Here comes Fall

Posted on September 2, 2025 by AverageAndy

Hope everybody enjoyed the Labor Day Holiday. Crazy to realize we are now heading into fall (although many businesses have already forced the fall season on everybody. Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS have all had Halloween candy out for the past few weeks. Starbucks, Dunkin, and others have removed their summer drinks and added pumpkin spice to their menus. At least the weather is not controlled by the corporation, and we usually have some of the best weather. Take some time to get outside and go for a walk or hike, or even take a farewell trip to the beach.

Went to the Mets / Marlins game on Sunday at CITI Field. While the Mets continued to play lackluster baseball and lost the game, it was a fun day at the ballpark with my wife and daughter. Took the 7 Train from Queens to the stadium, which brought back memories of taking the 7 train to the old Shea Stadium with my dad to see the New York Jets play football. Back in the day, the Mets and Jets shared Shea Stadium before the Jets moved to New Jersey and Giants Stadium. Have to admit the food and beer prices were pretty crazy, but the game was a sellout, and it looked like people put the budget aside for the day. A family of 4 could easily drop $300.00 for the day.

As for the Mets, they did rebound after losing 3 out of 4 to the Marlins over the weekend, to take the 1st game against Detroit. Hopefully, they can win at least 1 of the next 2 to take the series before heading to Cincinnati this upcoming weekend for a 3 game set that could determine the final NL wild card position. A Mets sweep and the wild card race would practically be over, but a 3-game sweep by the Reds and all bets are off if the Mets will make the playoffs. It should be a lot of fun to watch

Also this week, the NFL kicks off its season with games on Thursday and Friday night. Then the NY Football Giants open their 2025 season at Washington on Sunday. I’m really torn about this season. As a lifelong fan, I always want the Giants to win every game. But I am not a fan of the head coach, and though the Giants made a mistake in bringing him back for another year. Hopefully, he changes his ways (much like Tom Coughlin did back in the 2000s – 2010s). Only time will tell. Just hope they can find a way to win at least 1 of their first 2 games on the road before the home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

As far as TV, I finished a few shows.

The Snake (FOX) — While I like the show, I felt the ending was kind of a letdown. Thinking about it, I really dont know the best way would have been to crown the winner, the way it was done was not good. Having 1 finalist decided by a random rolling of the dice seemed forced and unfair. And bringing back past contestants, only to have all but one eliminated from voting for the winner, while interesting, again seems unfair. It would be like if at the final tribal council of Survivor, instead of the jury voting, the 2 or 3 finalists were told to choose 1 member of the jury to decide the winner. (2.5 out of 5 bags)

The Institute (MGM+) — I really enjoyed the show, but was bit torn on the ending. I am a bit relieved that there will be a second season, which allows for some things to be left unexplained. There are a lot of ways things can go, and hopefully they don’t go completely overboard. (3.5 out of 5 bags)

Hostage (NetFlix) — Limited Series (5 episodes) — Stephen King said this was like the show 24, and I think that is a good comparison. I liked the show, even though it did follow the standard cliche where almost everybody is secretly a spy or traitor, and nobody notices or questions them when they leave a room or meeting on their phone to tell their handler the top secret plan that is about to happen. Like 24, or Alias, you need to simply suspend your belief and go with the flow, and simply enjoy the ride (3 out of 5 bags)

Have a few new albums I want to give a listen to this week

Gento — Steve Rothery (Marillion) and Thorsten Quaeschning (Tangerine Dream)

Giants and Monsters – Helloween

We are only 3 weeks away from the premiere of Survivor 49 and The Amazing Race 38

We are also closing in on the end of Big Brother 27. As always, Big Brother sucked me in for another season. Don’t know why I enjoy it so much, but in these crazy times, it’s a great escape from the real world for a few hours a week. Of the remaining players, I think I want Kelley to win. I also wouldn’t be upset if Rachel Reiley somehow found her way to the finals.

Vince – Sick of his complaining and winning
Keanue – Like him, but not to win
Lauren – Nothing special
Mickey – Not a big fan, but she is a good player
Ava – Like here quirkiness and would be OK with here making it to the end
Asley – Like Mickey, not a big fan
Morgan – Like her, but she is a bit too wishy washy at times
Will – Good for him in making it this far. Would also not be upset with him in the finals

Thats it for now — Should have some time this week to write some more

AverageAndy

#PEACE

#Survivor
#Survivor51
#SurvivorCBS
#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#JeffProbst
#JesseTannenbaum

#Marillion
#ABetterWayOfLife

Posted in Amazing Race, Big Brother, Helloween, Hostage, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Julie Chen Moonves, Lehigh, Lehigh University, Marillion, Music, NY Giants, NY Mets, Phil Keoghan, Reality Shows, Richard Hatch, Sports, Steve Rothery, Survivor, The Institute, The Snake | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Random Thoughts for a Friday

Posted on August 22, 2025 by AverageAndy

A little late, but sad to see that Terrence Stamp passed away last week. I remember him as General Zod in the original Superman and Superman 2. He also played Chancellor Valorum in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

General Zod
Chancellor Valorum

The Mets are driving me crazy. Sometimes they look great, and other days they don’t show up. You can’t be losing 2 of 3 to a bad Washington Nationals team. Hopefully, they show up this weekend against an equally bad Atlanta Braves team.

Don’t know how to feel about the NY Football Giants. It’s no secret I am not a big fan of coach Brian Dabol. But the team does look different this year, and I like the fact that they scored a lot of points during the pre-season. If they can keep this up, the 1st 2 games of the season (@Washington and @Dallas), it will go a long way to show me that things are treading in the right direction

Lehigh Football opens up next Saturday at home against the Richmond Spiders. Let’s see if 3rd year coach Kevin Cahill can keep things moving forward after last year’s Patriot League championship and playoff win over Richmond.

Lehigh Mountain Hawks 2025 Schedule

I am really enjoying “The Institute” on MGM+. The 1st season finally is this Sunday, and Stephen King just tweeted that it will be back for a second season. Good Stuff

Next week is also the season finale of “The Snake” on FOX. One of the few newer reality shows that kept me watching to the end. The show has simple to follow rules and stuck to them all season. Unlike shows like The Traitors and Deal or No Deal Island, where the rules were confusing, keeping things simple makes the show more enjoyable

See Survivor / Big Brother / The Amazing Race, as well as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, as shows that have simple rules that is enhanced by the players’ gameplay, and do’t feel minipulated and manufactured

Speaking of Survivor, read that 2 contestants were removed from the Survivor 49 cast a day before the show started, and 2 alternates were added at the last minute. Supposingly, they broke the rules by conversing with each other before the game started, which is not allowed.

Also read an article of <a href="http://

Still looking for a new job. Had some interviews, but so far nothing has panned out. Just have to keep on plugging along, and hope something will come along. The Computer / IT field is a mess right now, with companies navigating what can and can’t be done with AI. Saw a story where a CEO decided to go all in with AI, and ended up fireing 80% of the employees because they refused to change their old ways of thninking

Still struggling with if I want to stay in the Computer / IT world, or look into switching things up a bit.

Is anybody out there reading this in a similar situation? Let me know

Hope everybody is doing well, and is getting ready for next week’s Labor Day weekend.

#PEACE

#AverageAndy


PS – Take some time to listen to music. Studies show it’s good for your brain health

Yes, music is good for the brain. Listening to music or playing an instrument can positively impact various cognitive functions, memory, and mood. It can also help reduce stress and pain, and potentially offer benefits for those with neurodegenerative diseases. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Here’s a more detailed look:

Cognitive Benefits:

  • Improved cognitive function: Music can stimulate nearly every part of the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive skills. [1, 3]
  • Enhanced learning and memory: Music can help with spatial reasoning, language processing, and memory formation. [2, 8]
  • Increased focus and attention: Certain types of music, like classical, can help improve focus and attention, especially for spatial tasks. [8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
  • Brain plasticity: Musical training can lead to structural changes in the brain, potentially improving cognitive abilities and potentially offering long-term benefits. [8, 13]
  • Neuroprotection: Music may help protect against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. [4, 5, 6, 14]

Other Benefits:

  • Mood regulation: Music can evoke emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being.
  • Pain management: Music can be a valuable tool for pain reduction.
  • Social connection: Music can facilitate social bonding and create a sense of community. [5, 6, 15]

Important Considerations:

  • Individual Differences: The impact of music can vary based on individual preferences, musical background, and the type of music. [1, 16]
  • Context Matters: The impact of music can be influenced by the context in which it is experienced (e.g., listening while studying vs. relaxing). [16, 17, 18]
  • Active Engagement: Playing an instrument or singing can have more significant benefits than simply listening passively. [2, 19, 20, 21, 22]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://scrippsamg.com/how-does-music-benefit-your-brain/

[2] https://news.uchicago.edu/how-your-brain-benefits-music

[3] https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/music-brain

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10765015/

[5] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/music-and-health-what-you-need-to-know

[6] https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/your-brain-on-music/

[7] https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/music-brain-health/

[8] https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1053-06&title=the-role-of-music-in-brain-development

[9] https://chambersmusicstudio.com/does-music-help-you-focus/

[10] https://www.additudemag.com/benefits-of-music-adhd/

[11] https://anzmh.asn.au/blog/mental-health/music-for-your-mental-health

[12] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062

[13] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3957486/

[14] https://www.familyresourcehomecare.com/music-prevents-cognitive-decline/

[15] https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/the-powerful-effect-of-music-on-the-brain.html?lang=eng

[16] https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-music

[17] https://universae.com/en/blog/estudiar-con-musica/

[18] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260204371_Imagination_and_creativity_in_music_listening

[19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzwgaCsdATk

[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877065717300465

[21] https://nwschoolofmusic.com/music-and-its-effects-on-mental-health/

[22] https://artistworks.com/blog/how-playing-instrument-benefits-your-brain

Posted in Amazing Race, Baseball, Benjamin "Coach" Wade, Big Brother, Boston Rob, Card Collecting, Dalton Ross, Deal or No Deal Island, Football, Friends, Fun and Games, Holiday Weekend, Iron Maiden, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Job Searching, Julie Chen Moonves, Led Zeppelin, Lehigh, Lehigh University, Media, Movies, Mr. Beast, Music, NY Giants, NY Mets, Phil Keoghan, Queen, Reality Shows, Sports, Star Wars, Star Wars, Superman, Superman II, Survivor, The Charismatic Voice, The Institute, The Snake, The Traitors, Twisted Sister, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Update 2

Posted on August 13, 2025 by AverageAndy

Was sad to see that Danielle Spencer, child star on ‘What’s Happening!!,’ passed away at age 60. She played Dee in the classic sitcom of the late 1970s. It’s funny how hearing certain names just brings you back to a time and place, and hearing that Danielle passed reminded me of hanging out with friends and watching TV after school. Here are a few videos that always make me laugh. Thanks for the memories, Danielle, and RIP

While we wait for Survivor 49 to premiere on Wednesday, September 24th, here is a great article by Survivor expert Dalton Ross. It brought back some early memories and made me realize how long I have been watching. Think it’s crazy that there are now contestants who were born after Survivor premiered in 2000, and they only know some of these contestants by re-watching the old seasons.

Survivor car curse victims reveal what actually happened to their vehicles

#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#Survivor51

Congratulations to the Polar Bear (Pete Alonso) for passing Darryl Strawberry as the New York Mets’ all-time HR Leader. As a long-time Mets fan, I remember watching Darryl hit monstrous home runs during his Mets career. Glad to see Pete be the one to pass him, as both are Mets legends

Here is the Topps Now Card when Pete tied Darryl. Will update with the Topps Card where Pete breaks the record once they release it.

