Time for an update

Posted on July 21, 2023 by AverageAndy

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

Average Andy

Posted in Adam Klein, Amazing Race, Baseball, From, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Mark Burnett, NY Mets, Phil Keoghan, Platonic, Reality Shows, Silo, Sports, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

RIP Judith Bogan (Grammy)

Posted on July 10, 2023 by AverageAndy

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

She will be missed.

Judy Bogan (Grammy) 1939-2023
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Manifest did it Right

Posted on June 29, 2023 by AverageAndy

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

Average Andy

Posted in 90210, How I Met Your Mother, LOST, Manifest, Seinfeld, Television, The Middle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Worlds greatest Whopper No More

Posted on June 19, 2023 by AverageAndy

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.

AverageAndy

Posted in Baseball, Burger King, Food, Friends, NY Mets, Sports, Whopper | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lets Go Mets (and more)

Posted on June 13, 2023 by AverageAndy

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 Baseball
PNC Park
Meeting John Candelaria
Ke’Bryan Hayes Bobble Head Day
Meeting up with my friend Ten
View 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

PEACE

AverageAndy

Posted in Baseball, Fear the Walking Dead, Friends, Hair, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, NY Mets, Reality Shows, Silo, Sports, Survivor, The Blacklist | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Memorial Day Weekend and the start of Summer

Posted on May 26, 2023 by AverageAndy

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

Looking forward to writing more in the future

PEACE

AverageAndy



Posted in Adam Klein, Card Collecting, Christine Hofbeck, Friends, Fun and Games, Holiday Weekend, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Mark Burnett, Mike Gabler, Music, Non-Sports Cards, Parvati Shallow, Philly Non Sports Card Show, Reality Shows, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Marillion Weekend 2023

Posted on May 19, 2023 by AverageAndy

Took a trip with my wife, and a few long time friends to Montreal for the Marillion Weekend Canada. Every so often, the band Marillion will host ‘weekends’ where they play multiple nights. This was a 3 night show with different set lists each night Fans travel from all over the globe to attend and enjoy some great music by one of the best underrated bands. Marillion were founded in 1979 in England, and had a few hits in the United States (‘Kayleigh’ being there biggest hit). They are still going strong and putting out new albums. The Weekends are kind of a celebration for the fans, and it did not disappoint. This was the 1st weekend I have attended and looking forward to attending another one in the future.

Besides 3 nights of music, and a Q&A Session with the band, we got to explore the city of Montreal. I really enjoyed walking around and seeing the culture of the city. We saw the old port where you can get a ferry, McGill University, and the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. We enjoyed great company (met up with a long time friend who happen to live in the area for great company, food and drinks before the shows)

I would like to thank Marillion (Steve Hogarth, Steve Rothery, Mark Kelly, Pete Trewavas, and Ian Mosley) as well as their manager Lucy Jordache for organizing the weekend. A great time was ha by all.

L’Olympia
Setlist (Day 2)
Q&A with the Band
Ross / Andy
Setlist (Day 3)
Andy / Eric / Ross
Time Out Market, Montréal
Enjoying the day
Montréal
Waiting for Marillion
Had to try Poutine
Old Montréal

Have some big weekends coming up. Have a graduation party on Saturday, and then will be attending the Philly Non-Sports Show on Sunday. Then its time to for the Survivor 44 Finale on Wednesday, (Have never missed a finale, going back to when Bryant Gumbel was the host.). After that, we go into the 3 Day Memorial Day Weekend and the official start of Summer

Will find the time write more and cover everything

PEACE

AverageAndy

PS – Nice back to back wins for the Mets against the Rays. Maybe this is the jumpstart they need to start playing better ball going forward.

Posted in Baseball, Concerts, Friends, Marillion, Non-Sports Cards, NY Mets, Philly Non Sports Card Show, Reality Shows, Sports, Survivor | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Alexander Adam (1965 – 2023)

Posted on May 16, 2023 by AverageAndy

Very sad to hear of the passing of my cousin Alex after a battle with cancer. He was a great guy and a great father to his 2 kids. He fought hard after a stroke and then the cancer diagnosis. But it was just too much and he passed last week with his family at his side.

After hanging out with all my cousins when we were young, we all eventually went our separate ways, and Alex ended up living in Hilton Head SC, and working at the Walt Disney Hilton Head Resort. Years later as fate would have it, my family ended up taking vacations to Hilton Head Island, as my In-Laws had a time share there. We were able to catch up with Alex each time we went, and enjoyed spending time with him and his 2 sons. We were also luck to meet up with him a few times at my Aunts house down on the NJ shore. Were great times and always left with great memories.

He is survived by my Aunt Sandy, and his 2 brothers (my cousins) Bobby and Marc

Alexander Adam (1965 – 2023)

Rest in Peace Alex, you will be missed


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Time for some updates (And My The 4th Be With You)

Posted on May 5, 2023 by AverageAndy

Just want to acknowledge the passing of the great singer / songwriter Gordon Lightfoot at the age of 84. I’m sure everybody has heard some of his songs over the years. Here is a video for “Sundown” Take some time to give him a listen and just enjoy the music he created. He will be missed.

The New York Mets are off to a slow start — They have been up and down and the weather has played havoc on there schedule making it tough to get into a groove. I know their starting pitching has been very poor — From both the big time acquisitions Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to the usually reliable middle of the order (Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, and others who are not hurt), the have found themselves down early in almost every game and needing to claw their way back. But it is a long season, and they do have a talented lineup that should click in and be able to score runs. I do hope they do not panic to much and make some instinctive moves. Will check back in after 50 games to see where they stand.

———————

Here is the latest on the TV Shows I have been watching:

Star Trek Picard: – Finished and though the season was great.
Rabbit Hole: – As I keep saying, you go wrong with Keifer Sutherland
CSI: Vegas: – Doing a great job of continuing the franchise
The Blacklist: – Getting closer to the end.
The Mandalorian: – Moving up (still on list to start soon)
The Accused: – Highly Recommended – Some real interesting stories
Not Dead Yet: – Solid start and continues to makes me laugh – Need really need some more comedies

The Last Thing He Told Me (Apple TV) — Was a big Alias fan and glad to see Jennifer Garner backin an action role — And loved the Victor Garber cameo

Fatal Attraction — Big fan of both Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan

Bubkis – Pete Davidson is funny (as well as this show)

9:11 / 9:11 Lone Star: – Catching up on both of these

A Million Little Things – Going to do a marathon and finish the final season

——————-

And of course Survivor

Its been an interesting and for the most part entertaining season so far. I do things kinds of tailed off after the frantic start where the production team were throwing out idols and advantages as fast as they could in hopes of some big pay-offs. Unfortunately for the viewing audience, things have not panned out as expected. The idols and advantages have not become a big part of the game. Add to that that players now seem to know what twists and challenges are coming (event to the point of 3D printing the puzzles at home before the show and practicing so that they can eastly be completed). This tends to make the game a bit underwhelming. Also, as I have stated before, some of the players seem to be playing more like its a vacation, then if it were a game for 1 Million Dollars. Still really enjoying the dynamics of how people interact and strategize. Just wish there was a way to push them a bit. Maybe bring back some of those challenges where you are forced to pick other players to be eliminated from the challenge. These always forced peoples hands to show there true allegiances. And also, I know its a thing these days (at least for the younger Survivor fans), but we get that Matt and Frannie like each other. But we saw more shots of Matt on the Jury last week then some of the players still in the game.

Despite all this, I’m still a huge fan of watching and still dream of playing to see what its really like. Will be submitting my application for the next round of casting and continue to hope #NeverToOldForSurvivor #GiveMeAChance

And finally, will be heading to Montreal next weekend for the Marillion Weekend 2023 – Canada. This will be my first Marillion Weekend and really looking forward to it. Will be 3 great nights of music hanging out with family and friends. Will post a full recap once I’m back home in the USA

Here are a few Marillion Videos to kick things off

Peace

AverageAndy

Posted in 9-1-1, 9-1-1 Lone Star, A Million Little Things, Accused, Concerts, CSI:VEGAS, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Marillion, Mark Burnett, Music, NY Mets, Reality Shows, Sports, Star Wars, Survivor, The Blacklist | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering past Survivor Contestants

Posted on April 19, 2023 by AverageAndy

Was sad to see that former Survivor player Keith Nale (Survivor: San Juan del Sur and Survivor: Cambodia) passed away at age 62. Really enjoyed watching him (and his son) play. Was always smiling and upbeat and looked like he was enjoying his time on the Island

Keith now joins the list of other Survivor players who have unfortunately passed away. They all brought something unique to the show and will all be missed.

Here is a list of Survivor Players who have passed away

Here are cards of Rudy Boesch and B.B. Anderson that I made (Survivor: Borneo)

Average Andy

Posted in Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Mark Burnett, Reality Shows, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment