Recently, Washington Post sports writer Norman Chad had an epiphany. Regular bowling could solve most of America’s problems. “If every American bowled at least once a month, 35 percent of our problems would disappear,” Chad states, “Bowling more would reduce the federal deficit and global warming. And I firmly believe that, in addition to having a valid birth certificate, every U.S. president be required to have a 145 average.” Of course, Chad is saying this with his tongue mostly in cheek, but he does have a point. People rarely leave a bowling center angry. Even the nights their team loses. Bowling builds community, comradery and produces its fair share of endorphins. Chad believes this phenomenon is, at least in part, due to the fact that bowling centers sell a lot of beer. He shares with his readers his experience at a 24-hour bowling center in Las Vegas: “After midnight, games are just a buck!” he gushes, ”When you’re rolling spares at 4 a.m. with a Pabst Blue Ribbon within reach, you feel as if you live in the greatest nation on Earth.” And the man is right, you won’t find a better place on the planet. America––It’s more than baseball and apple pie. It’s also a late night bowling in Vegas and a frosty brew. Gotta love this country!
