Keep workin' on it

I am exhausted - 15 hour day yesterday with the Federal budget out yesterday as I am part of the team at our firm that reviews, summarizes and gets info out to clients ASAP. A fun job to do, but glad it is only once a year really. Makes for not much energy posting now though....

Highlights:

A nice add of over 1% of the 800 card behemoth of a set, 2008-09 O Pee Chee. Stil a long way to go on it, but not so long if I can have a bunch more days like this.

The rest
Keepers:

Ah Joe Thornton - was a month or two ago, couldn't believe the chunk of beard he lost with the grab from Kadri. If you didn't hear, there was a brawl right off the bat, Kadri who is much shorter, reached up to grab high jersey and ended up with a handful of beard by accident, which he pulled out and threw to the ice. I do believe it was an accident - especially given the size differential.

Traders:

Mostly a whole bunch of dupe 2008-09 O Pee Chee, but I do like the dupe Brett Hull from 90-91 O Pee Chee.

Through 10860 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	173	24
Inserts / Var Kept	355	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2142	340
Doubles/Sell	1830	256	1725	3087	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	158	216

Multiple Golds

Highlights:


This much gold, you have to appreciate it all. Kimmo will end up in my collection, and won't be keeping the Ultra Medallions, but they are still a great pick up - especially this many.

I will say the Turkoglu is really poor in hand to try and read a yellow script font name with the gold and shine, but maybe that is just me.

The rest
Keepers:

Just the one. Michal is still kicking around the NHL, now with Chicago.

Traders:

Darn...had that Hawerchuk...still stuck at 51/87 on the base set for Masterpieces...

Through 10840 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	173	24
Inserts / Var Kept	355	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2131	340
Doubles/Sell	1821	256	1725	3087	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	158	216

Marquee Leaf add

Highlights:

A Marquee rookie - nice....A Maple Leaf - nicer.....a parallel - nicest. Darryl played parts of a few seasons with Toronto (most was 46 games in a season which saw him score 5 goals) which was followed by some games for the Blue Jackets in 2011-12, then - that's it. Honestly, better than a lot of "Rookie" guys put on cards as he was around and in the league on and off for a few years, but not an NHL regular at any point really.


A shame the Pacific McD card is a bit banged up, but good enough still for me - no folds or anything, just beaten corners. As for the Miracle Men insert card of Ramsey - obviously US focused, but a nice little insert set that I hadn't seen before. The gold lettering makes the scan look pretty rough though.


The rest
Keepers:

Baseball! As much as the Pirate unis of the time were considered hideous by some, I like how they work with the card colour/design here (or vice versa).

Traders:


Well, yes another 1985 Topps Joe Carter (could be worse) and some triplicate basketball. Actually, if checking now for the 2007-08 Topps Basketball base set...I am missing 28 of 135 cards - and about half are rookie cards at the end of the set. Still, plenty enough to go that I could see getting them (and honestly, I can't recall, but some may have come and gone anyway...).

Through 10820 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	173	24
Inserts / Var Kept	354	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2130	340
Doubles/Sell	1820	256	1722	3084	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	147	216

Pack Attack - 1989 Bowman

Here is the pack today - the comeback edition!

So I only have 5% of the set, so I expect I will need most of the 12 cards in the pack, but how many....let's take a look and find out...


So, I was never really a fan of the faux autographs on cards, but I will say the ones on these cards are WAY better than the faux autos (or even the real ones) on cards today. I think that simply comes down to cursive not really being taught in schools anymore and the reliance on computers and typing for everything. As a result people learning now, just don't have practice writing their names. Not saying they were all good back then - McDowell and Gantner both have really nice ones for example.


That is one young looking Canseco. I also don't mind with sets like this, where there are four checklist cards, they have all been put at the back - last four cards - of the set.

I did get one dupe...

If I was going to get a dupe, probably one of the best cards in the set...not that I am going to retire on this one, but nice nonetheless.

Lastly, my favourite card in the pack...

One of the insert reprint sweepstakes entries. Not as good as the original card, but as close as I am going to get any time soon.

Decent enough pack overall for what it was.

A full Dollarama 80 today...

First, a quick and neat little trade which gives me my first two 2016 Bowman's Best cards...

bkim was nice enough to offer these up in a trade and I was more than happy to oblige. Honestly - I really, really like the design on these as far as graphic backgrounds go. I think the large logos are a great change of pace for the background. Name could be a bit clearer to stand out, but otherwise, great.

Rather than split this one over a couple days, let's get through a full 80 cards today. I won't bother scanning the dupes today though, but if you are interested; 11 1987 Topps, 19 others which are mostly '88 and '89 Topps as well as a few similar Donruss. Otherwise, the usual junk wax cards for these things. Not complaining, just how these work.

There is still plenty of good that came out of this...

We start off with a handful of early 1980s Topps cards - more than I would say that we usually see. The Ellis is interesting given the headgear worn in the batters box - definitely dates the picture.

The fet 1987 cards I did pick up for Topps are condition upgrades, still decent enough to get.

There was an abundance of 1988 Topps cards in this one. I am glad I don't have the set very much complete, or I would have about half of the 80 cards being dupes on this one.

Here we start getting into the more interesting to me (see - when I stopped collecting around the mid 90s). The Karros is a nice card, even if I scanned it upsidedown/sideways/wrong.

Conlon cards are a great pick up. I really like the set, which wouldn't be surprising to anyone who knows me. I am never going to pay big bucks on actual old vintage cards, so more recent cards of vintage starts work for me.

We finish up with some more recent fare including one really nice Eddie Mathews Goudey card. The Ryan Braun Bowman is a nice shiny card too.

Overall, a bit too much late80s Topps, but I did end up with a few collection related cards...

If I am going to get 1988 Topps, an uncorrected error card is a nice pick up atleast.

There were also a few insert pick ups.

I hardly even remember K-Mart, and had never heard of this set before. I like the simple design being a picture of a prior card and the obvious marking for K Mart.

Add in a Glossy Fleer and a "typical Bowman prospect where everything is basically an insert" insert, and that's three for that collection.

Lastly, the Jays pick ups...

I am pretty happy with these two pick ups. The Goudey card was a surprise and a great add, as well the Saunders was new to my collection as well. A third Jay would have been nice, but these two are very solid.

They Arnott all winners

The card tie in to the title is below, but it also ties in to the Olympics and the last day or two for Canada. It was tough seeing Rachel Homan and the Canadian women's curling team struggle this week, then Kevin Koe and the men's team lost to the US while earlier in the day the Canadian Women's hockey team lost in a shootout to the US.

They cannot all be winners on a given day. Sure, there will be great moments from the Games like Virtue and Moir winning gold in likely their last competition before retirement from the sport, and as always there are disappointments, but there is one positive to keep in mind.

Why is it a big deal? Why is it news that Canada's curling teams didn't win it all this year? Why is it news that the Women's hockey team came up short? Why is this positioned as being a shocking tragedy?

Because in Canada - we don't raise the bar.....we are the bar! (full credit to Cesaro and Sheamus)

It matters because it isn't the status quo of Canadian domination in these sports. As a Canadian, I would love it to continue on and on as is, but like it or not, especially in Curling, many countries are putting the resources into the sports which, if nothing else, makes for greater competition and a more spectacular game to watch. There is an upside in the grand scheme of things. As a Canadian, a tough pill to swallow - the individual losses - but at least there is a tiny bit of solace in the fact that, being a great nation in these sports, has driven others to become better.

Canada isn't the only example either, look at the US and basketball at the Summer Olympics.

PS - I have not watched the Canada Germany semi yet (the live broadcast is ongoing as I post this), which may add to the case above (hopefully not though).

Anyway, on to some cards.

Highlight:

Arnott all winners...but this one is. Another day without a big winner out of the Santa Lot, so like earlier this week, I will default to a nice 2 Diamond Black Diamond card.

The rest
Keepers:

The Calgary Hitmen. I will always remember them for the early ownership by Bret Hart and a number of other investors. I believe around 1997-98, they sold to similar ownership of the Calgary Flames, or something of that nature. Not sure how appropriate a team name it is anymore, but it does stand out.

Traders:


The bunch of 2004-05 Ultra cards include a few new ones which keep bringing that set closer and closer to completion - at least for the true base set.

Through 10800 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	172	24
Inserts / Var Kept	352	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2129	337
Doubles/Sell	1816	255	1716	3082	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	147	216

Continuing to be a player

Not too much to really get too excited about today, but an alright day nonetheless.

Highlights:

Some days, the best you can get is continuing to build a decent set. Decent star power between Jay and Mike, and the additional cards go with the other days this week give or take with a number from this set.

The rest
Keepers:

A good example here of how these cards can be difficult to see. The holographic work can be hit or miss in seeing.

Traders:



Through 10780 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	172	24
Inserts / Var Kept	352	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2122	337
Doubles/Sell	1814	255	1705	3082	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	147	216

Mat(t)s

Highlight:

Really nice to get both of these as they were both new to me.

The rest
Keepers:

Seen a bunch of these lately, and still more new ones here.

Traders:


Getting more 1991 7th Inning Sketch cards, makes me think that over all these, there may have only been a couple that haven't been QMJHL league ones - and those I believe were OHL (and no WHL). Does it matter? No - I don't collect them regardless, but for minor league cards - not too bad on design, clean and straightforward.

Through 10760 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	172	24
Inserts / Var Kept	352	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2115	337
Doubles/Sell	1806	255	1701	3081	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	147	216

2 Diamond Performance

Highlight:

Not too much today from the Santa Lot, but I do appreciate a two diamond card since there have only been a couple over the cards pulled so far.

The rest
Keepers:

I never did like Johnny Damon for whatever reason - so him being on the Red Sox was perfectly fine to me. I still like the 2005 Leaf Certified Materials set...he just kind of tarnishes it a bit...

Traders:


Hey, a couple checklists. Too bad I already had the 2007-08 Upper Deck hockey one - at first I didn't think I did, but indeed I do. What is more rare is the basketball one - only seen a couple. I can understand for these type, where it isn't really numbered as part of the set like the hockey card one is. Many people just didn't bother keeping the insert checklist type cards.

Through 10740 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	170	24
Inserts / Var Kept	352	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2110	337
Doubles/Sell	1793	255	1701	3081	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	147	216

Joltin' Joes

Highlights:

Too bad this was before his Jay days, but a nice card, let along getting four of them. I already had one, so, all are up for grab if anyone needs or wnats one.


One of a number of adds from this set, and a Leaf I didn't have.

The rest
Keepers:


Great day for being able to add a bunch of Be A Player 2007-08 base cards in addition to the Mats card above. As for the old Expos cards, the Jerry White is well loved (a couple star stamp prints on the back to go with the red marks on the front).

Traders:

A very unusual day for the Santa Lot in having only a couple dupes (in addition to the Cater cards of course).

Through 10720 cards:

Specific Accomplishments:

- Complete 2003-04 SP Authentic Basketball (90 card pure base)

- Complete 2005 Upper Deck Classics (100 card pure base)

- 3 Complete 2007-08 UD McDonald's Hockey Checklist Subsets (6 cards)

- 1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #30 Bobby Orr (All-Star)

- 2004-05 Upper Deck Legends Classics Platinum #64 Marcel Dionne Platinum 06/10

- 2007-08 Topps Base (x 4) and 1957-58 Variations Basketball  #112 Kevin Durant (Rookie)

- 2009-10 Topps #321 Stephen Curry (Rookie)

	Hockey	Baseball	Basketball	Football	Austin Powers	Other
Toronto	170	24
Inserts / Var Kept	352	53
Error	16	3
Keep	2105	336
Doubles/Sell	1788	255	1692	3081	299	41
Doubles Inserts / Var	138	4	147	216

Woody saves the day

Before we get to part two of the 80 card pack....a one card Listia win...

This is the blue parallel which are SN to 150, and this just happens to be the nice and even 100/150. Being a Jays card, the blue tint does add nicely to the card.

Otherwise...so no, today wasn't as good as the first half of the Dollarama pack yesterday, but is at least salvaged by a Woody card.


Two Jays in the bunch, including the Davis which is the card visible on one side, and the reason I picked the pack. The Woody card was one I needed, and is a pretty nice card being Stadium Club, that isn't too surprising.

As for the bunch of keepers...

The 1981 Donruss Beniques is a nice card except it feels like the left half of the card has some kind of residue on it (maybe gum?). Unfortunately you run across this type of issue every now and then on these repacks, but not  huge deal - not like a corner is missing or anything, and heck, may even be able to clean it of gently. Though, not a big enough card for me to worry about doing that to.


Oh of course, another Cliff Floyd...wait...phew, at least it is one of the different Cliff Floyd cards coming out of the Ted Williams set.

Honestly, I had never seen/heard of the Gallery sets from the 00s until the new set came out and people referred to the earlier versions. Since then, I have seen a couple of the sets in these repacks and I have to say, they are really nice, and would have been extremely nice back at the time they came out. They do seem to hold up pretty well over time from a design perspective - or at least that is my two cents.



As for the dupes, more than yesterday, but still not too bad...


Well, at least Vic isn't another Cliff Floyd card from the Ted Williams set...

Again, yesterday was better, but this was still worth the fun value of opening.