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.

Tate interview feedback.

Drew Tate sure polarises the Hawkeye fan base. His comments on living in Iowa sparked wide-ranging feedback. Some fans want to run Tate out of town on a rail while others praise the Iowa quarterback for candidly speaking the truth. (If you're scratching your head right now, and you don't have dandruff, please go back to the sports page and watch the Tate interview.)

Like most people, my take is somewhere between the two extremes. I do think too much has been made of this, and no, I don't think we're responsible. Tate's comments were interesting and did belong in our newscast. Furthermore, I love that the 13Raw feature at whotv.com provides us the opportunity to show you an entire interview so you can see the complete context, including the line of questioning on both sides of the sound byte. The story had legs because people couldn't stop talking about it, and that includes a lot of non-sports fans.

I don't think Tate meant any great offense, nor do I think he was joking. I think he honestly feels like he's faced so much criticism because many Hawkeye fans have nothing to do but obsess about Iowa football. There is some truth in the obsession, but not the lack of entertainment and cultural options. Tate lives in Iowa City, a place you'll find even Cyclone fans admit has a lot to offer, though not the NFL (especially this season). As for corn stock, it does matter to a lot of us, and even makes its way into newscasts, but we shouldn't be defensive; it beats the heck out of stories on crime rates. More than anything, I think Tate's verbal darts show he's aware of his critics, they hurt him, and this is how he explains them.

It was not a smart thing to say. He sounds ungrateful and condescending. We all say things that were taken more harshly than we intended, especially those of us who have been married. You have to think before you open your mouth, even if you're just 22 years old.

I've been both a supporter and a critic of Tate. I applaud him for often playing hurt and giving everything he's got on game day. Maybe too much. There are times I think he was too banged up to help the team and he played anyway, but there's no questioning Tate's heart. I do have a problem with his on-field leadership. It's true, when Iowa was winning, we praised Tate for his fiery leadership, but now that the Hawks are losing, he's put down for similar behavior. I think there's a fine line between fiery and temperamental, and Tate crossed the line way too many times this season. Why do you think Kirk Ferentz put him in timeout during the Minnesota game... because he was acting like a child. Screaming works better when you're winning because it keeps players grounded. When you're losing, it can shake already fragile confidence. A good leader knows the difference.

Bottom line, I don't think what Tate said was a huge deal. It gave some people the opportunity to pile on a guy they've already made their minds up about, and gave others a reason to smile at the same old standby stereotypical put-downs of Iowa. Each time I watch the interview, I'm less offended. My initial reaction was similar to the way you feel when someone makes a derogatory comment about family. After a deep breath, it's not as bad as it initially seemed.

Tate didn't choose his words wisely, but he shouldn't be persecuted for them either.

Thank you for all your thoughtful feedback.

Keith

Drew Tate interview

Did Drew Tate take a shot at the state of Iowa and the Hawkeye fans who live here? Or was he just joking?

You can see the interview here on the www.whotv.com sports page or under "AS SEEN ON 13", look for "13Raw".

Please watch, vote on our web poll, and then discuss on the Murphy's Law feedback. I'll give you my thoughts next time.

I hope you had a great holiday.

Keith

p.s. Thank you to WOIA, the NBC in San Antonio, for shooting the interview with Tate for us.

Back from vacation with a head full of thoughts...

Update: Way to go Round Guy! He's back from the Biggest Loser, 51 pounds lighter. Read and see for youself at

http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/36_at_home/ia_steve/bio/week_12.shtml

but please read the rest of my original post first.

... In random order:

Airline Travel: Thanks a lot terrorists; you've made air travel at best, inconvenient, and at worst, unbearable. Nothing like having your two year old son have to remove his Thomas the Train sneakers to check for a shoe bomb. The latest wrinkle is no liquids. I watched a mother in Orlando have to pour out her baby's formula before going through the security.

Terrorists suck.

Casino Royale: Apparently the Bond people watched the Bourne Identity and took notes. They've reinvigorated the series with a jolt of gritty realism. Bond movies had turned downright silly. Once you've had Denise Richards play a nuclear physicist, who pronounces nuclear like President Bush ("nucular"), you've jumped the shark. Enter Daniel Craig.

Craig is fantastic as Bond. The series makes a brilliant decision to go back to the beginning and show how Bond became Bond. Best line, when asked if he wants his martini shaken or stirred, Bond says, "Do I look like I give a damn?" Craig never winks at the audience, and you will believe this guy has a license to kill, and uses it. Plus, the men who watch this will feel like they need to do pushups after the movie. Craig works out more than Andy Fales. Casino Royale gets an A. A tad long, but the best Bond movie ever.

Drake Dollar Days: Props to the Drake athletic department for doing anything it can to convert Central Iowans into Bulldog fans. This is a good start. Dollar tickets, dollar popcorn, and dollar hot dogs. That's unheard of in this age of runaway spending on college athletics.

Dollar days would be a good deal if the Dogs were playings like, well, dogs, but Dr. Tom Davis has Drake playing its best basketball since he surprised us all by taking the job. Drake stunned Iowa State at Hilton, came from 18 down to snuff out the Anteaters of Cal-Irvine, and rides a five game winning streak into Saturday's showdown with Iowa. Is the year the Bulldogs finally take down the Hawks?

Borat: Still haven't seen it. John Bachman found it a little on the mean-spirited side, while Andy Fales thought it was flat out hilarious. This probably tells you as much about John and Andy as it does Borat. High five.


















Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Another crowd pleaser from the always reliable Des Moines Playhouse. My 5 year old, Cade, said it was his favorite play ever.

Ricky Bobby: Speaking of baby Jesus, "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" is out on DVD. I bought two copies today, just so I have back-up. This ridiculous movie made me laugh like no other this year, although Little Miss Sunshine had the single biggest gut-buster. Ricky Bobby isn't for everyone---Andy thought it was just "okay"---but I loved it. (Warning: It's disturbing how much Will Ferrell looks like Jon Miller in this movie.)




















Troy Smith Wins Heisman: I voted for Troy. Everybody voted for Troy. ESPN still had to fill an hour, and with zero suspense, it was nearly unwatchable. Smith deserved the trophy, but I hate the way the Heisman has turned into an offensive MVP award from the best team. Gino Torretta? Jason White? Come on.

By the way, Smith tried to fly back to Ohio with his Heisman, like fellow Buckeye Eddie George did years ago, but Smith couldn't get the trophy through airport security. He had to ship it instead. Did I mention the terrorists suck?

Iowa State - Iowa basketball game: Hawkeyes dominated. Cyclones looked awful. All those turnovers must keep Greg McDermott up at night.

The game had less buzz than any I can remember. I think people cared more about the Iowa-Iowa State wrestling match. Brands and Sanderson jolted that series like Daniel Craig did for 007.

UNI Panthers: Best basketball team in Iowa, and still only ranked as the 4th best in the Missouri Valley. The Valley is a beast. Drake could be much better and still not have the wins to prove it.

Return of the Jedi: My son Cade watches this about three times a week. I remember loving it, but why didn't I notice how silly some of the musical scenes are near the begining when Jabba shows up? Is it just my childhood memory or did George Lucas make these scenes even cheesier when he "updated" the original movie? And don't get me started on the Ewoks. The Empire Strikes Back remains the best of the six, with Stars Wars right behind. I'd rank Revenge of the Sith third, but the series never recovers from losing Hans Solo.

I sound like a dork.




Jill Martin Out for the Season: That's a shame. Drake will lose a lot of games it would have won with Martin in the line-up. Let's hope she gets a medical redshirt.

Heroes: Great show, and a much needed hit for NBC, but Heroes is not for small kids, as I found out the hard way. Cade's nightmares should end in a few months.

Body Hair: I remember watching City Slickers 15 years ago, and wondering what Billy Crystal was talking about when he was turning 39 and warning children about the perils of growing old. Now that I've hit my forties, I am experiencing the absolute horror of the occasional stray hair poking out of previously unchartered patches of skin, like the ears! It's awful. I realize this is a sharing violation, but if you're a man under 40, consider yourself warned. If you're a man over 40, I feel your pain. If you're a woman, I have newfound respect for all that grooming you do.

Best Parenting Advice of the month: I get asked to play golf all the time, and although I'm not good, I love it. However, I agree with Cris Collinsworth: Put the golf clubs up until your last kid leaves for college. You'll have plenty of time after that. The exception, if your kids take a natural interest in golf, it is a great opportunity to talk and bond. John Bachman makes this work with his now grown kids, and his wife, Barb. The guy makes it all work.

Thank you for your patience, and your feedback.

Chizikapalooza. The day after.

Pollard thinks BIG, and scores: One of the reasons no one saw the Gene Chizik hire coming is we all figured an up and coming, in demand, star coach like him would not be interested in Iowa State. Fortunately for Cyclone fans, Jamie Pollard does not think that way. You don't know if you don't ask.

Will Chizik lead ISU to Championships? We really don't know. I think he shows as much potential as you could possibly hire, and he has the backing that he'll need from the University, but it won't be easy. Yes, Chizik is a great recruiter when he's recruiting Texas kids to the University of Texas or Alabama kids to Auburn, but now he'll need to ask them to leave home and head to a place many couldn't find on a map: Ames, Iowa.

Does that make it impossible? No. But it won't make ISU the University of Texas either. What Cyclone fans should expect is for Chizik to improve the level of leftovers ISU takes from Texas, Florida and other fertile recruiting grounds. Occasionally, maybe Chizik and his staff actually steal someone who the big guys wanted.

Staff is also key, and $1.5 million will help a LOT. Chizik is a defensive guru. Expect Iowa State to improve right away. He's also smart enough to hire an offensive coordinator who can do more with less. ISU will not have Oklahoma talent anytime soon, so you have to work harder, be more creative, and out-think the Sooners (and half the other teams in the Big 12).

Hiring in Secrecy: I was fairly certain ISU had hired Brian Kelly. Partly because we spent several days eliminating virtually everyone else we thought it might be (see paragraph one); partly because ISU officially asked for permission to interview Kelly Saturday and announced a hiring the next day; and partly because Kelly wouldn't deny he was the coach! Conversely, there were several things that bothered me about the Kelly assumption, including the fact he'd be introduced to Iowa State fans just three days before his Central Michigan team played for a conference championship. Do you want a coach who would agree to that? We also had conflicting information. Some sources said "it's not Kelly", more said, "it is Kelly". Fortunately, I followed my gut and never went to air with a confirmed news story that it was Kelly. Some sources previously in the know at ISU no longer are.

Many of you have asked me how so many media outlets got it wrong. First of all, I think it's important to acknowledge that the local media did not get it wrong in a way that required a retraction. WHO-TV, KCCI, WOI and the Des Moines Register all reported that many signs pointed to Kelly, but some signs did not. All we can do is responsibly report everything we're hearing. We did the same thing on SoundOFF. It's an opinion show, and I said repeatedly that I think it's Kelly, but Shawn Terrell and I also pointed out some reasons to doubt that, such as Central Michigan players telling us shortly before the show that Kelly had not said anything to them about leaving. There was also the urban legend that Pollard was telling people the media had yet to identify the right guy. Maybe it wasn't legend after all.

I hate being wrong---even when giving a prediction---but Pollard is under no obligation to let the media in on his search. He has every right to try and keep it a secret, just as we have every right to try and figure it out. I think it will ultimately lead to more objectivity. If Pollard's not stroking anyone, you won't have to worry about compromised coverage, just as you shouldn't. That's good for everyone.

I do think the fact we were all off in our forecasting is a cautionary tale to slow down and take a breath. There's no reason anyone had to know before the day of the hiring. Afterall, many Cyclone fans were complaining about being left out of the loop, but you don't hear any backlash now. The most important thing is to get it right, and when you don't know for sure, say so. We did that.

I didn't learn from a reliable source that it was Chizik until 9:30 a.m. Monday morning. By then, my friend, John Walters, Voice of the Cyclones and WOI Sports Director, had already broken the news. Once it's out there, it's much easier to confirm. It's good for Iowa State that it got out there or you would have had a lot of people at the rally going, "Who is that?". Hardcore college football fans knew Chizik, but casual fans did not. The 9 hour heads-up gave everyone a chance to figure out that ISU had hired a guy fans should be excited to welcome. And they did.

If you'd like to learn more about what Chizik's like as a coach and person, I recommend the 5 minute 13Raw interview on the whotv.com sports page with Texas Longhorns sideline reporter Roger Wallace. You'll also find my live interview with Pollard and the 13Raw feed of the Chizik news conference and pep rally.

And that is most certainly enough Chizik for now, don't you think?

It's Chizik! And this time we're sure.

We were there this morning in Ames as Chizik and his family exited the Aikman Enterprises private jet. There to greet Gene Chizik with a hug, ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard (the video is on news at your desk elsewhere on whotv.com).

I was wrong. I thought the new coach would be Central Michigan's Brian Kelly, though I was never able to confirm it, and now we know why. I got a call early this morning from a source who has never been wrong, and he told me Kelly was out, Chizik was in.

Chizik's hire has energized the Cyclone fan base like no one else could, except DITKA! Chizik's thought by some to be the best assistant coach in America.

