tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81567216156328015962024-03-14T01:48:01.885-07:00CHUCK'S USED CARDS<b>A narative blog featuring cards of all types and subjects: cigarette, gum, tea and assorted trading cards.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-34590788466464609102014-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:002014-07-09T12:40:20.487-07:00World Cup Stock - The Rise and Fall of Cards : USA Ratings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For all my year of contempt toward ESPN, their coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has been pretty good. Its also safe to say that watching ESPN in the middle of the weekday cannot be more interesting than the live matches from this tournament.</div>
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As for the USA and their exit from the Cup, I've spared no words for the lack of progress of the USMNT. There were a few who did raise their stock in the Futbol world:</div>
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Coming on as a midfielder, Seattle's young defender YEDLIN did very well. He may yet win some medal (either the Open Cup or the MLS Cup, or both). Teams from Europe are knocking on the door. That's proof that you've made it on the scene.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4oYBLV3dLk/U72TWlVhciI/AAAAAAAAEn8/cdGrdKe02vw/s1600/2014-Topps-Yedlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4oYBLV3dLk/U72TWlVhciI/AAAAAAAAEn8/cdGrdKe02vw/s1600/2014-Topps-Yedlin.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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Hoffenheim's Fabian JOHNSON did well enough in Klinsmann's revolving door defense. He may yet get a move to one of the bigger German clubs.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITOU6j3ZJEg/U72TdpRAkMI/AAAAAAAAEoE/IiGCDGjHPzY/s1600/2014-Panini.WC-Fabian.Johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITOU6j3ZJEg/U72TdpRAkMI/AAAAAAAAEoE/IiGCDGjHPzY/s1600/2014-Panini.WC-Fabian.Johnson.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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Howard already signed a contract extension with Everton. His milestone 100th cap and the goalkeeping bravery of a record 18 saves against Belgium solidified his place among US legends. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHTsL7ag__Q/U72TkDMhyUI/AAAAAAAAEoM/TkqtwkTDbWk/s1600/2014-Panini.WC-Howard-red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHTsL7ag__Q/U72TkDMhyUI/AAAAAAAAEoM/TkqtwkTDbWk/s1600/2014-Panini.WC-Howard-red.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jermaine JONES evolved from a hard man to an offensive weapon for the USA. Sadly, he was one of only a few who did attack. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRPv1H-eWGc/U72Ts-lopsI/AAAAAAAAEoU/V7iUSGV_IjU/s1600/2014-Panini.WC-Jermaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRPv1H-eWGc/U72Ts-lopsI/AAAAAAAAEoU/V7iUSGV_IjU/s1600/2014-Panini.WC-Jermaine.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Omar almost suffered the same fate of being left out of the team. He got his start and shined. He'll go back to LA Galaxy, but the question is for how long ?</div>
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There were a number of Americans who will never return for the National Team and a few that may have a future. Those are the neutrals. </div>
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The losers to be called out:</div>
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Michael Bradley. Since his departure from German soccer its been downhill. At AS Roma he was benched and finally transferred to Toronto's MLS. He had 4 bad games. It remains if he's goo enough to play for the USA again.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIpn-cIz5c0/U72VpPiv-OI/AAAAAAAAEog/JdEEbWRhwu4/s1600/2014-UNK-Gonzales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIpn-cIz5c0/U72VpPiv-OI/AAAAAAAAEog/JdEEbWRhwu4/s1600/2014-UNK-Gonzales.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jozy ALTIDORE. How can you be 24 years old and pull a muscle just running ? I think he was overrated to begin with. Klinsmann brought no replacement for this average player. He has been a flop in the Premier League and only a matter of time before he takes the Fredy Adu express to obscurity.</div>
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Geoff CAMERON. See Altidore above. Pretty much overrated guy playing in England. Gone.</div>
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While Kyle Beckerman did MLS proud, Brad DAVIS and Chris WONDOLOWSKI choked at the big show. None of them will probably return.</div>
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Interestingly, the one player who did not play at Brazil 2014 and who's stock rose was Landon DONOVAN. His accomplishments made World Cup success look easy. The USA could have used him and Klinsmann made a huge mistake leaving him out. Like him or not, he is one of the USA's All-Time greats.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-58094428069049960522014-06-27T06:17:00.001-07:002014-06-27T06:19:23.014-07:00If Its Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium - 2014 World Cup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The chant "I Believe We Can Win" was transformed into "I Believe We can Advance" on Thursday as the US National Team qualified for the next round at 2014 World Cup. </div>
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Their opponent on Tuesday will be Belgium ...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGnDI1JtgyY/U61sdw7GD5I/AAAAAAAAEng/W-92erzZHGU/s1600/Belgium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGnDI1JtgyY/U61sdw7GD5I/AAAAAAAAEng/W-92erzZHGU/s1600/Belgium.jpg" /></a></div>
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I remember this comedy movie from the 1960's for one simple reason : DONOVAN !</div>
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No not the USA's all time leading goal scorer, but the psychedelic folk / rock singer.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-GqUuca4dA/U61sJOwpXPI/AAAAAAAAEnY/D-I1RZVXoBc/s1600/Donovan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-GqUuca4dA/U61sJOwpXPI/AAAAAAAAEnY/D-I1RZVXoBc/s1600/Donovan.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of his many hit songs like Sunshine Superman and Mellow Yellow were tributes to the times of free love and recreational drugs. He also had a way of evoking an illusion of things being better than they appear to be - much like the US soccer team.</div>
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While searching for a clip from the movie, I came across something which I thought was even more interesting - a clip where a fan finds Donovan in a café and films the meeting which includes getting his email and invite to tour South Africa. Lucky fan !</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hf5hxTLIy40?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Belgium were one of the teams that played at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. They trained only a few miles from my home at the time in Florida.</div>
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Here are a set of player portrait pins that were issued in Belgium. On the very bottom is the current manager, Marc Wilmots, of the Red Devils in 2014 World Cup Brazil.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZxtia151Xo/U61msVp0eCI/AAAAAAAAEnI/9JQm4ioEAZw/s1600/1994-Belgium-player.pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZxtia151Xo/U61msVp0eCI/AAAAAAAAEnI/9JQm4ioEAZw/s1600/1994-Belgium-player.pins.jpg" height="369" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even without Donovan (both of them) Peace, love and let's get a win against Belgium. Go USA !</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-31644124384629013112014-06-25T08:53:00.000-07:002014-06-25T08:54:26.179-07:00Biting Insanity: 1998 France World Cup Marbles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Maybe it was all the talk of Uruguay's Luis Suarez seemingly biting Italy' Giorgio Chiellini, but it I scoured the collection for the objects that symbolize losing ones sanity. Voila, Marbles !</div>
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For some reason, these are my favorite non-card soccer collectible. France had issued standard size marbles with their French Ligue in the 1997-98 season. So when it came time for the hosts (and eventual Champions) to be featured, another marble set was made.</div>
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1998 FRANCE TEAM PLAYER MARBLES</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apl8j-K08ps/U6rotKSvpDI/AAAAAAAAEmI/C1pYNxoq5rg/s1600/1998-France-marbles-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apl8j-K08ps/U6rotKSvpDI/AAAAAAAAEmI/C1pYNxoq5rg/s1600/1998-France-marbles-b.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apparently, there were 8 series of packs containing 3 marbles each. Although I do not have a complete checklist, I assume that this included all 23 players plus Manager Aime Jacquet.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLiJjcc5090/U6rpSRJ1TiI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/pcbAb2Q35ok/s1600/1998-France-marbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLiJjcc5090/U6rpSRJ1TiI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/pcbAb2Q35ok/s1600/1998-France-marbles.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNYe4tFcCqA/U6rwmGExC0I/AAAAAAAAEm4/4YsjzZQQV0Y/s1600/1998-France-marbles-sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNYe4tFcCqA/U6rwmGExC0I/AAAAAAAAEm4/4YsjzZQQV0Y/s1600/1998-France-marbles-sample.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each set of 3 marbles came on a green rack inside a carded window package.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrpOSGGe9jE/U6rpXjYNnVI/AAAAAAAAEmY/kUe3osgMVV8/s1600/1998-France-marbles-Blanc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrpOSGGe9jE/U6rpXjYNnVI/AAAAAAAAEmY/kUe3osgMVV8/s1600/1998-France-marbles-Blanc.jpg" height="149" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current Paris SG Manager Laurent Blanc and former Manchester United Champion, Fabian Barthez.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElP0TpmaZ3Y/U6rpc-3XzQI/AAAAAAAAEmg/-HLyl6REqtU/s1600/1998-France-marbles-Deschamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElP0TpmaZ3Y/U6rpc-3XzQI/AAAAAAAAEmg/-HLyl6REqtU/s1600/1998-France-marbles-Deschamps.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
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Current France World Cup Manager Didier Deschamps and Arsenal Champion, Patrick Vieira.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dw2LxfhgwbM/U6rphxTrSSI/AAAAAAAAEmo/jY6aUZz9KjI/s1600/1998-France-marbles-Zidane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dw2LxfhgwbM/U6rphxTrSSI/AAAAAAAAEmo/jY6aUZz9KjI/s1600/1998-France-marbles-Zidane.jpg" height="157" width="320" /></a></div>
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Former FIFA World Player of the Year and World Cup Champion, Zinedine Zidane.</div>
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These are the ones I have - </div>
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Laurent Blanc</div>
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Stephane Guivarc'h</div>
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Fabian Barthez</div>
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Franck LeBoeuf</div>
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Zinedine Zidane</div>
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Alain Roche</div>
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Didier Deschamps</div>
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Patrick Vieira</div>
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Bixente Lizarazu</div>
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Christophe Dugarry</div>
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Christian Karembou</div>
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Robert Pires</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-82728721445752670582014-06-24T05:41:00.000-07:002014-06-24T05:41:37.293-07:002014 World Cup - The German - Klinsmann Factor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After Thursday's USA v Germany World Cup match, America's National Team Manager - Jurgen Klinsmann will fall into one category. Hero or Villain.</div>
