Probably played my last round of golf this year on Friday. I scummed out an 89 at Ellis Park in CR. Hey, it's golf in October. The score is not the thing. The columnist played well. He just took up the game this year and he's a lot farther along than I thought he would be.
What a nutty week, huh? Thanks for stopping by the booth, Drew Tate. Interesting to see the Jekyll-Hyde thing wasn't a passing phase. (Drew told me to call him after last season. I didn't. Kirk Ferentz wouldn't respond, so there's no balance to something like that. Not saying it wasn't interesting, though.) For the record, I really enjoyed covering Drew. He might've treated me like dog you-know-what a few times, but I was always curious where things were going to go. I think he'll make a helluva football coach some day. He'll channel that energy. You wait.
After next season, the three-year deals will be up on the premium seating at Kinnick Stadium. That's about a third of the deals for the funds that are being used to pay the annual debt service on what has become a nearly $100 million project. The financial plan has safeguards for a shortfall in demand. There is a reserve fund. But I'm guessing they'd rather not tap that. If the current slide continues next season, it could get interesting.
Had a chance to talk to Bruce Nelson and Andy Lightfoot this week. I know we're supposed to be objective observers (and I take that seriously, believe me, even as, I believe, the market for that shrinks) but I'm not a stonewall dullard. How can you not like these two? Self-made players who willed themselves into two-fifths of one of the greatest offensive lines Iowa has ever had. (I used to say greatest, but Bruce set me straight on that this week.) Bruce and his wife, Jana, are expecting their first child. He's 28 now. Wow, I'm old and I'm thinking Kirk Ferentz is thinking the same thing. Three hip surgeries knocked him out of the NFL, but he's living what I'd consider a wonderful life, farming, helping coach the Emmetsburg and helps with a youth group. Just a genuinely great guy. Andy is keeping kind of busy. He's in his first year of residency (it's a six-year run) at the UI urology department. He was one of the most cerebral football players I've seen. Just a genuinely brilliant, motivated guy.
Soak in this tailgate. The weather will be touch-and-go from here on out.
From the iPod (you'll pick up the theme quickly):
"The Bottle Let Me Down" -- George Jones. "Tonight the bottle let me down and let your memory come around." Remember the strategy -- nap and eat as directed.
"I'm Not Down" -- The Clash. "I'm beat up, I've been thrown out, but I'm not down. I'm not down." Just channel your favorite John "Bluto" Blutarsky quote.
"Don't Let Them Take You Down (It's a beautiful day)" -- Jesse Malin. "It's a beautiful day. Don't let them take you down." It's an anthemic "get 'em" up from a guy I saw on Leno one night. I never watch Leno, it just caught my ear.
"Two Hearts Beat As One" -- U2. "Can't stop the dance; maybe this is my last chance." This is my favorite U2 song. I stopped listening after "Joshua Tree" and didn't really even like that very much.
"Don't Be Sad" -- Whiskeytown. "Seen a lot of things we didn't want to see, but I'm glad we did." Seriously, don't be.
Libation
Molson Canadian -- It's been all over The Gazette for years, but for those who don't know, I'm a big hockey guy. In fact, I'm late with this week's Periphery because I watched THE MIGHTY CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS come from a two-goal deficit and beat the Detoilet Dead Things, 3-2, for their first victory at Detroit since 2006. Boo freaking yah!
It's hockey season and this beer is from Canada. Here's what "AmericanCanuck" from the Beer Advocate messageboards has to say "Been looking for a replacement beer since Rolling Rock's demise, and I think I've found it. Wonderful smooth taste and easy on the palate. Could knock back quite a few of these quite easily. No skunky smell or artsy-fartsy flavor. Basic good beer, pure and simple. Bottoms up!"
I'll add the "eh" for him. Good beer, eh!