I talked with KXAN's Roger Wallace about Chizek. Roger meets with Chizek every week and works the sidelines for Texas football. He desribes Chizek as positive, intense and energetic. He says he's not a screamer, but definitely gets his point across. Chizek took the job at Texas with one thing in mind: becoming a head coach. He's a highly respected defensive coordinator who helped the Longhorns win a national championship last season. This year Texas has three losses and Chizik's defense took some criticism after being worked by K-State and Texas A&M.

I think it's another inspired hire by Jamie Pollard. And it's not Brian Kelly.

ISU's next coach; What Mac really thinks of Pollard; Hawks fans earn bowl bid.

Tonight I'm thinking about...

ISU Coaching Search: The only thing I know for sure, is that I'm not sure of anything. I've talked to every source I know, but the only one who really matters---Jamie Pollard---isn't talking. I've heard the same things you've read elsewhere, Jim Harbaugh was the early favorite, but Jay Norvell had a good interview. Norvell is also lobbying for the job in a BIG WAY. Keep in mind, he's an assistant, so he can let it leak how interested he is, while current head coaches have to be careful because most will have to go back to the jobs they're in now and pretend they're right where they want to be. It's how the game is played.

Norvell shows much promise as a head coach, but his hire would not cause a run on season tickets at ISU. He's the offensive coordinator at Nebraska, but Bill Callahan runs the show. The always entertaining Marty Tirrell, of KXNO's Marty & Miller, really put Norvell's name out there after Marty had a conversation with his dentist (Not making that up). Marty makes compelling points why it will be Norvell (e.g. Ties to Wisconsin, Alvarez, and key recruiting. Norvell lived in Ames and coached at ISU. He understands the job. He's worked for some of the best minds in coaching, etc.), but he lacks the WOW factor most fans hope for. I still think Pollard's privately talking to someone off our radar. We'll know for sure in the next ten days. I think you'll see an announcement on one of the next two Mondays, and you can expect a pep rally welcome like McDermott received---hopefully, with more fans.

The McCarney Hangover: No, this has nothing to do with Mac being "half in the bag" for his ESPN interview after the 2002 Nebraska game. The hangover is the funk still reverberating through the ISU athletic department. I think Pollard had to do what he did, but I also think he underestimated how beloved McCarney is in many Cyclone circles. You hear so much from the often critical vocal minority, that it's easy to overlook the more reasonable majority. I know this because I fight the same thing with all the SoundOFF feedback we receive.

There are key people at ISU who are having a hard time going forward after Mac was forced out. I've talked to three people who are downright despondent. They can talk for hours about all the things McCarney did for ISU both on and off the field, and they just don't understand how he could lose his job.

Pollard's next hire determines how he'll be remembered, and he knows it. I applaud him for being bold. Keeping Mac would have been the safe way out, but ISU won zero conference games in 2003, and just 1 this year (with help from a holding a call the Big 12 says it blew). No matter how much Dan did for ISU, and he did do more than any coach in history, there's no way season tickets at a higher price were going to sell at the volume Pollard needs. It's all about money these days. All.

McCarney's Feelings for Pollard: Mac took the high road and stayed on it. He showed so much class that it made more than a few fans question their thoughts that he should be fired. But don't think for a minute McCarney really has all those warm and fuzzy thoughts about Pollard. Mac did not want to resign, does not think it's best for ISU, and does not believe Pollard made the right decision. In his shoes, wouldn't we all feel the same?

Seniors Back Mac: Two different players told me the Seniors voted unanimously to not invite Pollard or President Geoffroy to the football banquet. As far as I know, or one of my sources could see, neither showed. I wouldn't read too much into the Seniors gesture either. Those close to Mac are intensely loyal. What would you expect?

Pollard Hired McDermott: And he's off to a great start. How nice was it to see the Cyclones playing team basketball at Minnesota. They're actually playing defense, rebounding and passing the ball through designed plays. They're also 5-0, which against the competition is no big deal, but it's impressive when you consider all the new players, no Hubalek, and a new system.

ISU will have some rough nights this season, but I'll stick with my prediction that the Clones will somehow have a winning record and make a run at the NIT. I think McDermott is that good. Remember, I think Pollard went into the interview process thinking Rob Jeter, but had the good sense to hire the more qualified candidate, one who wasn't even in the picture to start. That earns Pollard a little trust in the football process.

Hawkeyes Head to the Alamo Bowl: Iowa should buy the fans free tickets. The fans are the reason the Hawks get the nod over a team that just beat them (Minnesota). Few "teams" travel like Iowa. The Hawk fans show up in large numbers, and spend much cash. Bowl games are, first and foremost, a business. They'd love good teams and a great game, but not as much as they'd love a full house and millions pumped into the economy. Iowa usually provides both.

Kirk Ferentz gave much love to the fans at the news conference announcing Iowa's good fortune. Ferentz says he's not apologizing for going to a bowl game, and he shouldn't. There are, obviously, far too many bowls, and it's not his fault the Big Ten has an agreement with the Alamo, while Michigan and Ohio State moved into the BCS, so everyone in the conference moves up. But let's not kid ourselves. Iowa did not earn a bowl bid. Not after losing its final five conference games. Has a major conference school ever headed to a bowl on a worse skid??? I doubt it.

Ferentz Spin: I was disappointed to hear Kirk talk of the tremendous accomplishment of going to "six bowls in six years". This sounds a lot like the "5 bowls in 6 years" for which Hawk fans gave Dan McCarney a hard time, and rightly so.

With the new 12 game schedule, schools like Iowa and Iowa State play at least 3 games at home they expect to win easily---including 1AA opponents like Montana. That means, you need 3 more wins in 9 games to become bowl eligible. It's the exact formula Iowa used despite going 2-6 in the Big Ten. Truth is, reaching a bowl is no big deal anymore. Iowa fans should expect it every season.

Ferentz Salary: I'm sure the USA Today story showing Ferentz will make more than $4.7 million dollars in 13 months is causing the coach stress. The timing couldn't be worse. However, Ferentz deserves a pass from all Iowa fans. He's won two Big Ten titles in the past five years. He led Iowa to January bowl games in four consecutive seasons. Yes, he's an easy target for the label "overpaid", but he's a big reason Iowa sells out a newly renovated Kinnick Stadium every Saturday afternoon. The guess here is Ferentz will figure out what went wrong this season and fix it. He's earned that faith.

p.s. As one of you noted, Ferentz and his wife deserve props for donating $400,000 to University of Iowa hospitals. That's a huge chunk of change and will do a lot of good.

Let me know what you think...

Mac's Class, Southeast Polk's Run, and Will Ferrell's Drama.

