south. It includes the Bank of America and the businesses south of that along Fremont. All commercial buildings on the site are proposed to be demolished except the Taco Bell drive-in restaurant.

Mike Hillman says: This is wrong on so many levels. If Cloverleaf Family Bowl has given you memories and happiness then I ask you to please write to the email in the article. My family has been in this business and location for over 55 years now. The last thing Fremont needs is more residential and eliminate one main source of family entertainment. Nobody does more for the kids and families than Cloverleaf Family Bowl. Our seniors included.

The parent company of Taco Bell discovered the center had been devalued by the loss of tenants (with the previous landlord) so they purchased the shopping center. Then one day we get a call and find out that developers are interested in purchasing the shopping center and that it is under contract. Then earlier this week, an article in the Tri City Voice was published and this was a bit of a shock to all of us that things had progressed to this point. And to read that EVERYTHING will be demolished here EXCEPT Taco Bell. 

A day may come where we will need to go to city council meetings. I would hope that we could count on a lot of people to support us and attend the meeting and show these people how much we mean to the city and the families that live here or bowl here. My family has been here for 55+ years in this business. I have been inside this building almost every day of my life. We are not giving up! 

Mel's Bowl/Redwood Lanes closed on May 8, 2011 to make way for condominiums (see April 11, 2011 blog entry). We can't lose any more bowling centers, especially Cloverleaf.

Dwight Clark - January 8, 1957 - June 4, 2018

source: Brian Murphy, KNBR
Dwight Clark

On June 4, 2018, former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark lost his battle with ALS.

I watched, heard and cried to dozens of tearful, poignant tributes from former teammates, coaches and sports media who all became family to him.

Here's video of one of Dwight's last public appearances, Dwight Clark Day at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017.

Goodbye Chase VISA - Member Since 1983

Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
Fool me thrice, goodbye.

I've been a Chase VISA cardholder since 1983.

With a sizable balance.

This was a result of taxes owed and important big ticket purchases compounded by unemployment (June 2010 to January 2014).

Yes, I'm paying more than the minimum amount due when the bill comes. Yes, the cost of living in San Francisco doesn't help. Yes, I should be on a tighter budget. So don't tell me what I already know.

But I've NEVER BEEN LATE on payments. It's my guess the interest I've paid to Chase over 30+ years is a few thousand dollars.

Thinking my 35 years with Chase should count for something, I call Cardmember Services a few years ago to request my APR to be waived or reduced. Perhaps for a few months, maybe a year. Chase tells me no.

Yet they send me promotions via email, snail mail and online with fat offers to transfer a balance to my account interest free for a limited period. The latest, an upgrade to Chase VISA Preferred and offer to transfer a balance. With no tiny font disclaimer of ineligibility for existing Chase cardholders, I eagerly apply and am immediately approved for the card.

A week later, I receive 2 letters from Chase. One letter contains the new VISA card. The other, a letter refusing to honor my request to transfer the balance. Why? Because it's another Chase account. They'd make no profit from a 15-month 0% interest fee card.

Therefore, I'm calling it quits. Two weeks ago, I opened a VISA account with my credit union. I apply on a Friday. I'm approved on the following Monday. I've been a member there since 1992. Later that week, that same credit union completes the balance transfer to my new VISA for most of what I owe on the Chase account. With no annual fee and 0% APR for 14 months.

It's clear to me who wants my business. It isn't Chase. Goodbye and good riddance. It wasn't all that nice knowing you.

Alive and Well in America - Xenophobia

source: @lionnessmom76 Twitter
Suraya Entezam

On May 21, Air Force veteran and Fremont, California resident James Ahn posted a video on his Facebook page showing a woman yelling at him, calling him ugly Chinese and go back to his country. Mr. Ahn is from Seoul, South Korea.

On May 17, New York attorney Aaron Schlossberg goes into a tirade to deli employees speaking Spanish to speak English. He later apologizes, says he's not racist.

Meet Suraya Entezam. Ms. Entezam herself is not U.S. born as can be detected in her accent yelling at Mr. Ahn.



I find disheartening that these incidents are taking place in areas of the United States where there is a significant foreign-born population.

Over Labor Day Weekend last year, my cousins (brother and sister) were in San Francisco to attend the funeral services for their aunt. Both encountered xenophobic incidents during their visit. One was at San Francisco International Airport, the other on BART. Irony on the BART incident - the female passenger told my cousin to go back to Korea.

Fear, anger and ignorance and alive and well in the United States. We give the rest of the Americas (Central, South and North) a bad name.

The Picture People - Out of Business

Picture People, Foster City, Californa
October 1, 2001 to September 20, 2007

On Thursday, May 18, my former employer, TPP Holdings DBA The Picture People closed doors permanently.

While it's sad, it did not come as a surprise to many of us who were once employed there. I was separated from Picture People in September 2007 when headquarters moved from Foster City, California to Plano, Texas.

Like my other former employer, The Sharper Image (see blog post November 18, 2017), shut down business operations in 2008. There have several relaunches beginning in 2010, the latest is through Camelot Venture Group in April 2018.

With the recent store closings for Macy's and Sears, traditional retail in malls as we once knew it has changed. It's looking more like a future destination to the mall won't just be for shopping or the movies.

Other than my two rounds of four-year employment with Sharper Image, my six years of continuous employment with Picture People is the longest I've worked anywhere. As it usually is in retail, turnover is frequent. So when one stays for at least three years, he/she would be considered an old-timer. Bonds form and cement into lifelong friendships.

Alumni from Sharper Image recently announced plans for a second reunion this fall. Picture People from the Foster City headquarters held a reunion in March 2014.

It's my hope that those who suddenly lost their jobs will receive some kind of employment assistance.

2011 May 19

Heard this song at the end of USA Network's In Plain Sight episode "I'm a Liver Not A Fighter". It aired on June 19, 2011, a month after my almost 2-year relationship ended with a longtime friend I had a crush on from the moment I met him in 1988. Bawled my eyes out. The relationship didn't last, but the friendship continues (now 30 years).

Maybe.

Music and Lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson

iPhone 8 Plus - 4th Apple phone

iPhone 8 plus

iPhone 4S, 5S, 6S

Happy Mother's Day!

My history with the iPhone began in 2012, starting with the 4S model (see blog entry September 27, 2015). As of yesterday, I retired the 6S and bought an 8 plus. The battery on the 6S was on its last legs almost a year ago, but I did not update at that time because my contract to pay off the phone wasn't until April 2018.

I chose the 8 plus over the 8 because I needed a bigger viewing screen for my middle aged eyes. I chose the 8 plus over the 10 because I wanted to keep Touch ID. Face ID replaces Touch ID on the iPhone 10.

As I never owned previous iPhones for more than 2 years, I didn't realize how quickly the battery power deteriorates until I got the 6S. Especially when I used the GPS. Power would drop 10% to 15% in less than 10 minutes.

Prior to Apple, the only other cell phone brand I've owned more than once is Nokia (see blog entry March 7, 2014).

As I did with the previous iPhones, I buy a new phone cover. I'll get that tomorrow or Tuesday. I also ordered a new 2-in-1 adapter (newest iPhones no longer have a earphone jack) yesterday. I'm seriously considering a magnetic holder to put on my car's dashboard.

Let's hope the latest and almost greatest iteration of this iPhone will have a more robust battery life than the S's.

PBA Tour Final and PWBA Challenge

source: PBA
Top L to R: E.J. Tackett, Tommy Jones, Marshall Kent, Jesper Svensson
Bottom: L to R: Anthony Simonsen, Dom Barrett, Jason Belmonte, Sean Rash

This weekend, at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan (Detroit area), eight of the top PBA earners the past two years compete in the PBA Tour Finals. All bowlers but Australian Jason Belmonte are former or current Weber Cup (Weber Cup is between Europe and United States) members.

Matches will be televised on CBS Sports Network over the next five Tuesdays beginning on May 22 at 10 pm Eastern Time, 7 pm Pacific Time.

source: PWBA

For the women, the PWBA Challenge will take place on Sunday, June 24 in Orlando, Florida at 4 pm, Eastern, 1 pm Pacific Time live on Xtra Frame.

This event will take the top four in the points standings compete in a special finals bracket.

Congrats to the eight men who made the finals. Best of luck to the women who will be competing for one of the four spots.

Pablo Pitches in a Pinch

source: Jeff Chiu, AP
Pablo Sandoval, relief pitching
SF Giants vs LA Dodgers, 28 April 2018

I haven't posted in the past 2 weeks due to a bunch of weekend bowling activities.

April 14 and 15 - worked and bowled in Pacifica at Sea Bowl for the SFUSBC City Tournament.

April 21 and 22 - in Reno at the National Bowling Stadium bowling Women's USBC Championships.

Today, Women's Peninsula USBC Open at Bel Mateo (where I bowl Monday nights).

