You may have heard there was a football game on Saturday between the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The Cyclones came out on top this year, which wasn’t expected. What was expected did come true — lots of competition, incredible tailgating and a passion for football. The latter held true, even for those who didn’t know the difference between a false start and a field goal. Yes, Americans love football. But why? I have a few guesses.

First, the plays last only seconds, which matches our shortened attention spans. Quick and to the point. That’s what we want, and that’s what football provides.

Second, there is a lot of scoring — or at least that is what we hope for. Soccer and hockey fans can have their 2-1 games. Most football fans would prefer a 49-48 game any day.

Third, football is a game for people of all sizes and skills. A 350-pound lineman is as integral to the game as a 160-pound punter. Precision passing. Expert blocking. Spot-on tackling. Football requires more than 100 players of various sizes and skills, giving us all someone to root for.

Fourth, we are fascinated with continual collisions. Several football players have stated that getting tackled is comparable to being in an auto accident — over and over and over. Right or wrong, fans revel in seeing the big hits, much like the Romans did in the coliseums.

And fifth, football has incredible marketing. Admittedly, the NIL (name, image and likeness) ruling that allows college athletes to make money from their publicity has created problems, but there is no denying the value of the brands built through these marketing machines.

When I worked at The Des Moines Register, I was provided access to information from the marketing department on readership by section. The main news section had the highest readership, but I was surprised at the low number for sports. As I recall, about one in 10 readers of the newspaper read the sports section. Most of you non-sports folks reading this are likely saying that sounds about right. Those of you who are avid sports fans are exclaiming, “No way!” It is kind of like the 21-year-old who thinks that, since she spends six hours a day on Snapchat, that everyone else does, too. They don’t.

Newspaper section readership from a few decades ago likely correlates to various pages of media websites or social media posts today. This trend certainly shows in sports talk radio stations, which also have low overall reach when compared to other formats. Meanwhile, there is no question those who are into sports are really into sports — a passion beyond what most everyone else can comprehend. They live it, breathe it, wear it, tattoo it. I get it, at least better than those who are still trying to determine the difference between the redzone and a redshirt.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

BUSINESS FEATURE
Leveraging temporary and as-needed employees

By Colson Thayer

Ashley Laudick spent the beginning of her career working for the same employer day in and day out. As a full-time speech and language pathologist, she got bored. She did not like being in the same place all the time. So, Laudick made a much-needed change and started working for herself. For the last 10 years, Laudick has worked as an independent contractor and as needed for various clinics and nursing homes throughout the state. Although it may be seen as unconventional and unpredictable, it works for Laudick. And it works for employers, too. With Iowa’s declining labor force participation rate, it is challenging to find and attract talent. As such, it may be time for employers to make use of “as-needed” employees.

114 CARTER ST., S.W. MITCHELLVILLE
SALE DATE: 2024-07-08
SALE PRICE: $400,000
SELLER: VITA GROUP LLC
BUYER: 114 CARTER LLC
ACRES: 3.141
SQUARE FEET: 18,801

Varley’s park-like backyard includes a pond
A shady oasis in the busyness of the city

by Jackie Wilson

When Carl and Evelyn Varley moved back to Iowa in 1998 for a job transfer and to raise their family, their Clive yard was all blue grass, with few trees and little shade.

Today, the landscape features dozens of flower and garden beds, a pond and heaps of shade.
“I don’t need an umbrella out here anymore,” Carl Varley says. “The trees filled up my hole to the sky,” he laughs.

Although his wife has passed away, Evelyn’s vision and influence is still evident throughout the front and back yards.

[...]

Happy Birthday Tammy Pearson.

These celebrities were born on this date:  Colin Firth, Big Daddy Kane, José Feliciano, Karl Lagerfeld, Ryan Phillippe, Guy Ritchie, Joe Perry, Philip Baker Hall, Adam Herz, Amy Irving, Ashley Monroe, Chandler Massey, Clark Johnson, Aaron Kyro

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What does a vegetable get in bowling? A SPARE I GUESS (ASPARAGUS)! Close guesses by Gail Tomlinson.

Today's riddle:
Why should you thank your arms?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Ankeny, Bondurant and Indianola Living magazines, contact:

Angela Ossian
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 307
Mobile: 515-979-5585
angela@iowalivingmagazines.com

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