THE SURFMAN

136th Surfman Award: Joe Simon

2012-01-15T19:09:00.003-05:00

Joe Simon passed away at the age of 98 recently. He was the co-creator of Captain America back in the 1940s. He could write all genres of course, from horror to western to action to whatever he set his mind to. He also gave a man by the name of Stan Lee one of his first breaks in comics. We will miss you Joe.

135th Surfman Award: Tintin

2011-12-25T22:08:00.003-05:00

I can't wait to see Tintin, I have heard mostly good things, although I am a bit worried about how it will look. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Georges Remi or Herge's books, as well as the animated series The Adventures of Tintin, produced by both France and Canada. My son is now watching some of the cartoons and later I will introduce the books to him. He is already a fan of Tintin and Snowy and Captain Haddock makes him laugh. Hope not to be let down when I see the film.

134th Surfman Award: Remembrance Day

2011-11-20T20:40:00.004-05:00

11-11-11 was a a day that we Canadians have much to be thankful for. My grandfather fought in both WW I and II, he was all of 15 when he first joined and in his 30's with six kids and married for the second one. I really think that people were made of sterner stuff back in the day, because I just couldn't even imagine fighting in a World War...I am truly appreciative of all those Canadians that have made sacrifices for the rest of us. You really do deserve more than one day a year, in my heart, you have 365 - Thank You!!

133rd Surfman Award: George Zotti & The Silver Snail

2011-10-30T17:29:00.004-04:00

Is George Zotti Batman? Last night was the big Halloween bash at the airship on Parliment and what a fantastic time had by all. The atmosphere was one of merriment and approachability, which comes in handy when you want that picture with your favorite team, TEAM ZISSOU. Special shout out to new Silver Snail owner George Zotti and his staff for arranging such an awesome event, and thank you and Paul and Kody every new comic book Wednesday for my weekly cheer...George you really are Batman!!!!

132nd Surfman Award: Steve Jobs 1955-2011

2011-10-09T17:14:00.004-04:00

Jonathan Mak designed this tribute to Steve Jobs that says it all. It was so amazing and respectful of the man that co-created Apple Computers. Steve was such a visionary, he truly designed and put in our hands products that we enjoy and find amazing to use. I will be an Apple user for life, and I will pass on my love of Apple to my son. Many friends have tried to convince me to change or try other products, but no way I say! Apple products are not only fun to use but look beautiful as well. Thank You Steve, we will remember you every time we hold an ipod, ipad or notebook, and a special thank you to Jonathan Mak for your tribute, you have done Steve and Apple proud.

131st Surfman Award: Toronto Star Trek Day Oct.2nd

2011-09-18T19:38:00.003-04:00

On October 2nd, for the first time Toronto will have its very own Star Trek Day, with activities during the day and night at The Underground. Live Long and Prosper my trekkie amigos or trekkers if you prefer, I will be in full Red Shirt kit enjoying what I am sure will be a great time had by all.

130th Surfman Award: Jack Layton 1950-2011

2011-08-28T22:57:00.005-04:00

We will deeply miss you Jack, you were so rare and left your mark on all those that you helped. Truly," love is better than anger, hope better than fear and optimism better than despair." I will pass on your words and dreams of a better Canada to my 1 year old as he grows up. Thank You.

This art work was at Jack's memorial, and I thought it was just so beautiful showing Jack riding his bike off into the sunset, that I took a picture of it. There were just so many people that showed up over the last week in Ottawa and Toronto, that I am thankful that so many of us appreciated the rarity and power that was JACK!!!

129th Surfman Award: The Bicycle Film Festival

2011-08-21T23:24:00.003-04:00

Once a year, The Bicycle Film Festival makes its way to Toronto, after visiting New York, Paris, London, San Francisco, Athens, Amsterdam and a host of many other cities around the world. Last weekend Toronto cyclists were treated to a number of very good films with a bicycle motif. I had a great time and can't wait for next year.

128th Surfman Award: Marshall McLuhan

2011-07-17T13:18:00.005-04:00

I have long been a follower of Marshall McLuhan and his writings and would have loved to have sat in on a lecture of his, but alas, at least we will always have his words. He would have been 100 this week, and he is as well respected today as he was back in his prime during the 60's and 70's. Happy birthday Mr. McLuhan, I shall introduce your words to my son when he is older.

127th Surfman Award: Father's Day

2011-06-19T20:00:00.003-04:00

Happy father's Day to all the father's out there. This is my son in his bike seat, after a ride around the city. This little guy continues to amaze me and bring joy to my life. Something that I am thankful for each and every day.

126th Surfman Award: Nick Cardy

2011-06-12T22:49:00.004-04:00

Nick Cardy is a golden age artist that is still going strong at the age of 90. I recently discovered a new book about him called The artist at War, that is filled with a series of illustrations and paintings that he had done to document his adventures in WWII. The book has some really great interviews and story details to accompany each picture, I would recommend it to history buffs and fans of Mr Cardy. I was also amazed to find out that he had contributed to the original STAR WARS movie poster after doing some research on him, which of course makes him one cool cat in my eyes...you rock Nick!!!!!

125th Surfman Award: Our little joy is 1

2011-05-15T17:25:00.005-04:00

Wow, I can't believe our little likeness is 1 year's old, where did the time go. It seemed like just yesterday he entered the world, and hence became our whole world!

My Mother and sister gave our son this awesome wagon. He absolutely loves his new 4 wheel ride, especially the big tires. It is a Little Tykes deluxe Wagon with canopy, that turns into a seat/bench that my son has turned into his work station for his special projects. The canopy is going to be so great on those sunny days or rainy, and that bench will be perfect for picnics in park.

Thank you Mom and sis for this very generous gift for our wee lad, can't wait to pull the little tyke to the park in his new ride.

124th Surfman Award: Banksy

2011-04-17T23:32:00.004-04:00

I recently saw Exit Through the Gift Shop and really enjoyed the film and the art. The above piece is apparently attributed to Banksy when he visted Toronto last year for the opening of his film. It has not been revealed who Banksy is and I hope it never will be. I have a great deal of respect for how Banksy has conducted himself as an artist and hope that he will continue to contribute many pieces throughout the world for years to come. Congrats for the Oscar nomination.

123rd Surfman Award:Mike Grell & The Longbow Hunters

2011-03-27T19:23:00.002-04:00

Back in the 80s a friend at University turned me on to Mike Grell's "The Longbow Hunters". It was a 3 part tale that updated the Green Arrow/Oliver Queen to a more modern and and I like to think sophisticated audience that didn't want to see any trick arrows and such. It was gritty and realistic and had a sense of pace throughout the story that made you excited to turn the page. I was quite pleased to read a tale that featured The Green Arrow alone and not sharing the bill with another comic hero. The mini series was nominated for an Eisner and led to the first ever on-going series for Green Arrow. Last weekend at Wizard World Toronto I had a chance to meet Mike Grell and tell him about how much I loved his writing and got my books signed by him.

122nd Surfman Award: Toronto Bike Show

2011-03-06T22:44:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, was the bike show. It is a great place to buy gear and bikes at a reduced price. I usually wait until the show to buy all of my gear for the year. I have yet to buy a bike there but next year I may just purchase a new winter bike. Discovered Globe Bicycles there and really liked what I saw, and very afordable as well. Also spoke to a teacher/founder of The Winterborne Bicycle Institute, a great place to get certification for bike mechanics. May just have to sign up for a course or two.

121st Surfman Award: Lemmy

2011-02-20T20:12:00.002-05:00

Even if you are not a metal fan, the documentary Lemmy about Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister was really enjoyable. Lemmy who has long been considered the godfather of metal is a larger than life character who comes across as quite a good bloke. He is still going strong after forty plus years playing guitar, with incredible speed I might add. I hope he continues to play for many years to come. Stay real Mr. Kilmister, you lead by example sir!!

120th Surfman Award: TRUE GRIT

2011-01-16T13:56:00.004-05:00

I really enjoyed this film. Although I enjoyed watching the original 1969 film with John Wayne, I thought the Coen's film was a much better adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel. The Coen film centers more around the Maddie Ross character played by newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, who was incredible. Albeit, Jeff Bridges Marshall Rooster Cogburn and Matt Damon's Texas Ranger LaBouef were fine performances in their own right. The pace of the film was excellent and never slowed down till the end credits, the editor on this film is to be congratulated for never allowing the film to drag on. Great job to both Coen brothers, it never hurts to work on somebody else's story sometimes, can't wait to see what you guys do next.

