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/



Dimension shoots 300 on SNES...and so can YOU

Dimension Shoots 300 on SNES

...and so can YOU!!!

Brunswick World Tournament of Champions

Super Nintendo (1997)

Today I thought I would give you guys a review and tips to help you achieve your dreams of one day walking amongst the best in the Super Nintendo world elite. Now, understand, that you don't get a green jacket, there is no golden ring after achieving this amazing feat...but you will have bragging rights. After all, the best pick up line to a girl is "Hey, I can bowl 300 on the Super Nintendo Brunswick World Tournament of Champions Bowling game."

If you are a retro gamer, still own a Super Nintendo and possibly spent .89 cents on one of the last produced games for the system..then it's possible that you have felt your life was lacking the ability to score BIG. I'm here to help. The Brunswick World Tournament of Champions game, after researching online, has a bad reputation as a difficult game to become great on. Poor visual effects, complex hand/eye coordination controls and more useless knowledge than you can shake a bowling pin at.

Let's take a look at the set up. Simply by pass the bio's of the Professional Bowlers, sure Walter Ray Williams Jr. might be the winningest Bowler EVER on Tour and the greatest Horseshoe throwing champion in the World...he achievements in life pale in comparison to yours...so skip him and jump to player set up.

I'm going to use the Right Handed bowler...because..well, I'm a right hander. One thing that peaks my interest almost immediately...the catchy soundtrack for this game (sarcasm). Give yourself a name...I will choose ROB. Off to a good start so far. Then when you scroll to Bowling Ball selection, go in and change your ball type to Quantum Midnight Blue. There are many Quantum's to choose from..but this one is Mine.

(Facts) When I worked at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, NV, during its grand opening year (1995) I worked for Brunswick. The Quantum bowling balls were the 1st of there kind to have a retail of $200.00 each. One of my perks for working there was free equipment, I actually had a Midnight Blue Quantum. In reality, the Midnight Blue Quantum was designed for dryer conditions, being a "cover heavy" ball..meaning that the ball's inner core was lighter than the outer shell, delaying the early hook. The track flare was minimal due to this, opposed to the other Quantums. See, life imitating art.

Next is the weight, choose 15lbs. Then, simply click OKAY. For the spare ball, it doesn't matter, what color to choose, just make sure it is a PLASTIC ball. Now your Bowler should be set. Again, press OKAY. This game is so easy so far..huh? Go back to your Main page, then head to Practice...you need to practice before you can just go flauting your skills...I mean, Greatness isn't just handed to you!

Ok, now, the Oil Pattern you will choose is Easy to start with. I will show you how to get the BEST strike percentage using this skill level, after that...it's on you to mess around with (I'm like Yoda, I can't give away all the secrets).

When stepping onto the lane, as you can see by the picture to the Left, stand with your Left foot on the Center dot. This represents the 20th board, basically you are in the center of the lane (A Lane has 40 boards across..it's actually 41 but that's a whole other nerd story). The arrow marker is just a pinch Left of the 2nd arrow. This represents the 10th board (the actually maker should be on about the 12th board), so we are playing 20 to 10 in Bowlers jargon. See, you are learning so much already.

Now, the Power and Spin functions are where simple hand and Eye cooridination come into play. The goal with the Power is to stop it centered at 12 o'clock, like straight up. Imagine the Power meter is a clock, that way the 3-6 would be blocked off (The 6 o'clock is the starting point and the 3 o'clock is the max power.

As for the Spin control, you wan t to MAX the the spin power as much as possible. The more consistant you are with this combination, the more you will strike at will. This is only the basics, you will need to fine tune your skill and ability but someday, you to can walk into any Bowling Alley, with your head held high, your name on the back of your shirt and stand amongst the Elite!

Here is the final result, yes folks, a 300 game. See you on the lanes! For more reviews...let me know, I would love to do some more silly little reviews for the Super Nintendo or even the Original Nintendo.

Follow me on Twitter @RobDimension or visit my site http://www.robdimension.com/ plus, listen to my podcast - The Extreme Odd Couple at http://www.xocpodcast.com/ with Steve Corino.

My Own Personal Demon

My Own Personal Demon

You know...Steve Corino challenging me to a Bowling match has made me relive and look back at past experiences. If you do not listen to The Extreme Odd Couple Podcast, then you aren't aware of what's going on. You aren't aware of my past...well..let me share some things...

I was a Professional Bowler in the early 90's...yes..a full fledged, card carrying member. I went to PBA school in Florida and passed with flying colors. I know..crazy right? You need to go to school to be a professional bowler...well, you used too...things have changed..but back to the story.

So, for the past 12 years, Steve Corino, my hosting partner for the XOCPOdcast, has been bragging to me about his Bowling skills...and I often just laugh and ignore his challenges. Think about how often the tables are turned on him and some goof challenges him to a Wrestling match. It happens...especially when you are perceived to be good at something. My history with Bowling is a rocky road filled with Love, Laughter and Hate.

I grew to hate the game/sport..not just hate..but HATE. For so many years it consumed my life. I owned my own business within Bowling, I traveled the US because of Bowling (even moving my family cross country several times). The weekend excursions to tournaments, the bowling in 2 leagues...the pressure. Yep, pressure to always improve. You have to understand, Bowling is a personal demon for me..I'm always looking over my shoulder (I know, this sounds insane or silly) waiting to be drawn back into it......and the itch is returning.

My Wife, Kim, whom I actually met in a Bowling center, asked me yesterday "Are you going to accept the challenge?"......I looked at her and didn't have an answer. She noticed I was beginning to scour the Net looking for current information....searching for a reason to say "Yes". I made money Bowling, it supported my family for many, many years. The sport has been good to me, it made me stronger by always putting pressure on ME, no one else. It's a personal sport...not a team sport..it's all on YOU.

Now you know how deep the Challenge is going...I have stated I will make an announcement in Jan. Until then...I try to keep the Demon at bay.