tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56543286236870305382024-03-04T23:17:01.471-06:00Meat Packers UnionGreen Bay Packers blog, by F. Gordon Union, NFL, NFC, north, Wisconsin, hot wings, fishing, Green and Gold, Go Pack GoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-11251819884935565442014-12-15T06:30:00.000-06:002014-12-15T06:30:00.726-06:00Bright cold days, hard cold nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-tZDD3reQV5oM6eDxUpM9ac8zKoPtwTioL6oAD2O9VSZvDJ8gOIPZFVpOJy2xGom67UmXm0Fh3isLup1qzdtDxqFpFhC6-4I6R5jKoPVftZPM_n7l_CKDAqakvndtIGbum6zOLsIC_bs/s1600/43928b_med.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-tZDD3reQV5oM6eDxUpM9ac8zKoPtwTioL6oAD2O9VSZvDJ8gOIPZFVpOJy2xGom67UmXm0Fh3isLup1qzdtDxqFpFhC6-4I6R5jKoPVftZPM_n7l_CKDAqakvndtIGbum6zOLsIC_bs/s1600/43928b_med.jpeg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
[December 15, 1929]<br /><br />
Word of the great victory reached Green Bay on the wires Sunday evening, and a wild celebration filled the streets soon thereafter. As the team train approached Green Bay on Monday, police cleared the way as 20,000 enthusiastic fans crowded the station in the freezing cold, waving lit emergency flares and playing a wild jazzy fusion of various musical instruments. Someone even brought a piano. Whistles, hoots, automobile horns, shrieks, fire alarms, sirens, explosions, gunfire and general jubilation rocked the tracks and platform upon arrival in the NFL's smallest city. <br /><br />
Curly Lambeau's Packers became the first undefeated team in NFL history, behind a first-rate offense and a defense that surrendered just 22 points all season (1.6 points/ game). The defense pitched eight shut-outs, and held several opponents to negative yardage. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here in Green Bay, this was not just a welcome of curiosity. Each and every person at the rail-yard tonight was here in heart, fully invested. We had learned this from Curly. We were all neighbors, neighbors help you shovel when the snow gets deep. The team was soon huddled into buses, sleighs and wagons for a parade through downtown Green Bay. Spirits were high. Eventually the sun came around and made everyone go take a nap.<br /><br />
Tuesday night was the city-wide banquet at the luxurious Beaumont Hotel. Every class, from mill hand to mill owner, was present. The entire city met here in celebration. Team supporters raised more than $5000 cash, and each player and coach on the Packers received a shiny watch and $220 dollars folded inside a brand new leather wallet. It was grand. The players were touched by the community's gesture. <br /><br />
"Some of the early years were lean ones," said veteran lineman Jug Earp. "On those rainy days when they asked us to go for half fare, things looked dark, but we would look at one another and decide that we could stall the landlady for another week or two."<br /><br />
Green Bay Mayor John Diener thanked the players and coaches for representing the Badger State with such pride. "Green Bay may be the 241st city in size, in these United States, but it is the first city in football," said the Mayor. <br />
<br />
<br />
Huzzah! HUZZAH!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wpTJUl64JVX4aJwHf2zQ0Vh5J8_HAlx8f34dxjEO0-Fn-z3h_kAhSMOjc3MZ9Ca5c-sVnl4aANoirTfl7tWWVyY6tb-BAmUsh91CAzPGyyR0bBcUNtKgfzYoshoTcYdtqTlhuBYCJoY1/s1600/curley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wpTJUl64JVX4aJwHf2zQ0Vh5J8_HAlx8f34dxjEO0-Fn-z3h_kAhSMOjc3MZ9Ca5c-sVnl4aANoirTfl7tWWVyY6tb-BAmUsh91CAzPGyyR0bBcUNtKgfzYoshoTcYdtqTlhuBYCJoY1/s1600/curley2.jpg" height="380" width="400" /></a></div>
A week later, we were all still giddy, sore, in shock, the city buzzed with energy. Now we all had a taste of it, we wanted more. Coach Lambeau promised we <i>would </i>have more. Something had changed in our attitudes. We had a twinkle in our eyes, we had <i>his </i>twinkle. We believed the good times would never end.<br /><br />
But as a team we had read Hemingway's <i>A Farewell To Arms</i> during the season. It was an odd book to read on a winning streak. The ending still bothers me. It always will and that's the point, I think. On the ends of the spectrum we have love and we have war, this is humanity. <br /><br />
After we got back to Green Bay, after the banquets and parades and celebrations, things quieted down a bit but it never felt normal again. The expectations became enormous, but that was what they <i>should </i>be. It felt right, this optimism. One night I was sitting by the wood-stove, in my favorite rocking chair. What would I write about now? I put another log on the fire. Maybe I didn't have to write about anything anymore. That would be alright.<br /><br />
I still had her number, I put it next to the telephone. The Packers had won, we were all on a roll, where would I take her to dinner? Sometimes when I catch a big fish I get so excited I can hardly even remember it, I never look the fish in the eye. This felt like one of those moments. Hemingway would want me to slow time and enjoy the good in life. It wasn't always good but it was good right now. That was all that mattered. Outside in the cold night I saw big snowflakes quietly falling, there was a thin and fragile pane of glass between us, and my heart warmed with possibilities.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
By the middle of January I had a beard and the winter had settled into bright cold days and hard cold nights.<br />
<i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-53015897094113325962014-12-08T06:30:00.000-06:002014-12-08T06:30:01.199-06:00Packers whip Bears, win first NFL Title<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87yD_2z9qbMjEwqmfQFsKX2ZlEb5tJ4XWDvU26ffiITLNlBlFCCUvOL40eJkpUcJrb6WhOIU0DZ-44bDwcMp9KpuAhWmdPTxbaKtH9lti11TuRxiDXA4lbhxGff8xq-xLeBRK5PtaKDXO/s1600/tw.header.packers1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87yD_2z9qbMjEwqmfQFsKX2ZlEb5tJ4XWDvU26ffiITLNlBlFCCUvOL40eJkpUcJrb6WhOIU0DZ-44bDwcMp9KpuAhWmdPTxbaKtH9lti11TuRxiDXA4lbhxGff8xq-xLeBRK5PtaKDXO/s1600/tw.header.packers1929.JPG" height="163" width="400" /></a></div>
[December 8, 1929]<br /><br />
There really has been no question all season, the Green Bay Packers are playing football on a sublime level all their own. After beating their hated Chicago rivals for the third time this season, the Packers (12-0-1) became the first undefeated team in NFL history. <br /><br />
Humiliating the Bears was truly the icing on the cake for this Packers team, but the real celebration will be up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, when the team train pulls into the station. Really, the celebration will begin when news of this great victory reaches the northcountry wires in short notice. <br /><br />
The Packers might play for the smallest city in the NFL, but they are a team of the people, and the fans of Green Bay extend far beyond the city limit. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
"This is a championship for the everyman and everywoman," declared Coach Lambeau in the locker room after the victory. "We don't play for Johnny Moneybags. We play for the people, now, and forever. This Championship is for all of us that call Packersland home!"<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week thirteen in the 1929 NFL season. The Packers (11-0-1) have combined to beat the Bears (4-7-2) 37-0 in two previous games this season. A third victory over their hated rivals today will secure the team's first NFL Championship. Huzzah!<br /><br />
First quarter, Packers moving ball at will behind tremendous heave blocking, and also, proficient gouge blocking. First and goal.<br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Cully Lidberg tractors in from two yards. Big Carl been doing work between the tackles so far. Packers lead 6-0.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnjHkvTPy4Nigi6aRHJzP_NVgtZACGs5ijDuzdS7D_aTpi08ewRPv1sSdVmYVFq_Py8SGj3BXhSTxIHYSyjqOh_Nngoj8B3R112TmwCg9YeaVE2Uhi3UlB1dn9dj6Hh1lJ0CgSPxrVPWN/s1600/teeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnjHkvTPy4Nigi6aRHJzP_NVgtZACGs5ijDuzdS7D_aTpi08ewRPv1sSdVmYVFq_Py8SGj3BXhSTxIHYSyjqOh_Nngoj8B3R112TmwCg9YeaVE2Uhi3UlB1dn9dj6Hh1lJ0CgSPxrVPWN/s1600/teeder.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
There are quite a few empty seats here and a good deal of Packer fans in attendance. Bears fans realize they have little to no chance of derailing Packers victory parade.<br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Verne Lewellen follows excellent chuck blocking, deftly cuts up-field and pounces into the endzone. Untouched. Packers had Bears fooled their, looking for Big Carl up the gut. Kick fails again, 12-0 Packers. <br /><br />
Joe Sternamen responds in typical Joe Sternamen fashion: Terrible interception. He is on the sideline smoking a cigar, dazed look about his face.<br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Red Dunn hits Eddie Kotal on a screen pass and Kotal zips down-field for the score. 19-0 Packers.<br /><br />
Kotal and Dunn both just recently returned to the lineup since being severely injured in the previous Bears game, week eight. Sweet revenge.<br /><br />
Lidberg intercepts Sternamen again. That is four interceptions for Sternamen today. This is getting ugly.<br /><br />
Packers piling it on now, three TOUCHDOWNS in the third quarter! Kotal snares a quick cross - one-handed - from Lewellen and sprints to the goal. Kick fails, Packers lead 25-0.<br /><br />
Bears tried covering Kotal with Red Grange, no use. He is electric.<br /><br />
A Bears fan is burning his Joe Sternamen jersey in the stands. He is laughing and crying at the same time.<br /><br />
There's the final whistle. Packers whip the Bears, claim the 1929 NFL Championship for Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Packers fans everywhere. Hopefully this is just the first of many titles!<br /><br />
Packers played Bears three times this season, twice at Wrigley. Final score: 62-0. <br /><br />
The Bears sure are lousy.<br /><br />
GO PACK GO!!!<br /><br />
See you all in Green Bay for the celebration!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
That fall the snow came very late. We lived in a brown wooden house in the pine trees on the side of the mountain and at night there was frost so that there was thin ice over the water in the two pitches on the dresser in the morning.<br /><i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-17856443817111899452014-12-01T06:30:00.000-06:002014-12-01T06:30:03.287-06:00There's a new Alpha in the NFL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWHqMYQ0dxyO4sD-f61nEM2m1qCJuaTLoMnfRl4KPPnPYZoYQEUAo-GMQiMa6x8xa-FkMO5FNP9BnCanBQSEqM0FgbyM244VVsR7WHhlJsGs3W_bxL6y-6c-oMBtN5nBYAg3frMRRccrC/s1600/alpha,_alpha,_beta,_omega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWHqMYQ0dxyO4sD-f61nEM2m1qCJuaTLoMnfRl4KPPnPYZoYQEUAo-GMQiMa6x8xa-FkMO5FNP9BnCanBQSEqM0FgbyM244VVsR7WHhlJsGs3W_bxL6y-6c-oMBtN5nBYAg3frMRRccrC/s1600/alpha,_alpha,_beta,_omega.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
[December 1, 1929]<br />
<br />
The Providence Steam Rollers were really not much of a Champion to begin with. They won the 1928 NFL Title with just eight wins, one loss and two ties, playing a truncated (and some might say, easy) schedule. <br /><br />
We knew at the start of the day that Providence would not repeat as Champions in 1929, but the Packers are the new Alpha in the NFL and they demonstrated this rather convincingly here in Rhode Island with a 25-0 thrashing of the former pack leader.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC33rvZ0mqCkdtyw9U90nA2NWtDyFVMODGwRzGwUTZx9ZGM6fJkMMEwcS6e3a_qOsomlKRLxPs7otNC64G3PuiGB0OJXxJVrV7EaHfPCioAuUyLThR8ERtj8PBe7xf2Zn6GXfXubhHBORX/s1600/ProvidenceSteamRoller1922.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC33rvZ0mqCkdtyw9U90nA2NWtDyFVMODGwRzGwUTZx9ZGM6fJkMMEwcS6e3a_qOsomlKRLxPs7otNC64G3PuiGB0OJXxJVrV7EaHfPCioAuUyLThR8ERtj8PBe7xf2Zn6GXfXubhHBORX/s1600/ProvidenceSteamRoller1922.gif" /></a></div>
As the Packers train rolled back west under a full moon, I could hear even in the dining car, a loud chorus of maniacal howls coming from the victors up in first class. There would be no sleep on this train tonight, no one would sleep until we reached Chicago again. I raised my glass to fellow scribe Stoney McGlynn of the <i>Journal-Sentinel</i>, and we cheered the dominant east-coast road trip, and our good fortune at having been along for this ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ya think they got what it takes, FG?" Stoney asked.<br />
<br />
"Of course," I responded. "If the Bears even score a point next week, I'll eat my hat."<br /><br />
Outside, a light snow began falling.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week twelve of the 1929 NFL season. The undefeated Green Bay Packers complete their east coast road trip today against the Providence Steam Rollers (4-5-2). There are probably 10,000 fans here at the Cycledrome.<br /><br />
Fun Fact: Rhode Island measures 1,214 square miles. That's like four Lake Winnebagos.<br /><br />
Providence may be having a rough season, but remember, the Steam Rollers are the defending NFL Champions (by technicality). In '28 the Packers and Steam Rollers played to a 7-7 tie. So difficult to repeat in this day and age.<br /><br />
First quarter action, Verne Lewellen takes a run around the right end all the way for the score. TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Magnificent crack block by Lavvie Dilweg sprung Lewellen for 37 yards. <br /><br />
Kick fails, Packers lead 6-0.<br /><br />
At halftime, Providence has zero points and -33 yards total offense.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGH8Iofk18yUMNu3WEOomGbT99Jw2mIVxU3RRPN9SFlTmvw-d_Inmmxga_Iqs7KCp83JOtnWpWYfc37L0kx95Zl9J60gY0WR5Gm8V980E1uKCeD9L4oRmu2Ak-P-hDdGXx28dr3KJO1jd/s1600/JohnnyBlood_colorized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGH8Iofk18yUMNu3WEOomGbT99Jw2mIVxU3RRPN9SFlTmvw-d_Inmmxga_Iqs7KCp83JOtnWpWYfc37L0kx95Zl9J60gY0WR5Gm8V980E1uKCeD9L4oRmu2Ak-P-hDdGXx28dr3KJO1jd/s1600/JohnnyBlood_colorized.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
Third quarter, TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! This time Lewellen throws the score, to a wide open Blood Mcnally. Kick fails, Packers lead 12-0. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Packers averaging 4.6 yards per carry and they've run the ball 50 times already. Cully Lidberg finishes off the first drive of the fourth quarter with a one-yard touchdown. Kick is good, Packers now lead 19-0. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wTXziytuYxFPWcegFgRCzWzEF3K47XjLS3HqnQAeg390VpraNCTjiNSMRcqHOR5wTwJ9u0CMZ1paUuCxmLEfYxEEJZwdBNJCznCGESCmHcmRhck7dig0to3tLD9Aiq1T8eC9OzyejVae/s1600/steamrolled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wTXziytuYxFPWcegFgRCzWzEF3K47XjLS3HqnQAeg390VpraNCTjiNSMRcqHOR5wTwJ9u0CMZ1paUuCxmLEfYxEEJZwdBNJCznCGESCmHcmRhck7dig0to3tLD9Aiq1T8eC9OzyejVae/s1600/steamrolled.jpg" /></a></div>
Steam Rollers are now just kneeling on first through third downs, then punting. White flag.<br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Brilliant special teams play by Red Dunn and Johnny Blood. Dunn fields the punt and laterals to Blood, who followed fine blocking for a 73-yard touchdown. <br /><br />
Kick fails, Packers lead 25-0. That's the ballgame, folks. Packers (11-0-1) will stop in Chicago next week for the season finale against the hated Bears.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
It was getting dark. I lay and thought where we would go. There were many places<br /><i>-Farwell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-11110024172901021172014-11-27T06:30:00.000-06:002014-11-27T06:30:01.930-06:00Teams eat, nap, game ends in tie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuckGUGnIo3AYXhhtIEgAPyM4lXAknuDFyQSHX35MobYja4DBgHBW_zWfXi6yrfyM6iYhir4xEXwfiyfPuxe0DRvcdRD_ElKIch8Q9CBYxRcq-H7IkuqqVoNfPJgRzjnvtJn-BHpsOSCVp/s1600/sleepy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuckGUGnIo3AYXhhtIEgAPyM4lXAknuDFyQSHX35MobYja4DBgHBW_zWfXi6yrfyM6iYhir4xEXwfiyfPuxe0DRvcdRD_ElKIch8Q9CBYxRcq-H7IkuqqVoNfPJgRzjnvtJn-BHpsOSCVp/s1600/sleepy.jpg" height="213" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
[November 28, 1929]<br /><br />
Coach Curley Lambeau seemed very satisfied after the game, I found him sitting in a rocking chair, sleeping with a smile on his face. <br /><br />
The Green Bay Packers and Frankford Yellowjackets played to a scoreless draw on Thanksgiving Day, here in Philadelphia. While neither team put points on the board, everybody enjoyed the on-field smorgasbord, including turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cold beer, hot toddys, and of course, several dozen pies. There were many other delicious side dishes. And a wonderful cheese platter.<br /><br />
Official scorekeepers credited the teams with 17 yards of total offense for the game, and 189 cumulative napping minutes. Warm quilts, comfortable seating and quiet, festive background music ensured coziness for both teams. <br /><br />
Fans in attendance shared in the bountiful feast. Slippers were handed out at the gate. A game of cards will be played after more naps. Shhhh. No, shhhh.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkIsZ7wFR82mmotf-gGdeh0fp1Folg7-ndOwbL_HrTvit2N3Aw_mYj9fam59D8dCM3BncsBNZYd5eLKC61lTm4zsChiHWGaRgdfrPX05KVJCYeNem7dI0aCcXDpS9IS3gzdz4nfMC-3Ok/s1600/16dd4c5ad534801b7f6496d3ff3d41e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkIsZ7wFR82mmotf-gGdeh0fp1Folg7-ndOwbL_HrTvit2N3Aw_mYj9fam59D8dCM3BncsBNZYd5eLKC61lTm4zsChiHWGaRgdfrPX05KVJCYeNem7dI0aCcXDpS9IS3gzdz4nfMC-3Ok/s1600/16dd4c5ad534801b7f6496d3ff3d41e9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week eleven of the 1929 NFL season, the Packers have traveled by steam-ship up the Delaware River for a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Frankford Yellowjackets. <br />
<br />
Coming off the short week and still down a few key players to injury, this could be a trap game for the Bays. The Yellowjackets look hungry.<br /><br />
First half highlights: Twelve turkeys consumed.<br /><br />
There is a chipmunk on the field! I repeat, chipmunk on the field!!! Ha! Someone find a camera.<br /><br />
Second half highlights: 18 pies consumed. Boob Darling eats 2.6 entire pies. Impressive.<br /><br />
I see someone stirring from a nap. [yawn] No don't yawn,,, you're making me... ahhhhh.<br /><br />
Packers driving the ball deep into enemy territory here near the end of the fourth. Lavvie Dilweg made a diving catch at the nine yard line, then laid down and covered himself in a blanket... and the refs blow the whistle for full time. <br /><br />
APPLESAUCE! Someone pass the applesauce, please.<br /><br />
Looks like this one will end in a scoreless tie. Packers still lead the NFL standings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.<br />
<br />
Packers (10-0-1) travel to Providence next weekend, then back to Chicago for the regular season finale.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
You do not know how long you are in a river when the current moves swiftly. It seems a long time and it may be a very short.<br /><i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-37760654653260874972014-11-24T06:30:00.000-06:002014-11-24T06:30:01.556-06:00Split your own firewood, warm yourself twice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xKQOFNQBuklYl5dt1h9hO73Xg_LGbTATEKkBI3RGgY-EtvwDbExsblT0HeFSosXNbgyyhjakbxfUGuwIwVbOPR3gNeqwaGoNckUNzMQSqkvV0PzHAAV6cbysSJdTqYpzmvDaz0TQzzSl/s1600/i2OViEn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xKQOFNQBuklYl5dt1h9hO73Xg_LGbTATEKkBI3RGgY-EtvwDbExsblT0HeFSosXNbgyyhjakbxfUGuwIwVbOPR3gNeqwaGoNckUNzMQSqkvV0PzHAAV6cbysSJdTqYpzmvDaz0TQzzSl/s400/i2OViEn.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />[November 24, 1929]<br /><br />
The saying goes, split your own firewood, warm yourself twice. Hard work is the best medicine. Through hard work we earn victories. <br /><br />
Across the northcountry, November is wood stacking season, with some hunting and football mixed in. The animals big and small stock up for the long winter ahead. As Cousin Walter says every year in November, "Keep chopping! The wood-stove is hungry! You can never have enough firewood!"<br /><br />
The New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers are clearly the most talented teams in the National Football League, no doubt about it. But what separates a Champion from second-best? For three quarters these two teams looked quite equal, but in the fourth quarter the Packers powered to the finish while the Giants crumbled in front of their home fans. <br /><br />
In the end Coach Lambeau's side chopped more wood. Nobody can argue otherwise. They've got the blistered hands and sore backs to prove it. But blistered and sore animals are the last to quit.<br />
<br />With two of his regular star players lost to injury, Lambeau stuck with his starting 11 through 59 minutes of play. Those 11 men played every snap against a powerful opponent, offense, defense, special teams. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
"Oh how we hated to see the substitute come in," said Jug Earp after the game. "We wanted to go all the way without help. We told Curly, 'We don't need him. Jim'll be all right. He just got a little bump.' But Curly sent Paul in, anyway."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyq61jMMU_1fcm1NAL_A2PywZnXj43vGAyT3eMCz1YOClWzXeoidUjC2jJ9aEHRamS8qKluddJMVeh91CXMis9MhaI1NgWHbOcGLbcuxhQG913PBbKxl2R9fiGTiG-ZCTWW_QKQByZnyv/s1600/Benny-Friedman-New-York-Giants-vs-Green-Bay-Packers-November-24-1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyq61jMMU_1fcm1NAL_A2PywZnXj43vGAyT3eMCz1YOClWzXeoidUjC2jJ9aEHRamS8qKluddJMVeh91CXMis9MhaI1NgWHbOcGLbcuxhQG913PBbKxl2R9fiGTiG-ZCTWW_QKQByZnyv/s400/Benny-Friedman-New-York-Giants-vs-Green-Bay-Packers-November-24-1929.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week ten of the 1929 NFL season. As the NFL Championship is determined by league record today's matchup of undefeated teams will likely determine the title. <br /><br />
Some notable inactives: Ace Packers passer Red Dunn (dislocated shoulder) and versatile weapon Eddie Kotal (collarbone) will both miss today's crucial game due to injuries suffered against the Bears in week eight. <br /><br />
25,000 fans have packed the Polo Grounds and there is a light rain falling.<br /><br />
Packers win the toss and defer, then force an immediate three-and-out. Good start. Blood McNally returns the punt all the way to the New York 40. Excellent starting field position.<br /><br />
Bo Molenda and Verne Lewellen go right to work on the ground, behind hideous carve-blocking by Cal Hubbard and Mike Michalske. My word.<br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Lewellen passes twenty yards to Hurdis McCrary for the score. Packers look like they've been shot out of a canon in the first quarter. 7-0 Packers.<br /><br />
Giants seem to be waking up now. Been a while since I've seen a team move the ball successfully against this Packers defense. Benny Friedman just connected on a long forward pass to Ray Flaherty. Giants have first and goal from the ten.<br /><br />
INTERCEPTION. Hurdis McCrary halts the attack. Friedman really stared down the route and McCrary cut underneath the receiver for the turnover. Packers will lead at the half, 7-0.<br /><br />
Packers do nothing with opening possession of second half, punt.<br /><br />
Cal Hubbard mauled Hap Moran for a loss of eight on first down... Moran was taken to locker room on the donkey cart. He might be dead. That was quite a tackle. Clean, but vicious.<br /><br />
Giants are not intimidated, however, Tiny Feather gains 20 on second, then Friedman connects with Flaherty at the Green Bay 25. <br /><br />
Another pass to Tiny, then Friedman hits Tony Plansky for a wide-open 15 yard score. APPLESAUCE! <br /><br />
First points surrendered by Packers defense since week seven in Minneapolis. Friedman shanks the extra point however, Packers still lead 7-6.<br /><br />
Both defenses doing good work now, teams trading punts. Lewellen just booted a gem, downed at Giants 10. Giants go nowhere and punt from own end-zone, Blood McNally returns it to the NY 37.<br /><br />
In a closely fought game, Blood's special teams play has given the Packers an edge in this game. Consistently winning field position battle. <br /><br />
Beginning of fourth quarter in a nail-biter. Packers driving after a fake punt turned into a 30 pass from Lewellen to McNally. <br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Bo Molenda rumbles in from two yards, then also kicks the extra point. Packer lead 14-6. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZKitgEPlKuAhiHHHY_SIAiFVJUiMYKWGhtZMVOMGMswsGIZKyIjq__9Jqt4yTotnUVPHII7QUNcmjfeny821i5iibpmfgUwwqo7zaQQ8c4JXFSxqGEZjPgcEOVocM8BgzWE6KQDx2jTc/s1600/bilde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZKitgEPlKuAhiHHHY_SIAiFVJUiMYKWGhtZMVOMGMswsGIZKyIjq__9Jqt4yTotnUVPHII7QUNcmjfeny821i5iibpmfgUwwqo7zaQQ8c4JXFSxqGEZjPgcEOVocM8BgzWE6KQDx2jTc/s400/bilde.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As per tradition, Molenda and teammates are doing the polka-dance on the sideline. Bo loves to polka dance. Everyone does.<br /><br />
Friedman now slinging the ball around, down big late in the game. On third down ball ricochets off a lineman's skull and big man Jug Earp intercepts the pass at the New York 39. <br /><br />
New York gave Green Bay a great test through three quarters, but the wheels are coming off the wagon for the Giants here in the fourth quarter. They simply haven't seen a line with this much beef all season. Packers wearing them down, despite making just one substitution all afternoon.<br /><br />
Lewellen passes long to Molenda but he is tackled at the New York three.<br /><br />
Next play, TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!!! Blood McNally runs through five tackles around the left end and into the end-zone for the score. Molenda shanks the kick but it matters not. Packers win the pivotal contest, 20-6, putting their stamp on the 1929 season.<br /><br />
There shall be a great Bacchanalia in Green Bay when news of the victory reaches the northcountry! Huzzah!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskbS9zlH08Z0kFrPERT7Bfg2xWX0bxncJvI7RxusDrN1APns7UcUHPQ0aGz9hC8T2uTFcTNy65igNJNx84pF8XzgBVFzG8F1HtqiLj_gMAApyrF74S9NvZCTMiMosfxnX3oWzCXPXJawC/s1600/Bacchanalia-by-Hendrik-Glintenkamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskbS9zlH08Z0kFrPERT7Bfg2xWX0bxncJvI7RxusDrN1APns7UcUHPQ0aGz9hC8T2uTFcTNy65igNJNx84pF8XzgBVFzG8F1HtqiLj_gMAApyrF74S9NvZCTMiMosfxnX3oWzCXPXJawC/s400/Bacchanalia-by-Hendrik-Glintenkamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
The major said he had heard a report that I could drink. I denied this. He said it was true and by the corpse of Bacchus we would test whether it was true or not. <br /><br />
Not Bacchus, I said. Not Bacchus. <br /><br />
Yes, Bacchus, he said. <br />
<br />
-Farewell to ArmsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-82773572482317145402014-11-17T06:30:00.000-06:002014-11-17T06:30:01.921-06:00Dark November water of the lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vxofQFZTs-r4P6FhNStczLLBi3HHnGG60bsKn0RXUb2jVidtHeIEdnUm8M8VC6HmKHoS47VTcw0gfy6MmBHBAJnIGQxhlPO2y4N923xqeFiJdx8EjzwVR6tMKVrbWDmKO7S0zHlbJbdS/s1600/n090039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vxofQFZTs-r4P6FhNStczLLBi3HHnGG60bsKn0RXUb2jVidtHeIEdnUm8M8VC6HmKHoS47VTcw0gfy6MmBHBAJnIGQxhlPO2y4N923xqeFiJdx8EjzwVR6tMKVrbWDmKO7S0zHlbJbdS/s400/n090039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />[November 17, 1929]<br /><br />
Lavvie Dilweg, Claude Perry and JB (James Bowdoin) said they were going for a walk over to see Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park, take in the bright lights of the big city. It was our last night in Chicago at the end of a two-week stay, tomorrow we would all be on a train to New York. The press corps and the team all traveled together. <br /><br />
"You coming with?" asked JB. "It's a beautiful night."<br /><br />
It was not a beautiful night at all, it was raining. It seemed it had always been raining, but the Packers were on a roll, everyone was on a roll. So we walked in the rain. The rain couldn't hit us.<br />Lavvie Dilweg is the tallest player on the Packers, towering above everyone at six feet and four inches. He is probably the fastest, also - not the quickest, but top end speed, Lavvie has it. <br /><br />
"You fit right in here in the big city, Lavvie," I said. "You're so damned polished. Bright and tall and fast."<br /><br />
After strolling through the park we stopped by our favorite speakeasy for a few night-caps. The noise in the street on a Saturday night was incessant. There were some pretty young ladies there and we danced. One of them was from Wisconsin, visiting her cousins in the city, she seemed so familiar to me. <br /><br />
"Where do I know you from?" I finally asked. <br /><br />
She shrugged. "My name is Mooney, does that ring a bell?"<br /><br />
It didn't but there was something striking about her. I said I would probably remember a name like that. I asked her if I could take her out for dinner sometime. <br /><br />
"Sure, mister, you're a pretty good dancer... if the Packers win tomorrow you got yourself a date."<br />She was a big Packers fan. Her and her cousins had tickets to the game at Comiskey Park.<br /><br />
"Did you hear that Lavvie? Help me out tomorrow! All of these pretty girls are gonna be in the stands!"<br /><br />
Lavvie just smiled. "Sure thing, FG. Sure thing."<br /><br />
It was very late by this point, Mooney and her cousins called it a night. We walked back to the hotel.<br />
<br />
And I could not sleep a wink. From my window I could see the rain and the dark November water of the lake. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week nine of the 1929 NFL season. The rain has stopped! Blue skies.<br /><br />
Last Sunday the Packers clobbered the Bears, this week they seek win number nine against the Cardinals (3-4-1). <br /><br />
