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

Posted in Amazing Race, Reality Shows, Survivor, Television | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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

 

 

 

 

Posted in Amazing Race, Announcement, Football, NY Giants, Reality Shows, Sports | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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

 

Posted in Announcement, Friends, Holiday Weekend | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Announcement | Leave a comment

Tough Loss in Game 1

Posted on October 28, 2015 by AverageAndy

Tough loss for the Mets in Game 1 of the World Series against a tough Kansas City Team.     The Mets are now 0 – 5 in WS Game 1s.   In order to win, the Mets will need to get something from the DH position (Johnson, Cuddyer and Nieuwenhuis went a combined 0 -5 with 3 Ks)   I do have a good feeling that Jacob deGrom will pitch a good game and the Mets will head back to Citi field tied a 1

Last weeks Survivor tribal council and vote was one of the best.   Its great when there is a true blindside.   Hopefully I will get some time in the next few days to give an in depth review of the season so far.

Finally, here is a video of Marillion’s  Heart of Lothian from the Fish era.

Excited to hear that Marillion will be touring the US next year in support of their new studio album.

Here is information on pre-ordering the album through Pledge Music

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/marillion

Andy

Posted in Announcement, Music | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Quick update – more to come

Posted on October 21, 2015 by AverageAndy

Few things

Let’s Go Mets  –  Never realized how fun baseball postseason could be if your team is playing.  Been awesome to come home and watch Mets each night.   Really hit me during game 5 against the Dodgers that I was not ready for this season to end.   Now that they are 1 win away from their 1st trip to the World Series since 2000,  I’m all in.  Been a magical year and hopefully it end with a World Series win and parade down the Canyon of Heros  (Note:  When the Mets won the World Series in 1986, I watched the parade from my dorm room at Lehigh University and told myself that the next time they won, I would attend the parade no matter what.  I’ve been waiting 29 years and don’t want to wait any more

Excellent article about Star Wars Card Trader.  Been hooked since it was released

http://comicsalliance.com/star-wars-card-trader-topps-interview/

And for those of you who live under a rock, here is the latest Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer for your enjoyment

Finally, it’s Wednesday and time for another episode of Survivor.   Great season so far.

Will give you my impression so far by the end of the week

Andy

Posted in Announcement, Baseball, Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Let’s Go Mets

Posted on October 9, 2015 by AverageAndy

The NY Mets play their 1st play-off game since 2006 tonight in Los Angeles against the LA Dodgers in the NLDS.    It’s been a great year for the Metropolitans and I’m psyched for the game.   I have to give Terry Collins credit for the way he handled the team this year (those of you who have read my posts over the past few years know I was not a big fan) and admit that I was wrong in wanting him fired.   He kept the team together during some rough stretches and has found a way to keep the team motivated and plating some good ball.   It will be interesting to see if the Mets bats can come alive after being silent the last week of the season, but everything re-sets once the playoffs start so we will see.   They need to at least take 1 of 2 in LA against Kershaw and Greinke.

LET’S GO METS    LET’S GO METS    LET’S GO METS   LET’S GO METS

Switching gears, I have really been enjoying Survivor this year and love how they have mixed things up such as hiding the immunity idols at the challenges, and swapping the tribes after only a few days.   It has been fascinating to watch how each of the returning contestants have changed or not-changed from their previous seasons.   Need to remember that there were no immunity idols until  Survivor: Guatemala (season 11) so they were never even an option for players like Kelly Wiglesworth, Jeff Varner, Andrew Savage, and Kimmi Kappenberg.   Also during the early seasons, people really didn’t form alliances, and if they did, they weren’t thinking about them right out of the gate.   Its also interesting to see players like Spencer realize they need to do things differently than the last time if they want to win.   Was king of bummed when Shirin got voted off, as I found here to be an interesting person.   Peih-Gee was kind of bland so no big loss.   Will be interesting to see how things play-out.

Haven’t really picked a favorite for The Amazing Race, but was upset when Alex and Adam were eliminated.   They seemed like nice guys and real people.  Have to admit that there are a bunch of phonies this season (The TMZ team that got eliminated 1st, the Reporters, and the The Paparazzi) that really don’t interest me.   Have always liked the average people who are on the show for the adventure, and not as a way to get some publicity.