119th Surfman Award: I am a bicycle riding & art loving PINKO

2010-12-12T22:33:00.003-05:00

As you may all know, recently new Mayor Rob Ford had Don Cherry attend his inauguration and Don referred to all of us Toronto
citizens who ride bikes and enjoy art and lean our politics to the left as PINKOS. Well I for one, am extremely proud to be a PINKO!! Mr. Ford should realize that he represents all Toronto citizens, not just the people who drive cars and live outside the inner core. The inner core of Toronto is made up of many many family oriented neighborhoods where some people choose to not own a car and use a bicycle or the TTC as transportation or belong to companies like Autoshare if they need a car, thus doing their bit to leave a lighter foot print on the environment...you think somebody who got himself elected Mayor would understand that. I really hope that council can keep this new Mayor in check, but time will tell. I miss David Miller already.

118th Surfman Award: A new kitchen

2010-12-05T20:14:00.002-05:00

Recently my friend Sam M.A. helped me paint our kitchen all white and give it a new and improved look. My wife and I had seen a picture of a kitchen in Sweden that was painted all white and we really liked the look and so four and half years later, we almost have our kitchen. Just need to replace the floor and than we are good. Thank you Sam, for being such a great friend and working 19 hours over 2 days for beer and food, you are the best!

117th Surfman Award: The White Squirrell of Trinty Bellwoods

2010-11-21T23:50:00.004-05:00

On my birthday, I was taking a stroll through Trinty Bellwoods Park with my wife and son and we came across the famous White squirrel. Of course there are more than one and in fact we saw three in one day about two years ago, which I still can't believe. Years can some times go by and I will not see the white squirrel at all, so imagine my surprise to see him on my birthday - I hope it is a good omen!

116th Surfman Award: Metropolis

2010-11-14T23:40:00.005-05:00

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending a screening of Metropolis at the new TIFF Lightbox Theatre. It was so incredible, and ranked up there as one of my all time favourite movie experiences. As follows described by the TIFF program:

To mark the premiere of the new restoration of Metropolis and its 25 minutes of previously lost material, Gabriel Thibaudeau, celebrated pianist and composer for the Cinémathèque québécoise—who premiered his original score for Robert Flaherty's Nanook of the North at TIFF 2005—was commissioned to create a new score for Fritz Lang's science-fiction masterpiece. Debuted this past summer at Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival, this new score brings two chamber orchestras to the stage to express the class struggle at the heart of the film: a soaring string quintet and keyboard represent the elitist spirit of the city, a booming brass quintet with organ embodies the surging power of the subterranean workers, with the two worlds linked through percussion.

Seeing a live orchestra accompany a film that has been described as a classic and than add some lost footage to the mix, well, it was simply a wonderful and magical night for me. Thank you TIFF and Reitman family for this amazing theatre and landmark that will only add to our top city status within the world stage.

115th Surfman Award: Willow's Whispers nominated for a Blue Spruce!

2010-10-31T22:40:00.004-04:00

My wife illustrated this wonderful Children's book about a child finding her voice and gaining confidence in the process. It was beautifully written by Lana Button, and now both Lana and my wife Tania have been nominated for a very prestigious Blue Spruce Award.

The Blue Spruce™ Award is a provincial primary reading program which brings recently published Canadian children's picture books to Ontario children ages 4 to 7 in kindergarten through to grade two. For many children, this is their first introduction to the world of books; it is a very exciting time for everyone.

The students will peruse/read 10 nominated Canadian picture books and then vote for their favourite book. They need to have at least perused/read 5 of 10 to be eligible to vote. They also can have these books read to them to be eligible to vote. Based on student voting across the province, the best
picture book is then selected and the author/illustrator is honoured with the Blue Spruce™ Award.

The goals of the Blue Spruce™ Award program are:

to promote reading for enjoyment and information among primary students
to make students aware of quality Canadian picture books including Canadian authors and illustrators
to develop the student's skill in evaluating a picture book based on story, text and pictures
to provide opportunities for students to discuss the picture books in an authentic manner

Congratulations on the nomination Tania and Lana, you both deserve it.

114th Surfman Award: The Hanson Brothers & Slap Shot

2010-10-10T20:32:00.005-04:00

Slap Shot is a movie that will always make me smile and LOL. Those crazy Hanson Brothers are Legendary!!! Two of them are Carlsons and one is Hanson and they are all related and played professional hockey. Having grown up in a huge hockey family, this movie had special meaning for me...old time hockey is truly the best hockey. Players dindn't have to wear helmets unless they wanted to and fighting was just another part of the game, it was wild and you always felt anything could happen.

113th Surfman Award: Ryder Hesjedal

2010-09-19T20:48:00.005-04:00

It will be a grand day when a Canadian wins the Tour De France, and I for one think that Mr Ryder Hesjedal has a better than average chance. He finished 7th this year and surprised many people and really got us fellow Canadians dreaming about one of our own winning the top bicycle race in the world. Today in Toronto, we were treated to an awesome race around Queen's Park Circle, Ryder came 3rd and continues to impress us with his mad cycling skills and sportsmanship. Before the race he signed my bicycle helmet and I was quite pleased. I really hope that Ryder can generate more exposure on cycling in Canada and show our fellow Canadians that there is an alternative way of transportation besides the car. Toronto for one is not a very friendly bicycle city and I truly dream of a better tomorrow where cyclists are endeared as friends of the environment and healthy lifestyles not just obstacles for cars. From one Wheelman to another, thanks Ryder for agreeing to race in Toronto, you rock dude!!

112th Surfman Award: Tommy Douglas

2010-09-12T16:09:00.004-04:00

This man is my pick for the best and brightest that Canada has ever produced. If not for his forward thinking, we would not have a healthcare system where everybody has access to free care and treatment. Now, I am not saying that we do not have problems with our healthcare system in Canada today, thanks to many of the politicians that masquerade as public servants "for the people". However, if not for Tommy, we would be just like the States. I for one salute you Mr. Douglas, and I wish you were still here representing every single Canadian, not just those of priviledge.

111th Surfman Award: Stan "the man" Lee

2010-08-29T23:30:00.002-04:00

I attended the Fan Expo the past 3 days and I had a fantastic time mainly due to the star of the show, Stan Lee! A true comics and pop culture icon, I mean who hasn't heard of Stan Lee. Even people who don't know anything about comics know about Stan. The first photo is of me, watching Stan sign some of my prized comics, like Fantastic Four #48, where we see the creation of the Silver Surfer for the first time.

The next day Stan gave a talk to a bunch of enthusiasts. He was highly entertaining. One audience member thanked him for providing us with so many childhood memories since we were children and asked him what his favourite childhood memory was? He told us how he grew up poor in Brooklyn and lived in an apartment that faced the back towards a brick wall for a view instead of the coveted street with his best memory being given a brand new bicycle and was he ever thrilled. He equated that bike to Rosebud.

And this second photo is Stan having a drink with us after the show at a pub across from the convention, thanks for making this Convention the best ever for me personally

110th Surfman Award:Baby Converse from Erin & Matt

2010-08-22T20:56:00.002-04:00

This is my son wearing his new converse from our friends Erin and Matt. They will really fit him around the time that he is walking, which is perfect. Thank you so much Erin&Matt, I was so surprised when I opened up the little converse box to see the most awesome sneakers ever!!

109th Surfman Award: Z's by the C : a Public Napping Project

2010-07-18T16:52:00.003-04:00

Yesterday in the newspaper, my wife and I read about this wonderful art project that looks at the division between public and private spaces through the intimate act of napping. The project is called Z's by the C (city) Of course after reading about it my wife and I and our 9 week old decided to head over to this grassy space on Lisgar street just south of Queen and decorate a sleeping mask and have a little nap. This project has already visited New York City, Zurich, Ottawa and Calgary and now Toronto, wonder where they will take it next? A special thank you to Eric and Mia for creating this fun and well thought out art project, you both have the stuff of true surfmen!! A little joy has been brought into our city on a cloudy Sunday.

