Tuesday August 18th, 2009 will be a date easily forgotten. But the events that transpired on this darkest day in Cheese Land will forever bitter the cheddar and pepper jack that accompany our beer soaked brats.
The rumor mill turned ever so gently on Twitter and ESPN. But mostly it was the local Minnesota media that pushed the story. A plane left Hattiesburg carrying some luggage, staff, Brett Favre and a Vikings logo.
Mere hours after landing, Favre was in a familiar red #4 jersey, only to be topped by a purple helmet. The sight of this was enough to make the average Packer fan puke.
Most people I heard on talk radio wanted Favre to fail miserably and some extremists even wanted him to be injured.
We may never know the whole truth about what happened when Favre announced his retirement from the Packers. So lets think about this instead of jump onto the Hate Favre Bandwagon.
The Packers have Favre to thank for carrying the team some 16 years. He is the reason we obtained Reggie White and won a Super Bowl. He is the reason a small market city has been able to keep one of the most beloved football teams in the country. He is the reason for pretty much every positive thing that has happened to the Packers. If he still thinks he can play, no matter where that is, we shouldn’t take it as a slap in the face.
This season the Packers will again have Aaron Rodgers behind center. He was a solid starter through all of last year, even playing through a shoulder injury. Maybe he did learn something from his predecessor?
I am not happy that Favre is a Viking. But in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter.
Please repeat after me:
“I am not mad at Brett Favre. I will applaud his announcement on Sunday November 1st, 2009 at Lambeau Field when the Packers face the Vikings as a Thank You for all that he did for this franchise and this city. This is the Packer way.”
Plug In – Participate – Go Gonzo
A Real Packer Fan,
Henry Gonzo
Contributor-at-Large
henry@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Chefusion - Their Culinary Magic is No Illusion
The Culinary Magic that comes from this place
is a well thought out blend of menu, service, and taste.
Chefusion is our subject, you silly blog reader
and I will tell you one thing: I'm a tough to please eater.
Here when I visit, comes sweet hunger relief
either with a Penne Pasta Bowl or the burger of Kobe beef.
Much beyond that, the menu is chalk full of choices
from the Ultimate Crab Cake to desserts that are moist-ist.
And the decor; what a place, I really must say
Their style is cool in a very simple way.
As far as the fee to eat such a meal,
take it from me, you get a pretty good deal.
I know it was just lunches and not the full on dinner
but either way you slice it Chefusion's a winner.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
is a well thought out blend of menu, service, and taste.
Chefusion is our subject, you silly blog reader
and I will tell you one thing: I'm a tough to please eater.
Here when I visit, comes sweet hunger relief
either with a Penne Pasta Bowl or the burger of Kobe beef.
Much beyond that, the menu is chalk full of choices
from the Ultimate Crab Cake to desserts that are moist-ist.
And the decor; what a place, I really must say
Their style is cool in a very simple way.
As far as the fee to eat such a meal,
take it from me, you get a pretty good deal.
I know it was just lunches and not the full on dinner
but either way you slice it Chefusion's a winner.
Plug In - Participate - Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Editor-at-Large
gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Kagen Gets an Earfull While Trying to Sell Health-Care Reform
It soon became apparent that the Green Bay Public Library basement auditorium was not large enough for the hundreds of people who came to listen, ask questions and yell at Congressman Steven Kagen. Once all the seats were filled, many people become disgruntled about their inability to participate in the listening session.
Angry chants ensued, as did an episode of violence. As Kagen’s aides attempted to close the doors on those who couldn’t find seating, one man became hysterical while offending another gentlemen—what resulted was a couple of punches and each man having a firm grip on the others neck. The men were separated and the police arrived shortly after.
Though the presence of eight police officers created some order, there were still random outbursts of loud defiant yelling. One man screamed, “I fought communism for forty years and now it’s here in my city.”
Due to the constant yelling, it became very difficult for anyone to hear the congressman’s statements. People instead of trying to listen, ended up venting and fervently explaining their disdain to the person closest to them. One very large man was bent-over shouting at an elderly woman who didn’t share his opinions on health-care reform. Even though the majority in attendance couldn’t hear Kagen, it was evident that no one would be leaving anytime soon.
Some in attendance seemed to relish the chaos that occurred in the library basement. Many people feeling that this may be their one chance to voice their opinion to the man who represents them in congress. Yet some were disappointed in the unruly fashion in which people chose to be heard.
“There has been no debate here, no exchange of ideas…we’ve had people shouting at the congressman and literally yelling, that doesn’t advance the debate in any way,” said Tom Sieer, Chair of the Democratic Party of Brown County.
The flagrant emotions shown on Monday and Tuesday stem from a two month long sales pitch from the Obama administration and the Democratic majority; a plan with very few specifics and even less bi-partisan support or involvement.
“There is so much partisanship in Washington that it is absolutely disgusting,” said Pat Duchteau a Green Bay native. “The democrats chose to go it alone and shut out the republicans.”
Waning support for universal health care isn’t unique to Green Bay. Almost every nation-wide poll shows that a slim majority of Americans oppose government run health care. Arguments against health-care reform have been fought on many fronts and through various ideologies. Some attack the reform by arguing that universal health care is a socialist program. And our government thus far, has done little to give the public confidence about its ability to run a massive program.
“We have Social Security—bankrupt, Medicare—bankrupt, Medicaid—bankrupt. So I don’t want the government managing my health care, they are not capable of it,” Duchateau said.
Many people are also concerned about the fiscal burden that universal health care would create. Already, the federal government has gone on a historic spending spree. It is debatable whether that spending was a necessary measure to save the ailing economy. However, people are still uneasy about another large federal spending program, and with good reason.
On July 17, the Congressional Budget Office came out with a report indicating the health care bill put out by the House of Representatives (HR 3200), would add $68 billion to the already insurmountable federal deficit. When asked about the report, Kagen seemed to belittle its importance.
“The only money they count, is money that goes into U.S. Treasury and the money that comes out, said Congressman Kagen.
“They do not factor in any savings…so the CBO can score things all they want, but it’s kind of like an accountant, they count money but they don’t know how to run the business.”
Despite Kagen’s rebut about the significance of the Congressional Budget Office’s report, it was clear on Monday that people are concerned about the federal government’s efforts to create universal health-care. There was also general distress about the overall condition of this country.
“I think there is a lot of people who don’t like the direction this country is going in, they didn’t bargain for this—they are not socialists,” said Duchateau.
Even though most in attendance were against the idea of universal health-care, they did admit there is a health-care crisis. Approximately 40 million Americans do not have a health-care plan or insurance, and health-care prices have been rising much higher than the rate of inflation. The catch-22 about the heal-care reform debate is, if the government doesn’t succeed in their attempt to create a universal health-care plan, they are unlikely to go back to the drawing board and try to create a solution for a devastating problem.
“If they don’t pass anything it will be dead for a very long time,” said Paul Jadin, former Mayor of Green Bay.
Angry chants ensued, as did an episode of violence. As Kagen’s aides attempted to close the doors on those who couldn’t find seating, one man became hysterical while offending another gentlemen—what resulted was a couple of punches and each man having a firm grip on the others neck. The men were separated and the police arrived shortly after.
Though the presence of eight police officers created some order, there were still random outbursts of loud defiant yelling. One man screamed, “I fought communism for forty years and now it’s here in my city.”
Due to the constant yelling, it became very difficult for anyone to hear the congressman’s statements. People instead of trying to listen, ended up venting and fervently explaining their disdain to the person closest to them. One very large man was bent-over shouting at an elderly woman who didn’t share his opinions on health-care reform. Even though the majority in attendance couldn’t hear Kagen, it was evident that no one would be leaving anytime soon.
Some in attendance seemed to relish the chaos that occurred in the library basement. Many people feeling that this may be their one chance to voice their opinion to the man who represents them in congress. Yet some were disappointed in the unruly fashion in which people chose to be heard.
“There has been no debate here, no exchange of ideas…we’ve had people shouting at the congressman and literally yelling, that doesn’t advance the debate in any way,” said Tom Sieer, Chair of the Democratic Party of Brown County.
The flagrant emotions shown on Monday and Tuesday stem from a two month long sales pitch from the Obama administration and the Democratic majority; a plan with very few specifics and even less bi-partisan support or involvement.
“There is so much partisanship in Washington that it is absolutely disgusting,” said Pat Duchteau a Green Bay native. “The democrats chose to go it alone and shut out the republicans.”
Waning support for universal health care isn’t unique to Green Bay. Almost every nation-wide poll shows that a slim majority of Americans oppose government run health care. Arguments against health-care reform have been fought on many fronts and through various ideologies. Some attack the reform by arguing that universal health care is a socialist program. And our government thus far, has done little to give the public confidence about its ability to run a massive program.
“We have Social Security—bankrupt, Medicare—bankrupt, Medicaid—bankrupt. So I don’t want the government managing my health care, they are not capable of it,” Duchateau said.
Many people are also concerned about the fiscal burden that universal health care would create. Already, the federal government has gone on a historic spending spree. It is debatable whether that spending was a necessary measure to save the ailing economy. However, people are still uneasy about another large federal spending program, and with good reason.
On July 17, the Congressional Budget Office came out with a report indicating the health care bill put out by the House of Representatives (HR 3200), would add $68 billion to the already insurmountable federal deficit. When asked about the report, Kagen seemed to belittle its importance.
“The only money they count, is money that goes into U.S. Treasury and the money that comes out, said Congressman Kagen.
“They do not factor in any savings…so the CBO can score things all they want, but it’s kind of like an accountant, they count money but they don’t know how to run the business.”
Despite Kagen’s rebut about the significance of the Congressional Budget Office’s report, it was clear on Monday that people are concerned about the federal government’s efforts to create universal health-care. There was also general distress about the overall condition of this country.
“I think there is a lot of people who don’t like the direction this country is going in, they didn’t bargain for this—they are not socialists,” said Duchateau.
Even though most in attendance were against the idea of universal health-care, they did admit there is a health-care crisis. Approximately 40 million Americans do not have a health-care plan or insurance, and health-care prices have been rising much higher than the rate of inflation. The catch-22 about the heal-care reform debate is, if the government doesn’t succeed in their attempt to create a universal health-care plan, they are unlikely to go back to the drawing board and try to create a solution for a devastating problem.
“If they don’t pass anything it will be dead for a very long time,” said Paul Jadin, former Mayor of Green Bay.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Eateries - Little Tokyo Restaurant...Unagi Maki and Teriyaki
I don’t know man, sometimes adventurous eating can get you in trouble, mostly in the gastro-intestinal sense. You eat the wrong thing and that shit will go through you faster than chicken wings and Guinness if you catch my drift.
But, more often than not, I am pleasantly surprised by the results of my choices, and the decision to try Little Tokyo provided just that, a pleasant surprise. Many times I have driven by reluctant to give it a shot, mostly in part to my knowledge of what bad Japanese food can do to you, but today I stopped being a Sally and decided to mosey in there.
Simple, comfortable, and clean, the restaurant presents far better than the exterior might imply. Also, please note this is not Hibachi. There is no fast talking crazy ass chef throwing both food and cutlery around the table. This is sushi, among many other things. Having been to a few sushi-centric eateries through the years, the first thing I looked for was the sushi bar itself. Most places that take sushi seriously have a sushi bar with a sushi artist to design your roll.
Behind the counter at Little Tokyo is Ann(e). The proprietor of the restaurant, she is friendly and welcoming and very eager to show us what she has available for tasting. However, this time around I am going with a different dish. I love sushi and it looks like Ann(e) has honed her craft quite skillfully, but on the recommendation of my dining companion, I opt for the beef teriyaki.
The service was excellent. There we go. With that out of the way we can move on to the ingestion experience as it relates to the food they serve. Absolutely fantastic.
By now I think we all know I’m not an accredited food critic, but even I know what makes this dish. It is the teriyaki sauce they used. It is the fact that not once did I bite into a fatty nasty piece of meat. And rice is rice, but the accompanying fried rice was done perfectly and played well on my plate with the teriyaki sauce meat mushroom combination.
Price was reasonable, and by that I mean I wasn’t paying $13 for a damned tortilla chicken rollup with soggy ass fries as creatively made available by some of the chains that pollute our fine city. I will gladly hand over the $7.50 to Little Tokyo so I can eat this stuff again. Although next time I am going after either the Unagi Maki (eel roll) or the Spider Maki (soft shell crab roll). Looking forward to filling you Yahoos in on that at a later date.
Thank you Ann(e) for honing your craft and bringing your fine culinary offerings to the city of Green Bay. You are an honorable part of the Broadway District. Your food, service and restaurant are top notch, and I sincerely wish you continued success.
Seriously Gonzo Guide Green Bay peeps, indulge the inner foodie and get off the hamburger, taco, Italian thing and give this fine little Japanese restaurant a shot.
Plug In - Participate – Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
Gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
But, more often than not, I am pleasantly surprised by the results of my choices, and the decision to try Little Tokyo provided just that, a pleasant surprise. Many times I have driven by reluctant to give it a shot, mostly in part to my knowledge of what bad Japanese food can do to you, but today I stopped being a Sally and decided to mosey in there.
Simple, comfortable, and clean, the restaurant presents far better than the exterior might imply. Also, please note this is not Hibachi. There is no fast talking crazy ass chef throwing both food and cutlery around the table. This is sushi, among many other things. Having been to a few sushi-centric eateries through the years, the first thing I looked for was the sushi bar itself. Most places that take sushi seriously have a sushi bar with a sushi artist to design your roll.
Behind the counter at Little Tokyo is Ann(e). The proprietor of the restaurant, she is friendly and welcoming and very eager to show us what she has available for tasting. However, this time around I am going with a different dish. I love sushi and it looks like Ann(e) has honed her craft quite skillfully, but on the recommendation of my dining companion, I opt for the beef teriyaki.
The service was excellent. There we go. With that out of the way we can move on to the ingestion experience as it relates to the food they serve. Absolutely fantastic.
By now I think we all know I’m not an accredited food critic, but even I know what makes this dish. It is the teriyaki sauce they used. It is the fact that not once did I bite into a fatty nasty piece of meat. And rice is rice, but the accompanying fried rice was done perfectly and played well on my plate with the teriyaki sauce meat mushroom combination.
Price was reasonable, and by that I mean I wasn’t paying $13 for a damned tortilla chicken rollup with soggy ass fries as creatively made available by some of the chains that pollute our fine city. I will gladly hand over the $7.50 to Little Tokyo so I can eat this stuff again. Although next time I am going after either the Unagi Maki (eel roll) or the Spider Maki (soft shell crab roll). Looking forward to filling you Yahoos in on that at a later date.
Thank you Ann(e) for honing your craft and bringing your fine culinary offerings to the city of Green Bay. You are an honorable part of the Broadway District. Your food, service and restaurant are top notch, and I sincerely wish you continued success.
Seriously Gonzo Guide Green Bay peeps, indulge the inner foodie and get off the hamburger, taco, Italian thing and give this fine little Japanese restaurant a shot.
Plug In - Participate – Go Gonzo
Gomez Gonzo
Gonzo Editor-at-Large
Gomez@gonzoguidegreenbay.com
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