More to come

AverageAndy

#PEACE

Posted in Baseball, Dalton Ross, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, NY Mets, Reality Shows, Sports, Survivor, Whats Happening | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Quick Update – More to come in the next few days

Posted on August 11, 2025 by AverageAndy

Sad to see that Jeffrey Louis Starr (Engelberg) (1964 – 2025) passed away at the young age of 61. He played Mike Engelberg in the second and third Bad News Films (The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977) and The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978). He took over from Gary Lee Cavagnaro, who played Engleberg in the original The Bad News Bears (1976)

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.

#PEACE

#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance

#Marillion

Posted in Amazing Race, Bad News Bears Go to Japan, Bad News Bears in Breaking Training, Reality Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Concert Review / Survivor / Stuff

Posted on July 30, 2025 by AverageAndy

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.

Here are the setlists:

Christopher Cross – PNC Arts Center, Friday, July 25th, 2025

Men at Work – PNC Arts Center, Friday, July 25th, 2025

Toto – PNC Arts Center, Friday, July 25th, 2025

—————————————————————————————————————————–

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

—————————————————————————————————————————-

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

#Survivor
#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#PEACE

#Marillion (A Better Way of Life)
#ReadABook

Average Andy Out

Posted in Adam Klein, Angelina Keeley, Aubry Bracco, Benjamin "Coach" Wade, Books, Boston, Boston Rob, Charlie Davis, Christian Hubicki, Christine Hofbeck, Christopher Cross, Cirie Fields, Colby Donaldson, Concerts, Dalton Ross, Dee Valladares, Drew Basile, Emily Flippen, Genevieve Mushaluk, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, John Cochran, Jonathan Young, Jonny Fairplay, Joseph Hunter, Kamilla Karthigesu, Kellyn Bechtold, Kyle Fraser, Mark Burnett, Mel Robbins - The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage, Men At Work, Michaela Bradshaw, Mike Gabler, Mr. Beast, Ozzy Lusth, Parvati Shallow, People, Ponderosa, Q Burdette, Reality Shows, Rick Devens, Rob Cesternino, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Survivor, Tiffany Ervin, Toto, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Crazy Train (And more)

Posted on July 24, 2025 by 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

Chuck Mangione – Lehigh University, February 22, 1986

RIP Chuck Mangione – Your music will last forever

#PEACE

*** END of NOTE 3

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

#JeffProbst
#JesseTannenbaum

#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#Survivor 51 / 52

#PEACE

Posted in Adam Klein, Announcement, Baseball, Benjamin "Coach" Wade, Boston Rob, Christian Hubicki, Christine Hofbeck, Christopher Cross, Chuck Mangione, Dalton Ross, Drew Basile, Emily Flippen, Friends, Hulk Hogan, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, John Cochran, Jonny Fairplay, Men At Work, Michaela Bradshaw, Mike Gabler, NY Mets, Ozzy Osbourne, Parvati Shallow, Podcasts, Reality Shows, RHAP, Sports, Survivor, Toto, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blank

Posted on July 10, 2025 by AverageAndy

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

Spring Lake Walk (July 2025)

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

#PEACE

AverageAndy

#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#BB27
#LGM

Out

Posted in Baseball, Big Brother, Books, Food, Jeff Probst, Jesse Tannenbaum, Job Searching, Judas Priest, LOST, Music, Non-Sports Cards, Reality Shows, Sports, Starbucks, Stephen King, Survivor, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Iron Maiden – “The Number of The Beast”

Posted on June 24, 2025 by AverageAndy

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

AverageAndy

#PEACE

Posted in Iron Maiden, Music, The Charismatic Voice, The Daily Doug, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“We Are Fucked” – John Oliver

Posted on June 23, 2025 by AverageAndy

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.

Michael Jones Wood Carvings

To all of you who are part of this heat wave, stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a wonderful day

#PEACE

AverageAndy

Posted in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Media | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Time for another post (RIP Anne Burrell)

Posted on June 20, 2025 by AverageAndy

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

AverageAndy

#NeverTooOldForSurvivor
#GiveMeAChance
#PEACE

Posted in Amazing Race, Big Brother, Card Collecting, Food, Fun and Games, LOST, Non-Sports Cards, Reality Shows, Survivor, The Snake | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment