20th Surfman Award : Whitey the Albino Squirrel

whitey
Originally uploaded by the surfman.

For about 20 years I had been hearing about this albino sqirrel that lived in Trinity-Bellwoods Park. I was beginning to think that he was a figment of people's imagination, but I was proven wrong and rewarded with a chance meeting for my disbelief. Which isn't quite fair but I was thrilled to bits just the same. I nearly fell of my bike when I spotted him running up a tree. At first I thought I was seeing things and than was overjoyed with happiness that this special squirrel existed and lived in our park. Oh how Whitey makes me happy, and makes me think how unique and lovely each and every one of us are. Thanks Whitey, and in case you want to check out some waves sometime, I'll shape a squirrel friendly surf board just for you.

19TH Surfman Award: Angel Hair for Kids

angelhairforkids
Originally uploaded by the surfman.

This week's Surfman award goes to the very worthy and noble program Angel Hair for Kids; which is part of A Child's Voice Foundation, based in Mississauga, Onatrio, Canada. Every year 10,000 Canadian children lose their hair to cancer treatments, burn accidents etc. I am so proud that a group like this exists to provide wigs to disadvantaged children that have lost their hair. In fact I was so moved that I had my hair cut a few weeks ago, after growing it for over 3 years and donated it to Angel Hair. Organizations like this accentuate the positive and give us reasons for hope in a society that is increasingly seeing the glass half empty. Thank you Angel Hair, please keep up the good work. And all you surfmen out there, if you have hair to spare, checkout Angel Hair's website for all the particulars.

18th Surfman Award: Sigur Ros

20060328 london
Originally uploaded by sigur-ros.co.uk.

Yesterday I was given a wonderful opportunity by my friend Sam MBA to see the band Sigur Ros. They were so amazing and incredible I can't stop thinking about them. Their muisc is ethereal and atmospheric, sung both in Icelandic and "Hopelandic", a language that they invented to convey to the listeners the beautiful landscape of their homeland. The band was named after the lead singer Jonsi's sister, who was born the very day the band was fomed back in 1994. Sigur Ros means "victory rose". Jonsi's voice is something to behold and listening to him on CD is not nearly the same as being in the room with him. And his signature style of playing the guitar with a bow from a cello with reverb creates a sweeping fluid sound that this audience member will not soon forget. Thank you Jonsi and the rest of Sigur Ros for the way you made us feel...Surfboards way up!!!!!!!!!!!!

17th Surfman Award: Beta&Kaspar

betakaspar
Originally uploaded by the surfman.

This week's Surfman recipients are Beta & Kaspar. Beta is a very skilled & creative jeweller and mother to wonderboy Kaspar, whose smiles can light up a room.On a side note, Beta is also wife to Steve, who is a member of my favourite band Elliott Brood and the daughter of Silvija, a haircutting phenomenon.This is one very talented family!! Beta & Kaspar recently had dimsum with T & me before embarking on a trek to Latvia, which is exactly where they are now. From what I have gathered they are having a fabulous time and Kaspar is the center of attention wherever they go. Thanks for being our friends and spreading your goodness wherever you go.