Some random thoughts:

Iowa State fans may have been divided about the direction of the Cyclone football program, but they are united in their appreciation for what Dan McCarney meant to Iowa State, and the way he handled his forced exit with class.

Jamie Pollard did a good job with a delicate and difficult situation. He's right, it's time for a change. Fans need someone new to re-energize Cyclone Nation. Even though it's hard to say after McCarney's moving farewell, there's no reason this year's football team should be that bad.

I urge all people who consider themselves Cyclone fans, to go to Saturday's final home game, even if it's cold, and show Mac the appreciation he deserves. Bring signs, leave the paper bags at home, and give McCarney a long standing ovation; Make it two. He won't want the attention, he'll want the spotlight on the Seniors, but this day should belong to the man who did more for Iowa State football than anyone in school history.

Nothing against the Valley Tigers---it's an amazing football program---but it's really cool to see Southeast Polk advance to the championship game. I wondered if the Rams would be intimidated by their first appearance in the Dome, against a team that's there every year, but Polk left no doubt, 27-14. It's not quite a "Hoosiers" story, but it's easy to see why the phone rang all night Friday with people calling, who have no ties to Southeast Polk. They just wanted to see David beat Goliath. Doesn't hurt that Southeast Polk won two games over Ankeny on the final play of the game with a kicker who's a dead-ringer for Anthony Michael Hall in Sixteen Candles. I hope the Rams win it all. (Note to college recruiters: Nate Snead can play. Someone find room for this guy. I don't care what his combine stats are, he can flat out play football.)

Saw "Stranger Than Fiction" with my mother today. I loved it. If you like books, especially works of fiction, you will LOVE this movie. Don't be deceived because Will Ferrell's in it. It's not Old School or Anchorman. It has humor, but it's subtle and sophisticated. Like Tom Hanks before him, Ferrell shows he can act in a drama. Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are great, Maggie Gyllenhaal amazing. A-

My older boys love "Heroes", and I'm starting to get into it too. About time NBC had a hit.
Save the cheerleader, save the world.

I'll be back soon...

No sports, just movies.

It's Entertainment Day here at Murphy's Law. (I need a new name. Murphy's Law? Too obvious. I'm close to going Katie Couric on you and asking for suggestions.) Let's catch up on movies.

The Departed: Best movie I've seen this year. Absolutely brilliant. The dialogue is incredible, the acting top notch, and the story gripping. If Martin Scorsese is passed over for an Academy Award again, they should stop giving out directing Oscars. All the actors are at the top of their games. Matt Damon has never been better, but I'm singling out Leonardo Dicaprio. I've seen Dicaprio proves he's the read deal a few times (What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Aviator, Gangs of New York), but I had no idea he could be this good. The Departed also reminds us when Mark Wahlberg is good, he's very good (Boogie Nights), and when he's bad, he's very bad (Planet of the Apes). Here's he's electric.

The movie earns its R rating, so don't go if rough language and brutal violence turn you off. Otherwise, do not miss. The Departed gets an A.

Flicka: Went to this one with my mother. She loved it. The Wyoming scenery (if that really is Wyoming) is awe-inspiring, as is Tim McGraw's toupee. It's the often told story of a girl who wants to be like dad (a rancher), but dad wants her to be more girl-like. Any father and teenage daughter who go to this will need a box of tissues. It's good, although the fact I know Alison Lohman is 27 and was playing McGraw's young teenage daughter did bother me. It's not quite 34 year old Stockard Channing playing a high school Senior in Grease, but it's close. B- for Flicka. (Flicka is the horse).


Flyboys: Saw this at the Nova. $5 for a movie, popcorn and a pop. Can't beat that. Second-run theaters are having a hard time though. They're often showing movies just a few weeks before they're released on DVD, and that makes it a tough sell to many. Not me. There's nothing like a a theater. The shared experience, the undivided attention, the big screen... plus, in this one, I got to hold my girlfriend's hand. Well, at least until my hand fell asleep.

Flyboys is a good, old fashioned World War II picture. Action, romance, heroism... had it all. I'll give this one a B. If they're ever looking for someone to play James Dean, James Franco is a shoo-in. Never mind, I just remembered he already played Dean.

Flags of our Fathers: Incredible story. Clint Eastwood takes the most iconic war photograph in American history and shows how it was used to further fund the U-S war effort. Eastwood makes all of the flag-raisers human, and therefore real. None considered themselves heroes, and all but one would never get past their guilt for being singled out when they felt the real heroes had died at Iwo Jima. I highly recommend anyone 14 or older go see this. It's not quite the masterpiece I hoped for---the story never quite casts the spell it should---but it's still very good. A-




The Prestige: I had no idea what to expect from this movie about rival magicians. I'm still not 100% sure what happened at the end, but I think I got it. Should have known the director of Memento would keep me guessing. Props to lead actors Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Scarlett Johansson's cleavage has a supporting role. B+




















Jackass Number 2: Can't believe what these guys will do for a laugh. Crude, rude and undeniably funny. Some of it is so gross, I nearly puked (the horse scene, the dollhouse), but when it's funny, it's REALLY funny. B-

Open Season: Saw this with my son, Colin. He's 2 1/2. He kind of liked it, but I think even he recognized he'd seen this story before. Same old, same old with some nice voice work by Iowan Ashton Kutcher and Martin Lawrence. Not sure where he's from. B

The Guardian: Speaking of Kutcher, he bought his former Iowa High School brand new football equipment. All he asked in return was that they go see The Guardian. It's basically Officer and a Gentleman meets Top Gun, but it's good. A little long, but done well. I learned a lot about the Coast Guard. I'm always amazed and humbled by people who put their lives on the line every day to save strangers. Kevin Costner is also good in this movie. He's wearing his age well. Another B.

Jet Li's Fearless: My dad loves movies, just as I do. Or rather, I love them, just as he does. Dad doesn't hear so well these days, so he can only watch movies on DVD with closed-captioning. He likes action movies, so when I saw Jet Li's latest was in a foreign language with subtitles, I took my father back to the movies. This was a surprisingly touching story about the life of a man who learns some tough lessons and becomes a hero to an entire nation. B for Fearless. A+ for getting to see it with my Dad. It's his birthday as I write this. Please indulge me. He reads this blog.

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you. Thanks for always being so good to me. We miss you here in Iowa.

I'm John Basedow?! ...and other ramblings.

Are you kidding me?! I'm going to have to be fitness celebrity John Basedow for Halloween SoundOFF?? What exactly is a "fitness celebrity"? (If you somehow don't know who John Basedow is, watch ESPN on Mediacom for at least 15 minutes, you'll quickly learn how to "turn your life around".) It's not too late to change the vote. There's a poll on our sports page. I suppose it's better than being Pedro again.

