The Heat Is Off, Fonsie In Iowa, Methcatine

(Zach)

So will the Mavericks parade in Dallas be bigger than the one they'll get in Cleveland?

Props to a Dallas team many thought would lose in the first round to Portland.  A big reason they seemed to fail in past playoffs was that they didn't seem to be "tough enough".  Not this year.  Overcome a potential disaster in the first round, manhandle the defending champion Lakers, and then pull numerous comebacks on OKC and Miami.  Dallas nutted up when it counted.  The only thing they whiffed on was Dirk's celebration at the buzzer.  I couldn't tell if he'd just won or lost the title.

Speaking of shrinking in the clutch.....

Can I get a binkie for baby BronBron?

There are many celebrating LeBron and the Heatles loss.  I'm not one of them.  Yes LeBron should have handled his exit better, and yes they were cocky and brought it on themselves.  But I can't fault or make LeBron or Bosh villains for leaving crappy organizations.  And it's not as though this was their last run at a title.  They've probably got a good six years left together, and chances are better supporting cast players will be added.  Funny as it would be if they never won a title, it's just not likely.

I don't understand why people make a big deal out of the Jordan and James comparisons.  It's like people feel MJ's legacy is danger.  Jordan never had to leave his original team to win a title, has better playoff numbers, and was 6-6 in the Finals. 

Bet Kyrie Irving is REALLY looking forward to playing for this guy

After the game, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert tweeted a congrats to the Mavs and says it proves there are "NO SHORTCUTS.  NONE!"  Seriously?  Your team was one of the worst in the NBA and flat out garbage on a good day.  Miami made the Finals and will have plenty more chances.  Shut up already Dan.  Kyrie Irving will maybe help you make the playoffs as the eight seed in a few years before he leaves like LeBron did too. 

It took me longer to write this sentence than it did for Alfonso Soriano to have an at-bat at Principal Park in his rehab with the I-Cubs (0-3 if you care).

The final crowd count was just over 10,000.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad crowd, but compared to rehabs by Kerry Wood and Mark Prior when it was standing room only, it just didn't seem to have any buzz.  Tells you all you need to know about the excitement for the Chicago Cubs and the fans thoughts on Soriano.  He seems like a good guy, but after the 07 and 08 playoff debacles I don't think he's ever been embraced (or ever will be).

Wow.  Just.  Wow.

So I was in Hazzle Dazzle's hometown of Muscatine (called Methcatine by Andy on SoundOFF).  Wasn't the one-stoplight town I was expecting.  It had a very pretty downtown, Mississippi River walk, and bit of charm to it.  But......

-The first day I pull in there it's pouring rain and yet kids are still swimming in the outdoor swimming pool.
-They must be the factory/pollution king of Iowa.
-As our intern Melanie pointed out, the mall was completely closed.  At 7 PM.  On a Saturday.
-Also courtesy Melanie, the downtown was pretty but most of the buildings were empty and there were hardly any people on the streets.  At 8 PM.  On a Saturday.

No wonder Chris is nuts.

Finally, I endorse charity and giving when you can.  So I must give a salute to the TNT Network.  It takes a kind heart and gentle soul to keep constantly giving Noah Wyle and Mark Paul-Gosselaar (AKA Zach on Saved By The Bell) work.  That they actually pay them for their "acting" in their crappy originals is truly worthy of sainthood.

Watching Barkley sleep for an hour would be more entertaining

 

Hawkeye Replay, Lolo Struggling, Never-ending Shampoo

(Chris)


Who wouldn't want to see
Muscatine's LED bridge?

Poor IceBorg. The guy had to cover fall soccer, in Montana, before spring soccer, in Iowa. To top it all off, the final game of the season goes into overtime. Then it went into double overtime. Then it went into a shootout. And then it went into a sudden death shootout. The good news is, he was able to spend a few extra hours in MuscaVegas.

If you played Iowa every
game, you probably would
be #1, Mr. Fitz.



Last year's Iowa-Northwestern football game is on Big Ten Network. The Hawks are up 17-7, in the 4th. There's no way they end up losing this game, again.

The Belmont Stakes mean absolutely nothing, to casual horse racing fans, unless there's a triple crown candidate -- but I still watch. Keith always tells the story of some old sportscaster, in New York, that would always have a horse race in his sportscast, because it's one of the most exciting things to watch. I'd like to do it, too...but you only hear about three races a year.

Lolo Jones lost another race. This time, she didn't even place. Lolo finished 4th, in the 100m hurdles, at the Diamond League meeting in New York. After the race, she admitted that her confidence is lacking. She better figure it out, quickly. We're only one year away from the London Olympics.

The NBA Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals, have been fantastic. As much as it pains me to say it, I think the Heat will find a way to win in 7. I'll take the Canucks to hoist the cup in game 7, as well.

You may have already seen the 'Endless Shampoo' video. If you have, it's definitely worth another look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWWQ3b9kp7A

I was all pumped up when my friend told me he wanted to meet up a Fong's after work, tonight. Just as I was beginning to dream of a big ol' piece of pepperoni pizza, he said he would rather go to Buffalo Wild Wings. There's nothing wrong with B-dub's (as the cool kids call it), but it's certainly no Fongs. Full disclosure...this is the same dude that says Jesse's Embers is terrible. Blasphemy.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hockey Nightmare, Gene Goes Green, New iPhone

(Chris)

I have no rooting interest in the Stanley Cup Finals, other than the fact that I'm rooting like H-E-double-hockey-sticks that the game doesn't go to overtime. Right now it's 0-0, late in the 2nd. The reason: no matter how many OT's this thing goes, I'll be waiting here to do the news. I was anchoring the night of June 2, 2008 -- when the Penguins and Red Wings went THREE overtimes. The sportscast hit at 1:34am.

