Rob Lowe killed our state bird with an approach shot on 4? I forgive him. This guy was in "About Last Night", "Tommy Boy" and "The West Wing"...


As soon as Lowe hit that goldfinch at the Principal Charity Classic, a few viewers made sure we knew there's nothing funny about a bird dying. I'll bet at least one then had grilled chicken for dinner with no sense of irony. Lowe didn't intend to hit a bird. As Iowa AD Gary Barta said, chances of hole-in-one are better than striking down a flying goldfinch...


Nice job out of the Principal Charity Classic people. We'll never have the energy and interest of the U.S. Senior Open, but this year's event is a big step up from the Allianz...


As usual, good reporting by the Des Moines Register's Tom Witosky. The man knows how to work the Freedom of Information Act and piles of documents. I found the story on Iowa preparing two offers interesting, but I don't see it as a big deal. Since when did having a plan B become a bad idea? I would guess that Kevin Stallings was the first choice, and it makes sense he'd receive more money since he was making more money than Todd Lickliter, but for whatever reason, Stallings is not the Iowa coach, Lickliter is, and it seems like a good fit...


There is no excuse for the Cubs being this bad. It's gone from disappointing to embarrassing. The division is so weak, I'm still not convinced it's over. Life support, but still breathing...


If you enjoy an R rated movie that's crude, rude, and hilarious, don't miss "Knocked Up". It's from the director of the "40 Year Old Virgin", but I liked Knocked Up even more. It works as a date movie, as long as you're not dating someone who minds dialogue like, "Steely Dan gargles my b----..." Never mind. Not appropriate here. I laughed a lot, and found it surprisingly touching. A for Knocked Up...


Also good, "Waitress". Went to this one as a show of love for my movie loving mother, but I actually enjoyed it. Keri Russell can act. Who knew? Coincidentally, the story here also revolves around unwanted pregnancy, and while this wouldn't seem like a starting point for comedy, it launches two good movies. B for Waitress. Be sure to eat before you go, or you'll want to leave and buy pie...


The Iowa - Iowa State football game is on the VERSUS channel. Are you kidding me? This is the Big 12's improved television package. Let's think about this for a minute; we have a game fans most fans can't attend unless they buy ISU season tickets, and now it's on a channel most of us have never watched and don't know how to find. Not good. (editor's note: channel 55 on Mediacom)...

Did you watch the Ducks win the Stanley Cup on NBC? We're trying to find the one viewer...

No sport improves more in high definition than hockey. It's the only way to fully appreciate how great the game is in person...

KGGO's Heather Burnside filled in as guest host on SoundOFF this past Sunday. I thought she did a terrific job. That was a hard show to do after Andy's finale. Jon Miller and Shawn Terrell are in this week. They're veterans who always do well...

"The Best of What's Bugging Andy" DVDs are done. You can order one on the sports page here at whotv.com...

Hawkeye running back Shonn Greene is off the Iowa football team. No explanation from Kirk Ferentz, but we're told academics is the reason...

Standing ovation for the Des Moines' Playhouse's "Lost Highway". Actually one standing ovation is not enough for the way this play is going over with audiences. The Hank Williams musical brings the crowd to its feet at least twice on most nights. John Bachman was recently spotted roaring his approval...

I watched "America's Got Talent" and enjoyed it. I know, I know, my IQ may have dropped, but it's entertaining in a modern day Gong Show kind of way. Piers is brutal, Sharon Osbourne counters with sweetness, and is a threat to have more plastic surgery during a commercial break, and what can you say about David Hasselhoff? Don't hassle The Hoff...

That reminds me, a big welcome to Chris Hassel. He's the new guy in our sports department and we're excited he's here. Chris comes to channel 13 from the Fox affiliate in the Quad Cities. Many Hawkeye fans will recognize his name. Chris is the guy who won the statewide contest to do play-by-play for an Iowa football game a couple of years ago. He's multi-talented and has already won more awards than Norah Jones. Chris started work today and should be on the air as soon as he learns the 37 passwords he needs to sign on the various computers here...

Any idea where Steve Deace stands on this ISU chaplain debate?...

I'm still not sure urging fans to repeatedly vote for a contest clearly designed to increase Web traffic is anything to brag about, but ISU seems genuinely excited about winning an online poll "national championship" for best mascot. It shows dedication and loyalty---those are good things---but I have a hard time imagining Texas or Michigan fans caring much about who wins. I'd like to hear from some real Cyclone fans out there. What do you think? Great, indifferent, or embarrassed it's being called a "national championship"?...

The Hy-Vee Triathlon will grow into a big deal for Des Moines...

I apologize for the vacation I took from writing. It's been a little crazy around here since Andy announced he's leaving. Here's the update:

Andy's still leaving.

I've also heard from, literally, dozens of people who know the perfect person for SoundOFF. The list of suggested co-hosts includes radio personalities, stand-up comics, newspaper columnists, television reporters and anchors at this station and other stations, a neighbor, the husband of a sales rep here, and Tom Arnold, who I'm guessing is not available (It hasn't gotten that bad has it?).

I love all the ideas and suggestions. I think it really proves many people are invested in the show, feel a part of it, and care what happens. As I've written previously, SoundOFF won't be the same without Andy; it will be something different.

We're, of course, really going to miss Andy. Leaving has kind of re-energized him creatively, which is good and bad :-) He's going out with guns blazing which has made for some appointment television these past few weeks. Sunday night we'll take an entire hour to look back on the best and worst of "What's Bugging Andy" and the Never Fales years at Channel 13. It should be fun. It will be a tough night for me. I imagine it's a bit like dropping your son off at college. You're proud, but it really hurts to see him go. Cheesy, but honest.

Also, check back at whotv.com soon. Due to popular demand---cliched, but true---we're selling a "Best of What's Bugging Andy" DVD for $9.95 plus S&H. It will run around two hours, and have some of the funniest, craziest, and thoughtful things to ever come out of Andy's pie-hole.

Other scattershots...

The Iowa Stars, and many of their fans, mistakenly think we're out to get them. We've pointed out what we see as the good & bad on SoundOFF, just as we do with all local sports. A few months ago we did a news report that simply asked the question, "Is it working?". It was fair, with no agenda, and in many ways positive, but we did ask some tough questions about atmosphere problems, high ticket/concession prices, and disappointing attendance. I find it interesting that today the Stars put out a release with the headline "IOWA STARS AND GLOBAL SPECTRUM JOIN FORCES TO CREATE INNOVATIVE SALES, MARKETING AND GAME ENTERTAINMENT. Lower Ticket Prices and All-Inclusive Food and Beverage Packages are Top Priorities." Exactly. We weren't out to get you. We just knew some changes need to be made. The original management and ownership team with the Stars misjudged this market. To their credit, they're making the right moves now...

Staying with hockey, props to the USHL for scrapping that RIDICULOUS playoff format. You needed calculus just to keep up...

Lindsay Lohan is Maxim magazine's choice as the hottest woman in the world???!!! Do you get that? I don't. Lohan is the hottest woman to drive Herbie the Love Bug, but that's it...

We threw a going away party for Andy, and it was one of those nights where I felt blessed even as I cleaned up the mess. Everyone who came was nice, fun, and considerate. "Life of the party" honors go to Colleen of Star 102.5. She now has a lifetime pass for parties at Murphy Manor...

Former Cyclone Paul Shirley is most famous in these parts for crying, but he's all about the laughs now. Shirley has a funny new book out, "Can I Keep My Jersey?". It's about his journeyman career as a professional basketball player. It's entertaining, in part, because Shirley doesn't care for pro basketball players...

Props to Greg McDermott for sitting down with Shawn Terrell and answering questions about a second year of transfers at Iowa State. McDermott could have ducked the interview---as many coaches would---but instead provided insight that comes across as honest and thoughtful (see 13 Raw video at whotv.com). Being accountable is always the best way to show you have nothing to hide...

Great move by NBC renewing "Friday Night Lights". I am concerned it's now on Friday nights, which on the surface makes sense, but in the Fall will find its target audience at games, not in front of the TV...

"Grey's Anatomy" keeps getting more ridiculous by the week. Meredith needs to go live by herself somewhere because then she'll finally have true love. Izzie is now supposedly in love with George? What happened to being so in love with Denny she couldn't cash a 9 million dollar check? And Burke finally gets what he wants, and walks straight off the alter? This show now belongs in NBC's old "Passions" slot on daytime television. Yes, I'll probably watch again...