Andy won't be humiliated. His vote is leaning heavily toward Earl Hickey of "My Name Is Earl". Not only is that a funny look, that's a funny show (even if it should pay royalties to the great "Raising Arizona"). Actually, Earl looks a lot like my Senior picture. Hey, it was 1982. Everybody wanted to look like the Bandit.








Staying with TV shows, NBC is moving Friday Night Lights to a later time in hopes of saving this terrific show. I agree with Chad's comment on this blog last week that the jerky camera movements grow a little tiresome, but the show rings true---especially for those of us who were around high school football in the South, where it means way too much to many people. Monday at 9 this week. Give it a shot.

What's going on with Grey's Anatomy? The past two weeks the show has made Izzie look absolutely ridiculous. Are they trying to remind us it's only a TV show? Last week, in a completely unbelievable plot, Izzie stood outside the hospital in the same spot debating whether to go in---for 12 hours! This past week, she walked around with a crumpled up check for nearly $9 million dollars, and then she pinned it to her fridge! Yeah, that's believable. Find this woman a new storyline, or write her out of the show.

I've given up on ABC's The Nine. Just took too long to develop. I also bailed on NBC's Kidnapping. Not enough revealed each week. 24 is that rare show you know won't tie everything up each week, but enough happens to make it worth your time. It's a tough act to pull off.

I'm hanging with Studio 60, but I think it helps that I work in television. My parents and girlfriend both tried the show, but didn't love it. I love Aaron Sorkin's writing, so I'm hoping he can steer this show back toward the pilot's tone---or his early West Wing years.

My older kids love "Heroes". Against all odds, this has become NBC's biggest new hit (next to Sunday Night Football).

Enough TV, let's do a few quick hitters on sports:

World Series: If you're a Cardinals fan, or Tigers fan, you probably love it. For the rest of us, it's been a dud. No real drama, other than Kenny Rogers got caught cheating but won't admit it. Feels like the Cardinals will win in six, and that will make Andy Fales unbearable for Cubs fans like me.

Cyclone fans calling for a new football coach: Pointless right now. The team has four games left and Jamie Pollard says he won't evaluate anything until after the season. I believe him. I also believe Pollard thinks Dan McCarney is the right man for the job. Pollard knows his history and appreciates what Mac's accomplished at Iowa State. However, Pollard needs to raise $130 million dollars. If too many fans give up on McCarney, Pollard will have to make a change. Iowa State needs to sell more football season tickets, not fewer, and to do that fans need hope. Nothing sells like hope. ISU has missed too many opportunities for that elusive "next step" in the Mac era, and hope is dying fast.

Hawkeye fans want Christensen: It's natural for fans to want the chance of greatness, which they know does not exist with Jason Manson (at least not at quarterback). Manson has looked awful in his two meaningful games, although to be fair, they were both tough road environments (at Iowa State and at Syracuse). I'm with the fans on this one though. Start Christensen. Let him build his confidence against overmatched Northern Illinois.

Tate's Surgery: We broke this story, but could have done better. We had the timeline wrong on Tate's surgery. Two sources in the Iowa football program told us Drew was having surgery on his left thumb Monday. Unbeknownst to them, University Hospitals was unable to fit Tate in until early Tuesday morning. I apologize for the error. We expect 100% accuracy and should have pressed our sources more. I also should have altered the wording to "Drew Tate is scheduled to have surgery". Fortunately, a third source gave us exact details of the surgery several hours before Iowa released or confirmed any information. This allowed us to get to the point we expect all the time: 100% accurate.

Ferentz fired up: I love it that Kirk stands up for his players. Isn't that what you'd want if you played for him? Or had a son playing for him? This week's news conference was the most interesting of the year. In other words, not boring. And I hope you saw Shawn Terrell's coverage Tuesday night at 10. He did a great job of showing Ferentz Unplugged.

Drake's Dollar Night: Okay, so next to nobody showed up. Still, it was a great idea. Dollar admission, dollar hot dogs, dollar popcorn. The weather was miserable, and so was the game. San Diego steamrolled the Dogs, but this idea should return (the dollars, not the steamrolling). It's a great stadium, nice family atmosphere and pretty good football. More should try it. (Full disclosure: we planned to go Saturday night, walked outside, went right back in and watched a movie. $1 is not a bargain when it's cold and wet.)

Some more things I really like about Des Moines:

Tasty Tacos: Alan suggested this one. Alan's right. These are the best tacos in the world. That's right, the world. I don't even mind standing in a long line. Delicious.

Bauder's Soda Fountain: Also a viewer suggestion, also right on the money. I go for the grilled cheese and vanilla shake. Like going back in time. You expect Marty McFly and Biff to pull up on the stools next to you.

Ed Wilson: I love Ed. People always ask me what Ed's like. He's just like he is on TV: funny, bright and energetic. What doesn't come completely across is how nice he is. Ed would do anything to help a friend, and in my case did. I'll never forget how great Ed and his wife, Angela, were to me during the rough period when I suddenly found myself as a single dad.

Erin & John: I look forward to seeing these two every day. John is the kind of person we'd all like to be. I call him the "king of credibility". He's much more intelligent than I is, but he never makes me feel that way. Also a big sports fan. Gotta like that (and yes, John, I know "gotta" is not a word).

Erin is smart, personable and real. I think the reason so many viewers feel like they know her is she doesn't "act" on TV, she's herself. Fortunately for her, it's hard not to like the real her.

I know, I know... "does he really like the people he works with that much?" Yes. I hope you're just as blessed as I am.

I've been on vacation a few days here and there the past few weeks. I'm prepping for a long run in November, trying to spend as much time as I can with the kids.

Thank you for all the feedback. I always read it, and appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

Keith

Things I like, in some cases love, about Des Moines...

...but first, some more "SoundOFF 500" party pics arrived:

And now to some of the things I enjoy about Des Moines...

Varsity Theater: Locally owned, in the heart of the Drake campus, and often showing movies not mainstream enough to play in the cookie-cutter multiplexes. The best part is a visit to the concession stand. It's downright jarring to find pop and candy less than half what you pay at Century Theatres or Wynnsong. The prices are actually reasonable. Imagine that. Plus, some selections of stuff you remember from your childhood but don't find anywhere else (Snowcaps!). Bonus points to owner Bev Mahon (a man), for always telling me, "You look taller in person". He's the only one.

Cooney's Tavern: Not quite like being in Ireland, but the next best thing in Des Moines. The bar feels authentic, albeit a little nicer than the actual pubs in Ireland. I'm not quite a "regular"---can't be with kids---but I've been enough that when I found myself surprisingly low on cash---did I mention kids?---owner Brian Cooney told me to get him next time. I brought the money the next day. I hate owing anyone money.

The Irish Shoppe: This place in Valley Junction has some cool stuff, and the place gets bonus points for helping out my parents. They went in and said they wanted to buy a poster for their son that was hanging in the Cooney's bathroom. They weren't sure what it was, but it had something to do with old, dead Irish guys. The nice lady at the Shoppe went over to Cooney's and checked out the poster and special ordered it for mom & dad. It hangs above the computer as I type. It's called "Irish Writers" and shows pictures of 12 of the best along with a few lines of their famous works. For example, Samuel Beckett, "Perhaps my best years are gone... but I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now." Or George Bernard Shaw, "An Irishman's heart is nothing but his imagination." I like that. (Beckett to the left, Shaw below. Tell me there aren't stories in those faces.)















The Des Moines Playhouse. Love this place. Cool building, great entertainment, nice people. I always enjoy the way kids respond to live theater when they're used to movies and television. My two little ones, Cade 5 and Colin 2, loved the recent Stinky Cheese Man more than any movie they saw this year. The Graduate is up next (that's nothing like Stinky Cheese Man).











(Hey, look at that! I'm finally putting pictures on my blog. I'm no Erin Kiernan, but it's a start!)

95KGGO Arena: I can't add much to what Andy said in one of his classic What's Bugging Andys. I'm not sure I agree this is the best place to see a game in the state of Iowa, but it's definitely top five. When you go watch the Des Moines Bucs, you are right on top of the ice, and the fans are knowledgeable, and really into it (some, perhaps, have a little too much spirit because they've had a little too much spirits). Colin, who you may recall from a previous paragraph is two years old, starts chanting "Let's Go Bucs!" every time we drive by the Arena.



KXNO: I lived here a long time with no sports radio, really enjoyed the days when we had three choices for stations, and now listen frequently to the last one standing: KXNO.

Des Moines Register Sports: I hear a lot of grumbling about how the Register isn't what it was in the good ol' days, and perhaps that true, but it's still part of daily breakfast for me. I haven't changed since I was a kid. Pour a bowl of cereal, prop the sports section between the bowl and the jug of milk, eat. Repeat. I do miss the Big Peach though.

The Funny Bone: I've really missed the Funny Bone since it closed out the old location a few weeks back. Fortunately, the new one opens soon in West Des Moines and not only will it be a much nicer location and venue, it will be SMOKE FREE! Can't wait. A good laugh is good for the soul.

Newton Drive-In: Closed for the winter, but always a fun night with the family. Feels like stepping back in time. Speaking of that...

Living History Farms: The old fashioned Family Halloween Nights is coming up, and it's a can't miss for us. We did feel a little silly the first time we went because two of the kids had on really scary Friday the 13th type costumes. This isn't that kind of Halloween. We went home and changed. (Full disclosure: Channel 13 is a sponsor of this) . How 'bout another logo... I'm on a roll:








Cityview: It's always good for a city to have an alternative newspaper that doesn't answer to a corporate conglomerate. Sure, some of what passes for "news" is just mean-spirited gossip planted by sources with their own hidden agendas, and often flat our wrong, but Cityview gets a lot right too. The lengthy investigative stories showcase young journalists working really hard.

I often pick up a copy of Cityview. Heck, they're everywhere. You can't swing a dead cat without a hitting a Cityview stand. I especially enjoy the paper's food, movie and TV reviews. I think they're mostly right on target, although I disagree on Friday Night Lights. It's a great show, but give the Cityview critic credit, apparently no one's watching but me. Save this show! Oh yeah, and the "Think You're Funny" picture caption contest. Classic.

More good things about Des Moines next time... Please let me know some of your favorites too.

SoundOFF Party.

Now that was a party!

As you may have heard, or read, we celebrated 500 SoundOFF shows Saturday night at Legends. We had a lot of fun. Maybe too much fun.

I don't think I've ever even tailgated for 11 hours, but that's how long we kept it going. Started at 4, finished at 3. We were fortunate to have a designated driver and a real cool custom conversion van from Jim Jensen's Crescent Chevrolet. For reasons known only to him, salesman Brody volunteered to drive us around (Andy, Round Guy, my mom, Jenny and me) and never have a drink. He's our new favorite guy. Thank you, Brody. And a big shout out to Amanda. She did all the work.

SoundOFF receives thousands of E-mails a year, but many names become familiar. We also have regular callers. It was really fun to see the faces behind the words. For instance, Shane in Marshalltown is a writing pro. He's a big Hawkeye fan, and writes some of the cleverest stuff in Iowa, only he's not paid. Andy and I both pictured him far different than he is. Then again, he said the same about us, and he's watched us on TV for years (with me, people usually say I look younger, better, and shorter than they expected. This is not necessarily good news when you make your living on TV, but I take it as a compliment)

I think the Hawkeyes stunning loss at Indiana kept a few Hawk fans from the party, ISU fans expected the Cyclones to lose, but we were thrilled with the hundreds of people who did show during the 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. stretch. We did meet a viewer who looks just like Jeff Horner meets Jim Carrey in the Cable Guy, another twin for Woody Harrelson in Natural Born Killers, and it was good to finally meet Madonna. I was surprised she doesn't drink.

As the night progressed, Andy and I noticed more and more TV people showing up. We're like vampires apparently. You can see pictures of Erin, Courtney, Jeriann, Meisenheimer, Round Guy, Heather, and some of our friends from KCCI, on Erin's blog. What you won't see is a picture of Andy. He's notoriously camera shy. It was nice to have our co-workers and colleagues stop by. Also making the rounds: The Cotman, Shawn Terrell, Jon Cahill, Jannay Towne, Todd Bailey, B.Ross, Jon Miller and Bryce Miller---lot of Millers. Most of them were Lite, and empty.

Anyway, it was fun. Big thank you to Jenny for having the patience of Job. I did a lot of talking and very little of it was with her. Understanding goes a long way in a relationship.

I appreciate all your nice comments the past week. Not sure if I'll make it to 600, but someone will. I hope to be at that party too.

Keith

Celebrating 10 years of SoundOFF.

One of my loyal readers has threatened me with bodily harm if I don't write about something other than Iowa and Iowa State football, so... here's to my health!

SoundOFF 500: As first revealed here, we're throwing a party Saturday night (10/14) at the original Legends in West Des Moines (60th & Ashworth); you're invited. We're giving away a lot of cool door prizes including the limited edition SoundOFF T-shirts from Tailgate. We've had to assign a security guard to these at work, but so far not one has walked away. Admission to the party is free. It runs from 6 to close. Arrive early for a good seat. Chris from Green Bay will not be attending.

