It's rare something lives up to runaway hype, but so far, these Olympics have delivered. It's not going unnoticed. NBC says these Olympics are on pace to be the most watched ever. I'm sure it helps that they're on more than Seinfeld reruns.
*
The opening ceremonies were, hands down, the best ever. I can't imagine the amount of practice, money, and imagination it took to pull that off. That drumming thing blew my mind. I'm also glad HD was invented prior to 08-08-08. Phenomenal.
*
Our entire family was standing up, screaming at the television during Sunday night's 4 X 100 men's swimming relay. That was the greatest finish I've ever seen in any race. The French talked smack, and the Americans made them eat it. Michael Phelps stays on track for 8 gold medals.
*
Phelps is a fish. The guy defies belief. I also love the way he immediately looks for his mother after winning. When you've had a good one, you never outgrow that feeling.
*
Iowa State professor Rick Sharp helped designed the Speedo swimsuit that keeps slicing through the water in world record time. He should design some football uniforms for I-State. Maybe basketball too. Can't hurt.
*
President Bush has the lowest approval rating of any President in decades, perhaps deserved, but I predict he gets a positive bump after the Games. He's at his best in weeks like these, and I agree with his decision to not boycott the Olympics. Boycotting is not the way to human rights progress in China, and it would mostly hurt the athletes (talk to an Olympian from 1980). The interview between President Bush and Bob Costas was interesting. Costas is the consummate pro on nearly any subject.
*
Props to NBC for so much live coverage. It was nice to watch the USA vs. China basketball game live Sunday instead of waiting for prime time. If the Redeem Team doesn't win gold, I'll watch a WNBA game from start to finish by the end of the month.
*
As Chris Hassel said Sunday night, "Shawn Johnson sizzles, Team USA fizzles". Shawn was as good as advertised, showing she's the one to beat in Beijing. Her older, more experienced teammates looked nervous and rattled, but Shawn, as ever, showed poise and delivered. Her coach, Liang Chow, told the Register's Nancy Stockdale that Shawn held back too. She'll up her game when she needs to.
*
If you get popular enough, you'll attract haters. It's true of anyone, even the innocent. Believe it or not, 6% of the people voting at whotv.com say Shawn Johnson won't win a medal in the all-around. For that to happen, she'll have to fall down twice or pull out with an injury. There's definitely some jealousy out there, just talk to someone who goes to Valley. Most of the students are proud and supportive, but a few dislike Shawn's fame (and fast-growing fortune). She handles it all so well. Can't be easy. I know I was a self-centered knucklehead at 16. And 26.
*
Gymnastics needs to bring back the "10". It made scoring much more exciting and understandable.
*
Biggest upset in sports viewing history: Shawn Terrell now watching women's gymnastics with the same passion he brings to the Bears and Cubs.
*
Just got a letter from Lolo's agent, and fellow Roosevelt legend, Kim Carson. Kim says Lolo is having a blast in China and ready to bring home the gold.
*
An athlete gets kicked out of the Olympics, and of course it's a cyclist. Can this sport clean itself up enough to make people believe again?
*
I spent 10 hours at the Iowa State Fair this weekend and really enjoyed it. First at the Olympic Pavilion, where people can watch the Olympics on our big screen, and later at the "Cast Your Kernel" site where folks 18 and over vote for President. Both places were packed and Andy and I met a lot of nice people. Andy is a star. Even people who give him a hard time want an autograph or a picture. He stayed busy signing and posing most of the time. His picture cards look like they were taken during his first day on the job at channel 13 back in 2000. I'm not even sure it's him. That's one way to stay young.
Andy and I will also be doing some Olympic Sound-Offs this week at http://www.whotv.com/ and http://www.dmregister.com/
Thanks for stopping by. I've got to get back to the Olympics. Women's volleyball is on. I can't believe I'm watching either, but it's the United States, I'm hooked, and it's in HD.
Let others know what you love, or don't like, about the Olympics so far.
Keith
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
How many games will Iowa win? Are the I-State uneys ugly?
Three mismanagement examples of a public relations powder keg:
1) ISU's firing of Larry Eustachy.
2) University of Iowa's in-house sexual assault investigation
3) Packers not wanting Brett Favre
In all three cases, you can make the argument the people in charge were doing what they had to do (although in at least one of the examples, that's a weak position). The problem isn't always the decision, it's made worse by the chain of one bad decision after another once the crisis begins.
*
The Packers tried to pay Brett Favre $25 million to not play. Think about that. The Packers offered the most celebrated player in their history a king's ransom to just stay away. And they did it a year after he passed for more than 4,000 yards and led them to the NFC championship game.
I know Favre's yearly indecision dance is beyond tired, but how did it come to this? I mean they really can't stand Favre. The Packers want to start an unproven quarterback who looked bad Sunday night. They won't will they? Not unless Favre gets what I suspect he's wanted all along: his release so he can play for the Vikings. Favre played the Pack perfectly, and if he stays in Green Bay, this ends the only way it can: with Brett Favre as the Packers starting quarterback on opening day. Who knows though. They really don't want him.
*
The Hawkeyes football schedule is so soft, I don't see a way Iowa can win fewer than six games. I think seven wins is about right, and eight is not out of the question. If it's five or fewer, sound the alarms.
*
I expect Shonn Greene to start at running back, maybe not against Maine or whoever Florida International is, but by the Iowa State game, it'll be Greene.
*
Kirk Ferentz still seems irritated by the amount of coverage Iowa football has received for the alleged sexual assault by two Hawkeye football players. He shouldn't be. Several questionable decisions were made by the U of I in general, and the athletic department in particular. Plus, when you get right down to it, Ferentz is so highly regarded by the media as a man of principle and character that Iowa has gotten off relatively easy in terms of bad press when you consider the embarrassment and scope of 18 arrested players in 16 months, many for felonies. Let's hope we see an arrest drought. I think we will.
*
Iowa State's new USC uniforms just made a list as the tenth ugliest in college football (Oregon the no doubt #1). I disagree, but my judgment could be clouded by how awful ISU's uniforms have been in the past. The red-on-red blood clot look was awful.
*
I think some of the Cyclone hype, at least in my inbox, is carried away. If I-State goes to a bowl game, even with the two gimmes to start the season, Gene Chizik is as good as many people in the Cyclone athletic department think he is. Five wins is the prediction here, and four wouldn't shock me. Seven would.
*
I still think Austen Arnaud ends up the Cyclone quarterback when it counts. (See Shonn Green above).
*
The NL Central race is over. No team will catch the Cubs again this season.
*
Sports Illustrated believes we're about to watch the most anticipated Olympics in history. It's certainly true in central Iowa. I can't wait, though I could do without the late nights.
*
NBC is adding an additional half hour to the opening ceremonies. It now starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday. That means our Olympics special moves to 6 p.m. and our newscast to 5:30 p.m.
*
If you're thinking about HD, try to have it by Friday night.
*
Shawn Johnson just won a Teen Choice award as favorite female athlete. In two weeks, she'll be one of the most recognized faces in America. That is unbelievable. So much pressure, but I think she thrives on it.
*
Loved the Register's poster of Lolo Jones. She took that right after our interview. Lolo was working on about 1 hour of sleep. She said she was so excited, and so over-caffeinated that she couldn't sit still. The poster captures that. Lolo is amazing.
*
I saw the Dark Knight again. Didn't like it quite as much the second time, though I still think it's a great movie, and destined for an Academy Award best picture nomination. Three thoughts after a second viewing:
1) The movie is a little too long
2) Heath Ledger is as great as the hype. He's spellbinding.
3) The Dark Knight is really dark, and violent, and in no way appropriate for small kids
*
I keep watching America's Got Talent. Say a prayer for me. I find it entertaining, even as I'm being manipulated by editing and Josh Groban.
*
Entertainment Weekly just did an issue on The Hills. It's the first time I've had no idea who that was on the cover, or any interest in reading even one paragraph. The Hills? What is The Hills?
*
Andy and I will be at the State Fair Sunday afternoon. Stop by and say hello if you get the chance. I can't wait. Sitting next to Andy at the State Fair is like sitting next to Keith Jackson at the Rose Bowl.
*
To end on a personal note---it's a blog after all---I'd like to send a big "THANK YOU" to all the people who helped make my parents' 50th anniversary so special. Among them:
-The fine folks at Rathbun Lake, especially Jim and Cindy, the owners of Buck Creek Cabins.
-Tony the Bucs fan and boat driver.
-Heather the Sangria specialist.
-All the friendly people at the Centerville Wal*Mart.
-Jenny for preparing meals for 30 every few hours.
-The I-Cubs for the video announcement.
-Jeff for re-writing the words to Sweet Caroline into a party-pleasing classic
-All our friends and family for making time and finding a way. I know it's never easy. You're the best. No really, you are.
-Mom & Dad. If you didn't get married, I'm not here. Thus, no blog entry today.
Happy Anniversary!
Keith
1) ISU's firing of Larry Eustachy.
2) University of Iowa's in-house sexual assault investigation
3) Packers not wanting Brett Favre
In all three cases, you can make the argument the people in charge were doing what they had to do (although in at least one of the examples, that's a weak position). The problem isn't always the decision, it's made worse by the chain of one bad decision after another once the crisis begins.
*
The Packers tried to pay Brett Favre $25 million to not play. Think about that. The Packers offered the most celebrated player in their history a king's ransom to just stay away. And they did it a year after he passed for more than 4,000 yards and led them to the NFC championship game.
I know Favre's yearly indecision dance is beyond tired, but how did it come to this? I mean they really can't stand Favre. The Packers want to start an unproven quarterback who looked bad Sunday night. They won't will they? Not unless Favre gets what I suspect he's wanted all along: his release so he can play for the Vikings. Favre played the Pack perfectly, and if he stays in Green Bay, this ends the only way it can: with Brett Favre as the Packers starting quarterback on opening day. Who knows though. They really don't want him.
*
The Hawkeyes football schedule is so soft, I don't see a way Iowa can win fewer than six games. I think seven wins is about right, and eight is not out of the question. If it's five or fewer, sound the alarms.
*
I expect Shonn Greene to start at running back, maybe not against Maine or whoever Florida International is, but by the Iowa State game, it'll be Greene.
*
Kirk Ferentz still seems irritated by the amount of coverage Iowa football has received for the alleged sexual assault by two Hawkeye football players. He shouldn't be. Several questionable decisions were made by the U of I in general, and the athletic department in particular. Plus, when you get right down to it, Ferentz is so highly regarded by the media as a man of principle and character that Iowa has gotten off relatively easy in terms of bad press when you consider the embarrassment and scope of 18 arrested players in 16 months, many for felonies. Let's hope we see an arrest drought. I think we will.
*
Iowa State's new USC uniforms just made a list as the tenth ugliest in college football (Oregon the no doubt #1). I disagree, but my judgment could be clouded by how awful ISU's uniforms have been in the past. The red-on-red blood clot look was awful.
*
I think some of the Cyclone hype, at least in my inbox, is carried away. If I-State goes to a bowl game, even with the two gimmes to start the season, Gene Chizik is as good as many people in the Cyclone athletic department think he is. Five wins is the prediction here, and four wouldn't shock me. Seven would.
*
I still think Austen Arnaud ends up the Cyclone quarterback when it counts. (See Shonn Green above).
*
The NL Central race is over. No team will catch the Cubs again this season.
*
Sports Illustrated believes we're about to watch the most anticipated Olympics in history. It's certainly true in central Iowa. I can't wait, though I could do without the late nights.
*
NBC is adding an additional half hour to the opening ceremonies. It now starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday. That means our Olympics special moves to 6 p.m. and our newscast to 5:30 p.m.
*
If you're thinking about HD, try to have it by Friday night.
*
Shawn Johnson just won a Teen Choice award as favorite female athlete. In two weeks, she'll be one of the most recognized faces in America. That is unbelievable. So much pressure, but I think she thrives on it.
*
Loved the Register's poster of Lolo Jones. She took that right after our interview. Lolo was working on about 1 hour of sleep. She said she was so excited, and so over-caffeinated that she couldn't sit still. The poster captures that. Lolo is amazing.
*
I saw the Dark Knight again. Didn't like it quite as much the second time, though I still think it's a great movie, and destined for an Academy Award best picture nomination. Three thoughts after a second viewing:
1) The movie is a little too long
2) Heath Ledger is as great as the hype. He's spellbinding.
3) The Dark Knight is really dark, and violent, and in no way appropriate for small kids
*
I keep watching America's Got Talent. Say a prayer for me. I find it entertaining, even as I'm being manipulated by editing and Josh Groban.
*
Entertainment Weekly just did an issue on The Hills. It's the first time I've had no idea who that was on the cover, or any interest in reading even one paragraph. The Hills? What is The Hills?
*
Andy and I will be at the State Fair Sunday afternoon. Stop by and say hello if you get the chance. I can't wait. Sitting next to Andy at the State Fair is like sitting next to Keith Jackson at the Rose Bowl.
*
To end on a personal note---it's a blog after all---I'd like to send a big "THANK YOU" to all the people who helped make my parents' 50th anniversary so special. Among them:
-The fine folks at Rathbun Lake, especially Jim and Cindy, the owners of Buck Creek Cabins.
-Tony the Bucs fan and boat driver.
-Heather the Sangria specialist.
-All the friendly people at the Centerville Wal*Mart.
-Jenny for preparing meals for 30 every few hours.
-The I-Cubs for the video announcement.
-Jeff for re-writing the words to Sweet Caroline into a party-pleasing classic
-All our friends and family for making time and finding a way. I know it's never easy. You're the best. No really, you are.
-Mom & Dad. If you didn't get married, I'm not here. Thus, no blog entry today.
Happy Anniversary!
Keith
Monday, July 28, 2008
Can we please talk about something else?
Andy Fales called me Sunday at midnight just to talk. Like me, Andy was exhausted from all the negative energy swirling around the U of I investigation and all the collateral fallout. We've been besieged by angry Hawkeye fans eager to kill the a couple of the messengers they feel responsible for all the bad publicity for Iowa. Many seem to think we relish the opportunity to deliver bad news. Well, to paraphrase Kirk Ferentz, for anyone to enjoy this kind of story, you'd have to be morally bankrupt and fairly ignorant. We're as tired of it as anyone. No one gets into sportscasting for the unhappy stories.
*
Brett Favre. No one ever says "Brett" or "Favre", it's always "Brett Favre". Anyway, speaking of Brett Favre, I can't believe the Packers don't want Brett Favre. I know the 49ers didn't want Joe Montana, and the Yankees dumped Babe Ruth, but we're talking about the Packers and Brett Favre. Hard to picture one without the other. I don't blame Green Bay for growing tired of his shenanigans, but it's Brett Freaking Favre!
It really is a business.
*
Lolo Jones may race a horse at Prairie Meadows? If it's the 100 hurdles, I'm there. And my money is on Lolo.
*
The Iowa Chops gear is selling in a way the Stars never did. That doesn't stop the hate mail, though many admit it's growing on them. Some don't.
*
The new I-State football commercial is a winner. It's a long ways from one of the worst spots I've ever seen. Iowa State once had a lightning bolt hit an empty stadium. I'm not making that up. Nothing says, "I want to buy season tickets!" like no one at a game and severe weather.
*
I'm sure Carson Palmer is getting clobbered in Ohio for talking about how much he hates the Buckeyes, but I love a guy who really says what he thinks instead of what he thinks he should say. We'll get enough of the latter at the upcoming football media days.
*
40-0? That is unbelievable for a baseball team, especially one which played a tough schedule. I know Johnston got a break in the rained out game the Dragons likely would have lost to Marshalltown a few weeks ago, but 40 and 0 takes a little luck, along with a lot of skill. We won't see it again soon in 4-A.
*
I don't think Shawn Johnson fully realizes how much her life is going to change in three weeks if she wins the all-around gold. Overnight she will become one of the most recognized people in America. Get ready.
