Intensity prevails in the PBA US Open

Pete Weber Brings It to the US Open

If you listen to the #XOCPodcast (http://www.xocpodcast.com/) you know I have a long standing history with Bowling and even the Professional Bowlers Tour. From watching since I was a young lad, to even participating thru the 90's. It's a sport that takes concentration, skill and patience more than most can imagine. It's a sport that relies on your desire.



This week, being so close, plus knowing that the US Open is without a doubt, the toughest condition, the event peaked my interest. I decided to purchase the XtraFrame (http://www.xtraframe.tv/) subscription service to watch the qualifying, behind the scenes footage and get a real insiders look at the modern era of the tour. For $8 a month, it was the best money spent. Plenty of past tournaments, interviews and more that will satisfy bowling fans of all levels. As of right now, I have the itch to be a part of this sport again...on some level.

The US Open final qualifying round was Saturday night, featuring a field of 24 of the world's greatest bowlers. From the two-handed phenom Jason Belmonte, Missy Parkin, the first woman qualifier, Mike Fagan who really proving he will have longevity to my childhood hero and the most controversial bowler, Pete Weber.



Weber, son of the World Famous and class act, Dick Weber made such a strong charge by defeating opponents with the intensity he made famous. Sure, people can say "Weber's arrogant...", "Weber has no class"....let me just say...you are completely wrong. Sure he does the "crotch chop" that was made famous by Degeneration X on Monday Night Raw. Weber wears the sunglasses on Tv, he throws fists into the air and has the occasional outburst that sets him apart. Bowling is a sport that is often looked at as a joke...does it need some flash...YES. People need a reason to watch, the days of our Father's tour are over. Sports figures are often outspoken thus giving viewers a reason to watch. While we don't need characters, people want to see the story laid out...they want to cheer for a good guy...and boo a bad guy. This is why people watch.

Today, the story was set. Pete Weber was going for a record 5th time winning this very prestigious tournament, while in the meantime, the sub-storyline was Mike Fagan possibly winning 2 Majors in the same season (winning the Masters earlier this year). The Weber story, from the get go was there...watching on XtraFrame, the Storm Ball reps (think equipment mangers) were lining Pete up, making adjustments and getting him the BEST reaction possible. Weber ruled this telecast...and I as a fan, loved every minute of it.



For the PBA to attract an audience, it needs to shake things up. The XtraFrame interactive feature is awesome but it can be improved. What I enjoy the most about watching the qualifying rounds is the variety of competitors, seeing the veterans that don't make the telecast or even, like this week, having a chance to watch a 14 yr old compete and do something unbelievable. I will continue to support the PBA, I will help spread the word....in closing - "Hey PBA...call me, I can help"



Visit the PBA at http://www.pba.com/

Check out XtraFrame at http://www.xtraframe.tv/



Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RobDimension and visit my site at http://www.robdimension.com/



Bowling Game of the Week - Brunswick Pro Bowling for the PSP

Brunswick Pro Bowling

PSP Handheld Console

Talk of the Week

This past week, I switched from my Super Nintendo gaming system to the Playstation portable (PSP) system. I haven't had much use of this system, in fact...it's actually BrocolliRob11's PSP. Last week, my "Shooting 300" article/review" had HUGE views and was also carried by The press in Japan and Spain (..I know...crazy right?)

I made the decision to step out of the 16 bit world and jump into the 21st century. Normally, I can't grasp the updated systems...as I'm clearly not a Modern Warfare kinda guy...I do dabble in the World of Warcraft realm, but not too often to consider myself any kind of authority.

I packed up my family Dimension mobile with a trusty snack and visited to my local Game N Trade in Lansdale, PA. I invested a whopping $8 on a used copy of The Brunswick Pro Bowling game. Sure...$8 isn't a lot compared to the normal $60 price tags on games today, but remember, last week I spent $.89 cents on the Brunswick Tournament of Champions Bowling game for Super Nintendo...so that's like a 100 times price increase!!

Now, the release date of this game is August 2007, so again...I missed the big launch party!! That's ok, with a retail sticker price of $19.99, I doubt they were having cake and ice cream or even a midnight opening. I took a chance, sort of a blind buy on this one. Not researching at all and going with my gut (which seems to be growing due to too much Holiday eating) feeling, I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!

I don't want to give a final review yet, since I've only played for 4 days this far but, I already really like this game. It's been a while since I've had a game that I can't stop playing...and I mean...can't stop!! The game is a bit awkward to start but once you get going, you're set.

After half a day doing the "Quick Play", I opted for the "Career Mode"...I laced up my rented shoes, hopefully minus the foot fungus, grabbed my Alley ball and hit the lanes. When you start..you have 0 of anything...no money to buy better equipment, you lack arm strength and stamina and have poor accuracy. Don't let that detour you from taking down the punks who wanna bowl you. I wasn't scared, I took down a few less than credible opponent's but sometimes you need to take care of business. Without explaining "how to play" I will mention a few finer points.

Graphics - so far, great. The pin reaction and ball motion are realistic. The oil breakdown on the lanes, great. Everything looks great...when I started with the "House Ball", I seemed to do much better playing the 2nd arrow, with medium hook. Now, this doesn't always work. Sometimes the lanes are drier, making you move your feet, slow down your ball speed and hook the ball more. Other times, the oil is heavier, allowing you to play straighter (more direct) and increase your rev rate (Spin or Hook potential). Pin carry, as it plagues some of us in the real game, comes into play here. If your ball travels down the lane before it begins it's hook, you will see the EVIL 10 pin, plus, splits will rear their ugly head...but the bonus, most are makable!

So far, I only lost 1 game in the 1st League session, finishing with a 35-1 record, averaging 215. Granted, not bad with a "House Ball", but after winning my 1st Tournament, I upgraded Bowling balls..to a Groove...terrible choice by the way. Way too much hook, was far to difficult to judge the break point and get the desired carry. With my extra money, I made another Ball choice...I went with the Target Zone, Red and Bone color (the Pic is the closest I could find to a match). This ball allowed me to continue my more direct line, similar to the House Ball, but had better pin carry.

Once I made this ball change..I instantly had better scores. Finishing out the 1st round of League games with back to back 300's. In techincal terms, if you're a bowler. I had very little head belly, stood on 14 and hit 8 at the arrows...<---- kind of like Geek Speak for Bowlers. This netted the best carry percentage and flush pocket hits. Granted, in "Real" bowling, a Target Zone is a spare ball or designed for a beginner, but for the sake of me living vicariously through this game..the Target Zone is great!!

Today, I started a new League session and after my first 6 games of League...I'm dominating with a whopping 264 average. My high being a 289. I do float between the House Ball and the Target Zone depending on the oil pattern they have out. I seem to struggle during the Tournaments the most, as my opponenst get extremely lucky and improve as soon as the tournament starts. I for one, will be playing this during the Christmas vacation...but I know my Wife picked me up Tiger Woods The Masters for PS3...and I can NOT wait to play that game. Until next week...see you on the lanes...even if it's only virtual.