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." 

Dom Barrett - 2018 DHC PBA Japan Champion

source: bowlingdigital.com
Dom Barrett

Congratulations to Dom Barrett on his sixth PBA title, defeating Kyle Troup, 267-204.

Guest commentator Jesper Svensson has close ties to both bowlers. Jesper was Dom's Weber Cup teammate for the past 2 years. With Kyle, they won the Roth-Holman PBA Doubles in 2017.

My Ohio State color blindness couldn't help but notice the scarlet and gray on Dom's jersey and Dexter's HT 9 shoes (see August 27, 2017 blog entry).

This title was especially gratifying for Dom. As it was this year, Dom was the top seed going into the stepladder final 2 years ago. He lost the match to PBA Hall of Famer Amleto Monacelli.

Here's the YouTube video of the match.Take a close listen of the ball roll. This bowling center has wood lanes - which are rare these days. My Wednesday night league at Classic Bowl in Daly City converted from wood to synthetic about 4 years ago.

Chiwetel Ejiofor - Benedict Wong Trilogy

source: Andy Butterton PA Images
L to R: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sophie Okoendo, Benedict Wong

The above photo is taken from a promotional appearance for the 2002 independent/international film Dirty Pretty Things. The men standing in the photo are actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Wong. Mr. Ejiofor is a London native, Mr. Wong is from Manchester.

As an avid film goer, I've known for some time Dirty Pretty Things is not the only film Ejiofor and Wong have appeared in together.

Take a look-see.

2015: The Martian (see also October 4, 2015 entry)
film clip courtesy of GetYarn

2016: Doctor Strange (starring the other UK native named Benedict)
film clip courtesy of YouTube's Movies Fun

Google Art and Culture App

Spent the past half hour playing with a fun new app, Google Art and Culture. Yes, it's available for iPhone too.

I got carried away with the app because I wanted a match to be at least 50%. As the app is brand new, don't expect too much. I was dismayed to see up to 36% matches with portraits of young boys and older men (I blame middle age and eye bags).

Phone's battery must have breathed a sigh of relief when I settled on Diego Rivera's Portrait of Dolores Olmedo with a 51% match.

The next highest match, 44%, is Nguyen Thu's watercolor.

To relieve your guilt of all the me-me-selfies you've taken, there's also lots of cool stories in arts and photography - the cultural part of the app.

Your gray matter will leave you with the big 'E' trio:
Entertainment, Education and Enlightenment.

US Figure Skating Team Selections - 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea

source: Kyle Terada, USA Today Sports
L to R: Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, Adam Rippon

source: Kyle Terada, USA Today Sports
L to R: Mirai Nagasu, Bradie Tennell, Karen Chen

First blog entry of 2018. This past weekend, there was no shortage of drama in San Jose with the US Figure Skating Championships. What's most notable is that you can finish in the top 3 (as Ross Miner did in the men's championships) but not get automatically selected to the Olympic team.

As an American of Chinese ancestry born to immigrant parents, I am very proud that 4 of the 6 skaters selected to represent the United States are also American born to immigrant parents from China, Taiwan and Japan.

Congratulations to all.
Best of luck to you in Pyeongchang,

2017 in Review

source: steemit.com

Season's Greetings. As this will be my last blog entry for 2017, I'll include  my personal highlights for the year.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday - see you in 2018.

1. First place, Chinese-Japanese Labor Day Tournament, 740 and under division, National Bowling Stadium, Reno, Nevada.
   
2. First trip to Europe, cruise to Italy, Spain and France. 
   
3. New job position/promotion in June. 

   

   source: LinkedIn

4. First 600 series in bowling, highest women's average in Wednesday league. 
   
5. Power outage, December 15, 2017, 9:51 pm to December 16, 2017, approximately 5:30 pm. 
   

2017 PBA WSOB Chameleon Champion - Liz Johnson

source: PBA

Televised today on ESPN, and streamed live on ESPN3 on November 18 (see November 5 entry), a big congratulations to Liz Johnson for winning her first PBA title, the Chameleon Championship,

The Chameleon Championship was the 2nd of 7 tournaments in PBA's World Series of Bowling at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

2017 has been a terrific year for Liz. She won her 4th consecutive PWBA US Open title (see August 6, 2017 entry). She had to battle way up the stepladder as the 5th seed to defeat 4 bowlers to do it.

Kelly Kulick was the last female to win a PBA title (Tournament of Champions) in 2010. She defeated Chris Barnes, 265-195.

It seems nearly every time PBA announces a tournament winner on Facebook, there is a litany of complaints that the tournaments should be televised live.