*
I still haven't seen The Dark Knight a second time, mainly because it's too dark and intense for the kids. It's a great movie, with a lot of important things to say, but it's in no way appropriate for most under the age of 10 (and in some cases 12). It's really unfortunate that there are so many toys and marketing tie-ins aimed at kids because it makes my 4 and 7 year olds want to see Batman.
*
Step Brothers is crude, profane, and hilarious. It's hit and miss, but when it's on, it's a gut-buster. However, I will never look at a set of drums the same way again.
*
The Barnstormers part 3 is a huge hit by any measure. Well, any measure other than winning. Even with a 6-10 season, the Stormers averaged nearly 10,000 fans a game. In the season finale, with nothing at stake except the outcome of the Mascot game, more than 10,500 showed. I only wish Andy hadn't embarrassed us all by drilling the 12 foot National Guard inflatable in the side of the head. The Barnstormers figured out the winning formula for fans: a fun time at an affordable price. Congratulations.
*
Last week we started my parents 50th anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, I'm not going to make it to 50, though I'm lucky to have found the person for which spending 50 years together would not be enough. Unlike my parents, I didn't get it right the first time. It not only makes me appreciate what I have, but I really respect those who made it work from a young age.
The anniversarypalooza began with great seats at a Neil Diamond concert, thanks to my friends Ryan and Heather Lund. If you look up "great people" in the dictionary, you'll see their picture. (Not true. I just looked it up. "Great people" is two words, and there's no picture. Sorry.) Neil Diamond, along with Johnny Cash and Elvis, sang the songs of my childhood. My mother always had one those guys blasting. Still does. Anyway, Neil is 67 but it was a great show. I'm not kidding. I promise not to give Iowa State a hard time for playing Sweet Caroline for at least one season.
*
Anniversarypalooza moves next to Rathbun Lake. Thanks Heather!
Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. I love you.
Keith
*
Brett Favre. No one ever says "Brett" or "Favre", it's always "Brett Favre". Anyway, speaking of Brett Favre, I can't believe the Packers don't want Brett Favre. I know the 49ers didn't want Joe Montana, and the Yankees dumped Babe Ruth, but we're talking about the Packers and Brett Favre. Hard to picture one without the other. I don't blame Green Bay for growing tired of his shenanigans, but it's Brett Freaking Favre!
It really is a business.
*
Lolo Jones may race a horse at Prairie Meadows? If it's the 100 hurdles, I'm there. And my money is on Lolo.
*
The Iowa Chops gear is selling in a way the Stars never did. That doesn't stop the hate mail, though many admit it's growing on them. Some don't.
*
The new I-State football commercial is a winner. It's a long ways from one of the worst spots I've ever seen. Iowa State once had a lightning bolt hit an empty stadium. I'm not making that up. Nothing says, "I want to buy season tickets!" like no one at a game and severe weather.
*
I'm sure Carson Palmer is getting clobbered in Ohio for talking about how much he hates the Buckeyes, but I love a guy who really says what he thinks instead of what he thinks he should say. We'll get enough of the latter at the upcoming football media days.
*
40-0? That is unbelievable for a baseball team, especially one which played a tough schedule. I know Johnston got a break in the rained out game the Dragons likely would have lost to Marshalltown a few weeks ago, but 40 and 0 takes a little luck, along with a lot of skill. We won't see it again soon in 4-A.
*
I don't think Shawn Johnson fully realizes how much her life is going to change in three weeks if she wins the all-around gold. Overnight she will become one of the most recognized people in America. Get ready.
*
I still haven't seen The Dark Knight a second time, mainly because it's too dark and intense for the kids. It's a great movie, with a lot of important things to say, but it's in no way appropriate for most under the age of 10 (and in some cases 12). It's really unfortunate that there are so many toys and marketing tie-ins aimed at kids because it makes my 4 and 7 year olds want to see Batman.
*
Step Brothers is crude, profane, and hilarious. It's hit and miss, but when it's on, it's a gut-buster. However, I will never look at a set of drums the same way again.
*
The Barnstormers part 3 is a huge hit by any measure. Well, any measure other than winning. Even with a 6-10 season, the Stormers averaged nearly 10,000 fans a game. In the season finale, with nothing at stake except the outcome of the Mascot game, more than 10,500 showed. I only wish Andy hadn't embarrassed us all by drilling the 12 foot National Guard inflatable in the side of the head. The Barnstormers figured out the winning formula for fans: a fun time at an affordable price. Congratulations.
*
Last week we started my parents 50th anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, I'm not going to make it to 50, though I'm lucky to have found the person for which spending 50 years together would not be enough. Unlike my parents, I didn't get it right the first time. It not only makes me appreciate what I have, but I really respect those who made it work from a young age.
The anniversarypalooza began with great seats at a Neil Diamond concert, thanks to my friends Ryan and Heather Lund. If you look up "great people" in the dictionary, you'll see their picture. (Not true. I just looked it up. "Great people" is two words, and there's no picture. Sorry.) Neil Diamond, along with Johnny Cash and Elvis, sang the songs of my childhood. My mother always had one those guys blasting. Still does. Anyway, Neil is 67 but it was a great show. I'm not kidding. I promise not to give Iowa State a hard time for playing Sweet Caroline for at least one season.
*
Anniversarypalooza moves next to Rathbun Lake. Thanks Heather!
Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. I love you.
Keith
Friday, July 25, 2008
Ferentz Fights Back
Kirk Ferentz did himself a lot of good at Big Ten Media Day. He was emotional, passionate, and at times, angry. He definitely was smart to not hide behind a lawyer or say he wishes he could comment, but can't.
The most interesting revelation, to me, was Ferentz saying he did not want to be in a meeting with the alleged victim, but went at the request of her family (the last part we already knew).
Ferentz saved his most heated comments for any suggestion he was involved in a cover-up. Clearly the man feels his character was attacked, and fought back. I would too.
I have always liked Ferentz. Some of his critics over the year have even labeled me a "Ferentz apologist". I don't know him well enough to vouch for his character, but I've always thought he had a lot.
However, it's fair for the media, or anyone, to question Ferentz's role in the U of I's internal sexual assault investigation. It's not fair to jump to conclusions having only heard one side, but Iowa invited this by mismanaging this crisis so badly, it brought back memories of ISU's bungling of the Larry Eustachy scandal.
Public opinion, predictably, is now swinging back toward Ferentz by many who doubted him. That's as simple as him speaking up---something the University, and Ferentz, should have done a long time ago, in the ways that they legally could without compromising the alleged victim's identity, or the case itself.
Ferentz did a lot of effective damage control, and won back the confidence of more than a few Hawkeye fans. There are still some questions of his judgment that are fair to ask. Among them:
Why did he immediately order two players to move into a crime scene? I don't think Ferentz purposely contaminated the room. I think it was more likely that he found out a room was empty, being used for things you don't want in the media guide, and tried to shift things back to the way they were supposed to be. But, we don't know. We do know it later hurt the DCI's collection of evidence. And why was that room empty in the first place? Chances are he had no idea.
We still really don't if Ferentz tried to persuade the alleged victim to go to police. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, maybe he felt it wasn't his place and said nothing at all. We do know the mother said Iowa officials stressed keeping it "in house". Bad idea.
We do know the depositions paint an unflattering picture of Hawkeye football players beyond Satterfield and Everson, yet those players continued playing. Jevon Pugh even scored a game-winning touchdown a couple weeks after admitting to grabbing the alleged victim. Perhaps these players lied about their involvement to Ferentz, but later told police they behaved badly.
This whole case is a powder keg. It has brought out fiery emotions in people, sometimes without thinking it through. That's understandable, though regrettable. We all reacted to the mother's first letter. If you didn't, check your pulse.
It's important to point out that the questions I've had---and many others---had to do with the way the University of Iowa handled all of this. Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson deserve, and will have, their day in court. None of what was discussed this week should have anything to do with whether they are ultimately found guilty or not guilty. It simply has to do with whether Iowa put the interests of the University in general, and the football program in particular, ahead of those of a student-athlete officials had reason to believe may have suffered through an unspeakable crime.
Ferentz lives in a fishbowl, so he's been called out repeatedly, while the alleged victim's coach has gone mostly unnoticed. Why? Well, for one, we can't name him/her, and even if we did, next to no one has heard of him/her. This coach, much more than Ferentz, had the responsibility of seeing that his/her student-athlete had all of her needs looked after. The alleged victim's mother says her daughter was abandoned by not only her coach, but her teammates, all while being taunted and teased by football players. Most inexplicable of all, she apparently continued to live a few doors down from one of her alleged attackers. Ferentz says he has no power when it comes to room assignments, but shouldn't someone, anyone, step up and shout until this sorry arrangement was righted? If they were unaware, it means they weren't checking on her.
President Sally Mason looks bad right now. Either she can't stay out of her own way, or she's getting bad advice. I know all of these people are smarter than me, which is why it's puzzling that they would do stupid things like withhold letters and documents from the Board of Regents.
The most important question of all hasn't changed: How in the world could Iowa have a policy in place that allows a department to investigate its own sexual assaults, despite the obvious conflict of interest, and just years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. It boggles the mind.
Of all the main players, Ferentz has the smallest part. However, there's no way he's taking this kind of heat if police hadn't cited 18 of his players in 16 months. Ferentz wants to draw a line in the sand beginning this past March, but that's not realistic. We all bring our baggage with us, even when its painful, and even when we really don't want to.
Many Iowa fans who defend Ferentz and the program publicly are privately embarrassed over all this nonsense. They should be. It makes us all look bad as Iowans, and anyone who enjoys it is sick.
It's always disappointing to see some fans of the rival school, in this case Iowa State, taking a position they would never take if it was there team under the microscope. It's nearly as sad to see some Hawk fans bury their heads in the sand and kill the messengers. It always goes like this, and both sides are guilty.
I don't think Ferentz started recruiting "bad kids". But I do think there's a culture problem in the Hawkeye football program. If athletes without troubled backgrounds are showing up and getting in serious trouble, especially Freshman, it's in large part because of a culture of entitlement. It doesn't make them any less responsible, but it needs addressing, and Ferentz was slow to respond, in part because many of the arrests prior to 2007 happened during ten win seasons. Does anyone honestly think this many people are calling for Ferentz's job---especially Hawkeye fans---if Iowa is coming off a Rose Bowl season? Don't kid yourself. Winning influences almost everything, which is a big part of all problems in college athletics.
I'm tired of all this. I'll bet you are too.
Keith
The most interesting revelation, to me, was Ferentz saying he did not want to be in a meeting with the alleged victim, but went at the request of her family (the last part we already knew).
Ferentz saved his most heated comments for any suggestion he was involved in a cover-up. Clearly the man feels his character was attacked, and fought back. I would too.
I have always liked Ferentz. Some of his critics over the year have even labeled me a "Ferentz apologist". I don't know him well enough to vouch for his character, but I've always thought he had a lot.
However, it's fair for the media, or anyone, to question Ferentz's role in the U of I's internal sexual assault investigation. It's not fair to jump to conclusions having only heard one side, but Iowa invited this by mismanaging this crisis so badly, it brought back memories of ISU's bungling of the Larry Eustachy scandal.
Public opinion, predictably, is now swinging back toward Ferentz by many who doubted him. That's as simple as him speaking up---something the University, and Ferentz, should have done a long time ago, in the ways that they legally could without compromising the alleged victim's identity, or the case itself.
Ferentz did a lot of effective damage control, and won back the confidence of more than a few Hawkeye fans. There are still some questions of his judgment that are fair to ask. Among them:
Why did he immediately order two players to move into a crime scene? I don't think Ferentz purposely contaminated the room. I think it was more likely that he found out a room was empty, being used for things you don't want in the media guide, and tried to shift things back to the way they were supposed to be. But, we don't know. We do know it later hurt the DCI's collection of evidence. And why was that room empty in the first place? Chances are he had no idea.
We still really don't if Ferentz tried to persuade the alleged victim to go to police. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't, maybe he felt it wasn't his place and said nothing at all. We do know the mother said Iowa officials stressed keeping it "in house". Bad idea.
We do know the depositions paint an unflattering picture of Hawkeye football players beyond Satterfield and Everson, yet those players continued playing. Jevon Pugh even scored a game-winning touchdown a couple weeks after admitting to grabbing the alleged victim. Perhaps these players lied about their involvement to Ferentz, but later told police they behaved badly.
This whole case is a powder keg. It has brought out fiery emotions in people, sometimes without thinking it through. That's understandable, though regrettable. We all reacted to the mother's first letter. If you didn't, check your pulse.
It's important to point out that the questions I've had---and many others---had to do with the way the University of Iowa handled all of this. Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson deserve, and will have, their day in court. None of what was discussed this week should have anything to do with whether they are ultimately found guilty or not guilty. It simply has to do with whether Iowa put the interests of the University in general, and the football program in particular, ahead of those of a student-athlete officials had reason to believe may have suffered through an unspeakable crime.
Ferentz lives in a fishbowl, so he's been called out repeatedly, while the alleged victim's coach has gone mostly unnoticed. Why? Well, for one, we can't name him/her, and even if we did, next to no one has heard of him/her. This coach, much more than Ferentz, had the responsibility of seeing that his/her student-athlete had all of her needs looked after. The alleged victim's mother says her daughter was abandoned by not only her coach, but her teammates, all while being taunted and teased by football players. Most inexplicable of all, she apparently continued to live a few doors down from one of her alleged attackers. Ferentz says he has no power when it comes to room assignments, but shouldn't someone, anyone, step up and shout until this sorry arrangement was righted? If they were unaware, it means they weren't checking on her.
President Sally Mason looks bad right now. Either she can't stay out of her own way, or she's getting bad advice. I know all of these people are smarter than me, which is why it's puzzling that they would do stupid things like withhold letters and documents from the Board of Regents.
The most important question of all hasn't changed: How in the world could Iowa have a policy in place that allows a department to investigate its own sexual assaults, despite the obvious conflict of interest, and just years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. It boggles the mind.
Of all the main players, Ferentz has the smallest part. However, there's no way he's taking this kind of heat if police hadn't cited 18 of his players in 16 months. Ferentz wants to draw a line in the sand beginning this past March, but that's not realistic. We all bring our baggage with us, even when its painful, and even when we really don't want to.
Many Iowa fans who defend Ferentz and the program publicly are privately embarrassed over all this nonsense. They should be. It makes us all look bad as Iowans, and anyone who enjoys it is sick.
It's always disappointing to see some fans of the rival school, in this case Iowa State, taking a position they would never take if it was there team under the microscope. It's nearly as sad to see some Hawk fans bury their heads in the sand and kill the messengers. It always goes like this, and both sides are guilty.
I don't think Ferentz started recruiting "bad kids". But I do think there's a culture problem in the Hawkeye football program. If athletes without troubled backgrounds are showing up and getting in serious trouble, especially Freshman, it's in large part because of a culture of entitlement. It doesn't make them any less responsible, but it needs addressing, and Ferentz was slow to respond, in part because many of the arrests prior to 2007 happened during ten win seasons. Does anyone honestly think this many people are calling for Ferentz's job---especially Hawkeye fans---if Iowa is coming off a Rose Bowl season? Don't kid yourself. Winning influences almost everything, which is a big part of all problems in college athletics.
I'm tired of all this. I'll bet you are too.
Keith
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
What in the world is going on at the U of I?
The U of I's handling of an alleged sexual assault deserves the tough questions being asked. There are valid reasons the Board of Regents re-opened its investigation.
Shawn Terrell and Sonya Heitshusen investigated this story for months, beginning in late October. They were told several things off the record that we couldn't confirm on the record. We thought those details wouldn't see the light of day unless the case reached trial. The mother's letter changed much of that.
(addendum: Sonya continued working sources diligently, just as the Iowa City Press Citizen did. Often times sources tell you something off the record because they're trying to steer you in a direction, but without being accountable for that information. When no one will go on the record, as was the case despite Sonya's repeated requests, you are stuck. Props to the Press Citizen for breaking through, and to Sonya and Shawn for continuing to ask tough questions that were not popular at the U of I.)
