On the 22nd anniversary of 09/11, we should all take some time to remember those who lost there lives that morning, both those who were in the two towers and those who raced to the scene to try and help. We should also take some time to say a prayer for the family members and friend we have personally lost over the years as well as those who lost their lives to tragedies such as senseless shootings, acts of nature, or the recent covid pandemic
PEACE to all
Was going to write about the awful performance by NY Football Giants, the Bruce Springsteen Concert I attended last week, this season of Big Brother and other shows I have been watching or want to watch, Books I’m reading, Lehigh Football, and NY Mets Baseball but all that will be moved to tomorrow
Today I am just going to leave you with the new Barenaked Ladies song, which I find as a perfect reminder for today
Been a strange few weeks. Had a family gathering in upstate New York to celebrate the life of my cousin Alex who passes away a few months ago. Then had another gathering to celebrate the life of my mother-in-law who had passed about a month ago. Was strange in that is was great to see a lot of friends and relatives I hadn’t seen in a while, but sad to see them under these circumstances. I did do a lot of thinking, and realized that its true when somebody say “Life is short, so enjoy it while you can”
I created and submitted another Survivor Audition Video (With editing help from my daughter). I think it came out really well and hopefully this is the one that gets me noticed. Survivor need to cast some older players to go along with their stated goal of getting a more diverse cast. I feel people are getting a little tired of seeing the same basic makeup season after season. I also feel CBS in general needs to mix things up a bit. Do we really need to see the same people from Survivor and Big Brother brought back on The Challenge? I give Big Brother credit for casting Felicia, Cirie, and Bowie Jane, who are showing that older people can be just as fun and energetic as younger players.
Speaking of Big Brother, the show can drive my crazy. Every time I think I need to take a break and tune it out for a bit, I get sucked back in wit a crazy blind side, or challenge that I need to see who wins. This season has been a bit strange in that everybody who has stepped up and made moves has then been immediately voted out (Kirsten, Reilly Hisem). Also, there isn’t really anybody who has really caught my attention who I really want to win.
Unless the Mets go on a wining streak starting tonight against the similarly bad Angels, the season will become a showcase for young players as they play out the last month. Not horrible, but just not good enough, the Mets have had a strange season. They look good some days, and awful the next. There just isn’t any consistency and they got a bit to far back, that playing .500 ball the rest of the way will not be good enough. I will still follow them (As a lifelong fan, its in my blood). But in a few weeks, when Football season starts, it will be tough focus on the Mets unless….
Started reading “Live Learn Love Well: Lessons from a Life of Progress Not Perfection” by Emma Lovewell to mix things up a bit. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but so far it is very enjoyable and plays well with the “Life is Short, Enjoy it while you can” theme.
Looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend. Not much planned, and will be good to have some down time for one. Will be needed and I have tickets to Bruce Springsteen at MetLife Stadium the next weekend (Which is the Labor Day Holiday Weekend) which should be a fun way to transition from summer to fall.
Just finished reading “The Ferryman” by Justin Cronin Really enjoyed this book and overall story. I did read “The Passage” a while ago and enjoyed it and the way it was written, so was looking forward to “The Ferryman” and it did not disappoint. While the plot line has been done many times before, I did like how the author was able to incorporate the story into the plot while keeping things interesting. I like any book that makes you think when your reading it and when your done, and there is a lot to think about in this book.
After reading a bunch of non-fiction book recently, It was good to get back into fiction and just enjoy a story. I have now started reading “Camino Winds” (Camino Island, #2) by John Grisham, As a longtime reader of John Grisham, I enjoyed the 1st book “Camino Island” and am enjoying reconnecting the the characters. Did see that there that John Grisham has written a new Firm novel “The Exchange: After the Firm” and have added it to my list of books to read
I am also excited about the new Dave Gurney Book “The Viper” by John Verdon. This is the 8th book in the Dave Gurney series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one, going back the the first book “Think of a Number”. Great stories, characters, and locations make his novels a great read and I highly recommend checking them out
I need to adjust my time to read more, as there are always new books by authors I like, either fiction or non-fiction to read and allow me to expand my mind and learn new things.
As far as baseball goes, the Mets decided that their current roster was not working, so dished off a bunch of players (Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, David Robinson, Tommy Pham, and Mark Cahna) at the trade deadline. While I agree changes had to be made, and agree with most of these players being traded away, its going to make for a tough watch the rest of the way in 2023. After the trades, the Mets went out and got swept by the awful Kansas City Royals, and then lost 2 against the much btter first place Baltimore Oriels. I know there trying but it tough to not feel that team is basically packing it in until next year. Playing a bunch of young players (most who will not be on the roster next year) has got to be tough on the veteran players who know how hard things are.
The Mets do seem to have a plan in place — Bringing in a new President of Baseball Operations after the season, and then seeing what pitchers are available to join next years rotation. Buck Showalter may or may not be back, depending on what direction the new President want to go. Will be interesting to see how things play out. But for the rest of the season, I will still try to watch some games, but admit it will be tough to stay interested
There are some interesting storyline going on in MLB and it will be interesting to see if teams like the Reds, Cubs, Giants in the NL and Texas, Toronto and even the Yankees have a run in them to make the play-offs.
Hard to imagine, but Big Brother is back for its 25th Season. Every year it returns, I think to my self, I cant watch this time, but then their I am every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday tuning in to see who wins HOH, who wins the Golden Power of Veto, and who gets sent packing. After all these years, I still find the show fascinating and addicting. Just as a public service announcement to all those who are casual fans, or who are late to the party, here is a list of all the Winners of Big Brother starting in July of 2000
I have been their from the beginning, but scanning through this list, even I have trouble remembering some of the past winners and runners up. Of the ones that I remember and really liked, some of my favorites were Dr. Will Kirby, Mike “Boogie” Malin, Dick “Evil Dick” Donato, The great Dan Gheesling, Rachel Reilly, Derick Levasseur, Nicole Franzel, and Cody Calafiore
But there are also players that I remember and rooted for that were eliminated before the final 2. Here are those who stood out to me (aka – I see or hear there names, and instantly get a picture of them in my head.
Season 1 George Allen Boswell (Chicken George) Season 3 Roddy Mancuso (Who is a Lehigh Graduate) Season 6 Jannele Pierzina Season 8 Daniele Donato Season 11 Jeff Schroeder Season 12 Vincenzo “Enzo” Palumbo Season 13 Porsche Briggs Season 14 Britney Haynes Season 16 Frankie Grande Season 17 Meaghan “Meg” Maley and John McGuire Season 18 Paul Abrahamian Season 19 Christmas Abbott Season 20 Christopher “Swaggy C” Williams Season 23 Derek Xiao and Claire Rehfuss (Who went on to win The Amazing Race) Season 24 Matthew Turner
On one hand, I think to my self , What a colossal waste of time I have spent watching Big Brother, but on the other, I think of all the interesting people and situations I have been able to experience over the years from my living room. For that I am grateful to CBS, Julie Chen Moonves, and everybody else involved with Big Brother over the past 25 years. No matter how stupid the show can be at some times, its been a great ride, and I’m looking forward to this and future seasons.
Been a while since I wrote anything. No real excuses, I just haven’t really been in the right mood, or mindset to write. Hopefully writing this will get me back into the swing of things.
The Black List ended its 10 year run and I was there the whole time. I was actually working for NBCUniversal when it started, and even remember watching a sneak peak of the first episode before it officially aired on NBC. I was a big fan of James Spader – Loved him in Boston Legal (A great show with an All-Star cast that seems to have been forgotten. He ended up doing a fantastic job as Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington and kept the show entertaining for its entire run. Ending a show after a long run on a high note is hard (and rare). I did feel the Black List did a very good job with the last few episodes, although I did feel a little sad that some of the older members of the task force were not brought back (or even mentioned) — Its a tough thing to do without feeling fake or forced, but by not even mentioning them, it feels unfinished and unfulfilled. Over-all it was a great 10 year run, with lots of great actors and characters, and I will feel a bit sad when next season never comes.
With AI becoming a big topic and looking to be the way of the future, we have a test site set up at work. I asked it to list all of the characters on the Black List and this is what was returned:
Several other shows I have been watching ended their seasons, and most went with a cliff-hanger to try and get you exited about the following season. For the most part it worked, even though the cliff-hanger has become over used.
Silo (Apple TV) — I actually had to go on line and read about some of the things that were revealed at the end of Season 1. And the cliff-hanger was not that unexpected.
From (MGM) — Actually liked the cliff-hanger at the end of Season 2. For this type of show, the ending of the show is always going to be tricky (and disappoint some people). But the way they ended Season 2 does open the door to a lot of possibilities — Hopefully they can pull things off in a satisfying way.
Platonic (Apple TV) — Not sure where there going with this (Season 2 hasn’t been officially announced). The rules are a bit different with comedies, with the Cliff-Hanger using being a funny (Chandler and Monica in Friends) or life changing (Rachels pregnancy) moment that continues the story into the next season. Platonic left the door open for Season 2, so will have to wait and see
Will be filming some stuff for my next Survivor Video. I am debating if I should get some help from Survivor winner Adam Klein, who is working as a casting coach. Once I get some stuff filled and edited I will think about setting up a session with him.
