Just a quick Hello and to let everybody know that Average Andy is alive and well. Been a busy few weeks; having a fun summer and enjoying the weather here in New Jersey.
Plan on writing a update on Thursday or Friday when I have some free time
Hope everybody is doing well
Leave you with something that made me laugh, just because its funny.
Dumb and Dumber to
Andy
Writing at the end of another week. Weather has been awesome, and suppose to be nice throughout the weekend. Hopefully will be able to get some house work / lawn work done. Also will be watching the Belmont Stakes on Saturday and rooting for California Chrome to win the race and the Triple Crown
Still kicking myself for not making it to Times Square in NYC last week for the live start of “The Amazing Race”. Phil Keoghan set the teams off on the race at 3:00 AM EST. Would have been a long night, but should have sucked it up and went. Did follow along with the twitter feed (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TAR25). People posted some cool pictures and videos. Next time they do something like this I promise to be there.
Don’t know why I care so much, but am really pissed at the Met’s loosing 3 games in row to the Cubs. The Met’s continue to tease everybody into thinking they are a contending team. I am now longer fooled. I say (and have said before) that they should trade David Wright. He does nothing to make the team better. Trading him will give the team an new feel and new direction that is sorely needed. And if you have no intention of keeping Terry Collins next year, let him go now. I have read that it does nobody any good to keep somebody in a position if you really don’t want them.
Still working on my next Survivor audition video. Going to try something a little different this time. Feeling good this time – Everybody wish me luck. I try to avoid all social media relating to both “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” as far as spoilers and behind the scenes stuff. In the past when I have seen stuff as far as who gets voted off, or who is in the final 3, it really ruins the whole viewing experience. So makes things hard as I want to feel connected to the shows, and keep up with the world of social media, but don’t want the experience and surprise ruined.
Completed “Let the Devil Sleep” by John Verdon (http://www.johnverdon.net/pages/index.php) and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next book in the Dave Gurney series – “Peter Pan must Die” which will be released in July.
My next book is the latest Dirk Pitt Adventure “Possidon’s Arrow” Have read all of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels, and enjoyed them all. Each new book feels like reconnecting with old friends. Still have a few other books I want to read. Hopefully will be able to find some time this summer to simply sit back, relax and read.
Hoping to see the new Tom Cruise movie “Edge of Tomorrow” in the next week – Hopefully in IMAX 3D. Will give you a review as soon as I can. In other movie news, I am in the same boat with the new Star Wars movie as mentioned above with regards to social media. Want to keep up on all that’s going on with the making of the 1st new Star Wars movie in years (I am a huge fan of the original trilogy, as are most mid age men) and want to keep up with the making of the new movie. But I want to be surprised when it is release next year and not already know every thing about the story. I do like J.J. Abrams work (was a big fan of Alias; not such a big fan of the Star Trek Movies). I will give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he understands the feel of the original Star Wars trilogy, and doesn’t try to put a crazy new spin on things). Sometimes old is better and there is now real reason to change an already great group of characters / story.
Finally, had to purchase a limited addition 25th anniversary set of “Major League” trading cards from TOPPS (http://www.topps.com/major-league-25th-anniversary-wax-pack.html). Still one of the all time best Baseball movies. TOPPS has also released autograph cards for these, but the price range is out of my league for now. Between this and the autograph Bad News Bears Cards that Panini put out last year, there are some nice cards that I would like to own one day (Will defiantly be mine once I win the title of sole survivor and the million dollar prize)
Well – that’s it for today. Will write soon
Enjoy life and family and friends
Average Andy
Hard to believe its memorial day and the ‘official’ start of summer. Still doesn’t feel that way after the crazy winter we had hear in the north east. Hopefully the weather finally stays warm for weeks on end.
Was very happy with Dave and Conner winning “The Amazing Race” this season. While I’m not the biggest fan of All-Star seasons, this one was quite enjoyable. Always fun to see where team go, and get a different perspective of places and countries than what you normally see in the news. Already looking forward to next season (CBS has moved “The Amazing Race” to Fridays. I guess its good since it will no longer be delayed by Football. Still It was a very enjoyable way to end the week. I have my DVR set, so maybe I will just wait until Sunday to watch it anyway.
Don’t want to spent much time on the whole Donald Sterling issue other to say that I really respect Mark Cuban and his opinions. I have followed him for a long time, and actually had him as a person I would like to be stranded on a deserted island with on one of my Survivor applications (back when when you had to fill out a actual form and sent it in with a CD of your video).
Went back to my 25th College Reunion (Lehigh) last weekend and had a good time hanging out with friends I haven’t seen in a while. While not everybody attended or enjoyed the college experience, if you did, I would recommend you go back to a reunion if you have the chance.
Also met some fellow co-workers for dinner last night. Again it was great to see some old friends and catch up on each others lives.
Will try to take some pictures this holiday weekend and will post them next week. Also hoping to finish the latest book I am reading an will post a review next week as well.
Until then, enjoy life, reach out to old friends, and be well
Andy
Congratulations to Tony Vlachos for winning this season of Survivor (And props for him being from the great state of New Jersey)
http://www.people.com/article/survivor-cagayan-finale-winner-2014
I really enjoyed this season. Was the 1st season in a while where most of the contestants were average people with a passion for the game. They really wanted to be there and to win the 1 Million Dollars (In the past there have been a bunch of contestants who seem more interested in being on TV, or trying to advance a career). Was very refreshing to see somebody like Sara actually break down and cry when she was voted off. And loved how Spencer basically said it was a disappointment not getting to the finals.
Not sure how I would feel getting voted off before the final, (or similarly not making it to the final leg of the Amazing Race). Would I be happy for the opportunity, or bitter for not completing my dream. Hopefully I will have the opportunity one day to see. Working on my next audition video and will submit it soon for consideration.
I actually enjoyed the way CBS handled the live finally this time, with Jeff Probst giving some live behind the scene shots during the 2 hour finally. As for the show, like the final 2 instead of the final 3. Gives the players some extra strategy decisions.
I am hoping they bring back the walk of remembrance in future episodes. Like the reflection the finalist give to past players. Also gives me a chance to remember some of the players a little better then simply seeing them at the reunion
All and all, another fine job by CBS, Jeff Probst, Mark Burnett, and all involve in making Survivor the king of all reality shows
Now to the NY Mets. What a tough team to read. They get good starting pitching, and look good for a few days, but in reality they are not a good team. They are one of the worst hitting teams of all time. An it seems that when ever somebody does hit, dopey Terry Collins sits him to get players like Bobby Abreau or Wilmur Flores some at bats. Stop already. Put your best players out there and let them play. As far as the outfield, I know they paid Chris Young a bunch, and promised him at bats, but he is the odd man out and needs to be treated that way. Play Eric Young Jr, Jaun Lagares and Curtis Granderson every day and see what happens.
Will write more tomorrow as we get ready for Memorial Day and the start of summer
Andy
Had a great week in Hilton Head Island. It was nice to just get a way for a bit. Weather was good so was able to run a 5K, bike along the beach, and swim in the pools. Also took a day trip to South Beach and climbed the lighthouse.
Harbor Town Lighthouse
While in South Beach, saw these parrots who have been there for as long as I can remember.
South Beach Parrots
Also saw these Stan Smith Sneakers (A favorite of Average Andy) that were actually autographed by Stan Smith
Autograph Stan Smiths
But now I’m back in NJ and back at work
I tried reading “The GoldFinch” but could not get into it (one of the few books where it just did not make any sense). Gave up after the 1st few chapters, and switched to “The The Devil Sleep”, the 3rd Dave Gurney book by John Verdon. Really enjoyed the 1st 2 and this one is just a s good. Hope to finish it soon
The Met’s are playing some good ball to start the season. Hopefully they can stick around for a while as not team (other than the Milwaukee Brewers) are trying to run away and hide. Terry Collins still drives me crazy with his wishy washy comments – Wish he would just make up his mind and stick with it.