Been busy so haven’t had a chance to see the premiere episodes of The Leftovers, Homeland or The Affair.   Between the Giants playing this Sunday night, and the Mets Play-off games, thank God for the DVR as will most likely be a few weeks before I have the time to catch up

Also the Season 6 preview of The Walking Dead is this Sunday, so will need to find some time to squeeze this in

Only 1 week to the next Philly Non-Sport Card Show in Allentown PA.   Looking forward to the show and hopefully findings a few things to fill some holes in my sets.  And as always will check out the going price for the William Shatner  / Leonard Nimoy Dual autograph card  from the Star Trek 35th set by Rittenhouse Archives.   Top card on my list, and would be the 1st thing I buy after winning Survivor.

Kirk_SpockHope all is well and will write some more soon

Andy

Posted in Amazing Race, Baseball, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Quick Update

Posted on October 6, 2015 by AverageAndy

Saw that the powers to be are going to remake “Flatliners”, one of my favorite movies from the 1990s.   This could be interesting, but the problem with a lot of remakes is that the original movie worked for more than just the main idea.   It had a great cast of then up and coming actors who you believed.   And while the special effects were not the best,  they played into the time of the movie.

Have the feeling that the remake of Flatliners will make a bunch of money for 1 or 2 weeks, and then be quickly forgotten like most other remakes of 80s and 90s movies (The Karate Kid, Bad News Bears, Total Recall, ..)

Posted in Announcement | Leave a comment

Hard to believe it’s almost October

Posted on September 25, 2015 by AverageAndy

Really enjoyed the season premiere of Survivor this week.   Thought they did a great job of mixing the old with new (Both with the contestants and the challenges).   Being a fan since the beginning it was great to see some of the original contestants, and interesting to see how the game has changed from when they were originally on.   Seeing some of them struggle to adjust to the later ways of playing that didn’t even exist when they were on (Forming alliances, Hidden Immunity Idols) is fascinating to me.   I also found myself wondering if the newer and younger players would want to work with the older players since they had more experience before realizing they really don’t, and most likely have less of an idea on how to play.   Going to be really interesting to see how the season plays out.

Wasn’t upset that Vytas was the 1st to go.  Not one of my favorites.   Here is my early impression of the contestants (may change as the season goes on)

Joe Anglim Nice guy (almost too nice)  – Like to see him go far
Vytas Baskauskas Already gone
Jeremy Collins Neutral
Terry Deitz Like him – Hope he does well
Ciera Eastin Wouldn’t mind if she went far
Stephen Fishbach Non descript – not a big fan
Tasha Fox Neutral
Abi-Maria Gomes Anoying but not the worst
Woo Hwang Like him, but may be a bit too laid back
Kimmi Kappenberg Always liked her an hope she does well
Peih-Gee Law Neutral
Kass McQuillen Like her alot – One of my favoites
Keith Nale My daughters favorite, so hope he goes far
Shirin Oskooi Actully like here and the way she plays
Monica Padilla Neutral
Andrew Savage Like him for his name
Jeff Varner I’m a fan of the old timers
Kelley Wentworth Not a big fan
Kelly Wiglesworth Like to see her do well

Another fun and entertaining season of Big Brother ended with Steve the big winner.   Was very happy to see him win, and he deserves the $500,000.00.     Was glad he won the final HoH and voted off Venessa.   While Vanessa played a good game, she was just to annoying for me.   Was nice to see Dr Will Kirby back to interview the jury members.  After 17 Seasons of Big Brother, he is still the all time best player (Sorry Dan Gheesling).   He was able to control the game like no other – He manipulated everybody (just like Vanessa) but did it while coming across as a nice and likeable person

Dr Will Kirby – Big Brother winner

Switching topics and going back a bit, I finished listening to all 15 Genesis studio albums, and really enjoyed the musical journey.    Was interesting to see how the band and music evolved over time.   Was interesting to learn that Phil Collins was not the singer on the final album (Calling All Stations), and while it was not a commercial success, I actually enjoyed listening to it.    All in all,  it was a great experience, and am thinking of doing the same for another band (I’m open for suggestions).   Needs to be a band that has mass appeal (like maybe the Police), and that is not to heavy or light.   Will see what i come up with.

I finally got around to try listening to a book using audible.com   My daughter got me to sign up so she could listen to some of here You Tubers books (Yes – There is such a thing as a You Tuber, and besides posting videos, they writhe books).  Anyway when you sign up you get some free credits, so I decided to give it try and downloaded The Maze Runner – The Scorch Trials and am really enjoying it.   Never read the 1st Maze Runner book (wanted to), but saw the movie and thought it was very entertaining.    Listening to a book is a little different than reading, as your mind can wander, or you can become distracted but the book keeps on going.    Will let you know once I’m done  (again I am open to suggestions on any books to read  / listen to)

That’s all for now –  more to come soon

Andy

Posted in Big Brother, Genesis, Music, Survivor | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment