#home bowling alley costs

[prismsofmystery]

Your eyes, They Lie

Ayyye back with a banger

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It was a nice summer day in the apartment. Anatolii and Spencer were finally out of school and had more time to hang out, Fiona unfortunately had more costumers at the downtown Bowling Alley, but Stephanie and Abby made sure to pay her a visit whenever they could so it wasn't all bad.

For Helga and Chris, well it also meant even more work, but that was okay…all was well.

But was it?

"Ms. Keppler, I've got that serum you wanted." Wilma spoke up, walking into the woman's office. "I'm not so sure why you needed so much of it, though. It messes with the brain to an unhealthy degree. The patient we tested it on wouldn't stop smiling for weeks. He also seems very..hysterical and delirious. I'm not sure if I like the results."

Keppler chuckled grimly. "Oh, I'm sure he'll be fine in due time. I think we have enough of that serum though. You won't have to produce it any longer."

Wilma looked deeply concerned, but figured Keppler knew what she was doing and left the matter alone. It wasn't her job to question. "Alright then, I'll have them cease production.."

"Dad, I'm home. I brought over a friend." Anatolii said, walking into the apartment. Spencer peaked out from behind him. Ah, there you are, Tolii, I was getting worried. "You guys want something to eat?" Nacho asked, drying his hands off with a rag.

"Uh, sure." Anatolii turned to Spencer. "What do you want to eat?" Spencer thought for a moment before answering confidently. Pizza! Anatolii facepalmed, looking utterly embarrassed by his basic ahh answer. "Mm…you did NOT just say that."

Spencer shrugged. "What?" Nacho stifled a laugh. "Alright, what kind?"

"Pepperoni!" Spencer answered again with sparkles in his eyes. Anatolii groaned. "Mmm…Spencer please be more open minded. This is ridiculous."

Nacho chuckled, ruffling his son's hair and patting Spencer's head. "It's no problem, son. You two chill here while I get to work on that pizza."

Nacho took out the dough he'd be using. It felt a little different than regular pizza dough, especially the ones he usually bought, but he decided that branching out came with the cost of unfamiliarity. It wasn't anything he couldn't handle.

Meanwhile, at the Down Town Bowling Alley…

"Damn, Abby," Fiona blurted out upon seeing how much the woman was eating. "You getting ready for the Big Back Olympics or something?" Fiona commented. The woman paused her eating and stared at her. Stephanie burst out laughing, causing Abby to gasp in offence. "Stephanie!"

Stephanie put down her drink, chuckling a little. "Is she wrong though?" Abby pouted. "Oh cheer up, fudgesicle." Stephanie teased, patting the girl's head. Abby sighed, but continued eating anyway.

"Well, it seems like everything's going well." Helga said, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Chris nodded, leaning back slightly in her chair. "I can't wait for everyone to get home so we can get some rest though." Helga made a sound of agreement, and that's when Chris noticed she looked a little malnourished.

"You need something to eat." Chris muttered, digging into her bag. "Oh no no, I'll be alright." Helga said, trying to wave her off. Chris didn't listen and instead took out a sandwich she had gotten from Subway. "I'm not taking no for an answer. "

Helga looked like she was about to refuse, but there was just no arguing with Chris. "Alright, thank you." Chris smiled, watching her take the food and being grateful she didn't put up much of a fuss this time.

Nacho soon finished the pizza and set it on the counter to cool. He looked over at his watch before cursing. "Tolii, I gotta go. Do you mind sitting here until I can get Abby to come back?" Anatolii briefly looked up from his comic and nodded. "Sure."

Nacho dashed out of the apartment as fast as he could, taking out his phone and dialing Abby's number. "Hey, Abby, yeah..could you maybe drop by and watch Anatolii for me? Sorry for such short notice..thank you."

Abby stuffed her phone back into her pocket. Sorry gang, I gotta go be an embarrassment to a kid. Stephanie turned to look at her, puzzled. "Isn't Anatolii…like 15?" Abby shrugged. "Yeah, but Nacho just feels safer with me or some other adult at least in the house with him. Plus, I get to see his face when I mention teenage slang!"

"Ah, well I'm sure we'll see you soon. Later, Abigail." Fiona said. Stephanie nodded. "Bye, Abbs." Abby waved them goodbye before dashing down the block.

When Abby finally got to the apartment, she came across Chris instead of Helga. "Oh, Hey. Is Helga doing alright?" Chris nodded. "Yeah. "She's just eating. I hope." Abby winced. "Me too."

When Chris let her in, Abby made her way up the stairs, but paused when she reached the door. She heard some shuffling and what sounded like thumping and grunting. "What the hell?"

It sounded like Spencer was struggling against someone..or something. But..it was only him and Anatolii in the house..that could only mean..?

She kicked open the door and saw the most confusing sight of her life. Anatolii was on top of Spencer with a wide, unusual grin on his face. It looked like he was trying to push a slice of pizza into the boy's mouth. "Anatolii! Stop! I said I'm not hungry anymore!"

Anatolii didn't seem to listen. "Eat it. You'll feel a lot better." He muttered still keeping the boy on the ground and pushing the pizza towards his face with a grin.

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Spencer is cooked chat (or maybe not)

Spencer belongs to - @coquettesophia

Fiona belongs to - @astrofinnie

Chris belongs to - @jayceeartz

Abby belongs to me

everyone else belongs to Joydoesathing

you guys should totally listen to this its a banger

might release YETL P2 later gang

i anyone can successfully guess what happened to Anatolii I'll give you a million dollars/j

[cross-word]

Argument reunions

Ethan Landry x male reader

After an argument with his dad Ethan left the house on his bike to end up at his ex best friends house.

Word count: 1.1k

Ethan was tired and just got home and turns out he failed one of the biggest tests that cost fifteen percent of his grade. He was tired, he was mad and when his father found out he got a lecture about studying harder.

He usually took all the things his father said but when he started to compare Richie to him. “What is it with you and Richie” he asked his dad “why do you always say be like Richie dad, Richie is a college dropout who works at a bowling alley, and half of the time he isn’t even working his too busy fucking some girl in the back to do what his paid for” Ethan yelled for the next three minutes Ethan and his dad bickered.

“Go to your room I don’t want to talk to you, you are grounded for two weeks” his dad yelled at him as Ethan ran up the stairs and slammed the door shut loud.

It was the next day Ethan walked through the hallways still upset from last night, it didn’t help his rival Y/N was bragging about beating him on the test.

Ethan and Y/N used to be friends in kindergarten but once they got to 7th grade when both of them started taking school seriously they hated each other for it. Ever since they got into highschool when school started getting harder they became academic rivals.

Always wanting to do better than the other one, and hating the other if they got a better score than them. It became a pattern Ethan was grabbing a textbook out of his locker, when you came from nowhere and knocked him into it.

“What your problem asshole” he says pushing you back “oh, I’m sorry is the dude that failed the test by 25 percent talking to me right now” Ethan had it. Everyone was pushing his buttons from his family and to you. Usually you two’s arguments are just bickering but today Ethan became physical.

Ethan punched you in the face causing you to back up. You held your face looking at him when you striked back, punching him in the nose. You two were fighting when a teacher broke up the fight and landed you two in the principal office.

