Roberto Alomar Hall Of Fame Day

I know I'm a bit late posting this up too, but I couldn't find the camera for the longest time. July 31st was Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame Day at the Rogers Centre. Althought it was a mandatory shift, I pleaded with my boss to get the day off, which I did. Nothing could cap off the end of the month much better than going to a sold out Blue Jays game against the AL West leading Texas Rangers and have Roberto Alomar's #12 hang in the rafters.


We lined up at the gates as early as 10am, one hour before they let people in. The bobblehead hype really brings in the crowd.



After a gloomy morning, the sky stopped pouring and it was bright skies headed for Robbie Alomar's ceremony on the field.



Making their way to the stage were teammates of the World Series winning team. I'm not sure what the order was, but appearing were Candy Maldonado, Kelly Gruber, Carlos Baerga, Devon White, with current player John Macdonald, team president Paul Beeston and former manager Cito Gaston, as well as parents Sandy and Maria Alomar.


The honouree came down the aisle from section 117 accompanied by the RCMP. What made this even more amazing was he came out with one of my favourite band's songs playing on the speakers.

It was very touching to hear him express his love for the city and its fans and how he wants to represent Toronto Blue Jays on his plaque in Cooperstown.
"And to the 2011 Blue Jays. Let's go!" - Robbie Alomar


I tweeted this as I saw this come down, but I'm saying it again. I'm so proud to own a Roberto Alomar #12 jersey. I know a ton of others have one, but when I took it in for cresting a season ago - there was no hesitation as to whom I wanted on the back. The image above was taken from another website because our seats were in the outfield right below the banners and the picture didn't look good at all.

Here are a bunch of other random pics I took at the game:







Not sure if you can tell, but the team's all smiles for winning the game 7-3.


I was lucky to be one of the first 20, 000 fans to recieve a Roberto Alomar bobblehead to match with my autographed 8x10. That day was definitely one of the high moments of my summer so far.

Deathwish x Value Menu

The new Deathwish Value Menu board series have just been released. I'm definitely feelin' Jim Greco and Furby's pro models.

Foo Fighters Concert Countdown x Wasting Light

Only seven more days until I see Foo Fighters live here in Toronto. I can already feel the goosebumps. Wasting Light, the band's seventh and latest record debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Top 200 and on the Canadian Albums Charts. Produced by Butch Vig [Nevermind, 21st Century Breakdown] and recorded entirely on tape in Dave Grohl's garage, it also marks the official return of guitarist Pat Smear. Furthermore, on the day of its release, the band played the entire record on a CBS presentation, Live on Letterman, at The Ed Sullivan Theater. Fun fact: They made their network TV debut on The Late Show with David Letterman.





I love Foo Fighters and know every song is amazing. But these three videos/singles and the rest of the seven tracks on the CD are by far the best I have ever heard from them. I may sound biased, but if this doesn't win Album of the Year, the Grammys are not real awards.

Come back next week for concert pics.

One Love, One Blog

I know I'm a day late with uploading a new blog header, but yesterday was a holiday - so it should be excepted. Bob Marley was a great person who created such great music and what better way to have him at the top of this page for the rest of the month. It's also very touching to learn his last words to his son Ziggy, were, "Money can't buy life."

Mitchie Brusco x 900

Mitchie Brusco, a 14 year old competitor at Summer X-Games 17, pulled a 900 [two and a half rotation spin] at a practice run for the Big Air competition. This marks him as the 7th documented skater to land the trick since 1999. He was only 2 years old at that time and wasn't even born yet when the X-Games first hit the airwaves.

BTL & Altamont Tees

Newmarket, Ontario's finest skate shop, Blue Tile Lounge [BTL], recently opened a second store in downtown Toronto. When I first heard about their weekend sale, I tripped down there after work and took advantage of the deals.


I picked up a couple of shop tees to show my support for the local scene.



I also bought an Altamont shirt. They didn't have too many in my size, so I grabbed the best looking one.



Adding more awesome to this sale was that BTL shop rider Jay Brown cashed me in.

Foo Fighters Concert Countdown x Greatest Hits

Here's an added bonus to my Foo Fighters Concert Countdown posts. After their sixth studio album, they came out with a Greatest Hits compilation. Much to the dislike of frontman Dave Grohl, the record company went ahead with releasing it anyways.



The album contained two new tracks; Wheels and Word Forward, produced by Butch Vig.

Foo Fighters Concert Countdown x Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Two more weeks 'til Dave, Nate, Taylor, Chris, and Pat hit the stage in Toronto. I got my ticket - kind of. Still has to be printed. Foo Fighters released their sixth studio album; Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace in 2007 where it debuted #3 on the albums charts in the US and #1 in five other countries. It was nominated for five Grammy Awards winning two for Best Rock Performance [The Pretender] and Best Rock Album. In my opinion, this is their best album cover since their debut record.




I also think this album had their best music videos.

College Street Hubba

On my way to BTL, I noticed this ledge close to the hospital I volunteer for. It was in Ryan Smith's video part in RDS/FSU/2002 - one of my all-time favourites.

He tricks on it at the 2:00 mark.

Video Days Reunion

This is an old article, but I just read about it not too long ago. Video Days was a skateboard video by Blind Skateboards back in 1991 which helped revolutionize the production of skateboard media. Many feel that this is the most important skate video of all time. It's very hard to explain its impact, but it's as comparable as the hockey to Canada. I've always wanted to see some sort of reunion go down for the stars of Video Days, and thanks to The Skateboarder Mag, I no longer have to wonder.

Zephyr x Philadelphia Flyers

I need a cap to replace the fitted I ruined after walking a 5k under the heat, so I tripped down to Pickering and copped a new Philadelphia Flyers snapback cap by Zephyr.


This hat really stood out. Probably because I'm a big fan of the team, or perhaps black and orange look amazing together. Throw in the classic green underbrim and we got ourselves a hat.

Thanks again to Greg at Pro Image for the hookup, I just might be back for this.

New Winnipeg Jets Logo

The Winnipeg Jets organization released their new logo earlier today. A very different look than what they used before. Inspired by the RCAF, some are disappointed and think they should use the old one.


I, for one, diasgree and feel it represents a new beginning and I like the fact they're directing themselves to a Canadian theme. Looks like we have another "leaf country" up north. The uniforms are not yet released, but this secondary logo looks like something they'd have on the shoulder.


Once they put this script logo on the snapback caps, they'll be flying [pun intended] off the racks.

Deathwish Video Trailer

Santa Cruz x Lady Guadalupe

Not too long ago, I unhesitantly grabbed this tee at a chain outlet store. I know they're whack, but this shirt is just one I had to have. Lady Guadalupe is inspired by Mexican artwork and is one of the best graphics Santa Cruz has ever released. I love how it looks and the concept it has based on the life of Jason Jessee, one of the greatest skaters of all time.



Praying hands are printed on the front just above the heart.


Furthermore, Jason Jessee in Streets on Fire [1989].


Jason Jessee was the subject in the documentary Pray For Me [2008]. Slightly improved, but still messed up as ever.

Vans Era

I recently picked up a pair of Vans Era sneakers. This colourway was a must-have when I saw them on the racks and they fit like a dream when I was testing them out. Furthermore, I now have kicks to match this hockey or football jersey.


Vans pro Tony Trujillo in Transworld's In Bloom.

Off the Wall since '66.

Foo Fighters Concert Countdown x In Your Honor

In Your Honor is Foo Fighters fifth studio album released in 2005. This album features their trademark hard rock sound on the first disc and calm, melodic acoustic tracks on the second. This is the album Dave Grohl wants the band to be best remembered for, but I'm sure every one of their albums will let people remember them.





Three more weeks, baby!

Krooked Zig Zagger Complete

My Krooked Zig Zagger cruiser board is finally ready to go. It took me about 2 weeks to save my cash and piece this together. I think it would have been cheaper if I bought it as a complete package, but it's better to be safe than sorry. I also wanted to represent my favourite shoes, clothing, shop, and city - so I threw on stickers for good measure. Don't be surprised if you see me zig zagging through the streets this summer.


Chrome Thunder HI 147 trucks.


Krooked Zip Zinger 55mm wheels.

Also added, but not photographed are Diamond Supply Co. 1" bolts and bearings, Element 1/8" riser pads, and Jessup griptape.

Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience

I am a major fan of those scrapbooks of music artists. Other than being great reads, the idea of them deserves a ton of credit. Like The Treasures of The Beatles and The Bob Dylan Scrapbook, the Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience contains reproduced copies of handwriiten notes, lyrics, and artwork documenting the life of Rolling Stone Magazine's greatest guitarist of all time. This was set at a very perfect price as well and was not hesitant at all to add this in my collection.

Foo Fighters Concert Countdown x One By One

Four more weeks 'til Dave Grohl and I breathe the same air. One By One is the 4th studio album released by Foo Fighters. It debuted in the top 5 albums charts in 12 different countries in 2002 and won a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2003. Furthermore, Chris Shiflett made his Foo Fighters debut on this record as the band's newest guitarist.

LRG Demo x Ashbridges Bay

The LRG team did a demo today at Ashbridges Bay. I didn't take too many pics cuz my camera battery was low, but I had an amazing time watching the team skate the park. What was even more amazing was Chico Brenes and Rob Gonzalez remembered mine and Tim's faces from the shop signing yesterday. Rob G even hooked him up with a BLVD deck, which he was pleased to sign. Here we are with Geoff Smith [middle] of Faction Sales and Lui Correia [back], Chocolate Skateboards graphic designer.


I was so stoked when Rob G gave me one of his old decks. It's as comparable to a game-worn hockey jersey.

Add on a personalized signature and it's now priceless. Thanks again to Rob Gonzalez.


Tommy Sandoval signed this computer printed picture of us from way back in 2008 at the Ride The Sky video premiere.

Here he is attempting a switch frontside flip down the big 11 stair set.

Thanks again to the team and organizers for putting together this awesome event.

LRG Signing x Switch Skate & Snow

The LRG skate team came to town today for an autograph signing at Switch. Probably one of the best signings I've been to and all the pros were fully down to earth. They're doing a demo in the city tomorrow which I'm definitely checking out. Here I am with Chico Brenes, Tommy Sandoval, and Rob Gonzalez.


My brother Tim and I with Chad Dickson, and Jack Curtin. Tom Asta was also there, but was busy signing autographs on the side.


I just happened to squeeze a photo with Billy Marks right before he left for the skate park.


Free posters were on hand for autographs. I also got them to sign a bunch of DVDs as well.



Here's some grainy footy of Chad Dickson skating the manual pad and Chico Brenes attempting to laser flip up the steps.

Amazing day.