Speaking of 2008, it's more of the same for the poor folks at Drake Stadium. When the NCAA Track and Field Championships were here, in '08, Central Iowa was dealing with record flooding. This year, record rain.

I finally got my new grill...2 weeks in the making. On Memorial Day, I made the mistake of buying an Infrared grill (no flame). I took that back, and got an actual grill. However, it took them 5 days to put it together, and another 5 days to deliver the thing. Luckily the wife and I were able to haul it up 3 flights of stairs, this afternoon, and we cooked some mean kabobs on it, earlier tonight. It was well worth the wait.

Gene Chizik is now firmly entrenched in a big ol' pile of cash. The 'Chiz' gets a raise of $1.3 million, after winning the national title, at Auburn. He's now making $3.5 million a year. That's a lot -- but it's still not more than Kirk Ferentz. The head Hawk is making $3.65 million per season. Now that's a lot of Chizik Coins. Interestingly enough, both Chizik, and Ferentz, lost 19 games a piece, in their first two seasons at ISU and Iowa, respectively.

I've ditched the Blackberry. I'm not the owner of an iPhone 4, but it wasn't an easy decision. I mainly use my phone to send texts. I was so good at texting on my full keyboard Blackberry, that I could type without looking at the keys, and type faster than National Texting Champion, Kate Moore (Des Moines native). The problem with the iPhone is, it's a touch screen. Not only am I unable to feel the buttons, the buttons are extremely small. I feel like I'm trying to once again teach myself how to walk. So why go with the iPhone if I'm just going to complain? The apps are pretty freakin' cool.

Things aren't getting easier for Mark Phelps. Many Drake fans believe he's already a lame duck, after three lackluster seasons. Now, Phelps has lost his top assistant. Kareem Richardson is headed to Xavier. Who knows how much of an impact this will have on the program, but I doubt it will help. Maybe the out-of-work Keno Davis will come back and be a part of Phelps' staff. Kidding.

Ringless King, 0-0 Soccer, Silly Silo

• I'm happy I'm wrong. The Heat won't win in six. Now we'll see if the Mavs can win one in Miami.
• Lebron James again disappeared at crunch time. Not only is he no Jordan, he's no Dirk. James has as much raw talent as any basketball player we've ever seen, but does he have the mental toughness? Too soon to tell, but evidence in this series is not flattering.
• For Lebron defenders who say he never asked for this scrutiny... What?! Lebron glossed himself "King James", added a huge tattoo that says "Chosen One", agreed to the self-indulgent prime time special known as "The Decision", then held a championshp celebration in Miami before winning anything, and predicted winning seven+ rings. Doesn't make him a bad guy, but it most definitely invites criticism.
• Both Ankeny and Johnston played games at girls state soccer with zeroes on the scoreboard through regulation. Soccer purists enjoy scoreless games, but most American sports fans do not.
• Congrats to the Hawkettes, Valley, and Waukee for advancing in Muscatine.
• Alfonso Soriano plays for the I-Cubs this weekend. This completes Zambrano's vision of the Cubs being a triple-A team.
• The NCAA Track and Field Championships deserves better weather. What's next... snow?
• I just finished my 100th bag of David ranch flavored sunflower seeds. I hope I win a prize of another 100 bags.
• Headed to Adventureland Friday. If the kids talk me into the Silly Silo, I'll miss SoundOff Sunday night.

Hot Track, The Show, Weiner Limit

• Has anyone seen LeBron yet? Maybe Scottie Pippen should look.
• The Bruins are in the Canucks heads and beating them up physically. The series has turned.
• Sometimes less is more. The NHL's commercial, THERE ARE NO WORDS, is the best in sport. Simple. Powerful. Effective.

• Even the NCAA runners from Texas thought Des Moines was hot Wednesday.
• What are the odds of two small town central Iowa guys ending up in the same Major League bullpen? I don't know, at least 3-to-1. Anyway, congratulations on the big league debut of Dallas Center-Grimes' Tony Watson, and the all-star caliber season of Norwalk's Joel Hanrahan. They faced back-to-back batters for the Pirates Wednesday.

• The Iowa Board of Regents approves a $21 million football facility for Iowa State. Sounds crazy in this economy, but ISU is way behind other Big 12 schools, and the money is coming from donations and athletic department revenue. It's an arms race.
• Am I the only person watching TNT's Men of a Certain Age? I shouldn't be. It's good.
• Abrams & Spielberg's "Super 8" movie is shrouded in mystery. I'm in.
• I can't get Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" song out of my head. They keep playing it with NBA Finals highlights. At least the song doesn't suck. It's her best Madonna song yet.
• I can't take any more Weiner jokes.

