One night of watching the Olympics and I'm hooked

As if I didn't already believe it, Wednesday night it was confirmed to me... Shaun White is awesome. The kid is just plain ridiculous. Did you watch him in the halfpipe Wednesday night? It was like no one else compared to him. He was heads and shoulders above the rest. That is simply awesome.
Plus, he pulled off the sickest trick of the event. I'm not a snow board expert, but just watch it (skip ahead to about 3:40 for the start of his second run). If that doesn't make you believe in him, you're crazy.
Now I don't why I'm not a big Olympics fan. I think it might just be the winter olympics because I really get into the summer games. After this, I may have found a sport to keep an eye on.
There was a rather funny moment before he took to the pipe for that second run. I love live TV for this reason! Haha! Shaun mentions what they were talking about in the interview after the run. Only a little cleaner.



There was some sports news today in the form of Tiger Woods reading a statement he didn't write. But I'm taking it you saw or heard about that. Not so sure you saw this, though. Found it on SI.com's Hot Clicks. Now, I sorta feel for Tiger, but I think this guy feels for him a little bit more than I do. SMH!


A bit random, but celebrities going crazy is always funny. Well, in this case, I'm on Gary Coleman's side. This woman needs to lay off. They were only pushing his buttons. (Skip to about 1 minute in for the good stuff!)


Alright boys and girls, we've reached the Nussie Hunter portion of today's broadcast. Going to stay with the Olympics kick. The same day Shaun White won gold in Vancouver, Lindsey Vonn came home with gold. She might be the world's best female downhill skier, but she's also gorgeous. (On a side note, she's also on Twitter) I'd say it's the complete package! She was in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Check it! Here's a sample!

Never saw him with a cape, but No. 23 is Superman to me!

Today is one of the days I look forward to every year. And I might get called a nerd or a dork for it, but I know when Michael Jordan's birthday is. The man is 47 today and while some would just "Ho-hum" over that, this man holds s special place in my heart and mind.



Sure, he's a great basketball player, and we're going to celebrate that a bit later, but to me he showed me the way of believing in myself and getting motivated to achieve the goals and dreams I have in my life. And if you didn't notice, Check Monday's blog and you'll see I'm on my way to achieving some of them.
I mean, check the message that MJ put out throughout his career, it was always hard work will get you what you want. Like this commercial...

 
Yep, that pretty much sums it up. The man revelled in being told he couldn't do something. Just look back at his history. The guy was cut from his high school team as a freshman and it only pushed him to get that much better. Another cliff hanger... I'm going to tell you to keep reading and watching because that same guy makes an appearance in a minute...
But more on being motivated by "Calling McFly Chicken..."



I'm sure we all need some sort of positive enforcement and MJ delivered that for me. Let's just say the childhood isn't one that I'd want my kid to grow up in, so I buried myself in the Bulls and everything MJ. He showed me the way. Showed me to work hard to get what I wanted. Now, living where I did it just so happened basketball was a way of life, so that helped and got me engulfed in sports and playing basketball.
By the time I was old enough to start thinking about playing high school ball at my glorious high school, I was tall and nerdy. So that never panned out, but I still use that same work ethic and pushing myself to get tot the next level.
And when all the hard work pays off, it makes it that much sweeter. Michael had that in Chicago. Yes I remember where I was on June 12, 1998. Watched this moment with one of my best friends...


And at the end of the playing career, where do the greatest of all time go? You guessed it the hall of fame. That's where he was last July. And he showed with his words just how much failure can be used as motivation. Take what you learn from losing and pick yourself up and don't let it happen again.
Here's Part 1 of his speech.... Note who the first person he mentions is... Batman aka Scottie Pippen.

Here's Part 2 and Part 3. Believe me, you want to watch. Promises to play when he's 50. Never say Never!

Alright people, that's all on an MJ Tribute. Wait, the Nussie Hunter is on this too? Oh my! Yep, remember back in 2003 when Mariah did her tribute to MJ at the NBA All-Star Game? Well if you don't, take a look...


Yeah, she looked good  back then. Even donning my main man money's jersey...


Hope I did my man justice! MJ ALL DAY!

Wilber's Way: Leading the way!

So Saturday was a big day for this guy, the creator and all-ruling Czar of Wilber's Way. That's right, the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association named me one of three Media Men of the Year. It was an honor that I really didn't wrap my head around until I spent all of Friday hanging out with the state's baseball coaches and realized how many of them I know and have a relationship with. As someone who covers the entire state for the at "other" Web site that pays me every two weeks.
I must also give props to the other two men that joined me as Media Men of the Year this year, Doug Whiteley of the Fond du Lac Reporter and Nick Zizzo of the Wisconsin State Journal. Sharing something like that with your peers and friends in the industry make it all worth while and makes me seem like I'm part of something.
Back to being recognized by the entire coaches association for minute, the one thing about covering the whole state is that I don't really have a main coverage area and I missed that regular relationship I can develop with coaches that I talk to on a daily basis during the season. But seeing that most knew me showed I'm not that far removed. It's just a bit of a tougher job for me. I have to make the little time I get with the guys mean so much more.
So I took a poll of whether or not I'd even mention this on this space today and I got a resounding yes from you faithful followers. So, being humble, I'd like to say thank you. Knowing someone actually reads what I write is humbling. I am my own worst critic and am always trying to get better at what I do. So keep on reading and giving ideas for helping improve "The Way."


On to the monstrosity that was the NBA All-Star Game last night. I'd have to say I'm not huge into the NBA, but had to check out what what Jerry Jones was cooking up by getting the game there. He was able to fill the place and get 108,713 people in the place. That's awesome! Oh and the game didn't disappoint, with D-Wade getting the MVP. Was pretty entertaining and an all-around good show for the NBA.


OK, now I don't know the person that made this, but it's a friend of Susie's (Her first shout out on the Way I think!) and when I saw this on her Facebook today, I couldn't resist putting it up here. So funny. Hope PETA doesn't get upset.

Back to the NBA All-Star game. I've got a bit of an appetizer for you on today's Nussie Hunter. If you saw the halftime show, you know what I'm talking about. Here's Shakira, PART 1!



And now the Nussie Hunter gives you some stills. Because, that's how he rolls! Enjoy!

Who Dat, winning that Super Bowl 44?!

Well, let me start by saying my Super Bowl XLIV pic was way off. But I like being pleasantly surprised. That's exactly what the Saints did for me last night.
I'll say this, the Saints came out in the second half, after finding a way to get points at the end of the first half, and got it done. That's when games are won and Sean Payton was gutsy as hell. Yes Drew Brees executed the win, but Payton won it. That onside kick takes balls and is amazing. That was one of the most impressive second halves by a team I have seen. As much as you don't want to say it, sometimes confidence and believing you're going to do something can mean so much more than ability. That's what the Saints did. Sean Payton showed those guys they were going for it and they believed in it and got the win. It was damn impressive.
Tracy Porter's pick-six that sealed the win was just the punctuation on a great game. It shifted the discussion on whether Peyton Manning belonged in the big game. Really? The guy is ridiculous. Yes he belongs in the big game. He lost the Super Bowl. One game. Yes it's a big game, but the Saints as a team played great. And that's what beat Peyton in this one.
The scene after the game was great too. How awesome is that photo of Drew and his son? So awesome! That's truly enjoying the moment and his son doesn't know exactly what is happening, but he was having a blast with his father. So great!
Judging by the fact that this was the most watched television show EVER, most all of you watched the game. So I won't bore you with my breakdown of the action. I will leave you with this though.




Of course I will give my take on the commercials. I grew up on the Golden Girls, so seeing Betty White was great. I'm thinking "You're playing like Betty White" might make my sports vernacular. Haha.


Bud Light had a couple funny ones. I like the "House of Bud" and the "AutoTune" How great is T-Pain to make fun of himself? ... And here's the AutoTune!


Of course, I'm also a hawk for ones that feature some of our faves her on "The Way" When I saw my girl Megan Fox in a spot, you can bet I was excited.  But take a look when they do a close up of the phone and show her hands. Umm, I know for a fact that's not her hand because her thumbs look like big toes. Here's proof. That doesn't take anything away from the commercial though. So good!


The SI swimsuit issue does get unveiled tonight when the cover model is released on Letterman and tomorrow when it hits newstands. So I have a couple things to get you ready for that. Of course, the lovely ladies of SI Swim were mingling with NFL players last week. Another one of my faves, Marissa Miller, gave Matthew Stafford a thrill. Take a look at this.


That was not today's Nussie Hunter. I'm better to you than that. Last year's cover model was Bar Refaeli. And yes, she's looking good again this year. I'm done talking, just look!

Waiting is almost over, let's play this game already!

I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of hearing about Dwight Freeney's ankle. He didn't practice today, but I'm not going to read into that too much. It's not a surprise. The build up to this game is the most over done thing of the year to me. It gets rather sickening really. Even I have to get my previews in moderation and have to go dark on the game for a bit. That said, here I am writing about how I think the game will go.
So OK, let's get into the nuts and bolts of this game. The quarterbacks we know so they'll get theirs. I won't spend much time on Drew and Peyton. They could have a hand in the outcome, but it won't be anything that surprises you.
The running backs could be the X-Factor. If Reggie Bush or Joseph Addai can get something established, it might give enough of a wrinkle for his team, it might push them over the top. I actually see the Saints having a better big-play capability with the speed and weapons they have. That's not a shot on the Colts, they are just more of a piece-by-piece offense that is slow and methodical in making a drive down the field.
The Freeney injury could be a difference maker if he can't go. When he's not on the field look for the Saints to run to that side and run screens that way. With Reggie Bush taking those passes, they could be big plays in themselves.
The Saints defense is still probably the most vulnerable after giving up big numbers against the Vikings in the NFC Title game. They could give up equally bigger numbers in this one. If they can make up with that by forcing turnovers like they did to get to this game, I see them having a chance.
I'm hoping for a close game and I think both quarterback will deliver that for us and make this one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory. Are you ready? Here comes my pick...
My pick: Peyton Manning is just too good. The Saints might be up early, but as we saw in the AFC Title game, I don't see them burying the Colts too much. That gives Peyton enough time to get his team back in the game for the second half. I see the Colts winning this one by 10 and it might not be as high scoring as people think.
The Score: Colts 31, Saints 21. Hoping for a good one and Peyton making his mark as one of the greats.



I love the commercials of the game as much as the next guy. Here are the list of the Top 5 funnest commercials of last year's game. And I've included my two faves. The Doritos one is great.
The Denny's one is funny and yes I took part in the free Grand Slam. So good!



Some of the bests you can place with this year's game are pretty funny too. Of course on the top of THIS LIST is the usual stuff, but scroll down. You can bet on how long Carrie Underwood takes to sing and how many times Archie, Eli and Kim Kardashian are shown on CBS. It is too funny!


A little break from Super Bowl content to talk about the "movie" made by the Buried Life boys from MTV. Their episode this week was to ask out the girl of their dreams, which happened to be Megan Fox (Good taste!). Well, this was pretty funny, too. Enjoy and be sure to check them out Monday night when they deliver a baby! Should be awesome! Whoa!

The Nussie Hunter today wanted to fall in line with the Super Bowl theme and talk about the WAGS of the the Super Bowl. We could talk about the teams' cheerleaders, comparing fan hotness and just comparing WAGS in general. Of course there is only WAG we expect to see during the game and that is Kim Kardashian. Here she is. Remember if the Saints win Reggie is proposing. Good luck with that buddy!

Mike Martz looking better and better as Bears OC

Mike Martz was officially announced as the Bears offensive coordinator earlier this week and I haven't had a chance to sound off with my thoughts on the move. I'll be honest, initially I thought he was the worst possible choice for the spot and couldn't get it done again calling plays from the booth. But the more I thought about it and read his thoughts and poked some of the guys close the Bears situation in the Chicago media, I started to think it could work and I'll tell you why.
Looking at the numbers from his time in San Fran and in Detroit he was the reason Jon Kitna through for 4,000 yards and helped Sean Hill become a competent quarterback for the Niners. He is a quarterback guy and reading the comments from Jay Cutler on ChicagoBears.com today, he's on board with it and is in sync with Mike on what he sees with the offense.
Now, changes will be made to the look of the offense, but know Cutler is the guy Martz is there to work for and push to get the most out of him that he can. I actually like the weapons around him on the field, the biggest need is going to be offensive line help which will allow Matt Forte run the ball. And we can't forget Kevin Jones, who missed all of 2009 with a knee injury. Look for both of those guys to have great years in 2010.
I'm on board with this now, too, and think, while it took 27 days to hire him, the right guy was hired. That's all that's important. Now all that's left is going to be a Defensive Coordinator to work with Lovie and this defense that played without its best player almost all of last year.
There is some work that needs to be done in the defensive backfield and the loss of Adewale Ogunleye and death of Gaines Adams needs to be addressed, but my feeling is that they'll be OK.


It is Super Bowl Week and I have to give you an awesome pic from my boys Covino and Rich. Which one of these guys looks like the NFL player? Yeah, not the one that is right!
"That shirt comes with a one-year guarantee. You are guaranteed to not get ass for one year wearing it." Well, that is, of course if you're not a Super Bowl MVP! Haha.


Continuing on the Super Bowl tip, here's the Go Daddy commercial that was banned. I'm not sure why. Can you tell me? Yeah. Besides sucking, I don't know.

Alright, today's Nussie Hunter has a bit of a story behind it. Some high school kid started a campaign to get to ask UFC Octagon girl Arianny Celeste to go with him. He made a series of videos. Here's the first one. Awesomely bad, for sure! Haha.


You can watch the second and third vidoes with Connor asking her to the prom, here. And her response? Well, that's here. You have to scroll down and I couldn't figure out how to direct link or embed (because the site sucks), but it's easy once you're there.
Well, I can't really have a Nussie Hunter without a photo of our lucky lady. Well, here is Arianny Celeste!

Kicking off Super Bowl Week on 'The Way'

The teams have arrived in Miami and it's now time for the Super Bowl and yesterday they took part in Media Day.
Yeah it's usually pretty lame, but yesterday was actually a pretty fun day. For an hour I watched the Colts get poked and prodded on NFL.com and then an hour later, did the same with the Saints. It was actually pretty entertaining. There wasn't any lame questions or spectacles there this year, which made it a litter more tolerable to watch. The NFL Network and NFL.com actually had 14 cameras at the event that let me and you roam around. It was actually pretty cool. It was the first of the many Super Bowl events and really helped wet my whistle for the game. I'm actually wanting to hit a team practice and just wander around and see what I can pick up. Here's some of the high spots from the day from NFL.com.

One of the cooolest things, at least to me, wandering around the event was the OchoCinco News Network Pretty much, it's Chad Ochocinco, Chris Cooley and Ray Rice and Darnell Dockett running and causing chaos for Super Bowl Week. It's actually pretty funny.



I'm a big fan of Chris Cooley and his blog. He's actually pretty funny. He sat down with an interview with Jenny Dell of ESPN. Yeah, she's hot and Chris is great.



Staying with the Super Bowl kick off for the blog, my fave radio show, Covino and Rich, is on location in South Florida. Yeah, I live my life through them. Pretty awesome guys.. I mean dudebros! Haha. Check this video of their suroundings before today's show.



That was just enough to get your whistle wet for the Nussie Hunter portion of the broadcast. Maxim's 2009 Hometown Hottie winner, Kristin Gustafson, is in Miami and taking part in some photo shoots. Here are a couple different links to her hotness. Whoa! Umm, we don't have hotties like her in my hometown.

Brewers On Deck delivers for us baseball nerds

Yes folks, Wilber's Way got to meet our favorite Brewers player yesterday. The smile only came off when I came to work today. But only briefly! I'd say my first trip to Brewers fanfest was awesome.  A little bit more of a hurry up and weight style event than I'd prefer, but hey, it was good to see the guys and see over 10,683 of my friends. Haha.


But really, Casey McGhee was the final player left in the building but was still a great guy. He stayed and took pics with everyone that asked, including me. Was all smiles too, which made it better. I know some of us fans can be a bit much sometimes, but hey, the guys hung with it for the day.
Of course the day started with a visit to the Jody Gerut stage. Had to say hi to the guy I literally cursed at every time he stepped to the plate. I was nice, he may be a cool guy but he sucks at baseball. R.J., however made sure to give a line of the day candidate "I wouldn't have been in this line in July." Bahahaha!


Yes I ran into my adoptive parents because they are big-time Brewers fans. Shared some laughs and hit up the Doug Davis press conference. That is where Doug Melvin delivered two great lines.
With Davis answering a question on whether or not he felt a return trip to Milwaukee said. "I know they were looking for a lefty in 2008 and I was close." Which led Melving to jump up to the mic and say "I got one." Well, yes he did. That wasn't the quote of the presser though. Melvin was dealing nothing but praise toward Davis so one of the reporters asked, "If you are so hi on Doug, why did you trade him?" Melvin's response "I've been known to make some bad trades. Look at Johnny Estrada." Hahahahaha. The whole crowd watching got a chuckle. Good stuff Dougy!
I will also add, that since V is above (You may remember him from such blogs as Vaughan's Way! Haha), he got to meet one of his favorite people in the world in bench coach and former NY Yankee Willie Randolph. I could tell he was moved by it and that is awesome. Happy for you buddy!

The lines at this thing were a little ridiculous as I mentioned, but I did manage to get a few autographs. Randy Wolf, Casey McGehee, Jody Gerut, Josh Butler, and of course Mitch Stetter and John Axford. Had to say hit to the guys. I'm planning some framed display for Wolf, McGehee and Stetter's cards. Should be up in the next couple weeks!


There was not a line, however by where the Diamond Dancers were hanging out early in the day. So we went over and said hi and got a poster and a photo. Have to say in the massiveness of Miller Park they get drowned out, but they're pretty cool.


The Nussie Hunter would like to apologize. First, it was discovered that Miss Wisconsin, Kristina Smaby, is on the Diamond Dancers. Well, we couldn't find a photo worthy enough for this space. Apologies. So we went with a Dancing with the Stars hottie. She's actually a former Man Show Juggies dancer and has posed for Playboy a couple times. I give you Joanna Krupa!