This one hurt

Posted on March 10, 2016 by AverageAndy

Tough loss for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in the Patriot League Final against Holy Cross.   Things were set up for the Mountain Hawks to make it to the NCAA Tournament for the 1st time since 2012.  They had won 11 in a row to finish 2nd in the Patriot League, and were hosting the game on campus as the higher seed.   While Holy Cross was playing well and had  won 3 straight road game (including Number 1 seed Bucknell in OT), they did finish 5 – 13 in the league loosing every road game (0 -9).   Lehigh had beaten them at home just a few weeks earlier.   But Lehigh started the game looking very timid, and never got into any type of rhythm.  They looked slow and sluggish and it showed as they trailed by 11 at halftime.   They played a better 2nd half but still found themselves down by 10 with 5 min left.  A furious comeback saw them get within 1 point with 30 seconds left.   But after Holy Cross made 2 free throws to push the lead to 3, there was no magic to be found and after 4 missed 3s in the final seconds, the season came to a bitter end

While not a super fan,  I do try to follow the team and root for them to do well.    As an proud alumni, (I graduated in 1989),  Its fun when the school does well and gets some national attention related to its sports teams.   Was really looking forward to seeing them announced during the selection show on Sunday.  Sadly, will need to wait another year

Was wondering why I felt so bad about this loss (took me until the afternoon to be able to write this).   I would not consider myself an avid sports fan, but I am one of the most passionate fans of the teams I like.   I don’t like fans who only follow whatever team is doing well, or say they are a fan, but cant name a player on the team.   I have been a NY Mets and NY Giants fan all my life (through the good and the bad) and will continue to root for them win or loose.   As for Lehigh,  as I mentioned before, as a Alumni, I have the same passionate feeling about their sports teams, as for the Professional Teams, and feel the same sadness when they lose.  I also think basketball is a bit different than other sports, in that its more a random.   You can run the perfect play, and have the perfect shot, but still miss.  Basketball is unlike other sports, where if you execute correctly, you usually win.

This loss had the feeling  of a Football Team losing a Play-Off game on Hail Mary pass after a bad call that should have ended the game, or having a pinch hitting bench player hitting a home run against an ace reliever after an error, or after he walked the previews batter on perfect strike 3 that was called ball 4.

Add to that that I got to the point where I expected them to win (and imagined winning, and celebrating) that when they actually lost is didn’t seem real.  It was a huge letdown.

I will get over it, but this will sting for a while

Last nights Survivor was crazy and will be back tomorrow with my thoughts

 

Posted in Announcement, Lehigh, Lehigh University, NY Giants, NY Mets, Sports | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Time for another musical “Journey”

Posted on March 9, 2016 by AverageAndy

Going to start listening to all of Journeys albums on Apple music.   Much like when I listened to all of Genesis Albums, it will be fun to see how the band changed from when they 1st started all the way back in 1975 until today.  Always been a big fan, but never really listened to the early stuff,  and once Steve Perry left the band in 1999, did not really continue to listen.

Journey – Discography (Wiki)

Will let you know my thoughts as I go through the albums

Andy

 

 

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Lets Go Mountain Hawks

Posted on March 8, 2016 by AverageAndy

The Lehigh University Mountain Hawks take on the Holy Cross Crusaders tomorrow in the Patriot League final with the winner going to the NCAA tournament.    After a tough start to the season (Lehigh lost its 1st 7 games), the Engineers put things together and ended up 2nd in the Patriot League (13 – 5) and ended the regular season with 8 straight wins.  Add the 2 Tournament wins and the team comes into the finals having won 10 straight.   The game will be held at Stable Arena on the Lehigh Campus.   Been a great ride the past few weeks and hopefully it will continue.

Lehigh Basketball

All around fun time for college basketball as the Seton Hall Pirates (from my home town) are having a solid season and should get an at large bid to the NCAA tournament as well.  Add to that teams like the Colorado Golden Buffalo’s and Vermont Catamount’s (alma mater of friends) might also make the bid dance and it could be a fun could of days.

Will write at the end of the week on both The Amazing Race and Survivor (both having great seasons as usual)

Leave you with a couple of great TED Talks.   Been a huge fan on Jia Jiang since he started his 100 Days of Rejection blog a few years back.   And we all should follow the message of Neil Pasricha

Great stuff

 

 

Later

Andy

Posted in Amazing Race, Announcement, Lehigh, Lehigh University, Survivor, Television | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Another week gone by

Posted on February 19, 2016 by AverageAndy

Where does the time go.   Seems like I was just updating this blog.   Lots to go over for the week.

I really enjoyed the Amazing Race Season premiere.   While I’m a bit old for the You Tube Crowd, I have heard  and seen some of the contestants (both through my daughter and from random links from facebook and other web sites).   My daughter is a big time fan / follower of Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl and had been counting down the days until the premier so she could watch them.  They both seem like really nice guys and I hope they do well as well.

It always amazes me when team get so lost or so messed up during a challenge.   How can some teams know exactly what they are supposed to do, while others take hours trying to figure things out.   When I’m on the Amazing Race, part of my strategy will be to know when to stop, take a deep breath and re-evaluate things.

My favorite teams as of now are:  Tyler and Korey,  Zach and Rachale, and Brodie and Kurt.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes for some of the teams to stop missing the spotlight or attention that they normally receive.

I also really enjoyed the Survivor Season Premier.  I have never missed an episode, and each season never fails to completely captivate me.  I never was a huge fan of the All-Star Seasons where they bring back a whole bunch of past players, but don’t mind when they bring in a contestant or 2 from other shows.  Its king of neat seeing players from Big Brother and The Amazing Race in a completely different environment.  I really liked Beast Mode Cowboy on Big Brother, and hope he does well this Season.

Seems to  be a strange mix of players this season.    It also feels that there are players on each tribe who would fit in better on one of the other tribes.  Will be fun to watch.

Every time somebody is voted off in the early round (when there really is no strategy or alliances in play), I am amazed that they don’t fight more.   Could be they just don’t show things, but when I’m a contestant, I would be doing everything possible to stay.   You want me to vote this way – Done.   You want me to do this or do that – Done.    Need to do anything possible to get to the merge when the game play changes.

There are a few annoying players who would be better off not talking as much and listening to what others have to say, including Alecia who was given every chance to stay and almost talked her way out the door.   Sad that Darnell was voted off due to losing the goggles (He should have argued more, and sate that even though they lost time getting the paddles for the boat, they actually made up all that time, and if Alecia did’t bail on the puzzle, they might have won,

Looking forward to a great season

Few other things

While I liked the Walking Dead mid season premier, I did not think it was the best episode ever (far from it).   I really thought that the whole thing was a dream once Sam got eaten. Seems so out of place.  They were all standing there, and then Sam just got eaten.  And then his Mom, again for no reason.  And Carl getting his eye shot out looked really fake to me.  Reminded me of the Terminator.   Though Arnold was going to rise up and start shooting all the walkers.    I really like the Walking Dead and have been watching since the beginning, but this season is beginning to feel like a season of Star Trek: Next Generation.  Every week there is some big crisis, they don’t know what to do, and then at the last second (Data, or in this case  Daryl or Abraham) appear and save the day.

Heading back to Bethlehem, PA for Lehigh / Lafayette hoops on Sunday (Final home game of the Season).  After a 0 – 7 start, the Mountain Hawks have come roaring back and could possibly win the Patriot League.    Might actually have a shot to get an automatic bid this year.

And finally,  Its Baseball Season.   Pitchers and Catcher have reported to Spring Training and an getting exited for another season of Mets Baseball.   For the 1st time in a while, the Mets go into a season with high expectations.   They have a good team and this looks like it could be a really fun season as they look to make their way back to the World Series

Andy

 

 

 

 

 

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They’re Back

Posted on February 12, 2016 by AverageAndy

Season 28 of The Amazing Race starts tonight with the cast made up of You Tube, and other Internet stars.   Should be interesting to see how people whose job is to use computers and cell phones 24/7 handle being cut off for a month.   My daughter has been counting down the days to the premier as she is a YouTuber and knows many of the contestants.   I have heard of some, but others are new to me.

Amazing Race on CBS

Will write next week with a breakdown of the teams and who I will be rooting for.

And Season  32 of Survivor starts next Wednesday.  Hard to believe that it been 16 years since survivor started.   I still remember reading about it before the 1st Season aired in the summer of 2000.    I was hooked then and have never missed an episode since.

Survivor (U.S._TV_Series)

I have have watched as they have changed the days it aired (Was originally on Wednesday for Season 1,  moved to Thursday for Season 2 – 20, and then back to Thursday for Season 21 through present.  I remember when Survivor would be moved to Wednesdays ( because of the NCAA Basketball Tournament on Thursdays) and having to reprogram my VCR to make sure I recorded it.   I also remember the early days of DVR when I had to add each season as the DVR saw each season as a separate show.

And I have continued to apply for the show over the years.   In the beginning I remember filling out the 10+ page application,  getting copies of my passport, and sending all that in with a VHS tape of myself.   Was so much easier when the moved to on-line submissions, and got rid of the long application (although  I did like a lot of the questions, and always felt I gave great answers – I remember saying that the 1 person I would like to be stuck with on a deserted island was Marc Cuban before his Shark Tank Days.

Will be working on my next audition video this weekend if its not too cold here on the East Coast.  Hope to get it submitted soon

Like The Amazing Race, I will write next week with a breakdown of the contestants, who I will be rooting for, and who I think will win

Changing gears,  big win for the Lehigh Basketball team the other night against division leading Bucknell.     After a 0 – 7 start, the Mountain Hawks have been playing some good ball and find themselves tied for 2nd in the Patriot League with 5 games left.  Hopefully they continue to play well into the Patriot League Tournament.

Receive an e-mail that the new Marillion album is coming along and the title will be announced soon.  Look to be on track for a end of 2016 release, so hopefully will get to hear some new songs when seeing them at the PlayStation Theater in November.   Gives me something to look forward to

And finally, the Walking Dead returns this Sunday.  Will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out, and who makes it to next season

Happy Valentines day on Sunday, and for those who are off, enjoy your long Presidents Day Weekend

Average Andy

 

 

Posted in Amazing Race, Lehigh University, Marillion, Mark Cuban, Sports, Survivor, Television | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

img_2175

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

 

 

 

Posted in Dan Gheesling, Jeff Probst, Ponderosa, Reality Shows, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Cheap Trick, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Tagged , , | Leave a comment