Man Watches Futility in Action. Cliff Harkum, of  Radium Springs, Ga, watches hopefully but also with a modicum of lifelong learned emptiness, that maybe just maybe, this time the roll of the ball will result in a strike.  However, as this reporter observed, futility once again ruled the day. After watching the final pin wobble from side to side but remain standing Cliff, said, "Gosh, almost!"  He then returned to the scorecard, solemnly penned "9" and ordered another Bud Light.