A film festival submission; another first

Many (over 30?) years ago I submitted a photo to an exhibit and contest in Guelph Ontario... they were reluctant to accept it as it wasn't framed. In the end they did. And they awarded it first place... with the proceeds I framed it (there were only two prints made from this image and I suspect this framed version is the only one still around). And yes, it's an image of bicycle. A bike, its shadow, and the snow from where the shadow was a moment before. Bike X 3.

That was the only time I've subjected my work to the scrutiny of judging that way, until this week. And this time it's a short documentary video rather than a B&W still. I'm interested to see how it will go. The deadline was April 1st so I left it late to submit. Fortunately they extended the deadline to the middle of April and I'm sure they'll get it before then. The Bicycle Film Festival was launched in 2001 and has expanded to cycling meccas around the world (sadly, that doesn't include Toronto... yet).

The work I did with Zef (my son Steffan) as he built up his bamboo bike studio here in Toronto came together in a video and that's what has finally made its way to BFF. We have no idea where it will go or even if it will get used. I certainly hope it gets included... the studio had been a dream for Steff for years and seeing it happen has been thrilling. I'm very proud of him for seeing it through and I know it's been hard. Documenting the setup of the studio and the creation of the first "BBST" frame was a thrill. I hope the video will spread a little bit of that good karma around.

The studio... when it was an empty canvas

403 A, eh

The 2012 vintage VW season has started and for me it was with an expansion tank that started to give out. I was expecting it to go some time as it was one of the last casualties from a bad oil change that caused a run-away engine (something unique to diesel engines for those who were wondering... it's when oil gets into the turbo / intake and gets burned along with the diesel fuel). The expansion tank got overheated and melted from the heat and pressure. That was almost 2 years ago though so to have it show signs of leaking this past week wasn't bad. The hardest part of getting it fixed was confirming which part is the right one as there is a "403 A" and a "403 B". As well as the no-longer-available tank for the '82 diesel. Fortunately Babe has a newer tank (she's an '82) and the matching hoses so getting a replacement wasn't hard.

I really should have replaced it some time ago, it's not a hard job or an expensive part. Here's hoping all the "upgrades" this year are as minor as this.

2012 Canadian Hillman Prize Awarded

Tonight was the presentation of the second Canadian Hillman Prize, an honour bestowed on journalists for their integrity and determination in delivering messages that aren't always easy to accept. The prize is well earned and has a deep pool of previous recipients. In Canada though, it's fairly new and is largely due to the efforts of people like Alex Dagg, Bruce Raynor and the talented people they work with.

In 2011 the honour went to a dedicated individual who revealed an amazing insight. Scott Buist of the Hamilton Spectator told a story no one had discovered before and it's as powerful a message today as it was when he wrote about it. This year, a strong team from the CBC was selected by the judges out of a much larger pool. The judges had to review more submissions and determine which one would be bestowed the honour... they picked the fifth estate team of Diana Swain, Timothy Sawa, and Angela Gilbert for their "Scout's Honour" episode. A controversial topic, a daring exposé and one that opened up a channel for others to let out their pain. Brave. Brave all around and a well deserved honour for the fifth estate team.

Last year I wrote about how this award might influence my perspective on the journalism I do and I can definitely say it has had an effect. While I'm not digging into controversy I am applying the integrity I see and trying to honour this in my small way. And that even extends to be being a "recorder of events" that I was "just" a participant in with no obligation.

I was humbled, honoured, and happy to participate. Thank you Sidney.

From a Camper in NZ to My Camper in Canada

It's technically not spring yet however the great weather we're having and that has been forecast for the next week until spring does arrive prompted me to get Babe out of storage at Zef's place today.

She started up right away once the batteries were all reconnected and only wanted a little air in the tires and some fuel in the tank. Well... that plus a good cleaning. A few months of being idle left a dusty coat which I'll take care of before the weekend. It felt great to be driving her again and I'm looking forward to another year of adventures.

Babe's first taste of fresh air and sunshine since December

Parked at home, with a parking permit in place until November