Holiday Weekend!

It's finally here, the long weekend we've been waiting for. I decided that it isn't hot enough in Iowa, so, to celebrate a proper happy birthday 'Merica I'm heading to the desert.

Here are some Hawkeye news/links to tide you over:

The Daily reports that Iowa's D-line prepared to wreak havoc in 2010. The spotlight will certainly be on Clayborn and crew.


Kirk Ferentz was on the Paul Finebaum show yesterday. I'll link the post on Hawkeyelounge.com because the file is audio. Ferentz is good people, but you already knew that.

AJ Edds has earned the Michael J. Rabold Distinguished Player Award.

Former Iowa Hawkeye legend Chuck Long will be the offensive coordinator at KU. The Lawrence Journal-World introduces its readers to old #16.

The Sporting Blog claims that Iowa Now Just 83 Players Away From Becoming Team America.

Canadian football started up last night. Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette reminds us that Drew Tate is still around the game. He is riding number two on the depth chart for the Calgary Stampeders.

Marc Morehouse, also of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, caught up with the third and for awhile mystery recruit from recruit-a-palooza on Wednesday. He reports that Jake Rudock, QB from Florida, loves Iowa’s O.

It's been Iowa week over at LostLettermen.com. A couple days ago I posted their tribute to Rob Houghtlin's winning kick against Michigan. Yesterday they posted this awesome video of an Iowa locker room post victory against Ohio State in Columbus in 1991. Watch Hayden do the Hokey Pokey.

and finally, enjoy your Holiday. Be safe, be proud to be an American, and be proud to be a Hawkeye!

My Gift to America: USA #1

Sure it's a little early, the super terrific America birthday bash is still a couple days away but I present a couple of gifts for the U.S. of A.

First, HawkeyeLounge.com has the greatest thread in the history of the Internet. Ricky Stanzi USA #1

Let's have a Stanzi photoshop contest

Second, if you don't have the time yet to go through the several pages of awesomeness I made this:

Top 30 excuses to use for your "Planned Sick Days" #30:Conjunctivitis

Why 30?  I dunno, it's the hot number. You have 30 for 30, beer:30, 30-30 man. So, over the next few weeks, I'll profile 30 different diseases you can use when you find yourself absolutely in need of placing yourself on the couch all day.

Keep in mind I am in no way advocating an action that may lead to your unemployment. It's a tough job market out there so do so at your own risk. What is it that all the betting sites claim? Oh yeah, this information is for entertainment only. Or so I'm told.

One other note, I'm not a doctor. I have taken a Human Disease course once (although I crammed for the exam and forgot everything a week later). The object isn't to educate you to pass an exam, just bullshit a boss or significant other.

Okay, here we go. #30 on the list: Conjunctivitis

Otherwise known by its "street name," the pink eye.

Now this is a good disease to call in with. One can get pink eye from either a virus or bacterial infection. Or you can get pink eye from allergies and airborne irritants. It's highly contagious and is spread from person to person. Because the eyes are so itchy one tends to rub them a lot and can spread the virus via there hands.

In case you have to explain, some of the symptoms are itchy, watery, or a burning eye or eyes. There could be blurred vision. Be careful though, pink eye could be a result of an STD, like Chlamydia. You don't want the office whispering upon your return. Luckily, it most often occurs as a result of the same viruses that cause the common cold.

The good news is that it usually can be resolved within 2-5 days (or over a weekend, cough, cough).

You may want to wear some sunglasses the day you proclaim yourself healed and head back to work, school, or life amongst people. Complain some about the bright lights and if you work with them, the brightness of the computer screen. Also make sure and complain about not being able to watch the big game (your poor eye bothered you so much you couldn't watch the TV).

If you would like to learn more so that you become an expert visit here. I'm only here to help.

Thursday Morning:I've used all of my best titles already

Okay, so I've made some changes. Instead of just links to Blogs on the side panel I've added feeds. The five latest stories from ESPN, BHGP, Hawkeyes.net, Fight for Iowa, and others will now appear on the right hand side. So, If you bookmark this page, the feeds update as the respective sites rollout the news.

