Its February

Posted on February 20, 2015 by AverageAndy

We are going through some cold weather in New Jersey.    While everybody has been complaining how cold it is, to me, it hasn’t seemed as bad as last year.   I have gone on a few walks, and it hasn’t been that bad.  Last year there were times when I could not feel my hands and face after a few minutes.

Stopping to say hi to the cows during my walk

Stopping to say hi to the cows during my walk

Me and my yellow hat

Me and my yellow hat

Couple of things happening this week.    Pitchers and Catchers are reporting to Spring Training.   Hopefully this will give the sports radio stations something new to talk about.   Was getting really tiers of worthless NFL and NBA talk.    When discussing baseball, at least it will be something new, and not mostly made up situations and rehashing of the same things over and over again

As for my New York Mets.   On paper they look to have the makings on a solid team this year.  They have some good pitching which should be able to keep them in games.   If there hitters simply put the ball in play, and put up some decent numbers, they should be a solid team.   I’m glad they didn’t go out and spend a ton of money of some mediocre free agents. They need to get off to a good start, and if they do, it should be a fun summer

Quick thought on teams like the Yankees having special days and retiring players numbers.  Good for them.   More team should take the Yankees lead and better honor their older players.   Instead of lashing out against the Yankees, teams should spend the energy embracing  and celebrating their own players more.   Sports is about the fans, the history and the memories.    I would love the Mets to retire numbers of players such as Darryl Strawberry or Dwight Gooden.   Would that be a knock on Tom Seaver.   Absolutely not.

Looking forward to the series premiers of both Survivor and The Amazing Race on Wednesday.  Looking forward to the new twists they have for the upcoming season.   Will let you know which people and teams I am rooting for.   Hope there some fun and interesting contestants.

Will be watching The Academy Awards on Sunday.  This will mark the 3rd straight Sunday with a Major Live event (The Grammys on CBS, and the SNL 40th Special on NBC).   While I am not a big award show fan (other than the Oscars) , and haven’t really watched SNL in years, both shows did garner my attention.   I enjoyed a lot of the Grammys and liked how they mixed up the older artists like ELO and Annie Lennox with newer artists. And while I like most all types and styles of music, I have to admit that I really do not like the Jay-Z / Beyonce / Kanye West music.   It just does nothing for me.  Overall I would give the Grammys a B.   I was disappointed with the SNL 40th show.   Think they got stuck between it being a Reunion Show or a Tribute show.   While I found some of the skits funny, and enjoyed a lot of the old clips, I wish they had found a way to better incorporate all of the returning cast members into the show rather than have them walk out, introduce something and then basically disappear.   There was a golden opportunity here to break out of the box and do something special, but they fell flat.  Overall I would give the SNL 40th Reunion show a D

Thats all for now

Time Waster

Time Waster

Average Andy

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Hope all is well

Posted on February 12, 2015 by AverageAndy

Well I didn’t win the 500 Million Power Ball Lottery, so live will go on as normal.   Lots of discussion at work of what Everybody would do if they won.   I hope that I would remain the same person and not become some kind of jerk.   I actually would prefer to win a smaller prize (A few million dollars would be nice).   That way I could enjoy a stress free life without all the craziness and pressures that would come with winning a huge jackpot.   I  would probably continue to work but would enjoy it so much more without the stress involved.   To have the attitude that work needs me more than I need them would be nice

I always wonder if I could even enjoy myself if I won a huge jackpot.   Would I be ordering Lobster and Filet Mignon every meal just because I could.  Would I shell out insane amounts of money for things like Super Bowl tickets just because I could.  I dont think I would be able to let myself enjoy it.   Hey, I will walk out of a casino, and down the block to by a water or soda instead of paying 5.00 + dollars in the mini fridge.

Only 2 weeks to the premier of both Survivor and Amazing Race.   Really looking forward to another season.   Will help get through the rest of the cold and snow here in New Jersey.  Will be interesting to see what Survivor comes up with this season to change things up a bit.  And the Amazing Race is doing something with couples that are meeting each other for the 1st time.

For most shows (Including Survivor and Amazing Race) I try to avoid all the online chatter for fear of spoilers as I like to enjoy both shows and be surprised as the weeks go by.  Was upset with the Food Network, as the showed a preview of the 2 finalists for Worst Cook in America right before the final elimination.   It was such a let down, that I feel like I dont even want to watch the finale.   They have done this in the past as well.  Makes no sense and I have to wonder if they even realize that they upsetting the fans of the shows.  May have to write them a letter.

Only a handful of days until Pitchers and Catchers report to spring training.  Going to be an interesting year for the NY Mets.   They need to get off to a good start so that people can get behind the team.  But that then means Terry Collins will keep his job.  One of those catch 22 moments.   I guess as a long time fan, I want them to do well and get off to a good start.  They have some really good pitching and if they can get David Wright and Curtis Granderson to have bounce back years, we may be looking at a contending team.  Hopefully there will be meaningful september baseball at CITI Field

Picked up a few smaller boxes of TOPPS 2015 Baseball Cards (Like to pick up a few each year to see what new and interesting inserts TOPPS comes up with each year).  Maybe if I did win the lottery (or Survivor or Amazing Race) I would actually try and complete a set one year.   As a long time collector of Non Sports Cards and some Baseball Cards, to have the money to try and complete a Master Set would be fun and exciting

 http://www.cardboardconnection.com/2015-topps-series-1-baseball-cards

http://www.cardboardconnection.com/2014-topps-star-wars-masterwork-trading-cards

Finally want to mention the passing of long time basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian and CBS 60 Minutes Correspondent Bob Simon.    Will always remember Jerry Tarkanian with the towel in is mouth couching the UNLV Running Rebels, and the smooth delivery of Bob Simon on Sunday nights.  They both will be missed.

More later

Andy

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January update

Posted on January 30, 2015 by AverageAndy

Hard to believe this is my 1st update of 2015.   Sorry and hope to have updates much more often going forward.   Been a crazy start to 2015 with work and the weather.  I’m finally back on track after working most days during the Christmas holiday on a major issue at work.  Got things resolved and working smoothly so things are good

Have to admit that I am burned out with the NFL and the Superbowl this year.   I will be watching, but don’t care one way or the other who wins.   And I am going out of my way to avoid all media hype.   I never really cared about media day (even when the Giants were playing in the Super Bowl).   I’m tired of the same old interviews year after year with old time players.  Nobody even talks about the game any more.  Its all about who can come up with some story that is irrelevant and get the most viewers or people to tweet about it.   Wake me up at 6:20 on Sunday for kick-off.

I think Mike Francesa sums things up well

http://www.nj.com/super-bowl/index.ssf/2015/01/watch_mike_francesa_yells_at_caller_over_seattle_seahawks_marshawn_lynch.html

Not much new in the world of Television for me.    No new shows have gotten me that exited.  The only show that I liked was A to Z and it was cancelled 1/2 through the season.  It actually got better as the season went on, and had some potential.   Go back an look at some of the early seasons of shows like Seinfeld and Friends.  Took a while for the writers to get a feel of show.  Also usually some characters get cut and some new ones get added or have bigger roles.  Would have like to see where this could have went.

Still watching CSI and it is still one of the best shows out there.   As far as comedy,   The Middle is one of the best, along with Modern Family which is still very funny.

Only a few weeks away from both Survivor and The Amazing Race.   Really looking forward to spending Wednesdays and Fridays with family watching.

And right after that is when Pitcher and Catchers report to spring training.   Actually think the New York Mets may be good this year (despite Terry Collins).   He needs a fast start or he will be watching from afar when the Mets make their play-off run

And last, please say a prayer to my Uncle George (Red) Morgan who passed away this morning.    He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed.

Average Andy

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Happy New Year

Posted on December 31, 2014 by AverageAndy

Been crazy at work.   Infrastructure doesn’t care what time or day it is and when it decides not to work, somebody needs to do the troubleshooting to try and fix things.   Kind of put a dent in my Christmas vacation as I ended up working most of the past week.   Hoping for some kind of resolution so I can enjoy some days of for the New Year Holiday

Want to congratulate Natalie Anderson for winning Survivor.   She played a great game and deserved to win.

http://survivor.wikia.com/wiki/Natalie_Anderson

And want to congratulate Amy and Maya for winning the Amazing Race.  Still one of the best shows on TV.   Was great getting to watch it (as well as Survivor) with my 14 year old daughter who is becoming a bigger fan than me.

http://www.tvguide.com/news/amazing-race-winners-amy-maya-1091247.aspx

Will write more next week when things calm down and I have some free time

Wishing you all the best and a safe and happy New Year

Average Andy

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Friday

Posted on December 12, 2014 by AverageAndy

Hope everybody is doing well

Finally got a chance to see Interstellar, and really, really liked it.  Was one of the best movies I have seen in a while.   Saw it in a AMC Dinner Theater on a 4K Digital screen and the picture and sound were top notch.   Was a really well made movie made me appreciate the skill and talent of today’s filmmakers.   I have enjoyed most of Christopher Nolan’s other movies (except the Batman Trilogy which for some reason just doesn’t do it for me)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

It refreshing to see a movie that combines CGI and special effects with a thoughtful story in a respectful manner  instead of crazy car chases and massive shootouts.   This was kind of like Gravity (which I also enjoyed) but with a little more or a full story.   I also like the way Christopher Nolan uses time theory.   Made it both believable and thought provoking at the same time.  Highly recommended for both a good time at the movies, and a good study of filmmaking techniques

Received my annual Christmas CD from Marillion for being a member of the Web UK (Marillions Fan Club).   This year it was a 2 CD Set of one of the 2014 show in Chile as part of the Best Sounds Latin America Tour.    A big thanks to the Band for giving something back to the fans each year.   Wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marillion_discography#Fan_Club_Christmas_discs

Only one more episode of this season of Serial – the podcast about a murder in Baltimore in 1999.  Cant wait to see where this is left off.   Also happy that they will be back with a new story next year.    Check it out at  http://serialpodcast.org/

Only a few more episodes of both Homeland and The Affair.  Both have been really good this season and kept me on the edge of my seat.   Cant wait to see how they end.

I was thrilled to see that dope Jon voted off in Survivor.   He just rubbed me the wrong way.    Seemed to think that the game owed him the 1 Million Dollar prize.   He seem to disrespect everybody else in a way that made him seem condescending.  There is a difference between that and simply being a jerk.  Russell Hantz was a jerk.  But he know it and didn’t care.  In my opinion I can respect this more than Jon.

Jon getting voted off also made me want to get on the show that much more to see if you really could trust people that much that you know want to win as much as you and will do whatever it takes.   Rooting for Keith to win it all and become the next Survivor.    Will write more after next week’s finale with my take on the winner and this season

And finally, here is one of my favorite ice cream treats

King Cone

Much better than any other Good Humor bars like the Chocolate Eclair or Strawberry shortcake.   May have to pick one up over the weekend

Those on the east coast stay warm

Average Andy Out

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Moving right along

Posted on December 5, 2014 by AverageAndy

Hard to believe we are already 1 week into December.   Been a crazy but fun year and looking forward to the Christmas / New Years Holidays.   These few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can drag a bit as everybody scrambles to finish things they need to get done.

Not much new going on.  Very strange with both the NY Giants and NY Jets totally eliminated from the play-offs with 1/4 of the season left.   In the past, I always had fun going through all the different scenarios of what needed to happen for the Giants to make the play-offs.  Even when they fell short the past few years, they were technically alive until the last 1 or 2 weeks.   Will be interesting to see what direction management takes going forward.   Not much to do but wait and see.

I have seen the new trailers for both Star Wars VII – The Force Awakens, and Terminator Genysis since it was impossible to ignore.   It’s becoming harder and harder to actually wait for a movie to premier in the theaters without being spoiled.   I will try my best to avoid reading all the posts and blogs and stories on these and other movies so that I can enjoy the experience and surprise.

Also crazy on all the negativity that seem to be out there now regarding anything (TV / Movies / Music).   Why can’t people enjoy anything anymore.    Everybody has their idea and view, and if things aren’t exactly what they want, then it sucks.   Enough – just sit back, relax, and enjoy things and I promise you will feel much better

Looking forward to the last few episodes of both Homeland and The Affair.   Showtime has 2 excellent shows which helps make my Comcast Triple Play package worth it.  Since my only options seem to be basic cable (no Movies / Sports / Music channels) for 1 cost , or everything (HBO / Showtime / Cinemax / MLB / NFL / Tennis) for a higher cost, at least there are some things that help to take the sting away

Finished the latest Dave Gurney book (#4 Peter Pan must Die).   Really enjoy these books.  Besides the interesting stories, the books take place in upstate NY, and since I am familiar with the area, gives them a more realistic feel.   Looking forward to the next one.    Picked up the latest Dan Brown novel “Inverno” while at my parents over Thanksgiving.   So far so good.  Hoping to find more time to read over the holidays and into next year

Hopefully will be able to write some more here before 2015

Peace

Andy

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Day off

Posted on November 17, 2014 by AverageAndy

Have a day off from work as I have to use some vacation days before the end of the year or lose them. I’m probably like most people who look up an realize there are only so many days left in 2014 and wonder were the year went. I did take a vacation early in the year (lovely week in Hilton Head Island), but other than that have been at work practically every day. So now I am scrambling to use up the days I have accrued. Next year I plan on taking a few days in the spring and summer and doing some fun things with the family. Trips to the beach or an amusement park instead of work seem like a great idea.

Giants showed that they really are not that good. Been pretty bad the past 2 years and it may be time for a change. Would not trade he past few seasons for the 2 Super Bowl victories, and would still take Eli Manning over most other QBs in the league, but think it’s time to break things down and start over.

See that the Florida Marlins are about to give Geo Carlo Stanton a absolutely insane and idiotic 13 year 375 million dollar contract. I believe that this will be a big mistake for them as well as baseball. All players are already overpaid and this is just ridiculous. Don’t get me wrong. I believe players should get paid but not at these amounts. Florida will still struggle and then trade him in 2 years (probably to the desperate NY Mets).

My problem is that the players are never held responsible for when they and their teams do bad. In the “real” world, people get fired and lose jobs when there business does bad or when they constantly under preform. In sports the players rarely get any blame. In fact they get unjustly rewarded. Would be if a car salesman gets hired and is awful. Then after 2 years of not even selling a single car, sells one and runs to the boss and asks for a raise and the boss says sure and how about we make you part owner as well.

Writing this from my phone while sitting at Starbucks. Got to love technology.

Will write some more in the days to come

Andy

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Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…

Posted on November 14, 2014 by AverageAndy

Got our 1st snow of the season last night.   Was driving home from work and noticed the rain turning to sleet and then to snow.   By the time I got home, had close to an inch on ground.

Had a discussion with my daughter as to what we feel when we see snow.  I feel both peacefulness and stress at the same time.   To my Daugher, she said dull and dreary as well as happiness.   Thinking about this, I realized the power snow has.  This may be partly based on living in the North East (NY City area).  We get snow, but not like places North like Buffalo or Minnesota where show is common and probably doesn’t affect people as much, or places South where cities are basically shut down for a few inches.  Here we just have to deal with longer travel times,  shoveling driveways, and the occasional loss of power.   Nothing drastic, but enough to just make me a bit uneasy.

On the bright side, it was a lovely day to day and for some reason there was no one on the roads.  Got to work early and was able to take a nice walk around the park that is behind our building.  Here is a video I shot using the time lapse feature on my phone

http://youtu.be/j1BrEQyZoq8

Speaking of videos,  I have submitted another Survivor Audition Video.    Will see if this is finally the year for AverageAndy to get his shot at being a contestant.     Am still a big fan, and love the later episodes when people get sent to the jury because that means Ponderosa Videos on http://www.cbs.com.  Really enjoy seeing the contestants in this setting.   Get a really honest look at them.    I usually avoid all the other stuff like the Survivor Live Replay Jeff Schroeder, (Although I like him from Big Brother,  Amazing Race,  Around the World for Free), bonus clips, behind the scenes clips.   All that doesn’t interest me as much.   Just like the show and the contestants.

In other news,  was turned on to a podcast called “Serial” by a friend of mine

http://serialpodcast.org/

Its a fascinating true story of a murder in the Baltimore area in 1999 and the author’s search for the truth.  Listened to all episodes in a few days to catch up and now am hooked.  Take a chance and listen if you have some time.

Still need to go see “Interstellar” – Maybe this weekend if I can find some time.   Hopefully will get to see it and write a review next week

Read the 1st 2 Hunger Games books (Hunger Games / Catching Fire), but never got to Mocking Jay.   Don’t think I will be able to get to it by next week when The movie (part 1) comes out.  Will make it the next book on my list as I like to read the book before seeing the movie if possible.

Only 1 week to the big Lehigh / Lafayette game in Yankee Stadium.  Hoping the weather holds until them (Just don’t want it to be snowing and bitter cold).   Then Thanksgiving and we move right into December and Christmas

Things are looking good

Hope all is well

Andy

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November

Posted on November 5, 2014 by AverageAndy

Hard to believe it’s already November.    Already hear lots of people talking about holiday plans.   Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here quicker than you think.

Have a few things planned myself

Heading to Yankee Stadium in NYC on Saturday, November 22nd for the 150th Football game between the Lehigh Engineers / Mountain Hawks, and the Lafayette Leopards.

http://www.rivalry150.com/

Its College Football’s most played rivalry and should be a lot of fun.  Hoping to see lots of friends and some old classmates.

Will be heading down to Delaware for Thanksgiving.   Always good to get some time off to see Mom & Dad, my sister and her family.   Looking forward to a nice diner and just relaxing for a few days.   No Black Friday shopping here.   Actually saw that some stores are not opening to let their employees enjoy time with their families.  Love this idea

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants for winning their 3rd World Series in 5 years.  While we did not see the most exciting or thrilling games in the World Series,  the overall play-offs were fun to watch and was great seeing the Kansas City Royals go on an amazing run.    Only 3 months till Pitcher and Catchers report to Spring Training.   Hopefully my NY Mets can put things together and make a run at the play-offs.   Going to take the positive attitude that  2015 is their year

Can’t say much positive about the NY Football Giants.   They just don’t look to good right now. Still think Eli and Company might have a run in them starting this week in Seattle.  They have been a Jekyll and Hyde team the past few years and when you think they are good they are bad and when you think they are bad they are good.   A big road win this week could set them on there way

Saw my DVR is getting close to 95% full.  Guess I haven’t had much free time to catch up on some older shows.   Might have to put in a rule that if I record a show, and the DVR gets to  5 or more episodes available, its time to move on.

Wasn’t surprised that A to Z got cancelled.  I really wanted to like the show, but it was just missing something.   Like lot’s of shows, it just tried to hard.   There is a real are to  comedy, and how to make it funny but believable at the same time.  For A to Z, kept comparing it in my mind to How I Met Your Mother, and thinking how the main guy was a lame attempt at Ted Mosby.   Made me really appreciate Josh Radnor.

Saw that Fox pulled the plug on Utopia.   Must have been strange to be on the show and all of a sudden the producers walk on to the set and say thanks for your time, but shows over, you gotta go.    Just like the umpires in The Bad New Bears in Breaking Training

 http://youtu.be/BXhFcKCcozE

Could you just see some of the contestants running away from the producers.

Will write some more by the end of the week on TV, Movies and Music

Also will predict my winner of Survivor after this weeks merge.

Until then

Think your happies and have a wonderful day

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Some thoughts for a Tuesday

Posted on October 21, 2014 by AverageAndy

The MLB World Series starts tonight between the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants.   The play-offs have been a lot of fun so far, and I’m hoping for a exciting series.  Is it much watch for me (A New York Mets fan from NJ)?, no, but I will be checking in to watch.  I believe all games are on FOX National Broadcast, which should help getting some ratings.   I know people will bash MLB and FOX for the ratings, but does it really matter.  The games are on TV, and anybody who wants to watch will watch.  The games will be covered on TV (over-the air, and cable), on the Internet, and be a headline on News Papers (I’m still a fan of the daily newspaper).   Saw an article the other day killing baseball ratings (Giants / Cardinals on Fox Sports 1), comparing them the Jets / Patriots game (CBS Thursday Night Football).

Here are the Baseball Numbers I found:

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/10/17/another-big-audience-sees-giants-win-pennant-on-fox-sports-1/316492/

Here are the Football Numbers I found:

http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-jets-patriots-football-leads-cbs-thursday-as-murder-dips

MLB – 6.5 Million,  NFL – 11.87 Million

So while more people did watch the Football (Major Network, Big Market Teams) then the Baseball (Cable Network, Small Market Teams),  its not that big of a difference considering the circumstances.

In summary – If you want to watch the World Series, (or any other sporting event), it will be on regardless of the ratings.   So sit back, and enjoy the game and let others worry about the ratings and how much the can charge for a 30 second commercial.

Another story here in New Jersey is the potential legalization of sports betting.    My personal feeling is that this is another miscalculation much like last years legalization of internet gambling.   Making it legal to bet on Football games is not going to automatically mean people from New Jersey and other states are going to be lining up by the thousands to place a few dollars on the Bills / Jets game this Sunday.   Part of the fun of gambling for the average person is the atmosphere – Much like most people want the experience of the casino over sitting in front of a computer / tablet / phone to play Black Jack or Roulette, I believe they will be turned off  on the idea of sitting in the bleachers at Monmouth Racetrack, watching NFL games on some small crappy TVs (Full Disclosure – Haven’t been to the Race Track in years so not sure if they have update to large HD TVs but tend to  think not).   Legalized sports gambling will be everywhere in a few years, but to believe it will generate millions and millions of dollars for the states is still to be seen.

On to other things

Here are a few thoughts on the current TV Season

60 Minutes – Still enjoy it every Sunday

Scorpion – Pretty stupid – Will keep it on the DVR for a bit, but not overly impressed

A to Z – Pretty disappointed so far.  Was hoping to like it, but the main guy reminds me of a Ted Mosby want to me (and makes me appreciate Josh Radnor that much more).

Homeland – Watched the 1st 2 episodes and still enjoy it

Gotham – Will give it a chance.  Liking it so far

CSI – Still one of the best shows on TV.  Been there from the beginning and hoping the move to Sunday at 10:00 PM doesn’t spell the end.

Madam Secretary – Always been a fan of Tea Leoni and actually enjoy the show.

Walking Dead / Talking Dead – The 1st episod pushed the limit of gore.  Show is very good at building tension and suspense, but still always wonder why they just dont leave and got to Washington DC.

Finally – Attended the 61s Philly Non-Sports Card show last weekend.   Also attended the free Card Talk Breakfast and really enjoyed the talk by Rittenhouse Archives founder and president Steve Charendoff.  Very insightful info on his take on the future of Non Sports Cards.  Especially liked his  answer to how to get younger people involved – “Not sure if we can”.   He basically said that while it would be great to get younger people to buy non-sports cards and enjoy the hobby as much as the people in attendance (an  older audience), they have some many other outlets for their entertainment that maybe Non-Sports Cards are not there thing.   No use worrying about what you can’t control.

Did pick up a box of Star Trek: The Original Series Portfolio Prints Trading Cards  – Hoping for a good auto / sketch.

Star Trek Portfolio

Star Trek Original Series Portfolio Trading Cards

Star Trek Original Series Portfolio Trading Cards

Thats all for now – More later

Have a wonderful day

Andy

 

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