As I said in my February 7, 2016 entry,
I'll put it gently. The 20th century ended 15 years ago. There are too many other sports venues with larger markets where bowling cannot compete. Not going to happen.

Suggestion: Wait a week or so and watch it on PBA's YouTube channel. Nearly all the televised matches can be found there. 

Or, subscribe to xtraframe. Yes, it will cost money. If you're that much of a bowling enthusiast, then it's as much value as a Hulu or Netflix subscription.

I'll close with thoughts on men who comment about opening PWBA events to men for equality's sake.

My rebuttal: it isn't equality.
It's why you don't see men playing women's volleyball, basketball, hockey, or sports. In other words, most women physically cannot match in size and strength to men.

However, when a woman like Kelly or Liz does win, are you threatened by the idea she is better than you?

Below is video of the match. If you watch to the end, you'll see how happy Wes Malott and Anthony Pepe are to see Liz win.

Split Conversions at 2017 World Bowling Championships

4-6-7-10 split, a.k.a. 'The Big Four'

To pick up from last week's Gutter Bowler's awesome YouTube bowling videos of the 2017 World Bowling Championships, check out the meticulous editing on split conversions.

As the video is 9 minutes long, this should give you an idea of how many splits were bowled under tough lane conditions (39 foot Beijing).

2017 World Bowling Men's Team Championship

source: Bowl.com
Bottom Row: L to R: Tommy Jones, Jakob Butturff, Chris Via
Top Row: L to R: Chris Barnes, AJ Johnson, Marshall Kent

source: bowlingdigital.com
Chinese Taipei Men's Team, silver medalists

Congratulations to Team USA, Men's for their gold medal versus Chinese Taipei.

Chinese Taipei is known for their unique spinner style. It is not without its critics, and rather harsh ones. Below is YouTube's Gutter Bowler's video:



If you have some time, take a few minutes to read the comments on the YouTube page.

Fear, ignorance, and most of all, ethnocentrism is alive and well.
UPDATE: 8 December 2017
Thankfully, the vitriolic comments posted last week have been taken down.

Philadelphia Eagles Touchdown Celebration - 2017 November 27

source: NFL

Touchdown celebrations are often grand, showy and loads of fun. While reading today's Twitter feed, I found 2 separate shares of the same video from the Philadelphia Eagles-Chicago Bears game.

These gridiron guys know how to have fun. Last month, they got recognition for last month's home run celebration.


But for us bowlers, we consider today's one of the best celebrations of all time, thanks to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and his teammates.

Keep it up Eagles. Due to copyright issues, I can't post the video, but here's the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/vPEToRIa5rg

Return of The Sharper Image

source: Wikipedia

After a 9-year absence, high-tech gadget/lifestyle retailer The Sharper Image, which opened in 1977 and closed in 2008, returned from the dead with a new store (now owned by Camelot Venture Group) in New York's Times Square.

For me, The Sharper Image meant a lot more. It was my first full-time employer and my first job when I moved to San Francisco in 1983.

The experience gained from my 8 years there set the foundation for my current career - a mix of finance, operations, asset protection and customer service.

Today was particularly bittersweet for 2 reasons:
1. Birthday of a longtime friend who didn't work for The Sharper Image, but worked as a vendor contact to another friend/former colleague/ex-boss.
2. Berkeley visit to see former colleagues who are mother and daughter. The daughter hired me and was my first boss.

Reason #2 is why this Thanksgiving week will be difficult.
The mother is now in hospice care in her Berkeley apartment. The same Berkeley apartment where I met her for many Saturday lunches and was my Thanksgiving dinner destination for 8 years.

After a 20+ years absence, I'll come back to where it all started.

Gordon Edgar Downie - 6 February 1964 – 17 October 2017

source: allmusic.com
Gord Downie

Tragically Hip fans knew day the would come. Doesn't make it any easier (see also August 21, 2017 blog entry).

On October 17, Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie passed away after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in May 2016.

Before his death, Gord penned his final album, Introduce Yerself. It reached the top of Billboard Canadian Albums this past week.

As described in Wikipedia, Introduce Yerself is a double album consisting of 23 songs which Downie has described as each being about one person in his life.

Take a listen.

2017 ESPN3 Live Streaming Schedule - World Series of Bowling

Bowling fans - set your calendars. See below listed schedule.
As it was last year, ESPN3 will stream live (online only) the World Series of Bowling finals from Reno's National Bowling Stadium (cable or satellite subscription required).

If you miss any of them, not to worry. All events on the schedule will be aired on ESPN (dates not yet announced).

Bowlers will include Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, who participated in his first WSOB in 2015.

source: PBA.com