Remembering Rusty (this blogs for you Tasha)

I'm allergic to Cats. But not to Rusty. Everyday I knew Rusty, we were pals. I remember the times that Rusty would jump on the couch with me. I'd let Rusty drink the milk out of my cereal even before I started. My Mom special ordered this patterned couch upholstery from Argentina to help camouflage Rusty from neighbourhood bullies. Sometimes when Rusty was feeling playful, he would paw at the soles of my white shoes. On clear nights I sometimes stare into the constellation, lose myself, and wonder if Rusty were alive today, would he be a Bengal Tiger. My daughter asks me, "Dad, do you miss Rusty?" I pause, turning my head to hide the tears and sadly reply "yes". We had other cats my family borrowed but not like Rusty. Rusty slept with his eyes closed. In fact Rusty was the smartest Cat I ever had. Rusty wasn't a noisy annoying Cat either. He'd purr versus scowl.  Rusty didn't like having his picture taken. This is the only picture of Rusty in the world today. Not long ago, I was talking to my Mother long distance on a crackling connection, reminiscing about Rusty. I think my Mother might have early signs of dementia as she conveyed that my loving Cat's name wasn't Rusty. I love you Rusty.

Rusty & me. Circa 1965

Rusty & me. Dec.28.2013

Manteca - Monday Night at the Mensa Disco [review]

It was the second time after hearing "Seeing Things" on Jazz FM 91.1 Toronto, that I decided purchase "Monday Night at the Mensa Disco" just released (2013). This nine piece jazz, heavy on the percussion is fresh and captivating. They're Canadian. Play loud. It's punchy, tight and you'll automatically without knowing it start bobbing to the beat. Driving down the 400 other vehicles will think you have o.d. on your protein shake & mega-vitamins, but in fact you're grooving to Mantecca. A definite must have in your library.

http://www.manteca-music.com/coordinates.html

http://www.manteca-music.com/coordinates.html

Cannonball Adderley

The Definitive Cannonball Adderley recorded October 20,1966, Hollywood. Snappy and a jazz cd you can listen to again and again. Sack o Woes is unique & beautiful, my favourtie by far. Cannonball was born in 1928 in Tampa, and past away in 1975.

review Attica Blues by Archie Shepp

Recorded January 24-26, 1972 at A&R Recording New York City, by Impulse. I was expecting something much different. Of the ten tracks, there is one (track 6)  I can actual say, i could listen to again.
It took me a total of 3 minutes and 47 seconds to skip forward from track to track to get to the end to summarize, "what a piece of shit". Sorry Archie. Some of your other creations are quite good.
But's its crap. Sounds like it was recording in a tin barn by an airport and all the instruments have been tuned for months. As I'm typing this I'm feeling overly harsh. Tell ya what Archie Shepp, I'm going to listen to "Attica Blues" again. Be fair.
I'll be back with a final assessment. Meanwhile sit tight for the inticipated review of Attica Blues by Archie Shepp.
Ok, so I listen to Attica Blues again. Marginally better. Even though Mr. Shepp has written all the pieces there is an army of friends & guest musicians who play on this disc. Therefore probably recorded in a hurray over three days. Track 1 has a jazz fusion feel to it that could have been used as background soundtrack in Eastwood's "Dirty Harry".

Rob Ford Holiday Kiosk (look Ford it).

Cellophane Rob Ford Gift baskets. If American Apparel can sell a $ 14.99 Rob Ford "Nixon-posisng"t-shirt , I'm confident with the right rental space in the right Mall, twinkle lights, sampling of course, I could sell $ 80,000 maybe more. Inspired by Zoe McKnight, who wrote an article in the Toronto Star on November 13th, about various local restaurants cashing in on the "Rob Ford Crack Burger". If you have some creative package ideas, I'd like to hear from you.
Is it sad? You know the answer. Wasn't that long ago Charlie Sheen exploited his pinnacle moments.

Our local Barrie Triathlon Club is struggling for volunteers to run & create an engaging dynamic upcoming season. I'm thinking about reaching out to Mr. Ford to see if he would have an interest in being our 2014 President. Hey Race Directors hold a Rob Ford Marathon Race.

I have often argued in today's environment there are occasions whereby bad publicity can strangely be good for sales. Not the route you want to take, but if it pumps up cash flow, what the hell.
Imagine, walking through your favourite upscale Toronto Mall over the next five weeks and you have a few gifts you still need to buy. Lordy Lifton, thundering Jesus! What do your weary eyes behold? Rob Ford X-mas Gift Baskets for a price you can't say no. Other ideas ; The Rob Ford little doll Crack House, complete with dealer , users, and arresting officers figurines ; Rob Ford china set ; Rob Ford travelling mug ; Rob Ford City Hall Board Game, roll the dice and move Rob Ford around council taking shots at the other 42 councillors. Rob Ford lipbalm. The ideas go on.
Its has been a long time since Toronto has received global attention. You know, when you watching Anderson Cooper report on the devastation in the Philippines and AC devotes a full ten minutes of air time to Rob Ford Mayor of Toronto, you made it.
Last thought does Rob Ford have a Santa Clause float?

Big Ten Football

Experiencing Big Ten Football is a must for anyone. The clean vibrating experience is exhilarating. Fans are friendly and positive. An environment that truly lift your spirits if you had a rough week.
I love football, played football therefore my enjoyment level is through the roof. If you are a causal follower of any football whether it be CFL, Arena League, your local high school, Canadian University, NFL, take in a game, you'll be glad you did. Pictures are from October 20, 2013 Indiana vs. Michigan.

Football Weekend with the Daughter

Having a blast. Sunday morning in a Comfort Suites in Canton, Mi. Getting ready to see the Lions & the Bengals play at Ford Field. Yesterday in front of 109,500 people we saw a high scoring game 63-47 Wolverines over the University of Indiana. More to come later. Have to give the laptop back to my darling daughter so she can finish her assignments.

I Ran to Quebec & Back

The Ottawa Army Run into Gatineau and back was a valour success. Charlie finished beating his goal and I recorded my personal best for a half marathon race with a time of 1:30:55.

Over 10,000 runners participated in the half marathon and more in the 5k race. The race started with a Howitzer being fired as our official gun start. My understanding this is the 8th year this race has run. Looking to do a Half Marathon Race in the late September, I highly recommend this race event. Relatively flat with enormous crowds, fan support both in Ottawa and Gatineau.

Father & Son running Half Marathon in Ottawa

Charlie my 22 yr old son and I will be running the Ottawa Army Half Marathon together. Beyond magical and far beyond pride, there are moments just like this one, where you pause and reflect. You realize this is one of "life's moments".
You appreciate famous professional sporting father & son relationships. As a Canadian the first that pops to mind is Gordie Howe and his sons Marty & Mark. They played together in the WHA with the Houston Aeros. Don & Mike Schula the NFL Coaches.
I had the opportunity to play hockey against my own father in fun "father & son" games and more recently a Curling bonspiel.
When I coached my kids during those soccer years

absolutely nothing brought together bonding and a strong team morale like a "Father & son" game or a "Mother & daughter" game. If you have ever participated in one of these matches you know exactly the feeling I'm attempting to convey here. Charlie and I experienced one of these matches.
There are many father and son combinations that come to mind as I blog this moment, like Ken Griffthy Sr & Jr., Bobby & Brett Hull, Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning, how about Evil Knievel and his son Robbie.
Charlie, originally told me he took up running about two years ago and how he was progressing. We ran together once when he was home for a visit. then abut six months ago he told me by phone he had signed up for the Ottawa Army Run. Initially Charlie respectfully so just wanted to run his first official race alone without any Mom or Dad interference. Fast forward to a month ago I was chatting to Charlie and asked if he be ok if I came to Ottawa and ran the half marathon race. He responded, "absolutely ; that would be great the only problem is the race is sold out". As I ending the call I said to Charlie, "one, I will find a way to get a bib number to run the race, and more importantly, you know your Mom is going to want to be there to witness you and I running". Charlie happily responded "I know".
Getting into the Ottawa Army Run was not an easy feat. Thanks to my wife and Charlie's Mom,  Heather, who carried on a email conversation in french was successful in purchasing a bib from a lady in Gatineau. To the lady in Gatineau, merci. Charlie, I'm looking forward to Sunday.

Succeeding at being Wrong - 6 steps

In no particular order:

1. Obtain all your information from a used car salesman.
2. Blurt out the first thought that enters your head.
3. Watch countless repeats of "Info-TV".
4. After failure ; do it again to see if you get the same result.
5. Argue you're not after you're told you're wrong.
6. Avoid common sense in general thinking.

Neutral Perspective & Pink Skies

My standard sits in neutral and rolls back on the drive. The history class I attended taught, Switzerland was neutral. If you sit on a fence are you neutral or do you have time to spare? Is a yellow light at an intersection neutral. If it is, why do we run them. Would you run Switzerland? I think I'd like to teach a college course in 'Neutrality". Students completing the course could rise and bellow with a euphoric accomplishment that they had neither gained or loss the credit. A male dog who is neutered ; has he become neutral. If you're in neutral territory are you safe or are you no where. Neutral washrooms. A decadent lady using the facilities minutes after a Logger has cleared out his intestines, when or where was neutral. If you receive an invitation ; and you're asked to rsvp, and you choose not to confirm or decline, is this neutral? Is apathy just a lazy form of being neutral? Is undecided neutral? To be truly neutral must have you thought about both positions before selecting the middle ? If you're neutral and you're leaning toward the right, I guess you're no longer neutral. Perhaps I will have my daughter name her child "Neutral". Child raises her arm to speak in class. Teacher,"Yes, Neutral what is you like to say?" Neutral, "nothing".

Neutral Button

Standing at Mile "0" (in Km that's "0" too).

Imagine 7800 km along the Trans Canada Highway you would end up in St. John's Newfoundland Labrador. In miles I believe that is 4850 miles for my U.S. friends. I said to my wife as we waited patiently for our turn to have our photo taken in front of this landmark, I suppose this is where Terry Fox would have ended his journey. Mile Zero in Oak Bay (immediately south, not by much of Victoria).

DQ'd at Orillia Sprint Triathlon

After a few weeks the official explanation for my DQ in Orillia was I crossed the centre line.

Took the Old Gardin Out for a Spin today

Cervello S5

Cervelo S5

The bike you see to your left was used in the Race Across the West (aka RAW) just two months ago. Ridden from Oceanside California to Boulder Colorado by Mark Herbst. The aero dynamics of the frame and smoothness of the ride are quite remarkable. The stiffness of the cranks allows you to gain maximum speed almost instantaneously. Most of all the electronic shifting is indeed a luxury that you find yourself wondering how you ever did without. I will confess it takes a little getting use to, but after a short while it becomes second nature. I took the S5 out for a test run on a route I do often with my other road bike about 34 km. To my surprise without even trying I knocked two minutes off my previous best time.

Bala Falls Sprint

Bala Falls Sprint 2013

After a disastrous Gravenhurst Race, taking third in my age category of 50-55 was a sign that i'm not dead yet. Knocking off two minutes from my 2011 Bala time ; i finished with a overall time of 1:44:32. Swim 15.33, Bike 51.46 (34.7kph avg.), Run 34.39 (4.30/pace/km). I will need to knock off three more minute to take first. Looking back at Guelph Olympic Race which was also very satisfactory for me, i noticed when i get to bed early the night before, eat a good size breakfast the morning of, I have energy ; feel great ; and I can I rock it.

Tandem Sky dive

July 18th 2013 i jumped from 10,000 feet, or as i accidentally told someone yesterday in my shopping Centre circles 10,000 square feet. Yes it drew a laugh. On my fiftieth birthday my wife surprised me with this magical gift. To the guys at Toronto Sky Dive, I'd like to thank you again. 100 % joy. A rush that surpassed my expectations far and beyond. What frightens me is you get the itch. I hear myself saying "i could get into this." The best part is actually jumping out the "one seater" plane. The experience takes your breath away momentarily and even though you haven't really done anything your heart beat races. It was pure freedom other than this guy Aussie Dave strapped to my back closer than most men would like to omit.

Mark Herbst - Mr. RAW

In just two days Mark Herbst of Horseshoe Valley, On. will ride his bike 1384 km (860 miles) from Oceanside California to Durango, Colorado in the "Race Across the West" aka RAW. If geography wasn't your forte this would be equal to riding your bike from Toronto to Ottawa, back to Toronto and then back to Ottawa. JEEZ! What twisted demented individual does this to himself I cry out in shivers? Mark Herbst that's who. I had the pleasure of being on Mark's crew when he did the 2011 Race Across America and set a new record for Two Riders in his Age Category. We rode once this spring together. It was suppose to be more often but unfortunately our spring has been horrible and I know Mark was training regardless. My rides are two hours maximum, frankly all that's I need in this years training. For Mark, that's a warm up. He was doing 10 hour rides with a little sleep in between and then venturing out at midnight to ride with the constellations. I was going to suggest he do loops around Line 5 [Oro Medonte, On.] so he could take in the Shows playing at the Drive-IN. Spunk, grit & all out determination describe Mark. Mark is the one that got me hooked on Skate Skiing. Mark's the one who suggest I climb Mt. Lemon in Tucson, Ar. Mark is now 57 years young. How good is he? He could beat most 30 and 40 year old guys in any race. Follow Mark's progress. http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/raw3/racerlist.php?s_N_Race_ID=3

My bike ride thru downtown Barrie, On.

Good Day for Ski

Good Friday, March 29th and Hardwood Hills has snow to Nordic Ski. Even if it is just a short ski ; I'm going. Why you ask? To quote Jeff Walters, "because i can".

Inner Strength

Hidden inner strength is a succulent weapon. Being able to laugh at oneself is also precious.

Skate Skiing at Hardwood Hills

Skate Skiing at Hardwood Hills

The following was taken Saturday March 2, 2013 at Hardwood Hills, near Barrie, On.

Tasha and Charlie - Amazing Race Canada 2013

Barrie TC Baydogs AGM tonight Fri. Feb.22nd

Do you enjoy running, biking, swimming and the social aspect of exercise and occasional good humour? Come out tonight to Allandale Rec Centre in Barrie, On. Our Annual General Meeting kicks off tonight starting at 6pm. http://www.facebook.com/events/519962334695153/

Let's talk Heart Rate and what makes you tick.

I am 100 % uncertified. I'm not a Physician nor have I ever written a Journal in Sports involving the Hear rate. That being taken care of, it's important that your Garmin system heart rate activation is turned on to avoid one in believing they are somehow supernatural. Case in point, this past weekend this event occurred. For several days I convinced myself I was able to function without a heart beat. Resting heart rate should be mid 40's according to a know it all 79 year old at our local community centre. I've notice by just applying the Garmin heart rate monitor belt around my chest my heart rate can increase dramatically by 20 beats. I believe the norm to be a spike of 10 or so. To truly record your own resting heart rate ask your spouse to view your watch while you sleep. Maximum heart rate. What is a good number is really the question we all want to know. The higher the better. Is this a contest. Should you brag to the Triathlon dinner function that you hit a factor of 230? If your max never goes over 160 there's pretty good chance you're not jogging fast enough. what is your maximum heart rate is greater than the 220 less your age rule ? Is this good or bad? Lastly in theory I suppose with more exercise your heart rate should come down over time. How much should it come down and over what time period. I welcome your comments.

Skate Skiing at Hardwood Hills

It's been a great winter so far for X-skiing. Nothing is more enjoyable than skiing with my princess. Meeting her back at the chalet and seeing he big smile on her face. You know, it puts a smile on my face. :)