These are not necessarily my opinions...

...but I'm happy to give others a chance to "sound off".

I often receive lengthy letters we don't have time for on SoundOFF, and to pick a sentence or two takes them out of context.

Here's three recent letters in all their glory or shame. You decide:

Brian M. Kaldenberg writes this "memo" about the Kirk Ferentz era. And apparently Brian reads a lot of business books:

Analyzing Ferentz as (CEO), Iowa Football as a (Brand), and the Big 10 as an (Industry)…. And the 2005 Blue Print

College Football in essence is a business. I am going to put into perspective my opinion on why Ferentz was successful and is now faltering as a CEO of Iowa Football… in the competitive and rapidly changing Big Ten industry. Then my opinionated recommendation will conclude.

Ferentz entered as CEO in 1999. Ferentz’ point of differentiation was offensive line expertise combined with zone blocking, which was a rather new blocking scheme in college football at the time. Ferentz also put emphasis on tough, hard nosed run defense, and solid special teams… all core competencies of competitive Big 10 Industry.

After analyzing what he believed was needed for success in the Big Ten industry, Ferentz orchestrated and put together an excellent management team. He hired Philbin to manage the offensive line units. In 1999 the Big 10 industry was dominated by traditional power offenses so Ferentz went out and hired a defensive coordinator named Norm Parker. Parker had a proven track record at MSU, and was a great fit for a rebuilding the Iowa defense.

Ferentz then proceeded with the hiring of Ken O’Keefe. O’keefe was known as a creative offensive coordinator who was great at mixing the run and the pass, and used the play action. Ken O’keefe’s offense wasn’t greatly complex so the system could be learned quickly by the players.

First 2 seasons. Ferentz struggled out of the gate as CEO of Iowa Football, but he had a plan and he stuck to it. He and his management went out and recruited employees that fit and bought into the system. Many of these employees were not recruited heavily by the blue chip Big Ten companies so these employees were just happy to be with a Big Ten company and they bought into was their CEO was selling.

In Ferentz’ third year as CEO the Iowa Football team started to get things headed in the right direction. Iowa’s competitors were still doing what they did in the past because it had worked against Iowa in the past, but in year 3 Ferentz’s Vision was finally starting to take shape. Ferentz out performed half of his competitors in the Big 10 in his third year.

Ferentz next three years as CEO of Iowa were excellent. All of his planning, management and company culture came together wonderfully. Iowa matched up very well with the other major players in the Big 10 Industry. Ferentz was named Big 10 CEO of the year, and his company was right up there at the top with the other blue chip Big Ten companies.

2005 Enter Big 10 Industry Changing / Competitors Attack Ferentz in New Ways.

During Ferentz’ glory years everything he had planned for worked out as planned. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois all remained pretty much traditional in their offensive schemes, and their defenses basic for the most part. Ferentz’ management style defeated most of these competitors regularly. Some of the contests were close, but Ferentz almost always ended up negotiating a better deal. The one competitor Ferentz struggled with was Purdue and Iowa State. Ferentz was able to win most of his battles with these competitors, but the competition with these other two companies was sometimes painfully close. It just seemed like sometimes Ferentz schemes didn’t always work as well against the “new spread offense” and “blitzing defenses” type teams. Some of the board members (fans) sometimes wondered why Iowa Football always had employees line 8 yards off the line of scrimmage when guarding WR’s. Why doesn’t Iowa blitz?

Iowa Football price per share fell in 2005, but not anything to write home about. Iowa was recruiting better employees, the media was still loving them, and some were predicting Iowa to be the company of the year in 2006. Everything was O.K., and the board members (fans) wrote 2005 off as just a slow year because of the ECONOMY. Ferentz was given a salary raise to roughly $3M per year.

Well in 2005 the ECONOMY wasn’t slow… it was a year when the Big Ten Industry started to change. Indiana had a new CEO in Hoepner, and Illinois had their new CEO with Mr. Ron Zook. Both of these coaches run the spread offense… and played Iowa closer in 2005 than the score may have indicated. Oh, and Iowa’s long time foe still had their spread offense, blitzing CEO in Dan McCarney. McCarney dominated Iowa that year and had pretty much owned Ferentz since Ferentz was named CEO of Iowa in 1999. Northwestern also was becoming a well oiled spread offense machine. They also upset Kirk Ferentz Hawkeyes. And a blue chipper, the Ohio State University had recently changed to a spread attack. They absolutely embarrassed Iowa in 2005. Iowa’s offense also had seemed to become more predictable. It just seemed like things weren’t clicking like they used to.

Iowa fans didn’t see it coming, but the rest of the Big 10 industry did. The other Big 10 CEO’s knew how Ferentz had become so successful, but they also had evidence and a BLUE PRINT now for attacking Iowa. Ferentz was in a bad situation because almost half of the Big 10 did not fit the mold for his master plan. Half of the Big 10 had changed, half of the Big 10 had Adapted.

In 2006 the competitors officially rolled out the blue print. Iowa had its worst year in years. Iowa struggled again against this “NEW BRAND” of football. There were several teams that ran this new brand (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, NW, Ohio State). Iowa’s offense also seemed to be getting worse again. Some CEO’s and employees of other companies actually started to laugh at Iowa’s “Brand”. They said how simple it was to just follow the blue print.

After the 2006 debacle, the board members (fans) started to scratch their heads. Half of the fans were getting restless, while half were still behind Ferentz 100%. Ferentz promised change in 2007. Ferentz said this is not acceptable at Iowa Football. The fans who backed Ferentz tried to blame the head employee because they said he showed too much emotion. The fans tried to say that the employees were young. Yet, Iowa had just put together arguable its best stretch of employee recruiting in years… Fans tried to blame the management (KOK, NORM). What the fans don’t realize is that the management has to operate within the CEO’s direction.

Well now we are here in 2007. MN ousted their head coach for a spread option CEO. The Big 10 is now officially a totally different animal than what it was when Ferentz entered. IOWA’s “BRAND” of football is stale. It’s outdated. It’s not successful anymore.

2007 has shown very little change. Iowa Football has upgraded employee talent (DJK, ect.), but still management still chooses to go elsewhere for labor. Iowa never fires an employee for performance related reasons. Once a worker, always a worker no matter how you perform. The only way you get fired is for legal issues or injuries. Younger players don’t buy into the system anymore, and some of them have left or transferred. Employee turnover is at an all time high.

Recommendation. For those board members who are calling for new management (offensive, defensive coord).. does this mean hire new ones with the same philosophies?

My recommendation is that Mr. CEO Ferentz has to get an offensive coordinator who runs the spread option and a defensive coordinator who knows how to defend the spread option. This isn’t some fad offense…... This is what college football is moving towards and eventually will largely become. The days of QB under center and smash mouth football are coming to an end. The days of tier two teams winning without mobile quarterbacks who can rack up rushing yards is over. Football is going through what the wishbone/triple option went through two decades ago. Teams with less talent on average have to differentiate themselves. You can’t try to sell SUV’s when that’s what the blue chip companies are selling. You have to find a niche and attack the markets weakness. Hiring new management with the same overall philosophies as our current ones won’t do anything. We need new management for the “new era” of college football that is looming, and is already half way here. If Ferentz refuses to do this, he needs to be fired as CEO.


My take: Ferentz has earned more time and patience, but changes are needed.

