Jay Kersting's Blog

Friday is mainly going to be a random thoughts day.  Today, I open with what I did last night.

Back in June, I was contacted by Chris Jarboe, the counselor at Jefferson City High School, to see if I would help promote the project.  Of course, I said that I would do what ever I could. 

So, I went to a meeting and learned the scope of this project.  I saw how focused these students were on this Operation Adopt a Hero.  I saw how they really wanted to make a difference this upcoming holiday season.  And their attitude became infectious.   In August, I went to another meeting and learned more about what the details of the plans were.

It was in that August meeting where Chris Jarboe asked if anyone had any ideas for what we could do on September 11th.  The Operation Adopt A Hero Open House to kick things off was on the 12th, but he figured that September 11th was a good day to look at doing something additional.  It was then that I came to me.  KLIK should be at Santa's Shed over at Coca-Cola.  I fired an e-mail off to my program director, Brian Wilson, while still in the meeting.  After the meeting, I mentioned my idea to Chris.  He liked it.  Brian and I spoke the next day and we moved forward.  I even volunteered Rick Sinclair to join me.  He loved the idea as well.  

So we did our little part by taking the shows on the road.  Hannah, Emily and several other students met us out there in the dark of the morning at 6am.  We met several people throughout the morning who brought us lots of items for Operation Adopt A Hero.  And several more who brought no items, but rather, brought us cash and checks.  It was a very heartwarming experience for us.  Again, I was more impressed by the students. 

I put a call out most every morning, a few times each show, for donations for OAAH.  Just my little part.  I even told folks they could bring items here.  And I would, and did, take those donations down to Santa's Shed at Coca-Cola.

So, the result of the work of those JCHS students netted quite a haul.  They sent 150 care packages....at 85 POUNDS IN TWO BOXES EACH!!!! 

The contents of the packages was shown at the celebration last night.....the two boxes worth of goodies COVERED two EIGHT FOOT tables!!  Snacks, socks, DVD's, athletic balls, etc.

So, here is the bottomline, if you are worried about the youth of America, don't be.  These young women and young men came through...BIG TIME!

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Big weekend in football again.  Yes, there are the championship games.  Also worth noting, the game with NO losers every year, Army - Navy.  Sure, one team finds that they are on the short end of the scoreboard, but there are NEVER losers in this game.

Then there is a game that always has losers, no matter what the score show, these losers were some shade of baby blue.  That, of course, would be the ucla-USC game.  Can you tell that I am NOT a fan of one of those teams.

Now the games that I care about, first is Tennessee and LSU in the SEC Championship Game.  I am probably clouded by my view through an Orange colored haze, but I think the Vols shock the Bayou Bengals in this one. 

The big game in for the folks in this area is Mizzou and Oklahoma.  It is a rematch for these two teams were Oklahoma beat the Tigers 41-31.  This time, it is on a neutral site.  I still with my prediction of two weeks ago, the Big 12 North team wins this one.  Tigers are good and the Sooners have a history of choking in big games, see 2005 Orange Bowl.  Even without the call for the Heimlich, the Tigers still pull this one out.

Enjoy and add comments as you see fit. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Based on the comments that were posted yesterday, I am think I hit close to home.

One comment I got talked positively about a former employer.  One was decidedly negative about an employer, but was not a Christmas time issue.  Yet another comment talked about the change from the positive to the negative.

That was the comment that really grabbed ahold of what I was referring to.  

And that leads to the bigger point that I was trying to make, but probably failed to do so.  I guess the best example of the point I was trying to make is the story of Ewing M. Kauffman.

Some of you make recognize the name of the late founder/owner of the Kansas City Royals.  But I would bet that many of you don't know his whole story.

Following his service in the U.S Navy, Mr. K returned to the midwest and got a job with a pharmaceutical company in sales.  In his first year, Mr. K earned commissions that exceeded the salary of the company president.  AND THIS IS PROBABLY where Mr. K learned a life lesson that carried him throughout his life.  The company president CUT Mr. K's commissions and cut his territory.

Ewing Kauffman reacted by starting his own company.  And he ran the company by doing the right thing as often as possible.

And Mr. K became a billionaire along the way.  OK, so he died as "just" a mulit-millionaire, but only because he had given away so much of his fortune before he passed away in 1993.  

Not only did he give away a lot of money, he helped many others become millionaires along the way.

Those millionaires have in turn "paid it forward" so that others can find their fortunes....and again pass it along.

Unfortunately, these folks are in a minority.  Too few people know the story of Ewing M. Kauffman nor of his legacy.  Hopefully, this posting will let a few more of you know about what Mr. K did for the people that he knew and those that worked with and for him.

I doubt this will change the attitudes of those in management anywhere.  Those who embrace the ideals of Mr. K are already doing the right thing.  Those who are not are, more than likely, unwilling to change their ways.  They are too miopic to see the long term benefit.

Mr. K died in 1993.  Good thing he wasn't miopic.  The effects of his attitude toward PEOPLE are still being felt. 

Please add your comments. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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I have often made comments about employers NOT owing their employees health care coverage.  It is nice that many do, but it is truly NOT something that employers owe us.

However, employers DO need to follow through on the things they they did promise employees.  Employers do not need to add to the labor versus managment tension by breaking promises to their employees.

In the Kersting household, Sunday nights are "Family Movie Night" and this past Sunday we watched "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and YES, something of depth got to me in watching that movie.  Normally, if I am looking for depth in a Chevy Chase movie, I go directly to "Fletch".  Anyhow, it was Sunday night's movie that got me to this thought process.

Clark was putting in a swimming pool with his traditional Christmas bonus.  However, when his bonus arrived, he was disappointed.  I guess the "Jelly of the Month Club" is not quite as exciting as a swimming pool.  Bonuses were cancelled that year as a cost cutting measure.

Well BOO-HOO!  Clark didn't get his traditional bonus.  Waaaa!!  Was it something he was promised when he was hired?  If so, he has a legitimate complaint.  But if not, he was counting on something that was traditional, but not part of his salary package.  

OK, so I don't feel sorry for Clark W. Griswold, Jr., because I have NEVER gotten a monetary Christmas bonus.  I have gotten a turkey, a bag, a windbreaker, a fleece jacket, a fleece pullover and a hoodie (I look like the Unibomber when I wear it, so I have only worn it once).  And I have appreciated all of those gifts.  OK, some more than others....not a fan of looking like a terrorist. Anyhow, but I never expected nor depended on those gifts.  Sure, I would LOVE to get a check as a Christmas bonus, but I have learned to have low expectations.  That way I am not disappointed.

So, what does an employer owe an employee?  First, forty hours pay for forty hours work.  More for overtime.  Next, good working conditions...safe and comfortable....heat is nice in the winter.  Third, the tools to do the job properly....or let you know what you, the employee, need to provide for the job.  For example, I worked at a duck processing plant on the cut line.  They had to provide me the air powered cutters for cutting duck necks.  When the compressor died, they had to get me some snips, but could only allow me to use them for no more than two hours at a time.  That might have been an OSHA thing, but still they had to provide the right tools for the job.

Now, most importantly, an employer owes their employees what they TOLD THEM they would provide when they hired them.  If that employer offered health insurance then, they should continue to offer it to them.  They do not HAVE to, but they should do the RIGHT THING.  In fact, EVERY promise or benefit offered in an interview needs to be kept.  That is doing the right thing.

Of course, this is not a LEGAL obligation.  But morally.....that is a different story.  Too often employees chuckle at the thought of business ethics and morals.  Employers, if you wonder how your staff got there.....take a long look in the mirror and make sure you haven't contributed to this attitude.  If you have, this is the season to make good.

Ebenezer Scrooge did.

Add your comments as you see fit. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

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The NFL cancelled the playing of the National Anthem at the Monday Night Football game in Pittsburgh last night.

Cancelled!!

Except for the Super Bowl, the National Anthem is never shown on TV, so those at home would not know.  The Steelers said that the NFL wanted the game to get underway as quickly as possible following a weather delay in the game.  And they further said that, according to USA Today "several more minutes would have been needed to set up a microphone and sound equipment at midfield, where the anthem is traditionally performed at Steelers games."

OH, don't want to mess with tradition.  Um, hold on, cancelling the national anthem is better than screwing with how the Steelers do it????

The singing of the national anthem takes two minutes or less, unless Whitney Houston is screeching it out like she did at Super Bowl XXV...I know some of you loved it, I hated HER version of the song, but that is ANOTHER Story. 

Apparently, they did not realize that they COULD have put the singer in the endzone with a microphone.  They could have had the singer up in the press box.  We have seen that done with "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at Wrigley Field.

But NOOOOOOO!!  The National Football League decided that this would be too much trouble.  The NFL must bow down to the power of cable/satellite TV.

This was a crappy game.  The Steelers are decent, the Dolphins stink.  And it was 3-0 game in the end.  Two to four minutes of time to honor America is too much to ask?

To the powers that be in the NFL, it most certainly is.

Add your comments as you see fit.

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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By now you may have read about the experience at the Border Showdown on Saturday.  The Associated Press (writers) Poll has Mizzou at number 1.  The USA Today (coaches ) poll has Mizzou at number 2.

But the one that matters is the Bowl Championship Series poll.  THE BCS is argued every year.  The call for a playoff is heard every year.  It makes for great talk radio fodder.  One thing that everyone can agree on is this....the system ain't perfect.

This week, the BCS poll spits out Mizzou as number one, with West Virginia at number two and Ohio State close behind at number 3.  Last week LSU was the top of the heap.  Then they got thrown to the scrap heap by Arkansas.  Arkansas?  Anyhow, two weeks before that Ohio State got bumped over to the land of also rans after dropping one to a team coached by Ron Zook?  Did anyone check Zook's fax transmit/received log that week?  Lucky for the Buckeyes, if you can call it luck, is that their timing has allowed them to circle the Tigers and Mountaineers like a shark waiting to attack....or maybe more like a vulture waiting for one of them to die.

So here is what it sets up.  The West Virginia Mountaineers have to beat the Pittsburgh Panthers to keep their spot secure.  The Panthers haven't been much to worry about since Johnny Majors' first term there as head coach.  And Tony Dorsett does not have any eligibility left, so the Mountaineers need to simply keep from being over-confident.

As for the Tigers, they have the EXCITING road to travel.  And that road goes through San Antonio with Oklahoma waiting for the Tigers.  The Sooners gave the Tigers their ONLY loss back on October 13th.  But a lot of football has been played since then.  Since that time, Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech.  Mizzou lost to no one.  Mizzou gets the opportunity to avenge their own loss of the season.  Oklahoma has to prove that they can beat a good team when they don't have 80,000+ of their own screaming and yelling at their opponent.  

To me, Oklahoma has to prove that they won't choke, AGAIN, on a big stage.  I also thought of the Sooners as Chokers prior to the 2005 Orange Bowl....you know, when they puked on the biggest stage of the year.  To the tune of 55-19....and it wasn't even as close as the scoreboard showed.  And I made a Sooners fan cry.  I still have his Orange Bowl program...let me know if you want to look at it. 

Comments - please add them as you see fit. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Here is my story of yesterday's game between Kansas and Missouri.  I think some of you might find this interesting, others will not.

So, I left my brother's house at around 7:00 am for a 7:00 pm kick off.  NO, not because I am a hardcore fan, but rather because I was thinking there was a lot of work to do.  And, of course there was...but also a lot of down time in between. 

It was snowing.  My first thought was, dammit, twelve hours too early.  That was the one thing this game needed to make the scene even stronger.  Anyhow, after grabbing some high quality and healthy drive-thru breakfast, I headed to Arrowhead Stadium.  I got there at 7:45 and went to the offices to find out when I could get in to setup for out show.  The people were polite, but had no information and just told me to come back after 9:15. 

I met up with the rest of the "On A Football Saturday" crew at around 8:00.  Jet, Spencer, Bryan and I then went over to check out the crowd that had gathered for ESPN's "College GameDay" in the East parking lot.  Rather impressive crowd actually.  About 55/45 in favor of Mizzou and tons of really funny signs including "Magino Ate My Other Sign" and "Missouri Girls Aren't Trash, Because Trash Gets Picked Up Occasionally" but my favorite was "Chuck Norris tells Chase Daniel Jokes"....and yes several in the crowd knew that it was five o'clock somewhere.  (The SEC could teach these guys to pace themselves.)  Anyhow, all of that said, it is fun to go see the show done live once.  I did that back in 2000 or 2001.  But, the best way to get the information off of the show, is to see it on TV.

We left there and went inside Arrowhead Stadium to set up for the show.  Had to haul a few cases of equipment up and unpack, etc.  Then do a test run.  Got done with that and we left the parking lot before we got kicked out. 

Next stop was lunch, I suggested Arthur Bryant's.  But since we had to get the truck I was driving parked somewhere else, I was driving separately.  So, they chose Gates.  Hey, not a bad option.  (The amateurs all got two Beef Brisket on Bun sandwiches....silly boys...I got the Combo on 1/2 with a side of onion rings...and dipped them in the sweet and mild sauce.  No, it wasn't heaven.  I was good barbeque.) 

We had to wait to get back in to the parking lot at Arrowhead until 3pm.  So we parked at Gate 6 and talked with a bunch of the folks who were coming to the game. 

Finally, we got in, and gather information (media guides, programs, stat packs, releases, etc.) and got ready for the show.  The show was good, rather uneventful, but good.  At one point, Brent Musberger walks by.  Jet and Spencer were talking about what a big game it was, "Brent Musberger is here."  To which I added, "It's the last regular season game of the year.  Can't hold anything back."  Never did see Dan Fouts.  Dammit.

This was also the time when I was watching my Tennessee Volunteers playing Kentucky in overtime....four of them.  Luckily, we were on a break when the Vols finally put Kentucky away. 

As for the game, it was interesting.  I did not have a seat, but I found a stool in the back row of the press box.  I was seated near the rest of the crew and right behind reps from the, left to right, Holiday, Orange (2), Cotton (2), Fiesta (2) and Sugar/BCS National Championship (2) Bowls.  Chatted with several of them throughout the game and halftime. 

Anyhow, back to the game.  Who would have expected FOUR consecutive punts on the first four drives of the game....from these teams?  And 7-0 after the first quarter?

Not to bore you with the details of the game, more of the story of what we did.  At the start of the fourth quarter, I ask a rep from the Chiefs and from KU about field access at the end of the game.  In the SEC, you can go to the field in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.  I was told, no go.  Oh well.....but if you know me, you are waiting for...as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Spencer and I decide to head down to the ground level media rooms.  On our way to get our coats, I had to ask George Brett if I could squeeze by to get back in to the Press Club.  I would have loved to chat with him more, but he was with his family and I respect that.  And then I did follow the Brett clan down the stairs. 

So I set up my recorder for the postgame and then Spencer and I notice that Pat Forde from ESPN.com and a guy from CBSSportsline.com, who have the same passes that we do, are headed for the field.  So, we go too.

So there we are, biggest game of the week, arguably the biggest game of the year so far, and Spencer and I are on the sideline.  Next to Chris Fowler...to whom Spencer informed that, "the word in Columbia is that Chase is Danielicious."  Not sure what that means...but I started laughing hysterically as Fowler chuckled and shook his head.

If you watched the game, you are aware that Kansas threatened late but after a safety, it was over.  Oh, and I did predict during the show that KU would win.  I guess I am the Lee Corso of the group now.  Crap.  Anyhow, I snap a bunch of photos for the KFRU and KLIK websites.....and enjoy the experience of walking on the field at Arrowhead Stadium...just my second time on the turf there, my first time during and following a game played there.

Next thing I know, I am behind the impromtu set on the sidelines for the post game interview that Fowler and Corso did with Chase Daniel.  No idea if my ugly mug was on Sports Center or not, but based on the camera angles, my coat definately made it.

Finally, it was time to go to the coaches interview.  Damn equipment problem on their end, so I had to hold my microphone up in from of Coach Gary Pinkel to get the comments.  All the while, aware of getting my KLIK mic flag on as many TV cameras as possible.  Yup, got to pimp my station.

After it was all said and done, we walked out of Arrowhead Stadium.  I finally got to meet Coach John Kadlec, aka Mr. Mizzou.  He one of those guys like Gus Manning and Heywood Harris at Tennessee who has decades worth of stories.  Worth listening to, even if you are not a Mizzou fan.  Then we waded through the aluminum cans, bottles, both intact and broken, the other trash and refuse to get back to the car.  Then a short ride out of the parking lot to get me to the truck.  And then back to my brother Dan's house. 

Again, you know what happened in the game.  This is the story of my experience behind.  Enjoy, and comment.  Thank you for reading and allowing me to share it with you.

Posted by Jay Kersting at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Normally, I reserve this space for an extended version of my morning commentary heard during the 6:40am segment of the show.  Today, I am on the air later for "On a Football Saturday" so I think this is worthy of an entry, even if I don't get to give a spoken version of it on the air.

I am in Overland Park, Kansas, staying with my brother Dan's family for the weekend.  In a few minutes, I will be leaving for Arrowhead Stadium to work one of the biggest college football games that I have ever worked, even attended, outside of conference championships and bowl games.  In fact, this may actually be bigger than some of those.

This game was going to be huge when it was announced last winter that it was being moved to Arrowhead Stadium for two seasons because of the rivalry.  It has gotten bigger and bigger each week of the season as Kansas has gone on to pick up 11 wins this season, while Mizzou got 10 and only dropped one along the way.  But now....

Wow...

But now, this game is bigger this morning than it was even 24 hours ago.  The number one team, Louisiana State University, dropped their game at home to unranked Arkansas.  (Which, I predicted for those who were curious.)  That makes, for now, Kansas the UNofficial number one team.  As Dan said, they need to take care of business still.  That also makes Mizzou the UNofficial number three team.  And by kick-off, that could be even higher if Connecticut is able to beat West Virginia on the road.

This game is huge!!

Well, on that note, I am off to Arrowhead Stadium.  This will have 90% of my attention today.  I'd be lying if I told you that I will NOT be checking that UT-UK score, or tonight's basketball game between UT and the other, less important and came later, UT.

Comments are always welcome.  And peek at the main page (jaykersting.com) and use that for your Google searches...help a brother out.  Ha ha ha....

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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So today is what is known as Black Friday.  This year, I am proud to be able to, for the most part, opt out.

I am not saying that I will avoid ALL trips to the store.  I would rather say that I do not HAVE to take part.  Going back to my early adulthood, I worked in retail.  I got lucky during the three years I was in retail.  The first year, I was transferring from Brookfield, Wisconsin, to Las Vegas, Nevada, and I didn't have to work because I was flying out to Vegas to start the build process for the store opening the following Monday. 

The second year, I was only working part-time and happened to be in the middle of rehabbing my knee from surgery earlier in the fall. So, I was scheduled off.

The third year, a friend, a very good friend, a very, very good friend (Adrian Narvaez) was doing the schedule for some reason and gave me the weekend off so that I could take my fiance to meet the extended family.  I guess the fact that Adrian introduced us led to this nice scheduling.  Or he was trying to do Kathy a favor by exposing her to a reason run away.  Didn't happen....I still don't know why.

Anyhow, back to Black Friday.  So, I dodged the bullet when I was in retail.  But, the luck ran out once I got into radio.  

I was the traffic reporter for three different radio stations during my tenure in Knoxville.  So, Black Friday meant that I had to start earlier than normal.  And instead of talking about the interstates, or wrecks, I was talking about parking lots and lines outside...sometimes INSIDE..the stores. 

The first year of doing this was kind of fun.  The second, third and fourth years were tedious.  How many times and in how many ways can you say that the parking lots are full, jammed, packed before it gets redundant? And it is hard for me to not make opinions known as I view this insanity.  I am not afraid to throw insults when they are deserved, but I understand that a lot of the people out there are ONLY out there because they are off of work AND it is the ONLY time they have to go shopping before Christmas.

But those who pitch a tent on the sidewalk in front of a store are not among those people.  These are the hardcore shoppers.  And I would rather not get in their way.  That is just me.  

So, since I was not traveling for Thanksgiving itself, I have no problem being at work.  It helps that, unlike 75% of the population, I really like my job.  And like 95% of the population, I really don't need the temptation of spending all that money today.  But I am pretty sure that I will be taking part BIG time again this holiday season.

One piece of advice...shop on-line and save some of your gas money.  (You might find worthwhile options on this website if you scroll up....or you might not....I like eBay too.) 

That is like about 97% of the population.

Comments are always welcome.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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This morning I find that I lack focus even more than usual, so I am going to share some random thoughts that have hit me over the last few days.  And maybe when they all get tied together, things will make sense.

A year away from the 08 Presidential election and we focus on Iowa and the polling coming out of that state.  Don't we pretty much ignore Iowa the rest of the time?  Why do we let Iowans direct a political process?  Most people don't want Iowans to direct them back to I-80!!  And don't get me started on New Hampshire.

Bought a car yesterday. I like the people I worked with over at Mike Kehoe Auto Group, but I still hate the process.  The car cost 1/10th what our house did.  The process was about 1/10 the length of time, and all of this seems fair.  But the stress is only 1/3 as much.   That part is what isn't fair.  And I can't put the blame on the dealership.  That is all internal. And it is no fun.  At least now I am not as worried about making it to work in home in what is now MY car.  Kathy is even less stressed in her 2007 Taurus.  Yup, I let her have the better/newer car.  Part of the promise I made a year ago when we decided to move here.