He Gone, Mini-Mike, Voice Live

• Terrelle Pryor won't play again for Ohio State. I can't even brag for getting that one right. It was inevitable.
• USC's football program being dragged through the mud, and deserving it, didn't surprise me, but Ohio State... that's a different story.
• At Target today, I saw Tim Tebow's new autobiography. I really respect Tebow---I think he's sincere---but I can't imagine reading his book. Not yet.
• The first couple hundred pages of  the new ESPN book are a tough slog---even for someone who works in the business. I'm finally through the chapters on how ESPN went from wild idea to most profitable channel on television, and I hope it gets a little juicier. Only 500 pages to go!
• I just signed the kids up for the library summer reading program. If you have children, the program is full of fun incentives to make kids read. It's a message more needed than ever. PUT THE VIDEO GAMES, IPODS, AND CELL PHONES DOWN, AND READ!
• The I-Cubs handed out Mike Quade bobble-heads on the night the big Cubs losing streak reached 8 games. Timing is everything.
• The NCAA Track and Field Championships are back for the first time since 2008. This time we promise to pay more attention. Last time---three years ago----flooding took all the energy of our citizens and media. Remember?
• Watching The Voice live show (on DVR), I'm reminded of what a great singer Freddy Mercury was. All who attempt Queen songs, do so at their own peril. Christina is better than most. By the way, the Voice being live put some needed energy and edge back in the show.
• More 11 a.m. kickoffs for Iowa? Well, if you take the TV money, you have to do what the networks say. Most fans hate 11 a.m. kicks. I'm with them.
• Bad news for NBC: No Tiger at U.S. Open. Good news for NBC: Olympics through 2020.
• I have rediscovered the joy of taking a few cuts in the batting cage. Highly recommended.
• Game 4 should end the ridiculous Lebron vs Jordan discussion. WAY too soon.

Z Speaks Truth, Cyclone Meeks, Muscatine Backlash

• Don't ship the Stanley Cup to Canada just yet. Bruins 8, Canucks 1.
• Roger Federer may be the greatest tennis player of all time, yet he can't beat Rafa Nadal. That's how good Nadal is.
• Carlos Zambrano spoke the truth: The Cubs are embarrassing themselves.
• Albert Pujols kills the Cubs. If anyone is willing to overpay a guy who will soon start the inevitable decline brought on by age, it's the Cubs.
• The verbal commitment of Roosevelt's John Meeks is a good get for Iowa State in general, and Kevin Jackson in particular. Meeks should leave high school with 4 state titles and 0 losses. He's also a tireless worker and exciting wrestler.
• Credit the Heat for bouncing back from the embarrassment of game 2's meltdown. The Heat's go-to-guy is Dwyane Wade, not Lebron James, but both are great.
• State soccer showed all over again how much Valley and Dowling hate each other, or something close to it.
• I bet on three horses to win at Prairie Meadows Friday night. All three finished dead last. I'm no Ken Miller.
• The Principal Charity Classic is first class, start to finish.
• Props to Richard Childress for doing what so many would like to do: punch Kyle Busch. And credit Busch for not swinging back at a 65 year old man.
• The Twilight movie dominated the MTV awards. Again. I've seen none.
• As many of you know, Chris Hassel is from Muscatine. He can't stop bragging about the place. That led me to take a fun jab at Chris Monday night. Sarah didn't like it:

Keith Murphy's comment during news about the girls soccer final.."If the teams win regionals today, state finals are in Muscatine, IA. That doesn't sound like much, but that's where they get to play"...was extremely inappropriate and rude. Contrary to popular belief, there are other towns in Iowa besides Des Moines. Muscatine is a beautiful town on the Mississippi with first class soccer fields donated by the Carvers. Those soccer fields are better than most colleges offer in the nation. Heaven forbid if Des Moines area students have to travel outside of the bustling metro to experience life in other towns. Maybe Keith needs to travel the 2 1/2(gasp) hours down there to see what Muscatine does have to offer. I think you owe the people of Muscatine and Eastern Iowa an apology.

Sincerely,
Sarah B.

That's not quite what I said, Sarah made it sharper and more insulting, but it sure led to an entertaining email.

See you in Muscatine!
Keith

Epic Week, Epic Collapse, and Epic Weak

(Zach)

From local to pros, that was a pretty darn fun sports week.

Save a brief bit of time covering it in 2005 as an intern, this was my first real experience at Glen Oaks and the Principal Charity Classic.  It really is a first class event and a highlight on the sports calendar.  I thought coming into the week that the idea of Des Moines possibly getting a PGA event someday was a pipe dream.  Another record crowd later, I'm not so sure.  If turnouts keep getting bigger, it will be hard for the PGA Tour folks to ignore.

I had Brooks abducted, dressed as him, and finished his final two holes.  Notice a difference in his play?

I was so confident that Mark Brooks had the tournament in the bag that I basically stopped paying attention after the 13th hole.  Mark Calcavecchia was in the hunt for a while but then at the turn his putter left him and he fell back.  It was hard to see Brooks not winning, but Bob Gilder kept making birdies.  And sure enough, on 17 Brooks splashed a tee shot.  It was on the big screen on 18 and the crowd gasped.  You knew we were in for a finish.

At 60 this guy is better than most of us at any age

Gilder's 30 footer to win was incredible.  It seemed downhill with a slight break.  After all the awards and presentations, Gilder tried the same putt in a Golf Channel interview.  Wasn't even close.  Also touching to see how emotional he and his wife got over the win.

Obviously seemed to rattle Brooks.  His birdie attempt (which would have won the tournament) went way wide.  What followed (a short par miss that would have forced a playoff) was like watching a train wreck.  Brooks didn't stick around to talk with most of the media.  Wish he had, but can't say I blame him.

