Darryl Andrews Online

Retiring this webpage,...

2010-11-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

My new space on the World Wide Web will be:

http://darryltandrews.blogspot.com/

Curling Season

2010-10-18T14:06:00.001-07:00

Week 1 - W 9-1
Week 2 - down 5 after 2 ends; came storming back to W 8-5
Week 3 - toughest test yet against an experienced team; looked abysmal first three ends losing all three and being down 0-6. Team rallied and won 7-6 picking up two in the final end,..without the hammer!
Week 4 - Team members suffering from flu, aches and pain; post a score in the first end! Ice is extremely difficult to judge; myself throwing thru 3 consectutive ends (yep, 6 straight rocks). Megan can't get a rock into play, Christine misses easy two rock takeout in 3rd end and Mike has no miracles. L 3-6 A team we should beat; disappointing,...
Week 5 - L 0-7. Learned how a good skip can change the game in every end. Had three rocks in the house with a big end looming and two throws later found us giving up a point. Happened time after time. Mike still suffering effects of a cold just couldn't match the experienced curler's weight and curl. Incredibly, this score could've been reversed - it wasn't a complete blow out like the score would suggest.
Week 6 - L 2-6. Was away at TTV training in Surrey, BC. I heard the contest was closer then the score would suggest.
Week 7 - L 5-4. Last end tied 4-4, us with the hammer, but failed on a combination hit that would've bumped our rock into best position. A very surprising loss. One of the teams better efforts.

Fiction v. Fact

2010-10-18T10:27:00.001-07:00

FICTION

FACT

1

Most children are satisfied with how much time they spend (or spent) with their fathers after their parents’ divorce. As long as the mom has enough money, kids don’t pay a price for too little fathering after divorce.

The vast majority of children say they want – or wanted - more time with their fathers. Those who don’t get enough fathering after their parents divorce are more likely to have social and psychological problems throughout their lives

2

Divorced parents obviously can’t get along well enough to share parenting so it’s better that mom raise the kids.

Most parents can cooperate well enough to share parenting and most become more cooperative after attending parenting programs.

3

Infants and kids under five should live full time with their mom because they are too young to spend nights at their dad’s.

Infants and young children should not be away from either parent for more than a few days and are not disrupted by spending nights in both homes.

4

When kids spend more time living with dad, they will be worse off financially because their father will have to pay so much less child support.

The more time dad gets to spend with his kids, the more money he usually spends on child support and on voluntary expenses such as clothes, camps, and college educations.
5

Most divorced fathers don't want more parenting responsibility or more time with their kids.
The overwhelmingly majority of divorced fathers want to spend more time with their kids and have more parenting responsibility

6

Kids would rather live with mom than hassle with living in both parents’ homes.

Kids who lived in both parents home on a regular basis preferred this to living with mom. Young adults who lived mainly with their mothers wish they had lived more with dad.

7
Fathers could have their kids live with them much more of the time if they really wanted to share the parenting

Fathers often don’t have enough money to set up a home suitable for kids to live in regularly or to hire lawyers to fight for shared parenting time.

~ Dr. Linda Nielson, ACFC

10.10.10

2010-10-10T21:12:00.001-07:00

Representing,...

2010-09-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

the kids, all three of them in fact, were lined up to see Hedley (Stephanie) and Max & Ruby (LG & Cash). Circumstances prevented them from witnessing, what would have been pure joy to each of them, a memorable experience. On their behalf, I took task to make sure I would stand in for them and somehow, fill the void created by their absence.

musing...

2010-09-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

...heard the song, "Fool for your Lovin'" on the radio today; haven't heard that song in years....my life really is a movie!

My Proper Young Man!

2010-08-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff with his wife Suzanna is greeted by my one year old gentleman upon arriving in Vernon. Cash is truly a special little man! (Photo courtesy of Peter Davidson)

40...

2010-08-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Both Father Dan and my cousin Mike have reached 40 years old. I spoke with both of them this past week (their birthdate's are one day apart) and learned different things about turning 40 from each of them. One was to really take stock in looking after yourself; a healthy lifestyle must be paramount. The second observation about turning 40 was the absolute settling of the 'not being a kid anymore' debate. I appreciated both comments and as a single man moving into my fourth decade; will be sure to adopt both principles into my life. With each passing day, I will be honest and reveal that I find myself to be a little more reflective on my life and the people who have helped shape me. I am looking forward to my 40th birthday celebration and am making plans on how I want to spend it.

Fatherhood: A Picture is Worth One Thousand Words,....

2010-08-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dude, I know what you mean,....

2010-07-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

The good life is what I need

Too many people stepping over me

The only thing that's been on my mind

Is the one thing I need before I die

All I want is a little of the good life

All I need is to have a good time, oh, the good life

All I want is a little of the good life

All I need is to have a good time, oh, the good life

The good life

I don't really know who I am

It's time for me to take a stand

I need a change and I need it fast

I know that any day could be the last

All I want is a little of the good life

All I need is to have a good time, oh, the good life

All I want is a little of the good life

All I need is to have a good time, oh, the good life

Hold on, hold on, I always wanted it this way

(I never wanted it this way)

Hold on, hold on, I always wanted it this way

(We didn't ask for it this way)

I always wanted it this way

The good life

All I want is a little of the good life

All I need is to have a good time, oh, the good life

All I want is a little of the good life

All I need is to have a good time, oh, the good life

The good life

- Adam Gontier

How 'bout a wee update?

2010-07-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

My brother Mark is a proud father. I had planned on doing a post with comments about his joys of fatherhood. I won't need to now as Mark has begun what looks to be, an excellent blog of his own: " Tales of a new Dad". It promises to be a great read.

I won't be posting many more updates on "Kelowna Diaries". I decided to use that time to focus on some new writing I am doing. I am posting it to a blog site, but it won't be found connected to this page.

I finally joined a fitness club again; it's been way overdue and I'm jakked about pushing weight again.

I generally feel excited, content, energized and ready to begin "Life at Forty". The best is yet to come...

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

A Lesson in Experimentation

2010-04-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

I attended this event over one month ago, but finally had the picture to post for it. I would suggest to anyone who has children to attend this touring seminar.

Former Canadian Heavyweight Boxing Champion George Chuvalo has faced many of the best fighters of all time including Muhammad Ali & George Foreman, but his fight against drugs brought Mr. Chuvalo to Kelowna's Parkinson Community Centre Sunday. Warmly received by the few hundred people who attended; both young and old alike; were immediately compelled by Mr. Chuvalo's stories about drugs and how he lost 3 sons and a wife as a result of substance abuse. His graphic recollection of events and his expressive nature enable him to convey his powerful message that, "Addicts always begin with experimentation", "Respect for one's body is paramount"; "The genesis of all things being the love one can always find at home".
http://fightagainstdrugs.ca/

3X

2010-03-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

I was outside, next to an orchard, getting some fresh air. On the other side of the road walking, were two young teenage boys. I was in the shadows and they didn't see me. I could hear them approaching and talking quite briskly. The one lad had just shown his penis to his young girlfriend who commented on it's small size. The boy was most upset telling his friend this story and asked his friend to agree that his own penis was silly small when not erect as well. The other young boy, being a good friend, agreed and went further to comment that all non erect penises are silly small. That seemed to satisfy both boys for a moment. The friend, not wanting to end on the thought of having silly small penises added, "It grows to three times as big when it's erect". "Yeah", echoed the first boy, " All penises are 3X bigger when they're erect".

At this point, the boys had caught up to me and I was no longer hidden in the shadows. Embarrassed they turned back in the direction they had come from and disappeared into their own shadows.

Kelowna, British Columbia

2010-03-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

Never. Never. Did I think I would leave Ontario. Seriously. I was born there, I thought I would die there. I didn't have any peers that went so far to leave the province. Perhaps they left the city or town, but nothing so drastic; nothing so far. My brother really was the trailblazer. I suppose in some way he had to make a big move for himself, that's only for me to speculate. I can say, however, that Mark was a big reason why I moved to BC. One month into this new journey; I'm very pleased. To date, it is without a doubt the smartest move I have made in a long time. I struggle when thinking, did I really have to move away from loved ones? Did I have to relocate my family here for real, to gain that better life? It would appear to be true. My future wasn't the same back in Ontario. I see real promise in BC. I suppose, only now, am I thinking selfish of how to get my loved ones out here to BC.

Keeping Sanity

2010-02-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

SKYPE. A wonderful invention. How in the World did people survive long distance relationships in the past. Whew! I care not to imagine. I can talk in length of how my kids would lose their minds, were it so that they could not see me, but really it is the other way around. Being the Scout of this adventure is both exciting and sad. The truth is that it is incredibly lonely. People would argue I'm lucky; being away from the stress of the family back home; that I'm in the better place. That would make them grossly wrong. If being in the 'eye of the storm' means being apart of a dynamic family - then into the storm I would go. The hard work and sacrifice is only for the benefit of the family. I wouldn't choose to spend anytime apart from them for any other reason. I'm glad that I have SKYPE to bridge this gap.

Proud Father

2010-02-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

I had absolutely nothing to do with this, yet share in the excitement that my life-long friend's book, "Prayers for Healing" has sold out it's first print run in less then one month from the official book launch date. I can share with readers of this blog, that I have in fact read and used this valuable resource during recent ill periods of my youngest children. Don't just take my word for it; please read the review posted in this link http://news.anglican.ca/news/stories/2168?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+acc-news+%28Anglican+Church+of+Canada+News+Stories%29

Haiti Receives My Help

2010-01-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

Now, nobody can say, I'm not compassionate...

City donates $10,000 to Haiti relief
(PETERBOROUGH) Last week’s earthquake in Haiti has left thousands dead, spurring Councillor Ann Farquharson to ask her fellow councillors if they’d vote to donate $10,000 from the City to help relief efforts. “This is about humanity,” she said at Monday night’s Council meeting. She went on to say that many communities stepped forward and made donations to Peterborough after the flood in 2004.

“The cost to the taxpayer is 40 cents,” added Coun. Jack Doris.

Though he feels compassion and sympathy for the people of Haiti, Coun. Eric Martin said it is outside their job to send the money. He suggested the City organize a fundraising event instead of donating taxpayer money. Director of finance Brian Horton told councillors the City had donated $10,000 for victims of the tsunami in south-east Asia, $5,000 after Hurricane Katrina, and $5,000 after the 1996 floods in Quebec, among other donations. Coun. Patti Peeters mentioned the City faces a tight budget for 2010 and challenged councillors to donate $100 from their wallets.
“People are starving, people are dying as we speak,” said Coun. Dean Pappas.
Since the City donated to the richest country in the western hemisphere (United States), Coun. Henry Clarke asked councillors how they couldn’t donate to the most impoverished. “I think we have to,” he emphasized.
Coun. Farquharson countered the argument that it isn’t within Council’s mandate to make a donation by saying councillors’ mandate is to decide how to spend tax money, which they do every Monday night. Taxpayers, she pointed out, aren’t consulted on each funding issue.

Haiti shouldn't get a thing

2010-01-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

If you live in a high risk area - you shouldn't be surprised when it happens! I'm sick and tired of World relief efforts for "people who build homes next to volcannos". If you choose to live someplace - then you choose to accept those living conditions. I've included a CNN article as evidence to my arguement.

(CNN) -- Scientists have warned for years that the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic, was at risk for a major earthquake. Five scientists presented a paper during the 18th Caribbean Geological Conference in March 2008 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, stating that a fault zone on the south side of the island posed "a major seismic hazard."

Tuesday's potentially disastrous 7.0 earthquake occurred in Haiti along the same fault line, known as the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone. "We were concerned about it," said one of the paper's authors, Paul Mann, a senior research scientist at the University of Texas' Institute for Geophysics.

"The problem with these kinds of strikes is that they can remain quiescent -- dormant -- for hundreds of years," he said Tuesday evening. "So it's hard to predict when they'll occur."
The findings by Mann and his colleagues followed a 2004 study in the Journal of Geophysical Research in which two geologists found a heightened earthquake risk along the Septentrional fault zone, which runs through the Cibao valley in the northern Dominican Republic.

"This is seismically a very active area of the world," one of the geologists, said Jian Lin of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. "Geologists should not be surprised by this earthquake." Lin co-authored the study with geologist Uri ten Brink of the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter of Tuesday's quake was 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Price, the Haitian capital. Its proximity to the country's population center had scientists concerned Tuesday night.

"Because the earthquake was so close to the capital city, because the city is so populated and because the country is so poor -- the houses are not well-built -- it could cause significant casualties," Lin said. But Mann believes that Port-au-Prince's modest skyline could work in its favor. "Port-au-Prince doesn't have high-rises," said the geologist, who has visited the city. "It's mostly a low-rise kind of place. And that may be a fortunate thing for them."

The Enriquillo-Plaintain Garden fault is similar in structure and character to the San Andreas fault of California in that both are strike-slip in nature, meaning the plates move past each other in a horizontal direction, Mann said.

"The island of Hispaniola is caught between two techtonic plates," said Michael Blanpeid, associate coordinator for the USGS's Earthquake Hazards Program. "The North American and the Caribbean techtonic plates are shearing the island, crushing it, grinding it. And as that occurs, earthquakes pop off."

A dozen major earthquakes measuring 7.0 or greater on the Richter scale have occurred in the Caribbean near Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the island of Hispaniola in the past 500 years, scientists said. The last major earthquake near Hispaniola, a magnitude 8.0 in 1946, caused a tsunami and left 20,000 people homeless, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The last large earthquake based on historical records in the Port-au-Prince area was in 1770, Mann said.

End of the Decade...finally

2009-12-29T04:19:00.000-08:00

To those who know me well, this past decade has been very difficult. Even for these knowing people they only have their perception of what happened. Mine, naturally is different and hopefully will be documented in length and detail in the book I've always talked about writing. I have been told recently that a marked difference in who I am has been growing more obvious over the past 5 years. I suppose this is a good sign since I can't control other people's perception. To say I am happy to see this decade end would be false; since while it saw me experience the most difficult challenges in my life, it also showered me with some of my life's greatest memories. 2010 will bring huge change and opportunity into my life. I know, "man in the mirror" know, the best is still to come.

It's Xmas Time

2009-12-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

A Royal Memory

2009-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

On November 6, I had the good fortune of photographing Prince Charles and his wife Camilla while on their Royal Tour 2009 visit to Victoria, BC. To work alongside the Canadian Press and Hello! Magazine [who covers all Royalty events] was a lot of fun. It was amazing to learn just how structured a schedule the Royal family keep - events and appearances scheduled to the minute! The Royal advisers lead them to every position leaving nothing to chance. I had to imagine that Prince Charles has never seen life outside the continuous red carpet. Incredible to think that the man who might be King doesn't know what's a few steps ahead of him; until he is briefed by one of his advisers. Pictured is the view from the Media pit and crowd at the BC Legislature; you can see me bottom right{Superman ring}taking pictures.

Stephanie's Column from the Peterborough Examiner

2009-09-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

From Clinton with sunshine
Printed 1 Sept 2009
It may have been raining in Peterborough, but it was beautiful weather Saturday at the CNE in Toronto for Bill Clinton's speech Embracing Our Common Humanity. Entering the BMO field, passing the vendor selling Presidential Clinton cones I could tell the atmosphere was filled with excitement and happiness.

The 10,000 people attending made up of 20- year-olds to seniors were smiling and bright-eyed. Opening the event was The Canadian Tenors who performed two songs, which everybody seemed to enjoy.

The Tenors had finished, the people had clapped, and then it came time to hear former president Clinton's speech. From the very second he walked onto the stage everyone stood up and a roar of screams, whistles, and clapping filled the stadium. It then calmed down and he began with a big thank you. I studied him as he spoke; he seemed to be in a good mood. He started out talking about the funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy earlier that morning and how President Obama made a speech on behalf of the people of America.

President Clinton showed us Canadians that he knew us well by talking about the CNE history with things like when cell phones first came out and when television first came out. In my opinion he seemed to know what he was talking about.

The former president then started to talk about his Clinton Foundation and how he went to Malawi to build their very first hospital. Now thanks to him, never had there ever been so many people with jobs, and most of them women. The people of Malawi thanked him, he said, saying that this was the very first pay-cheque they had ever gotten. When I heard that I had got goose bumps all over my body. All I could think of was what a generous thing to do.

Another thing that caught my attention was when he said: "Think back 30 years, there would not have been as many women as there are here now, there would not be as many younger people, neither would their be as many coloured people coming to this speech."

His remark that if in each community each person gave one dollar to a local charity it would really make a difference started to get me thinking about what we can all do in our own communities to help one another. I believe that was his point.

I think that the new CNE speaker series is a great idea. While I enjoyed this speech, I think next year they should have a speaker that would appeal to a greater number of generations. People in my age group may not have enjoyed Bill Clinton's speech as much as I did but hopefully future speakers will be included for them. The experience was awesome and I could totally understand why he was so loved by many people. I am on the list for next year and can't wait to attend.

Creating Opportunity

2009-08-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

[Stephanie seated in the Press Pit; third from left]

On a Saturday afternoon instead of texting her neighbour next door[!] Stephanie was front and centre reporting on the C.N.E’s inaugrual speaker series featuring former US president Bill Clinton. The former Head of State was in Toronto presenting his "Embracing Our Common Humanity" speech tailored to a Canadian crowd. Being in the presence of a political heavyweight is nothing new to Stephanie. She’s had the pleasure of meeting former Prime Minister Paul Martin, corresponded with the Honourable Kim Cambell and has interviewed Green Party leader Elizabeth May. Stephanie was hoping for a chance to interview President Clinton but due to Sen. Kennedy’s passing the President barely made his scheduled appearance and all pre-speech press accomadations were cancelled. Still Stephanie was alongside the Canadian press in the 'press pit' covering the presentation. I have to say that every parent wants what's best for their children and I am no different. I am proud that at such a young age she is open minded to attending an event clearly aimed for a 'more seasoned adult'. Stephanie was there to file a report for the Peterborough Examiner newspaper and took her position very seriously; deciding the night before not only what to wear, but how to be the most professional. She said to me while standing among the press core that she was disappointed by some of the attire some reporters wore as it was clearly a sign of lack of respect to themselves, the media organizaton they were representing and to the President. Stephanie worked late into the night finishing her assignment, surpassing our expectatons of the review that she would write. While there is no concrete direction as far as a future career decided for Stephanie, this opportunity allowed her to experience what a career job; this case being a journalist, entails. I certainly believe in the motto "let kids be kids", but also one that keeps current with today's children who are maturing at such a rapid rate. An introduction to culture, religion, politics et all is a very healthy motto that I hope will serve Stephanie and my othe children well. If one thing resonates for Stephanie from witnessing one of our generations most influential leaders then I see it as mission accomplished. I do believe she was introduced to some new thoughts and ideas from the President's speech and she said as much. I applaud my best friend Daniel and his family for also trying to provide their children with interesting and different things to do. I think society as a whole needs to support and encourage the younger people to get more active and away from the numerous media trappings that present themselves to the younger set on a daily basis. I think we need to save our children from growing up as the TV/Internet generation - a mind is such a terrible thing to waste!

KISS Army Rallies

2009-08-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

KISS And Make Up: Mayor says rock legends coming to Oshawa
MIKE SLAUGHTER / TORONTO STAR FILEKiss, Oshawa wants you!

Rock band KISS is now slated to play the General Motors Centre on Oct. 7, 2009

OSHAWA -- The uproar after Oshawa was left off the official list of KISS concert stops in the band's upcoming North American tour was quelled Tuesday evening with word that the rock legends will in fact play a concert here.

Word spread quickly by email after Oshawa mayor John Gray was tracked down by the band's manager who offered assurances that KISS will come to Oshawa on Oct. 7.
Mayor Gray indicated he was cautious about the call at first in an e-mail sent to council members and obtained by Oshawa This Week.

"I did a reverse search on the telephone number which comes up as McGhee Entertainment of Sunset Blvd in LA so it is legit," he said.
The call to Mayor Gray came from Doc McGhee, the band's manager.

The manager of the General Motors Centre added his own confirmation that a concert was in the works in an e-mail to council members.
"I can confirm that as of this afternoon we are now holding Oct 6th and 7th for KISS," Vince Vella wrote.

The '70s glam rock band announced in April that an online voting contest would allow fans to determine stops on the band's upcoming tour. Oshawa topped the tally, however, when dates for the KISS Alive/35 2009 North America Tour were posted on the band's website this week Oshawa missed the cut.

The Canadian stops originally listed on Monday included London, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary and Vancouver. An uproar followed and Oshawa is now a write-in with the City and fans ready to KISS and make up, and counting the days until Oct. 7.

KISS Rally Falls Short

2009-08-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

KISS concert goodbye
By ELIZABETH BOWER , EXAMINER STAFF WRITER
Front Page, Peterborough Examiner August 25, 2009

Legendary rock band KISS is kissing off Oshawa and Peterborough for its North American 2009 Tour. KISS held an online contest, starting in April, where fans could vote to get the band to play in their home city.

Oshawa won the contest in July, after beating out cities from across North America, while Peterborough came sixth. Yet the theatrically inclined band, featuring lead singer Gene Simmons, announced yesterday it won't be performing in Oshawa. The closest concert is to be in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre on Oct. 2.

"I'm beyond shocked," says Peterborough's self-proclaimed KISS superfan Darryl Andrews, who rallied for this city to win the contest by printing off Bring KISS to Peterborough cards.

Andrews, 38, who has been a fan since age seven, says he feels terrible that Oshawa didn't get a concert after so much work and hype.
The father of two says he thought Peterborough had a shot too, since this city came in sixth. But Andrews says he would have been satisfied with an Oshawa concert because he feels it would have been closer to regional cities including Kingston and Belleville, which spent so much time and energy competing.

Andrews says he has already seen KISS perform 27 times before, mostly in Toronto.
He was hoping for a smaller venue, through the contest, so that he could comfortably bring along his wife and two daughters, aged 13 and two.

The financial cost and travel time of going to the Toronto concert would be too much for his family, he says. Still, Andrews hasn't given up on his heroes. He's hoping KISS will include a second leg of the tour early next year, which he hopes will include Oshawa.

No matter what happens, KISS will always be his favourite band.
"That will never change," he says.

KISS Rally

2009-06-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Mayor votes for KISS concert
KISS and makeup
Posted By ANDREA HOUSTON/Examiner Staff Writer

Mayor Paul Ayotte is shouting out loud that he supports Peterborough’s bid for the KISS concert. “I think this concert will bring a lot of people to the city,” Ayotte said outside city hall yesterday. “I’m sure there are KISS fans from all over the region who will travel to Peterborough for the concert.”

Superfan Darryl Andrews, 38, who has been a loyal KISS fan since he was seven, printed off “bring KISS to Peterborough” cards to collect people’s email addresses.
“If they don’t want to vote online I’ll do it for them,” said
Andrews, who was dressed in a full Paul Stanley costume, complete with a black star painted over his right eye.
“You don’t have to be a KISS fan to bring them to Peterborough.”

The online petition can be found on KISS's website. The deadline for the contest is Tuesday at 2 p.m. Peterborough currently sits in sixth position, right behind Calgary. Oshawa, Winnipeg and Sault Ste Marie hold the top three spots.
There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition with Oshawa, Ayotte said.
“I think we always compete with Oshawa,” he said. “So it would be nice to beat them to the KISS concert.”

If Peterborough is selected as one of the winning cities, KISS will bring their make-up and arena rock show spectacular for a one-night-only concert at some point in the fall.

Although Ayotte isn’t a KISS fan, he said if the concert came to the city he would most likely attend. The mayor prefers country music, he said.
“I might just take in the concert to see what KISS is all about,” he said with a laugh.

The vote is being done on a per-capita basis, so one vote from Peterborough is worth hundreds from a larger city, Andrews said.
“We’re beating Toronto, we’re beating New York. We have a real good chance,” he said. Andrews said the tour is set to begin in September. Buckcherry will be the opening act, he said.

ahouston@peterboroughexaminer.com

How to vote
- Go to www.kissonline.com.
- Click on the link Demand KISS in your city.

Darryl on The WOLF 101.5 FM

2009-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

After being appointed "Leader of the KISS Army" in Peterborough, I took to the airwaves and delivered the message, "Bring KISS to Peterborough!" Audio to be added soon!! Bring KISS to Peterborough http://eventful.com/performers/kiss-/P0-001-000062428-9/competitions?

Call to arms for the KISS Army

2009-04-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

DEMAND KISS: Peterborough now running seventh in rock band's online poll to pick 40 cities for tour

By SARAH DEETH , Peterborough Examiner STAFF WRITER
Published April 21, 2009

Darryl Andrews is calling on members of the KISS Army to unite, lead the charge and vote for Peterborough in an online contest that could bring the rock band to the city. The KISS Army is the name of the group's fan club and a general term describing KISS fans.

Andrews, the 38-year-old co-owner of Hair's the Thing on Dublin Street, has loved KISS for most of his life, describing the band as the perfect blend of rock stars and super heroes. "KISS has been part of my life since I was six years old," he said. Andrews has seen KISS in concert 24 times, attended fan conventions and watched the band through its different phases.
Now he's watching the band's resurgence of popularity, he said.

But he's always had to travel to other cities to see them, and the contest creates the possibility of taking his two daughters to the show. "And here's a chance to have them come play in your neck of the woods," he said. "When you see a KISS show, it's a whole other experience," he said. "They're larger than life."

When he heard about the contest he immediately linked to the voting web-site from his Facebook account, Andrews said. That's gotten his friends and family voting, he said, but he wants to see a strong effort from everyone.

Even those who don't like KISS should vote, he said, because the band's fame will shed positive light on concert venues such as the Memorial Centre.
"We need to get more acts in there. We need to get more bands," he said.
A KISS concert would also bring additional money and fun into the city, he said.
And if Peterborough wins, Andrews promises his hair salon will step up and help fans prepare for the show.

"We'll be having a big hair thing if KISS comes to town," Andrews said.
http://www.kissonline.com/news/index.php?mode=archive&id=5712

A Comeback in the Making...

2009-04-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

For some time now I've been putting my efforts in other places. Recently, I had a gift that allowed me to recognize that I can now shoulder up my efforts back to me. It was a strong realization that I wanted to watermark. This is the beginning...

SPRING

2009-03-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

The air has warmed up, the snow melted down,
babbling brooks running, cold water crystal clear.
Stick trees begin to leaf, bark a soggy brown,
this years spring growth has begun to appear.

Birds are chirping, colorful butterflies dart,
frogs croaking in concert looking for a mate.
The summers warm beauty has a new start,
a barren landscape, natures clean slate.

Shoots spring from the ground, reaching for the sky,
Earth's lush green garden chases away the gray.
A colorful pallet, pleasing to the eye,
a winter frozen land starts to thaw today.

New year, new start, life cycles begin anew,
Mother Nature's children, sprinkled with dew.

~ Scott Eilenfield

A New Year means New Adventures

2008-12-31T22:07:00.000-08:00

I've made a short list of goals I want to achieve this year. They are [in no particular order]:
Have my 'Whale experience'; have the KISS VIP experience, see The Metro Man" show debut, Win a hairstyling award, publish "The Best Of DFG Comics 2008", Spin at a busy nightclub, work at this year's TIFF, participate in a Wrestling fantasy camp, perform a stand-up comedy routine, take a vacation with Sara and have a healthy baby.

"Metro Approved" - Coming Soon!!

2008-11-26T04:41:00.000-08:00

38?? Now What??

2008-11-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

'Trademark' Beard Headed Online

2008-11-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Watch the Online video at http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplayGenContent.aspx?e=8858

By LAURA MUELLER
EXAMINER STAFF WRITER

A tiny bundle of blue facial hair could go to the highest bidder if Jimmy (Lightshow) Reedyk follows through on his promise to put his famous beard in an eBay auction.

Reedyk shaved off his "trademark" vibrantly dyed beard in front of a cheering crowd at Chumleigh's on Saturday afternoon to raise money to aid schoolchildren in Honduras. The well-known puppeteer's campaign netted $448 in donations for Grace United Church members to provide school supplies and tuition money for youths to attend high school in Honduras. Reedyk topped off the donation with a $300 cheque of his own money. Reedyk said he had been growing the beard for at least three years.
"It's my trademark. This is almost like the Hulkster (wrestler Hulk Hogan) losing his mustache.

"I'm nervous, but I know it'll grow back," Reedyk said. "It's for a good cause and a good reminder for people to give what they can." Two of Reedyk's pals also had their beards shaved off for moral support, and even Reedyk's puppet Mini Lightshow lost his blue Velcro beard. After the shave, Reedyk said he felt like a different person. "It's a new me," he exclaimed. He said he hopes the beard will be grown in enough to dye it green on St. Patrick's Day. "Or maybe even red on February 14," he said with a wink. Reedyk said he would shave his beard again if he could raise more money for a good cause.

NOTES: Darryl Andrews from Hair's The Thing donated his time to provide the barbering. Halfway through the shave Jimmy Reedykducked out to wash his face, which was covered in temporary blue dye from his beard. "I went from blue beard to blue face," he laughed.

The Amazing Kreskin

2008-10-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

It was an awesome experience to participate in The Amazing Kreskin Show. I remember, long ago, as a young child thrilling to the mind boggling acts of this master mentalist. Following is the newspaper story that reported the event.
By LAURA MUELLER
PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER STAFF WRITER
Audience members at Scream Works knew they would be amazed by the mind-reading powers of the infamous Amazing Kreskin, but they may not have expected the comedy routine they were treated to as well. Despite a show plagued by technical problems, Kreskin tossed out joke after joke and wowed the crowd with his uncanny supernatural abilities. While combing the audience for thoughts and memories, Kreskin said, "I wish I could share some of these thoughts," with a wink and a laugh.

The famous mentalist, who is perhaps best know for his weekly television show "The Amazing World of Kreskin" in the 1970s, made his first journey to Peterborough yesterday to impress the crowd of about 150 people at the finale of Scream Works -- a three-day Halloween festival with events primarily at Morrow Park but also scattered throughout the city.

After chiding the audience with remarks about politicians and poking fun at himself, Kreskin warmed up by accurately guessing playing cards picked by audience members.
Kreskin then impressed the crowd by calling out random thoughts he picked up from the crowd. When he said "broken glass" one man's hand shot up and Kreskin guessed the man had suffered an injury involving a broken window. "I was in a car accident and my head went through the window," the man said. He had to take a moment to count back to confirm Kreskin's statement that the accident occurred eight years ago.

Kreskin's abilities were almost trumped during his signature act when he asked audience members to hide the cheque that is his payment for the performance. If he is unable to find it, he refuses to accept the payment. "I've failed nine times, and I said if I fail 10 times I'm not doing it anymore," Kreskin said of the gimmick, which is one of his best-known acts.

Audience member Lise Withers hid the cheque under one audience member's baseball cap, but the man was sitting with two other men who were wearing the exact same jacket and hat. Kreskin asked the three men to stand in the aisle and appeared puzzled as he circled them. "Ah ha," he shouted when he took the hat off the correct man's head. Kreskin pumped his fist in the air as he returned to the stage and exhaled with relief. Later Kreskin said the trick was somewhat diabolical.
"The worst are usually the college audiences," Kreskin said. "As soon as I had them standing up (Withers') thoughts became clear.

Although Kreskin regularly appears on television and has performed for crowds numbering in the thousands, he said he prefers any venue where he can get close to his audience. "There are no boundaries between me and the audience because my equipment is my audience," Kreskin said.
The show stalled temporarily when a speaker hissed with loud feedback as Kreskin passed it wearing a microphone, causing him to lose hearing in one ear.
Ever the true showman, Kreskin refused to stop the show and kept performing.
Later in the performance Kreskin assured the audience that his sense of hearing was returning. "Now I have two things to be thankful for, I found my cheque and I can still hear," Kreskin joked. "To tell you the truth, it was scary because one year ago almost to the day I lost my voice," Kreskin said after the show. He said he ruptured a vocal chord signing autographs while a loud band played nearby.

Kreskin praised the volunteers who run Scream Works.
"They came through and made it work," he said. "Sometimes you just have to laugh, because it's just life and sometimes it's humorous." Kreskin said he didn't have much time to enjoy Peterborough because he was off to his next performance in Mississauga, but he said he was "enchanted" by the city. He also praised Canadian parks during his performance and said they are far superior to parks in the United States. "Canada is my second home," Kreskin told The Examiner. "There is a quaintness about this city," he said. "I felt really tuned into people, and after the show people came up and told me they felt really close to what I was doing," Kreskin said.

NOTES: After a show in Mississauga, Kreskin said he will stay in Toronto to shoot the first episode of a new show for cable network Bravo. The premise of the show is a famous person will have their portrait painted by three artists who have no idea who they will have to depict....Actor John Malkovich will portray Kreskin in a movie called The Great Buck Howard to be released next spring. Kreskin said his former road manager wrote the script and centres around the "check test" act that he performed last night.

Thanksgiving Brings BIG News

2008-10-13T16:46:00.001-07:00

Sara Graziano and Darryl Andrews are very pleased to announce that Sara is expecting a baby in June 2009.
Family members and friends are delighted with the news.

Global National, Live from Peterborough Lift Lock

2008-10-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

Anchor hosts newscast from city
By ANDREA HOUSTON EXAMINER STAFF WRITER

The Peterborough Lift Lock was transformed into a television news studio yesterday as the Global National news team put the spotlight on the city.
Global National, with anchor Kevin Newman, broadcasted live from the Lift Lock visitor centre as part of a cross-country federal election coverage tour.
By 5 p. m., half an hour before the broadcast, it was a flurry of activity behind the scenes as the technical crew tested the lights, touched up Newman's makeup, did sound checks and kept their fingers crossed that the rain was kept at bay.
Inside the visitor centre, the main lobby was filled with about 100 people who braved the storm to catch a glimpse of Newman and see what goes into a daily national newscast.
"Kevin Newman looks different in person than on TV," noted Newman fan Elaine Scollard. "He has such a great personality and is very down to earth."
Freelance photographer Aaron Outram, teacher and mother Jenny Pink and business owner Darryl Andrews were chosen to appear on camera for an interview about their thoughts on the election and what they hope to hear in the leaders debate.
"It was great to have a homegrown flavour on a national scale to get different perspectives," Outram said.
"Peterborough has its own flavour."
After the broadcast, Newman took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
Dubbed the People's Express, Newman and national reporter Mike Armstrong have flown to six communities. Peterborough is the final stop.
"This tour has been the chance to touch down in some of the smaller communities that don't necessarily get that much attention and to get a finger on the pulse of what people think," Armstrong said.
"It doesn't matter where you go, you hit a lot of the same issues."
The other cities the tour stopped in were Tofino, B. C.; Fort MacLeod, Alta.; Brandon, Man.; Yarmouth, N. S. and Sutton, Que.
But Armstrong said the crowd in Peterborough was the largest yet.
"Having gone all across the country, this is one of the best crowds, especially considering the weather was not that good, we appreciate it that much more," he said.
Peterborough Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro, who was watching the broadcast from inside the visitor centre, said he applauds Global News for talking to smaller communities.
"It's pretty exciting stuff," he said.
"I think people in Peterborough will be very proud to see the Lift Lock on television." Photo by Malcolm Taylor

Update

2008-09-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

I really, really wanted to post an update, but couldn't find the time.

Contessa Hair Awards

2008-07-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday models and photograpy were completed for my first entry in the Contessa Hair Awards. The Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards – the Contessas – are Canada’s longest-running and most prestigious awards honouring excellence and creativity in salons and salon professionals across Canada. Contessa promotes artistic imagination and transformation. Each photo collection entered into competition is the result of team work, merging the talents of hair stylist, makeup artist, and photographer into unique masterpieces. Since competitors are judged solely on photographs, the contest is even more challenging for participants. Participating in the Contessa Hair Awards can add greatly to a Canadian salon's success and prestige. The contest is not only about winning awards, but displaying the artistry and creativity of hair stylists from across the country. Visit my 'hair journey' page to see pictures and learn more about my entry. Link is to the right.

Defining Moments

2008-07-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Revisiting some old photographs [to inspire some more writing of my mid-life memoirs], I was engrossed in seeing how silly sometimes life can be. Good and bad, I will post some photos with observations that only with 20/20 hindsight I can now offer. They will appear on my "habitat page" http://worldofdarryl.blogspot.com/

$50,000 Follow Up

2008-06-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have ASKed
you will take ACTION
I am ready to RECEIVE

My New Salon ~ Hair's the thing...

2008-06-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hair's the thing...
160 Dublin Street @ George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3B5
(705)868-8905

My Hobby

2008-05-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Back in 1981, my pal Dan & I started drawing comicbooks...there've been many breaks but we're at it again. Check out the latest at http://dfg-comics.blogspot.com

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

I Love You

Sara to Appear on The Dragon's Den Season 3

2008-04-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

About the show - Launching a business is no small task. No matter how big an idea you think you have, it still takes a lot of work and a ton of cash. Enter the Dragons' Den, where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business concepts and products to a panel of Canadian business moguls who have the cash and the know-how make it happen. They've all been there themselves, so you better not walk into the Den unprepared. It takes more than passion to convince these boardroom giants that your idea is worth their attention. The Dragons are ruthless and rightly so – it's their own personal money on the line.

*NOTE* Due to a scheduling conflict, Sara was unable to appear on the show...perhaps season four!

More LOLA in the News

2008-04-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion holds six-month-old Lola Grace Andrews as her dad Darryl Andrews and local Liberal candidate Betsy McGregor look on.

Photographer: Lance Anderson [Peterborough This Week]

Lola Grace Meets Federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion

2008-04-24T10:52:00.001-07:00

The Federal Liberal Leader was in Peterborough today and met Lola Grace before a Public Address.

Mid-Life Memoirs - Not Your Average Mid-Life Crisis Story

2008-03-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

...in progress

Hope Everyone had a Happy Commercial Easter

2008-03-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs. The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country.

Why Do People Love Animals?

2008-03-17T20:32:00.001-07:00

to be updated

"All you have to do is Ask"

2008-03-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

I am formally asking the Universe to send me $50,000. I am a deserving recipient of the cash and the money will make my hopes and aspirations a reality.

Kim Woodburn - Where Are You???

2008-03-03T17:00:00.001-08:00

Sadly, we've been postponed for the new television series: Kim's Rude Awakenings until April. Our clutter is piling up so it should be a real hoot once Kim arrives to help us childproof our home.

*UPDATE*
Kim and her crew won't be visiting our home. A number of Production problems led to this decision. We're actually relieved as we think the show's direction changed from when we were asked to participate and will now resemble nothing more then a massive 'throw out' show - which we have no interest in.

Lola Grace Website Added

2008-02-19T05:48:00.001-08:00

www.lolagraceandrews.blogspot.com

Stephanie Meets Hedley

2008-02-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

I'm always more than happy to be a participant in my daughter's quest to meet her 'idols'; today it was the Canadian Rock Band Hedley. I remember as a child not having many opportunities to meet people whom I considered 'role models' and have made it a priority to encourage Stephanie in her efforts -

As reported in the Peterborough Examiner:

Stephanie Andrews [aged 11] and Courtney Bartley [11] waited hours, outside and backstage at the Showplace Theatre to meet their idols, multi Juno nominated rock band Hedley, today before the bands sold out show. The girls were thrilled to meet the band mwmbers and get some autographs. Here the girls are pictured with lead singer Jacob Hoggard.

