The captivating 2012 London Olympics came to an end Sunday night, with one of the most entertaining group of games that I can ever recall. It was great watching One Direction, Pet Shop Boys, Jessie J, Muse, Madness and The Spice Girls rock the 80,000 fans at Olympic Stadium, plus several hundred million more watching on TV.
For the record, the headline performers were each paid one pound, the equivalent of $ 1.50. The Union Jack clearly knows how to get value for their money. Maybe the U.S. should take a look at forcing this same monetary restriction on political ads.
It’s amazing the money wasted by the candidates for what amounts to nothing more than the liars club. Plus, we all have to listen to their propogandized pontificating hour after hour.
I’m proposing to both parties to let the Wild Bill column pitch your candidate. First come, first gets the print. If the price is right, I’ll make your opponent look like one of those disqualified badminton teams in last week’s games.
Hey, you’re paying millions for people to flip the channel and tune you out. At least here you know everyone faithfully digests the column. I might even give you a couple of questions in the mailbag.
Back to the games, where the U.S. took the medal count over China 104-87, and gold alone 46-38. Both countries, along with surprising Great Britain, put on quite a show.
Best performances in my book? Rebecca Soni breaking the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke, Missy Franklin in the 200-meter backstroke and Dana Vollmer in the 100-meter butterfly. Then, those three combining with Allison Schmitt to beat the world mark in the 4×100 meter medley relay.
Add to that the amazing run for Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings to take their third straight gold in beach volleyball, winning 21 straight matches in the stretch. It just doesn’t get any better than the most aerodynamic sport on sand.
High school football opens one week from tonight, and the Roanoke Valley will offer great home-openers at Patrick Henry, Cave Spring and William Fleming. Support your local team and head out to Friday night lights, wherever it may be.
I’m already warming up the crystal ball for another season of predictions for the Wild Bill ‘Big-11’. And, just to tease you a bit, there’s an upset on the horizon for week-1.
Now, to the mailbag where one reader was happy after last week’s product super-saver and we get inquiries on both golf and badminton.
Dear Wild Bill: Thanks for the advice on what to do if you enjoy your food and hate to diet. I kept noshing. Look like a whale, but my arms are getting in shape.
Mr. Bill: What did you think about players grounding their clubs in sand traps during the PGA Championship? (Ed/Roanoke)
Great idea that should be continued. Take a couple perpendicular practice swings behind your ball that creates a virtual trench behind your lie. You’ll be able to hit a driver out of a fairway bunker, and have it teed up in greenside traps. Will lower scores, speed up play and make cats happy.
Dear Wild One: Even if both teams try to fix a badminton match to lose, isn’t it inevitable that one team still has to win? (Greta/Danville)
I need to think about this one, Greta. By any chance, do you play checkers . . . against yourself?
See you next week with Wild Bill’s football picks. In the meantime, keep your eye on the shuttlecock and send your questions to: [email protected]