Oh I almost forgot, after our little siesta, we were rewarded with these very cool badges, which my wife referred to as a merit badge, when she gleefully got hers. Spoken like the former girl guide that she was.

108th Surfman Award: My first Father's Day

2010-07-04T23:41:00.003-04:00

Two weeks ago today I celebrated my first father's day, and I was extremely proud. My wife and son took me out to brunch and than gave me these fantastic Star Wars pancake molds and a Darth Vader card that says " I am your Father", too cool. It is so great to be a dad, I can't wait to watch Star Wars with my little guy when he is older.

107th Surfman Award: Toronto Bike Month

2010-06-13T17:55:00.003-04:00

May 31st, 2010 officially kicked off Toronto Bike month with the Ride to Work and a wonderful pancake breakfast at City Hall.

106th Surfman Award: Church Parade

2010-05-30T15:16:00.005-04:00

Today we had the opportunity to view a beautiful procession by our local parish. Volunteers were out early this morning laying down the dyed wood chips w/i these elaborate wooden frames that they removed afterwards. The parade participants than walked over the wood chips. I am not sure what the significance of this was, but it was enjoyable to watch none the less.

This second picture is of the wood chips, that was placed all along the road. I quite like the inclusion of my photographer shadow in the picture.

Everybody loves a tuba!

105th Surfman Award: I HAVE A SON !!!!!!

2010-05-16T21:39:00.006-04:00

This will be the most important post I have written to date. My wife and I welcomed into the world our beautiful sweet little guy named Finch. He was almost 9 pounds and was born in our home with 2 midwives. It was the most incredible thing I have ever witnessed. I told the midwives that I could live to be a thousand years old and I would never do anything as special or courageous as what my wife went through to bring our son into this world. I am a very lucky man.

Our family and neighbours have been so supportive by dropping off clothes, food and supplies, as well as giving us time to bond with our newest family member. The above bounty was left on our back porch by our neighbour Naomi, who is really amazing. Thank you all so much!

104th Surfman Award: Adidas Star Wars Stormtrooper Sneakers

2010-04-25T18:49:00.002-04:00

They look great, they feel great and it is all about the Stormtrooper baby, what more is there to say.

103rd Surfman Award: Bob Clark "The Gorn Captain"

2010-03-28T18:59:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, at the Toronto World Wizard Comic-Con I met Bob Clark who is inside the Gorn costume battling Kirk, in that infamous original trek episode called "Arena". I asked Bob to sign an old VHS tape and Cover of that episode, he loved that I was keeping it old school to go with the original trek. Thanks Bob, you are indeed an old cowboy who got the opportunity and call all those years ago to be immortalized in a classic trek episode and my personal favourite....and for those of you who don't know it Bob Clark spent most of his acting career appering in mostly westerns, both film and TV. Happy trails my friend!

102nd Surfman Award: Art Therapy

2010-03-21T22:36:00.003-04:00

Art equals happiness in my world. I love to sketch and paint even though I do not consider my self gifted in any way, but it does make me incredibly calm and relaxed. Hence, this latest piece of abstract art. Soon my son will enter this big blue marble called Earth and I hope to provide him with a life filled with art, music, culture, kindness and love. The latter being the most important of all.

101st Surfman Award: Threadless Tees from my awesome in-laws

2010-02-07T17:06:00.005-05:00

I recently just received these 2 T-Shirts from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and I am very thankful for their generosity. A hugh thank you across the pond to you guys. These shirts will be worn a lot. The company that prints the designs is called Threadless Tees. Various designers submit their illustrations in the hope of selling their images, and there are some really fantastic shirts for all tastes.

Thanks again Johnny & Lisa, you both have put a smile on my face!

100th Surfman Award:We are having a baby!

2010-01-10T17:44:00.003-05:00

My wife and I are having a baby. I have been waiting 3 years to say that. This will be one of the most important posts I will make only to be outdone once our little spud is born in about 100 days, give or take a day. I'm not sure I should post it because I don't want to jinx anything but I am just so darn excited about becoming a father. I really can't think of anything more important than being a good parent. We will dedicate our lives to this new little guy that will soon enter our world, and I think that my wife and I know that this will be our biggest challenge thus far on this mortal coil of a rock called Earth. To be honest I am quite scared but I think it is good to be afraid, because it will keep us on our toes. Hopefully we can balance that out with patience, love and understanding and we should be fine.

99th Surfman Award: Willow's Whispers

2009-12-20T19:09:00.004-05:00

This is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book about a little girl who finds her voice. It was a nice collaboration between writer Lana Button and illustrator Tania Howells. Lana's inspirational words and Tania's wonderful images really bring this story to life about a shy little girl who is never heard by her classmates and teacher because she whispers...however that soon changes as Willow gains the confidence to convey her thoughts to her class.

98th Surfman Award: MW2: Prestige Edition

2009-11-15T13:12:00.002-05:00

Recently I was given the prestige edition of modern warfare 2 by a buddy for my birthday, a very very generous gift I must add, as it comes with working night vision goggles, yes, actual "turning night into day goggles", how crazy is that? I mean,they looked cool just sitting on their man-statue, but to work as well, this has taken things up a notch in promo event game launches. Yesterday we spent 5 hours playing 7 of 25 special op missions together, the time factor was mostly due to the fact that I am a low level gamer and kept making a series of mistakes but I had a fraking good time.

97th Surfman Award: Silver Snail Halloween Bash

2009-11-01T17:25:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of George, the main man from the best comic book shop ever - The Silver Snail. As my wife and I arrived for the Snail's big Halloween bash, I was totally thrown for a loop when George greeted us, I had no clue who he was underneath all that white fabric, plus he shaved...some guys will do anything for Halloween...Well played Sir, well played!!!!

The Snail really knows how to throw a shindig and the costumes were fraking fantastic, from The Sith Lord, Storm Troopers, Sinestro, Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, The Joker in a nurse's uniform, Wolverine, Captain America, Arthur(George) and The Tic, Emma Frost, Modok(Kody), Fred & Wilma and many many more...I personally went as Dr. Leonard "bones" Mccoy in his beard period, which is perfect timing since next March, IDW is coming out with a 4 part mini called Leonard McCoy:Frontier Doctor, where Bones has a big crazy beard like mine. Thanks to all the Silver Snail staff for an awesome party and to George for the invite, had a great time.

96th Surfman Award: Jonathan Howells

2009-10-18T20:58:00.005-04:00

These are images from the documentary Alfred & Jakobine printed on wonderful moo cards that my brother-in-law is filming in the states at this very moment. I am extremely proud of him for following his dream and wish him success in his journey. As a wise man once said " we must be the change, that we wish to see in the world", and in my books, bringing a good story to the screen exudes that. Speaking of story, go to http://www.alfredandjakobine-movie.com/ to see all the latest on this awesome story.

95th Surfman Award: 6th Year Anniversary

2009-09-13T23:12:00.003-04:00

Today was the sixth year anniversary of the day that my wife and I met. She gave me a card with this wonderful image of a penny farthing bicycle on it and the same image on a very cool hip tie that I plan to wear to work tomorrow. Every day has been better than the last, thank you T for your love and support, and for dancing like Hawkeye in the kitchen with me...you are indeed the "Liz Lemon" of Toronto. One day we will figure out who that Yeti in the basketball outfit was?

94th Surfman Award: Leonard "Mr Spock" Nimoy

2009-09-06T22:40:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, August 29th, Leonard Nimoy signed my type 2 phaser at the FanExpo in Toronto. This phaser is an exact replica of the one that was used in all 3 seasons of the original Star Trek. I waited three and a half hours in line, for my signature, but it was well worth it. I remember watching the original series that started it all when I was just a lad. I didn't quite understand it than but I knew that Mr Spock was a cool and interesting and I would become a life long fan as I watched all the seasons in re-runs as I grew up. Mr. Nimoy still exudes a "cool" factor and I was so thrilled to have my phaser signed, that I had it placed in a shadow box and I hope to pass it along to the next generation of my family. Thank you Spock, and may you truly LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

93rd Surfman Award: Bicycle Film Festival

2009-08-23T18:38:00.004-04:00

Yesterday my wife and I had had the opportunity to attend the Bicycle Film Festival at the Royal cinema. It was wonderful, because it was all about the bike, which is always near and dear to our hearts. We saw Joe Stakun's documentary "I Love My Bicycle" The Story of FBM Bikes. I have so much respect for the guys of FBM for what they have created and their dogged determination to forge ahead even in very dark times...these guys ROCK, SO HARD!!!!!!