Some other stuff from around the web:

The Sioux City Journal caught up with Nate Kaeding at the Levar Woods football camp for kids. Several former Hawkeyes were also at the camp. Working were Bruce Nelson, Brad Banks, Joel Hilgenberg, Dallas Clark, and Matt Kroul.

Clone Chronicals on SB Nation believes Adrian Clayborn just provided plenty of motivation for the Cyclones this September.

and finally,

Over at Jon Miller's HawkeyeNation message board posters are playing caption this pic with Iowa's new QB recruit, Jacob Rudock. It includes the Zooker. Zooker=comedy.

Wednesday Night: Hawks Land Some Recruits

Iowa Hawkeye coach Eric Johnson's Twitter account was blowin' up today as he tweeted the news of three new Hawkeye recruits. Two of the three future Hawkeye players have been identified. They are John Raymon, a 6'5" 240 lb TE/DE from Pennsylvania and Ray Hamilton, a 6'5" 225 TE from Ohio.

Here are the Scout Bios:

John Raymon

Ray Hamilton

Here is recruit related news:

New Commit Hamilton Borrows Stanzi's Quote

Pennsylvania DE says yes to Hawkeyes

Raymon Overcomes Odds to Land at Iowa

Ohio TE: ‘I’m a Hawkeye’

Who is the third recruit? Here is a possibility, Rob Howe of Scout.com tweeted "Pretty sure that Iowa's 3rd Verbal of day is Ft. Lauderdale Aquinas QB Jacob Rudock." at 10:30 pm.

Other Hawkeye related stories:

The Des Moines Register's Rick Brown reports that Cully Payne gets the point of Fran McCaffery's system. Also included is Brown's observations of the Prime Time League. Payne also addresses questions about Lick's departure and Ben Brust's decision.

Former Hawkeye defensive back Amari Spievey has agreed to terms with the Detriot Lions. According to freep.com Spievey will earn $1.915 million with a $700,000 dollar signing bonus.

If you haven't seen it enough in your life, the Lost Letterman blog is featuring Rob Houghtlin's game winning kick against Michigan in this blog entry.

Former Hawkeye TE Tony Moeaki is making an impression on his new team the Kansas City Chiefs. He also is making quite the impression with fans. My Son And A Great Story That Made His Day

It's the Middle of the Week

ESPN takes a look at Hawkeye basketball and the rebuilding process that lies ahead for new coach Fran McCaffery. McCaffery is no stranger to turning around programs as he steered Sienna to multiple MAAC titles. Can he win a title in the Big Ten? It's only been a million years.

Marc Moorehouse is looking for fan input. He asks Hawkeye fans to email him their list of Top 10 games of the Ferentz era — Let’s hear your picks.

Former Hawkeye football defensive back Cedric Everson's sexual abuse trial has been moved back again. This time due to health concerns of his lawyer.

A former Hawkeye, and member of the 1957 Rose Bowl team has passed away. Boxscorenews.com reports Frank Rigney passed at the age of 74.

Des Moines Register writer Randy Peterson fans the flames after Hawkeye football defensive end Adrian Clayborn stated "Iowa State football doesn’t exist, according to Clayborn."

There are a couple of stories from ESPN Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg. First, he points to five games that will be big for the Big Ten this fall. Second, he explains why the Big Ten is unlikely to change its name.

and finally, Coach Eric Johnson tweeted that Iowa received not one but two commitments today. Rob Howe of HawkeyeInsider.com reports that one of the commitments is Ray Hamilton, a TE from Ohio. The second recruits name has yet to hit the Twitter-verse but I'll re-tweet when it does and it will appear to the left on this page under the Twitter Feed.

Wednesday Morning Hawkeye News

Some more reaction to Brennen Cougill's departure:

The Sioux City Journal gives a nice break down of Cougill's new team.

Scott Dochterman of the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Cougill ‘didn’t get my full effort in’ at Iowa . Isn't that the obvious thing to say? I mean if you don't admit to being lazy then the assumption is you are dumb. Pick you poison.