Yesterday, back in Pacifica at Sea Bowl for the yearly meeting and election of SFUSBC Directors. Appointment approved and got my navy association polo to make it all official.

Also yesterday, the Giants and Dodgers played a doubleheader (day and evening game). The day game was to makeup April 6's rained out game in San Francisco.

Had it not been for the doubleheader, it was unlikely we would have seen 2012 World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval make his pitching debut.

Since Pablo's return to San Francisco late last season, he's performed admirably in a utility/supporting role. He's played 3rd and 1st base and is listed as an emergency back up catcher for the Giants.

He added another position to his player résumé. Relief pitcher.

The Giants were down 15-6 with another game still yet to play. On those occasions where the game is a blowout, a MLB team will have a position player come in to pitch.

Enter the Panda.

He pitched a perfect 9th inning. 3 infield ground balls = 3 outs. If you missed it yesterday as I did, here it is:

Oakland to Columbus - Nonstop

Southwest Airlines
Nonstop Oakland to Columbus

My last trip to my birthplace, Columbus, Ohio was in August 2013, when I flew back for my 35th high school reunion.

That was 5 years ago. I was able to get a non-stop on Delta from San Francisco to Cincinnati, rent a car and drive the 110-120 miles to Columbus.

If there's any opportunity to fly non-stop, I'll take it. Even if it costs me $100 more. I've been stranded and delayed more times than I can remember when I have to take a connecting flight.

It amazes me with how much we've gained in technology and I still can't fly directly to Columbus, Ohio. The state's capital city. A metro population of more than 1 million. The city The Ohio State University calls home.

When they announced our 40th high school reunion a few weeks ago, I was prepared to fly directly to Cincinnati again. Prices were higher than I hoped, so I was going to wait a few more weeks to see if the prices would come down.

Frustrated with less than ideal options on flight times and cities where I'd have to stop, I did a Google search with the hope there is now an airline carrier that does offer non-stop from the San Francisco Bay Area to Columbus.

Success. My search results found a 2015 press release from Southwest Airlines announcing a non-stop service from Oakland to Columbus. Woo hoo to the max.

I signed into my Southwest account right away and booked the flights tonight. The cost isn't cheap, but about $100 less than Delta, and only 4.5 to 5 hours flight time. A flight from San Francisco with a stop in Phoenix would add 3-4 more hours in travel time.

Hello, Columbus. See you in September.

2018 Weber Cup Team Selections

source: bowlingdigital
Anthony Simonsen

source: bowlingdigital
Kyle Troup

source: bowlingdigital
L: Tommy Jones, R: Chris Barnes

source: Weber Cup
L to R: Dom Barrett, Martin Larsen, Jesper Svensson, Stu Williams

This year's Weber Cup will take place on June 15 - 17 at Arena MK, Milton Keynes. Team Europe looks to repeat for their sixth consecutive win. Team USA seeks their first win since 2012.

Team Europe's roster remains unchanged for the third year in a row.
Captain Dom Barrett, Martin Larsen, Jesper Svensson and Stu Williams.

Team USA has struggled badly the past three years and hopes to recapture glory days with the return of two former Weber Cup bowlers: Tommy Jones and Chris Barnes. Barnes will resume duties as Team USA's captain.

The only returning member from USA last year is Kyle Troup. This will be Troup's third Weber Cup. New to Weber Cup for Team USA is Anthony Simonsen. I like USA's combination of youth and experience, but not sure it will be enough to match Europe's chemistry, experience and fire power.

As an American, I'd like to see Team USA do well, but I'm partial to Team Europe. Based on the number of blog entries I've written on him over the years, it's been no secret how much I like Dom Barrett. I also think Europe is a better team and predict they will prevail. If they don't, I won't be heartbroken about it either.

Good luck to both teams.

Why Bowling Should Be An Olympic Sport

source: Bowlingdigital.com

There are numerous articles over the past decade on the push to make bowling an Olympic sport. In 2015, bowling was 1 of 26 venues to be considered for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. By 2016, the list had been narrowed to 5, but ultimately did not make the final cut.

Bowling was featured as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea. From Wikipedia, In all, a total 24 Ten-pin bowling bowlers, 12 male and 12 female, from 21 nations competed in the exhibition, which was held on September 18 at the Seoul's Royal Bowling Center.

Forward 30 years later. The website, bowlingdigital.com proves there's a lot more than 21 countries that are bowling. "World Bowling provides governance to international bowling and is made up of 115 member federations within three geographical zones." The 3 zones: Europe, America, Asia.