There were many things about the way Iowa handled this that troubled me long before reading the letter. However, after seeing the mother's pain and frustration leap off the page, it's no wonder so many people feel concern, if not outrage.
For the most part, we have only heard from one side. We must remember that, especially now as emotions run high. However, there are some details that cannot be explained away, unless the mother and father of the alleged victim are making things up, and I know of no one who believes that.
I won't go over the entire list here. I think Andy Fales did a good job of asking the relevant questions in this week's "What's Bugging Andy?".
Among the apparent inexplicable details: How could the alleged victim be forced to live a few doors down from her attacker (and his girlfriend)?
Why wasn't the alleged victim immediately assigned an advocate? President Mason's explanation that the alleged victim's father was her advocate defies belief. Is she serious? Does anyone think this sounds like a good idea? President Mason is not off to a good start at Iowa when it comes to leadership.
Why did the University hold back the mother's letters from the Regents? It hurts credibility.
Why did Iowa athletic officials reportedly suggest the student let the University keep it in house and do its own investigation? If you don't understand the influence the people in that room would have over a young student-athlete, you likely haven't played sports.
Why didn't the alleged victim's coach give her and her family more help and guidance? Why did the mother feel no one was in charge?
Did anyone at Iowa actually think removing the suspects from the active football roster was enough to satisfy the alleged victim?
Why was an assigned football dorm room empty? And why did Kirk Ferentz send two players in there to live after he knew a serious crime allegedly took place there? I suspect it was just questionable judgment, and there's a lot of that going around.
Sadly, I could go on. And on.
Most unfathomable of all is how something could be mismanaged this poorly just a few years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. What kind of policies were put in place that allowed a department to conduct its own internal investigation despite the obvious conflict of interest? Can a University administrator actually hear a rape allegation and not be required to tell the police?
I don't think any of the people being called into question obstructed justice or committed a crime, but they appear guilty of bad judgment. I don't doubt University officials "followed protocol" as Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta told Sonya three times. But even if they technically followed the rules, shouldn't we expect more from our leaders? If you just heard from a devastated Iowa student who said she walked into a room a virgin and walked out covered in blood after being raped, wouldn't you do everything in your power to get the police involved immediately?
It's also fair to ask that after all those embarrassing arrests, disappointing losses, and widely circulated Facebook pictures, if the climate was right for otherwise smart and reputable people to act too much in their own interests instead of those of a student-athlete they had reason to suspect suffered a terrible rape. Perhaps they couldn't even think straight. The pressure of big time, big money college athletics has a way of doing that.
When we finally are able to hear the University of Iowa's side, I believe the administration will have well thought out explanations for much of what happened. It certainly won't appear so one-sided. It's hard to imagine it will be enough.
I know Ferentz, to his credit, removed the players from the team in timely fashion. I realize the alleged victim could have gone to the police, even if urged otherwise. I know the accused are innocent until proven guilty. But none of that gets to the root of what keeps swirling around in my mind.
If I had a daughter, or sister, at the University of Iowa, would I be satisfied that the leaders in this case did everything they could to make a terrible situation as tolerable as possible? For now, the answer is a resounding no.
Shawn Terrell and Sonya Heitshusen investigated this story for months, beginning in late October. They were told several things off the record that we couldn't confirm on the record. We thought those details wouldn't see the light of day unless the case reached trial. The mother's letter changed much of that.
(addendum: Sonya continued working sources diligently, just as the Iowa City Press Citizen did. Often times sources tell you something off the record because they're trying to steer you in a direction, but without being accountable for that information. When no one will go on the record, as was the case despite Sonya's repeated requests, you are stuck. Props to the Press Citizen for breaking through, and to Sonya and Shawn for continuing to ask tough questions that were not popular at the U of I.)
There were many things about the way Iowa handled this that troubled me long before reading the letter. However, after seeing the mother's pain and frustration leap off the page, it's no wonder so many people feel concern, if not outrage.
For the most part, we have only heard from one side. We must remember that, especially now as emotions run high. However, there are some details that cannot be explained away, unless the mother and father of the alleged victim are making things up, and I know of no one who believes that.
I won't go over the entire list here. I think Andy Fales did a good job of asking the relevant questions in this week's "What's Bugging Andy?".
Among the apparent inexplicable details: How could the alleged victim be forced to live a few doors down from her attacker (and his girlfriend)?
Why wasn't the alleged victim immediately assigned an advocate? President Mason's explanation that the alleged victim's father was her advocate defies belief. Is she serious? Does anyone think this sounds like a good idea? President Mason is not off to a good start at Iowa when it comes to leadership.
Why did the University hold back the mother's letters from the Regents? It hurts credibility.
Why did Iowa athletic officials reportedly suggest the student let the University keep it in house and do its own investigation? If you don't understand the influence the people in that room would have over a young student-athlete, you likely haven't played sports.
Why didn't the alleged victim's coach give her and her family more help and guidance? Why did the mother feel no one was in charge?
Did anyone at Iowa actually think removing the suspects from the active football roster was enough to satisfy the alleged victim?
Why was an assigned football dorm room empty? And why did Kirk Ferentz send two players in there to live after he knew a serious crime allegedly took place there? I suspect it was just questionable judgment, and there's a lot of that going around.
Sadly, I could go on. And on.
Most unfathomable of all is how something could be mismanaged this poorly just a few years after the Pierre Pierce debacle. What kind of policies were put in place that allowed a department to conduct its own internal investigation despite the obvious conflict of interest? Can a University administrator actually hear a rape allegation and not be required to tell the police?
I don't think any of the people being called into question obstructed justice or committed a crime, but they appear guilty of bad judgment. I don't doubt University officials "followed protocol" as Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta told Sonya three times. But even if they technically followed the rules, shouldn't we expect more from our leaders? If you just heard from a devastated Iowa student who said she walked into a room a virgin and walked out covered in blood after being raped, wouldn't you do everything in your power to get the police involved immediately?
It's also fair to ask that after all those embarrassing arrests, disappointing losses, and widely circulated Facebook pictures, if the climate was right for otherwise smart and reputable people to act too much in their own interests instead of those of a student-athlete they had reason to suspect suffered a terrible rape. Perhaps they couldn't even think straight. The pressure of big time, big money college athletics has a way of doing that.
When we finally are able to hear the University of Iowa's side, I believe the administration will have well thought out explanations for much of what happened. It certainly won't appear so one-sided. It's hard to imagine it will be enough.
I know Ferentz, to his credit, removed the players from the team in timely fashion. I realize the alleged victim could have gone to the police, even if urged otherwise. I know the accused are innocent until proven guilty. But none of that gets to the root of what keeps swirling around in my mind.
If I had a daughter, or sister, at the University of Iowa, would I be satisfied that the leaders in this case did everything they could to make a terrible situation as tolerable as possible? For now, the answer is a resounding no.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Batman: The Dark Knight
Andy, Shawn, Chris, and I all went to see the midnight showing of the Dark Knight. I chose Cobblestone Theaters in Urbandale. It's kind of the forgotten theater these days, so I figured we'd easily get seats.
We did get in---barely. The Cobblestone had Batman playing on six theaters at midnight and they were all full! Can you imagine how much money this movie is going to make. It'll easily pass $100 million this weekend alone.
After Chris and I bought a $25 "family combo", because Andy had to have a pint of that orange grease that is somehow called "butter" on his popcorn, and I didn't want any motor oil because I want to live to see 50, we settled in for 25 minutes of commercials and previews. This is the apparent price of buying a$6 ticket, instead of an $8 ticket. (Shawn never took one sip---not one---of the $5 Diet Coke I bought him. It's Coke Zero or bust for that guy.)
Once the midnight movie, which should have been called a 12:26 a.m. movie, started we were spellbound. The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie I've ever seen, and easily the best movie of the year so far, regardless of genre. I really shouldn't even throw the superhero label on it, because there's nothing cartoonish about this Batman. It's dark, disturbing, and plausible. The themes are thought-provoking, relevant topics ripped from today's headlines: terrorism, spying, fear mongering, mob mentality, citizen desperation, one man's power---to name a few.
Christian Bale again proves he's the best Bruce Wayne and Batman ever. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Aaron Eckhart all offer terrific support, and I thought Maggie Gyllenhaal improved on Katie Holmes as Rachel. Andy thinks Gyllenhaal is nowhere near hot enough to land the affections of Batman. (Yes, guys really talk about stuff like this on the way out of a movie.) I think she's plenty pretty, and think the whole point is Bruce Wayne always surrounds himself with supermodels, but longs for something more substantial.
I'm burying the lead. Heath Ledger is as good as advertised---better even. You can't take your eyes off him, and not because he died at the end of filming. Ledger gives one of the great supporting performances ever. His Joker is so twisted, menacing, and diabolical that you know he's killing for the fun of it. If Ledger doesn't win the Academy Award for supporting actor, I'll devote an entire Murphy's Law column to the career acting accomplishments of Pauly Shore.
The Dark Knight is long---2 1/2 hours---but not too long. It's so good that Andy and Chris kept their inappropriate, loud talking to under 15 seconds for the entire 150 minutes. That's high praise.
Can't wait to see Batman on the Science Center of Iowa's Imax screen. The grade is A.
(Note to parents: This movie is definitely not for small children, and I'd say you should check it our first for yourself before you take any child under 10. As you know, it often depends on the kid's personality; I have one boy who will love Dark Knight, and one who would have nightmares for weeks.)
We did get in---barely. The Cobblestone had Batman playing on six theaters at midnight and they were all full! Can you imagine how much money this movie is going to make. It'll easily pass $100 million this weekend alone.
After Chris and I bought a $25 "family combo", because Andy had to have a pint of that orange grease that is somehow called "butter" on his popcorn, and I didn't want any motor oil because I want to live to see 50, we settled in for 25 minutes of commercials and previews. This is the apparent price of buying a$6 ticket, instead of an $8 ticket. (Shawn never took one sip---not one---of the $5 Diet Coke I bought him. It's Coke Zero or bust for that guy.)
Once the midnight movie, which should have been called a 12:26 a.m. movie, started we were spellbound. The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie I've ever seen, and easily the best movie of the year so far, regardless of genre. I really shouldn't even throw the superhero label on it, because there's nothing cartoonish about this Batman. It's dark, disturbing, and plausible. The themes are thought-provoking, relevant topics ripped from today's headlines: terrorism, spying, fear mongering, mob mentality, citizen desperation, one man's power---to name a few.
Christian Bale again proves he's the best Bruce Wayne and Batman ever. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Aaron Eckhart all offer terrific support, and I thought Maggie Gyllenhaal improved on Katie Holmes as Rachel. Andy thinks Gyllenhaal is nowhere near hot enough to land the affections of Batman. (Yes, guys really talk about stuff like this on the way out of a movie.) I think she's plenty pretty, and think the whole point is Bruce Wayne always surrounds himself with supermodels, but longs for something more substantial.
I'm burying the lead. Heath Ledger is as good as advertised---better even. You can't take your eyes off him, and not because he died at the end of filming. Ledger gives one of the great supporting performances ever. His Joker is so twisted, menacing, and diabolical that you know he's killing for the fun of it. If Ledger doesn't win the Academy Award for supporting actor, I'll devote an entire Murphy's Law column to the career acting accomplishments of Pauly Shore.
The Dark Knight is long---2 1/2 hours---but not too long. It's so good that Andy and Chris kept their inappropriate, loud talking to under 15 seconds for the entire 150 minutes. That's high praise.
Can't wait to see Batman on the Science Center of Iowa's Imax screen. The grade is A.
(Note to parents: This movie is definitely not for small children, and I'd say you should check it our first for yourself before you take any child under 10. As you know, it often depends on the kid's personality; I have one boy who will love Dark Knight, and one who would have nightmares for weeks.)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Run Lolo Run
Lolo Jones is the real deal. She's just as nice, charismatic, and energetic in person as she is on TV. I'd be remiss if I didn't also disclose she's just as pretty--- even with a headband, even with no make-up, even after no sleep, even with jet lag.
*
It was nice to see more than 1,500 people show up at Hy-Vee Hall for Monday's Olympic Send-Off. Lolo and Shawn Johnson were blown away by the overflow crowd. I was relieved. I had the honor of being the emcee and assisted Courtney Greene (with the Governor's office) on the planning; neither of us had any idea what kind of crowd would show. To our relief, it exceeded everybody's expectations. We appreciate all the people, including the media, showing support.
*
Shawn Johnson is sweet, somewhat shy, and surprisingly humble. People sometimes forget she's only 16. Think back to when you were 16. I was ---how can I put this?---an idiot. Shawn handles her fishbowl life well, and her parents and coach do a good job of making her life as normal as possible. It's about to get crazier.
*
One of the thrills for me behind the scenes was seeing Shawn and Lolo meet for the first time. Both have become fans of the other. Shawn told me she can't believe how fast Lolo can run over those hurdles (who can), and Lolo said she has no idea how Shawn does those gravity-defying routines. Shawn told me during the ceremony she's not sure how she does it either.
*
My favorite moment was when Lolo surprised the single mother of two with a check for $12,000. (Renee Trout lost her Cedar Rapids home to flooding.) It wasn't that long ago Lolo was near broke, and she still needs her prize money, but she found someone who needs it more. First class.
*
My favorite question at the post-rally news conference. "Lolo, are you looking forward to eating Chinese food?" Yes, it was Andy Fales.
*
My ears are still ringing from the little girl screams. I have all boys, so I didn't realize girls could be so LOUD. They see Shawn Johnson, and the sirens start blaring. Wow.
*
I'm watching the All-Star game as I type this. I loved the introductions with the Hall of Famers, but I was disappointed I didn't see my all time favorite, Johnny Bench.
*
Did the Cubs bring their entire roster to Yankee Stadium?
*
There are few things in sports stupider than this game deciding who gets home field advantage in the World Series.
*
Who thought it was a good idea to have Sheryl Crow sing our National Anthem? She's fine with breezy songs but doesn't have the pipes for the Star Spangled Banner. Next time try Simon Estes.
*
Did you see Josh Hamilton's show? To quote Tommy Boy, "that was...AWESOME."
*
Erin Kiernan's blog talked me into the Bucket List, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I thought it would be too much like an Oprah, but it was funny, inspiring, and thought-provoking. It also proved one of the fundamental truths of entertainment: Morgan Freeman improves anything he's in.
*
Hellboy 2 is a good comic come to life. It's like the Star Wars cantina scene on steroids. I can't believe some of what I saw on screen. I go to movies like this for my kids, but I enjoyed Ron Pearlman as the big red guy. Hellboy 2 also has one of the best scenes of the year thanks, in part, to Barry Manilow. Go figure.
*
Wanted is like Fight Club crossed with Bourne Supremacy. Ultra violent and never a dull moment. It's more hyper than lunch at a McDonald's playland. Louder too. But not as loud as the girl screams at a Shawn Johnson rally.
*
This Brett Favre saga is an absolute mess. The Packers are clearly tired of Favre's yearly indecision, and it has grown way past the point of tired, but they have only two choices: start him or release him. I think they hope he'll just stay retired. He won't.
*
Kirk Ferentz is on many college football "hot seat" lists. Hard to believe after the way things were going five years ago, but when you combine Kirk's salary, with Iowa's recent record, and all the arrests, we shouldn't be surprised. However, I personally don't think Ferentz actually is on a hot seat.
*
Iowa Chops grew on some people. The poll results moved in a more favorable direction for the new team all weekend.
*
Andy and I had a good time tweaking the Quad Cities. The Barnstormers asked us to do it. It was all in good fun, and way over the top, so it's surprising that a few of the visitors were actually offended. If you watched that jumbotron and took it seriously, you need to relax. Stat.
*
6th inning now, and I actually have to care about the outcome. I'm one of many Cubs fans thinking ahead. That's probably not smart given how the past 100 years worked out.
*
Congratulations to all our friends over at KXNO radio. KXNO is one of six finalists for the Marconi award, which goes to the country's best sports radio station. KXNO is up against some major market stations, which is quite a compliment.
*
I still don't care about A-Rod and Madonna, and I'm approaching Favre fatigue.
*
Josh Groban just sang God Bless America. Next time, let him do the Anthem too.
Go NL,
Keith
*
It was nice to see more than 1,500 people show up at Hy-Vee Hall for Monday's Olympic Send-Off. Lolo and Shawn Johnson were blown away by the overflow crowd. I was relieved. I had the honor of being the emcee and assisted Courtney Greene (with the Governor's office) on the planning; neither of us had any idea what kind of crowd would show. To our relief, it exceeded everybody's expectations. We appreciate all the people, including the media, showing support.
*
Shawn Johnson is sweet, somewhat shy, and surprisingly humble. People sometimes forget she's only 16. Think back to when you were 16. I was ---how can I put this?---an idiot. Shawn handles her fishbowl life well, and her parents and coach do a good job of making her life as normal as possible. It's about to get crazier.
*
One of the thrills for me behind the scenes was seeing Shawn and Lolo meet for the first time. Both have become fans of the other. Shawn told me she can't believe how fast Lolo can run over those hurdles (who can), and Lolo said she has no idea how Shawn does those gravity-defying routines. Shawn told me during the ceremony she's not sure how she does it either.
*
My favorite moment was when Lolo surprised the single mother of two with a check for $12,000. (Renee Trout lost her Cedar Rapids home to flooding.) It wasn't that long ago Lolo was near broke, and she still needs her prize money, but she found someone who needs it more. First class.
*
My favorite question at the post-rally news conference. "Lolo, are you looking forward to eating Chinese food?" Yes, it was Andy Fales.
*
My ears are still ringing from the little girl screams. I have all boys, so I didn't realize girls could be so LOUD. They see Shawn Johnson, and the sirens start blaring. Wow.
*
I'm watching the All-Star game as I type this. I loved the introductions with the Hall of Famers, but I was disappointed I didn't see my all time favorite, Johnny Bench.
*
Did the Cubs bring their entire roster to Yankee Stadium?
*
There are few things in sports stupider than this game deciding who gets home field advantage in the World Series.
*
Who thought it was a good idea to have Sheryl Crow sing our National Anthem? She's fine with breezy songs but doesn't have the pipes for the Star Spangled Banner. Next time try Simon Estes.
*
Did you see Josh Hamilton's show? To quote Tommy Boy, "that was...AWESOME."
*
Erin Kiernan's blog talked me into the Bucket List, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. I thought it would be too much like an Oprah, but it was funny, inspiring, and thought-provoking. It also proved one of the fundamental truths of entertainment: Morgan Freeman improves anything he's in.
*
Hellboy 2 is a good comic come to life. It's like the Star Wars cantina scene on steroids. I can't believe some of what I saw on screen. I go to movies like this for my kids, but I enjoyed Ron Pearlman as the big red guy. Hellboy 2 also has one of the best scenes of the year thanks, in part, to Barry Manilow. Go figure.
*
Wanted is like Fight Club crossed with Bourne Supremacy. Ultra violent and never a dull moment. It's more hyper than lunch at a McDonald's playland. Louder too. But not as loud as the girl screams at a Shawn Johnson rally.
*
This Brett Favre saga is an absolute mess. The Packers are clearly tired of Favre's yearly indecision, and it has grown way past the point of tired, but they have only two choices: start him or release him. I think they hope he'll just stay retired. He won't.
*
Kirk Ferentz is on many college football "hot seat" lists. Hard to believe after the way things were going five years ago, but when you combine Kirk's salary, with Iowa's recent record, and all the arrests, we shouldn't be surprised. However, I personally don't think Ferentz actually is on a hot seat.
*
Iowa Chops grew on some people. The poll results moved in a more favorable direction for the new team all weekend.
*
Andy and I had a good time tweaking the Quad Cities. The Barnstormers asked us to do it. It was all in good fun, and way over the top, so it's surprising that a few of the visitors were actually offended. If you watched that jumbotron and took it seriously, you need to relax. Stat.
*
6th inning now, and I actually have to care about the outcome. I'm one of many Cubs fans thinking ahead. That's probably not smart given how the past 100 years worked out.
*
Congratulations to all our friends over at KXNO radio. KXNO is one of six finalists for the Marconi award, which goes to the country's best sports radio station. KXNO is up against some major market stations, which is quite a compliment.
*
I still don't care about A-Rod and Madonna, and I'm approaching Favre fatigue.
*
Josh Groban just sang God Bless America. Next time, let him do the Anthem too.
Go NL,
Keith
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Chop or Flop?
So it is indeed... the Iowa Chops. It's interesting, and not necessarily positive, that the naming of the team has brought, by far, the most interest in Des Moines' AHL team. You knew once the organization revealed the name, it would be a collective yawn, like it was for the Stars (or would be for the Ducks), or you'd have half the people hating, slamming, and scoffing. Guess which happened? I've heard from many people who absolutely love Iowa Chops, and others who feel a lot like the Des Moines Register's Sean Keeler. Sean blogs, "Terrible. Simply terrible. Boring and tasteless in one foul swoop." I disagree, but I love that Sean brings it strong.
*
As many of you know, I pushed hard for Iowa Chops on SoundOff (which is an opinion show), so I've heard some praise, and I've taken some lumps. I do know the organization paid attention to all the feedback on our show, and the fact Iowa Chops won two separate viewer polls. It's a fair point that the host influences the votes of some people, but Andy and I are paid to give our opinions, and we do. That won't change.
*
I love the name Iowa Chops. It's unique, it's strong, and it's local. Although the world famous Iowa pork chop figured in my affection for the name, I did not have a wild boar in mind for a logo. I was picturing a hockey stick making a chop motion or something not involving a pig, but that pig is what a lot of people love. The merchandise was selling like crazy at the Chop Shop. (Yes, the puns could get tiresome quickly.)
*
Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones represent Iowa about as well as we could possibly hope. They deserve a huge sendoff, and we're going to try and give it to them Monday at noon at the Iowa Events Center. It's free, and it should be a lot of fun. The Isisirettes will start rocking the house around 11:45 a.m., videos will play, Iowa icon Simon Estes will sing the national anthem, and both Lolo and Shawn will speak. I'm honored the Governor's office asked me to help put the event together and to emcee. I didn't talk to a single person who paused. It's just been, "What can I do?". I think that's a reflection of how proud people are of Shawn and Lolo---not just for their amazing talent, but for their character. Monday at noon. Please help spread the word.
*
Speaking of Iowa icons, Andy Fales' story on Bob Feller was fantastic. You can watch it on the whotv.com video player. Feller had a baseball career only a handful of pitchers can match, yet he's most proud of his military service. Nearly 90 years old, and still saying exactly what he thinks.
*
Nile Kinnick would have been 90 Wednesday. Hard to believe Kinnick's been dead for nearly 70 years, and yet he and Feller were born the same year (1918).
*
Chris Hassel appears on TV several times a week, yet he sent Shawn and me a giddy text message because when Geovany Soto homered Tuesday night, Chris could kind of be seen along with hundreds of other bleacher bums at Wrigley Field. I can't explain it, but I can relate. I get excited if you can tell it's my bald spot in a newspaper picture of some athlete being interviewed. I'd get a toupee but then I couldn't pick myself out.
Keith
,
*
As many of you know, I pushed hard for Iowa Chops on SoundOff (which is an opinion show), so I've heard some praise, and I've taken some lumps. I do know the organization paid attention to all the feedback on our show, and the fact Iowa Chops won two separate viewer polls. It's a fair point that the host influences the votes of some people, but Andy and I are paid to give our opinions, and we do. That won't change.
*
I love the name Iowa Chops. It's unique, it's strong, and it's local. Although the world famous Iowa pork chop figured in my affection for the name, I did not have a wild boar in mind for a logo. I was picturing a hockey stick making a chop motion or something not involving a pig, but that pig is what a lot of people love. The merchandise was selling like crazy at the Chop Shop. (Yes, the puns could get tiresome quickly.)
*
Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones represent Iowa about as well as we could possibly hope. They deserve a huge sendoff, and we're going to try and give it to them Monday at noon at the Iowa Events Center. It's free, and it should be a lot of fun. The Isisirettes will start rocking the house around 11:45 a.m., videos will play, Iowa icon Simon Estes will sing the national anthem, and both Lolo and Shawn will speak. I'm honored the Governor's office asked me to help put the event together and to emcee. I didn't talk to a single person who paused. It's just been, "What can I do?". I think that's a reflection of how proud people are of Shawn and Lolo---not just for their amazing talent, but for their character. Monday at noon. Please help spread the word.
*
Speaking of Iowa icons, Andy Fales' story on Bob Feller was fantastic. You can watch it on the whotv.com video player. Feller had a baseball career only a handful of pitchers can match, yet he's most proud of his military service. Nearly 90 years old, and still saying exactly what he thinks.
*
Nile Kinnick would have been 90 Wednesday. Hard to believe Kinnick's been dead for nearly 70 years, and yet he and Feller were born the same year (1918).
*
Chris Hassel appears on TV several times a week, yet he sent Shawn and me a giddy text message because when Geovany Soto homered Tuesday night, Chris could kind of be seen along with hundreds of other bleacher bums at Wrigley Field. I can't explain it, but I can relate. I get excited if you can tell it's my bald spot in a newspaper picture of some athlete being interviewed. I'd get a toupee but then I couldn't pick myself out.
Keith
,
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Let it be Iowa Chops.
*
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce its new name Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Wells Fargo Arena. You're invited. Those of you who read this blog, or watch SoundOff, know I've pushed Iowa Chops for months. You'll never find a name everyone loves, but after first floating Chops out there, it easily won our online vote (I only voted 7 times). Iowa Chops works on several levels including, most importantly, the unique local level. Merchandise would sell, not to mention pork chops, and it wouldn't take fans long to invent an Iowa Chop-chant. I also expect you'd have a built in corporate sponsor.
*
At one time, the Stars organization settled on Iowa Thunder, but since then the Anaheim Ducks became Iowa's AHL affiliate, and they shook up the front office. Let's hope they also shook themselves and listened to the fans: Chops, not Thunder. (If it is Thunder, I don't mind it, but Andy will go nuts. He hates Thunder. Then again, while I was pushing "Chops", he was lobbying for "Corn Dawgs". If it's Corn Dawgs, or Corndogs, I may cry.) Give us your pick in the whotv.com poll.
*
Along with the new identity, Iowa's AHL organization will announce a dramatic reduction in ticket prices. I hear prices are nearly chopped in half. That's key, though it will put pressure on the organization to sell twice as many tickets. If they can't, the AHL shouldn't be here anyway.
*
Chris Hassel just sent me a text message from Wrigley Field: "HARDEN TRADE WINS WORLD SERIES...ON PAPER." Yes, now if the Cubs can just find a way to play it on paper, the drought finally ends.
*
Good job by the Cubs answering the Brewers addition of CC Sabathia. I know Jim Hendry says it wasn't a response to Milwaukee, but it was, and it's a good one---if Harden stays healthy. He's no Prior, but he's no Maddux either.
*
Great job out of Kurt Warner coming back to his hometown and helping out. I know it's part PR, but Kurt has enough history helping out to know his heart's really in it.
*
Hawkeye wrestling assistant coach Wes Hand steps down at Iowa to "pursue other interests". That's something you don't often see after a team wins the national championship.
*
Sorry I'm so short (insert 5'10" joke here). I'll return in 24 hours or your money back.
*
Now back to Shane from Marshalltown and Anonymous...
Keith
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce its new name Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Wells Fargo Arena. You're invited. Those of you who read this blog, or watch SoundOff, know I've pushed Iowa Chops for months. You'll never find a name everyone loves, but after first floating Chops out there, it easily won our online vote (I only voted 7 times). Iowa Chops works on several levels including, most importantly, the unique local level. Merchandise would sell, not to mention pork chops, and it wouldn't take fans long to invent an Iowa Chop-chant. I also expect you'd have a built in corporate sponsor.
*
At one time, the Stars organization settled on Iowa Thunder, but since then the Anaheim Ducks became Iowa's AHL affiliate, and they shook up the front office. Let's hope they also shook themselves and listened to the fans: Chops, not Thunder. (If it is Thunder, I don't mind it, but Andy will go nuts. He hates Thunder. Then again, while I was pushing "Chops", he was lobbying for "Corn Dawgs". If it's Corn Dawgs, or Corndogs, I may cry.) Give us your pick in the whotv.com poll.
*
Along with the new identity, Iowa's AHL organization will announce a dramatic reduction in ticket prices. I hear prices are nearly chopped in half. That's key, though it will put pressure on the organization to sell twice as many tickets. If they can't, the AHL shouldn't be here anyway.
*
Chris Hassel just sent me a text message from Wrigley Field: "HARDEN TRADE WINS WORLD SERIES...ON PAPER." Yes, now if the Cubs can just find a way to play it on paper, the drought finally ends.
*
Good job by the Cubs answering the Brewers addition of CC Sabathia. I know Jim Hendry says it wasn't a response to Milwaukee, but it was, and it's a good one---if Harden stays healthy. He's no Prior, but he's no Maddux either.
*
Great job out of Kurt Warner coming back to his hometown and helping out. I know it's part PR, but Kurt has enough history helping out to know his heart's really in it.
*
Hawkeye wrestling assistant coach Wes Hand steps down at Iowa to "pursue other interests". That's something you don't often see after a team wins the national championship.
*
Sorry I'm so short (insert 5'10" joke here). I'll return in 24 hours or your money back.
*
Now back to Shane from Marshalltown and Anonymous...
Keith
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Scattershots for 4th of July weekend
*
Who do you have in the Big Ten Network vs. Mediacom cage match? I'm going with the customer because I think we'll see a settlement by football season. We better... The Hawkeyes first three games are on the BTN, and that includes the Big Game: Iowa State at Iowa.
*
Speaking of Iowa-Iowa State (or is it Iowa State-Iowa?), we're cranking up RVTV again. Don't say anything to Andy if you see him. We still haven't told him, and one of his conditions of returning, actually his only condition, was no RVTV. I don't know what his problem is. He's the one who eats all the Steak-N-Shake.
*
Good to hear Marc Hansen filling in for Ken Miller on KXNO. I still read Marc frequently in the Des Moines Register, but miss his thoughts on sports (though he seems to write about his old world every chance he gets). Marc's level-headed observations are always welcome. It's an increasingly rare gift to see or hear people making their points without feeling that person has an agenda or a pre-conceived viewpoint. I think this is why the loss of Tim Russert crushed so many people.
*
Speaking of Russert, John Bachman tells me the guy who hired Russert for Meet the Press, Michael Gartner, has an idea for Russert's successor: Bob Costas. After it sinks in, you realize it's an inspired choice. However, I think NBC should keep Tom Brokaw in the chair until he returns to fly-fishing.
*
Cubs fanatic J.T. the Nutt loaned me a "docu-comedy" called Chasing October. Heather Burnside and I watched it the other night, and if you're a Cubs fan, you have to see it. A few scenes are obviously staged---kind of reminded me of our SoundOff bad actors club---but the joy and heartbreak of following the Cubbies really comes through. Warning: you will have to suffer through that fateful NLCS night in 2003 against the Florida Freaking Marlins. This will be Andy's favorite part of the movie (like he'd watch it).
*
WALL-E is getting the best movie reviews of the year, and some of the most glowing endorsements for an animated film ever. That's why I feel a little guilty that I didn't like it more. I thought it was good, but not great. I certainly don't want to see it again, and there are many animated films I enjoyed more (Toy Story, The Incredibles, Cars, Monsters Inc., to name a few). B- for me, which is probably the lowest rating for this movie in North America.
*
A-Rod & Madonna? I just don't care. I'm tired of both.
*
Speaking of things I'm tired of, how 'bout Brett Favre's annual dance with retirement. Back in March when Favre retired, I finished our coverage by saying, "No word when Farve will first announce he's having second thoughts." That doesn't make me Nostradamus, or even Miss Clio. This was predictable, but Favre is right to return if he's not sure he's done. A few athletes left too soon, while many more stayed too long. It's hard to get it just right, but it's a short window. If Favre wants to play, he should play. He's still got game, he's fun to watch, and father time waits for no man. Except Bachman.