Next up, Huxley Fire and Rescue sent this one in following the Iowa at Iowa State football game:

As an emergency responder (firefighter, EMT) I was frustrated and then extremely offended to learn that fans from the game, ordered down highway 69, were giving the finger to law enforcement officers and medical personnel. I realize, that traveling a two lane highway delayed further fan celebration and slowed returning home. I also realize, this can be very frustrating. What was lost in this frustration was that four people had died.
These fans actions were disrespectful to law enforcement, EMS, firefighters, victims and their families. They optimize the belief that such inconveniences are intolerable and unacceptable. How dare you ruin our day?

Yet, these fans inconvenience, when compared to the suffering of the families, and the sacrifices of all emergency responders, was the smallest price paid, and in the grand scheme of things, fades to insignificance.

It seems appropriate these fans should be burdened by shame, equivalent, to the amount of grief the families are feeling. If only for a moment, to give them pause and reflection. Perhaps, in this moment of clarity, they will find, in their cold black hearts, some level of compassion and understanding.

So sit on the highway, and be thankful it wasn't you, or better yet, say a prayer for a grieving family, and realize that a slight delay, even if it were hours, has cost you nothing. Sit there and thank God that emergency responders and law enforcement officers will go above and beyond, if it were you in need of help. Don't curse us or make gestures at us. Realize that 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we are there for you also.

My take: thank God for fire and rescue workers.

The guys with www.savecy.com sent me this after Jamie Pollard unveiled Iowa State's new football uniforms and identity:

1. We believe the majority of Cyclone Nation wants to keep Cy on the helmet or at least have him as a choice. Responses to requests to sign our petition (which is now over 1,600 signatures) reflect this with over 90% of those asked to sign actually signing.

2. This was billed as a helmet logo change when in fact it was an Athletics identity change. Cyclone Nation was not aware of this fact when they were made aware of the three logo choices and we don't feel that is fair.

3. To say that Cy is not going away is laughable. No one that we know ever believed that we would no longer be called the Cyclones or that the mascot squad would stop dressing up as Cy at public events and SaveCy.com has never suggested that. The fact of the matter is that everywhere you currently see the Cy logo you will be instead see the I-State logo if this change is made, so the mascot squad dressing up as Cy will be the only place you will see our mascot. At best this is a dramatic downplaying of Cy, at worst it is a complete removal of Cy from the ISU Athletics identity.

4. All of the arguments for making this logo change as presented by the Athletic Department are refuted on www.savecy.com. Log on for yourself to see the other side of the issue and to sign the petition.


My take: I appreciate the passion, but the new look is sharp.

Let these guys know how you feel. I know you will.

Keith

Thank goodness Dale Earnhardt Junior picked #88. Now I just need to add an 8 to my existing tattoo. I won't have to involve a laser...

Rick Ankiel isn't chasing down baseball's most hallowed record, like Barry Bonds, but I'd still say Ankiel got off easy in the court of public opinion after his alleged ties to HGH. Why the double standard? At best, Ankiel was a feel good story nobody wanted to spoil. At worst, the media single out those we don't like. Hey, at least Bonds is real. He never pretends to be anything but a jerk...

My favorite story of the week, the NFL no longer wants cheerleaders warming up in front of the opposing teams players because it's too big of a distraction. Hey, that's strategy!...

My mother recently filled in for me at the Des Moines Playhouse production of Cats. I was in an RV, mom was in my theater seat. She loved it. She even called me at intermission to go on-and-on about how good Cats was. I can't imagine I'd share her passion for people in cat costumes dancing, and she did say the second half wasn't quite as good, but if people in feline make-up make mom happy, I'm all for it...

3:10 to Yuma...that's more like it for me. What a great Western. Russell Crowe gives a wild, charismatic performance, and Christian Bale is even better as a dirt poor rancher who's willing to die if it means being a good father and a good man. The climax delivers the goods. I give it an A. Fans of westerns should not miss this one. My dad loved it too..

I'm watching the Black Donnellys on DVD. How did this Sopranos lite not work? It's good...

I'm glad the new TV season is finally here, though a sub par season of Rescue Me got me through the summer. The best buzz here at NBC is for Chuck. I'll give it a shot and report back...

Big thanks to the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau. These folks now how to make visitors welcome, hence the name, I guess...

I would have written sooner, but opening, not answering, opening the e-mail after an Iowa-Iowa State football game is a full-time job. Let me summarize:

-ISU fan: It's a Cyclone State! Deal with it you overrated choke-eyes. That's 7 of 10. Who's the little brother now?!

-Iowa fan: Same story. ISU was up for its Super Bowl, and Iowa didn't really care. The better team didn't win, just the one that wanted it more. The Cyclowns season is complete, while Iowa will now win games that actually matter.

It's just plain obnoxious. Here's what's real:

-ISU does have more to gain by winning, and the past ten years, the Cyclones have played with more emotion.
-If Iowa doesn't care, and it's ISU's Super Bowl, how did the Hawks win 15 in a row?
-No matter what happens from here, nothing changes the scoreboard. Yes, Iowa had the better team and season in 2002, but no matter how much some Iowa fans tried, nothing changed that one loss to ISU. Scoreboard trumps all in this one argument.

Several fans forwarded the following column from Paul Clark at www.cyclonereport.com

I am putting this post here so anyone and everyone can read it. This will crush one fallacy that is prevalent with Iowa fans and - more importantly - misinformed media people, regarding the Iowa State vs. Iowa game and in particular, the wins that ISU has posted in the last decade or so.

The fallacy is that ISU somehow musters a David-like performance to slay Iowa as Goliath. And it is, pure fiction and fantasy. Let me show you.

1998 - Iowa was indeed a huge favorite coming into the game. But Iowa wasn't very good, it was just that nobody realized it yet. Both teams went 3-8 and ISU won the head-to-head game. Superhuman effort? No, just one 3-8 team beating another.

1999 - Iowa went 1-10 and was a bad 1-10. Iowa State went 4-7 and was a good 4-7. This one is easy, the much better team won. Superhuman effort? No.

2000 - Iowa went 3-8 and Iowa State went 9-3. This one is beyond easy. The much, much, much better team won. Superhuman effort ? No.

2001 - Played at the end of the year, the teams came in with identical 6-4 records. Neither had done anything throughout the year to distinguish itself from the other. It was a ridiculously even match-up that ISU won by three at home. Three points, as in the standard home field advantage. Superhuman effort? No, just one 6-4 team beating another.

2002 - Based on entire seasons, yes, Iowa was the better team. At the time of the game, it wasn't so clear. ISU went 6-1 and reached #9 in the country before tanking. Iowa State was better against Fla. State, Nebraska and Texas Tech than it was against Iowa. Superhuman effort? It really wasn't, but I will concede this one only based on final records of 7-7 vs. 10-2.

2005 - Iowa was rated no. 8 and a big favorite, but it shouldn't have been. As the seasons played out, Iowa State went 7-4 and Iowa went 7-4. So the teams were pretty even and ISU won at home, with a final margin bloated by being +4 on turnovers. Super human effort? No, just one 7-4 team beating another.

2007 - See 1998 and 2005. We thought we knew how good these teams were based on two weeks. Could be right, could be wrong, we'll see how the respective seasons unfold.

The factual reality is: only Iowa State's win in 2002 can be considered to fit the mold of an ISU team beating an Iowa team it shouldn't beat. And in context, even that one has asterisk qualities to it. In 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2005, Iowa State was AS GOOD AS or BETTER THAN Iowa. Period and no one can make an intelligent argument against that statement.

Interesting. Do you agree? The bottom line on the ISU upsets for me is that most of those years (not 2002) Iowa came in overrated.

