Addicted To Wax

Update

2009-04-07T18:10:00.001-07:00

Well like a pussy I chickened out. The people I was planning on going with backed out last minute and I didn't really feel like going alone. Oh well...

Bass Pro Shop Grand Opening: Autographs

2009-04-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

Well the Balzac Bass Pro Shop is about to open in 5 days and the list is out for who is going to be there signing autographs.

The three I'm most interested in are:

1) Lanny McDonald
2) Mantracker
3) Bob Izumi

Below is a list of the "Special Guests" showing from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. I'll be there trying to get my 3 autos in 2 hours. We'll see how I do!

Fantasy Team

2009-03-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

Jobu needs a refill

Round Pick Player Position
1. (9) Grady Sizemore OF
2. (22) Prince Fielder 1B
3. (39) Justin Morneau 1B
4. (52) Brian Roberts 2B
5. (69) Josh Beckett SP
6. (82) Félix Hernández SP
7. (99) Joba Chamberlain SP,RP
8. (112) Troy Tulowitzki SS
9. (129) Matt Wieters C
10. (142) Edwin Encarnación 3B
11. (159) Brett Myers SP
12. (172) Matt Garza SP
13. (189) Matt Capps RP
14. (202) Adam Lind OF
15. (219) Fernando Rodney RP
16. (232) Jason Giambi 1B
17. (249) Jeremy Hermida OF
18. (262) Ken Griffey Jr. OF
19. (279) Jack Cust OF
20. (292) Matt LaPorta 1B,OF
21. (309) Justin Masterson SP,RP

Still Thinking about picking up Purcey... Overall I'm pretty happy with my picks. Last year was my first try at fantasy anything and I drafted a horrible team not knowing any better, yet through luck and research I was able to take 3rd place! This year I'm hoping to do better!

2 Hobby Boxes of Champs 08/09 Hockey

2009-03-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

So I'm away from home and I bought 2 boxes of Champs. I love these cards, they remind me of the Allen & Ginter but for hockey, which being Canadian... I love!

This will be a quick review and tell and I'll edit it more with more detail and add pictures later.

Here are the highlights...

Base Cards: 77/100 (37 doubles)

Mini Cards NHL Players: 66/192 (0 doubles)

Mini Cards Natural History: 16/192 (0 doubles)

Mini Cards Rookie: 6/96 (0 Doubles)

Champs Rookies: 24/100 (0 Doubles)

Mini Autos - Ilya Zubov (OTT), Tobias Stephan (DAL), Guillaume Latendresse (MON), Steve Mason (CBJ)

Mini Threads - Marty Turco - Black - (DAL), Mario Lemieux - black - (PIT)

Overall Thoughts:

I really like this product. It's fun to rip. The Base cards are amazing and the mini's are fun. I'd like to collect all the Natural History, but we'll see after I open my third Hobby Box next month how I feel. Overall an enjoyable product. I'm definately going to finish it up.

Best Hits: The Steve Mason auto and the Mario Lemieux Jersey cards were by far the best hits of the two boxes, and I got one of them in each of the boxes.

I definately recommend this product to anyone who likes the A&G cards and/or Hockey.

It's been a long, long time...

2009-03-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Okay so this month has been crazy between writing my thesis and work. I have so much stuff to post but haven't had the time to post it.

Tomorrow I will be back with a vengeance.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 7

2009-03-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Milwaukee Brewers:

Bill Hall

I love several things about this photo, the retro uniform and the pink arm band in particular! Hall has decent power for a small player, but also has decent speed. He can smash the lefties and can go on home run binges, 15 homeruns in 2008. Hall has never seemed to make a position his own. Hall was also the first player to hit a homerun in the new Busch Stadium!

Yovani Gallardo

I love the scale this card has, the intensity on Gallardo's face. Gallardo has an explosive fastball and when he is on his game is nearly impossible to hit. I will definitely be gunning for him on my fantasy roster, I see big things for him this year and he has the run support, I just hope he can stay healthy!

Toronto Blue Jays:

Aaron Hill

Hill is a hard worker, his solid swing generates line drives with occasional power. He's disciplined at the plate and runs the bases well. Is a sound defender. He is a solid second base option with upside, however, he'll never be a major speedster.

Jesse Litsch

Litsch has a decent sinking fastball, a bulldog mentality and loads of perseverance. Despite his relative youth, he's a crafty right-hander. Beacuse of his size his fastball is mediocre. However, he will be a presence this season on the Jay's pitching staff.

I won't be doing this everyday...but I have another 3 Bonus pictures from my upcoming Nationals, Tigers, and Angels cards... I hope you like them!

Erick Aybar

Speed and contact! And at the SS position!

Cristian Guzman

Guzman has good defensive skills and can have hot batting streaks.

Gary Sheffield

I love the stoic look on Sheffield's face!

All three of the bonus pics today have alternatives, I can't pick, so I'll put up a poll at the end for all the cards that have multiple choices.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 6

2009-03-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Thought I would post these early today! I've really had a lot of fun doing these cards, thank you very much for including me and allowing me to be a part of these Goose Joak Original Cards, Dave!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Craig Counsell

Counsell is particularly known for his unusual batting stance, where he points the bat straight up into the air as high as he can and moves it back and forth in an erratic fashion. He currently has a one year contract with the Brewers.

CC Sabathia

CC was with the Brewers only a short time, but what an impact he made. I have two cards designed in honor of his time with the Brewers. Hopefully someday he'll realize that the Yankee's suck and he misses the Brewers!

Toronto Blue Jays:

Joe Inglett

Inglett, nicknamed "Voodoo Joe", is now a utility player for the Toronto Blue Jays and has played games in at every position besides first, catcher and pitcher.

David Purcey

I have the feeling that this season will be Purcey's breakout. 2008 was his first season in "The Show", and he's only 26. With AJ Burnett gone and Marcum most likely out for the 2009 season, the Jays will depend on Purcey. When he's comfortable he is an intimidating presence on the mound, throwing strikes effectively. However, when he gets off his game his control is off. Purcey is young and this is something experience and time can fix. He will definitely be a presence this season on the Jays pitching staff.

BONUS!!! WHAT BONUS...YES BONUS....

Ervin Santana

These are the extra teams I picked up. I've really enjoyed doing these cards and am glad to help Dave out all that I can. Santana was integral in my first fantasy baseball season!

Lasting Milledge

Lastings had a bad rap with the Mets, but seems to fit in with the Nationals! His cards of 2009 seem to be the best of both Upper Deck and Topps so far. I was hoping to continue that with this colorful, smiling picture of Milledge.

Miguel Cabrera

I was going to start with my favorite Tiger, Ordonez and his flowing locks, however, this Cabrera picture is just too good to pass up. I wanted to share it as soon as possible.

I hope you guys enjoy these cards! For more info go to Goose Joak.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 5

2009-03-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

So I was gone for the weekend, and Monday I was a little lazy. Here are four more cards for my contribution to the Goose Joak cards!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Mike Cameron

Cameron went to the Brewers in 2008. He's a defensive player with speed, who can also drive in runs. He also has power potential and run support making him a potent player. In 2008 he played in 120 games, hit 25 home runs and stole 17 bases. If healthy in 2009 it will be interesting to see what he will achieve.

Trevor Hoffman

Hoffman was acquired from the Padres in 2009 with a 1 year contract. While Hoffman might have been at one point the best Closer in the league he's 41 years old and his fastball has slowed down. I have a feeling he'll end up in the set up role sooner than later. While he might still have some left in him, and I pray he does, he's past his prime and I believe the Brewers could have done without him.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Brian Tallet

Before I talk about Tallet I have to say, I hate this baby blue pajama looking uniforms. Tallet has a fastball in the low 90s. He is comfortable with people on base, which is refreshing. However, his talents best lie in being a set up man.

Jose Bautista

Bautista has good power and is a decent runner for a corner player. In 2008 he played in 128 games and hit 15 home runs. He is a good defensive player both at 3rd base and in the outfield. However, his plate discipline leaves something to be desired as he chases far too many balls. I believe that he has potential and am interested to see how he performs this year.

First Ebay Purchases

2009-03-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm really excited about this. I sold my Bobby Orr auto card and used the money to purchase a "few" special cards. I won't tell you guys what these cards are, but I will say that I'm blown away by what I got and the prices I got them for. I'll post them as they come in! So excited!

2008 Allen & Ginter Hobby Box Break

2009-02-28T09:21:00.001-08:00

Well this is my second ever hobby box, and my first Baseball hobby box! I have now been officially collecting cards for 2 months!, well collecting again... I will post pics hopefully Sunday or Monday...

I love the base set! I think the cards are amazing, I will definitely go back and collect the '06 and '07 of this set!

I got no doubles of the base, 1 double of the states, which was Lastings Milledge.

There were 2 world leaders

#WL2 - Kevin Rudd of Australia
#WL15 - Angela Merkel of Germany

3 black bordered minis

David Wright
Felix Hernandez
Hudson Street

1 Baseball Icon

#BI13 - Lou Gehrig

1 mini NNO

Luke Scott (I hear this is very rare?)

I also got:

NNO - Kosuke Fukudome (I read there are only 50 of these in existence...does anyone know if that's true?)

The Hits:

#AGR-ATK - Adam Kennedy (STL) Jersey (Grey)
#AGR-IR1 - Ivan Rodriguez (DET) Jersey (White)

#AGR-JDD - Johnny Damon (NYY) Bat

#AGA-PW - Pete Weber Auto (out of 190?)

Well overall thoughts...I would buy this set again in a heartbeat. The baseset is amazing, probably my favorite base out there. I enjoy the States cards, but it excludes anyone Canadian so I don't like that. The mini's are fun.

I think ... think....that this was a loaded box. 2 no number cards (supposedly only 50 nno cards are made and finding one is like 1:151 packs and I got 2 and one is Fukudome, whom I do enjoy watching play). A baseball Icon - Lou Gehrig (1:48 packs). I really like the idea of the bat relic. It's Johnny Damon, possibly the only Yankee I can stand...well beside Joba, but that's because of his name. The Weber auto is cool, but disappointing as I don't care about him at all, but it's short printed to 190, so I hope I can use it to trade for something Prince Fielder.

On that note, not one Fielder or Braun base card, mini...anything in the box. That said, I would buy this again. Heck I just might some day soon!

Also no Ancient Icons, a set I would like to collect!

I'm hoping my next break will be either 2 boxes of Champs or if I decide to buy another box of A&G early. I usually only buy 1 box a month. I'm trying to limit my packs as well and just buy cards I need and players I want.

Again I'll post pics later. This was an exciting and wonderful product. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 4

2009-02-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

These Goose Joak Cards are really starting to make a buzz around the Internet, and truth is, with what an amazing idea this is...I'm not surprised at all!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Chris Capuano

Capuano missed the entire 2008 season due to Tommy John Surgery. The Brewers resigned him to a minor league contract in 2008. His delivery is deceptive and his fastball can reach the low 90s. He is a good middle man, it will be interesting to see how he pitches in 2009.

Tony Gwynn Jr.

The Brewers recently signed Gwynn (and many others) to a one year contract. He has a sweet left handed swing, is able to find the gaps, runs well, and is very versatile. He is not a power hitter and an outfield position is not an assured thing.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Brandon League

League is a strong pitcher, his slider can reach 100 mph! He also has a strong fastball and change-up, which make him a versatile and potentially dominant pitcher. At the moment he's more of a groundball pitcher than a strikeout artist. However, he is young (25) and has vast potential.

Adam Lind

In 2008 Lind spent the majority of his time in the Jays AAA only to hit .300 and earn a call-up again on June 21, 2008 by new Manager Cito Gaston. His results in 88 games he hit .282, 9 Home Runs, 48 runs with 40 RBI's. He has decent power with a quick, sweet swing. He also has remarkable plate discipline. However, his defensive play leaves something to be desired and seems as though he would be better suited in the DH role.

Goose Joak Cards, Day 3

2009-02-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

Another day, another 4 Goose Joak cards. I love this idea, I've even debated printing out some of these cards and sending them down to Spring Training to see if I can get them signed. I have a few players of which I have more than one card for, at the end of all this, I'll post them with a poll and see which is liked better. But for now...

Milwaukee Brewers:

Carlos Villanueva

Villanueva is a workhorse, he is used to being a starting pitcher. However, it seems as though this year he will be a set-up man and possibly the Brewers closer. The closer role seems fitting for him and I personally think it will be his sooner than later, especially with Hoffman being 41 years old. I know the Brewers brought him in as a closer, but I wonder if Hoffman would be better as the set-up man. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, the Brewers back end is looking decent this year with Hoffman, Villanueva and Gagne.

Rickie Weeks

Weeks is a speed man, he has stolen 19, 25, 19 bases in the past 3 years. He also has decent power, as he hit 14 homeruns in 2008. However, I don't believe he is a capable 20-20 player. He is weak defensively making countless errors. In 2008, he had the lowest fielding percentage (.975) and the most errors (15) of all NL second basemen. Nonetheless, it's his offense that keeps him consistently in the line up.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Shaun Marcum

Marcum's breakout season was in 2007 when he went 12-6 with an ERA of 4.13. He is primarily known as a power pitcher, clocking in the low 90s. Watching him pitch in early 2008 was a treat as he went 5-4 with a 2.65 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 98.2 Innings. However, he hurt his elbow and required surgery. Sadly, he will most likely miss the 2009 season because of this.

Lyle Overbay

Overbay is the Blue Jays First Baseman. He is a power hitter, but compared to many of the other first base players in the league he is slightly underwhelming. However, his plate discipline is excellent. He consistently gets on base and produces runs. He is also an excellent defensive player.

A Night In with JJ

2009-02-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

Well my wife is out for the night and I have 5 hours to myself. So I've decided to have a JJ Abrams marathon, Alias and Lost. The only thing that would make the night complete would be trading cards from JJ shows like the following...

Defiantly have to try and get my hands on a few boxes or packs of these. JJ and Whedon are my heroes...and having a part of these shows (auto's and used) would be amazing!

Goose Joak Cards, Day 2

2009-02-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

Well it's day two and here are four more of my cards for the Goose Joak card set.

Milwaukee Brewers:

JJ Hardy

J.J. Hardy, drafted in 2005 by the Brewers, is a fan favorite. In 2008 he batted .283, with 2 stolen bases, 24 home runs, and 74 RBIs. He is a sound defensive player with a strong arm, however he tends to make too many errors. He is an intense player who goes through hitting streaks and slumps. No matter what, he is always fun to watch!

Corey Hart

Power, speed and tattoos, the three things that Corey Hart is known for on the field. He "hits like Mays and runs like Hays." At 6'6" Hart is the fastest runner on the Brewers team. In 2008 he hit average is .286, with 16 homeruns , 60 RBI's , and 15 stolen bases. It was not Hart's best year, he is likely to rebound in 2009 and be more around a 20-20 player.

Toronto Blue Jays:

Dustin McGowan

McGowan is one of those pitchers that is just fun to watch. Unfortunately what makes him fun to watch also makes him vulnerable, with his high kick delivery making him susceptible to base-stealers. McGowan's fast ball can reach up to 98 mph. In July 2008 he had season ending shoulder surgery. It is projected that McGowan could one day be the Blue Jays ace.

Vernon Wells

Normally I like to talk about the players, and I will...but first I wanted to talk about this photo. Wells is primarily known for his power and his cards usually capture this. I decided to take a different direction and use a picture of him sitting, after being tagged out at home plate. I also try to use photos that are positive for the players, not showing them being tagged out or striking out, however, I thought this was just fun.

In 2008 Wells batted batted .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs in 108 games, however he missed 58 games in 2008. In an attempt to avoid injury this season Wells hired a personal trainer, lost fat and gained muscle, however, he injured his hamstring during spring training 2009. Hopefully this year will see Wells healthy. When healthy he is capable of 30+ homeruns

Goose Joak Cards...redo

2009-02-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

Well a while ago I was talking about the creatively wonderful brainchild of Dave at Goose Joak which was to create our own baseball cards. I love this idea and am very passionate about it! However the past month there have been a number of problems. GIMP, a photo editing program I was attempting to use, was the bain of my existence. I finally gave up on it and got photoshop. I also had a virus wipe out a good chunk of my computer, so many of the cards I created were lost.

Well hopefully like the Phoenix these cards have risen out of the ashes of my doom and will hopefully be even better than before. I think I'm around 50% done my cards right now, including a very special card which I will reveal at the very end of this show and tell. I'll try and show 4 cards every day, 2 Brewers and 2 Blue Jays, and the "special project card" at the very end of it all.

I hope you enjoy!

Milwaukee Brewers:

Prince Fielder:

Prince Fielder is my favorite Baseball player, in the history of baseball, past and present, he is my favorite. Why? Have you seen him hit a ball? He has a sweet swing, it looks so natural. Plus he's named Prince, I'm come freaking on, he is the Prince of Baseball, someday he will be King! In his rookie year this kid hit 28 home-runs, leading the rookie pack. In his second year he hit 50, the youngest ever! 2008 saw Fielder hit .276 batting average, 34 home runs, 102 RBI, 86 runs and 84 walks. The guy is only 24 years old, bound to reach the 50 mark again. In 2008 he became a Vegan, after reading Skinny Bitch. While I could personally never give up meat, I think that it's awesome that he is an advocate for animal rights!

Ryan Braun:

Another young player in Milwaukee that is a pure player of the game. Ryan "The Hebrew Hammer" Braun! With a nickname like that it's no wonder he hit 34 and 37 Home-runs consecutively with 14 and 15 Stolen Bases. Watching him and Fielder play has brought me back to the game. They just enjoy playing, to them they are living the dream and having a blast. I love that. I hope the two of them stay with the Brewers for a very long time to come!

Toronto Blue Jays:

Alex Rios:

Rios has been a conundrum, in 2006 he hit 17 home-runs with 17 stolen bases, in 2007 he hit 24 home-runs with 17 stolen bases and in 2008 he hit 15 home-runs with 32 stolen bases. The question on everyone's mind this season is which Rios will we see? Personally I'd like to see him have a 20-20 year and I think he's more than capable of it. Rios is considered a franchise player for the Jays, but at 28 which is the real Rios?

Roy Halladay:

"Doc" Halladay, the cornerstone of the Jays pitching. A true workhorse. 2008 saw Halladay with 206 k's a career high! Halladay was drafted by the Jays in 1998 and has been with the team ever since. I'd like to see him finish his career there. I enjoy watching him pitch, his arsenal includes a four-seam fastball which he can throw in the mid 90s, a two-seam (sinking) fastball which he throws at 92-94 MPH, a curveball which he throws around 77 MPH, a cutter which he throws at 90-92 MPH, and a changeup. He generally can use any of these pitches in any count, which serves to make him even more effective, and keeps hitters off pace.

National Hockey Card Day 2009 Part 2

2009-02-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Okay so, yesterday I reported that I was able to find ONE place in Airdrie that has National Hockey Card Day Cards... well I went back to that place today and lo and behold, they still had tons. They told me that I get get a pack a day until they run out. So, to my fellow Canadians out there, check out your stores, they may still have. If not let me know, I finished my set but am defiantly going back for more, so if you need or want....I'll try and get as many as I can!

National Hockey Card Day 2009

2009-02-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well today in Canada is...NATIONAL HOCKEY CARD DAY 2009...run...don't walk to your nearest card store (I hear Walmart has them). They are supposedly only out today, and you are only "allowed" 1 card per person.

I was with my wife and saw that a card store in Airdrie had them so I asked one worker there if I could have one and my wife as well. Then we went back later and got a few more from a different worker.

I'll post pics later, probably tomorrow, when I have time

So of the 4 packs I got, Two packs are identical and the other two packs were identical...so Here's what I got

Just remember all cards are x2

HCD2 Kyle Turris
HCD3 Josh Bailey
HCD4 Colton Gillies
HCD6 Sidney Crosby
HCD7 Vincent Lecavalier
HCD8 Jarome Iginla
HCD9 Joe Sakic
HCD11 Wayne Gretzky
HCD14 Bobby Orr
HCD15 Don Cherry

My wife and I will be heading out to the local Walmart soon to see if they have any, I'm hoping to have at least one complete set, maybe more if I can find them.

God Bless Canada and it's love of Hockey!

Update: no luck at walmart

Brew Crew and Jays News

2009-02-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

Just a little news out there for anyone interested...

Corey Hart and the Milwaukee Brewers have come to an agreement, thank god, with a one year deal. Hopefully they sign him for much longer, the Brewers have a nice group of young, talented players that really make for a nice franchise for the next few years!

The Brewers signed Eric Gagne to a minor league contract. Personally I don't like or care for Gagne, last year he wasn't very good and I think the Brewers have better potential for closers.

Ben Sheets won't be going to the Texas Rangers, as he's going to have elbow surgery. Hopefully he'll stay with the Brewers, as the Brewers need better depth in the Bullpen this year! CC come back!!!!!

TSN has already posted their 2009 Blue Jays schedule

Can't wait for the season to start, and most of all...FANTASY BASEBALL!!!!

Online Trades

2009-02-19T08:37:00.001-08:00

Well I have mixed feelings about online trades. I've made a few trades with other bloggers and that has gone fantastic. It's a great way to get to know other people and it helps you to collect the cards you want and trade off the cards that you don't want.

However, I've also joined a few of the online trading sites and this has not gone over so well for me. First off, I mostly collect hockey cards, but I do collect some baseball. Nonetheless, as I have just gotten back into the hobby, I don't have a lot of cards to trade and the majority of the ones I have are hockey cards. This seems to be a problem online as most people I would be trading with collect mostly baseball.

Also as I have just recently started collecting again, most of the sets I'm working on are practically considered ancient as most collectors have completed their sets and moved on to newer sets. So I'm trying to complete the subsets (Rookies, Stars, Legends) for the 08/09 Artifacts Hockey...which has been kind of difficult to do. But I'm in no hurry, so that's a good thing. I also would prefer not to buy cards on ebay.

I guess the point of all this is...I just spend the better part of 2 months putting together a wishlist from one collectors Trade List and had put together a bunch of cards that were on his. We had many correspondences, but they were sporadic at best. I hadn't heard anything from him in the past 2-3 weeks, so I sent him a PM asking if he was still interested in a trade. His response was he was but since the trade was so small he was going to pass! Pass! Small! The total was a buy value of over $40, that's not small to me! Moreover, I had spent so much time trying to put this deal together that he seemed interested in only to get that as a response.

Does anyone else have these experiences or is it just me?

2008/2009 UD Champs Hockey

2009-02-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have to say I'm really looking forward to this set.

The cards are named after a 1924/25 hockey card release by the Champ’s Cigarette Company of Canada.

I know many people have varying thoughts on this set, which includes a 480 card mini card subset and the possibility of getting a Dinosaur tooth or bone, or a trilobite.

I have to say, I would really like to get one of those cards, a Dino Tooth or bone! To me that's just too cool. I've had a passion for dinosaurs since I was a kid, around the same time I was collecting cards. Now that I've started collecting cards again, it's nice to see that they are combining my two childhood passions, hockey cards and dinosaurs.

Overall, I like the set, they have the old school feel like the Allen & Ginter set does for baseball. This seems to be Upper Decks Hockey response to the A&G set, which I am a HUGE fan of!

I will definitely be getting myself a few boxes of this when it comes out. Sadly my only regret is that I can't get a case to guarantee something from the “Fossil and Artifact” cards.

The box features 24 packs of 5 cards each, and each box will contain 2 mini signatures, 1 mini threads card, and 1 brown back parallel as well as the assortment of short prints.

The Set drops, March 17th, 2009! I personally Can't wait!

The Beckett Blog has a number of pictures of the Champ's mini Signatures, check them out!

Mail Day 11/02/2009

2009-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today, marks the first mail day that I've ever had!

Brian sent me a bunch of cards, Thank you very much Brian, I really appreciate it!

He sent me an 08/09 UD McDonalds #50 Alexander Ovechkin base card, the only base card I was missing...My base set is now complete!

He was also awesome and sent me a bunch of Flames and Canucks cards which included some Kirk McLean, Taylor Pyatt, Stephane Yelle and Trevor Linden!

He also sent along a Michael Jordan vs. Magic Johnson card, which just takes me back!

Moreover, he sent a pack of 99/00 UD Gold Reserve, which unbelievably included a Mark Messier as a Canuck card!!!!!

Thank you very much Brian!

The Good, The Bad and the HOLY SH*T!

2009-02-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Okay so I got back from my first Hobby Shop experience buying a Hobby Box.

The Good - I bought a hobby box of 08/09 UD Artifacts.

The Bad - They didn't have 2009 Topps Baseball Series 1 boxesin. They also were rip off artists trying to trade in cards for hobby boxes...which royaly pissed me off. I will not even bother trying that again!

The HOLY SH*T - The hits out of the box

I pulled the usual Rookies, Rookie redemptions, Stars and Legends. All nice.

I also Pulled a Peter Forsberg Frozen Artifacts (Jersey and Patch) 24/50

Which I traded with my brother-in-law (a HUGE Colorado fan) for a 08/09 UD Series 1 Miikka Kiprusoff Patch card 01/15 (I'm a huge Flames fan...gotta love family!)

A Micheal Ryder and Guillaume Latendresse Tundra Tandums Tri-Color with Stitching 062/100

A Jarome Iginla Treasured Swatches Duel Color 096/100

AND A BOBBY ORR AUTOFACTS CARD!!!! I LOVE BOBBY ORR! SWEEEEEEEEEEEEETTT

Sick of Ebay and Beckett pricing?

2009-02-06T09:36:00.001-08:00

As I've ranted this past week, I'm a little frustrated about the whole Ebay/Beckett pricing. Well finally someone has come up with a solution.

Mike Smith, Owner and President, of The Cardboard Connection, has upgraded his site and produced a social network site and a marketplace with fixed-prices and auction style selling formats.

I personally think this is a great idea, but I guess time will see how it does or if we'll be back on our blogs ranting about this as well.

Personally I hope it helps and does well. So Please check it out!

The Death of Hobby Shops?

2009-02-05T11:19:00.001-08:00

I was talking to my Brother-in-law today and he was telling me that in the hobby shop that he goes to the owners trade him cards at a 2 to 1 price. He trades 2 base cards for 1 base card.

Now to me that doesn't exactly sound fair. I brought up this point to him and his response was "you get what you get". Well, that got me to thinking. Trading and buying cards online, seems to be an extremely popular method these days. Now I think I know why.

People don't want to get what they can get, they want what's fair. Sure there are those on Ebay and the trading sights that try to rip you off or vastly overcharge because they like the player or they think everyone else does.

Value can get a little hazy. But using Ebay prices vs. Beckett Prices one should be able to come up with a pretty fair solution and decide for themselves what they think is fair.

Is it really a bad thing that Hobby shops are dying and the internet community seems to be thriving? Personally, right now, I feel it isn't. I want what's fair, not what I can get! If I bring in base cards, I would like equal value of base cards in return, otherwise what is the point of Beckett Value...the pricing guides that all Hobby shop owners seem to use when they are charging you for cards.

I could be just ranting right now.

I could be just off my rocker.

On Saturday I'm going to his Hobby shop, buying a Hobby Box of 08/09 UD Artifacts. I may even trade in some of my card lot to fill out my need lists to complete my sets. Heck I might even try to trade in enough to get another Hobby Box of something...maybe 2009 UD Baseball!

But the fact of the matter is, if I feel I'm being ripped off...Well I obviously will not be happy. I'll probably never go there again. I'll start doing all my shopping and trading online and if the Hobby Shop Owner doesn't like that...well then he should be fair. There's a larger market out there than going to a specialty store.

I remember when I was a youngin' and Hobby Shops were the only place a kid could go trade and buy cards...I also remember being ripped off then. Maybe it was because I was a kid, maybe it was because they knew I had no other option, maybe it was because he was a dillweed. The point is I'm already a little jaded towards Hobby Shops because of past experiences.

So I guess the question I pose is... Is the death of Hobby Shops a bad thing? If they overcharge and underpay... If the Internet provides an equality... If you can get everything you want and need without feeling taken advantage of...Is it a bad thing?

Or am I way off base and overreacting?

Like I said I guess I'll find out on Saturday...I hope I am because I'd like to do business with these blokes, they are nice people and they do have a business to run and I would like to support them. But I will not stand for being taken advantage of.

Is this the way all Hobby Shops are?

What do you guys do? I notice most seem to go to target or walmart. I hope someone responds to this blog before I go. I'd really like to get some help here!

For Anyone who loves ITG as much as I do...

2009-02-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

Check Out The Hockey Cards Blog

They have an interview with Dr. Brian Price, the Owner of In The Game!

It's really good stuff, recommended reading!

07/08 ITG H&P 3 Pack Open

2009-02-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

07/08 ITG Heroes and Prospects Arena Version Box

24 Packs per Box - 5 Cards per Pack.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

The base card checklist is now 140 cards, with cards numbered 101-140 being game-used memorabilia cards featuring game-used memorabilia from the
CHL Top Prospects Game.

The checklist includes Patrick Kane, Angelo Esposito, Trevor Cann, Sam Gagner, Brandon Sutter and Zach Hamill, to name a few.

Collectors wanted to see a completely new base card design for Heroes and Prospects and In The Game responded to this request. The 2007-08 Heroes and Prospects will thrill collectors old and new. Full body action shots fit perfectly with the retro-style design. As in past Heroes and Prospects products, there will be Heroes, International Prospects, AHL Prospects, CHL Prospects and this year we introduce CHL Duals.

A newly designed Autograph card will feature a checklist of great players from the future, present and past.

40 Top Prospects Game-Used Memorabilia cards (1:72 packs).

9 randomly inserted 2007 Memorial Cup Champions insert set (1:14 packs).

Authentic autograph cards (1:48 packs).

He Shoots He Scores or Top Prospects memorabilia Redemption cards.

Now it should come as no surprise by now, but I am a huge fan of In The Game (ITG) products. I love the Heroes & Prospects sets. The idea of up and coming phenoms mixed with yesterdays and today’s heroes (in their minor league uni’s no less…to get around infringement issues). So when I walked into a new store today to just look around, and saw 07/08 H&P product, I tried really hard not to drool. I casually walked up to the owner and started chatting him up. This store is NOT a hobby store. It’s a tiny little store not much bigger than my bedroom and is primarily filled with collectibles, which range from Superheroes, to Hockey Player figures, to bunnies and china dishes. The amount of actual cards in this store was minimal at best but there were cards! I was surprised by the price per pack and decided to get 3, with thoughts of going back some time and getting the Arena Box… Here’s what I opened!

Pack 1:

#8 Roberto Luongo!

WOW first card…First pack I got the Captain!!!! Woooo Woooo!!!! So worth it already! Luongo is my favorite current player in the NHL, possibly favorite EVER! This may be because he is one of the best goalies in the league… it may be because he plays for my team…the Vancouver Canucks!!!! But this was just awesome to see!

#31 Cal O’Reilly

#99 Roberto Luongo and Brad Machand

2 Luongo cards in 1 pack! I must have been a very good boy!

#36 Alex Bourret

#26 Matt D’Agostini – Currently on the roster of the Canadiens de Montreal!

That was a really great pack. I love these cards! This is probably my favorite year for front design. The whole set, as far as I can tell, is horizontal! Beautiful, Beautiful cards!

Pack 2:

Wow I was really good or something, first pack, Luongo off the bat, this pack…

#94 Guy Lafleur & Angelo Esposito

Both amazing players. I can’t wait to see what Esposito does in the NHL!

#70 Leland Irving

#45 Claude Giroux

#65 Zach Boychuk

Sweet! First Esposito, now Boychuk! I’m very excited about this card…why you ask? Because Boychuk is from my town, Airdrie! I was really hoping to get at least one of his cards! Glad I didn’t have to hunt it down on ebay!

#83 Ryan O’Reilly

Man! 2 packs down and already getting pretty sweet cards! Can’t wait to see what’s in pack 3…I think I’ll definitely try building a set of this!

Pack 3:

#77 P.K. Subban

#38 Brett Sterling

#11 Dave Keon

This is a beautiful card! And it’s the first that I’ve seen that has a black & white picture. Keon played professionally from 1960 to 1982, 15 years for the Toronto Maple Leafs and was inducted into the hall of fame in 1986! His number, #14, however has yet to be retired by the Leafs…

#50 Yann Sauve

#91 Jordan Staal & Trevor Cann

Sweet card, I love the duals, a Hero and a Prospect from the same minor league team! This is a very sweet set, I definitely think I’m going to have to build it. So I guess I’m going after 07/08 & 08/09 H&P! And I’m definitely debating 05/06 & 06/07! But that’s for another day!

Overall, amazing product, perhaps my favorite year for ITG H&P! Very happy!

To Buy or To Trade?

2009-02-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

I've only been back in the hobby for a month now, I'm close to completing 2 sets and have been debating starting another. And I have yet to buy a single hobby box. I have purchased many individual packs and even a few retail boxes. In a few short days I will be heading to a hobby store and purchasing at least 1 hobby box and hopefully filling out the rest of my sets.

I'm hoping to trade in many of my extra cards in order to fill out my sets. The question I have been asking myself is...is it better to buy or trade for sets and cards that you want?

Ebay and Hobby shops offer numerous cards for varying prices. What I can't find in the hobby shop I should be able to find on ebay. However, I prefer to not spend money if I don't have to. I have attempted to make a few trades online.

One fell through because the other person was moving for a few weeks and I found the card he wanted to trade me at a $10 bv for $.01. This was obviously too good of a price to pass up. While I was online I even suckered myself into purchasing another card. This too was priced "too good to pass up". There are a number of other cards that I would like to buy online, but I have to learn to budget myself better.

The other trade I have been waiting to hear back from the other trader for over a week now. He responds to my PM's on the site, but has yet to make an offer (I told him which of his cards I would like and am waiting to see what he would like in return).

Another question this raises is, is it worth it to buy hobby boxes when the set is almost complete? The hopes are that I can fill out my set and get a few MOJO cards that will help suppliment getting the rest.

The first thing I think, as a new trader and new, again, to the hobby, is to set a budget. A limit, that will help suppliment my enjoyment of the hobby while helping me fill my sets, which can be of great joy itself.

I think these are problems we all face when just getting into, or back into, the hobby. How to start, where to go, how much to spend, to trade or to buy.

No matter what I'm buying a hobby box this weekend. The question will be, do I buy a hobby box to the set I am almost complete, or to start a new set? I guess time will tell, and so will I on my blog on Monday!

Why I Collect: John Tavares

2009-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

So I've decided that I'm going to start doing a weekly blog on why I collect certain cards, sets, players. I'm also going to do follow-up blog, examining if it's really worth it.

I'm going to start with John Tavares, a young, soon-to-be, superstar. I'm beginning with Tavares because he is a player that I have decided, recently, to start collecting. I already have a couple of his cards, and through a few possible upcoming trades and purchases, I'll have a few more.

Tavares has been talked about since 05/06 and has numerous cards already availible, primarily through In The Game (ITG). His name has become even more popular since the World Juniors, with Tavares becoming the tournament MVP. And with his "The Goal" of the tournament, it's no wonder.

Pictured below are the set of cards called "Phenoms". It is a set of 6 cards.

So far Tavares is being hailed as the "next" great player of the game. With a number of the youth in today's game, Crosby, Ovechkin, Kane, Toews, etc. It's a bright time for hockey. Only time will tell if these players will be able to hold up to pressure and expectations thrust upon them.

We know that the young stars I have listed above have thus far beyond proven themselves. Kane and Toews, for example are having phenomenal sophomore years.

The question is will Tavares live up the expectations thrust on him now that he has been seen on the world stage? I believe that he can and will. With the 2009 NHL Draft approaching, Tavares is projected to go #1. The problem with that, is which team will he be drafted to. Will it be a team that is rebuilding and will center its franchise around the young budding player, or will he simply be ushered into the background, stifling his growth at the professional level, or what if he's placed on a weak team and has to carry them? Only time will tell, however, I personally believe that Tavares will be just fine in the NHL. He's a little bit older, he'll be 19 by the time he'll play which is because he just missed the draft age deadline by 5 days. Crosby was 18 when he first played. Moreover, Tavares is also a larger player (6-feet) and has proven himself on the world stage.

The great thing is Tavares isn't the only draftee to watch for in the upcoming years, but I will touch more on that in later weeks.

Tavares, until recently, played for the Oshawa Generals. He's played in the OHL since he was 15 and granted "exceptional player" status. Tavares has been recently traded to the London Knights. The move seems to be a promising move, which should help him prepare for the next level, the NHL.

The World, especially Canada, watches and waits for Tavares' debut. The draft will be interesting, but 2009/2010 season promises to be a season to watch for.

3 Random Packs

2009-01-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Just picked up 3 random packs today from a local store that sells cards. I'm sure they are a little more expensive than going to a hobby store but by the time you figure in gas and time, well they are totally worth it.

Pack 1:

08/09 UD Masterpieces Hockey (retail pack)

#51 Johnny Bower
# 26 Denis Savard
#76 Andy Bathgate
#36 Turk Broda

I really like this set. The art is amazing and the canvas style is beautiful. I don't think it's a set I would spend time collecting but I love getting random packs and ripping them open to see what's inside. Unfortunately of this set only 1 was a card that I haven't had before...3 dubs!

Pack 2:

08/09 ITG Heroes and Prospects

#79 T.J. Galiardi - of the Calgary Hitmen!!!!
#94 Marco Scandella
#52 John McFarland
#73 Kyle Beach
#43 Cody Hodgson

I love this set. I love the ITG Heroes and Prospects cards in general. This is my first pack of 08/09. I love the idea of prospects. Cards of players who haven't yet been drafted and players who have been drafted but play on the farm teams. Most of these players have some amazing promise. Most are either 1st or 2nd round picks. There are also a Heroes portion that have players like Lemuiex, Crosby, and Brodeur back in their days before the NHL. I love the old pictures of these players, it's awesome to see. This is definately a set I'll be collecting. Can't wait until I head up to Edmonton to go to a hobby shop with my Brother-in-Law and get a hobby box of this.

Moreover, I'm ecstatic to get a Calgary Hitmen player...even though he's on a different team right now and was drafted by Colorado...double wammy. We're hoping to go to a Hitmen game on Tuesday when they play Edmonton. 7-11 and Gatoraid have a promotion going on right now that for every 3 bottles you buy you get a free ticket to a Hitmen game, any Home game in January and Feburary. Can't wait it should be good....too bad Galiardi isn't playing there anymore I would have tried to get him to sign the card!

Side note: If anyone has been getting the redemption cards and don't want them feel free to send them to me!

Pack 3:

2008 UD Masterpieces Baseball

#78 Barry Zito
#38 Lance Berkman
#32 Justin Verlander - Black Border
#25 Joe Morgan
#11 Carl Yastrzemski
#74 Luke Hochevar RC

Again I love the Masterpieces sets. The cards are beautiful. I like that there are rookie cards in the sets and the borders make the cards stand out even more. The Verlander card especially stands out, because in the background it shows his no hitter against the Brewers (boo!). The Horizontal pictures are also very nice, I quite like the Berkman card. However, again I don't think this is a set I would really try to collect.

So if anyone out there would like to trade for any of my Masterpieces cards (hockey and baseball) let me know!

I'll be putting up baseball cards for trade in my trade/want list soon.

Something just came over me...Part 3

2009-01-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Okay so today I'm going to review my second box of 4 random MLB packs.

Pack 1:

2002 Donruss

The cards here are very interesting. The ones I pulled were inspired by the '82, '84,'86, & '88 cards.

#32 Albert Pujols...very nice card and very one loves Pujols!
#379 Rickey Henderson
#18 Kevin Brown
#170 Gary Sheffield (in Braves uni)
#147 Mark Grace
#314 Craig Biggio
#29 Roberto Alomar
#98 Rafael Palmeiro
#264 Tim Hudson
#361 Juan Gonzalez

Overall decent cards. I like the Pujols card just because it is Pujols. The photography is nice, the different borders based on year is cool. But for me, because I just got back into baseball recently I don't think this is a set I would collect. I think I'll have to focus on more recent years and just pick up a few player cards from years past, like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun.

Pack 2:

2003 Fleer Fall Classic

#34 Wade Boggs
#70 Willie Stargell
#24 Willie Mccovey
#36 Don Drysdale
#79 Roberto Clemente

The base cards with their turquois borders are down right ugly. While the pictures are decent, I just can't get my eyes off of those ugly borders. Info on the back of the card is nice. I really like the Willie Stargell Dynasty Foundations and the Roberto Clemente cards. If the whole set looked like those two I'd definately consider picking up a few more.

Pack 3:

2002 Fleer Hot Prospects

#39 Magglio Ordonez...great card, love the player...too bad he doesn't have his flowing locks in this card though!
#68 Jeff Kent
#71 Brian Jordan
#45 Ichiro...this guy has a last name why does no one use it?
#CS13 Co-Stars - Vladimir Guerrero and Scott Rolen...very nice card

So far the best cards out of the bunch. I know most of the players. I like that the card has a good single shot of the player and background has a baseball in it that is subtle. The co-stars card is very nice.

Pack 4:

2008 UD First Edition

#108 Felix Hernandez...King Felix!
#193 Matt Belisle
#140 Kyle Lohse
#126 Billy Wagner
#223 Gary Sheffield....wish this was Magglio with the locks!
#158 Jamie Moyer
#3 Jered Weaver
#98 Rajai Davis
#279 Jose Morales RC
#SQ-4 Ken Griffey Jr.

This is definately my favorite set of the bunch. I enjoy the photography and the info on the backs. I can't wait for the '09 set! I really enjoy the Starquest cards. I love the green and you can never go wrong with Jr.

Over all I was very happy with this set. I don't think I would get it again but it was a lot of fun to open. And being that I'm trying to emmerse myself into the card collecting culture by venturing back a few years it was nice to see where some of the sets have come from to help see where some of them are going!

Something just came over me...Part 2

2009-01-27T14:36:00.001-08:00

So in my giant Walmart, multi-pack buying spree. I also bought a box of 4 randomly assorted Baseball packs. The first box that I opened contained a pack of 2008 UD First Edition, 2003 Donruss Team Heroes, 07/08 Topps, and 02/03 Fleer Traditional.

Pack 1:

2008 UD

cards in order I pulled them... Rafael Betancourt, Dioner Navarro, Brian McCann, Mike Mussina, Coco Crisp, Brandon Inge, Rich Hill, Milton Bradley, Josh Anderson RC, and Justin Morneau Starquest.

Overall, very nice pack. I love the focus on photography. Good info on the back, AND a JUSTIN MOURNEAU starquest...very happy about that. Mourneau helped me a great deal in my fantasy baseball league. Great start! I will definately be getting a hobby box or 2 of the 2009 UD.

Pack 2:

2003 Donruss

cards in order...JOE "FREAKING" CARTER...right off the bat!!!! Sweet!!!! As I've written many times, One of my last memories of watching the MLB on tv was Joe Carter's walk-off 3 run, home run to win the World Series for the Jays, their second in two years! Well that just might be one of my favorite cards being that it's Joe Carter....oh right the rest of the pack...Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, Chin-Feng Chen, Adam Bernero, Marquis Grissom, Bert Snow, J.D. Drew, Ben Howard, and Willie McCovey.

Overall a nice enough set, the pictures and fronts are nice, the info on the back is great. But being that I haven't been back into baseball for that long, I only know a couple of the players. But the Joe Carter was definately the highlight for me.

Pack 3:

2002 Fleer Traditional

This Day in History (Paul Molitor)...interesting card...Antonio Alfonseca, Edgardo Alfonzo, Orlando Cabrera (in an Expos jersey...very nice)...wonder who will sign him this year being that he's a FA and all, Royce Clayton, Johnny Estrada, David Wells, Brad Ausmus, Sandy Alomar, and Derek Jeter. I really enjoy the look of these cards. They are a nice hard cardboard. Nice coloring and pics, white border.

Pack 4:

2007 Topps

Fred Lewis RC, Nook Logan, Marcus Giles, Luke Scott, Mike Piazza (GOLD 0053/2007), Mark Grudzielanek, Kenny Rogers (makes me giggle every time), Jim Edmonds, Carlos Beltran, Emil Brown, Eric Byrnes, Brandon Inge. Nice set, I hate the "signatures" on every card. The black bordering is nice and the photos are decent. I like that I pulled a #'d card.

Top pulls from a walmart special...Joe Carter, Justin Morneau Starquest, Mike Piazza (53/2007), and This Day in History.

Overall, very fun to open. I enjoyed the different cards from different years.

I have another of these to share later. While the other set is just as good, I don't think I would bother buying this again. Especially when considering the Hockey set that I opened previously was the same price and I enjoyed all the cards much more.

However, this was definately worth it. It was fun and cheap. Can't really as for more now can we!

Goose Joak 2

2009-01-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

Well I was going to write a blog today about some MLB packs I opened, but I'm lazy so instead I thought I would show you my second attempts at the Goose Joak Baseball Virtual Cards.

There are a few players that I have multiple possibilities for... I might post them all in one and have a little vote or something... What do you think ?

Goose Joak Cards

2009-01-26T01:05:00.000-08:00

A little while ago I posted saying that a group of blogger led by Goose Joak were developing our own set of cards. I just recently got back into Baseball after a many years hiatus...let's just say Joe Carter was winning the World Series with a walk-off Three run homer... Being Canadian I've always been a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. However, getting back into baseball, through Fantasy Baseball...I found myself drawn to the Milwaukee Brewers. With players like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun it's hard not to love that team and when CC Sabathia joined to help push them to a World Series winner...I was esthatic! Any way the point is, being a loyal and devoted fan to both I offered my services to "sponsor" both teams...here are my first attempts. Let me know what you think!

NHL AllStar Game Live blog*

2009-01-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

The West takes an early lead with a goal by Kieth Tkachuk; assisted by Rick Nash and Milan Hejduk. We got first blood, very nice!

I love how they keep introducing Hockey Hall of Famers!

Darn, A beauty of a goal by Ovechkin, you know every time you watch this kid you know why he's considered one of the best, if not the best, in the league. The young talent in the last few years is just phenomenal for the game! Kane, Toews, Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin...the list just goes on and on it's crazy. It's nice to see the game filled with so much talent. Reminds me of the mid-80's to the early-90's.

Ouch, Staal scores on Giggy picking by the net...come on WEST defense!!!!

Okay So I headed out for a bit and came back to the East leading 6-3...Come on WEST Offense!!!

wow just as I wrote that Boyle scored! Sweet, first All*Star game and goal for Boyle! Way to go!

Malkin with a beauty, between the legs. Better than any of the attempts last night 7-4

WOW OH WOW...Nash flashing down the ice...GOOOOOOAL 7-5

WOW OH WOW I can't write fast enough to keep up...Hedjuk with a goal! 7-6. You know being he plays for Colorado I'd never normally cheer for him but woooo wooo!!!

You know they were just talking about the All*Star game and how people hate it because it's not a real game, you know I LOVE the All*Star game. It's a celebration of the players. It's fun to watch. And where else can you have such talent playing together! No fights, no contact. Just a fun game of Hockey. Now I'm a HUGE fan of hockey, fights and all but I still love watching this game...

GOOOOOAAALLLL WEST, Souray! Wow I really wouldn't cheer for him being an Oiler (I'll blog on that later) 7-7...GO WEST GO!!!!

I love seeing all these old All*Stars watching the game, Messier, Lemiuex! Man those guys bring back some memories.

There's talk of doing an international cup every few years. I like that sounds of that! I don't think it should replace the All*Star game but I like that. A chance for all countries to be represented!

Apparently there are 9 countries represented tonight and 23 of the players are CANADIAN! Excellent!

I really love seeing these past Canadiens de Montreal introduced out in the crowds during the breaks. The fans must really be loving this! I saw "Pocket Rocket" Richard earlier...part of 11 of 24 Stanley Cups for the Canadiens de Montreal! WOW such history. I LOVE this game so much!

They were talking earlier about the rivalry between Malkin and Ovechkin and how Kovalchuk took the two of them out and said that the game is the game and they have to realize that they are being watched very closely and they have a chance to really represent Russia! I love that, these guys are really embassadors for their countries and their sport. Rivalries can exist on the ice, but once off the ice it's okay to be friendly and mature!

Goal by Kovalev, Canadians fans must be loving that! beauty of a breakaway goal for the East 8-7.

Come on IGGY!!! Dang...he must be getting frustrated...oh wait they are counting that for IGGY...his first All*Star goal..that can't be right I'll have to look that up... 8-8.

Lundqvist with a HUGE save on Kane! Wow!

2nd period has come to a end...16 goals, 8 each...wow. 1 more period to go! Can't wait to see Luongo in net!

Luongo in net...and mic'd. Wow that's kinda cool, Luongo is giving commentary while in net. I LOVE that! Luongo you the man!!!!!

Modano in the air pass to Doan...GOOOOOAAAAALLLL. Wow that's eye-hand cordination! Out of the air. 9-8 WEST

Heatley goal 9-9

Toews with his first All*Star goal! Very nice. Gotta love these young guns! 10-9 WEST!

Hey, George Stroumboulopoulos! Love that guy...hahahah he's booing himself!

LOL love Luongo's commentary. That alone is worth the watching the game at home instead of live....hahahaha he told them to hold on while he saved a shot...then back to commentary. I LOVE THIS!!! GO CANUCKS GO... I mean.... :). Still talking while making saves...this is why the All*Star game is awesome. Guess he likes facing Ovechkin because he likes to shoot more than pass...well he is a sniper!

There have been a lot of rumors about Lecavalier being traded to Montreal. That would be kind of awesome to see him going home to help Montreal make a run at the cup. Montreal has been doing awesome this year.

Dang, St. Louis scored. 10-10. Love Luongo's commentary. Souray got in the way, too bad...lol Luongo is just too funny. He doesn't want anyone blocking a shot here, just get out of the way he's got it. Love it, he's such an awesome player and person! Definately would love to meet him....hahahaha oooh right off the shaft, you can't teach that! lol such great commentary.

I hope some of you guys are watching this. It's money!

Well sounds like it's the end of the Luongo commentary tonight. too bad, I wish they did it every night

KANE ALONE....RUSHES IN...GOOOOALLLLL. Kane's first All*Star goal. The young guns really shining tonight! 11-10 WEST

I hope there's an All*Star subset or something in a hockey set this year. Some really great goals and what not....gotta say something about cards!

Oh Bouwmeester scored 11-11, his first. A night of firsts, the youngins are really amazing!

Man this crowd really loves Lecavalier. Every time he gets the puck they go nuts! I would love to see him go to Montreal just for the fans!

11-11 Overtime...

4 on 4 sudden death!

Even Lundqvist wants to see Lecavalier score the winner....if the East were to win I'd be okay if it was Lecavalier scoring. Otherwise... go WEST go!

IGGY...nooooo so close. Thomas, a Bruin being cheered by the Montreal fans, I love that. Not often that happens.

A penalty! hahahhaha yikes...Komisarek got the penalty. The Montreal fans booing like crazy...poor ref...hahahah Guy Carbonneau is laughing.

Time runs out...SHOOTOUT!

Thomas has been fantastic all year and showing how much he deserves to be here at this game!

Love the shootout in an all*star game, just hope Giggy isn't in net after last nights performance...

Luongo in net for the west

1) Lecavalier for the East...stopped...go Luongo go

Thomas in the net for the East

1) Doan...stopped

2) Kovalev goal, beats Luongo over the glove

2) Nash...stopped by Thomas

if the East scores they will win

3) Ovechkin....GOAL! just snuck it by Luongo.

The East wins...well that was a hell of a game that I enjoyed thoroughly!

Some youtube moments and goals, including Ovechkin's shootout goal there...better than his moves last night.

MVP of the night....quiet a few possibilities tonight...KOVALEV! The hometown crowd loves that! Well a great night. 100 years of Canadiens de Montreal, the East wins, Kovalev scores in the shoot out and he's the MVP.

NOW IT'S THE DRIVE TO THE STANLEY CUP!!!! IT'S SOOOOO ON!

Something just came over me...

2009-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well I went a little ape crap today and bought a bunch of Walmart specials...I'll spend the next few days going over the cards and what I think of them.

I'll start off today with the hockey set I picked up. It was 3 different packs together.

1) Upper Deck 2005/2006 Series 2
2) Heroes and Prospects 2005/2006
3) Parkhurst 2005/2006

Some really great cards in these packs. I'll just talk about the highlights.

1)Out of the Upper Deck pack:

The base cards are nice, as always with the Series sets the photography is the main focus.

The Highlight of the pack to me was the Sidney Crosby: Diary of a Phenom card #dp22. Gotta love Sid the Kid, I'm sad that he's not playing tonight at the All*Star game

2) Out of the H&P pack:

I love the base cards here. I love the idea of the cards. Heroes and Prospects and a good mix of both. In this pack I got some very nice base cards of promising young stars, including one who played for the Red Deer Rebels, wonder if I ever watched him play?

The highlight of this pack...there are two. First a Martin Brodeur base card...he's in his St. Hyacinthe Laser's jersey...very cool. Second, I got a Shawn Belle auto card. Very nice. Belle was born in Edmonton!

3) Out of the Parkhurst pack

My least favorite base cards. They are nice enough but not something I would spend my time and money collecting the set for.

Highlight of this pack, a Kevin Nastiuk auto in blue ink.

Overall impression: These cards I would definitely buy again. Total cost was low and the cards pulled were nice. I might try and collect the H&P base, but if this is the only way I can find them cheap and easy I'll just keep buying them this way. And maybe if I'm really good, eat my veggies and do my homework, I'll find a Tavares card or two in there!!!!

Tomorrow I'll look at a similar buy, but MLB.

NHL All*Star Skills Competition

2009-01-24T18:32:00.001-08:00

Well we just finished watching the All*Star Competition tonight! That's always just so much fun. Have to say the highlight of the night was Shane Doan in the Shootout Competition at the end of the night. He just seemed to be having fun with it and his daughter was extremely happy for him.

Can't wait for the All*Stars game tomorrow night...too bad Crosby is out.

As you can hopefully tell, I'm a huge Hockey fan (Original Six!)

Mike

My first follower!

2009-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wow that's nice to see, thanks Brian!

I started blogging about cards for two reasons. To give a different perspective, being that I haven't collected cards in almost two decades and really didn't have a clue about this online community until just a week or so ago. And I wanted to belong to that community. If one has a blog it seems that it becomes a great way to communicate and become involved in the process. So if anyone reading this has just gotten back into cards...set up a blog, read and comment on other peoples blogs. Everyone is very friendly and informative! I've had nothing but good luck!

Brian is the guy who started me blogging. His blog is amazing, please check it out, he's also very active in other blogs! I reached out to him first primarily because of proximity but also because his blog is very informative and well written. His advice has been very helpful. Just a hint for you newbies out there...to which I still belong...most card bloggers are extremely nice and helpful.

Oh and just a side note...that different perspective I was talking about...check out the Goose Joak blog. He and a bunch of other bloggers...myself included...are putting together our own set of virtual cards! How's that for new perspective.

Mike

Just When I Thought I Was Out...They Pulled Me Back In!

2009-01-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

Well this should have been my first blog, but I was learning how things worked here on blogspot. I used to collect cards in the early-80's to the mid-90's but then I just lost interest or who knows what happened.

Well recently my Brother-in-law started collecting cards and well it sparked my interested and got right back in. We went to his local card shop and I bought a few cards that were to my liking.

I bought
2 Luongo Jersey Cards,

1 Trevor Linden Jersey Card

and a Kiprusoff Jersey card.

In many ways I hope that would be enough. Get a few things of my favorite players. But I looked through my old albums and the hunger was still there...so now I'm hooked and I think there's no turning back. I just have to remind myself to take it slow and enjoy the process. After all this is a fun hobby that millions seem to share... We all seem to share this addiction, to wax!

Cheers and good hunting,

Mike

08/09 MLB Masterpices

2009-01-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

So I was at a local store today and noticed that they had a few different cards for sale. I noticed that one of the sets they were selling was 08/09 MLB Masterpieces and the packs were out of a hobby box. So I figured what the heck. I bought two packs and here's what I pulled:

Pack 1:

#69 Chase Utley +5 points
#2 Justin Upton +5 points
#48 Ryan Braun (yaaaaa) +15 points...hey it's my game and I'm a Brewers fan...
#79 Russell Martin +1 point
#20 Carlos Zambrono...big Z...+7 points
SG-JB Stroke of Genius - Joe Blanton... Black Border ...+10 Points for this being my first pulled auto...Too bad it's a Oakland A's...but an auto is an auto, pretty damned cool looking too...I just upped an image from the UD website without auto...i'll post a pic of the card I got later on my want/trade list
...EDIT...This is a photo of the card I pulled...sorry about the blue color...will try and get a better pic later

43 Points for pack 1

Pack 2:

#21 Derrek Lee +5 points...he had a heck of year
#10 Nick Markakis +1 point
#113 Steve Carlton +1...but it's a short print so....+5 (total +6)
#51 Justin Morneau +15 points (he helped me get second in my fantasy league)
#29 Troy Tulowitzki +1 point
#49 Harmon Killebrew +1 point...who?
YSL#5817 David Wells -5...

24 points for pack 2... Pack 1 blew Pack 2 out of the water!

You know these are pretty impressive cards I just may have to walk back to the store and buy a few more packs, too bad they are so expensive...

Hey

2009-01-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

So the title of my blog says it all. I'll try to blog as much as possible regarding Bustin' Wax. My main collecting interests are Hockey cards. Right now I'm working on the 08/09 UD Artifacts collection. I'm also collecting Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Bluejays and Prince Fielder cards.

I'll set up a Wantlist and a Trade list very soon.