Mention "bowling" to people in most places, particularly snooty Northern California, and you are bound to get condescending looks and snide comments.  However, consider....have you EVER had a bad time bowling?  Bowling is like riding a moped -- you make fun of it until you actually try it.  Or something like that.

Anyway, here is the definitive guide to guaranteeing a great time at the lanes with your buddies.  These are the key items you need to make sure to have as part of your bowling night arsenal.

1)  Friends -- you need at least 3-4 people with you in order to maximize the fun.  The more the merrier.

2)  Apparel -- look, bowling alleys aren't hospitals.  They're not the cleanest places in the world.  Dress down.  Think Def Leppard concert.  Also, wear socks, since you're going to be renting and wearing bowling shoes that 500 other people have worn before you.  Bonus points if you show up with some old bowling league shirt.  I'm sure these are easy to find on eBay.

3)  Alcohol -- an absolute must.  Bowling without booze is like french fries without ketchup.  Watch the intake though.  The first few drinks will loosen you up and help your score.  Too many, however, and you're guaranteed to do a face plant during a roll sometime in the 3rd game.  Order pitchers of beer, preferably something like PBR.

4)  Music -- hit the jukebox early and often.  I'm personally partial to the "monster ballads" genre, ala Warrant, Poison, Sheriff, Scorpions, Whitesnake, etc.  The cheesier the better.

5)  Gambling -- I won't condone gambling in this guide.  All I'm saying though is that if someone in your group shows up with their own ball, glove, and shoes, it'd be wise to keep your wallet in your pocket.

6)  Trash Talking -- it's fun to stir it up with the rest of your group and have a good time.  I personally like the move of rolling the ball and then immediately turning around and making an "X" motion with my arms, signalling the strike.  Be creative, think of your own moves.

I hope this helps you enjoy your next trip to the bowling alley.  And if the group next to you is doing these things, there's a good chance it's my group so be sure to say "hi".  :)