I just finished reading “Sunrise on the Reaping”, the 5th book in the Hunger Games universe (The 2nd prequel after the original trilogy). I have really enjoyed all of Suzanne Collins Hunger Games books, and this one did not disappoint. Much like the Harry Potter Books (Which I have also read all of), she has created an immersive world full of interesting characters and events.

Here is a timeline of all of the Hunger Games books. I read through it to refresh and remind myself of all the places, times, and characters, and it was a great way to bring everything back. Suzanne Collins’s ability to tell a family story full of home and premise while adding a graphic and disturbing story makes this one of the best series of novels. I’m already looking forward to some more adventures in the world of Panem.

Went to the movie theater last week (Half Price Tuesdays, paid $5.75) to see the 20th Annaversery reisue of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. As a life long Star Wars fan, I hae come to enjoy all of the films (including the prequal trliogy) and was supprised how much this one has stood up over time. Was amazed on how good the file looked on the big screen after 20 years. The Speacial effects looked great and not as overblown as I remembered. The story also holds up and fits right in. Highly recomend you go see it its still showing

Speaking of Star Wars, I have watched the first 6 episodes on Andor, Season 2. Really like the feel of this show. Quite different than the movies, and other Disney + shows, this focuses more on the real world aspect of things. No Jedis, Sitth Lords and lightsaber fights (so far). It is amazing what they can do these days with special effects, creating such emersive worlds thats look and feel a real as normal day life. Looking for ward to see how this plays out. Also heard that I should watch Star Wars: Rogue One one I complete Andor, so will definaty do that and report back

Only 2 more episodes of Survivor 48. Crazy how things are moving along and then you look up and its almost over. Been an interesting season. At the begining I mentioned that there was really nobodty who stood out, good or bad, and sadly its still that way. There has been a lot of discussion on how the contestants are playing the game, with nobody willing to stand up and make any type of big move (most seem to dislike this style). I also think the producers got a bit unlucky with the cast. With the 90 minute epesodes, it looks like they wanted to focus more on camp life, and how the contestants interacted with each other, than with the challenges. But when there is nobody really interesting, outspoken, or charasamatic, they get put in a bad place. Remember Victoria Rafaeli from Big Brother 16. Neither do most people. She was raly seen or heard from during the but eneded up coming in 3rd. It seems that Season 48s power aliance is a bunch of Victoria’s. Nothing to see here, but they keep surviving week after week while really not doing much. Add to the fact that Eva keeps going on the advantages, taking away anybody elses chance of getting some sort of advantage, and you end up with a underwelming season. Its Survivor so its still enjoyable, but just wish somebody would step up and shake things up a bit. Lets hope things pick up a bit as Kyle will need to decide which way he wants to go (Stay with the four, or join Kamilla). Wednesday should be intersting.

Im a few epesodes behing of Big Brother. Hope to catch up and finish it up during the week. Still a fun watch, and makes me want to travel to some of the places they visited.

As Im still looking for a new job, I have had to change some of my plans. I was planning to go to Berlin, Germany in June to see Marillion play (Marillion Weekends 2025). But its now longer is the cards. I did see that Lead singer Sheve Hogarth (h) will be bringing his solo h natural show to ProgStock 2025 in October. in the great state of New Jersey about 45 minutes from where I live. This is definalty on my radar and will keep you updated. Marillion are also playing on Cruise to the Edge next March, so there is lots of motivation for me to get a new job.

I have completed listening to the next two Judas Priest Albums (Sin After Sin, Stained Class) as I atempt ot listen to all of their albums in order. Really good stuff with some interesting mix of heavy metal, and melodic rock. Really enjoying listening

And finaly, the New York Mets continue to play good baseball. They are getting good pitching night after night, and are in every game. Even in the games they lose, they give a solid effort. Lookijng forward to a fun summer of Baseball. Hoping to get to a game at Citi Feild with my daughter one of these weekends. Also glad to see some of the other teams I root for doing ok this season

Boston Red Sox – 22 – 21 and 2nd in the AL East
Minnesota Twins – 22 -21 and 4th in the tough AL Central (after a terible start)

Same cant be said about the Pittsburg Pirates – 14 – 28 They fired there manager last week after a 7 game losing streak, and despite having one of the best young pitchers in baseball with Paul Skenes, they just have not been ablt to find any momentum this season. The owner seems to be indifferent, which is a shame. They play in the beautiful PNC Park, and it feels like the fans are just waiting for hime to see the team and bring some new energy and excitment.

Thats all for now

Time for some shameles Pluggs

#JeffProbst and #JesseTannenbaum — I’m still waiting for my call for Survivor Season 51
#NeverToOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
http://www.averageandy.com

#Marillion – A Better Way of Life

#PEACE

Average Andy Out

Hi, my name is Werner Brandes. My voice is my passport. Verify Me.