Thank you to Marillion

Posted on April 11, 2019 by AverageAndy

Since first hearing the song “Kayleigh” off of their classic album “Misplaced Childhood” back in 1985, I have become a lifelong fan of the group “Marillion”    Their albums and songs have become a huge part of my life, and I want to thank them all for this.  Starting with original singer Derek Dick (Known as Fish), current singer Steve “H” Hogarth, along with band founder guitarist Steve Rothery, and longtime bassist Pete Trewavas, keyboardist Mark Kelly, and drummer Ian Mosley, their music has touched my heart and soul for well over 30 years.

I should have know they were special and would become a part of my history when I played “Kayleigh” to my then girlfriend (and eventual wife) and she actually knew the song and even quoted some of the lyrics.

Over the years, I have seen the band perform a dozen times, traveling near and far to catch them each time they make the trip from their home in England to the United States.   Some of my best memories have been going with friends to seeing them play.  I was there when they played the Ritz in NYC the day Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson.  They had the  fight on a big screen, and as soon as it ended, the screen went up and the band started playing.   I was there both nights at the Irving Plaza, including the night Steve Hogarth’s keyboard collapsed and he ended up playing Mark Kelly’s keyboard backwards.  I even took a trip to Atlanta to see them when they toured the US after playing on the “Cruise to the Edge”.    Those along with seeing them in New Jersey (Asbury Park), New York State, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are all memories I will never forget.

Marillion – Wilipedia

Marillion was also the originators of crowd funding back in 1997, asking fans around the world to pay for their new album before it was even started.    It was a huge success for the band and allowed them to record and album and tour the US

Marillion – Crown Funding Pioneers

Always thinking of the fans,  Marillion put on “weekends” every 2 years where they play for 3 nights, playing special sets including one of their albums in its entirety

After 14 Studio Albums, the band is still going strong, and hopefully has many more years of making music.   And I plan on being there with them on their journey

So big thank you the the current band, all the past band members,  band manager Lucy Jordache, as well as all the producers, technicians, crew members, and anybody else involved in the band over the years for allowing Marillion to continue to exist and create new music and memories

Also a big thank you to Fish and his band for his excellent solo work once he left the band back in 1989.   I am grateful for his music as well and hope to see him one last time before he retires in 2020

And a special thank you to Mark Wilkinson for designing all the classic Marillion and Fish album covers (See below).

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AverageAndy

PS – hope to attend a Marillion weekend or a Marillion Cruise in the future, but will settle for a US tour

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Open Thank You to American Idol

Posted on April 10, 2019 by AverageAndy

Continuing my theme of previous posts, I would like to thank everybody involved with American Idol.   Since premiering in 2002, it has been the gold standard for American singing competition television series’s.   I would like to thank the host  Ryan Seacrest (and Brian Dunkleman (Season 1)) for bringing American Idol into peoples homes throughout 17 Seasons on FOX and most recently ABC.   I would like to thank all of the judges (Originals Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, as well as Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, Harry Connick, Jr, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie) for bringing their industry insights and honest opinions to the contestants season after season.  And I would like to thank all of the contestants who were brave enough year after year to volunteer to sing for the american public.   Finally I would like to thank show creator Simon Fuller and all of the Producers, Directors, Writers, Editors, Production managers, etc.. and everybody else listed on IMDB for the hard work, time and effort in bringing American Idol to life each season

Wikipedia – American Idol

IMDB – American Idol Cast and Crew

Since its 1st season, American Idol has changed the way people think about talent shows and the careers of contestants.   Besides launching the careers of superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, dozens of contestants have gone on to have hugely successful careers and for this everybody should be thankful to American Idol that we got to learn about and experience so much talent and music that otherwise we may never have heard

Unlike shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, where I dream of one day becoming a contestant and experiencing things from that side of the show, I have absolutely no musical talent, and have no desire to try out for American Idol.   Instead I want to continue to watch as the show continues to showcase new and talented individuals who may go on to become superstars, but who touch millions of fans just for their own talents and uniqueness regardless of their ultimate outcome

From Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Jennifer Hudson, Constantine Maroulis, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin in the early seasons, to Jordin Sparks,  David Cook,  Adam Lambert, Lee DeWyze in the middle, and Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover, and Maddie Poppe, the talent that come out of American Idol is simply amazing.

Add to that the memories of contestants such as Nikki McKibbin with her red hair, Sanjaya Malakar with his Mohawk, David Archuleta, and James Durbin (Currently singing for Quiet Riot), its been a fun ride

Again, thanks to every person involved with American Idol as you all have influenced my life in a amazing way and for that I am truly grateful

Average Andy

PS – Had to include the following 2 videos as the are some of my favorite memories

 

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Open Thank You to The Amazing Race

Posted on April 9, 2019 by AverageAndy

Following up on my previous post, I would now like to thank everybody involved with the show The Amazing Race.   Just like Survivor, The Amazing Race has been a part of my life the last 20 years and I appreciate all the work everybody does to make the show a success.   From the great host Phil Keoghan, to Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Bertram van Munster, Elise Doganieri, and all the other Producers, all the hardworking staff and crew, and every other person involved in the show, Thank You for all your work.  And thanks to all the contestants who signed up to let the world watch them take an adventure of a lifetime.

As with Survivor, the Amazing Race IMDB page lists pages and pages of people involved in the making of each season, from the camera crew to the editors, to the incredible cinematographers who bring the teams adventure around the world to life.  Thanks for all the time and effort to make me feel like I am traveling right along with them.

And thanks to all the people behind the scenes.  I am sure there is lots of planning and coordinating that goes on to make sure everybody is safe and cared for as they travel from country to country

I have been a huge fan since the first season, and have thoroughly enjoyed watching and learning about the amazing things the world has to offer.   Seeing places that I never new existed, as a well as different (and mostly positive) takes on familiar places, the Amazing Race has opened my eyes to the world, and made me want to experience all it has to offer.

I have read Phil Keogans book “No Oppertunity Wasted”, listened to his “Buckit” podcast, and even met him in Philadelphia near the end of his cross county bike ride.   The amount of positive energy and excitement he has for life has kept me going during the good and bad times over the past 20 years.  For that I would like to personal thank him

As with Survivor, my daughter has become a big fan, and we were fortunate enough to make it to Washington Square Park in NY City for the filming of the start of Season 30.  It was a great time and a memory I will not forget.   Thanks to all the crew and staff and security as there were lots of people around.

I have applied the The Amazing Race a few times with my sister (Feel we have a great story and would make a great team).   And would think about applying  with my daughter if there is another parent / child season.  To have the opportunity to travel around the world and actually experience things in person should be on everybodts’ Bucket List, and to do it as part of the Amazing Race would be a dream come true

Since seeing it on the Amazing Race 13 and 22, I have always wanted to travel to New Zealand and have bastard burger at a Burger Fuel.

Burgerfuel – The Bastard

It would be extra special to do this while on The Amazing Race and be able to experience this with Phil Keogan himself

So in closing, thanks again to everybody involved with the Amazing Race and hope to see you in person to personally thank you on a trip around the world

Andy

PS – Not one to complain, and I will still be watching due to the overall brilliance of the show, but I am not the biggest fan of any so called celebrity edition of either Survivor or the Amazing Race.  There are plenty of interesting people and fans of all levels who are just average people looking for an adventure of a life time.   Eventually seeing players and teams return for a 3rd, 4th, or 5th Season becomes a bit demeaning and gives the show and almost elitist feeling.    The true essence and charm of both Survivor and The Amazing Race is to allow people to watch and dream of one day becoming a contestant.  If you take that hope away, then the show loses a little of what makes it special

AverageAndy – Because the world (and certain Reality Shows) need an average guy

 

 

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Open Thank You to Survivor

Posted on April 8, 2019 by AverageAndy

I would like to personally thank everybody involved with the show Survivor.  The show has been a big part of my life (and American Culture) going on 20 years and I just want acknowledge my gratefulness to each and everybody involved.

I would like to thank host and producer, Jeff Probst, Executive Producer Mark Burnett, Supervising Producer John Kirhoffer, Executive Producer Charlie Parsons and the countless other Producers for making the show the best reality show on Television.  I would like to thank the folks at CBS for continuing to feature Survivor as part of your prime time network schedule.

I would also like to thank all the hard working editors, cinematographers, production designers, set designers, camera people, etc.. who work hard to bring Survivor to life each week, season after season.   I would like to thank all the casting directors including Lynne Spiegel Spillman, and Robyn Kass, who were able to find interesting and compelling contestants to play year after year.  I also would like to thank all the people who are part of the crews behind the scenes at CBS and the remote filming locations (Staff members, Janitors, Chefs, drivers, builders, location managers, etc… ) who all work hard towards keeping Survivor going and going, season after season.  And last I would like to thank the 570+ contestants who took the step to apply and got chosen to go on an adventure of a lifetime

I know I have missed some others  – IMDBs site for Survivor lists pages and pages of people who all were involved some way with Survivor.  I would like to let you know that I am very grateful for the work and effort each and everyone of you have done as well to allow me home to sit and watch Survivor each week.

As mentioned earlier, Survivor has been a huge part of my life over the last 20 years.  It has been a constant in keeping my spirits high as I have gone from job to unemployment to job to current unemployment again.   It has been a pillar of consistency throughout my daughters entire life (She was born during Season 1, grew up hearing me talk about Survivor year after year, and has become a big fan of the show herself)  And Survivor is still appointment viewing with me and my wife each and every Wednesday.  Its a time to put down the cell phones and other distractions and spend an hour talking about the game of Survivor (who the current cast they remind us of, who we like and dislike, the good and bad moves they are making) as well as life and general and just for this everybody deserves another big thanks

I will continue to submit my application (have applied on and off since Season 1), and hopefully one day I will get the opportunity to join the cast of Survivor, and get the opportunity to personally thank everybody involved.   Until then, thanks again and keep up all the excellent work and remember that it it truly appreciated.

Andrew

PS – As a collector of Non-Sports Cards, I decided it might be fun to try my hand at creating some cards for Survivor.   Below is my attempt in creating some cards for Season 1 of Survivor.

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Thought on Survivor: Edge of Extinction

Posted on April 4, 2019 by AverageAndy

Were about halfway through the latest season of Survivor and while I am enjoying this season as always, I have some mixed feelings about Extinction Island.   While I like the concept of putting players in a really tough position to see how they react, I don’t think it should be used as a second or third chance for players to use.   It takes away from the true essence of the game where once you are voted off  by your fellow contestants, you are truly out of the game.   In the past where players were knowingly sent to Exile Island, or Redemption Island, with everybody knowing they were there and would be returning, this could be used as a strategy.   No so in the current season.   The players were not expecting to players again once they were voted off, so they didn’t plan out their game with this in mind.   There are some things that go beyond Outwit, Outlast and Outplay, that make it unfair and can change true essence of the game.

In the current season, the possibility that Reem still has a chance to win , while spending all but 3 days on Extinction Island, or that Aubry still has a chance to win despite being totally blindsided, and losing a second chance challenge to get back in to the game, kind of removes some of the powerful moments that in the past would be major talking points among fans.

Here is a good article by Dalton Ross who covers Survivor for Entertainment Magazine, where he asked the current contestants what they would change if given the opportunity

Dalton Ross – Survivor-Edge-of-Extinction-cast-pitch-new-twists

And here is article about past contestants and how they handled health issues after their season.   I actually was listing to a podcast about what motivates people and one of the stories was about mountain climbers and how once they conquer a climb, they want to go right back up again despite all the pain and suffering they went through to reach the summit.

Survivor-cast-members-real-health-stories

Seems to be a similarity between mountain climbers and Survivor contestants.   Despite all the physical and mental anguish they have gone through, they all say they would do it again in a heart beat.

Hopefully someday soon I will have the opportunity to experience Survivor for the 1st time and will then write back on how I would want to do it again and again.

 

As far as this week, its been a rough start in trying to find a new job since my last job ended last week.    Seems that the world has moved to all IT jobs entailing programming of some sort, and that puts me behind all the young college (and high school) kids who have been learning and programming since they learned to read and write.   While I have a lot of experience in Operations (Excellent in troubleshooting and resolving issues), these are easily outsourced jobs and also lower paying.   And most service oriented jobs (while seeming much more engaging and satisfying), are also low paying jobs that are really not designed for IT Professionals

I will push on and hopefully something that matches my passion and skills will come along and give me the opportunity to show that my deep knowledge and years of experience are valuable to any company willing to give me an opportunity.

And finally, after starting the 2019 season 5 -1 on the road, the New York Mets have their home opener today at Citi Field.   I am really looking forward to this season as the team and fans seems optimistic that they will have better season than last year where despite starting the season 11 – 1,  were  26 – 26 by May, and where pretty much an afterthought most of the season

NYMets

Andy

 

 

 

 

 

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Time to move on

Posted on March 28, 2019 by AverageAndy

After 6 years as a Data Protection Engineer with CompuCom working onsite at NBCUniversal, the contract was not renewed, so my time here is ending.   Over my years here, I have been able to really enhance my skills and knowledge with Veritas NetBackup Enterprise, as well as learn alot about Windows and UNIX Operating Systems.  I got to work with a lot of great people and learn about SQL, Orale, ControlM, Exchange, SharePoint, as well as Networking and Firewalls.

I got to see the building totally redone a few years back (they did a great job).  I got to sit in many different places, as after they redid the building they moved everybody on the same team together, and recently we went to and open floor plan allowing people sit wherever they want.   During my time here, several people have come and gone including my original boss who taught me alot while he was here.

But it’s now time to move on.   I will definitely not miss the long commute (its 65 miles each way – takes about 1 1/2 each way).   It would be great if my next position is closer and I can take advantage of the extra time.

Things will work out and I will keep everybody updated on my next adventure

Andy

 

 

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RIP Luke Perry

Posted on March 5, 2019 by AverageAndy

It’s taken me a day to write about the passing of Luke Perry on Monday, March 4th due to a stroke he suffered last week.  His death has hit me pretty hard as was the same age as me (52) and is one of the first of my contemporaries to pass.   He has been a part of my life ever since Beverly Hills 90210 premiered on FOX on October 4, 1990.   I had graduated from Lehigh University a year before, and can vividly remember watching the premiere episode and then talking about it the following day at work.   90210 became an obsession and one of the few shows that could not be missed.  It was one of the 1st prime time network shows I can remember featuring an ongoing story instead of stand alone episodes.   If you missed a week you needed to ask around to find out what happened

I always though as myself as Brandon Walsh (played by Jason Preistley).  The kid who always wanted to do what was right, and whos heart was always in the right place.  Unlike Dylan McKay (played by Luke Perry) who was the cool but mischieves type.  But Luke Perry made you believe that even he was a softie and really did care about the uncool people.

As a non sports card collector, I occasionally come across the 90210 card set released by Topps in 1991 at the Philly Non Sports Show.  I may just need to pick up a set in the future.

The Original 90210 ran for 10 Seasons and was always there (like a best friend), as I grew up.  Luke Perry left after 6 seasons, but returned for the last 2 before the show was cancelled.   Thank you Luke for those years and the great memories that I will never forget.  You will be missed

Beverly Hills 90210 Wiki

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Lots of random thoughts

Posted on March 1, 2019 by AverageAndy

We are 2 episodes into the new season of Survivor, I am am interested in how the  Extinction Island twist plays out.   Wondering if each new evicted contestant will need outwit / outlast / outplay  the one before them to see who stays.   Like most Survivor fans, it was a bit tough to watch Keith actually debate if he wanted to stay or not.  It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and every minute (whether its easy or hard) should be savoured and  enjoyed.   I would like to think I would be running to the boat with my torch, thanking the Survivor Gods for the opportunity to stay in the game.

As far as returning players,  I think I would try and align with them, and kind of use them as a shield.   They would be a good source of knowledge; both how to play the game physically and mentally.   The more information the better.  I think a lot of players get confused early if they should play short term or long term.  i.e – Do you vote off the weakest person to try and win challenges, or the  biggest threat and hope you are not voted off.  I fell the returning players would help in determining the best way based on their past experiences.

Was sad to see that Luke Perry (best known as Dylan McKay on the classic TV Show 90210) suffered a stroke on Thursday.    Was one of the first big hits on FOX and I was a fan from day one.  I never missed an episode, and back in the days when 90201 was on, you would actually spend the next day talking to actual people about it.

I was also a fan of the reboot that ran on the CW Network and had recently seen that most of the original cast are returning  for a new chapter on FOX

90210- Summer 2018

Hoping he is OK and wishing him a speedy and full recovery.

Luke Perry – Wiki

90210

As far as other TV, here are a few shows I am watching and enjoying

Big Bang Theory – Been enjoying the final season and thought the episode with William Shatner was one of the best in awhile.  I will miss this show when it ends this season

The Masked Singer – Was very susceptible when this started, but caught the 1st episode and was hooked.  While dopey at time, it was a fun watch, and actually though the list of singers was great.   And if everybody did not know it already – Gladys Knight is awesome

Gladys Knight – The Masked Singer

Actually – Big Props to all the Masked Singers  (including the winner T-Pain).   They all took a risk and put themselves in a uncomfortable situation and are all better for it.  Everybody should be inspired by them and take more risks and follow your dreams.

A Million Little Things – Liked this show from the beginning and how they jumped right into conflicts between the characters.  While things got a bit slow in the middle, the finale was really we done and  total took me by surprise.    Looking forward to its return

The Blacklist – Still enjoying this show after 6 seasons.    James Spader is such a great actor (from Stargate to Boston Legal, to The Blacklist) and make it fun to watch.  Like how they mix things up, but still throw in references to older characters and seasons

The Walking Dead – At this point, I am so invested that I almost have to continue watching.   I like some the new stories (the Whispers are an interesting group), but am getting a bit board or underwhelmed with others.   There are only so many times the group can get trapped in a building full of walkers, and then fight there way out unharmed.

And finally,  The Jonas Brothers are back.  Here is their 1st new song in 6 years.  Say what you want, the guys are really talented and have put out lots of great songs over the years (as well as starring in their own show and starring in Camp Rock, one of the best Disney Music movies)

 

Will be back with more

Average Andy

Posted in 90210, A Million Little Things, Big Bang Theory, Jeff Probst, Reality Shows, Survivor, Television, The Blacklist, The Jonas Brothers, The Masked Singer, The Walking Dead | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peter Tork

Posted on February 21, 2019 by AverageAndy

Sad to hear that Peter Tork, a founding member of “The Monkees” has passed away at age 77.  I have vivid memories of staying home sick when I was a kid, and watching episodes of the Monkees.   Always remember Peter Tork’s bowl shaped haircut and actually had a haircut like that when in grade school

The Monkees were truly original and their contribution to television and music will long be remembered

Here is a post from 2016 listing the Monkees 10 best songs.   Find some time today to play a few (or all) of the songs and remember the greatness of the Monkees

AXS – Top 10 Monkees Songs

Andy

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Burnell Cotlon – Hurricane Katrina Survivor and Local Hero

Posted on February 18, 2019 by AverageAndy

If you are looking for a podcast to listen to, check out of Phil Keoghans’ excellent  “Buckit” podcast.  In this Podcast Phil shares his own BUCKiT list and asks his guests to share theirs. He endeavors to find out what motivated them to say BUCKiT and swerve off the predictable road, shed their inhibitions, break new ground, test the limits and pursue a life rich in experience

Phil Keoghan – Buckit Podcast

In the latest episode Phil talks to Burnell Cotlon.  Its an inspiring story of a Hurricane Katrina Survivor and Local Hero, and his passion of rebuilding the Lower 9th Ward Brick by Brick.   It was eye opening to hear that this area of New Orleans is still suffering 15 years after hurricane Katrina hit.   Burnell took it upon himself to open a small grocery store to help the few people who remain in this area.

Bellow is a short documentary from 2017 of his story, as well as an interview Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News

 

 

Burnells’ story also made its way to the incredibly generous Ellen DeGeneres in 2015 where she donated 3 new washing machines to his store as well as gave him a new car to use for local deliveries of groceries to the elderly.

 

I want to say thank you to Phil Keoghan for doing an episode on this incredible person,  and keeping his story alive.   It is incredibly sad that in the United States, one of the richest countries in the world,  there are still people suffering from Hurricane Katrina 15 years later.   But with people like Burnell, (and the generosity of others) there is hope for the Lower 9th Ward.

AverageAndy

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