By Andrea Cardillo

Every so often a story that makes headlines seems more suited for Hollywood than a newspaper. Case in point: Flight 771. The jetliner that crashed in Libya this week killed 103 people on board. Only one survived. A nine-year-old Dutch boy deemed a "miracle."

The rest of us can't help but wonder what would it be like. To be the only person to survive such a horrific ordeal. My assignment was to find out just that.

Finding the right person took some digging. There were countless news articles to sift through, Facebook messages to send, and phone numbers to try. But late in the day, I hit the jackpot. I found Dale Black.

By Andrea Cardillo

This past weekend could have changed my life. I could have walked into work on Monday morning and been greeted by a tacky display of streamers and balloons with my each of my coworkers holding a mimosa, toasting our newfound wealth. Yes, it could have been magical. Only problem is, we didn't win the lottery this weekend. But one woman certainly did.

Bonnie Preece. The cashier from London, Ontario, who drove to Toronto on Monday to claim her $20.6 million prize. I repeat: 20.6 million dollars. Can you imagine? Seriously, try to imagine. You wake up in the morning, check your numbers, and realize your life is going to change forever. Now, you can say your life won't change. You can say you will live like you've always lived. That you'll just drive a nicer car and get central air. But is it really possible to win $20 million and remain the person you've always been? I'm going to say no.

By Andrea Cardillo

It was business as usual here on Connect last Tuesday. Our guests were booked, our scripts written, and the visual elements were falling nicely into place. Then, just after 5:00 p.m., things started to change.

A major earthquake struck Haiti and as the minutes passed it become clear, the outcome would be devastating. Just after 6:00 p.m. the decision was made: everything was thrown out and we were starting from scratch. Building a two-hour show, minute-by-minute.

By Andrea Cardillo

It was a few days after Christmas and the office was creepy quiet. I sauntered into work with my coffee and newspaper and settled in for a thorough read. I glanced at the front page and then sought out the Globe and Mail's Life section.

After finding out what the stars had in mind for me that day, I headed for the Facts and Arguments essay, "Unemployed, 59 and trying to stay afloat." After reading the first few paragraphs I put my coffee down and leaned in towards the paper that was sprawled over my cluttered desk. I was captivated by Linda Gallant Potts' story. All the intimate details of her life and her struggle with this cruel economy were there for all to read. Linda was 58 years old, her husband 59, and they were hit hard by the recession. He lost his job in the auto industry and can't seem to get hired for another one. And she, a retired teacher, is looking for anyone willing to hire someone who has been out of the work force for years.

By Andrea Cardillo

There are many ways to a woman's heart. Fine jewelry, a killer sense of humour, and showing genuine interest in her life. But let's not underestimate poutine.

Every now and again I'll get an assignment that causes me to grin from ear to ear.

Andrea? Can you look into the poutine guy in New York?

Yes, yes I can.

Associate producer Andrea Cardillo shares her thoughts on the story of Gilles Leclaire, who appeared on our show last night.

By Andrea Cardillo

Maybe I watch too much TV but I have often pondered what it would be like to be charged with a crime I didn't commit. What happens if no one believed me? Or worse, if I was thrown in jail, the key never to be seen again.

I can only imagine went through Gilles Leclaire's mind on August 15th, 2003. He was preparing for his wife's funeral the following day when the police showed up on his doorstep. He welcomed them in and asked what he could he help them with. It was then that Gilles learned he was being charged with the murder of his wife of more than thirty years.

 

By Andrea Cardillo

As an associate producer on the show I get to talk to a lot people who have remarkable stories to share. Often I find myself digging deep into a story and becoming invested in the characters. That was certainly the case with Cindy Waters-Goodman.

When I got off the phone with Cindy, I couldn't stop thinking about our conversation. Here was a young mother of two, who was sick and scared. Not sure who to turn to for answers. Not sure how to save her own life.