Another e-mail I've received from a few dozen people is this one:

Hawkeyes Announce 2008 Schedule
September 17, 2007
Iowa City, Iowa

The University of Iowa Athletic Department has released the 2008 football schedule, and it was a surprise to see Iowa will only play 3 teams next year.

Aug 30 - Bye
Sept 6 - Bye
Sept 13 - Bye
Sept 20 - Bye
Sept 27 - Bye
Oct 4 - @ Ohio State
Oct 11 - Bye
Oct 18 - Bye
Oct 25 - @ Michigan
Nov 1 - Bye
Nov 8 - Penn State
Nov 15 - Bye
Nov 22 - Bye

Gary Barta announced the change after the Hawkeyes lost, again, to in-state rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones. Barta, "Our great fans demanded that the Cyclones be removed from future schedules because the Hawkeyes had nothing to gain in national prominence by playing [the Cyclones]."

Barta went on to explain that after looking over the schedule there really weren't many teams that did give the Hawkeyes a chance to gain respect nationally. Iowa will only continue to play Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan.

After being questioned about past losses to struggling Big 10 programs such as Indiana, Northwestern, and Minnesota, Barta explained that [the Hawkeyes] couldn't win those games because [Iowa] is every teams' "Super Bowl" and that those games don't mean as much to Iowa.

In related news.....Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State look to end their series with Iowa as those schools have nothing to gain and everything to lose in national respect by playing the Hawkeyes.

Now that's funny. It should be noted the Hawkeye players and coaches, unlike many fans, did give the Cyclones credit for winning and did not make excuses, other than poor execution on Iowa's part.

I love the rivalry, and it's fun to not have a dog in the fight. Our second night in the RV, the sweetest lady you can imagine, and her daughter, brought us this huge gift basket full of goodies; everything from aspirin to blankets to beer. As she left, this Cyclone fan handed me a deck of Hawkeye cards and said, "I got these for you because I know you're a Hawk fan."

Last night at our channel 13 client party at the Science Center (which was fun, by the way), I had two Hawk fans corner me and just grill me about being a "Cyclone".

Basically, passion runs so high in this state, if you're not obviously for one side, you must be for the other.

Back soon with something other than this game. I'm sure you're tired of it too.

Drop the curtain on RVTV.

I'm finally home. I feel like I played a football game. I'm sore, sick, and exhausted, but I had a week I'll never forget.

RVTV reminded me how nice most people are. I need that because a lot of SoundOFF e-mails tend to be negative and nasty; not toward me, just in general. It stuns me how many folks dropped by the RV just to say "hi", and in many cases, to give us food, drinks, or a gift, expecting nothing in return. I wish I had time to thank everyone. (The food was appreciated. Looking back, we ate exactly one mean outside the RV. Everything else was at the table while working on the computer or editor---all seen by Web cam, not to mention Shawn's Magnum PI sleeping poses.)

I also loved male-bonding. Nothing beats being a dad, but every once in a while, it's good to hang out withe fellas, quote movies, make sophomoric jokes, and see who can smell the worst (Chris).

I'm blessed to work with guys like Shawn and Chris. They worked their butts off all week and turned in some memorable stories, many of them funny. Check out Chris as a heckling Hawkeye fan on ISU's campus or Shawn visiting Story County's Hawkeye Hideout by visiting the www.whotv.com video player. I'm proud of those guys, and they were fun to hang with.

I want to be mad at the ISU Marching Band, and Channel 13 reporter Jon Cahill, but I just can't. Punking us into staying up late and then blowing us out of bed at 6 a.m. with music turned up to 11 is funny. Can't be mad if it passes the "got ya, and it's funny" test. Can't believe how many people have asked me if that was staged. The answer: heck no. I wouldn't allow myself to be seen with that many eye boogers. Did you see Chris? He couldn't function.

I loved when Jenny and the boys came to visit. They spent most of the day in our Hot Springs Spa hot tub and had a blast. The kids ate all the cookies and cakes we never got around to. I missed them so much during the week (the kids, not the cookies and cakes); it was the blast I needed to make it to the finish line (especially after that wake-up call).

Jamie Pollard delivered. He put my face on a coin. I vowed not to leave until it happened---especially since Gene Chizik and I started the week with the same number of career head coaching wins, but Gene's one up on me now. (Big thanks to Pollard and ISU for hosting us all week. We had everything we needed, within reason.)

The Friday night ten p.m. news was a blast. Cyclone fans finally started showing spirit after a relatively flat week. Next to no one gave ISU a chance---including me---and look what happened. The ISU people at the RV rally started believing a little as the game approached.
They've seen ISU stun Iowa more than once.

We learned Iowa's not great. Turns out Northern Illinois and Syracuse are both awful. Iowa's schedule will make sure Iowa wins no fewer than six games, and probably eight, but the Hawkeyes have a lot of room for improvement. Can you believe Kirk Ferentz is 3-6 against ISU?

How did ISU get so much better from week two to week three? I have no idea. The Cyclones were a disorganized, mistake-prone mess those first two games. What a difference a confident, poised Bret Meyer makes, not to mention the game's star, Bret Culbertson. I couldn't be happier for a student-athlete. Every time Bret missed a big kick, he faced the media, accepted responsibility and never let it define who he is as a man. This guy deserved a moment, and boy did he have one against Iowa... all 15 points, and the game-winner. Culbertson told Shawn and me he thought about stopping by the RV several times. Good thing he didn't. Whatever Culbertson did worked, and it's nice to see a good guy from Des Moines Lincoln find redemption.

I cleaned out the RV, chugged some Red Bull, and headed back to Des Moines about an hour ago. I'm writing this from home. The nice folks at Great Outdoors RV Store were nice enough to pick up our now "slightly used" rig. They better bring Lysol.

I'm so tired my thoughts are all over the place, and likely somewhat incoherent, but I just mainly wanted to thank all of you who watched, read, or visited RVTV. You made it a fun experience, and we really appreciate it.

See you on SoundOFF... if I get my voice back (cold, not hoarse).

Keith

RVTV is back. We may not have picked the best week for a comeback, spirit is running on fumes in Ames, but we didn't know that when we green-lighted this craziness two weeks ago.

Thanks to Iowa State for allowing us to take up a bunch of space with our huge Great Outdoor RV Store RV (this is not Cousin Eddie's RV), channel 13 live truck, Hot Springs Spa hot tub, and my Explorer full of Casey's General Store food & beverages. Is that a record for plugs in one sentence, or what? I feel like Al Michaels.

Speaking of Al, thank you NBC for running the world's longest and most pointless post-game show. I realize the network has bills to pay, but do we really need separate segments for the Horse Trailer Award, Andrea Kreamer interview, and Al & John's final thoughts?

Okay, I'm just bitter because SoundOFF didn't start until 11 p.m. Sunday.

Back to the RV. This is my first outing with the new crew, and it's taken me all of one day to figure out something: Chris Hassel aint all there. This guy has more theories than Oliver Stone, and they're just as wacky. Not even this blog is a place for his thoughts on porta-potties.

Shawn Terrell is on the Shawn Johnson watch at the Des Moines International Airport. I wonder how many people on her plane realize that they're sitting near the world's greatest female gymnast. Johnson is tiny, but even the football players at her school---West Des Moines Valley---will look up to her after she wins gold in Beijing next summer.

So Shawn's not here. The other Shawn. The one who's 6'2" and doesn't smile as much. He'll join us later, which will be fun. It really is nice to bond with these guys. I get to live like a single slob with no responsibilities, or as Shawn and Chris call it, Monday.

