I am a huge Bad News Bears Fan, and think the 1st two films are some of the best baseball movies ever made. These movies were a big part of my childhood, and have two of my favorite movie characters of all time (Jackie Earle Haley as Kelly Leak, and Chris Barnes as Tanner Boyle). While Jackie Earle Haley has had a great Hollywood career (and is still going strong), Chris Barnes basically disappeared after these films. It is well known that I have been trying to find info on Chris Barnes for a long time — Again, if anybody has any info or contact information, let me know.
Here is one of my favorite scenes from Breaking Training with Jeffrey Louis Starr
On a brighter note, my daughter and I participated in the Reality Rush NYC – Amazing Race Experience yesterday in New York City. (https://www.realityrushgames.com/). Had a great time running around N.Y. City, competing against other trams, and seeing parts of the city in a totally different way. Highly recommended for fans of the ‘Amazing Race’ to get a feel for how the game is played.
I really enjoyed the Christopher Cross / Men at Work / Toto concert I attended over the weekend. Other than a brief downpour while tailgating, the weather was fine, and the large crowd had a great time singing along with all 3 bands. My only complaint was that the concert was long (started at 7;15 PM with Christopher Cross, who was really good), and when we decided to leave at 11:00 PM, Toto was still playing. We did miss “Hold The Line” and “Africa,” but that was fine as we missed the traffic, and I have heard those songs plenty of times. I was surprised I knew all the songs Men at Work played, and was surprised to see that they have only released 3 albums (all in the 1980s).
While my wife, my daughter, and her boyfriend faded a bit towards the end, I really enjoyed Toto and had forgotten about how many hit songs they have. I was happy with the songs they played, and the band put on a great show. All in all, it was a very enjoyable night of music.
Saw online that Survivor has opened up casting for Season 51 and Season 52.
Looking back, I see the last time I applied was earlier this year (April 7th, 2025), so I will need to work on getting a new video together soon
I will also continue to TAG #JeffProbst and #JesseTannenbaum in hopes that they at least see my name out there. It can’t hurt
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I feel bad scrolling through posts and watching YouTube Videos. I know I need to find better things to do with my time (like reading, listening to music, and organizing my office). I started reading “The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage” by Mel Robbins. Going to see if this helps me get myself motivated and more active.
But before I get started, here are some videos I have come across the past few days that I found interesting and really enjoyed
Hope you find something you enjoy
Have some things coming up the next few weeks, so set a reminder to come back and see what’s new and exciting with AverageAndy
It took a few days, but I was thinking about what to write about the passing of the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne, on July 22, 2022, at the age of 76. As a few days have passed, and seeing all the quotes, posts, and videos from across all genres, I just didn’t want to rehash the same stuff. Then I came across the following videos, and thought this was what I was looking for. First shows kids playing “Crazy Train” on xylophones, and it made me happy to see the kids rocking out. The second was when Ozzy was honored by President George Bush way back in 2002 (before most of the kids were even born). Both these videos made me smile and realize Ozzie’s influence on music and pop culture. There was truly nobody like him (before or after). Also, here is a video of Ozzy playing “Crazy Train” live at the US Festival on 1983. REST IN PEACE, Ozzy – Gone but never forgotten.
#PEACE
***NOTE ***
As I was writing the above, I saw the news that Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. I was never a big WWE Wrestling fan, but I have to admit that Hulk Hogan changed the perception and was an influential person during the 80s and 90s.
#PEACE
*** END OF NOTE **
*** NOTE 2 ***
Jazz Singer Chuck Mangione has passed away.
One of those artists that everybody knows and enjoyed over the years
I actually saw him many years ago when I was a Lehigh University
More to come, including an update on books and TV Shows I have been reading and watching. I am also going to see Christopher Cross, Men at Work, and Toto this weekend at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, and will post a mini-review.
Mets start a West Coast trip tomorrow vs the Giants and Padres. They need to go at least 3 – 3 on the trip. They have been playing better as of late, and hopefully, can keep things going
The USA is a messed-up place right now in the world of politics. With people being grabbed and sent to the horrible detention center in Florida, Companies bowing to the current administration’s threat by settling lawsuits and cancelling shows, to the scared President doing his best to deflect everything and everybody away from his involvement with Rapist and Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, we are in for a whirlwind of craziness.
The best thing everybody can do is think happy thoughts, enjoy the outdoors, hang out with friends and family, and remember that better things are coming
#PEACE
*** NOTE 3 ***
See that Applications are being reviewed for future seasons of Survivor. Will need to work on my next video. Hopefully, this is the time for AverageAndy to be noticed
That’s what happens to my mind when I sit down to write on this blog. Even though there’s a lot of stuff going on in News, Sports, Movies, Books, Music, and life in general, when I start to write, my mind goes blank and I struggle to think of what to write about. But I am going to give it a try and see what I come up with today (Thursday, July 10th, 2025, sitting at the Starbucks in Chester, NJ)
1. Update: I am still working on listening to all Judas Priest Albums (I’m up to Turbo)
2. It’s Back… Big Brother 27 premieres tonight at 8:00 PM EST on CBS
3. Mets play a doubleheader today against Baltimore after getting rained out last night
4. Finished “Don’t Flinch” by Stephen King – An enjoyable book, with some cool twists
5. Here are some photos of Lost promo cards that I promised:
6. Still looking for a new job – Hard to believe it’s been 9 months. Hopefully, some of the leads I’m working on will pan out soon
7. Took a trip down to the New Jersey Shore last weekend (Spring Lake). I haven’t been to the shore in a while, and it was a great time. Spent more time in the ocean than I have in a long time. I highly recommend taking a day off and heading to the shore (or any other beach).
8. Went back to Spring Lake and walked/ran the entire boardwalk on Tuesday morning. It’s an easy drive, and parking is free, so I figured why not try walking/running somewhere different
9. I use Strava to track my runs. Looks like I can embed my runs on this blog. Going to give it a try, and if things work, I can add some of my future runs as well
10. If you haven’t heard/seen Trae Crowder, definitely check him out. He’s an American comedian who puts out great videos on social media about the current state of the country.
That’s it for now. I will be back soon as I want to talk about all the false information that is out there on social media, and how we are heading for some strange times. It can’t be good mentally when you realize you can’t trust anything you see or hear on social media. We are going to have trust issues, as well as self-esteem issues, as people will feel betrayed. Add to the fact that people don’t want to look or feel dumb, so will probably dig in deeper rather than accept that things were simply made up.
And I don’t get why people create and post things they know are false or misleading. Im sure money is somehow involved, but do they ever think of the harm they are causing the individuals or groups they are targeting? Lets also not forget the time, effort, and money wasted by people constantly having to explain or defend themselves
I cant imagine seeing a story about myself (good or bad) end up on social media that was completely made up. Having to explain to everybody that you have no idea about it, or where it came from.
We are going to need some kind of regulations that punish people for things they say. Their answer can’t be “It’s just a Joke”, “You had to know this was not real”, or “I was just being sarcastic”
We have laws in place to stop individuals from bullying people. They even include things other than physical violence, like mental trauma. But we need more. I’m all for free speech, but should it be allowed on all platforms regardless of its intent? If somebody walks up to me and starts yelling that they don’t like the clothes I’m wearing or my hairstyle, that’s their right. Nobody is going to throw them in jail. But if they take a picture of me, go home, and then post that I said something, am part of some group, or support some cause that I have nothing to do with, that should not be allowed.
Going to do some more research and dig deeper on this
Hope everybody is doing well, and wishing you all the best
There are a ton of YouTube channels out there where people will review music (songs, albums) with titles like “Listening to XYZ for the first time”, or “Classical Singer hears XYZ for the first time”. While most of them are OK to watch now and then, when it’s a song or album I like, there are a few that I watch for the content. I enjoy The Charismatic Voice, where the host Elizabeth Zharoff is a trained classical musician, and gives a deep look into the vocals
I recently came across The Daily Doug and think he does a pretty good job and gives some good information. Also, it seems that he likes a lot of the same type of music I do.
Here are two of his latest videos where he listens to Iron Maiden’s “The Number of The Beast”. An all-time classic album from one of the all-time great bands
Been a while since I listened to this album and it was great to hear these songs again
#IRONMAIDEN #UPTHEIRONS #NUMBEROFTHEBEAST
Hope everybody is staying cool during the current heat wave here in New Jersey
A great episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO). AI is coming faster than we think, and while there are a lot of good things associated with it, I would agree with John Oliver that there are also a lot of terrible things.
Very sad to see that Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell passed away this week at the age of 55. I have been a fan of the Food Network and all of their past and present chefs, and this one hit hard. She was always funny and entertaining on shows such as “Worst Cooks in America,” as well as being an excellent chef. It is very heartwarming and moving to see all the tributes from fellow Food Network Chefs. It really shows how much of a community and friendship they have for each other. Rest in Peace, Anne Burrell, you and your spikey white hair will be missed
You all know I am a huge fan of Survivor, as well as the other CBS shows “The Amazing Race” and “Big Brother”. I consider these the best and feel most other reality shows simply do not compare. I tried watching “The Traitor” (Season 2). But once Dan Geesling and Parvity Shallow were eliminated, I quickly lost interest and have not watched since. Then I tried “Deal or No Deal Island”. I was confused on how things even worked, and I lasted one episode. I never even made it far enough to see Will Kirby (One of the greatest Reality show players of all time). I have tried many shows and not really piqued my interest. Either there is too much emphasis on relationships, or the rules and challenges just aren’t interesting. But I have to say, I am really enjoying “The Snake” on Fox. A simple concept of challenges and then voting people out. Depending on how things go, there could be some interesting gameplay and strategies. I have watched the first two episodes and am actually looking forward to the next one
Also, a while back, I decided to go back and watch all 6 seasons of LOST. I have completed Seasons 1 and 2, and I had forgotten how great a show this was. I also forgot a lot of what happened, and it’s been interesting as bits and pieces come back to me. You have to remember that LOST was on Network TV (ABC) and back when it aired, Seasons were 20 Episodes, so 6 Seasons is around 120 Episodes.
Inkworks did put out a few sets of LOST Trading Cards (before they went out of business).
I got this off the internet. I will go through some of my Promo Card binders when I have some time and post some more of the Promo Cards that were released. This was one of the sets that got me into Promo Card Collecting
Time flies when you’re having fun (or when you are at Starbucks updating a blog). I find it easier to write out and about than sitting at home in my office. Looking forward to writing some more soon
Looks like the weather is going to be nice going forward, so will hopefully find some time to get out and a round and take some mental notes on things that would be interesting to write about
Where does the time go? I just logged in and see I haven’t written anything since May 29th. Going to try and catch up with things and let you know what’s been on my mind
Still looking for a new job. It’s been a long time, and it’s getting very frustrating. Things seem to change daily in terms of how you should look and apply. I see people saying to use AI to write a tailored resume and cover letter for every job you apply for. Then I see people saying companies are trying to figure out how to weed out AI-created content. I see sites like ZipRecruiter saying they now offer video interviews as part of the application. Then you see companies saying they want to do face-to-face in-person interviews to make sure people are not using any sort of assistance. It’s just crazy
Another thing I think is funny is when you are told to do “your research” on a company; follow them on social media, read their press releases, and try talking to past and current employees to make sure that the company shares your core values. Sounds good, but in every job I have had, most people hired don’t really care what the company does, or what their values are, as long as they get a paycheck. I have sat at lunch many times listening to people bitch and complain about the company, upper mangement, their boss, and their co-workers.
I know things will work out, and hopefully, I will be writing about landing a new position and re-joining the working world
That’s enough about that for now
Here are some random things and thoughts I have had over the past few weeks
I went and saw the new Mission: Impossible movie (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning). I really enjoyed it and liked how they connected things to the earlier film, which actually made sense. Also liked some of the filmmaking decisions, like long stretches with no dialogue. All and all, a fitting conclusion (??) to the Mission: Impossible series. Also, Tom Cruise is a really good actor and should be awarded for his body of work.
Finished watching “Andor” Season 2 (5 Bags) and “Last of Us” Season 2 (4.5 Bags). Both shows were really well done, with good storylines. I also watched “Your Friends and Neighbors” with Jon Hamm and thoroughly enjoyed it. Currently, I am catching up with The Walking Dead: Dead City, and getting back into re-watching “Lost” – Almost done with Season 2.
Still working on the Judas Priest Albums – Up to “Point of Entry”. It’s been really interesting hearing songs I would never have thought were Judas Priest, mixed in with classics I have heard hundreds of times
Sad to see the passing of Lorreta Swit (Maj. Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan on the classic TV Show M*A*S*H). MASH remains one of the all-time best TV shows ever made. As time goes by and we lose TV and movie stars from our youth, we need to remember the joy that the actors brought to up and celebrate their careers – RIP Lorreta Swit. You will be missed
The NY Mets are playing some good baseball. They continue to get good pitching, and their hitting has been producing more than not. It’s fun to watch when your team is good and you are in most every game. Planning on taking a trip out to CITI Field this summer to catch a game #LGM
Looks like they started filming Survivor 50. Going to be really challenging (and annoying) to try and avoid any news or spoilers. Don’t get why some people love to be ‘first’ to post things and don’t care about ruining things for everybody else. I’m sure that #JeffProbst #Survivor and all involved in the show will try to really keep things under wraps. Nobody (especially fans like me) wants to know who won Season 50 before Season 49 even airs.
The other day, after I had added a Survivor based post on X, I needed some down time, so I got out my kindle to continue reading the new Stephen King book “Dont Flinch” and read the folloing line “My mama always told me if you don’t ask, you don’t get”. Reminded me of my mom, who is always saying, “There is no harm in asking”. As I thought about writing a message to the Survivir casting director, Jesse Tannenbaum, on Instagram, I heard the song “Eye of the Tiger” on Pandora. Good song, I thought, before remembering that the song is by the group “Survivor”.This has to be a sign, so I wrote a brief message to Jesse asking him to check out my applications, and keep me in mind when putting together future casts. I will keep you updated if anything happens, but no harm in trying, and it made me feel good to follow my feelings and go for it.
Screenshot
I’m sure there are more things that I will remember, and I will do my best to log on more often and add them.
Until then, hope all is well, and have a great day
AverageAndy
#Survivor #NeverTooOldForSurvivor (updated with proper grammar) #GiveMeAChance
Jeff Probst announced the cast for Survivor 50 yesterday morning on the CBS Morning Show. I actually watched it live after they teased it a few times, and made me sit through an hour and a half of the show. Glad I never got into the habit of watching TV in the morning. It was a hard watch
But enough of that.
Here is the list of the cast, and a few thoughts
Colby Donaldson: Seasons 2 (The Australian Outback), 8 (All-Stars), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains) I always liked Colby, and am glad to see him back. (8 /10)
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: Seasons 10 (Palau), 11 (Guatemala), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains) I am a big fan of Stephanie. She deserves to be back — (9/10)
Cirie Fields: Seasons 12 (Panama-Exile Island), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 34 (Game Changers) I like Cirie and wish her well, but we have seen enough of her – (4/10)
Ozzy Lusth: Seasons 13 (Cook Islands), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 23 (South Pacific), 34 (Game Changers) Always fun to watch – One of the few who played a lot but still think is a good addition (7/10)
Benjamin “Coach” Wade: Seasons 18 (Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 23 (South Pacific) Coach is the man. Can always bring him back – One of my all-time favorites (9/10)
Aubry Bracco: Seasons 32 (Kaôh Rōng – Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty), 34 (Game Changers), 38 (Edge of Extinction) I like Abury, but don’t think of her when I think of the best of the best (6/10)
Chrissy Hofbeck: Season 35 (Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers) Glad to see Chrissy back – She got screwed with the firemaking twist and deserves this. Also, she is from my home town, so its always fun to see and root for somebody local — Go Huterdon County NJ (9/10) Christian Hubicki: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath) Always related to the way he looks at and analysis the game – Good choice (8/10)
Angelina Keeley: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath) The only one of the cast that I don’t remember and really have no thoughts on (2/10)
Rick Devens: Season 38 (Edge of Extinction) I liked Rick. Has a good personality for the game and wish him well (8/10)
Jonathan Young: Season 42 He’s a beast and dominated challenges. It will be great to see how this plays out. Will people use him to help them get far (I know I would) (7/10)
Dee Valladares: Season 45 Winner I’m not the biggest fan and don’t feel they needed to include past winners who were not also all-time greats (4/10)
Emily Flippen: Season 45 I was a big fan of hers on her season, but it will be interesting how she handles playing a second time (7/10)
Q Burdette: Season 46 He is a character. Similar to Emily, will be interesting to see how he handles playing again (6/10)
Tiffany Ervin: Season 46 Nothing special and unremarkable to me. Also, not sure we need so many new era players, as the style of the game has changed (3/10)
Charlie Davis: Season 46 I think I remember him, but nothing really stands out — Another new ear player (4/10)
Genevieve Mushaluk: Season 47 Kind of like Charlie. I liked here but noting screams all-time great to me (4/10)
Kamilla Karthigesu: Season 48 Too early to even think about. I would not have had anybody back from this session. (3/10)
Kyle Fraser: Season 48 Winner Too early to even think about. I would not have had anybody back from this session. (3/10)
Joseph Hunter: Season 48 Too early to even think about. I would not have had anybody back from this session. (3/10)
Looking at my rankings, It appears I have a bias against the new era players. While I ranked a lot of them low, there were several factors that went into my thought process;
1. The style of the game has changed a lot in the new era. As I have written numerous times on this blog, a lot of the new era players seemed more interested in having a fun adventure and making friends than winning the game. This makes them kind of boring as they are almost afraid to make any moves that would make other players mad
2. In old-school Survivor, players were much more strategic and cut-throat. They had no problems lying and manipulating other players. They would make moves that helped them move forward, even if it meant alienating them.
3. Ponderosa — When CBS used to show players leaving the game and going to Ponderosa, you got a different view and perspective of the players. Some of my favorite memories of early seasons were watching the Ponderosa Videos and getting an inside view of the players and the game.
4. History — I just seem to have more history with players of older seasons. Similar to why people favor movies or music of their youth over new stuff, I just feel more comfortable and relate better to the older players
I feel it will be really fascinating to see how Season 50 plays out. Will the familiarity of how players played help or hurt their game. Will there be any animosity between the different eras of players? We can also not forget the Fans’ Choice Voting determining things like Idols and Challenges. Lots of players have not played with the same rules and circumstances as others
There is plenty of time before things even get started, and I am sure I will have more thoughts as things come out and fans share their thoughts and opinions. I am already trying to figure out the best way to avoid spoilers as filming starts. I’m hoping the Producers put out a mandate on posting and sharing on social media platforms.
Survivor 48 came to an end, and crowned Kyle Fraser the winner of the $1,000.000.00. He was able to convince the jury that he did indeed outwit, outplay and outlast them all an deserver to be the winner.
Thus ended a strange season of Survivor. It started off good, had a big lull in the middle but did redeem itself at the end and the final tribal council. I think I learned more about the final five in the last episode than I knew all game. Still did not get the impression that Kyle was lying the entire time (other than being a lawyer in real life). He told people what they wanted to hear, and pretty much did what he said he was going to do. When Kamillia told Kyle that neither one of them would win if they were sitting in the final three, he used that to justify taking Joe without getting Kamillia mad at him. Kamillia then helped him at the final tribal by collaborating with him all the moves they made. Well played.
Looking back, there was really nobody that sticks out as a great Survivor player that will be remembered for years to come (although I have a feeling somebody from Season 48 will be invited back for Season 50). Season 49 wrapped filming, and will premier in the fall. If it works out, I am going to try and go to the Rob Has A Podcast Live Show in the fall.
Not the best season, but not the worst. I give it 2 1/2 Bags
Heard them talking on WFAN Sports Radio about the worst sports losses you have had as a fan. Thought about this for a bit, and here are a few losses that I will never forget
Seton Hall is in South Orange NJ, the next town over from Maplewood, where I grew up, so was a big fan and followed then on this magiacal run to the finals. Still hurts thinking about it today
AverageAndy 