Murphy's Law

How can you not jump on the Drake bandwagon? This team is improving the mood of Iowans everywhere. It's positive. It's exciting. And it's contagious.

If you just can't get enough Drake coverage, check out http://wesleyvaclav.blogspot.com/
Ron Maly keeps the Bulldog stories coming.

Why not name the Iowa State court for the godfather of Hilton Magic, Johnny Orr. "The Orr Floor" sounds right to me.

Roger Clemens looks more guilty and more desperate each time he tries another unconvincing PR move. His latest press release supposedly pointed out that many great pitchers continued their excellence past the age of 40. One big problem: five of the pitchers named never pitched past age 39 and collectively they faded fast in their late thirties.

Best anecdote of the week... NFL legend Gale Sayers asking Heather Burnside if she knew a good place to get a manicure and pedicure. Gale always did have style.

After watching Sayers' do a great job at the Rally Against Cancer, and being reminded of his greatness on and off the field, I watched both versions of Brian's Song. The original is a classic. A little dated now, but you can't beat the banter between James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. The 2001 remake is also good, though it's jarring when you see and hear the same scenes reenacted. Ways the remake improved on the original: giving more time to the wives, showing Brian Piccolo's daughters, and seeing Picollo's physical deteriation. In the original, Caan looked nearly the same on his deathbed. I cried watching both. Great story.

When the Brian's Song remake aired in 2001, I was working, and without thinking, I called Larry Cotlar in the movie's final few minutes. Cotman, I still owe you for doing that. There's no excuse. Don't you hate that when you're completely into something and the phone rings. (I better not ask for examples.)

Have you seen that creepy ESPN commercial for College Gameday? The one where the people in the hot tub have tiny heads on their shoulders? Weird.

The best sports book I've read in a long time is God Save the Fan. It skewers four things: players, owners, media, and fans. We all have it coming.

Thumbs up to Tim Dwight for going to Iraq to spend time with our troops. Great job, Tim.

And finally, thank you for all the congratulations on my marriage to Jenny. I truly appreciate your goodwill. It's been a few months now, and I've never been happier or felt more blessed. I realize how lucky I am. We're like the Brady Bunch, only with all boys. Pray for us.

Take care.
Keith