I don't know soccer as well as I do baseball but apparently there IS crying in soccer

I think my favorite memory of the week will be the Dowling boys soccer team.  On Friday night against Johnston they played through double overtime and then a shootout.  In the seventh round of penalty kicks they were down to one of their reserves, Collan Murray.  He admittedly didn't play much, yet he booted the game winner.  I'm not a soccer fan because, frankly, it's pretty boring most of the time, but that was one exception.

Then the eyebrow raiser-Murray tells me he was glad to contribute "to the state title we are going to win tomorrow".  They were going to play Valley, the clear cut number one for most of the year.  The kid called his shot, and Dowling delivered a 4-1 blowout win.  It was my first taste of the Dowling-Valley rivalry, and in any sport, it didn't disappoint.  There were Valley kids crying their eyes out after that loss.

The Cubs are beyond weak.  Yes, Chicago will throw Albert Pujols a boatload of jack to come on board.  As bad as they are it may not be enough.  They've got to get rid of some of the overpriced and overrated veterans (see Soriano, Alfonso) and see what prospects have a shot to be legit.

That said, I give them credit for actually PITCHING to Pujols.  I understand the strategy, but I just hate seeing players wuss out and intentionally walk or pitch completely around a guy.  What happened to wanting to face the best and go after them?  And be real, it's not like the Cubs are going anywhere.  I don't think it's going out on a limb to say these losses will not be looked back on at the end of the year as the difference in the Cubs losing a tight NL Central pennant race.

In about two months (or maybe a little less) we'll be out covering the start of college football fall camps at Iowa, Iowa State, and beyond.  While there's no better time on the sports calendar than football season, it's kind of weird that summer seems to be going so fast.  Didn't it just start?

What I Learned on Saturday

(Chris)

It's been a loooooooong day. Here's what I've learned:

- Dowling and Valley don't like each other, especially in soccer
- The Tavern, in West Des Moines, has unbelievable grinders.
- My wife can't stand it when I burp
- Zach Borg likes to button the top button on his polo shirt
- Scott Casber doesn't like high-fives, he likes to hand-pound.
- It's much easier to text on a phone with a keyboard, not a touchscreen
- When Home Depot says it will only take 2-3 days to set up your grill, they really mean 2-3 weeks
- The Cubs aren't worth watching
- The Barnstormers are a bad arena football team
- Jay Don Blake has a weak moustache
- Gumballs are addicting
- Newscasters don't like being delayed
- The mascot who wears the Billy Barnstormer outfit would like new head...the original is too hot

I'd say, that's a pretty productive day. Happy Sunday.

Quade Baldyhead, Battle of WDM, Awful Apes

The Cubs and Cardinals are playing on WGN, right now, and I don't have the slightest interest in turning it on. I have no idea what the score is, but I'm guessing the Cubs are getting beat -- again. Jim Hendry could be entering his final days as GM of the Cubs. From can't-miss prospects, like Felix Pie, Mark Prior, Hee Seop Choi, Angel Guzman, Ronny Cedeno (I could go on and on and on...), to the hiring of Mike Quade ... Hendry has proven he's not going to be able to turn things around. Firing him won't be a quick fix, but something has to be done. This is one of the worst Cubs teams I've ever seen.

I added the 'stache...
but its not a bad look.

So far, Mike Quade hasn't made a good manager in the big league's, but he sure as heck has a smooth bobblehead -- literally. The I-Cubs are handing out these Quade baldyheads, June 7th. You'd better get there early.

I still can't believe the Mavs came back to beat the Heat, Thursday. I didn't turn the game off when the Mavs were down 15 with 7-minutes to go...I turned it off when the Mavs were down 6 with 10-minutes to go. I really didn't think there was any way Dallas could win that basketball game. I had one of those cartoon-type double-takes when I checked espn.com about 30 minutes later. It took me about 15-seconds to figure out what I was seeing.

This is what happens when you
celebrate with 7 minutes to go.

I'm in quite the predicament, as well. I despise LeBron James, and everything the Heat stand for. Yet, I have a bet with a friend (Mavs fan) that the Mavs won't win the NBA title. I guess it's a lose-lose...or a win-win situation. Either way, I'm not able to actually enjoy the finals. I still think the Heat will win it in 6 or 7.

The IceBorg isn't exactly a soccer fan, so I figured when he returned from shooting Dowling's 1-0 shootout win over Johnston, in the heat, he'd be a little peeved. He wasn't. Iceborg actually said it was an exciting game. I'll take his word for it.

Dowling's win sets up a West Des Moines showdown, on Saturday. Dowling takes on Valley for city bragging rights, and state bragging rights. They're playing for the boys 3A title.

Iowa State already has 5 nationally televised football games planned for 2011. That's an ISU record. Considering where the Big 12 was headed, last summer, I'd say things worked out pretty well.

Unfortunately, the Cy-Hawk game is going to kick off at 11am, on FSN. I'm not a fan of any game starting before 1pm, especially this one. I can already hear that alarm clock ringing, at 5am, in the RV. We're only three months away.

Have you seen the preview for "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"? It looks absolutely ridiculous. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqyKYrDta_E

That being said, not every movie can be as good as this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KCct4RwLNM

Heat Chokes, Ugly Football Field, Goober in a Jar

If you went to bed Thursday night with the Heat up 15, then you woke up shocked. The Heat choked, the Mavs dazzled, and America smiled...

