Dennis and Andrew
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TV ClubHouse: Archives: Dennis and Andrew

Micknrc

Monday, September 30, 2002 - 06:32 am EditMoveDeleteIP
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Lexington, Kentucky residents Dennis and Andrew are different as night and day. Andrew, 21, is a liberal, openly gay, college cheerleader. His father Dennis, 48, is a conservative Southern Baptist who manages a family entertainment center.

Dennis says he decided to apply for THE AMAZING RACE so he could spend some quality time with his son. "I would love to travel with Andrew outside the country before he moves on and starts his own life," said Dennis.

Andrew says his primary motivation was to see the world. "The thrill of traveling to places unknown to me seems very intriguing," said Andrew. "My second motivation would be to give Kentuckians someone to root for!"

Both Dennis and Andrew are concerned about keeping clean on the road. Andrew says the most important item in his backpack is his razor, since he hates looking scruffy. Dennis is making sure to pack plenty of soap. "Other than food, sanitation is the key to health. If you are not feeling well, nothing else matters," he says.

The father-and-son Team feel their diversity will prove to be an asset in the Race. While Dennis has experience and wisdom on his side, Andrew's strength, agility and charisma may help lead the Team toward the finish line.

Andrew attends Eastern Kentucky University. His birth date is June 15. Dennis' birth date is January 14.

Micknrc

Monday, September 30, 2002 - 06:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
How would you describe your previous travel experience?
Dennis: Above average. I have traveled outside the U.S. on six different occasions.
Andrew: My travel experience has been limited to the U.S. I've been to many parts of the country, primarily for cheerleading competitions and family vacations, but haven't gotten to venture outside of our borders…yet.

What is the most stressful aspect of traveling?
Dennis: Preparation. Trying to guess what could be necessary in every situation is a disturbing situation.
Andrew: I've always worried about forgetting something really important like money, food or deodorant: yah know, the necessities.

What is the most important item in your backpack, and why?
Dennis: Soap. It is important to stay healthy on a venture like this. Other than food, sanitation is the key to health. If you are not feeling well, nothing else matters.
Andrew: A simple razor is important to me because I hate looking scruffy. However, I wouldn't get too far without a passport. I'm a clean-cut guy, so I have to have my "beauty supplies."

Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE?
Dennis: I love to travel, and to go to these exotic places and do these activities to share with the world is unimaginable.
Andrew: The thrill of traveling to places unknown to me seems very intriguing, but also the chance to be an advocate for the gay community is something I've felt a calling to do, and to be in the public eye. I can hopefully be a good role model.

Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like?
Dennis: Only domestic family vacations. It was enjoyable, but in no way comparable with this adventure.
Andrew: My dad and I have traveled together within the states, but I'm an international virgin, so I'm prepared to travel with an open mind.

What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE?
Dennis: My biggest fear is holding up to the physical demands. Most of the competitors are much younger and fitter.
Andrew: My biggest fear, period, is sharks, so of course I'm nervous I'll be asked to swim with them or something of that nature. "Jaws" is one of my favorite movies, so yah see, Hollywood does warp your mind.

What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team?
Dennis: Our strength is diversity. We are the only Team with a large age division. I bring experience and wisdom, but my age and physical condition could be a weakness.
Andrew: My greatest strength is my personality. I'm very nice and tend to get along with everyone in all walks of life, although I am very naive when it comes to international traveling. Plus I'm the youngest on the Race: I just recently turned 21.

What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team?
Dennis: Andrew's strength is agility and charisma. There should be no physical challenge he can't complete, and he loves to interact with people. He never meets a stranger.
Andrew: Dad is very headstrong when it comes to traveling; he's "been there, done that." He does have problems with heights, so I hope that's not a factor that slows us down.

What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)?
Dennis: I'll miss my wife and daughter most, of course, but beyond this, I truly miss cola drinks when I travel.
Andrew: What I'll miss the most is my friends and family. I have an awesome group of friends in Kentucky, and my mom, sister and brother are very cool. Plus, of course, I'll miss the guy I'm dating.

