I ended up getting general admission tickets for today’s Next Level Bowling clinic at Town Line Ten Pin in Malden featuring Norm Duke, and I had arrived late and missed the first part of the morning clinic squad. However, this wasn’t much of an issue because I didn’t sign up to bowl, so I was just content watching from the back and taking mental notes. Without spoiling stuff for future participants of Next Level’s clinics, I did ask Norm Duke about a point during the morning autograph and photo session and he said it would definitely help me with my biggest problem, my early turn.
I couldn’t stay for the more entertaining portions of the day’s festivities (the trick shot exhibition and challenge match), but I was happy they had a photo and autograph session following the first clinic squad. I had brought Norm’s DVD for him to sign, but, since they were selling them, I sprung for a bowling pin and had Norm sign that, followed before I left by PB3, who was there for the Brunswick seminar. I may post a photo or two of the pin in the future when I add more autographs (maybe sooner). Below is the photo I got with the Next Level Bowling pros (note that Mike Machuga was also there…we bowlers call him “Choogs”):
I will add that I knew several bowlers actually bowling in the clinic, and that, although I don’t think I’ve ever been in Town Line before today, the recent renovations were apparent to me, and I think bowlers in the state tournament in the coming weeks will like bowling there. 😀
The Tenth Board 
Bowlers know Norm Duke is one of the game’s best showmen (The example that sticks out in my mind is the Cheetah Championship at the inaugural World Series of Bowling, famous for his “How many!?” line in reply to the PA announcer’s statement about how many pins he was behind Ryan Ciminelli in the second game of the title match after losing the first one, after which he came from behind to win the game, and, later, the match.), and that was on full display during the clinic.