I love Christmas. There's nothing better than Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with a house full of kids. I loved every minute...
Well, except for the several hours we played Electronic Monopoly. Some games can't be improved by technology. This is one. Running a credit card through an ATM at every transaction makes an already long game unbearable...
The kids didn't want to watch A Christmas Story on the TBS marathon, but got sucked in and loved it. Who doesn't "want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!"..
We all went skating at the new outdoor place in downtown Des Moines. It's a lot of fun, although they need to rethink the inside area. It's a chaotic mess with everyone trying to pay for skates, put them on, take them off, order concession, and warm up all in the same small building. Once we cleared the scrum we had a great time, and if Murphy fell down in front of you, I apologize...
2007 Iowa Sports Story of the Year: Zach Johnson wins the Masters. I agree with our on-line voters. If Shawn Johnson wins Olympic All-Around gold, and she will, I think that's the no doubt story of 2008. Could something happen that would top that?...
Shawn is featured in Sports Illustrated this week in, what else, a cornfield. Is this the only way outsiders see us? Great picture though...
Great move by the NFL Network to put the Patriots quest for perfection on channels most people can actually watch. And boy did we watch. One of the highest rated programs of the year. I can't take my eyes off the Patriots when they're on. I'm not a fan, but I'm fascinated. The Moss drop, followed by the Brady to Moss touchdown bomb was the most electrifying sequence of the season to me. Great theater. The Patriots' coaching staff was caught cheating this season, so the Pats aren't perfect, even if their record is...
Bowl game I'm most looking forward to? Florida vs. Michigan in the Cap One. Rumor is Tebow will play without pads...
Say what you want about Jose Canseco, but the guy was right about a lot. He also played a big part in getting baseball cleaned up...
The Bourne Ultimatum is a great action movie, and the rare third movie in a trilogy that lives up to its predecessors. I don't know how Matt Damon does it, but his face seems to change when he plays Jason Bourne. He's terrific...
Balls of Fury was as silly as I thought it would be. At least I waited for the rental. The title still appeals to my juvenile sense of humor...
The Heartbreak Kid starring Ben Stiller started with a lot of laugh out loud moments. However, the final hour was not funny and Stiller plays a guy impossible to root for. Rent this one only if you love the Farrelly Brothers (There's Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber) even when they're off their game (Stuck on You). This movie is rated R for many reasons including rough sex (someone reading this just decided to rent it)...
The Des Moines Bucs are a bad hockey team this season, but 95KGGO Arena on game night is still top notch, affordable entertainment...
Jenny and I went to Las Vegas and happened to be on the same Allegiant Air flight as the entire Iowa State basketball team. The Cyclones aren't very good yet, but they are improving, and they have a first class guy running the program in Greg McDermott. He'll get it done...
How 'bout those Bulldogs?! It's just plain good for Des Moines to see this program showing some life after decades of bad basketball. I hope it continues...
And not to bury the lead, but yes, my old partner Andy Fales is coming back to SoundOFF. Andy succeeded in Kansas City, but made the wise and mature decision to follow his heart and return where he's happiest: Des Moines. Life is too short for regrets. Andy will co-host SoundOFF and tell you what's bugging him beginning January 6th. You'll also find his contributions all over our newscasts as he delivers his unique special assignments. Andy is a one-of-a-kind talent, and we're lucky to have him...
I also want to take this time to again thank Heather Burnside for doing such a good job under tough circumstances. Following Andy was not easy. Heather never tried to be anyone but herself. Heather's knowledge of sports was apparent, her sharp wit on display, and her enthusiasm for the opportunity contagious. Heather is also a fan of Andy. She steps aside with no hard feelings and has graciously agreed to make contributions to the show and fill in as guest host. Thank you, Heather...
Happy New Year.
Keith
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26 comments:
The Bourne Ultimatum was an awesome movie and that's one I need to get on DVD.
I had to laugh at your comment about the Iowa men's bball game the other night. I saw them score their first two baskets then switched over to the Patriots game. When I went back about 10 or so mintues later, it was something like 20 to 5 and Iowa not in the lead??? I tried so hard to watch it, but it almost hurt to see them play that way. I think I could've played better and I didn't play any highschool sports!
Glad to see the dynamic duo is back together and I don't think Central Iowans could be happier. Heather is great; but Fales is too darn much!
Nicole
Bye Heather...we will miss your wit, but hopefully you will return when Murph or Fales are on vacation. We are TOTALLY STOKED to have Mr. Fales back! Can't wait for the bzzzzzz.....Happy New Year to the WHo-TV 13 Sports family!
The Stouts
p>S> The chris hassel diddy was HILARIOUS last night! KILLER!
How could Fales "succeed" in Kansas City when he only lasted six months? That doesn't sound like much of a success. And I'm sure Heather is thrilled with being pushed out. Something tells me Chris Hassel won't be far behind.
Anonymous- I live in Kansas City and he was a big success at KMBC. He was a better reporter there than any of the "big shots." A better reporter both professionally and as someone who brought their own personality to the game.
WHO13 has a better news teams than ANY station in KC, hands down.
As Travis said, Andy was, in fact, a big success in Kansas City. KMBC did not want him to leave. However, Andy realized Des Moines was where he's happiest, and I respect him for doing what's most important in the big picture. We're lucky to have him,and I welcome him back, as I hope, and believe, most people will.
As for Heather, she really enjoyed her time on SoundOFF, and she's disappointed, but she completely understands. She "gets it", even if "anonymous" doesn't. I appreciate Heather more than ever.
I know it would make the haters happy if Andy needed to crawl back, Heather was pissed, and Chris no longer had a job, but unfortunately for the negative naggers, none of that is true. Andy chose to return, Heather understands, and Chris has a job (as does Shawn).
Can we get Erin to sell her blog to Andy? He'd do way better with it.
Andy isn't coming back because it is home. He's coming back to help send the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tourney!
Murph, thank Heather again from the fans. I always really liked her on he said/she said. Halloween was particularly a riot. She'll be missed.
Murph, are the "What's Bugging Andy?" segments going to be posted on whotv.com like they used to be each week after soundoff? I won't get to come home until the 13th and want to see his first "What's Bugging Andy?" on his return back home.
"Andy chose to return, Heather understands, and Chris has a job (as does Shawn)."
Wow, sounds perfect doesn't it? Funny how everthing worked out the best for everyone. We shall see. You're the same one that said you had no idea what Fales was going to do when he returned to Des Moines and that Heather wasn't going anywhere. Not everyone at 13 is as thrilled with his return as you are.
des moines is the happiest place to be. good to have andy back
Answering two recent comments...
-Yes, "What's Bugging Andy" should be on whotv.com beginning Monday morning.
-Any personnel change, not involving attrition, presents a challenge when it comes to being "perfect" for everyone, but I appreciate that my bosses found a way for Andy, Shawn, Chris and me to all work together, and for Heather to continue in a different role as she chooses.
As for your assertion that I said I had "no idea what Fales was going to do when he returned to Des Moines" and that "Heather wasn't going anywhere", that is simply not true. Here's what I wrote November 11th on this very blog:
"I'm glad to tell you what I think, or what I know, but nothing more. In this case, I think Andy wants to work at channel 13 again. I know my boss wants Andy here, as do I.
A local talk radio host urged Shawn Terrell and Chris Hassel to get their resumes in order, because one of them is sure to be fired if/when Andy returns, but that simply is not true. Shawn and Chris aren't going anywhere regardless---they're both doing a great job---and Heather Burnside will continue to be a part of the channel 13 sports team, as well as SoundOFF."
All of that is true. I'm fortunate it's all on the record because otherwise I wouldn't be able to prove, as I just did, that someone "anonymous" is recklessly misleading people.
I can't speak for everyone at channel 13, but the colleagues I've heard from are excited we're adding a personality who is a proven talent with a built in fan base.
I don't understand the haters when it comes to Andy. Hey, it's only television, and if he's not to your liking, you don't have to watch. We hope you will, but life is too short to waste negative energy on something like this.
Thank you.
Keith
keith-
how much longer do i have to pray for soundoff to be live streamed?
travis
Man I am going to miss Heather! I don't know what everyone else thinks but I just think she is HOT!!!!!! There is something about her that just turns me on!
Keith,
You have lost creditablilty. No one is a "success" in 6 months. maybe he did not get firewd but please do not term Fales a success.
