My son in Egypt

The word that he was going to Cairo Egypt just about floored his mother. The first word that came to her mind was "kidnapping terrorists". Okay that's two,(sue me) but when is he going to have a chance to do this..when he's married with kids? I don't think so. Judging by this, I think he's OK.

What a Football Game

I stayed up WAY too late last night to watch..college football. My Hawkeyes lost (with the help of the officials), Mizzou won on the back of Brad Smith. I usually root for the underdog, even if it means...holding my nose...and rooting for Texas. USC had won too many, it was time for someone else. WOW! What an ending and what a game. After the game, Pete Carroll, coach of USC was humble and gracious in his praise for Texas. He showed me why so many kids want to play for him. He showed great class. On the other hand, Keith Jackson
who is by far better at calling college football than anyone before or in the future was just lost. It was like seeing Willie Mays playing for the Mets or Joe Namath playing for the Rams. There comes a time to go, and at 77, he deserves to go when he wants to, but Keith, it's over, you made absolutely no sense last night. I counted in one play, six mistakes. You were the greatest and I want to remember you like that, not like last night.

Yuks from my friend Jay...

It's happened already

Unbelievable! Not even two days into the New Year and we have lost people we know and care about. My cousin, Karl McNew Jr. died of throat cancer yesterday. Second from left with the McNew boys. It was very unexpected. He was the oldest man in my generation of relatives and probably my late brothers best friend. They joined the Army together. He was staying with us when the Beatles played on Ed Sullivan on 2/9/64. He was in the room when it came on. I will miss him dearly.He was 58. Leo Chears, one of the great names in St. Louis broadcasting passed yesterday, too. Everyone in the radio business in St. Louis knew of Leo. "The Man In The Red Vest" was 72. My daughter lost a friend yesterday too as he died in a car accident. He was NOT wearing a seatbelt. Let this be a lesson to all that we are here for just a short time. Make it count. Do not hesitate to tell the people you love that you love them. You never know when your time is up. I ask for your prayers and blessings in this already disappointing year.

Goodbye Dick and thanks

When I lived in KC for about a year and a half, I got to reacquaint myself with my friend Lisa, who works for the Chiefs. Lisa and I have been friends for years and she is one of the sweetest people I know. One night (knowing the huge Chiefs fan I am), she asked me to go to "Dick's party". Apparently, once a year, Dick Vermeil throws a party for his coaches and the people in the office. Dick also owns a vineyard and makes his own wine. After a wonderful meal and a lot of wine, I was sitting at a table, thinkin how surreal it was that I was eating and drinking with Gunter Cunningham, Al Saunders and feeling that I really didn't belong there. At that time, Carol Vermeil sat down next to me and said, "so, Randy, what's your story?". I reminded her that I had interviewed her once when I was at the Rock in St. Louis during the championship season. She remembered that the studios were downtown and it was a pleasant experience. We chatted for a bit, I told her how grateful St. Louis was for guys like her husband and Kurt Warner and the whole championship season. About ten minutes after that, Dick Vermeil walks over, sits down, puts his arm around me and says, "Randy, Carol and I are SO pleased you are here with us. Thanks so much for coming, any friend of Lisa's is great in our book, we are so happy you are here, can I get you anything?" Wha? Dick friggin Vermeil is asking me if he can get anything for me? Wha? I said, thanks Dick, you have given me so much. Then he hugged me. First class in every way.
Although I loved seeing you like this...

I always remember this...

Thanks Dick for everything you gave the state of Missouri. Enjoy your retirement.

Happy New Year

I pray this will be a great one for family and friends. RIP those close to me that I lost last year..Jason Calvin, Kyle Riley, JC Hall, Abigail Pollay and Cindy Kelly. I hope there are no names next year.