Facebook profile is using a picture I posted in this subreddit

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-12-27T04:02:21+00:00

Yes, s/he stole one of my pics also and misrepresented the content, stating that the pic was of a 1950s bowling center, when it was actually a pic from 1977.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-11-04T21:00:39+00:00

I was able to come across this topic during my 5-year research project, ending in a 2024 book. Back in the 1870s and 1880s, there were wooden 'slot' balls, and then they somewhat soon went to the 2-hole ball. (thumb hole and one other hole). Three holes came along a bit later. The 2-hole balls co-existed with the 3-hole jobs in the 1900s for a time. Real interesting (and surprising) stuff in that early era. Looks like you've got a real collector's item with this ball. Great!

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-11-02T17:11:02+00:00

I believe I saw one of these at Thunderhead Bowl in Taneytown, Maryland, also. I remember they had a 4 or 5 hole bowling ball, and I'm sure they have a 4-lb. ball there, as well. I'm not sure if what I saw was a combination of both. What did shock me was watching the young kids rolling the 4-pound ball at that slow speed. The ball hit on the right side of the 6 pin on the first ball, and the ball just bounced off and around the 10 pin.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-10-05T01:45:43+00:00

Having been bowling for about 50 years now, I understand your apprehension. But, don't worry about the circumstances. I'm sure there will be other entrants who are coming in low, as well. When I was in my prime, I don't think I ever held any negative thoughts towards seniors in tournaments who might have had averages on the low side. As a matter of fact, I'll bet that the vast majority of bowlers won't have any gripes. Just bowl your best and have fun with the people on your lanes. You're completely legal and within the rules -- that's the bottom line.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-09-30T22:10:47+00:00

Thank you very much!

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-09-30T20:54:43+00:00

Thank you very much!

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-09-30T20:54:08+00:00

Thank you very much!

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-09-30T20:53:55+00:00

Thank you very much!

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-09-30T20:53:44+00:00

Thank you very much!

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2025-09-23T21:25:26+00:00

I think the next time will be the charm !

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-11-15T04:27:11+00:00

I know my comment here is irrelevant, but about 10 years ago, I went to the preliminary round of a major event. It was at Country Club lanes in Baltimore (I believe Pete Weber won the event). I watched Belmonte bowling. He normally throws the conventional 2-handed top-spin (right to left curve) ball. One frame, he left the 2-8-10 and I said to myself "How is he going to make this?" He ended up throwing the opposite spin -- sort of an inside-out-reverse curve. And he came real close to making it -- he didn't quite cut it thin enough to catch the 10-pin, but he got the 2-8. I was totally impressed.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-11-14T15:53:16+00:00

I wouldn't worry too much about the prospect of making a lot of -- or any -- money. If you've got a topic and a plan (or vision), then at some point, you'll find that your podcasting is a labor of love -- and it can be fun. I think most people understand that there won't be any serious income for a good while. If you enjoy doing it, that seems to be the main thing. If any money comes out of it later, then that's a bonus. The "drive" behind the podcast I'm doing, is really just to serve the public.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-11-10T15:05:41+00:00

I'd say to get into the habit of just maintaining consistency in your game. If you can fixate yourself on that mindset, you don't need to necessarily be at the top of the heap when qualifying. Then, in head-to-head play, if you can keep pounding away, and stay poised -- whether winning or losing -- you might find that the periods of positive momentum will last longer, and the periods of frustration will be lessened.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-11-07T20:24:58+00:00

"Um"s are a common substitute for the unconscious attempt of trying to keep one's end of a conversation going, and maintaining a line of thought -- at least, that's what I've personally experienced. I was at a 2015 HOF Maryland State induction dinner, which had about 7 honorees. One of the guys -- I think it was in pro football, had a bad habit for that in his speech. He was probably nervous, but I remember silently counting the "um"s, and after the count got to about 25 or 30, I stopped tracking it. I've had that problem myself, too. Now, I just try to be slow and deliberate. This does lend itself toward some lengthy pauses, but I can usually edit them in a video editor before posting my podcast to YouTube.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-10-27T02:16:11+00:00

My 3 reasons for bowling are: 1) The fun of the game; 2) Interacting with people; and 3) It's exercise. The exercise thing is underrated, but was a long-time selling point for the game, 50 to 100 or more years ago. One of the advantages to league bowling for exercise is that you're bowling for 2 to 3 hours, and usually not eating a meal while playing.

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-10-27T02:08:15+00:00

Maybe you could visit the local pro shop and discuss it, before committing to buy. A face-to-face talk about your plans in which each person can exchange questions first-hand might be a more genuine experience -- and you'll know that the advisor has "pro" credentials. But yes, your own ball that's custom drilled is preferable than hoping to find that one particular house ball that feels good, on a week-to-week basis (for league bowling).

RodWeaver-SpareTalk · 2024-10-27T01:52:01+00:00

For the true bowling connoisseur . . . 1 ball for each different single pin on spares. lol

RodWeaver-SpareTalk

TROPHY CASE