Ten years ago, when SoundOFF started, it seemed like such a novel idea. The hosts giving strong opinions and viewers having a voice. There were skeptics from the start but the ratings (number of people watching) far exceeded all expectations right away and the audience is now bigger than ever. I sincerely thank you for that (I'm hoping you watch. If not, just pass that "thank you" to someone who does). SoundOFF seemed somewhat unique a decade ago, but now ESPN, FSN, Mediacom and many others do similar shows.

The biggest change we ever had was Andy Fales taking over as co-host for Round Guy. Andy used to work behind the scenes on SoundOFF, but all night long he would complain about whatever was bugging him. He never smiled, but he sure made us laugh. That's how "What's Bugging Andy?" came about. I just said to Andy, "Save some of your material for the viewers. We're putting you on each week for two minutes. We'll call it 'What's Bugging Andy?'." It was a huge hit from the start. Some loved it, some hated it, but no one ignored it. The reason What's Bugging Andy is so good, I think, is that Andy's not trying to be anyone else. He might dial it up a little, but that's him. If you've been around Andy, you know that's him. I've been accused of overdoing my laugh, providing Andy with his own Ed McMahon, but I'm not acting. Some of what he says is flat out hilarious. He's also poignant and insightful at times. I don't agree with all of what comes out of Andy's piehole, but we're lucky to have someone in this market telling it like he thinks it is. It's appointment television for a lot of people.

After Andy hit big, my boss, Mark Ginther, decided we needed to make Andy the co-host. Good for Andy, good for the station, and good for the viewers. But what would Round Guy think after playing a big part in a successful show for seven years? I dreaded having to tell him because he's always been so good to me and everyone else at channel 13, not to mention the fact he had to put up with countless callers over the years coming up with schoolyard bully gems like, "Hey Round Guy, you're fat". The news of no longer hosting each week disappointed RG, but he understood, and he handled it with grace and class. In fact, Round Guy (Steve Pilchen) went out of his way to make Andy feel okay about it, as well as the audience. I'm indebted to him for that. I'll make sure he drinks and eats from Saturday night. I'm lucky to have Steve as a friend.

Looking back over 500 shows, I think the comment I hear most frequently from people is, "You do a good job of putting up with those crazy callers"... or some variation. Yes, many of the calls are wacky, but that's part of what makes for a good show. And those people are our friends, neighbors and rivals. Most of our viewers are intelligent, but if they call in, they're quickly forgotten. It's the nutjobs we all remember most. Just like Ed gets the forecast right most of the time, but we dwell on the misses.

SoundOFF is such a blessing for our sports department because we have immediate feedback whenever anything happens. Iowa State wasn't even off the field Saturday night when e-mails started coming in about the need for a coaching change. We're well aware that people who are angry, disillusioned or disappointed are more likely to write or call than people feeling blissful, and we take that into account. For instance, ISU loses to Nebraska while Iowa pummels Purdue and the Cyclone e-mailers and callers outnumber the Hawkeyes 10 to 1.

We have a big microphone on that show, and I've always tried to use it fairly. I never shy away from giving my opinion, but I try to never make it personal. Sometimes we realize we're being critical of people who try very hard and care very much about what they're doing. If you lose the SoundOFF audience, you're in trouble.

We've had many guests and substitute co-hosts over the years. Here are my impressions on a few:

Tim Dwight: One of my favorite guys. Never gives you the tired answers or dull opinions. TD will tell you just what he thinks. He's an adrenaline junkie who's trying to squeeze every ounce of fun out of life. We should all be more like that. Great guy. Loves the movie Zoolander. He can quote every line and hit you with Blue Steel or Magnum.

Kirk Ferentz: Called in every time we've ever asked. Just as willing to do it during the great seasons as he was when losing in the early years. Kirk is the real deal. I've written about my high opinion of him many times, so I won't get carried away, but Hawkeye fans should hope this guy never leaves, and not just because he's winning.

Governor Tom Vilsack: Loves sports. He doesn't come by to campaign, he just really wants to talk about his Steelers (and woeful Pirates). He's also up for poking fun at himself, and makes no demands or requests whatsoever. Smarter people than me can decide what kind of Governor he's been, but as a regular guy talking sports, I really like him.

Jamie Pollard: Down to earth, and very smart. He's the kind of guy you immediately feel comfortable talking to, something that was always a problem for his predecessor Bruce Van De Velde.

Pollard has created endless excitement and buzz since he took over at ISU. I'm not sure he'll find all the money he needs in Cyclone country, but I think he's right to Think Big.

When he was on SoundOFF, I got overly protective and talked too much. Anytime a caller said something slightly rude or asked a sarcastic question, I jumped in. Pollard can speak for himself; he doesn't need me to do it. My heart was in the right place. I always want our guests to have a pleasant experience, but people watching wanted to hear more from him, and less from me.

Kurt Warner: Never felt like I knew Kurt very well, though he was always friendly. He went from asking to come by to talk about his try-out with the Packers to being unreachable after winning back-to-back MVPs, but that was just the fame comet Kurt was on. I doubt his people ever even let him know little ol' Des Moines was trying to get in touch. To this day, anytime we see Kurt, he's always nice.

Reggie Roby: What a good guy. I was so sad when he died young. Reggie brought us Cookies that he was selling nationwide, and Round Guy ate up all the profits. I used to love watching Reggie punt. He somehow had his kicking foot way over his head, but the other foot would stay grounded. And man could he boom a football. Wore a wristwatch in games.

Mike Nurse: Came in right after ISU lost to Michigan State in the Elite 8. Nurse was always a good interview and he didn't disappoint on SoundOFF. Funny stories all night. Nurse said everyone knew whoever won that game with MSU would win the national championship. He was right.

Steve Deace: Filled in many times. Steve is so smart it's hard to believe he didn't finish college. He has a memory for details like Jim Zabel. I often disagree with Steve, especially on religion and politics, but I always appreciate and respect a person not afraid to give his opinions. Steve doesn't fake it. He speaks from the heart. He's not ranting for ratings. Well, he is, but only because he believes what he's saying.

Marc Hansen: Marc wrote a nice column about his appearance on SoundOFF. It's been years, but I remember he couldn't believe how people were more concerned with his appearance than what he actually said. Welcome to television. Talk to Erin Kiernan about some of the e-mails and calls she receives. "Comb your hair" was one of the comments Marc heard on the air. "You look like you need sleep" was another. What can I say, it's a shallow, cosmetic business at times, but anyone who looks like Luke Skywalker shouldn't worry about that.

