Oh, goodness. I think I’m hearing some slurred chirping coming from The Chief’s office.
Not sure, but I think The Chief’s Perfect Polly may need new batteries. At least I have comfort in knowing he’s not lining the cage with my column.
The Chief is often like a magician, so it’s only appropriate this edition’s late-night product review honors one of the greats in that field, Harry Houdini. Read on for the details later in the column.
High school basketball hits the regular season home stretch this week, assuming the predicted blizzard at midweek doesn’t further disrupt the already hectic schedules. Conference tournaments are on the horizon and this year’s new format will undoubtably bring a large number of surprises and unexpected matchups. We’ll be at the heart of all ” Big-11 ” teams throughout the road to Richmond.
No better time to take a look at the latest Wild Bill ” Big-11 ” Top-5 poll.
#1- Lord Botetourt: The Cavaliers (19-2) stay atop the poll after their impressive win Monday night over “Big-11” #4 William Byrd and Staunton River on Tuesday. The Cavs and Byrd are scheduled for a rematch Thursday night in Vinton.
#2- Patrick Henry: The Patriots (17-3) remained perfect in the tough River Ridge. With no district tournament, PH will head straight into 6A Conference action.
#3- William Fleming: The Colonels (16-5) impressed in their Roy Stanley Shootout win over previously one-loss Radford. Fleming has won 16 of their last 17 games. They may be headed higher.
#4- William Byrd: Despite a loss Monday night in Daleville, Byrd (16-5) showed it has plenty of game and rebounded Tuesday against Alleghany. The Terriers stay in the upper echelon of the Blue Ridge with a home game against Botetourt in the rowdy Terrier gym.
#5- Salem: The Spartans (13-6) dominated Floyd County in the Roy Stanley Shootout. Salem has a tough road ahead in the Conference 24 tournament.
The countdown continues for Floyd County’s Caleb Tanner’s pursuit of the all-time VHSL career scoring record of 2,687 points held by Twin Spring’s Stacy Ervin since 1997.Tanner scored 32 points Monday night at Bland County and 29 Tuesday night against Radford, leaving him 13 points shy of the milestone. Floyd County was scheduled to play Thursday at Eastern Montgomery with a potential snow makeup date Saturday night in Shawsville. The Star will be on hand for the record-setting shot.
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club has its annual media night on Monday, February 17th at the Salem Civic Center. Randy King, Doug Doughty and Aaron McFarling will join WDBJ-7 sports director Travis Wells to entertain with comments on local sports as well as take questions from the audience on any and every sports subject. Guests and prospective new members are welcome. The night begins with a social at 5:45, with the dinner meeting to follow at 6:15. Contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103 for information.
Now, without further ado, we take a look at this edition’s late-night product review. I bring you “Scratchdini.”
Obviously, the name is a takeoff of famous magician, illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini. Houdini died on Halloween in 1926, which led to the popularity and curiosity of seances, after he requested his wife, Bess, to perform a seance in order to stay in touch. See, you always learn something when you read this column.
“Scratchdini” is some sort of polymer concoction that supposedly miraculously takes all the scratches out of your car’s finish and returns your ride to showroom brilliance. Houdini made things disappear, so you get the drift of “Scrtatchdini.” Hmmmm.
Evidently, a little goes a long way because the tube is what our boys in the lab call volume-challenged. But, since the “call-now, get a second tube free” pitch is in play again, we’ll hope most vehicles, unlike the Wild Bill jalopy, have limited paint defects. I admittedly was intrigued by another part of the pitch that offers a free pair of headlight lens-restoring gel packets. I considered trying that on my scratched bifocals, but was advised against it by a local optometrist.
After all is said and done, I’m rating “Scratchdini ” a HOLD. I’m going to give my old Chrysler the once-over and take it to a Barrett-Jackson antique car auction. Results of the highest bid will be forthcoming.
Until next time, buff up your questions and send them to [email protected]
