Scattershots: Learning wrestling, Letters from Iwo Jima, and fascination with Anna Nicole.

I played four sports in high school, but wrestling was not one of them. Our school didn't offer it, and each year at this time, I feel like I missed out. State wrestling in Iowa is amazing, and a much deserved source of pride. Unlike baseball, basketball, football and track (my sports), wrestling is constant tension and relentless action. Even the best can lose with one mistake. I've also really come to appreciate the cerebral strategy that makes it like a physical chess match...

In an effort to learn more about wrestling, I'm reading the critically acclaimed "Four Days to Glory". It follows two Iowa wrestlers in 2005 as they try to join the giants of the sport as four-time champions. It is a great book. Highly recommended whether you know a lot about the sport, or you're like me, trying to broaden your knowledge. Author Mark Kreidler writes that Iowa is known internationally for just two things: corn and wrestling...

Does anyone really wonder if Roger Clemens is coming back? Come on. This has about as much suspense as Brett Favre's annual dance. Of course Clemens is coming back. He'll skip spring training, the first half of the season, and then make about $15 million dollars to pitch in 20 or so games, and he's probably worth it. I just wish Clemens were more sincere. The guy retired several times and kept the expensive gifts when he returned. He's still great, and he can't walk away. Just be forthright...

Saw "Letters from Iwo Jima". Brilliant but depressing. Not easy to watch. I enjoyed Clint Eastwood's companion film, "Flags of our Fathers", more, but I'm not sure it was better. It's just not fun, nor should it be, watching people "honorably" blow themselves up for two hours. A- for quality, B- for the experience.

"Friday Night Lights" is showing signs of life. Ratings are building, thanks to many of you who are starting to watch. On good nights, this show is stunning. On off nights, it's still better than 95% of anything on TV. I try not to let the 25 year old "teenagers" bother me too much. It's a great improvement over John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in "Grease", but why can't shows at least find "kids" who are 19, 20, 21? At least Julie is 18...

What's going on with Izzie on "Grey's Anatomy". Could they make her any more of a thoughtless, inconsiderate dingbat? At least she's not standing in front of the hospital for 12 hours anymore...

Did you watch the NBA All-Star game? I tried, but it's gotten ridiculous. No need for the slam dunk contest as long as this is on. Has it always been this bad? Or am I getting like my father; looking back at the good old days? I remember enjoying the NBA's show...

NBC broadcasts the Match Play Championship and what happens? Tiger and Phil lose. Now that's just bad luck...

No more Britney Spears jokes from us. This woman obviously needs some help...

I still can't believe the around-the-clock fascination with Anna Nicole Smith's death. I understand that many people relate to all of her trials and tribulations (yo-yo dieting, bad marriages, trouble with children, the desire for more money, addictions, cosmetic surgery, etc), but it's still a little scary when the death of a person famous primarily for being famous receives more cable network coverage than all the fallen American soldiers combined...

Former Governor Vilsack dropped out of the Presidential race faster than expected. Makes me a little sad. It was probably our only chance to have a former SoundOFF co-host in the White House. Then again, Ronald Reagan did Iowa games with Jim Zabel...

Keep the feedback coming. I enjoy your thoughts.
Keith