I think Sean Keeler is really coming into his own at the Register. I always read Sean; he's doing a good job, but like many people, I miss Marc's sports columns. He was appointment reading for all Iowa and Iowa State sports fans. And Marc said he always got the same thing I do: Cyclone fans accused him of being a Hawkeye and Hawkeye fans accused him of being a Cyclone.

Marty Tirrell: Very entertaining. I always stop what I'm doing to listen to Marty (and Miller) because you just never know what Marty will say next. He asked if he could be on SoundOFF before he moved back East, and he did not disappoint. Some of his takes were off, "Kirk Ferentz will never be accepted at Iowa because he won't escape Bob Stoops' shadow", but some were dead-on, "Kurt Warner is like a tire with no tread left. He's worn out and won't come close to another MVP". (Warner has since been benched by three teams). And don't let this out, but Marty is actually a nice guy. Not mean at all. He just knows listeners don't like fence-sitting wafflers.

Dan McCarney: Called in when we asked him to after ISU finally beat Iowa. He agreed even though "The Dan McCarney Show" was on a different channel at the same time. For that reason, I've tried not to put him in that tough spot again. McCarney is well aware of what's being said on SoundOFF---it's like a townhall meeting, so it makes sense to keep up on it.

I like Dan and think he's done more for ISU football than any person ever. However, all those players who would run through a wall for him and all those assistant coaches who want to pay him back for his loyalty better step up and stop underachieving or Dan's in trouble. True, the team is 3-3, just what I expected, but the Cyclones are 3 plays from 0-6 and they've looked sloppy, predictable and, at times, overmatched. At ISU, you must overachieve. So far, these Cyclones look like underachievers. Not good with record crowds watching. And no more silly spin (Last week's "One of only 54 teams undefeated at home", etc. Needed that ten years ago. Now many fans find it insulting.)

Sorry. This is supposed to be about SoundOFF.

Ross Verba: Funny guy with a lot of good stories from Green Bay. I thought Ross would be a Hall-of-Famer. Didn't work out that way, but he could be good on TV if he ever wanted to try something else.

Chris from Green Bay: We don't hear from Chris much anymore, but boy could he rile people up. He actually only called every month or so, but his putdowns were so memorable, it seemed everybody thought he was on all the time. I'd constanly hear comments like, "How come Chris can get in every week when I've been calling for months and all I ever hear is a busy signal?". Here's a secret: we eventually gave Chris a backdoor number. When your calls are that lively, you need to be heard.

I knew Chris when he lived in Des Moines. He's actually one of the most thoughtful people I know, but he always wanted to be a WWF villain, and SoundOFF gave him a chance to come close. Man, was he good. Or bad. Depending how you look at it.

Holden Kushner: Do you remember this guy? He was on local sports radio. Very talented. Only co-hosted once but he was the favorite of our crew. Why? Because they get really tired of lame calls, and Holden said things like, "That's a really stupid call. What are you, an idiot?". He left Des Moines and I always expect to hear him on a national show.

Rob Borsellino: He also asked to come on the show before he and his family moved to Florida. Rob told me his sons would think it's pretty cool if he were on SoundOFF. Rob told great stories about growing up in New York City and living for the Yankees.

I miss Rob. And I know I'm not alone.

Jon Miller: Multi-media star of the 21st century. Jon's doing a little bit of everything and doing it all well. The Des Moines market improved when Jon came to town.

Jim Zabel: Z wore a headset so he'd feel more comfortable. Actually, it was a gag we set up, but Jim will go along with anything for a laugh. Jim is a giant in broadcasting. I mean that. Poke fun at his Hawkeye homerism and self-promoting tendencies all you want, he's interviewed more legends than anyone in Iowa sports history (and worked alongside Ronald Reagan). Z has also taught me a lot about energy. He just loves working and he never takes it personally when someone yells a putdown at him. He's just glad they're paying attention. I've also seen him pick up the check! Yes, I'm the one.

That's a long enough trip down memory lane. I doubt many people make it this far, but I got on a roll. Lot of memories in ten years.

I'm humbled by the hundreds of people who come up to me each year and tell me they love SoundOFF. My favorite comment that I get a lot is from people who say they don't really like sports, but they're hooked on the show. I can think of no bigger compliment. Thank you.

And a special thank you to all the people behind the scenes who work just as hard as Andy and I, but get none of the credit. B.Ross, Chad, Jen, J.T., Angry Intern,---to name a few---Thank you.

Hope to see you Saturday.

Murph: ISU's Escape, Iowa Fans Not Enough.

Thoughts on the weekend that was...

ISU escapes: Wow. I didn't think it was possible the most talked about college football game of the weekend would end up being UNI at Iowa State. That's what happens when the Cyclones have to pull a Houdini to beat a 1AA team in front of a record crowd. Cyclones fans felt relief, not jubilation, and the next night on SoundOFF, they sounded like ISU had lost, not won.

First of all, props to UNI. As I've said many times, the Panthers have one of the best 1AA programs in America. But even a great 1AA team should NEVER beat a good division 1 team. Now we know: Iowa State isn't good. Not yet. 1AA teams, like UNI, have a much smaller budget, inferior facilities, far fewer scholarships, and smaller, slower players; that's not a knock on UNI, it's just reality. Cyclone fans had flashbacks to the 90s, and there's no doubt they thought the days of sweating the Panthers were over.

Nancy Clark's column: The Des Moines Register writer basically said if Iowa State had lost, Dan McCarney would soon need a new job. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but I respect Nancy for having an opinion and getting it out there. She might be right too. The record crowd proves Jamie Pollard and his staff can get people in the seats, but if Cyclone Nation loses faith in the football program, all the plans requiring big dollars die on the vine. Pollard can't have that. And I can promise you, a loss to UNI would have caused a full-scale Cyclone meltdown. It nearly did anyway, and ISU won.

Iowa fans: Take a bow. That was an impressive weekend of showing just how much Hawkeye football means to tens of thousands in our state. ESPN's College Football Gameday has never seen anything like the reception Hawk fans provided.

As I watched the game on ABC, I got goosebumps. The gold clad fans provided an astonishing atmosphere for a college football game. When the blimp took one of those overhead shots, it made Iowa City look like the center of the college football universe. And then they played...

The fans couldn't have done more. They provided Iowa with a great home field advantage, but that's only worth so much... maybe a touchdown. Sometimes it comes down to the team with better players, and Ohio State was dominant. If Iowa played perfectly, which it didn't, and Ohio State made a bunch of mistakes, which it didn't, the Hawks could win. Otherwise, it's a mismatch.

I think we learned both the Hawks and Clones aren't as good as we hoped. But the fans, now that's another story...