Andy Fales called me Sunday at midnight just to talk. Like me, Andy was exhausted from all the negative energy swirling around the U of I investigation and all the collateral fallout. We've been besieged by angry Hawkeye fans eager to kill the a couple of the messengers they feel responsible for all the bad publicity for Iowa. Many seem to think we relish the opportunity to deliver bad news. Well, to paraphrase Kirk Ferentz, for anyone to enjoy this kind of story, you'd have to be morally bankrupt and fairly ignorant. We're as tired of it as anyone. No one gets into sportscasting for the unhappy stories.
*
Brett Favre. No one ever says "Brett" or "Favre", it's always "Brett Favre". Anyway, speaking of Brett Favre, I can't believe the Packers don't want Brett Favre. I know the 49ers didn't want Joe Montana, and the Yankees dumped Babe Ruth, but we're talking about the Packers and Brett Favre. Hard to picture one without the other. I don't blame Green Bay for growing tired of his shenanigans, but it's Brett Freaking Favre!
It really is a business.
*
Lolo Jones may race a horse at Prairie Meadows? If it's the 100 hurdles, I'm there. And my money is on Lolo.
*
The Iowa Chops gear is selling in a way the Stars never did. That doesn't stop the hate mail, though many admit it's growing on them. Some don't.
*
The new I-State football commercial is a winner. It's a long ways from one of the worst spots I've ever seen. Iowa State once had a lightning bolt hit an empty stadium. I'm not making that up. Nothing says, "I want to buy season tickets!" like no one at a game and severe weather.
*
I'm sure Carson Palmer is getting clobbered in Ohio for talking about how much he hates the Buckeyes, but I love a guy who really says what he thinks instead of what he thinks he should say. We'll get enough of the latter at the upcoming football media days.
*
40-0? That is unbelievable for a baseball team, especially one which played a tough schedule. I know Johnston got a break in the rained out game the Dragons likely would have lost to Marshalltown a few weeks ago, but 40 and 0 takes a little luck, along with a lot of skill. We won't see it again soon in 4-A.
*
I don't think Shawn Johnson fully realizes how much her life is going to change in three weeks if she wins the all-around gold. Overnight she will become one of the most recognized people in America. Get ready.
*
I still haven't seen The Dark Knight a second time, mainly because it's too dark and intense for the kids. It's a great movie, with a lot of important things to say, but it's in no way appropriate for most under the age of 10 (and in some cases 12). It's really unfortunate that there are so many toys and marketing tie-ins aimed at kids because it makes my 4 and 7 year olds want to see Batman.
*
Step Brothers is crude, profane, and hilarious. It's hit and miss, but when it's on, it's a gut-buster. However, I will never look at a set of drums the same way again.
*
The Barnstormers part 3 is a huge hit by any measure. Well, any measure other than winning. Even with a 6-10 season, the Stormers averaged nearly 10,000 fans a game. In the season finale, with nothing at stake except the outcome of the Mascot game, more than 10,500 showed. I only wish Andy hadn't embarrassed us all by drilling the 12 foot National Guard inflatable in the side of the head. The Barnstormers figured out the winning formula for fans: a fun time at an affordable price. Congratulations.
*
Last week we started my parents 50th anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, I'm not going to make it to 50, though I'm lucky to have found the person for which spending 50 years together would not be enough. Unlike my parents, I didn't get it right the first time. It not only makes me appreciate what I have, but I really respect those who made it work from a young age.
The anniversarypalooza began with great seats at a Neil Diamond concert, thanks to my friends Ryan and Heather Lund. If you look up "great people" in the dictionary, you'll see their picture. (Not true. I just looked it up. "Great people" is two words, and there's no picture. Sorry.) Neil Diamond, along with Johnny Cash and Elvis, sang the songs of my childhood. My mother always had one those guys blasting. Still does. Anyway, Neil is 67 but it was a great show. I'm not kidding. I promise not to give Iowa State a hard time for playing Sweet Caroline for at least one season.
*
Anniversarypalooza moves next to Rathbun Lake. Thanks Heather!
Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. I love you.
Keith
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Ferentz Fights Back
Kirk Ferentz did himself a lot of good at Big Ten Media Day. He was emotional, passionate, and at times, angry. He definitely was smart to not hide behind a lawyer or say he wishes he could comment, but can't.
The most interesting revelation, to me, was Ferentz saying he did not want to be in a meeting with the alleged victim, but went at the request of her family (the last part we already knew).
Ferentz saved his most heated comments for any suggestion he was involved in a cover-up. Clearly the man feels his character was attacked, and fought back. I would too.
I have always liked Ferentz. Some of his critics over the year have even labeled me a "Ferentz apologist". I don't know him well enough to vouch for his character, but I've always thought he had a lot.
However, it's fair for the media, or anyone, to question Ferentz's role in the U of I's internal sexual assault investigation. It's not fair to jump to conclusions having only heard one side, but Iowa invited this by mismanaging this crisis so badly, it brought back memories of ISU's bungling of the Larry Eustachy scandal.
Public opinion, predictably, is now swinging back toward Ferentz by many who doubted him. That's as simple as him speaking up---something the University, and Ferentz, should have done a long time ago, in the ways that they legally could without compromising the alleged victim's identity, or the case itself.
Ferentz did a lot of effective damage control, and won back the confidence of more than a few Hawkeye fans. There are still some questions of his judgment that are fair to ask. Among them:
Why did he immediately order two players to move into a crime scene? I don't think Ferentz purposely contaminated the room. I think it was more likely that he found out a room was empty, being used for things you don't want in the media guide, and tried to shift things back to the way they were supposed to be. But, we don't know. We do know it later hurt the DCI's collection of evidence. And why was that room empty in the first place? Chances are he had no idea.
We still really don't if Ferentz tried to persuade the alleged victim to go to police. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, maybe he felt it wasn't his place and said nothing at all. We do know the mother said Iowa officials stressed keeping it "in house". Bad idea.
We do know the depositions paint an unflattering picture of Hawkeye football players beyond Satterfield and Everson, yet those players continued playing. Jevon Pugh even scored a game-winning touchdown a couple weeks after admitting to grabbing the alleged victim. Perhaps these players lied about their involvement to Ferentz, but later told police they behaved badly.
This whole case is a powder keg. It has brought out fiery emotions in people, sometimes without thinking it through. That's understandable, though regrettable. We all reacted to the mother's first letter. If you didn't, check your pulse.
It's important to point out that the questions I've had---and many others---had to do with the way the University of Iowa handled all of this. Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson deserve, and will have, their day in court. None of what was discussed this week should have anything to do with whether they are ultimately found guilty or not guilty. It simply has to do with whether Iowa put the interests of the University in general, and the football program in particular, ahead of those of a student-athlete officials had reason to believe may have suffered through an unspeakable crime.
Ferentz lives in a fishbowl, so he's been called out repeatedly, while the alleged victim's coach has gone mostly unnoticed. Why? Well, for one, we can't name him/her, and even if we did, next to no one has heard of him/her. This coach, much more than Ferentz, had the responsibility of seeing that his/her student-athlete had all of her needs looked after. The alleged victim's mother says her daughter was abandoned by not only her coach, but her teammates, all while being taunted and teased by football players. Most inexplicable of all, she apparently continued to live a few doors down from one of her alleged attackers. Ferentz says he has no power when it comes to room assignments, but shouldn't someone, anyone, step up and shout until this sorry arrangement was righted? If they were unaware, it means they weren't checking on her.
President Sally Mason looks bad right now. Either she can't stay out of her own way, or she's getting bad advice. I know all of these people are smarter than me, which is why it's puzzling that they would do stupid things like withhold letters and documents from the Board of Regents.
The most important question of all hasn't changed: How in the world could Iowa have a policy in place that allows a department to investigate its own sexual assaults, despite the obvious conflict of interest, and just years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. It boggles the mind.
Of all the main players, Ferentz has the smallest part. However, there's no way he's taking this kind of heat if police hadn't cited 18 of his players in 16 months. Ferentz wants to draw a line in the sand beginning this past March, but that's not realistic. We all bring our baggage with us, even when its painful, and even when we really don't want to.
Many Iowa fans who defend Ferentz and the program publicly are privately embarrassed over all this nonsense. They should be. It makes us all look bad as Iowans, and anyone who enjoys it is sick.
It's always disappointing to see some fans of the rival school, in this case Iowa State, taking a position they would never take if it was there team under the microscope. It's nearly as sad to see some Hawk fans bury their heads in the sand and kill the messengers. It always goes like this, and both sides are guilty.
I don't think Ferentz started recruiting "bad kids". But I do think there's a culture problem in the Hawkeye football program. If athletes without troubled backgrounds are showing up and getting in serious trouble, especially Freshman, it's in large part because of a culture of entitlement. It doesn't make them any less responsible, but it needs addressing, and Ferentz was slow to respond, in part because many of the arrests prior to 2007 happened during ten win seasons. Does anyone honestly think this many people are calling for Ferentz's job---especially Hawkeye fans---if Iowa is coming off a Rose Bowl season? Don't kid yourself. Winning influences almost everything, which is a big part of all problems in college athletics.
I'm tired of all this. I'll bet you are too.
Keith
The most interesting revelation, to me, was Ferentz saying he did not want to be in a meeting with the alleged victim, but went at the request of her family (the last part we already knew).
Ferentz saved his most heated comments for any suggestion he was involved in a cover-up. Clearly the man feels his character was attacked, and fought back. I would too.
I have always liked Ferentz. Some of his critics over the year have even labeled me a "Ferentz apologist". I don't know him well enough to vouch for his character, but I've always thought he had a lot.
However, it's fair for the media, or anyone, to question Ferentz's role in the U of I's internal sexual assault investigation. It's not fair to jump to conclusions having only heard one side, but Iowa invited this by mismanaging this crisis so badly, it brought back memories of ISU's bungling of the Larry Eustachy scandal.
Public opinion, predictably, is now swinging back toward Ferentz by many who doubted him. That's as simple as him speaking up---something the University, and Ferentz, should have done a long time ago, in the ways that they legally could without compromising the alleged victim's identity, or the case itself.
Ferentz did a lot of effective damage control, and won back the confidence of more than a few Hawkeye fans. There are still some questions of his judgment that are fair to ask. Among them:
Why did he immediately order two players to move into a crime scene? I don't think Ferentz purposely contaminated the room. I think it was more likely that he found out a room was empty, being used for things you don't want in the media guide, and tried to shift things back to the way they were supposed to be. But, we don't know. We do know it later hurt the DCI's collection of evidence. And why was that room empty in the first place? Chances are he had no idea.
We still really don't if Ferentz tried to persuade the alleged victim to go to police. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, maybe he felt it wasn't his place and said nothing at all. We do know the mother said Iowa officials stressed keeping it "in house". Bad idea.
We do know the depositions paint an unflattering picture of Hawkeye football players beyond Satterfield and Everson, yet those players continued playing. Jevon Pugh even scored a game-winning touchdown a couple weeks after admitting to grabbing the alleged victim. Perhaps these players lied about their involvement to Ferentz, but later told police they behaved badly.
This whole case is a powder keg. It has brought out fiery emotions in people, sometimes without thinking it through. That's understandable, though regrettable. We all reacted to the mother's first letter. If you didn't, check your pulse.
It's important to point out that the questions I've had---and many others---had to do with the way the University of Iowa handled all of this. Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson deserve, and will have, their day in court. None of what was discussed this week should have anything to do with whether they are ultimately found guilty or not guilty. It simply has to do with whether Iowa put the interests of the University in general, and the football program in particular, ahead of those of a student-athlete officials had reason to believe may have suffered through an unspeakable crime.
Ferentz lives in a fishbowl, so he's been called out repeatedly, while the alleged victim's coach has gone mostly unnoticed. Why? Well, for one, we can't name him/her, and even if we did, next to no one has heard of him/her. This coach, much more than Ferentz, had the responsibility of seeing that his/her student-athlete had all of her needs looked after. The alleged victim's mother says her daughter was abandoned by not only her coach, but her teammates, all while being taunted and teased by football players. Most inexplicable of all, she apparently continued to live a few doors down from one of her alleged attackers. Ferentz says he has no power when it comes to room assignments, but shouldn't someone, anyone, step up and shout until this sorry arrangement was righted? If they were unaware, it means they weren't checking on her.
President Sally Mason looks bad right now. Either she can't stay out of her own way, or she's getting bad advice. I know all of these people are smarter than me, which is why it's puzzling that they would do stupid things like withhold letters and documents from the Board of Regents.
The most important question of all hasn't changed: How in the world could Iowa have a policy in place that allows a department to investigate its own sexual assaults, despite the obvious conflict of interest, and just years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. It boggles the mind.
Of all the main players, Ferentz has the smallest part. However, there's no way he's taking this kind of heat if police hadn't cited 18 of his players in 16 months. Ferentz wants to draw a line in the sand beginning this past March, but that's not realistic. We all bring our baggage with us, even when its painful, and even when we really don't want to.
Many Iowa fans who defend Ferentz and the program publicly are privately embarrassed over all this nonsense. They should be. It makes us all look bad as Iowans, and anyone who enjoys it is sick.
It's always disappointing to see some fans of the rival school, in this case Iowa State, taking a position they would never take if it was there team under the microscope. It's nearly as sad to see some Hawk fans bury their heads in the sand and kill the messengers. It always goes like this, and both sides are guilty.
I don't think Ferentz started recruiting "bad kids". But I do think there's a culture problem in the Hawkeye football program. If athletes without troubled backgrounds are showing up and getting in serious trouble, especially Freshman, it's in large part because of a culture of entitlement. It doesn't make them any less responsible, but it needs addressing, and Ferentz was slow to respond, in part because many of the arrests prior to 2007 happened during ten win seasons. Does anyone honestly think this many people are calling for Ferentz's job---especially Hawkeye fans---if Iowa is coming off a Rose Bowl season? Don't kid yourself. Winning influences almost everything, which is a big part of all problems in college athletics.
I'm tired of all this. I'll bet you are too.
Keith
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
What in the world is going on at the U of I?
The U of I's handling of an alleged sexual assault deserves the tough questions being asked. There are valid reasons the Board of Regents re-opened its investigation.
Shawn Terrell and Sonya Heitshusen investigated this story for months, beginning in late October. They were told several things off the record that we couldn't confirm on the record. We thought those details wouldn't see the light of day unless the case reached trial. The mother's letter changed much of that.
(addendum: Sonya continued working sources diligently, just as the Iowa City Press Citizen did. Often times sources tell you something off the record because they're trying to steer you in a direction, but without being accountable for that information. When no one will go on the record, as was the case despite Sonya's repeated requests, you are stuck. Props to the Press Citizen for breaking through, and to Sonya and Shawn for continuing to ask tough questions that were not popular at the U of I.)
There were many things about the way Iowa handled this that troubled me long before reading the letter. However, after seeing the mother's pain and frustration leap off the page, it's no wonder so many people feel concern, if not outrage.
For the most part, we have only heard from one side. We must remember that, especially now as emotions run high. However, there are some details that cannot be explained away, unless the mother and father of the alleged victim are making things up, and I know of no one who believes that.
I won't go over the entire list here. I think Andy Fales did a good job of asking the relevant questions in this week's "What's Bugging Andy?".
Among the apparent inexplicable details: How could the alleged victim be forced to live a few doors down from her attacker (and his girlfriend)?
Why wasn't the alleged victim immediately assigned an advocate? President Mason's explanation that the alleged victim's father was her advocate defies belief. Is she serious? Does anyone think this sounds like a good idea? President Mason is not off to a good start at Iowa when it comes to leadership.
Why did the University hold back the mother's letters from the Regents? It hurts credibility.
Why did Iowa athletic officials reportedly suggest the student let the University keep it in house and do its own investigation? If you don't understand the influence the people in that room would have over a young student-athlete, you likely haven't played sports.
Why didn't the alleged victim's coach give her and her family more help and guidance? Why did the mother feel no one was in charge?
Did anyone at Iowa actually think removing the suspects from the active football roster was enough to satisfy the alleged victim?
Why was an assigned football dorm room empty? And why did Kirk Ferentz send two players in there to live after he knew a serious crime allegedly took place there? I suspect it was just questionable judgment, and there's a lot of that going around.
Sadly, I could go on. And on.
Most unfathomable of all is how something could be mismanaged this poorly just a few years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. What kind of policies were put in place that allowed a department to conduct its own internal investigation despite the obvious conflict of interest? Can a University administrator actually hear a rape allegation and not be required to tell the police?
I don't think any of the people being called into question obstructed justice or committed a crime, but they appear guilty of bad judgment. I don't doubt University officials "followed protocol" as Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta told Sonya three times. But even if they technically followed the rules, shouldn't we expect more from our leaders? If you just heard from a devastated Iowa student who said she walked into a room a virgin and walked out covered in blood after being raped, wouldn't you do everything in your power to get the police involved immediately?
It's also fair to ask that after all those embarrassing arrests, disappointing losses, and widely circulated Facebook pictures, if the climate was right for otherwise smart and reputable people to act too much in their own interests instead of those of a student-athlete they had reason to suspect suffered a terrible rape. Perhaps they couldn't even think straight. The pressure of big time, big money college athletics has a way of doing that.
When we finally are able to hear the University of Iowa's side, I believe the administration will have well thought out explanations for much of what happened. It certainly won't appear so one-sided. It's hard to imagine it will be enough.
I know Ferentz, to his credit, removed the players from the team in timely fashion. I realize the alleged victim could have gone to the police, even if urged otherwise. I know the accused are innocent until proven guilty. But none of that gets to the root of what keeps swirling around in my mind.
If I had a daughter, or sister, at the University of Iowa, would I be satisfied that the leaders in this case did everything they could to make a terrible situation as tolerable as possible? For now, the answer is a resounding no.
Shawn Terrell and Sonya Heitshusen investigated this story for months, beginning in late October. They were told several things off the record that we couldn't confirm on the record. We thought those details wouldn't see the light of day unless the case reached trial. The mother's letter changed much of that.
(addendum: Sonya continued working sources diligently, just as the Iowa City Press Citizen did. Often times sources tell you something off the record because they're trying to steer you in a direction, but without being accountable for that information. When no one will go on the record, as was the case despite Sonya's repeated requests, you are stuck. Props to the Press Citizen for breaking through, and to Sonya and Shawn for continuing to ask tough questions that were not popular at the U of I.)
There were many things about the way Iowa handled this that troubled me long before reading the letter. However, after seeing the mother's pain and frustration leap off the page, it's no wonder so many people feel concern, if not outrage.
For the most part, we have only heard from one side. We must remember that, especially now as emotions run high. However, there are some details that cannot be explained away, unless the mother and father of the alleged victim are making things up, and I know of no one who believes that.
I won't go over the entire list here. I think Andy Fales did a good job of asking the relevant questions in this week's "What's Bugging Andy?".
Among the apparent inexplicable details: How could the alleged victim be forced to live a few doors down from her attacker (and his girlfriend)?
Why wasn't the alleged victim immediately assigned an advocate? President Mason's explanation that the alleged victim's father was her advocate defies belief. Is she serious? Does anyone think this sounds like a good idea? President Mason is not off to a good start at Iowa when it comes to leadership.
Why did the University hold back the mother's letters from the Regents? It hurts credibility.
Why did Iowa athletic officials reportedly suggest the student let the University keep it in house and do its own investigation? If you don't understand the influence the people in that room would have over a young student-athlete, you likely haven't played sports.
Why didn't the alleged victim's coach give her and her family more help and guidance? Why did the mother feel no one was in charge?
Did anyone at Iowa actually think removing the suspects from the active football roster was enough to satisfy the alleged victim?
Why was an assigned football dorm room empty? And why did Kirk Ferentz send two players in there to live after he knew a serious crime allegedly took place there? I suspect it was just questionable judgment, and there's a lot of that going around.
Sadly, I could go on. And on.
Most unfathomable of all is how something could be mismanaged this poorly just a few years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. What kind of policies were put in place that allowed a department to conduct its own internal investigation despite the obvious conflict of interest? Can a University administrator actually hear a rape allegation and not be required to tell the police?
I don't think any of the people being called into question obstructed justice or committed a crime, but they appear guilty of bad judgment. I don't doubt University officials "followed protocol" as Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta told Sonya three times. But even if they technically followed the rules, shouldn't we expect more from our leaders? If you just heard from a devastated Iowa student who said she walked into a room a virgin and walked out covered in blood after being raped, wouldn't you do everything in your power to get the police involved immediately?
It's also fair to ask that after all those embarrassing arrests, disappointing losses, and widely circulated Facebook pictures, if the climate was right for otherwise smart and reputable people to act too much in their own interests instead of those of a student-athlete they had reason to suspect suffered a terrible rape. Perhaps they couldn't even think straight. The pressure of big time, big money college athletics has a way of doing that.
When we finally are able to hear the University of Iowa's side, I believe the administration will have well thought out explanations for much of what happened. It certainly won't appear so one-sided. It's hard to imagine it will be enough.
I know Ferentz, to his credit, removed the players from the team in timely fashion. I realize the alleged victim could have gone to the police, even if urged otherwise. I know the accused are innocent until proven guilty. But none of that gets to the root of what keeps swirling around in my mind.
If I had a daughter, or sister, at the University of Iowa, would I be satisfied that the leaders in this case did everything they could to make a terrible situation as tolerable as possible? For now, the answer is a resounding no.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Batman: The Dark Knight
Andy, Shawn, Chris, and I all went to see the midnight showing of the Dark Knight. I chose Cobblestone Theaters in Urbandale. It's kind of the forgotten theater these days, so I figured we'd easily get seats.
We did get in---barely. The Cobblestone had Batman playing on six theaters at midnight and they were all full! Can you imagine how much money this movie is going to make. It'll easily pass $100 million this weekend alone.
After Chris and I bought a $25 "family combo", because Andy had to have a pint of that orange grease that is somehow called "butter" on his popcorn, and I didn't want any motor oil because I want to live to see 50, we settled in for 25 minutes of commercials and previews. This is the apparent price of buying a$6 ticket, instead of an $8 ticket. (Shawn never took one sip---not one---of the $5 Diet Coke I bought him. It's Coke Zero or bust for that guy.)
Once the midnight movie, which should have been called a 12:26 a.m. movie, started we were spellbound. The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie I've ever seen, and easily the best movie of the year so far, regardless of genre. I really shouldn't even throw the superhero label on it, because there's nothing cartoonish about this Batman. It's dark, disturbing, and plausible. The themes are thought-provoking, relevant topics ripped from today's headlines: terrorism, spying, fear mongering, mob mentality, citizen desperation, one man's power---to name a few.
Christian Bale again proves he's the best Bruce Wayne and Batman ever. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Aaron Eckhart all offer terrific support, and I thought Maggie Gyllenhaal improved on Katie Holmes as Rachel. Andy thinks Gyllenhaal is nowhere near hot enough to land the affections of Batman. (Yes, guys really talk about stuff like this on the way out of a movie.) I think she's plenty pretty, and think the whole point is Bruce Wayne always surrounds himself with supermodels, but longs for something more substantial.
I'm burying the lead. Heath Ledger is as good as advertised---better even. You can't take your eyes off him, and not because he died at the end of filming. Ledger gives one of the great supporting performances ever. His Joker is so twisted, menacing, and diabolical that you know he's killing for the fun of it. If Ledger doesn't win the Academy Award for supporting actor, I'll devote an entire Murphy's Law column to the career acting accomplishments of Pauly Shore.
The Dark Knight is long---2 1/2 hours---but not too long. It's so good that Andy and Chris kept their inappropriate, loud talking to under 15 seconds for the entire 150 minutes. That's high praise.
Can't wait to see Batman on the Science Center of Iowa's Imax screen. The grade is A.
(Note to parents: This movie is definitely not for small children, and I'd say you should check it our first for yourself before you take any child under 10. As you know, it often depends on the kid's personality; I have one boy who will love Dark Knight, and one who would have nightmares for weeks.)
We did get in---barely. The Cobblestone had Batman playing on six theaters at midnight and they were all full! Can you imagine how much money this movie is going to make. It'll easily pass $100 million this weekend alone.
After Chris and I bought a $25 "family combo", because Andy had to have a pint of that orange grease that is somehow called "butter" on his popcorn, and I didn't want any motor oil because I want to live to see 50, we settled in for 25 minutes of commercials and previews. This is the apparent price of buying a$6 ticket, instead of an $8 ticket. (Shawn never took one sip---not one---of the $5 Diet Coke I bought him. It's Coke Zero or bust for that guy.)
Once the midnight movie, which should have been called a 12:26 a.m. movie, started we were spellbound. The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie I've ever seen, and easily the best movie of the year so far, regardless of genre. I really shouldn't even throw the superhero label on it, because there's nothing cartoonish about this Batman. It's dark, disturbing, and plausible. The themes are thought-provoking, relevant topics ripped from today's headlines: terrorism, spying, fear mongering, mob mentality, citizen desperation, one man's power---to name a few.
Christian Bale again proves he's the best Bruce Wayne and Batman ever. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Aaron Eckhart all offer terrific support, and I thought Maggie Gyllenhaal improved on Katie Holmes as Rachel. Andy thinks Gyllenhaal is nowhere near hot enough to land the affections of Batman. (Yes, guys really talk about stuff like this on the way out of a movie.) I think she's plenty pretty, and think the whole point is Bruce Wayne always surrounds himself with supermodels, but longs for something more substantial.
I'm burying the lead. Heath Ledger is as good as advertised---better even. You can't take your eyes off him, and not because he died at the end of filming. Ledger gives one of the great supporting performances ever. His Joker is so twisted, menacing, and diabolical that you know he's killing for the fun of it. If Ledger doesn't win the Academy Award for supporting actor, I'll devote an entire Murphy's Law column to the career acting accomplishments of Pauly Shore.
The Dark Knight is long---2 1/2 hours---but not too long. It's so good that Andy and Chris kept their inappropriate, loud talking to under 15 seconds for the entire 150 minutes. That's high praise.
Can't wait to see Batman on the Science Center of Iowa's Imax screen. The grade is A.
(Note to parents: This movie is definitely not for small children, and I'd say you should check it our first for yourself before you take any child under 10. As you know, it often depends on the kid's personality; I have one boy who will love Dark Knight, and one who would have nightmares for weeks.)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Run Lolo Run
Lolo Jones is the real deal. She's just as nice, charismatic, and energetic in person as she is on TV. I'd be remiss if I didn't also disclose she's just as pretty--- even with a headband, even with no make-up, even after no sleep, even with jet lag.
*
It was nice to see more than 1,500 people show up at Hy-Vee Hall for Monday's Olympic Send-Off. Lolo and Shawn Johnson were blown away by the overflow crowd. I was relieved. I had the honor of being the emcee and assisted Courtney Greene (with the Governor's office) on the planning; neither of us had any idea what kind of crowd would show. To our relief, it exceeded everybody's expectations. We appreciate all the people, including the media, showing support.
*
Shawn Johnson is sweet, somewhat shy, and surprisingly humble. People sometimes forget she's only 16. Think back to when you were 16. I was ---how can I put this?---an idiot. Shawn handles her fishbowl life well, and her parents and coach do a good job of making her life as normal as possible. It's about to get crazier.
*
One of the thrills for me behind the scenes was seeing Shawn and Lolo meet for the first time. Both have become fans of the other. Shawn told me she can't believe how fast Lolo can run over those hurdles (who can), and Lolo said she has no idea how Shawn does those gravity-defying routines. Shawn told me during the ceremony she's not sure how she does it either.
*
My favorite moment was when Lolo surprised the single mother of two with a check for $12,000. (Renee Trout lost her Cedar Rapids home to flooding.) It wasn't that long ago Lolo was near broke, and she still needs her prize money, but she found someone who needs it more. First class.
*
My favorite question at the post-rally news conference. "Lolo, are you looking forward to eating Chinese food?" Yes, it was Andy Fales.
*
My ears are still ringing from the little girl screams. I have all boys, so I didn't realize girls could be so LOUD. They see Shawn Johnson, and the sirens start blaring. Wow.
*
I'm watching the All-Star game as I type this. I loved the introductions with the Hall of Famers, but I was disappointed I didn't see my all time favorite, Johnny Bench.
*
Did the Cubs bring their entire roster to Yankee Stadium?
*
There are few things in sports stupider than this game deciding who gets home field advantage in the World Series.
*
Who thought it was a good idea to have Sheryl Crow sing our National Anthem? She's fine with breezy songs but doesn't have the pipes for the Star Spangled Banner. Next time try Simon Estes.
*
Did you see Josh Hamilton's show? To quote Tommy Boy, "that was...AWESOME."
*
Erin Kiernan's blog talked me into the Bucket List, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I thought it would be too much like an Oprah, but it was funny, inspiring, and thought-provoking. It also proved one of the fundamental truths of entertainment: Morgan Freeman improves anything he's in.
*
Hellboy 2 is a good comic come to life. It's like the Star Wars cantina scene on steroids. I can't believe some of what I saw on screen. I go to movies like this for my kids, but I enjoyed Ron Pearlman as the big red guy. Hellboy 2 also has one of the best scenes of the year thanks, in part, to Barry Manilow. Go figure.
*
Wanted is like Fight Club crossed with Bourne Supremacy. Ultra violent and never a dull moment. It's more hyper than lunch at a McDonald's playland. Louder too. But not as loud as the girl screams at a Shawn Johnson rally.
*
This Brett Favre saga is an absolute mess. The Packers are clearly tired of Favre's yearly indecision, and it has grown way past the point of tired, but they have only two choices: start him or release him. I think they hope he'll just stay retired. He won't.
*
Kirk Ferentz is on many college football "hot seat" lists. Hard to believe after the way things were going five years ago, but when you combine Kirk's salary, with Iowa's recent record, and all the arrests, we shouldn't be surprised. However, I personally don't think Ferentz actually is on a hot seat.
*
Iowa Chops grew on some people. The poll results moved in a more favorable direction for the new team all weekend.
*
Andy and I had a good time tweaking the Quad Cities. The Barnstormers asked us to do it. It was all in good fun, and way over the top, so it's surprising that a few of the visitors were actually offended. If you watched that jumbotron and took it seriously, you need to relax. Stat.
*
6th inning now, and I actually have to care about the outcome. I'm one of many Cubs fans thinking ahead. That's probably not smart given how the past 100 years worked out.
*
Congratulations to all our friends over at KXNO radio. KXNO is one of six finalists for the Marconi award, which goes to the country's best sports radio station. KXNO is up against some major market stations, which is quite a compliment.
*
I still don't care about A-Rod and Madonna, and I'm approaching Favre fatigue.
*
Josh Groban just sang God Bless America. Next time, let him do the Anthem too.
Go NL,
Keith
*
It was nice to see more than 1,500 people show up at Hy-Vee Hall for Monday's Olympic Send-Off. Lolo and Shawn Johnson were blown away by the overflow crowd. I was relieved. I had the honor of being the emcee and assisted Courtney Greene (with the Governor's office) on the planning; neither of us had any idea what kind of crowd would show. To our relief, it exceeded everybody's expectations. We appreciate all the people, including the media, showing support.
*
Shawn Johnson is sweet, somewhat shy, and surprisingly humble. People sometimes forget she's only 16. Think back to when you were 16. I was ---how can I put this?---an idiot. Shawn handles her fishbowl life well, and her parents and coach do a good job of making her life as normal as possible. It's about to get crazier.
*
One of the thrills for me behind the scenes was seeing Shawn and Lolo meet for the first time. Both have become fans of the other. Shawn told me she can't believe how fast Lolo can run over those hurdles (who can), and Lolo said she has no idea how Shawn does those gravity-defying routines. Shawn told me during the ceremony she's not sure how she does it either.
*
My favorite moment was when Lolo surprised the single mother of two with a check for $12,000. (Renee Trout lost her Cedar Rapids home to flooding.) It wasn't that long ago Lolo was near broke, and she still needs her prize money, but she found someone who needs it more. First class.
*
My favorite question at the post-rally news conference. "Lolo, are you looking forward to eating Chinese food?" Yes, it was Andy Fales.
*
My ears are still ringing from the little girl screams. I have all boys, so I didn't realize girls could be so LOUD. They see Shawn Johnson, and the sirens start blaring. Wow.
*
I'm watching the All-Star game as I type this. I loved the introductions with the Hall of Famers, but I was disappointed I didn't see my all time favorite, Johnny Bench.
*
Did the Cubs bring their entire roster to Yankee Stadium?
*
There are few things in sports stupider than this game deciding who gets home field advantage in the World Series.
*
Who thought it was a good idea to have Sheryl Crow sing our National Anthem? She's fine with breezy songs but doesn't have the pipes for the Star Spangled Banner. Next time try Simon Estes.
*
Did you see Josh Hamilton's show? To quote Tommy Boy, "that was...AWESOME."
*
Erin Kiernan's blog talked me into the Bucket List, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I thought it would be too much like an Oprah, but it was funny, inspiring, and thought-provoking. It also proved one of the fundamental truths of entertainment: Morgan Freeman improves anything he's in.
*
Hellboy 2 is a good comic come to life. It's like the Star Wars cantina scene on steroids. I can't believe some of what I saw on screen. I go to movies like this for my kids, but I enjoyed Ron Pearlman as the big red guy. Hellboy 2 also has one of the best scenes of the year thanks, in part, to Barry Manilow. Go figure.
*
Wanted is like Fight Club crossed with Bourne Supremacy. Ultra violent and never a dull moment. It's more hyper than lunch at a McDonald's playland. Louder too. But not as loud as the girl screams at a Shawn Johnson rally.
*
This Brett Favre saga is an absolute mess. The Packers are clearly tired of Favre's yearly indecision, and it has grown way past the point of tired, but they have only two choices: start him or release him. I think they hope he'll just stay retired. He won't.
*
Kirk Ferentz is on many college football "hot seat" lists. Hard to believe after the way things were going five years ago, but when you combine Kirk's salary, with Iowa's recent record, and all the arrests, we shouldn't be surprised. However, I personally don't think Ferentz actually is on a hot seat.
*
Iowa Chops grew on some people. The poll results moved in a more favorable direction for the new team all weekend.
*
Andy and I had a good time tweaking the Quad Cities. The Barnstormers asked us to do it. It was all in good fun, and way over the top, so it's surprising that a few of the visitors were actually offended. If you watched that jumbotron and took it seriously, you need to relax. Stat.
*
6th inning now, and I actually have to care about the outcome. I'm one of many Cubs fans thinking ahead. That's probably not smart given how the past 100 years worked out.
*
Congratulations to all our friends over at KXNO radio. KXNO is one of six finalists for the Marconi award, which goes to the country's best sports radio station. KXNO is up against some major market stations, which is quite a compliment.
*
I still don't care about A-Rod and Madonna, and I'm approaching Favre fatigue.
*
Josh Groban just sang God Bless America. Next time, let him do the Anthem too.
Go NL,
Keith
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Chop or Flop?
So it is indeed... the Iowa Chops. It's interesting, and not necessarily positive, that the naming of the team has brought, by far, the most interest in Des Moines' AHL team. You knew once the organization revealed the name, it would be a collective yawn, like it was for the Stars (or would be for the Ducks), or you'd have half the people hating, slamming, and scoffing. Guess which happened? I've heard from many people who absolutely love Iowa Chops, and others who feel a lot like the Des Moines Register's Sean Keeler. Sean blogs, "Terrible. Simply terrible. Boring and tasteless in one foul swoop." I disagree, but I love that Sean brings it strong.
*
As many of you know, I pushed hard for Iowa Chops on SoundOff (which is an opinion show), so I've heard some praise, and I've taken some lumps. I do know the organization paid attention to all the feedback on our show, and the fact Iowa Chops won two separate viewer polls. It's a fair point that the host influences the votes of some people, but Andy and I are paid to give our opinions, and we do. That won't change.
*
I love the name Iowa Chops. It's unique, it's strong, and it's local. Although the world famous Iowa pork chop figured in my affection for the name, I did not have a wild boar in mind for a logo. I was picturing a hockey stick making a chop motion or something not involving a pig, but that pig is what a lot of people love. The merchandise was selling like crazy at the Chop Shop. (Yes, the puns could get tiresome quickly.)
*
Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones represent Iowa about as well as we could possibly hope. They deserve a huge sendoff, and we're going to try and give it to them Monday at noon at the Iowa Events Center. It's free, and it should be a lot of fun. The Isisirettes will start rocking the house around 11:45 a.m., videos will play, Iowa icon Simon Estes will sing the national anthem, and both Lolo and Shawn will speak. I'm honored the Governor's office asked me to help put the event together and to emcee. I didn't talk to a single person who paused. It's just been, "What can I do?". I think that's a reflection of how proud people are of Shawn and Lolo---not just for their amazing talent, but for their character. Monday at noon. Please help spread the word.
*
Speaking of Iowa icons, Andy Fales' story on Bob Feller was fantastic. You can watch it on the whotv.com video player. Feller had a baseball career only a handful of pitchers can match, yet he's most proud of his military service. Nearly 90 years old, and still saying exactly what he thinks.
*
Nile Kinnick would have been 90 Wednesday. Hard to believe Kinnick's been dead for nearly 70 years, and yet he and Feller were born the same year (1918).
*
Chris Hassel appears on TV several times a week, yet he sent Shawn and me a giddy text message because when Geovany Soto homered Tuesday night, Chris could kind of be seen along with hundreds of other bleacher bums at Wrigley Field. I can't explain it, but I can relate. I get excited if you can tell it's my bald spot in a newspaper picture of some athlete being interviewed. I'd get a toupee but then I couldn't pick myself out.
Keith
,
*
As many of you know, I pushed hard for Iowa Chops on SoundOff (which is an opinion show), so I've heard some praise, and I've taken some lumps. I do know the organization paid attention to all the feedback on our show, and the fact Iowa Chops won two separate viewer polls. It's a fair point that the host influences the votes of some people, but Andy and I are paid to give our opinions, and we do. That won't change.
*
I love the name Iowa Chops. It's unique, it's strong, and it's local. Although the world famous Iowa pork chop figured in my affection for the name, I did not have a wild boar in mind for a logo. I was picturing a hockey stick making a chop motion or something not involving a pig, but that pig is what a lot of people love. The merchandise was selling like crazy at the Chop Shop. (Yes, the puns could get tiresome quickly.)
*
Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones represent Iowa about as well as we could possibly hope. They deserve a huge sendoff, and we're going to try and give it to them Monday at noon at the Iowa Events Center. It's free, and it should be a lot of fun. The Isisirettes will start rocking the house around 11:45 a.m., videos will play, Iowa icon Simon Estes will sing the national anthem, and both Lolo and Shawn will speak. I'm honored the Governor's office asked me to help put the event together and to emcee. I didn't talk to a single person who paused. It's just been, "What can I do?". I think that's a reflection of how proud people are of Shawn and Lolo---not just for their amazing talent, but for their character. Monday at noon. Please help spread the word.
*
Speaking of Iowa icons, Andy Fales' story on Bob Feller was fantastic. You can watch it on the whotv.com video player. Feller had a baseball career only a handful of pitchers can match, yet he's most proud of his military service. Nearly 90 years old, and still saying exactly what he thinks.
*
Nile Kinnick would have been 90 Wednesday. Hard to believe Kinnick's been dead for nearly 70 years, and yet he and Feller were born the same year (1918).
*
Chris Hassel appears on TV several times a week, yet he sent Shawn and me a giddy text message because when Geovany Soto homered Tuesday night, Chris could kind of be seen along with hundreds of other bleacher bums at Wrigley Field. I can't explain it, but I can relate. I get excited if you can tell it's my bald spot in a newspaper picture of some athlete being interviewed. I'd get a toupee but then I couldn't pick myself out.
Keith
,
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Let it be Iowa Chops.
*
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce its new name Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Wells Fargo Arena. You're invited. Those of you who read this blog, or watch SoundOff, know I've pushed Iowa Chops for months. You'll never find a name everyone loves, but after first floating Chops out there, it easily won our online vote (I only voted 7 times). Iowa Chops works on several levels including, most importantly, the unique local level. Merchandise would sell, not to mention pork chops, and it wouldn't take fans long to invent an Iowa Chop-chant. I also expect you'd have a built in corporate sponsor.
*
At one time, the Stars organization settled on Iowa Thunder, but since then the Anaheim Ducks became Iowa's AHL affiliate, and they shook up the front office. Let's hope they also shook themselves and listened to the fans: Chops, not Thunder. (If it is Thunder, I don't mind it, but Andy will go nuts. He hates Thunder. Then again, while I was pushing "Chops", he was lobbying for "Corn Dawgs". If it's Corn Dawgs, or Corndogs, I may cry.) Give us your pick in the whotv.com poll.
*
Along with the new identity, Iowa's AHL organization will announce a dramatic reduction in ticket prices. I hear prices are nearly chopped in half. That's key, though it will put pressure on the organization to sell twice as many tickets. If they can't, the AHL shouldn't be here anyway.
*
Chris Hassel just sent me a text message from Wrigley Field: "HARDEN TRADE WINS WORLD SERIES...ON PAPER." Yes, now if the Cubs can just find a way to play it on paper, the drought finally ends.
*
Good job by the Cubs answering the Brewers addition of CC Sabathia. I know Jim Hendry says it wasn't a response to Milwaukee, but it was, and it's a good one---if Harden stays healthy. He's no Prior, but he's no Maddux either.
*
Great job out of Kurt Warner coming back to his hometown and helping out. I know it's part PR, but Kurt has enough history helping out to know his heart's really in it.
*
Hawkeye wrestling assistant coach Wes Hand steps down at Iowa to "pursue other interests". That's something you don't often see after a team wins the national championship.
*
Sorry I'm so short (insert 5'10" joke here). I'll return in 24 hours or your money back.
*
Now back to Shane from Marshalltown and Anonymous...
Keith
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce its new name Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Wells Fargo Arena. You're invited. Those of you who read this blog, or watch SoundOff, know I've pushed Iowa Chops for months. You'll never find a name everyone loves, but after first floating Chops out there, it easily won our online vote (I only voted 7 times). Iowa Chops works on several levels including, most importantly, the unique local level. Merchandise would sell, not to mention pork chops, and it wouldn't take fans long to invent an Iowa Chop-chant. I also expect you'd have a built in corporate sponsor.
*
At one time, the Stars organization settled on Iowa Thunder, but since then the Anaheim Ducks became Iowa's AHL affiliate, and they shook up the front office. Let's hope they also shook themselves and listened to the fans: Chops, not Thunder. (If it is Thunder, I don't mind it, but Andy will go nuts. He hates Thunder. Then again, while I was pushing "Chops", he was lobbying for "Corn Dawgs". If it's Corn Dawgs, or Corndogs, I may cry.) Give us your pick in the whotv.com poll.
*
Along with the new identity, Iowa's AHL organization will announce a dramatic reduction in ticket prices. I hear prices are nearly chopped in half. That's key, though it will put pressure on the organization to sell twice as many tickets. If they can't, the AHL shouldn't be here anyway.
*
Chris Hassel just sent me a text message from Wrigley Field: "HARDEN TRADE WINS WORLD SERIES...ON PAPER." Yes, now if the Cubs can just find a way to play it on paper, the drought finally ends.
*
Good job by the Cubs answering the Brewers addition of CC Sabathia. I know Jim Hendry says it wasn't a response to Milwaukee, but it was, and it's a good one---if Harden stays healthy. He's no Prior, but he's no Maddux either.
*
Great job out of Kurt Warner coming back to his hometown and helping out. I know it's part PR, but Kurt has enough history helping out to know his heart's really in it.
*
Hawkeye wrestling assistant coach Wes Hand steps down at Iowa to "pursue other interests". That's something you don't often see after a team wins the national championship.
*
Sorry I'm so short (insert 5'10" joke here). I'll return in 24 hours or your money back.
*
Now back to Shane from Marshalltown and Anonymous...
Keith
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Scattershots for 4th of July weekend
*
Who do you have in the Big Ten Network vs. Mediacom cage match? I'm going with the customer because I think we'll see a settlement by football season. We better... The Hawkeyes first three games are on the BTN, and that includes the Big Game: Iowa State at Iowa.
*
Speaking of Iowa-Iowa State (or is it Iowa State-Iowa?), we're cranking up RVTV again. Don't say anything to Andy if you see him. We still haven't told him, and one of his conditions of returning, actually his only condition, was no RVTV. I don't know what his problem is. He's the one who eats all the Steak-N-Shake.
*
Good to hear Marc Hansen filling in for Ken Miller on KXNO. I still read Marc frequently in the Des Moines Register, but miss his thoughts on sports (though he seems to write about his old world every chance he gets). Marc's level-headed observations are always welcome. It's an increasingly rare gift to see or hear people making their points without feeling that person has an agenda or a pre-conceived viewpoint. I think this is why the loss of Tim Russert crushed so many people.
*
Speaking of Russert, John Bachman tells me the guy who hired Russert for Meet the Press, Michael Gartner, has an idea for Russert's successor: Bob Costas. After it sinks in, you realize it's an inspired choice. However, I think NBC should keep Tom Brokaw in the chair until he returns to fly-fishing.
*
Cubs fanatic J.T. the Nutt loaned me a "docu-comedy" called Chasing October. Heather Burnside and I watched it the other night, and if you're a Cubs fan, you have to see it. A few scenes are obviously staged---kind of reminded me of our SoundOff bad actors club---but the joy and heartbreak of following the Cubbies really comes through. Warning: you will have to suffer through that fateful NLCS night in 2003 against the Florida Freaking Marlins. This will be Andy's favorite part of the movie (like he'd watch it).
*
WALL-E is getting the best movie reviews of the year, and some of the most glowing endorsements for an animated film ever. That's why I feel a little guilty that I didn't like it more. I thought it was good, but not great. I certainly don't want to see it again, and there are many animated films I enjoyed more (Toy Story, The Incredibles, Cars, Monsters Inc., to name a few). B- for me, which is probably the lowest rating for this movie in North America.
*
A-Rod & Madonna? I just don't care. I'm tired of both.
*
Speaking of things I'm tired of, how 'bout Brett Favre's annual dance with retirement. Back in March when Favre retired, I finished our coverage by saying, "No word when Farve will first announce he's having second thoughts." That doesn't make me Nostradamus, or even Miss Clio. This was predictable, but Favre is right to return if he's not sure he's done. A few athletes left too soon, while many more stayed too long. It's hard to get it just right, but it's a short window. If Favre wants to play, he should play. He's still got game, he's fun to watch, and father time waits for no man. Except Bachman.
*
I'm happy to report Shawn Terrell did return. Many of you were concerned he would stay on the road with Pearl Jam, but two things brought Shawn back: 1) the need for money. 2) college football season.
*
Hey Jason Giambi, my high school Senior picture called and it wants the mustache back.
*
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce their new nickname Wednesday. I heard a few months ago it would be Iowa Thunder, but I was later assured nothing had been decided. I hope that's true. Fans really wanted a say in this, and Thunder didn't excite many people.
*
Did you catch Coldplay on the Daily Show? Hard to put on a great show in a tiny studio, but they rocked it. I like a band that wears its U2 ambitions on its sleeve. (And yes, I've seen The 40 Year Old Virgin.)
*
Happy 4th! I'm always especially thankful on this holiday because we have a huge Beaverdale neighborhood party, and it reminds me of one of the reasons I love living in Iowa. The all-day block party is something that just doesn't happen in most states.
Who do you have in the Big Ten Network vs. Mediacom cage match? I'm going with the customer because I think we'll see a settlement by football season. We better... The Hawkeyes first three games are on the BTN, and that includes the Big Game: Iowa State at Iowa.
*
Speaking of Iowa-Iowa State (or is it Iowa State-Iowa?), we're cranking up RVTV again. Don't say anything to Andy if you see him. We still haven't told him, and one of his conditions of returning, actually his only condition, was no RVTV. I don't know what his problem is. He's the one who eats all the Steak-N-Shake.
*
Good to hear Marc Hansen filling in for Ken Miller on KXNO. I still read Marc frequently in the Des Moines Register, but miss his thoughts on sports (though he seems to write about his old world every chance he gets). Marc's level-headed observations are always welcome. It's an increasingly rare gift to see or hear people making their points without feeling that person has an agenda or a pre-conceived viewpoint. I think this is why the loss of Tim Russert crushed so many people.
*
Speaking of Russert, John Bachman tells me the guy who hired Russert for Meet the Press, Michael Gartner, has an idea for Russert's successor: Bob Costas. After it sinks in, you realize it's an inspired choice. However, I think NBC should keep Tom Brokaw in the chair until he returns to fly-fishing.
*
Cubs fanatic J.T. the Nutt loaned me a "docu-comedy" called Chasing October. Heather Burnside and I watched it the other night, and if you're a Cubs fan, you have to see it. A few scenes are obviously staged---kind of reminded me of our SoundOff bad actors club---but the joy and heartbreak of following the Cubbies really comes through. Warning: you will have to suffer through that fateful NLCS night in 2003 against the Florida Freaking Marlins. This will be Andy's favorite part of the movie (like he'd watch it).
*
WALL-E is getting the best movie reviews of the year, and some of the most glowing endorsements for an animated film ever. That's why I feel a little guilty that I didn't like it more. I thought it was good, but not great. I certainly don't want to see it again, and there are many animated films I enjoyed more (Toy Story, The Incredibles, Cars, Monsters Inc., to name a few). B- for me, which is probably the lowest rating for this movie in North America.
*
A-Rod & Madonna? I just don't care. I'm tired of both.
*
Speaking of things I'm tired of, how 'bout Brett Favre's annual dance with retirement. Back in March when Favre retired, I finished our coverage by saying, "No word when Farve will first announce he's having second thoughts." That doesn't make me Nostradamus, or even Miss Clio. This was predictable, but Favre is right to return if he's not sure he's done. A few athletes left too soon, while many more stayed too long. It's hard to get it just right, but it's a short window. If Favre wants to play, he should play. He's still got game, he's fun to watch, and father time waits for no man. Except Bachman.
*
I'm happy to report Shawn Terrell did return. Many of you were concerned he would stay on the road with Pearl Jam, but two things brought Shawn back: 1) the need for money. 2) college football season.
*
Hey Jason Giambi, my high school Senior picture called and it wants the mustache back.
*
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce their new nickname Wednesday. I heard a few months ago it would be Iowa Thunder, but I was later assured nothing had been decided. I hope that's true. Fans really wanted a say in this, and Thunder didn't excite many people.
*
Did you catch Coldplay on the Daily Show? Hard to put on a great show in a tiny studio, but they rocked it. I like a band that wears its U2 ambitions on its sleeve. (And yes, I've seen The 40 Year Old Virgin.)
*
Happy 4th! I'm always especially thankful on this holiday because we have a huge Beaverdale neighborhood party, and it reminds me of one of the reasons I love living in Iowa. The all-day block party is something that just doesn't happen in most states.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