$45,000 Raised for United Way

2008-01-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

As Reported in Peterborough This Week
More than 1,000 fans filled the Memorial Centre Wednesday (Jan. 23) in support of the Thirsty Canadian United Way Hockey Challenge.
At the final buzzer the scoreboard read 11-10 in favour of The Untied Way All Stars, but the true winners on this night were the United Way recipients according to United Way CEO Len Lifchus.
“We support 40,000 recipients and 34 agencies in the community,” says Lifchus.
“I can't wait to see the faces of clients.”
Between ticket sales, sponsor donations and silent auction items, Peterborough's Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro presented Lifchus with a check worth $40,000 at the conclusion of the charity game. [A second cheque of nearly $5,000 was presented after]
MP Del Mastro spearheaded the event and was the man behind the mask for the Conservative Party All Stars.
“They pass the puck three times more than any team I have ever played against,” says MP Del Mastro, explaining the skill level of the United Way All Star team, which had NHL alumni Steve Larmer on the roster. “They can really make the puck dance,” added MP Del Mastro. “Our guys don't get out much as a team but you could start to see us generate chances in the third. It was an entertaining game for the fans, which was most important.”
Barry and Susie Stowell were out watching St. Catherine's MP Rick Dykstra.
“He's an old friend of ours and when he is involved we turn up,” says Mr. Stowell, adding that the game was a lot of fun.
“Like and oldtimers game. No body slamming and a good clean game.”
He also added that he would like to see the game become a yearly event.
Rick Vissers, event organizer and owner of the Thirsty Canadian Pub and Grill, said after the benefit game that there is a great chance the teams will face off next year. “It's second to none what we have accomplished in only eight and half weeks,” says Vissers. “We can't wait until next year. See if we can strive for more.”

To view some personal photos from the event please visit my Worst Handyman photo page at http://canadasworsthandymanphotos.blogspot.com

Final Rosters

2008-01-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Rosters

United Way All-Stars

Darryl Andrews, Canada's Worst Handyman, Season 1
J.C. Coutts, Energy 99.3 FM
Pete Dalliday, AM 980 KRUZ/The Wolf 101.5 FM
Richard Daynes, CEO of Minute Maid/Coca-Cola in Peterborough
John Druce, NHL Alumni
Doug Evans, NHL Alumni,
Steve Gatzos, NHL Alumni
Bill Gillam, Chemong Home Hardware
Mike Harris, CHEX Television
Jody Hull, NHL Alumni
Greg Keating, the Thirsty Canadian Pub & Grill
Mike Konienczny, Peterborough fire department
Sean Lafonte, monster truck driver
Steve Larmer, NHL Alumni
Vince Malette, Peterborough Petes head coach
Brian McArthur, the Thirsty Canadian Pub & Grill
J.R. McGee, Jack McGee Chevrolet Cadillac Corvette
Dave Roche, NHL Alumni
Robert Roode, TNA professional wrestler
Steve Thomas, Peterborough fire department
Brent Tully, Peterborough Petes alumni
Rich Vissers, the Thirsty Canadian Pub & Grill
Mark Hubble, Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service

United Way bench
Arnie Brown, NHL Alumni
Gary Dalliday, CHEX Television
George (Red) Sullivan, NHL Alumni

Conservative All-Stars

MP Dean Allison, Niagara West-Glanbrook, Ont.
MP Gord Brown, Leeds-Grenville, Ont.
MP Patrick Brown, Barrie, Ont.
MP Blaine Calkins, Wetaskiwin, Alta.
MP Dean Del Mastro, Peterborough
Jason Del Mastro, Del Mastro Motors
Mike Del Mastro, Del Mastro Motors
Scott Dickie, Service Master
MP Rick Dykstra, St. Catharines, Ont.
Bruce Fitzpatrick, Lockington, Lawless, Fitzpatrick LLP
MP Mike Lake, Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, Alta.
MP Guy Lauzon, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, Ont.
MP Denis Lebel, Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean, Que.
Ben Lyman, TVCogeco
Frank McMahon, Starfra Feeds
Dan Mundell, Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service
Sean O'Leary, Conservative Resource Group
Glan Payne, Keith Wightman Public School principal
MP James Rajotte, Edmonton-Leduc, Alta.
MP Brian Storseth, Westlock-St. Paul, Alta.
MP Merv Tweed, Brandon-Souris, Man.

Conservative bench
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
MP Jeff Watson, Essex, Ont.
MP Rick Norlock, Northumberland-Quinte West, Ont.
MP Barry Devolin, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ont.
MP Larry Miller, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Ont.
MP Gary Goodyear, Cambridge, Ont.
Andrea Montenegrino, Office of the Chief Government Whip
Kenzie Potter, Office of the Chief Government Whip
Sally Harris, office of Edmonton-St. Albert MP John Williams

Press Conference United Way Hockey Challenge

2008-01-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday January 16th, I attended the press conference for the "Thirsty Canadian United Way Challenge" where the final player rosters were made public. It was a great opportunity for me to meet some of the players who have so generously donated their time to this special event as well as dust off some rust that no doubt has been collecting on my skates since I last played 3 on 3 hockey with my father and brother. A few years ago I had a close friend who was experiencing great financial difficulty to the degree of having their hydro turned off in the winter. Through the generosity of Untied Way donations; their community chapter was able to offer this family relief and pay their hydro bill to ensure they wouldn't be left in the cold. Since then I've always hoped I could do something for the United Way and I'm so pleased that I will be participating in this event next Wednesday. I hope to see many of you there to support this wonderful charity.

Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests

2008-01-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

It was an honour to attend the Ordination of my life-long friend Daniel Francis Graves yesterday, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill, ON. Daniel was ordained by George, Area Bishop of York-Simcoe to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. [Dan is pictured in the front right row waiting to be 'presented'.]

The Big Hockey Game to Benefit the United Way Jan 23

2008-01-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

The United Way All Stars Team is starting to finalize with former NHLer's Steve Larmer, Jodi Hull, John Druce, David Roche, Brent Tully and Steve Gatzos confirmed. Sean Lafonte [Monster Truck Driver], Darryl Andrews [Canada's Worst Handyman] & TNA Impact! Wrestling Superstar Robert Roode are also confirmed participants.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is scheduled to coach the Conserative MP team.

Tickets for the Thirsty Canadian United Way Challenge are available for purchase online through the Memorial Centre website, by calling the Box Office at 705-743-3561 or by visiting the Box Office at the Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough.

January means the Start of a new Book Club

2008-01-11T04:11:00.000-08:00

Okay friends, January's book is one that should set us all upon the 'right path'; Daniel Gilbert's, "Stumbling on Happiness".
From the Foreword: "What distinguishes us as human beings from other animals is our ability to predict the future--or rather, our interest in predicting the future. We spend a great deal of our waking life imagining what it would be like to be this way or that way, or to do this or that, or taste or buy or experience some state or feeling or thing. We do that for good reasons: it is what allows us to shape our life. And it is by trying to exert some control over our futures that we attempt to be happy. But by any objective measure, we are really bad at that predictive function. We're terrible at knowing how we will feel a day or a month or year from now, and even worse at knowing what will and will not bring us that cherished happiness. Gilbert sets out to figure what that's so: why we are so terrible at something that would seem to be so extraordinarily important? In making his case, Gilbert walks us through a series of fascinating--and in some ways troubling--facts about the way our minds work."

Article about the TV Show we're on

2008-01-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Kim Woodburn, host of the British series "How Clean Is Your House", has found at least one family member in our household "that lives their life with a complete lack of cleanliness, etiquette or organization,”. Our family is participating in her new show.

Desk failed clean queen's test

Rita Zekas
Living Reporter
The Toronto Star

People have been known to check for dust by running a gloved finger over a surface.

"Queen of Clean" Kim Woodburn, star of W network's How Clean is Your House?, runs bare fingers over a toilet bowl.
She loves to gross out her audiences, claiming that people watch the show because of the "ick" factor.
"They (the homeowners on her shows) are nice people but dirty beggars," she says. "If you walk up to a toilet, you have to run your finger over the feces (she goes through a lot of wet wipes); people wouldn't watch the show otherwise. They love the voyeurism going into a stinky house and children love the show because it is gory."

Woodburn is in T.O. shooting her new show, Kim's Rude Awakening, which she co-hosts with Mike Chalut. Her Clean freak sidekick Aggie begged off to stay home with her two boys, after 4 1/2 years of shooting the series.
Since our home is spotless, we invite Woodburn to check out our primary workstation at the Toronto Star. She is formidable, looking like Barbara Cartland-meets-Dame Edna, without the cat's-eye glasses.
She tours the newsroom, checking out the desks overflowing with newspapers, paperwork, coffee cups, food-encrusted Tupperware and promotional gewgaws.

"I've never seen anything as gross as this place," she shudders, giving the impression that she'd like to have the newsroom condemned.
She of the Marge Simpson hair sniffs my work area, zeroing in on my teacup. "It stinks," she says, mock gagging with revulsion. "It is covered with fly pee. I am not exaggerating. Do you know that flies pee every few minutes? And that a fly vomits every 10 seconds."

Apparently my bottle of hot sauce is full of (fly) piss and vinegar and she encourages me to pitch it into the garbage. I am cowed and oblige.
She suggests cleaning my computer keyboard (which also "stinks"), with wet wipes. We have found that spilled diet ginger ale is equally effective as a cleaning agent.
The Kleenex box on my computer gets a thumbs-up but she doesn't even deign to acknowledge my bottle of Fantastik with bleach.

Cleaning is Woodburn's life. Born 65 years ago in Eastney, near Portsmouth, England, she was a housekeeper from the time she was a young child. "My mom got me and my sister Gloria to do the housework," she recalls.
Her first job after leaving school at age 15 was in a high-end fashion shop, ironing the clothes used for window display. She worked variously as a beautician, social worker and catalogue model, eventually settling in as a housekeeper for a sheik from Dubai, who appeared for only 1 1/2 months of every year.
In January of 2003, she got a call from the agency that had placed her in that job, suggesting she audition for a TV show. They liked her cheekiness; she liked the paycheque – she'd made £18,000 (about $36,000) a year after taxes working for the sheik; she made £2,000 ($4,000) per TV episode.
Among the most egregious sins in the past 4 1/2 years: "Three people with good jobs shared a flat," she recalls. "They had a frying pan on the stove they never washed and the lard got so hard and old there were maggots. They were cracking eggs every day in it – they thought it (maggots) was gristle."

Kim's Rude Awakening is not about stinky and/or maggoty households. Bring her your slovenly, lazy and disorganized.
"We come to the house and rearrange things," she explains. One home was clean "but the floors were taken up with piles of washing and ironing. The kids were late for school every day because they couldn't find clean clothes in the piles.
"If I have a second hit on my hands, it's terrific. But if show biz leaves me, I won't complain. I paid cash for a house and car and my husband has retired."
After bye-byes are said, I retrieve the hot sauce from the garbage. After all, my garbage is cleaner than my desk.
If you know someone who needs Kim's help, contact her by email at rudeawakenings@nextfilm.ca.

After they sterilize their teacups.

Game Day

2007-12-17T00:06:00.001-08:00

What: The Thirsty Canadian Hockey Challenge for the United Way

Who: Conservative MPs, coached by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, versus local personalities and past NHLers to raise funds for the Peterborough and District United Way. Keep an eye on both teams' rosters at http://thirstycanadian.com.

When: Jan. 23 at 8:15 p.m.

Where: Memorial Centre, Peterborough.

Cost: Tickets $10, available at the Memorial Centre or the Thirsty Canadian.

United Way Hockey Day

2007-12-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

I am very pleased to announce that I am participating in this event to benefit the Peterborough United Way.

Local business owner Rick Vissers is proud to announce the Thirsty Canadian Hockey Challenge and maybe, just maybe, there will be a special guest behind the bench.
On Jan. 23, 2008, the United Way All Stars will battle the Conservative Party of Canada's hockey team, all in an effort to raise money for the local United Way.
The action takes place at the Memorial Centre with a fun beginning at 6:45 p.m. with a tykes game, followed by the United Way All Stars versus the Conservative Party at 8:15 p.m.
Visser, owner of the Thirsty Canadian Pub and Grill, and restaurant manager Greg Keating are the masterminds behind the charity game and both say it will be a fun night for all ages.
“ I ran into Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro at the Mann Cup parade in September and was curious if he still played between the pipes,” says Keating, who used to play with MP Del Mastro.
“He said 'yes,' so I suggested his team play against our Thirsty Canadian team for fun.”
MP Del Mastro accepted the challenge and told Keating to give him a call.
“I didn't realize at the time that MP Del Mastro's team was the Conservative Party hockey team but they kindly accepted the challenge,” says Keating.
The group finally sat down in November, where they came up with the idea to have a charity game.
While Peterborough's MP will be between the pipes for the Conservative Party, many sponsors have jumped on board in hope that Prime Minister Stephen Harper may behind the Conservative Party bench.
“We can't confirm 100 per cent that Stephen Harper will be here but we have been in contact with the Prime Minister's Office and there's a good chance that he will be in attendance,” says Visser.
The United Way All Star team will consist of former NHL stars, local business owners, and media personalities, while the Conservative Party team will be made up of MPs from across Canada and exNHL stars.
“We're hoping to have Steve Larmer and Darryl Sittler play for the United Way All Stars,” says Visser.
No matter who's in the line-up, fans can expect an awesome game of hockey, great prizes and an autograph session, he says.
“We will have door prizes and autographed jerseys, sticks and 16 box seats at the Air Canada Center up for auction."
If your stuck for a Christmas gift, he says you can help support the United Way by buying your ticket right away. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased starting Saturday morning. Tickets are available at the Memorial Center box office during business hours or on-line anytime. The Thirsty Canadian Pub & Grill will also be selling tickets along with T-shirts for the event.
More information can be found at:
www.thirstycanadian.com

Season Greetings from the entire Andrews Family

2007-12-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Quotation of the Day

2007-12-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Darryl is "The King of Piles" and "The Master of Tomorrow".
- Sara Graziano

We're Gonna be Prime Time...??

2007-12-04T05:19:00.000-08:00

Canadians best know Kim Woodburn as the funny and engaging host of Britian's "How Clean Is Your House?". Now she's putting together a whole new show to help Canadian families organize their households so they can lead happier, less stressful lives. As Kim says,"If your house works well, your family will too!". Our family who deals with an overall sense of chaos, meets with show producers Thursday. Expect an update later that day. The show is presently untitled but will be aired on the W Network.

Story of Xmas Past

2007-11-20T15:40:00.001-08:00

Darryl was not happy. It seemed like everyone in the whole world was having a good time. Everyone else, that is. Nothing was going right today. "I can't find my Batman. Dan can't come over and play. Now I have to stay here with a babysitter." It was a new babysitter, not even someone familiar.
It was two days before Christmas, too! This time of year was supposed to be special!
"You look like you could use some cheering up," the babysitter said. "Would you like to play with this snow globe?" Darryl walked closer. The babysitter smiled and handed Darryl the snow globe. "Turn it over and watch the snow fall," she said, her eyes twinkling. "It's Santa's Village - Santa's Secret Village. This is where Santa, his elves, and his reindeer live." Darryl picked up the snow globe and shook it until it was filled with floating snowflakes. There were little buildings inside and-look, there was a reindeer, and a tiny elf. They looked so real! Suddenly Darryl had the strangest feeling, as though something wonderful was about to happen. Darryl blinked. Snow was falling and voices were laughing. What had happened?

"Welcome to Santa's Secret Village, Darryl," said a cheerful grownup voice. Darryl looked up into the smiling, bearded face of Santa Claus! "You're our honorary elf for the day! These are my elves, " Santa added, looking around at the little people around them. One elf handed Darryl a green jacket and a funny-looking pair of shoes. "Hi, my name is Bud. Just put these on over your clothes. They're woven with North Pole fleece and they will keep you warm here in Santa's Secret Village." Darryl quickly pulled on the elf clothes. "There!" said Bud, "You could almost pass for one of us!"
Santa placed a red and green striped elf hat on Darryl's head and said, "I have to go check on my reindeer now, but I'll see you later. Have fun!" Bud took Darryl to Santa's Workshop, where elves were assembling and painting all kinds of toys. "I bet all the kids in Richmond Hill combined don't have this many toys!" said Darryl. Burt, the elf in charge of the toy production, showed Darryl how to make a toy robot. "Very good!" said Burt, admiring Darryl's work. "You can be my helper any time!"

Next, Bud took Darryl to the Mailroom, where Bif was surrounded by mailbags overflowing with letters.
"Hi, Darryl, Santa told me you might drop by. I sure could use some help sorting the letters that came today. It's getting close to Christmas Eve and we don't want anyone to be disappointed on Christmas morning!" Soon Bud and Darryl were helping Bif open envelopes and sort the mail for Santa to read. Darryl looked for letters from Dan and other kids back in Richmond Hill but there were just too many letters to read -- and Darryl was only eight anyway! When they were finished, the three hurried to Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, where the other elves were eating lunch. "Hi, Darryl!" they called. "How do you like being an elf?"

"I love it!" replied Darryl. What a morning! Wouldn't Darryl's family be surprised if they could see Mrs. Claus standing here serving lunch and Mars Bar to Darryl and a kitchen full of elves!
After lunch Bif went back to the Mailroom, but Bud and Darryl stayed to help make cookies. Mrs. Claus even let them eat cookies right out of the oven. Yumm!

"Darryl," Santa said, "you've been a great honorary elf today -- and you've been good all year, too -- we want to give you a special treat. Would you like to ride on one of our reindeer?"
"Oh, yes!" cried Darryl, jumping up and down in excitement. Santa sat Darryl on top of the little reindeer called Raymond and gave the reindeer his instructions. Raymond pranced around, then leapt into the air, taking Darryl for an exciting ride over the village.

"That was more fun than hockey, sighed Darryl. "Oh, Santa, thank you so much for bringing me here!"
"We've enjoyed having you here today," said Santa. "Come back and be an 'elf' with us again! Now I have to go check my list, and it's almost time for you to go home. But first, Bud, take Darryl to the Clubhouse and play for a while." Darryl was getting tired, and it was time for supper back in Richmond Hill. How would Darryl get home?

At the Clubhouse the elves showed Darryl their toys and books. Darryl spotted a snow globe on the table and picked it up. "How strange," thought Darryl. "That tiny town inside looks like mine."
"Wake up, it's time for supper." Darryl blinked and looked around. This wasn't Santa's Secret Village. What happened?

"You're back home," said the babysitter. "Your family is back, too, and it's time for me to go. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Here, this is for you." She held out the snow globe. "Santa wants you to have it -- so you can visit again." So it wasn't a dream! Darryl was so happy! What a wonderful day it had been. This was going to be the best Christmas ever!

The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.

2007-11-11T19:51:00.001-08:00

Vision Green

2007-11-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Andrews, 11, attended the Vision Green presentation by Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May this past Thursday in Peterborough. Stephanie, a grade six student who attends Queen Mary P.S., has acquired a keen interest in Canadian Politics since being introduced to the subject in school a few years ago. Lobbying her parents to take her to the presentation; this marked Stephanie’s first preface to the Green Party’s “Ecological Wisdom” and values.

Stephanie was impressed by Mrs. May’s presentation, particularly in the Party’s platform on a greater commitment to family values and reduction of ‘carbon footprints’.

Already Stephanie has met and corresponded with former Prime Minister Paul Martin and has received correspondence from former P.M.’s Joe Clark and Kim Campbell, who said in her letter to Stephanie, “Perhaps in the years to come we’ll be hearing about a bright young leader named Stephanie from Ontario”.

Get 'Em Next Time Lola Grace

2007-10-24T03:34:00.000-07:00

Lola Grace just missed being cast in the Motion Picture, "The Time Travellers Wife"!! The production company owned by EX-Hollywood power couple; Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston had bought the rights to turn the novel The Time Traveller's Wife into a film for themselves, but obviously things have changed. "The Time Traveller's Wife" was written by Audrey Niffenegger, and was a best seller in the US. Its a romantic drama about a Chicago librarian (Bana) with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications it creates for his marriage. Cast at this time include: Rachel McAdams [The Family Stone] and Eric Bana [Hulk]. The film's director is Robert Schwentke. The Director, having worked with children in the past went safe and will be using an older set of twins.

Neighbours find they have a lot in common

2007-10-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

By GALEN EAGLE Examiner Staff Writer

A year-ago, couple Sara and Darryl Andrews watched another family move into the home directly behind theirs. It was midnight and the new neighbours were battling a fierce storm as they attempted to move their belongings.

With an offer of a helping hand, little did the Andrews know at the time, they would be forging a unique and strong bond with Julie and Bill Asselstine, a bond the four say has been an example of fate from day one.

Sara, 35, and Darryl, 36, both hairstylists, had only moved to Peterborough a month earlier after uprooting their lives in Toronto, where they no longer wished to raise their 11-year-old daughter Stephanie.

Similarly, Bill, 36, and Julie, 31, had uprooted their life in Ottawa bringing their 21-month-old son Isaac, as Julie accepted a transfer to Peterborough to work at the local Sears store.

Both families moved into the Parkhill Place neighbourhood beside Jackson Park, separated only by a thin wooden fence.

It didn't take long before friendship endured and the first in a long series of coincidences began taking shape.

A little more than nine months ago, both Julie and Sara became pregnant. The situation was ideal, Sara said. The girls took advantage of their proximity, sharing their pregnancy woes, trials and tribulations.

"Oh boy. We talked about heart burn, sleepless nights, constant peeing and we noticed our due dates were only a week apart," Sara said. "It was awesome. Usually when you're pregnant you're pregnant alone."

Bill and Darryl spent numerous nights themselves talking over the fence-line, sharing a beer or two as they discussed mood-swings and child rearing.

"We shared a few beers over the fence. It was nice to have a great friend close by," Bill said.

As the pregnancies advanced and the bellies enlarged, another coincidence emerged. Unknowingly, the same doctor, Dr. Peter Maskins, was treating the two women.

"That was weird," Julie said.

"A complete coincidence," Sara said.

The due date was quickly approaching and while both girls were planning caesarean births, only Julie had a set hospital date of Oct. 3.

On Tuesday, the night before Julie's planned birth, Sara got the call. She too would be heading to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre the next morning.

"That was crazy, we had a little celebration that night," Sara said. "It was a complete surprise. I mean it was kind of euphoric," Darryl said.

Early Wednesday morning Julie gave birth to Ava, a seven-pound one-ounce baby girl.

Assigned the hospital room adjacent to Julie's, Sara arrived for her birth just in time to hold little Ava.

"I got to hold her before I went in. That was pretty special," Sara said.

About an hour later, Sara gave birth to a baby girl herself, six-pound seven-ounce Lola Grace.

"We thought when do the coincidences stop?" Sara said.

Groggily awakening after their surgeries, the two women found themselves recovering in the same ward, their beds facing each other.

"We didn't miss a beat. It was great to be able to talk," Julie said.

Back at home, Darryl and Bill had popped some champagne and lit some cigars to celebrate their newest additions.

To complete the bizarre set of incidents, both Sara and Julie were discharged the same morning.

In the past five days, the new mothers have been doing a lot of resting and the new fathers have been running around "with their heads cut off," the four agreed.

Yesterday, enjoying the warm Thanksgiving afternoon, both families took turns cradling their newborns, thankful they could share the process together.

"It was absolute fate that brought us together. The sun, moon and earth were in the right place, I guess," Bill said.

Unfortunately, Bill and Julie will be moving to the Kingston area by the end of the month.

But the foursome agreed the distance won't matter.

"We're life-time friends now," Bill said.

"We now have this fantastic memory," Darryl said. "These girls will have this link forever, they're almost like sisters."

Welcome!!

2007-03-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting my home on the Web. This site is very large and constantly evolving. It's best to think of it as a tree with many branches; well I do anyway since that's a way to keep it simple. Lot's and lot's of stuff to be added soon. You can also direct inquires to me at darryl@darrylandrews.com

Welcome Fans of Canada's Worst Handyman

2007-03-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

Please use this link http://worsthandyman.blogspot.com
to learn about Sara's and my participation on the series.