The Nordic Man makes the cut and shows up big...

I got to get better at doing the TundraTalk a bit more often. A lot has happened since we last spoke. The Packers are 1-1 by beating the snot out of the BearsStillSuck and losing to the BengalsAlwaysSuck. I have a lot to say about this but I have a more important announcement to get to. TundraTalk has spoken. The Nordic Man is in. Most would say that the Nordic One was a lock for this group and I would agree. He would have had to really screw up on his interview to mess this one up. Like tell us he has switched allegiancies to the queens or something drastic like that. He did not, and he got in.

I first met the Nordic one back in 1996 in the Brown County Arena at a Green Bay Gamblers game. I was making a lot of noise telling the other team that they sucked and so was he. I believe that we considered each other bookends in Section A and B. He was B. For the next 3 or 4 seasons we terrorized the USHL with our signature heckling and killer fashion sense. I consider him a brother from another mother and a guy who I would go into battle with any day of the week.

We may not agree on everything, but we do agree on the important things like a good bratwurst, beer, and the Green Bay Packers.

Nordic Man has something he would like to say...


Dear TundraTalk,

I would like to start by saying what an honor it is to be part of your entourage. I can't wait to see who else will make the cut. As being one that was there for the infamous "Dee Snider" comment, it makes me long for the nights of playing poker and listening to Denis on the box. I need not mention the late night runs across the street for pretzels and other munchies. Oops, I just did. I think that is how we stayed so slim.

It is always fun to sit around and talk about the old times and tip a few beers, (OK, maybe a lot of beers.) but what is best is being able to look back at the good times and knowing that that is not where it ends. Here is to many more good times to come, all the times I will get to tell you how wrong you are and why, and all the times you get to do the same. (WOW, am I writing for Halmark now?)

The Nordic Man

PS: If the Posse needs any tickets for the Pack or a hook up to go to any clothing optional resorts, I know just the person. He he Scratch that. I meant really cool, relaxing resort locations in Florida.

Remember, acquaintances will bail you out of jail, but friends can't. (Because they are already there with you!)

PSS: Get back to work you bum!

Nice work Nordic Man. There was a lot in there. There was some great words of wisdom, some great memories, and clothing optional resorts? I do not think that you and I need to be attending any of those any time too soon. I am not sure if I am ready to move to that level in our relationship.

So there you have it, Entourage member number two. The Nordic Man. So we have Shawn Hauser and the Nordic Man in. Both live in the promised land. Will there be more from there? I guess you will have to wait around and find out.

NEXT: Okay, the Packers have beaten the BearsstillSuck, and the Rams. They had a bad week and lost to the Bengals. Oh and check the dude in the pic to the right lobbing the bird when Ocho Dicko jumped into the stands. Packer fan of the year as far as I am concerned.

On the other end of the NFC North, the viqueens have gone 3-0. Yup the moron queen fans are already engraving the trophy. Don't get ahead of yourself, queen fan. You beat the Browns, Lions, and the 49'rs. They had a combined record of 11-37 last year. Big deal. Beat a team that had a winning record then call me.

As for this weekend, you will face your first real test in the Green Bay Packers. Although here is another team that had a losing record last year. 6-10. Nothing to write home about, but most of the prognosticators on week one were picking the Pack to make the Super Bowl. I have placed my bet with vegas with 20-1 odds. I am already spending that money.

Speaking of bets, I will be making my yearly bets with queen nation. Scotty Dahl for Leinies, Gene Principe for dinner, and Shane T Keller for whatever I can get out of him. Losers everyone of them. Screw the queens and Brett Favre.

Packers 24, queens 7. Favre a broken leg.

Oh and if for some god awful reason the queens do prevail I have a message to Ted Thompson...

Dear Ted,

Hey jerk off. Now you have done it. You just had to be a dick and push number four out. You had to do it 'your way' which means drafting losers like Harrell in the first round. By the way, when will he come off the injured list, next year? You suck. How is that offensive line coming? Yes I agree it is OFFENSIVE. Try to protect your quarterback jackass. Don't even get me started on your bonehead move of releasing Jon Ryan, the best punter in the league. We are still paying for that move.

You just had to do it didn't you? Brett asks you to make a play for Moss. You ignore him. Brett says he wants to compete for the job in Green Bay, you say 'We have moved on." He shows up for camp and you bar him from practice. You trade him to the Jets and he makes you look stupid. He has a better record than your team. Just to make sure that you are king dick you put a clause in there that says he cannot be traded to the viqueens. Well I guess that worked didn't it. Dick.

Just to let you know that if your team loses to Brett's team this week and in November your days are numbered. Dick. If I have to I will drive down there myself and demand your resignation. You are an embarrassment to the Packer Organization. Ron Wolf would have NEVER let this happen on his watch. NEVER.

Ted, you dick, make it right. Make us forget about Number 4. Win these two games against the queens and you may get another year to screw with MY team. Lose these two games and I will be down there to collect on the bets I lost. You will pay, TED, you dick, you will pay.

Chris

We did have a TT nation member at his first preseason game. Shannon Just went and filed this report...


Here Favre is trying to decide if he will join in on a Viking pre-game huddle. I think he thought about going over to the Chiefs huddle for a moment then changed his mind. He's blurry and confused in this photo.





So my brother and I get to the game and these girls ask us to take a photo with them in a dark corridor.?





Thank you Shannon for that report. Hope you did not have fun. Well I hope it does not take me another month and a half to make the next announcement. So there you have it..now
GET BACK TO WORK!!!

How about a bit of Chris from Green Bay for your Monday?

Okay we got some paper work to discuss first before you watch the video I have for you.

James Grandy, of the Minot Grandy's, pipes in after my last rant with a compliment?

Pete,

the world needs more camera men like you Pete, now just learn how to white balance and focus

Grandy

Well thanks James, I think.

Next up is Art Simmonds, of the CEP beat the snot out of A-Channel Simmonds, gave me some props. Me and Art took on the man in Edmonton and we beat him down. Art is and old school union guy who I would go to war with any day...

Hi Chris ..

Enjoyed reading your rant on the media. I gave upon it many years ago, but it still pisses me off. Glad to see there's some people who still work in tv who get it.

Art

Thanks Art, that means a lot coming from you.

Last but not least Chad Walker, of the Score Toronto Walkers, brings us the Toronto side of the coin...

Phew...I thought you were going to rip the Score's coverage of trade deadline day. Maybe you should start ripping TSN for loving themselves way too much. Get over it already you are who you are because you have the most money not because you are so much better than everybody else. Now I am ranting, you got me fired up.

Chad Walker

Nah, Chad, I watched some of the Score's coverage and you guys did fine. I have started watching you guys again even after my self imposed ban of the Score after my experience with a certain reporter that pissed me off every day. I like the new look and I really like the attitude. Gerry Dee is freaking hilarious. Give him more time. Oh and you are correct, I really don't like it when a media outlet pats themselves on the back way too much. It is just so self serving. If you are willing to prop yourself you should also be willing to admit your mistakes. The parent company of TSN is the company that I was ranting about last week.

Anyway, thanks for the response keep it coming...


Sound Off Live Sat Rip Off from hamiltongbp on Vimeo.



So I finally got this one uploaded. It is a bit of comedy that some of us at WGBA did for WOITV in Des Moines. This was for the show Sports Sound Off with Keith Murphy. Just a bit of history...this show is basically talk radio on TV. Keith called me about a month or so after it started. He said he would like me to call in to the show and just act crazy and just be me. He wanted to create a villian of sorts so that would spark his callers to be more 'interesting'.

I was cool with that but I lived in Green Bay. How was that gonna fly? He said it did not matter just call. Well I started to call each week and rail on how much Des Moines sucks and how great the Packers are. We kinda caught a break because this was the year the Pack made their first run at the Super Bowl and won it. So I had a lot to talk about. Oh and the Green Bay Gamblers played Des Moines hockey team and that brought me some heat also.

Needless to say I was not popular. We even taped a segment once where Keith was in GB doing a stand up in the parking lot of Lambeau and I tackled him. Just crushed him. We shot it from about three different angles and they edited it just right to make it look good. People actually believe I hurt him. People are dumb.

Once I made a trip down for Keith's wedding and we went to his bachelor party which was held at Sec Taylor field home of the Iowa Cubs. Round Guy introduced me to someone who was a frequent caller to the show and she refused to shake my hand. Someone also told me that I showed up on a local newsmagazine poll as one of the most hated men in Iowa. Not sure if that was true but I choose to believe it.

So we made a bet, can't remember what it was, but my end of the bet was that I would never call the show again. Somehow it worked out that I lost so I stopped calling. Well, Murph wanted to get me back in so we devised this scheme that I stole a sattlelite feed and announced that I would be back. It worked great because I looked like a loser and was going back on the bet. I love being the villian.

Anyway, for the first time, above is the video that goes along with it. As you can see everyone who is anyone is in it. Marty is in it, Hauser makes an appearance, Venckus Schmenkus gets a question in, the Raffertys are in there, and of course the Nordic Man acts as my security force. Great bit of TV here folks. I hope you enjoy it.

I have a copy of the night where I got my head shaved on the show around somewhere also so I will work on getting that up also.

Now, have a good week and GET BACK TO WORK!!!

An evening that will remain in infamy...

Why may you ask am I smoking that Cuban cigar? Well, I have always wanted to try smoking a cigar I just was too chicken to try it because I figured I would do it wrong and puke. In fact when the boys would get together in Green Bay and play a friendly game of poker in my garage, cigars were always present. As you can see in the pic to the right the Nordic Man has one blazing. I wanted to try so bad but never pulled the trigger. Well, that ended Saturday when after the Ric Flair evening, I decided to give it a go as in celebration of the big moment. Yup, it lived up to the hype. Big time.

Let's go back to the start of my trip. I got on a plane in Regina around 9am on Friday. I was supposed to get on at 8:20 but the fog in Edmonton was holding us up. Once we got in the air and close to Edmonton the fog was still there. So I ended up flying in circles around E town for about an hour. Stupid Edmonton.

So I got in around 10 when I was supposed to be there by 8:30. I called up my boy, Blashill, and we got around 48 wings at Kelseys and went to work. It was like I never moved. We got all the gossip out and about just like old times. After that we went out to Rexall to get his new camera so I could be jealous. Then we stopped by the Eskimos locker room for a visit with Dwayne Mandrusiak, of the equipment managers for the Evil Empire Mandrusiaks. Dwayne is the dude who got me the Brett Faver auto'd football. He showed us the design for the new locker room, we told some stories, drank some beer, and called each other names. He could not believe that I came all the way to Edmonton for Ric Flair. He said, and I quote, "You are a bigger loser than I thought you were." Thank you Dwayne, I appreciate that.