92nd Surfman Award: John Hughes - Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!

2009-08-09T17:02:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday, John Hughes passed away in manhatten, he was 59 years old. He will be missed on a hugh scale by those of us that grew up during the 80s and were entertained and inspired by his many incredible films of teen angst and lessons to be learned. My personal favorite is Ferris bueller's Day Off, staring Mathew Broderick, about a guy who gets along equally with all manner of high school subcultures. "He is a rightous dude." When I graduated from universtity back in the late 80s, I wore a "leisure rules" button, a promo from the movie on my gown as I collected my degree. Mr Hughes you taught me that no matter how difficult the grown up world got, you can enjoy yourself while travelling that journey. Thank You and you will never be forgotten by those of us who grew up watching your films.

91st Surfman Award: Broken Social Scene

2009-07-12T19:39:00.004-04:00

Last night my wife and brother-in-law and I were extremely fortunate to see The Broken Social Scene at Harbourfront. They performed a free concert for their fans due to the city strike and it was oh so wonderful. This is the second opportunity that I have seen them in concert and each time they are that much more brillant! They even brought out Feist and Emily Haines from Metric. Thank you so much to Kevin Drew and company, you guys all make this the best city in the world. Simply Awesome!!!

90th Surfman Award: Documentary Film - "alfred & jakobine"

2009-07-05T22:51:00.002-04:00

89th Surfman Award: The Archers of Caledon

2009-06-21T18:00:00.010-04:00

What would an archery range be without some early archery humour.

There were these elaborate huge arrows painted on each wall of the archery range, which provided a perfect decor to break out our long bows and let fly some arrows of our own.

One of my fellow Long Bowman letting lose some arrows on target.

This is an awesome picture. It was the first thing i noticed when I walked into the Caledon facility, it looks like a circa 1960-1970 Canadian archery tournament. Love how everybody is dressed in white, very cool.

Bulleseye!! Nuff said.

Love the archery illustrations on the black board.

This past weekend, my archery group took to the open road to visit the most amazing archery facility in Caledon. It was a space dedicated soley to archery, whereas our group in Hogtown has to share our facility with a number various martial arts organizations. This archery facility has accomadation for indoor and outdoor shooting. We had to be content with the indoor this time due to the weather.

88th Surfman Award: Proper Bike Lanes in NY

2009-06-07T17:46:00.004-04:00

How civilized my fellow cyclist...bike lane, then parking lane and than car lane, not the usual parking lane, then bike lane (if there even is one) that often gets taken over by parking lane and car lane. Our elected representatives on Toronto city council could really learn a thing or two from New York and European cities for that matter. Come on people, how hard is it to make things safer for cyclists and car drivers, make the new lanes separate - end of story. At least think about it? Ah, dare to dream of a new utopia in hog town where cyclist are respected for their contributions to the environment and to the city in general.

87th Surfman Award: St. Mark's Comics

2009-05-17T23:51:00.003-04:00

I was recently in New York, and decided to check out St. Mark's comics after hearing about it via Ex Machina. It was a cool store with a friendly staff and I bought Walking Dead #7, I had been searching for this issue for awhile, so I was thrilled to find it. I also came back on Wednesday before leaving the big apple for New comic book Day.

86th Surfman Award: Archery

2009-04-12T18:48:00.006-04:00

Recently I have taken up the sport of Archery, which can best be described as the art, practice or skill of using a bow and arrow. I am not into hunting, but find the whole experience of letting loose an arrow into a target, very zen like. It has provided me with a relaxation that I sorely needed. It is a rather inexpensive sport which is just the ticket during these recession days. Archery isn't something I normally would have tried, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Not to mention the great new group of friends I have met doing it - a really good bunch of people I must say!

85th Surfman Award: Tales of the Black Freighter

2009-03-08T01:21:00.000-05:00

84th Surfman Award: Watchmen Movie

2009-03-01T18:07:00.003-05:00

This is a really cool newscast to get all you Watchmen fans stoked about the this coming weekend's film screening of the best graphic novel out there...I really hope Snyder and Holloywood have done it justice.

83rd Surfman Award: Batman Surfing

2009-02-15T23:52:00.004-05:00

82nd Surfman Award: Humber Students contact the International Space Station

2009-02-08T19:09:00.004-05:00

Yes they can!!!! You gentlemen are an inspiration, and a real credit to your country...all 4 of you should be very proud.
Four Humber College students became the first college students in the world to build a radio antenna to talk to the International Space Station. Gino Cunti, Paul Je, Patrick Neelin, and Kevin Luong made contact with astronaut Sandra Magnus, even though they only had a 10 minute window with a Station that travels through space at 28,000 kilometers per hour. Paul Je wept with tears of joy when contact was made as I am sure many more proud Canadians did when they heard about this incredible feat, I know I did.
Later this year, the "SPACE STATION 4" will be honoured by Canada's Telecommunications Hall of Fame, for a well deserved honour. Live long and prosper gentlemen.

81st Surfman Award: Becoming Batman

2009-01-25T23:41:00.006-05:00

E. Paul Zehr has written a wonderful book that looks at what it would really take to become Batman in today's world. Zehr uses his background as a neuroscientist, kinesiologist and martial artist to pose the question: Could a mortal man become Batman? He actually looks at what kind of training it would take and how long a person would have to train to reach Batman's level. A rather interesting idea for a book. So if all you wanabe supes feel that you can just put on a cape and go fight crime, than maybe you might want to think twice and pick up Zehr's book instead.

80th Surfman Award: A Brand New Year

2009-01-04T23:53:00.003-05:00

My wish is that 2009 brings better energy and flow throughout the world than 2008 did. Hopefully we can learn from the past to enrich the present and future. Glad tidings to my fellow earthlings, and remember that education is the key to our salvation and the future of those yet to be born. Peace&Love from THE SURFMAN.

79th Surfman Award: Solar Eclipse

2008-12-14T20:35:00.005-05:00

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun & the earth, so the sun is wholly or partially obscured. This can only happen during a new moon, when the sun and moon are in conjunction as seen from the earth. Quite spectacular I must say. This picture is from the 1999 eclipse.

78th Surfman Award: The Coalition Government

2008-12-07T20:11:00.007-05:00

Yesterday over 2000 strong stood in the cold at Nathan Philips Square to support a Coalition Government made up of the Liberals, NDP and Bloc parties. Both Jack Layton and Stepen Dion spoke to the crowd and shed some hope of what may be.
I pray that Stephen Harper is defeated in a no confident vote in January and that the Coalition Government has a chance to show what they can do. For too long we have had to suffer through Mr. Harper's tour, he does not represent all of Canada...and if you don't believe that, than just take a good hard look at what Mr. Harper says in the media and in Parliament. My friends, if the Coalition did anything, it would be one better than anything Mr. Harper's reign has accomplished. If left unchecked he would continue to corrode our Canadian rights,cultures and arts and that is something worth standing together for and saying NO MORE, MR HARPER!! Canada is a very democratic country and we all have the right to free speech and our opinions, and my personal opinion is that we sorely need a political party who will not trample on what those before us have fought so hard to establish. Mr Harper you have not advanced our nation and you have not been given your very sought after majority government, the majority of Canadians do not want you to rule and hopefully this January a Coalition Government will lead our country to a new chapter.

77th Surfman Award: Remembrance Day

2008-11-16T18:44:00.002-05:00

I really believe that we should always be thankful of the sacrifices that our ancestors made for our freedom during WWI & II. Both my grandfathers fought in WWII and my one grandfather fought in both I & II, joining up at 15 during the first one. I couldn't even imagine how he dealt with it afterwards, but he came back to Canada, got married and had six children and than joined up for the second one, because he felt that is what you do...all I can say is that he was made of tough stock, because to know the man, you would never had known he had seen such horrors...I still miss him to this day!

76th Surfman Award: BARACK OBAMA

2008-11-09T17:38:00.006-05:00

This week we have seen history in the making with the election of America's first African American President. I am so thrilled and overjoyed I can hardly think straight. I really feel that President Elect Obama will do great things for not only America but the World. I know that he has a lot of hurdles ahead of him but he will make a difference, I just know it. I only wish that Martin Luther King Jr could have been here to see it...for a president in America has been choosen "not based on the colour of his skin, but on the content of his character", and oh what excellent character President Elect Obama has.

75th Surfman Award: Dave Gibbons - Watchmen Talk & Signing

2008-11-02T16:57:00.006-05:00

Today, at the World's Biggest Bokkstore, Dave Gibbons regaled fans of Watchmen with many a story about working on the series, and lets not forget that this originated as a 12 issue comic series, before it bacame the graphic novel sensation it is known as today, but I digress, that is just my own personal bias of issue vs graphic novel...anyways, Dave spoke for about 1 hour and than gave a short Q&A, followed by a 3 limit signing. This appearance coincided with the release of Dave's new book Watching the Watchmen designed by the talented Chip Kidd, who recently released his own book Bat-Manga, but thats another story. Anyways, this new book of Dave's is a collection of all the odd bits of drawings, notes, Alan Moore scripts and issue time-line charts. I can't wait to check it out on Dec.25th, I decided to wrap it up as present for myself until than. Yeah - crazy!!

Dave sitting back and having a laugh with event's moderator Mark Askworth from the Space Channel.

Signed. sealed and delivered...Issue #1, Graphic Novel, First Printing & the new book.

74th Surfman Award: Star Trek

2008-10-19T19:06:00.002-04:00

This is so hilarious, I believe trekie and non-trekie alike will lol. I can not wait for the new trek film to arrive in theatres. LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

73rd Surfman Award: The Real News Network

2008-09-21T17:57:00.003-04:00

Creator Paul Jay of the Real News Network has provided us with a non-profit news and documentary network bent on providing us with independent journalism free of corporate or political influence. I hope this is the wave of the future.

72nd Surfman Award: 5th Year Anniversary

2008-09-14T15:12:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, September 13th, T & me celerbrated 5 years from the day we met, and it has been sooooo blissful and wonderful. We slept in and went for brunch at our favourite diner, than cycled to the lake and hung out, laughing the hours away, after that we jumped on our bikes and cycled to the Bloor Theatre and saw the movie Step-Brothers, which was amusing and light fun for our relaxing day and ended it off with a meal at the new Ginger-Mango on Bloor street - very yummy and very inexpensive. A special thank you to our friends B-PAT & MBA who had a hand in bringing us together.

71st Surfman Award: U of T Football Team

2008-09-07T16:56:00.004-04:00

I have been following this story for about 7 years now, and I am simply thrilled that the U of T Varsity Blues football team has broken their losing streak of 49 games, in fact they were 21 seconds away from a staggering 50th straight loss.Yet, thanks to an heroic 32 yard field goal by rookie place kicker Andrew Lomasney, the blues team and fans can carry their heads high.The blues defeated Waterllo Warriors 18 - 17 at Varsity Stadium on Labour Day. Having played vasity sports, I can't even imagine what 50 straight losses would have done to the psyche of this team. However, I do believe they would have carried on, because thats what sportsmen do...an old WWII poster from England said "Keep Calm and Carry On"...which can apply to all manner of things in life, right? Anyways, well done gentlemen, you did your school proud!!

70th Surfman Award: Bocce Ball

2008-08-31T19:52:00.008-04:00

Ah the sport of Bocce Ball...what a grand game, especially with a cooler of beer at your side. I had the honour of taking part in the very first Waterbuffalo Island Bocce Ball Championship 2008, and oh what a pleasure it was. But first a little history...Bocce has been around in one form or another since the Romans walked our blue marble and has developed into a fine dandy of a game to this present day. 4 balls are played on each side and the team or person who gets closest to the "jack" (a smaller ball thrown first) gets points based on the position of their balls in relation to thier opponets balls...see diagram above, where the red player gets 2 points..

Unfortunately the surfman did not take the first championship, that honour went to the newly crowned Doc Lava...however I will be wearing that championship Tam next year I say - nuff said!!

69th Surfman Award: Tim Sale

2008-08-24T20:25:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I had the rare honour of meeting my favourite comic book artist Tim Sale, and I was not disappointed. As big as Tim is in the comic and TV world, he was a very kind and nice man. I told him about my wife illustrating her first children's book coming out this fall and he was interested and wished her luck and told me about how he would like to illustrate a children's book himself some day. Here is hoping he does, because it will be awesome. If anybody out there doesn't know Tim's work - he has worked on Heroes from the beginning, all of those Issac paintings, yeah Tim did them! He has illustrated all the colour books and together with writing partner Jeph Loeb,they are the best team in comics today i.e. Hulk:Grey, Spider-man:Blue, Daredevil:Yellow, and the latest mini, Captain America:White...as well as Batman: The Long Halloween, Batman:Dark Victory, Superman:For All Seasons,...as well as many other books where the artwork rocks. I wish Tim and the rest of the Heroes cast and crew the best of success on Sept. 22 for the 3rd chapter called Villians, where evil wins the day. Please check out Tim Sale's web site for more info, as well as the Heroes website. Thanks again Tim, for making each and every one of your fans feel great about meeting you...I could telll that you really appreciate your fans, and we appreciate you sir! Keep up the good work, this Surfman Award goes to you.

68th Surfman Award: Pontypool - the film & novel

2008-07-27T20:10:00.005-04:00

Today I was given a rare and free viewing of an unfinished Canadian film stil in post production. Pontypool was at the Royal Theatre at 12:30 PM and is Bruce Mcdonald's latest adventure and his first foray into horror genre. The film is based on Tony Burgess' novel Pontypool Changes Everything, see accompanying Jacket cover. I am now going to have to go out and buy Mr Burgess' book after viewing Bruce's film, which I enjoyed immensly. How can I best sum up the storyline...It is a tale of a flesh eating virus passed on to the next person via words of the english language, forever changing the population of a small town community. Most of the film takes place inside a radio station hosted by main character Grant Mazzy, talk-jock host of "Mazzy in the Morning". I found the story compelling and exciting and the actors to be brillant and funny. There is one scene, where a singing group shows up in the studio, and I thought I was going to pee my kilt, it was so funny...of course it didn't help that I drank a lot water before the film started, thank goodness for me lucky sporran-eek! Anyways, but I digress...so get out there and support one of Canada's film royalty at this years film festival and when it hits wide release in the theatres. Thanks Bruce for a great film that made me laugh, which could have been an otherwise gloomy Sunday and thanks Mr. Mazzy, you are indeed right sir, "it is not the end of the world folks, just the end of the day".

67th Surfman Award: Island Crab Catching

2008-07-06T21:09:00.003-04:00

The Surfman came across these two characters in his travels to the left coast. I think they introduced themselves as Wanderstone and Lava, 2 members of the Loyal Order of Waterbuffalos. These two hawaiian shirt wearing island boys were catching crab off the pier for their dinner. They proudly displayed their catch of the day and trap for me just before they departed for a beer, crab and hot tub party. I believe they live their lives via the "Ferris Bueller Leisure Rules" philosophy. Carry on fine gentlemen, carry on!!

66th Surfman Award: Sparton Radio Company

2008-06-15T19:52:00.004-04:00

I was cycling around our neighbourhood with my wife the other day and we spotted this beautiful 1932 Vintage Sparton Radio being placed outside a house for their big yard sale the next day. After getting the go ahead from my wife, I asked how much they were selling it for and could we buy it before the sale started. Fifty bills later, we were the proud new owners of this time contraption to a bygone era. The gentleman selling it said they were selling things as fast as they were placing them outside their house, we were very lucky to have just cycled by at the right time. In fact, shortly after we bought it, another couple pulled their car over to make enquiries about it, only to be told they were too late. As soon as T & me got it home, we plugged it in and sat around the way whole families did back in the day. It was truly a surreal experience, as the programs & music that were being played were exactly what we imagined the first owners would have listened to...it was quite bizarre. Did we pick-up a strange time-travelling apparatus that allowed us to fuse the time - space continum or were our imaginations getting the better of us? Doesn't really matter does it, cause our toes will be tapping to a Louis Armstrong number night after night.

65th Surfman Award:Bells on Bloor/St.Lawrence Market Criterium Bike Race/Ride for Heart

2008-06-01T18:15:00.004-04:00

The "Dude" abides!!!! I would like to say that this is none other than yours truly the surfman, because everything about him screams out my persona, however it is not me and I can not take credit for this fine getup...this is one rightous cat who knows how to ride a bicycle in style...may he share his merriment everywhere!

This is Mrs. Surfman partaking in the Bells on Bloor Ride back on May 24th, 2008. She can always be counted on to display 15 pieces of flair and a ready smile with kind heart. She really does rock my world!!

After around 18 years, The City of Toronto has brought back the St. Lawrence Market Criterium Bike Race. It was held on Friday, May 30th, 2008 and it was so very European to witness a bicycle race in the city. We had a fantastic time and the cyclist were amazing whipping around market street on to Front. I really hope this becomes an annual event.

Today was my favourite Bicycle event of the year The Ride for Heart. This was the 6th year in a row that I have captained and organized a corporate team at my firm. I believe it was a good time had by all. This picture is the half way point in our 50km journey and was I ever happy to see it for a much needed H20 break. It is so nice to see cyclists under these road signs as opposed to speeding motor vehicles.

Happy bike month to all and to all a good night!!!!!

64th Surfman Award: June is Bike Month

2008-05-25T21:34:00.004-04:00

This is my favourite time of year, because its all about the bike. Today was the Bells on Bloor ride from High Park to Queens Park, protesting the lack of bicycle lanes on Bloor street. It appears that there were twice as many riders this year than last year's maiden voyage. Tomorow is the very awesome ride to work/pancake breakfast at City Hall. Riders meet at certain spots around the city, and than converge at Yonge/Bloor at 8 a.m., and than ride together as a group to City Hall. I am for any event that promotes cycling as a transportation alternative to the automobile. For the first time this year, our fair city has named June as "Bike Month", which is great rocognition for those of us that favour pedal power over gas power. Another great thing about 2008 is the grand unveiling of our very own Cyclist Union, that will unite all cyclist together as one very powerful voice. Membership can be yours for the low fee of $2 per month, and that is a bargain. It is my hope that our fair metropolis will one day be on par with great bicycle friendly cities like Amsterdam and San Francisco...dare we dream??

63rd Surfman Award: Poison Ivy Salon

2008-05-11T18:03:00.004-04:00

Ever since the dawn of humans, hair has always played a big part in how we feel about ourselves. Cave men and women decorated their hair with shells, the Greeks coloured and decorated their hair with gold flakes and the surfman had a bowl cut till he was 13. Yes dear friends, my first real hair cut outside the family unit was on my 13th birthday. My grandfather who was a veteran of WW1 and WW2, owened an old style barber shop and cut my hair till I was @6, after that my mom used the bowl method till I was 13, hence my fear to this day of getting a haircut. I have gone years without scissors touching my hair, but of late I get one haircut a year, and quite short at that. Which leads me to the only place that I would trust to remove my locks are none other than POISON IVY SALON on Manning Street, just south of College. The staff are all very professional and nice... my last haircut was done by the wonderful Sabrina, a top knotch stylist who gives you exactly the hair style that you are seeking.
Excellent ambience and they even serve you coffee...10 surfboards up for Poison Ivy, your salon rocks!!!!

62nd Surfman Award: Bike Month

2008-04-27T19:24:00.002-04:00

Bike Month is almost upon us, soon varoius activities will be aplenty for all you bicycle friendly people. The Bells on Bloor ride, The Ride to Work/pancake breakfast at City Hall, and my favourite the Ride for Heart. The pure pleasure of rolling down the DVP on two wheels without any smoggy automobiles is top drawer in my book. All you out there who choose a bicycle over a car is like a city superhero to me - cyclists rock!!!! And as an added bonus, we will never have to be at the whim of a TTC strike.

61st Surfman Award: My beautiful wife

2008-04-20T18:43:00.004-04:00

She is brilliant, funny, talented beyond words and a true inspiration to me...she is my wife and I am the luckiest guy around. Her most endearing quality though is her kindness for all sentient beings. She truly makes me want to be a better person everyday, and for that I am thankful and blessed. Thank you T for being the yin to my yang, and dancing like "Hawkeye" with me in the kitchen.

60th Surfman Award: Mexico Vacation

2008-04-13T23:39:00.002-04:00

Recently T & me had the pleasure of vacationing in lovely San Miguel, Mexico. The weather was 25 celius and sunny every day, and no humidity...pure bliss. I am ready to retire there and enjoy a daily siesta between 2-4pm. It was so nice to escape our winter storms, I am so sick of snow...please let it be over. The picture that accompanies this post was taken by my lovely wife T of these most excellent dudes and their guitars, the pic just says Mexico. There appears to be a really strong infrastructure set up between the retired North Americans and Europeans and the Mexican residents of San Miguel, it is a relationship that appears to benifit all parties. At first I did not want to go but I ended up having a wonderful time full of many adventures discovering new and exciting sites and faboulous brunch places set w/n various gardens around the city. And a special thank-you to my mother-in-law Anne for acting as our tour guide and chauffer, she is the best!

59th Surfman Award: The Great Toronto Snowstorm of 2008

2008-03-09T15:26:00.003-04:00

No that is not everest as a backdrop for my prayer flags, just part of the mountain of snow that reaches ever high toward the sky in our little oasis of a backyard. I believe we have achieved the record for the most snow fallen in a season, which was 207.4 centimetres back in 1939. Ah 1939! It was a good year if you were a comic book fan, Bob Kane created Batman and our own Joe Shuster along with his pal Jerry Sigal created Superman. However, if you were a hockey fan you were disappointed to see your hometown Leafs get defeated by the Boston Bruins...maybe this year we can make a another stanley cup final - yeah, probably not likely eh? Anyways, I digress, the snowfall that we are getting this year has been hard for many of us travelling to and from work and just trying to carry on our normal day to day activities. I have not shovelled this much ever, in fact after 2 hours of heaving the old snowflakes over my shoulder today, I am quite sore and in need of lots of R&R. My sweet T made me crapes after with a nice cup of tea. I guess its all how you look at it, it will continue to snow whether we want it too or not, so we might as well make the most of it.

58th Surfman Award: Earth Hour - March 29th 8PM

2008-03-02T15:04:00.003-05:00

This week I am writing about something that is very important to our planet. The ability that we all have to leave a lighter foot print on our big blue marble. On March 29th, 2008 at 8 PM each and everyone of us can take a stand and turn the lights out for one hour at the very least. Hopefully this will be a wake up call to those who are not already shutting off lights when they leave a room or doing other things like recycling, or reducing their car idle times or perhaps just leaving the old car at home and riding a bike. There are many many things that we can do to help our planet. Afterall, the power of the few can not only enhance the many but influence the many. Our planet and our people depend on it! The environment must be our single most important agenda, otherwise our future generations will suffer the effects of our arrogance and waste.

57th Surfman Award:Darwyn Cooke and DC:The New Frontier

2008-02-24T16:56:00.005-05:00

Darwyn Cooke is an incredible writer, artist and master story teller of one of my favourite mini-series DC:The New Frontier.Darwyn is also a Canadian, which makes me proud that our country has produced such talent, that can work at the top level in the highly competitive world of the comic industry. The picture that accompanies this post is issue #4 of a 6 part story line. It has been signed by Darwyn and is a 9.8 CGC graded comic. The story is kind of a mis-mash of 1950's super heroes interacting with the beginning of the US Space Programme, with superb art work and creative writing...well done Mr. Cooke! Can't wait to check out the 2 set dvd of the series this Tuesday.

56th Surfman Award: Lava's new west coast ride.

2008-02-17T18:06:00.004-05:00

No this is not the surfman's car, the surfman rides a bike. This sleek new mobile belongs to my fancy-pants amigo and proud new poppa to baby bam-bam. Hence, the reasoning for this high end new BMW sedan. My left coast buddy's new lad has outgrown their old two door echo and now rides in this luxury mobile. Enjoy your sweet new ride Dr. Lava,while I have to jump on my bicycle and wade my way through the latest snow storm that has hit my fair metropolis. But seriously, I am happy for my amigo and can't wait to place my being in his new ride, in fact I may end up working as his chauffer sooner than I thought. "Home surfman, home..."

55th Surfman Award: Surfman's Bicycle

2008-01-20T14:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I bought a brand new bicycle, and I am so excited. I can't wait to ride it when the nice weather arrives. I have a winter bike that is very simular to my new bike but about 50 years older. My new set of wheels is made by Electra Bicycle Company in California and it is called "Amsterdam". It has an enclosed chain guard, generator light that runs off the front wheel and a rear rack for my saddle bags. It is also about one fifth the weight of my trusty winter steed, which I must give a good cleaning to, I have neglected it for far too long and there is rust everywhere - eek!!! My new bicycle is such a smooth ride and it is very quite unlike my old trusty workhorse. Now I'm sure it sounds like I am comparing the new to the old, with the new being superior and more highly advanced, however my love of all things ancient has a warm place in my heart. My hercules bicycle is exactly what I need for the long winter months, this bike is steady and heavy and wades through any snowstorm that I have faced. Its winter tires are tired yet true and have kept me safe in our fair city, I would be lost without this gentle giant of bike. However, just the same, I can't wait to test out my new Electra "Amsterdam" this spring.

54th Surfman Award: Bikefamily

2008-01-06T23:31:00.000-05:00

Recently I designed some art from an old photo of me and my siblings on our sweet sweet rides. We were a 4 bike family that rode all over our old hood. My brothers and sister taught me how to ride w/o training wheels and was I ever proud of that first solo trip. To this day, I am the only one of my siblings that still rides a bike, in fact I don't like driving a car. I used a photo of us from many a decade ago and made a silk screen of the image and with some help from the computer produced this image of old times biking. I have recently entered the image in the bike week poster contest to see if it could be used as poster to advertise bike week, but I am not too confident that it will be choosen. Afterall, paticipation is what its all about, not whether we win...too much pressure in the in the world already, and biking is the perfect way to get "zen".

53rd Surfman Award: Winter Wonderland

2007-12-16T23:46:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we received quite a dumping of snow. Apparently around 25cm or more fell. It is supposed to be the worst storm in 60 years. T and me have been shovelling for the better part of the day and are we ever tired, in fact my pillow is calling me right now. Let it snow, let it snow...let it snow!!!!

52nd Surfman Award: EVEL KNIEVEL 1938 - 2007

2007-12-02T15:12:00.000-05:00

With the passing of every year, another icon leaves our mortal coil to journey to the great beyond. On Friday, November 30th, 2007, Evel Knievel left us and I was very sorry to hear that. To me he is the last of the true great daredevils and show-persons who made our world a little more exciting and spectacular. I can remember watching his amazing feats on TV and especially that cool 1970s movie about his life and humble beginnings. Evel born Robert Craig Knievel, Jr. on Oct.17th, 1938 in Butte, Montana was 69 years old when he died. He made a life out of jumping over cars, double-decker buses, live sharks and almost the Snake River Canyon in September of '74. He got his start in 1965 with a group called the Evel Knievel Motorcycle Daredevils but would soon break out on his own so he could concentrate on seeing how far he could push his motorcycle. He is truly the last of his kind, often imitated but never duplicated!!!! Goodbye Evel Knievel, we will miss you. If you meet the boy cat in the next realm, please give him a ride on your motorcycle, he would love that.

51st Surfman Award: The Boy Cat

2007-11-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

It is with the deepest sadness that I say that our beloved boy cat has passed the earthly realm into I hope another dimesion of the time space continum. T and me miss him so much, we can't stop thinking about him. The vet came to our house Wednesday and helped ease his pain while he died with us cuddling him and telling him how much we love him. He was sick for awhile and we did everything we could to make his life better, but the last few days we knew it was time and we didn't want him to suffer. I wish he was with me know. He would come and sit on my lap and butt his head against my arm, cause he wanted some attention and he would also press his nose against mine and T's wherever we happened to be sitting. Another sad thing is that our girl cat, who is the boy's sister constantly looks around the house for her brother...it makes us well up with tears when we see that. The two of them use to raom the house together in their little wolf pack, checking everything out and getting up to great adventures...and the way they slept together was so cute, they looked like a yin/yang symbol. I had a dream the night that he passed away that me and the boy cat were on my old hercules bike riding down a big hill...I'm not sure what it means, but I like to think that the boy cat was telling me that everything is ok and don't be sad. T, me and the girl cat will miss you dearly boy cat. Thank you for all your love and hilarity.

50th Surfman Award: Toronto Blue Jays

2007-10-28T16:40:00.001-04:00

Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the park, pop corn and penuts and craker jacks, I don't care if I ever come back...cause its one! two! three strikes your out in the ole ball game. Ah what a feeling to sit a few rows from the field and watch our cities beloved Blue Jays. Its been a few years since we won the World Series but oh what wins they were. Back to back in 92 & 93, I remember it like it was yesterday. Every time I go a game I have to wear my Blue Jays jersey with the '91 All Star game crest on the sleeve. This is my lucky jersey that I wore while watching the lads in the playoffs back in '92 & '93, and they won their second last game of this season, albeit with no playoffs in site...there is always next year, right?

49th Surfman Award: Noah

2007-10-14T18:19:00.000-04:00

This week's good cheer goes out to the newest member of the herd - Noah. Born on the 20th of September, weighing in at an awesome 9 pounds. He is so mighty that he was able to almost immediately lift his head when his name was called, pretty freaking amazing if I do say so! My west coast amigos Andrew and Shauna are the proud parents of this new lad, and we whom live in the centre of the universe are trilled and overjoyed for the safe arrival of this little miracle. May the days to come be filled with love, joy and excitement.

48th Surfman Award: The Bells on Bloor Group

2007-09-23T16:40:00.000-04:00

Isn't it time that we get bike lanes on Bloor street? Today we had a wonderful opportunity to cycle down Bloor street from High Park to the Rom, and than down Avenue to Quees Park along with hundreds of other cyclists, and free of any car interuptions - it was blissful! I am so thrilled that the small collective known as Bells on Bloor organized this event today. I really hope that as many cyclists and Torontonians as possible will lobby Mayor Miller and their city councillor to place badly needed bike lanes on Bloor street. Cycling helps protect us from climate change and smog and Bloor street is very popular with many cyclists, so shouldn't the city want to help them out?

47th Surfman Award: The Green Party of Ontario

2007-09-16T22:18:00.000-04:00

On October 10th, we all have an opportunity to make a change in our government. I hope that many fellow Ontarians will join me in electing as many Green Party members as possible. Having always voted NDP for all of my adult life, I have decided to match my politics with my way of life, and that would be "green" through and through.

46th Surfman Award: Jonathan & Lisa

2007-09-09T19:39:00.000-04:00

Jonathan & LIsa gave T & me this wonderful B-B-Que for our wedding present. It is one of the all time best presents ever. I simply love cooking up veggie burgers, shish-ka-bobs, and anything else that tastes nice over the open grill. T says that she should be awarded a PHD in B-B-Que assembling. The B-B-Que came in about 100 pieces and T put it together in about 6 hours, she is amazing. All I had to do was hook up the propane and start it up, as well as become "master-chef" of course. Thank you Lisa & Jonathan, your generosity is very much appreciated.

45th Surfman Award: Art = Happiness

2007-09-02T16:24:00.000-04:00

Recently I entered an art piece in awol gallery's square foot show, and to my great surprise it sold. I was uterly amazed and quite pleased. I never expected it to sell, as I do not have a lot of confidence in my work, but I find painting and drawing very cathartic to my soul. The last time I had any formal art training was in grade 9 where my art teacher was a pontificating wanker who thougt quite highly of himself if I do recall correctly. In fact one fine day, after he continued to espouse the world according to himself long after the bell had rung, I said under my breath " oh f... off", to which he replied "what did you say"...to which I said "I think everybody heard what I said"...cut to the chase, an hour later I was expelled for three days, which my mother had reduced to one, after getting through with him and the principal. Art to me is one of the most creative and beautiful things that we can do in this mortal realm we call a life, and we should never ever let anyone person or group disuade us from creating, whether it be pleasing to the masses or merely ourselves. The best thing about the AWOL gallery group is that their square foot show is about inclusion, not exclusion...and sometimes an untrained lad gets lucky and leaves the show whistling a happy tune, cause his art sold. Who would have thought....

44th Surfman Award: Following Our Dreams

2007-08-12T16:51:00.000-04:00

This week, I wanted to write about all those sentient beings that have the courage to follow their dreams. From my two best mates that serve a counselling role in the world, to my artist wife to my brother-in-law pursuing his documentary (see picture).
Today, I am at a cross-roads in my chosen career, and would love to go back to school to pursue something more fullfilling. Of course this is easier said than done becuase I have responsibilities and committements and my wife to consider in any decision that is made, and I wouldn't want it any other way. In fact she is one of my inspirations, and I know that as difficult as career changes can be, we will come up with a solution. I am not afraid of adversity, it is regret that I wish to avoid. I'd rather not say "If only....".

43rd Surfman Award: Sidney By The Sea, BC and Andrew&Shauna

2007-07-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Goodbye Sidney-By-The-Sea!!! We will not forget thee. This week's Surfman good deed goes to our new favourite vacation spot and the site of the surfman's recent marriage to his beautiful sweetie. Our dear friends Andrew and Shauna made our marriage a day that we will always remember, their planning of things that we never even thought about as well as choosing the ideal location for us (diver's pier) have continued to leave us thankful for the wonderful friends we have in our lives. They even surprised us with a honeymoon suite overlooking our pier... how incredible is that!

Sidney-By-The-Sea is such a wonderful family oriented community set right on the ocean and everybody is friendly and laid-back, we felt very peaceful there. There was none of the hustle and bustle of the big city, as well as no smog to contend with. Apparently, the running joke is: if you get somebody honking at you, you ask them if they are from Toronto...Sidney folk wait patiently as opposed to honking, at least that is what we have been told. And the fresh fish caught daily is such a treat that we enjoyed more than one fine sea side restaurant during our stay.

The picture above is our last day there, and this friendly man waved at us from his VW Van which was a perfect way to end our perfect trip.

42nd Surfman Award: Bike Week

2007-06-03T16:04:00.000-04:00

This past week our fair city celebrated the Bicycle. What a wonderful mode of transportation, it doesn't emit any fumes, no gas nedded, and a true friend to our community & world environment. Last Monday was the pancake breakfast/ride to work event to City Hall with Mayor Miller and any other politician who choose to dust off their bicycle and mug for the camera...I shouldn't be too critical of our politicans, becuase I want to believe that they are truly appreciative of the contribution that cyclist bring to our fantastic city. Speaking of which, today was the best of all in bike events - The Ride for Heart. The city closed down the gardiner and DVP Parkway to all gas guzzling vehicles to be replaced by over 12,000 cyclist riding for The Heart & Stroke Foundation. It was the 20th Anniversary of the Ride and the 5th year in row that I have organized and captained a corporate team, which I am proud of...we all have to do our bit, however that may be.

41st Surfman Award: Joff Summerfield

2007-05-27T18:18:00.000-04:00

This week's Surfman goes to Mr Joff Summerfield, who is attempting to go around the world on a 19th century style penny farthing or high wheel bicycle. Mr Summerfield is a 39 year old Briton whom I consider an amazing and extremly brave individual for trying such a feat of physical endurance not to mention the danger of todays political climate. He reminds me of those early explorers that I studied in Anthropology that sought the unknown mysteries that exist around that next corner, which is most fitting because he wears a pith helmet in his journey. The accompaning picture is Joff's Penny Farthing and pith helmet leaning up against an entrance to the Great Wall of China. If you are interested in helping Joff's journey, please check out his wonderful website and donate to the spirit of adventure. And to Joff, I would just like to say keep up the fantastic work of spreading good will and happiness to our fellow human beings on this blue marble we call earth...you are making all of us wheelmen proud!!!

40th Surfman Award: Happy B-day T

2007-05-13T20:36:00.000-04:00

This week my beloved T & I spent her birthday hanging out with our neighbours during a community yard sale. We live in the very best community that is full of family oriented cool people that are enthusiastic about making our hood the best place to live. The picture that accompanies this post, no pun intended is of a series of postcards from one family's travels around the world. I bought @ 150 postcards dating from @ 1910 onward for 2 dollars. Apparently they once belonged to the family of the old post office general, but who knows. Regardless, they are of a time long past, where travelling and world pace were much slower...the information highway did not exist and was but a dream in the minds of science ficton writers.

39th Surfman Award:The Jimmy MacElroy Hairstyle

2007-04-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

Recently T and me took in a showing of Jon Heder and Will Ferrell's new comedy Blades of Glory, and despite the bad reviews that I had read, we laughed throughout the film. The lads presented quite a comical view of the very serious, very competitive world of figure skating. My parents had me take figure skating lessons from the age of two through five, where I was finally given an out to play organized hockey. I suppose it helped my ice skating but I was always self-conscious even back than about how my mates would see me in the tough factory town we grew up in. Now, I don't care of course, but back than I was miserable. Later I would meet a few peolpe who were heavily involved in figure skating who were not the least bit open to joking around about it and got down right upset when I tried to get them to take themselves and their sport less seriously, oh well, to each its own. I read that the figure skating world was enthusiastic about this film and more than willing to mock themselves a bit, which I think will in return provide some good publicity for their sport. Thank you Jon and Will and the cast and crew for this film, great job!!! And speaking of great jobs, how about that hairstyle on Jon Heder's charatcer Jimmy MacElroy...I love it, especially since my present hairstly is exactly like it, which T pointed out during the movie. What is not to love about this great hairstyle I say, soon every hipster-cat is going to want one. Bring on "The MacElroy" !!!!

38TH Surfman Award: The Silver Surfer

2007-04-01T17:57:00.000-04:00

All hail the Skyrider of the Spacewaves, who is this week's recipient of my Surfman Award. I have been a fan since I was 5 years old and this misunderstood marvel character has been a source of comfort that I can relate to and whose words have helped bring me through many a negative moment in this marble we call Earth. The Silver Surfer is a space lost freak looking for love, who has been separated from his beloved Shalla-Bal due to his sacrifice to save her and Zen-La from the god-like Galactus. He was once known by Norrin Radd, and was transferred into the shiny silver one by Galactus to become his herald. It was a real catch 22 for Norrin, as he was able to seek the universal adventure that he had yearned for and save his home planet at the same time, yet he had to forever be apart from the love of his life. Today, I purchased these 5 post-cards that are covers of 5 of the original 18 comics from volume 1. I have long been a fan of Marvel and their brillant artists, I highly recommend the Silver Surfer to all sentient beings. And speaking of sentient beings, you should all go see The Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer this June at a movie theatre near you...SURFS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

37TH Surfman Award: The Wheelmen

2007-03-25T20:01:00.000-04:00

I am extremely proud of this week's surfman award winner - The Wheelmen. They have been around over 100 years and bring much bicycle enthusiasm and joy the world over. The picture to the left is of an Ariel Bicycle made by Starley and Smith in 1870, it is generally recognized as the first commercially produced high wheel bicycle. The Wheelmen began as The League of American Wheelmen or L.A.W. for short until they became international is scope and became The Wheelmen. There is a chapter here in Canada. The Canadian Wheelmen began back in 1882 and changed their name officially to the Canadian Cycling Association in 1968, however I still prefer The Canadian Wheelmen. Wheelmen the world over are about preservation, collection and enjoyment of historical bicycles. You don't have to own an old bike to be a member, but it is a given that you will pretty much get yourself one after being exposed to such fine machinery. I have a CCM Ivanhoe made in Toronto at the old Canadian Cycle and Motor Company that I think was from @circa1902, that I have yet to fix up, but one day I will repair it and ride it a century(100 miles). Thank you Wheelmen for existing and being a incredible source of bicycle knowledge throughout the ages.