“It was Y/N fault he started it” Ethan yelled pointing at you “I started it? You were the one who punched me asshole it’s not my fault you can’t take a joke” slapping Ethan’s pointing away from him.

“I am so sorry principal Dallas, I’ll make sure that Ethan is punished and I am so sorry Y/N for Ethan punching you” his dad said apologizing to you and your parents.

When Ethan got home after being suspended his dad yelled at him non stop. Ethan sat there in the living room listening to how much of a disappointment he was to his dad. “You know what dad fuck you and Richie” he said running out of their house.

Into the woods behind their house Ethan followed the trail to see a little hut. Ethan only comes here when he wishes he’d just disappear from everything he laid on the dirty mattress that hasn’t been clean in a while looking towards the little plastic table near him.

To see the carving on it ‘Ethan and Y/N little castle hut’ you two used to hang out here all the time until you two stopped talking.

Ethan stood at his front door hoping his dad would let him, it was almost night time. He watched as his dad opened the door and looked at him “I don’t care where you end up sleeping, you are not sleeping here tonight until you realize how ungrateful you are” his dad said slamming the door on his face.

Ethan stood on their porch when he started crying tears rolled down his face, he grabbed his bike and left. He didn't know where to go or where to sleep.

When he stopped at a house he was familiar with yours.

He picked up rocks and started throwing them at your window.

You wake up tapping on your window, thinking the bird that tried to build a nest in your window was back. You opened your curtains to see someone throwing at your window.

You took a second to figure out who it was to finally realize. You walk down the stairs opening your front door “what do you want, it’s 10pm i should be going to sleep now” you say to Ethan as he walks up to your front door.

You didn’t see it yet but he was crying “I need a place to stay” he tried to say in between shaky breath and tears.

“What’d you just say?” you ask him “I need a place to sleep me and my dad got into a fight and now he kicked me out for the night” you were ready to walk back inside and let him fend for himself but a part of you wanted to help him.

Remembering all the times you two would bike around and go to your castle hut every summer flooded your memories.

“Put your bike on the side” you point to the bushes you watch as Ethan leaves his bike and walks into your house “come on let’s go to my room” you say as Ethan follows you.

You lay on your bed as Ethan stood in the middle of your room quietly “come into bed you idiot” you felt your bed sink down turning to face him.

“Why do you hate me so bad?” Ethan asked you to look at him strangely. “I don’t hate you, I thought you hated me” you tell Ethan “why would I hate you, you were my only friend” Ethan said moving his hand towards you.

“Charlie told me that you were talking shit behind my back in 7th grade so I stopped talking to you” you told Ethan “what, Charlie was talking shit about you. I overheard him and threatened to tell you” Ethan explained.

“So Charlie told me you were talking shit cause you threatened to tell me he was talking shit” you say “so the past 6 years of our hatred was fake” you ask him staring into his beautiful brown eyes “yeah I guess so” he says staring right back.

You two stared at each other when Ethan pulled you into his chest. “I miss you,” Ethan said into your hair. “I miss you too” closing your eyes.

After that day every time Ethan’s and his dad would get into arguments he’d just spend it with you.

[frostgears]

We Who Are Far From Home, ch. 4: Lyric 2

It needed information.

Not long after its arrival in this body and this world, its maker and owner (the artisan Coda) had been bound by an archon of the divine "TO CREATE NO MORE BODIES BUT ONE, AND ONLY TO SERVICE HER CREATIONS TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITIES AND AT HER OWN EXPENSE". Coda had just the one workshop, here in the summer capital, the same city that held the Academy. Unfortunately, most of Coda's dolls would be with their owners and their households: nobles, generals, very successful merchants… all people that could afford to relocate south to the warmer winter capital during the cold months.

But there were a few owners that did not move with the seasons; there was one in particular that was almost always home. But it would need a welcome gift, and that meant a trip to the market.

Specifically, the cramped warren of roofed-over alleyways where the fish market became the drug market. It was not Lyric's favorite place in the city, and the coterie of large men that lounged about convenient doorways did little to improve it.

"Ehhh, what you need, girlie?"

"Meltspice," it told him, declining to correct his perception of its gender. "Unblended, if you please."

"Yeah, we ain't got that. Got some lively fuckin' greenwine in from the Sandgate, though; that'll get you out of your head just as well."

"I can't serve cactus wine at a society dinner," it told him, "I'd be scrubbing various fluids out of gowns for a week. If you don't have it, please get out of my way and I will find someone that does."

"Ehhh, you got a mouth on you, girlie."

"Yes, I have a knife on me, too."

It is hard to outstare a doll, and even harder still when you don't know you're trying to outstare a doll.

"Creepy bitch," he said. "Not worth the trouble." The big man spat, and wandered off down the alley.

Another of the big men sidled up to it in short order. "Hey, beautiful. I heard you might be looking for fine spices."

"Your hearing is good. I am. The pure stuff?" it asked.

"Pricey. Sure you don't want blended? Little thing like you?"

"Not for me. A very exacting mistress. She'd know, I'd catch all the hells; no repeat business, if you understand me."

"Ah, fair enough. Come with me."

It looked him up and down. Living with Coda had rubbed off on it; it had been no great judge of character in the world before this one, where it dimly remembered an uneventful life where it didn't have to be. Here, it had watched its artificer mistress navigate the dodgier parts of the city, such as the criminal underworld and the oft equally criminal aristocracy; it had learned when to curtsy, when to flatter, and when to run; and it read no particular threat from this man's relaxed body language. It had also learned that its slight frame concealed machinery of impressive power, capable of impressing this man's sternum right through his spine if it absolutely needed to do so.

So it nodded assent and followed the man into a slightly grubby tavern, where the man's associates laid out several bowls with orange-red powders before it. It cleaned its fingers with its kerchief and rubbed a tiny pinch of the proffered meltspice between thumb and forefinger, finding it as Coda had taught it to feel for, neither gritty nor oily, but fine and freely flowing. But the only true test for meltspice was the nose.

"May I?" it asked.

The man nodded vigorously, eager to move the purchase process along.

It took a tiny, delicate sniff of the stuff. Lyric's alchemical sense of smell was somewhat patchy; earthy, meaty, and pungent scents were largely beyond it, although it could appreciate most flowers and fine tea easily. This was somewhere in the middle of its range, and it was strong.

Coda told it often that compliments cost nothing. Another lesson that it had only internalized once ripped from its old body and its old world, where it had little time for politeness. It put flattery into its monotone voice as best it could, and said, "That's really quite good. You know your product. Shall we talk price?"

One of the men seemed quite pleased by this response. The expert, no doubt. It favored him with a polite smile and suggested an opening number.

They settled on seventy for a few tens of grams in a brown waxed paper bag, which wasn't cheap, but not quite extortionate. It would have to soak the expense.

"Hey, you're a doll, aren't ya?"

"Yes," it said, tensioning several internal springs just in case. "What is it to you?"

"Oh, nothin'. Just, is it true dolls can't melt? Or take dreamdust? Or get drunk? Or even smoke?"

