Out with the old - In with the New

So what has been keeping me from writing ? My apologies to all the followers and the ones that check in time to time. I have been writing alright, but just not on my blog.

 I had an article published in the SGC Collectors Magazine  (above) - a hobby publication associated with professional card graders. In the past, this periodical has been mostly baseball oriented. However, if you read my article, you will know how the whole global soccer trading card craze has emerged.

I've also been working on a book. So, these posts are killing my typing hands ...

Now on to new things ...  50 CRACKS

Argentina's TIKI TIKI Magazine has again produced a wonderful set of international star players. The front of the card depicts the players with their club team with National Team flag,club logo and position. There is also a player rating on a color chart.

The reverse of the cards have the player pictured with their National Team along with career highlights and other statistics.

This reminds me of the English 1972 IPC Magazines that had large insert cards.

 These included England and Scotland players featured in their National Team jersey.

The cards were perferated so that you could punch out the player and a grass green stand to display them.

The above Bobby moore card is mislabled as "1969" when they are from 1972.

Baseball, Beer and Sick Days ... World Cup News

News out of the World Cup arena has the country of Brazil worried about running of beer during the tournament in South Africa. Brazil, the 4th largest consumer of beer (behind USA, German and China) has gone to the measures of importing copious amounts of the brew to quench their thirsty soccer fans.

Meanwhile, in England, the governament has advocated having televisions put in offices and factories to make sure production does not decreased. The thought process is that if workers can watch the games, it will prevent them from calling in sick and preventing a greater slow down of work.

Lastly, while many of the great stars will be attending the 2010 World Championship,  Brazilian magician - Ronaldinho - will not be there. However, he is on the tour of North America with his Italian club AC Milan. Here is throwing out the first pitch of the Chicago Cubs day game prior to his night match against the CHICAGO FIRE.

I'm Glad it's not Just Me ...

Beckham-mania may have cooled in America, but it may be attributed to the season being over ... and that the player has been loaned to Italian League Giants - AC Milan for a few months. So the craze has shifted back to Europe.

Proof, you say ? Well, how about this: " Panini Beckham Sticker Causes Panic"
Panini, the long time producer of sports and collectable stickers has produced a special sticker not included in the set. The Italian based company offices has been inundated with over 1,000 calls a day asking for a copy of the sticker.

In a related story of money, Beckham's teammate - the Brazilian KAKA' - is wanted by English club Manchester City. They are offering $160 MILLION dollars ! Yup - and they are willing to add another $100 million dollars to entice the player to sign a contract. Can you say Cha-Ching ! ... or is that Barra-Bing-o !

Lastly, in this vein of filthy wealth - comes the headlines that Manchester United's superstar CRISTIANO RONALDO has wrecked his $300,000 (200,000 British Pounds) Ferrari on the way to training.

No problem, he just called relatives to pick him up in another one of his luxury vehicles. Is it any wonder why so many American soccer players want to earn their living in Europe ?

On a side note, this Upper Deck SP of Ronaldo autograph card went for $700.00 at auction. Who needs a stadium seat when you can get a "sports car crasher" autograph ?