11th Surfman Award : Mother Bear Project

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Originally uploaded by the surfman.

This weeks Surfman Award goes to the very worthy Mother Bear Project, a grassroots, non-profit group dedicated to providing comfort & hope to children primarily affected with HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them the gift of love in the form of hand-knit bears. The picture is the work of two bears that T carefully knitted with yarn and love for her contribution to the project. I am very proud of her and this wonderful organization that deserves our gratitude for reaching out to those in need. Thank you Mother Bear Project, keep up the great work!

10 Surfman Award : Joe

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Originally uploaded by the surfman.

There is nothing average about this Joe. Like Mary Tyler Moore, he has the power "to turn the world on with his smile.' Joe has been the surfman's amigo for some 20 years now and he has been a true friend. He once got in his car and drove 3 hours from his home to stay with me and wake me every hour after I had been run over by an erratic driver while I was on my bicycle. He is a joy to be around and I wish he lived closer to my abode. After my sweetie met Joe, she said "he was the nicest, kindest fella to be around", and that is indeed the case. Well buddy, may the time near where you can put on those loud arty pants and strut around town like the "king of kensington", giving a big howdy to all.

9th Surfman Award : Billy Bragg

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Originally uploaded by the surfman.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to see Billy Bragg play music twice. Once at HMV, where he performed a 20 minute set complete with his lovely comedic witicisms in between songs, and last night at the Opera House. Both times I felt blessed to be in his presence, he is truly a nice man and a very genuine human being. I can't say enough pleasantries about Billy Bragg as he signed my album cover of his "Brewing up with Billy Bragg". After he played at HMV, he sat patiently at a table, sipped his tea (I think he had a wee cold) and met and signed autographs for each and every person there. He spent time with everybody individually, never rushing us along the way certain big stars might; which just proves that you can be known the world over, but remain just an everyday bloke. Billy cares about people and that was shown yesterday with more than his music. Thank you Mr. Bragg, your are a "SURFMAN" extraordinaire!

As a side note, thank you Sam MBA and Burke for you company last night at Billy's concert, and thanks again Burke for driving me to and from...you gentlemen are true "connectors" of humanity...and thank you both for the part you played in bringing me & T together.

8th Surfman Award : Community Bicycle Network

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Originally uploaded by the surfman.

Today being Oscar Sunday, I would love to present one of those shiny gold awards to CBN for all the great work they do in Toronto, Canada...from their Bike Share, to Wenches with Wrenches, Poster Project and many many other programs and services they provide; somehow the awarding of the green surfer doesn't seem to cut it on golden OSCAR day! But just the same, CBN is indeed a rescurer of many a Torontonian, providing a bicycle to those in need for a very very reasonable price. This picture is taken from today's Toronto International bike show and display's CBN's booth filled with beautiful Bicycle Posters by various talented Toronto artists, as well as 2 extremely dedicated volunteers. In fact, it is the Volunteers that make CBN such a wonderful organization and service provider. I totally encourage anybody that is a member of the "bicycle family" to volunteer if they can. CBN rocks!!! Multiple Surfboards up for you guys, thank you for existing!