Trick Or Treat

*hello little boils and ghouls..are you ready for a little Cards Over Coffee...or can I see you sneaking that full size Snickers bar and ignoring this post...there's nothing wrong with eating and reading..as long as you are having some coffee with it to. Yes, coffee goes with everything and I have a freshly brewed cup right next to me*

It's Halloween and as an adult times have sure changed on this holiday.

Gone are the days of wearing a hard plastic mask that smelled like sweet candy but suffocated you at the same time. No more going door to door wearing that mask and asking strangers for candy. Now it's sit at home, wait for kids wearing these high tech costumes (some are inflatable) and be the stranger handing out the candy. It's not nearly as much fun.

*takes a sip before continuing on...also while staring down a snack size Mounds*

We haven't had any Trick Or Treaters in years, but my wife and I still buy candy. Maybe we haven't had any because a lot of today's Trick Or Treating is done out of peoples trunks-which is both weird and not the same-so we end up eating it all. Not in all one night of course, we are not young anymore. Instead its a treasured treat that is slowly enjoyed like one of those Werther's out of your grandma's purse.

*takes another sip, swig, sip*

Attempting to give out candy is the only way my wife and I really celebrate Halloween. We don't dress up or go out to parties or even decorate for it.

This is as close to celebrating we get with these two Scentsy holders. The rest of my house is just fall decor that will soon be turned into a Christmas Wonderland. Yes, I decorate early for my favorite holiday and yes I see you shaking your head at me. Maybe even a middle finger at the computer screen.

*takes another sip to wash down the Mounds*

Since this is a blog about cards and coffee, I thought I would finally get to the card portion of this post and no more rambling on.  Especially if I get into my Christmas talk.

There are quite a few Halloween cards I could have chosen from for today's post, but I thought these Halloween Treats from Upper Deck were the perfect choice.

Front

  

Back

In 1996, Upper Deck made up these bags for Halloween that contained packs of cards to give out. There are 20 packs of 2 cards inside. All of the cards are from Upper Deck's flagship base for the 1996 season.

I think this was a great idea to keep kids from overloading on candy and introducing them to the hobby. I wished some companies would do this today but as always, Upper Deck led the way with innovation.

I never went to a house that handed out cards when I was younger, however there was one house that used to throw big handful of change in your bag. Lots of nickels, dimes and quarters.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post*

One of my favorite memories from my childhood Trick Or Treating was when my parents brought us yearly to a place called the Goldricks house. Every year was a surprise on how they dressed or jumped out at you. One year, the husband was the scarecrow on the porch and neither my sister or I expected it. We got to the door where his wife answered, gave us our candy and we headed back off the porch before he jumped and grabbed us. I thought it was great, my sister on the other hand never got out of the car again when it went to their house again in future Halloween stops. It will be a memory I will always treasure and probably a nightmare my sister always will have.

In comments today, I want to hear about your favorite memory or if you ever received or gave out cards for Halloween!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

*eats another candy bar*

*now Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Moron

*takes a seat with laptop, coffee and card in hand. some would call me a moron for how I carried these to the table. I know Murray Goldberg would*

Every year when Allen and Ginter comes out, I always find a non sport person in the product that has some connection to me one way or another. For example in 2020, it was RL Stine who I used to read in my youth. So I went and chased down a few base, parallels, relic and autograph card.

This year, my subject of choice is Jeff Garlin who portrays Murray Goldberg on The Goldbergs.

*takes a sip. thinking a sugar boost will help this morning but don't want to be too much of a moron and eat a whoopie pie yet*

I have watched The Goldbergs since the show began on ABC in 2013. I enjoy how the show brings nostalgia from the 80's, comedy and family all together in one crazy half hour. Murray is the father in the Goldberg household. 

Murray's character seems to often go along with whatever his wife Beverly says, despite not listening to a thing she is rambling on about. It sometimes puts himself into some awkward spots. He is also depicted to be strict and tough on his children, such as calling them morons when they mess up, but deep down, he loves them way too much. Tough love can be the best kind of love and it teaches the best lessons in life. Life isn't easy.

Murray is also known to sit in his favorite chair in his tighty whities in front of the TV regardless of who shows up to his house. Sounds like the life to me. He is just missing the coffee.

*takes another sip*

I haven't had much luck in landing the autograph of Garlin yet, but I was fortunate I found a trader on Twitter who was unloading the relic.

 

A big thanks to @chefsmith04 for trading me this relic and helping me knock down another one of my needs. This trade was not a moronic move for me.

I also see that Garlin also starred in Mad About You for a couple of seasons, I don't remember that but I did enjoy the show.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post*

I can't say that in life I haven't done some moronic things or I would be lying. I may have even done a few of those things while typing for this blog (don't put too much butter on your bagel and take a bite while you are typing to).

As for a father, I think I would have been happy to have had a dad like Murray.

In comments today, let me know if you watch The Goldbergs or what you have seen Garlin on and what the most moronic thing you have done. Also, if you have a Garlin auto from Allen Ginter, hit me up for a trade immediately!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Building My Avengers Team

*sits down to take a sip of Wednesday morning coffee. It's been quite the last few weeks in my household with many different things popping up, so having a nice cup of coffee before diving back into the hectic life is nice. That, and a new #CardsOverCoffee post*

I have mentioned it on here before, but I am a big Batman fan. He is pretty much the only superhero I really watch when it comes to TV and movies.

That doesn't mean if a non Batman movie or show is on TV, I wouldn't watch it. I am still a bit of a nerd and I really do enjoy the classic TV shows like The Incredible Hulk. Back before they made him all computer animated which I can't stand.

When it comes to cardboard, other than putting a bigger focus on Batman, I will pretty much collect anything that involves superheroes. Especially when they are combined with athletes on a card.

*takes a sip before continuing on*

Back in 1997, Skybox Metal Universe came out with a set that combined both NFL players and Marvel heroes in its Marvel Metal insert. These inserts fell 1:6 packs.

There are 20 cards on the checklist that feature some super and non superstar players with their inner Marvel comparison.

 

A lot of the better players on the checklist go for $20 plus to land so the odds of me trying to build this set would not be easy, though I would love to.

If any of you have any I don't have, I also have Kerry Collins and Terry Glenn, let me know. Always up for a good trade!

*takes a sip, starts to wonder what breakfast would be this morning*

I know if I had an inner Marvel character it would be the Incredible Hulk. Why? Well, if I don't have my coffee, I would probably turn green and start breaking things.

So in comments, your thoughts on these cards, your inner Marvel character and why are welcomed.

Have a good Wednesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Distraction

*takes a victorious sip on this victory Monday. The Giants season may not be turning out as I had hoped, but at least there is some hope. takes another sip, coffee tastes even better when the Giants win*

1-5 is where the Giants sat yesterday before kickoff against the Carolina Panthers. They had two heartbreaking losses to the Falcons and WFT before coming back to beat the Saints which is where I thought the season would turn around. But no. Two back-to-back blowout losses to the Cowboys and Rams and a injury list longer than my Christmas list and things were getting ugly fast.

The one sport I actually watch and my team I am die hard for was going down the tube early. I needed a distraction and when I need a distraction, I turn to cardboard.....and coffee. Not alcohol like most fans though that probably eases the pain sooner.

*takes another sip before showing off the latest additions*

This time for my distraction, I went to Burbank Sportcards Beckett Marketplace to hope to calm the storm in my head. I looked for pieces that I knew would make me smile.

Such as this Gary Brown Collectors Edge autograph. My second autograph of brown, but I am digging the purple ink and hand numbering on this one. I didn't know they used colored ink in the 90's.

Brown played two season with the Gmen and is currently running backs coach in Wisconsin.

Eli Manning Donruss Elite Gridiron Kings Patch /25.

As most know, I am a huge Eli fan. It's nice to see him do commentary on Monday Night football, especially when he discussed how Eagles fans used to greet him :)

Kadarius Toney Donruss Elite rookie card /999

 

And finally a Prestige rookie autograph gold of Kadarius Toney who is turning into one of my favorite current Giants players every time he is on the field.....and not injured.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post*

These cards had arrived prior to yesterday's game so I was already feeling good before kickoff. But, I felt even better when yesterdays game ended and the Giants came out on top 25-3. It was probably the best overall performance by the team in years.

The question now is, was yesterday's game a turning point or just a fluke. Next week is Kansas City on Monday Night football on the road. If, IF, they can pull out a win there, maybe things can be turned around and get better. If not and it turns out really bad, well, may need another cardboard and coffee pick-me-up.

Hope everyone has a great Monday. and in comments, let me know what you do when your team is letting you down. Do you go to cardboard? Alcohol? Shutting your TV off?

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Fusion

*takes a sip feeling nostalgic once again today. 90's inserts do that to me every time I land any or pick any up. takes another sip and gets ready to show off today's #CardsOverCoffee post*

The definition of Fusion is the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity.

Some examples I can think of when two things become one, other than the Spice Girls song, is marriage which joins you and your wife as one. Coffee and myself which makes me move, because without it I would be a bump on a log. And then an insert line from Stadium Club that took two players from a team, put them on separate cards and when you landed both versions they fused into one.

*takes a sip before moving on with today's post. would you consider my coffee an infusion with every sip?*

I bought a ton of 90's Stadium Club from all sports especially between they years of 1995-1999. I remember going into the local pharmacy, Brooks Pharmacy, with my father and grabbing packs that were located up front next to the travel medications. I guess that's just in case you got a headache from landing a nice pull and shouting loudly about it.

I pulled a few fun cards, but never the 1:24 packs Fusion insert. Instead, I had to wait close 20 years and buy a few instead since the prices were much higher back then. Of course I couldn't do it without buying a fused set.

Since there were not any NY Giants in the Fusion set, which is Topps loss, I searched for the cheapest combo I could that would fit my collection.

So I chose Curtis Martin (side PC) who is paired with Drew Bledsoe. The design is a wonky gear, but I totally get that they run off from each other so you need both parts.

Now cue the Spice Girls....two become one.

*takes another sip. tummy wants some breakfast*

I was happy with owning just the two football ones and to say I finally had some for my 90's collection. But, then I saw a basketball version that actually had a team with my interests.

I would have preferred Patrick Ewing and Allan Houston, but this is still a solid combo. This design is much more unique than the football one. A team name being fused is pretty darn cool.

Once again, cue the spice girls...two become one!

I loved watching the NBA in the 90's, especially my Knicks. Speaking of the Knicks, how about those 2021 Knicks so far!! At least one New York team can hopefully bring me some excitement. 

*takes a sip fusing myself with coffee*

I may have to chase a few more of these, would look pretty cool having a few teams fused together laid out. It's just too bad that Topps never brought this concept to baseball or even back. They are condition sensitive however as you would imagine with the side corners it has.

In comments today, let's hear your thoughts on the Fusion cards, if you own or have pulled any or have any for trade :)

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

SHINY!

*takes a seat at the kitchen table where the laptop is placed. Realizes left coffee, cards and plate with bagel on the counter. Gets back up, grabs them and sits back down. Today feels like a Monday on a Friday*

When it comes to placing a monthly order on Burbank Sportcards Beckett Marketplace I never know what cards I will be in the mood for. Sometimes it's all NY Giants, sometimes I take advantage and fill some 90's insert and parallel sets and other times I just feel like searching for something eye appealing.

And then there are times I am like the dog Doug from Up, instead of SQUIRREL I say SHINY!

This month I went 90's and SHINY!

*takes a sip before showing off the mail day...SHINY!*

First up (SHINY!), 1999 Fleer Metal Universe Starchild that fell 1:6-1:8 packs depending on what packs you opened. I had never seen these before and was really hoping that they looked as good as their scans did on Burbank. Not only did they look as good but even better then I expected.

More SHINY!

There are 20 cards in the set to collect.

And as one may expect, I am certainly chasing the set now.

SHINY!

Magnetic Field could be found in packs of 1997 Metal Universe baseball at a rate of 1:12 packs. I already owned one of these but had thought about building the set for awhile as the cards are quite stunning. There are 10 cards in this set to be found including some big name gold glovers.

SHINY!

Another insert set from 1999 Metal Universe is Quasars. They fall 1:18 packs.

SHINY!

*takes another SHINY! sip*

The final cards I grabbed were probably my favorite of the group.

1999 Score Supplemental Behind The Numbers

There are 30 cards in the set, all numbered to 1000 and they fell randomly in packs.

I snagged a few of the cheaper ones just to see how they look.

 

I think the birth of another SHINY! set chase was born.

*takes a sip, before closing up SHINY! today's post*

With prices so high on today's cards and everything being a money grab, I am glad I collect the way I do. Cards like I grabbed today are more fun than any you can find today's boxes and are about 1/70th of the price. For me, it's not about the money, it's about the simple enjoyment. 

And the SHINY!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

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Kong

*bangs on chest for coffee....my inner Kong comes out occasionally. Ready for a new post on #CardsOverCoffee so let's get this done*

In mail box yesterday was a surprise. 

Blog reader Oren and myself pulled off another one of our fun trades, except this time in return I had no idea what was coming other than the fact they were non sport packs from a movie. That could be a wide range of things so when I got the bubbler from Oren yesterday I slowly opened it up to reveal the surprise. I open packs up the same way when I know there is a "hit" inside.

Inside the package was five packs of Kong:The 8th Wonder Of The World. (should have been ape wonder of the world)

*takes a sip before showing off some of the cards*

I will be up front and open and say that I have never seen this movie. I haven't really watched a lot of the newer King Kong films. However growing up, I watched a lot of the 60's and 70's films on SCFY channel with Kong in them especially my favorite one in Godzilla vs King Kong. I was a huge Godzilla follower and used to make Playdough creatures of him.

Even though I didn't watch this film, it didn't make these packs any less cool especially after seeing the cast with headliners of Naomi Watts and Jack Black. Which now leads me to wondering if the Black or Watts cards are rookies...hmmm.

*takes a sip before going to rip*

As I do with a lot of my non sport packs, I always keep one sealed for my collection but I ripped the other four. Here are some of the base that I felt connected with.

(me checking out other blogs with cool cards I now want to hunt down)

(how I am when my coffee maker breaks)

(when the first sip is too hot)

(how I am after I drink a great cup of coffee)

(how my wife looks at me if I make my cup before her)

(how my wife and I are after we discover it's pumpkin spice season)

I was also fortunate to had pulled some inserts. Three inserts in four packs.

1:4 packs for the video game creature card. When I had Googled the film I saw that the film had a game attached to it. Must be the only way you can land these specific creatures.

1:4 packs for the stickers.

Back of the sticker.

And now the coolest card of the bunch.

Flocked Card. These have like a felt like feeling and fuzz.

 

These cards are the toughest insert to find in the product at 1:8 packs. With only 5 in the set, it may be one I seek out.

Thanks again to Oren for the trade.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post*

Now that I have the cards, I may have to see if there is a way to stream the movie.  Seemed to have had good reviews.

In comments today, let me know if you have seen this film, any Kong films and your thoughts on the cards.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

A Trade Sandwich

*it's 34 degrees, my wife's car was frosted and had to be started ten minutes prior to leaving. That time will need to be increased as winter creeps closer. At least the warmth of coffee will keep me going this morning before my 38 year old body falls apart from the aches and pains of coldness. takes a sip, begins to sit down and hears a snap crackle pop as the sitting process begins. takes another sip and begins to type*

Is it just me or does almost every trade turn into what I would call a trade sandwich.

There is that bottom later of bread, the start of any good built sandwich and the start to any good trade.

Then there is the mayo or special sauce on that piece of bread as your sandwich continues to build. You need this layer and it needs to be thick.

Then comes the meat. I prefer turkey or chicken breast myself, but sometimes I go spicy or add some ham to that turkey. The meat is not only an important piece to a sandwich, but to a trade as well. Without the meat, the trade dies off at the bread or in sandwich terms, enjoy your toast.

Then comes the veggies. I like the basics on my sandwich. Tomato, lettuce, onion. Sometimes I feel a sandwich needs pickles and/or banana peppers depending on the sauce and the meat I use. The veggies in a trade are the surrounding pieces to the part of the trade.

You then enclose the veggies and the meat with the cheese and another helping of sauce or mayo. For me, give me swiss cheese on my sandwiches or a few more 90's inserts in this case.

And to finish up a sandwich, you need that top layer of bread which finishes up the sandwich or the trade in this case. I like to make sure my top layer is worthy to finish off my sandwich or trade.

Thanks again to @NickLoffer1 for the trade. There was more layers to this trade sandwich, but I wanted to capture the most important ones.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post. looks outside and sees how cold it still is and realizes that errands still have to be run...sigh....takes another sip*

Not all of my trades are sandwiches, sometimes they are just a piece of toast or two. Usually if I am going to mail a bubbler, it better be sandwich worthy. Otherwise, those will be going PWE.

I got a lot of great cards from Nick above as I targeted 90's inserts as the main part of the trade. As I stated it started with the Betts for my Unleashed collection and then was built from there. The Toney I really wanted as the top piece as that is one great looking card with Giants blue against the Press Proof blue.

In comments, I want to know if you make trade sandwiches, what your favorite sandwich is and what your favorite sandwich place is.

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*