I had a great first day in Edmonton, well almost. After living in Regina for over a year I can honestly say that Edmonton traffic sucks balls. When I lived there I hated traffic, but just because traffic sucks. BUT when you come back and are forced to sit in it after going anywhere in Regina only takes 15 minutes it REALLY SUCKS. Of course Blair called me a pussy and soft, as well he should have.

At this point I was still working out what I was going to say and wear to the big day. It truly was a big deal. I had decided that I was going to go with my Tragically Hip concert sweater from the In Between Evolution tour. Which I Marty later said it had wicked irony and not that irony that Alanis Morisette sings about. Cool. I was for sure going to do the four fingers up for the pic with Flair. Blair came up with the idea of pointing at the camera. He noticed that in a picture, his book, and on the DVD he is pointing at the camera. Nice job Blair, way to do your homework. I wish I would have thought of that. Truly original. No one else did that pose.

As for the question, still a bit up in the air. I really liked the question that McCoy gave me. Thoughtful, interesting, and pretty original. I also was thinking about asking him about the Horsemen. What was his favorite line up. Or maybe what is his all star line up? I also was thinking I might ask him to run a promo on me. Tell me how much he was going to beat my ass. That would be awesome. Just depends on how much time we have with him.

So Blair and I had a great big breakfast at Humpty's so as to not be hungry on the big day. We also tried not to eat anything to gaseous so as not to have the Flair goofy look photo that Marty described so well. Of course Carey, Blair's wife gave us crap all morning for talking too much about it. She will pay.

We headed over to the Myer Horowitz theater on the campus of the University of Alberta around 1:30 pm. The show was scheduled to start at 4 pm (doors at 3). At this point there was a meet and greet already going on in the theater for people who wanted only to meet the man. We bumped over to My Mac Dealer and picked up a few things then came back to hang out.

Now, I am going to say this as lightly as I can. Because of course, I was attending the same event as these guys. Wrestling fan is weird. There was some strange ones in attendance at this event. If you want to see the whole group of meet and greet photos CLICK HERE. I will just say, there are some 'interesting' cats. The best ones are on the last two pages of pictures. The guys in the rock show t shirts are crazy.

Of course 'That Guy' was there. You know the one, the guy who wears the championship belt like he won it. I know, I have one too, I just don't wear it. There was also this guy who came up to me when he noticed that I had a VIP badge. He wasn't all there. He wanted to know if I would get his DVD signed for him. Me being the nice guy that I am, said okay. I immediately knew this was a mistake. I have been planning for weeks what I was going to say and do at this moment of glory and just before go time I let this a-hole throw me off my game. Way to go stupid. He was of course on of these guys who will not go away AND a close talker. Great, this is just getting better. Eventually I convinced him to get it himself by waiting by Ric's limo. Did I mention that we saw Ric arrive in his limo? Check the limo out... Needless to say I dodged a bullet there. I did not need this guys DVD throwing me off my game.

In what seemed like three hours later they opened the doors and we wandered into the theater to sit in our row two seats. It is almost show time and I am sooo geeked you can't even understand. I got my micro recorder ready to record the whole thing and I got a camera all ready to take some great pics. I went to London Drugs on Thursday and bought one of those new Nikon cameras that Ashton Kutcher is shilling. Oh did I mention that I am taking it back on Monday. Yup, use it for the weekend then take it back. I feel so dirty, like the dirtiest player in the game RIC FLAIR!!!


Flair Entrance in Edmonton from hamiltongbp on Vimeo.



It is show time and the Nature Boy enters to the greatest theme music in all of wrestling and the crowd goes wild. You can see his entrance above along with some of his opening remarks. Blair recorded some of it on his camera. Oh, and if you want a CD of the show just drop me a line and I will burn you a copy. I will of course have a podcast of the weekend up soon.

Flair came out and spoke for a bit on several things then opened up the floor to questions for the rest of the show. Which I thought would be cool to ask a question but they made everyone wait in line along the back of the theater to ask your question. I paid for row two tickets so I did not feel like standing in the back of the theater for the show so I decided to wait and ask him in the meet and greet.


Drunk PJ at Ric Flair from hamiltongbp on Vimeo.



I do have a great story about the questions and answer time. PJ Stasko, of the camrose Staskos, was there. I did not see him before the show so I had no idea if he made it or not, until, I hear someone on the mic say in an extremely drunk slurring voice, "I would like to firssst give a shoutttd out to a good frrrriend of mine who is the biggessssst wrasslinnnnn' fan I know, Chris Peterssssson." I look over and it is PJ. Oh man, he is hammered. At this point there is an uncomfortable feeling settling over the theater. Flair was nice to this drunk man who then asked about "kisssssingggg girlzzzssss". Hilarious. PJ came over to our seats and gave me a cool Pilsner Beer stein that I proceeded to get autographed by Ric Flair. Sweeet. Nice job PJ. You drunk bastard.

Flair told some great stories about life on the road with the WWF and WCW and getting drunk with the boys. There was of course the times when some dude would ask flair a Chris Farley type question like, "Remember that time you beat up Dusty Rhodes? That was cool." and to Flair's credit he was respectful to everyone in the crowd.

At one point in the proceedings he was telling a story about Rowdy Roddy Piper and decided to call him up. So he then did. He put Roddy on the speaker phone and we all said hi to Roddy. Really cool the guy has the Rowdy Roddy on speed dial.

If you listen to the audio of the event you hear me laughing a lot. It was a really good time and well worth all the time I obsessed over it. But, it is not over yet. The meet and greet is right after the show and that is when the pressure really hits. I decide that Blair and I will wait an go at the end of the line so as to avoid the guy yelling because I am taking too long. Just before we go in for the meet and greet we see PJ again. He is out of his mind staggering drunk and just happy as all get out. He came over and gushed and gooned us again. Hilarious. After we left one of the people who was working the show told us that 'our friend just fell down the stairs on his way out'. Nice PJ, way to make an exit. He apparently walked it off. PJ rules.

We were instructed that we would only get 60 seconds with the Nature Boy and only can get two things signed. Whoa, that completely throws me for a loop. So Blair and I start our scheming on how to get around it. All the while I am getting nervous about the big event. Now I don't usually get nervous about things like this. After all I am the king of the Brush With Greatness photo. Actually Blashill is the king, I am just a knight. Anyway, I am getting nervous and this whole 60 seconds thing throws me off.

I decide to go ahead anyway. We get up there an Blair goes first. He had around 4 things to get signed and got them all signed. No problem. So much for the 'only two things' rule. Whew, I am next. I have been waiting to meet this guy for around 30 years and it is finally going to happen. Whew, sweating my ass off. Hope I don't smell too bad.


Flair Autograph from hamiltongbp on Vimeo.



Here goes. I walk up to the table, plop down the belt and he grabs the poster to sign. I set down the recorder and he asks me what is that? I tell him it is a recorder so I can record this great moment for ever. He tells me he does not like those and turn it off. I apologize and then realize that he has just spent two hours talking, another three signing autographs so he is tired. I then opt out of the questions and just tell him that it is an honor to meet him and that I have been a huge fan for 30 years. He thanks me and tells me it is his honor to meet me and what is my name. I was at this point a bit in a daze so I did not answer him. He looks at me and says it again, 'what's your name man?'. Oh snap, wake up. I tell him and he signs the poster to Chris. He then signs the mug and the belt and we go for the pic.

I had given my (temporarily) camera to one dude and he proceeds to take a completely crappy out of focus picture. Blairs pic was shitty also. Luckily for them, they paid a dude to take pics for all of us. That one (below) turned out great. This is exactly the situation that I was afraid of getting into. Coming all this distance and coming away with a picture that sucks. I was sooo happy that they paid a guy to take pics. I went as you can see with the four fingers up and I beleive that it does live up to the hype. I can frame this one and hang it with pride in my man cave. Plus I got that Pilsner mug plus a great story to go along with it. I am in the process of getting the belt hung on the wall also. Thank you PJ. Thank you Blair. Thank you Ric for a great evening.



I had my meet, it lived up to the hype, and we went out to celebrate with beers at BP's. Jordi Weidman, of the Stony Plain Weidmans, and Greg Donnelly of the Edmonton Donnelly's, came out also and we sat around and told stories, rousted drunks, and called each other names for a couple of hours. Great time had by all.

Thank you again TundraTalk Nation for helping me get through this with your advice. Really came up huge in my time of need. I will be putting the podcast together in the next few days so make sure you check back for that occasionally.

Now GET BACK TO WORK!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Accident out front of my house...

Okay so Thursday night I was minding my own business watching the Rider game when I heard this big screeeeeech and a bang. I knew right away that we had just had an accident on the street in front of my house. Now, I know this because me in my old age have started to yell at the kids. No, I am not yelling at the kids to get off my lawn, I yell at them as they go by at 100kph on my street. Most of the time they slow down, some of the time they can't hear me because they have their god forsaken stereo up too loud.

Now I know, I sound like a crusty old bastard right now complaining about loud stereos and driving too fast. Both things I had and did in my youth. In fact I had a stereo so loud that Bryan Powell, of the Alaska Powells, once got sick to his stomach after an evening in the back of the Escorche whilst Public Enemy was pounding the speakers. I know that was dumb, but I did not do it very often. I also spent many hours driving way to fast and way too dangerously. ONLY I did not do it in residential areas, I did it out in the country where the only thing I might kill would be a deer, a cow, or maybe myself.

Well this idiot, and I use that term loosely, decided that he was going to race by my house. We live just past a corner on a street that basically just does a loop. We got new blacktop last year so the kids like the nice smooth road to race on. This kid came into the corner too fast and did not make it. He hit the curb, jumped a bit and then smack into the tree. My neighbor accross the street is not too happy. That is the kid with the wrist brace in the picture. The other mental geniouses on the curb were his passengers. Hey dumbass, your hat is on backwards.

So the Mensa prospect that was driving jumps out of his car and the first thing out of his mouth, after he tried to run away but a lady stopped him, was "Stupid car.". That's right he said "Stupid Car". Moron. At this point I broke out laughing. He looked at me funny and that gave me the opening. I then informed him that this is a residential street not a speedway and that he got exactly what he deserved. Look at his front wheels. Totally busted in half. This kid got lucky.

Oh, I might mention that I have yelled at this kid before for racing on my street. Which I told the Regina Police promptly when they showed up. I hope they take this kids licence. They should lock him up with Bubba for an evening so he can understand what he did wrong. Notice the stolen street cone in the back seat. But they probably let him go home with his Mommy and Daddy, who I might add blocked my driveway with their car. I am sure they will run right out and buy their 'little boy' a new VW to pimp out and he will then procede to race down my street again.

If I see him again, oh man there will be hell to pay. This a hole drove over the sidewalk, the same sidewalk that I see around 100 kids a day walk to the park on. That is why I hate these guys. Anyway, I took this opportunity to teach McKenna that when she gets old enough to drive that she should not drive like a stupid idiot, which I said loud enough for the stupid idiots to hear, and that if she does this is what happens. Check out how long the skid mark is. That is just 1/4 of it. It was around two blocks long. He had to be going real fast.

So there it is, the truth comes out. I am turning into grumpy old man.

NEXT: The Nordic One, of the Gillet Nordic Persons, sent us his take on the whole Favre Saga...Take it away Nordic Man...


Hey Chris,

I have had a busy last few weeks. We laid to rest one of our own a couple of weeks ago. Very sad turn of events but he will be missed for sure. I even saw Hauser at the funeral covering it. It was quite the site. 100+ fire trucks and emergency vehicles with 700+ personnel in attendance. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE STORY

Oh, and the other news in GRB. Yes, Favre is a Jet. This was a train wreck from the word go. If anyone knows anything about office politics understands what happened here. Long story sort, Favre was forced out/retired. Favre was unhappy with this decision being made for him. Packers (TT and MM) still asses. TT is betting his career on AR. MM is already trying hard to get away from TT. TT says on day of the trade. "I didn't want to sign the trade papers cuz I don't want to be known as the GM that forced Favre out of GRB." Too late JA! (Donkey) The best way all this would have been avoided this summer would have been if Favre would have asked for the trade after the season was over instead of retiring like TT and MM wanted him to.

Trying to protect his legacy..... Please. There are still people out there that think there was nothing wrong with Clinton diddling an intern. No one cares if you switch teams anymore. And if TT and MM are so sure that Favre is a has-been, why were they sooo adamant that he not go to the Bears or the queens. As for the future? AR even if he pans out to be a decent player? He is in a no win situation cuz he will always be in Favre shadow. So he should really be under no pressure. Everyone expects him to fail or not be as good as what we had, so you might as well relax and give it a go.

It won't be any different than all the coaches since Lombardi dealt with. Needless to say, TT won't be here very long, MM lately looks to be clueless, and Favre has a new system to learn. AR better work on his image/attitude. Most everyone I know that has met him tells me he is an Asshat. TT just plain reminds me of a used car salesmen. Glad this is over and the Packers can now return to their ways of mediocrity.

I hope for more but wonder what life will be like when we have to put in a rookie QB because AR gets hurt in the first few games.

Nordic Man

Bill Clinton diddled an intern? Wow, did not know that, or forgot it. That is nothing compared to what the latest guy has done. But that is a whole nother story.

Thank you all for reading, Hauser is sending me pics and a story so stay tuned for that, until then GET BACK TO WORK, OR YOUR WEEKEND, WHATEVER!!!!

Schmenkus sets the record striaght...

First things first here is a great article that sums it up for me right now... HEY TED, I'M HERE TO HELP

Okay now that the Nordic One has chimed in we have a response from the Venckus camp. This is getting gooooooood. Venckus lays down the Entourage rules inside the rules and a bit of smak along the way. Take it away Derek...

Dear 'Greatest blog from a guy who used to shoot shitty video for me',

Tell Nordic Man I liked the rant. Great stuff but....

Deanna (BTW, it is Deanna, not Dianna as Nordic Man had referenced) only arranged the interview with Greta...no big deal.

The day she emails Sign Boy requesting a spot for Brett in his entourage is the day we lay the wood to Brett.

So, if Mrs. Nordic Man arranges an interview for Nordic Man with Greta, I think I speak on behalf of Tundra Talk Nation when I say there will be no retribution.

See you on FOX News soon, Nordic Man.

Venckus

I speak for all of us when I say, I cannot wait for the Fox exclusive interview with the Nordic Man. Greta will not be able to handle him. Maybe she could convince the Nordic Woman to set the record straight on national TV. That would be awesome.

Oh, and I got a message from Deanna the other day on my phone. I have not returned it yet because I was unsure what she wanted. Now I know so I will get right on that. Number 4 in the posse. That is how I roll.

Now GET BACK TO WORK!!!!!!!!

Nordic Man blows up on the whole situation...

So the Nordic One, of the Gillett Nordic One's, decided to fill us in on what a Nordic person thinks about the whole mess that is Packer Nation. This is gonna be good...

Dear "The guy with the best blog ever that I have gone to a Packer game with",

I don't get to watch the news much so I am a little late to the game. I would have to agree with Schemkus. I don't believe either the Packers or Favre are telling the truth. Both have their own agendas. Just like in many fights/divorces, you have one side of the story, another side of the story, and somewhere in the middle is the truth. Favre is lashing out like a child and the Packers (TT and MM) are trying desperately to act younger them Favre. I mean, MY GOD. Everyone knows that Star players always get more leeway then any other players. Even more so for those stars as bright as Bret's. The get more calls their way during games, they get more attention from the coaches when they have something to say, they get more media attention, and the list goes on and on.

That doesn't mean I like it. It is just the way things are. If you want to win (right now) - Play him. If you want to prove that your guy (A-Rod) is the future? - Play him. But in following the adage that star players get more preferred treatment? - Grant Favre his wish and let him go. If you just want to prove your point and be a DICK? -Just hold his contract and don't let anyone have him. IE: Here's and idea.... Send him to Detroit and maybe Sanders will come out of
retirement. That is what the Lions did to Barry. Isn't it?

This whole ordeal is getting sickening to watch two great entities go down in every ones opinion. Favre is now just learning that the NFL is not about separate teams competing? The NFL is a monopoly putting a single product on the field every Sunday. It is a business. I have never seen anyone in the real business world succeed by airing the dirty laundry of their company in the public. I have seen a bunch get fired and/or spanked for it though.

For the record I have never been the greatest fan of Favre but I have come to appreciate him over time.

Also, I have yet to see one comment about Dianna being the one to write the email to Greta's show requesting the interview. You guys have the BALLS to question my manhood because my wife RESPONDED to an email that was SENT to her? But you let Bret off the hook for that? (I guess I just proved my point about the STAR getting away with special treatment.)


Darrell Lucht "THE Nordic One"

Whooooooooo! Now we go to school. Nordic Man totally brought the noise on that one. I have not heard the fact that Deanna asked for the interview yet. Yes, you are right, only the SuperStars get preferential treatment like you and Brett. Wow, I just put Favre and the Nordic Man on the same level. I just hope he does not decide to retire from the Entourage and hold us all hostage. Keep it real Nordic Man, keep it real.

Now GET BACK TO WORK!!!!

Venckus responds to Nordic Mans volley...

First things first. I COMPLETELY forgot the Gamblers had a Sign Boy night. Looking back, that is even funnier now than it was then. Awesome- and a well-deserved honor.

Next.... Nordic Man needs to relax. He's a great American and a great Cheesehead. I have the utmost respect for him. Let me go on the record as saying that, if I had a vote, I would vote him into the posse.

I also have no problem with his Mom campaigning for him to be a member of the posse. Years from now, when historians look back on the posse, there won't be an asterisk next to Nordic Man's name because his Mom nominated him. It's all about winning.

Also Nordic Man.....relax about the curling issue. You're way too defensive. I played baseball for most of my life and I think if it was invented today, nobody would go to the games. Boring sport. I love golf, but if you want to make the argument that it's a boring sport, I can understand that perspective. Cycling? I could see why someone would think the Tour is boring until they learn about the strategies and intricacies of the sport.

So, if you like curling, that's cool. Just understand there's a reason why curling isn't all that popular in the States. Maybe it has something to do with a broom being one of the pieces of equipment.

All that having been said, did you know that a bunch of curling women did a calendar a few years back? It's true. Check out a couple of images. Have fun googling for more.

On second thought, Nordic Man, you're correct. Curling is awesome and I can't wait until the next Winter Games.

Why can't we all just get along? Peace.

-Venckus

P.S.- Hauser, great job on the bike. Remember, pink is the new yellow.



NEXT: Preacher weighs in on the Moto race that I worked...oh and gets in a dig about that shitty wings team...

I know I'm a liitle slow in this but I've still been busy celebrating my Wings winning the Cup! Very cool blog about the motocross race, I do know a few guys that race that. One of my good friends went up and raced Gopher Dunes last year and got 10th. There's even a pro race in Regina (I hope I spelled that right), you should check it out. If you think those jumps were big, check this out:
That's Larocco's Leap at RedBud Track & Trail in Buchanan, MI. I'll be right next to that jump next weekend at the big pro national.
A little story was just released about my MX idol, Doug Henry. You can see it here:


Mike Banaszynski
Preacher

Yes you are slow, but most of us do not hold it against you. That is just Preacher being Preacher. I did know about the Regina race, I was not invited to work it, they had enough guys. I was out on the boat that day so I did not attend. They have one in Edmonton this weekend. We will look for you to get crushed by a bike by that jump. Especially if you are wearing your Kocur jersey.

Just a few things...

Okay first things first. Schmenkus' Podcast has raised the ire of the Nordic One. He seems to think that Venckus was running smak at him. Here is what he had to say...

WOW. Schmeckus runs smack at me? I guess I will take that as a honor as the one to take off the hill. And the he has the balls to Rank on Curling. He was good until he went there.

Nordic Man

The Nordic One is huge into curling. In fact I think it is safe to say in Green Bay, the Nordic Man IS curling. Venckus the ball, or should I say rock, is in your house now. What say?

Okay, lets get on with things...

Why does Danny Mac have that look of 'shoot me now' on his face? Well last Friday the Prime Minister was in town. Okay for those of you south of the border, it is like the President George W. Well, except this PM did not steal an election to get his position. He won fair and square. Any way Prime Minister Steven Harper was in town for a very, very, staged photo op. He is giving all the RCMP Cadets money during their training, which is a good thing. It is hard to find anything bad in this announcement. Still I think the PM is a major dork.