I can't knock the kid, my first semester in college didn't go so well either. It's a big adjustment, especially if you coasted through your senior year in High School (note: that is what I did and I am not insinuating that Brennen did as well). These kids have strength and conditioning, classes, practice, studying, girls, etc. But they also have an academic success center and required study time. Hopefully, for his sake, he figures it out.

Now, on to Hawkeye football:

The Omaha World-Herald asks the question: Iowa's Clayborn: The next Suh? After the season Suh had for the Cornhuskers one could hope. Here is Suh's stat line from the 2009 season: 82 Tkl, 23 TFL, 12 Sk, 24 QBH, 10 PBU, 1 Int, 1 FF, 3 Blk. Crazy huh? Clayborn though, wasn't that far behind: Clayborn - 13 games- 70 tackles, 20 TFL ,11.5 sacks, 4 FF, 1 blocked punt, 1 PR, 1 TD.

Elsewhere, Bret Feddern posts his 2010 Big Ten Wide Receiver Power Rankings. A couple of Hawkeyes make the top 10.

and finally, HawkeyeDrive.com has posted numerous interviews from yesterday's media day.

• 6/29/2010: Adrian Clayborn video interview
• 6/29/2010: Julian Vandervelde video interview
• 6/29/2010: Brett Greenwood video interview
• 6/29/2010: Ricky Stanzi video interview
• 6/29/2010: Allen Reisner video interview
• 6/29/2010: Brett Morse video interview

finally, finally, I've received some good feedback about this blog. Thanks! Also thanks to those that have this linked on their sites. I appreciate it.

Tuesday Evening ~ Man down! and Media day...

Big news of the day: Soph Iowa Basketball player Brennen Cougill was declared academically ineligible and will transfer to Kirkwood Community College.

Here is the release from Hawkeyesports.com Cougill is taking full responsibility and hopes to work his way back onto the squad.

CID Gazette writer Scott Dochterman talks Cougills dismissal and Hawkeye media day on Bob Bruce's radio show. Both hour 1 and hour 2 of the radio show are available for download.

Brendan Stiles of HawkeyeDrive.com was able to post a video of interview questions with Brennen Cougill after tonights PTL game.



Black Hearts Gold Pants tells the truth: Guess Who's Getting 0 Minutes A Game In This Brand New, Fast-Paced, Up-Tempo Offense ?

Football Media day stories are starting to roll out, here are the first off the Twitter feed:

Video: Iowa’s Clayborn, Reiff, Greenwood talk about expectations (Doc, Gazette)

10 Questions With Allen Reisner (Hawkeyesports)

Video: Iowa QB Rick Stanzi talks about ‘Love it or leave it’ (Doc, Gazette)

Iowa players try to avoid the hype (Doc, Gazette)

Iowa football: Lineman Vandervelde awaits his call from Obama (DSM Register)

Iowa football notebook: Clayborn says Hawkeyes are "the only team in the state" (DSM Register)

VIDEOS: Iowa football players Brett Morse, Karl Klug, Brett Greenwood and Ricky Stanzi interviewed on June 29 (Gazette, Hlas)

Hlas column: Summer conditioning vital for Iowa football team, but not 24/7

Tuesday Midday

Mark Hasty's fanhouse blog brings up a sore subject, at least for some more mature Hawk fans. I'm too young for this memory but my dad could tell you all about it. Mark's take on soccer flops and the infamous 1953 Notre Dame flop fest versus Iowa is worth a read.



Scott Dochterman of the CID Gazette writes Readjusting 2011 Big Ten football schedule won’t create many problems Probably the first must read of the day, if not week.



Black Heart Gold Pants blogger Adam Jacobi takes a look at Chris Henry's death, the reports of brain damage, and what that means for the game of football.

Chris Henry Had CTE Before Death, And Why That Matters So Much


ESPN Adam Rittenberg talks Big Ten Defensive Tackles.

Iowa Football is #3 in spending that is.


ESPN names Tyler Sash the 5th best player in the Big Ten. ESPN Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg has named 20 of his top 25. Along with Sash at the 5th spot DL Karl Klug comes in at #23, and Ricky Stanzi #18.



and finally finally....I just put down 3 original Tasty Tacos. nom nom nom nom nom

Tuesday Morning News

This blog got a nice shout out today from our friends at Fight for Iowa. If you haven't checked out the links on the right of this page give FFI a look. Lot's of good stuff over there.

Jon Johnston at cornnation.com believes For Some Husker Fans, Moving to the Big 10 Won't Be Easy . I've read it twice and it's based on a true story.

Bryan Kelly of BleacherReport lists 10 Under-the-Radar College Football Freshmen You'll Hear About This Fall

Iowa State president Gregory Geoffroy has taken a blood oath to be part of the Texas 10, er Big 12 forever. Okay, maybe just until 2010.
Iowa State endorses deal that keeps Big 12 intact until at least 2020

and finally, today members of the Iowa Hawkeye football team will be made available to the media. Jon Miller calls this an unprecented event. Players made available per Miller are
Ricky Stanzi, Adrian Clayborn, Tyler Sash, Brett Greenwood, Ryan Donahue, Brett Morse, Riley Reiff, Christian Ballard, Karl Klug, Allen Reisner, Jeremiah Hunter and Adam Robinson. I'll have more links to these interviews and news later on in the day.

Monday Night:Lot's of Hawkeye Links

Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette was combing the Nebraska Husker's website when he learned that the Iowa Hawkeyes were once the Iowa Cornhuskers. According to Hlas he is unable to verify this claim but doesn't doubt the story.

Was Iowa the Cornhuskers before it was the Hawkeyes?
http://gazetteonline.com/blogs/the-hlog/2010/06/28/was-iowa-the-cornhuskers-before-it-was-the-hawkeyes

Adam Rittenberg's blog for ESPN examines which Iowa Hawkeye Football players are coming and going.

The Revolving Door: Iowa

Former Hawkeye standout defensive lineman Matt Kroul was back in Iowa City to help raise money for a worthy cause:

Sports celebs golf for Special Olympics
http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20100628/NEWS01/100628005/Sports-celebs-golf-for-Special-Olympics

Blogger Adam Kramer of Keg's n Eggs likes Adrian Clayborn!

Guys We Like: Adrian Clayborn


Rivalry Esq. of the SB Nation Blog network is handing out grades, the student is Ricky Stanzi.

Evaluating the Mechanics of Big Ten Quarterbacks - Ricky Stanzi
http://www.rivalryesq.com/2010/6/28/1540682/evaluating-the-mechanics-of-big

Bleacher Report Writer Tim Cary has the Hawkeyes at #5 in his rankings of Big Ten football schedule difficulty.

Power Ranking The 2010 Strength Of Schedule For Big Ten Teams
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/412796-power-ranking-the-2010-strength-of-schedule-for-big-ten-teams#page/8

Andy Hamilton of the Iowa City Press Citizen reports that former Hawkeye dual sport star Bo Porter is a possibility for the Marlines head coaching position.

Porter in the running for Marlins managerial job

and finally,

Cyclonefanatic writer/manager/whatever thinks US soccer is sorta like the Cyclones

http://twitter.com/ChrisMWilliams/status/17117783340

Monday Midday

Number 1, I can't get used to the idea of using only one space after a period. I'll try my best.


ESPN's Adam Rittenberg remembers the ties in the Big Ten

Remembering the tie in the Big Ten
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/13475/remembering-the-tie-in-the-big-ten

The most famous tie I saw in person the Iowa versus BYU Holiday Bowl. What a bummer that was.

If you are into recruiting it looks like Iowa got a visit from a Florida corner back.

Florida corner visits Iowa
http://rutgers.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=1098091&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=

and if you're not an old balls like me you might want to check out:

Training with Humpal multi-sport camp
http://www.kwwl.com/global/story.asp?s=12716309

Mike Humpal of course is a Pittsburgh Steeler and former Hawkeye Linebacker.

Monday, Monday...

News to start the day:

The Cedar Rapids Gazette has a nice piece about Malcolm Moore, a former Iowa City prep that is playing summer ball in the Prime Time league and could end up a Hawkeye:

Moore anxious to begin another phase of career
http://gazetteonline.com/sports/2010/06/28/moore-anxious-to-begin-another-phase-of-career

Speaking of Prime Time League, former DI writer Brendan Stiles has a nice recap of yesterday's games. Looks like incoming frosh Melsahn Basabe is averaging over 30 per plus 10 boards. I was pretty excited about the 30 points until I found out they weren't playing by 1's and 2's. Still impressive, but still the just the PTL.

6/27 PTL notebook: Gatens, Brommer lead Jill Armstrong squad to big victory

Over at Black Heart Gold Pants there is more PTL discussion as well as a sweet Fred Hoiberg vid:
It's Not Plagiarism If You Link to It Saw You Twice at the Pop Show
http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2010/6/28/1540737/its-not-plagiarism-if-you-link-to

and finally, since we are nearing the mid point of the MLB season I thought I would look back on my preseason predictions. The White Sox run made me a bit more optimistic about picking the Sox to win the Central. It will be interesting to see if they keep their aging players around for a title run or hit the market come the end of July.

AL East
Yankees
Rays
Sox
Toronto
Baltimore

AL Central
CWS
Tigers
Twins
Indians
Royals

AL West
LAAngels
Texas
Seattle
Oakland

NL East
Philly
Atlanta
Florida
Mets
Washington

NL Central
Cards
Brewers
Cubs
Stros
Reds
Pittsburgh

NL West
Rockies
Giants
Dodgers
Zona
Padres

AL Wild Card : Tampa Bay
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves

Yankees beat CWS
Tampa Beats LAA

Yankees beat TB
Cards beat Braves

Phillies beat Rockies
Phillies beat Cards

Philly beats the Yankees

NL MVP: Pujols ROY: Heyward CY Young: Halladay
AL MVP: Texiera ROY: Wade Davis CY Young: Felix Hernandez

http://www.hawkeyelounge.com/showpost.php?p=965908&postcount=50

oh, and finally, finally, don't you hate it when you are flipping through the channel guide and see that Gladiator is coming on, only to click through and find it is the crappy Gladiator? The one with Cuba Gooding Jr. There should be a requirement for an * to follow the title.

Post 2:What's the plural of Test? Surely it's not Testes.

I'm still not sure which direction this is going to go. Perhaps a link source for news with a little off-the-wall social commentary. The truth? I need a hobby and summer school is about to end.

so...

post 2:

Former Iowa Hawkeye offensive lineman and actor John Alt's son was choosen in this weekend's NHL amateur draft.

2010 NHL Draft: Mark Alt, Son of Former Hawkeye John Alt, Drafted By Carolina
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/412085-mark-alt-son-of-former-hawkeye-john-alt-drafted-by-carolina-hurricanes

also, Luke Rasmussen doesn't really say a lot about where the Big Ten Championship game will be played. He does though like the idea of rotating the venue. Personally, I vote for Chicago. I have a free place to stay.

Possibilities for a Big Ten football Championship
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6169954-possibilities-for-a-big-ten-football-championship

and finally, some guy named McCollum compares Big 12 teams to countries.

He says "Iowa State is like Switzerland: Boring, unimportant, not good at much of anything, but neutral and without enemies. Even the Hawkeyes like the Swiss."

McCollum's Column: One person’s version of the ‘countries of the Big 12’
http://thecabin.net/news/2010-06-26/mccollums-column-one-person%E2%80%99s-version-%E2%80%98countries-big-12%E2%80%99

Post 1:This is a test, this is only a test.

Looks like former Iowa Hawkeye corner back Amari Spievey is turning heads in Detroit.

Lions rookie cornerback Amari Spievey is 'getting more comfortable'
http://www.freep.com/article/20100625/SPORTS01/6250346/1049/rss14


also looks like former Iowa Hawkeye safety Bob Sanders is working toward a healthy season for the Colts:

Bob Sanders feeling better
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Bob-Sanders-feeling-better.html

and finally,

one Iowa State fan/blogger is "rubbed the wrong way" by Iowa football's use of the ANF sticker


AMERICA NEEDS FARMERS
http://psychlone99.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/america-needs-farmers/