January 26th, 2011 by Conor

“MOSS!!!!! FIRE!!!!!!!” Danny’s prank was belted throughout the Shreddy Times house at least five times a day. Like many jokes coming from Danny’s repertoire, this one never got old or stale; it continues to be as funny as the first time you heard it. Danny’s charismatic nature and outgoing personality were replaced by an eerie silence on January 3. It was a silence that I felt I shared alone, as I was the only one from the Shreddy house that could not make it on the Montana trip. I spent the majority of the next five days in the house—alone—unable to do much except go through the motions. I must say that it was one of the most surreal and lonely times of my life. We had gone from the excitement of the Ashton Kutcher tweet and the relentless snowboarding and laughing to a brick wall being laid upon us. I attempted to pull myself out of the depression with a sunny day of snowboarding but this too posed a problem. All of my snowboard gear from my boots to my outerwear, goggles, gloves, and even my helmet were all given to me by Danny. I am literally sponsored by Danny. Anyway, holding his helmet in my hands and imagining the situation he was in was just too brutal! I could not ride, and would not ride for ten days after his fall. I simply had no desire. Furthermore, unburying and snapping photos of the Toumarkines’ snowmobiles in order to sell them and cleaning out Danny’s room (now for rent) SUCKED!
Yesterday my good friends, Tito and Chris, and I made the 17 hour journey out to Montana from Tahoe. We were so stoked (and anxious) to finally see Danny. It feels like forever since our crew was together, and I’m so happy now that I got to see them all again. Finally!! Within five minutes of walking into 5109, Danny “broke” the silence as well as any anxiety that we may have had. As we all huddled around the bed to read a signed snowboard, Danny farted right in my direction. Needless to say we got a kick out of it. Danny didn’t laugh, but you know he would have were he capable. Although he is a long way from home and a long way from being better, I have no doubt that he will be back as the Danny we know. I never really did have any doubt. This accident has affected my life in many ways and will continue to do so. It has brought me closer to my friends and family, closer to Danny’s friends and family, and has reminded me that our time here is precious.

To Danny: be as patient as possible; this too shall pass. Godspeed with your recovery! Much love bro.

Ian McLeod

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

I just got out of Danny room and I can’t explain in my shity English all the feelings that came to my mind when I saw him. When I first saw him I almost broke down, is so hard to see a friend in that situation, but when Danny look at us and smile it change everything, I thought to myself, yeah he is back.
When all this happened I was on the other side of the world, in Argentina and it was so hard being that far and not knowing what the hell is going on. And now after flying from Argentina to Reno for 20 hours and driving 17 hours to Montana I got to see him, I feel such a relive. Danny is doing good, I know now that he’ll be back with us sooner than what we thought.

I met Danny last season in Tahoe, we where roomates and we got along really good from the moment he enter the house. The first week in the house he got a big box full of goggles from anon and he came up to me making fun of my accent and asked me if I want a pair of goggles, I knew the guy for 3 days and he was already giving his stuff away, that’s how Danny is, he gives, he is one of the most generous persons I know. That’s how it was the whole season, hey men take my car, or use my board , or grapp any of my stuff when ever you want. We had such a great time. First time I rode with Danny I was so impress, He is so good!!! Such a natural talented rider, issaaa mazinggg!!

Then the season finish and I had to go back to Argentina. Last year was definitely the worst of my life, 5 days after I got back from Tahoe to Argentina my sister die on a car accident in Austria. Danny meet her cause she came and visit while I was in Tahoe. I can’t putt in words how it feels to lose somebody you love so much. Danny was with me the whole way, he send me so much love and support, and I’ll never gonna forget that. I know Danny suffered with me for my lost and that he would have done anything on his hands to help me out. That’s what friendship it’s all about, friends like this are family.
All I’ll like to say to Danny right know is thanks for everything, I can’t wait for some sarcastic jokes. You are family, I love you men!!

Tito

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

Holy crap what great news to hear Danny’s surgery went so well- Everyday he seems to be getting stronger and stronger and stronger which is of course is $%*@$% AWESOME!

I really haven’t seen you guys in a couple years but like most people I’m EAGERLY watching the updates, I’m addicted to reading this webpage multiple times a day and reading just about every post out loud to my husband and mom who are also cheering you on Danny!

I think about you guys daily having to spend hour after hour in that hospital, obviously the last place on earth any of you want to be – the 3 amigos you are… and by the way, Michelle and Conor you should be told- you are pretty much TOP NOTCH on the brother and girlfriend scale! High-five for being kick ass!

Conor, thanks for starting this webpage and for keeping everyone posted on the progress on this obviously much loved kid, stud muffin, kick ass friend, ridiculously talented rider, your baby brother, Danny Boy. The progress he’s making is definitely moving in the right direction and is good news.

I have a baby brother Danny boy too – you guys and us are exactly the same age, obviously you know this, we grew up together -Still to this day just like you guys we consider the mountains our playground. I guess thats what growing up in North Conway instills in you 🙂 When the snow falls we are never pissed like some snow-haters, but the exact opposite and ready and eager to get on the mountains and play. My Danny was just telling me last night word for word that Danny T is “DISGUSTING” on a board! Love the lingo don’t cha? The bond you have with your brother is obviously a strong one and you are both lucky to have such an amazing relationship…(even if he doesn’t want you bed side all the time and wants alone time with the lady!) 🙂

I felt like I just wanted to send more good thoughts from me, Danny and Casey your way from New Hampshire- Wishing you a fast recovery and hoping you’ll be home in no time. Danny- there certainly is a lot of love in this world for you!

By the way- Thank you so much for making the video “how to pick up chicks” It is absolutely HILARIOUS!

Lots of love,
Tori

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

The Catheter is out!

As a man, I thought this was worthy of posting by itself.

~Conor

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

It had been 30 years since I had seen my friends Tommy, Michael and George. I grew up in NY, and the first accountings of 911 found me in North Conway, initially, distantly removed. Later that evening the phone would begin to ring, and I would be catapulted back in time. Back to a place where my friends and their faces were integral pieces to my daily life.

When my grief could not help but be worn on my sleeve, someone asked me, “Well, when was the last time you saw them?” I shared the years in between, and literally had to take a step back when the inquiring party made a blanket statement, “Then it’s not like you were friends anymore.”

As I have made Danny is the Bomb a regular morning practice, I find myself tearful and joyful in reading all the contributions. Friendship is something that does not know time or place. It is an emotion and a dedication of heart. No matter where we may find ourselves in this life, there is a warmth that is felt when we think of people who have entered our path. Some for long distances. Some just for a short time. A comfort comes from inside by the internal slideshow of recollections by imagining these souls thriving somewhere on this earth. And therefore, time is elusive.

Danny, you are blessed with friends. Those from then and now who are all part of your story. Forever intertwined in what has past and what is yet to come. As the first boy my daughter (Nia) ever loved, I smile just knowing that you are on this earth…..thriving.

Many blessings to Danny, Conor, Michelle, David, Ellen and all of those who believe that time has no boundary. It all comes in chapters.

Warmest Regards,
Chrisite Girouard

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

It’s been almost a month since Danny got injured in Montana…Since Conor, Danny’s parents and Michelle dropped everything and went bedside…Since the Toumarkine Family grew into an international following of people who woke up distracted, waiting for news of the good, better, anything, about Danny and his condition. The timeline of emotions is subjective…for me it was disbelief that lead to a slow realization of what was really going on.

The detailed accounts of surgical procedures has been one of the hardest parts, reading about all of the changes happening to Danny’s body while he sat like a prisoner in his own body. As hard as these accounts have been, they are what let us know that Danny has been on the path to recovery. If it weren’t for my friends in the medical fields reassuring me that it is “procedure” to remove a piece of skull to relieve pressure and place it in his hip to keep the tissue alive, I wouldn’t know how to process the information.

As of yesterday, it had been 22 days, with 17 hours to go. Danny had sustained the injury, been relocated to the Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana, and undergone 2 craniatomies…about the undergo the third and final procedure to put the flap of skull back in his head. The crew in Tahoe had been sitting anxiously during this time, waiting not only for news of Danny’s recovery, but news of when we could make the 17 hour drive through the high desert from Norcal to Normont(ana). Then it came, Conor gave the go ahead, with the impending final surgery and DCT’s improvement overall, we were cleared to pack up and go. We would be meeting up with Conor and Michelle (who had been there for the duration) and Tom Januzzi (Hometown NH legend steeped in White Mtn tradition) who had just flown in the night before, right before the third surgery, as well as Danny’s parents.

January 24, 2011

I jumped out of bed at 4 AM Local California Time, threw together my backpack of belongings and hoofed it to the Shreddy House down the street on Dollar Hill, Lake Tahoe. As I walked in the house Ian Mcleod (DCT and Conor’s roommate), and Tito Gainza (good friend of Ian’s and subsequently big fan and friend of Danny’s who had just flown from his home country of Argentina) were scrambling to get ready. We then loaded up Michelle (Parker’s) truck for the mission…See Danny, Be with friends family, and deliver the truck.

The whole array of emotions was present, but at 5 AM there was just an attitude of “Lets do This!” we all had freshly shaven heads for Danny (Don’t worry Tito and Moss, you look badass with buzz cuts) and had dually noted that we would be in a traveling gang for the day…for entertainment purposes (more to come on Gang antics)

Tito annihilated the first 6 hour portion of the drive, starting in Tahoe, breezing through the Balmy Reno vicinity all the way until Jackpot Nevada. This is where I took over, and got a speeding ticket not 20 minutes after taking to the wheel…Michelle’s truck can Brawl! anyway…minor offense. I drove through the fine state of Idaho, saw little to no potato action. what we did experience was the vast amount of towns ending with the word “Falls”…Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, American Falls then Great Falls.

As Anxious and concerned for Danny as we were, 17 hours in a truck with two other bro’s makes you go nuts. After we filled up in American Falls we hit our stride on highway 15 North. With the Mate (South American tea drink pronounced ma-tay) bowl heated up, Tito graced us with his best version of a western accent…which was verbal Gold. It mixed the worldliness of the Argentinian vernacular with the slack jawed cowboy twang of a dusty Shurrrrrif.

Ian took the reigns right as darkness hit…as well as the only slick conditions and a mountain pass. He killed it without killing us, so props Mcleod. When his 6 hour driving shift was nearing it’s end we could see the lights of Great Falls, which were actually impressive considering the terrain we had traveled through all day.

Then the Realness set in. We had waited 22 days and 17 hours to be here, read countless hospital updates and friend accounts about Danny’s character. There had been emotional breakdowns and triumphs on DCT’s behalf, as well as the strength of knowing what type of people were sitting by his side the whole time…yet we felt like we could use another 17 hours to mentally prepare to see Danny.

As of 1/24/2011 we have not seen him yet…we are hoping to pop into room 5109 any minute.

on a side note…Great falls Montana is weird. There are Buffalo statues everywhere and its not in the mountains, they’re in the distance, but not here. This is not home for any of us…especially Danny.

January 24th, 2011 by Conor

As I sit in another hotel lobby preparing for another trip in the truck I can’t help but wish I was going somewhere else. I’m headed back home to Colorado for x games and you’d think I’d be really excited. I’m not. All of this driving has frustrated me cause all I really want for my birthday would be to spend five minutes with my boy DCT. So stoked Tom made it. I haven’t met you Tom but I’ve heard your name from Danny many times. Pumped on all you have done for him and continue to do. I wake up early for demo days, but this morning I was unable to sleep in. I woke up thinking about Danny right away. Pretty sure I was dreaming about some of our fun times fireside behind the demo center this summer. I know you’re coming back to us Danny because of your strong spirit. Once again, thank you Connor and Michelle for putting a smile on my face everytime I feel like crying. I hope when Danny wakes up today his shred sticks are there to make him smile. One last thanks to everyone that is visiting and contributing to this space. It’s awesome to know that so many people out there think and care about Danny like I do. We’ll be in tahoe in two weeks and I hope while I’m there to hear of DCT triumphant return home. Love you Danny!

Zahlinski

_

January 23rd, 2011 by Conor

Beer Staff Night at the Toumarkines

Let me start by saying that I am completely obsessed with checking this site. Phone, computer, other peoples computers…..always. I guess in an odd way it was tough for me to write something before knowing Danny was going to be ok. I cant totally say why I felt this way, or if it was right or wrong, but for being selfish in just reading everyday, I apologize. All I could think and talk to people about was that I prayed he was going to be the same old Danny. After following progress, I cant even describe how happy I am that his personality and sense of humor are still same ol’ same ol’. Everything else will come…hard work and dedication, yes….We know this wont be a problem for DCT.

When Danny was 16 I remember meeting him at Cranmore. I had been riding for for roughly 6 years at the time and was awestruck but this skinny little kid absolutely tearing up the south slope during a night sesh. I knew of him prior, but never met. Danny was decked out from head to toe in the best/newest gear as usual. I actually remember him wearing some jacket with fur around the hood and thinking that it was semi homo, but I guess if anyone could make it look good, it was Danny. Leaving the mountain he proceeds to get into his car, which at the time was a red blazer with beefed out tires and a thule rack up top. He puts his window down with some solid music blaring and throws up the horns to say “take it easy.” As Im walking back to my car Im thinking to myself, “this kid is like 12 and way fucking cooler than I am….awesome.”

After that time, Id run into him from time to time on the mountain and he was always a joy to watch ride/ride with. We werent too close away from the hill…mostly bc of the age gap at the time Im guessing… but some years passed, as did college, and I would make random island or basement party trips with Soroka to hang out with DCT, Conor, Belcher, etc. A couple more years later, I moved home from the cape and we began to hang out a lot more….Riding, golf, just whatever….It was something I always looked forward to….I mean, who doesnt enjoy having a ball and laughing their ass off all day?

As said in some previous entries, Danny is always one to push you…in a friend way of course, but he likes to push you to do things you dont think you can do for whatever reason. Last winter he got me to hit some random gap jump over the edge of the pipe at attitash. I cant say it ended well but in a way, I was glad I hit it (ask Corey Madden about that digger if you know him. He was on the lift). Always getting me to get off my ass and go do something fun, that is what I have appreciated the most about Danny…. I cant say I have any one “fondest” memory, but I will say that all the good times and laughs will always be remembered and still looked forward to. I will continue to spend some of my time in the Spring trying to convince him to come home as early as possible, and will continue to be let down when he says to me “prob a couple more weeks dude”

Fun day we had last summer…Taken in the basement of 1080 snowboard shop while working on a sticker project with danny. I called him over and he found it necessary to snap a pic…

Danny and Conor, that trip we made out last year was absolutely one of the most fun trips Ive ever been on. Just a few highlights:
– “Casually” drinking a keg in 2 days (then of course going to buy another one to actually party with)
– Carrying home a family of wooden bears from Tahoe City after an amazing night at the bars.
– absolutely shitting all over bobby on video for missing out on the most epic powder day of the trip (sorry bob)
– Conor unexpectedly catching me on camera bitching about how bad my feet killed from being on my toe edge for like 37 minutes straight
– Cooking out on a bluebird day at Squaw in a bunch of ridiculous outfits.
– Guinard buying like 16 shots of warm Captain Moes at some bar in South Lake when the last thing any of us wanted to look at was booze…..nevermind warm shots.
– Trying to sneak away from the party, passing out on dannys room floor, then having him find me, proceed to grab like 8 people to observe and shit on me, and catch it on cam.
– Dance contest win at cabo wabo to go along with $2 shots and coronas.
– WALLYYYY!!!!

This list could go on and on…..But thank you both again. Never once did you bitch or complain about a thing….its not always the easiest thing to cater to 5 guys for a week.

Danny, I look forward to your speedy recovery. Once that is all out of the way, we will high five until our hands bruise per usual. I cant wait to be out on links with you again man, even if you beat me and yell out random obscenities on the green whilst draining a 30 ft putt.

Be easy bro,
-Schoen

January 22nd, 2011 by Conor

C-men and D2 –

I’m sorry it has taken me so long to write to you. This is probably the 20th time I’ve sat down at my computer to write to you guys, but I am still finding myself at a loss for words. Maybe it’s because I’m not that good of a writer or maybe it’s because I’m terrible at expressing my feelings, but both reasons are lame and I apologize for the delay. I have been following the progress you guys are making out there and I can’t thank you enough for keeping the site updated. Every time I read the stories and look through the pictures, both tears and a smile come to my face. You guys had a huge impact on my life and I will always cherish some of the most memorable times we had together. I think one of the hardest things for me is how Danny I grew apart a bit and reading stories or seeing photos that I was a part of on the site. One example is the limo in Vegas. When I read that story and saw the photo of Danny I started dying laughing because all I can remember is the homeless dude singing Frank Sinatra’s, “New York” on the strip while we drank 40oz of Old English as fast as we possibly could. I had so many good memories with you guys and I think what connected me and Danny the most is our similar sense of humors and appreciation for small things. Here is a short list of quotes and things that basically defined me and Danny’s friendship…there’s some in here for you too Conor:

* Wyoming trip – I will never EVER forget picking up those girls hitchhiking. It was the first time in my life I ever heard the term bro bra used and was so intrigued to figure out what it meant. Conor’s small talk will forever be engraved in my head, asking if the hitchhiker’s Honda Civic was, “reliable” or not. I think he also asked about the moon roof? Correct me if I’m wrong. I can remember Danny and I just wanting no part of the situation while Conor did his best to make the car ride go by as fast as it could.
o Town meeting – one of the drunkest/funnest times in my life. Lighting off fireworks in the bar, throwing them at people talking shit, and somehow jumping in a cab and getting away scott free. This was the theme of everything I did with you guys.
o Shooting Roman Candles at oncoming tractor trailers on the highway…HAHAHAHA oh my god that was unbelievable. All you could hear from that video was all of us laughing uncontrollably (if that isn’t a word it is now).
o The riding in WY itself. That trip definitely changed my perspective on snowboarding for life. I’d never ridden terrain like that before and it opened my eyes to a whole new world.
* Cabewing – Danny harrassed me forever to come up and do this thing called, “cabrewing” and I had no idea what the hell it was. When I finally had a chance to give it a go, it made for some of the best memories of my life. I met so many awesome people and I can’t remember a majority of them, but I believe that means it was a good trip down the river.
* Jock Jams – Me introducing two of my good friends to Danny for the first time. They didn’t know what to think as they watched two, 21 year old men dance to Jock Jams, shotgun as many beers as humanly possible and proceed to slap each other in the face because it was “fun”.
* Yahoo – Danny you know what I’m talking about on this one.
* SNHU – This is where it all started. I just remember this dude walking in my room because he saw my snowboard and asked me if I wanted to go sometime. That turned into 2-3 times a week riding at Loon, sitting on the side of the trail dry heaving from the night before, doing it all over again that night while trying to say whatever you possibly could to any girl that walked by, to my first trips out West where I met the infamous brother Conor.
o Danny and I would always ease drop on each other’s conversations with girls to see who had the more ridiculous pick up lines. I can’t go into detail of what we said, but lets just say they were priceless. Haha oh man just thinking about it still makes me laugh.
o Enrique Iglasias’ Hero – probably one of the best drinking activities ever. If you experienced this, you know what I’m talking about.
* George’s @ Vail – Is that the name of the place? 15 of us screaming at the top of our lungs running through the Village at Vail around 6pm, while parents grabbed their kids in absolute horror wondering what the hell was going on.
* Adventures in Boston – countless good times in the city.
* When Danny can, let him watch this – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LKDRb-lK9s

I could go on and on with the memories we have had because there are so many. Besides the funny/party times, Danny and I also shared a lot of close talks. We could talk about anything – life, girls, traveling, clothes, music, shoes, people walking on the street, girls, what we wanted to do when we grew up….anything. I still consider Danny one of my best friends eventhough our friendship drifted apart a bit. This whole thing has just made me realize how much our friendship has meant to my life. I could go months without talking to you man and we would always pick up right where we left off. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about you, the times we’ve had, and the more times we are going to have together. I know you are going to get through this and I can’t wait to just sit and talk with you again. If you need anything and I mean anything please let me know. Stay strong out there man and I can’t wait to see you when you get back.

I tried to keep it as short as possible because I know you have a lot emails coming in. You don’t have to post this if you don’t want…I know it’s kinda all over the place and not that formal, but I just needed to write this to Danny to let him know how much our friendship means to me. I attached some photos…you can post them or just keep them for viewing (probably the only photos in the world of Danny getting Irie). Thanks for all your hard work on the site Conor. Can’t wait to see you as well when you get home. Talk to you soon.

Matt

January 22nd, 2011 by Conor

Sooooo….For starters, I am so proud with your progress since the injury. Everyone at my work, Verizon, knows the situation your in right now and asks everyday how you’re doing. We constantly have dannyisthebob.com up on the IPads at work so everyone can read the updates.

I have already posted something when the site was first built and sent some pics to hopefully put a smile on your face but I feel like it’s time for a little follow up since (hopefully) you will be reading this in a couple days! This is the longest I have gone without talking to you Danny, it is sad that I cant just pick up the phone or hop on Skype and say what’s up. I am SO happy to see that you are doing better though, that is what matters most. Conor ,your family, and Michelle have done a FANTASTIC job of keeping us all up to date with as much info as they can and I Thank them for that. I have already told Conor and Michelle this , but I wouldn’t put anyone else there beside you while you heal up and make sure that you are taken care of by the best. I do want you to know that I wanted to come there but I think it would of been too overwhelming for everyone there, and that’s okay. I just want DCT to be back so I can get the usual COLSSSS text messages, haha. Since I got paid yesterday, now I can order some Danny Is The Bomb schwag. I can’t wait to wear it! Zula (my puppy you used to Skype with) says Hello and keep up the great work!

Miss you DCT!
<3 COLS