*
I'm happy to report Shawn Terrell did return. Many of you were concerned he would stay on the road with Pearl Jam, but two things brought Shawn back: 1) the need for money. 2) college football season.
*
Hey Jason Giambi, my high school Senior picture called and it wants the mustache back.
*
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce their new nickname Wednesday. I heard a few months ago it would be Iowa Thunder, but I was later assured nothing had been decided. I hope that's true. Fans really wanted a say in this, and Thunder didn't excite many people.
*
Did you catch Coldplay on the Daily Show? Hard to put on a great show in a tiny studio, but they rocked it. I like a band that wears its U2 ambitions on its sleeve. (And yes, I've seen The 40 Year Old Virgin.)
*
Happy 4th! I'm always especially thankful on this holiday because we have a huge Beaverdale neighborhood party, and it reminds me of one of the reasons I love living in Iowa. The all-day block party is something that just doesn't happen in most states.
Who do you have in the Big Ten Network vs. Mediacom cage match? I'm going with the customer because I think we'll see a settlement by football season. We better... The Hawkeyes first three games are on the BTN, and that includes the Big Game: Iowa State at Iowa.
*
Speaking of Iowa-Iowa State (or is it Iowa State-Iowa?), we're cranking up RVTV again. Don't say anything to Andy if you see him. We still haven't told him, and one of his conditions of returning, actually his only condition, was no RVTV. I don't know what his problem is. He's the one who eats all the Steak-N-Shake.
*
Good to hear Marc Hansen filling in for Ken Miller on KXNO. I still read Marc frequently in the Des Moines Register, but miss his thoughts on sports (though he seems to write about his old world every chance he gets). Marc's level-headed observations are always welcome. It's an increasingly rare gift to see or hear people making their points without feeling that person has an agenda or a pre-conceived viewpoint. I think this is why the loss of Tim Russert crushed so many people.
*
Speaking of Russert, John Bachman tells me the guy who hired Russert for Meet the Press, Michael Gartner, has an idea for Russert's successor: Bob Costas. After it sinks in, you realize it's an inspired choice. However, I think NBC should keep Tom Brokaw in the chair until he returns to fly-fishing.
*
Cubs fanatic J.T. the Nutt loaned me a "docu-comedy" called Chasing October. Heather Burnside and I watched it the other night, and if you're a Cubs fan, you have to see it. A few scenes are obviously staged---kind of reminded me of our SoundOff bad actors club---but the joy and heartbreak of following the Cubbies really comes through. Warning: you will have to suffer through that fateful NLCS night in 2003 against the Florida Freaking Marlins. This will be Andy's favorite part of the movie (like he'd watch it).
*
WALL-E is getting the best movie reviews of the year, and some of the most glowing endorsements for an animated film ever. That's why I feel a little guilty that I didn't like it more. I thought it was good, but not great. I certainly don't want to see it again, and there are many animated films I enjoyed more (Toy Story, The Incredibles, Cars, Monsters Inc., to name a few). B- for me, which is probably the lowest rating for this movie in North America.
*
A-Rod & Madonna? I just don't care. I'm tired of both.
*
Speaking of things I'm tired of, how 'bout Brett Favre's annual dance with retirement. Back in March when Favre retired, I finished our coverage by saying, "No word when Farve will first announce he's having second thoughts." That doesn't make me Nostradamus, or even Miss Clio. This was predictable, but Favre is right to return if he's not sure he's done. A few athletes left too soon, while many more stayed too long. It's hard to get it just right, but it's a short window. If Favre wants to play, he should play. He's still got game, he's fun to watch, and father time waits for no man. Except Bachman.
*
I'm happy to report Shawn Terrell did return. Many of you were concerned he would stay on the road with Pearl Jam, but two things brought Shawn back: 1) the need for money. 2) college football season.
*
Hey Jason Giambi, my high school Senior picture called and it wants the mustache back.
*
The team formerly known as the Iowa Stars will announce their new nickname Wednesday. I heard a few months ago it would be Iowa Thunder, but I was later assured nothing had been decided. I hope that's true. Fans really wanted a say in this, and Thunder didn't excite many people.
*
Did you catch Coldplay on the Daily Show? Hard to put on a great show in a tiny studio, but they rocked it. I like a band that wears its U2 ambitions on its sleeve. (And yes, I've seen The 40 Year Old Virgin.)
*
Happy 4th! I'm always especially thankful on this holiday because we have a huge Beaverdale neighborhood party, and it reminds me of one of the reasons I love living in Iowa. The all-day block party is something that just doesn't happen in most states.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Scattershots: Berryman out of second chances.
Come on, Jason. I believed you. You looked me in the eyes and told me you'd make the most of yet another chance, and you blew it.
*
Either Jason Berryman doesn't really want to play football or he just doesn't care. Two players told me a month ago that Berryman kept missing practices and showing up late to everything. A team official told me today that it never got better and Berryman became a cancer in the locker-room.
*
The Barnstormers call it a suspension because it's required by the league, but the team insider told me Berryman will never play for the Barnstormers again. Will someone else pick him up? Who knows. He's got serious talent when motivated. I've been to three games this season. Berryman wreaked havoc in two of them, and spent the third sleepwalking.
*
At least this was no crime, just bad work habits. And for $200 a week, only the motivated need apply, but you'd think that would include Jason. Talk to him one-on-one and it's hard not to walk away liking the guy.
*
Berryman may not have learned a lesson, but it sounds like Mike Taylor did. Good for him. Nice to see him drafted in the second round.
*
You know it's a sign of the basketball at Iowa and Iowa State when the top player in the NBA draft was kicked off the Cyclone team. Nice to read in the Register that Greg McDermott is proud of Taylor for turning his life around.
*
I think part of what makes watching Shawn Johnson so fascinating is that we can't imagine doing any of what she does. We can swing a golf club somewhat like Tiger Woods (you know what I mean), but that thing where Shawn's standing on a four inch wide beam and suddenly jumps up and does a flip and a twist with her face just inches off the beam, and then lands on her feet?! I don't even see how that's humanly possible. And how 'bout that floor routine. She's 4 feet 9 (in sneakers) and gets more hang time than Leonard Houston. Can't wait for Beijing.
*
Dallas Clark is the kind of guy who will gladly give you an autograph for free, but Sunday at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Clark's charging $20 a pop. Why? Because he cares. From 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. you can bring just about anything to Dallas and he'll sign it in exchange for a 20 dollar donation to help flood and tornado victims. Knowing Dallas, he'll sign something for whatever you can afford. Please bring your Hawkeye and Colts gear and help him raise some cash.
*
The I-Cubs have a new star: Jeff Samardzija. He hasn't done a lot for the Cubs yet, but Notre Dame football fans love this guy. Especially now that the Irish forgot how to win.
*
Someone on the Murphy's Law feedback wants to know why Marty Tirrell "gets the shield and the kid gloves?" I don't see it that way. KXNO suspended Tirrell, but wouldn't say why. Marty took our phone call, but declined comment on any specifics. We showed part of his on-air apology. No one in this office was listening when whatever happened, happened. We're not going to report gossip or hearsay. KXNO and Marty played it smart and didn't provide any fuel for the fire. Meantime, they couldn't have paid for more buzz or hype. It was no stunt, but it proved these guys really get people talking.
*
I spent some time with West Des Moines' Tim McClelland in Wrigleyville last weekend. I asked Tim if he'd ever given thought to the Hall of Fame. Tim said he hadn't, and he was so humbled by the suggestion, I could tell he was genuine. McClelland should give himself more credit, because in my mind, he's a no doubt Hall of Famer (on and off the field). Eight umpires are in the Hall, and there's no doubt Tim is the most respected umpire of his generation. Not only do players vote him the best in MLB year-after-year, McClelland's also been in the middle of several famous moments (the Pine Tar Incident, Sosa' corked bat, the extra inning play at the plate in the playoffs last year). If McClelland's body holds up for another four years, he should think more about Cooperstown.
*
Jenny and I had a fantastic time at Wrigley Field. It was the best birthday present I ever gave someone (for me). A big thanks to Heather Burnside for being such a fun tour guide. I finally recovered enough to type this.
*
I would have finished this sooner, but I got on the computer after Chris Hassel, and whenever he logs off, it takes about 36 hours to finally shut down. I'm not sure what he's doing, but it has to be similar to the month Andy uploaded all 1,100 of his albums for his iPod.
*
Against the advice of many of you, I rented I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Couldn't finish it. That is a terrible movie. And what's with Adam Sandler playing the part of a guy who is so hot, all the best looking women fight over him?
*
I enjoyed Get Smart a lot. The action is good, the comedy better. Steve Carrell carries the movie. It's a perfect part for his deadpan humor. Pleasant surprise.
*
Looking for a film noir sleeper... try The Lookout.
*
Shawn Terrell is on vacation. So far I've received four pictures from Pearl Jam concerts. This guy needs another hobby. I'm worried he'll become a roadie, and we need him here.
*
*
Either Jason Berryman doesn't really want to play football or he just doesn't care. Two players told me a month ago that Berryman kept missing practices and showing up late to everything. A team official told me today that it never got better and Berryman became a cancer in the locker-room.
*
The Barnstormers call it a suspension because it's required by the league, but the team insider told me Berryman will never play for the Barnstormers again. Will someone else pick him up? Who knows. He's got serious talent when motivated. I've been to three games this season. Berryman wreaked havoc in two of them, and spent the third sleepwalking.
*
At least this was no crime, just bad work habits. And for $200 a week, only the motivated need apply, but you'd think that would include Jason. Talk to him one-on-one and it's hard not to walk away liking the guy.
*
Berryman may not have learned a lesson, but it sounds like Mike Taylor did. Good for him. Nice to see him drafted in the second round.
*
You know it's a sign of the basketball at Iowa and Iowa State when the top player in the NBA draft was kicked off the Cyclone team. Nice to read in the Register that Greg McDermott is proud of Taylor for turning his life around.
*
I think part of what makes watching Shawn Johnson so fascinating is that we can't imagine doing any of what she does. We can swing a golf club somewhat like Tiger Woods (you know what I mean), but that thing where Shawn's standing on a four inch wide beam and suddenly jumps up and does a flip and a twist with her face just inches off the beam, and then lands on her feet?! I don't even see how that's humanly possible. And how 'bout that floor routine. She's 4 feet 9 (in sneakers) and gets more hang time than Leonard Houston. Can't wait for Beijing.
*
Dallas Clark is the kind of guy who will gladly give you an autograph for free, but Sunday at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Clark's charging $20 a pop. Why? Because he cares. From 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. you can bring just about anything to Dallas and he'll sign it in exchange for a 20 dollar donation to help flood and tornado victims. Knowing Dallas, he'll sign something for whatever you can afford. Please bring your Hawkeye and Colts gear and help him raise some cash.
*
The I-Cubs have a new star: Jeff Samardzija. He hasn't done a lot for the Cubs yet, but Notre Dame football fans love this guy. Especially now that the Irish forgot how to win.
*
Someone on the Murphy's Law feedback wants to know why Marty Tirrell "gets the shield and the kid gloves?" I don't see it that way. KXNO suspended Tirrell, but wouldn't say why. Marty took our phone call, but declined comment on any specifics. We showed part of his on-air apology. No one in this office was listening when whatever happened, happened. We're not going to report gossip or hearsay. KXNO and Marty played it smart and didn't provide any fuel for the fire. Meantime, they couldn't have paid for more buzz or hype. It was no stunt, but it proved these guys really get people talking.
*
I spent some time with West Des Moines' Tim McClelland in Wrigleyville last weekend. I asked Tim if he'd ever given thought to the Hall of Fame. Tim said he hadn't, and he was so humbled by the suggestion, I could tell he was genuine. McClelland should give himself more credit, because in my mind, he's a no doubt Hall of Famer (on and off the field). Eight umpires are in the Hall, and there's no doubt Tim is the most respected umpire of his generation. Not only do players vote him the best in MLB year-after-year, McClelland's also been in the middle of several famous moments (the Pine Tar Incident, Sosa' corked bat, the extra inning play at the plate in the playoffs last year). If McClelland's body holds up for another four years, he should think more about Cooperstown.
*
Jenny and I had a fantastic time at Wrigley Field. It was the best birthday present I ever gave someone (for me). A big thanks to Heather Burnside for being such a fun tour guide. I finally recovered enough to type this.
*
I would have finished this sooner, but I got on the computer after Chris Hassel, and whenever he logs off, it takes about 36 hours to finally shut down. I'm not sure what he's doing, but it has to be similar to the month Andy uploaded all 1,100 of his albums for his iPod.
*
Against the advice of many of you, I rented I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Couldn't finish it. That is a terrible movie. And what's with Adam Sandler playing the part of a guy who is so hot, all the best looking women fight over him?
*
I enjoyed Get Smart a lot. The action is good, the comedy better. Steve Carrell carries the movie. It's a perfect part for his deadpan humor. Pleasant surprise.
*
Looking for a film noir sleeper... try The Lookout.
*
Shawn Terrell is on vacation. So far I've received four pictures from Pearl Jam concerts. This guy needs another hobby. I'm worried he'll become a roadie, and we need him here.
*
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Scattershots: No more slow sports summers in Iowa.
Iowa has become a year-round hot spot for sports. Look at this weekend's options: Iowa Corn Indy 250, Hy-Vee Triathlon, I-Cubs, Barnstormers, Menace... to name a few. This is good for my job security and your entertainment options.
*
Shawn Johnson is a lock for the Olympic team, she just needs to stay healthy at the Olympic Trials. The Des Moines Register reports that Shawn's coach, Liang Chow, would not let her load sandbags for his flooded gym, and it didn't take long to see how smart Chow is. Shawn's father, Doug, tore his bicep helping clean the mess. Doctors told Doug he needed surgery immediately, but Doug said it would have to wait until after the Olympic Trials. If you're a father, you understand.
*
Speaking of sucking it up, can you believe Tiger Woods played his first, second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds of golf in two months over a five day period with a torn ACL and a double stress fracture in his lower leg, AND WON THE U.S. OPEN?! I've already said Tiger's the most clutch athlete I've ever seen, not to mention the greatest sports star of my lifetime, but apparently he's also the guttiest golfer of all time. Even if you don't like Tiger---and there are some haters out there, just like there were for Jordan---you have to respect him.
*
I already miss Tim Russert. It's increasingly rare to find a national journalist who just wants straight answers, not ammunition for one's own beliefs.
*
How 'bout the four NFL players from Aplington-Parkersburg teaming up to help their hometown and school. We're not surprised.
*
Great hustle by the folks who run the Hy-Vee Triathlon to find a way to keep the "tri" in triathlon. The event exceeded all expectations last year, but to lose Olympic qualifier status this year would have been a harsh blow, though no one's fault. Good work.
*
I'm not real knowledgeable about triathletes, so when I learned I'd interview Jarrod Shoemaker Thursday, it really didn't mean much to me... that is until I ate breakfast Thursday morning and noticed Jarrod on my box of Wheaties. Really nice guy too, and he's already qualified for Beijing. The only way most of us can get on a box of Wheaties is one of those cheesy photo-shopped pictures at Adventureland.
*
The Big Ten Network will land on Mediacom soon, which is good news for many of us. The BTN just reached a deal with Comcast, and though Mediacom's Phyllis Peters tells me the BTN offered Comcast flexibility it didn't previously offer Mediacom, I think it's only a matter of time. Everyone benefits, including HDTV addicts like me. Well, not everyone. I suppose some people will watch BTN about as much as I watch Lifetime.
*
Hard not to root for Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon at the Iowa Corn Indy 250. The teammates will donate their prize money to Iowa's flood and tornado victims. A 1-2 finish would mean a couple hundred thousand dollars to people who could really use the cash.
*
Let's hope for no parking problems in Newton. Word is it's all good.
*
We'll be stopping there on our way back from Wrigley Field. The Cubs and White Sox knock heads with both teams in first place; that's never happened. Wouldn't happen this year if the Cubs kept playing the Rays. Once they took the devil out of Tampa Bay, the team started winning. Well, that and pitching.
*
Did you see I-Cubs pitcher Kevin Hart stop a line drive with his head Wednesday night? The sound was horrific, and Hart's fortunate to escape with a mild concussion.
*
The Des Moines Bucs have a good promotion going. Buy a season ticket, and if the Bucs lose their home opener, you get half your money back. Wonder if fans will root for a win or loss that night? Real fans want the win, unless they just filled their tank with gas.
*
Andy was right. Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro was stupid, and not funny-stupid like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. I still laughed, but not very often, and not for long.
*
Guru Pitka looks awful. I said the same thing about Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and loved it, but I think Guru Pitka is a stinkbomb. If you take one for the team and see it, let me know.
*
Time for the Barnstormers to win a game. Beer can only do so much.
*
Oh, and to answer one of the feedback questions, yes, I'm going to Wrigley Field for my wife's birthday. She seems to be okay with it, but I'll find out for sure next March. If I get a "couple's day at the spa", we'll have our answer.
Have fun.
Keith
*
Shawn Johnson is a lock for the Olympic team, she just needs to stay healthy at the Olympic Trials. The Des Moines Register reports that Shawn's coach, Liang Chow, would not let her load sandbags for his flooded gym, and it didn't take long to see how smart Chow is. Shawn's father, Doug, tore his bicep helping clean the mess. Doctors told Doug he needed surgery immediately, but Doug said it would have to wait until after the Olympic Trials. If you're a father, you understand.
*
Speaking of sucking it up, can you believe Tiger Woods played his first, second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds of golf in two months over a five day period with a torn ACL and a double stress fracture in his lower leg, AND WON THE U.S. OPEN?! I've already said Tiger's the most clutch athlete I've ever seen, not to mention the greatest sports star of my lifetime, but apparently he's also the guttiest golfer of all time. Even if you don't like Tiger---and there are some haters out there, just like there were for Jordan---you have to respect him.
*
I already miss Tim Russert. It's increasingly rare to find a national journalist who just wants straight answers, not ammunition for one's own beliefs.
*
How 'bout the four NFL players from Aplington-Parkersburg teaming up to help their hometown and school. We're not surprised.
*
Great hustle by the folks who run the Hy-Vee Triathlon to find a way to keep the "tri" in triathlon. The event exceeded all expectations last year, but to lose Olympic qualifier status this year would have been a harsh blow, though no one's fault. Good work.
*
I'm not real knowledgeable about triathletes, so when I learned I'd interview Jarrod Shoemaker Thursday, it really didn't mean much to me... that is until I ate breakfast Thursday morning and noticed Jarrod on my box of Wheaties. Really nice guy too, and he's already qualified for Beijing. The only way most of us can get on a box of Wheaties is one of those cheesy photo-shopped pictures at Adventureland.
*
The Big Ten Network will land on Mediacom soon, which is good news for many of us. The BTN just reached a deal with Comcast, and though Mediacom's Phyllis Peters tells me the BTN offered Comcast flexibility it didn't previously offer Mediacom, I think it's only a matter of time. Everyone benefits, including HDTV addicts like me. Well, not everyone. I suppose some people will watch BTN about as much as I watch Lifetime.
*
Hard not to root for Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon at the Iowa Corn Indy 250. The teammates will donate their prize money to Iowa's flood and tornado victims. A 1-2 finish would mean a couple hundred thousand dollars to people who could really use the cash.
*
Let's hope for no parking problems in Newton. Word is it's all good.
*
We'll be stopping there on our way back from Wrigley Field. The Cubs and White Sox knock heads with both teams in first place; that's never happened. Wouldn't happen this year if the Cubs kept playing the Rays. Once they took the devil out of Tampa Bay, the team started winning. Well, that and pitching.
*
Did you see I-Cubs pitcher Kevin Hart stop a line drive with his head Wednesday night? The sound was horrific, and Hart's fortunate to escape with a mild concussion.
*
The Des Moines Bucs have a good promotion going. Buy a season ticket, and if the Bucs lose their home opener, you get half your money back. Wonder if fans will root for a win or loss that night? Real fans want the win, unless they just filled their tank with gas.
*
Andy was right. Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro was stupid, and not funny-stupid like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. I still laughed, but not very often, and not for long.
*
Guru Pitka looks awful. I said the same thing about Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and loved it, but I think Guru Pitka is a stinkbomb. If you take one for the team and see it, let me know.
*
Time for the Barnstormers to win a game. Beer can only do so much.
*
Oh, and to answer one of the feedback questions, yes, I'm going to Wrigley Field for my wife's birthday. She seems to be okay with it, but I'll find out for sure next March. If I get a "couple's day at the spa", we'll have our answer.
Have fun.
Keith
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Scattershots: Back from brief vacation.
I just returned from vacation. Did I miss anything?
*
My goodness, since when does a Flood of the Century happen every 15 years?
*
We went to Kansas City for a couple days. A water park and Royals game usually equals relaxation, even with kids, but Jenny and I spent so much time on the computer checking on what was going on back here, it made sense to get back. We returned to a flooded basement, but compared to so many people, we got off easy.
*
I watched TV around the clock, and for once, very little HD. I couldn't take my eyes off the wall-to-wall flood coverage here on channel 13. I still can't believe some of what I saw. The heartbreaking scenes of people fleeing their homes; downtown Cedar Rapids completely under water; the levees breaking and the water crawling into neighborhoods... I could go on, but you saw it too. Just unbelievable.
*
There's a reason people who leave Iowa often move back. You have to have lived somewhere else to truly appreciate how special it is here. The best part of this awful disaster has been seeing people helping other people.
*
I helped Andy clean out his flooded storage facility, but it was more than worth it to find out his framed OJ Simpson poster was ruined. I know he's had it since childhood, but it's time to throw that junk away.
*
The most surreal sight may have been the I-Cubs playing in secrecy, for safety reasons, in front of a crowd of none. (If you haven't seen Shawn Terrell and Brian Fiser's story, it's worth checking out on our whotv.com sports page video player. ) The weather has wrecked Cubs attendance all season long, and this past weekend really did some damage. Of course, all things considered, a minor concern---unless you own the Cubs.
*
The unfortunate timing award goes to the NCAA Track and Field Championships. By all accounts, Drake put on a world class event, but it went virtually unnoticed by the media, including us, for understandable reasons. I hope the weather downer doesn't dampen Drake's chances to host again.
*
KGGO's Heather Burnside handed out the hottest T-shirts of the week: SHUT UP AND SANDBAG.
*
Shawn Johnson had her training turned upside down when Chow's Gymnastics flooded. It won't stop Shawn. She worked out at ISU, and she'll make the Olympic team this weekend at the Trials in Philadelphia. (look for live coverage here beginning Wednesday) By the way, Liang Chow doesn't have flood insurance, but he'll rebuild in West Des Moines. He also kept his sense of humor intact, joking that he might start swimming lessons at Chow's.
*
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 had that traffic snarl nightmare last year because of soggy grounds, but officials there assure me it won't happen again, even with all this rain they've had. President Jerry Jauron told us on SoundOff, they've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve parking.
*
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 is great for Central Iowa. Look for the driver with one career IndyCar win to receive most of the attention.
*
Tiger Woods third round finish at the U.S. Open, on one leg, was phenomenal--even by his standards. Grinding through the final round, in pain, and making that clutch putt to force a playoff is the stuff of legend.
*
Andy thinks I'm going overboard, but I think Tiger is better at his sport than any athlete has ever been at their sport. Maybe I should say "in my lifetime". I don't know much about the first Greek who ran a marathon.
*
The Barnstormers lead the league in attendance, but they won't for long if they don't start playing better. Who am I kidding, it won't matter. It's a party win or lose.
*
Did you see Jewel on NBC's Nashville Star? She acted nuttier than a squirrel turd. And what's with the new southern accent? Didn't she grow up in Alaska? Maybe she's trying to be the Star's Paul Abdul.
*
The new Incredible Hulk is very good, much better than that depressing mess five years ago. I don't know why Edward Norton has a problem, but it delivers just what you'd want in a movie like this. It's no Iron Man, but worth a B.
*
If you have HBO, don't miss Dana Carvey's first concert in years. Funny stuff, especially the bit on Andy Rooney.
*
We're having my wife's birthday party at Wrigley Field this weekend as the Cubs host the White Sox. I feel like I'm getting a present.
*
Be safe, and a big thanks to all of you who helped others this past week.
Keith
*
My goodness, since when does a Flood of the Century happen every 15 years?
*
We went to Kansas City for a couple days. A water park and Royals game usually equals relaxation, even with kids, but Jenny and I spent so much time on the computer checking on what was going on back here, it made sense to get back. We returned to a flooded basement, but compared to so many people, we got off easy.
*
I watched TV around the clock, and for once, very little HD. I couldn't take my eyes off the wall-to-wall flood coverage here on channel 13. I still can't believe some of what I saw. The heartbreaking scenes of people fleeing their homes; downtown Cedar Rapids completely under water; the levees breaking and the water crawling into neighborhoods... I could go on, but you saw it too. Just unbelievable.
*
There's a reason people who leave Iowa often move back. You have to have lived somewhere else to truly appreciate how special it is here. The best part of this awful disaster has been seeing people helping other people.
*
I helped Andy clean out his flooded storage facility, but it was more than worth it to find out his framed OJ Simpson poster was ruined. I know he's had it since childhood, but it's time to throw that junk away.
*
The most surreal sight may have been the I-Cubs playing in secrecy, for safety reasons, in front of a crowd of none. (If you haven't seen Shawn Terrell and Brian Fiser's story, it's worth checking out on our whotv.com sports page video player. ) The weather has wrecked Cubs attendance all season long, and this past weekend really did some damage. Of course, all things considered, a minor concern---unless you own the Cubs.
*
The unfortunate timing award goes to the NCAA Track and Field Championships. By all accounts, Drake put on a world class event, but it went virtually unnoticed by the media, including us, for understandable reasons. I hope the weather downer doesn't dampen Drake's chances to host again.
*
KGGO's Heather Burnside handed out the hottest T-shirts of the week: SHUT UP AND SANDBAG.
*
Shawn Johnson had her training turned upside down when Chow's Gymnastics flooded. It won't stop Shawn. She worked out at ISU, and she'll make the Olympic team this weekend at the Trials in Philadelphia. (look for live coverage here beginning Wednesday) By the way, Liang Chow doesn't have flood insurance, but he'll rebuild in West Des Moines. He also kept his sense of humor intact, joking that he might start swimming lessons at Chow's.
*
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 had that traffic snarl nightmare last year because of soggy grounds, but officials there assure me it won't happen again, even with all this rain they've had. President Jerry Jauron told us on SoundOff, they've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve parking.
*
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 is great for Central Iowa. Look for the driver with one career IndyCar win to receive most of the attention.
*
Tiger Woods third round finish at the U.S. Open, on one leg, was phenomenal--even by his standards. Grinding through the final round, in pain, and making that clutch putt to force a playoff is the stuff of legend.
*
Andy thinks I'm going overboard, but I think Tiger is better at his sport than any athlete has ever been at their sport. Maybe I should say "in my lifetime". I don't know much about the first Greek who ran a marathon.
*
The Barnstormers lead the league in attendance, but they won't for long if they don't start playing better. Who am I kidding, it won't matter. It's a party win or lose.
*
Did you see Jewel on NBC's Nashville Star? She acted nuttier than a squirrel turd. And what's with the new southern accent? Didn't she grow up in Alaska? Maybe she's trying to be the Star's Paul Abdul.
*
The new Incredible Hulk is very good, much better than that depressing mess five years ago. I don't know why Edward Norton has a problem, but it delivers just what you'd want in a movie like this. It's no Iron Man, but worth a B.
*
If you have HBO, don't miss Dana Carvey's first concert in years. Funny stuff, especially the bit on Andy Rooney.
*
We're having my wife's birthday party at Wrigley Field this weekend as the Cubs host the White Sox. I feel like I'm getting a present.
*
Be safe, and a big thanks to all of you who helped others this past week.
Keith
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Scattershots
I'm sitting here watching Barack Obama give a speech. I don't know what kind of President he'd make, but I do know the speeches would inspire.
*
Maybe the Patriots should take a page out of Hillary's book, and approach next season like they won the Super Bowl. Just deny losing. Keep talking about having more wins than any other team in the NFL.
*
Now that we're Anaheim's AHL affiliate, I wish the Ducks were still Mighty. I know they won last year's Stanley Cup, but I want all the Gordon Bombay, knucklepuck, and Flying V references I can get.
*
Andy Fales sure hates the Quad Cities. Other than having five cities, and calling itself "Quad Cities", I've got no beef with those people. Well, not the ones on the Iowa side anyway.
*
Sunday morning I woke up with the jitters and a horrible headache. At first I thought maybe I'd drank too much, but then I remembered I'd been to a Barnstormers game. Hey, I love it, but I don't know how they could make it any brighter, noisier, or more stimulating. It's like "Free Mountain Dew Night" at Chuck E. Cheese.
*
I've heard so many different versions of what actually happened on the field after Dowling won the state soccer championship that I can't say I know what went down. I do know the IHSAA must have felt strongly about it because it is a serious step when you take away a moment from kids that they will never get back.
*
How 'bout those Cubs! I'm not sure what I enjoy more: A) The Cubs winning, or B) Andy suffering.
*
I lied. It's definitely B.
*
Chris Hassel is going to Cleveland to do a story on Casey Blake next week. It's nice of Casey to heat up with a 7 RBI game. That was a good day for him at Indianola High.
*
Iowa and Iowa State will play football through at least 2017. That's a good thing. It brings out the worst in a few people, but overall it's the biggest sports day of the year in our state. How is it they didn't play each other for decades? Can't blame that one on Bruce Van De Velde or Steve Alford.
*
It's good Troy Dannen got the Northern Iowa Athletic Director's job. Shawn Terrell saw Troy at the Principal Charity Classic, and apparently he wears more purple than Prince. That's a tough look to pull off unless you're a 5 foot 2 inch musical genius or the head of the UNI athletic department.
*
Big Brown will win the Triple Crown. I guarantee it.
*
Well, unless he loses Saturday.
*
More rain? Get the Ark ready.
*
Speaking of arks, why did Evan Amighty misfire so badly? That should have been a slam dunk.
*
Maybe the Patriots should take a page out of Hillary's book, and approach next season like they won the Super Bowl. Just deny losing. Keep talking about having more wins than any other team in the NFL.
*
Now that we're Anaheim's AHL affiliate, I wish the Ducks were still Mighty. I know they won last year's Stanley Cup, but I want all the Gordon Bombay, knucklepuck, and Flying V references I can get.
*
Andy Fales sure hates the Quad Cities. Other than having five cities, and calling itself "Quad Cities", I've got no beef with those people. Well, not the ones on the Iowa side anyway.
*
Sunday morning I woke up with the jitters and a horrible headache. At first I thought maybe I'd drank too much, but then I remembered I'd been to a Barnstormers game. Hey, I love it, but I don't know how they could make it any brighter, noisier, or more stimulating. It's like "Free Mountain Dew Night" at Chuck E. Cheese.
*
I've heard so many different versions of what actually happened on the field after Dowling won the state soccer championship that I can't say I know what went down. I do know the IHSAA must have felt strongly about it because it is a serious step when you take away a moment from kids that they will never get back.
*
How 'bout those Cubs! I'm not sure what I enjoy more: A) The Cubs winning, or B) Andy suffering.
*
I lied. It's definitely B.
*
Chris Hassel is going to Cleveland to do a story on Casey Blake next week. It's nice of Casey to heat up with a 7 RBI game. That was a good day for him at Indianola High.
*
Iowa and Iowa State will play football through at least 2017. That's a good thing. It brings out the worst in a few people, but overall it's the biggest sports day of the year in our state. How is it they didn't play each other for decades? Can't blame that one on Bruce Van De Velde or Steve Alford.
*
It's good Troy Dannen got the Northern Iowa Athletic Director's job. Shawn Terrell saw Troy at the Principal Charity Classic, and apparently he wears more purple than Prince. That's a tough look to pull off unless you're a 5 foot 2 inch musical genius or the head of the UNI athletic department.
*
Big Brown will win the Triple Crown. I guarantee it.
*
Well, unless he loses Saturday.
*
More rain? Get the Ark ready.
*
Speaking of arks, why did Evan Amighty misfire so badly? That should have been a slam dunk.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Scattershot thoughts from Keith Murphy
*
Another dark week for the Hawkeye football program. It's fortunate for the University of Iowa that Cedric Everson and Abe Satterfield were sent packing back in December, but it doesn't change the fact the alleged sexual assault happened while they were members of the Hawkeye football team. (In fact, the incident took place the morning after Iowa upset Illinois.) Everson and Satterfield are accused of an awful crime, by far the most serious in a long list of arrested Hawkeyes. 16 football players in one year is way beyond an aberration, it's a cultural problem. Many of these charges were not for public intox. They were far more troublesome.
*
I like and respect Kirk Ferentz. I think he was slow to accept just how bad and embarrassing it had gotten, but the past six months he's booted several players and toughened expectations. That's a great start. You can't stop all players from being knuckleheads. Take a group of 125 college students and someone is going to screw up, but Iowa has gone way beyond that, and I personally know several hardcore fans who are sick and tired of it.
*
I think the best thing Iowa has going for it next football season is a relatively easy schedule. Schools like Iowa and Iowa State have next to no margin for error when it comes to quality depth, and there's just no way to unexpectedly lose several starters the way Iowa has and not have it make a big impact. Look for it to show up more in 2009. This year, Iowa can be below mediocre and still win 6 games.
*
Jamie Pollard and Greg McDermott made Wesley Johnson sweat for ten days, but they're right to release him from his scholarship. You can't have it both ways, and like all schools, Iowa State also benefits from transfers. Pollard and McDermott did not give Johnson an unconditional release. He can't go to a Big 12 school, and he can't go to a school on ISU's schedule. They're right to dish some tough love. Johnson's explanation has all kinds of holes in it, and there's no excusing the fact he had just re-upped with ISU a few weeks ago. Don't look for Iowa State to approve Johnson's transfer to Kentucky, should he ask.
*
Shawn Terrell loves Office Space, which makes me think more of Shawn Terrell. However, all of us here at channel 13 owe actor Ron Livingston an apology. Shawn tried, but when Ron played Glen Oaks Wednesday, Shawn just couldn't stop himself from peppering "Peter" with Office Space references. How sick of this do you think Ron Livingston is?
It's not that I'm lazy; it's that I just don't care.
Or this classic exchange:
Bob: Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately.
Peter: I wouldn't say I've been missing it, Bob!
Sorry Ron! Livingston is also great in Band of Brothers. If for some reason you haven't seen this yet, go rent it, and say goodbye to everybody for a week. It's that good.
*
Erin Kiernan is finally over the fact her girlhood crush, Rob Lowe, did not return to kill one or our state birds this year. Erin thinks Jason Taylor filled the hunk void nicely. I personally don't like a man who's rich, famous, handsome, and can also dance.
*
I'm sorry to say I was disappointed in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It was great to see Harrison Ford back in the fedora, and the man looks amazing for 65, but the story and stunts grew increasingly ridiculous as the movie went on. I can't get into it without spoiling the movie for the 17 people who haven't seen it yet, but I wish they could re-think that silly second hour. B- because watching it made me happy anyway.
Another dark week for the Hawkeye football program. It's fortunate for the University of Iowa that Cedric Everson and Abe Satterfield were sent packing back in December, but it doesn't change the fact the alleged sexual assault happened while they were members of the Hawkeye football team. (In fact, the incident took place the morning after Iowa upset Illinois.) Everson and Satterfield are accused of an awful crime, by far the most serious in a long list of arrested Hawkeyes. 16 football players in one year is way beyond an aberration, it's a cultural problem. Many of these charges were not for public intox. They were far more troublesome.
*
I like and respect Kirk Ferentz. I think he was slow to accept just how bad and embarrassing it had gotten, but the past six months he's booted several players and toughened expectations. That's a great start. You can't stop all players from being knuckleheads. Take a group of 125 college students and someone is going to screw up, but Iowa has gone way beyond that, and I personally know several hardcore fans who are sick and tired of it.
*
I think the best thing Iowa has going for it next football season is a relatively easy schedule. Schools like Iowa and Iowa State have next to no margin for error when it comes to quality depth, and there's just no way to unexpectedly lose several starters the way Iowa has and not have it make a big impact. Look for it to show up more in 2009. This year, Iowa can be below mediocre and still win 6 games.
*
Jamie Pollard and Greg McDermott made Wesley Johnson sweat for ten days, but they're right to release him from his scholarship. You can't have it both ways, and like all schools, Iowa State also benefits from transfers. Pollard and McDermott did not give Johnson an unconditional release. He can't go to a Big 12 school, and he can't go to a school on ISU's schedule. They're right to dish some tough love. Johnson's explanation has all kinds of holes in it, and there's no excusing the fact he had just re-upped with ISU a few weeks ago. Don't look for Iowa State to approve Johnson's transfer to Kentucky, should he ask.
*
Shawn Terrell loves Office Space, which makes me think more of Shawn Terrell. However, all of us here at channel 13 owe actor Ron Livingston an apology. Shawn tried, but when Ron played Glen Oaks Wednesday, Shawn just couldn't stop himself from peppering "Peter" with Office Space references. How sick of this do you think Ron Livingston is?
It's not that I'm lazy; it's that I just don't care.
Or this classic exchange:
Bob: Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately.
Peter: I wouldn't say I've been missing it, Bob!
Sorry Ron! Livingston is also great in Band of Brothers. If for some reason you haven't seen this yet, go rent it, and say goodbye to everybody for a week. It's that good.
*
Erin Kiernan is finally over the fact her girlhood crush, Rob Lowe, did not return to kill one or our state birds this year. Erin thinks Jason Taylor filled the hunk void nicely. I personally don't like a man who's rich, famous, handsome, and can also dance.
*
I'm sorry to say I was disappointed in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It was great to see Harrison Ford back in the fedora, and the man looks amazing for 65, but the story and stunts grew increasingly ridiculous as the movie went on. I can't get into it without spoiling the movie for the 17 people who haven't seen it yet, but I wish they could re-think that silly second hour. B- because watching it made me happy anyway.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
McDermott vs. Johnson...
--Early rounds to Johnson, but McDermott battles back like a cagey veteran and takes a commanding lead in the PR fight.
--McDermott had a great day Wednesday. The Johnson bombshell shook the confidence of many fans in Cyclone Nation. McDermott needed to discredit Johnson's timeline and logic. He did.
--McDermott is already a beloved figure within the athletic department at Iowa State. I wasn't surprised at the show of support, and that includes Jamie Pollard who sent us an e-mail from Colorado saying he thinks more of McDermott than ever. Don't think McDermott's coaching for his job next season. He's not.
--Fans are right to wonder why there's so much turnover in the Cyclone basketball program. Some fans suspect McDermott's style of play, others wonder if he's too hard on the players. I don't think it's any one thing, but a lot of little things: losing taking its toll, outside influences, players thinking they're NBA bound when they're not, athletes who've been coddled for so long looking for strokes every day, McDermott being tough with kids who can't take it, etc.
--I do believe McDermott needs to take a long, hard look at his approach, and see if there are any ways he can do a better job relating to present day, big conference, college basketball players. There's been far too much turnover to completely absolve McDermott of any responsibility. We can all improve.
--McDermott was smart to open up to the media. Todd Lickliter chose not to. I think that was kind of smart too. Different circumstances. Clearly, McDermott did not want to lose Johnson, while Lickliter shed no tears about Tony Freeman's exit; heck, he might have encouraged it.
--I think both Lickliter and McDermott want to bring their programs back the right way. No cheating, no empty promises, no sucking up to elite athletes. I think fans should show more patience because it's a lot harder to do it the right way.
--College basketball is a mess. Players committing in the 8th grade; Freshmen taking online classes for one year before going to the NBA; AAU coaches, agents and overzealous family members all seeing prospects as potential ATM machines; graduation rates that are a complete disgrace; players transferring even more in search of playing time and a pro career. The game lost its innocence a long time ago, and it's getting worse.
--Doesn't all this make you appreciate even more the season Drake had? Those elite three Seniors just graduated too. We need more of that.
--McDermott had a great day Wednesday. The Johnson bombshell shook the confidence of many fans in Cyclone Nation. McDermott needed to discredit Johnson's timeline and logic. He did.
--McDermott is already a beloved figure within the athletic department at Iowa State. I wasn't surprised at the show of support, and that includes Jamie Pollard who sent us an e-mail from Colorado saying he thinks more of McDermott than ever. Don't think McDermott's coaching for his job next season. He's not.
--Fans are right to wonder why there's so much turnover in the Cyclone basketball program. Some fans suspect McDermott's style of play, others wonder if he's too hard on the players. I don't think it's any one thing, but a lot of little things: losing taking its toll, outside influences, players thinking they're NBA bound when they're not, athletes who've been coddled for so long looking for strokes every day, McDermott being tough with kids who can't take it, etc.
--I do believe McDermott needs to take a long, hard look at his approach, and see if there are any ways he can do a better job relating to present day, big conference, college basketball players. There's been far too much turnover to completely absolve McDermott of any responsibility. We can all improve.
--McDermott was smart to open up to the media. Todd Lickliter chose not to. I think that was kind of smart too. Different circumstances. Clearly, McDermott did not want to lose Johnson, while Lickliter shed no tears about Tony Freeman's exit; heck, he might have encouraged it.
--I think both Lickliter and McDermott want to bring their programs back the right way. No cheating, no empty promises, no sucking up to elite athletes. I think fans should show more patience because it's a lot harder to do it the right way.
--College basketball is a mess. Players committing in the 8th grade; Freshmen taking online classes for one year before going to the NBA; AAU coaches, agents and overzealous family members all seeing prospects as potential ATM machines; graduation rates that are a complete disgrace; players transferring even more in search of playing time and a pro career. The game lost its innocence a long time ago, and it's getting worse.
--Doesn't all this make you appreciate even more the season Drake had? Those elite three Seniors just graduated too. We need more of that.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Scattershot Thoughts
-I can't get that Subway jingle about "5... 5 dollar foot long" out of my mind. I wish I could.
-Shawn Johnson's favorite TV show is, So you think you can dance?. Have you seen this? I've never watched that or Dancing with the Stars. My sister, Barbara, plans her nights around Stars. Other than that, she's quite normal.
-One of my favorite stories in recent years is former Negro Leagues star Ernie "Schoolboy" Johnson of Des Moines talking to Raccoon Valley Little Leaguers, who wear the Negro League uniforms in tribute, about what it was really like in those days. Hard to fathom it wasn't that long ago. The story by Shawn Terrell is still in our video player on the whotv.com sports page, and I urge you to watch it, if you haven't already. It's living history. (Kudos to Raccoon Valley Little League for teaching more than just baseball.)
-O.J. Mayo allegedly took money? I'd be more shocked if he didn't. Most of these one and done guys make a mockery of the NCAA's insistence on referring to college basketball players as "student-athletes". Give me a break, and change the rule. It's hypocritical and foolish to force a year of college on "students" who don't want it.
-The hockey artists formerly known as Iowa Stars should have given fans more of a say in naming the team. This is the first real widespread passion I've seen for the AHL in Central Iowa. Start selling season tickets, give one nickname vote to each person who buys a seat.
-When Scrubs was on its A-game, it was brilliant, but that final episode was unwatchable. I know they were going for Moonlighting's famous Taming of the Shrew but it was more like drunk college fraternity room puts on a skit at 3 a.m. I hope ABC picks the show up just so it can finish in worthy fashion.
-Gotta love Daniel McLemore. He's the Barnstormer who dances his way through every game, not to mention SoundOff. The NFL would never let a guy enjoy himself like that.
-Speaking of the No Fun League, I think the Patriots got off easy. No one, and I mean no one, honestly believes Bill Belichick didn't realize he was cheating. I can't believe Belichick won't miss a single game for widespread, chronic CHEATING! $500,000 fine meant nothing. He got a huge new contract, and I'd guess that exact figure was added. I have no idea how much the Patriots benefited from spying, but it didn't hurt, and it definitely taints their legacy, especially Belichick's.
-Barbara Walters, I know you're selling a lot of books, but at what cost to your dignity and reputation?
-Todd Lickliter didn't do what we wanted, but it was smart to not comment on the Freeman mess. There is no immediate upside to this story, so why ignite it with more fuel? In a year, both sides may be happier. And forget Freeman going to Iowa State. That's a bad fit too.
-Congrats to Mary Pink at ISU. Mary heads up marketing for Cyclone athletics and her recent promotion is much deserved. Iowa State set several season ticket records on her watch. Plus, anyone who decides the music on game day, and has to put up with the complaints, deserves a bump. I'm okay with Sweet Caroline.
-All the panic over Arizona State dropping wrestling is warranted. It's a really bad sign for the future of NCAA wrestling. Before too long, it could be down to the Big Ten and half the Big 12.
-Like Bar-B-Que? Try Jethro's sports bar in the Drake neighborhood. Nice place, friendly people, and delicious food. Andy ordered seconds.
Keith
-
-Shawn Johnson's favorite TV show is, So you think you can dance?. Have you seen this? I've never watched that or Dancing with the Stars. My sister, Barbara, plans her nights around Stars. Other than that, she's quite normal.
-One of my favorite stories in recent years is former Negro Leagues star Ernie "Schoolboy" Johnson of Des Moines talking to Raccoon Valley Little Leaguers, who wear the Negro League uniforms in tribute, about what it was really like in those days. Hard to fathom it wasn't that long ago. The story by Shawn Terrell is still in our video player on the whotv.com sports page, and I urge you to watch it, if you haven't already. It's living history. (Kudos to Raccoon Valley Little League for teaching more than just baseball.)
-O.J. Mayo allegedly took money? I'd be more shocked if he didn't. Most of these one and done guys make a mockery of the NCAA's insistence on referring to college basketball players as "student-athletes". Give me a break, and change the rule. It's hypocritical and foolish to force a year of college on "students" who don't want it.
-The hockey artists formerly known as Iowa Stars should have given fans more of a say in naming the team. This is the first real widespread passion I've seen for the AHL in Central Iowa. Start selling season tickets, give one nickname vote to each person who buys a seat.
-When Scrubs was on its A-game, it was brilliant, but that final episode was unwatchable. I know they were going for Moonlighting's famous Taming of the Shrew but it was more like drunk college fraternity room puts on a skit at 3 a.m. I hope ABC picks the show up just so it can finish in worthy fashion.
-Gotta love Daniel McLemore. He's the Barnstormer who dances his way through every game, not to mention SoundOff. The NFL would never let a guy enjoy himself like that.
-Speaking of the No Fun League, I think the Patriots got off easy. No one, and I mean no one, honestly believes Bill Belichick didn't realize he was cheating. I can't believe Belichick won't miss a single game for widespread, chronic CHEATING! $500,000 fine meant nothing. He got a huge new contract, and I'd guess that exact figure was added. I have no idea how much the Patriots benefited from spying, but it didn't hurt, and it definitely taints their legacy, especially Belichick's.
-Barbara Walters, I know you're selling a lot of books, but at what cost to your dignity and reputation?
-Todd Lickliter didn't do what we wanted, but it was smart to not comment on the Freeman mess. There is no immediate upside to this story, so why ignite it with more fuel? In a year, both sides may be happier. And forget Freeman going to Iowa State. That's a bad fit too.
-Congrats to Mary Pink at ISU. Mary heads up marketing for Cyclone athletics and her recent promotion is much deserved. Iowa State set several season ticket records on her watch. Plus, anyone who decides the music on game day, and has to put up with the complaints, deserves a bump. I'm okay with Sweet Caroline.
