Jackie Earle Haley

Posted on August 4, 2017 by AverageAndy

Cool video on Jackie Earle Haley on IMDB

Jackie Earle Haley on IMDB

Was Kelly Leak in “Bad News Bears” and Moocher in “Breaking Away”, two of my all time favorite films.  Glad to see he’s still relevant today

 

 

Andy

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Sorry – been busy

Posted on August 4, 2017 by AverageAndy

Been busy lately at work and have not had much time to write.  And when I thought I had some time, things kept popping up.

It’s been an interesting summer so far.   I have seen a few concerts (Iron Maiden, U2 Foreigner with Cheap Trick).   Iron Maiden put on a great show, but they do play the same songs every time during each tour, so you are not going to see anything special on a given night.    U2 was fantastic.   Had floor tickets (the way to go at when bands play big outdoor stadiums.   Floor tickets are usually cheaper (which helps with the current cost of tickets), and you get to get up close instead of playing more to sit far away and spend most of the show watching the band on the giant video screens.    Was able to get free tickets to Foreigner / Cheap Trick though Ticketmaster and the ongoing class action lawsuit.    I have a bunch of vouchers good for certain shows.    Free tickets are for the lawn area, and the show was good except for the fact it rained for most of the show, and by the end I was soaked to the bone.

I also got to see the Broadway show “Dear Evan Hansen” which I highly recommend.  We actually got tickets back in March when my daughter got into the show (before it won the Tony for Best Play of 2017).  If you get the chance, check it out.   The music is great and Ben Platt is truly amazing.

Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway

As far was TV,   I have been watching “Twin Peaks”, which despite the fact that it is one of the strangest things I have seen, it’s actually entertaining and I am enjoying it.   I am also enjoying the show “Salvation” on CBS.    Didn’t think I would like it – Another stupid summer series to fill up some time, but after watching the 1st few episodes, I got into it and will stick it out to the end

My daughter (and now me and my wife) are big fans of Beat Shazam on FOX with the great Jamie Fox as host.   It kind of reminds me of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in that it’s a simple concept and there aren’t all these crazy rules and stunts that a lot of game shows try these days.    Its interesting to see how certain songs and types of music seem to cross all groups and generations.   Would be interesting to study this and analyze why some songs become universally known, while others remain in their own small niche.

I have also been keeping up with Big Brother as usual.    Don’t know why I keep coming back but it is the perfect summer show.    Been a strange season,  and some of this years players are just plain weird, but It should be full to watch as we get down to the last few players.

Haven’t had the chance to go to the movies some far this summer.   There are some movies out there that I would like to see, but just haven’t been able to find the time (or it’s been to nice outside to waist sitting in a theater).

Will try to write some more in depth thought when I get some more time

Andy

 

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Curtis Armstrong

Posted on July 12, 2017 by AverageAndy

Just heard a fantastic interview with Curtis Armstrong on SiriusXM Volume 106.

He has a new book out which I will definitely be checking out

He has been around a long time and appeared is such classics as Revenge of the Nerds, Risky Business, and Better Of Dead.   Besides movies he has also appeared on several TV Shows.    He is a true legend

Curtis Armstrong IMDB


So if you get a chance, check out a Curtis Armstrong movie this weekend.   It will make you laugh and just feel good

Andy

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Anthony Michael Hall

Posted on June 30, 2017 by AverageAndy

Saw this video on Yahoo with Anthony Michael Hall.   For those of you who remember hiv from movies such as National Lampoons Vacation, 16 Candles and Weird Science, it was a fun trip down memory lane – Glad to see he’s still acting and doing well

http://www.yahoo.com/news/national-lampoons-vacation-war-machine-135107470.html

Anthony Michael Hall – IMDB

Andy

 

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Happy July 4th

Posted on June 30, 2017 by AverageAndy

Looking forward to a well needed 4 day weekend (Have next Monday and Tuesday off for July 4th).    Hard to believe that last year at this time I was on my way to San Francisco / Los Angeles for vacation.  This year will be spent at home getting some much needed rest, and resetting my batteries as we start the 2nd half of 2017

Attended the U2 Concert on Wednesday  (30 Anniversary of the Joshua Tree).   Was a fantastic show.   It amazing how well the songs have remained fresh and relevant from when the album was originally release in  1987.   This is the 8th or 9th time seeing U2 and one of the best shows I’ve seen.   The giant video screen wall was amazing and the way they worked in different pictures and videos was a site to see.   Got floor seats and was able to get pretty close to the stage area where they started the show.

Here is the set list from the show

U2 – June 28th 2017 – MetLife Stadium

Big Brother Season 19 stared on Wednesday, but since I was at the U2 Show, I DVRd it and watched it last night.   Don’t know why I still enjoy the show after all these years, but I do

Don’t want to spoil things, but getting evicted after only 12 hours would be the worst.   Kind of like finally making it onto Survivor, and then being the 1st one voted off.

