Feb 29, 2016

YOU | Leaping to New Heights


She's breaking records, receiving accolades and having a blast, all at the same time. Rebekah Eckert is working hard to make the 2016 World Juniors this year!

Below is a video by Borzah Yankey featuring Rebakah as she hits the skies, in an impressive slow-motion section.

And to the left, IN HER MOM GINNY'S OWN WORDS: 

"The gold medalist snuggling with her little brother [Dale]"

Click pix to see larger version.


Feb 28, 2016

IN MEMORIAM |

I am at a loss for words. 
Such a sweet guy, such a terrible loss. 
Such an insidious disease.

Rest in peace Sammy. 

~Kenny



THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE TO SAM IS BY BRETT WOODS - NOT BY SCRIBBLES...


Brett Woods Remembers His Pal Sammy
USED WITH PERMISSION

"11 yrs ago or more I met you and Normand Lecompte at Rendezvous. You were friendly, funny and so much fun. When ever we would run into each other at Rendezvous you would always say hi and chat....hell we would dance on that dance floor from the time we all got there to the time the last call was called...Then Rendezvous closed.

I would then run into you at Envy Lounge and again we would always chat and Catch up on each others lives....hell we would again dance the night away till closing...then that closed.

I would then run into you at house parties and other social gatherings and again it was like old times...chatting laughing and some how dancing....oh the fun we all had.

Then you surprised me when I ran into you at my place of work and it was your first day on the job at ESM..again it was like time never changed....laughing, chatting and sharing new stories about our lives...it was priceless! 

Sadly you had left ESM. it was not the same without you.

Then we would catch up on FB...sharing stories and catching up on our lives....again always a pleasure.

Then the news....that sad news...that damn F' CANCER!!! The fight....the bravery...the courage...the determination...the hope...the prayers...the love and support from those who loved you!

Then the news we all were shocked to hear...the end...the loss...the tears...the anger...the shock...you are gone...a battle lost.

Now....we share memories...stories...pictures...and once again we smile...we laugh...we cry...the love!!!

Thx you Sammy for running into my life....i/we thx you for touching our lives and giving us so much laughter and many great memories. We love you...and always will until will till we meet again.

Now spread those wings and Fly...dance...laugh and smile like you always do and be that angel that you are!The heavens are extremely lucky to have you. RIP our friend. Xoxoxo"

Written by Brett Woods Feb. 28, 2016 - the day after Sam Martin passed away.






This was featured on Scott Johnson's facebook page. It has been redesigned to fit our format.

Obituary for Sam Martin






HUMOUR |

Feb 25, 2016

KIDS |


ENCORE FROM JAN. 2013:

This heartwarming photo of our little friend Kiera Blythin surrounded by bubbles, makes us smile as much now as it did back in 2013.

HEALTH |


 

ENCORE FUNNY PHOTO |


Andy Tinneberg will surely be rowing the boat much quicker once his gal pal Megan Fox finishes posing for this photo and realizes they've got a hungry gator on their tale. This encore photo first appeared on Scribbles in 2012.

EN-RICH-MENTS |



- Rich Hunt

VIDEO | The Simpsons 'The Debateful Eight'

KIDS | Rad Science

I was blown away by this photo of the Mackie family, who reside in Canada's most populated city, Toronto.

IN HER OWN WORDS, FRANCESCA MACKIE WROTE:

"[Here we are enjoying] brunch at the Windsor Arms Hotel celebrating [our son] Colin's acceptance into the MaST high school program, which specializes in Math, Science and Technology, starting in September. The application included writing a two hour exam; apparently, over 200 kids apply each year but only 60 get in."

Wow that's very impressive Colin, Scribbles is thrilled to share your great news.

Francesca added, "Very proud of our fine young son! Now if only he would comb his hair..."

LOL, Francesca, at Colin's age, combs are so uncool.

ME | My "Squirrel-Friend"


ENCORE FROM MAR. 15, 2013

When I was in grade two we read a story about a squirrel named Suzi. I really loved that squirrel and painted a picture of her cool house, which I was very pleased with.

Colour me even more proud when my teacher entered that painting in the Renfrew Fair and it won first prize!

KIDS | Three Times the Fun



Feb 24, 2016

WELLNESS | Go Bananas Over Bananas

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.


ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

Subscribe us@Facts Gallery..For more Health Tips

MINIONS | Happy

I could use a little happy Minion joy right now... So here's a video featuring everyone's favourite little yellow buddies.

encore post

Feb 22, 2016

JOE FRIDAY | 12

THIS IS AN ENCORE FEATURE



PHOTOS & TEXT BY JIM STEEL  | LAYOUT BY SCRIBBLES

Feb 18, 2016

ME | This Bugged Me...Quite Literally!

I have debated for a while now as to whether or not I should write this post, but since it explains one major reason I was so stressed out over the past few months, I’ve decided to share it. After all, I don’t want you to think I go insane without valid reasons and this one would make even the sanest person freak out.

This story began around the holidays (although I would later discover it actually started months earlier....I just didn’t know it at the time).

Some time in December, I discovered a very creepy looking bug on the wall in my bedroom. It wasn’t a cockroach and it wasn’t a spider. This thing had a body about the size of a nickel, with plenty of legs and stuff, that made it look much bigger. It had a hard shell and could crawl and fly.

I scooped the intruder up in an old pill container (which surprise, surprise, I have a surplus of) and then flushed it down the toilet. It was gone, I was happy and I figured that was the end of the story. WRONG!!

Soon, almost every day, one or two of these creepy bugs kept showing up. Most were found in my bedroom, with a few in the kitchen and living room. Each time I discovered another gross bug, my patience grew thinner as I continued flushing them down the toilet and wondering where the hell they were coming from.

One night I was laying in bed watching a TV show on my ipad. I thought I felt something on my arm, but there was nothing there. A minute later, one of those god damn bugs walked across my ipad screen. I was not amused and when this daring bugger was trapped in the empty pill container, I shook the container like a maraca before giving creepy crawly the big flush. (The shaking of the container was done in anger and acted as a stress reliever).Two nights later, I was again laying in bed when I felt something on my arm again. This time there was a bug on my arm, I freaked out and didn’t sleep much that night.

The following day I discovered a couple more bugs, one on a houseplant and another on a window. “This is fucking ridiculous” I said to myself as I set out to thoroughly check my place from top to bottom in hopes of discovering where the bugs were coming from.

In the far corner of my bedroom, tucked behind the closet door were my two air conditioners. I had taken them out of the windows in early November, stacked them on top of each other and threw a black blanket over them, so they weren’t as noticeable. (Have you figured out where I’m going with this yet?)

I pulled the blanket off the air conditioners and nearly shit myself. There, crawling inside the older a/c, were a whole bunch of the disgusting intruders. My heart was pounding a mile a minute and the air was blue with the vulgarities that came out of my mouth. . I grabbed two very large plastic bags and slipped one around each air conditioner, securely tying each bag so no bugs could escape.

We’ve all heard stories where someone is pinned beneath a car, a fallen tree or other large item and somehow their loved one musters up super hero strength, lifting the heavy item off them. I was kinda like that at this point.

As everyone knows, I can’t lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee or remote control (perhaps a slight exaggeration) but in the state of shock I was in, I fumbled my way down the stairs, then to the shed in the backyard with each bug condo....errrrr, air conditioner. It took two trips but at least the a/c’s and they occupants had finally left the building.

Was the spine tingling creepy adventure finally over, now that I evicted the squatters? Not quite. Even though the air conditioners were no longer in the house, there were still bugs showing up almost daily. I contacted a coop member and she in turn called a bug guy. By this time I had looked online to try and find out what these bugs were. I concluded they must be blood sucking cone nose bugs, who bite and suck blood. When bug guy showed up later to see the live specimen I had saved, he told me what I had were called stink bugs. He said that when I moved the air conditioners, I disrupted their home and since I had sealed every nook and cranny, any stragglers that may not have actually been in the a/c’s when I removed them, were now trapped inside with me and my pets. [Happy, happy, joy, joy]

Bug guy told me stink bugs prefer plants instead of blood and do not typically bite. They got their name from the fact that if you squish them they emit a pungent odour that is very difficult to get rid of (thank god I was flushing them.)

The bugs continued showing up until around the end of January, and as of the time I am writing this, it has been about 14 days since the last stink bug was seen. I was reluctant to share this story for fear no one would want to come over anymore...LOL.

Even though I first noticed these crunchy, creepy, critters around Christmas, when I gave it further thought, something occurred to me. Those air conditioners came inside at the beginning of November and naturally, so did the stink bugs, meaning that I was sleeping in the same room as them for almost two months before the scary saga started.

Now THAT truly stinks!!

Feb 17, 2016

KIDS | Whee! Now She's Three!


EDITORIAL | Hitting the Mute Button

WOW! I'm a bit behind finding this stuff out, but the ever-growing ruthless corporation, Bell Media, let go of many staff from both behind the scenes and on air favourites with lots of fans and seniority.
Corus did similar cuts to Q107 late last year and who can forget how the staff at CHCH  found out Channel Zero was filing for bankruptcy (and as such slashed many on air and behind the scenes staff) The employees watched it live on air at the same time the viewers were being advised their jobs were over.
I know being a TV reporter or radio announcer has always been positions with little job security, but this is absurd.
CTV Toronto News lost Bill Hutchinson, Suneel Joshi and Dan Matheson...all three of these gentleman were a part of CTV Toronto News for decades!
Kristy Knight, weekday DJ from 97.7 Htz FM was also left jobless when she too was axed. Fortunately, she has landed a spot at Niagara's Classic Rock 91.7 GIANT FM. She is doing the overnight show called ":The Knight Show"
And who can forget Matt Hayes -perennial favourite at CHCH TV. He did the news, entertainment news and did many on location spots. He was among the many at CHCH, who were dropped.
These media giants could give a rat's ass about what viewers or listeners like and they certainly have zero respect for the announcers themselves.
Big heartless, conglomerates squeezing the life out of TV and radio stations that had a devoted fans and amazing announcers.
That's progress for you!

Feb 16, 2016

KIDS | "I Would Not Could Not, Sam I Am"


There seems to be a theme happening at Scribbles these days. We've featured many posts about kids or pets. Combine those two elements and the results are amazing and amusing.

Here we have our little pal Sam Young as he gives a kiss to the family cat Bacon, who is 9 years old.

Capturing the magic as only she can, Sam's mom Jenn shared this moment with her facebook and Scribbles pals.

YOU | Ain't No Mountain High Enough to Keep Me From You


Although Judy & Dale Teigrob call Ontario home, they recently enjoyed a vacation in Calgary, along with their little 5 month old angel Emma.

It's strange how snow always looks better when it's in a majestic location as seen above and not covering our vehicles and roads, eh?

And by the way, for our younger readers, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was a big hit by Diana Ross & the Supremes.  CLICK HERE TO HEAR SONG

Feb 15, 2016

YOU | South Korea Here She Comes


There's a lot going on in the Valley these days. 

Above, we see the Farquharson & Dagenais families on Feb. 30 at a "Farewell Party" for Amy Farquharson.

Cousin Amy is heading to South Korea to teach for a year. Hey, we have other Scribbles pals who left Canada to teach for a year or two and it was one of the greatest life experiences all of them ever had.

Amy's Aunt Cathy posted the photos we featured in the collage above.  

Cathy wrote to Amy; "We will miss you Sweetie, but know you will have a great time."

That goes for your cousins in Niagara too, Amy...hope it is as fabulous as you are! 

Feb 9, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT | No Sham, He's Glam!!

click pix to enlarge
IN HIS OWN WORDS, BOBBY R. ROCKS TELLS US ABOUT ONE OF HIS ALTER EGOS SEEN HERE:

"Robbie Stone is getting ready for the big Sunset Strip 80s Glam Rock Show this Friday night at Taps Brewery in Niagara Falls for Valentines weekend. '

Shirt choice inspired by Mike Markarian".

TAPS ON QUEEN | BREWHOUSE & GRILL

4680 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario. L2E 2L8



PLUS....
IN SHANE & B.R.'s OWN WORDS: 

"Bobby and Shane Radio is back this THURSDAY night 8 till 10 pm Eastern. after two weeks away from the Mic we have lots of new Indie tunes to spin for you, some include Lost Generation (Brian Wilcox) , a new BS live find Neil and Adam, @jcraigmusic , TJ Leonard, Major Duke, Howzat from London ON , also more new tunes from the new 1221 Album from Cory Cruise, we have Brad Bradley Battle, Basia Lyjak, Barby Collins,.....
9pm Bristol Kids joins Bobby and Shane Radio
9:40pm Kris Barclay will join Bobby and Shane Radio
We have ROCK NEWS ....What's Bothering Bobby and much more THIS THURSDAY NIGHT 8 till 10pm Eastern bsliverocks.com #maxinkradio"

ADVERTISEMENT |


Feb 7, 2016

KIDS | Madelyn's First Birthday

Little Maddie turned one on Feb. 6th and her mom was thrilled to post this collage and message to facebook.

IN HER MOM' MANDY'S OWN WORDS: 

"Happy First Birthday Madelyn! Every day is a wonderful adventure with you! I love you more than you will ever know! You make us laugh and smile from morning til night.... I can't believe you're turning one today!!!" 

VIDEO | Shania Twain 'Man I Feel Like a Woman' @ Buffalo Concert

For those of you who I worked with at the children's book club, you may well recall the Christmas party where I danced in the middle of a circle made up of the beautiful women I worked with. And when Shania sang the words "Man, I feel like a woman", I was singing and dancing right along with her. It was a somewhat surreal moment and one everyone who was there will remember quite well.

Man, I feel like hearing that song now. Here's Shania performing in concert last October in Buffalo, NY. As you'll see, Man, she's looking good.

 

ART | Art Comes to Amy's Emotional Rescue


IN HER OWN WORDS:

Amy Ballett said. "The story behind this is even better. This image was taken from a photo that [my son] took at Sick Kids minutes before [his infant] had to have a procedure to correct Venteicular stenosis in his heart. All went well thank god.

But this year has been the most emotional I've ever experienced. I love these kids and I just couldn't let this image go by. I painted and drew directly without drawing in pencil first, so this is a true impression from that image."  

Feb 6, 2016

"I'VE LEARNED" | A Moment with the late Andy Rooney

Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words.  Rooney used to be on 60 Minutes TV show.

I've learned....
 That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....
 That when you're in love, it shows.
 
I've learned ....
 That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
 
I've learned....
 That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
 
I've learned....
 That being kind is more important than being right.
 
I've learned....
 That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in any other way.
 
I've learned....
 That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
 
I've learned....
 That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
 
I've learned....
 That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned....
 That life is like a roll of toilet paper.
 The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
 
I've learned....
 That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
 
I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.
 
I've learned....
 That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
 
I've learned...
 That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
 
I've learned....
 That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
 
I've learned....
 
That when you plan to get even with someone,
you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
 
I've learned....
 That love, not time, heals all wounds.
 
I've learned....
 That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
 That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
 
I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
 
I've learned...
 That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
 
I've learned....
 
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
 
I've learned....
 That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
 That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
 
I've learned....
 That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
 That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
 That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you're hooked for life.
 
I've learned....
 That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
 
I've learned....
 That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done

YOU | Oh Those Stunning Hats

Encore look at David Bailey's many hats which includes: Renown Designer, Diamond Jubilee Winner, Community Events Volunteer, Children's Ambassador, Hubby & of course...Scribbles Pal! 
CLICK PIX FOR LARGER VERSION
For longtime readers of Scribbles, going back as far as our magazine days, the name David Bailey is not new to you. Back in the early 90's, David, a renown interior decorator, was frequently a part of Scribbles Magazines, as we shared some of his decorating tips.

We first met David through his now husband Jim Triemstra. Jim once lived in Niagara and I met him through mutual friends. Cupid's arrow made a direct hit in October 1991, when Jim and David became a couple.  Jim left Niagara to live with David in his beautiful Brantford home and for the first few years they were together, I would visit them regularly (along with my then partner Glenn.)

Although it's been a long time since I've taken David and Jim up on their offer to pay them a visit, we have kept up to date on each others adventures via facebook.

Much has changed over the years.

The couple purchased Sunnyside House in St. George at an auction in 2000. David won an award for his restoration of Sunnyside, a magnificent mansion which he shares with Jim and their adorable little dogs Max, Eddie and Little Brown Olive. 

CLICK AD FOR LARGER VERSION
David and Jim were married on November 11, 2011 by Rev. Brent Hawkes at Banting House in Toronto.

Giving back to his community has become a huge part of David's life over the years. On his website davidabbailey.com  David says "Brantford and Brant County have been very supportive and for that I will always be grateful.For five years, I have served as chair of the annual Applefest here in St. George, ON. This Free community event  attracts over thirty thousand (30,000) for this two day event."

David's dedication to his community has not gone unnoticed. He received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award form the Brantford Rotary Club in 2010. The Rotary’s highest award of achievement.

Bailey received the Len Ellins’ Memorial Award as a “Celebration of Youth” for his work with the Boys and Girls Club of Brantford in 2010 and in 2012 received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community work and service.

On his website, David describes his designs as "Creatively unique, yet surprisingly affordable".

"Allow me to assist with your decorating project, from residential to commercial, from indoor to outdoor", David says.  "Any living space can be transformed into your own personal Mecca."

For more inof about David and his amazing designs visit his website  davidabbailey.com or his facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/DavidABBaileyInteriors


 

I vaguely remember one time when I was visiting. I had a little photo of my mom's dog Toby in my wallet. It wasn't just a square photo, nope, I had trimmed the pix to be just Toby standing pretty.

CLICK PIX  ABOVE TO READ ARTICLE IN  LARGE VERSION
David and Jim roared when they saw that I was carrying around this uniquely clipped pix. I explained that the reason the photo was cut to the shape of Toby was because I used the photo for Scribbles Magazines.

In  fact, back then I had a file folder filled with reader's heads and other clipped pix which were used  frequently in Scribbles Magazines. Don't forget, there were no computers, no Photoshop. I glued your pix on pieces of paper which would eventually be brought to my local print shop, where I would spend hours photocopying them to become Scribbles Magazines.

Scribbles has changed a lot since those days and so have David and Jim. I'm thrilled to have David and Jim in our ever-growing "family" and it is great to see that the past 23 years have been filled with joy and many accomplishments.
 
Below we feature a "Classic" Scribbles Magazine post, featuring designing tips from David.