-All the panic over Arizona State dropping wrestling is warranted. It's a really bad sign for the future of NCAA wrestling. Before too long, it could be down to the Big Ten and half the Big 12.
-Like Bar-B-Que? Try Jethro's sports bar in the Drake neighborhood. Nice place, friendly people, and delicious food. Andy ordered seconds.
Keith
-
Monday, May 12, 2008
Haunted by Hassel
"Haunted by Hassel", that could be the name of my new book. The latest unshakable experience happened as Chris Hassel played the part of "naked guy" in this week's What's Bugging Andy? If you haven't seen it, it's on the video player at whotv.com's sports page. Proceed with caution.
After SoundOff Sunday night, our friend and colleague, Jon Miller, wrote an email of appreciation for Andy's observations about gym etiquette. Jon also attached a column he wrote a few years ago on the clueless people who often frequent fitness facilities. I've included most of it here:
Today's Topic: The Towel Belongs Around Your Waist When You Are Naked
Being that I have only been in the men's locker room, I cannot say for sure if this is a gender specific phenomena, or if it pertains to just the men.
But here are a few observations and questions I have made through the years, with most of them being recent.
~ TOWEL OVER THE SHOULDER GUY
Why, when you need to be naked in the locker room, do you walk to the shower with the towel over your shoulder, flip flops on to avoid fungus, and let it all hang out? None of us wants to see that. This does not just pertain to men who are in excellent shape. Men of all shapes and sizes do this. Why? Cover up, bro.
~ NO TOWEL AT ALL GUY
Why don't you cover up when you walk from your locker to the sink area to grab some gel, put on some deodorant or other sink and mirror related issues? This is not your personal bathroom. That is fine at home, and the wife might actually like that from time to time, but the rest of us men really don't care for it. Or at least I don't think they do.
~ THE TOWEL DROP & NAKED IN THE HOT TUB
I enjoy a good soak in the hot tub after a workout. There are not many things that are as relaxing as that, though the sign says to not wade into a hot tub after a workout. (Why the hell have a hot tub in the men's locker room if you are not supposed to get in it after a workout?) If you are going to enter the hot tub, could you PLEASE have some sort of swim trunks on your person? The towel around the waist, two steps into the water and off comes the towel is more than a bit unnerving for this man. This isn't Vail and your wife is not in the room. Please, have something that forms some sort of barrier, just for the peace of mind of others.
Now, should you encounter this person, the proper etiquette is to not just stand up and leave immediately. You probably need to wait at least one minute before moving on to the shower, as a courtesy. I know it's hard, but it's the right thing to do. And if this person should strike up a conversation, one word answers will do just fine, in your deepest voice.
~ OPEN CURTAIN SHOWER DUDE
If your health club or YMCA has individual shower stalls like they do at Prairie Life, and they have curtains on the stalls, those curtains are there to be used. What is up with going in and showering, lathering up and doing the 360 rinse off for all to see with the curtain drawn? Shut the curtain, man! Shut the curtain! If you club has the high school group shower column thingy, then it's understandable and certainly acceptable.
~ THE CLOSE & NAKED TALKER
Is there anything more unnerving or frightening than when you are lacing up your shoes, getting ready to work out, and Towel Over the Shoulder Guy comes over to you and strikes up a conversation when you are sitting down? Why does one even have to address this as being wrong?
Listen, I am a social person, and I really do enjoy talking to complete strangers. Honestly. But I am probably not going to be too long winded when Johnson is at eye level and very much inside the Ring of Courtesy Space that I like to have when a naked dude is in the room.
Also, there is a widely known technique to put on one's underpants while at the same time sparing the rest of the room the moon shot…your towel is wrapped around your waist, you put on your undies, and then you drop the towel. It's not being shy about what you have, it's just a good practice to follow.
What can exacerbate the uneasiness when you encounter any one of these circumstances is when Spandau Ballet's 'True' comes on the radio, or Josh Groban starts to croon one of his toons on the piped in music.
It would be much better if they had on 'Arena Rock'in the men's locker room as opposed to some of the stuff I have heard.
I know that some of you might be thinking, 'Man Jon, what is your hang up here?'
To me, it's just about etiquette. Some friends and I have recently shared some of these stories, and we feel the same way.
I am not hating on anyone here, and if you happen to be one of the guys from any of the categories I have listed above (and I am sure there are others), I don't dislike you.
But if I tie my laces a bit faster, or if I slowly slide over in the spa, it's nothing personal. It's just me.
Jon Miller
Thanks, Jon. Next time send this in before SoundOff so we can steal some of your ideas.
What do you think? Are these observations fair? Or did Jon and Andy miss a few people that drive you a little crazy at the gym?
If you'd like, leave some thoughts in the feedback section. Who knows, maybe some of these folks will get a clue, and if nothing else, getting it off your chest can't hurt, as long as you're wearing a towel.
Keith
After SoundOff Sunday night, our friend and colleague, Jon Miller, wrote an email of appreciation for Andy's observations about gym etiquette. Jon also attached a column he wrote a few years ago on the clueless people who often frequent fitness facilities. I've included most of it here:
Today's Topic: The Towel Belongs Around Your Waist When You Are Naked
Being that I have only been in the men's locker room, I cannot say for sure if this is a gender specific phenomena, or if it pertains to just the men.
But here are a few observations and questions I have made through the years, with most of them being recent.
~ TOWEL OVER THE SHOULDER GUY
Why, when you need to be naked in the locker room, do you walk to the shower with the towel over your shoulder, flip flops on to avoid fungus, and let it all hang out? None of us wants to see that. This does not just pertain to men who are in excellent shape. Men of all shapes and sizes do this. Why? Cover up, bro.
~ NO TOWEL AT ALL GUY
Why don't you cover up when you walk from your locker to the sink area to grab some gel, put on some deodorant or other sink and mirror related issues? This is not your personal bathroom. That is fine at home, and the wife might actually like that from time to time, but the rest of us men really don't care for it. Or at least I don't think they do.
~ THE TOWEL DROP & NAKED IN THE HOT TUB
I enjoy a good soak in the hot tub after a workout. There are not many things that are as relaxing as that, though the sign says to not wade into a hot tub after a workout. (Why the hell have a hot tub in the men's locker room if you are not supposed to get in it after a workout?) If you are going to enter the hot tub, could you PLEASE have some sort of swim trunks on your person? The towel around the waist, two steps into the water and off comes the towel is more than a bit unnerving for this man. This isn't Vail and your wife is not in the room. Please, have something that forms some sort of barrier, just for the peace of mind of others.
Now, should you encounter this person, the proper etiquette is to not just stand up and leave immediately. You probably need to wait at least one minute before moving on to the shower, as a courtesy. I know it's hard, but it's the right thing to do. And if this person should strike up a conversation, one word answers will do just fine, in your deepest voice.
~ OPEN CURTAIN SHOWER DUDE
If your health club or YMCA has individual shower stalls like they do at Prairie Life, and they have curtains on the stalls, those curtains are there to be used. What is up with going in and showering, lathering up and doing the 360 rinse off for all to see with the curtain drawn? Shut the curtain, man! Shut the curtain! If you club has the high school group shower column thingy, then it's understandable and certainly acceptable.
~ THE CLOSE & NAKED TALKER
Is there anything more unnerving or frightening than when you are lacing up your shoes, getting ready to work out, and Towel Over the Shoulder Guy comes over to you and strikes up a conversation when you are sitting down? Why does one even have to address this as being wrong?
Listen, I am a social person, and I really do enjoy talking to complete strangers. Honestly. But I am probably not going to be too long winded when Johnson is at eye level and very much inside the Ring of Courtesy Space that I like to have when a naked dude is in the room.
Also, there is a widely known technique to put on one's underpants while at the same time sparing the rest of the room the moon shot…your towel is wrapped around your waist, you put on your undies, and then you drop the towel. It's not being shy about what you have, it's just a good practice to follow.
What can exacerbate the uneasiness when you encounter any one of these circumstances is when Spandau Ballet's 'True' comes on the radio, or Josh Groban starts to croon one of his toons on the piped in music.
It would be much better if they had on 'Arena Rock'in the men's locker room as opposed to some of the stuff I have heard.
I know that some of you might be thinking, 'Man Jon, what is your hang up here?'
To me, it's just about etiquette. Some friends and I have recently shared some of these stories, and we feel the same way.
I am not hating on anyone here, and if you happen to be one of the guys from any of the categories I have listed above (and I am sure there are others), I don't dislike you.
But if I tie my laces a bit faster, or if I slowly slide over in the spa, it's nothing personal. It's just me.
Jon Miller
Thanks, Jon. Next time send this in before SoundOff so we can steal some of your ideas.
What do you think? Are these observations fair? Or did Jon and Andy miss a few people that drive you a little crazy at the gym?
If you'd like, leave some thoughts in the feedback section. Who knows, maybe some of these folks will get a clue, and if nothing else, getting it off your chest can't hurt, as long as you're wearing a towel.
Keith
Monday, May 05, 2008
Iron Man should take over the world.
-Iron Man rocks. This is a terrific movie with surprising depth. Robert Downey Jr. is absolutely perfect in this story of redemption, and Downey's own trials and tribulations add layers and laughs. Gwyneth Paltrow brings intelligence and really high heels to what could have been a thankless role. Even if you don't love superhero movies, you might like Iron Man. It's that good. The grade is A.
-Staying with superheroes, I just saw My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Who is the target audience for this movie? The heroics are cartoon silly, while the sex for laughs is completely inappropriate for kids who might like the other stuff. Don't they spend millions on test-marketing and focus groups?
-Congrats to KGGO's Lou Sipolt for ending his dryspell at the races. Lou won in the, what else, 95 truck Friday night at the Fairgrounds. Does he look happy to you?
-I can't remember a coach asking his returning leading scorer "if he ever thought about tranferring", but if Tony Freeman was truthful with the Register, Todd Lickliter feels that strongly about players doing it his way. I don't think anyone looks too good or too bad in all this. I respect Lickliter for going with "team" over talent, but it's unfortunate Freeman can't finish his career where he started it. Seems like something could have been worked out, but Lickliter feels he already gave it a season and didn't get through.
-The Wonderdogs aren't done yet. Klayton Korver, Adam Emmenecker, and Leonard Houston back together again! They're out to make money and help schools raise money with the "Elite 3 Tour" (not exactly the modest name you'd expect from this trio, but maybe it was someone else's idea). They'll add Jason Bauer and Mike O'Neil and play Friday 7 p.m. at Des Moines Christian, Saturday 7 p.m. at Van Meter, and Sunday 6 p.m. at Southeast Polk. Tickets are $5 with the schools and trio splitting the proceeds. Go to the.elite.three@gmail.com if you're interested in booking the Bulldogs.
-The Kentucky Derby (in HD) had me jumping up and down, and then thoroughly bummed. No race should end in death. (See 2001 Daytona 500.)
-How much do you think Roger Clemens wishes he could jump into his DeLorean and travel back in time to 2006, and stay retired?
-Renaming the franchise formerly known as the Iowa Stars has set off a wildfire of e-mails and phone calls on SoundOff. We think we know several of the names being considered, and you can bet the management and ownership will check our online poll, so please vote.
I don't believe "Des Moines" has any chance, so count on "Iowa". With that in mind, I like "Iowa Chops". You've got your karate chop, your tomahawk chop, and of course, the world famous Iowa pork chop. It's unique, it's catchy, and I think you'd sell merchandise beyond our borders.
Andy likes "Corndogs", which is also uniquely Iowa. The others we think are under consideration include:
>Dukes (after John Wayne). Terrible.
>Strykers. Not bad, but doesn't really mean anything.
>Hammers. Okay, but again, not memorable.
>Dragoons. Suggested by the Register's Tom Witosky. Clever, with double meaning. The Dragoon Trail, as well as "Goons" for short. A name many fans will love, and a few will hate.
>Thunder. The early choice by the franchise, but not a done deal. I don't mind it. Andy hates it.
>Storm. Nearly the same as Thunder, and we have the Simpson Storm nearby.
-Congratulations to our Chris Hassel. He won a bunch of IBNA awards for his play-by-play work on the radio. (After much discussion, we're allowing this self-serving "congratulations" since we technically aren't patting him on the back for something he did here.)
-Speaking of radio, Andy and I subbed for Ken Miller and teamed up with Marty Tirrell Friday. We had fun, and mostly stayed out of trouble.
-Ending on a sad note, I'm sure by now you've heard and read how sweet and thoughtful the late Michelle Parker was. It's all true. All of us who knew her have a heavy heart this week, and send our condolences to all Michelle's friends and family, including her extended family at KCCI. We will miss her.
Keith
-Staying with superheroes, I just saw My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Who is the target audience for this movie? The heroics are cartoon silly, while the sex for laughs is completely inappropriate for kids who might like the other stuff. Don't they spend millions on test-marketing and focus groups?
-Congrats to KGGO's Lou Sipolt for ending his dryspell at the races. Lou won in the, what else, 95 truck Friday night at the Fairgrounds. Does he look happy to you?
-I can't remember a coach asking his returning leading scorer "if he ever thought about tranferring", but if Tony Freeman was truthful with the Register, Todd Lickliter feels that strongly about players doing it his way. I don't think anyone looks too good or too bad in all this. I respect Lickliter for going with "team" over talent, but it's unfortunate Freeman can't finish his career where he started it. Seems like something could have been worked out, but Lickliter feels he already gave it a season and didn't get through.
-The Wonderdogs aren't done yet. Klayton Korver, Adam Emmenecker, and Leonard Houston back together again! They're out to make money and help schools raise money with the "Elite 3 Tour" (not exactly the modest name you'd expect from this trio, but maybe it was someone else's idea). They'll add Jason Bauer and Mike O'Neil and play Friday 7 p.m. at Des Moines Christian, Saturday 7 p.m. at Van Meter, and Sunday 6 p.m. at Southeast Polk. Tickets are $5 with the schools and trio splitting the proceeds. Go to the.elite.three@gmail.com if you're interested in booking the Bulldogs.
-The Kentucky Derby (in HD) had me jumping up and down, and then thoroughly bummed. No race should end in death. (See 2001 Daytona 500.)
-How much do you think Roger Clemens wishes he could jump into his DeLorean and travel back in time to 2006, and stay retired?
-Renaming the franchise formerly known as the Iowa Stars has set off a wildfire of e-mails and phone calls on SoundOff. We think we know several of the names being considered, and you can bet the management and ownership will check our online poll, so please vote.
I don't believe "Des Moines" has any chance, so count on "Iowa". With that in mind, I like "Iowa Chops". You've got your karate chop, your tomahawk chop, and of course, the world famous Iowa pork chop. It's unique, it's catchy, and I think you'd sell merchandise beyond our borders.
Andy likes "Corndogs", which is also uniquely Iowa. The others we think are under consideration include:
>Dukes (after John Wayne). Terrible.
>Strykers. Not bad, but doesn't really mean anything.
>Hammers. Okay, but again, not memorable.
>Dragoons. Suggested by the Register's Tom Witosky. Clever, with double meaning. The Dragoon Trail, as well as "Goons" for short. A name many fans will love, and a few will hate.
>Thunder. The early choice by the franchise, but not a done deal. I don't mind it. Andy hates it.
>Storm. Nearly the same as Thunder, and we have the Simpson Storm nearby.
-Congratulations to our Chris Hassel. He won a bunch of IBNA awards for his play-by-play work on the radio. (After much discussion, we're allowing this self-serving "congratulations" since we technically aren't patting him on the back for something he did here.)
-Speaking of radio, Andy and I subbed for Ken Miller and teamed up with Marty Tirrell Friday. We had fun, and mostly stayed out of trouble.
-Ending on a sad note, I'm sure by now you've heard and read how sweet and thoughtful the late Michelle Parker was. It's all true. All of us who knew her have a heavy heart this week, and send our condolences to all Michelle's friends and family, including her extended family at KCCI. We will miss her.
Keith
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