Okay, I'll get this rolling.

I think this forum will be easier to manage if we start new topics for requests for help, instead of having one ginourmous thread. So...

I could use some help with bowling: how a game generally goes, what it's like in a bowling alley, help with plausible scores.

I could also use some help with French. Snarky French, of course :)

Thanks in advance!

If you mean the lane rather than lawn kind then I can give it a shot. I worked as a 'shoe giving out guy' for a summer and we got free games as a bonus.

Scoring basically works around your two attempts. Clearing the pins with a first attempt is a strike and you get a half-strike or spare with if you manage it with the second. Each player gets two attempts at a 'frame' of pins and you get ten frames. Strikes are marked X and the half strike gets called up as a half x thing on the computer score. After a strike there is nothing left to play at so the next player takes his/her turn and you get a chance to score extra points in your final frame . The individual pin scoring is very complicated (time to kiss the computer that works it all out) but maximum score is 300 and anywhere up of around 220 is considered serious form play. It's bad news if you split the frame with your first attempt because this makes getting a strike a lot more tricky but if you play with the bumpers it's possible. The frame looks like this


7 8 9 10
4 5 6
2 3
1

So your score works out from the relative pin value although it's really tough to see as the lanes are well long and if you go on a 'special' night when they do 'laser' lanes and pretty lights its damn near impossible. Final two frames are where it's at and the opposition having a catchable score going into them is important. Being flukey at this point can be really handy - I know from not being great and it's really annoying for the other player if you have one strike, then get one in your penultimate and score well in your final.

Hope this makes some kind of vague sense and the rules are the same as you would play accross the pond. If you need to know anything specific then give me a shout.

Benj

Thanks Benj. I will PM you with some more specific questions, since they will contain spoilers :)

Now, question about American lanes: what kind of refreshments can you usually get in a bowling alley? Can you bring them to where you're actually playing (what's that thing called? the ball return?) or do you go to the snack bar to eat and drink?

I know, I sound like such an ignoramus. But I've only been bowling twice in my life, the last time was in 1987, and I bowled *blush* a 50.

My brother is a serious bowler, his average is over 200, and he would be willing to help if you really want it. I don't know how you could get in touch with him, but he has MSN so maybe I can hook you two up somehow.

Taru

Hey Aud - I'll try to answer a few of your bowling alley questions.

American lanes: Usually have a diner or refreshment counter of some sort. They'll typically sell soda, beer, nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, french fries (not the same thing!), candy. Most people will order refreshments from said place and not bring in their own, although I'm sure it happens sometimes. The area where you wait your turn to bowl usually has some counter/table space to put drinks/food on. Since many bowling alleys, at least where I live, were built in the 60s and 70s they typically feature a bright orange and cream color scheme or some such lovely "bright" combination of plastic furniture et accoutrements. (See, I even threw in some French for you. No charge.)

I think most people eat in the waiting area, near the ball return, but a few may eat at the cafe. Many bowling alleys have bars attached as well - more people would probably be hanging out there than at the cafe. I would.

Say cheeeeese,

-Pradon

So I see it's a month later but I seem to have missed this whole area....

Anyway, Auditrix, I do have some French. It's not great (certainly not fluent) but I'm probably good for a shot at whatever you might have.

Cheers. :)

I know just a little bit of French...
Just standard sentences...
Damn... I should have ask my cousin to teach me French.. He is a qualified French, though...

I know something like this;

• merci (thank you)
•s'il vous plaît (please)
•bonjour (literally "good day", means good morning/good afternoon)
•bonsoir (good evening)
•bonne nuit (good night)
•au revoir (literally "see you again", means goodbye)
•pardon (sorry)
•excusez-moi (excuse me)

I think it's not a big help... Sorry..

Thanks, natalie and flannelsaurus.

What I'll need is going to be a tad more involved so when I get a bit closer, flannel, can I drop you a PM?

Thanks!