London Olympics 2012 Jim’s view

Jim has lived in Hackney for more than 40 years and he tell us his feelings about having the Olympics on his doorstep.

On air: Did Tiger Woods need to make a public apology?

Tiger Woods has broken his silence and spoken publicly for the first time since the scandal surrounding his private life erupted in November last  year.  “I was unfaithful, I had affairs, I cheated. What I did was unacceptable.”

On air: Is sport a great healer?

Heba: Here’s an article on the divisive nature of sport. Hitchens reckons it brings out the worst in human nature. It’s a sentiment echoed by blogger, Walter Todd Huston, here.

“Four years ago who ever thought this would be happening when 85 percent of the city was under water from Hurricane Katrina.  Most people not knowing if New Orleans would ever come back or if the organization and the team would come back. This is the culmination of that belief and that faith.”  This is what Drew Brees the most valued player and quarterback of the Saints American Football team said after his team won the Super Bowl for the first time.

Michael Jordan meets Tchaikovsky

“Poetry in motion!” That’s a description applied to some of the best moments in sport. But instead of poetry, what about music? Chinese pianist Lang Lang – the 26-year-old who played at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics – has been speaking to the BBC about some of his sporting inspirations as he caresses the keys. When he plays Tchaikovsky? It’s basketball player, Michael Jordan, who comes to mind. But Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt also fill his fingers with fire. Is it the same for you? Do you forever link some sport or sports stars with pieces of music? Or do they inspire you to other works of art? And why?

What do we do with the Olympic feel-good factor?

The Beijing Olympics end on Sunday and the final medal tally is nearly complete. China is the obvious winner – not just in terms of gold medals, but also given the huge boost to its national pride and prestige.

What’s the greatest ever Olympic performance?

Less than  a week to go and much chat in the BBC offices over what’s the greatest ever Olympic performance. Jesse Owens in Berlin in 1936….Mark Spitz and his 7 golds in 1972….Michael Johnson and his record breaking 200 metres…Bob Beamon and his 1968 jaw dropping long jump. What do you reckon?

What’s the world’s most pointless pastime?

“What’s the point of skiing….it’s totally stupid. You climb up to ski down. Why not stay down and read a good book?!” The thoughts of Slovenian  philsopher Slavoj Zizek here on the BBC. He goes on….on football “why is it so fascinating that one stupid guy kicks football better than another?” Such pronouncments got us to thinking here on the World Today about other pointless pastimes. Any suggestions?