"That's all true." It couldn't do any of those things. Dolls didn't have those kinds of vices; they were, depending on one's attitude, either inherently free from them, or not permitted even those escapes. It had observed that dolls could cultivate other different, more abstruse vices, but nothing so readily comprehensible as a drug habit, and generally not obvious except to other dolls.

"Hah." The man crossed his arms and chuckled. "So the boss wasn't jokin' when he said that a doll could be trusted to stay out of the merchandise and maybe he should replace the newbie with one. Nobody tell him he was right, eh? You're not gonna take our jobs, right, dolly?"

"I do not have the muscles for it." It extended one arm, moved a linkage in a way that would have curled a human's bicep, made a show of patting where the curl would have been, shrugged. "But I look better in this uniform than you would, so please don't try to take my job, and we shall call it even."

That got a laugh. Lyric curtsied, made its exit at a brisk pace before any of the men could take insult.

It crossed the city at the same brisk pace. Among the neat rows of tall, narrow brownstone houses where many of the summer capital's pettier nobles and wealthier merchants made their homes, Lyric slipped down a narrow alley to the servants' side entrance of one particular brownstone, and rapped its porcelain knuckles on the wooden door.

The doll that opened the door was similar enough in height, build, and features to Lyric that she could have been its cousin, if not its sister.

"How may I help— Oh. Hello, Lyric. I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon. Is Mistress Coda with you?"

"That's the trouble, Cobalt," it said. "May I come in?"

"Unfortunately, my own mistress is indisposed…"

"Taken care of," it said, presenting the brown waxed paper bag.

Cobalt nodded. "I expect she'll be feeling better momentarily."

---

prev: We Who Are Far From Home, ch. 3: Bree 2 next: We Who Are Far From Home, ch. 5: Bree 3 original location: https://www.tumblr.com/frostgears/751023990648274944/lyric-2

[zipzapzopzoop]

There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

Chapter 27: Hide and Seek

“Again, Franny?”

A teenage Art scolded the girl as he drove the battered pizza delivery car. It smelled like pizza inside. He only just got it back from the police station after it was stolen. It nearly cost him his job, so he wasn’t exactly in the best mood. “We’ve been over this! You can’t kiss the frogs!”

Franny crossed her arms with a pout. Her brother wasn’t thrilled about having to pick her up early because she was ill. Only a bit! She was doing better now!

“If they weren’t meant to be kissed, why do they look so cute and dumb and kissable!” She exclaimed, holding Frankie up to emphasize her point. “See him? Look at him. Look at him, Art… Art, you’re not looking-” “I see him, Fran. You know he’s supposed to stay at home-”

“STOP!” 

Art slammed down on the breaks and held his arm in front of his sister. The car skidded to an abrupt halt, the poor frog flying from the girl’s hands and plopping into the windshield with a ‘slap!’

“What!? What is it?!”

“Lewis lives that way!” She pointed. “He hasn’t come to school in a few days and I want to make sure he’s okay!”

“Fran, I’m certain he’s fine-”

“Please!” “It would be rude to stop by unannounced-”

“Please! We’ll just knock and ask!”

She gave her brother the biggest puppy dog eyes she could. “Please? For me?”

Art only looked unimpressed. “That’s not going to work this time.”

She leaned in and gave him a big hug, somehow making her eyes even bigger.

“For your favorite baby sister?” Art scowled and looked away. She responded by holding Frankie up next to his face. Even as he tried to look away, she moved Frankie to follow. “Pwease? Fow Fwankie?”

Art threw up his arms in defeat. “Fine! Just leave the frog at home tomorrow.”

Franny leaned into Frankie and chuckled. “Not gonna happen.”

“What?”

She held Frankie up again. “Frankie was just telling me that you’re the best brother ever!”

Art breathed a heavy sigh and put on his turn signal. 

“What am I going to do with you?”

——————

While Wilbur tuned everything out, Lewis did all he could to listen in.

“My biggest concern is that these people know who we are and are trying to get ahold of us,” rather than his usual expressive and broad tone, Art spoke low and quiet, as if they weren’t the only people in the house.

“That’s ridiculous. This bozo here and I were arrested and they let us go!”

“Please calm down, honey. The important thing is that you’re with us. We don’t know these people or their motives just yet. We may have just gotten lucky.”

Franny put a hand on Laszlo’s shoulder, making a mental note to ask about getting arrested later. “How are the maps coming along?” Laszlo brightened a bit, seemingly eager to change the topic and escape being the center of attention. “Good. Here, they’re all done.” He handed them to Franny.

“Alright!” Franny spoke up, quieting the rest of the room. She placed the maps on the center of the table. “Role call. What are some points of interest? Where did everyone start out?”

Everyone pointed to different spots around the Midtown map. Wilbur pointed to Joyce Williams Elementary. “There. They wouldn’t let me leave.”

Fritz pointed to downtown. Petunia pointed to an alleyway behind a toy store. Laszlo pointed to a church. Art to a bowling alley. Lefty to a bookstore. Finally, Franny to a car demolition site. Lewis took a pen and marked where each person pointed.

“Who are we missing?” Fritz put on a pair of reading glasses and got another piece of paper. Lefty meanwhile decided to clean up the kitchen.

“Our damn daughter for starters?” Petunia squawked. Fritz nervously wrote down names as the others suggested. 

“Alright, so that’s Tallulah, Billie, Gaston, Joe, Bud, and Lucille.. God, I hope they’re okay…” he put his head in his hand. 

Laszlo suddenly went still and took on a worried expression.

“What if… Those people who went after me… What if they have Tallulah?”

They all looked up, nobody having the heart to confirm the likelihood of the possibility.

A knock at the door suddenly brought them into the abrupt present.

Lewis turned to his family in a panic. “Hide! Now!” He whispered as loud as he could without being heard outside.

“Hello! It’s Franny! Are you home? Can I come in? Your door’s unlocked!”

Suddenly the kitchen became a mad scramble for everyone to hide. 

Franny slowly pushed the front door open. She turned and gave a grin and thumbs up to her brother sitting in the car. He looked puzzled. They let her in? Huh.

“Lewis!” Franny called out as she stepped into the empty home. “It’s just me! I’m here to make sure you’re not dead!” She stepped into the kitchen, not noticing the rapid shuffling by the figures hidden just out of sight. The house smelled like bacon and eggs, so someone was just here. Franny didn’t see the two pairs of eyes (one of which were fake) watching from the pantry. Petunia opened her mouth but Fritz quickly covered it and shook his head.

“Lewis! Are you having a breakfast party?” Franny turned to look at the table while a camouflaged Lefty slowly moved from his spot on the wall up to the ceiling, changing his color to match his surroundings. There was an open iBook on the table. Cool! She and Lewis would play games on it sometimes when she’d visit. To her confusion, there were no games, just pictures of the city. Just out of her sight, Wilbur stood balanced on a door, holding Buster under an arm. He silently shushed the dog. Suddenly, his foot slipped but he was snatched up by a long tentacle arm.

Some drawn maps with crosses on them caught her eye, next to it a list of names. “‘Tallulah, Billie, Gaston…’” she read aloud. “Hey, I know a Gaston,” Franny spoke to nobody in particular.

The girl jumped up when she thought she saw the curtains move slightly. She didn’t see the figure flinch and huddle back behind the curtain. “Hey! Who’s there? I know karate!” 

Franny snuck up to the curtain, her arms raised. She yanked the curtain back and jumped into position. “Hiya!” 

…There was nobody there.

Franny stood for a moment. Huh… She went back to the pictures on the table, failing to notice Laszlo, now on top of the curtain rail, breathing a sigh of relief. That was close.

She looked over the papers again, trying to figure them out. A pen fell and rolled under the table, stopping right next to the girl’s older counterpart, who had been using the table as a hiding place. “Dang it.” She felt the ground with her arm, but couldn’t seem to find the pen. Mrs.Robinson held her breath when the girl moved to look underneath the table-

“WAIT!” Lewis ran in and Franny jumped up. Mrs.Robinson took the time to crawl away.

“There you are, Lewis! Where have you been? Are you okay?” Lewis hurried over and ushered Franny another way so that she wouldn’t see Uncle Art huddled behind one of the counters. “Yeah, I’m good! Just some… family in town! Been spending some time catching up.” 

“Neat! Oh my gosh I totally forgot! I found a robot! At school!” Lewis froze. “What?” “Yeah! He’s in the janitor’s closet and he’s made of gold! And he’s got an ‘R’ for robot on his chest!”

Lewis grabbed Franny’s shoulders. “You have to show me! ASAP!”

A bright grin spread across Franny’s face. “Way ahead of ya!”

The two went running out the front door, Franny unaware of her friend’s panic, mistaking it for curiosity. “You should fix him up so he can be our friend!” “That’s the plan!”

The moment the door shut, the entire family fell from their hiding spots, breathing a collective sigh of relief.

Way. Too. Close.

------

[jewishbarbies]

Yeah i get what you are saying but that is an ideal world - in the real world , no one artist is going to be able to overthrow capitalism - they are making money from their label or whoever their boss is and now what they can do is decide what to do with that money - while also keeping in mind the cost of the bodyguards, and all the additional costs that come up because people and paparazzi are going to stalk etc . Also keeping in mind their shelf life and making sure they have money for the next project

you don’t need to overthrow capitalism to not be a greedy pos. there’s an insane amount of hourly workers it takes to make an artist’s career happen. not just in a studio, but people at venues, people making their merch, the people in marketing, etc. these celebs claim they don’t actually make that much money and then buy a $60 million home that looks like a fucking mall. they have THEATERS and whole BOWLING ALLEYS in their homes. they’re waking around wearing tshirts that cost upwards of 2k. what about that is at all normal? maybe small artists who aren’t big yet are struggling, but they’re not the artists we’re talking about. we’re talking about millionaires+. if they’re not a millionaire, they don’t count here.

[pens-and-paperbacks]

"Nobody wants to work! Everyone is so lazy! No one has any work ethic!"

That's all a lie and I'm sorry you've been made to believe that. The truth is people are applying and many people have great work ethic or can be easily taught but the jobs they're forced into are so trash that if they had the choice, why would they ever actually apply there? Why would they want to work there?

My current workplace, a gas station, is sitting on at least a dozen applications but my boss won't hire any of them because, "they're welfare fodder, they've only kept a job for six months or less." We're finally hiring someone in now because, "they looked put together and have a nice looking car," but only because one of my coworkers is leaving, having out in a notice a month ago which my boss hasn't forgiven her for and is spiteful about. All of this doesn't even touch the HUGE mouse problem we had for MONTHS, the heavily leaking ceiling with a huge hole over its door, or the mold that's just everywhere throughout the fridges and the ceiling tiles. And even THAT doesn't touch on the surprising amount of racist and homophobic comments I hear from customers (or employees/my boss sometimes) here and there.

At another job I worked from the stores opening, through orientation, and watched everyone that had miraculously lasted the first two years leave because two of my managers had an affair, lied about it to everyone, fired someone over seeing their text messages and kept messing up our supply orders. When my actual boss finally stepped in he was so out of touch with what actually needed to be done in the store that it caused worse problems. I also heard at some point, when people had to take on second jobs, that this boss was flat out doing everything he could to get rid of people because, " they were making another job their priority instead of this one."

The second job I had to take during the one mentioned just above (because I was one of those people not getting enough hours) was flat out a horrible, toxic work environment. Everyone had a bad attitude, did not want to be there and even if it seemed like they were having a good day, one wrong work or work slip up made their mood flip on a dime. I had to flat out ask to not be put on the schedule with one of the employees because they were that mean to me, and I can get along with anyone so that's saying something. The labor cost they had was absolutely ridiculous there (meaning they could only keep so many people on at a time to afford being there, possibly only two even during a lunch or dinner rush with a fully packed drive through and lobby) and when one manager decided, "I have to send my help home and work by myself for an hour, otherwise I'm gonna get yelled at about the labor cost," and singlehandedly handled one of those lunch rushes on their own. They were written up for it. They left that morning after signing that paper because, despite not being allowed to be there on your own as an employee, our boss was adamant about labor costs and could have covered for her or not told anyone. If she hadn't have some what she did, she would have actually been yelled at. It was an incredibly disrespectful move done in the name of corporate.

The one job that paid me well did so because they appreciated my work and everyone else kept leaving. I saw three raises in three months because I was essentially THE kitchen manager. That was great. Thing was, even though the people I worked with and for were good to me, it was a bowling alley/restaurant/arcade/bar where you were expected to prep, cook, take reservations, set people up on lanes via computer, serve people if your manager was busy, do light maintenance on the bowling machines and arcade machines, keep up with dishes and get the end of the day cleaning done which sometimes meant vacuuming the carpet across all eighteen lanes of customer seating and cleaning the tables/chairs stationed there too. All of that, despite the raises, was done for minimum wage starting and the place was almost always packed. I'd often get asked to stay because they kept a few employees that while good at their job they just missed shifts constantly because they knew they could, since this job had on-call shifts too. There were nights my husband picked me up that I was so sore and overworked that I would get in the car and just start sobbing. I wouldn't stop for ten minutes or more, either until we were mostly home or we got something to eat since I was normally too hungry to keep crying.

The very first job I ever got was at a pizza place. Over all it was the most laid back, despite being run by one of the Mafia families in town (of which there are a few but tbf they're very low key). The problem there was that the boss was a fucking scumbag who thought that in his case the Mafia status made him a big shot. It didn't. On a side note, his self important scumbag attitude made the other families in the area see him for the joke he was. He would make passes at the waitresses in exchange for streak dinners and money, only ever hire girls who were cute/pretty as waitresses so he could have a chance at doing so with someone cute/pretty. When we had a lot of money coming in he would spend it on improving the bar that was attached to the restaurant, as in getting new flat screen tvs or new glasses, some trivial thing that he didn't actually need. Not the kitchen ware that needed fixing, which at one point caused me to get a third degree burn because someone ended up running into my arm with boiling hot lasagna out of an oven we didn't normally use. There was also a point where I had to deliver a pizza to him, which he ordered drunkenly and over the phone while he was in the bar only twenty feet away, but when I went to deliver it to him and grab a jug of wine I needed for the restaurant, his grandson (very politely) had to stop me from doing so because his grandfather was doing something with a woman in the backroom of the bar in the middle of the day.