He came in, stood around for the cameras and then held a major presser with a room full of Cadets. That is the key to a good presser, fill it with people that there is no way that they will disagree with you. It is easy to get over in a room full of people you are giving stuff to. I don't mean to be all negative on this, but I am not a fan of Harper at all. Too much of a bully for my taste. I think he is more about his image and taking care of his buddies in the oil industry in Alberta than keeping Canada on the straight and narrow. Anyway, I got my video, and got out. Danny Mac was equally as excited.

Okay enough about the guy who is too much of an uptight dork to hug his kid on the first day of school in front of the cameras. Lets move on.

Well this is what I did on Fathers Day. The Monster Energy Drink Canada tour. We drove to Morden Manitoba and worked a Motorcross race. Not a bad gig. I was positioned on a hill jump about two feet from the bikes. I swear I was bumped a few times as the bikes jumped over my head. It was awesome.

The day started a bit crappy because it rained but it cleared up and the races went off without a hitch. I was invited to go on this trip by Matt, of the trip to Billings to get my truck Matt. That is him in the really gay, not that there is anything wrong with that, rain gear and head band. I know Preacher is a big moto guy so he probably knows some of the guys on this tour but I had no idea. It was a good experience and another thing I can say that I worked. Sweet gig.

Well I am still waiting to hear back from the War Hero Tony Mutzenberger to see if he is going to lower himself to do a Podcast so I will let you know how that goes. Until then,
GET BACK TO WORK!!!!!

I am NHL Perfection. I completely rule...

I AM PERFECT!!! Well in picking the NHL playoffs anyway. If you don't beleive me just click here. That's right read 'em and weep. Plus the only thing better than the Avalanche getting to the second round, is the Flames choking in the first. I love to see the Flames lose. Sweet. I also just love to see a Godless Flames fan cry in his beer. I hate that team almost as much as the queens. Their bandwagon is soooo big. Today that wagon is a lot less full. When we frist moved to Edmonton I was always offered tickets to see the Flames in Calgary. It was the easiest ticket to find. And I lived in Edmonton. They start to win and the rink is full. Hate 'em.

Oh and also I enjoy the fact that the guy that Oilerfan ran out of town, Joffrey Lupul, scored the OT, GAME SEVEN, winner to send his new team, the Philadelphia Flyers, to the second round. Sweet vengence is his. How does that taste Oilerfan? Pretty bitter I bet.

So you say, "How do you follow up perfection there Big Show?". Well I will tell ya, just keep your panties on.

Here are my predictions for the second round of the NHL Playoffs... Call your bookie...

Montreal Canadiens (1) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (6)

Okay I hate the fact that the idiot Montreal fans burned cop cars and broke windows. I don't want to pick them, I don't, but, I think they are just too strong to lose to the Flyers. But, hell, screw the fans of Montreal, but, man this is tough. I hate to do it but Montreal will win this series. The Montreal fans will get theirs in the next round courtesy of Sid the Kid and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins (2) vs. New York Rangers (5)

I like Sid the Kid and again, Ty Conklin is on this team. The quest to get a former Gambler's name on the Cup continues. Pittsburgh wins in 6. Sorry hauser. The Rangers will make it interesting though.

Detroit Dead Wings (1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (6)

We all know how I feel about the Wings. Preacher Man and Doroshenko are Wings fans. Screw the Wings. This is a heated rivalry between these teams and there will be blood. Colorado will give the Wings the Finger and win in seven. In this case the Wings suck and therefore so do Trev and Preacher. Sorry boys.

San Jose Sharks (2) vs. DalASS Stars (5)

Hate DallASS. JR plays for San Jose and I love JR. So therefore we have San Jose in seven. I don't know anybody who is a fan for either of these teams.

Good luck with your picks. Now I have to get back to work so do you.

Doroshenko will be laying down his podcast soon so watch for that also. Oh and Evan Klippenstein, of the CBC Edmonton Klippers, sent me this story to further discuss how much it sucks to shoot from a very small air plane. Evan is also one of the smallest shooters I know so that says alot. Congrats to you and Mugsy on your second Klipper to enter the world. Lets hope this kid is a better goaler than you. Oh, come on, you are a tremedous goaler Evan, as far as you know (thanks Nordic Man for that one). ..Take it away Evan...

Hey fellow CBC'er,

I just read your blog (missed the last few posts) and the story of shooting from a plane. Classic! The mental picture you painted made me howel and reminded me of the many uncomfortable time I've had to shoot from a plane. Not that my size is an issue, just the turbulance and keyhole size windows available to shoot from. Anyways, I'd just like to share a very recent story of how everything can go right on an ariel shoot that results in the competition using my footage instead of theirs and the National eating it up.

A few weeks ago a plane crashes near Wainwright killing all 5 people on board, tragically family and coworkers of a flight that crashed near Golden BC in November killing 3. Huge story. I'm told to go to the muni-airport where a helicopter will pick me up and we have to find the crash site because at this point no-one knows where the exact location is. It's 3pm. The chopper is a C2, used to fight forest fires, and the pilot is all business. He take 15 minutes to empty all unnessecary seats and strap me and my camera into a harness and explain how the giant door opens in midflight. All I'm thinking is great, if we somehow survive a crash and the chopper is on fire, I can't run away. It takes us an hour to get to Wainwright and the weather has turned into blizzard like conditions. A small single engine Cesna carrying the Journal photog and Global camera guy are in touch with us as we both are searching for the crash sight.

It's in a snowy tree filled valley 12 kms northeast of town is all we know. After much circling and incredibly low flying we spot rescue vehicle lights flashing and voila, the wreckage. Global is circling a mile above us. My pilot is awesome. I'm on the left side of the chopper with the door swung open, sitting on the edge of the seat, both feet dangling outside. The pilot was on the right side but knew exactly what I needed to see from the left. He hovered low enough that we were whipping snow into rescue workers faces (not for long, we felt bad), he followed a snowmobile pulling a body up the hill to a staging area...a perfect tracking shot, and circled the big blue tarp where the other bodies were covered. It was very eerie hovering above the scene of such tragedy but ended up with 20 minutes of excellent tape.

We landed at the Wainwright airport at 5pm where are Sat. truck was waiting to feed it across the country. Global used their crappy shots from the plane circling way above us for their 6pm news but by 11 they were using ours. I let my boss know that this chopper pilot is the only way to do these shoots from now on; alot more expensive than a plane, but so worth it.

Hope all is well with you and your girls. Our second is due Sept. 1st and our latest attempt to fiigure out which set of genitalia it has was inconclusive.

Did you hear, the Score is laying off the shooters and going with VJ's? They'll never learn.

Take care,

Evan

I did see your footage as well as edit some for the show. Nice work homey. I think I can say I taught that boy everything I know. Which is not much. The most important thing I taught him is never put ANYTHING on top of your rig. I agree that helicopters are the only way to go.

Yup the Score will never learn. I also think that is the first time the word Genitalia has been used on TundraTalk. Sweeet.

GET BACK TO WORK!!!!

The Nordic Podcast is on the air...

Okay, were back and this time with a legend from Green Bay. The Nordic Man takes his shot at TundraTalk the Podcast. As you know I am searching for the right guys to be in my posse. The Nordic One made the short list, not by his application (because his wife sent it in) but by his reputation. That's right, the Nordic One's rep precedes himself by about a mile.

So how did he do? Well you will just have to CLICK HERE and listen for yourself. Or if you want to click the link at the top you can do that also. What was discussed? Well we spoke on a few things. The most important topics were Lederhosen, Knockwurst, and Dee Snider. That's right, The Nordic One remembers the quote verbatim. Nice job.

Next up on the hot seat will be our first in person interview, Trev Doroshenko, of the Regina Doroshenkos. We will see if he can overcome the fact that he did not send in an application to be in. Who knows, maybe he will live the dream.

Okay, now I have to go to work and cover the worst thing ever. Soccer. I hate soccer. It is soooo not a sport. Maybe if I am lucky someone will score a goal. Probably not though.

Now, GET BACK TO WORK!!!

Nordic Man fires a pre Podcast volley accross the bow...

The Nordic One(that is him on the left) decided to make a pre emptive strike on all of us who were giving him crap about his wife making his play to be in the Entourage. I now cannot wait to hear what he has to say in the podcast. Nice Job, and nice strategy oh great Nordic One. May we all relish in your spendor(nothing gay about that statement. Not that there is anything wrong with that). Take it away big man...

I have been listening to your podcasts and here is my response to those that think I did not apply or only let my wife email.
OK. Just to let you know. I did reply to Chris' call for applicants. My wife just happened to put her 2 cents in as well to show her support for me being in the posse.
That is the one the email Chris posted. Not my fault.
These are my short list as to why I belong!
1) I was in the posse when we gathered to play poker on a weekly basis.
2) My favorite pastime is fighting fires.
3) I am able to do my "DAY" job in my underwear.
4) I am your best hookup for all things GRB/WI.
5) My kids ROCK!
6) As for telling you the way it is? Go ahead and ask. But you better be ready for the Gods honest truth.
7) And if you don't love the USA and all the ideals it stands for? Kiss my ASS! (note: that I did not specify a party. It is the Ideals that we stand for. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happyness)
Darrell Lucht

Rock on Nordic man and good luck in the podcast this week.

NEXT: Mike Chaussee shows up...

Okay, in our 12 part series of posdcasts, designed to form me a posse, Mike Chaussee, of the Bismarck Chaussees, sits in and makes his play to become a, well um, PLAYA. Nice, I truly am a wordsmith.

Anyway, Mike came prepared. He had his man laws studied, he knew his Packer stats, and he said pretty much the right things. He even explained why he hates man tears.

I am not sure what to do about you guys so far. No major smak running. Mike ran not one bit of smak. Well, except at viqueen fans. They deserve every bit of smak they get. Oh, and Mike does a great job on explaining why the suck and why it is soooooo much fun to hate the queens.

Anyway, CLICK HERE listen to Mike on TundraTalk or just click the link up on the right.

Next up on the list is the Nordic Man. Get ready big man, get ready.

Oh, and just in case you noticed that I have not commented on the retirement of the greatest wrestler of all times, Ric Flair, oh I have not ignored it, I am just compliling my thoughts. I will address this next week. Man Number 4 AND the Nature Boy retire in the same year. Big losses for professional sport. Big losses.

Okay, I gots things to do so why don't all of you GET BACK TO WORK!!!!