Some of TundraTalk Nation is under siege...

As most of you know, North Dakota (particularly Fargo) is in big trouble. They have had a few problems with some flooding, then a blizzard, then some thunder and rain, then more snow. The map above says it all. Alot of TT nation is in North Dakota. Ivy, Nick Chase, Shannon Just, Todd Holdman, are in the Fargo/Moorhead area. I know Shannon has been spending his days filling sand bags but I am unsure how the other guys are doing. Drop TT nation a note when you get dried out and let us know what happened?

I really wish I could get down there and do some good but work is keeping me here in Regina. The pic to the right was taken by Todd Holdman. I am unsure if this is in his backyard or what, but that shit is crazy. Keep fighting it Todd. I got your back. Oh and if there is anything any of you fine people in Fargo need that I can help you with, let me know.

Maybe I will write another award winning screenplay about your fight. Of course my first great screenplay was about the flood of 97 in Grand Forks starring everyones hero Tony Mutzenberger. I am unsure if he was deployed this time to Fargo. If he was we all know that he will kick that floods ass.

Hazen had its share of flooding last week also. I am not sure if this has ever happened in the past but man oh man is this crazy. Look at that photo. That is east of town near the golf course. My parents condo is a the bottom of the picture. That little row of trees at the top was the Knife River. Small little river that rose up and kicked some major ass this spring.

As for the flood in Hazen, Jody Murschel said that the river has receded a bit and all will be okay if the snow that they got while the flood was in progress melts at a normal rate. Good luck Hazen. The pic to the right is a shot from south of Main street Hazen. This of course is the home set and studio for WhiteHot productions earliest films. You remember those, Communist Uprising in Middle America, Star Trek Wars, Dakota Vice, and the cult classic Bonanza '87. Hazen was the center of the film universe for me back in the '80s.

Good luck to all of you in North Dakota I am thinking of you.

NEXT: I guess you are wondering why I have a pic of some random guy in line. Well that is the view of the line up for Saskatchewan Riders season tickets. I stood in line last week to see if I could get some for the upcoming season. Well TT Nation, I was successful and have two seats to every game this season. So if any of you ND geeks want to come up and see Weston Dressler light it up in Rider Green, come on up. I have got you covered.

Just jump on Riderville dot com and check the schedule. If you want to come on up and stay at the Peterson stronghold you are certainly welcome here. I can take you to a CFL game, buy you a Pilsner Beer, and we can cheer on the best team in the CFL. Sounds good to me.

NEXT: I went to see the Doodlebops with the kids the other day and man did it suck. I of course have plenty to say about a kids show, see the post about the Dora the Explorer show I took McKenna to. Oh and no one can forget the unedited rant about the Blues Clues show. I will post my opinions on the Doodlebops next week sometime. Yes I was the guy in the crowd yelling Freebird the whole time. Look out cause it is gonna be good.



FINALLY: In the 'It's about time you bastard" column, I will be interviewing Mitch Davis, of the Regina Brother In Law Davis', tomorrow for his Entourage audition. I will get it edited as soon as possible and up for you to listen to. Marty Frey will be up right after that.

Have a good weekend and Fargo stay dry okay?

Rider game of destiny...

So my homey Trev, now of the Regina Doroshenko's, gave me a hook up to the season opener of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Which I might also add was against the hated Edmonton Eskischmos. Of course I was not going to turn it down. I am so excited to have football back. It is only a matter of time until the NFL is back. There is nothing better than football on a hot summer afternoon. Especially when your team get the chance to whip the snot out of the Eskimos.

Some of you now might be saying, "Wait, Chris. Did you not at one time have season tickets to the Esks?" I would have to answer yes, at one time I was a ticket holder at Commonfilth stadium. Everyone makes mistakes in their life. I have made many. But everyone is also given a second chance, a new lease on life if you will.

I was shown the light by Dan Kepley on that fateful day back in 2002 when he threatened my life at Eskimos practice. I realized that I was backing the wrong horse. I have changed my ways and moved away from the Evil Empire to a more righteous team. Not unlike God's team, the Green Bay Packers (That is what the G on the helmet stands for is God). The Riders are community owned, just like the Pack. They issue stock, just like the Pack. And they travel well, just like the Pack. You go to a game in any other barn in this country and you will find more Rider fans than the locals. Oh and the S on the Riders helmet stands for, uh, SuperAwesome, uh, I think. So lets get back to the issue at hand, the Riders beating the snot out of the Esks on Saturday.

Trev and I decided to head to the stadium early enough to get a Pilsner and a Bratwurst. As we were enjoying the fine Saskatchewan weather and one of the tastiest brats this side of Lambeau Field, Trev noticed a dude that looked strangely like the commisioner of the CFL. After a few moments of discussion and disputing, we decided that it was him and I decided that I needed to get a brush with greatness photo. How could I pass up the opportunity to get a pic with the commish? The guy on the left in the pic is Commisioner Mark Cohon, and the dude on the right is the CEO and President of the Riders Jim Hopson. Oh and the good looking dude in the middle is me. How cool is that? The Commisioner of the freaking league and the CEO of the Riders was hanging out drinking Pilsner in the tailgate area. Only in the CFL. Cohon also told Trev that he has Pilsner shipped out to him in Ontario he likes it so much. Nice.

As we were taking that fine picture Mr. Hopson commented on my awesome Ray Elgaard jersey. I mentioned that I was a big fan of Ray and he told me that Ray was at the game today. I have been trying to get Ray's autograph for a long time. Apparently he does not come back to Regina much. Mr. Hopson then laid out the plan on how I was going to get my jersey autographed by the big WR. Sweet, this game was turning out great already. A Bratwurst, a few tasty beverages, I met the commishioner, AND I get Ray Elgaard's autograph. Hopson told us to meet him in the green and white room and he would make it happen. You do not have to ask me twice.

Ray was totally cool and even gave Trev some shit. Trev told Ray that he was a big fan and Ray said "So that is why you chose to back DeFrance (74 jersey that Trev was wearing)." Sweet.

The game hasn't even started yet. So then we roll to our seats to watch the game. We again aquired a few tasty beverages to cool our parched throughts.



The commish came out gave a little speach and they played this video up on the big screen. It was awesome. It would be good for those of you south of the border to see what the CFL is about. Just a little bit of love for the CFL. CLICK HERE and then click on "This is our league" to see it if perhaps you cannot see the video above.

The Riders started slow but finished strong and whipped the Eskischmos 34-13. Even better during the game Me and Trev managed to get on the scoreboard three times. I have said it before and I will say it again... It helps when you know the guys who run the cameras. Great time had by all.

So for those of you south of the border, if you per chance want to come up to a CFL game, and get on the scoreboard, give me a call. Just do it soon because most of the games are sold out. I highly recommend a trip to Taylor field for a brat, a few tasty beverages, and most importantly a Rider win.

John Avery on TundraTalk...

John Avery Toronto Argonaut

Hey, new podcast for ya. This one is a good one. John Avery, running back, standup comedian, television producer, and music critic, took time to talk to me last week. He had plenty to say, especially about playing for the Minnesucka Viqueens.

Make sure you click the link to the right and have a listen to the funniest TundraTalk yet.


John Avery hates purple

Warren Moon, Hall of Famer...

Look who wandered into my lens framing on Friday. Warren Moon, the first African American quarterback to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He won 5 Grey Cups with the Edmonton Eskimos and played 17 years in the NFL. Unfortunately a couple with the minnesucka viqueens.

Moon was in town supporting the "Best Quarterback Reciever Tandem" in CFL history promotion for Making the Connection a promotion that wants everyone to check their cholesterol. Here is the LINK to their website. Have a look.

Warren was very cool in the interview and even mentioned a story about Reggie White. He said when he was with the queens he was rolling out on a bootleg that Cris Carter was to block Reggie then release into the flat for a pass. Well Reggie just kept Carter on the block and pushed Moon farther out toward the sideline then picked up Carter and threw him at Moon. He sacked Moon by throwing Carter on top of him. Amazing. Reggie was unbelievable.



Warren threw a few passes to Brian Kelly for the cameras and he still looks like he could play.



After the interview he signed my program from the night that his number was retired on the ring of honor in Commonwealth Stadium. Very cool. Sorry Shawn, I only had one Moon item or I would have gotten you an auto also. I know he is your favorite.

Good day at work on Friday.

The Fighting Sioux logo and X Box...

Just a quick note to you all today, as I have to go and catch up with the Grey Cup Champs, the Eskimos, at the airport. Good game yesterday, not the Packers, the Grey Cup. Packers are hopeless. I just hope that they get the first round draft pick or maybe second. Reggie Bush in a Packers uni. That would be the only Bush I would like to see in Wisconsin.

Anyway, have a read about the Sioux logo controversey. I personally would like to see the logo stay, but it does not look good. I have gone to plenty of games and have never seen a white guy in a headress, or heard the Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop chant. The only thing I have seen that is somewhat questionable at a Sioux game is a dead badger thrown on the ice. Long story, but a good one. Maybe I will tell it someother time. The Scoenrock boyts know all about the dead badger tradition. I think I will have to get a jersey before they change the name of the team. I just need to get to a Scheels Sporting goods store soon.



Also the new X Box came out and I could care less. Apparently someone in Minot does though. Read this...


360 Degree Search For X-Box Robbers

(AP) _ A 17-year-old Minot boy who was one of the first in that city to buy one of the much-anticipated new X-box 360 video games had it taken away from him -- by force.

Police say right after midnight, the boy was assaulted leaving a store where he had purchased the game.

The two males who attacked him made off with the game -- which is valued at 450-dollars.

The boy suffered what police say is minor facial injuries.

Stores began selling Microsoft's X-box 360 systems at midnight. People lined up at stores all around the country to get one of the games.

Minot Police Lieutenant Jason Olson says authorities believe the robbery in that city was premeditated -- with the assailants waiting outside the store for an easy victim.

The new consoles are more than just video games. They also can play music, display photos and show DVDs.



There are some other guys who do not care much for the X Box either. Personally, I hate microsoft so naturally I thought this was funny. These guys took donations to raise money to buy one. They went to the store got in line first, bought the X Box, took it outside, and smashed it with a sledge hammer in front of all the keeners. Funny as hell. You can see it here. I love to see anyone smash microsoft products. Nothing personal Angie. Apple stock is blowing up and I own plenty. I am soooo happy.

Phoenix was nice....

Hello, this is a pic of Jordi and me when we were in Phoenix on Monday. Self Portrait. I love those. Yes I know there is a cactus growing out of Jordi's head but I meant to do that.

Before I get into the week that was I have an email to share with you. It comes from the Nordic Man who was also there when Marty uttered those infamous words....


Nordic One and me at the Vikes game.


"Chris,

I finally got around to reading the love for the last two weeks. I couldn’t help but roll on the floor laughing my ass off. To this day I still can’t play poker without listening to Dennis Leary “Asshole” on the way there or if it is at my house during the game. It is a must! to start it off. Also the Dee Snider comment haunts me every time I play cards. At one point that night I thought my lungs had collapse and tore every muscle in my gut. The timing for that comment could not have been any more perfect. Thank you Marty for scarring me for life! I really do miss cards with you guys. It just isn’t the same, no matter how many pretzels, dorritoes, funyons, dip, etc... you eat and drink.

NordicMan"

MMMMMMMMMM Funyuns. I had the opportunity to partake of a bag of the 'Man Snack' this week. It is like heaven on earth. Jordi passed on the Funyuns though. Wuss. Whenever I go to the states always at the top of my list is to hit a store and get Funyuns, Dakota Kids (if I am in ND), Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch, and YoHoo. All things that I cannot get here in Siberia.

Funny thing though, the only one we haven't heard from about the "Dee Snider Incident" is Hauser. He must be really F'd up about that. Good job Marty.



In fact I brought two boxes home with me on this trip of PBCC. McKenna loves it.

Okay. Let's take care of the birthdays for may. First off this month is Sonya Heitsusan. A fine Reporter who works at a Dead Moines station called WHO.


Happy Birthday Sonya, May 8th

Second in line we have Derek Venckus Scmenkus. He works as a flack in Tennessee. Memphis I believe. Used to work at NBC 26 in Green Bay.

Venckus birthday is on May 24th.

Marty also has a May birthday, so Marty, on May 17th, I tip one for you pal. Happy birthday. Stay away from Dee Snider.

Last but not least, Jordi Weidman my partner in crime for the Score had a birthday on Tuesday, while I believe I spent the longest day travelling ever. Airline travel just plain sucks.


Happy Birthday Jordi.

So back to business. We went to Phoenix on Sunday, to cover the Steve Nash MVP of the NBA conference. It was very short notice and we weren't there very long but it was nice. We got to interview Steve Nash, and go to game one of the second round of the playoffs. Now, you may ask "why did those lucky bastards get to go to that?". Well I will tell you. Since Steve is Canadian, everyone in Canada really cares. There were almost more Canadian media there than local. It was kinda madhouse. Steve Nash was a nice guy, the weather was about 90-100 degrees both days, and I got to see the Phoenix Gorilla dunk. Very cool.

We stayed at my parents resort house. My parents 'winter' in Phoenix. Yeah, lucky. So that is basically why I went. If we would not have had free lodging, Chris would have stayed in Siberia. Lucky I have connections in the states. Let that be a warning for all of you in the states. If something big in the sports world is going on in your town, you better believe that I will be pushing to go because I can stay for free at your house. Believe that.

On our way back we had to fly to Denver, wait for almost two hours, fly to Calgary, sit for another two, and then fly to Edmonton. Bad enough we had to be IN Calgary, but we had to sit for two hours while they had 'mechanical' problems. I hate Calgary. Anyway, since it was such a wonderful trip I thought I would treat you to a slide show.

Without further ado.....MY TRIP TO PHOENIX....


Here is a pic of the plane we flew from Denver to Calgary on. If it isn't the smallest plane in the world it is close. I hate small planes.


Here is a shot of the Rocky Mountains near Denver. Looks like we are flying over Edmonton with all that snow. Snow Sucks.


Denver airport. Nice airport, but airports still suck.


Here is what I saw mostly from Jordi on the way down. He is a great conversationalist, when he is not sleeping.


Bank One Ballpark. Home of the Arizona DiamondBacks. Big park. Funny thing though they had the roof closed the day before and it was about 90 degrees. I don't understand that. If they had a roof on Lambeau (God forbid) they would open that sucker the minute it hit about 33 degrees.


Here is a shot of all the cameras at the presser for Mr. Nash's MVP. Most of the cameras were from Canada.


Here is Steve when he called his teammates up to the podium to accept the award with him. Okay, I am still learning how to run Donna's Digi cam. I know I am a photog, I should know how. I suck. Get off my back.


Here is one hell of a good looking guy and his camera. Wow. Jordi takes the pic and it works, I take it and it doesn't. Get off my back, I suck.


Jordi standing next to a big ass cactus.


This is the clubhouse at the place where my parents own a small house. There is also a par 3 golf course there and a really nice pool.


Gratutious Sunset shot.


Okay now to the game. This is a pic of the Mavs bench. The guy with the green shirt standing up is Mark Cuban the owner. He is yelling at the team. I took this from a long way away so, okay, I suck.


Here is the Gorilla's Harley. I believe that it is a OCC bike. Made by the Tutels. I wonder if they almost missed their deadline on that bike. Oh wait, that is what they do on EVERY bike. Discovery channel joke. I am really grasping at straws.


The Gorilla. Rick Reilley did a story in SI just a couple of weeks ago about him. One mascot that I do not mind.


This one is for the Fellas. The Phoenix Sunsations. Enjoy, if it wasn't so out of focus. I suck.


David Stern holding a press conference. The Canadian media can get hockey out of anyone. He briefly spoke on the NHL. Amazing how obsessed Canada is with Hockey.


Here is the media seating at the game. That screen in front had real time stats on it. Pretty amazing. Great seats for the game. Those lousy media scumbags taking up good seats that fans should have. I had a pass for the floor, but I did not use it because we had a early flight and I had packed the camera away. Loser.


We did actually work while we were there. Here is Jordi writing his story. No really. We did not pose this picture up, we actually did work.


Finally this is a pic of us in Calgary with Sean Fleming. He is the kicker for the Edmonton Eskimos. CFL. He hates Calgary also.

Well that is all I have for you today. I hope you enjoyed the pics. I certainlly had a good time taking them, even though I am bad at it.

Have a good day and GET BACK TO WORK!!!