We’re less than two weeks into the new year and everyone’s abuzz at The Star.
The Chief is expecting big things in 2014, including my spelling getting better in those big words ending in ‘agus’. I’m all aboard as a team player, plus The Chief has finally agreed to use my Loudmouth pants picture with the column. Hopefully, my Rodin “The Thinker” shot will be retired and sent to The Smithsonian. Plus, I can change the pants to a different pair any time he wants. I only think one way.
High school basketball enters the meat of district play. Here’s a look at the latest Wild Bill “Big-11” Top-5 poll.
#1- Lord Botetourt: The Cavs remain undefeated, but the strength of the Blue Ridge District will provide a big hurdle. Botetourt has the players to hold serve.
#2- William Byrd: Experienced seniors anchor the Terrier starting five. They came close to knocking off Botetourt in the Northside Invitational.
#3- Salem: The Spartans continue to get stronger with the return to form by football players. Salem always gets stronger down the stretch.
#4- Patrick Henry: The Patriots make their initial cruise through the River Ridge. The imposing 6A tournament looms down the road.
#5- William Fleming: The Colonels have won four straight after a slow start. Fleming may be ready to shift into high gear.
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club convenes on Monday January 20th at the Salem Civic Center for its initial meeting of 2014. A big night is on tap with guest speaker Jake Grove, the former football standout at Virginia Tech who continued in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins.
Area high school state champions will also be honored, including Northside football and the volleyball teams from Hidden Valley and Roanoke Catholic. A social begins at 5:45 with the dinner meeting to follow at 6:15. Guests and prospective new members are invited to attend. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for information and reservations.
The recent below-zero temperatures offered more time in front of the TV, and that can only mean it’s time for a Wild Bill late-night product review.
Granted, getting a five-star rating past our boys in the lab is a rarity, but we have one this month with the amazing Wraptastic.
Getting plastic wrap off the roll has long been my Waterloo. Usually the first attempt ends with a ball of crumpled wrap in my hand, and the second, more intense effort, looks like I’m getting ready to prepare a mummy for its sarcophagus.
For you out-of-state readers, a sarcophagus is a stone coffin, from the Greek sarkophagus, meaning flesh eating. See, you always learn something when you read this column. And, not to be confused with esophagus, which also involves eating.
The Wraptastic gets the thumbs up after my casaba melon wrapped perfectly and the always-tempting “call now and get a second Wraptastic free” sales pitch.
Now, to the mailbag, where a puzzled reader asks about my pose in the recent Stagg Bowl.
Dear Wild Bill: I couldn’t help but notice you in those outrageous pants posing for ESPN during the Stagg Bowl, with the Wisconsin-Whitewater cheerleaders surrounding you. What’s the deal? (Harry/ Shawsville)
That’s the beauty of Loudmouth pants, Harry. Those things are a chick magnet. Never could have pulled it off in plain khakis.
Until next time, send your questions to [email protected]. As they say in movies and in our product review: this edition is a wrap.
– Bill Turner