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Klinsmann was a world class striker and a World Cup winner in 1990. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jG_BoJDP7ig/U6lskh417ZI/AAAAAAAAElk/ahPwr3HyVpM/s1600/1990-Panini-WC-Germany-Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jG_BoJDP7ig/U6lskh417ZI/AAAAAAAAElk/ahPwr3HyVpM/s1600/1990-Panini-WC-Germany-Team.jpg" /></a></div>
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1990 Panini Germany Team sticker - missing Klinsmann</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxYgoBUfMEk/U6ltXqeSjII/AAAAAAAAEls/2PD1H8_UUAA/s1600/Jurgen+KLINSMANN+Panini+RFA+World+Cup+1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxYgoBUfMEk/U6ltXqeSjII/AAAAAAAAEls/2PD1H8_UUAA/s1600/Jurgen+KLINSMANN+Panini+RFA+World+Cup+1990.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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1990 Panini World Cup sticker - Klinsmann</div>
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Klinsmann appeared in Upper Deck's World Cup USA'94 set. However, none of the German players were in the regular issue, but only the limited edition hologram set of 5 cards.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UgL6ALMy6MY/U6ltoaMR_1I/AAAAAAAAEl0/5OTtuASlvbA/s1600/1994-UD.WC-German-holos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UgL6ALMy6MY/U6ltoaMR_1I/AAAAAAAAEl0/5OTtuASlvbA/s1600/1994-UD.WC-German-holos.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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Klinsmann (bottom left) in the strange Upper Deck hologram sub set.</div>
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Jurgen made his 3rd World Cup tournament in 1998 in France, but the German side was a shadow of its Championship caliber. </div>
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Klinsmann led Germany as Manager to a 3rd place finish when the nation hosted the 2006 Tournament. He took over the US National Team over 2 years ago. </div>
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He has recruited several German-born players who have American servicemen as fathers. The five that made this US squad -</div>
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Jermaine Jones</div>
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John Brooks (aka Johnny Futbol)</div>
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Fabian Johnson</div>
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Timothy Chandler</div>
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Julian Green</div>
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Brooks heroics in the first game - coming on as a substitute and scoring the winning goal was a dream (literally) and was dubbed "Johnny Fussball" by the German media.</div>
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Klinsmann's tactics have been successful to a certain extent (like Brooks sub / goal) but his insertion of a several defenders and a conservative line up against Portugal may have cost the Americans a victory.</div>
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He took criticism for stating that the USA could not win the world cup. </div>
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Just a thought to keep in mind - there were many British-born citizens that helped America win independence from England. Let's hope these "Das Yankees" can do the same on Thursday.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-60331937633753633722014-06-23T13:24:00.000-07:002014-06-23T13:24:14.515-07:00Keeping Up With The Jones - USA At 2014 World Cup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For all the gushing about Spain's Team and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, it has added up to a big puff of hot air. The USA defeated Ghana and only a last minute (plus five minutes) lapse of sanity cost them a draw against Portugal.</div>
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Must of it was down to this man - Jermaine Jones</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Beo-DQIt2I0/U6iJcZ5phMI/AAAAAAAAElU/P4cX4skvBic/s1600/2013-Panini-Bundesliga-Jermaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Beo-DQIt2I0/U6iJcZ5phMI/AAAAAAAAElU/P4cX4skvBic/s1600/2013-Panini-Bundesliga-Jermaine.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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The fact that 5 of the USA's squad are born and developed in German professional soccer, makes the American's last opening round match versus Germany all the more intense. Its not a "do or die" game, but nearly.</div>
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jones' heroics gave the USA a 2-1 lead until the 95th minute of added time where Ronaldo's cross was headed in for the tying goal.</div>
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Amazingly, the American players from this squad not only appear in Topps MLS soccer set, but also in card sets in Mexico, England, Germany, France, Turkey, Norway and Holland.</div>
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Next: USA vs. Germany (ESPN) Thursday.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-46348217156858733232014-06-21T10:22:00.001-07:002014-06-21T10:22:47.229-07:00Netherlands World Cup: Money In The Bank<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With the Orange goal machine ripping through Brazil 2014, we take a look back twenty years ago when the USA hosted the FIFA Tournament. Many of the great collectibles come from sponsorship and its prevalent in most enterprising nations.</div>
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Holland were sponsored by Nationale Nederlanden Bank which were visible on all their training shirts and media adverts. </div>
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One of the more significant items produced were rubber erasers with the likeness of players from the 1994 squad. These caricatures have been prominent since the 1930's in Holland. The erasers measure about 4 inches by 2 inches. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_FA2K5S3VQ/U6W8xPGYeVI/AAAAAAAAEkc/rU7Bz7CilLo/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Bergkamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_FA2K5S3VQ/U6W8xPGYeVI/AAAAAAAAEkc/rU7Bz7CilLo/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Bergkamp.jpg" height="320" width="164" /></a></div>
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Dennis Bergkamp</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7VKoDM_ijY/U6W8xPSuKvI/AAAAAAAAEkY/7UR6exWraHU/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-DeGoey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7VKoDM_ijY/U6W8xPSuKvI/AAAAAAAAEkY/7UR6exWraHU/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-DeGoey.jpg" height="320" width="169" /></a></div>
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Ed DeGoey</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6yIiCrgk_Q/U6W8xMfTxvI/AAAAAAAAEk4/E6_xxtyx1r0/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-DeKoeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6yIiCrgk_Q/U6W8xMfTxvI/AAAAAAAAEk4/E6_xxtyx1r0/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-DeKoeman.jpg" height="320" width="161" /></a></div>
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Ronald Koeman</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEjSTkrn25I/U6W8x4DZNLI/AAAAAAAAEkk/GUfFbeXkYvI/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Overmars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEjSTkrn25I/U6W8x4DZNLI/AAAAAAAAEkk/GUfFbeXkYvI/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Overmars.jpg" height="320" width="166" /></a></div>
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Marc Overmars</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--H_mHTIK3e0/U6W8yGHhnII/AAAAAAAAEkw/tnU9B4m4Hjs/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Rijkaard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--H_mHTIK3e0/U6W8yGHhnII/AAAAAAAAEkw/tnU9B4m4Hjs/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Rijkaard.jpg" height="320" width="169" /></a></div>
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Frank Rijkaard</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0OhFHa4hLk/U6W8yW96_VI/AAAAAAAAEk0/bugrgbczaHs/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Wouters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0OhFHa4hLk/U6W8yW96_VI/AAAAAAAAEk0/bugrgbczaHs/s1600/1994-Dutch.Bank-Wouters.jpg" height="320" width="162" /></a></div>
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Jan Wouters</div>
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These were the only 6 players we know to have been featured.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-19620063100367074572014-06-13T07:12:00.000-07:002014-06-13T07:12:53.420-07:00Japanese WORLD CUP Soccer Cards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When it come to FIFA World Cup cards and collectables, I sometimes am very disappointed in what the USA produces - or in most cases, what it doesn't produce.</div>
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In a trade that was worth the wait, Ryan over at Japanese baseball cards sent over a reminder what other countries do for soccer's big event:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sja9jWaLxEs/U5sCqJ1SgkI/AAAAAAAAEjU/e70MMbccxdQ/s1600/2002-Panini-Japan-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sja9jWaLxEs/U5sCqJ1SgkI/AAAAAAAAEjU/e70MMbccxdQ/s1600/2002-Panini-Japan-box.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Limited Edition 2002 World Cup Panini boxed set</div>
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A numbered limited edition boxed set of Panini cards features the Japan National Team. Inside are cards of the players, high lights of the qualification games and special foil cards. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1cDoAz2RUc/U5sCtwYr6mI/AAAAAAAAEjc/n1zyVeYjUDo/s1600/2002-Panini-Japan-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1cDoAz2RUc/U5sCtwYr6mI/AAAAAAAAEjc/n1zyVeYjUDo/s1600/2002-Panini-Japan-2.jpg" height="400" width="351" /></a></div>
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Inside the box in a slotted divider for the cards and a numbered insert post card. Only 20,000 sets were issued. For a national population of 128 million, I'd say its pretty desirable. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXjaLsB66L4/U5sCztQMgOI/AAAAAAAAEjk/s1PUQTZgpUQ/s1600/2002-Calbee-Japan-soccer-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXjaLsB66L4/U5sCztQMgOI/AAAAAAAAEjk/s1PUQTZgpUQ/s1600/2002-Calbee-Japan-soccer-2.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also included were two sets of cards made by Cablee. A smaller pre-World Cup set from 2001 and a larger boxed set from 2002 when they hosted the tournament. The 2002 issue is Limited Edition for some reason its numbered to 21,664 sets.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPbRFo9KQP8/U5sC4cuAz1I/AAAAAAAAEjs/BEgUhJfVno4/s1600/2014-Kirin-Japan-shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPbRFo9KQP8/U5sC4cuAz1I/AAAAAAAAEjs/BEgUhJfVno4/s1600/2014-Kirin-Japan-shirts.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
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Few things go together better than beer and soccer. So the Japanese have smartly produced these bottle hangers of Japanese National Team jerseys. I have an example of the 2004 shirt and the 2014 shirt. </div>
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Japan has a wonderful record of marketing collectibles with drink products. Ryan threw in four bagged PEPSI STAR WARS caps. I need 3 out of the 4 of these for my collection. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2PZY5RvfY/U5sGVbgfIGI/AAAAAAAAEj4/Edre4DvcBqU/s1600/Pepsi-SW-bagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2PZY5RvfY/U5sGVbgfIGI/AAAAAAAAEj4/Edre4DvcBqU/s1600/Pepsi-SW-bagged.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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Now its time to watch the World Cup with 3 games on tap today. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-5002319546649954932014-06-12T11:21:00.000-07:002014-06-12T11:21:14.382-07:00BRAZIL - It All Starts Now ....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When Brazil play Croatia today (ESPN 4 PM EST) it will continue one of the longest consecutive runs in international sports. See, for many people in the world, football / futbol/ soccer is a religion.</div>