Currently, I have to move out of my house and in with friends a state away with my husband because even with two people working nearly 40 hours each at a minimum wage job still isn't enough to live and thrive off of. It's nothing we can make an actual life off of. We have to leave our house behind for a season, get new jobs and save money in this new place, just so we can afford to come back and fix up and sell our house/land. Our combined income is about $30,000 flat, in a small town where everything was just affordable enough to get by. It isn't anymore.

I sent out five job applications in one month only to hear back from one with a no, the others ghosted me completely until just the other day, literally the month after.

"No one wants to work! Everyone is lazy! No one is applying!"

You don't know how bad it is and has been even before COVID. Add inflation onto the long list of fucked up, unprofessional or flat out cruel things that can be done or said in many workplaces, which you have to deal or else your fired, on top a work chore/task sheet that probably keeps you overworked and exhausted the entire week/month/year and I ask you-

Would you want to work?

[kazooie]

Sad nostalgia posting feel free to scroll:

The bowling club up the road from my childhood home is closing down, they're building units there, I'm so sad, dude.

My dad used to work there and he took me there a few times to help him count money and clean dishes, just a lil bring your daughter to work day thing, I mostly just watched TV and drank juice while he did stuff.

My grandpa won a ton of bowling trophies(lawn bowls btw, not like a bowling alley) and we're hoping we can get some of them from the owners before they close, we had his not-funeral-memorial there in 2021, when covid wasn't too bad at one point, it was the most heartwarming experience, there were So Many People, everyone knew him, everyone loved him, he had a job there for a while before he got sick but he mostly just bowled, drank, and brought home their delicious food for everyone. He almost always won some big chunk of meat in a raffle.

My old home was literally attached to it, in my yard I'd talk to the guys playing, when we got a dog I showed him off and they loved him. Kitty always snuck onto the greens at night and gave me a heart attack cuz I had separation anxiety from him, I'd stay outside all night calling him back home.

Not all the memories are good, but they're such a big part of me and I'm struggling with the idea of it going away, especially because on top of that, we're selling my grandparents place soon, the last of my childhood homes, I lived there from age 4-8, then again from 17 to.. 27? I think? Longest I'd ever lived anywhere, the situation wasn't ideal but it was home and I'm heartbroken that we have to sell, but it's.for Nan's nursing home costs, and we get a fifth of what it sells for and we might actually be able to buy a home, I wasn't sure that would ever happen, I'm still not sure.

There's only maybe one house left from my childhood after this, my aunt's house, and she's definitely selling it soon, she's got so much trauma I think she's just gonna run away after all this, I don't blame her, wish I could buy her house tho it has a really cool area behind it that's just so much land, idk if anyone even owns it, it used to have a swingset, I took my partner there last time they visited because it was my secret hideout as a kid and it felt romantic to share, even tho it's super overgrown now and the swings are gone.

Anyway, childhood homes and landmarks are disappearing, and I'm struggling with it, but I'll manage, hopefully in the end we get a house and we can display some of Pa's trophies.

[culpepper-pals]

I’m having to change the format I post a little. I was writing updates over at dreamwidth, but it just ate a chapter that took me two hours to write & format and I’m a little peeved about it. Tumblr is a lot quicker & easier for me to queue posts up. So I’m going to try using it for Culpepper updates.

Before we spend winter with Tania & Johnny Zest, a reminder of how they spent autumn:

Autumn began with Tania settling into Johnny’s home – noting it was kind of bare and under-furnished. She took up gardening and odd jobs to help generate some income alongside Johnny’s wages from working in the Entertainment career. They decided to officially become a couple after a date to the bowling alley. In the middle of the week, the couple decided to take a trip to Selvadorada, something Tania was very eager to do. On the first day of the trip, Johnny was stung by bees and came out in a green rash, while later on Tania was hit with a poison dart and had a similar reaction. After a tense few hours of waiting for symptoms to ease, Johnny found that he felt better – while Tania’s condition remained the same. After forking out for an antidote, Johnny confronted Tania about her habit of getting into dangerous situations, and how he found this difficult to cope with as he loves her. Tania decided to propose in the heat of the moment, and commit to their next vacation being less dangerous. Once back in Oasis Springs, the couple realised the cost of the antidote had knocked their funds a fair bit and they couldn’t feasibly afford a wedding. Instead, they chose to tie the knot at the Romance Festival.

[oliverlahnam]

"There's not a single molecule in my body that cares right now"

Oliver Lahnam is thirty years old (June 28th) originally from Far rockaway, NY queens, and currently lives within the Greystone Complex in Roswell, New Mexico. He left home after finishing high school for a fresh start, preferably somewhere the cost of living wasn't double his paycheck. -On the side, he's taken up a Job as the mascot for the asteroid belt bowling alley. Although when he's not on the clock, he's at home sleeping, playing video games, eating junk food, and probably hanging out with the few friends he still has lying around from high school. Ollie is bisexual and uses he/him pronouns. He's an extrovert who will almost never say no to a party. The absolute king of getting stoned and doing nothing...

"You don't look very satisfied with your life"

[snat-snailcat]

I had some stupid epitome this past weekend. Like, it was an obvious train of thought that just hit me so much harder.

In a more walkable part of town, where some streets were closed off to allow only bikes, so that pedestrians could move about freely, I was amazed at the number of restaurants on the block filled with people. It was a Saturday, so of course people would be out and enjoying themselves! But after living in US Suburbia for the past few years (and most of my childhood), there was something incredible about three different coffee shops, all locally owned, sharing the same block with each other, a number of bars, bistros, art galleries. And I thought to myself, "How are they all staying in business?"

Because in my hometown, we would often see a cute little shop go up one summer just to be gone by the next- so many businesses start up and fail, it's just a fact. But then the train hit me-

If I was only spending, say, 20% of my monthly income on rent, I could afford to not cook every meal. Not just eat out at fancy places - I could afford to just pick up dinner of my way home. If I had enough to not stress about groceries, I would actually think about going places with friends more! All these people enjoying themselves as I walked and contemplated things made me feel like everything I wanted was so, so close.

I can't think of the last time I did something as simple as going bowling, or minigolf- activities that aren't luxuries at all really. These are just things that people of any bracket should have the means to do every few months. When is the last time I paid to see a movie? Or take a class? When is the last time I was able to actually let myself do something that cost just a little bit of money? Probably Ren Faire, and that's once or twice a year.

I hate capitalism, I hate profit motives, I do. But if someone wanted an economy like this to work, surely they would see that everyone in that economy needs money in order for it to function. If people can't afford to buy dinner on their way home, that's another restaurant that can't stay open. If everyone is pinching pennies because groceries take up the majority of one paycheck a month that doesn't go to rent, then it's no wonder why they wouldn't be visiting the local bowling alley or whatever.

Again, it's not a new idea whatsoever, but it had never struck me so hard.

Economists be blabbing on about the oncoming recession and the various versions of economic stagnation paired with extreme inflation. But they ignore the fucking mammoth in the room- under the current system, people require money to survive, and when survival is difficult, they are going to use less of that money on things seen as extraneous. We prioritize our rent and our food, because we need those to live, and things like going out and enjoying life are tossed to the side. And it could be so simple! If you want to keep this system where money has to move around in order for it to function, give people some money!

