Since the mere thought of censorship, political imprisonment and strong-arm tactics being employed by our government against politicians and journalists is disturbing enough to create a quarrel, let us look at another great American tradition being eroded:

Bowling.

No, seriously, I said bowling. This is a proven way for folks of all ages, colors, religions, and political backgrounds to come together for a common cause. It brings a sense of something greater than differences, or competition, and it integrates community spirit into our leisure. The very act of talk and exercise is fulfilling enough that unlikely friendships can be centered on bowling and respect.

The very strong heart of bowling has been in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for generations. Recently, it has come to light that there is a plan to move to Texas. While we are busy letting our leaders know about all the other injustices, inequalities and insurmountable challenges, we should put in a word for bowling, beer and brotherhood. Our American experience is richer when we have some common ground.

The article doesn't talk about the reasons for the move, but it does allude to some of the reasons why bowling has been in decline for the last couple decades.

I've noticed a hit-and-miss mini-resurgence of bowling out in East County. The former Eastmont Lanes are now a completely refurbished Mt. Hood Lanes, with neon throughout and high-tech lane surfaces. But then I drove by Rockwood Lanes recently (with it's classic '60s flagstone entry arch) and it was shut down. Sadly, it's large Route 66-size streetside neon sign had been removed a decade ago.

Bowling alleys are things that you don't want your town to be without. But, if everyone bowls at the rate I do, it's no wonder they are struggling.

(p.s. - one of the PDXRadio get-togethers should be at a bowling alley. It's a great way to meet old and new friends.)

I'll second that. We do company alumni meets at a bowling place. Always fun.

And nobody really cares what the scores are. It's just trash talk fodder.

I'll 3rd the bowling alley idea.

Especially now since they are smoke free!

I bowled on a league back when we lived in Chicago and of 85 people on the league 3 of us didn't smoke!

When I got home from bowling my clothes would stink so bad that my wife would make me take my clothes off in the basement and put them right into the washing machine and then take a shower before I could come to bed!

Might I suggest Big Al's here in Vancouver? It's on SE 164th about a mile or so north of Hwy 14.

It's new (about a year and a half old and has a fairly good restaurant/sports bar for after the bowling!

Might I suggest Big Al's here in Vancouver? It's on SE 164th about a mile or so north of Hwy 14.

If you don't mind not being able to hear yourself think....

Trixter, Is it loud there?

I've not been to the bowling alley, just the restaurant.

I've walked around the bowling alley just to take a peek, but it was lunch time on a weekday.

Unbelievably loud!

It's a bowling alley meeting a sports bar. I like it myself.

But if your there for fun and your bowling you almost have to YELL at the person standing right next to you.

Fun moment in family life. Taking my young son bowling for the first time.

Bumper lanes ready. 6 pound bowling ball ready. Bowling shoes a size too big ready. Son holds ball in both hands and approaches the line. Momentary pause to adjust bowling ball correctly. With two hands begins a slow roll that amazingly is dead center. Son stands watching. Anticipation is too much. His arms cross over the top of his head. Ball aching down the aisle. Son's body posture cockeyed with hands still over his head. Finally we have contact with the head pin. Slowly pins fall. Son jumps up and down and runs to dads arms laughing.

Happiness is a son who celebrates a 10-7 split.

Big grin over here.

Had one of those too. My son laid down on the alley, watching the big ball roll slowly toward the pins. Didn't move until everything was done!

Got up, wiped his hands off and waited for the ball to come out the machine, as if everybody bowled that way.