In November 2017, the 53rd QubicaAMF World Cup took place in Hermosillo, Mexico. There were 72 men and 57 women from 75 countries registered as participants.

Currently, the closest event to resemble bowling's equivalent to the Olympics (every 4 years), is the World Games. The most recent games took place in Wroclaw, Poland in July 2017.

To give you a flavor of international bowling, watch at least 20 minutes of the 15th Brunswick Euro Challenge in Unterföhring (suburban Munich), Germany. Sweden's Jenny Wegner defeated USA's Anthony Simonsen (women have an 8 pin handicap) in the championship match.

Danielle McEwan, Bernice Lim, Sin Li Jane, New Hui Fen, Daphne Tan, Dom Barrett, Stu Williams, Richie Teece, Sean Rash and Darren Tang also bowled this tournament.

Bowler's Thumb

my thumb on the mend

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me - I bowl year round. At least 3 times a week: Monday and Wednesday night league + Sunday morning practice.

With all that bowling and double layers of protection tape on my thumb to prevent swelling, sweating and soreness has a big drawback. The lack of moisture, especially in winter, causes the right side of the thumbnail to crack, split and bleed.

My remedy so far has been to moisturize and bandage the thumb. Healing can take weeks only to find the end of the thumbnail split again.

I've tried liquid bandage and super glue. Didn't help. Exacerbated the dryness and caused the skin to peel further down the base of the thumb (see above photo). The affected skin area is red, raw and very sore.

Waterproof bandages work, but not ideally. In most cases they're too small, too big and/or they're nasty looking from dirt buildup having worn them all day.

finger cots, size medium

After some online research, finger cots seemed to be the right solution. So I bought some on Amazon for a little over $5. And yes, they look like mini-condoms.

After I got them, I'd only gone through maybe 1/3 of the box. Why? The medium size is too small for my thumb. If I wore them like I was supposed to, it'd cut off the circulation at the bottom of my thumb. I then tried to wear them only halfway down, but they'd never stay on. By morning, I find it strewn on my bed, making it look like I had too much fun that night.

My next solution: new finger cots for the same price, size extra large. Hopefully, the better fit will result in a thumbs up outcome.

2018 Asian American Bowling Association - Lunar New Year Tournament Results

source: aababowling.com

In my little corner of the bowling world, it's nice to know that I can participate in local handicap tournaments, bowl well, and make out with some cash. Especially if I'm able to win back what I paid in entry fees. Anything more is icing on the cake.

For 2018's Asian American Bowling Association's Chinese New Year Tournament, my Wednesday league night teammate Jason Wu and I did that. We finished in a 4-way tie for 20th place among a total of 333 teams. We'll split $65.

To see the complete list of cash winners, go to http://www.aababowling.com

Next up, 2 April tournaments: San Francisco USBC's City Tournament at Sea Bowl, April 14 and 15. I'll likely be there on both dates, as a participant and SFUSBC board member. On April 22 and 23, I'll be in Reno for the Women's USBC Nationals at National Bowling Stadium.

What's For Lunch at Storm Nation?

source: bowlingdigital.com
L: Darren Tang, R: Michael Tang

Pardon last week's absence. I spent the weekend seeing old friends and all of Sunday in San Jose at the Asian American Bowling Association Chinese New Year Tournament in San Jose.

Without further ado, San Francisco's Darren and Michael Tang are the latest young hotshots on the PBA Tour. Darren is with Storm, younger brother Michael is with Roto Grip.

At a recent visit to Storm Nation, PBA and Team USA bowler Chris Via is a little confused at giving PWBA bowler Leanne Hulsenberg at lunch the right kind of Tang.

Be sure to watch them in action on Sunday, March 25 on ESPN at 10 am Pacific Time (1 pm Eastern). Team Tang will bowl as the 5th seed at the Roth Holman PBA Doubles from my birthplace, Columbus, Ohio.

2018 PBA League Draft

source: PBA.com
eligible bowlers for 2018 League Draft

Two days ago, the PBA held their league draft. For 8 PBA League teams, they have to declare 3 bowlers from their 2017 roster that will not be included in the draft.

This leaves team managers to select 2 players to complete their roster.

On the left are the 51 eligible PBA bowlers for 2018's draft. Only 16 of them will be selected. Last week's PBA Tournament of Champions winner Matt O'Grady was the first bowler drafted.

Among the 35 bowlers that were eligible for 2018 but not drafted were PWBA members Danielle McEwan and Liz Johnson. They both bowled on teams in 2016 and 2017.