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For Brazil, th ONLY nation to play in EVERY FIFA World Cup, it is more important than life or death. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRQHn2Vs-FQ/U5nqKzhiMNI/AAAAAAAAEi8/1ZN9UyJq6jc/s1600/1950-2arb_69gostoso-Brazil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRQHn2Vs-FQ/U5nqKzhiMNI/AAAAAAAAEi8/1ZN9UyJq6jc/s1600/1950-2arb_69gostoso-Brazil.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
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1950 Brazil Team that ended in tragedy</div>
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Brazil hosted the World Cup in 1950 only to lose to Uruguay in the final. It was a national tragedy still know as "Maracanazo", named for the 200,000 seat stadium where the loss took place.</div>
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The rest, as they say, is history. The nation rebounded to win 5 World Cup titles, three of which were won with PELE'. The great Pele was 8 years old when he saw his father weep from the Maracanazo incident. He promised his father he would win the World Cup for Brazil. (Could there be a better father's Day gift ?) </div>
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Pele has appeared on more soccer cards and stickers than any other player in history. To my count, in excess of 3,000 imaged collectables.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLW4G-_m58g/U5nuJ9HkDtI/AAAAAAAAEjE/3e3Kd0tTFQM/s1600/1970-Panini-Pele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLW4G-_m58g/U5nuJ9HkDtI/AAAAAAAAEjE/3e3Kd0tTFQM/s1600/1970-Panini-Pele.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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1970 Panini World Cup - Pele</div>
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He has been featured in no less than 4 sets already in 2014 - 44 years after his last World Cup. That's star power. </div>
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For over the next 30 days, the planet will not care about much else but the World Cup and finishing their Panini sticker collection. I can live with that.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-31469017010020986972014-06-09T07:34:00.002-07:002014-06-09T07:34:58.167-07:00US SOCCER Fan-Fest Feeds World Cup Fever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last stop for the US Mens National Team (USMNT) was in Jacksonville, Florida before heading to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Everbank Field has hosted several international matches in the past year and has set attendance records each time. This occasion was not different as 52,033 packed in to send-off our American boys ad they beat Nigeria who is also head to Brazil.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nuY-SQ24Rk/U5W_3woyfZI/AAAAAAAAEhc/b5O4C5i8t6Y/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nuY-SQ24Rk/U5W_3woyfZI/AAAAAAAAEhc/b5O4C5i8t6Y/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sign welcoming the Yanks to Jacksonville</div>
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There was plenty for the fans to do and see among the pre-game tailgating mahem - including a giant fan fest that had loads of free stuff from food to soccer souvenirs.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsbFfNJOT5Y/U5XAHDrS4qI/AAAAAAAAEhk/seAt_H36gVg/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsbFfNJOT5Y/U5XAHDrS4qI/AAAAAAAAEhk/seAt_H36gVg/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My view from the press box for the contest</div>
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In addition to the USA's 2:1 victory, fans went home with some great momentos.</div>
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I first read about these on Soccer Americana's blog - <a href="http://amersoccer.blogspot.com/">http://amersoccer.blogspot.com/</a> where Nabisco, one of the better product supporters of US Soccer, have these hitting the store shelves.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wG4ze_M94Q/U5XARz-BqtI/AAAAAAAAEhs/cpDSch_TsXk/s1600/2014-ritz-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wG4ze_M94Q/U5XARz-BqtI/AAAAAAAAEhs/cpDSch_TsXk/s1600/2014-ritz-1.jpg" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ritz Crackers box front</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJloKl4HgZA/U5XAXdQM2lI/AAAAAAAAEh0/VtZ1NfGJRMk/s1600/2014-ritz-1-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJloKl4HgZA/U5XAXdQM2lI/AAAAAAAAEh0/VtZ1NfGJRMk/s1600/2014-ritz-1-b.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ritz Crackers box back</div>
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One of the most popular give-aways at the Nabisco tent were these "big head" hand fans. There were 3 different players issued:</div>
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1. Clint Dempsey</div>
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2. Omar Gonzales</div>
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3. Alex Morgan</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKAAiwUKVr0/U5XAfeXaBjI/AAAAAAAAEh8/6oqaqV1rYIA/s1600/2014-ritz-2-heads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKAAiwUKVr0/U5XAfeXaBjI/AAAAAAAAEh8/6oqaqV1rYIA/s1600/2014-ritz-2-heads.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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USMNT stars Dempsey and Gonzalez</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Im2FsfkbA0w/U5XAj7PjI3I/AAAAAAAAEiE/djBN-51GgqQ/s1600/2014-ritz-2-heads-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Im2FsfkbA0w/U5XAj7PjI3I/AAAAAAAAEiE/djBN-51GgqQ/s1600/2014-ritz-2-heads-b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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USWNT starlet Morgan and reverse of fans</div>
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There were free cookies and crackers as well as sun glasses and wrist bands all depicting US Soccer.</div>
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For traditionalist, Allstate Insurance had a winning give-away with their colorful soccer scarf. Made of a light weight silk the two-sided scarf was part of a great chant and exhibition by the American Outlaws supporters group.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnSRLZtxLJY/U5XAtIB0SuI/AAAAAAAAEiM/wY0hZf1KBA4/s1600/USA-scarf-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnSRLZtxLJY/U5XAtIB0SuI/AAAAAAAAEiM/wY0hZf1KBA4/s1600/USA-scarf-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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scarf front</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt1gIqaYdvY/U5XA0ZAKoLI/AAAAAAAAEiU/fb9Nmtn2Y04/s1600/US-scarf-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qt1gIqaYdvY/U5XA0ZAKoLI/AAAAAAAAEiU/fb9Nmtn2Y04/s1600/US-scarf-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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scarf back</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yex8aYjob4/U5XA4z6LatI/AAAAAAAAEic/6plKrFeJJDU/s1600/US-scarf-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yex8aYjob4/U5XA4z6LatI/AAAAAAAAEic/6plKrFeJJDU/s1600/US-scarf-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Among the other items that proved popular were the estimated thousand PANINI World Cup sticker albums that were given away. The albums includes 10 starter stickers.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQshrOHKxGA/U5XE6aOBX6I/AAAAAAAAEio/Suk2xMOF6Vk/s1600/2014-world-cup-sticker-album-panini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQshrOHKxGA/U5XE6aOBX6I/AAAAAAAAEio/Suk2xMOF6Vk/s1600/2014-world-cup-sticker-album-panini.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
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All in all a great day !</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-56475185226430161592014-04-29T05:44:00.000-07:002014-04-29T05:44:23.758-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The <a href="http://sanjosefuji.blogspot.com/">Chronicles of Fuji</a> celebrates his 1000th blog post. That's more than most days I even think about blogging. He's an oddball, a school teacher and an all around interesting person to read. The beauty of blogging is getting to know someone through there interests. <br />
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Fuji's assorted interest and story telling gathers curiocity from many circles. That's why I think I've continued to follow his writing. My personal occupation with international things and a variety of interests can relate.<br />
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As my followers can tell by my lack of recent posts, I'm moving to the next phase of life. Still interested in the hobbies, with one foot in but also noticably absent. I've seen many bloggers run their course - tell their story and then fade away. The reason for quitting or ceasing operations, as it were, can range from a bad experience in the hobby to financial difficulties. someties its just phases of life, marriage, children, moving or change of occupation. <br />
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Either way, we often look for the realiable and steady while all around us is spinning. Fuji has done a remarkable job in keeping us interested while things change around him and the hobby. <br />
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Thanks Fuji and hope you enjoy the future.<br />
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Here's one for you because you only live once ...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwGYBKkyiyY/U1-eTYLIkvI/AAAAAAAAEeo/WMgOU7Gtvss/s1600/Bond.Girls-Live.Twice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwGYBKkyiyY/U1-eTYLIkvI/AAAAAAAAEeo/WMgOU7Gtvss/s1600/Bond.Girls-Live.Twice.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a> ... or twice in cardboard.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-35199267569040077592014-03-28T06:46:00.000-07:002014-03-28T17:25:18.876-07:00Making Cards: Part 3 - Lord Of The Rings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I guess you could call it an anniversary, but to me its more than that. One of the first sketch card sets I worked on for TOPPS was the LORD OF THE RINGS. To this day, I get requests from as far as Asia to Australia to draw the characters, creatures and artistry of this story. And I love it.</div>
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I have had the privilege to be commissioned by some of the finest super collectors of this franchise. Many of these collectors have amassed artists rendered scenes from the movie trilogy at a great expense. I'm honored to be among their archives.</div>
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Here are my latest sketch cards:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnUdTWXGUf4/UzV5rkLikJI/AAAAAAAAEdg/1m3rgf9xZ80/s1600/LOTR-Rohan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnUdTWXGUf4/UzV5rkLikJI/AAAAAAAAEdg/1m3rgf9xZ80/s1600/LOTR-Rohan.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Great Hall of ROHAN</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVoh51WBSjk/UzV5yySEQXI/AAAAAAAAEdo/fCJvBuzPHjo/s1600/LOTR-Hama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVoh51WBSjk/UzV5yySEQXI/AAAAAAAAEdo/fCJvBuzPHjo/s1600/LOTR-Hama.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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HAMA, the Captain of the Rohan Guard</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4l5nh-ZMwM/UzV54UIGf0I/AAAAAAAAEdw/Fh_MOxC88Uc/s1600/LOTR-Gollum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B4l5nh-ZMwM/UzV54UIGf0I/AAAAAAAAEdw/Fh_MOxC88Uc/s1600/LOTR-Gollum.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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GOLLUM's Peril</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hbgZ6x8CqY/UzV5-lDeWSI/AAAAAAAAEd4/z_X1N4T-3l0/s1600/LOTR-Saruman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hbgZ6x8CqY/UzV5-lDeWSI/AAAAAAAAEd4/z_X1N4T-3l0/s1600/LOTR-Saruman.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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SARUMAN - Battle of the Wizards</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgs1C83W48o/UzV6D5FjvtI/AAAAAAAAEeA/g-TXUvP2Jbw/s1600/LOTR-Frodo_Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgs1C83W48o/UzV6D5FjvtI/AAAAAAAAEeA/g-TXUvP2Jbw/s1600/LOTR-Frodo_Sam.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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FRODO and SAM</div>
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There are almost infinite aspects of this saga to bring to life. I can't wait to start another installment. I hope you enjoy.<br />