Still loving both Survivor and The Amazing Race. Looks like the next few episodes of Survivor will be crazy (love the new super power idol – could really be a game changer). I think I am rooting for Tony to win. I also enjoy watching the Ponderosa Videos each week after somebody gets voted off. Gives another perspective of the game that I find interesting
Heading to the Philly Card Show this weekend in Allentown. Always a great time to see fellow collectors and what cards are out there. Hopefully I can pick up a few things I need. Did see that Topps will be releasing a Start Wars themes Wacky Package set in the fall. This looks interesting so may need buy a few packs and check it out
Speaking of Star Wars – Happy to see that the original cast will be reuniting for the new Star Wars Movie that comes out next year. Very interested to see what J.J. Abrams does with this. I really likes Alias, but was not a fan of the new Star Trek movies. Hopefully he takes the feel of the Original Trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI) and not the childish and over CGI’d feel of the new Trilogy (I, II, III). I am sure there will be tons of rumors, information, plots, etc. thrown out over the next year. Will do my best to avoid any major news or spoilers.
More to come next week
AA
Sorry I haven’t written anything lately. Been busy with work and life in general
Baseball season has started and the Mets are doing about what I expected. They are not good, but also not bad. Just an average team. If I was in charge, I would seriously think about getting rid of Terry Collins, only because I don’t think he is the long time solution. He is also to wishy washy, and making a mess out of the Ike Davis / Lucas Duda platoon. Choose one and stay for the next 50 games. Crazy
Saw some dopey baseball executive was tossing around the idea of changing the game to 7 innings because the game is too long. How does anybody with thing idea even become an executive. My guess is its some really rich owner who could care less about baseball and only cares about how to make more money. Figures he can reduce salaries by having to pay the players less. But will still collect all the TV money, and Fan revenue (Tickets, Jerseys). Its one of the big problems I see in all sports. Their are owners who only care about making as much money as they can before they sell the team. Have no long term ties to the team or the history. Sad that sports is slowing (and recently fastly) becoming way to much of a business.
Both Survivor and The Amazing Race are having great seasons as usual. Not the biggest fan of All Star Seasons, but have been pleasantly surprised. As for Survivor, that lady Kass probably made the right move last week, but in the process killed any chance she had to win. And as for playing an idol, when I find on, I would play it right a way. Saves me for a week, and gets it out of the way (and they usually add a new one anyway)
Started a new book (The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt). Don’t know much about it but was recommended by my mom, and see it listed on the NY Times Bestsellers. Will let you know once I’m done (May take a while as I am a slow reader)
Looking forward to the next Philly Non-Sport Card Show in May in Allentown, PA. They are having a special diner, and the usual Card Talk gathering which should both be a lot of fun. I will post some images of some cards after the show
Also heading down to Hilton Head Island for vacation. Will try to post some pictures from that as well
Back work, but will write soon
Average Andy
Just a quick update this time
Caught the 1st inning of the broadcast of the NY Mets on WOR 710 after being on WFAN 660 for ever. Very strange during the commercial break not hearing the familiar WFAN jingle. I know things are always about the money, but I think the Mets made a big mistake of leaving WFAN. Reminds me of when Mets were on Sports Channel in the 80s. Most people didn’t get it or had to pay extra so they became Yankee Fans. The idea is to get your product to as large an audience as possible. Now there will be lots of old time Mets fans up and down the east coast that who will turn on WFAN, and wonder where the Mets are. The will most likely not get WOR, so they will simply stop listening.
Watched the season premier of Survivor and enjoyed it a usual. Still fascinating seeing how all the contestants go about playing the game. Will be watching http://www.cbs.com for the next round of casting and Open Auditions and will apply again when I can. Hopefully, some day Average Andy will be on Survivor and do his best to outwit, outlast and outplay everybody and become the Sole Survivor
Didn’t get to watch the Amazing Race premier (its been a busy week) but have it DVR’d and will get to it this weekend. Might still end up a week behind with the Academy Awards this Sunday. Always like to watch the Academy Awards, although I don’t get to the movies as much as I would like.
Talking about, movies, sad news with Harold Ramis passing this week. He was responsible for many movies that represented my child hood, an many other mid 40 year olds. He will be missed
Lots of stuff coming up in the next few months so will write soon
AA
Seems like its been cold and snowy forever here in the North East. Every time it seems the weather is getting a little better, BAM, another snow storm. Been trying my best to get out and at least take some nice long walks. Hopefully it warms up this week and melts some of the giant snow piles that are making driving tricky. Also RIP to my mailbox that got plowed over last week. Once I can get to it, I will see if if can be salvaged.
The Amazing Race returns this Sunday with an All-Star Edition. As I have said in the past, I am not a big fan of the All-Stars shows. Not just for Amazing Race, or Survivor, but all reality type shows. Never liked Celebrity Apprentice, or the Celebrities on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Just feel it cheapens things. It is also on lest season where Average Andy cannot be a contestant.
Also Survivor starts up again next Wednesday. Will be nice to have some new stuff to watch. While I am enjoying this season of American Idol, not sure how much I will be watching now that the top 30 have been announced. Can get a bit overwhelming with shows 3 nights a week.
Baseball is just around the corner. Not sure what the Met’s will bring to the table this year. Like the Granderson signing, but not a big fan of them bring in Colon. Enough with these old guys. Give the young and upcoming guys a shot. The biggest question mark is will Ike Davis remain on the team. If he does, it doesn’t matter what he does this spring. He could hit 20 HR and bat .500, but if he goes 0 – 4 with 3 KS on opening day, his season (and time with the Met’s) is over. No way he will ever recover. And nobody, and I mean nobody has any faith in Reuban Tajada at SS. The Met’s must see this, and do anything possible to get him off the team. And finally RIP Ralph Kiner. He was a big part of my childhood growing up (Ralph, Bob Murphy and Lindsey Nelson). All are missed.
Got a few things planned in the upcoming months, and will try to keep all you out there updated when I can
Later.
Cant believe how much negativity I am hearing about the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia. I can almost guarantee that everybody complaining about how unprepared Russia is, or how bad the accommodations are have never been to Russia, and probably never even out of the United States. This kind of reminds me of all the people who constantly complain about The Howard Stern show on the radio, but when asked have never actually heard the show. They just “Know its bad”
The few people I know who have been to Russia say its a very nice place and the people are very friendly. Also remember when the contestants on “The Amazing Race” were in Russia, and they seemed to enjoy it.
If I had the opportunity, I would be on the next plane to Sochi
I leave you with the classic scene from the John Cusak movie “Say Anything” that kind of sums up my feeling about complainers.
Enjoy the Olympics
AA
Been busy with work the past few weeks. Sorry for not writing sooner
Hard to beleive its the last day of January already. It is getting lighter when I leave work, making me think about spring, which is a good thing
Just started the new Dean Koontz book ‘Innocence’ Been a while since I have read one of his books and am really enjoying it. He has written some great books over the years including “Watchers”, The Odd Thomas series, and one of my all time favorites “Strangers”. Here is a link to all of his books; http://www.deankoontz.com/all-books/
Check him out next time you are looking for interesting story with a supernatural twist
Have a few more books I am looking forward to by some of my favorite authors like Clive Cussler and John Grisham that should keep me going for a while. Also going to read Let the Devil Sleep, Book 3 of David Gurney by John Verdon. Really liked the 1st 2 books
As far as music, the new Transatlantic album ‘Kaleidoscope” has just been released. Going to pick it up soon, and also try to see them in concert in february in Philadelphia or NYC. the band features Pete Trewavas of Marillion on base, and is a mix of prog-rock and pop.
Enjoying the new Boston album that was released late last year. Looking forward to seeing them on tour this summer. Always a great show.
Also getting closer to the Paul Simon / Sting concert at MSG in early March. bought tickets a while ago, and looking forward to this show. Might be a bit dated for some, but both these guys are all time great musicians, so should be an awesome show
On the new music front, I must admit that I don’t mind One Direction, and actually like a few of there songs, including their latest “The Story of My Life”. I also enjoyed watching the Grammys this year and though the highlight was Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Stevie Wonder doing “Get Lucky”
Amazes me some time when people will only listen to one style of music (i.e. Classic Rock) and think everything else is just noise. Not saying you need to like everything (Don’t get Beyonce / Jay Z / Drake) but sometimes its refreshing to hear something outside of your comfort zone.
Lastly, been really enjoying watching speaches at www.ted.com Wtched some really intersting ones on work, memory, education, and one about a guy who decided to make a video of 1 second a day, evey day, for the rest of his life.
Thats it for now. Will write nxt week on my take on the Superbowl, and maybe get into a little preview of Mets baseball 2014.
AA
PS – watched “The Family Man” with Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni the other night. One of my all time favorite movies and highly recommended.
AverageAndy 