What languages do you speak?
Dennis: None fluently.
Andrew: Very little Spanish. If that helps me in the Race I'll definitely have to call my high school Spanish teacher and thank her.

What destination are you hoping to visit?
Dennis: Jerusalem; it is such a center for history. I have always dreamed of seeing sights such as the Temple Mount, Wailing Wall, Garden Tomb, etc.
Andrew: I've always wanted to go to Africa. I love the cultures there and the landscapes. I guess that's why my bedroom is very tribal, with leopard print and African masks.

What country do you feel best prepared for?
Dennis: Germany, because I have done some travel there.
Andrew: Australia seems to be a lot like the U.S. as far as language and style, so I'd probably be best prepared for a country like ours since I haven't traveled internationally yet.

Lumbele

Friday, October 04, 2002 - 05:54 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
They seem like a nice enough team. Didn't catch much of them during show 1. They seemed to be quite happy to roll into the pit stop when they did. Can't remember how they placed, but I think it was towards the bottom half. Junior's lack of international travel might be a hinderance, but maybe he'll be able to charm their way through.LOL

Kappy

Saturday, October 05, 2002 - 05:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Another likeable duo. May not go too far but like the soccermoms, they look like they'll enjoy every moment that they remain in the game. Maybe that's what I like about most of the pairs this year ~ the adventure is what's driving them more then the money. And it's refreshing.

Bastable

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 08:02 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Farewell, boys. Hope you lighten up, dad! Godspeed!

Wilsonatmd

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 08:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
they did the smart thing, going for the FF....they were just too far behind to catch up to any of the teams. I knew they were probably gone as soon as the last bus for Scotland left...because of the opening times of the museum, and the distance they had to travel combined with the times of the buses,I knew the deficit was just too much.

Jaxrock

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 09:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I agree wilsonatmd, and told my daughter that wouldn't it be ironic if the FF was too late. I knew when I saw what time their flight landed in London...9:45 a.m. But, like I also told my daughter, at least they got to ride from London to Aberdeen in style. And on a long ride like that, maybe it gave them a chance to appreciate the other even more...

Lancecrossfire

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:35 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
And how many guys would just love to be able to drive a tank in a race situtation!!

I think the whole AR thing helped both of them in ways that will pay off for a life time. Good effort guys!!

Muse

Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 11:41 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Aw, I liked them. All of my favorite teams are being picked off.

They should be proud of their efforts. I especially liked seeing how well they handled the stress of not getting tickets and being *so* far behind the other teams. They didn't yell at each other. Just continued on and did their best. It was really nice to see a relatively healthy father/son relationship like that, especially in comparison to the other family (husband/wife) relationship between Teri and Ian.

Dogdoc

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 04:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Call me an old fuddy duddy (I know you will) but I didn't like the way Andrew lied at the airport when he was trying to get reservations. He said his mother was sick and he had to get home. Dad was proud. Doesn't seem fair when people really do have emergencies and cannot get a flight because someone else got one by lying.

Squaredsc

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 05:12 am EditMoveDeleteIP
um yep dogdoc you are a fuddy duddy, but a good one <grin>. im sorry to see them go just when i was getting to know and like them. and they seem to have a great relationship.

Djgirl5235

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 05:52 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I don't know if I was the only one, but I teared up during the father's speech to his son at the end, about this being the best thing he's done and if his son came up with another adventure like this, to remember dear ol' dad... I truly did want them to finish ahead of Teri & Ian since that man grates on my nerves, and was sad to see this team come in last...

Wiseolowl

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 07:33 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Am afraid that my views differ somewhat from most of you. I found the son to be annoying , juvenile and with a lot of issues to deal with. I didn't see "charisma " in this show as his bio described. OK he's gay but that's not an excuse in my books. By the way Ken and Gerrard are only second in my books next to the twins . I don't think the dad needed to lighten up - I see him as a tolerant loving father whose patience I suspect was tried during this experience.
My comments are of course limited to what we saw in the show and maybe Andrew has had a tough go in his life - if so I hope he watches the show and gets some insight. I have my doubts, though as he seems pretty wrapped up in himself.
Feeling lousy posting this - but that's my take on it.

Mamaanja

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 07:44 am EditMoveDeleteIP
It bothered me too, dogdoc.

I hope that this experience was good for their relationship. It looks like it probably was. Sorry to see them go. They remained good sports the whole time!

Babyruth

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 07:48 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ouch! It's interesting that he provokes such a harsh response from you, considering the very limited airtime he and his Dad got in the three episodes.

Car54

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 09:27 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Anja, I agree. The kid is only 21. He came into this supposedly feeling kind of distant from his Dad. They both left feeling closer and proud of each other. What could be wrong about that?

Bastable

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 02:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
"Wiseolowl," I honestly didn't see how the kid had any more issues than his father did. Can you be specific about that one?

I also didn't see any evidence of your statement that his dad's fatherly patience was repeatedly tried during the race. But, hey, you like one of the gay guys second-best, so you must not be coming down on Andrew for being gay, right?

Kitt

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 02:43 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
It was a shame these two left, that fast forward seemed a bit of a raw deal, although they seemed to seal their fate with the flights they chose.

I can see the two of them had differences in idealogy but both seemed to be coping well. Andrew didn't appear to have any issues with being himself in front of his dad, was pretty respectful in keeping within the boundaries they'd set for each other. And the dad seemed clearly to love and like his son for who he was. I think they're good for each other in a strange way!

Another reason that I'm sad to see these two go is that it meant Teri and Ian are still in, but that's another story .

Demeter

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 03:47 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
On the Early Show they both said that last day was their best day, it was a blast. They totally enjoyed one another.

Andrew said that before the trip they related to one another like father and son and now they relate like friends.

Dad says that now he finds himself calling just to talk because he can share with his son things he can't share with others.

They were both quite upbeat and though disappointed they lost, they felt like they won so much more.

Seamonkey

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 04:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The son was sort of like a puppy... sometimes annoying and sometimes adorable (ok, maybe tending more to annoying) for me, but I'm really sorry to see them go. They really did seem to enjoy one another. I do agree that having done this together has been a good thing.

Bastable

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 04:46 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Dr. Phil would be proud. It all goes to show that communication--not necessarily common ground--is the key to good relationships.

Wiseolowl

Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 09:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I knew guys that my comments seemed harsh and might provoke some comment - but that's the way I felt and am the first to admit that, when we make comments they are based on limited impressions - but that works the other way as well - we love some of these reality contestants and some posters start drooling over some of the hunks and are ready to have their children for pete's sake after 30 seconds of tv exposure and two sentences coming out of their mouths.
As far as his issues go, that's my impression and please don't give me that "he's only a 21 year old kid". He's a man at that age. He is a university student - don't know if he lives away from home - but it would be good if he did, unless financial reasons prevent it. All I know is that I watch those documentaries of servicemen and women serving on aircraft carriers doing very dangerous work and 21 is their average age.Their level of maturity makes them seem 4 or 5 years older than they are. Andrew gives me the sense that his level of maturity is 4 or 5 years younger than he is. Maybe that's the issue I see.Maybe it's an issue of insecurity.. sorry , just my impression. As far as fatherly stress goes I can tell you from personal experience having returned in May from a three week trip overseas with my son. We did a lot of travelling in much less stressful conditions than on the show and the generational difference put a strain on both of us. In my case however I was dealing with a 22yr old with that level of maturity - not a 21 year old that seems to me to have a 16 or 17 year level of maturity. I had better shut up now before I get into more hot water. Will say though that it was a bonding experience for us and hope that it was for Andrew and his dad.

Bastable

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 09:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Actually, Wiseolowl, what you just said makes a lot more sense to me than what you said earlier. Thanks for clarifying what you meant. I get it now, and I can sympathize with your perspective.

Car54

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 10:02 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Wiseowl, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, and I would not try to change it.

All I know is I am a totally different human being now in my forties than I was at 21. I can't even relate to how I felt and acted at that age.
Andrew has a lot of time to grow up and mature and IMO he did some of that on this trip with his dad...they seem happy with the experience, and that is really ok with me.

Marysafan

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 12:43 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I agree with Seamonkey and Wise on this one. Andrew seems emotionally immature. He wants very much to have an adult relationship with his father...on the Early Show he said..."He still thinks of me as his his little boy". ...and my thought was "that is because you act like one!"

NO doubt this experience helped...but they have a ways to go. I cringe when I hear "He is ONLY 21" as an excuse. The average age of a soldier in Viet Nam was 19. They were men....Andrew is still very much a boy.

He wants his father to respect him...someone needs to tell him that respect is earned, not handed out on a silver platter just because you exist. Maybe when he gets out of college and starts owning his way...things will change...but if he is still living off Daddy's money (as I suspect)...he is a long ways away from having a relationship of equals.

Djgirl5235

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 01:25 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I have to interject with one thought:

Everyone is comparing Andrew with boys that went off to war at 19, and saying that those boys were men. It's experience that makes you a man, and certainly the experience of going off to war will shape you into a man. The problem with teenagers these days are that they are coddled and stroked by the majority of their parents, and thus, don't mature as quickly as was true to older generations. I know quite a few 25 - 30 year old "men" that are on the same plane as Andrew... Keep in mind that Andrew is a cheerleader, and his exuberance could be confused for immaturity.

Just my opinion - I'm running away now for the weekend before flames start!!!

Marysafan

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 02:01 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Quite the contrary Djgirl...I agree with you. Experience does allow people to mature. I guess my thinking if you are going to live the life of a boy...going to school, being a cheerleader, living off of Daddy's money....don't be expect to be treated like a man.

You want to be treated like a man...then live the life of a man. Get a job, provide your own living, be responsible for yourself.

Don't expect to be treated like a man,just because you have reached the age of 21, which seems to be what Andrew is wanting.

Bastable

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 02:07 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I don't think holding up combat soldiers as examples of maturity is necessarily fair. They go through intense physical and psychologial training to prepare them to be ready for combat, and many of them are scarred for the rest of their lives. I think many psychologists would argue that what happens to "mature" soldiers so quickly is not always healthy or desirable.

Nothing unusual about being a child at 21. Here in America, we tend to treat our children like children as long as we can... drinking ages, consent ages, etc. Can't blame Andrew for filling the role that society has given to him.

Andrew was the youngest player yet on TAR. Give him a break! I think some posters want him to act like a Little Man because he's gay. I'd be willing to bet that being different all his life means has made Andrew a real tough cookie on the inside, no matter how he acts.

Babyruth

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 08:37 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The Amazing Kentuckians
"Among the three teams that include gay members on the current season of CBS’s The Amazing Race reality game show, Andrew and Dennis from Lexington, Ky., had perhaps the most dramatic back story: Andrew, 21, is an openly gay cheerleader, and his dad, Dennis, 48, is a Southern Baptist who still disapproves of his son’s sexuality. Eliminated in the third episode on October 16, father and son open up to Advocate.com about their own family values."...

Click here to read full interview!

Tester

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 07:23 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks for the article Babyruth. It offers more insight into their personalities. Interesting. I enjoyed watching them as they seemed to enjoy each other and the Race.

Seamonkey

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 11:25 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Whoa! Don't misinterpret what I said!! I hope Andrew acts "young" for the rest of his life!

I just said he was like an eager puppy.. and I LIKE eager puppies, even though they can be a trial at times.

I much preferred this team to those who are a bit more "mature", but ugly spirited.. Ian/Teri, the attorney chicks, A and A.. for instance.

Bastable.. agree with your statement about how tough Andrew must be to let all that exuberance shine!! I'm sure he's had way too much grief already in life over that.

Marysafan

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 11:28 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I have to agree Seamonkey, I'll take eager although somewhat annoying over ugly spirited anyday.

Seamonkey

Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 11:42 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Great article!! See, Andrew know he is "perky".. LOL.. sounds to me like he's working with kids, using his dramatic talents, has a website.. kind of like Jason from BB.. just different lifestyles going but it works for me.