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCENE OR CHARACTER FROM "Lord Of The Rings" ?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-7615060413976865102014-03-19T06:26:00.002-07:002014-03-19T06:26:37.633-07:00Making Cards - Part 2 : Legendary Lovecraft<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Monsters, whether you believe n them or not, exist. Because of writers like Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft.</div>
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H.P. Lovecraft is one of the recent trends of horror writers that are getting a revival through their stories and their interpretations of artists. I am pleased to be one of the selected ones to depict Lovecraft's monster mind through the MONSTER WAX card company. The company also houses one of the finest collections of monster trading cards found here - <a href="http://www.monsterwax.com/monstermuseum.html">http://www.monsterwax.com/monstermuseum.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJuUb6fbm9Q/UymXuT4KdvI/AAAAAAAAEbw/n1hn-j0mmoE/s1600/Lovecraft-five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJuUb6fbm9Q/UymXuT4KdvI/AAAAAAAAEbw/n1hn-j0mmoE/s1600/Lovecraft-five.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vEtA8GCcnw/UymXucOiU1I/AAAAAAAAEcA/nFOTdYuwPAM/s1600/Lovecraft-four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vEtA8GCcnw/UymXucOiU1I/AAAAAAAAEcA/nFOTdYuwPAM/s1600/Lovecraft-four.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nias5WCxyxg/UymXuUAzugI/AAAAAAAAEbs/J0_bGMXi6NA/s1600/Lovecraft-one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nias5WCxyxg/UymXuUAzugI/AAAAAAAAEbs/J0_bGMXi6NA/s1600/Lovecraft-one.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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I wish I had more time to do these cards but I was in the middle of a deadline and got to do only a handful for the set. However, I was given some extra blank cards and will be putting some of those up for sale when the set is released.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlCE-0dr5rA/UymXvCFufMI/AAAAAAAAEb8/4Z_-3G_WMfw/s1600/Lovecraft-six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rlCE-0dr5rA/UymXvCFufMI/AAAAAAAAEb8/4Z_-3G_WMfw/s1600/Lovecraft-six.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8fNbcYfNk0/UymXvnM_XCI/AAAAAAAAEcI/cM2z1k3bgds/s1600/Lovecraft-three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8fNbcYfNk0/UymXvnM_XCI/AAAAAAAAEcI/cM2z1k3bgds/s1600/Lovecraft-three.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ct0FbXEGqT0/UymXwHdcqHI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/5UkIMQjHLPM/s1600/Lovecraft-two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ct0FbXEGqT0/UymXwHdcqHI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/5UkIMQjHLPM/s1600/Lovecraft-two.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---zn_5tiHvQ/UymasihrSKI/AAAAAAAAEcg/EaAWPoxGomY/s1600/Lovecraft-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---zn_5tiHvQ/UymasihrSKI/AAAAAAAAEcg/EaAWPoxGomY/s1600/Lovecraft-b.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
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If you have a favorite Lovecraft story or creature, and you want a nice investment in cards, shoot me an email and your request. A closer look at sketch cards and their rising values, you can check out or <a href="http://www.nonsportupdate.com/">http://www.nonsportupdate.com/</a> or ebay for current pricing.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-91336887209400734452014-03-18T06:09:00.002-07:002014-03-18T06:11:12.021-07:00Making Cards - Part 1 : Mardi Gras (adult content warning)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I get this about once a year - when the blogging comes to a near complete dead stop. But I usually have a better reason for this than just being lazy. While my A.D.D. mentality is not in full pursuit of collecting cards, it slowly oozes out some art work for other card sets.</div>
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I've been toiling away at 3 different sketch card sets, 2 of which will be issued this spring. </div>
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ISLAND DREAMS will be releasing "Let The Good Times Roll" in April featuring the theme of MARDI GRAS in New Orleans.</div>
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I selected a few samples to show here. The adult theme warning in the title of this blog is so that the all-so sensitive, censorship crazy prudes don't have a cause to bitch about the drawing of a pair of breasts. (if this bothers you - read no further)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HG118uY2pJI/Uyg8VDuS0vI/AAAAAAAAEas/VAcucYWxhE8/s1600/Mardi.Gras-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HG118uY2pJI/Uyg8VDuS0vI/AAAAAAAAEas/VAcucYWxhE8/s1600/Mardi.Gras-3.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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A chance to slip in a sports card with the NFL's New Orleans Saints.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsa6mcRNcUQ/Uyg8hloe0_I/AAAAAAAAEa0/4x4v1BW1USY/s1600/Mardi.Gras-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsa6mcRNcUQ/Uyg8hloe0_I/AAAAAAAAEa0/4x4v1BW1USY/s1600/Mardi.Gras-9.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
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The chance to slip in some slippage. I love drawing women.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-He5ha05kf7w/Uyg8pKIuakI/AAAAAAAAEa8/o1ijDwBHxgY/s1600/Mardi.Gras-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-He5ha05kf7w/Uyg8pKIuakI/AAAAAAAAEa8/o1ijDwBHxgY/s1600/Mardi.Gras-7.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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I never pass up a chance for Spooky costumes and skulls. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-302P68mxkVY/Uyg8wKiyYZI/AAAAAAAAEbE/LI4Dzl44QLA/s1600/Mardi.Gras-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-302P68mxkVY/Uyg8wKiyYZI/AAAAAAAAEbE/LI4Dzl44QLA/s1600/Mardi.Gras-8.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Who's the leader of the band ? Flaunting feathers.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Svhr1lV1oF4/Uyg8429iZAI/AAAAAAAAEbM/XXh354ajK5A/s1600/Mardi.Gras-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Svhr1lV1oF4/Uyg8429iZAI/AAAAAAAAEbM/XXh354ajK5A/s1600/Mardi.Gras-6.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Voodoo dolls and dollies. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPUlm99sIA4/Uyg9H43zD1I/AAAAAAAAEbU/Bmj42LZE_cc/s1600/Mardi.Gras-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPUlm99sIA4/Uyg9H43zD1I/AAAAAAAAEbU/Bmj42LZE_cc/s1600/Mardi.Gras-10.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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More smiles and beads.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjQn7A0GnDs/Uyg9Qx8YDbI/AAAAAAAAEbc/S_slcBQ3p7w/s1600/Mardi.Gras-TWO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjQn7A0GnDs/Uyg9Qx8YDbI/AAAAAAAAEbc/S_slcBQ3p7w/s1600/Mardi.Gras-TWO.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
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This was one of the over sized 5 x 7 cards. </div>
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I've done a few sets for ISLAND DREAMS including ones for charity. The packs are always interesting with many fine artist's work and surprise bonus cards that feature genuine old coins or artifacts. These "Let The Good Times Roll" packs will include actual free drink tickets among other things. </div>
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I hope you pardon my absents and posting. The MLS season has begun and the FIFA World Cup will be in less than 3 months. By then, you'll probably see more of my sketch cards on ebay and the official card web sites.</div>
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Next chance I get, I will feature a horror-monster set I am working on. As always, I am available for commissions to draw your requests. You think it - I'll ink it.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-85575234877905830162014-02-23T08:34:00.002-08:002014-02-23T08:34:59.377-08:00Make Mine A Mini - Local Cards Show Haul - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Baseball has the greatest knack for evoking nostalgia. Beginning with the early cigarette cards, the chewing gum era was high lighted by past stars and Hall of Fame members. It is only recently that the non-gum era has begun to feature the tobacco makers from the early days. </div>
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Kimball Tobacco cards of the 1890's featured actors, athletes and famous personalities. So in the line of Allen and Ginter, Mayo Plug comes the Kimball style of cigarette size player cards. </div>
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Having already seen dozens of standard size reproductions of Ruth, Cobb, Mantle and DiMaggio, it was refreshing to find some of my favorites on the cigarette style repos.</div>
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I I found the legitimate All-Time Home Run King, <strong>Hank Aaron</strong>, on the 2011 Topps Kimball series along with baseball card icon, <strong>Honus Wagner</strong>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--briXvNuxC8/UwoaCw5BpEI/AAAAAAAAEY8/prCrsZ5C9lo/s1600/2011-Kimball-Aaron-KC-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--briXvNuxC8/UwoaCw5BpEI/AAAAAAAAEY8/prCrsZ5C9lo/s1600/2011-Kimball-Aaron-KC-110.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em>2011 Kimball - HANK AARON</em></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75Eqyfq4aFE/UwoaG1jvRWI/AAAAAAAAEZE/xfysaAQowY4/s1600/2011-Kimball-Wagner-KC-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75Eqyfq4aFE/UwoaG1jvRWI/AAAAAAAAEZE/xfysaAQowY4/s1600/2011-Kimball-Wagner-KC-105.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
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<em>2011 Kimball - HONUS WAGNER</em></div>
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To me, the water color art work on these is spectacular and worth more than the so often re-used photos for standard Topps cards. These fit nicely into my tobacco collection.</div>
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I think everyone has a favorite set from their earliest collecting days that brings back great memories. For me, it was finding a rack pack of 1972 Topps baseball in the grocery store. </div>
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Topps retro / Heritage style cards prove that all that flash and glitter is not required to make good looking cards. A twist on the 1975 Topps test set minis, these fraction size cards have the feel of the 1970's with the inclusion of modern stars. If I have one qualm about them, its that all the 1972 Topps were wonderfully posed pictures - with action shots appearing on separate "In Action" cards.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sezeyRffb7o/UwoaS-6UB1I/AAAAAAAAEZM/WGsND27NTWQ/s1600/2013-Topps-mini-McCutchen-TM-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sezeyRffb7o/UwoaS-6UB1I/AAAAAAAAEZM/WGsND27NTWQ/s1600/2013-Topps-mini-McCutchen-TM-34.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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I picked two cards from this mini set: As the 1972 Pirates of Clemente and Stargell were World Series Winners, I selected the best current Pittsburgh player of today - <strong>Andrew McCutchen</strong>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU6Fi00cEYA/UwoaWnAA7JI/AAAAAAAAEZU/L6GlfcN82fU/s1600/2013-Topps-mini-Willie.Mays-TM-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fU6Fi00cEYA/UwoaWnAA7JI/AAAAAAAAEZU/L6GlfcN82fU/s1600/2013-Topps-mini-Willie.Mays-TM-42.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Although not my favorite personality or player, the 1972 Topps <strong>Willie Mays</strong> was so iconic when I first saw it, it evokes spring time, Finding your heroes in the packs, chewing bubble gum and knowing you could complete your team before the autumn leaves fell.</div>
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I admit, I don't actively collect modern players, but if I did, it would have to include <strong>Derek Jeter</strong>. He has so many cards that it would be near impossible to collect anything else. But when I find a card for the right price and style, its an easy choice. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYxfAmA3Kec/UwoaqsseRII/AAAAAAAAEZk/k4STuVGiJYg/s1600/2007-goudeyderekjeter-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYxfAmA3Kec/UwoaqsseRII/AAAAAAAAEZk/k4STuVGiJYg/s1600/2007-goudeyderekjeter-34.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em>2007 Goudey Derek Jeter Red Back mini</em></div>
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I've avoided football cards for the most part as I sold off my collection to concentrate on soccer cards. But the retro style and the headline making antics of this player, prompted me to put it in the pile.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nBQtH1UVXI/UwoadRzP0lI/AAAAAAAAEZc/fCOtAR2qlso/s1600/2013-Topps.mini-Seahawks-Sherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nBQtH1UVXI/UwoadRzP0lI/AAAAAAAAEZc/fCOtAR2qlso/s1600/2013-Topps.mini-Seahawks-Sherman.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></div>
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<em>2013 Topps mini - Richard Sherman</em></div>
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As is the case when I go to these shows, most dealers do not bother to stock soccer cards. But as this is now a monthly show, they are getting used to seeing me and my asking for cardboard of the beautiful game. </div>
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Sometimes, it pays just to spend the 10 - 15 minutes digging through there 10 cent boxes. Here is where I found two minis of U.S. National Team players <strong>Jozy Altidore</strong> and <strong>Tim Howard</strong>. </div>
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Both, barring injury, should feature in this summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil for the USA. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYyuYIwBT_w/UwoavxG-iPI/AAAAAAAAEZs/6EoPqAfM24s/s1600/2012-Goodwin-mini-Altidore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYyuYIwBT_w/UwoavxG-iPI/AAAAAAAAEZs/6EoPqAfM24s/s1600/2012-Goodwin-mini-Altidore.jpg" height="320" width="182" /></a></div>
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Jozy Altidore - American Goal Scorer</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruQoIlr4DDY/Uwoazfc8xYI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/gwE1SBl4c9g/s1600/2012-Goodwin-mini-Howard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruQoIlr4DDY/Uwoazfc8xYI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/gwE1SBl4c9g/s1600/2012-Goodwin-mini-Howard.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></div>
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Tim Howard - USA # 1</div>
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All in all, I was pleased with my finds for the 90 minutes or so I spent at the show. Selecting the cigarette style smaller cards, to me, is a case of more quality for less money.</div>
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If anyone has similar soccer cards in cigarette style that you would trade for my baseball, NFL football or other cards, let me know.</div>
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WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MINI CARDS ?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-28084534492247562002014-02-22T13:59:00.001-08:002014-02-22T14:51:57.171-08:00HOLY SMOKES ! Local Card Show Haul - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The bad thing about the glut of card sets in today's hobby is that its nearly impossible to collect everything. Another bad thing about today's modern cards is that many come in very expensive boxes far beyond the budget of the average wallet.<br />
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Well, the good thing about the above, is that often, the cup of wealth overflows and spills out to the waiting masses. <br />
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Going to this weekend's monthly local card show, I was gunning for the dealer tables that yielded past gems. In a moment of indecision, I had left a few desired cards in the bins and hoped they would be there.<br />
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I had planned to make a bee line to THAT dealer when I passed the table of a dealer that had some nice vintage last show. So I asked him to put aside the handful I pulled. He just nodded and gave me a straight price which was even better than the bargain price. I picked up a nice 1971 "Catfish" Hunter and a 1961 Washington Senators, Mickey Vernon card. <br />
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Vernon has his own sports museum in Pennsylvania and holds the record for career double play for a 1st baseman. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IDlucpfYR0/UwkUEka22KI/AAAAAAAAEXw/VK9YO7IVHAk/s1600/1971-Oakland.Hunter-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IDlucpfYR0/UwkUEka22KI/AAAAAAAAEXw/VK9YO7IVHAk/s1600/1971-Oakland.Hunter-45.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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Hall of Famer - Jim Hunter</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5zZ0L9Xuu8/UwkUJSoRJ-I/AAAAAAAAEX4/q2_aO0LGxOU/s1600/1961-Vernon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5zZ0L9Xuu8/UwkUJSoRJ-I/AAAAAAAAEX4/q2_aO0LGxOU/s1600/1961-Vernon.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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Mickey Vernon owner of 2,495 career hits </div>
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Although I probably had a card of each of these athletes, it was hard to pass up two of the more decorated Olympians of modern times. So, I added a 2013 mini Goodwin Carl Lewis and a 2012 Allen & Ginter mini Michael Phelps.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iM6vrG-hLj8/UwkWXAjj-QI/AAAAAAAAEYE/JKw1hvNRask/s1600/2013-Goodwin-mini-Lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iM6vrG-hLj8/UwkWXAjj-QI/AAAAAAAAEYE/JKw1hvNRask/s1600/2013-Goodwin-mini-Lewis.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
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Carl Lewis - fastest man on land</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEjS74WL_x4/UwkWgPF5ahI/AAAAAAAAEYM/Mf-XfytN6HI/s1600/2012-Allen.Ginter-mini-Phelps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEjS74WL_x4/UwkWgPF5ahI/AAAAAAAAEYM/Mf-XfytN6HI/s1600/2012-Allen.Ginter-mini-Phelps.jpg" height="320" width="173" /></a></div>
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Michael Phelps - fastest man in water</div>
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Going back to the table to take care of unfinished business, I found the cards just as I had left them. But the prices had gone up. Oh boy !</div>
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However, after discovering that these cards came in boxes with a suggested retail price of $89.99, I figured my only chance to get these would be on the secondary market. </div>
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I found a blue back mini (Y for Yale) football player, and 3 insert minis. I added 2 ships (Cutty Sark S-6 and Queen Mary S-7) and a horse (Tennesse Walker H-#3).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HXnEkAaDS8/UwkXu2GGk0I/AAAAAAAAEYY/Df5DIvFNPZk/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-blue-Dorsey-RC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HXnEkAaDS8/UwkXu2GGk0I/AAAAAAAAEYY/Df5DIvFNPZk/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-blue-Dorsey-RC.jpg" height="320" width="174" /></a></div>
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2008 Mayo Plug - Glenn Dorsey rookie</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxJBI_mPPEI/UwkX0nXU8oI/AAAAAAAAEYg/YCOZaL7DL1A/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-S-6-Cutty.Sark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxJBI_mPPEI/UwkX0nXU8oI/AAAAAAAAEYg/YCOZaL7DL1A/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-S-6-Cutty.Sark.jpg" height="171" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cutty Sark insert # S-6</div>
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As luck would have it, I found this orange back (P for Princeton) President Grover Cleveland card. They are found 1 card per box ! I also like anyone who was the leader of the "Bourbon Democrats" - cheers !</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gD774by6kAI/UwkaanEyQfI/AAAAAAAAEYs/USvCB_d7hag/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-orange-Grover.Cleveland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gD774by6kAI/UwkaanEyQfI/AAAAAAAAEYs/USvCB_d7hag/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-orange-Grover.Cleveland.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
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Not a Brown's player, but still a big enough guy to be both the 22nd and 24th President</div>
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Although none of these were true tobacco cards, they are the same size as traditional cigarette issues. The Goodwin, Allen and Ginter and Mayo Plug were original brands that distributed cards with their smoking products. I like the smaller size collectables and the subject matter is easier to handle than massive sport issues from card companies.</div>
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Ideally, I would like to feature original cards of these tobacco subjects as well as their modern issue. I have several athletes and some other personalities. </div>
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I had a plan for this show and I hit my target on these. I will feature the rest of my haul in the next installment. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-57204810384484776922014-02-14T18:41:00.002-08:002014-02-14T18:41:54.642-08:00Prizes from The Dutch Card Guy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Don't ask me how, but I won a contest. Our overseas bogger "The Dutch Card Guy" ran a contest and I ended up winning an autographed rookie card of SONNY WEEMS. Weems was a top draft pick but played very few games in the NBA. He is currently playing in the Russian professional basketball league. If nothing esle, there is not a glut of his cards floating around. Its a numbered card 780/799</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvDu9dQw3KQ/Uv7NbBd9LrI/AAAAAAAAEWg/iTqyVo1EnLA/s1600/2009-Topps.Signature.Series-780-799-Weems-auto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fvDu9dQw3KQ/Uv7NbBd9LrI/AAAAAAAAEWg/iTqyVo1EnLA/s1600/2009-Topps.Signature.Series-780-799-Weems-auto.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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2009 Topps Signature Series</div>
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My new Dutch friend knows that I am a soccer collector and accordingly added some MLS soccer cards. These included US National Team players Connor Casey, Kyle Beckerman and the forgotten kid phenom, Freddy Adu, from the last Upper Deck set produced.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfwDDZMSRw0/Uv7NqrhTDgI/AAAAAAAAEWo/PMdXpHKAMgg/s1600/2012-UD-MLS-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfwDDZMSRw0/Uv7NqrhTDgI/AAAAAAAAEWo/PMdXpHKAMgg/s1600/2012-UD-MLS-cards.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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Oddly enough, my first base cards from the new Topps MLS set comes from overseas ! This bunch included the son of former Padre outfielder Marvell Wynn, MLS comeback player of the Year - Kevin Alston and Peru National Goalkeeper - Raul Fernandez.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxBo-Ti6cjY/Uv7OhckQf1I/AAAAAAAAEW0/7F5LNlLtWUo/s1600/2013-Topps-MLS-base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XxBo-Ti6cjY/Uv7OhckQf1I/AAAAAAAAEW0/7F5LNlLtWUo/s1600/2013-Topps-MLS-base.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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There was also a bunch of rookie cards and draft picks ...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szl_Y9zWhQk/Uv7O1GEapcI/AAAAAAAAEW8/ppONuxZoquY/s1600/2013-Topps-MLS-rookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szl_Y9zWhQk/Uv7O1GEapcI/AAAAAAAAEW8/ppONuxZoquY/s1600/2013-Topps-MLS-rookies.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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highlighting ugly college jerseys.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWNQ5fHr2Sk/Uv7O9cXeuoI/AAAAAAAAEXE/EtZBCzlFwN8/s1600/2013-Topps-MLS-Super.Draft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWNQ5fHr2Sk/Uv7O9cXeuoI/AAAAAAAAEXE/EtZBCzlFwN8/s1600/2013-Topps-MLS-Super.Draft.jpg" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
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But the biggest surprise was the numbered autograph card of FC Dallas goal bomber - Kenny Cooper. Cooper's dad played goal in the old NASL for Dallas. Another great father-son sports story.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcL7S042vzs/Uv7PE8l2skI/AAAAAAAAEXM/GyVbAGTvAig/s1600/2013.topps-auto-Cooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcL7S042vzs/Uv7PE8l2skI/AAAAAAAAEXM/GyVbAGTvAig/s1600/2013.topps-auto-Cooper.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Thanks to the Dutch Guy. I recommend trading with this person as he always sends great stuff.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-39110565571053968842014-02-11T09:09:00.001-08:002014-02-11T09:09:10.828-08:001998 Jeff de Bruges - Team FRANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When your become a super collector (or a nut case, depending on who you ask) you can often loose track of your possessions. When you move, things disappear. They find their own hiding place just to avoid having you paw them, stare at them and truly admire what you have. </div>
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At least that's what nut cases like me believe. I was looking to find one of my favorite soccer sets and they went into hiding. You see, this week MLS Spring Training begins and the New York Red Bulls are coming to town with the legendary THIERRY HENRY. </div>
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Henry was a World Cup Champion with France in 1998 and a runner up in 2002. He was European Champion in 2000 and a Premier League record holder with Arsenal.</div>
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But I digress. I wanted to checklist this set - which are actually chocolate wrappers rather than cards. I couldn't remember if Henry was in the set. Well he's not. But the set is fantastic anyway !</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLh1htWuo3Y/UvpT6DcwgMI/AAAAAAAAEWA/Zh5h4gwmPSc/s1600/1998-Jeff.de.Bruges-France-Zidane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLh1htWuo3Y/UvpT6DcwgMI/AAAAAAAAEWA/Zh5h4gwmPSc/s1600/1998-Jeff.de.Bruges-France-Zidane.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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<em>The great Zinedine Zidane imortalized</em></div>
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I was at a Paris airport when I found these - JEFF de Bruges L'Equipe de FRANCE (Team France) Chocolates. I purchase as many as I could. They were available in a cardboard window box of 16 chocolates and a limited edition metal tin with 36 candies. I got both.</div>
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There were 4 flavors of chocolates which corresponded to the wrapper colors. Each wrapper had a reproduced painted portrait of a player, the Manager or the French Federation Crest. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlIlxJAF-sw/UvpUDA-tmAI/AAAAAAAAEWI/ar2VMKYHcA4/s1600/1998-Jeff.de.Bruges-France-wrappers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlIlxJAF-sw/UvpUDA-tmAI/AAAAAAAAEWI/ar2VMKYHcA4/s1600/1998-Jeff.de.Bruges-France-wrappers.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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Among the many host countries that made collectables for the FIFA Tournament, the French payoff was one of the most talented teams in their history. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxt7Nf3AM_k/UvpUMTDyfUI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/KXrS14sLmDw/s1600/1998-Jeff.de.Bruges-France-tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxt7Nf3AM_k/UvpUMTDyfUI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/KXrS14sLmDw/s1600/1998-Jeff.de.Bruges-France-tin.jpg" height="114" width="320" /></a></div>
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The side panels of the metal tin feature facsimile autographs of the players. These are repeated on each of the player wrappers as well.</div>
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1998 Jeff de Bruges - L'Equipe de France (set of 20)</div>
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- white -</div>
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Laurent Blanc</div>
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Marcel Desailly</div>
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Bernard Lama</div>
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Frank LeBoef</div>
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FFF crest</div>
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- carmel -</div>
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Didier Deschamps</div>
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Aime Jaquet - (Manager)</div>
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Bixente Lizarazu</div>
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Robert Pires</div>
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FFF crest</div>
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Vincent Candela</div>
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Christophe Dugarry</div>
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Christian Karembeu</div>
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Patrick Viera</div>
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Fabien Barthez</div>
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Youri Djorkaeff</div>
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Zinedine Zidane</div>
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FFF crest</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-67717290281470796252014-02-10T10:08:00.000-08:002014-02-10T10:14:55.378-08:00Billy Meredith Equal to Ty Cobb Cards ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The world is hungry for pre-war soccer cards. The USA is playing catch-up and paying to do so. For most of the card crazy 1980's and 1990's baseball cards have been the top valued collectible on cardboard. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pyZIAR1PmY/UvkVCJ6fjKI/AAAAAAAAEVs/brGwwnnagGY/s1600/1908-Ogdens-Meredith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pyZIAR1PmY/UvkVCJ6fjKI/AAAAAAAAEVs/brGwwnnagGY/s1600/1908-Ogdens-Meredith.jpg" height="320" width="166" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>1908 Ogden's Cigarettes - Billy Meredith</strong></em></div>
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Recent auction results have shown that pre-war cigarette baseball cards have returned an unbelievable investment - better than any stock market or banking options. <br />
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To the hobby purest, this might seem as blasphemy, but the dollar (or Euro) drives many markets. So, whether we like it or not, these financial pressures do effect collectors and what they can afford. <br />
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Most recently, hobbyist have been searching for low cost, high return items for their collections. Enter - soccer cards. Unlike American tobacco issues, which for the most part were produced for a larger population, many European and British card sets were limited to local purchasers. But now, the world's fanfare with the Barcelonas, Arsenals, Bayerns and Chelseas have driven up the demand for these collectibles. <br />
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Over the last decade, only a handful of clubs can say they have the world following (and success) of Manchester United. <br />
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While there are many rarer card sets from the first decade of the 20th century, it is equal in many ways in comparison with the 1909 baseball set know as T-206. Separating the variations and manipulated hype (Wagner card), the top valued player in the baseball set might be Ty Cobb. <br />
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Cobb led his Detroit Tigers to the pennant and in the midst of 9 consecutive batting titles. Meanwhile, Billy Meredith led Manchester United to the first of its record setting 21 league championships in the 1907-08 season. He led them to win the FA Cup a year later. <br />
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The 1908 Ogden's Cigarette Famous Footballers is only a 50 card set. Most British price guides value all the cards in the set evenly, with Meredith bringing the same $ 7.00 as the rest in the set. <br />
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However, recent auction sales have shown that demand for the "Welsh Wizard" have quadrupled and that some dealers have even been commanding $ 50 dollars or more for this card. <br />
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So while the Ty Cobb cards from 1909 (with 3 variations) bring a price of $2000-4000 each, the Meredith is still extremely affordable at under $100. <br />
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I've added this card to my personal collection and at the current prices will probably grab another few if I can. <br />
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WHAT CARDS DO YOU THINK ARE UNDER VALUED ?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-46748001168600325032014-02-05T12:20:00.002-08:002014-02-05T12:20:42.949-08:00Dixie Dean : The Illustrated Legend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The fascinating thing with card collecting is the appreciation of players who performed before we were around to see them. Personalities from Babe Ruth to Jack Dempsey are ones we've only read about or saw some grainy film footage or pictures.</div>
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My first collectible featuring "Dixie" Dean was a 1985 Panini sticker from its "Stars of the Past" subset.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZx7KnWYrJ0/UvKU-3AaRmI/AAAAAAAAEVI/zWso_Zzm4ZY/s1600/1985-Panini-Stars-382-Dean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZx7KnWYrJ0/UvKU-3AaRmI/AAAAAAAAEVI/zWso_Zzm4ZY/s1600/1985-Panini-Stars-382-Dean.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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1985 Panini Dixie Dean</div>
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Dean appears on over 40 cards during his playing days (1923-1939). Of those, almost half are illustrated in painted portraits or caricatures. </div>
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I added two cards to my PC of Dixie - both of which are art work on cardboard. In addition, both are issued on John Player & Sons cigarette cards. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYd8ms8sE1c/UvKVGS3goaI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/aZv83RYrIWI/s1600/1927-Players.MAC-Dean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYd8ms8sE1c/UvKVGS3goaI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/aZv83RYrIWI/s1600/1927-Players.MAC-Dean.jpg" /></a></div>
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1927 Player's by "MAC" - Dixie Dean</div>
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Three consecutive years, Player's cigarette cards featured English soccer stars. Starting with illustrations by "RIP" in 1926 and followed up with art by "MAC", and the 1928-29 set of footballers.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo1xZMuz-p4/UvKVOvZD-dI/AAAAAAAAEVY/KVv_fZLwUoQ/s1600/1928-29-Players-Dean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo1xZMuz-p4/UvKVOvZD-dI/AAAAAAAAEVY/KVv_fZLwUoQ/s1600/1928-29-Players-Dean.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
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1928-29 Player's Footballers - Dixie Dean</div>
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Dean was a consummate super star especially after his record breaking goals in the 1927-28 season. With 60 league goals and 3 more in the FA Cup, only 2 other players have approached these numbers in tops league. (Argentina's Lionel Messi and the USA's Archie Stark) </div>
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His international scoring, albeit short, was a remarkable 18 tallies in 16 appearances. His last cards, issued just before the Second World War, was issued in Germany and South Africa. Both are quite rare and bring high prices. <br />
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William "Dixie" Dean is a must have for any soccer collection. Many of his cards are still extremely affordable. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-16348082457914677512014-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:002014-01-31T11:00:26.173-08:00French Gold - 1922 Felix Potin Collection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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France were one of the founding nations of FIFA, football's governing body, in 1904. French is one of the 4 official languages used by FIFA in its assembly and press releases.</div>
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While the French have had relatively good results since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, their top achievement occurred as hosts and winners of the 1998 Tournament.</div>
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But there were hints of heroics in pre-war Olympic football. As hosts of the 1924 games, they started well with a 7:0 win over Latvia. </div>
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But at the Quarter-finals, they were hit by the hurricane form of eventual Champions, Uruguay.</div>
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The 1922 Collection Felix Potin is a sepia colored photograph set from France. It encompasses several issues, which includes the rare 3rd series. The boxer Jack Dempsey, from the 3rd series is valued at more than $300.</div>
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So when the opportunity arose to find six of the 14 soccer player in the set, I made the purchase. They feature France's early Olympians, French Cup (Coupe De France) finalists and World Cup players.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0icd-D-9-5k/UuvioA_R5pI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/FD8I6f_YSFY/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Francois.Hughes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0icd-D-9-5k/UuvioA_R5pI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/FD8I6f_YSFY/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Francois.Hughes.jpg" height="320" width="184" /></a></div>
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Francois Hugues</div>
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Midfielder and France Captain, capped 24 times. Hugues played in the 1920 and 1924 Olympics. Clubs include Red Star, Stade Rennais and FC Lyon.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znMLoaBVHug/UuviyQ7S7CI/AAAAAAAAEUY/3fOscG29ZGA/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-L.Darques.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znMLoaBVHug/UuviyQ7S7CI/AAAAAAAAEUY/3fOscG29ZGA/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-L.Darques.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
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Louis Darques</div>
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Darques had 9 caps and several war-time appearances for France. Was twice runner-up in the Coupe de France and winner in 1918 with Olympique de Pantin.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds2eR-Cn7T8/Uuvi_Ij_wnI/AAAAAAAAEUg/PtVHwP5uJPA/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Marcel.Vanco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds2eR-Cn7T8/Uuvi_Ij_wnI/AAAAAAAAEUg/PtVHwP5uJPA/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Marcel.Vanco.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Marcel Vanco</div>
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Tough defender and one time Captain of France. He earned 8 caps and was winner of the Coupe De France in 1920.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9bzUuqxVU4/UuvjGz2w40I/AAAAAAAAEUo/ESsEZnMrujE/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Raymond.Dubly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i9bzUuqxVU4/UuvjGz2w40I/AAAAAAAAEUo/ESsEZnMrujE/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Raymond.Dubly.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a></div>
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Raymond Dubly</div>
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Represented France in the 1920 and 1924 Olympics, he Captained the team whilst earning 31 caps and scoring 4 goals for France as a forward. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yadrkBnbERE/UuvjM3DDLcI/AAAAAAAAEUw/sPm85s4jd5M/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Paul.Nicolas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yadrkBnbERE/UuvjM3DDLcI/AAAAAAAAEUw/sPm85s4jd5M/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Paul.Nicolas.jpg" height="320" width="193" /></a></div>
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Paul Nicolas</div>
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One of the most celebrated pre-war players in France. Eventual Captain of France who played in the 1920, 1924 and 1928 Olympics. He opened the scoring in the 1924 games where he scored 3 goals. He also appeared in the 1934 World Cup and had France's first goal in those games.</div>
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Capped 35 times with 20 goals, he also won 4 Coupe De France Finals with Red Star in 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1928.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVXHGFA2xZc/UuvjT6mOHvI/AAAAAAAAEU4/L0Y_Ud2VHNA/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Pierre.Chayrigues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xVXHGFA2xZc/UuvjT6mOHvI/AAAAAAAAEU4/L0Y_Ud2VHNA/s1600/1922-Felix.Potin-Pierre.Chayrigues.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
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Pierre Chayrigues</div>
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A legendary goalkeeper for France and Red Star. He made his international debut at age 19 and appeared in his last of his 21 caps fourteen years later. </div>
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Won 3 Coupe De France titles with Red Star (1921-1923) and later with Olympique Marsaille (1924, 1926-1927).</div>
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These cards have become exceedingly rare and are an excellent photographic record of pre-war French football.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-46951462834094037002014-01-24T14:10:00.000-08:002014-01-24T14:11:45.000-08:00Vintage World Cup Cards Are Hot !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A recent ebay sale netted $118.76 for a <strong>1962 Lampo - Pele card</strong>. With only 2 bidders, someone got a steal. To be fair, the item was coming from Italy, which is notorious for their diabolical postal system. Its a warning for every collector buying from the boot-shaped European nation. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVxMdsYnc6M/UuLYFimwNrI/AAAAAAAAETk/Sms3e7Dowew/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-42-Pele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVxMdsYnc6M/UuLYFimwNrI/AAAAAAAAETk/Sms3e7Dowew/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-42-Pele.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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1962 Lampo- Pele'</div>
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However, if you have a good Italian connection that you trust, you can find some of the rarer soccer cards produced there. There were at least 5 soccer sets made in Italy to mark the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile. The Lampo are one of the harder to find. Their colorful design and color make them more sought after.</div>
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I was able to add 3 specimens from the 1962 Lampo Cile (1962 Sticker Chile) World Cup set. The Lampo are actually cardboard samples, but meant to be stuck into an album. I am certain that a bidding war would have put the previously mentioned PELE card over the $150-200 mark. </div>
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Meanwhile, I landed two players from the winning Brazilian Team:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOBoi6mrnIk/UuLYP1h1ivI/AAAAAAAAETs/71IgFqULXrw/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-41-Zagalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOBoi6mrnIk/UuLYP1h1ivI/AAAAAAAAETs/71IgFqULXrw/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-41-Zagalo.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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Mario Zagalo</div>
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<strong>Mario Zagalo</strong> was a useful midfielder who was instrumental in the 2nd World Championship for Brazil in Chile. He went on to the distinction of becoming the first person to win the FIFA World Cup both as a player and a manager. He performed the later as the coach of the 1970 side in Mexico.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVSZ2m4q78o/UuLYXXsY16I/AAAAAAAAET0/pHSrWNZf_8E/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-35-D.Santos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVSZ2m4q78o/UuLYXXsY16I/AAAAAAAAET0/pHSrWNZf_8E/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-35-D.Santos.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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Djalma Santos</div>
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Arguably the best defender ever to come from Brazil, <strong>Djalma Santos</strong> was capped 98 times for Brazil, winning 2 of the 4 Final Tournaments in which he played (1954-<strong>1958</strong>-<strong>1962</strong>-1966).</div>
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He played almost 500 games for Palmeiras and another 400 plus for Portuguesa for an incredible 964 league matches. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xJ1TUYCGkg/UuLYoDbycaI/AAAAAAAAET8/yVf5D6-Essg/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-190-DiStefano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xJ1TUYCGkg/UuLYoDbycaI/AAAAAAAAET8/yVf5D6-Essg/s1600/1962-Lampo-Cile-190-DiStefano.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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Alfredo Di Stefano</div>
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Most of the cards of <strong>Alfredo Di Stefano</strong> are limited to his Spanish League career with Real Madrid. However, as the Argentine became a naturalized citizen, he became eligible for Spain for the 1962 World Championship. The 3rd card I obtained depicts him in the red shirt of Spain. </div>
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With only 5 months before the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, I hope to feature some of the essential sets from 1950 to the present. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-87028646842362218072014-01-13T09:47:00.002-08:002014-01-16T14:51:38.743-08:00S.O.S. Selling My Cards / Weekend Card Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I went to my local monthly card show this Saturday. Sometimes its just the hunt that is satisfying.</div>
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I picked up this 1963 Topps World Series - Game # 1. It Features Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher WHITEY FORD. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzI0sORRN5k/UtQbuUBsxiI/AAAAAAAAERs/dM_7brVw6x4/s1600/1963-Topps-142-World.Series.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzI0sORRN5k/UtQbuUBsxiI/AAAAAAAAERs/dM_7brVw6x4/s1600/1963-Topps-142-World.Series.1.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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This is where it gets scary. </div>
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I saw several items I really wanted but being out of cash and my Paypal running pretty dry, my options were left to old fashion trading. </div>
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I bargained for some cool looking modern football cards which I hope to sell. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiO0OZ5_wgw/UtQh1FmLYDI/AAAAAAAAER8/xcGMMjI4R4Y/s1600/2009-Mayo-Rivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiO0OZ5_wgw/UtQh1FmLYDI/AAAAAAAAER8/xcGMMjI4R4Y/s1600/2009-Mayo-Rivers.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHwyRjRVoGs/UthiZ_3oDmI/AAAAAAAAES0/TK3mshXU8Ss/s1600/2009-Mayo-mini-Rivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHwyRjRVoGs/UthiZ_3oDmI/AAAAAAAAES0/TK3mshXU8Ss/s1600/2009-Mayo-mini-Rivers.jpg" height="320" width="174" /></a></div>
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He may have lost Sunday's playoff game, but I thought picking up 3 different PHILIP RIVERS cards was a good deal.</div>
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- 2009 Mayo base</div>
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- 2009 Mayo mini</div>
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- 2009 National Chickle</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVEurvob3dA/UthhRQfHkuI/AAAAAAAAESM/WD3FdpSjcxM/s1600/2009-Nat.Chicle-Rivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVEurvob3dA/UthhRQfHkuI/AAAAAAAAESM/WD3FdpSjcxM/s1600/2009-Nat.Chicle-Rivers.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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In addition, I got two more National Chicle cards</div>
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- Troy Aikman mini [Chicle back]</div>
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- Eli Manning mini [Chicle back]</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJwKpj55uvc/UthhcIcEubI/AAAAAAAAESU/xg1BsOoHfr4/s1600/2009-Nat.Chicle-minis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJwKpj55uvc/UthhcIcEubI/AAAAAAAAESU/xg1BsOoHfr4/s1600/2009-Nat.Chicle-minis.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have an affinity to mini cards as they resemble the cigarette cards I collect. Two of my favorites from the day were chase cards from the 2008 Mayo football set.</div>
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- Sonny Jurgensen mini [Yale blue back]</div>
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- The Titanic [Sailing Ships S-5 insert]</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EihcFv_vpE/UthiBamq8OI/AAAAAAAAESk/qOhknFLS2wc/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-blue-Jurgensen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EihcFv_vpE/UthiBamq8OI/AAAAAAAAESk/qOhknFLS2wc/s1600/2008-Mayo-mini-blue-Jurgensen.jpg" height="320" width="174" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acfo2qQTIBE/UthiJQtFhQI/AAAAAAAAESs/Cc-c2_vjW8M/s1600/2008-Mayo-miniS-5-Titanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-acfo2qQTIBE/UthiJQtFhQI/AAAAAAAAESs/Cc-c2_vjW8M/s1600/2008-Mayo-miniS-5-Titanic.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
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and</div>
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2009 Topps Mayo Mini Gold #72 - DeSean Jackson</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkyDG3AzVTI/Uthhm8zkHYI/AAAAAAAAESc/THAmbjDJxro/s1600/2009-Mayo-mini-Jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkyDG3AzVTI/Uthhm8zkHYI/AAAAAAAAESc/THAmbjDJxro/s1600/2009-Mayo-mini-Jackson.jpg" height="320" width="177" /></a></div>
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Having tapped out my funds, I had noting left but to take addresses and contact numbers and get back to them when I have the cash. So here I am, asking my fellow bloggers for your business.</div>
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I am opening all my baseball, hockey and football cards for sale. I need to get some paypal. If you have any Christmas spirit left, wishing for good karma or just wanting to get some good deals ...</div>
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email me.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-39072157687681696282014-01-11T20:47:00.001-08:002014-01-11T20:47:40.740-08:00Blog-Bat-Around-Lost-Cards / SCORE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This coming from a TOPPS friendly blog <a href="http://lifetimetopps.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/blog-bat-around-lost-cards/">http://lifetimetopps.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/blog-bat-around-lost-cards/</a> - cards of player we wished were included with sets, but were not.<br />
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As an avid card collector in my youth, there was little regret except for the absence of soccer player cards from the Topps Chewing Gum Company. <br />
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Sure, there were regional soccer issues from Burger King, 7/Eleven, Herfy's and Essay Meats. What would have been great was one uniform set that included all the teams in the old NASL. It woud have done wonders for interest and preserving the history of the game in North America.<br />
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TOP 5 Cards that should have been produced ...<br />
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1. So 40 years later a small, unlicensed company in England has accomplished this dream. SCORE has produced a series called INTERNATIONAL STARS that depict some of the World's Greatest in their NASL jerseys.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M--81fcxw_U/UtIV0zkFk8I/AAAAAAAAERc/nfGyAbkcYkk/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-Pele-USA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M--81fcxw_U/UtIV0zkFk8I/AAAAAAAAERc/nfGyAbkcYkk/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-Pele-USA.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Legendary Pele' suited up for an NASL All-Star Team to playing in the Bicentennial Cup against the National Teams of England, Italy and Brazil. The Team wore USA jerseys, although it was not an official US National Team.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8VQtELXtWY/UtIVghnH9rI/AAAAAAAAERQ/sUvWstGp_3Q/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-Cruyff-Wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8VQtELXtWY/UtIVghnH9rI/AAAAAAAAERQ/sUvWstGp_3Q/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-Cruyff-Wash.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Dutch Master in Washington Diplomat colors.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iE74msEBvqQ/UtIVpbeO4FI/AAAAAAAAERY/uwcSiLiPOCY/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-G.Best-Earthquakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iE74msEBvqQ/UtIVpbeO4FI/AAAAAAAAERY/uwcSiLiPOCY/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-G.Best-Earthquakes.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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Georgie Best with the San Jose Earthquakes</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VM2lMZSAp-g/UtIVXY6icBI/AAAAAAAAERI/62PHZTxBHrQ/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-Cruyff-Cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VM2lMZSAp-g/UtIVXY6icBI/AAAAAAAAERI/62PHZTxBHrQ/s1600/Score-INT.Stars-Cruyff-Cosmos.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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Johann Cruyff joined the Cosmos for one exhibition match and was immortalized in their jersey.</div>
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How I would have loved to have collected these back then. Topps now produces the MLS cards. Hopefully, they can make up for lost time by including some of the past greats that played in America.</div>
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2. Because of his exclusive contract with Anglo Confectionery, George Best was not included in any of the A&BC card sets from 1969 to 1974. He re-appeared in the 1977 Topps set.</div>
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3. Upper Deck skipped making MLS cards in 1998, 2001, 2002, and 2003. These were crucial years that would have included Landon Donovan, Taylor Twellman and Dwayne DeRosario rookie cards among other.</div>
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4. 1992 Topps Stadium Club should have included JOHN HARKES. who had scored what was voted the "goal of the year" and upset Manchester United in the 1991 League Cup. Harksie should have made it into the 1994 Merlin card set as he took Sheffield Wednesday to both the League Cup and the FA Cup in the same season.</div>
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5. Upper Deck dropped the ball (again) as it abandoned producing World Cup Cards after the (1993 preview set) and USA 1994 set. One can only imagine what might have been producing sets for 1998 or 2002 - cards of Thierry Henry, Zidane, Ronaldo, Robbie Keane, Ronaldinho and Beckham.</div>
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Karma is a heavy burden. Now look at what Upper Deck has left. Not much. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-57990904811228987972014-01-08T09:58:00.000-08:002014-01-08T09:58:11.329-08:00Dutch Card Guy Contest - Play and Prosper !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our fellow blogger over at the <a href="http://europeanbaseballcardcollector.blogspot.com/">DUTCH CARD GUY</a>, has a contest. </div>
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Now the Dutch Guy is not from my part of the world, but he knows his baseball and other American sports. (He's from Holland ... or the Netherlands ... er, where Dutch people live)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-lxf0h9_Jg/Us2QBdV9_3I/AAAAAAAAEQg/5zL2j7mc44Q/s1600/Spock-V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-lxf0h9_Jg/Us2QBdV9_3I/AAAAAAAAEQg/5zL2j7mc44Q/s1600/Spock-V.jpg" /></a></div>
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Play long and Prosper</div>
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Check it out <a href="http://europeanbaseballcardcollector.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8156721615632801596.post-16433976730541816132014-01-07T08:10:00.002-08:002014-01-07T08:12:42.453-08:00R.I.P. - EUSEBIO (1942-2014) The Black Panther<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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EUSEBIO da Silva Ferreira, the Portuguese soccer legend, passed this Sunday. Long before the world heard of Cristiano Ronaldo, Eusebio had put Portugal on the footballing map. </div>
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Almost single handedly (or by foot), "The Black Panther" dethroned Real Madrid and then Barcelona in the 1961 and 1962 Champions League (European Cup). He made Benfica a power house scoring over 300 goals for the club.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVR9Chi0uVM/Uswgep7yiCI/AAAAAAAAEPw/okPVto9bYHE/s1600/1970-EUSEBIO-Panini-Portugal-World-Cup-1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVR9Chi0uVM/Uswgep7yiCI/AAAAAAAAEPw/okPVto9bYHE/s1600/1970-EUSEBIO-Panini-Portugal-World-Cup-1966.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
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1970 Panini Eusebio - star of the '66 Tournament</div>
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He set the pace for the 1966 FIFA World Cup as top goal scorer. When Pele was knocked out through injury, Eusebio took the center stage in England.</div>
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Like many of the superstars of the 1960's, Eusebio joined the old NASL bringing his legend to America. First with Boston in 1975, then leading Toronto the NASL Championship in 1976. He finished his NASL playing days with the Las Vegas Quicksilver. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eSRW8GeB2M/UswgouyHRwI/AAAAAAAAEP4/6S2YV1Rd88U/s1600/1975-Metros-Croatia-Eusebio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eSRW8GeB2M/UswgouyHRwI/AAAAAAAAEP4/6S2YV1Rd88U/s1600/1975-Metros-Croatia-Eusebio.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Eusebio is carried aloft with the 1976 NASL trophy </div>
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While he did not make the impression or the money that Pele did when he joined the NASL, Eusebio did leave his mark. He has something that Pele does not - a statue in America.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF-v-gcBT04/UswhGsaAqWI/AAAAAAAAEQA/zs2hM3iaRlE/s1600/eusebio_statue-Gillette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nF-v-gcBT04/UswhGsaAqWI/AAAAAAAAEQA/zs2hM3iaRlE/s1600/eusebio_statue-Gillette.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Panther stands behind his bronze likeness in Massachusetts.</div>
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Every Sunday New England Patriots fans file by a statue of a player kicking a soccer ball outside Gillettte Stadium. Few know who he is or what he's accomplished. </div>
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He is remembered fondly by North American soccer fans as well as millions around the world.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6j_o5d-jnFU/UswmaHlQwPI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Aj9u6SDj5w8/s1600/2010-SportKings-Eusebio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6j_o5d-jnFU/UswmaHlQwPI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Aj9u6SDj5w8/s1600/2010-SportKings-Eusebio.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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2010 Sport Kings</div>
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