And if it's too hard to write a check to every person, it can start at taking less money. I spend about 45% of my monthly income right now on rent. 15-25% goes to groceries and household items. about 10-20% between student loans and car insurance. Imagine if only rent was capped at 20%. Suddenly I have enough every month to support another café on my lunch break instead of making my own beverage, and I can interact with people. Suddenly I don't feel like a melon baller has been used on my stomach every time I stop to pick up dinner somewhere. In this dream world, I can tip a barista an extra $2-3, and everyone else can to (tipping culture is stupid but that's another rant). That's another few dollars in the pocket of a worker, of a local business owner, and it moves around.

There's a joke among artists who sell at cons/fairs/markets about the same $5 that gets passed around. Someone goes to my booth and buys a sticker, and I turn around, same bill in hand, to buy from them.

It is just nice to imagine a world where we can do that. Where we all can have enough extra to offer to buy someone their breakfast, to repaint our rooms or finally replace a broken piece of furniture without feeling guilty at the cost. To host people over without feeling like you need to ask them to contribute because you're barely scraping by, and where they bring something anyways, not out of obligation, but because they also want to share in what they have.

Didn't mean to hijack a post, but it's just been on my mind. What if we did just give everyone that money. Forever. It literally could not cause anything to get worse.

there have been 774664 studies on basic income and the results of every single one have been “wow! we gave people money and literally everything improved! crime rates are down! the actual sky is bluer! my (the researcher’s) wife decided not to leave me after all!” but these have all been short studies, just a couple years. i think what’s really missing from the field is a proper long form study, with a broader, bolder demographic, to really get us those numbers we need. a truly diverse study pool like, say, everyone. forever

[jacobgoyke]

Family Fun Unleashed: Game Night Adventures in Clive

Clive, Iowa, maybe a small city, but it boasts an array of options that can transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary family game night. Whether your family enjoys board games, interactive experiences, or outdoor adventures, Clive has a venue to make your next family night unforgettable. This guide explores diverse game night ideas and local spots that promise fun for all ages.

Local Board Game Cafés

Board game cafés are a fantastic way to enjoy a family game night without the hassle of hosting at home. Clive's own "Dice & Decks Café" offers an extensive library of board games ranging from classic favorites to the latest hits in the gaming world. The café provides a cozy, family-friendly environment where you can dive into games while enjoying a menu of snacks and beverages designed to keep the energy up throughout your gaming adventure.

Not only does "Dice & Decks Café" provide a great selection of games, but they also host themed game nights that can introduce you and your family to new games guided by experienced staff. This helps make game night an educational experience, as many games require strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. It's a perfect blend of learning, bonding, and fun, making it an ideal destination for families looking to spice up their routine.

Adventure Rooms

For families that thrive on challenge and teamwork, Clive's "Escape Clive" offers a thrilling alternative to traditional game nights with its escape rooms. Each room has a unique theme and a series of puzzles that must be solved within a set time limit to "escape" the room. It's an exciting way for families to work together and test their problem-solving abilities in a fun, high-stakes environment.

"Escape Clive" features rooms of varying difficulty levels so younger children and teens can participate meaningfully. Whether you're uncovering secrets as detectives or saving the world from imminent doom, the immersive experience provided by these adventure rooms is sure to make for an unforgettable family game night.

Outdoor Game Challenges

Enjoy Clive's beautiful parks and outdoor spaces by organizing an outdoor game night. "Greenbelt Park" in Clive offers spacious areas perfect for setting up outdoor games such as frisbee, capture the flag or a scavenger hunt. These activities promote physical activity and allow families to enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings under the open sky.

For families interested in more structured outdoor games, Clive's community centers often host family game nights during the warmer months. These events feature everything from relay races to giant versions of popular board games, providing a communal atmosphere where families can interact with others and enjoy friendly competition.

Sports and Bowling Alleys

If your family prefers more active game night options, consider visiting "Strikes and Spares Bowling Center" in Clive. Bowling is an excellent activity for all ages and skill levels, and it naturally fosters a light-hearted competitive spirit. Modern bowling alleys often include other amenities such as laser tag and arcade games, offering diverse entertainment options under one roof.

Additionally, many of Clive's recreational centers offer indoor sports facilities for families with sports enthusiasts, where you can play basketball, indoor soccer, or badminton. These locations provide a safe and structured environment for families to engage in sports, regardless of outside weather.

DIY Game Night at Home

Sometimes, the best family game night can be held right in the comfort of your own home. Clive's local libraries offer board game check-outs that allow you to bring different games home without cost. This can be a great way to discover new favorites without the investment of purchasing games outright.

To make a DIY game night special, consider creating a tournament bracket for chess, checkers, or any multiplayer video game your family enjoys. Add some homemade snacks and perhaps a small prize for the tournament winner, and you'll have a fun-filled evening that brings everyone together through a bit of healthy competition.

Clive provides a variety of venues and activities that make planning a family game night easy and exciting. From indoor cafés and adventure rooms to outdoor activities and sports centers, there's something in Clive for every family looking to add fun to their evening routine.

[awkwarddystopianwarlord]

Far Encounters of the Third Space

Where do you go when your shift has ended and the school bell is rung, but your house is a disaster getting renovated, your visiting extended family is a nightmare, your dog isn’t trained where to poop yet and leaves his mark all over the floor? When the places you have to be like school and work suck and the home you go to at the end of the day isn’t suitable, what do you do in the between time, the weekends, the days off? Where do you and your mates gossip and get your sillies out? 

Third spaces have been disappearing. The spaces where interaction with friends, other humans, self, and the world are fading away and it’s a problem. We need community and exposure to life outside our homes, schools, and workplaces. We need to be able to cross paths with strangers that can become friends. We need an escape from our obligations and responsibilities. We need somewhere to go to fully be ourselves and run into others who are like us. But we don’t really have anywhere to go. For multiple reasons too. 

A lot of us are working because we live in a capitalist hellscape and need fifteen jobs to buy a single bell pepper. We don’t have time to go anywhere else even if there were places. By the time work has finished, we’re absolutely bushed. There are only so many hours in a day and things are only open so late so it’s a losing situation for a lot of us.

As for everyone else who does have the time, they be left with few options. Especially if you lack a lot of spare funds. Our museum here used to be by donation, it’s not anymore. The aquarium on the mainland is like fifty dollars. Malls are desolate in some places. And if you go to any joint with food just to chat, you’re loitering. Libraries are great except you have to be quiet. Arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks are solid options but how many people have those? How easy is it to get to them? Parks are perfect if the weather favors you. But, like, remember Blockbuster?

Having Blockbuster enter my brain really pushed me to write this because it was such a good encapsulation of a third space. You could just peruse and chat and chill and it was basically a library but the volume was dialed up a bit. Movie rental places were wonderful. There was one where I used to live and the woman who owned it was a gem. There was human connection there. She recommended movies to her customers who she knew well enough to believe they would enjoy them. I’ve no idea how many movies and shows she said my family should try, but I am almost certain, most of them were hits. Bookstores are also great for this, but I think because it’s books, we assume library laws apply and it’s to be quiet. It’s places like those though, where people can run into other people and find out common tastes in a completely organic way. We don’t have enough of that. Board Game cafes come close I think, but from what I’ve seen, most people go in from the beginning with their own mates and a lot of games can only have so many players. When I go with friends, we only go when we know there’s a decent number of us for ultimate game play convenience. If we were to meet others, it would already be incredibly crowded. Grand place though to go specifically with your friend group as an activity, I will say. Just not as great for solo folk or wee crews. 

We just need more “hangout like” spots in our civilizations that don’t cost an arm and a leg or don’t throw you out for not purchasing anything. I live in such a touristy city and there are so many potential places I could go except for the fact that I’m poor. We have a bug zoo here! An indoor zoo of just bugs! And it’s great, but I don’t have thirty dollars to spend each time I want to go. If we had more chill cafe-esque things like the board game cafe, that would be a start. There could be a book cafe that isn’t whispery. There could be more cat or bunny cafes. Maybe some indoor public markets that are fun to wander around and window shop. And I’ve thought recently about indoor public parks and gardens for when the weather gets shit. And can we PLEASE bring back movie rental stores because streaming services are becoming no better than cable and raising their prices and are downright sinful at this point. Also seating in food establishments! The mall where I work has horrible seating in the food court, but I’ve also seen that places like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Tim Horton’s have been revamping their interiors to have very little seating. I know that where I live specifically, we have a lot of sketchy douchebags and gangs of youths that hang around and make a mess of everything so making it less appealing to stay in there isn’t unreasonable. Though putting a stop to the douchebaggery and tomfoolery seems to be the more sturdy solution but that’s another conversation. 

We live in a weird age right now where technology seems to be consuming us and few seem to be happy about it but no one has any escape plan. We need our brick and mortar shops more than ever. We need our malls to flourish again. We need physical gathering places that don’t require anything other than you just being in the location. We were already losing touch with one another and the pandemic only exacerbated that and we need to go backwards a bit. We need to rekindle our humanity and we need to rebuild the safe places in which that can be done.

[skyzonellc]

Choosing the Best Kids' Birthday Party Venue Every Child Will Love

Planning a child’s birthday party can be both exciting and daunting. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right venue. The perfect venue can turn a regular birthday party into an unforgettable celebration, ensuring that your child and their friends have the time of their lives. Here’s a guide to help you pick the best kids' birthday party venues in Ventura that every child will love.

Consider Your Child’s Interests

The first step in choosing a venue is to think about what your child loves. Are they into sports, animals, or arts and crafts? Tailoring the venue to your child’s interests ensures that the party will be something they genuinely enjoy. For a sports enthusiast, consider a local sports complex where the kids can play soccer, basketball, or even go rock climbing. If your child loves animals, a zoo or a petting farm might be the ideal location.

Age-Appropriate Activities

When selecting a venue, it’s crucial to consider the age of your child and their guests. Younger children may enjoy a soft play center, where they can crawl, climb, and explore in a safe environment. For older kids, you might look at venues offering more structured activities, such as a bowling alley, trampoline park, or an escape room. Ensuring the activities are age-appropriate will keep the kids engaged and entertained throughout the party.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Venues

Another important factor to consider is whether to choose an indoor or outdoor venue. This decision may be influenced by the time of year and the weather. Indoor venues, such as play centers, indoor pools, or theaters, are great for year-round celebrations and provide a controlled environment. On the other hand, outdoor venues like parks, gardens, or even a beach can offer more space and a natural setting, ideal for spring and summer parties. Just be sure to have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

Accessibility and Convenience

The location of the venue is another key aspect. Choose a venue that is easily accessible for your guests, especially if some families will be traveling from a distance. Check for ample parking or public transportation options. It’s also worth considering the venue’s proximity to your home, as this will make transporting party supplies and decorations easier. Additionally, ensure that the venue can accommodate any special needs your child or their friends might have, such as wheelchair accessibility or food allergies.

Budget Considerations

While it’s tempting to go all out for your child’s birthday, it’s important to stay within your budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the venue and stick to it. Some venues offer party packages that include food, entertainment, and decorations, which can be cost-effective and save you time. Don’t forget to ask about any hidden fees, such as cleaning deposits or overtime charges.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before making a final decision, do some research on potential venues. Read online reviews from other parents to see what they liked or disliked about the venue. You can also ask friends, family, or local parenting groups for recommendations. First-hand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you avoid any pitfalls.

Safety First

Finally, ensure the venue is safe for children. Check that the venue has appropriate safety measures in place, such as secure play areas, well-maintained equipment, and trained staff. It’s also a good idea to visit the venue beforehand to assess the cleanliness and overall environment.

Conclusion

Choosing the best kids' birthday party venue requires thoughtful consideration of your child’s interests, the age of the guests, and the practical aspects of the venue. By keeping these factors in mind, you can create a memorable and fun-filled celebration that your child and their friends will cherish for years to come.

[custombowlingalley]

The Rise of Duckpin Bowling: Finding the Best Installers for Your Alley

Duckpin bowling, a unique and entertaining variation of the traditional tenpin game, has been steadily gaining popularity. With its smaller pins and balls, duckpin bowling offers a distinct challenge that appeals to all ages. If you're considering installing a duckpin bowling alley, finding the right installers is crucial. For the best in the business, check out All American Bowling Equipment.

Why Choose Duckpin Bowling?

A Fun Twist on a Classic Game

Duckpin bowling retains the fundamental essence of bowling but with a few twists. The smaller pins are more difficult to knock down, making the game more challenging and engaging. The smaller balls are easier to handle, making it an ideal activity for children and adults alike.

Appeals to All Skill Levels

Duckpin bowling is perfect for family gatherings, corporate events, and social outings. Its appeal lies in its accessibility; while it offers enough difficulty to keep seasoned bowlers entertained, it is still approachable for beginners.

Space-Saving and Versatile

Duckpin bowling lanes are shorter than traditional tenpin lanes, making them a great option for spaces that cannot accommodate full-length bowling lanes. This makes duckpin bowling a versatile addition to entertainment centers, bars, and even homes.

What to Look for in Duckpin Bowling Installers

Experience and Expertise

When searching for duckpin bowling installers, it's essential to choose a company with extensive experience in the industry. Seasoned installers will understand the nuances of setting up a duckpin bowling alley, ensuring that everything from lane dimensions to pinsetter installation is done correctly.

Quality of Equipment

The quality of the equipment used is a significant factor in the longevity and performance of your duckpin bowling alley. Ensure that the installers use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide a seamless bowling experience.

Customization Options

Each bowling alley has unique requirements. The best installers will offer customization options to tailor the lanes to your specific needs. Whether it's adjusting lane lengths, choosing different finishes, or integrating advanced scoring systems, a good installer will provide a range of options.

Comprehensive Services

Look for installers who offer comprehensive services, including design, installation, and maintenance. This ensures that you have a single point of contact for all your needs, from initial setup to ongoing support.

The Benefits of Professional Installation

Precision and Accuracy

Professional installers bring precision and accuracy to the installation process. Their expertise ensures that the lanes are perfectly aligned, the pinsetters function flawlessly, and the scoring systems are correctly calibrated. This attention to detail results in a superior bowling experience.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Hiring professional installers can save you both time and money. They have the tools and knowledge to complete the installation efficiently, minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of costly mistakes. Additionally, professional installation can often come with warranties, providing peace of mind.

Long-Term Performance

A professionally installed duckpin bowling alley will perform reliably for years to come. With proper maintenance, you can expect consistent performance, ensuring that your investment continues to bring joy and entertainment.

Conclusion

Duckpin bowling is a fantastic addition to any entertainment space, offering a unique and engaging experience for all. To ensure the best setup, choose experienced and reliable duckpin bowling installers. For top-notch installation services, consider All American Bowling Equipment. With their expertise and quality equipment, you'll be well on your way to enjoying this exciting game.

[curtisrolson]

Hoag and Vivante Partner to Improve Senior Living Communities

Renowned healthcare network Hoag and assisted living and memory care provider Vivante have announced a collaborative effort to enhance healthcare services for aging residents. The collaboration extends to the two Vivante campuses in Orange County, including Newport-Mesa, which opened in October 2013 on Monrovia Avenue, and a second location on San Clemente Drive, which opened in late November. This partnership follows Vivante's 2021 launch of its Vivante Vitality Program, an eight-week series aimed at tracking changes in physical, nutritional, cognitive, and mental health for participating seniors.

While Vivante provides essential daily living activities, medication management, and grooming, it lacks direct medical care licensing. Hoag has stepped in to bring its established medical expertise to Vivante to fill this gap. This partnership streamlines critical rehabilitation and medical treatment, thus allowing residents to transition between inpatient and outpatient care conveniently. Hoag medical staff work full-time at the campuses at offices located in Vivante Hoag Wellness Center.

Hoag fills the medical gaps to ensure Vivante residents have access to comprehensive care without leaving Vivante's supportive community to access a higher level of care, such as skilled nursing. This collaboration benefits seniors who need medical care and services and eases the burden on the medical care system by minimizing unnecessary hospitalizations and providing preventive care. Hospice care is also available to Vivante residents in their communities to address the coordination of medications and equipment for comfort and symptom management.

Residents benefit from having convenient access to primary care physicians on-site and can receive personalized care plans tailored to their needs. Hoag offers a collaborative approach with residents, families, and specialist physicians.

Residents can access Medicare Part A and B care. They can also participate in rehabilitation therapy at home or in the newly renovated VIVAH (Vivante Initiative for Vital Aging with Hoag) campus spaces.

Trained professionals can assist residents who struggle to adjust to assisted living or memory care. In addition, patients, families, and caregivers can receive psychological and spiritual care and bereavement support.

Hoag Hospital is constantly forging new paths to excellent health care. Therefore, Vivante residents can participate in new studies to help further the hospital’s research and benefit the residents at no cost. In addition, Hoag is also working with doctors at the Neurosciences Institute to provide the most up-to-date cognitive care and programming to Vivante residents. It includes virtual reality for therapeutic purposes and the Montessori Method for dementia.

Vivante residents have access to skin cancer awareness education and checks through doctors from the Patty and George Hoag Cancer Center. They also receive education on the importance of diabetes prevention through lectures and one-on-one consultations with in-house Hoag physicians.

Aside from offering top health care, the Vivante campus communities offer resort-style living with various amenities such as an indoor pool, bowling alley, virtual golfing range, gym, art studio, yoga studio, dog park, and dining options. All units consist of accessibility features and equipped full-service kitchens. Monthly rates at the facilities vary based on unit size and range from $5,000 to $25,000.

[ratingmedia121]

Streamlining Operations: How Bowling Booking Software Revolutionizes Alley Management

In the dynamic world of leisure and entertainment, bowling alleys stand as popular venues where families, friends, and competitive leagues converge for fun and sport. As these establishments seek to modernize their operations and enhance customer experiences, the adoption of technology, particularly bowling booking software, has emerged as a transformative solution. This software not only streamlines administrative tasks but also elevates the overall user experience, proving indispensable in the management of these recreational hubs.

Efficiency in Reservation and Scheduling

One of the primary benefits of bowling booking software is its ability to simplify the reservation process. Customers can book lanes from the comfort of their homes at any time of the day, bypassing the traditional method of making phone calls or booking in person. This digital transformation not only saves time for both staff and patrons but also reduces the likelihood of overbooking or scheduling errors. By automating the reservation system, bowling alleys can offer a more reliable and efficient service, ensuring that lanes are optimally utilized without the risk of double-booking.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Bowling booking software is a key player in enhancing the customer experience. Features such as real-time availability updates, varied booking options, and seamless integration with loyalty programs make it easier for patrons to engage with their favorite alleys. Customers appreciate the transparency and control they have over their bookings, including the ability to choose specific lanes or link multiple reservations for group events. Furthermore, these platforms often come equipped with options to pre-order food and beverages, adding another layer of convenience and encouraging higher spending per visit.

Operational Insights and Analytics

Beyond the customer-facing features, bowling booking software offers robust back-end functionalities that provide valuable insights into business operations. These systems can track peak usage times, customer preferences, and revenue patterns, enabling alley managers to make data-driven decisions. By analyzing these insights, managers can optimize staffing levels, plan promotional activities, and tailor their offerings to meet the evolving demands of their clientele. This strategic use of data not only helps in refining the operational aspects but also in enhancing marketing efforts to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Visit https://www.bookbowlinglane.com/

Integration with Other Systems

The versatility of bowling booking software extends to its ability to integrate with other management systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, membership databases, and digital marketing tools. This integration facilitates a unified approach to management, where all aspects of the alley's operations are interconnected. For example, integrating the booking system with the POS allows for seamless transactions where customers can pay online for their bookings, memberships, and additional services. Such integration minimizes administrative duties and reduces the chance for human error, leading to smoother operations and improved customer satisfaction.

Streamlined Communication Channels

Communication is key in managing a successful entertainment venue, and bowling booking software enhances this aspect by providing streamlined communication channels. Automated notifications, reminders, and promotional messages can be sent directly to customers through the software, ensuring that they are always informed about their reservations, upcoming events, or special offers. This proactive communication helps in building strong customer relationships and boosts repeat visits.

Cost Savings and Sustainability

Implementing bowling booking software can lead to significant cost savings. By reducing the need for paper-based systems, alleys can cut down on printing costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the efficiency brought about by automation reduces labor costs as fewer staff hours are needed to manage bookings and customer inquiries. These savings can then be redirected into improving service offerings or expanding the business.

Challenges and Considerations

While bowling booking software offers numerous benefits, its implementation comes with challenges. The initial setup and training can require significant time and investment. It is crucial for alley owners to choose software that is user-friendly and provides reliable technical support. Moreover, as with any digital system, ensuring the security and privacy of customer data must be a top priority.

Conclusion

Bowling booking software has revolutionized the way bowling alleys operate, offering a multitude of benefits that extend from operational efficiency to enhanced customer satisfaction. As the leisure industry continues to embrace digital solutions, such software becomes not just beneficial but essential for staying competitive in an increasingly tech-savvy market. By adopting such innovative solutions, bowling alleys can ensure that they remain popular destinations in the digital age, providing memorable experiences that draw patrons back time and again.