Congratulations to Savannah Louie for winning Survivor 49 and taking home the $1,000,000.00 grand prize. She played a solid game and was able to sway the jury to vote for her to win. The vote was a slight deviation from the past few results. It seemed that they did value the fact that Savannah won 4 individual immunity challenges (Tying the record for women in a season). Previously, the jury seemed to value game play and the players’ social game over challenge wins. Savannah was even able to win despite having trouble naming any of the jurors’ family members or significant others when answering a tough but telling question asked by Kristina.

Still not a fan of the fire-making challenge at the final 4, as it relies too much on luck, as well as putting the final immunity challenge winner in a tough spot.

Overall, it was an interesting but entertaining season, as the players are becoming smarter at predicting the game. The producers even tried to mix things up more than usual this season by having multiple tribe swaps before the merge, and what seemed like trying to scale back the amount of advantages (This could have just been bad luck, and a result of Rizo holding on to his immunity idol for 9 tribal councils, so no new idols could be introduced). I read, and agree, that the motivation of many contestants have changed over the years, and they now treat the game as more of a fun adventure, over a contest for a million dollars. Too many contestants seem OK with getting voted off, as long as they enjoyed there time and made some friends.

I think about how I would feel if after getting voted off after dreaming of getting on the show for the last 35 years. Hopefully, I would win and never experience getting my torch snuffed, but if it did, I think I would be more upset, mad, and angry than some of the newer contestants. Another reason why the producers need to look at older folks like me, who, as time goes by, get more and more consumed by all aspects of the game, and would make riveting TV.

Got a few months to relax before Survivor 50 premieres in February. Really looking forward to see how things play out. Will do my best to try and avoid seeing or reading as much as I can about the season. As an old timer, I like to be surprised each episode and get upset with people who post spoilers.

*** NOTE ***

Thought it was great when Jeff compared Sophi B. to “The Bad News Bears” during the final tribal. One of my all-time favorite movies growing up, I am a big fan, and as a non-sport card collector, one of my holy grail cards to get is a Jackie Earl Haley (Kelly Leak) autograph card produced by Panini. Here is the card, along with an AI-created card I created of Sophi B. I think it’s pretty funny

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Here is a quick rundown of things as promised

TV Shows I watched and recommend

The Lazarus Project (Netflix) – Very well done, with a great use of time travel. Sad that the 3rd season was cancelled

The Beast In Me (Netflix) – Claire Danes was excellent, and did a great job of showing real emotions

IT: Welcome to Derry (HBOMax) – Great mix of Horror and Humor.

Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 (Netflix) – Took a little bit to get comfortable with the fact that the kids have aged, but the date the story is in was the same. After that, all good.

Plaurabus (Apple TV) – Always like shows that can make you think and surprise you at the same time.

Books I read/am reading

Finished “The Sequel” by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Great sequel to “The Plot” and did a great job of making you feel for the lead character, even if she was the villain of the story.

Started “What She Saw” by Mary Burton. I haven’t read her stuff before, but so far I am enjoying this one

I did read “There’s Treasure Inside” by Jon Collins-Black a while back. As far as I can tell, the treasure boxes that were hidden by the author have not been found. Been fun following people’s attempts to find a box.

Recommended Music

Decided to take a break from the television on Tuesday, and relax and listen to some music. Put on my headphones and let the songs take me on a ride

Marillion — Listened to a few live tracks from their Christmas albums

The Firm — Listened to songs of the 1st album (really good stuff that has been overlooked)

Robert Plant — Big Log and In the Mood are great songs

Robert Plant — Saving Grace – Didn’t realize he had a new album out in 2025. Its very mellow but very good. Highly recommended

John Denver — “Calypso” – Something in Robert Plant’s songs reminded me of this song (Go figure)

Joan Beaz — “Diamonds and Rust”

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That’s it for now.

Thanks for taking the time to read my rumblings. I hope they are enjoyable

Have a Merry Merry Christmas Holiday and Happy New Year

I’m Off to do some job searching/applying – Hopefully something comes my way soon

AvergeAndy

#Survivor49
#Survivor50
#Survivor51

#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance

#PEACE