Jamie Pollard will join us live at 10. I'll ask him about the ticket sales for Saturday, as well as what he thinks about the 0-2 start.

We'll keep writing. We hope you'll keep reading.

(*note: this is also posted on the RVTV blog, and updates the rest of the week will appear there)

Someone always scolds me in public when I make this blog just "sports"---this time it happened at Walgreen's. I promise to mix it up this week. I don't want to be called out at Kum & Go...

Hawkeye fans travel like no other. Well, slight exaggeration, but the bumblebees took over Chicago last weekend. It was like a September bowl game. Wrigley Field on Friday, Soldier Field on Saturday, what's not to like?! That was a home game for Northern Illinois in name only. Hawk fans stole the stadium...

So what do we know about the Iowa football team now? Next to nothing. We know the Hawks aren't bad, and they're not really good. We'll find out which direction they go from here. Last year, they went from good to bad. This year, I like Iowa's chances of going from pretty good to very good...

Best thing to happen to quarterback Jake Christensen: he's been no better than solid. Iowa fans have a history of anointing young quarterbacks as the next Chuck Long before they've earned it . ("Beutjer is the future" anyone?) Christensen will get better, and most importantly, he doesn't turn the ball over. That's an underrated part of being an effective quarterback, avoiding mistakes...

Right. Time for something non-sports.

I went to see Superbad in Kansas City with Jenny. As were deciding between a car payment and popcorn, I looked to my left and whispered to Jenny out of the side of my mouth, "Hey, standing next to me... it's George Brett." I've interviewed a lot of famous people, but I still turn into a kid when I see one of my boyhood sports heroes...

Brett and his family followed us into Superbad. To give you an idea of just how raunchy and profane this movie is, Brett's wife led two kids out of the theater within five minutes. Good move. Eventually Superbad is all heart, but along the way, we are subjected to every swear word and penis reference you can imagine. I pray teens don't actually act or talk as depicted in the movie, but I realize I'm sounding like my parents. Bottom line: the movie is a little too long but very funny if you're not easily offended. I'm 43 and I could never watch this with my parents. B from me. George seemed to like it too... (After first writing this review, Shawn Terrell took his girlfriend to Superbad. She described the experience as being "blindsided". Shawn has to go see the Nanny Diaries as punishment. That's harsh, but I'm sure he deserves it. Anyway, exercise caution when going to Superbad. It could be rated NC-17 for language alone.)

I just received Premonition from Netflix. That's 94 minutes of my life I can't get back. What the heck was that? It makes less sense than Miss Teen South Carolina. A grade of C because Sandra Bullock is still interesting to watch, even when she's in a plot written by people who must have been baked...

I'm always stunned how many Iowa people go to Chiefs games. We were surrounded by Central Iowans during out tailgate. They were nice people too, but you knew that. Arrowhead Stadium is even loud during those meaningless, overpriced preseason games. Can't wait to go back...

Thanks to KXNO's Jon Miller for filling in for Heather this week on SoundOFF. He did a great job---the man knows his college football---and Heather made every minute count in Chicago. Cubs game, Hawks game, Cubs game, Cubs game...

Big congrats to Hoover's football team. You deserve it guys...

Cyclone fans, the sky is not falling. It is a little less blue.

We should have known better, but the hype machine at Iowa State has been so relentless that it was easy to ignore logic and start believing Gene Chizik could work miracles. He can't. Even if he does have his own coin.

I think time will prove Chizik a good coach, and a good hire. I know as a defensive coordinator, Chizik hardly ever lost at Texas or Auburn, but those players didn't come with him to Ames. It still comes down to talent, and Iowa State needs more. We also must give these guys more time to learn a new system. As Chizik said, this season will be a roller coaster. However, a Big 12 team, even one in transition, should never lose at home to a MAC team. Ever.

Iowa State better sack up and get ready for Northern Iowa. If ISU wants to see disappointment turn to despondence 2 games into a guy's head coaching career, then lose to UNI.

Other thoughts from ISU's first game:

-I was wrong, the gold pants did not help the uniforms. The Cyclones still look like Happy Meals on legs.
-Brett Culbertson is a good guy, but what a shaky start to his Senior season. I hope he bounces back. He always does.
-Quarterback Bret Meyer never looked comfortable in the new offense. That's not good. Kent State is not Kansas State.

-J.J. Bass won't give the job back. He's real.

-The defense has potential. The offensive line looked better.

-The opening game crowd was the largest and most energetic I've ever seen at Iowa State. The fans did their part.
-I still maintain you must run a creative offense to win important Big 12 games at ISU. The Cyclones will never have the talent of Texas, Oklahoma or Nebraska. Iowa State needs to get creative. It was only game one, but it was vanilla vs. the Golden Flashes.
-Ben Bruns is a pleasure to listen to on the Cyclone radio broadcasts because he's not the usual cheerleader. He calls them like he sees them, an increasingly rare trait these days as more and more announcers fear they'll lose their jobs if they don't keep everything positive, and they're probably right. That's a shame. Listeners and viewers deserve better...

Before I check out, a standing ovation for Steve Loney. Drake goes to #7 Illinois State and the non-scholarship Bulldogs stun the Redbirds and all their free ride players. Wow. One of the biggest upsets in our state's history. Drake may want more than year out of Loney...

Has Kirk Ferentz lost control of the Hawkeye football program? I don't think so. Ferentz is the kind of guy who expects the best from his players, and sometimes they let him down. He's not one to assign an assistant to check Facebook on a daily basis, though that may change now...

Dominique Douglas, Anthony Bowman, Arvell Nelson and James Cleveland used bad judgment when posing for, and posting, pictures lifted straight out of Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless. (underage teens holding expensive liquor bottles, showing off gaudy gold watches, fanning wads of cash --- you can see it all by clicking "As Seen on 13" at whotv.com.)...

None of this would be news if Police hadn't arrested Douglas, Bowman, and Nelson. The first two for allegedly stealing two credit cards and charging more than two thousand dollars; the latter for failing to show up for a traffic ticket court appearance. (Cleveland, he of the Dale Junior jacket, is not accused of any wrongdoing) The pictures without the charges amount to nothing more than foolish posturing, but add in guys accused of stealing to buy accessories that go with the images projected in the Facebook pictures, and you have context, even though there's no proof the credit cards were used to buy anything in the photos. Heck, there's not even proof anything illegal is being done in any of the pictures. But how could these guys be that stupid?...

It's way too early to give up on Ferentz, or this Iowa football season. Both will be fine. It's true, 13-12 the past two seasons proves Ferentz isn't perfect, but who would you rather have? I think Ferentz is a good man, and I know he can coach. He does need to tighten the reigns of discipline, and the guess here is he will...

Dumb jock quote of the week from Stephon Marbury on Michael Vick: "He is a good human being, and I think he just fell into a bad situation." Wrong, Stephon. Vick didn't "fall into a bad situation"; he made one. The man is about to plead guilty to funding and staging the cruelest kind of dogfighting, and he's accused of brutally killing under-performing dogs. This is not a good human being, but let's hope he can become one...

I have a bunch of lighthearted stuff I want to write about my recent trips to Arrowhead and Wrigley, but all the above has drained my joy. I'll be back soon to catch up...

Thank you for your time.
Keith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk to you soon...

Broadcasting can be a cruel business, but some people earned the right to go out on their own terms. KIOA's Dic Youngs is one of the those people. What were they thinking?...

I'm still watching ESPN's The Bronx is Burning, but it could have been better with two easy decisions. 1) Take those ridiculous Dumbo ears off actor John Turturro. Yes, Billy Martin had prominent ears, but he didn't look like a Slug Bug with both doors wide open. 2) Drop the jarring Son of Sam detective scenes. It feels like you just accidentally hit the clicker and ended up on a bad episode of CSI-The Bronx. As Shawn Terrell suggests, they should have just used news reel footage to capture the community panic feeling...

The Bourne Ultimatum is awesome. If you loved the first two Bournes, and I did, you'll love this one too. It is a hold your breath, dig your nails into the arms of your chair, thrill ride from start to finish. I nearly had motion sickness from the "you are there" camera work. A-
In 40 Year Old Virgin one of the characters (Paul Rudd) says ''You know, I always thought that Matt Damon was, like, a Streisand, but I think that he's rockin' the s--- in this one.'' I never thought Damon was a "Streisand", but he is rockin' the s--- in this entire trilogy. Come back for more, Matt...

For you parents with small kids, Underdog is tolerable, although they made the mad scientist a little too scary for my 3 year old, Colin. He said three times, "I no like that guy". I no like the movie much, but as these predictable outings go, it was okay. C

I still can't believe that ridiculous erectile dysfunction ad, Viva Viagra. 30 years since we lost the King, and he has to put up with this!? I can hear him rolling. As I said on SoundOFF, what's next... Burning Love for Chlamydia?

ISU and Iowa football media day shows both teams feeling confident about their upcoming seasons. This makes them exactly like every other college football team in America...

Props to Iowa State for upgrading its look considerably. The gold pants keep the Clones from looking like, as Heather said, "McDonald's french fry boxes with legs". I like that description of the awful red-on-red look better than my bloodclots...

I don't see how Iowa can win fewer than seven games...

Barry Bonds did it. It was hard to watch, and hard not to watch...

Here's a discussion I recently had with one of this blog's readers. I always appreciate civil discourse:

Anonymous said...
Well, Keith, Urbandale just won a state baseball title not too long ago. I don't think they should get to have it though, or at least, there should be an asterisk by their name in the book. I'm sure most of the kids have been taking creatine and other performance enhancing supplements. They are cheaters too!
August 3, 2007 2:40:00 PM CDT
Keith Murphy said...
Bonds didn't peak in his late thirties by using creatine and flintstone chewables, but I'm sure you already knew that. Hank Aaron sure knows it.
August 4, 2007 11:17:00 AM CDT
Anonymous said...
That's not the point. The point is, creatine is a performance enhancing supplement. We just as well level out the playing field if we are going to be calling people cheaters right? If Bonds did steroids, they were not illegal to use in baseball at the time he did use them. What if creatine became illegal? There's no difference. It doens't matter anyways, Bonds will have the record anyways and it will be in the record book without an asterisk. Have a nice day.
August 6, 2007 10:15:00 AM CDT
Keith Murphy said...
Steroids and HGH, among others, were illegal and dangerous at the time Bonds, and many others, used them. Creatine, as we debate, is safe and legal. To say there's no difference is like saying beer is the same as heroine. Creatine doesn't cause your feed and head to grow, your emotions to rage, and your heart to potentially explode. As noted, Bonds was always a great player, he just wouldn't be where he is without widespread and relentless cheating, but neither would many others. He's just the most talented of the abusers.Unfortunately, the whole era needs an asterisk.
August 6, 2007 10:40:00 AM CDT
Keith Murphy said...
p.s. Just to follow up your point about steroids not being illegal at the times Bonds used them. Yes, in fact, they were illegal. They weren't "banned" by baseball yet, but they were still against the law. Let's hope baseball assumed it didn't need to ban substances and acts that are against the law. Do we need crack listed as a banned substance? Should armed robbery be against baseball rules? Or can we safely assume if it's against the law or illegal, you don't do it?
August 6, 2007 10:44:00 AM CDT

I enjoyed the discussion with "anonymous", though I wish he or she would sign in next time. It's nice to put a name with a viewpoint...

Thanks for all the feedback.

Keith

Did you happen to catch Marty & Miller Thursday afternoon on KXNO? It was riveting radio. Marty & Miller's guest was an executive from the Big Ten Network, and not only did they ask him every imaginable tough question, they told him the Network was being foolish, arrogant, and condescending in its fight with Mediacom. The sparks were flying the way they were when Marty had Jamie Pollard's voice climbing three octaves of frustration a few months ago. The Big Ten guy had just come from a rally of like-minded Hawkeye fans, Ken called them Kool-Aid drinkers, and the suit couldn't figure out why anyone would be opposed to his Network.

Marty & Miller occasionally act on hearsay instead of actual facts, but they deserve credit for being real with their interview subjects. Too often, hosts bash a sports figure until he's on the air with them, then it's all compliments and softballs. Not these guys. Plus, Marty & Miller know what makes good radio, and confrontation, if not faked, definitely qualifies...

With more than 3,000 votes in 24 hours, 87% of you say you're not willing to pay an extra $1.10 a month to receive the Big Ten Network. In a separate poll, 93% say you side with Mediacom. These results aren't scientific but they are telling, and they tell me the Big Ten Network has some work to do. It's not good for the Big Ten when most people side with Mediacom despite the PR nightmare with KDSM (i.e. Sinclair Broadcast Group) just 7 months ago...

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany told central Iowans in a put pressure on Mediacom luncheon that the Network might broadcast the RAGBRAI race. Race? Here's another word that starts with "r": research...

I don't have a dog in this fight---Scratch that; Michael Vick has made that expression morbid--- I really don't care who wins the staring contest, I just want the Big Ten Network on my TV options come September. If I don't have it, I'll have to abandon Mediacom, which I don't want to do...

Common question these days: Which pro league commissioner faces the biggest crisis? Here's the way I see it:

1) David Stern, NBA. Evidence and allegations that an NBA official bet on, and perhaps fixed, games shake the public trust that's essential to thriving, if not surviving. There's a reason the Black Sox Scandal nearly ruined Major League Baseball. We must believe what we're seeing is real, or you might as well hire Vince McMahon as commish. Who doesn't look at that Spurs-Suns playoff debacle differently now?
2) Bud Selig, MLB. Major League Baseball continues to set attendance marks, so it's on strong ground, but Selig should share in the embarrassment that is Barry Bonds. Bonds is merely the figurehead for the ugly steroid era, partly because he's such a jerk, and mostly because he's going to bring down the most hallowed record in all of sport. He wouldn't be close without the use of wide-ranging "supplements". He'd still be great, and still be a jerk, just not as great, and not as jerky.
3) Roger Gooodell, NFL. The accusations against Vick are beyond disturbing, and I'm sure he's not the only NFL player caught up in the ugly subculture of pit bull-induced-machismo, but the Feds indicted Vick, and he's likely going to jail. Goodell had already wisely started dropping hammers on these boneheads who don't get it. We trust the league; we just don't trust some of the guys in it.

Of course, whoever runs the Tour de France needs to just resign and cancel the race until they can clean it up. What a joke. I continue trying to believe that even though virtually all of the world's best cyclists have been caught doping or are tied to cheating, that Lance Armstrong found a way to win seven straight on willpower, but I'd be lying if I didn't say logical doubts creep in. That's more an indictment of the sport than recent allegations against Lance...

I lost it laughing on SoundOFF Sunday night. I couldn't help it. B-Ross and I did a "skit" on the Chizik Coins and the director stayed on the video beyond our expectations and we came out of character. You can watch me laugh like a girl, again, on I Think at whotv.com I can't help that these Chizik coins make me laugh. It's worked out well for Community State Bank, but I chuckle every time I think of putting the face of a man who has yet to win a single college football game anywhere on a coin. Chizik deserves props for saying his 6 year old wondered the same thing. I realize Chizik's just doing what was asked and trying to help Iowa State...

Chizik's hiring of his friend from Texas as Iowa State's "volunteer life skills adviser" proves the football coach got just what he wanted, and I'd guess, what he was promised when he was hired. Chizik often mentions he chose Iowa State because of the AD and President's commitment to do whatever it takes to win. Chizik wanted the chaplain, and for all intents and purposes, he has his man. His exact man...

Shawn wonders who's left to play D-back for the Hawkeyes. Good question. Might be time to worry a little, and give thanks for the relatively easy schedule. I still see Iowa winning 8 or 9 games...

I'm taking the boys to The Simpsons Movie today. I honestly think we're going because of the song Homer sings on the commercial, "Spider Pig, Spider Pig...does whatever a Spider Pig does." Well, that and 18 years of consistently good shows... (update: Loved it. A grade of A if you're already a convert, B if you rarely or never watch the Simpsons.)

Fitness recommendation of the week: Female athletes looking to take their fitness, and therefore their game, to the next level should check out www.6minutecircuits.com Actually, the plan works well for women (and men) just trying to burn fat and get in shape. John Barban sent me the workouts to try, and they're well designed and effective. It's more than a middle-aged sportscaster needs (I'm still recovering), but my teenage son is now doing them to prepare for football season. If you have any questions, John will answer them personally at John@grrlathlete.com

I just read Felicity Huffman's A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants To Be One - For Every Girl Who Wants To Build One. It's full of good tips like, "How to look like you're listening, even when you're not (If you're busted, just say "You're so pretty, I'm distracted.") It also warns us to never, ever wear tighty-whities...

Don't miss Shawn Terrell's interview with Ernie "Schoolboy" Johnson. The former Negro Leagues star from Des Moines doesn't just discuss history, he helped make it. The interview is on 13 Raw, and you can see some really cool and important paintings and memorabilia from the Negro Leagues at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines through October 28th...

Can't believe it, but I'm hooked on VHI's Scott Baio is 45 and Single. There are so many guys I know who could learn from this show, and at one point, I was one of them. I can wrap up the wisdom in one sentence---Appreciate what you have instead of searching for what you don't have---but it's fun to watch someone else take the journey...

Thank you for the nice notes, and even the critical ones, in the feedback. I appreciate all opinions, even those that are wrong... (editor's note: the last part is a joke.)

Hope to see you at Zearing Days Saturday. I'll be the guy in the outfield trying not to rip his hamstring (Well, one of two guys if John Bachman plays)...

Finally a shout out to Kendra Daly. Thank you for the gear from the Tim Dwight and Nate Kaeding football camps. It's so nice, it's worth attending for the gear alone. I'm passing it out to kids in the neighborhood, and they love it. Much appreciated...

Michael Vick is an idiot. Even if he didn't personally hang and electrocute dogs, and he may have, it's beyond a stretch to think all this despicable criminal activity went down on his property without him knowing. The Feds don't indict unless they're sure they've got you, and I think Vick's headed to prison...

Kudos to Greg McDermott for booting team MVP Mike Taylor. Taylor never did anything violent---like Berryman---or truly awful---like Pierce, but he was one of those guys who just doesn't get it. How many second chances do you want? McDermott's not just talking a tough game, he's following through. The Cyclones will be better for it. I'm so sick of coaches who say they're disciplinarians, and are as long as it's a second or third team player in trouble, but once it's a star, we're treated to the same old speech about due process or second chances. Nice job, Greg...

For the first time in a long time, I'm encouraged that the sports culture is slowly changing. I think everybody has had it up to HERE with thugs. The NFL & NBA Commissioners seem to sense we're all sick of these pampered and spoiled athletes acting like they're entitled to whatever they want, laws be damned, and we're supposed to keep paying to watch them play. Enough already. They're blessed with a great opportunity. If they don't appreciate it, toss them out on their butts...

The Big Ten Network and Mediacom better figure this TV deal out soon. Does anyone want to hear more spin from each side? The one thing that should not happen, cannot happen, is no option. Put the channel somewhere. I sat in disbelief last January when KDSM went to color bars on my Mediacom cable, and couldn't believe I had to break out the tinfoil and rabbit ears for the BCS title game...

Some Major League players are not the most agreeable guys to deal with when they're sent to Des Moines for rehab or because they're demoted. I'm happy to report Cubs closer Ryan Dempster was really cool, couldn't have been nicer to Shawn Terrell & Chris Hassel...

My friend B-Ross loves to defend Barry Bonds. He knows I think Bonds is a jerk who cheated the game and (soon) sport's most hallowed record. Nothing will change my mind about that, but B-Ross makes a good point when he says "at least Bonds aint no phony". True. And "at least Barry didn't put the hurt on anyone else". Also true, unless you count the scores of people he's verbally abused, but point taken. Bonds is not a good guy, but there are far worse role models in sports (see first paragraph)...

Zach Johnson needs to find the joy in golf again. He's been pulled in so many directions since winning the Masters; he looks like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has trouble saying "no", and it's wearing him out...

Our other Johnson, Shawn, is going to go from star to superstar next summer. I think the West Des Moines dynamo will win the women's gymnastics all-around gold medal, which is the most watched night of television at the summer Olympics (think Mary Lou Retton). Shawn has the total package of appeal, and five medals (four gold) at the Pan Am Games proves she's a force...

Which Johnson is a bigger star? Vote on the whotv.com sports page...

As promised, took the kids to High School Musical at the Des Moines Playhouse. It was packed full of parents and grandparents with their kids, and I saw nothing buy smiling faces on the way out (I can't imagine how many hours the young and talented cast had to log to get all the choreography down). The story is beyond simple and G-rated right out of the 50's, but my boys loved it. The only problem is Cade (age 6) wanted to rent the movie, and it was checked out everywhere, so I had to splurge for the full $20. While shopping, Cade discovered this entire cottage industry of High School Musical stuff. I should never go in to Target...

Shawn Terrell keeps playing Go Cubs Go here in the office, and I can't get it out of my head. Not sure I want to either. They're on a roll...

Chris Hassel says mascots kind of freak him out. You know, the way they stare at you and never blink. We changed his screensaver to Cubbie Bear. Chris nearly had to go home sick...

Things I'm thankful for on TV this week: The incomparable Denis Leary is back on Rescue Me; Scott Baio is Single and 45 is actually entertaining and wise; The Bronx is Burning is not very good, but I still enjoy all things baseball. Well, not all. I tried to get a refund for Major League 3...

Can't wait to see Rescue Dawn. It looks awesome...

Jamie Pollard has what my grandpa called big onions. I'm not even sure how Pollard walks around. The House Speaker asks for 175 tickets to the Iowa-Iowa State football game and Pollard tells Pat Murphy he'll need 175 season tickets. Onions! Murphy turned to the U of I and got what he wanted.

I recently sent Pollard an e-mail. I asked ISU's Athletic Director if he'd sell a Cy-Hawk single game ticket to any of the following people:

Tiger Woods
President Bush
The Pope

So far, no response. I'll keep you posted...

I want to thank all the nice people who sent thoughtful notes about Heather Burnside taking over the co-host role on SoundOFF. It blew me away how many of you care about the show, and worried about who would sit in that chair. While I know, and you know, no person is going to be met with 100% acceptance, I think Heather's a great fit. She's bright, quick, and irreverent---not to mention thick-skinned; a prerequisite for SoundOFF. The show continues to evolve, just as it always has. Look for more tweaks this week...

By the way, Marty Tirrell's rant about suing Heather was hilarious. Heather affectionately said on SoundOFF that Marty was "nuts". The next day on KXNO'S Marty & Miller, Marty said repeatedly he was going after her for libel and defamation of character. I couldn't believe how many people bought it. Heather says she had 17 voice mails when she got home. Marty and Heather like each other. The whole gag reminded me of two other times Marty & Miller had people going. One involved Bob Costas, the other Zach Johnson; so Heather's in good company...

It's softball season. If you're interested in taking on the channel 13 team, and you have a paramedic nearby, please contact our softball guru, B.Ross. He can be reached at brian.ross@whotv.com (now you know his whole name). In two weeks, we'll be defending our titles at Zearing Days, one for softball and one for partying. I wasn't much help with either championship last year. I tore a hamstring, had to stop playing, and used the cold beer cans to ice my thigh. What a pathetic story that is...

Props to the Iowa Speedway for going right to work on that traffic nightmare of June 24th. The gravel is down, and I'm looking forward to taking the family out to watch Mark Martin and company Friday night...

The hot dog eating contest is out of control. I'm happy an American won on the 4th of July, but did we really need to see a legend like Kobayashi trying to swallow his own puke?! That's what he was doing. Throwing up in his mouth. The same thing I did when I heard Ann Coulter's latest diatribe...

Speaking of the book selling hate speak Ms. Coulter's been spewing... It made me sad that my recent criticism of her made so many people certain I must have a political agenda. It's come to that America? You speak out against hurtful hate and you're labeled? Interestingly, when I blasted Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton for some their recent nonsense, none of the people who ripped me and defended Coulter seemed to have any problem with the knocks on the reverends. I know because I have all the e-mails. When did we get so divided? I hate it...

Enough of the that. There was a water polo tournament in Des Moines this past weekend. The sport takes incredible endurance and skill. You hardly ever see coverage, so we responded to their news release and sent Chris Hassel to do a story. One problem: no interviews! A sport desperate for attention turns away publicity. Try to make sense of that. Oh well, we showed highlights anyway...

I love college football. We have room for Grand View. Welcome to America's favorite sport Vikings fans...

My annual check of flags flying the colors at Clear Lake on Independence Day showed marked improvement for Iowa State, but still no top two ranking. Here is my unscientific findings on the flag top 3:
1 United States
2 Iowa Hawkeyes
3 ISU Cyclones
4 Notre Dame

Seriously, what the heck was Tony LaRussa thinking? I can't believe it, but I was really into the All-Star game. It was like I was a kid again, back when the game mattered because the starters played more, there was no interleague play, and TV hadn't watered down the wow factor of seeing the stars in living color. So after Alfonso Soriano pulls the NL within 1 in the bottom of the 9th, the AL keeps walking batters, but Pujols just sits there PEEVED. LaRussa says he was saving him. Saving him for WHAT! You can't play extra innings unless you tie the game first...

Ichiro is the real deal. I'd pay to watch him play any day. In fact, I did, down in Kansas City a couple years ago and he hit a grand slam. The guy may slap singles, but he can go deep when he wants to, or keep it in the park and run around the bases like he did Tuesday night...

I loved Transformers. Can't believe it, but I really did. Shia Lebeouf is a star, and headed for superstardom. The young man carries the movie. He's funny, endearing, and heroic. No wonder Spielberg thinks he's the next Tom Hanks. Transformers made me laugh many times, which I didn't expect. The robots are really cool too. I give it a B+. The only thing keeping me from grading it higher is the endless product placements and an ending that goes on a little too long. Pleasant surprise, and even more shocking, Jenny liked it too...

I'm taking the kids to High School Musical at the Des Moines Playhouse this weekend. Apparently this is their generation's Grease. By e-mail, I asked Lee Ann Bakros with the Playhouse if that was the case. Lee Ann's answer:

High School Musical has a definite Grease vibe -- kids from different cliques falling for each other -- but the message is it's okay to be a jock who also likes to sing and a brainiac who also likes to act. (As opposed to Grease, where I think the message is you need to dress like a tramp to get your man.)

Well played, Lee Ann. Though I must say, guys my age will never forget when Olivia Newton John showed up in the leather. Yowza...

Am I missing something? Iowa State athletics now has a "life skills" adviser, but I don't see it as a runaway victory for Gene Chizik and Jamie Pollard. President Geoffroy said "no" to a paid staff position for a chaplain, which is what Chizik asked for, even if that request stated the salary would come from private donations. Geoffroy also added a lengthy list of guidelines and restrictions that the volunteer counselor must now follow. Keep in mind ISU football had a volunteer chaplain on previous teams. On the victory front, Geoffroy didn't shoot down the role altogether, which puts Chizik's man on the scene. I find it curious so many of the media stories make it seem like Chizik got exactly what he wanted. Take a closer look...

Jerry Crawford is a smart man. Is he smart enough to purposely release a list of five awful nickname finalists for Des Moines' new NBA D-League team just so we'll all be outraged and talk about it endlessly? I don't know, but if he is, PT Barnum and Bill Veeck tip their hats from the great beyond...

Thanks to you, and the outrage you showed here and other places, we will not be the Corncobs or River Rats. Thank heavens. KXNO's Marty Tirrell told me Crawford dropped a hint of the new name on John Bachman's Insiders. Crawford said the name would bring a lot of "energy". Will it be Marc Hansen's suggestion of the Energy? Or is one of KXNO's callers correct when he predicts the Red Bulls? After all, Des Moines will be an affiliate of the Chicago Bulls, and Red Bull brings energy, not to mention cash. I'm still writing about it. Maybe Crawford is a genius...

Anyone who still believes in Ann Coulter after what she said about John Edwards needs his or her head examined. I don't care what side of the aisle you're on...

After nearly a year, Shawn Terrell is finally on vacation. Shawn if you're reading this, stop. You've earned the time off...

Our new guy, Chris Hassel, does good impressions, and he won't stop singing that Toby Keith song where Toby sings, "Cause we'll put a boot in your ass. It's the American way." I know many people love it, others find it objectionable, but it just makes me laugh...

I had a lifetime memory Tuesday night. My 73 year old father asked me to take him to the midnight showing of Live Free or Die Hard. Yes, he's that big a fan of John McClane. Dad and I were joined by two other diehard fans (or is it Die Hard fans) at the Cobblestone (this is the theater when you want to avoid a crowd). I'm happy to report Die Hard 4 delivers the goods. It's one of the best action movies I've seen in years. My dad actually loved it the most of the four, but come on Pops, nothing beats the original, Entertainment Weekly's accurate pick as the best action movie of all time (and most copied). A- We got home at 2:30 a.m....

McClane tortures his young sidekick, well played by Justin Long, with Creedence Clearwater Revival music. I love Creedence. I think John Fogerty is the most underrated mainstream artist of the past three decades. If you need evidence, listen to his solo and group greatest hits Long Road Home. Song after song after song is instantly familiar. Great album...

As previously mentioned, I'm a Diet Pepsi addict. Heck, DP is even in the SoundOFF Hall of Fame. You can imagine my excitement when I stopped by Kum & Go and saw Diet Pepsi Max. Just what I need: more caffeine!...

Shaq is teaching kids how to get in shape? The guy who joins his team 10 seconds after they arrived on offense? Well, at least he's seems sincere about helping...

I keep hearing from a "bored 25 y.o. girl". Why are they all 25, and why are they all bored? I'm sorry; I can't help...

Who whines more, Kobe or Danica? I'll go with Kobe. He wanted to be the Man, now he is. Shut up and play...

I spent two days at the Iowa Speedway and walked away impressed. It's an incredible facility. You instantly feel like you're in a bigtime facility, because you are. Jenny and I tailgated, after buying Iowa Speedway sweatshirts (where was that 85 degree weather, Ed?), and people couldn't have been nicer. The race itself was a little on the boring side. They need to find ways for more passing. It's not good racing when pits and wrecks decide who wins. Still, I loved it, and we'll be back...

The biggest success of the Iowa Corn Indy 250 is that it attracted many non-traditional race fans, like my parents. That's what made it such a big deal. Many Knoxville Raceway fans were offended and displeased with all the talk of "biggest race in Iowa". Yes, the Nationals championship is a more important race, and attracts more people over a four day period, but this was an "event". Maybe we should have said "most important event based around a race". The folks in Knoxville should be pleased more fans are trying a night at the races. They won't regret going to a sprint car race. It's far more exciting than IRL racing...

Oh yeah, fix the traffic problem. If I want a nightmare like that, I'll leave late for the Iowa-Iowa State football game...

Took the kids to Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The surfer was cool, Jessica Alba hot, and The Human Torch fun, but this movie made no sense. Why is Earth being destroyed? Could you repeat that Mr. Surfer? C if you're an adult. B if you're 12 or under...

Nice to see New Orleans draft Adam Haluska. He's 6-5, can shoot in the open or off the dribble, great athlete---if there's no room for a guy like that in the NBA, the league is worse off than Paul Shirley makes it sound...

As Dr. Phil says, "You either get it, or you don't". Pacman and Tank don't...

Did you see Iowa State's wrestling schedule? Cael wants that national championship sooner, not later...

Great job by my man, B.Ross last Sunday night. KXNO'S Marty Tirrell is in this week. I wonder if he'll have any opinions.

Live Free or Die Hard,
Keith

Corncobs, Thoroughbreds, Maize, River Rats, or Scarecrows? Is this really the best we can do for our new NBDL team? I realize it was a contest aimed at involving the public (i.e. potential customers), but maybe the team should rethink this strategy. Am I being too harsh, or do you like one of these nicknames? Maybe I'll warm up to one. I like Corncobs the most, until I realize every guy I know will snicker at the name. River Rats seems okay, except we'd call ourselves RATS!Who wants a logo with a rat on it? Thoroughbreds doesn't work. Scarecrows feels like the wrong state. Maize reminds me of the WNBA. Skywalkers makes the most sense, but owner Jerry Crawford told Marty & Miller the NBA doesn't like it (i.e. afraid of a lawsuit from George Lucas. I don't get that. Our skywalks were here before Luke. ) Vote for your favorite on our sports page...

The Iowa Corn Indy 250 hasn't gone green yet, but it's already a success. The buzz is building, the tickets sold, and the drivers love how fast the track is...

I interviewed IndyCar driver Milka Duno today. The Venezuelan bombshell is a stereotype-breaker if I've ever met one. She's so much more than a pretty face. Milka has four masters degrees and graduated at the top of her class as a Naval engineer. She's a rookie, so she won't win Sunday, but as the only Hispanic driver on the series, she's already an icon...

Also in studio, Spiderman, Helio Castroneves. This guy has charisma to spare. You may know him as the guy who climbs the fence each time he wins, a move copied by NASCAR's Tony Stewart. Like Milka, Helio couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. It's a refreshing change from many professional athletes... (editor's note: You can watch Keith's entire raw interviews with Milka and Helio on our sports page.)

If Danica Patrick somehow wins Sunday, and it's unlikely on a short track which favors stronger drivers, it would put the Newton track on the map forever. A Patrick win would be a major story across the country, if not the world. She finished third in her last race, so you never know. I do know the track hopes it happens...

Tuesday I had my picture taken, sort of, more in one day than anytime in my life. I was running errands in Des Moines in an Indy car. People were obviously taking pictures of the car, not me. It was amazing to see how people can whip out a camera phone within seconds and snap off a shot. Anyway, I had a blast, and if you missed it, they tell me you can still watch the video on the sports page...

I received my "Best of What's Bugging Andy" DVD. It's worth the $9.95. (You're right, I got a freebie.) You can still order from our sports page...

I'll be ringing the bell, not getting my bell rung, at "Bad Moon Rising", the big MMA event coming up at Wells Fargo Arena June 30th. The popularity of this sport is exploding, and many of the best fighters come from Iowa, partly due to their wrestling roots. It's not for everyone, but for those who love watching gladiators go at it, mixed martial arts can't be beat. Somehow it's safer than boxing...

The Hy-Vee Triathlon exceeded expectations. It was a world class event, and as previously mentioned on this blog, it's only going to get bigger (Olympic qualifier next year). Congrats to channel 13's Sonya Heitshusen for finishing. I'm impressed, Sonya...

The folks who run the Principal Charity Classic should also take a bow. I was out there with my mom & dad and we couldn't believe how well run it was. We'll be back...

How did Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip go from exciting to depressing so fast? I can't remember being so disappointed in a television show, yet I'm watching to the bitter end, which is almost here...

Brilliant move under the circumstances by Drake AD Sandy Hatfield Clubb. Hiring Steve Loney on short notice makes a lot of sense. He's a good guy, and he can also coach. Here's a tip for Loney at no charge: Hand the ball to Scott Phaydavong. Repeat...

Most of us think Sammy Sosa cheated, and not just with cork, and as it turns out he was reportedly a me-first lousy teammate in Chicago. So what should we think now that he's in the 600 home run club? I think if he didn't cheat he would have made it to 400. Maybe...

I was hoping Casey Blake would look ready for ZZ Top but the time his hitting streak ended. The Pride of Indianola went 26 straight games with a hit, longest streak in the Majors this year. Casey's another one of those "good guys"...

Tiger Woods busted out that one size too small shirt for the final round of the U.S. Open---we call it the Meisenheimer---and Tiger looked jacked. So how did he lose to a guy who was smoking? I don't mean playing hot; I mean Angel Cabrera was really smoking, as in taking a drag while walking the course! To think Arnold Palmer used to do it...

Our new sports guy, Chris Hassel, is a natural on air, and has a sixth sense for finding famous people to help him do his job. While covering the Western Junior Open at Wakonda, Chris walked up to a gentleman in his forties to ask if he knew if one of the golfers on that hole was Kirby Pettitt of Carroll. The guy said "yes", Chris walked back over to Shawn Terrell, and said, "that's Dan Marino!". Marino was nice enough to give us an interview even as his son, Joe, was playing... (editor's note: Marino interview also on the sports page)

Good move by Michelle Wie pulling out of the John Deere Classic. I think it's her wounded psyche more than her injured wrist, but she needs to get her mojo back...

I saw Ocean's 13. Much better than 12. Not as good as 11... B

The kids and I love the original Sandlot so much that we just rented the straight to video Sandlot 3. It's not a great film, but it's a good family movie with a positive message about being a good person. B-

Paul Shirley's book, Can I Keep My Jersey, is terrific. Shirley is a great storyteller with a good story to tell. If anything, he's too smart and witty for his own good at times, but that's a nice change when reading an athlete's book... (final editor's note: Shirley's book signing talk from Ames is also on our sports video page)

B-Ross sits in on SoundOFF this Sunday; KXNO's Marty Tirrell the following week. Hope you can join us. Thank you for giving me some time now...