Talked with my brother Dan last night.  He works the games at Arrowhead Stadium and he is excited to see the big game on Saturday too.  But he reminded me, that while he HATES Mizzou as a KU Alum, Kansas State is the more important rival to him.  And, to many other KU alums and fans.  Does this make it a rivalry without response.  Nah, still want to beat them he tells me, just wishes that Mizzou was better at basketball.  Dan thinks it is bad that Mizzou fans would rather root against KU when they make their regular trips to the Final Four.  He feels they should be more concerned with getting their team TO the Final Four.  I wish I could put Dan on the air with me here.  He is a funny guy with strong opinions.  Not sure if we are actually related.  You know, I am so soft spoken and I keep my opinions to myself. 

It is the burning season here in Jefferson City.  It stinks!  Let me again state that if burning leaves was a good smell, barbeque teams would use leaves to flavor their meats in their smokers.  I think I will get the maple leaf burning AND oak leaf burning candles at Bath and Body Works as Christmas presents for Kathy this year.  Maybe a big three wick, mixed leaf burning special from Partylite. 

Honestly, I have never really been a huge fan of Turkey.  It is good, but I would prefer pork roast.  Or beef tenderloin.  I respect tradition and I do like it.  This will be our first Thanksgiving without family in eleven years.  We might have a friend or friends over and we are going to see Dan and his family on Friday.  So, not sad, just a change. 

And finally, a frustration.  I use the TV in this studio for information during the show.  This morning I came in and the DirecTV was cut off.  TV works, but I have no channels to watch.  I think there was some confusion that got it shut off.  It will get worked out, but it will make things slightly more challenging this morning.  And I really hope this is a short term issue.

As for that football game on Saturday, I am looking forward to this probably more than any non-bowl game, or conference championship game, that I have ever been to.  This is going to be a BIG game. I really hope that this game does one thing, it shows that the Big 12 North is not as weak as I said it was back in August.  I don't mind being wrong on occasion.

I am married.  Guys, you know what I mean. 

Post your comments as you see fit. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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So here is the reality that hits me this time of year.  I love this time of year.  But I also hate this time of year.

Let's start with why I hate this time of year first.  I think the holidays are damned depressing here in the northern hemisphere.  And that is what I think the problem is...we are here in the northern hemisphere and we are dealing with short days.  Now I come to work everyday when it is dark.  That is a big part of what I do.  But when it is getting dark as Ben gets home from school and it is dark when Kathy gets home from work, that is just depressing to me.  I guess I am one of those who really believes that the sun has a lot of power in our lives.  

Some would argue that it would be tough to enjoy Christmas lights if you can't see them until 9:30 every night.  Fair enough, but after seeing the neighborhood lights once or twice the impact is lost.

I am not ready to move to Australia just for longer days around the holidays.  I'd rather the world flip upside down. 

Then we get to the holidays themselves.  Yes, the commericalism is part of America.  The part that depresses me is that I see all the things I want to get for Alex and Ben and Kathy and others....but, dammit, I have to work for a living.  The Powerball hasn't found its way to pick MY numbers.  

Oh, then there is thing about COLD weather that I don't like.  Contrary to popular belief, it is only VERY slightly colder here in Jefferson City than it is in Knoxville in the winter.  It is much nicer here in the winter than it was in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and slightly better, go figure, than in Kansas City and Warrensburg.  

Let's see, can I get any more of the negative out of my mind right now?  Nah, that is enough for now.

Now, here is what I love about this time of year.  

Alex and Ben get excited about the holidays. And getting them new things to play with is always fun.  The only downside is again that I have not won the Powerball and I HAVE to show restraint.  Dammit.

They also get excited at the prospect of snow falling so they can play in it.  Of course, I will suffer through the cold to play with them in the snow a little bit.  I am the same guy who drove 45 minutes with friends to go play in the snow when I was 22.  (That was when I lived in Las Vegas and I could go back home where it was in a minimum of 70 degrees.)  In fact, I actually got buried up to my chest in snow back then.  ANYHOW, I enjoy playing with the boys in the snow.  In Knoxville, I think we were able to do this THREE times.  Clearly, I am looking forward to this.  AND buying two snow shovels so that Alex and Ben can learn the joy of shovelling.  Allowing Kathy and I to learn the joy of watching them shovel.

I am a big sports fan as pretty much everyone knows.  Now, I am not one who sits and watches game after game on TV (while shouting for some one to bring me a beer, chips, popcorn, Diet Coke, peanuts, dried fruit of some type, or possibly ice cream).  I watch an occasional game and read a lot, usually on-line or in Sports Illustrated, about what is going on.  College football is hot now, the NFL is getting hotter (though the Chiefs are struggling), college basketball is now underway, but I don't care about the NBA at all and about the NHL only in passing. 

So, if I seem a bit manic over the next few weeks, you can have some insight. 

And if the Vols are winning, or the Chiefs make the playoffs, or we get some snow but it is not ungodly cold, you can be assured that I will be in a great mood.

Otherwise, well, you will know.  And I can't wait for spring to arrive. Or those Powerball numbers to come through.

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Mizzou fans, you have gotten the ultimate match up with your hated rival.  I know that many, if not most, of you didn't want this.  At least not LIKE this.  Meaning against a Kansas team with a PERFECT record.