You have done the same thing with Pollard who has brought losing football and losign Basketball to ISU yet you have made him out a success. I guess snybidy that is your buddy is a success which is exactly why you are losing viewers to John Walters and Andy Garman. People are sick of your shallowness.
Trav,
Still no word on streaming. I'll put in another request.
"Iowa Resident",
I didn't over-think the term "success" enough to attach a minimum time to its qualifications, but Andy was doing well, was wanted, and left of his own accord.
I have backed many things Jamie Pollard has done, and criticized a few. We should apply your long time requirements for "success", and wait.
I don't know who snybidy is.
Again, life's too short to let one man's return upset you this much.
Thank you.
Keith
I think the problem is that it doesn't make sense. If Fales was a big success in a big sports market, then why after only a few months is he coming back to a lesser role in a lesser market for lesser money? He's from St. Louis so I don't know that he has any family here, so the whole line about missing Des Moines just doesn't ring true. And since when does a station let you out of a contract because you're homesick? I don't mind that he's back, but I don't think we're getting the real reason or the whole story behind his return. That's the credibility issue.
Who really gives a flip on his "real reason" for returning? Is it so hard to fathom that he just wasn't as happy? The grass isn't always greener on the other side and maybe Andy realized that. It's not all about money or bigger markets. If he was happier here and had a chance to return, so be it. Just shut your cake hole and quit with the negativity. It is really none of your darn business why he is back. Change the channel and watch someone else. No one would miss you!
Andy wasn't unhappy in Kansas City, he was just happier in Des Moines, for many reasons.
Of course it does not make sense to label someone an outstanding success after 6 months either that or the skills to be successfull in that business must be pretty low but Murphy knows perception is reality so be blows it out there for his friend knowing that it sticks. What he does not realize is it hurts his creditability.
anonymous/Ia-resident....you have to be the same sorry ass person. Murphy's credibility (that would be creditability to you)are not in question or even close for that matter. Perhaps you should check your facts. John Walters is the voice of the Cyclones receving a paycheck from ISU so I'm sure that NEVER creates a biased opinion affecting credibility. Andy's success in KC should not be measured only by the length of time he spent there. To measure success only by longevity would be small minded and ignorant.
On to more exciting topics....will you and Andy be doing any radio when he returns? I hope so. I loved it when you guys filled in. See what you can do about making that a regular gig.
Happy New Year!
Ok "Sweetness," how would YOU measure success? Because Murphy tells you he was successful? Talk about small minded and ignorant. What's he going to say, he was a complete and utter failure, that's why he's coming back? You're probably never going to know the real reason for Fales return. At least you're not going to get it here. Time to move on...
Ia resident/anonymous...
Why do you care why Andy is coming back? Seriously. Your posts range from complete displeasure of Andy's return to smack talking about Murphy's "creditability". Success is measured in many different ways. You measure it in terms of longevity at one's job. Fine. Enough said. Just admit that for whatever reason you don't want Andy back. Bottom line...his return has even the haters like you talking. The "buzz" is working......
Wow, the negativity runs deep on this blog.
Different people have different priorities. Some of us would rather be happy and comfortable than have more money and not feel like all was right in our world. Kudos to Andy for figuring that out and doing what he felt was right. His reasoning is no one's business and Murphy isn't going to tell you any more than he has already. Andy wasn't driven out of KC by lynch mob, he left because he wanted to, that alone makes him a success.
Welcome back Andy, I look forward to hearing your views again.
Heather, you're awesome, keep contributing when/where you can.
Chris, Shawn and Murphy keep doing what you do, you're the best thing going in central Iowa.
Hey Murphy, my wife says you're one lucky man, evidently she sat behind you on the plane coming back from the Insight.com Bowl after the ISU win a few years ago. What makes you lucky is that you didn't get puked on! Gotta love a 'Clone fan!
Sweetness,
Andy and I really enjoyed our time filling in for our friend, Jon Miller, at KXNO. It confirmed what I already knew: it's harder than it looks (sounds?). I know at least two radio stations showed interest in Andy when he was weighing his options, so hopefully he'll get a side gig and I'll ride his coattails to some airtime. If nothing else, maybe Jon will have us on again. We enjoyed it...
Anonymous,
Please thank your wife for NOT throwing up on me. Really. Thank her. Although it would be a story I'd tell forever.
Keith
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