Wednesday, November 28, 2012

BLOGGING DEAD !

So in the last 2 weeks I have killed 2 and half computers. Well, they were zombie computers ... dead and working ... at the same time. And, just like zombies, dead and working is frightning and frustrating.

It is no surprise then that I have not been able to blog as I have wanted to but, that is the new apocalyptic world. The logical jump from last week's comic book find was to be inspired by the tragedy of killing my computers.

What I have enjoyed is watching AMC's WALKING DEAD and  FX's AMERICAN GOTHIC well past the Halloween season. It just so happens my nephew is a budding young artist. And, although I had retired the pencils some time ago, he inspired my to pick them up and draw a little mayhem from my misfortune.

So this is what I do when there is no computer to kill : (please excuse the poor iphone picture as I have no scanner to match my dead computer)

My first sketch is "MAGGIE WACKS A WALKER" - a scene from the prison yard.


My second is a tribute to all the Southern boys who become skilled in the way of the woods called "DARYL, THE HUNTER".

The nice thing about drawing is that when the grid goes down, you can still do it. You just can't put it on line.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

No Hockey: No Secret, Not Weird, Man, This Is War !

It is No Secret that there will be no NHL hockey anytime soon. And if this vintage comic over is any omen, it spells doom for the ice men.


NHL near death cover on DC HOUSE OF SECRETS # 114.

It would be nice to blog about some hockey cards, especially since there are some appealing sets being produced. However, like many of my fellow card bloggers, we are disenchanted with cards and card collecting of late.

So instead, I have found solace in other treasures. 

MARVEL AT THESE

In my now regular garage sale outings, I found a seller who was liquidating his comic books. With the above DC issue I found these gems:



MEKANO LIVES, but not in the NHL on the cover of X-MEN # 36


Jim Rhoades should fight for the NHL fans, but featues on WAR MACHINE # 1


That managment and players agree would be a cover of WEIRD WONDER TALES # 20


IRON MAN # 300  - better than hockey right now


I picked up these 5 comics PLUS a record buyers guide book for $1.00 - yep one George Washington U.S. dollar bill.  'Nuff Said.


Friday, November 16, 2012

FOOTBALL LEAGUE 100 : Ossie Ardiles # 90

For two countries that were once at war over an island, there is the commonality of football that unite both Argentina and England. With current Argentine stars like Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez (both Manchester City) making their living in the English Premier League, it shows the power of sport over politics.

However, all of the South American imports playing in England today can be attributed to the sucess of one individual Argentine legend - OSVALDO "OSSIE" ARDILES.


1979 Topps "All-Star" Ossie Ardiles.

Ardiles concluded the 1978 FIFA World Cup with a Champion's medal as his home nation hosted that tournament. Afterwards, he went overseas to play for Tottenham Hotspur were he bacame a fan favorite.

After 10 seasons playing in London, he moved to the American club Ft. Lauderdale Strikers for their 1989 Championship season.

Osvaldo Ardiles is the first and only player from South America in the Football League top 100. Subsequently, he is the lone player with his first card appearing in a South American (and relatively rare) set.


Ardiles first appears on a rare 1977 Argentine League card with his Huracan club.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

McFarlane Scores

During a recent outing I went to a flea market in Central Florida. After my $2 basketball haul, I have kept any eye open for more figures. I spotted a table with several packaged action figures and toys.


I spied a box under the table that had a lot of loose items. It included some NFL Starting Lineup and McFarlane figures. Priced at $5, I countered with an offer of $4 - and SOLD.


Included was the University of Central Florida's most famous NFL alumni - DANTE CULPEPPER (Vikings)


HOWIE LONG (Raiders)


BRETT FARVE (Packers)


MICHAEL VICK (Falcons)


JAKE PLUMMER (Broncos)


Two BRIAN ULACHERS (Bears)


EMMITT SMITH (Cardinals) and ZACH THOMAS (Dolphins)


Lastly, JEREMY SHOCKLEY (Giants), DAN McCAFFREY (Broncos), and DREW BLESDOE (Bills) along with a 3 inch GEROME BETTIS (Steelers - not pictured).

The Starting Lineup included the Broncos Terrell Davis and John Elway and a New York Knicks Patrick Ewing. 

I love the detail on these McFarlane figures and actually prefer them loose rather than in the package where their 3 dimensional beauty can be admired.

Monday, November 12, 2012

This Falcon is Out of This World

So what has been keeping me from blogging about cards the last few weeks ? Well, besides yard work, building projects, end of the season MLS Play-offs and Uefa Champions League in full swing ? Just this ...

My $6 rummage sale purchase of a LEGO Millenium Falcon !


After 4 hours of construction I have a complete and mint fresh space craft from  the STAR WARS universe. While the box looked worse for wear, all the parts were there AND it included the original 5 minifigs ...


Pricess Leia (Hoth outfit), Han Solo (Hoth outfit), Chewbacca, C-3PO and a bonus Snow Trooper with cannon.


Also mixed in the box was a GENOSIAN FIGHTER plus a Genosian Pilot !

Legos are one of the best toys ever made. They also are one of the most creative activities for both children and adults. Many architects and builders are preoccupied with designing and expermenting with the colorful blocks.

My wife, who is also a psychologist, tells me many therapist use Legos in their play therepy sessions. I think I'm going to be in therapy for a long time.