From the conversations that I have had with Mizzou fans, most would have wanted Kansas to stumble rather than come into this weekend's game at 11 and 0.  And this surprises me, but I think I understand it.

I am still not sure about this MU/KU rivalry.  I heard a lot this season about how much Nebraska is hated.  But KU is hated more?  Or is that normally just basketball?  I know this MU/KU rivalry from being around Kansas City, where KU fans outnumber MU fans, and from my time in Warrensburg, where MU fans outnumbered KU fans.  Probably because most of the students would have rather gone to MU.  So, now my perceptions are clouded by being here in Mid-Missouri.   

My older brother Topher is a University of Southern California alum...and a hardcore fan of the Trojans.  He explained rivalries to me years ago, and his explanation makes a lot of sense.  Topher said that USC has two main rivals, Notre Dame and ucla.  With Notre Dame, there is a lot of respect and because of that, a true USC fan wants Notre Dame to win every game each year, except when they play the Trojans.  With ucla, lose every game and have a bus crash on their way to the Coliseum.  Nothing but HATE in that rivalry.

Now, here I am in Mid-Missouri, and as a Tennessee alum, I really don't have any ties to Mizzou.  AND my younger brother Dan is a Kansas alum.  So, I feel a loyalty to Dan and therefore a little bit to KU.  Dan is a hardcore Jayhawks fan, but that has always, at least until this year, manifested itself through basketball.  So, I have, because until Bruce Pearl arrived in Knoxville UT didn't have men's basketball, always been a Jayhawks basketball fan.  As for football, I really didn't care.

I have been part of our college football show, "On a Football Saturday" this season.  As I have expressed in an earlier posting, it has been a great experience and my role on the show, as the National Guy, is a good fit.  I bring the perspective that, this year at least, Mizzou fans need to embrace the good Kansas team until the meeting in Arrowhead Stadium.

Well, here we are.  10-1 Mizzou meets 11-0 Kansas on Saturday.  The winner goes to the Big 12 Championship game in San Antonio, Texas, for a chance to beat up on Oklahoma.  For Kansas, that would get them MORE respect, for Mizzou, a chance to avenge their only loss of the season.  I have already predicted that the Big 12 North team will beat the Sooners.  IF the Sooners make it there.  The Oklahoma State Cowboys could keep them out of the game.  (Kind of like how the Jefferson City Jays kept the Hickman Kewpies out.)

So Mizzou fans, enjoy this week.  Cheer for your team and hope for the best.  As for me, I'll leave you guessing where I stand.  I can tell you this.  I will be pulling for my Volunteers to beat the Kentucky Wildcats so the Big Orange can make their conference championship game.   

Personally, my biggest hope for the Big 12 is this.  I want to see TWO Big 12 NORTH teams make it to BCS bowl games.  That is a tall order, but it is possible.

So for this upcoming weekend, here is who I am pulling for.  First, Tennessee.  Second, USC.  Then, in no particular order, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, UConn, and Oregon. 

Again, as for the game in Kansas City, who do you think I am pulling for?  Post in comments if you want. (Also post if you want to be added to the notifications list)

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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After talking and writing about John McCain requesting that third parties STOP running ads on his behelf because it goes against his principles, we see another candidate proving that SHE has no principles.

ABC News is reporting that the Hillary Clinton campaign has accepted donations from at least three individuals who were pardoned by her husband.  Can we say Quid Pro Quo??

Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, told ABC News. "It's not illegal, but, of course, it's inappropriate and she should return the money. It does raise the appearance that this is payback.

"One can only hope that she wasn't yet aware of who made the donations."

Well, that is a good point.  And if staffers were concerned with this issue, the money would have NEVER been accepted in the first place.  OR, when the link between the donations and the pardons was discovered, the money would have been quickly returned.  

But the Clinton campaign is so damned arrogant that all they will hold on to is that this was not illegal.....or worse, that it was insignificant.

Clinton campaign manager Howard Wolfson responded to ABC News sarcastically,  "We have raised over $65 million from over 200,000 people. "I appreciate your bringing the instance of this $5,300 and these three people to our attention."

Sacrastic, of course.  Arrogant, definitely!!

I have said that often times the American people are more than ready to forgive a mistake.  But arrogance is one thing that Americans respond differently to.  Those who support Senator Clinton probably appreciate her arrogance, just like they loved the arrogance of her husband.  I do not.

Personally, I find this type of arrogance disturbing.  More disturbing to me is those who don't.  Those who think it is just par for the course.  

This shows a lack of character.  I have known for a LONG time that Senator Clinton is of very weak character.  I know the same of her husband.  I assumed the same of her staffers and of her campaign staff.  Now, I am left to suspect it of her supporters.

Some of you who have listened to the show know that I have made no secret of my dislike and lack of respect for the Clintons.  They never earned the respect, personally, that their offices deserve.  I respect the office of President more than most that have held that office and that bothers the hell out of me. 

As for Senator Clinton, Wolfson was right, it is only three donors and $5300 dollars.  At this point, returning the money shows nothing other than guilt and a false request for forgiveness.  Senator, keep the money.  The most genuine thing you could do is keep the money.  It shows everyone the true color of your character.  It shows us all who you really are.

And those who are willing to accept your lack of character should still vote for you.  I hope they are in a minority.

Otherwise, once again, we the American people get exactly what we deserve. Don't you think we deserve better?  Tell your other citizens that you do.

It is NOT true that politics should not be brought up in polite conversation.  If you are OK with the status quo, fine.  If you want better, like I do, bring it up. 

If we learned anything from our founding fathers, it is that talking about it and acting on it can force change for the better. 

And sitting on your hands and biting your tongue brings up a different lesson.  This time, from the Third Reich. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I think you HAVE to respect someone who stands up for a principle, especially when doing so can be harmful.

Senator John McCain has done that once again.   And yes, in doing so, he may hurt his bid for President. 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-11-12-independent-ads_N.htm  - this is a story from Monday that explains what happened pretty well.

Simply put, Senator McCain, a staunch opponent of third party advertisements in campaigns, asked groups who were running ads on his behalf to knock it off. 

As pretty much everyone knows, Senator McCain was a lead sponsor of the much argued McCain Feingold campaign finance laws.  Many call it a violation of the First Amendment, others point out that McCain Feingold not only did not help, it actually made things worse for political campaigns.  You know the old saying "The Road to Hell was paved with good intentions"???  Well, I think John McCain meant well and I back that up with the comments that he made regarding that first bill being just ONE of several steps that he wanted to take to improve campaign financing.  Never got past that first step, so we have the mess that exists today.

So some third party groups start running television ads supporting many of Senator McCain's positions.  Observers thought the ads were actually effective.  Let's face it, McCain is trailing the front runners by such a distance, many wonder if his campaign will make it to February.  He needs all the help he can get.

But these ads are completely in the face of the principles that John McCain holds.  And because he does not want to be viewed as a hypocrite, which is exactly what most of the rest of the field is IN BOTH PARTIES, he asked these groups to knock it off.  He pointed out the harm that could be done to his fledgling campaign if these ads continued to run.

This action is exactly what made me respect Senator McCain when I signed on as a volunteer for his campaign back in 1999.  I had read his book, "Faith of my Fathers" and appreciated the honesty he exposed in that book.  McCain let readers know about all of his misdeeds and faults in the era of his life that was covered.  I saw what a flawed man he admitted to being.  I voted for him in the 2000 Presidential primary, even though he dropped out of the race a week before.  

Since March 2000, I have seen my support for John McCain slip.  I am not supporting him now, though I really would love to meet the man.  But one thing that hasn't slipped is my respect for him. 

Now, some criticize McCain for not acting quicker.  I think that might be fair, but the "Ready, Fire, Aim!" mentality can be equally dangerous.  But he did act, at a time when others would likely not act.

So, while I am not sure I would vote for him or not.  At least not yet.  I do know that he will get my consideration beyond simply the issues.  Because John McCain has shown me that he is flawed, he has made many, many mistakes in his life and admits to them.  But he has also shown me again that he will stand up for a principle.  Even when it may harm his chances of taking up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

My friends, I believe that term for that is.....Character. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Often times, we find ourselves facing a major decision.  And more and more often, we find the options to all be bad options.  So we are left with picking from the lesser of several evils.

Recently, this was highlighted to me AGAIN.

About a year ago, Kathy and I made the decision to move to Jefferson City from Knoxville, Tennessee.  NOW this was about the LAST decision we faced that was not between two or more bad options.  But that decision did lead us to a few of the other choices we would have to later make.

First up was not that tough.  Do we all move immediately, or do we have me go first and have Kathy and the boys follow after school finishes?  It just made more sense for me to lead the way, learn about the area, give the boys a chance to say good-bye to friends and prepare our house to be sold.  So this one was easy.

Another decision that we faced then, and have essentially delayed, has been regarding a motor vehicle for me.  For three and a half years, I was driving a company car as the traffic reporter.  We didn't have the money to put in to keeping my car, for lack of a better term, viable.  Intended to do so, just didn't have the means of doing so.  So, when I took this job we sunk about a thousand dollars into the car to get it up and running.

That was essentially throwing good money after bad.  My car is a 1996 Ford Taurus with a 121k miles on it.  The AC doesn't work, the power steering squeaks, as do the rear struts and the breaks.  The transmission is JERKY as hell and that has cause me to replace motor mounts.  

Now I have learned that my car is a lot like its owner, it ain't running on all cylinders.  The number three cylinder has no compression.

So my decision is what kind of car to get....and that is completely wrapped around what I can afford.  That problem is compounded by the fact that I have not earned as much this year as I had hoped.  My base salary is decent, but the opportunities for extra money have been severely lacking.  So, buying a car will be tough.  Especially when I face the fact that my sons are getting bigger.  And will continue to do so...they appear to have my build.  A truck would be a better choice from THAT perspective, as well as from the other practical uses of a truck.  But that will have to be worked out.

NOW, we face a decision that I am guessing 75 percent, or more, of you are also facing. It is open enrollment time for benefits here at work.  AND health insurance costs have gone through the roof!!  We have to decide if we are going to stay on my work plan or move to Kathy's work plan.  Or a third plan...split us up between the two.  We are still running the numbers, but the decision will have to be made within the next day or so. 

AND NO, I am not one of those who thinks that my employer OWES me a great plan.  I wish they did, but they do NOT owe it to me.  Nor does the government. 

And guess what...that health insurance decision will also play-in to the car/truck decision.  It is all a money game.  Got to figure out what I can afford.

By the way, did you like how I did not mention that other bad choices most of us will face soon?

Yeah, I AM referring to the Presidential Primaries!!!  And don't worry, I am certain the choices you get come November 2008 will be as bad. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I don't say things to simply get a reaction.  If I am saying it, I mean it.

That doesn't mean that I don't think about how to best word things in an effort to have maximum impact.

Example number one, "Congress has harmed the American people more than Al-Qaeda."  Let's look at that one a little bit.  Al-Qaeda is responsible for, for arguments sake say, ten thousand American deaths.  (3k on 9/11 and up to 7k via other since 1996...severely OVER estimating)  Congress has acted to "help" the American people, now at 300 million plus, thousands of times since 1787.  Congress can be held responsible to dozens of harmful actions to the American public by JUST looking at their use of the powers they took from us with the Sixteenth Amendment.  For those of you who don't recall, the Sixteenth Amendment is what what brought "We The People" the federal income tax that we have ALL come to know and love.

Example number two, from yesterday's "Partyline" on KLIK, "We have gotten to the Congressional Equivalent of the 'Blue Screen of Death'...Control-Alt-Delete is not enough.  Need to reach down and hit that power button for a hard reboot."  Congress is at the point now where main thing that they can do is protect their own positions for the next elections.  Look at opinion polls on Congress.  If you ask  a general question about how they are doing their job, the response is below twenty percent approval.  BUT, if you go back and ask the question about how Americans feel THEIR Congressman and they like their guy.  The other 434 are idiots, but my guy is fine??  What?  I say, throw ALL of them out and start over.  Easier to do in the house, but with six year terms, the Senate will take more work.

I am sincere in these feelings, but I acknowledge that this is a very far fetched concept.  Not a pipe dream, but really a CRACK-Pipe dream. But it does help me shine a light on a problem.

Congress, and the White House, have lost focus on why they are there.  They have all forgotten that "We The People" gave them these powers that they have abused.  And "We The People" have been too damned lazy to do anything about it.  That has allowed THEM to take more from US.  Because they KNOW that "We The People" won't do anything about it.

We are too busy with the real important things in life.  Like worrying about who will remain on "The Biggest Loser", "Dancing with the Has-Beens" or "American I-Dull"!!!

So yeah, I blame them.  But I blame US more.  We allowed it to get this way. 

Starting back in 1790 or so. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I have worked in sports talk radio in some capacity for roughly seven years.  From my days at WUTK-FM, through WNOX and my stringing work for Sporting News Radio, ABC Sports Radio, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, Westwood One and even 670 The Score in Chicago, the work that I have done here in Mid-Missouri on KLIK/KFRU's "On a Football Saturday" has been the most fun and personally rewarding sports talk show that I have EVER worked on.  This is NOT meant as a slight to any other shows that I have been a small part of over the years, but this is really a great show on which to be a contributor.

I am certain that a lot of that has to do with the people I am working with.  Jet Roberts, Spencer Kane, Matt LaCasse and Bryan Fulcher are all guys who are not only know football, but they are all fans of the game as well.  Brian Wilson allows the fan friendly atmosphere to exist on the show.  AND NO, that does not mean that he lets us drink....dammit....ha ha ha.

My role is simple and it is based on my background.  I am responsible for conducting an interview with the opposing team coach, or a reasonable knowledgable representative.  Anyone who listens to "On A Football Saturday" has heard the interviews.  Most schools are easy to work with and make the coach available, or are like Oklahoma and provide a great sub, like Merv Johnson.  For those who did not hear that interview, Merv is a Mizzou alum, who has been with Oklahoma for nearly 30 years.  I hope to interview him again...possibly in a few weeks.

Beyond that role, I am considered the "National" guy.  My years covering Tennessee and being a fan of a certain team from the West Coast got me that tag.  AND, I take that role fairly seriously.  I am very open for my HATRED of schools from Gainesville and Westwood, but otherwise I am fairly balanced.

NOW, with all of that said, know that I am as neutral as I can be when I say this.

IF, big IF still, the Missouri Tigers are able to win the next two games, that game at Kansas State AND THE OTHER ONE against Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, then go to the Big 12 Championship Game in San Antonio and avenge their ONLY loss of the season to Oklahoma......how can they be kept out of the National Championship Game?

Well, any number of ways really.  BUT, I would have a hard time justifying any of them.

And hear is the funny part for Mizzou as well.  If Mizzou was to beat a Kansas team with 11 wins and go to the Big 12 Championship Game, Mizzou might ALSO punch Kansas' ticket to another BCS Bowl game.  And if Mizzou was to LOSE the championship game, KU still goes to a BCS Bowl.

Not saying that WILL happen.  Just saying that it COULD happen. 

All of that said, as much as I want a playoff in Division I-A football...(also known as NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision.....yuck!!)...this interesting type of discussion simply goes away.

Just like talk of a three loss Tennessee team still having a shot at a BCS Bowl.  Go figure.

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Short and sweet here this time.  It has been a long time since I have posted here due to a NUMBER of reasons.  Mainly other things that I have been working on.  SO...that gave me a SIMPLE idea.

Every weekday morning I put together a little monologue for my 6:40 am segment.  I invite others to call in and comment on WHATEVER.  Ninety percent of the time, I am on my own for this segment.  And since I am writing it anyway, why not publish it?

Along the way, I may go deeper in to the topics here, or I may go into things of more personal/family nature. 

So, expect a change here.  Should be updating, on a nearly daily basis (weekdays at least).

NOW, what could hose this concept up is the damned thought that jury duty is still hanging over my head.  AND yes, I used the term HANGING on purpose....even though only lethal injection and gas chamber are approved methods in this state.  One can dream, can't he??

I may change this blog page to the front page of my website too.  Not positive on that yet.

WITH this new format, real comments will be appreciated.

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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