I liked, not loved, Spiderman 3. In the Spidey trilogy, I rank them like this:
1. Spiderman 2
2. Spiderman
3. Spiderman 3 (and a distant third).
Thomas Haden Church was good as Sandman, although he was in serious need of some Chapstick. Tobey Maquire again finds different shadings to a superhero, no easy task. James Franco keeps improving, and he looked like he had the most fun in this movie. That all worked. But Kirsten Dunst was whiny and had the misfortune of singing, not once, but twice. You understood why she was fired on Broadway. Topher Grace played a villain, but he's about as scary as a kitten taking a nap. Bryce Howard was okay in an underwritten role. Overall, some great moments, terrific action, and a few laughs, but too many subplots, too long and not enough emotional payoff. B- I was disappointed, but I suppose that was inevitable after Spiderman 2...

I went to see Spiderman 3 at the Nova. You can't beat $6 to get in and $1.25 for both popcorn and a pop, but it was NUTS in our theater. It was like a daycare, my kids included. I understand bringing children---I did it---but I expect my kids to behave or I take them out of the theater. That etiquette seemed lost on about 37 people...

Did you catch that crap Grey's Anatomy pulled last week? Trying to pass off a long promo as a two hour movie event! I get it, Addison is leaving to have her own show, but do we have to meet every single character for that show while watching this show?! It was a mess with both stories suffering. It made me want to watch neither...

Check out the Cubs! They're playing like we thought they would. It's never too late after 99 years of suffering...

Is there anyone in sports more disingenuous than Roger Clemens? Every year we have to hear how he's either retired or not sure if he's coming back, when there's absolutely no doubt he'll return, and to whomever pays him the most. I understand Clemens can get away with missing spring training and part of the season. I know he's go great---he really is---that he can set his own rules and travel schedule. I realize baseball is a business, and he's a hired gun, but why would he want to roll this way? He should be better than that. Taints his legacy just a bit in my mind...

Just listened to a voicemail from a passionate fan explaining to me that steroids won't help you hit a baseball, so Barry Bonds was not helped even if all the allegations are true. WRONG! Steroids help you work out longer, recover faster, and hit the ball farther. A lot of warning track outs become home runs. Bonds was a first ballot Hall-of-Famer before his head grew bigger than Ted Kennedy's and his feet passed B-Ross', but the Bonds of ten years ago would not be anywhere near 755. As far as ABC/ESPN's poll, the only thing black & white about this issue is that Aaron shouldn't lose his spot in history to a guy who I believe beyond the shadow of any doubt cheated, and cheated for years. Yes, Bonds is a jerk, and has always been a jerk, but the world of sports is full of people like that, including some adored by misled fans, but that's not what this is about... (Are you rooting for Bonds? Vote on the whotv.com sports page)

We just went through a sale. The New York Times sold us to Local TV LLC. We're currently in the process of changing e-mail systems, and I know many of you have had some of your letters bounced back. I apologize. People smarter than me are working hard to get everything switched over and running smoothly as soon as possible. If you've sent anything to me in the past week, please don't assume I got it. If you haven't heard back, I probably didn't...

Jenny and I went to see Larry the Cable Guy. Thanks for the tickets Round Guy. I have to admit, I laughed a lot. It's not the most sophisticated humor, but funny is funny, and I'm not above a good poop joke. Some of you are, I know. I can't help it...

Later that night we went to the new Funny Bone. Bravo! What a great place, and smoke free! Business is way up at the new place, and it's not hard to see why. They've taken it to a new level...

Harland Williams will be at the Funny Bone soon. He makes me laugh. When Cade was a toddler, he'd watch "Rocketman" over and over, and I could even take it the 37th time in 30 days. Harland has been the best so far on "Thank God You're Here". My kids love it, and I enjoy it when I'm not suffering second-hand embarrassment....

The most interesting thing to cross my desk lately is a fitness product called Jump Snap. It's a ropeless jump rope that burns calories like crazy, and even makes the sound of a jump rope, but since there's no rope, you never have the need for high ceilings or a big room, not to mention the rope never gets caught under your feet. Erin Kiernan was checking it out for one of her fitness classes because some people don't like old fashioned rope jumping for the reasons just mentioned. If you're interested, check out www.jumpsnap.com You can get in shape while watching our newscasts or SoundOFF...

Nice job out of Chuck Reed and The Coaches vs. Cancer at Prairie Meadows last weekend. First class event...

Loverboy at the Venue in Boone?! Wish I could go, but I work six nights a week this month and need every hour I can get with the kids. If you go, let me know if they close with "Lovin' Every Minute of It" or "Working for the Weekend"...

Andy and I will be on KXNO all week from 2 to 4 p.m. We're filling in for Jon Miller, who was nice enough to ask us back. It's harder than it looks, which we'll prove in no time...

Thank you for all your comments. Keep them coming please.

Keith

Yes, Andy's leaving.

"Is Andy really leaving?"... I've been asked that at least 100 times in 72 hours. I thought I'd use the blog to answer some of the most frequent questions, and if I missed yours, please leave feedback, and I'll get to that too. Okay, here goes...

Is Andy really leaving? Yes. I'm sad to report he is.

Where is Andy going? KMBC in Kansas City.

What will he do there? He'll be the weekend sports anchor. The top sports guy at KMBC is Kansas City icon Len Dawson, who is 71 years old.

Did Channel 13 try to keep Andy? Of course. Everyone from the top boss down made sure Andy felt wanted and appreciated, but ultimately Andy decided it was too close to home (St. Louis) and too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Was it a tough decision? That's really a question for Andy, but I think it's fair to say he knows he had a good thing going here, and it was hard to leave.

Who will take Andy's place on SoundOFF? We don't know yet. I've already received a dozen phone calls and e-mails from people who are interested in the position. The only thing I know for sure is that the show will continue to evolve and won't be the same without Andy, it will be something different. We're not going to hire a guy named Randy or a woman named Mandy and start "What's Bugging Randy or Mandy?". We'll continue to make SoundOFF interactive with our viewers, and the new co-host will bring his or her own strengths. It goes without saying Andy left quite an impression.

How much are you going to miss Andy? A lot, both on and off the air. However, I'm happy for him. He wants to leave his comfort zone and try something new, and he has my support.

What about Shawn Terrell? We're blessed to have Shawn. He's a good anchor, top notch reporter, and does a fine job filling in on SoundOFF. There's no doubt Shawn's role will continue to grow at Channel 13.

What's Andy really like? Thoughtful, intelligent, and funny... to name a few. He doesn't suffer fools gladly.

Are we making too much out of this? Absolutely, but we appreciate it. Viewer loyalty is nothing we take lightly, and if nothing else, SoundOFF, in particular, has loyal viewers.

Anything else to add? The ox is slow, but the earth is patient.

(Leave Andy a "comment" and I'll make sure he sees it. Leave me one, and I'll make sure I see it).

Hello again, hello. I'll start with movie reviews, but nothing from the Jazz Singer.

"Hoax". Who knew? Richard Gere really can act. Intriguing true story of a guy who bluffs his way into the biggest book advance of the time. Indisputable proof that if you act as if you belong, most people will believe you, even if you're falsely claiming to have Howard Hughes' autobiography. Nothing about inappropriate kissing. B


"Reign Over Me". Who knew? Adam Sandler can act. This movie about the post-traumatic stress of 9/11 is both funny and heartbreaking. It also features great music by The Who, Springsteen, and Pearl Jam. Uneven but unforgettable. Bring tissues. A-


"Fracture". Who knew? Anthony Hopkins can act. Everyone knew. Hopkins at his slimy, condescending best and Ryan Gosling again proving there's life after The Notebook. These two make a decent movie very good. Did you see "Primal Fear"? It's a lot like that. See if you can figure out the big twist. B+

Saw two of those movies in Kansas City with Jenny. You can't beat The Plaza for a weekend getaway, especially if you Priceline a hotel, only window shop, and remember to go see the Royals. It's too bad the Royals no longer have any shot at a winning season because Kauffman Stadium is great place for baseball...

How long does Greg McDermott need to review Mike Taylor's conduct?...

Last time out I mentioned baseball couldn't get more backed up at Raccoon Valley Little League. WRONG. Since writing that, Noah started building an ark out there...

How can the Cubs spend so much money and start so poorly? It's not the year...

If you've ever dreamed of taking swings at Principal Park, you can do it Monday night. All you need is a ticket and some nerve. Anyone who wants to can sign a waiver and get in the box. Show up between 4:30 and 6 pm...

I think it's easy to take for granted how fortunate we are to have the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines. I took in two day games last week and that's just a fantastic facility. Every upgrade works...

Same could be said---should be said---for the Drake Relays. Bravo...

I interviewed the beautiful and talented Lolo Jones tonight. Lolo is a Des Moines Roosevelt grad who just won the U.S. Indoor 60 meter hurdles championship. I like Lolo even more after she hit me with the "Blue Steel". She knows "Zoolander" is brilliant, not stupid, which means Lolo is not only fast, she's quick...

As required by sportscaster law, I went to Peggy's to celebrate the Relays. Yes, I paid my respects to the Godfather, John Walters. You stay on the good side of the man who can have any person removed at anytime...

I have Andy Garman to thank for buying me an outrageously priced $5 beer. Thank you, Andy. This almost makes up for the time I paid for Andy's Steak-N-Shake order in Indianapolis. That dude can eat...

Andy Fales had Shawn and me laughing so hard we nearly fell down. He was recalling a story he did for our newscast when he first started about an Olympic trainer. Through an unfortunate miscue, the only portion of Andy's report that aired was the trainer massaging Andy's thigh. The video just froze with the guy's hand inside the bottom of Andy's shorts. It was all harmless, but left Andy paler than Nicole Kidman. He was sweating on air like Albert Brooks in Broadcast News or Patrick Ewing at the free throw line...

Did you read Gregg Doyel's column at CBSsportsline.com? Brace yourself Hawkeye fans:

Todd Lickliter, Iowa: I'm stifling a yawn, but don't look at me like that -- competing Big Ten coaches are even ruder. They're stifling laughter. Lickliter was perfect at Butler. I mean, perfect. He was an alumnus, he was liked, and he was as dynamic as he needed to be to recruit in the Horizon League. At Iowa? Wrong guy, wrong place, wrong time. The Hawkeyes need a charisma infusion to restock a program that had slipped under Alford. Lickliter, who has never worked for a bigger league than the Horizon, doesn't have it.

It's one guy's opinion, and I disagree. I think Lickliter is the right man at the right time. Just don't expect much this season. His cupboard's as bare as the one McDermott opened at ISU...

Rick Majerus accepts the head coaching job at St. Louis?! Wonder when he'll back out of that. I'll never forget calling him about rumors he'd succeed Johnny Orr at ISU. Majerus said he'd almost do it just to eat that Bar-B-Que at Hickory Park...

I finally started watching Seinfeld on DVD. That show is actually funnier than I remember, and I thought it was darn funny. It's interesting to see on DVD because it reminds you that a minute or two is chopped out of episodes in syndication. I don't know what got into Kramer on stage, but man is he a riot on this show...

Can't knock Dr. McDreamy. Patrick Dempsey seemed like a nice guy at the Iowa Speedway and found time for his fans. All of them female. I hate that a guy in his forties has hair like that. (note: Bachman's in his fifties)...

Local blues band, Matt Woods & the Thunderbolts, will appear live on SoundOFF. These guys can really play. Go to www.mattwoodsmusic.com to listen...

Am I the only parent whose life is turned over to Little League baseball this month? I know I'm not alone. I have two sons who play at Raccoon Valley in Des Moines. It's a terrific league, even with the world's dustiest gravel road making a car wash pointless for three months. With winter weather for most of April, games got so backed up, we might as well pitch a tent at the fields on weekends, and plan all dinner breaks for the concession stand on weekdays. At least the food is good. Much better than Wells Fargo Arena, and much cheaper...

Speaking of the Well, big props to the Stars. The organization keeps learning about the market and improving its product. I had a great time on my most recent visit. Good luck to the Stars and Bucs in the playoffs. Both play Omaha...

A big deal was made of the fact new Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie drinks Pepsi for breakfast. Is it really that out of the ordinary? I ask because I've been drinking diet Pepsi with my Wheaties for 20 years...

I spent half an hour visiting with new Hawkeye coach Todd Lickliter last week, and I really like him. I think he's genuine, sincere, and excited. I'll be stunned if it's not a good fit for both Lickliter and Iowa. The guy can coach too. Look at NCAA Tournament wins for the following coaches the past six years (Lickliter's reign at Butler):

Lickliter: 4 wins
McDermott: 0
Tom Davis: 0 (4 years at Drake)
Steve Alford: 0 (only win at Iowa was 2001)

Look for McDermott to pick up his first win soon, but you get the point. One Butler team in the Sweet 16 could be a fluke---remember Alford took an SMS team that far---but two trips means a guy can coach...

Big reception for Lickliter at the always raucous Polk County I-Club Spring Banquet, but credit Hawkeye Nation, the fans saved their biggest ovation, by far, for Kirk Ferentz. Six bowl games in six years should trump promise and potential every time...

What is Greg McDermott going to do about Mike Taylor? Taylor is already suspended after being accused of vandalism, and now Ames police believe Taylor shoplifted a box of cold medicine (cold medicine? Doesn't exactly make him Jesse James). Taylor also missed games because of academic problems, and his troubles predate his arrival at ISU. The guess here is multiple game suspension. A talented athlete in trouble can wreak havoc on a coach's conscience. Remember Berryman? Does anyone honestly think McCarney would have given Berryman a third chance if he weren't a game-changer? Of course not. These coaches are under tremendous pressure to win, and they're protecting million dollar salaries. However, Taylor is no Berryman, I suspect McDermott is no McCarney, and cold medicine theft is most certainly not assaulting a fellow student. (give us your take on Taylor's punishment on the whotv.com Web poll, or leave comments here). By the way, Taylor led the Cyclones in steals...


President Bush was at his comforting best at Virginia Tech Tuesday. I still can't fathom what happened on that campus. It's a chilling reality: our kids aren't even safe at school. Not if someone has enough hatred...

I like John Edwards. I like many of his ideas. But $400 for a haircut?! I can't get my mind around that, not from a guy who talks about wasteful spending. True, a guy with hair like mine is no doubt jealous of a guy with hair like his, but I always feel like $15 is enough for a cut at the famous Roosevelt Barber. If those guys weren't so nice, I'd look for a cheaper place. Well, that is until I heard about Edwards. $400!?...

I took my mother and son, Colin, to an I-Cubs matinee Monday. It was absolutely perfect. The I-Cubs do it right. Everybody who works there is helpful and friendly, especially Cubbie Bear. The ballpark itself looks fantastic. It just keeps getting better. The green seats, beer garden in right, and old fashioned scoreboards really took it up a notch last year. The fountains this year are okay too, if you're into fountains, which I guess I'm not...

At the game, I ran into KGGO's Heather Burnside. She had a funny story about how one of her friends thought the PA guy was racial profiling with his choices of songs as each Cub batter approached the box. (The players choose their own music.) Also saw KXNO's Cotman. He was just back from Arizona, so it was easy to spot the only guy with a tan. (Cotman's partner, Geoff Conn, does a fine job as the I-Cubs announcer.) My favorite part of the day---next to Colin hugging Cubbie for the 43rd time---was when the crowd started chanting "What's Bugging Andy?". They even put it on the scoreboard. Andy looked ready to crawl under a rock...

Good to see Felix Pie at Wrigley Field. Played like he didn't want to come back to Des Moines. Timing couldn't have been better, or worse, depending how you look at it. He flew to Chicago on Felix Pie jersey giveaway night at Principal Park. The I-Cubs still gave away the shirts, and catcher Geovany Soto had the best quote: "I hope they give my jersey away next, so I can get the hell out of here". Nothing against Des Moines, but they all want to be in The Show...

I loved the new director's cut of The Natural. It's a better movie with improved pacing, backstory, and context. However, it's still jarring to see something you know by heart tinkered with. Andy says he's sticking with the original. I'll now play the new version...

I was supposed to go see the Full Monty at the Des Moines Playhouse Saturday night, but couldn't make it when the babysitter fell through (she didn't actually fall through anything, she just couldn't come). My mom went and offers the following review: "Very funny. I laughed a lot, even though I was by myself because my son dropped out at the last minute. The first half is funnier than the second, and it was a tad long, but I recommend it, even for grandmothers like me. I was a little nervous I'd see things I didn't want to see, especially on some of these guys, but the lighting keeps you from having to go to confession. I love the Playhouse, and liked the Full Monty." Thanks mom...

Also took Colin to Firehouse Dog. I'd review it but I think it will be out of theaters by the time you read this. Okay, here goes anyway: heart warming fun, too long, and a little intense for young kids. B-

The Drake Relays begins next week, or as local sportscasters like to call it, "Our annual Peggy's summit meeting with the Relays Godfather, JohnWalters"...

If you're reading this before Thursday night, please try to go see Bob Costas for free at Drake's Knapp Center (7:30 p.m.). Costas is a dynamic speaker whose intelligence and insight blow me away. He's the gold standard...

Who's #1?

Zach Johnson's inspiring Masters win sparked debate on SoundOFF and elsewhere. Is it the greatest single sports feat by a native Iowan? (note: Cael Sanderson's is definitely one of us now, but his 159-0 record at Iowa State doesn't qualify for this discussion because Cael's originally from Utah.)

My buddy Ryan sent his list. Let me (and Ryan) know what you think on the feedback tab, and don't forget to vote for your #1 on the whotv.com Web poll.