Knowing the shows as much as I do, there are certain things in Survivor (Making it to the merger, winning an individual immunity award, the family visits)  and Big Brother (Winning HOH and getting letters from home, Getting roasted by Zingbot, and playing in some the the famous challenges like OTEV) that I would be upset about if I missed out on them.  It’s no longer just about making it to the show, but also getting the full experience.

Getting voted off or evicted early would be a huge let down and would really suck.

Few random thoughts

Saw this a few weeks back and thought how does one become the official sponsor for professional Sports teams.   And does it make a difference?   (Note – I did not by these official Cheese Puffs of the Mets, just took the picture)

img_3283

Thinking of the Mets, I will give them the next 9 game before the All Star break (3 at home against the Phillies and then 3 on the road against the Nationals and Cardinals) to see if this season can be salvaged.   They need to go 7 – 2 with 0 or 1 loss to the Nats.  That would put them at 43 – 44 and at least give them a shot.   Anything less, and I will have some free weeks until Giants preseason Football.

And Wimbledon starts on Monday.   Should be an interesting tournament this year with 5 legitimate contenders (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, and Wawrinka).  Should be fun to watch and would be great if all were to make it far.   Looking forward to my strawberries and cream for breakfast on Sunday, 16th.

And finally – Congratulations to Dear Evan Hansen for winning the Tony for best new musical in 2017.  My daughter was a big fan from the beginning and has been playing the soundtrack nonstop for the past few months.   We were able to score tickets for August and am actually looking forward to the show.  Should be a lot of fun

Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway

Happy 4th of July  – Spend some time with friends and family and looking forward to a great 2nd half of 2017

Andy

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Wishing You a Great Day

Posted on June 23, 2017 by AverageAndy

I drive a lot to work (around 65 miles each way).    During my drive a listen to a lot of radio (regular terrestrial radio, as well as SiriusXM).   I start by listening to  The Hawk Morning Show with Rick Michaels (99.9 The Hawk).   Like the daily Dead Guy in the Envelope contest each morning.   Then as I travel east, and start to lose the signal, I will switch over to The Morning Jolt with Jim Monaghan.   Have been listening to 105.5 WDHA as long as I can remember growing up in New Jersey.    They still play the best mix of old and new rock music.   As I get to work, I will also switch over to 101.1 CBS FM and check out Scott Shannon.   I know I am old school, but I like listening to live DJS, and the randomness of regular radio.  Throughout my drive, if a song comes on that really don’t like,  I will then switch over to Volume Channel 106 on Sirius and see what They are discussing.   I like listening to Nik Carter and Lori Majewski on ‘Feedback’ as they are usually talking about music and bands that I can relate to.

On my way home, it been Mike Francesa on WFAN as long as I can remember.  It’s crazy that the FAN is celebrating 30 years of Sports Radio, and I have been listening from the beginning.   Side Note – I am really looking forward to ESPNs 30 for 30 on Mike and the Mad Dog on July 18th

I really don’t know what I am going to listen to when Mike retires at the end of the year.   Will be really interesting to see who they choose to replace him (whether they stay in house or bring somebody in from the outside.

And finally its back to Volume Channel 106 on Sirius for Debatable with Mark Goodman and Alan Light.   Again been watching / listening to Mark Goodman all they way back to 1981 when MTV premiered.   Where has the time gone

Also if there happens to be a Mets game on, I will usually switch over to 710 WOR (AM) and  Howie Rose and Josh Lewin  The Mets have been so bad lately that it’s a tough listen but no matter how bad they are,  listening to a Mets game on the radio (in my car, at home, or when going for a evening walk) is very relaxing and makes me happy.

Back to the title of this Blog “Wishing You a Great Day”-  I have started a thing, where for every song that comes on the radio during my dive, I think of the 1st person that pops into my head, and wish them a great day.   It a great way to think of all my friends and family and see how they remind me of a particular song.   Sometimes a song will remind me of multiple people (I choose the 1st person) , and other times a song will remind me of nobody.   But for each song eventually narrow it down to 1 person and wish them best wishes and a great day.    Anybody reading this should give it a try.   It not only makes me feel happy but the world needs more love and positive thoughts and I’m doing my best to help

That’s it for now.

Andy

Posted in 101.1 CBS FM, 105.5 WDHA FM, 99.9 The Hawk, Friends, Mike and the Mad Dog, Music, NY Mets, Radio, SiriusXM, Sports, Volume 106 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bad News Bears Autos / Info

Posted on June 9, 2017 by AverageAndy

Still need a few more Bad News Bears auto cards from 2013s Panini Golden Age set

Amanda Whurlitzer
Kelly Leak

They show up on e-bay now and then, but are a bit to expensive for me at the present time.   Once I win Survivor, these (along with a few other cards that I have been watching over the years but cannot afford) will be joining my collection.

