CRD: Thanks for the last response. Even though it's still peppered with 6th grade insults, it's certainly an improvement over past posts. And I do want to compliment you on a few things that probably have more meaning than anything else.

First, I like what you said about preparing you kids for life. I forget which thread it was in, but your words were spot on. I hope they take your advice to heart.

Second, my sense is that you've always been completely honest about your background and accomplishments. I appreciate that you've never tried to position yourself above a 217 THS hack who's happy to limit his competition to after league pot games. You don't pretend that you've ever given the PBA Regional level a try, or from what I can tell, any other higher level competition that would test your skills. It's not that I find the fact that you shy from real competition admirable. But at least you don't try to dance around it. That's a honesty trait that more could learn from.

Of course, none of this changes your fundamental limitations regarding bowling. And it's a shame, because if you can average a THS 217 knowing little more than how to put your fingers in the ball, just think what you could accomplish if you tried to understand the technology aspects that could take your game to another level.....

BTW, even if you won't admit considering it in my presence, think about trying one of the diamond core based Lane#1 balls (the THS would be a good start). For bowlers like yourself who discount core (or don't want the core to appear to have influence), it's a very versatile piece. It will give you a good feel for what Lane#1 is really about. If you like it, the next logical step would be something like a Dynamo.

There's an old saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it. That's CRD in the nutshell. I'll still call you out for any really backward things you might present, but understand that it's more for the benefit of others. If you can take it to heart, then all the better.