Ryan's list (in bold italics)

1. Dan Gable wins gold and doesn’t give up a point in the 1972 Olympics
2. Jack Fleck beats Ben Hogan in 18 hole playoff to win 1955 U.S. Open
3. Zach Johnson wins 2007 Masters
4. Kurt Warner wins 1999 Super Bowl MVP
5. Nile Kinnick wins 1939 Heisman Trophy
6. Bob Feller throws a no-hitter against the Yankees in New York in 1946

Here’s why:

Gable – no one else has ever done it. Ever. The 1972 Olympics is remembered for terrorism, and so many Iowans and people with Iowa connections have achieved greatness in wrestling so accomplishments in the sport sometimes get grouped together. But no one did this before and no one has done it since.

Fleck – he went head-to-head with the best golfer of that era in an 18 hole playoff and won. At the time, Hogan had won three of the last five U.S. Opens. In 1953, just two years earlier, he won the Masters, U.S. Open and the British Open.

Johnson – it’s the Masters and it’s an individual sport which gives him the nod over Warner, Kinnick and Feller.

Warner – Super Bowl MVP and championship culminate NFL MVP season.

Kinnick – once again, what keeps Iowa football from greatness (and what keeps Kinnick from being higher on the list) is a loss to Michigan.

Feller – he had the greatest career of anyone on this list, other than Gable, but there have been numerous other no-hitters. Feller himself threw three of them.

I agree with what's on Ryan's list, though I would change some of the order. I also think Feller's no-hitter on opening day in 1940 is even more impressive than the one at Yankee Stadium. Why? Because it was OPENING DAY!

Here's my list:

1. Gable wins gold in '72. He didn't give up a point! There's nothing to compare it to. It's unthinkable and unbelievable.

2. Zach Johnson wins 2007 Masters. I give him the edge over Fleck because golf has now gone international. In '55 it was still primarily a game for white men from the U.S. Plus, great as Hogan was, no golfer has ever intimidated like the sports star of our generation, Tiger Woods.

3. Jack Fleck stares down the legend, Ben Hogan, and beats him in a U.S. Open playoff. Fleck couldn't just concentrate on his scorecard the way Zach did, he had to watch Hogan too.

4. Bob Feller throws a no-hitter on opening day. It's a team sport, but this is about as individual as it gets. Think what kind of coverage this would receive in today's world. In fairness to my previous mention of golf being a white man's game in '55, the same can be said of Major League Baseball in '40. (note: if you haven't visited the Bob Feller Museum in Van Meter, it's a must for any sports fan. Visit bobfellermuseum.org for more info.)

5. Kurt Warner wins Super Bowl MVP. It's the biggest stage in sports now, but again, it's a team game.

6. Nile Kinnick wins the Heisman Trophy. Individual award, but takes a team to win, and it's not really a single sports feat; it's a collection of games. Extra points for one of the greatest speeches a sportsman ever gave.

Who's on your list?

Scattershots: Lickliter, Wild Thing, The Natural...

Not sure if you've heard, Iowa hired Todd Lickliter as its new basketball coach. It was interesting to watch Hawkeye fans go through the 5 stages:

Denial .: "I've never even heard of him!"
Anger .: "How can Iowa hire someone from the freaking Horizon League?"
Bargaining .: "At least tell me Barta tried to land Majerus."
Depression .: "I thought we'd hire a big name."
Acceptance .: "Lickliter is a great hire and a perfect fit! The pride is back for Hawkeye hoops!"

I didn't know much about Todd Lickliter, but before he even showed up on the Iowa campus, I had done enough research to think Gary Barta made a good choice. I was even more convinced after watching Lickliter at his welcoming party. He's paid his dues; He's humble; He's good with fans; He's thrilled to be at Iowa; He realizes a strong football program is good for basketball; and he's the kind of coach who can take a team to the Sweet 16 without blue chip recruits. Lickliter teams play great defense, don't turn the ball over, and shoot threes. Expect solid fundamentals from the jump. He'll have to step up his recruiting efforts, but if you can win four NCAA tournament games at Butler, Iowa should be no problem.

I think Barta got the right guy, but we won't know for sure until 2010. I'm the guy who said hiring Steve Alford was a great move. Remember all those fans who were despondent over the hiring of Kirk Ferentz instead of Bob Stoops? Worked out pretty well.

Alford was a bad fit at Iowa for many reasons, but don't think for a moment fans wouldn't have found a way to embrace his arrogance, entitlement, and aloofness if he took Iowa to a Final Four. If a guy wins enough, all is forgiven. Sad commentary, but true.

Alford wasn't a great coach, but he was no idiot either. Everyone is piling on now---especially as Alford burned bridges on his way out---but let's stop blaming him for global warming, Norbit, and Izzie on Grey's Anatomy...

How 'bout Dana Altman doing a reversal on Arkansas. He made the right decision. Did you see the video we showed of Altman at the "welcome rally"? First of all, he received about as much applause as Rosie O'Donnell at a Republican rally. Then, they forced Altman to do that ooooh pig sooooiiieee chant, and he looked about as comfortable as Nicole Richie at Krispy Kream. He'll retire at Creighton now. Maybe he'll finally realize he's got a great thing going, and stop listening to inquiries (and believe me, he's done a lot of listening)...

Am I the only one watching the "Black Donnelly's"? Based on the ratings, I'd say yes. Not a lot of redeeming characters on that show. Works better for the Sopranos... (editor: NBC just cancelled The Black Donnelly's. Sorry, Keith. You must have been the only one.)

Saw "Blades of Glory" on opening night. It's ridiculous, juvenile, and stupid... I loved it. I loved it for one reason: Will Ferrell. When he's saying something, the movie is hilarious. The rest of the time, it's mostly laugh free. Jon Heder looks more and more like he careered out in Napoleon Dynamite. He's just not funny here, and no match for Ferrell. The grade is B, if you check your brain at the door. C,if you're like Andy Fales, and you think movies like this are "stupid"(e.g. Talladega Nights, Dodge Ball, Zoolander, Kicking and Screaming, etc)....

Some of Iowa's most entertaining sports writing happens at http://www.wesleyvaclav.blogspot.com/
Former Des Moines Register reporter Ron Maly doesn't have to answer to an editor. In this case, that's a good thing...

Went to another Iowa Stars game. Kudos to the franchise for improving the atmosphere immensely. Big crowd too. I was impressed by the entertainment on and off the ice. My friend, Scott Kasber, does a great job hosting...

I hate the DirecTV ads with Charlie Sheen cut and pasted on his Ricky Vaughn character. "Major League" is no cinema classic, but I hate seeing Wild Thing turned into a prostitute. It's kind of creepy too...

I just ordered "The Natural" director's cut. I can't wait to see this. Early buzz is that the additional 10 minutes improves many scenes and fleshes out several character details. They also tweaked the music and editing to improve what is a classic. "God I love baseball"... (editor: to vote for the best baseball movie among Keith's favorites, go back to the sports page at whotv.com)

Keith Richards did a lot of drugs, but that's not the only thing to go up his nose. He claims he snorted part of his father's ashes?! That's one of the most disturbing things I've ever read. Hopefully, he was kidding...

Can't wait for the I-Cubs home opener April 13th. Principal Park/Sec Taylor Field just keeps getting better. They add fountains this season...

Did "Happy Feet" really win the Oscar for best animated picture? Didn't the Academy members watch "Cars"? It's no contest...

A viewer just e-mailed me this link: http://www.firelickliter.com/ It takes you to some Cyclone Web site. Clever...

I'm going to two Cubs games in Milwaukee with my buddies this weekend. It's going to be so cold I may not mind if they close the Miller Park roof, which makes me a hypocrite. I hate indoor baseball, unless I'm uncomfortable...

I picked a bad week for vacation. Actually, the school system picked the week by making it Spring Break, but anytime you're a Sports Director, and you're out of town for what's potentially the biggest story of the year, it's not what you'd call ideal timing.

I was at Jellystone Park with the kids, six hours away, when Steve Alford did the University of Iowa a big favor, and bolted for New Mexico. I was also sick with next to no voice, but as it turns out, Shawn Terrell had my back, not to mention our viewers'. He did a fantastic job, and even indulged all my text messages and phone calls. It's tough being in the woods.

I knew Alford was generally disliked by Iowa fans, but I had no idea how much. I've never seen anything like it. I'm surprised people didn't celebrate in the streets. Maybe they did; I was gone.
Contrary to Alford's thinly veiled cheap shots, Iowa used to be a basketball school, in the same way that Ohio State and Florida are basketball schools (football first, but basketball still followed with passion). Alford's overall lack of meaningful success and inability to make any kind of connection with the fan base slowly made Hawkeye fans apathetic. Apathy is about the worst thing that can happen to a program in these days of runaway cash needs. As we've seen since Alford left for New Mexico, the passion is still there, it had just been lying dormant.

Alford is not a bad basketball coach. He's been above average since Craig Neal arrived at Iowa. The problem is twofold: Alford said he'd take the program to another level, and then did, it just wasn't the direction anyone expected; and Alford turned off too many fans, reporters, and recruits.

Anytime I've interviewed Steve, he's been courteous and professional, if not quite warm. He's never done anything to me, and I personally know people who have worked with him and played for him who think he's a great guy. However, over the years, Alford rubbed a lot of other people the wrong way. Many think he's a "phony". I can't support that claim with evidence, but I have other observations.

He had a way of taking credit for wins, but blaming losses on his players. He loved talking about his career at Indiana, even when the question was actually about one of his players at Iowa. He never seemed to truly want to be here, probably because he didn't truly want to be here. He wanted to coach Indiana, which is understandable, and did everything he could to try and make that happen (two different times), but he didn't want to admit it. In fact, he got angry when we asked about it. After all, why would we? We're from "FREAKING IOWA".

Alford tried to turn Big Ten Tournament titles into Big Ten championships. He won one NCAA tournament game in 8 seasons (one less than Tom Davis won after he was forced out), and lost more Big Ten games than he won. Worst of all, the Pierre Pierce debacle. We all understood a coach standing by his player, what we couldn't take was Alford intimating the victim was lying. There was just no reason for that. Support your guy, but don't play judge and jury. Especially if you're wrong.

Alford had some success too. Those Big Ten Tournaments were exciting. That first win over #1 ranked UConn raised expectations to an all time high, and the Hawks almost never lost at home, even if smaller crowds watched each year. Winning forgives most sins and shortcomings, and the Hawks simply didn't win enough when it mattered.

Steve Alford is being hit hard, some would say piled on, and most of it has to do with his personality, not his record. Our own "What's Bugging Andy" is being passed from fan-to-fan all over the country (you can watch it on our video player). Most viewers on our whotv.com online poll say Andy "nailed it", but one in 15 think he was "dead wrong and way out of line". Yes, Alford has his supporters. I know because I've heard from them. Some want Andy fired, others will settle for an apology. Neither will happen. The show is called "SoundOFF". It's an opinions show, including those of the hosts. We want Andy to give his unfiltered takes. There's plenty of solid fence-sitting, just the facts television out there if that's what you're after. One viewer who demanded Andy's dismissal said opinions have no place in journalism. I asked him if he's ever heard of Edward R. Murrow or Walter Cronkite. Those guys shaped public opinion and shook American policy. I could name many others, some responsible with that power, others who misuse it.

Not to go all patriotic, but I'm sincerely thankful we live in a country where both you as a viewer, and I as a journalist, can give our opinions without dire consequences. Sure, Andy and I receive the occasional piece of hate mail, but that's a small price to pay for freedom of speech. Don't you agree?

Let's end by giving Alford credit. He did what was best for him and best for Iowa; He left. Sometimes divorce benefits all.

Oprah has done entire hours on "The Secret". It's a self-help book that changes lives. I'm going to save you 20 bucks. Here's the secret: think positive thoughts. You're welcome...

Some people are just born with the positive outlook. My friend, Jeff, just wakes up happy every day. We shared an apartment in the 80's, and I couldn't believe how he was always upbeat. Dog pooped on the stairs because we both worked a long day??? No problem. 8 hours of unpaid overtime??? Glad to do it. Friend who plays nothing but Springsteen and U2??? "Hey, that's great! Turn it up." Jeff was also one of those dead sleepers. You know, like Bill Murray in the classic, "What About Bob?" Remember when Richard Dreyfuss is jumping up and down like a WWF wrestler yelling "WAKE UP BOB!", and Bob just keeps sleeping; that is until the alarm goes off and then he pleasantly wakes up with a smile? That's Jeff...

"Andy Barker, P.I." is actually charming and funny. It stars Andy Richter---Conan's former sidekick---but I doubt you've seen it. NBC debuted it against Grey's Anatomy and the NCAA Tournament. Should have called it, "Andy Barker, Witness Protection Program"...

Rewatched "The Untouchables" last night. That's just a good guys movie. It's in the same guys class as "Tombstone". Well, maybe not Tombstone. Val Kilmer takes that movie to another level. Anyway, back to The Untouchables. Sean Connery steals the movie. "You wanna know how you do it? Here's how, they pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That's the Chicago way, and that's how you get Capone! Now do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that?" If you haven't watched this lately, enjoy! And yes, ladies like it too. Ladies with great taste in movies anyway...

Saw "Music and Lyrics" at the movie theater... yeah, I'm the one. The only one. Everyone else was in "300". Wait to rent this, and then make sure you do just to see the music video parody. It's a Wham! homage with Hugh Grant in the Andrew Ridgely roll. If you're over 35, don't even act like you don't know the words to "Careless Whisper"...

Steve Alford is featured in the Christian Broadcast Network's "700 Club" this month. It's a positive story about the influence of Christ in Alford's life, but it also contains the following quote from writer Will Dawson, "Steve's career reached the next level when he accepted the coaching position here at the University of Iowa. Eight years later, he's the most successful coach in the program's history." Huh? Are you kidding me?! There is no one alive with any knowledge of college basketball who would call Alford "the most successful coach in the program's history". That's absurd. I realize the "700 Club" isn't ESPN, but who fed the reporter that misinformation?...

Barring the greatest upset in the history of college basketball, Drake will lose and lose BIG Sunday vs. Tennessee, but the Bulldogs are still in the tournament. No one can take that away. And while Drake's star players are hurt and sick, other Dogs have stepped up their games. That's going to make Drake a much better team next year; top 25 maybe...

Is there anything more annoying this time of year than the person at work who comes up and tells you game-by-game how his bracket looks? No one cares but YOU. No one. Trust me on this one. If someone seems interested, they're nice, but dishonest...

I'm off to Jellystone park with the kids on spring break. These vacations remind me how much I love being a father, because believe me, if you don't enjoy it, a week at Jellystone Park will bring you to your knees...

Scattershots: ISU women, Alford, Wild Hogs, Birthday with the Bucs, First iPod.

Good gosh, what took me so long?

How can you not love sports. So much can change so fast. It's like the ultimate reality show. With 10 ticks to go in Oklahoma City, and the Cyclones down one, Lyndsey Medders lets a pass go right through her hands. Robert Duvall as Max Mercy would draw the goat horns, but just seconds later, after two Nebraska free throws, Medders hits the dramatic, game-tying-3. ISU goes on to win in overtime, thanks in no small part to Medders' 27 points. Good stuff. ISU follows that with an upset over #1 seed Texas A&M. The Cyclones knocked down 8 consecutive threes in that game. Last time I saw an outside shooting streak like that Larry Bird was in the 3-point shooting contest asking the others players "who's going to finish second?". If you're reading this after March 10, I suspect Oklahoma has ended ISU's run, but the Cyclones are NCAA tournament bound. Bill Fennelly can flat out coach...

So can Amy Stephens. Drake played this season without its best player, Jill Martin, and then the UnderDogs lose their next to best player, Brandy Dahir, right before the tourney starts. As I punch the keys, Drake has won its first two games, including a big upset over top seed, Southern Illinois. This also points out why the Valley is moving the conference tournament to a neutral site next year. It's a big edge to host...

Is Steve Alford on the way out at Iowa? ESPN the magazine says that's the rumor. I don't buy it. I think Alford gets at least one more season, but he better deliver an NCAA tournament win. One in eight seasons doesn't cut it when Dr. Tom won two in his final season alone. The worst thing happening with Hawkeye basketball is apathy. A lot of fans just don't care much anymore. I personally think Alford is improving as a coach, but I can't defend his NCAA tourney record...

Where I went to high school, nobody cared about girls basketball. The state tournament here is, and should be, a tremendous source of pride. They do it right...

The new movie "Believe in Me" is a must for anyone who plays, played, or supports girls basketball. It's like a girls "Hoosiers". The title is forgettable, and you'll see what's coming from a country mile, but it's an old fashioned good time. It's a movie for people who say, "they don't make them like that anymore." You'll think you're back in the early 60's. B+ I would have given it an A- but I could see the three point lines. (They hid them better in Hoosiers, though not completely)...

"Wild Hogs" is not a good movie. I saw it with a group of people, including kids, who really liked it, and that laughter was infectious. However, to repeat, this is not a good movie. In fact, the best thing I can say is no animals were killed while making it. Oprah wants us to see this? It's enough to make me wonder about her endorsement of Barack Obama. C for Wild Hogs. I didn't hate it like Ken Fuson of the Des Moines Register, but maybe if I did, I could write a column as funny as he did Friday...

Your expectations for a movie sure play into how much you enjoy it. I had heard so many bad things about "You, Me and Dupree" that I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed out loud several times. Owen Wilson is funny. He's got that crazy nose he refuses to fix, and I like that. B for Dupree because he throws seven kids of smoke...