In my opinion, 35 bowlers not selected is too many. Based on the popularity the league has had since moving it to Portland, Maine, I'd like to see 2 more teams added to the league. And make one of them from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Abacus: Small Enough To Jail - Documentary Feature Oscar Nominee

source: Twitter

Congratulations to Steve James, Mark Mitten, Julie Goldman and the Sung Family for their Documentary Feature Oscar nomination.

If you like documentaries and haven't yet seen it, I strongly recommend it. Despite my personal connection to the Sung Family, this is an excellent film. Yes, I've already seen it 5 times (see March 14, 2017 blog entry).

You have no excuses to say you can't find it. It's available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes and was featured on PBS's Frontline.

Here's the trailer:

Stolen Bowling Equipment

source: Linds Bowling
Linds 2-ball roller bag

Storm Wipe Out

Storm Match Up Solid

source: bowlingball.com
Women's Storm SP2 (made by Dexter)

February 2018 has not started off well.
What started out as a persistent cough on Wednesday resulted in bronchitis.

The next morning, I walked to my car on my way to work and opened my trunk to find my laptop tote (thankfully no laptop in it) and Linds bowling bags gone.

My windows weren't broken nor was there any damage to the car. It's highly likely I forgot to lock the car after bowling Wednesday night. The neighborhood is relatively safe, so whomever stole my stuff took a careful look inside and saw the doors unlocked. It's my guess their first intent was to steal the car but couldn't because it has a stick shift transmission.

One bowling bag contained only extra towels and socks.
The other bag contained everything I consider necessary to bowl.
Contents:

• 2 bowling balls: Storm Wipe Out and Match Up Solid both in microfiber see-saws (covers and cleans the ball of excess lane oil)
• shoes: Storm SP2 (made by Dexter) with shoe covers
• accessory bag (tape, scissors, powder, cleaner, tape insert tool, shoe brush)

From the inside of my car, they took my tissue box, phone auxiliary cord, and car charger. 

What they didn't take: pouch of shopping bags, towels not in the bag, burned CD's of music, and my work cardigan.

What frustrates me most is that whomever stole my stuff gains to make little profit. I can't see custom drilled bowling balls and women's bowling shoes have much selling value on eBay or craigslist.

The Wipe Out bowling ball has special significance for me because it's the ball I used to bowl my first official 600 series last year.

After my Thursday morning appointment, I called Goody, my pro shop guy at All-American in the Inner Richmond to order a new ball. When he offered to price match whatever else I was going to order, I added shoes and a bag. He'd make sure they would all come at the same time as the ball, probably on Saturday, latest on Monday.

If it came on Monday, I'd have to take off work early to pick up everything in time for league with no opportunity beforehand to practice with the new ball. 

After I finished my order with Goody, I went to Amazon and ordered my Turbo bowling protection tape (mint and beige) and see-saws. Then to eBay to order shoe covers and tape insert tool.

My coughing got progressively worse Thursday afternoon. I called in sick Friday. I did a little work from home. Got the well-needed rest to help me recover. 

I called Goody on Saturday morning. Everything he ordered came in.
Here's what I got:

Women's Dexter SST 8

Storm Rolling Thunder bowling bag

Storm Match Up Hybrid

Tape and see saws arrived later in the afternoon. A phone accessory bag that was too big for my purse turns out to the ideal size to hold bowling tape and scissors.

Everything needed for league play is now in. The stuff not so urgent - shoe covers and tape insert tool come in next week. I'll replace the shoe brush at a later date.

If you play any sport long enough, it's a given you will spend money updating your equipment. I just never expected to update everything in 2 days. And put me out $500. 

With new equipment comes new features. For my shoes, side air hole vents in the arch. The roller bag, air vents in the shoe pocket and wide ass sturdy wheels. The new ball, also a Storm Match Up, is now a hybrid of pearl and solid coverstocks. My recently departed Match Up was all solid reactive resin.

Took the new ball and brought my Storm Tropical Heat back out of retirement this morning to practice. Glad I got some games in with the new ball. First game was a dismal 109. By the third game, the ball got broken in nicely. My high game for the day was 194. 

I have yet to replace the laptop tote. I spent most of Saturday morning online researching. It's been difficult to find one that has the pass through pocket (see photo with my purse attached to new bowling bag). 

It became a must have feature after I took the tote to Europe last year.

Baggallini purse with
pass through pocket

From here on out, I take everything out of the trunk when I get home. Benjamin Franklin said it best, "an ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure."