Where did January go?

Posted on February 3, 2016 by AverageAndy

Can’t believe that January came and went without a single post.    I know I was busy, but should have been able to find some time to write.

I survived the Super Snow Storm of 2016.   Go upwards of 2 1/2 feet of snow which is finally melting away.    I actually enjoyed the storm as it happened from Friday night to Saturday night so did not really cause any issues with getting to or from work.   Here are a few pictures:

 

Before the storm, I was able to take a trip with the family to New York City.  Went to see ” ” on Broadway with the great George Takei.   I really enjoyed the show.   It was very entertaining as well as very powerful as it told the story about what it was like to be one of the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were placed into U.S. concentration camps during World War II.

After the show, we put on our tourists hats and headed to the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square for a very nice dinner.   Also visited the M&Ms store and the Disney Store.   All and all it was a great day

After the storm we took a trip to the city of brotherly love (Philadelphia).   Spent the weekend in the heart of the city.   Visited several museums on Saturday and then met my cousin, her husband and daughter (as well as another cousins daughter) for a lovely dinner.   Was great to see them and catch up as I don’t see them as much as I should.   On Sunday went to see the Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall.  Was really neat to see all the American history right in the middle of a major city.

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While there also took a few trips to the Reading Terminal Market and had a world famous Roast Pork and Broccoli Rabe sandwich from DiNic’s.

Tommy DiNic’s PA

Was as good as advertised.  Highly recommended if you get a chance.

Was another great weekend and would recommend you check out Philadelphia if you have the opportunity.   Lots to see and do

Sunday is the Super Bowl.   Will be watching but don’t really care who wins.   Been a great few weeks of not paying attention to sports or sports radio and instead just relaxing listening to music and catching up on some TV shows.

Only a few more weeks to both Survivor and The Amazing Race.   Really looking forward to both to take me through the rest of winter and into spring.

Hope everybody’s 2016 is off to a great start and will write more soon

Andy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Happy New Year

Posted on December 31, 2015 by AverageAndy

Wishing everybody a happy and safe New Year and may 2016 bring you peace and wellness.

A few things from the last couple of weeks

I saw The Force Awakens 2 times and was very impressed and though that J.J. Abrams and the entire production crew did  fantastic job.  The movie was a nice mix of old and new without going over the top with the CGI.  They kept the story repetitively simple, and left me waiting for the next one to see where things go next.   If you have not seen it, go and experience it on the big screen, and if you have seen it, go again as the 2nd time I saw it i actually enjoyed it more as I was able to just relax and enjoy the ride.

As far as media, I have not seen this much talk (mostly good) about a movie in a long time.  And to me, that is what makes a movie special.  To many of the so called ‘Big Budget Action Movies” movies these days open on a Friday, make a lot of money for a few weeks and then are gone (both from the theaters, and from most peoples minds).   They leave now lasting impressions which I find sad.   With The Force Awakens, I have had more discussions with friends then I have had abut a movie in a long time.

As for my NY Giants, the season came to a screeching halt with a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers, and then Washingtons’ win over Philadelphia    The loss to Minnesota could be seen a mile away, as the Giants never play well in meaningless games (Believe they got crushed a few years back against Minnesota as well when they were eliminated).   I can go either way with coach Coughlin.   This was such a strange year as the Giants were in most games and could have one a few early that would have changed the season.  But if you step back and truly look, they are not a great team (They are OK like most of the mediocre teams).    Maybe a change of attitude is needed.   Or maybe just one or two impact defensive players would make a difference.    Remember that Victor Cruz should be healthy next season, and the Offensive Line should be improved (Flowers played OK as a Rookie, and the others should be moving into their prime)

I had an enjoyable Christmas break.  Was able to relax a bit, get some things done around the house, and got to see some friends.   One of my goals for 2016 is to make more time to see my Family and Friends.   Its big year as AverageAndy is hitting the big 50 (along with a few of my longtime friends).  Looking forward to some fun times as we celebrate.   Have some things planned so should be a lot of fun

As we end 2015, want to wish each and everybody out there who takes the time to read my blog the best for 2016.  I will continue to write about things that interest me, as well as trying to keep up with the latest in pop-culture.   Also will continue to watch the Amazing Race and Survivor and will continue to make and submit my audition Videos.   Hopefully 216 will be the year I hear back and get my shot at traveling around the world or getting stranded on a deserted island

All the best

Average Andy

Posted in Amazing Race, Announcement, Football, Friends, NY Giants, Sports, Star Wars, Survivor, Television | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Posted on December 18, 2015 by AverageAndy

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens today, and I will be seeing it this weekend.  I had purchased tickets a while back for Sunday morning and then won a pair from Verizon for Saturday, so will be seeing it twice.

I have tried to avoid any major spoilers (online, or on TV) and want to go in with an open mind.

I’ve been a Star Wars fan since seeing it at the Wellfleet Drive-In on Cape Cod in 1977 with my family. (Part of a double feature in the poring rain).  I have seen every film in the theater since then, and with the release of The Force Awakens, it made me think of where I saw each of them and who I was with.

Star Wars (1977)  –  Wellfleet Drive-In,  Wellfleet MA (Mom, Dad, Sister)
Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Memlo Park, NJ (Dad)
Return of the Jedi (1983) – West Orange, NJ (Friends)

The Phantom Menace (1999) – Bridgewater, NJ  (Wife and Friends)
Attack of the Clones (2002) – Bridgewater, NJ  (Friends)
Revenge of the Sith (2005)  – East Hanover, NJ (Work Friend)

The Force Awakens (2015) – New Brunswick, NJ (Friend)

I also saw the Original Trilogy a few other times in the theater (both originally, and for the re-issues

Will have my review / thoughts early next week

On the collecting side – TOPPS has released a new card set for Star Wars: The Force Awaknens

TOPPS: Star Wars Cards

Here is some good information on the set

Cardboard Connection – TOPPS Force Awakens

TOPPS have also updated the Card Trader App, and will be releasing new card for the movie over the next few weeks.

May the Force be With You

Andy

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Survivor Recap

Posted on December 18, 2015 by AverageAndy

Its take me a while to come up with my feelings about the latest season of Survivor (Second Chance).   Its was a very entertaining season by each episode, but overall there was never a player that stood out to me, or one that made a big move that really changed the game.   Most of the blindsides were great to watch, but in the big picture really didn’t change anything.  The players who got blindsided were most likely going to be voted out anyway.    I bevel most of this was due to everybody being a returning player, and knowing the ins and outs of the game.  Most of the players in their Ponderosa Videos stated that the strategizing started right from the beginning.   There was never a point where players were trying to figure out how the game was played.   I think this ultimately took some of the fun and mystery away.

Was interesting on how Jeremy received all the votes to win.   While he did play a good game, he never made any big move, and really never stood out as somebody who was a great player.   At the end, it almost felt like he got the jury’s votes based on his speech about family.  Even Spencer admitted that after Jeremy’s speech at the last Tribal Council , that he felt he had no chance to win.

Loved watching the Ponderosa videos of the players after they got voted off.   Its interesting to see how some players really enjoyed the game, and the opportunity  (Really liked Keith’s attitude)  while others like Andrew Savage seemed bitter about being voted off, and never seemed to relax and just appreciate the adventure.


I’m really looking forward to next season with all new contestants (Including  Caleb Reynolds from Bid Brother).  Will be interesting to watch and really see the difference in strategies, since the season was filmed before this season was broadcasted and gave us the voting blocks

Was surprised at the end of the live reunion show when Jeff Probst mentioned that people would send him there audition tapes through twitter (and that he sometimes watches and replies).   Might eventually force AverageAndy to get a twitter account.

I have submitted many audition videos over the years (starting with sending in VHS tapes, and now the standard way through the cbs.com website).  I also attended a open casting call a few years back.

In order to try and improve my chances I have been watching Dan Gheesling’s weekly podcast on Facebook.  He has lots of great information on creating and submitting casting videos.   I was seriously thinking of signing up for his video bootcamp, and get his opinion on my latest video

Dan Gheesling – Howtogetonrealitytv Bootcamp

There is a cost involved, so if anybody out there who wants to help me with the cost can send me an e-mail at averageandyemail.com and I can give you my paypal info.   Think of this as a low level http://www.gofundme.com campaign.    Would really appreciate the help and support.   Will even promise to mention you in a upcoming post.

More to come about Star Wars: The Force Awakens (have my tickets for Saturday and Sunday) and the big NY Giants / Carolina Panthers game this weekend.

Andy

 

 

 

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The Dream Police

Posted on December 17, 2015 by AverageAndy

Big congratulations to Cheap Trick in being elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.   Been a big fan of the band for many many years.  Have seen them a few times in concert and they always put on a great show.   Here are a few videos, including the classic scene from Fast Times at Ridgemont High


Here is the video for one of my favorite Cheap Trick songs.  (Every time I see hanging lights, I have the urge to start swinging them and sing this song)

 

More to come later on the awesome Survivor Finale last night, and some other random thoughts of the day

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Finale Night

Posted on December 16, 2015 by AverageAndy

Looking forward to tonight’s Season Finale of Survivor.  With 6 players still left, it should be a fun 2+ hours before the live reunion show.   Of the 6 players left, I’m rooting for Keith to be the Sole Survivor.   Hes played a great game, doing just enough in the challenges, (even won a few) and seems to be well liked by the other players.  Not sure what his big signature move was, but with the way this season was played with the ‘voting blocks’ instead of the traditional alliances, nobody really made a big move to shake everybody up.  (Maybe somebody will tonight, which would be great to see).    I also think that Kelly Wentworth has played a good game.   Will be fascinating to see how both her and Jeremy’s Idol come into play.   I know if I had an Idol, and it came down to the last time I could play it, I would play it no matter what.  (Taking home an Idol as a souvenir while being blindsided would be awful)

Should be a lot of fun.   Will defiantly write again this week with my “Happy Recap”

Was really torn with the finally of the Amazing Race.    The Green team of Justin & Diana really grew on me, and at the end was hoping they would win.  They just seemed so happy to be on the race, and seemed to really embrace the locations and tasks.   It was much more than a race for 1 million dollars to them.   (As a side note, I was watching Chopped Juniors last night, and one of the kids stated that all he wanted was the title of “Chopped Champion” and could care less about the 10,000 dollar prize.  That’s how I have always felt about both The Amazing Race and Survivor, and how I believe both Justin & Diana felt).    Was wishing for them to win, and if not them would have preferred Logan & Chris over the really nondescript  wining team of Kelsey & Joey.  Had to look up there names while writing this, and will not remember them by next week.

My Daughter is really exited for the next season of The Amazing Race, with her You Tube Idol Tyler Oakley and his friend Korey Kuhl as one of teams.  Looks like next season will be a bunch of You Tubers as well as other social media folks.  Should be fun to watch them going total unplugged from the internet as they race around the world.

More to come tomorrow

Andy

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Monday Update

Posted on December 7, 2015 by AverageAndy

Here are a few thoughts for a Monday

Caught up with The Amazing Race over the weekend an cant believe its down to the final 3 teams, and last show of the season.    Its been a pretty good season, but no team really grabbed me.   I’m kind of torn with the Green team (Justin & Diana).   Love there enthusiasm and overall love of the show, but just like Joe from Survivor, they need to realize that other teams and players want to win as bad as they do.  You don’t get extra credit because you are a super fan, or because you really really want to win

Also, the end seems a little to far fetched as all teams took cabs to the pit stop without any issues, except for Tiffany & Krista who somehow got lost (after getting fish on the 5th attempt that should have given them enough time).

Of the remaining  3 teams, I’m pulling for either Logan & Chris or Justin & Diana (the 3rd team of Kelsey & Joey are bland and non-descript to me)

As far as the New York Football Giants, I am beginning to think that its time for a change, and would have no issues if they let Tom Coughlin go at the end of the year.    At some point you need to admit that the team has not been good for 3 years and continues to find ways to lose.  At this point its an attitude that needs to be changed.   Its not just about a call here or there, or a missed pass, or a missed tackle,or missed kick.  Its about an attitude that they are good enough to win.   I have no problems with going for it on 4th down at 20 – 10.  I actually would have gone for it at 4th and 1 in the 1st half at 13 – 10.   But when Tom Coughlin basically states that he figured he need to score to go up 17 because they would most likely lose if they only went up by 13, it shows he has no confidence in the team at all.  This attitude will be picked up by the players and it can only lead to bad things.   As a life long Giants fan, the last few years have been really frustrating,  as I keep thinking that if the team just puts together a few wins, and gets on a roll, they can make a run.  Maybe they will, and I will need to write a post stating I was wrong (Similar to how I would have got rid of Terry Collins last year, and was totals wrong with that)

To stop the negativity I am feeling, I am going to write it down that the Giants will win there last 4 games (@Miami, vs Carolina, @ Minnesota, and vs Philadelphia to end the season).    They will take take the NFC East with a 9 – 7 record and go into the play-offs with some momentum and see what happens.

More to come throughout the week

Andy

 

 

 

 

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Down the stretch they come

Posted on December 4, 2015 by AverageAndy

Was surprised to realize that there are only 2 more episodes of Survivor left this season.   It always seems to creep up on me towards the end.   I know I haven’t posted much about this season recently  (looking back is been since episode 6 when Terry was pulled due to medical issues with his son, and Woo was voted off.  Been crazy since them with interesting strategies, and plenty of blindsides.

Here is the chart I originally posted this season, and some update thoughts on those voted off, and those still left

 

Joe Anglim Was sad to see him get eliminated, but he did become a little to whiny at the end.  In his Ponderosa Video he stated he was upset that he didn’t get credit for hanging in the challenge until he literately passed out.  Needs to remember that others want to win as much as he does
Vytas Baskauskas GONE
Jeremy Collins Actually like the way he is playing and would like him to make the finals
Terry Deitz GONE – Not his fault and happy that things worked out for his son
Ciera Eastin GONE – Liked that she wanted to play hard and make big moves, but not that upset that she got voted off.
Stephen Fishbach Warmed up to him and was kind of sad that he got voted off.  But think he worried and though a bit to much
Tasha Fox Still Neutral – Wouldn’t mind if she got the the finals but really don’t want her to win
Abi-Maria Gomes Still annoying – but have to give her credit for lasting this long.   Think she is smarter than people think
Woo Hwang GONE  – Like him but he was really to laid back for this season and that’s what cost him.   To many really strong cutthroat players this season
Kimmi Kappenberg Rooting for her – She is playing a good game and hope she does well.  Would love to see one of the originals make it far and possibly win
Peih-Gee Law GONE (and almost forgotten)
Kass McQuillen GONE – Liked her a lot – In her Pondersoa Video she seems at peach with how she played and grateful for the 2nd chance.  Seems like a very nice lady
Keith Nale Glad hes still around and rooting for him – Still my daughters favorite, shes rooting for him to win
Shirin Oskooi GONE – Played a but to hard but I enjoyed her time on the show
Monica Padilla GONE (and forgotten)
Andrew Savage GONE – Hot and cold with him.   Was rooting for him early, but he slowly got on my nerve and was not that sad to see him go
Jeff Varner GONE – (weird that I liked him but almost forgot he was even on the show this season)
Kelley Wentworth Have to give her credit.  She has played a great game and continues to survive.  Would actually like to see her in the finals.
Kelly Wiglesworth Likes seeing her and how she reminded me of how much I have loved Survivor since it premiered.    Like how she was honest in he Ponderosa Video that its not always about the money but about the  experience and pushing  oneself beyond you limits

Will be fun to see how this season plays out the last 2 episodes.    Will be rooting for a final 3 of Keith, Kelley, and Jeremy.   And with both Jeremy and Kelly holding immunity necklaces is should be really interesting.

Will write about The Amazing Race after tonight episode with my thoughts and who I am rooting for

Few Random thoughts before I go

Looking forward to the Mike and The Mad Dog reunion in March at Radio City Music Hall.  Going to look to attend in person if possible (hope tickets don’t sell out super fast)

Only 2 more weeks to Star Wars:  The Force Awakens.   Don’t have tickets yet but hoping to figure a out a way to see it opening weekend on the big screen.  Been trying to avoid any major spoilers, but have liked the fact that the old cast members (Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher) seem to be embracing the movie.   Will also try to get myself a box of TOPPS Star Wars: The Force Awaken cards that are being released on the same day as the movie.    Looks to be a cool set with some fun inserts.

Big game between the Giants and Jets this weekend.   Hopefully the Giants can use this game to propel them the rest of the season like they did 4 years ago and rode Victor Cruz’s 99 yard touchdown all the way to the Superbowl.

And finally lets see if Lehigh Basketball can get their 1st wind of the season before heading into Patriot League play.   I know that the regular season has no meaning for the smaller leagues (and especially non conference games), but a few wins would help give the team some confidence.

That’s all for now

Andy

 

 

 

 

Posted in Amazing Race, Lehigh, NY Giants, Reality Shows, Sports, Star Wars, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hard to believe its been so long

Posted on December 4, 2015 by AverageAndy

When logging on to write today’s post, I was shocked to see that Its been over a month since the last time I wrote something.  Where does the time go.   We are now past Thanksgiving and moving rapidly towards Christmas.    Hope everybody reading had a great Thanksgiving and was able to spend it with family and friends.

I had a fantastic time over the holiday weekend.  It started last Wednesday when I met some long time friends in Hoboken for our annual Night Before Thanksgiving gathering –  Started over 25 years ago, we have been getting together every year to catch up and reconnect.   Great to see everybody and a fun time was had.   We ended up winning  Team Trivia at the bar, and walked away with a $30.00 gift certificate.   Might be a great excuse to get together over the summer but if not, will defiantly be back next year to continue the tradition.

Next I headed down to Delaware with my wife and daughter for Thanksgiving with my parents.    My Sister and her family came up from Virginia and we had a nice family dinner.    My parent are getting older so it was great to spend some time with them.   Don’t get down to see them as much as I should and will definitely make the time to see them more often.   While there also filmed another Amazing Race Audition Video with my sister and will be submitting it soon (just waiting on my daughter to finish up some editing).   Nothing fancy, just real life discussion on how cool it would be to experience the excitement and thrills of the Amazing Race.

After heading to the beach to see the Christmas Tree lighting, we headed back home as I had my 30th High School Reunion on Saturday night.   Big thanks to my classmates who put this together.   They decided to invite people through social media (created an event in Facebook) instead of going through some 3rd party company, and it was held in a Bar / Restaurant owned by a fellow classmate.   Looked like most people really enjoyed this setup, and I had a great time reconnecting with old friends, and talking to people who I had never really known back in High School.  We had a great turnout, and hopefully will have many more reunions (or smaller get togethers) going forward.   For those of you who have never been back to a reunion (High School, College, Work, …) I would recommend you try to attend at least one.   I guarantee you will have a good time

Finally on Sunday morning, headed out to play some Street Hockey with a group of guys that I have been playing with as far back as I can remember (As my wife puts it –  your going to play  your “Old Man Hockey”).   Always fun to get out and run around for a few hours.   Games are a lot slower and not as physical as in the past, but still lots of fun.

Was a whirlwind of a time, but I would not trade any of it for anything.   Really helped my appreciate Family and Friends, and how important they are.    Want to give big thanks to everybody I  saw and talked to all weekend, and wish them all the best and a Happy and Healthy Christmas and holiday season

Going to end this post here, and then write another one on my thoughts on Survivor and The Amazing Race as we get down to the final episodes.

Stay Gold

Andy

 

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Thanks for a great year

Posted on November 2, 2015 by AverageAndy

Thanks to the NY Mets for a great year.  It was one of the most enjoyable years in a long time, and the play-offs made October a month I will remember for a long time.  In the end the Kansas City Royals were the better team and deserved to win.   The Mets team had some great strengths with its young starting pitching,  but ultimately was not able to generate enough offence to win games.   They had their changes, and the last 2 losses will sting for a while, but hopefully they can use this as a learning experience and get back to the World Series next season and many more to come

Baseball is still the best sport, with all the twists and turn and emotional roller coaster ride each game can take.    I enjoyed watching the games,  texting with friends, and all the chatter on FaceBook.  It was awesome

LGM forever

Put this season in the Books and see you in 201 6

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