I am also still trying to find any recent info on Chris Barnes, the actor who played my favorite character of all time, the great Tanner Boyle.   He left acting after “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training”, and has not been heard since.   Would just like to tell him that his character has made me laugh, smile and enjoy life for the past 40 years, and for that I am truly grateful.   Hope all is well Chris Barnes wherever you are and hope you are happy and healthy.

CB_BNB

Have a great weekend

Andy

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Horsey McHorseface wins 1st race

Posted on June 6, 2017 by AverageAndy

Thought this was pretty funny

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A Fulfilling Survivor Finale

Posted on June 2, 2017 by AverageAndy

Note – This was actually writen on Friday, May 26th, but I forgot to hit update, so its been sitting in my draft folder.

Another winner of Survivor was crowned on Wednesday, and I would like to congratulate  Sarah Lacina on playing a great game.   She made all the right moves, and was able to convey to the jury why she deserved their votes.   I was happy to see her win over Brad Culpepper (Who I was not a big fan of).    Also was cool to see Troy “Troyzan” Robertson realize he was not going to win, and sit back and enjoy the fact that he made it 39 days.

Survivor: Game Changers Wiki

I liked the way the changed up the final Tribal Council to an open forum instead of having each individual Jury member ask a question.   Though it gave everybody a better way to determine why moves were made, and who played the best game.   But I thought the Michaela ask the best question to Brad;  “Tell me something that you learned about me”.   As Brad stated to stumble with his answer, my daughter turned to me and said that Sarah would win.  And I agreed.   When I am a contestant on Survivor, I will make it my number one priority to try and get to know all other contestants on a personal level, as it always seems to come down to how much you listened and really payed attention to the jury members while they were still in the game.    They jury seem to forgive you for betraying them more than if you disrespect them.

Survivor will be back and I am already looking forward to next season with a new group of contestants.

Sat down to what I thought was the season finale of The Amazing Race last night, only to realize the final is next week, and this was a regular episode to get down to the final 3.   I was really enjoying this season with 5 teams left but with Becca and Floyd going last week, and then Matt and Redman going this week, I am left with 3 teams that I really don’t care for.    I will be rooting for London and Logan to win, as they seem the most grateful and excited.   Both Brook and Tara just complain and complain and it gets really annoying to listen to.   Should be a good finale and am very happy that CBS has renewed The Amazing Race for next season.   Hopefully they will go back to regular contestants as that is what made the show so good – Real people given the opportunity to race around the world.

Here is a cool podcast from  “Amazing Race” executive producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri

Amazing Race Producers

Hope everybody has a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.   Spend time with family and friends and relax and enjoy the company

Andy

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Another season of “The Amazing Race”

Posted on June 2, 2017 by AverageAndy

I really enjoyed this season of the Amazing Race.  Was a bit sceptical about the concept (Blind Dates), but once the race started, I almost forgot about that and just enjoyed the teams run around the world.    While not a big fan of Brooke & Scott, they ran a good race and deserved to win.    I was rooting for London & Logan as they seemed to be having the most fun and enjoying their time on the race.

I am always amazed how all the contestants on The Amazing Race (and Survivor) can so quickly put losing behind them and realize they are lucky to have the opportunity to participate.   Most of the contestants end up long time friends with the other racers or survivors,  which I find really cool.   Also, it interesting to hear that most of the contestants  say the prize money is just a bonus for being able to go on the adventure of a lifetime and they would do it again in a heartbeat.

As a fan of both The Amazing Race and Survivor from the beginning,  I have always felt the same way.   That the prize money would be great, but I would do it for free if I could just for for the experience.  Don’t get me wrong, I want to get to the end and win as much as anybody, and would probably be upset to be eliminated early or being voted off before the merge.   I want the full experience from start to finish

I have applied in the past, and will continue to apply for as long as the shows continue to air.    Eventually my application videos will hit the right note with the producers and they will realize that I would make a great contestant due to my enthusiasm, and my knowledge of the shows.   The television audience would love me, as I am the perfect fit for what I see in posts of Facebook and online forums.   See a lot of things like “Bring back average people who made the shows so good in the beginning”,   “Love the shows, but don’t  need to see the same people season after season, bring back average people”

So if anybody is out there listening,  who better to cast on a upcoming season season of The Amazing Race, or Survivor then AverageAndy himself –  Just an average guy living the good live who is looking for an adventure of a lifetime.

Have a great weekend everybody and I will write again next week

 

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