If you want to know why Lebron James isn't yet in the conversation of greatest players of all time yet, see end of game 2...

Dirk Nowitzski is a stud. He makes the game-winning shot with his left hand---the one with a torn tendon and splint on the middle finger. Miami's feeling that middle finger about now...

What in the world is Central Arkansas thinking about, other than free publicity? Not all publicity is good publicity. This is the second ugliest football field I've ever seen:

It reminds me of Goober. Do you remember Goober? I used to beg my mom to buy it, but it's really not that good. The idea of peanut butter and jelly all mixed together is good, but not the Goober itself. Here's how it looks on grocery shelves:


Iowa's Riley Reiff is a Playboy All-American. Fortunately, he's not being asked to pose. The entire All-America team appears in an upcoming Playboy magazine, and you're welcome to pick up a copy for the articles...

It should be a spectacular, albeit hot, start for the Principal Charity Classic. It's a first class tournament run the right way...

I'm looking forward to horse racing at Prairie Meadows Friday night, Little League Saturday morning, Principal Charity Classic in the afternoon, and haven't decided yet on I-Cubs or Barnstormers Saturday night...

Don't forget the NCAA Track & Field Championships are next weekend at Drake Stadium. I love watching track and field. Hassel thinks that makes me nuts, but I learned from my dad, and I've always enjoyed it as long as there's perspective, meaning a track. I've run in some 5 and 10Ks, and supported friends and family who've run various distances, including marathons, but outside that, I enjoy seeing runners the entire race, not just a run-by. (By the way, I am aware the Dam to Dam is this weekend, and it's a great event with terrific turnout, both for the race, and cheering the runners. If someone close to me gets back into running and enters, I'll be there too. It starts at what time? Never mind. Kidding.)...

I'm surprised, but the new X-Men movie, the one about the beginning, is getting rave reviews...


Our new sports reporter/photojournalist Zach Borg looked exhausted as he left work. 12 soccer games in one day will do that...

>Keith

Goooooooooal! Hate Mail, Planking

As I write this, there is a fantastic hockey game on channel 13.1  The Bruins and Canucks each have goalies standing on their heads, and I've heard several roars from the newsroom, which kind of a surprised me. Then I figured it out; it's scoreless in the third period, and the cheers and groans come from hopes that a shot is going in. No one wants to relive the triple OT game of a few years ago when we all left around 1 a.m. However, as a guy who increasingly appreciates watching hockey, nothing is better than an extra period in the Stanley Cup Finals...

I talked to former Des Moines Buccaneer Peter Stoykewych Wednesday. Peter was the lone Buc drafted last year. The Atlanta Thrashers picked Stoykewych, and as fate would have it, the Thrashers are moving to hockey-crazed Winnipeg, which is Stoykewych's hometown. He was in Winnipeg for our interview and he said it's hard to describe what it means to the city that the NHL is returning. Let's hope they call the team the Jets again...

There are ugly allegations in the most recent arrest of former Des Moines Hoover basketball star Reggie White. Many people didn't think White should play again after the state fair incident, and though White was suspended, he returned for the most important part of the schedule...

The new phenomenon "Planking" is stupid...

(photo courtesy of planking.mobi)

Ratings reversal. Turns out Coca-Cola 600 did beat the Indianapolis 500 when all the numbers came in...

Wednesday was a perfect day of weather. At least in Iowa. Tornadoes in Massachusetts? Most of my relatives are from Mass, and I grew up part of the way in Vermont--- I don't remember any tornado talk. Ever. What in the world is going on?...

Reports now that Terrelle Pryor was driving with a suspended license... Ohio State fans are ready for this guy to just go away...

I think the Ohio State job is Urban Meyer's if he wants it. Notice he said he won't pursue any jobs for this season. Bo Pelini is too fiery for The Ohio State's tastes...

Here's a viewer email that just dropped into my inbox:

I can’t believe you didn’t cover the Girls State Golf Tournament. There were 7 or 8 teams from your viewing area and there was NOTHING about it on your channel. You did have a ton of time spent on the Pro/Am. Give me a break, you have viewers with teams in the State Tournament and your talking about a bunch of rich guys that pay big bucks to play golf. There were stations from Mason City and Cedar Falls but nothing from Des Moines. You should be ashamed of yourselves! And just for your info I do not have any kids or Grandkids that were involved in this event, but I did see a lot of very nice young women working hard to play their best. Thirty seconds during a broadcast would have at least supported these girls. I hope I don’t hear that you claim to be a leader in covering local sports because your NOT!


Bill B------ (I removed last name to protect the guilty)

Here's the thing: the girls state golf tournament was our lead sports story! This guy apparently watched some other station, and then sent me this vitriol. However, no station deserves this letter. Ever...

I just heard the loudest cheer of the year. Canucks score with 18 seconds to play. Newscast starts on time. I would have gladly stayed an OT or two for a Bruins win, but I understand...

-Keith

inVESTigation, Infrared, Interview

Jim Tressel is not who we thought he was, certainly not who he said he was. Tressel is taking a beating, in part, because he gave off an aura of superiority, and Buckeye fans played right along. As it turns out, Tressel was just as capable of lying, cheating, and covering up as the next coach---maybe more so. The Sports Illustrated investigation show just how deep the corruption goes at THE Ohio State University...

It's disgusting, though predictable, how many Buckeye fans want to kill the messenger...

