Ponder This

Before I get started, let me clarify one thing: I am not one to go on social media and blast a company. I am not one to get on the phone with a representative and curse them out or tell them off in any way. In fact, I have even received gift certificates and such because I am so easy to deal with (or at least that's what I am told at the end of the conversation). Needless to say for anyone who knows me, it takes a lot to get me riled up. One bank has found a way to achieve this honor, though. Before we discuss the ineptitude of BMO Harris, let me tell a quick (or not-so-quick) backstory on why I am dealing with this bank in the first place. Also, I should clarify that any legal discussion included in this post is how I know and have been told the law; I am not a legal writer nor do I have any type of background in state or federal law. It all started two years ago when I was living in Dallas, Texas (I now live in my hometown, St. Louis, Mo). I bought a Kia Soul and was fin

Since I was 15-years old, I knew what I wanted to do. I loved English class, I loved to write and there was only one thing I knew I loved more than both of those things: hockey. Anyone who knows me knows my passion for the game and how it has completely controlled my life. I wanted to be a hockey reporter. I wanted to be that trusted face that other hockey lovers would turn to for news, analysis and even some humor when things aren’t going that fan’s way. I turned 30 on Saturday. That means that half of my life was spent with this dream. Now, it’s time to move on to other things. Let's not make too big a deal out of this. I have decided to discontinue my position with InsideSTL / CBS Sports Radio 920 and leave St. Louis Blues media. Believe me, this was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. I’ve had so many people follow me along this journey and use me as a source for Blues information, whether it be analysis of the team’s play or the ne

A nomad struggles to call any place his home. It's a trial to even sleep in the same place two night in a row, sometimes. Such is the life of a roaming sportswriter. When you start out, you think you'll find one gig and stick with it until the day you retire. However, as time goes on, you quickly begin to realize that the faces change over time and you're probably going to fall in the same line. The critically acclaimed ones -- the guys that stick out when you hear the term "sports journalist" -- usually can find one place to call home. Then, you find guys like me ... wait, that came out wrong. I'm not bad, I'm just not Grantland Rice or Red Smith... or Larry Wigge, for you hockey fans. Don't worry, I don't use this every time. Nonetheless, the point of this post is to make my readers and friends aware that I will no longer be writing for KSDK NewsChannel 5. The time has come for me to pick up my napsack, tie my boots, head west and t

I write online sports articles. I write product descriptions. I write hockey cards. I write... a lot. Why not add a blog to my arsenal? Yes, this is my first post on my personal blog. I won't waste your time with background on me or anything. If you're interested in that, check out the following websites: The Hockey Writers (author page) KSDK Blues page Hockey Podcast Directory (personal site) Twitter: @jponder94 This post is mostly directed to those that already read my work, follow me on Twitter, converse with me on a regular basis or simply troll me on Reddit. I've got some new things in the works that I couldn't think how else to release the info except for opening a blog. Then it got me thinking (scary, I know), you should have a blog anyway . I mean, I do proclaim myself as  a writer. (courtesy SnapCall) Part 1: For the Cardinals fans First note goes out to the many people who have told me to get into baseball writing. I live in St. Loui

This archived post was originally published at LetsGoBlues.com , but has since been removed.  Does one bad apple truly spoil the entire bunch? Tim Tebow, rookie QB of the Denver Bronocs A few weeks ago, Denver Broncos' rookie quarterback Tim Tebow was approached in the locker room by two media members. Instead of doing their public duty and getting some answers out of the young football player, the two men decided to ask for autographs. This is quite the shameful act for people with press credentials. The two men obviously were escorted out of the stadium and had their press privileges revoked. The fire really started to light up when it was revealed that the two men were from a well-known blogging website. In reaction to this, it was leaked by Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy that the NHL held a conference call last week with team media relations directors and NHL executives regarding internet bloggers being given press privileges. Wyshynski, a distinguished member of the