Meet Andy Stark, a world-class bridge player and fan of Toronto bands, and listen as he wisely warns of the perils of pet names.
Where did you grow up? Why?
I was born in Montreal but raised in Mississauga. My father worked for the Hasbro toy company and was transferred to Toronto in the mid 60s. My folks looked at places in Scarberia and Mistersauga, before settling near Dixie and Dundas — their house cost $17,000. I think that’s the main reason why.
How long have you been in Toronto?
Just over 3 years — since moving back here from Lethbridge, Alberta.
Toronto is…
Comfy. I think deep down most Torontonians know this, but every once in a while many of us need to get out of the city and travel and see how great we have it here.
What do you do for a living?
I teach English, ESL and Speech at George Brown College. I also enter golf and hockey pools and make dozens of dollars at a time.
What keeps you busy?
Besides work? Hanging out with my wife; playing, reading and/or writing about bridge. Yes, bridge, the card game. And now that the summer weather has finally graced us with its presence, you can find me over at the Island playing disc golf.
What was your favourite summer job?
Easy — camp counsellor. The greatest job on the planet. Ever. Bar none.
Dream job? Why?
Well, I would never want to be a camp counsellor. (Just kidding.) The dream job must consist of travel, talking with people, writing, and learning about other places and people. So I don’t know, what is that job? (Tell me please and I’ll send my resume.)
What’s your passion?
Learning — which comes from doing fun stuff, reading, and great conversation.
If I say jump?
I’d say, “Van Halen.”
What do you give back to the No Fly Zone?
Mucho dinero. We frequently go to restaurants in the NFZ, and the Varsity is the best place to watch a flick in Toronto. Love the Revue, too. I have told many friends to eat at Utopia and buy their discs at Soundscapes, so that may explain why College is always trafficky and congested.
What can we do to make Toronto a "world class" city?
Think and behave like world class people. Well that’s all great in theory, but I’m thinking you want something specific, right? Hmm, how about, for starters, saying “fuck it” and creating “no car zones”? Sorry merchants, but it will work, trust me. We need to get more people out of their cars and onto their feet — let them walk around and take the time to see how great we have it in Toronto. After more of us start feeling super proud of our own city we can begin to “give back” to the rest of the world. We should, if we are not already, be the world leaders in diversity and open-mindedness. Back to the theory: I think to be “world class”, we must think as givers not as takers.
Hands or feet?
Could I have a verb, please?
Worst public moment?
Every time in public I see someone I know or used to know and don’t make the effort to say “Hey,” but instead walk on by. There have been a few of these moments and I regret them all.
Why do you live here?
Because Austin is in Texas, (one of the scary States).
Two Beatles left: Ringo and Paul. Who wins in a smackdown?
Ringo, cuz he’s got sticks.
Favourite public space?
Another easy one: Toronto Island, Toronto’s best kept secret. Summer after summer, people think they are going to get there and then only go there once. Once! If that. The Island is our city’s sanctuary. It’s like going up to cottage country without suffering the four-hour gridlock. Also, it has disc golf.
Who are your favorite artists?
My favourite artists are my friends who do something artistic. Not just because I can afford their stuff, but because there is a connection there. So our place is full of paintings and photographs done by artists who I have come to know and love on a personal level. And later, if they get famous, we can sell their stuff and get rich.
As for more well-known artists, I love Toronto’s indie music, so I’m a big fan of Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, Andrew Whiteman, Amy Millan, that whole scene. I support many local musicians by trying to see them perform or by buying their CDs: Great Lake Swimmers, Born Ruffians, Andre Ethier, Sandro Perri, to name a few. Oh and we saw The Calrizians at Mitzi’s Sister the other night, that was a trip.
Mon Chi Chi, My Little Pony, Barbie? discuss.
There are some terms of endearment that should never ever be sprung on a woman; these are three of them. The last one, I learned the hard way, should never be used on a woman named Barbara.