Tough loss for Iowa

Spent the weekend in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City attending the Iowa football game. What a tough loss for the Hawks. I called the game a toss-up prior to the game. Iowa has been shaky most of the season but had the advantage of playing at home, while the Wolverines were on a bit of a roll but playing in one of the toughest venues in college football, Kinnick Stadium. The contest was a 60 minute nail-biter to say the least, with Iowa losing the game in overtime due to missed opportunities. Michigan was given every chance to win the game and they finally found a way. Looks like Iowa will need to claw its way into a low-tier bowl this year. Go Hawks.

Sampled the nightlife of Cedar Rapids Friday night. I must say there is not much to choose from. There are a few popular little bars in the downtown area and they are very crowded (and smoky). Not big on the whole smoking thing. We had a few drinks and called it a night and headed for Perkins! We stayed in the Excel Inn of Cedar Rapids on 33rd Ave. SW. Nice little hotel with a friendly staff and extremely cheap. Booked the room a day earlier using Orbitz. $55 bucks...you can't beat that. We didn't have much choice, as everything in Iowa City/Coralville was booked. If you plan on attending an Iowa football game, a word of advice...plan it early. Use web sites like Orbitz to find the cheapest prices on hotels and airfare.