Looking forward to both Survivor and The Amazing Race returning in the fall. Looks like each will be One Hour Thirty Minutes long (as CBS and the other broadcast networks deal with the on-going strikes)
Not much to say about the NY Mets. They look awful most of the time, but continue to throw in some winning streaks just to keep you interested. In a few weeks, it will become either to late to realistically make the play-offs, or a bit interesting if they somehow turn things on against the Red Sox and Yankees
That’s all for now. Felt good to write, so hopefully more to come soon
My mother-in-law Judith Bogan passed away at her home last week. It wasn’t a total shock, as she had been bed-ridden and suffering from chronic pain for the past few years. Still it was tough on my wife, her brother and sisters, and the grand children who lost their “Grammy”. She is now in a better place, joining my father-in-law who passed away in 2021.
Grammy loved her son (Jim) and daughters (Cindy, Barbara, Erin) and adored her 6 grandchildren. She loved to take them shopping and out to lunch, and we are grateful for the memories she created for them. She loved to travel and was able to see places like Australia / New Zealand, Russia, and South America.
For me, I will always have fond memories of watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with her most weeknights. Even towards the end, she was sharp as a tack
She was a lovely lady, and I am glad I got to spend time with her and get to know her
Finally was able to complete watching the final season of Manifest in Netflix and I have to say, for all the ups and downs, and sometimes truly unbelievable story lines, the writers came up with the perfect ending. They didn’t try to hard, and wrapped everything up in a believable and plausible way. To many times when a series end, the writers will try to be to cute, try to bring back old characters for a last cameo, or try to predict the future of the characters with flash forwards. Most of the time, the writers over think things, and the feeling of the finale is different than the entire run of the show. Also, there is usually a let down when characters with friction between the, finally get together. After years of slowly building, it usually ends up all feeling awkward and rushed.
With Manifest, the writers ended the show just how it should have ended. No crazy twists, awkward moments, or cliff-hangers. It ended exactly how I thought it should end and I thank the producers, writers, and actors for that. It was a satisfying pay-off after watching for 4 seasons.
It is really hard to end shows and while several have done it very well (M*A*S*H, Newhart, Friends), others were simply OK, but a little to generic, (The Middle, Seinfeld, 90120) Then there are a few that missed the mark (and usually was not entirely their fault). Both ‘How I Met Your Mother” and “LOST” comes to mind — I believe both had a plan from the beginning on how the show was going to end, but then the storyline and chemistry between the characters changed from what was planned, and put everybody in a tough spot. Both shows ended up going with an ending that left most people unsatisfied, and a bit confused.
So thanks Manifest for ending the show the way it should have ended. It was a fun ride
More to come on this subject (A few more shows I watch but am a bit behind have ended, or are ending soo so we will see how they do
A long time ago, while driving up the New York Thruway, we stopped at the Sloatsburg Rest Area (Between: Exit 15A (Suffern Rt. 17N) & Exit 16 (Woodbury Toll Gantry) and I got a Whopper Sandwich at the Burger King. I don’t know what it was, but it was the best Whopper I have ever had. I honestly still remember taking a bite and going “This is the best thing I have ever tasted” This was probably 30 years later, and I still think of it. I am a big fan of the Whopper and have had my fair share, but this still remains the best one I have ever tasted
So it was sad to see that the Sloatsburg Rest Area is being torn down and rebuilt. Had to take a trip up the Thruway last week, and as we approached the rest area, my wife asked if we wanted to stop at the Burger King with the worlds greatest Whopper. Sure I said, but then saw signs that the rest are was closed for construction. I was able to take a few photos as we drove by. To me it felt like an end of an era. I will never have the chance to go back on last time and relive the feeling of taking a bite into the Worlds best Whopper.
Funny on how you remember some things forever while others you have no reciliation of. I actually met some long time friends for drinks the other night, and we started reminiscing about old times. Most things I remembered, but some things were fuzzy, and I got completely confused about the timeline of the events. Things that happened almost 40 years ago seemed like they had to be more recent. But a good time was had by all, and I highly recommend finding time to hang out with friends and family more often.
Do want to take some time and wish my Mom a happy Birthday, and my Dad a Happy Fathers Day. Two of the nicest and best people I know, and I am glad to have them as my parents.
Not much to say about the NY Mets. Maybe its just not their year. Still, there is plenty of baseball yet to play, and maybe they can get on a roll and win a few games just to right the ship.
Things fell into place and I was able to take a quick trip to Pittsburgh to meet a friend and catch a few Mets / Pirates games at PNC Park. Had a great time at the games. Friday Night was Fireworks Night, and Saturday was Ke’Bryan Hayes Bobble Head Day, and with the Pirates playing some solid ball, there were a lot of people at the games. We did see a lot of Mets fans around the park, and I even got to meet up with another friend of mine who is from the area, and happened to be at the game Friday night. Saturday before the game, they had the road around the stadium blocked off for a block party, and I got to meet and get an autograph of 1979 World Champion pitcher John Candelaria Finally, I want to thank my friend Geoff for letting me stay at his house and driving to and from the games.
Pittsburgh Pirates BaseballPNC ParkMeeting John CandelariaKe’Bryan Hayes Bobble Head DayMeeting up with my friend TenView of downtown Pittsburgh
Sad to see that actor Treat Williams was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday. He was a solid actor who had a long and distinguished career. I have memories of him in the movie version of Hair when I was younger. I was actually following him on Twitter (he was a very positive person).
Update on TV Shows I have been watching — Kind of switched things up a bit
“Silo” – Apple TV — Really interesting and I am enjoying it
“From” – MGM Network – Kind of like LOST, but creepy – recommended
“Fear the Walking Dead” – Was a great series and interested on how they wrap things up at the end
“The Black List” – Only a few episodes left. Will defiantly miss it
Back with some more soon. Will be ramping up getting my next Survivor Video ready to submit. Have some thoughts and ideas for how to really make this be the one that at least gets me choosen
Been a busy couple of weeks and I am really looking forward to a three day weekend. For the first time in a while, have nothing planned so will take the time to relax, hang with friends, and get some stuff done around the house (cleaning my office and lawn work)
Last week I attended the Philly Non-Sports Show which is held twice a year (spring, fall). Trying to same some money, so was mostly just looking around to see what was available. Like always, I was able to pick up a bunch of free / cheep promo cards. You get a pack of promos with your admission, plus companies like Rittenhouse Archives and Cryptozoic will had out promos for upcoming sets. Some dealers / artists will also give away promo cards. Would like to personally thank Ed Webb, George Wright, and the others who were generous enough to offer free promos (and even take the time to sign them) Here are some pictures promos and cards I picked up as I walked around.
Before I write about the Survivor 44 Finale, would like to pay some respect to the great Tina Turner, who passed away at ager 83. Although she had a lot of ups and downs, she ended up having a great career and impacted musicians and women around the world. RIP Tina Turner. You will be missed
Here is one of my favorite songs of hers.
As far as Survivor 44, It was a solid, but a bit underwhelming season. The producers through a bunch of stuff out there to try and shake things up, but unfortunately the players seemed to be one step ahead and most of the idols and advantages ended up not being used, or used in a underwhelming way. With the players getting more and more familiar with the setting (all seasons are now shot on the same beach in Fiji), as well as the challenges (to the point of 3D printing the puzzles at home to practice on), its hard for the producers to surprise them. So it then becomes more of a battle of personalities, which is harder to present to the viewing audience. Also, to me it seems that some of the contestants lately have been treating the game as a self help / life reflecting adventure, where they just want the experience of hanging out among friends. I may be reading this totally wrong (Which is one of the maid reasons I keep applying to be on the show. I really want to see how I would play the game and react in the situations that they experience. I think I would be more mad and upset if I was being considered at a vote, and pull out everything I had to stay in the game.
Congratulations to Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho for playing a great social game and figuring out how to vote people off, while still having them respect his game. That is the ultimate idea, and its interesting to see how many people can get to the end, but have no connection with the jury members and end up getting shut out of the votes.
I still am not a fan of the Final Four Fire contest (again showing that is more of a disadvantage to win the final challenge. After a big win for Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt, she was basically forced to give up her immunity that she fought so hard to win and give it to one of the 3 losers, if she had any chance of winning the game. Even with winning the fire challenge, Heidi was only able to garner 1 vote. Luckily for the show, had she kept her immunity, and made 2 others make fire, she still would have most likely lost as well. Might be time to shake things up a bit to put more emphasis on winning the final 4 challenge (Make the 3 losers all make fire, and the winner goes to a final 2)
Just a few statistics before I go
As of the end of Survivor 44, there have been 662 individual players
Of the 662 players, there have been 16 players who were aged 58 or older when they played, for a total of 2.413% Of those 16 players, 5 finished in the top 5 with 1 player finishing as runner-up
Of the 662 players, there have been 19 players from New Jersey for a total of 2.87% Of those, there have been 4 Winners, 3 Runners Up, 3 2nd Runners-up, and 2 more in the top 5
So as a 56 year old from New Jersey, I will have some good company when I get selected and end up winning Survivor
Hope everybody has a safe and healthy Memorial Day Weekend. Be sure to spend some time relaxing with family and friends
AverageAndy 