Hurdis McCrary picks up right where he left off last week, whipping a 25-yard pass to Lavvie Dilweg down the left side-line. That pass was a bullet. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWyYiHnGB3NRA6MFWUU4Aoh0EXvqgQxRc2eDrCamC5fEFotVOlT9zTTGoPakTDF8kbZSDLXlS-xlvyHNGDp6QUXt0dFVgj1-BRoJMfQD77ucbY-2xvJkEcENrFchkvxFJ7NOKierZedBG/s1600/LavvieDilweg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWyYiHnGB3NRA6MFWUU4Aoh0EXvqgQxRc2eDrCamC5fEFotVOlT9zTTGoPakTDF8kbZSDLXlS-xlvyHNGDp6QUXt0dFVgj1-BRoJMfQD77ucbY-2xvJkEcENrFchkvxFJ7NOKierZedBG/s400/LavvieDilweg.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! McCrary threw a beautiful fade into the back corner of the end-zone, and Dilweg snatched it for six. <br /><br />
There's just no way to defend that play. Lavvie gonna win that jump ball every time. <br /><br />
Kick fails, Packers lead 6-0.<br /><br />
Boob Darling has three tackles for a loss in the first half. Cardinals have -45 yards rushing so far. Darling is on the sideline snacking on a pail of fresh smelt. <br /><br />
After three quarters, Packers hold a 6-0 lead. Cardinals now have -60 yards rushing, zero passes completed. The Packers defense will not be moved.<br /><br />
However, the Packers offense has been moving the ball effectively, but they haven't cashed in since the early going. Despite having success on the ground, they keep throwing.<br /><br />
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Bo Molenda heaves an eagle of a pass to Lavvie Dilweg. Kick fails, Packers lead 12-0 with just a few minutes to play.<br /><br />
Dilweg showing off his receiving skills this afternoon. Has seven catches for 117 yards and two scores. He confused the defender on that last play using the ol' triple jump route. <br /><br />
GAMEBREAK: Just came in over the wires, the New York Giants defeated the Bears 34-0, improving their record to (8-0-1). <br /><br />
The Packers will improve to (9-0-0) and play in New York next Sunday, in a game that will give one team a clear path to the 1929 NFL Championship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlr4243fQkMKdzzNa3VUQm_WEfr08InrJMLSRiQmYqFldAAKY6gqlXlTD5Nppw4n7LTnXbUVCrnmU-fviGas7KI5pFItKBwWRKWA-dkFHXM7k0_6E7WKn-wf-coF1Tu6zLjAfiX4X5kbo/s1600/dark-soul-clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlr4243fQkMKdzzNa3VUQm_WEfr08InrJMLSRiQmYqFldAAKY6gqlXlTD5Nppw4n7LTnXbUVCrnmU-fviGas7KI5pFItKBwWRKWA-dkFHXM7k0_6E7WKn-wf-coF1Tu6zLjAfiX4X5kbo/s400/dark-soul-clouds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
I held the taut line and felt the faint pulsing of the spinner revolving while I looked at the dark November water of the lake and the deserted shore.<br /><i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-45699279885249612232014-11-11T13:22:00.002-06:002014-11-11T13:30:35.717-06:00Hurdis McCrary is a very bad man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcoE24bG3Ng2txExfu1GmP7rD1joKaLBxPxdCaTm7A0Vt1c8R5K-PEWbnRok_AnYcq2GOZDbGJN3AN0H7k4Sf4pcc1_VJsPjIjLX3kS1VVfzoULCAuTvUC9pmwj_V8r5VSCl32hmC0c8/s1600/henry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgcoE24bG3Ng2txExfu1GmP7rD1joKaLBxPxdCaTm7A0Vt1c8R5K-PEWbnRok_AnYcq2GOZDbGJN3AN0H7k4Sf4pcc1_VJsPjIjLX3kS1VVfzoULCAuTvUC9pmwj_V8r5VSCl32hmC0c8/s400/henry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
[November 10, 1929]<br />
<br />
Johny Henry out-hammered a steam-engine. Hurdis McCrary bested motor-cars in sprint races. John Henry is an American folk hero, and Hurdis McCrary is a very bad man.<br />
<br />
When Coach Lambeau was rebuilding his roster during the off-season he sought this kind of tough-ness.<br />
<br />
"I remember Schmitty (Packers head talent scout Don Schmitt) sending me a frantic telegram on a hot July afternoon," recalled Lambeau after Sunday's grand victory over the hated Chicago Bears. "All it said was, 'Hurdis McCrary is a very bad man. We must sign him.'<br />
<br />
"So I went and saw him myself. He was in this traveling circus down in Georgia. He raced a shiny new motor-car in a 100-yard-dash and beat the machine soundly. Then he took a bite out of the rear-view mirror and growled menacingly... several people in the grand-stand shrieked and promptly fainted. So we signed him on the spot."<br />
<br />
McCrary, in his first year with the Packers, has started every game at both offensive and defensive back. He has been a difference-maker all season, but in week eight against the Chicago Bears, he played his best game yet, scoring both Packers touchdowns, one on offense and one on defense. <br />
<br />
After the game he took the team out for steaks and libations. <br />
<br />
"I am a sportsman, we are all sportsmen," said McCrary in a booming voice, mug of ale raised chest-high. "Thank you for your sporting efforts today... Here's to victory!"<br />
<br />
He took a large swig of his ale, then set his mug on the wooden table.<br />
<br />
"And here's to the Green Bay Packers!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The feasting-hall erupted into jubilant cheers. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br />
<br />
Welcome to week eight of the NFL season. The Packers face the Chicago Bears for the second time this season, having humiliated their hated rivals 23-0, in week two.<br />
<br />
There are 15,000 fans here today at Wrigley Field, probably a third of them are Packers faithful who have ridden the rails to cheer on their team. Even the Green Bay town band is here! Nobody seems to mind the chilling winds or driving rains peppering the field and stands alike.<br />
<br />
Eddie Kotal was pulverized by several Bears players after a nifty twelve-yard run. He has gone to the locker room.<br />
<br />
Red Grange isn't playing in this game (broken femur) but his younger brother Garland has made some nice plays so far.<br />
<br />
They just announced in the press-box, Kotal has a broken collarbone. He is done for the day.<br />
<br />
Uneventful first half, still tied at zero. But listen to that town band! Putting on quite the show!<br />
<br />
Packers received the second half kick and have pushed the ball deep into Chicago territory. <br />
<br />
Busted coverage, Red Dunn finds Hurdis McCrary wide open in the end zone for the game's first score. The kick is good and Packers lead, 7-0.<br />
<br />
McCrary put a nasty double move and his opponent fell to the turf, leaving the big man all alone behind the defense. Easy peasy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCbG1JYqjGu2FXjon8cqSL1PiKLdOXxLTqU4f41vYlGrRGbd0NTxFnpg0UJazGzE0Y3yHywxp9Kch9sB2QXAAHloOGH36FGHEKG6AdL5gNfBBQFeIIWj-D9XpstqcrxoFXwHISCKtHdj3/s1600/hurdis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCbG1JYqjGu2FXjon8cqSL1PiKLdOXxLTqU4f41vYlGrRGbd0NTxFnpg0UJazGzE0Y3yHywxp9Kch9sB2QXAAHloOGH36FGHEKG6AdL5gNfBBQFeIIWj-D9XpstqcrxoFXwHISCKtHdj3/s400/hurdis.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
McCrary is taking over the game! Minutes after catching a touch-down pass he intercepted a Joe Sternamen duck at mid-field and returns the ball 52 yards for a spectacular defensive score. 14-0 Packers!<br />
<br />
Sternamen is pouting on the bench and smoking a cigar in the rain. That pick-six is probably all the points this Packers defense needs for another win. <br />
<br />
Red Dunn had Lewellen open deep for the dagger, but was sacked before he could throw. He is down in a large mud-puddle. This doesn't look good. His arm shouldn't point that way.<br />
<br />
This Chicago turf is an absolute joke. Like always. No way Dunn takes that sack if he had decent footing.<br />
<br />
Yep, Dunn dislocated his shoulder, we've been informed. He is also done for the afternoon. And with the injury bug looming, Coach Lambeau has pulled a few more starters here in the fourth quarter.<br />
<br />
That's all she wrote for the Bears as the Packers easily beat their rivals, 14-0. In two games this year the Packers have out-scored the Bears, 37-0. These two teams play once more on the final week of the regular season.<br />
<br />
Early word from team trainers is that both Kotal and Dunn should be ready for the big game against New York in two weeks. Heal up, fellas!<br />
<br />
The Packers (9-0-0) will stay in Chicago for the week and play against the Cardinals next Sunday, then the team travels to New York for a show-down with the Giants (8-0-1), in what figures to be a game for the 1929 NFL Championship. Should be a doozy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO1UlylQ2dOTs1DT7M0wF3oRNyEx7gFOq-VCfY039pn5aw8qugw05KpKnYROX-ivj4HpFTNW9FMZxzgC8pZjq7c6yN0jpgiB_pQiKgV_g1z1zabuzMS6jJ6QNj0Yr-q4hoBjEU4pYHDro/s1600/487706095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoO1UlylQ2dOTs1DT7M0wF3oRNyEx7gFOq-VCfY039pn5aw8qugw05KpKnYROX-ivj4HpFTNW9FMZxzgC8pZjq7c6yN0jpgiB_pQiKgV_g1z1zabuzMS6jJ6QNj0Yr-q4hoBjEU4pYHDro/s400/487706095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br />
<br />
"Why did you enter Switzerland this way in a boat?"<br />
"I am a sportsman," I said. "Rowing is my great sport. I always row when I get a chance."<br />
<i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-62922437063926138002014-11-04T19:44:00.002-06:002014-11-04T19:44:25.464-06:00World economy implodes, as does Redjacket's defense<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLDqIJeaBI3ZoM7ySMYDJzyGr1qWx3fgWhysZ5GwRYgiiJnWRFNFfixWUepFeQw36ETMaXXF8AgumAMh9xxV44djeCNk85YDOqYpBD9RI6FLBmx06FGRbdl6rhVZygjHzMIWGd-f68EJD/s1600/CAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLDqIJeaBI3ZoM7ySMYDJzyGr1qWx3fgWhysZ5GwRYgiiJnWRFNFfixWUepFeQw36ETMaXXF8AgumAMh9xxV44djeCNk85YDOqYpBD9RI6FLBmx06FGRbdl6rhVZygjHzMIWGd-f68EJD/s1600/CAR.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
[November 3, 1929]<br />
<br />
The world economy may have completely imploded earlier this week, but several hundred people still rallied to Nicollet Park in Minneapolis to watch the first-place Green Bay Packers decimate the hopeless Redjackets like an inflated market built entirely upon excessive borrowing and rampant speculation.<br /><br />
Minneapolis fans believed the Redjackets could succeed on the field, despite stagnant offensive production over their previous four quarters and a defense that was piling up high-interest debt at alarming rates. <br /><br />
Despite the thrashing, Redjackets ownership intends to pump extra capital into the team this week to demonstrate their confidence in the team's future contests.<br /><br />
Investors seem wary, and they should be. This team is highly unstable and will be lucky to stay in the NFL going forward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1XQqf1TucWg9F0Tfldi9Nh0IkhTALZkz51upvBU1JlPQ2eGRXq7U8rLnncJ7UM6eXFQ1klRErzFPoeqM9q05tEHqNutEpWF74pPgm9NADolG9AU9Ewln2MWSAydUMUbJ3gjFyIwT-c4h/s1600/great-depression-food-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1XQqf1TucWg9F0Tfldi9Nh0IkhTALZkz51upvBU1JlPQ2eGRXq7U8rLnncJ7UM6eXFQ1klRErzFPoeqM9q05tEHqNutEpWF74pPgm9NADolG9AU9Ewln2MWSAydUMUbJ3gjFyIwT-c4h/s1600/great-depression-food-line.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week eight of the roaring 1929 NFL season. The Packers traveled by powerful unstoppable steam locomotive across this great land, arriving right on schedule, unimpeded, here in Minneapolis, perfect record intact, no end in sight to the prolific scoring and strong foundational defense that certainly portend unrivaled success and an unlimited capacity for heroic exceptional-ism. We are truly living in a golden age. The future is bright. <br /><br />
Huzzah! I say, Huzzah! The Packers keep thriving against all signs of a sure and pending regression to the mean. Johnny Blood whips a a few smooth passes to Red Dunn and the Packers reap the bounty. 6-0 Packers. <br /><br />
Extra point kick fails, as will the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, if we are all very fortunate.<br /><br />
Verne Lewellen has been kicking the ball with exceptional force today, soaring several punts well beyond 60 yards. If I were a savvy investor I would be he kicks the next one 90 yards!<br /><br />
Third period now, Herb Joesting punches in a score from one yard out, Redjackets tie this one up, 6-6.<br /><br />
Guy next to me in the press box says he has a hot tip on some tasty hot dog investments. Asked to borrow a nickel. Says he'll be back shortly with two hot-dogs and fifty nickels. Looks like my lucky day.<br /><br />
Red Dunn breaks the tie at the start of the fourth with a haughty 25-yard field goal. Green Bay leads 9-6. What a dandy!<br /><br />
The rich keep getting richer, Lavvie Dilweg passes deep to Lewellen for a touch-down, and the Packers now lead 16-6. Another win on the field and against the spread. Butter that bacon and double down with your neighborhood sports-book next week! Ha-cha-cha.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins8sjL1dmrA3lI21VHTh34-soyvoNyxFh3UDzjKBbuYm1mghiqgcSvkoz9cUf-7YUfyLHalHyj7lvucwkOJMqdk72BLSAjVFvhgHdAVOgS-Qxvoz9QzivPVD0M1r_UAkJok9-4hs14HPF/s1600/proleaguestandings.week8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins8sjL1dmrA3lI21VHTh34-soyvoNyxFh3UDzjKBbuYm1mghiqgcSvkoz9cUf-7YUfyLHalHyj7lvucwkOJMqdk72BLSAjVFvhgHdAVOgS-Qxvoz9QzivPVD0M1r_UAkJok9-4hs14HPF/s1600/proleaguestandings.week8.JPG" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
"It's all nonsense. It's only nonsense. I'm not afraid of the rain. I'm not afraid of the rain. Oh, oh, God, I wish I wasn't." She was crying. I comforted her and she stopped crying. But outside it kept on raining.<br /><br />
<i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-23362048912088172452014-10-28T15:49:00.001-06:002014-10-28T15:49:28.554-06:00Blown up while eating cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa_35XVVijwmGjUl5IXIh2CHEzrv2xucf6vLL9yJ_3V-EGOzMkEiCvVzZtyDcZCgMeIOn7XjxyQHc0ek9_0Yz6dVvZn3gyh8kyD1dqgR0e2gkbo-e3w4LnUN6F97w58bJpniUwgaAACGv/s1600/battle-feed-Tommy-502452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa_35XVVijwmGjUl5IXIh2CHEzrv2xucf6vLL9yJ_3V-EGOzMkEiCvVzZtyDcZCgMeIOn7XjxyQHc0ek9_0Yz6dVvZn3gyh8kyD1dqgR0e2gkbo-e3w4LnUN6F97w58bJpniUwgaAACGv/s1600/battle-feed-Tommy-502452.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
[October 27, 1929]<br /><br />
The Packers played like winter had halted the offensive for the season. <br /><br />
There they were in Chicago, against a team they handled easily just a few weeks ago, sitting on the sidelines eating cheese before the game. Yum yum yum. They thought the game was already won just by showing up.<br /><br />
Things are tougher on the road, and the Packers only won their first away game of the 1929 season because of a botched extra point. For the first time all season, an opponent physically dominated this Packers team. Couple that awful second half with about seven or eight missed scoring opportunities in the first half and it is a small wonder the Packers record remains perfect at 6-0-0. Coach Lambeau's side didn't show up to play ball, here in Chicago, and in nearly cost them the lead in the title race. <br /><br />
But a win's a win. <br /><br />
"We got lucky today. We didn't deserve the win and we've got seven more road games between us and that NFL Title," Lambeau barked at his team in the locker room Sunday after-noon. "Now clean your-selves up,,, and get back to work."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRCJ1bExy_Mc_46Ms0PFSULybUwPkC0Rfl2nGaKcP7hG7tl1YuoK031F0HAxFNjZCjEbCd8i9SPtWUms_s8dj5nzDt_4f2gNmuJIzosSrK1Qh68k59fUF6YAmDIaCh2poWPhxpwwz98_i/s1600/wwixsb05iid_medium_edited1.original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRCJ1bExy_Mc_46Ms0PFSULybUwPkC0Rfl2nGaKcP7hG7tl1YuoK031F0HAxFNjZCjEbCd8i9SPtWUms_s8dj5nzDt_4f2gNmuJIzosSrK1Qh68k59fUF6YAmDIaCh2poWPhxpwwz98_i/s1600/wwixsb05iid_medium_edited1.original.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press-box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week six of the NFL season. The Packers have ridden the rails down to Chicago to face the Cardinals at White Sox base-ball park.<br /><br />
The Packers defeated the Cardinals two weeks ago in Green Bay, by a 9-2 score.<br /><br />
Early in the first, Lewellen hits Dilweg around mid-field and he takes the ball all the way to the four-yard line. <br /><br />
From the one, Verne Lewellen fumbles the tomato, and Ernie Nevers recovers. What a waste.<br /><br />
Now late in the first, still score-less, Hurdis McCrary breaks a nice run off right tackle down to the nine. But McDonald intercepts the pass on the following play and Cardinals thwart the attack once again. <br /><br />
Second quarter, Lewellen fires a rocket to Dunn at the Cardinals five, but the defense holds and the Packers come away from the red zone with zero points once again. Lots of wasted opportunities so far in the first half. <br /><br />
The Cardinals instantly fumble and Cal Hubbard recovers at the 8. Wow! A fourth try at goal from inside the ten yard line.<br /><br />
Four straight runs up the middle and no score! Apple-sauce!<br /><br />
Curley Lambeau hates field goals and loves touchdowns, but his stubborn-ness might get the best of him today. Cardinals defense bending but won't break.<br /><br />
The scoring drought ends right before half. Eddie Kotal intercepts a pass, then on fourth down Verne Lewellen fakes a punt and runs untouched into the end-zone. Red Dunn adds the extra point and it is 7-0 Packers at half.<br /><br />
I fell asleep for the half-time show and the duration of the third quarter, my colleagues in the press box tell me I missed 14 punts. <br /><br />
Cardinals are down 7 and have been dominating the fourth quarter. The ball has been in Packers territory since I awoke from my nap. <br /><br />
There it is. With four minutes to play Nevers hits Clarence Rooney for a twenty yard touchdown pass. Someone - McCrary I think - missed a tackle at the 8 and the Packers defense finally surrenders points in the 1929 season. <br /><br />
Sweet Baby Jesus. After throwing a magnificent touchdown, Nevers trots up and promptly <i>misses </i>the extra point. Packers cling to a 7-6 lead.<br /><br />
You could hear a duck quack in this stadium right now. Quack quack quack. <br />
<br />
<br />
There's the final whistle. Packers should have been tied, but they hold
on for the narrow 1-point victory, improving their record to 6-0-0. What
a show. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBgFd4c-B4pEfDczVe5HDmp31iAGtCgvzUoHbX9-wmml0eBbnzNh_48_KXK1e8iozBXolSNA8j2kaR7qTNceZbKg1CPMhsQ1HhmHcKiSNwBDrFg2rS4keKovbdyWC4ncEAbRHWTmadlNH/s1600/eat-more-cottage-cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBgFd4c-B4pEfDczVe5HDmp31iAGtCgvzUoHbX9-wmml0eBbnzNh_48_KXK1e8iozBXolSNA8j2kaR7qTNceZbKg1CPMhsQ1HhmHcKiSNwBDrFg2rS4keKovbdyWC4ncEAbRHWTmadlNH/s1600/eat-more-cottage-cheese.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers book club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
"Tell me exactly what happened. Did you do any heroic acts?"<br /><br />
"No," I said. "I was blown up while we were eating cheese."<br /><i>-Farewell to Arms</i><br /><br />
-30-Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-78956727043949800802014-10-21T19:13:00.000-06:002014-10-21T19:13:24.237-06:00Packers give Redjackets the jaundice<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0y8T8kPAXEY2Fuv14dTDDSFcE71TdcRmQPeRWHGxvm1A5sV0etWLm4sJkSAuJI2N55nYbbDWdtBcqMxlQDPR2un1bGeHpVJVNsmzzZZwioRwy2sTB6Ltdl_TxTXc4Z5NqXPZCVy-Bcuj/s1600/michalske2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0y8T8kPAXEY2Fuv14dTDDSFcE71TdcRmQPeRWHGxvm1A5sV0etWLm4sJkSAuJI2N55nYbbDWdtBcqMxlQDPR2un1bGeHpVJVNsmzzZZwioRwy2sTB6Ltdl_TxTXc4Z5NqXPZCVy-Bcuj/s1600/michalske2.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
[October 20, 1929]<br /><br />
The eyes are the first tissue to change color, from white to yellow, bilirubin levels rising in the system. On Sunday here at City Stadium, the Packers sickened the visiting Redjackets with punishing footballmanship, turning their jerseys green with grass-stains and their eyes gold in defeat.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTizpmGjcjoIRBvan3nzhGDI23JPn1FSznjmU5p1qGGyhFi3uPewVcMm4vvKc3qMezpBGHn8jt4fIypdGHHL6QLILML0_QYNpWnr6a27BQW8xioJcPfGm5lmnmSDVEod9mkgJmtCoQeck/s1600/Hepatitis-A-Jaundice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTizpmGjcjoIRBvan3nzhGDI23JPn1FSznjmU5p1qGGyhFi3uPewVcMm4vvKc3qMezpBGHn8jt4fIypdGHHL6QLILML0_QYNpWnr6a27BQW8xioJcPfGm5lmnmSDVEod9mkgJmtCoQeck/s1600/Hepatitis-A-Jaundice.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The primary agent of destruction was Mike Michalske this week, and on most weeks. Play strong through the middle, says Coach Lambeau, and Mike makes it so. Today he stuffed the run, intimidated the passers, and savaged the visiting team with a terrible case of the jaundice.<br /><br />
This Packers defense has wreaked havoc on the opponent so far this season, surrendering zero points through five complete games. Rarely has the opponent advanced beyond the fifty yard line. First downs are unfathomable. <br /><br />
Achieving the City Stadium end-zone is as impossible as reaching the tips of a pine tree root system with a silver spoon and a pack of fire-crackers.<br /><br />
Mike Michalske destroys offensive lines and offensive play-books. Lord help you if you run at him. <i>Lord help you</i>. He will have none of it. You will regret it. And if you run away, ho ho ho, run it <i>side-a-ways</i>?,,, it only makes him madder, and he seems angrier in the pursuit. But it is a calm and solid anger.<br />
<br />
Terrifying to behold. <br /><br />
"My obsession is destruction," said Michalske after the game, his defense holding the Redjackets to -83 yards of offense. "You are there <i>now </i>but you will not be there in a moment. Most folks say, the defense should prevent forward motion."<br /><br />
"Ho, ho ho," he laughed suddenly, then took a large swig of ice-cold beer.<br />
<br />
"No sir... No sir. In this defense, we inflict retrograde locomotion... Go on... GO ON AND GET. And out with you! Back now, BACK!<br />
<br />
Back from whence ye came!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC9TejOsiiIWWd1cCWKhF4kLmyDRH_2jjazLH8RAc5TXqLmVGGqbYjeQOgrzcbeL0ouTU6eJBWMaajW2W-H7NTGTAseCMhm9x4CNmEDI_iLy9uz_oW6QNNSwsqN-glLKwJrVmO93VZPQu/s1600/redjackets1.clip3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC9TejOsiiIWWd1cCWKhF4kLmyDRH_2jjazLH8RAc5TXqLmVGGqbYjeQOgrzcbeL0ouTU6eJBWMaajW2W-H7NTGTAseCMhm9x4CNmEDI_iLy9uz_oW6QNNSwsqN-glLKwJrVmO93VZPQu/s1600/redjackets1.clip3.JPG" height="183" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Game notes from the press-box:</span><br /><br />
Welcome to week five of the 1929 NFL season. Packers conclude their home-stand against the Redjackets of Minnesota. Holy Wa.<br /><br />
Redjackets back Molly Nydahl fumbles on his own 20 and James Bowdoin recovers. <br /><br />
Touchdown Packers! Verne Lewellen knifed over tackle for a 4-yard score. 6-0 Packers.<br /><br />
Packers stopped on next possession but Lewellen hammers a 70-yard punt down to the Redjackets 1-yard line. Splendid!<br /><br />
Touchdown Packers! They are really running it now as Bo Molenda spins in from the 8. 12-0 Packers.<br /><br />
As per tradition, every single person in the stadium is polka-dancing with vigor. Molenda Molenda MOLDENDA! One-two-three, one-two-three! Molenda! Ja ja ja.<br /><br />
At half, Packers lead 12-0.<br /><br />
Touchdown Packers! Johnny Blood crushes a defender and scores on a punishing run. 18-0 Packers.<br /><br />
Red Dunn has something wrong with his foot, I tells ya! He just missed his third extra point. Maybe he picked up Blood Mcnally's flask.<br /><br />
Touchdown Packers! The Redjackets tried filling the air with leather and Nydahl got pick-sixed by Lewellen. 24-0 Packers. The route is on.<br />
<br />
<br />
Lavvie Dilweg put a nasty block on Nydahl at the end of that touchdown return. Ouch. He isn't moving. Here comes the mule-cart.<br /><br />
<i>And now Blood misses an extra point</i>. The victory celebration started early I think.<br />
<br />
Packers finish their 1929 home-season with 45,000 tickets sold, a new record, and 10,000 more than last year's home-season attendance mark. They'll take their 5-0 perfect record on the road starting next week.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week:</span><br /><br />
"I've had the jaundice," I said. "and I cant get drunk."<br /><br />
"Oh, baby, how you've come back to me. You come back serious and with a liver. I tell you, this war is a bad thing. Why did we make it anyway."<br /><i> </i><br />
<i>-Farewell to Arms</i><br /><br />
-30-Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-570723640478798052014-10-16T21:05:00.000-06:002014-10-16T21:05:17.797-06:00The Roughed Grouse is a beautiful and dumb bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXddF5W_xc0aTOCcfJQs1cn94nDCaJ-bOlJeymezy-8f3Vgg6P4u7fa-zEaCulbCxUwQbTbzejs3-PkfnEv1kimIeg5tII5IBBgM1ExZvVo3g-DLiuZU6dfkmddufXvJP45wEbu2JcNUAk/s1600/Brief+Pose+Ruffed+Grouse+Print+by+Jim+Kasper.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXddF5W_xc0aTOCcfJQs1cn94nDCaJ-bOlJeymezy-8f3Vgg6P4u7fa-zEaCulbCxUwQbTbzejs3-PkfnEv1kimIeg5tII5IBBgM1ExZvVo3g-DLiuZU6dfkmddufXvJP45wEbu2JcNUAk/s1600/Brief+Pose+Ruffed+Grouse+Print+by+Jim+Kasper.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
[October 13, 1929]<br />
<br />The Roughed Grouse is a beautiful and dumb bird. I was walking down the trail the other day and I saw one eating gravel in the sun-light. Peck peck. Then it saw me and stood still. Ha ha!, but I already saw you there, woods chicken! I took five more steps and blew its head off with my shot-gun.<br /><br />
<i>Good-night, sweet prince.</i> <br /><br />
There is still plenty of season left in the National Football League, but at City Stadium Sunday it was chilly, and it was clear who was the hunter and who was the hunted. The Yellow-Jackets scampered back home to Frankford to chew on some pebbles while the Packers feasted on a fourth win and sole possession of first place. <br /><br />
Eddie Kotal looked ever so keen on the green sod today, and I asked him how he likes his Roughed Grouse prepared at the dinner-table. <br /><br />
"Well every-one knows it is fine, very fine, if you should brine a forest-bird in salted baths for 12-24 hours before roasting," said Kotal. "You can roast it with potatoes and a medley of vegetables. And I surely enjoy this. This is what we all would like. But sometimes you are afield and have a mighty hunger, and then, there is nothing better than searing the bird in a cast-iron skillet with a few pounds of butter."<br /><br />
He licked his lips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOXLXTcl9MDgjY4bCYL8WXOyq7wkmP7oaea_lgRWjSh-jfeCp8e0Q8yGZQ0U2qyrh6KJI_83WGw5hYkzHKi6n-Kbcvvh_p9NhJdcbXsvUDwvc1XKKHbUFlvy38JVFt1DvL53_eUrQ7Amb/s1600/yellowjackets1.clip6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOXLXTcl9MDgjY4bCYL8WXOyq7wkmP7oaea_lgRWjSh-jfeCp8e0Q8yGZQ0U2qyrh6KJI_83WGw5hYkzHKi6n-Kbcvvh_p9NhJdcbXsvUDwvc1XKKHbUFlvy38JVFt1DvL53_eUrQ7Amb/s1600/yellowjackets1.clip6.JPG" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Game notes from the press box:</span> <br />
<br />
Welcome to week four of the 1929 NFL season. Here at City Stadium, there are grey skies and the leaves have dropped into the wind. <br /><br />
The Packers and Yellow-Jackets are tied for first place with three wins apiece. <br /><br />
Green Bay wins the toss and defers. Yellow-Jackets run the ball for -3, -9 and -3 yards, punt. Defense looks hungry.<br /><br />
First play from scrimmage, Verne Lewellen heaves a monstrous forward pass to Eddie Kotal on a wheel route and the speedy back gallops to the root-cellar for a 46-yard touch-down. <br /><br />
Packers lead 7-0.<br /><br />
Frankford does not look impressive so far, but kick-returner Two Bits Homan has looked electric so far on special teams. Kid has serious juice. 144 pounds of squirms and twists.<br /><br />
Second quarter very calm, until Jug Earp whips a punt-snap into the fifteenth row of City Stadium for a safety. Easy feller. Packers still lead 7-2.<br /><br />
There is a chipmunk on the field. I repeat. There is a chipmunk on the field. <br /><br />
Other than the chipmunk, nothing happened in the third quarter. Packers defense has held Frankford to -48 yards offense so far. <br /><br />
Packers rolling on offense to start this drive. Cal Hubbard blocked seven men on that last running play. First and goal.<br /><br />
Touch-down Packers! Cal Hubbard hug-blocked two men like a champion and Lewellen plows into the scoring zone with a nice trot. <br /><br />
Frankford rolls over and wags its tail. Packers dominate start to finish and roll to an easy 14-2 victory here at City Stadium. The crowd is doing the wave and banging on the drum.<br /><br />
After beating the Yellow-Jackets and improving their record to 4-0-0, the Green Bay Packers are alone in first place in the National Football League.<br /><br />
That damned chipmunk is back!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Packers Book Club quote of the week: </span><br />
<br />
"Now in the fall the trees were all bare and the roads were muddy."<br /><i>-Farewell to Arms</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-80739509956001579372014-10-09T16:01:00.000-06:002014-10-09T16:02:51.851-06:00Lewellen redeems himself<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaha5gOzz1NcMJWTgq5NQW0FLr0EwTMriM3ZBkwiHc33EZlp4GJ0QJSbwyHar7Mf29v0zyMciiz6Fdnk3b5_wA31yd0jJ6SG6aBw13vz5BEdJeA_a7yNK33SxUUJYdVXkeQHKtrvAnalof/s1600/upward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaha5gOzz1NcMJWTgq5NQW0FLr0EwTMriM3ZBkwiHc33EZlp4GJ0QJSbwyHar7Mf29v0zyMciiz6Fdnk3b5_wA31yd0jJ6SG6aBw13vz5BEdJeA_a7yNK33SxUUJYdVXkeQHKtrvAnalof/s1600/upward.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Upwards, Kandisnky</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">[October 6, 1929] <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Verne Lewellen does not look like a foot-ball player. He does not fit the perception. Verne Lewellen looks more like a District Attorney... and he is, thrice elected by the good people of Brown County, Wisconsin. But Verne Lewellen is a professional foot-ball player, too, and a damned fine one. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He is lightening-quick on the field, deceptively so. Sharp-minded. A complex player. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKccxGVXqqLwXXc7_i2tUs_McmjQSZPDcBbXbn4C5_-f7cROXFq2MaQCHHS14sn94Jm4odYMAZMaIY-58N-EzRVhq8ZaYXKiFzXHYya7NT7DmvNnpdXYcjCKJM41y1MhMBlJ0lHaVC2zNL/s1600/lewellen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKccxGVXqqLwXXc7_i2tUs_McmjQSZPDcBbXbn4C5_-f7cROXFq2MaQCHHS14sn94Jm4odYMAZMaIY-58N-EzRVhq8ZaYXKiFzXHYya7NT7DmvNnpdXYcjCKJM41y1MhMBlJ0lHaVC2zNL/s1600/lewellen3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I caught up with him at the local speak-easy following the Packers hard-fought victory over the Chicago Cardinals in week three of the 1929 season. Lewellen coughed up two uncharacteristic fumbles in the first half, then turned it all around and delivered an inspired second-half performance, scoring the game's only touch-down in the fourth quarter.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I'm not going to tell you what Coach Lambeau said to me at half-time. That is <i>confidential</i>... I'm not going to tell you," insisted Lewellen. "But he understands how I think. It's what makes him a great leader of men. So he knew what to say."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He asked me if I was familiar with the expressionist painter Wassily Kandinsky, and I admitted I was not. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Kandinsky is really something. He once wrote, 'I do not choose form consciously, it chooses itself within me.' And that is always how I've tried to live. Yes, it is how I play the game. Now I wasn't happy with those fumbles, and that was the reality of the game situation at half. But Coach wouldn't let me dwell on that. He understands me, that foot-ball is my art-form."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We ordered another round of Canadian whiskey. I asked him about his touch-down run.</span></span><br />
<br />
"Kandinsky just completed a new painting," said Lewellen, holding it out in front of him from memory, his glass raised. "<i>Upwards</i>. It's really something, you should look it up... I imagine what I feel when the offense is moving the ball, is what he felt, when he painted <i>that</i>."<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Game notes from the press-box:</b></span><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to week three of the 1929 NFL season. Last week the Packers embarrassed the Chicago Bears. This week the Chicago Cardinals visit Green Bay.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Cardinals roster has been almost completely overhauled by new management. I recognize just three players from last season. One guy has a hook for a hand.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Green Bay receives the opening kick and we are underway. Packers start their first drive with 18 straight runs. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh Apple-sauce!<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With a first and goal from the 4, back Verne Lewellen fumbles away possession. Apple-sauce.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A poor start from Coach Lambeau's squad today. After the Cardinals pinned the Packers deep on a fine punt-kick, William Rooney made a strong tackle for a safety. 2-0 Cardinals.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those are the first points given up by the Packers all season. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And you've gotta be kidding me! Packers were threatening points before the half and Verne Lewellen coughs up the ball again. Horse-feathers! <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the half, Cardinals 2, Packers 0. Packers need to eat more smelt and drink a cold beer.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Packers defense forces a quick three-and-out to start second half, then Red Dunn boots a 30-yard field goal for the lead. 3-2 Packers.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lewellen was on the bench for that field goal drive, but he is trotting back out there now as the Packers start their drive at the 20.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Behind excellent gouge-blocking by Jug Earp and Boob Darling, Lewellen gains 12, 10, and 24 yards on consecutive carries between the hash-marks. He is running like a man possessed.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Redeeming his horrific first-half turn-overs, Verne Lewellen leaps the pile and scores from four yards out. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Red Dunn botches the extra point. 9-2 Packers. Three minutes to play.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Verne Lewellen bats down that deep pass attempt and the Packers wrap up their third victory of the season here at City Stadium. Huzzah.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Packers book club quote of the week:</b></span><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"The barn was gone now and one year they had cut the hemlock woods and there were only stumps, dried tree-tops, branches and the fire-weed where the woods had been. You could not go back. If you did not go forward what happened?"<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-A Farewell to Arms</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-32515428347230087282014-09-29T20:17:00.002-06:002014-09-29T20:17:38.438-06:00Bears fall in Green Bay like so many leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUiHR7_SgfTlQXEnG9cDOGfVqgBpGLDa7FZj6tQyQL5MjGckoCArsxt_bMST_Im7xcNxIEWpO7HEz5TUtHGo1K6vnx1meKzGEClOL92FXwxJQ-kKMElpFESxQeBPOglBOKKr9JcA_YsCj/s1600/bears1.clip1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUiHR7_SgfTlQXEnG9cDOGfVqgBpGLDa7FZj6tQyQL5MjGckoCArsxt_bMST_Im7xcNxIEWpO7HEz5TUtHGo1K6vnx1meKzGEClOL92FXwxJQ-kKMElpFESxQeBPOglBOKKr9JcA_YsCj/s1600/bears1.clip1.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_909497126"></span><br />
<span id="goog_909497127"></span>Every-where you walked this weekend, the ground was covered in yellowed leaves. Autumn arrived over-night here in the north-country, the air cool and wet now. Autumn brings clarity as the leaves fall away, and now you can see much farther in the forest. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside the stadium Packers fans replaced the leaves in the tall trees. With the hated Bears in town there were not enough seats in the stands, scalpers were fetching upwards of $12 per ticket, and so fans took to the trees. They were a strange and beautiful foliage, looking in over the tops of the stadium walls.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Green Bay Packers local pro eleven administered a decisive gridiron lesson today, here before a record City Stadium crowd of 13,360, humiliating the rival Chicago Bears 23-0. Through two weeks of the regular season, the Packers defense has not given up a single point.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Game notes from the press-box:</b><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bears receive the opening kick and are marching down the field on powerful runs by Red Grange and Paddy Driscoll. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bo Molenda thwarts the attack with a fantastic interception at the goal line. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Packers open this drive in Mastodon formation (9 linemen, two backs).<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">First down Packers. Kotal gets up-field in a hurry for an electrifying 17-yard run. Broke two tackles and gave one defender a mild seizure with his dizzying spin-move.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Hurdis McCrary dissects the Bears defense from the inside-out on a crafty 14-yard scamper. 7-0 Packers. Bears have no answer for power run game.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">End Lavvie Dilweg creased the Bears defensive line on that touchdown. One poor fool is still laying on the 22 yard line, quivering miserably. He has requested a woolen blanket.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another three-and-out for the Bears, the Packers have excellent field position and the Bears defense is already gassed. This could get out of hand quickly.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Gigantour Tom Nash pulls in a Blood McNally pass for an easy 15-yard score. 14-0 Packers. Defenders did not account for the forward pass on that play. At all. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pinned deep, Bears surrender a SAFETY. 16-0 Packers. Claude Perry menaced the quarter-back so badly he fled the stadium, took the ball with him. Search and rescue teams have been notified.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">TOUCHDOWN PACKERS! Bo Molenda trucks two defenders over the goal line, completing a gallant 10-yard scoring run. 23-0 Packers.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Molenda should earn a game-ball this afternoon. An interception in the first and a fine scoring run in the third so far. Also, nice moustache.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After a promising opening drive, Red Grange has been held in check by this Packers defensive front. Nowhere to run, offensive line getting pushed backwards consistently.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There's the final whistle, Packers improve to 2-0, embarrassing the rival Bears 23-0. The Packers end-zone has not yet been achieved. Huzzah.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>Packers Book Club quote of the week</b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"In September the first cool nights came, then the days were cool and the leaves on the trees in the park began to turn color and we knew the summer was gone." - </i>Farewell to Arms</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-30-</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-33162511713760422472014-09-20T19:23:00.000-06:002014-09-20T19:23:29.714-06:00Packers shut-out Triangles in week one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK64pESc6GEShS7KBHp36yOFbe5iIXk6Qd5KZhOWQlBiQPhjtKP3wafpC_gGPaXESG-KesEGgI8vhbBvUruVwFIWiGgxO3gEQcW4gc1iHTrK9QONxcy9rSOXwI25j5DwBYgRuYRDSofy0/s1600/Blueberries.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></div>
<br />
[September 22, 1929]<br />
<br />
The night before the game, the first of the season, Cousin Walter and I stood in the kitchen with the windows wide open, the cool autumn breeze creeping in with the darkness against the warmth of the cook-stove. A pot of water rolled and boiled and steamed. I added more sugar and stirred the mix. <br />Cousin Walter had a large wooden post clutched between his hands. He was mashing a large bucket of blue-berries by lantern-light, the look on his face a mix of anticipation and furious destruction. And love, I think. <br /><br />
Kick-off was less than twelve hours away. <br /><br />
Early summer was cool and wet, and so the berries arrived late, after Independence Day again this summer. Once the bushes were ripe and full we picked every afternoon, buckets and buckets from the hot bed-rock where the fire had melted the forest, the entire forest whole, six summers ago now, just a bit north from here. Up the trail. We filled the ice-box with berries, and now with fall in the air it was time to start fermentation. There was a group of grey-jays outside the windows looking in. A very curious bird.<br /><br />
What would become of this batch? <br /><br />
Saturday night gave way to Sunday afternoon and we tuned in the game on Cousin Walter's fancy radio-box. <br /><br />
The Green Bay Packers started the season perfect in the standings and on defense after beating Dayton 9-0 on Sunday. The Triangles never advanced beyond mid-field at City Stadium, their offensive attack looking like a drunken dew-dropper fighting his own shadow. Green Bay held the Dayton offense to -48 yards, and just two first downs. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvupXyorE5zh6J0cv_X8avD91bXSTPS05ftMc7kWLHRR84nkxKpMfTvX5bd_K39l96d5uSPJK6-eaP3XiWqbiXh9-qNEcL5Rda0Z2iPJ11X3wNFi-gTo1hy-22lW98Qe-dzyma_mJbiJa/s1600/triangles+clip+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvupXyorE5zh6J0cv_X8avD91bXSTPS05ftMc7kWLHRR84nkxKpMfTvX5bd_K39l96d5uSPJK6-eaP3XiWqbiXh9-qNEcL5Rda0Z2iPJ11X3wNFi-gTo1hy-22lW98Qe-dzyma_mJbiJa/s1600/triangles+clip+1.JPG" /></a></div>
The Packers offense only managed one score, but they should have had many more. Both sides looked lack-luster in the first half, and a hand-ful of mis-communications and missed opportunities kept the game close until the third quarter, when the hulking line-men of Green Bay began wearing down the smaller Dayton squad. <br /><br />
The Packer offense generated a fourteen-play drive behind the impressive heave-blocking of Mike Michalske and Boob Darling. On one crucial third-down conversion, right tackle Jug Earp was credited with five opponents blocked and one opponent moved (by force) to tears. <br /><br />
With the defense stacking the box against the Packers rushing attack, back Red Dunn caught the Triangles on a devious play-action, and with all day to throw against single coverage, he heaved a beautiful 30-yard touch-down pass to Verne Lewellen down the right side-line. <br /><br />
On the ensuing drive, the defense did its part on the score-board. After Dayton rushing plays of -2, -10, and -3, punter Steve Buchanan failed to handle a wild snap in the back of the end-zone, and Hurdis McCrary quickly obliterated him for the safety. Buchanan was taken off the field in the mule-cart. <br /><br />
While the Packers offense seems cool and wet and a little late in arriving this season, the defense looks truly ripe for a championship run. <br /><br />
Fermentation is a profound process, said Cousin Walter, still mashing berries. The wine is done and it is different every season. There are so many factors. And then we wait through the dark of winter, and we drink some of the wine, it is like a quilt in the winter. It tastes like the years gone by. And we wait through the spring, impatiently and starved for sun-light. Sure enough, the sun-lights shines, we pick berries in the summer and the excitement builds. Then the day is here, when we gather in the kitchen the night before the first game, and we mash them. He gave the berries a good solid thump of heavy post. We start them on that path. Here goes another batch... And it looks like a good one.<br /><br />
It looks like a really good one, I agreed.<br /><br />
-30-Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-62365382494469874952014-09-17T15:57:00.000-06:002014-09-17T16:01:01.239-06:00The 28 men who will bring Green Bay a championship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ33ZN6PKLoqI6QKv2o6v3Wd-A9e4FOWIIG7TQFn3DRx737ikRGUerwxcvTDJeQHviSl-IoV3ieNnqaLbQxbAaEVuk_DDj-XpSdvAY-OLLNA45hEZ09-8ySR55zfDZAOZG2u_982_2vhcm/s1600/rosterpreview1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ33ZN6PKLoqI6QKv2o6v3Wd-A9e4FOWIIG7TQFn3DRx737ikRGUerwxcvTDJeQHviSl-IoV3ieNnqaLbQxbAaEVuk_DDj-XpSdvAY-OLLNA45hEZ09-8ySR55zfDZAOZG2u_982_2vhcm/s1600/rosterpreview1.JPG" height="218" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Coach Curley Lambeau wrapped up the 1929 Packers training camp yesterday and cut his roster down to the final 28 players this morning. That list included Lambeau, with ten years of NFL experience, the most of any player on the current roster. Lambeau said it was his strongest team yet. "We've never had this much talent on the field," said Lambeau, "so I'll mostly stick to coaching this season."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were only seven deaths in this year's training camp and Lambeau asked fans to honor their memory. Lambeau attributed the improved camp survival rate to new league safety protocols like canvas skull padding and a new anti-mauling penalty.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are 11 veterans listed on this season's active roster along with 8 second-year Packers and nine first-year players. Almost all of the players are gargantuans, measuring over six feet in height and 200 pounds of bones and muscles.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Introducing your 1929 Green Bay Packers</b>:<br /><i>[*indicates probable starting/full-time roll</i>]<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roger Ashmore - Tackle, 6'1" 212<br />Bullet Baker - Back, 6' 177<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">James Bowdoin - Guard, 6'2" 220 *<br />"Intimidates opponents with a chilling, intense gaze. Special teams ace."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tiny Cahoon - Tackle, 6'2" 235<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Boob Darling - Center, 6'3" 215 *<br />"Started team tradition of snacking on a large pale of live smelt after changes of possession, motor always in high gear."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lavvie Dilweg - End, 6'3" 202 *<br />"Runs the entire passing-game route-tree fluidly (go, curl, cross, triple-jump)."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red Dunn - Back/Forward Passer, 6' 178 *<br />"Can throw the football almost thirty yards in the air. Simply amazing arm strength. Excellent mobility for a man of his immense size."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jug Earp - Tackle, 6'1" 235*<br />"Teammates and opponents alike all agree, he's the berries. Helluva guy."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jack Evans - Back, 6' 195<br />Don Hill - Back, 5'11" 190<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cal Hubbard - Tackle/End 6'5" 250 *<br />"Quick as a cat, can bench-press an entire train-car of potatoes. An amazingly rare combination of talents. Leads the NFL in opponents mauled to death since joining the league in 1927 (14)." <br /> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QSqygRazL93SHoJZKSzEkwruMctZvs8tGgI9pGMePAuQ5OOFw1xja6JYmipgFDWU-HlAPwumKCFsIEXXjbcMm4jYbUyWOfRwC2nukkvUu73zAWyFI-rD2Lv_q8B4oDVq2MQ3QYq2r_LR/s1600/cal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QSqygRazL93SHoJZKSzEkwruMctZvs8tGgI9pGMePAuQ5OOFw1xja6JYmipgFDWU-HlAPwumKCFsIEXXjbcMm4jYbUyWOfRwC2nukkvUu73zAWyFI-rD2Lv_q8B4oDVq2MQ3QYq2r_LR/s1600/cal1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">William Kern - Tackle 6' 187<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eddie Kotal - Back, 5'10" 165 *<br />"Change of pace scat-back, excellent burst, shifty. Electric in the open field. Coach Lambeau would do well to scheme him into open space. Movable chess-piece."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Curley Lambeau - Coach/Back, 6' 190<br />"Veteran player, team founder, excellent coach. Mind like a steel trap."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Verne Lewellen - Back, 6'2" 181 *<br />"Rare talent, three-down back, shut-down corner, handsome fellow, modernist thinker and collector of abstract paintings. Thrice-elected District Attorney of Brown County."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cully Lidberg - Back 6' 200<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hurdis McCrary - Back, 6'2" 205 *<br />"Lambeau recruited this exciting first-year prospect after spotting him in a travelling circus besting motor-cars in sprint-racing. A ghastly combination of power and speed."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Johnny McNally - Back, 6' 190 *<br />"Prefers clear liquors on game-day for a little extra giddy-up."<br /> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpotGHmvQbKFRU5URP7du9E-t5Xy3Y-TCxyttTH9cZX-9ZOSB3Z4WceFiEkqGJ3-a5mz93LTVso9C9cQdM6Ud5OHf4nBzXfCZ3DDLe_lHjCTTcQ_MdUgF3qxOlbbW5322KPbZN0bjtCKR/s1600/blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpotGHmvQbKFRU5URP7du9E-t5Xy3Y-TCxyttTH9cZX-9ZOSB3Z4WceFiEkqGJ3-a5mz93LTVso9C9cQdM6Ud5OHf4nBzXfCZ3DDLe_lHjCTTcQ_MdUgF3qxOlbbW5322KPbZN0bjtCKR/s1600/blood.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mike Michalske - Guard, 6'1" 215 *<br />"Like a sturdy pine tree at the center of the formation, with quiet strength flowing through his roots unto the entire squad."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul Minick - Guard 5'11" 210<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bo Molenda - Back, 5'11" 208 *<br />"Specializes in full-back dives. Whenever he scores, every-one polkas."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tom Nash - End, 5'10" 196 *<br />"Possesses a keen understanding of the game within the game. Plans on starting a motor-car dealer-ship after retiring from the league. Enjoys investing his pay in the bullet-proof American stock market." <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dick O'Donnell - End, 5'10" 196 *<br /> "Wrestles white-tailed deer as a side-business in the off-season. This sixth-year player dominated 1-on-1 live tackling drills in camp and serves as primary back-up for several offensive and defensive positions should a grotesque injury or death occur."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Claude Perry - Tackle, 6'1" 211 *<br />"A gentle-man, and a scholar. Massive hulking frame perfect for the tackle position, plays with excellent leverage. President of the Packers Book Club (current title: <i>A Farewell To Arms</i>)." <br /> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mtb70HlkRoRjgiUygcv6t0vuFxKGJnGYb2IGtxs3yvbzkS4qZuXNiJ6-zUWFN3ELfCFW9lNH3d2yu37oqvxWhyphenhyphen1l80ExoqLZiPgRsf9baSlYp5FJz_GCvOq1oUIFLPgl_gUzltPNcu6X/s1600/arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mtb70HlkRoRjgiUygcv6t0vuFxKGJnGYb2IGtxs3yvbzkS4qZuXNiJ6-zUWFN3ELfCFW9lNH3d2yu37oqvxWhyphenhyphen1l80ExoqLZiPgRsf9baSlYp5FJz_GCvOq1oUIFLPgl_gUzltPNcu6X/s1600/arms.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red Smith - Back, 5'10" 225<br />Whitey Woodin - Guard, 5'11" 206<br />Bill Young - Guard, 6'1" 200<br />Dave Zuidmulder - Back 6'1" 184<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-30-</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-20635114256254229022014-09-13T21:01:00.000-06:002014-09-13T21:01:00.750-06:00Packers shut out Portsmouth in pre-season warm-up<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1318mdZnlkkLIpLUkcDqvsrrXDQ4KYzUH0a0DPg61P26YZp1D2C_hEJy1GuyT7eV5KSXAlh2jxapAcPzAtPBq4mGq2L3-TPG5Q6yjhmQ6udphUMzNZRgsMFwCRyWr9tTD7hifTLCp-9X-/s1600/citystadium29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1318mdZnlkkLIpLUkcDqvsrrXDQ4KYzUH0a0DPg61P26YZp1D2C_hEJy1GuyT7eV5KSXAlh2jxapAcPzAtPBq4mGq2L3-TPG5Q6yjhmQ6udphUMzNZRgsMFwCRyWr9tTD7hifTLCp-9X-/s1600/citystadium29.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">[September 15, 1929 - Green Bay, Wisconsin]<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a beautiful day for pre-season football here in Green Bay, as the Packers opened the season in front of a record City Stadium crowd of 5,113. The visiting Spartans of Portsmouth, Ohio, never crossed the 50 yard line, and the Packers defense held the semi-pro squad to -33 yards of offense, en route to a quality 14-0 victory.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"We held our own on both lines and we moved the ball efficiently, and nobody on our side got severely injured, so it was a good day," said Coach Curley Lambeau after the game. "Portsmouth has a talented young roster and they put up a splendid fight. I wish them luck against Chillicothe (Eagles) next week." <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the Spartans kept the game close through most of the first half, the gargantuan Packers squad eventually wore down the Ohio Valley League co-champions. Portsmouth never crossed into Green Bay territory, and two of their players suffered broken femurs. A third Spartan appeared to have died from a crushed thorax after the Packers scored their first touch-down, but he later rose from the turf and trotted to the visitor's locker room. He was listed as questionable to return. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Verne Lewellen scored that first touch-down on a three-yard plunge behind newly acquired guard Mike Michalske's catastrophic heave-block. The line opened brilliant running lanes all after-noon, and Lewellen averaged a fine 4.78 yards per carry in limited first-half action.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speedy second-year back Eddie Kotal looked electric after rehabbing a back-wards knee-cap and a stab wound during the off-season, gashing the defense on several read-option sweep plays. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the offense kept the play-book somewhat bland and primarily gave reps to second- and third-string players fighting for roster spots, the defense showed mid-season form in posting the shut-out. They forced three turn-overs including a crucial fumble recovery in the fourth quarter after Spartan quarter-back Rosco Armil mis-handled a snap on his own six yard line. Cully Lidberg quickly capitalized on the mistake and gave the Packers a 14-0 lead, barreling into the end-zone two plays later. For Lidberg, the rushing score was an continuation of an excellent training camp and the young back has a good chance of making the final roster, it would seem.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coach Lambeau must cut the roster to 28 players by noon on Wednesday and he will have some difficult decisions in the coming days. The regular season begins in one week when the Packers host the Dayton Triangles at City Stadium, September 22.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"This is a talented group of men, as talented a group as we've ever assembled here in Green Bay," said Coach Lambeau at his post-game press conference. "And now the goal is right in front of us again, and it is very simple. A championship, yes. The first of many."<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-30-</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-3171481266378064422014-09-09T15:48:00.003-06:002014-09-09T15:48:56.855-06:00Packers add muscle in trenches, versatile back to '29 squad<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmUKj3_nKAhGODi8-YzAX7Nr32WRHm3urC6ojHhSaR7Cc2LpCG1QQkrW9iKmBOHVTg8ML6kRM-hUbkMWCf0EK5-JEs2_tJQNtAgJev-eBwxbiJqHWzUirtcxF2mHobGIGz9RUgpPZYt2Q/s1600/freeagents1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmUKj3_nKAhGODi8-YzAX7Nr32WRHm3urC6ojHhSaR7Cc2LpCG1QQkrW9iKmBOHVTg8ML6kRM-hUbkMWCf0EK5-JEs2_tJQNtAgJev-eBwxbiJqHWzUirtcxF2mHobGIGz9RUgpPZYt2Q/s1600/freeagents1.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"I've always been a perfectionist." - CL</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
[September 9, 1929]<br />
<br />After finished a disappointing fourth with just six wins to four losses and three ties, Green Bay Packers founder-player-coach Curley Lambeau took a bold approach to solidifying his 1929 squad. Speaking with Lambeau on the steam-train-ride home from the NFL summer meetings, he told me about his plans to clean house and sign some talented free agents, ensuring the small-town Packers remain in the hunt for their first NFL title.<br /><br />
"I've always been a perfectionist," said Lambeau. "We've shown other clubs, I think, that we are not a weak sister. And we need to show them that we don't talk this game here, but (have them) come out to see it." <br /><br />
"We will score plenty of points," continued Lambeau, grinning and watching the passing country-side. "But our defense will be the key to unlocking our true potential, and bringing a championship back to the good people of Packersland." <br /><br />
The grin was replaced by a more serious, contemplative face, and he nodded slowly. "Yes, yes we will."<br /><br />
In 1928 Green Bay barely edged the Bears in the standings, finishing fifth in team offense (averaging 9.23 points over 13 games). That won't cut it, says Lambeau, who prioritized beefing up his line during the summer.<br /><br />
According to Lambeau, increased season ticket sales have made these roster moves possible. "The good people of Green Bay continued supporting us, even after four losses and three ties," Lambeau told the team's executive committee in August. "And now we will give them the team they deserve. I just know the whole town is behind us in spirit." <br /><br />
While the Giants added plenty of new talent with the acquisition of the entire Detroit Wolverines roster, Curley plucked talented line-man Cal Hubbard from the Giants. The beastly tackle/end stands six-feet five inches and tips the scales at an unimaginable 250 pounds! Huzzah! Let us hope he does not maul an opponent to instant-death by crushing!<br /><br />
Curley also signed some muscle for the interior line, convincing guard Mike Michalske to leave the defunct Yankees for the small-town atmosphere of Green Bay. The shy and savage veteran will anchor the Packers line with the quiet strength of an old pine tree on both offense and defense, no doubt.<br /><br />
With the line-play vastly improved by these two excellent players, Curley added one more versatile weapon with powerful ability inside and dangerous speed on the perimeter. Packers fanatics will surely remember Johnny "Blood" McNally, who scored two touch-downs (one pass reception and one interception returned for a touch-down) during the embarrassing 26-0 loss against the Pottsville Maroons during the 1928 season. Blood also added an extra-point kick for 13 total points in a game played during a blinding snow-storm.<br /><br />
Lambeau told me he would never forget the performance, and that he was thrilled to have Blood in his huddle this season, "even if he is a notorious rascal, and a talented damned rascal at that!" <br /><br />
"McNally asked for $100 per game, which was a steal," said Lambeau as our train pulled into Green Bay last night. "So I offered him $110 if he would refrain from drinking after Tuesday each week." He chuckled heartily. "Blood said $100 would do just fine."<br /><br />
Until next time, then.<br /><br />
-30-<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-11124610688258703632014-09-04T16:14:00.000-06:002014-09-09T15:36:46.208-06:00Summer meetings complete, Packers play Bears three times in '29<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lxtmqfqJy0NGkdrPe32S0T2Xe3EkwIV_mU3-2M_XmhTHob59bihyphenhyphenGxkw5a-1UucmliW19nHYSbxAx15PYyuPaQW_tkI-UKc0wel3FXDBczAO-4mezVOVNxqigdiyXtbvYteM9SYZRzzm/s1600/seasonpreview1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lxtmqfqJy0NGkdrPe32S0T2Xe3EkwIV_mU3-2M_XmhTHob59bihyphenhyphenGxkw5a-1UucmliW19nHYSbxAx15PYyuPaQW_tkI-UKc0wel3FXDBczAO-4mezVOVNxqigdiyXtbvYteM9SYZRzzm/s1600/seasonpreview1.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Coach Curley Lambeau looks ahead to the 1929 season.</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
[September 4, 1929]<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, dear readers, New Jersey is a hell-hole and I'm thrilled to be back in the north-country after attending the 1929 NFL ownership meetings out east in Atlantic City. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While Atlantic City is famous for hotsy-totsy women and plentiful black-market booze, the league big-wigs descended upon this sea-side cess-pool for another reason last month, welcoming one of its newest franchises into the fold. Dirty rotten money-bags Ole Haugsrud and his lumber-barron associate Dewey Scanlon bought the old Duluth Eskimos franchise and moved them out east, now playing at the "Orange Tornadoes." A sad day for the fine folks of Duluth. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ole and Dewey throw a grand party but I'm glad the Packers refused to schedule a game against these monsters. I've had enough Jersey giggle-water in the last week to last a life-time!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />After a disappointing 1928 season (6-4-3) I'm sure Curley Lambeau and Packers fanatics world-wide have been eager to get a first look at the 1929 campaign, featuring three games against the hated Chicago Bears. Huzzah! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh off the presses, here is the complete 1929 Packers schedule:<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Preseason</b><br />Sept 15 Portsmouth Spartans<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Regular Season</b><br />Sept 22 Dayton Triangles<br />Sept 29 Chicago Bears<br />Oct 6 Chicago Cardinals<br />Oct 13 Frankford Yellowjackets<br />Oct 20 Minneapolis Redjackets <br />Oct 27 Chicago Cardinals<br />---<br />Nov 3 @ Redjackets<br />Nov 10 @ Bears<br />Nov 17 @ Cardinals<br />Nov 24 @ Giants<br />Nov 28 @ Yellowjackets<br />Dec 1 @ Steam Rollers<br />Dec 8 @ Bears<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You'll notice, of course, the traditional "home" and "away" break between the first and second half of the season. If the Packers are going to bring home their first league championship this year they'll have to fight through one of the toughest rail-trips ever devised from November into December. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some-day we'll have to convince the rest of the NFL that playing in Green Bay during the early winter is not just tolerable, but a treat. Until then, Packers fanatics back home will have to follow the "second season" live via tele-type feeds and/or radio re-broadcasts, as the technology to follow my excellent twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/fgunion" target="_blank"><i>@fgunion</i></a>) does not, as yet, exist. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Perhaps you cannot afford a radio-box. Take heart, though, dear readers, I will be riding the rails with the team all season and filing my reportage with all of the finest print establishments available daily on street-corners across Packersland. If you have a shiny nickel you will have your Green Bay Packers news. The future is now. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Hell, I'll have yous all spifflicated on Packers reportage by the time the snow flies. <br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So who stands in our way this season?<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Packers play the hated Bears three times in 1929, including the regular season finale on December 8. There will be a home-and-away series against the Chicago Cardinals and the start-up Minneapolis Redjackets, as well as the skilled Frankford Yellow-jackets squad, who nearly won the title in '28. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The regular season opens at City Stadium on September 22 against the Dayton Triangles, but the obvious marquee match-up of 1929 is the November 24 contest against the juggernaut New York Giants squad. Filthy rich owner Tim Mara seems to think he can just buy him-self NFL Championships. Hopefully Curley and his bunch can burst that bubble out in New York, bringing an early winter down upon the Big Apple.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Roaring twenties profits spilling from his deep and dapper velvety pockets, Mara simply bought the high-octane Detroit Wolverines in the off-season and combined the two rosters as the new, New York Giants. The Wolverines are no more. The Pottsville Maroons folded and are now the Boston Bull-dogs. The other New York team, the Yankees, were bleeding money without star Red Grange and are now the Staten Island Stapletons (clever name, eh?). And good news! The Buffalo Bisons finally raised their $2500 franchise fee, and are back after sitting out the '28 season. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />An effort by Ambrose L. McGurk to raise a franchise in Milwaukee folded once again after McGurk got zozzled on panther-piss and drove his motor-car into the city's excellent fresh-water harbor (again). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Until next time, then. <i>-FG</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />-30-</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-32107175072246900252014-01-23T17:12:00.000-06:002014-08-06T21:17:57.657-06:001929<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UPZuODIBxExBf2DWyV2SUgfnGAhAeBCnx-AM9IilVzrJOVz7SZk7915MNPx49kzzxx2tKlTrEv1CdbaDlt3lS1eILfV8QZngLbo17fHuCnY3_Q2JQozCQbaqzLmE8Z_0hxRyJv_sgQ7u/s1600/timemachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UPZuODIBxExBf2DWyV2SUgfnGAhAeBCnx-AM9IilVzrJOVz7SZk7915MNPx49kzzxx2tKlTrEv1CdbaDlt3lS1eILfV8QZngLbo17fHuCnY3_Q2JQozCQbaqzLmE8Z_0hxRyJv_sgQ7u/s1600/timemachine.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">JANUARY 23, 1929 -</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Something has happened, dear readers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had taken a trip out west in November (2013), to get away from the terrible skid the packers entered, and I procured a large chunk of sequoia wood, ancient and red and beautiful. It seemed more rock than wood. Last night I was sitting in my old rocking chair by the wood-stove and decided to toss it into the flames.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had strange dreams and awoke in a new world: The news-paper on my front-step said it was 1929.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Egads.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I looked in the mirror and was young again. A dapper young man. What is truly strange is that I still have access to the internet (and twitter, although nobody here understands what the internet or twitter are.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few years ago when i decided to stop my Packers writings I remember thinking:<i> "</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;"><i>I don't know how I will find the strength to write ferociously again, and it may be months or years, but whenever I am ready to hammer the keys I will strike off into a strange and new direction."</i> And so it seems I am there, years and years and years ago. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;">Now.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;">1929.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;">And what is to come?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;">I realize I am probably the only Packers blogger here in 1929, the only person with access to twitter, but I must do what comes naturally: Report and write. So you have me again. All of me.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;">There is no Super-Bowl this year, the NFL season is over and a new one begins. There is no draft, the NFL includes ten teams. Have you ever heard of the Frankford Yellow-Jackets? Or the Dayton Triangles? They're all god-damned scoundrels! Rascals. So are the defending champions, the Providence Steam-Rollers.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;"> We finished in fourth place in 1928, but I have faith in Coach Lambeau, and '29 feels like a winner, dear readers. If you can read this, that is. And if you can, I hope you'll join me. Go packers! Until next time then, FG</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.5469px;"><br /></span></span></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-63039751696059038602011-03-23T15:02:00.002-06:002011-03-23T15:11:34.479-06:00Retirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wkydbx70lnwuTkzu4tzybh4i33-fe_dRVzCchXxWMGzgMIi4zCI9E-c4m6cBxWONXW0CHGg4RnMBSdRU5sse2MtM2qrY-pS55eA2CkoCAsEUKhyU-JBR_L-AaGAk9s5RMjbcWSyo_txm/s1600/u-0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wkydbx70lnwuTkzu4tzybh4i33-fe_dRVzCchXxWMGzgMIi4zCI9E-c4m6cBxWONXW0CHGg4RnMBSdRU5sse2MtM2qrY-pS55eA2CkoCAsEUKhyU-JBR_L-AaGAk9s5RMjbcWSyo_txm/s1600/u-0026.jpg" /></a></div>Sometimes the world shifts quickly before your eyes, dear readers.<br />
<br />
One minute you're making a sandwich and the next you find your-self wondering how you'll get out of bed to face the day. Sometimes life's surprises are joy-ful, and some-times they bring sad-ness, but experience teaches us to accept disappointment, that there is no surprise in sad-ness, that the only true surprise is when things go your way. Knowing all of this has made it very difficult for me to remain an optimist after all these years.<br />
<br />
I have been writing about the Green Bay Packers for over 100 seasons, spanning technologies from feathers-dipped-in-ink to high definition television and the wonders of digital self-publication, where you can say any-damned thing you want. I've watched my favorite team win 13 Championships, capped by our most recent victory in Super-Bowl XLV. I have loved and been loved. And those apogees... those have been great proof to me that there is still value in optimism.<br />
<br />
Moments of great-ness make up for all the baloney we put up with. <br />
<br />
Even moments of artful sweet-ness can be tarnished with grief, dear readers, and even as I basked in the glory of another Super-Bowl victory, the reality of humanity plunged my family into sorrow.<br />
<br />
I lost my dear wife Mooney earlier this month, after a long and rewarding life together, and even though the sudden-ness of this loss has left me heart-broken and weary, I have recovered from the initial shock-wave and begun to revisit the brightest points of our shared time and space - such as this final amazing season of Packers football we were able to enjoy together. And yet I feel immense guilt for the time wasted. I think, <i>every minute I spent fishing or obsessing about the Packers has been moments wasted, I could have done more, I could have been a better husband, a better father</i>... the joy of family is nothing compared to a Super Bowl, and yet we all do this: We do what we do because we are selfish creatures, and no amount of hindsight can re-write history. <i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>You</i> spent your time that way. Those were <i>your</i> priorities.<br />
<br />
There's little good in beating your-self up, though, or in lying about how you feel, and that's where I'm stuck, folks. In the night I hope Mooney will visit me as a ghost, but the room is quiet. <br />
<br />
I've never been one for rash decisions, I'm a list-maker, I weigh everything out, and so, after several nights by the wood stove, listening to the rain in my old rocking chair, I have decided to retire <i>Meat Packers Union</i>. While I may be heavy-hearted, my decision is not a reaction to loss, but in some ways it is connected, yes. And it helps that the Packers are the reigning champions - in that way it is connected to a positive, too. It makes it easier to drift away from my investment here. Millions of words I have poured into the soil. They say when one door closes another often opens, and so the optimist that still resides within me some-where naturally thinks, <i>what next</i>? It's gloomy but there are still green shoots in this soil.<br />
<br />
I would not have been able to lose my dear wife and primary creative out-let in such quick succession had I not set a new goal on the horizon, which is this: One of the last things Mooney gave me was Volume 1 of Mark Twain's auto-biography - a project that troubled Twain for decades. And that has inspired me to tackle a big project of my own. My favorite Twain quote, which I first saw while eating breakfast in a little Wisconsin diner with Mooney, is: "<i>Put all your eggs in one basket, and WATCH THAT BASKET!</i>" For the last 100+ years I have written about the Packers and life, and it's time for me to switch that order. I don't know how I will find the strength to write ferociously again, and it may be months or years, but whenever I am ready to hammer the keys I will strike off into a strange and new direction. The themes will stay the same, but the focus will widen. I'm not sure if it will become my own auto-biography or a novel, but even when confronting my own failures and regrets, I know I have more stories to share.<br />
<br />
There is a spring in all of us, I'm convinced, infinite and mysterious. <br />
<br />
Before I close this project, I want to thank everyone who took the time to visit and read over the years. Your support was invisible, but important. I have directed my grandson Ike to leave the website live, and I'm sure I'll take random dives into the archives from time to time, and I hope you will do the same. As always, Go Pack Go! Until next time, then,<br />
<i>FG</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-14039121924017952082011-02-24T11:43:00.001-06:002011-02-24T11:48:28.846-06:00With Super-Bowl won, I seek the Hodag again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLRbUNMOp0gTd-ll9nO6QOev5FGfm47nN-0CLneNZ48VNxvAkwpVQiV1Oj1p4-0rzwFMVP4n8SBHLqiJ8MwtR3RnxQ0guTseiEJoXllY6qYI1I55DQnqeY1gYWzJKUmRVL-JD0gfLb0GA/s1600/TheHodag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLRbUNMOp0gTd-ll9nO6QOev5FGfm47nN-0CLneNZ48VNxvAkwpVQiV1Oj1p4-0rzwFMVP4n8SBHLqiJ8MwtR3RnxQ0guTseiEJoXllY6qYI1I55DQnqeY1gYWzJKUmRVL-JD0gfLb0GA/s400/TheHodag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Welcome back to <i>Meat Packers Union</i>, dear readers! I hope you can forgive my absence over the last week and change. I needed a break after a tenacious run of blogging during the Super-Bowl. Since that glorious win I've been watching lots of playoff games on VHS tape and, like eating a large rib-eye, I required some napping-time to properly digest that Super-Bowl win, plus Mooney got me the first volume of Mark Twain's autobiography, which is thicker than a stack of rib-eyes (and just as wonderful). And there's only so many weeks of ice fishing left on the calendar, so naturally, I've been spending lots of time out in the shanty.<br />
<br />
I missed you, though, dear readers, and maybe you missed me... Ike tells me that I've wasted our Super-bowl 'traffic bump' by letting the site go quiet, but my regular readers know I'm not the type of blogger to puke out a new post ever time John Kuhn lights a fart or Charles Woodsen is on the radio-box, especially during the off-season. I don't do this for the traffic or the money (clearly). I can only be me, and every-one needs a vacation from time to time. Today I feel refreshed. I've got the goosey-bumps.<br />
<br />
This weekend marks the 70th annual Union Family Hodag Hunt. I would estimate that most Packers fans have some knowledge of the mythical Hodag, but for those that don't, this maniacal creature that lives in the forest-lands surrounding Rhinelander, Wisconsin, has "<i>the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end.</i>" You can <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodag">read more here</a>, if you so desire, but be care-ful, the Hodag has many powers, including mind-control. By seeking him out you run the risk of inviting this evil sonuvabitch into your very soul! It took me and my fellow hunters many years to appreciate and fend off such attacks, and even the most seasoned Hodag enthusiasts are susceptible to his sinister trickery.<br />
<br />
The picture above was snapped during the Union Family Hodag Hunt of 1997, immediately after the last Packers Super Bowl victory. This visual evidence is the best 'trophy' any of us has ever captured in 70 years of hunting. As you can see, this critter looks nothing like the 'traditional Hodag' form, but that is part of his clever-ness. Only the most power-ful and sound Hodag Hunters have ever witnessed his true form. He will manifest himself, quite often, as the member of your crew who is least prepared to ward off his powers. We have witnessed this phenomenon many times over the years, but never so strongly as after Super-Bowl Victories. '97 was the first time we had visual recording devices with us during the hunt following such a victory.<br />
<br />
Now some of yous may think, <i>FG,</i> <i>that's just your buddy holding two frozen pikes to his head... ease up on the PBRs</i>! That is certainly a good theory, but the problem is this: While the Hodag looks like our buddy Mitch, it was Mitch who took the photo as we held the pitch-forks and torches to keep the monster from attacking. And Mitch was not holding pike-horns, but a 35mm camera! The other clue that reveals the Hodag's presence is the terrifying grin and black eye-balls. I can barely look into them, even many years later. Those readers who have encountered the Hodag or any other sort of demon recognize the ill intentions in that monstrous glare.<br />
<br />
Another good question: Why chase the Hodag, especially after Super-Bowl Victories, if he is so dangerous and frightening and powerful? Well, as seasoned professionals in the field of Hodag hunting we take the necessary precautions to defend against his attacks, so despite the terror in your mind the actual danger is quite limited, and the subsequent thrill is rivaled only by Super-Bowl victories and a hand-ful of other earthly delights. But the main reason we seek out the Hodag is because he is amongst the world's finest Packer fans. I would argue, even, that the Hodag is The Finest Packer Fan to roam the universe.<br />
<br />
As such, he will usually share secrets about the team that transcend space and time, although due to the Laws of Hodag Encounters I am not at liberty to divulge his revelations (my tongue would turn into a toad if I even tried to speak of them, as would my fingers if I was so foolish as to type them). This was confirmed by our old pal Thompson, who we now call 'Toad-Finger Tom', and also in that we have never been able to record his beautiful song even on the rare hunts when we have seen him in the human dimension and heard that song with our own ears (or perhaps it is understood by another sense).<br />
<br />
So with the Super-Bowl won, I seek the Hodag once again, and if history is any indication, I expect to find him out there, in the forest-lands of the north. And if we are lucky and sharp, we may capture another image or video of the creature. And if we are really blessed he may sing to us again, and reveal more fascinating glimpses into the realm of Packers history from seasons we have lived through and those yet-to-be. <br />
<br />
Until next time, then,<br />
<i>FG</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-36797087701642283522011-02-11T13:42:00.001-06:002011-02-11T13:44:54.838-06:00Super-Bowl Willies, then Title Belt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV05a_nwYR-FHgh0ZzaUF8y2Vk5hUVviO9Eua0r56QBUqWG4h4ozhG5ftaI4qXVTz1AlapSMZrMQbU7Z5AezK8N0BiF3C3PJK8Qh1Rbe1NaTY8y3C4dJ-nBwoJNUQjaX5J5xnrrrOhqkDE/s1600/11f8713864c17478_landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV05a_nwYR-FHgh0ZzaUF8y2Vk5hUVviO9Eua0r56QBUqWG4h4ozhG5ftaI4qXVTz1AlapSMZrMQbU7Z5AezK8N0BiF3C3PJK8Qh1Rbe1NaTY8y3C4dJ-nBwoJNUQjaX5J5xnrrrOhqkDE/s400/11f8713864c17478_landing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I mentioned yesterday how I fought through and awe-ful sick-ness on Tuesday to attend the Return to Titletown celebration at Lambeau Field. I thought at the time that it was a flu-bug, but additional information has come to light and I now believe I was one of many who were "suffering" through some sort of Super-Bowl Willies. Probably a better word for the phenomenon is 're-calibration.'<br />
<br />
I did a little research and of the 13 people we watched the Super-Bowl with, at least 10 have since fallen prey to the strange ill-ness, that very much resembles the flu. How did I arrive at the conclusion that our Super-Bowl victory induced an over-excitement-based queasy-ness?<br />
<br />
Well it could not have been food poisoning. We had a strict die-hard Packers fans only policy in place, so no secret Vikings or Bears agents could have spoiled the dip or the wings. Plus, I think under-cooked meatballs would have probably taken down all 13 of us.<br />
<br />
All day Tuesday I thought it was the flu. By that point several of our friends had developed the pukesies, and I was feeling really sore and flu-like, so that seemed the most obvious culprit, but since then more have fallen ill and I would think a flu bug would strike on an evener time-line. But then again, I'm no doctor.<br />
<br />
My biggest proof for the case of the Super-Bowl Willies is that I never get sick, and neither does Mooney, and we were both sent to bed by some-thing power-ful this week. I looked around for other candidates and there the Super Bowl XLV Victory stood. It was grinning mischievously. Aha!<br />
<br />
Notice I have not called this ill-ness wicked, even though it sure felt that way. But the more I think about it the more I think this troubled gut and mind syndrome is a self-induced way for the body to deal with the over-load of excitement generated by a Packers championship. It's like how fish get filled up with mercury over the years, only this was a "good toxin" that built up in our systems during the course of one single earth-year.<br />
<br />
In other words: All this success, winning, and triumph in such a short amount of time was dangerous. My theory is that all the wonder-ful-ness of the Championship run had to be released from the body after the mind realized the completion of our unified goal: The Packers 13th NFL Title. This realization happened at different times for all of us. For me, the Super Bowl victory 'hit me' on Tuesday morning as I prepared for our trip to Lambeau. For my buddy Fritz, it was on the ride home on the side of the high-way. For my wife Mooney, it wasn't until Wednesday morning.<br />
<br />
Now I know some of yous are thinking: FG, yous were all just zozzled! Yous were bent up from celebrating! Yous were half seas over! Yous were on a toot! Well sure, I had a few PBRs over the last week, but I'm old enough to know when I'm simply hunged-over and I don't go there often. So I'll have to shoot that down as the trigger, even though it may have been a contributing factor in our Packers-related celebrations. So was yelling my head off and I don't blame my sore throat on my troubled guts!<br />
<br />
Any-how, did any of yous experience this phenomenon? Now that my body is cleansed and re-calibrated I feel better than ever and even more devoted to the Green and Gold. Hell, I felt so good this morning that I spiked my bottle of pepto bismo and put on my Title Belt, just like #12 suggested we all do on Tuesday. Hell, I encourage all of you, as Rodgers did, to "use the belt in every-day life" for the next year. So long as the Lombardi Trophy is home safe, there are going to be lots of champions all across Packers country.<br />
<br />
Defeat sickness: Title Belt.<br />
Catch a pike: Title Belt.<br />
Take out the garbage: Title Belt.<br />
Shovel the walk: Title Belt.<br />
Finish a blog post: Upper-cut, Title Belt!<br />
<br />
Until next time, then,<br />
<i>FG (Title Belt!)</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-41499078839506893472011-02-10T16:12:00.000-06:002011-02-10T16:12:50.778-06:00Hallowed Ground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMV9ksr3a9ji6zu4LnoHWqo14jeNTdY5tTV5W06S7yFjILHBxSSLnRn0RliVpMdWJdX1hqUzwvZhXTIERvwTQlW_RJl9ctpBgg3ftjBbKcQGQG3NObxhhh24Mzn6-SNFpO9iOn4uIgNKW/s1600/xlvchamps.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMV9ksr3a9ji6zu4LnoHWqo14jeNTdY5tTV5W06S7yFjILHBxSSLnRn0RliVpMdWJdX1hqUzwvZhXTIERvwTQlW_RJl9ctpBgg3ftjBbKcQGQG3NObxhhh24Mzn6-SNFpO9iOn4uIgNKW/s400/xlvchamps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This was one of the few seasons where we didn't make it to a game at Lambeau Field, and part of me was sour about that, but no longer. Mooney and I knew right after the Packers won Super Bowl XLV that we'd be visiting Green Bay's Hallowed Ground for the Return to Titletown event on Tuesday. <br />
<br />
Even though I came down with a stomach flu (or maybe I was just in hot wing shock from Sunday), we hit the road and arrived at the stadium a few hours before the event, and then met up with some friends for celebratory cocktails at a nearby establishment. It felt like a game-day, but it also felt like some-thing more. We made our way to Lambeau, through the parking lot, and all around us 'Go Pack Go' chants boomed through the crisp winter air. Despite the sub-zero wind chills, we all knew the stadium would be filled with fans and the warmth of our 13th NFL Championship.<br />
<br />
The Lombardi Trophy is a great little furnace.<br />
<br />
We had all heard the standard, humble replies about team-work and discipline by this point, but that's beside the point. It was thrilling to share the experience with the team and its fans, to watch Donald Driver's contagious smile on the jumbo-tron, seeing Jason Spitz do a shirt-less belly-slide onto the snow-covered field, seeing the new McCarthy Way road-sign, and listening to Ronnie Rodgers proclaim a goal completed and predicting more success: "Nobody can stop us!"<br />
<br />
The crowd did the wave. We shook the bleachers with repeated 'Go Pack Gos' that echoed across the field. We screamed as if we'd never seen the high-lights on the big screen, and we smiled, looking up at the Champions Flag that flew high above, snapping in frigid gusts.<br />
<br />
And then the team took its victory lap with Coach Lombardi's Trophy held high and everyone in that stadium burned the memory into their brains. The people of the people's team in the people's stadium. And we all knew there were so many more celebrating with us. Super Bowl XLV was a microcosm of the season and I plan on re-watching the tape every day until the next season begins. <br />
<br />
I put my arm around Mooney and held her tight. We are lucky, I thought. It's been a great season. And in some dimension I'm still sitting in Lambeau, soaking it in. I may very well set a record for continuous celebration. I am incapable - and may very well be for the weeks or months ahead - to focus on any-thing else seriously. I thank the Packers organization, the players and coaches, and the fans for sharing this adventure with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until next time, then,<br />
<i>FG</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-44526958957691992362011-02-07T08:46:00.000-06:002011-02-07T08:46:51.608-06:00Wooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR5cYEkPjaOuRGTvaI6MT0mqddHASffbI1gn9FYQpk6QnFN_hDrXjxi7ldcOlD6Z8jfwZ-1bEF7JCAZCWo5wCqarq4KstAI6nDW9VwlUugqD6B80p7wUAjTd90aphS7v8K-C59EQojkuz/s1600/dddd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR5cYEkPjaOuRGTvaI6MT0mqddHASffbI1gn9FYQpk6QnFN_hDrXjxi7ldcOlD6Z8jfwZ-1bEF7JCAZCWo5wCqarq4KstAI6nDW9VwlUugqD6B80p7wUAjTd90aphS7v8K-C59EQojkuz/s1600/dddd.jpg" /></a></div>I have not voice left, dear readers!!! Super Bowl Champions! Will have more game reaction once I am able to pop in the VHS tape. I love you all!!! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo credit Benny Sieu, jsonline.com</i></span> <br />
Until next time,<br />
FGUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654328623687030538.post-25420793292358765672011-02-06T11:34:00.000-06:002011-02-06T11:34:19.889-06:00Super Bowl XLV Snow Sculpture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqnRda40jH0qH18E9nLvJG9c59pBZCBJiNtf692SSyG-Phb6ZKfgh0FilvsE6605b98BeLWokMRdtpVxIsZrMJW_JzgiSo8fkiYbqJfbtQdv6r5LKv28aSTN0A-txv_CUZ4QgGoHj3XBC/s1600/MPUedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqnRda40jH0qH18E9nLvJG9c59pBZCBJiNtf692SSyG-Phb6ZKfgh0FilvsE6605b98BeLWokMRdtpVxIsZrMJW_JzgiSo8fkiYbqJfbtQdv6r5LKv28aSTN0A-txv_CUZ4QgGoHj3XBC/s400/MPUedit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Super Bowl Sunday is finally here, dear readers!!! First of all, raise your PBRs! CHEERS!<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about this snow-sculpture ever since we got dumped on early in the week, so this morning after a few flurries passed through, I went out with the shovel and a large spoon and started carving. I think it turned out pretty good for my first sculpture. Snow wasn't as even and smooth as I would have preferred, but you'll get that when you're working with 'end of drive-way' lump-mix. I've seen several pictures of really good Packers-centric snow sculptures this week, most of them better than mine, but I'm really glad I went for it. Makes me feel like a good neighbor!<br />
<br />
With that project in the books it's back to the kitchen, folks. The wings are in the oven. I repeat. The wings are in the oven! I'm not nervous like I thought today. I just feel perfect.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Du-DA-da... Du-da-DA: GO </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">PACK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> GO!</span></b><br />
<br />
Enjoy the game, you knuckle-heads,<br />
Until next time,<br />
<i>FG</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com