I don't think Terrelle Pryor plays another down for Ohio State. Then again, I didn't think Tressel would lose his job over this mess, not with a 9-1 record against Michigan and five straight Big Ten titles. I underestimated the stench coming out of Columbus...

Maybe we owe Maurice Clarett an apology. He said all this was going on years ago, but no one believed him. Clarett's is the Jose Canseco of this story. Yes, he's dirty, but that doesn't mean he was lying...

Is there anyone out there who doesn't think these kinds of NCAA violations are going on at many schools? This wouldn't have caught up to The Vest had a former Ohio State walk-on not created an accidental paper trail by alerting Tressel to players trading rings for tats. If deals are going down, coaches don't want to know. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil...

Please don't say this proves players need more spending money. These guys didn't trade rings for groceries. They (allegedly) traded rings for tattoos and drugs...

I've never seen back-to-back wild finishes on the race track like the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. J-R Hildebrand hits the wall on his final left, Dale Junior runs out of gas on the final lap. Both were in National Guard cars...

Chris Hassel bought something called an infrared grill. People on our radio show were telling him it's crap. Doesn't matter. Hassel can't figure out how to put it together anyway...

Andy is in the Boundary Waters. Saturday, Jenny and I got to watch his new baby, Elin. She's a sweetheart and loves to watch sports. This is her during SportsCenter:

Tom Lehman told us Tuesday he really hopes to see the Iowa Cubs while he's here. Lehman loves baseball. The Cubs return Saturday. Lehman tees off at the Principal Charity Classic Friday...

The Voice had some off-key performances Tuesday. My ears hurt...

The Hangover II made $130 million dollars in its first few days. Wow...

Miss Iowa, Rebecca Goldsmith, stopped by The Murph & Andy Show. Rebecca's a sports fan and brings high energy to her interviews. She'll try to win Miss USA in mid-June, which you can watch on channel 13...

(Photo courtesy of "His and Hers Photos")

Vest No More, Campana Quick, IceBorg Family Wedding

(Zach)
First off, a happy Memorial Day to you all, and a thank you to those in our armed forces past and present.

A Michigan fan's reaction to Tressel "resigning"

I'm not sure what is more surprising.  Jim Tressel resigning, or Jim Tressel not firing Gordon Gee before he quit.

I'm not going to sit here and say that the violations of the players are that bad (granted there are ties to an alleged drug trafficker though).  It's not like they are taking money from bookies or being accused of sexual assault at recruiting parties.  Heck, even at OSU what Tressel did pales in comparison to the patriarch of OSU coaching, Woody Hayes, punching another player during a game.  And that makes the fact Tressel is now gone even more laughable.  If he lies about small time stuff like tattoos and memorabilia money, you have to wonder how large his biggest skeletons in the closet are (perhaps we'll see more with SI's cover story this week).

I'm sick of hearing about how Tressel just made an honest mistake.  If you or me are under review at our job, lie and then are caught in it, chances are we get canned.  Tressel lied like ten times (yes I'm exaggerating...but probably only a little) and finally just got forced out.  Boo frickin hoo.

Who replaces the Vest?  Lot of big names flying around.  I don't buy Urban Meyer.  He spent too much time destroying Big 10 schools at Florida to go to one now.  In fact, I don't buy a big name coach getting this job just yet.  Any other year OSU is a primetime job, but you get the feeling Tressel is getting out before the other shoe drops.  If the NCAA comes down hard on OSU (say a two year bowl ban ala USC and Reggie Bush), then how attractive is the job?

3.8 million reasons and yet he still won't smile

With the Vest gone, Kirk Ferentz is now the Big 10's highest paid coach.  Ferentz makes about 3.8 million, Tressel made 4.1.  Ironic in that both had big problems this offseason.  Ferentz handling of Rhabdo gate is certainly warranting of some criticism, but he certainly didn't dig his hole deeper the way Tressel did.

Since writing this Campana stole another base

The Cubs still stink (although my beloved Rockies are now garbage as well), but Tony Campana is making a nice impression with the big club.  The former I-Cub stole four bases in Chicago's 12-7 loss to Houston on Monday.  He now has five on the year, tying him for the team lead.  With the injuries and mediocrity of the big Cubs, it's been a revolving door between Des Moines and Chicago.  Who has a shot to stick?

I had been off since Friday to attend the wedding of my cousin Ruth in Tulsa.  A thanks to the boss man Murphy for reworking my schedule to help me get down there.  Sounds simple but I've known a few bosses who weren't as accommodating.  I saw virtually my entire family for the first time in ten years since my grandfather passed away.  Obviously a much better reason to gather this time around.

Mazel Tov to my cousin Ruthey

I have now attended a Jewish wedding (for the record the fastest one, only took about 30 minutes), a Catholic wedding, and a Christian wedding.  If I get to a Buddhist wedding I get a set of steak knives.

Really dad, 7 CAR LENGTHS!?!?!?!?!?

I drove out to Tulsa with my dad who came down from Minneapolis.  It's our first road trip in quite some time, and I had plenty of those moments that just make you smile when you think about your dad.  Seeing him enjoy listening for the first time to the Dave Matthews Band CDs I played (he also in turn played some Loretta Lynn which I will begrudgingly admit I liked).  Arguing with him over the speed of my driving (he never drives the 70 speed limit and says I need to stay seven car lengths behind people on the interstate.  Needless to say I drove on Friday because I wanted to be on time for the wedding Saturday night).  Seeing a family photo of him in 1976 where he had so much hair he looked like the second coming of Jesus (maybe Harold Camping thought my dad was serious in 76 when he said the world would end May 21, 2011.  He was just kidding Mr. Camping).  And the ultimate highlight-watching my 60 plus year old dad dance to the "Cupid Shuffle" hip hop song.  He thought it was just another form of line dancing.  I love my old man.

I can (unfortunately) deny that I didn't have any "Wedding Crashers" moments with any pretty bridesmaids.  As for reports that I was seen dancing on the floor, possibly after a few adult refreshments, no comment.

Not 'Wells', 5-year-old Hair, Mediacon

(Chris)

I know the Cubs need pitching, but was Randy Wells, really, ready to come back to the bigs? The rehabbing righty got rocked by minor league hitters, less than a week ago, in Des Moines. The Cubs called him up, and he was once again rocked by minor league hitting --- the Pirates.

Soccer is a photographer's worst nightmare. I was at two games for a combined two hours, on Saturday, and never saw a single goal. Maybe perfectly executed passes should start counting for something.

Kyle Korver did more harm than good, in the Eastern Conference Finals, against the Heat. He's paid to make 3's...plain and simple. He didn't do it. I don't think the Bulls should let him go, but he was an obvious weak link on a really good team.

During my dinner break, I went home to cook some hamburgers on the grill. After about 10 minutes of cooking, there was some kind of bug crawling inside of the grill. We knew our grill getting weak, but if a bug can survive the heat, so can a lot of other things. That was the last straw. We finished them off in the frying pan.

Someone told me that my hair makes me look like a 5-year-old. I guess that's a good thing. Most people think I'm about 40.

I have a question for those of you with Mediacom Digital Cable. Have any of you noticed that when you want to change channels, you press up to move up in numbers, but when you're in the guide, you press down to go up in numbers? For instance, if I'm on Channel 13, and I want to see what's on channel 35, I have to press down to get there. Drives me crazy...but maybe it's just me.



'Hangover II' wasn't as bad as some critics made me believe. The sequel exceeded my extremely low expectations. If you liked the first, you should definitely see the second. It's really not that bad.

I-Mariners, Coe a no-go, LeBron vs. MJ

I-Brewers? I-Royals? I-Mariners? I don't think so. The Chicago Cubs have agreed to extend its agreement with the Iowa Cubs, through 2016. Thank goodness --- I thought for a second I would never get to see Jeff Samardzija, again.

The Barnstormers played their 1st game without John Gregory, in a decade, Friday. It actually seems longer than 10 years, but it's easy to forget that Gregory left Iowa for New York, in 2001. The Barnstormers are now 1-0 in the post-Gregory era. Iowa beat Utah, 50-48, snapping a six-game losing streak.

One of the most talked about football recruits for the Iowa Hawkeyes, this off-season, has been Rodney Coe. The high school All-American was supposed to attend Iowa, this fall. He's coming to Iowa all right --- but he'll attend Iowa Western Community College. Coe's grades weren't good enough to get into Iowa, therefore he'll try to get his grades up in time for the 2012 season. It worked once before. Remember when Shonn Greene spent the 2007 season at Kirkwood Community College, in Cedar Rapids? The season season, he was one of the best backs in the nation. Obviously, that's an extremely rare case, but we shouldn't write Coe off, just yet.

Quick, name the last (and only) Cyclone to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft? If you said Troy Davis...you're wrong. Seneca Wallace? No. Ellis Hobbs? Nope. It was George Amundson, in 1973. Honestly, I had never heard of the guy. Apparently, he was a great running back with the Cyclones --- not so much in the NFL. Houston selected him 14th in the '73 draft. He only played in 29 NFL games, averaging less than three yards a carry.

Amundson wasn't an NFL great,
but he had a great 'stache.

Anyway...my point is, the Cyclones may have their 2nd first-round draft pick, in 2012. Offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele has been named to Phil Steele's pre-season first-team All-American list. I think he'll go on to have a better NFL career, than George Amundson.

Former British Open champion, Tom Lehman, is the last commit to next week's Principal Charity Classic. Hopefully, this year, he actually comes. Last year, he committed, and decommited, in the same week.

I've watched game 7 of the Eastern Confernce Finals (obviously, I'm talking hockey, because the Bulls lost in 5), tonight. Some dude for Tampa got hit in the face with a puck. It really looked like someone shot the guy's nose off. http://crashthecrease.com/2011/05/27/video-steven-stamkos-takes-puck-in-the-face/   A few minutes later, he was back in the game. Ridiculous.

Speaking of the NBA. Cool it with the "Is LeBron better than MJ" talk. Until James gets to at least 3 titles, let's take it easy. I think people are getting all crazy because he finally has shown that he has some 4th quarter gusto. We'll see if he can take over the 10's (teens, whatever), like Jordan dominated the 90's.

ESPN Book, Hangover II, Blue-Bird Buses

The book, "Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside the World of ESPN" arrived today. It's by the guys who wrote the great inside story on Saturday Night Live, "Live from New York". Among the quotes in the ESPN book, this gem from Bob Ley on the departure of Keith Olbermann, "We felt not so much relief when Keith left as unrestrained f---ing joy. People were thrilled." The book is 763 pages. I may need to cut down on blogging. And working. And sleeping. And eating...


Heard from several people who have already seen The Hangover II. While they say it is exactly the same plot, with many of the same set-ups and jokes, I didn't hear from anyone who didn't laugh a lot and recommend the movie...

It's gotten so bad at Ohio State, even the student newspaper is breaking stories on football players selling conference championship rings and brokering preferential car deals. Jim Tressel will survive. Why? Because of those rings, and the 9-1 record vs. Michigan...

I still can't believe the Bulls blew a 12 point lead with less than four minutes to play. It's obvious Derrick Rose needs help...

The Iowa Cubs had a crowd of more than 10,000 fans for Thursday afternoon's game. I can't believe how many Blue Bird buses there were. I also can't believe those buses basically look the same as when I rode them...

Mavs Fans, Bonds Heart, Oprah's Exit

The Lakers hired Mike Brown as head coach. Wait, what?...

Well Mavs, it's up to you. We're all behind you now. You have to beat the Heat...

Kyle Korver is a good guy with bad timing. Korver's shooting slump couldn't come at a worse time, and if he were hitting his usual threes, maybe the Bulls wouldn't try to send Derrick Rose at LeBron James with the game on the line and little chance of Rose making the shot...

Props to Barry Bonds for offering to help the kids of the beaten Giants fan, Bryan Stow. Who knew Barry had a heart?...

It's late May and my son and his baseball teammates looked so cold in the wind chill Wednesday night I wondered if they were having fun. They were, but enough already with the weather, both the crappy and the severe...

Kyle Busch was ticketed for driving 128 in a 45 mph residential area. Can you still race NASCAR if they suspend your license?...

I was late to work Wednesday. It was an early out at school, and one of my boys started watching Hoosiers. I've seen it 57 times and I still got caught...

Hines Ward won Dancing with the Stars, and maybe this isn't fair, but I think less of Ward now...

How was Oprah's exit? I missed it. The woman is a singular talent, and created an empire few will approach, but I didn't watch her show. I'm a man...

Hangover Fears, Memorable Exits, Devasating Pictures

Since first seeing the Hangover Part II commercials, I've been concerned the movie will be a big letdown. It appears the plot is exactly the same---minus the surprises---but placed in Bangkok. It's the sequel syndrome, as seen in Ghostbusters 2, among many others. Well, my fears appear realized. Will Leitch, a writer I respect, says Hangover 2 is bad, and rates it a D+ (Will loved the original). At Rotten Tomatoes, only 28% of film critics recommend the movie, and all say it's the same plot. Still, the movie is expected to make $100 million its first week, and $9 will come from me. I've been warned. So have you...

In better news, 91% of critics recommend Kung Fu Panda 2, and since I'll be seeing that too---what a pendulum swing that is---I'm glad it looks promising...

I don't care much who wins American Idol even though I've watched another season. Both teens are talented and seem nice, but neither sings songs I'll buy...

Someone hit Jennifer Lopez's eyebrows with Miracle Gro...

Tuesday, Oprah says goodbye. I don't watch Oprah, but her final show got me thinking about the greatest exit I ever saw a star make, and he was television's greatest star, Johnny Carson...

Locally, Andy Fales made a memorable exit from SoundOFF, but he came back. Does that count?...

When I picked the Heat in five, I caught a lot of grief after game 1. Not so much after game 4...

The Tuesday tornado warning for Joplin is just piling on. Uncle. Enough. This stunning before and after picture of the town is devastating:

Rapture Fatigue, Speedway Convert, Wedding Singer

I hate it, but I don't believe Lance Armstrong. Ex-teammate Tyler Hamilton is the latest witness to reportedly testify under oath that Armstrong doped and cheated his way to seven straight Tour de France titles. Unless several cyclists who used to vouch for Armstrong are now lying, and willing to risk prison just to make Armstrong look bad, Lance better figure out his next move. The walls are closing fast...

Good to have high school baseball and softball seasons back in swing. When I moved to Iowa 21 years ago, I had never heard of playing high school sports in the summer, but I like it...

I can't believe the video I've seen of the devastation in Joplin, Missouri. It looks like a bomb went off...

Are you as sick and tired of the Rapture talk as me?...

Ray Lewis says if there's no NFL season, crime will rise. That's a chilling thought from a guy who knows something about crime...

The Iowa Speedway expected a dip in attendance for this Nationwide race, and had it---two races in one season bound to make some people choose one or the other---but overall, another successful weekend with a national television audience. Our "Murph & Andy Show" producer, Andrew Downs, the latest to experience a race in person for the first time. Andrew says he still won't watch a race on TV, but won't miss many at the Iowa Speedway. AD was surprised how much he liked it...

There is no better Saturday Night Live host right now than Justin Timberlake. I can't believe I'm in awe of the all-around talents of the guy who was lead singer for the boy-band NSYNC, but Timberlake is for real. Only Alec Baldwin is in his league...


The Des Moines Playhouse is staging The Wedding Singer through most of June. It's a musical based on the popular Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore movie. Here's where you can help... The play is set in 1985, and the Playhouse is celebrating the era's fashion with photos of '80s wedding couples. Scan your photos and send them to info@dmplayhouse.com.

The Playhouse also needs cassette tapes. Remember those? The set designer is making a show curtain from the tapes. The cassettes are strung side-by-side, and then the actual tape is hanging down. Can you picture it? The Playhouse needs about 800 more tapes. You can drop tape donations off at the Playhouse. Don't be surprised if you have more trouble parting with that Tears for Fears or Motley Crue tape than you expected...



-Keith