Hawkeyes with the Stars

New Year's Eve ended up being an off day for the Iowa Football team. Into game week, this is the squad's Monday. After an morning weight training session, many of the Hawkeyes made their way to one of the many pools at the Fontainebleau.

The Fontainebleau is preparing for popular singer and performer, Lady GaGa at poolside. While preparations were underway, the Iowa Football players were not the only stars lounging around. Movie producer and director Spike Lee spent time with the Hawkeyes. Above Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt is invited into Spike's poolside area.

Spike Lee also takes time to meet Adrian Clayborn.

Spike also spends time with other players on the roster. Iowa quarterback John Weinke overherd Lee talk to the players about life after football is over.

The opportunity to meet Lee was special for the entire team.

Also poolside was Kevin Connolly of HBO's "Entourage." Connolly wasn't able to spend as much time with the team, but did take a moment for a couple of pictures. Many of the stars are at the hotel for the concert, but they are also taking advantage of the many features the Fontainebleau has to offer.

(Photo Courtesy John Weinke)

Sophomore quarterback John Weinke gets a photo opportunity with the Entourage star.

With a beach so close to the hotel, the Fontainebleau is a favorite spot for the Hawkeyes and Holloywood stars. While Iowa City is suffering through a cold, snowy spell, this is part of the reward the Hawkeyes worked hard for during the season.

The Upcoming Television Season

September doesn't only mean the beginning of the College Football season, but it is the official start to the new television season. While our jobs at Iowa Football keep us busy at this time of the year, our opportunities to sit in front of the television are few. However, here are a few shows that I will be looking forward to either live or recorded.

CHUCK--Due to the writer's strike of 2007 which abbreviated that season, this rookie in the line-up suffered by not fielding an entire season. The storyline is good as a "nerd" who works at a local electronic store becomes involved as a federal spy and works alongside a beautiful young woman who he becomes attracted to. A great storyline which promises to get better.

90210--Need I say more? This is a spin-off of the very popular teen soap of the 1990s, Beverly Hills 90210. A new group of kids are at West Beverly High School and they are joined alongside some popular characters of the original series. One episode has aired with great reviews, but I plan on watching it this weekend when I get a chance. My wife and I are very excited about the debut of this series.

Entourage--If you don't have HBO, you are missing a great show. I didn't start watching this show until the third season, but anxiously await every episode. HBO is known for its original programming and this is as good as HBO has created. If you haven't watched an episode, it isn't too late to start.

True Blood--Another HBO original show which debuts this Sunday prior to Entourage. This show follows a group of vampires who live in rural Louisiana. Another show which I doubt will disappoint.

Family Guy--It has been too long since Seth Green has created a new episode on Peter, Lois and their family of Quahog. Definitely not the most politically correct show, Stewie and Brian will leave you laughing for an entire thirty minutes.

The Amazing Race--11 teams picked to race around the world with the team who comes in first winning One Million Dollars. Teams are in charge of finding transportation to move from one locale to another while finishing tasks related to their local area. This show gives contestants to see the world and interract with the different cultures. This is one game show I would love to be on.

This is only a sampling of the shows I will be watching. However these shows will be recorded and not missed throughout the fall. Once January comes we can add "Lost" to our discussion.