I also watched "Elizabethtown". This one is actually as big a mess as critics said. How can Cameron Crowe make "Jerry Maguire", "Say Anything", "Almost Famous" and this. It just doesn't come together. It's like the Yankees lately. Has all the right parts, but not the end product. Well, actually it doesn't have all the right parts. Orlando Bloom is terrible. He's okay in a pirate outfit, but awful in Elizabethtown. Kirsten Dunst is better, although she tries too hard. C for the movie. A- for the music.

The most improved show on television is "30 Rock". This is really coming into its own. If it weren't up against Grey's Anatomy and one of the seven CSI's, it would already be a big hit. Alec Baldwin improves anything he's in, even Elizabethtown, while oddball Tracy Morgan gets big laughs. The recent episode on racial stereotypes was spot on. Live every week like it's Shark Week...

"Lost" lost me. Didn't think that was possible during season one...

Looking for a great dining experience in Des Moines? Cafe Di Scala. Beautiful atmosphere and delicious food. Highly recommended. Bring your wallet...

Held a birthday party for my son, Colin, at a Des Moines Bucs game. His first sentence was---not making this up--- "Let's Go Bucs". The Bucs made it a blast for all, kids and adults...



Finally got an iPod at that party, thanks to Todd Bailey. It was my birthday too. I had joked that Colin wanted an iPod for his birthday. Todd took the bait. So far I'm just filling my new toy with U2, Springsteen, and Van Morrison. I need to try new things...

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

Scattershots: ISU tickets, NASCAR cheating, and the perfect Valentine's present.

Have you ever heard Keno Davis on the radio? He sounds so much like his father, Doctor Tom, that it freaks me out. I listened to him for 10 minutes on KXNO's Cotlar & Company this morning before I realized it was son, not dad. I'm not overselling this; you have to hear it...

Iowa State announces it's more than halfway past last year's record total for football season tickets. That's definitely positive, especially with 1,200 new customers. Another way to look at it, ISU still has nearly 30,000 empty seats for the Iowa - Iowa State game. More work ahead...

What an embarrassing week for NASCAR. If you're not cheating, you're not trying. As Harry Hogge said to Cole Trickle in "Days of Thunder", "There's nothing stock about a stock car, Cole." Amen. If NASCAR officials really want to stop the cheating, they need to suspend the drivers, not just the crew chiefs. For goodness sakes, Jimmy Johnson won the Daytona 500 without his chief last year...

Shawn Terrell reported an excellent piece on "No Pass, No Play" this week. It showed all sides of the argument and sparked much discussion around the station. The thing I noticed is---and it's not surprising---people come at this from their own backgrounds. Those who grew up in homes where education was stressed and good grades were a must, cannot understand how it's too much to ask that high school athletes pass all classes. Those who didn't, better understand how an "F" happens. In an ideal world, you'd go case-by-case, but there's no way to make that work, not that I can see. The most negative system quirk to me is that many kids are like I was, so into sports, they'll avoid challenging classes so there's little chance to fail...

Andy Fales' story on the Iowa Stars showed the AHL franchise is succeeding in Des Moines more than you might think from seeing video of all the empty seats. As the Stars point out, you can take their average crowd at Wells Fargo Arena and easily fill 95KGGO Arena where the Bucs play. However, it also shows how crowds create atmosphere. The Bucs play in a lovable old dump of a building, but it's electric on game night, while the Stars play in a beautiful state-of-the-art building that's too vast for actual crowds of two to five thousand. It's like the difference watching a funny movie on DVD vs. catching it in a sold out theater. Both are enjoyable, but the energy of the crowd makes for a more memorable experience. Having said that, I've always enjoyed Stars games, and the hockey is top notch. The organization appears to be learning about the market as it goes, just as you'd expect and hope. When in doubt, look to the I-Cubs. That's the way to do it...

Illinois is retiring Chief Illiniwek. It's time...

I thought Tom Vilsack did fine on the Tonight Show. May have tried a little too hard to be funny, tough to pull off when you're following Jim Carrey. On the plus side, Vilsack raised his national profile considerably, and made a positive impression, but did he come off as Presidential?...

Raise your hand if you thought Iowa would have the best chance of making the NCAA tournament? My hand is on the keyboard...

"Friday Night Lights" just keeps getting better. If you're not on board yet, please join. The recent two-parter on subtle racism was fantastic. The coach, his wife, and daughter are the most realistic family on television...

I got a fantastic Valentine's present: "The Departed". Sure it's brutal, bloody and full of more F-bombs than a Chris Rock concert, but I love it! Thanks Jenny...

Scattershots: Super Bowl, K-Fed. Laugh Attack.

To these eyes, the MVP of Super Bowl XLI was Bob Sanders. The former Hawkeye induced a fumble, interception, and snot bubble. He sets the aggressive, reckless tone for the entire Colts defense. Sanders did the same thing at Iowa. I'll never forget watching Penn State players walk to the halftime locker-room looking like they'd prefer to just get on the bus. Sanders and company had hit the Nittany Lions so hard, so often, they wanted to quit. That's what's been missing at Iowa the past two seasons...

I like the way Rex Grossman handled himself off the field all season. He seems like a stand-up guy, but he was awful in the big game. Rex has his moments, but the Bears and Grossman may need a divorce. I'm not sure anyone can handle the heat headed his way now...

My Super Bowl theory worked again. The team with the best quarterback usually wins. Think about it; look it up. There are exceptions, but not many. Even Dan Marino's Dolphins lost to the better quarterback...

I'm happy for Peyton. I know he polarizes people, but I like the guy. His commercials are surprisingly funny. CUT THAT MEAT...

I'm happy for Dallas Clark. I've known Dallas for nearly ten years and he's the kind of guy who makes you proud to call Iowa home. No wonder he's the pride of Livermore...

When my dad heard Prince was performing at halftime, he said, "that little guy gives me the creeps." Maybe, but that little guy can flat out rock. Prince was good in Miami, even with that head scarf borrowed from Beyonce. "Purple Rain" is one of the all-time classics...

Commercials were okay, but the best moment was Letterman's bit with Oprah. Solid gold...

GoDaddy.com it's time to just go...

K-Fed, your 15 minutes were up 14 minutes ago...

I am proud of Erin Kiernan, and it has nothing to do with her special reports last week, though I was proud of that too. This is more personal, but it has to come from her. It's all good...

If you want to see a grown man lose control of his ability to stop laughing, check out this week's "I think" on the whotv.com sports video page. I was like a kid in church who knows he desperately needs to stop laughing, but that just makes it worse. Giggles gone wild. Andy Fales started it off camera, while I was on camera, and I couldn't put it out of my head. I really felt terrible when I left work because I just couldn't get it together. However, among the e-mails and calls I received from people who couldn't stop laughing because I couldn't stop laughing was one from Aggie. Here's what she wrote:

Keith.....My husband was tragically killed recently and until last night's show I don't think I have REALLY laughed since he was killed. My husband and I always watched Sound Off on Sunday nights together and I am still watching........ alone....... after his death. Just can't kick the habit! Thanks for providing the laughs last night...........It felt so good!!!!!!!
Aggie

That's one of the most humbling things I've ever read. It's heartbreaking and happy at the same time. I'm thrilled we could bring a smile to Aggie's face. It makes my embarrassment worth it. Thanks for writing, Aggie. You made my day...

Thanks for reading.
Keith

Scattershots: Dallas Clark, More Pollard, Inside Scoop on Channel 13 personalities.

Can you name the most watched television broadcast in the past 11 months? Patriots vs. Colts. American Idol is, by far, the #1 show in the nation, and the Big Game stomped it. You could feel the TV sets turning as the night progressed. What a classic...

Dallas Clark easily leads our whotv.com survey of "player you're most pulling for in the Super Bowl". Not only is Clark a former Hawkeye from Central Iowa who's leading the Colts post-season in receptions and yards, he's just a good guy. That's an unbeatable combination. Check out the interview with his dad at whotv.com Doug Clark gives you a good idea what it's like to have a son in the Super Bowl. The towns of Livermore and Bode couldn't be prouder...

I think the Colts win, but the Bears are better than they get credit. Rex Grossman frays nerves, but with that defense, anything's possible. I just believe the Colts no-huddle will eventually wear them down, just like it did the Patriots and Ravens...

Speaking of the Patriots. Andy had some fun with the beautiful and talented Kerry Kavanaugh in "What's Bugging Andy". Kerry is a diehard Boston sports fan, and she's not shy about it. However, Andy also poked fun at himself because he's the most obnoxious Cardinals fan this side of Dave Price and Bill Fennelly. No, Andy's worse...

I think Drake's Amy Stephens is a very good coach. John Wooden couldn't overcome the loss of star player Jill Martin and starter Jordan Plummer...

It had been a few days, so I was wondering what Jamie Pollard would do next to make headlines, and BAM!, there it is in this morning's Register. He's pulling the plug on games at Wells Fargo Arena. Pollard is bold, but he's also predictable. Just follow the money...

Hawkeye fans who think Pollard should give thought to their needs are being ridiculous. That would be like NBC asking Fox if it's okay to put Heroes in the same time slot as 24. Pollard's only obligation is to do what he thinks is best for Iowa State...

I can't believe I've learned to live without an entire network, but I have. I used to watch, on Fox, at minimum, House, the Simpsons, and 24, but now, unless it's a game, the rabbit ears aren't used and life goes on...

I'm finally watching HBO's World War II series Band of Brothers on DVD. Wow. It's fantastic, which shouldn't come as a surprise since Steven Spielberg is behind it. Highly recommended...

Friday Night Lights just keeps getting better. Kyle Chandler is the coach we all wish we had, but we may not have him much longer. Ratings are tiny, and the show is now up against American Idol. (Fox must not have called NBC to see if that's okay)...

The opening of the new smokeless Funny Bone is delayed until February. Can't wait. I've missed the laughs. Won't miss the smoke...

Most surprising but deserved Oscar nomination: Mark Wahlberg. Come on, feel it, feel it. The former leader of the Funky Bunch is mesmerizing in The Departed...

Some Channel 13 scattershots:

I am VERY proud of Erin Kiernan. The reason will have to come from her...

Congratulations to Courtney Greene! The Governor's gain, our loss. Go get 'em Court!...

Shawn Terrell loves the Bears so much his girlfriend has to go to a different room during the game. He's that fan...

Sonya Heitshusen even wears stilleto heels during snow storms. She's also training for a triathlon. If she swims in the pumps it wouldn't surprise me. The woman loves shoes. Do all women love shoes?

Dan Winters does spot-on impressions, including several people you see on local television (and not just when you're watching channel 13)...

Trisha Shepherd loves Elvis. Perhaps more than Priscilla did...

Jeriann Ritter is just as energetic off camera. She's a human sparkplug. Andy Fales calls her a Mexican jumping bean, though she's not Mexican. He means it as a compliment...

Ed Wilson belts out Sinatra tunes randomly all day and night. He's pretty good too...

John Bachman knows more about golf that anyone I've ever met. It's like having a golfing research staff at the station...

If laughter is the best medicine, my boss, Rod Peterson, is the healthiest man in America. He laughs all the time. I'm talking good, hard, doubled over belly laughs. It's like having a laugh track in the newsroom. And it's good for my ego. I go into his office, I'm like Johnny Carson pulling up a chair to Ed McMahon...

In the summer, Pat Dix carries a sweat rag with him everywhere he goes. I think he's just being considerate. He's like Albert Brooks in broadcast news, only Pat is cool on air and flop-sweaty everywhere else...

I see Lynn Melling jogging all over Des Moines. Even when it's 5 below. She wears her iPod, puts her head down, and just does it. Her husband is a dead-ringer for Rex Grossman, only he fumbles less...

Jon Cahill sends me one e-mail a month. It's always an invitation to a party. We love Jon Cahill...

Andy Fales lost a lot of weight. Oh, you knew that? Here's one. He's actually very nice and considerate. Unless you're in the line of fire for one of his epic pranks...

I better stop here.

Have fun,
Keith

Scattershots: The Pollard Plan

Jamie Pollard knows what he's doing. Rest assured, Pollard has looked at this plan from every angle. He's trying to force a BIG spike in football season tickets, something he finds necessary if ISU wants to compete in the Big 12. Otherwise, Pollard thinks Iowa State should drop out of division one and start scheduling Coe, Simpson, and Grinnell. Well, he may not mean it, but it makes for a great sound bite. Be sure to watch Shawn Terrell's raw interview on the whotv.com sports page.

It's another bold move from a man who's made more than his share. Pollard challenges all those fans who wanted him to change the football and basketball coaches to step up and help pay the bill. ISU owes a lot of money to coaches who aren't coaching. Pollard also wants $130 million for facility upgrades. All of this means more pressure on football to produce big dollars. Pollard's trying to force it by selling only season tickets to anyone who wants to see the Iowa - Iowa State football game. All others better hope they're part of Iowa's 4,000 ticket allotment, which ISU will charge Iowa $90 a seat.

Keep in mind, no one has walked up to the ISU box office and purchased a single game ticket for the Cy-Hawk showdown for years. Pollard is, in part, stopping Cyclone season ticket holders and boosters from buying extra tickets to the big game and selling them to friends, family and unknowns --- many of whom are Hawkeye fans. This is cheered by many in Cyclone country, but certainly not all, and definitely not by those Hawk fans who used to fill up about a third of Jack Trice Stadium.

Pollard's also freezing out ISU donors who don't want, or can't use, season tickets. For example, I heard from one such Cyclone backer who lives out of state. He is bitter and disappointed that he can't travel to the game he wants to see the most. Yes, he can go to other Cyclone games, but not the one he wants, and he thinks he's earned the right to choose. I see his point.

I also see Pollard's. It's time to find out if Cyclone fans are willing to spend the kind of money it takes to compete in this day and age. Here's the great unknown: I'm not sure there are enough Cyclone fans willing or able to spend the kind of money Pollard says he needs. Cyclone fans love and support Iowa State. They're loyal, but outnumbered in a state with a low population. Here in Central Iowa, Clones fans are in the neighborhood of 50/50 with Hawk fans, but everywhere else in Iowa, it's not even close. The big question remains, are there enough Cyclone fans willing to pay for Pollard's vision? I don't think he even knows. ISU doesn't have a medical or law school, sources of many wealthy contributors at Iowa.

Bottom line, Cyclone fans said for decades they were tired of living in Iowa's shadow and playing second fiddle to the Hawkeyes. Now they have a guy who's trying to change that culture, and even if at times, it seems too much about him, at least he's not rolling over and playing dead. If it fails long term, it won't be because Cyclone fans aren't good enough, it will be simply be because there aren't enough of them with the kind of disposable income it takes in the current college sports arms race.

Pollard's plan has people talking Cyclone football in January, that's good. He also runs the risk of something Iowa State cannot afford under any circumstances: angry donors.

A prediction in closing: Loophole or no loophole, there will not be an empty seat at the Iowa - Iowa State football game. I don't think ISU will sell enough season tickets to fill Jack Trice Stadium---I expect around 35,000, the most ever by 4,000---but there's no way we'll see empty sections for our state's biggest sporting event. Maybe those much talked about "tent parties" will require really big tents.

Scattershot quick hitters:

No way to spin it, the Big Ten conference was vastly overrated this football season. For the most part, the only time the Big Ten looked good is when conference teams were playing each other. USC dominated Michigan, and Florida flat out embarrassed and exposed Ohio State. The nearly two month layoff is way too much, and Ted Ginn did get hurt celebrating a touchdown, but Urban Meyer made Jim Tressell look like Jim Walden, and the game was over before halftime. I know because I have to do my son's chores for a week. I picked the Buckeyes.

Speaking of Walden, he looks smarter than at any time since the Nebraska game in 1992. (Where have you gone, Marv Seiler? Cyclone Nation turns its lonely eyes to you.) Walden was the only person in America to vote Florida #1 in the pre-bowl Harris Poll. I believe Walden when he says he thought Florida had played a much harder schedule---it had---but how can you not vote undefeated Ohio State #1 when it had beaten a #2 team twice? Turns out Texas and Michigan weren't worthy of being #2, but we didn't know that then. Maybe Walden did. Either way, he looks a lot smarter than he did when he tried to run the triple option at Iowa State? (Where have you gone, Bob Utter? Cyclone Nation turns its lonely eyes to you.) Jim is always a good interview, in good times and bad.

I voted Troy Smith for Heisman, and he went out and laid a ginormous egg. He had help, but Smith was awful. There are a few Heisman votes I'd like to have back, but he's not one of them. Until this week, he was at his best in big games.

Remember football season in this state? High expectations caused crushing disappointments. Men's basketball season is the opposite. No one expects much, so it's been a pleasant surprise so far. UNI is the state's best, Iowa plays hard and is fun to watch, ISU is well-coached and learning quickly, Drake had its moments in December.

I'm going to the I-Cubs Fanfest with my father this weekend. Nothing like heart surgery to remind me to make the most of every moment. My father never did the kind of things that make headlines, but he's a great man in all the ways that really matter.

I'm hooked on Friday Night Lights. I can't believe more people don't watch this show. It's more social drama than football show, but it's terrific.

So the Daily News reports Barry Bonds tested positive for amphetamines and promptly blamed a teammate. I'm shocked. SHOCKED! What will it take for this guy to just go away and leave Henry Aaron's hallowed record alone. Please. For once, Barry, do the right thing.

The Steelers opening couldn't come at a better time for Hawkeye fans. Pittsburgh appears ready to hire from in-house, and Ferentz looks determined to return Iowa to better days. I also think he's paid close attention to all the miserable NFL coaches who can't get back to the college game fast enough. Paging Nick Saban.

Grey's Anatomy returns tonight. I wonder if Izzie still has the $9 million dollar check pinned to her fridge, or if she actually might have deposited it where it would be earning thousands in interest. I love that show, but what a stupid storyline.

Rosie vs. Trump... who do you have? It's a tough call, but I'm going with Trump. Rosie spent years pretending she was the "queen of nice". Trump never disguised his exaggerated egocentric windbag act. He is what he is.

Just watched Invincible on DVD again. Love it. They shouldn't work so hard to disguise the fact Vince Papale played in the USFL, but it's a real Rocky story.

Erin's an addict, Ed clogs arteries, and Rocky Balboa is back!

Random thoughts from in and out of the sports world---mostly out.

Did you see Boise State win the Fiesta Bowl? Most exciting finish to a football game I've ever had the pleasure to witness. The offensive gameplane used by Chris Petersen and the Broncos is exactly what Iowa State needs. I know I've probably made this same point too many times, but at ISU, I believe you have to have a way to neutralize teams with better talent. Boise State did just that. Oklahoma had better players up and down the line, but the Broncos left Bob Stoops looking more confused than Courtney Love at a PTA meeting. Statue of Liberty to win? Brilliant! Cyclone fans should hope Gene Chizik and staff bring some of Boise State's daring and imagination. I don't care how great a recruiter and coach Chizik is---and his credentials look promising---ISU will never have the talent of Texas, not even close. Doesn't mean you can't pull an upset every now and then.

I have Erin Kiernan hooked on 24. She's learning to watch it the only way you should: on DVD hour-after-hour. Day-after-day. If she looks tired this week, blame Jack Bauer. And Erin's only on season one, so she won't get eight hours of sleep for at least a month. She has four more seasons after this one.

My buddy Ryan finally watched Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. He failed to see why I love it so much---on first viewing. Now that he's on 37, he gets it. "Well look, I like the Christmas Jesus best, and I'm sayin grace. When you say grace, you can say it to grown up Jesus, or teenage Jesus, or bearded Jesus, or whatever you want."

Erin, John and I all went to Ed's for a Christmas party, and we brought our loves with us. John's wife, Barb, taught us how to play pool---on the ceiling. Erin's husband, Michael, made Vince Vaughn seem like a mute. Ed's wife, Angela, taught Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart everything they know. Jenny and I just laughed and ate and drank. It was perfect. So we went back to Ed's on Christmas, and this time we brought my parents. True story. The Wilsons are amazing people.

Speaking of dinner at the Wilsons, my Dad just had emergency heart surgery at Mercy. He's doing great now and never lost his sense of humor. As soon as they told him he had an artery 95% blocked, he blamed all the rich food and tantalizing desserts at Ed's. My father also wanted me to put in a plug for the doctors and nurses at Mercy. He's truly thankful he got sick here instead of in his home state of Florida. He can't imagine there being a better place for first class care. A big "thank you" from me too.

I saw a few movies over the holidays. Oddly, I get more feedback through e-mail on movies than anything I write about sports. Hmm. Better not reflect on that too much. Snapshot reviews:

Blood Diamond: Very hard to watch. Absolutely brutal in parts. It's important this story of the diamond trade was told, but it's not light. Heartbreaking at times, inspiring at others.

Leonardo Dicaprio again proves he's the finest actor of his generation. He's so convincing in this role that you forget he's speaking with an accent. He can't compete against himself at the Academy Awards, so I don't know if he should push this or the Departed. He's great in both. Djimon Hounsou is also amazing in Blood Diamond. The actors get an A, the movie a B.

Pursuit of Happyness: Or as Jenny called it, The Pursuit of Depression. Incredible story of one man's perseverance against all odds, but this guy goes through so many downers, you half expect someone to come up and kick him in the stones just to drive the point home. Ultimately uplifting, and my mother loved it, but it could have used a few more minutes of happiness at the end. Will Smith is very good, his son Jade even better. B

Rocky Balboa: Returns the series to glory, or comes close enough. The original Rocky was a character study, and though Rocky III was a blast, that Rocky didn't resemble the man from the first one. "Rocky Balboa" is a perfect bookend to the original. You really don't need to see the middle four to have it make perfect sense. It's not endless action like Rocky IV ("I will break you"). It's the story of a lonely guy facing his own mortality. I got chills, and almost tears, when the famous theme music finally played. Talk about nostalgia. And though I couldn't see a way 60 year old Stallone could plausibly climb into the ring, he pulled it off. Bonus: the women I've talked to liked it as much as the men. I bumped this from a B+ to an A- because we no longer have to think of the crapfest known as Rocky V ending this great series. At least I hope this is the end.

We Are Marshall: A story so inspiring, it's surprising it took this long to tell it. I'm sure you know about the plane crash that killed the Marshall football team, coaching staff and several supporters... I won't rehash that. You'll find a lot of sports movie cliches in the two hours, but I don't care. I was moved, and enjoyed every minute. I was also thankful that Matthew McConaughey left his shirt on for a change. If you love college football, don't miss this one. If you're not a Bobby Bowden fan, you will be when We Are Marshall ends. You'll see what I mean. A-

Dreamgirls: The not so thinly veiled story of Diana Ross and the Supremes, though from what I've read about Ms. Ross she should be pleased with how Beyonce makes her look in this movie. In real life, Ross apparently couldn't elbow her way to the fame fast enough.

Eddie Murphy acts on a level we've never seen, and booted American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson steals the show. I watched this at the Wynnsong in Johnston, and when Hudson sings her show-stopping number, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going", people broke into spontaneous applause and cheers. When's the last time you've seen that happen? It is a spellbinding five minutes. She's incredible. Get Oscar ready and go see this if you don't mind people breaking into song in the middle of a conversation. Jenny can't take that; I don't mind much. B- even if you don't like musicals. B if you're neutral like me. A- if you have "Chicago" on DVD.

Holiday: What can I say... I have a weakness for chick flicks... and anything with Jack Black in it. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett aren't bad either. 15 minutes too long, but goes over like hot chocolate and a comforter on a cold night. See it with someone you love. Or want to. B+

Few other quick hitters. Did you see the first Friday Night Lights of 2007? The show keeps getting better. It's not for small kids though.

Loved seeing Polar Express Imax at the Science Center of Iowa. My son, Colin, loves trains so we already had the DVD, but this was a whole different thing. I'm not sure how big that screen is, but I did learn you don't want to sit in any of the first dozen or so rows.

Can you remember going into the Big Ten season with less buzz about Hawkeye basketball? And then they go out and beat Michigan State. Nice start.

The Drake bandwagon unloaded in a hurry. Don't give up. Lot of season left.

Bill Fennelly should have a lifetime contract.

Enough about Drew Tate.

I hope 2007 is your best year ever.
Keith

Now that's "Hawkeye football".

I only have a few minutes before the newscast, but wanted to express how impressed I was with Iowa's effort in the Alamo Bowl. Where's that team been since September?

I shouldn't be surprised, although I am, because Kirk Ferentz told me two weeks ago that he was re-energized and refocused on returning Iowa to "Hawkeye football"; that's the kind of play we've come to expect from Ferentz-coached-teams. More hustle, harder hits, fewer penalties, etc. Somehow it all went missing for most of this disappointing season and Kirk didn't pass the blame. He took responsibility and said he needed to make sure the Hawks did all the little things. Today in San Antonio, they did.

Well, almost. The game first turned on the ineligible receiver call. At first blush, I thought it was a horrible call, but upon further review of both the play and the rule book, I think they got it right. Chandler was in motion, so to be eligible he needed to either be on the end, which he wasn't, or in the backfield, which he really wasn't either. He was slightly behind the line, but not enough. 21-3 turned into 14-10, and the penalty had nothing to do with whether the play worked. The second biggest impact play was the ill-advised trick play with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter. It's true, if it worked, we'd all praise the daring call, but Iowa needed three points. This is one time conservative would have made more sense.

Other than that, a good all around effort from the coaches and players, especially Andy Brodell, who left the Longhorns stunned that a white guy from Iowa could run that fast, and Drew Tate, who once again proved he has enough heart to nearly make up for his temper. Nearly.

Great game. Glad I got to see it. I also think we witnessed that Kirk Ferentz will not let the "little things" slide again. I also hope everyone in Hawkeye country, including the coaches and players, realizes Iowa should have won this game. Big improvement, but not all the way back yet.

Happy New Year.