Murphy's Law

I've seen a lot of crazy things at weddings, including my best friend with "HELP ME" written on the soles of his shoes as he kneeled before taking his vows, but a giant black & gold bird? That was a first.

As the wedding party was being introduced this past Saturday at the Des Moines Marriott, we all waited for the lovely bride and somewhat handsome groom. Just as we expected their triumphant entrance, the Iowa fight song blared out and Herky burst into the room to a huge ovation (and a few scattered boos). Andy Garman always did know how to work the crowd...

My mother has turned into a Cubs fan (send your sympathy letters to: Patricia Murphy, c/o of Keith Murphy, 1801 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309). It happened naturally, as this saint of a woman moved to Iowa to help me with the kids, and allow me to work nights. We started going to a lot of Iowa Cubs games, and next thing you know, she's buying the gear, wearing the shirts, and following Felix Pie's progress in Chicago. Therefore, she must go to the Cathedral of Baseball, Wrigley Field. Although, if I had known what it was going to cost, I might have paused. Our $32 seats for Sunday's game against the Cardinals? $135. And that's after shopping around. I'm only out $90 for a pair of Monday day game bleacher seats, but that's only because our SoundOFF producer, JT the Nutt, sold them to me. Throw in a $170 hotel room, that becomes $200 just because the easiest way to raise money in any city is tax the out of town guests, and we're at $500 before buying gas, food or beer---not necessarily in that order. Ah, who am I kidding. It's my mom. If you have a chance to make your mother happy, you do it. She leads me in the sacrifice department 1,134,456 to 11...

Speaking of the Cubs beating the Cardinals, before the second mortgage and the trip to Chicago, Jenny and I are going down to Kansas City to watch the Chiefs and Dolphins, and visit some guy we used to know who made the mistake of leaving this great state and all it has to offer. What was he thinking?

Speaking of KC, I respect and appreciate the opinions of Jason Whitlock. He often zigs when I think he'll zag. We need more journalists like Jason...

One of my favorite stories of perseverance this year is Rick Ankiel. Bravo Rick...

Am I alone? I love the State Fair, and I'm not afraid to admit it...

Topics not covered in this week's blog: Michael Vick, Barry Bonds, Tim Donaghy. You're welcome...

I didn't think we could see a movie preview that looks sillier than Blades of Glory (which I loved, by the way), but it's here: Balls of Fury. It's a "huge comedy with tiny balls", in other words, Ping-Pong. Did I say Ping-Pong? I mean "table tennis". It's only Ping-Pong if you play it in the basement. When I said "Balls of Fury" on the air tonight, Erin and John looked at me like I lost my mind. John's eyes filled up with tears he was laughing so hard. They had not heard of the movie. I've since made them watch the incredibly silly trailer (www.ballsoffury.com). They didn't thank me, but I love them anyway. I really do...

Took the older kids to Hot Rod. This is the kind of silly movie you either think is really funny or really stupid---like Adam Sandler's early work. Put me down for "funny", and the kids for "can we see it again right now?" (the last time I exited a movie, and got right back in line was Smokey and the Bandit. Yes, I know that dates me). Hot Rod reminds me of Happy Gilmore, though not quite that good. I'll give it a B. Cool beans...

I'm not sure who can send out more meaningless press releases on a daily basis, Iowa or Iowa State. Both occasionally work in something with merit, but Iowa recently sent an entire page quoting Kirk Ferentz as being "pleased with how practice is going". Lot of substance there. ISU seems to blow a bugle every time the Cyclones sell a football season ticket. It's getting more like politics all the time...

I don't really understand the President's Cup, but I'm proud of Zach Johnson anyway...

I just watched the Astronaut Farmer on DVD. I know I was supposed to be rooting for Billy Bob to go up in his homemade rocket, but what I really wanted to do was yell, "Wake up you selfish idiot. You're losing your farm, family, and mind!" I've heard it compared to Field of Dreams. I don't think so. Not even close. The grade is C...

John Bachman just reminded me of an underrated movie for those of us who love baseball, "For Love of the Game". Kevin Costner is at his best in sports films, and Vin Scully delivers play-by-play poetry as Billy Chapel pursues a perfect game. The backstory slips into chick flick territory, but it's worth checking out...

We keep getting e-mails like this one on my friend and partner, Heather Burnside:

Heather- It took me a while but I just had to write in and tell you how great you are. I thought I would miss Andy, but I was wrong. You are intelligent, well informed, and NICE looking. By the way, is that other guy still there? I think his name was Keith? Candyman from Newton

Yeah Candyman, it is Keith. SoundOFF had to evolve in a different direction when Andy left, and I appreciate that so many of you gave Heather a chance. She's not Andy; she's her own person, and we're working hard to keep you interested and involved...

Please pray for no rain between 7 and 10 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday. My mom deserves it...

Talk to you soon...