I participated in the second annual Plane Pull Challenge, hosted by the United Way, was held in Kelowna on Friday. The fundraiser pits community groups against one another to pull a plane, a Convair 5800, 20 feet across the tarmac in the fastest time possible.

Proceeds from the Plane Pull Challenge help the United Way fund 25 agencies in the Okanagan that serve children, seniors and vulnerable adults.
Last year, the event raised about $20,000. 

Organizers expect to raise around $35,000 from this year’s Plane Pull.  $34,000 was raised by the particpating 24 teams.  I joined the Flying Fairfield Flamingo's team (Fairfield Hotels and Suites)

© Copyright (c) Shaw Media Inc.

"Like My Mother Does"

In the Music Industry there must be some prestige in penning the songs that are given to the American Idols to sing as their first release. It must be bittersweet as the song will either be wasted on someone; we the public will immediately forget about or maybe it could be a small hit. Last night serendipity happened on Idol. Lauren's song will not only be a huge hit but an anthem for years to come. Did anyone catch J.LO throw up in her mouth when she even realized, that a 16 year old nobody was given such a career defining song? Forget Idol, a Superstar was created before our eyes last night...

Overstreet Can Forget It

Even if I win Lotto Max tonight at $50 million, I would surprise myself if I were to enter into the crazy heritage comic market presently unfolding with some pedigree comics being sold at record prices (see article below). I've wanted for years to get back into the superhero collectible market, but many reasons have prevented this. I did a search of the Internet and found the record breaking comic discussed below in a condition and price point (Image included in this post) that I could hypothetically see in my future.

DALLAS - A 1939 comic book in which Batman makes his debut sold at auction Thursday for more than $1 million, breaking a record set just three days earlier by a Superman comic, Heritage Auction Galleries said.
The Dallas-based auction house said the rare copy of Detective Comics No. 27 sold for a total of $1,075,500, which includes the buyer's premium, to a buyer who wished to remain anonymous. The consigner wanted to remain anonymous as well.
"It pretty much blew away all of our expectations and now it's the highest price ever raised for a comic book," said Barry Sandoval, director of operations of Heritage's comics division.
A copy of the first comic book featuring Superman, a 1938 edition of Action Comics No. 1, sold Monday for $1 million in a sale between a private seller and a private buyer, with the transaction conducted by the New York City auction site ComicConnect.com. "We can really say that Batman has nosed out Superman, at least for now," Sandoval said. He said the consigner had bought the Batman comic in the late 1960s for $100. With a bright yellow background, the comic features Batman swinging on a rope above city rooftops. "That cover is just one of the most famous of all comic book covers," Sandoval said.
J.C. Vaughn, associate publisher of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, said most people had predicted it would be the comics with the first appearance of Superman and Batman that broke the $1 million barrier. Both comics that sold this week were in great condition - scoring an 8.0 on a scale that goes up to 10, he said. "I think that you can greenly ascribe this to a real comfort with the liquidity of rare, high grade vintage collectibles," Vaughn said.
George Pantela, owner of Melbourne, Australia-based GP Analysis, which tracks sales of certified comics from more than 20 auction houses and dealers, said the previous record was about $317,000 paid a year ago for a lesser grade Action Comics No. 1 than the one sold this week.
Vincent Zurzolo, chief operating officer of Comicconnect.com, took the breaking of their record in stride. "It's an exciting week in comic books when you have two comics selling for $1 million," he said.

The Hitman Returns

Bret Hart - my childhood "wrestling hero", back in the WWE after all these years. In the cartoon world of wrestling; this is big news. Without getting into the long story of why this looked like it would never happen; instead I am going to enjoy that it is. The article below does well in capsulizing some of the reasons why this is something I will not want to miss..., besides, I've never tried my hand at shooting a live wrestling event - maybe now is the time!

The Pink and Black is back
By: Craig Tello

Hell must be frostbitten and winged hogs must have been spotted overhead. On Jan. 4, 2010, Bret Hart returns to WWE.

For years, the world presumed that the day would never come for the almost mythic “Hit Man” to once again step foot on the WWE turf of Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Hell would freeze over and pigs would fly – requisite impossibilities – before the true pink and black would ever again be seen on WWE programming.

As unperceivable as it may be, the new decade kicks off with perhaps the biggest announcement in WWE history: Bret is back.

Hart’s legacy
The five-time WWE Champion and two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion began to establish his electric pink legacy throughout the 1980s, flourishing with his greatest successes in the 1990s as he pioneered a “new generation” in World Wrestling Entertainment.

Boasting a lineage as rich as his ring achievements, the Hit Man is perhaps the most recognizable member of the legendary Hart Family, but more so, he is arguably the most outstanding product of Stu Hart’s infamously venerated Dungeon.

A “graduate” of his father’s basement training ground in the Harts' home, Bret ultimately debuted in WWE in 1984. Thereafter, in addition to his World Title feats, The Excellence of Execution captured the World Tag Team and Intercontinental Championships (on two occasions each), and proudly held the United States Championship in WCW three times. He was the first Superstar to capture the radiant King of the Ring crown on pay-per-view. He’s even won the 30-man Royal Rumble Match.

Essentially, there is nothing the Hit Man has not done inside the squared circle.

Pink and blackest night
The infamous Montreal Screwjob. A well documented tale of deception and betrayal that permanently impacted all of sports-entertainment, but moreover, the career of the greatest technical wrestler of our time.

The 1997 Survivor Series was the WCW-bound Hit Man’s final night as a WWE competitor as defending WWE Champion Hart clashed with his ultimate rival, Shawn Michaels, in D-Generation X’s infancy. To insure that the Hit Man would not be able to leave WWE with the coveted title, Mr. McMahon conspired with several key officials to guarantee Hart’s defeat in Montreal.

Drawing Hart's fellow Canadian countrymen in attendance to their feet, Michaels applied his own version of The Excellence of Execution's signature hold, the Sharpshooter. Leaving mouths agape, the referee immediately signaled for the ring bell as McMahon wildly commanded the timekeeper to follow suit. In one shocking instant, the match and WWE Title were awarded to HBK, while a disoriented then irate Hart watched the gold prize exit the arena over the shoulder of his greatest enemy.

The WWE Chairman would endure Hart’s fist-clenched wrath, but the blow would be returned the next night on Raw as McMahon callously summarized the controversy with a simple explanation: “Bret screwed Bret.”

The most foul end to any relationship, this was the tainted culmination to The Excellence of Execution’s unrivaled legacy within WWE. Bret’s career, however, proved more prolific than its most notable blemish acquired on that November night much colder than any other in Montreal, Quebec.

Honoring excellence
Realizing triumphs very few Superstars have attained in their careers, there was no surprise when the Hit Man was called to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

The true shock, rather, was Hart’s willingness to attend the induction ceremony since Hart vowed to never again walk the WWE Chairman’s territory as long as he breathed. For his countless fans, so many members of the WWE Universe, Hart participated in the Hall of Fame event that celebrated his heavily decorated and respected career.

The best return there ever will be
This prestigious night was the last time Bret Hart appeared live for any WWE function of any kind. But as announced by the Chairman, that changes when Hart returns live to Monday Night Raw as arguably the most distinguished special guest host to date.

It will likely be an emotional night for The Excellence of Execution, his unanticipated homecoming to a place he never thought he’d ever revisit. It’s a WWE fan’s dream come true, limited to just two hours on USA Network. But so much has changed in WWE since 1997, raising countless questions.

What will it be like when the Hit Man walks into a WWE locker room after more than a decade? What kind of reception awaits him? How will the WWE Hall of Famer use his authority? Will he be overwrought by his personal feelings? Might he be vengeful? Or is this his means for closure?

Perhaps more on the minds of the WWE Universe is the almost guaranteed encounter between the WWE Chairman and the Hit Man. What might happen between these two men? And what of a potential meeting between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels?

Don’t miss this monumental edition of Monday Night Raw kicking off a new decade in WWE, and witness the long-awaited return of “the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be,” live on USA Network at 9/8 CT.

No regrets @ 40 Club

With Dan's 39th birthday just passing, it got me thinking. Do I need to get 'my house' in order? Am I going to be able to say, "Life is beautiful", when I celebrate my fortieth birthday next year? I remember, very clearly, when my father turned 40; his life after that became different. I dunno if society just thrusts you into another bracket; but to me it seemed that your perception and people's perception of you change.

So, I'm starting my club. I'm going to be ready. I will ask myself, "Is there anything in my life that at 40; I will stand and realize has passed me by?"

I want to write a book, but if I fail to do that by 40 that won't be a regret. If I'm not in physical shape and well-being at 40 that would be a regret. That's how the approach to this club will work. If there are certain things that JUST HAVE to be in order by 40; then by all means I will make it happen. I will not stand amongst my friends on my birthday with a down turned smile and say I am happy if I am not....if I do then I haven't taken advantage of this warning to myself. I can be honest and say that today everything in "my house" is not in order. I know I need to get better definition of who I want to be at 40. I want to be settled in that person I will take beyond that. Maybe I need to be nicer. Maybe I need to be less nice. Whatever it might be; I have just over one year to set it straight.

A "Wonderful" Conclusion

Back in the early 1980's, Sara had a chance to meet, in person, her childhood idol, Lynda Carter. Lynda was making a public appearance in Toronto in full Wonder Woman costume and signing autographs for kids. Sara's mom was late in taking Sara to the signing; resulting in Sara never meeting her childhood idol. "All I ended up getting was a poster", Sara has told me time and time again. Finally this past Saturday, Lynda returned to Toronto and I was able to deliver Sara to the appearance on time. Here's the photo proof!

Of interesting note is that Father Dan and I share a similar story with Sara, not Wonder Woman, but about Adam West [Batman], Burt Ward [Robin] and the Batmobile being at Motorama in the 80's and not being taken to meet our heroes because of...well a plethora of reasons....we're still waiting!

If a picture is worth 1000 words - my proud dad grin says it all

If somebody would've told me ten years ago that I'd.....

The KISS fan routed tour contest has been alot of fun. I've been able to get Peterborough excited about KISS playing here. When I contacted the paper back in April and had my story published on the front page; I immediately felt a responsibility to "bring the contest home". My staged publicity stunt gaining the Mayor's endorsement, visiting the radio station and finally appearing on Chex TV to do the weather [in full KISS costume and make-up] was both hard work and exciting. KISS has been a part of my life for 31 years and never have I expressed my fandom for the band in the way I expressed this past week. For someone who spends the lionshare of time being far too serious, I'm happy that KISS reminds me that I can still be silly. At contest end - it looks like Peterborough will finish sixth.

A Step into the Past; a Step into the Future...

The thousands of people, the screaming girls, the talent with attitude. It was wonderful being back in the element. David Cassidy didn't disappoint. I was very, very curious how a former teen idol has continued to make himself viable....near 40 years later! His legion of dedicated fans served as a wonderful example of someone who knew enough to either, hire the right people to manage his career and/or show respect to your fanbase over time and they will continue to serve you well. For me this opportunity was a wonderful reminder that I can slip back into doing what I did at one time so well. The senses were sharp and my anticipation for what could and did happen served me well. I'm not done yet!

The Girls with the Olympic Torch

The Torch stopped in Peterborough today on a publicity swing for the carry the torch contest. Stephanie is certainly posing proudly with the torch while Lola Grace was more excited by the Royal Bank Mascot! My application has been submitted; with a wonderful, champion letter by Father Dan. I find out the result of the contest after July 15.

A Return of Sorts...

Growing a family has certainly curtailed my chance to work in the Entertainment Industry. I haven't had a high profile 'gig' in some years. I am happy to announce that this June 20th, at Peterborough's Festival of Lights Concert Series; I will be on hand to perform Artist Security for the very talented David Cassidy. Hopefully I'll have lot's of fun things to write about after the show. Stay tuned!

Joke of the Moment

An Atheist man was walking through the woods.
'What majestic trees'!
'What powerful rivers'!
'What beautiful animals'!
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.
He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.
He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, raising his right paw to strike him.
At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!'
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
A bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. 'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer'?
The atheist looked directly into the light, 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian'?
'Very Well,' said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw , brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:

'Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.'

Canada Election

The issue of democracy in Canada is no longer who can vote - just about every adult group has fought and won that battle. The issues facing Canada today are how to encourage greater participation, especially by young people, in the political process and how to persuade every citizen that taking part in the system is not just a luxury - our survival as a democracy depends on it.

So Friends, please cast your ballot on October 14!

Defining Moments

Everyone has a time in their life that could be characterized as "that insane period". This photograph does not lie. Somehow I thought that 'returning to eden' would give my character the boost it needed. 'Growing and dressing' your own food sounds romantic until you're doing it. This particular part of my life exists only in myth to my new friends and few of my old ones. I offer you the proof of when I lost my mind.

Site Under Construction

Sorry, for the mess! Please visit again soon!!

Do It For Love

Revisiting the DFG comic books has been great. I've enjoyed working with Todd Abbot and recreating some of the old Nepto stories of yesteryear. By the second issue, however, I sensed a lack of satisfaction in the work. Sure, it was great completing a few issues just to have some evidence of the brain work going on, but the stories and art were disappointments to me. Instead of starting over, I decided I would soldier forward with the new series, but just start to do it the way I WANTED. Three new books were in the canon and so I had less pressure to produce something quickly. So, it is with the fourth issue that I will present the first legitimate Nepto story for this millennium. I hope it makes me proud.

CosmoTV Contest

Thanks to everyone who voted for me and for your kind words. Your response got me featured in the television commercial and allowed me to change monikers from the negative, "Canada's Worst Handyman" to a cheery, "One of Canada's Most Eligible Bachelors. I didn't win the contest, that naturally was reserved for the young and naked.

Nepto & Me

- or how you can learn a lot about yourself from the Superhero you create!

Nepto was my first "Super-hero" creation, therefore he had to be a REALLY big deal. Back in '81, I was reading every comicbook I could get my hands onto including: Batman, The Sub-Mariner, Spiderman, Moon Knight etc. I took the very best from every character and implemented it into him. I was just starting to learn about the value of own ego and was exercising some escapism with this character. Over the years, Nepto has always been progressive; never static. I attribute this to my own life as it mirrored constant change and no true defination. Nepto would change costumes like I would change personalty traits [drop one, pick up another]. With Nepto I could change his appearance, his powers, his orgin and offer no explanation. I tried to do the same thing with my life many times, simply by not offering any explanation for sudden personality or direction changes in my life. I wouldn't allow myself ownership over anything and frustrated all around me with how sudden I could change my stance on what to some were very important issues. All these years later, Nepto is still a work in progress. There is no character sheet that would illustrate exactly who he is. I have to think after all these years that notion was appealing to me [no simple defination], frustrating to everyone else, but right or wrong, a life coping skill I've transfered to my hero.

CosmoTV Contest

Ok, on Valentine's Day Sara is watching cosmotv and she sees a bachelor contest...a few merlots later, she enters me and now I'm frickin' in this crazy contest. Isn't rule number one to not go onto the Internet when drinking? God, to show poorly would be soooooo embarrassing. LOL- it's all for good fun!
F.Y.I. Here's the link:
http://cosmotv.ca/HotGuys/BachelorSearch/181/profile.aspx

D.F.G. Comics Line-up Revealed for 2008

D.F.G. Comics would like to invite fans to visit the official website, open during construction www.dfg-comics.blogspot.com for news, exclusive content, an online store and more! Check back often as the site is receiving continuous updates and looks to be fully functional soon!

In conjunction with this announcement, D.F.G. Comics would like to provide fans with a preview of new issue solicitation:

Spy-Classics - featuring "The Return of the Alligator"
The Todd Abbot Project - "Cyclone v. Tornado: The battle over Tsunami Girl"
The Invincibles - "Batttle of the Invincibles" storyline continues
Retro Spy - "Nova"
A New Captain Nepto Re-launch