Hope everybody enjoyed the Labor Day Holiday. Crazy to realize we are now heading into fall (although many businesses have already forced the fall season on everybody. Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS have all had Halloween candy out for the past few weeks. Starbucks, Dunkin, and others have removed their summer drinks and added pumpkin spice to their menus. At least the weather is not controlled by the corporation, and we usually have some of the best weather. Take some time to get outside and go for a walk or hike, or even take a farewell trip to the beach.

Went to the Mets / Marlins game on Sunday at CITI Field. While the Mets continued to play lackluster baseball and lost the game, it was a fun day at the ballpark with my wife and daughter. Took the 7 Train from Queens to the stadium, which brought back memories of taking the 7 train to the old Shea Stadium with my dad to see the New York Jets play football. Back in the day, the Mets and Jets shared Shea Stadium before the Jets moved to New Jersey and Giants Stadium. Have to admit the food and beer prices were pretty crazy, but the game was a sellout, and it looked like people put the budget aside for the day. A family of 4 could easily drop $300.00 for the day.

As for the Mets, they did rebound after losing 3 out of 4 to the Marlins over the weekend, to take the 1st game against Detroit. Hopefully, they can win at least 1 of the next 2 to take the series before heading to Cincinnati this upcoming weekend for a 3 game set that could determine the final NL wild card position. A Mets sweep and the wild card race would practically be over, but a 3-game sweep by the Reds and all bets are off if the Mets will make the playoffs. It should be a lot of fun to watch

Also this week, the NFL kicks off its season with games on Thursday and Friday night. Then the NY Football Giants open their 2025 season at Washington on Sunday. I’m really torn about this season. As a lifelong fan, I always want the Giants to win every game. But I am not a fan of the head coach, and though the Giants made a mistake in bringing him back for another year. Hopefully, he changes his ways (much like Tom Coughlin did back in the 2000s – 2010s). Only time will tell. Just hope they can find a way to win at least 1 of their first 2 games on the road before the home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

As far as TV, I finished a few shows.

The Snake (FOX) — While I like the show, I felt the ending was kind of a letdown. Thinking about it, I really dont know the best way would have been to crown the winner, the way it was done was not good. Having 1 finalist decided by a random rolling of the dice seemed forced and unfair. And bringing back past contestants, only to have all but one eliminated from voting for the winner, while interesting, again seems unfair. It would be like if at the final tribal council of Survivor, instead of the jury voting, the 2 or 3 finalists were told to choose 1 member of the jury to decide the winner. (2.5 out of 5 bags)

The Institute (MGM+) — I really enjoyed the show, but was bit torn on the ending. I am a bit relieved that there will be a second season, which allows for some things to be left unexplained. There are a lot of ways things can go, and hopefully they don’t go completely overboard. (3.5 out of 5 bags)

Hostage (NetFlix) — Limited Series (5 episodes) — Stephen King said this was like the show 24, and I think that is a good comparison. I liked the show, even though it did follow the standard cliche where almost everybody is secretly a spy or traitor, and nobody notices or questions them when they leave a room or meeting on their phone to tell their handler the top secret plan that is about to happen. Like 24, or Alias, you need to simply suspend your belief and go with the flow, and simply enjoy the ride (3 out of 5 bags)

Have a few new albums I want to give a listen to this week

Gento — Steve Rothery (Marillion) and Thorsten Quaeschning (Tangerine Dream)

Giants and Monsters – Helloween

We are only 3 weeks away from the premiere of Survivor 49 and The Amazing Race 38

We are also closing in on the end of Big Brother 27. As always, Big Brother sucked me in for another season. Don’t know why I enjoy it so much, but in these crazy times, it’s a great escape from the real world for a few hours a week. Of the remaining players, I think I want Kelley to win. I also wouldn’t be upset if Rachel Reiley somehow found her way to the finals.

Vince – Sick of his complaining and winning
Keanue – Like him, but not to win
Lauren – Nothing special
Mickey – Not a big fan, but she is a good player
Ava – Like here quirkiness and would be OK with here making it to the end
Asley – Like Mickey, not a big fan
Morgan – Like her, but she is a bit too wishy washy at times
Will – Good for him in making it this far. Would also not be upset with him in the finals

Thats it for now — Should have some time this week to write some more

AverageAndy

#PEACE

#Survivor
#Survivor51
#SurvivorCBS
#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#JeffProbst
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#Marillion
#ABetterWayOfLife