Its once again time for Survivor, as it returns tonight for its 39th Season. I have been a fan since Season 1, and don’t believe I have ever missed an episode, most live when they aired, although I did watch some on VCR tape (way back) or DVR days later when things came up. Survivor has been a major part of my live for the past 20 years and I am grateful to CBS, Mark Burnett, Jeff Probst, the producers and all the contestants who have given me a lifetime of great memories. I am really looking forward to this season, hoping that it plays out better than last season, when for the 1st time, I think they got it wrong with Redemption Island and had somebody win who didn’t deserve to (and it was not his fault, it was a system that allowed somebody to make it to the end without playing more than 1/2 the game).
Over the years, as social media has become more mainstream a way of life, it has become harder and harder to simply wait for the next season of Survivor to premier without people posting stories and spoilers that can ruin the experience. This time I have gone out of my way to not read anything about the contestants, or any behind the scenes posts so I can go into this season with no preconceived ideas. I may be old school, but there is something about watching Survivor and not knowing what is (or may) happen that makes it so enjoyable. I admit that after each episode, I do enjoy reading Jeff Probst’s take on on EW.com with Dalton Ross, and have always enjoyed watching the Ponderosa videos once we get to the jury, but for each episode, the less I know going it the better
So let Season 39 begin.
As far as some other thoughts, tonight is also the season finally of Big Brother. This has been another great season of a show that just sucks me in each year. For a show to air three night a week for 3 months, and keep me wanting to watch, they must be doing something right. Not to spend a lot of time recapping the season but I am rooting for Nicole to win (and wish she had trusted herself and voted out Holly instead of trusting Cliff and voting out Tommy). But we will just have to wait and see how things play out and see if it was the right move
September 30th marks the 30th anniversary of the release of “Seasons End” by Marillion.
It was their 1st album with then new singer Steve Hogarth (“h”) and was a bit of a departure from original singer Fish. I remember the firs time I heard it, and while it was a bit of a different style, the songs were great, and its hard to believe that thirty years, and fourteen albums later, the band is still around, making new music and is better than ever. Even longer than Survivor, Marillion has been a huge part of my life, and I am thankful to all member of the band for being a constant soundtrack to my life.
Thinking of music, we lost both Eddie Money and Ric Ocasek this past week. It does get a bit scary when artists who were part of my youth, and I remember hearing songs that are now considered classics when they were 1st released, pass on. Eddie Money had a lot of great songs, and the Cars as well, including what may be one of the single best albums of all time.
There is not one bad song, and every song on this album was a radio standard. Also, when I was in college the Cars were still big and I had some friends who were in a band, and one day I got to sit in and play drums on “Good Times Roll” while they were practicing. I have now musical talent, and had trouble keeping the beat, but it was a lot of fun and I never forgot it.
Want to also mention the passing of celebrity chef Carl Ruiz.
He was a frequent contestant / guest on Guys Grocery Games on the Food Network, and I always enjoyed watching him cook / compete. Its sad when anybody leaves us this early with lots more life to give. He will be missed
More to come in the next week about the NY Mets (Who actually hung in there and made this year memorable) and the NY Giants (Mixed emotions of the passing of the torch from Eli Manning to Danial Jones)
Also will let eveybody know what books I have read recently, as well as what Television shows I have been watching and am looking forward to this season – Including really enjoying the return of BH90210 which was brilliantly done.
Andy
AverageAndy 