Write About Now

The day I become a sports fan is the day Bill Maher becomes a Christian.

Or so I thought until two weeks ago, when a powerful combo of the charming Bob Costas, the unintelligible Bela Karolyi, and the unbeatable Michael Phelps triggered my Olympics addiction. Also that really tall lady with the deep voice who reported on acupuncture and may, I suspect, be a man.

Sure, I loved seeing Phelps make history and watching Americans take gold in beach volleyball and gymnastics, but I also found myself willingly tuning in for sports like pole vaulting, water polo, and table tennis. I was captivated by the drama, both real (retiring athletes with one last chance at a medal, come-from-behind last-minute performances to clinch glory by fractions of points) and manufactured (“It’s the dive of her life, Al. It’s simply the dive of her life.”)

Even the 9-times-a-night broadcast of that McDonald’s chicken sandwich ad could not dim my enthusiasm, although I did begin muting every commercial break.

So I’m thinking I might start watching sports now and then. Not football–I don’t understand it and don’t want to. Not baseball–too slow. NOT golf. But……..something. Suggestions are welcome. And look for Bill Maher in a church near you.