Michael teaches the audience how to say "Not much? You?" You've got to try the gesture. It really makes a difference.

A bit more of the pre-show warm-up. Remember, use the gesture.

One the most renowned writers' workshops is located in Iowa City at the University. Workshop Director Frank Conroy amuses Michael and Jim with his anecdotes of the literary life.

Many thanks to the University of Iowa Natural History Museum in Iowa City for the loan of the giant polar bear. Thankfully, no seals were injured during the show. Check out this fine museum at http://www.uiowa.edu/~nathist.

A lucky quiz contestant from Omaha gets hints from the polar bear to win the quiz!

Musical guest Bo Ramsey gets the house rockin' with his Iowa City sound. Love the hat, too.

U of Iowa Economics Professor Robert Forsythe explains how candidates are traded like pork bellies on the Iowa Electronic Markets.

Iowa Poet Laureate Marvin Bell shares his melodic words with Michael and the bear. And the rest of the audience, too.

This is a woman who makes a delicious batch of brownies. Trust us, we know. Evelyn Birby, the Homemaker of the Airways, shares the story of her life as an Iowa farm wife.