We lost two people who had a significant influence on me when growing up in the 1970s and 198s. James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was the voice of Darth Vader, one of the first and best villains in movie history. Right from the beginning of “Star Wars” his presence and voice changed movies forever. I remember, as a young kid, going to the Mall to actually see and meet Darth Vader after Star Wars came out, and thought it was the coolest thing. I still have the poster I got (this was years before conventions and autograph signings became big business)

James Earl Jones appeared in several classic movies besides Star Wars — Besides popular films like “Conan The Barbarian” “Coming to America” and “Soul Man”, “Field of Dreams” and “Sneakers” are two of my all-time favorite movies. He was also the voice of Mufasa in Disney’s “Lion King”.

Also a talented stage actor, he was one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). Rest in Peace, James Earl Jones. One of the greatest and will be missed

Ed Kranepool (November 8, 1944 – September 8, 2024) was the original Mr. Met. Joining the expansion MY Mets as a 17-year-old, he played his entire career with them, and by the time he retired in 1979, he had become the last remaining Met from their inaugural 1962 season and from the Miracle Mets World Championship team of 1969 I remember watching him as a young kid, and he was the player that got me to become a Mets fan. The Mets were terrible in the 1970s, but I loved rooting for the Mets and Number 7. He is a part of my childhood and will be dearly missed

Quick Follow Up from last Post

Lehigh Football — Good home win over Wagner — Next up a road game against LIU on Saturday

NY Mets — Still hanging in the playoff race after taking 2 of 3 from the Blue Jays. Big weekend series with the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend.

NY Giants — Nothing to say — Hoping for a better effort against the Washington Commanders on Sunday

Only 5 Days until Survivor 47 premiers on CBS. Really getting excited about this season. Even my wife is interested (She’s a big fan of the Pod Save America Podcast and is looking forward to seeing Jon Lovett, who is one of the contestants this season)

More on Survivor, Big Brother, and other stuff coming next week

Have a great weekend

#PEACE

Andy

#NeverToOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance