Batman Returns

*takes a sip, computer is open and ready to go. time for some cards over coffee*

Yes, the "behind the screen" of your favorite coffee card blogger has returned. 

*takes a sip*

I was experimenting with this blog in the last few posts and seeing if I can move away from the "behind the screen" part, but I came to realize that adding those in is what make this blog unique and sets it apart from all other blogs

So they have returned....just like Batman cards in today's post.

*takes a sip, tries out Batman voice and continues on with today's post*

What I really need to do to this blog is not make changes, but to update some lists on here. That is where my time should be spent.

I don't think anywhere on here it says that I collect Batman cards. That is really only known to a few who have done some trading with me.

Such as blog reader Oren who is always on the hunt to help me add to my Batman collection.

Which in our latest trade, he did.

I have seen most of the Batman movies, recently I finally watched Batman vs Superman and Justice League, both were okay movies with Ben Affleck as Batman, but neither to me were as good as the 1992 hit Batman Returns.

In Batman Returns, Michael Keaton returns as Batman facing off against two villains this time in, Catwoman (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) and Penguin (played by Danny Devito). All three actors nailed their parts and I can argue they were the best to ever play those parts.

*takes a sip before showing off today's cards*

Pfeiffer's Catwoman was both seductive and crazy. Exactly who the character is.

 

And Devito's look and approach to the role of Penguin to me was spot on. It was the vision of him I would picture.

We already know how well Keaton played as Batman in the 1989 movie and it only continued on in this sequel. Also, how cool also is this Batmissle??

Oh, and did I fail to mention another big celebrity played in this movie as well....yup...that's Christopher Walken who played Max Shreck a corrupt tycoon who aides the Penguin.

There was plenty of action as well. Either someone ate at Taco Bell in this scene or the Penguin made an appearance. Either way, it was explosive and a little disappointing not to see a coffee mug in sight.

Thanks again to Oren for the trade!

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

I think the only Batman movie I have left I haven't seen is The Batman which I just picked up on DVD to watch. However, I still have plenty of Batman cards I need to chase as my collection is very small right now.

Here is my Top 5 Batman movies I have seen,

1. The Dark Knight
2. Batman 1989
3. Batman Returns
4. Batman Begins
5. The Dark Knight Rises

Post yours in comments or thoughts on Batman Returns or the cards from today's post.

Hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Cards From Dennis

Good Morning Coffee Card loving people!

Before I begin today's post, I wanted to take a second to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families and community from the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. I can't imagine what they are going through. I hope you all will take a second out as well before you begin to read this post. They could use all of the good thoughts, prayers and vibes we can send them.

*prays*

It's been a long stretch of no mail days and no trades for me so when I saw a surprise in the mail from Dennis from Too Many Verlanders Blog, I knew it would make up for all of the lost time without any.

Every time Dennis sends a mail day, there is usually plenty of excitement involved.

That's why I had to have a full cup of coffee to sip and rip his envelope.

We kick it off with a NEW Eli Manning card. With as many Eli's as I have now and no checklist for anyone to see what I am missing, it's impressive to find any new ones for me.

Coming up next, a few new Kerry Collins cards. I do have a wants/needs list for Kerry that you can find HERE. 

I am not sure how they every captured a small video on a card when you move it, but that technology is still top notch even in comparison to today's cards.

Numbered Kerry Collins from Leaf Limited.

 

And finally, a Donruss Elite Zoning Commision relic. I actually don't have a lot of Collins relic cards in my collection just yet. This will help knock one down I would have needed later on.

Need a sip before I finish up showing off this mail day.

 

If you grew up in the 90's, you may have heard of Louie Anderson's cartoon Life With Louie which was a cartoon based on his childhood. I don't remember a lot about the cartoon, but I did watch it many times. Louie also did some hilarious stand up, starred on TV shows and was in movies. He also had a voice you would never forget. RIP Louie!

Heath Shuler doesn't mean a lot to my collection in terms of player, but the autograph card from 1995 Pro Line Classic does. At one point I considered to do the crazy chase of that set.....yeah....that would be nuts. That checklist is loaded.

I don't own a dog nor do I want to as I am more of a cat person, but I like these manufactured relics that Upper Deck put out. Fits in my non sport/unique relic collection. Dennis had this card available in his pile of trade bait so I snagged it.

 

And I also grabbed this dual bat relic of Paul O'Neill and Bernie Williams from that trade bait stack as well. Two of my more favorite Yankees back when I watched more baseball.

Thanks again to Dennis for the cards. I am still working on what to send back.

I think I will enjoy the rest of this cup of coffee before I have to dive into the day and maybe think of something good to eat to go with the rest of us this cup.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Friday.

Coffee Card Blogger Out.

The State Of The Hobby: Card Supplies

I sure hope you have your coffee mug ready and are sitting down to read the latest Cards Over Coffee post because here we go!!

The State Of The Hobby series is back again. 

There are still many parts of the hobby I am hoping to tackle after everything has changed the past two years.

Today we discuss Card Supplies.

Along with not finding retail card products, the rising costs of cards in general, it should have been expected that card supplies would be next.

Not only was there and still is a shortage on some items, but prices rose as well. It was near impossible to find toploaders and penny sleeves most days and some versions of those items are still out of stock for months. Keep in mind that Toploaders and Penny Sleeves are just an examples, there were many other items that were impossible to find as well and not just from BCW.

Things got so tough, that BCW even had to put up a Back-Order to let customers know it could be a while on some of their favorite items. Especially since there are some items still on backorder until August or later.

Keep in mind, BCW is once again just an example. All supply companies felt the heat from this.

This is just another frustrating part being a part of the hobby the last couple of years. Hopefully things will change soon for the better. Luckily for me, I don't mind reusing old supplies I have had kicking around for years so I am all set for awhile and not having to battle like a lot of collectors are.

Thoughts on card supplies, what you have struggled to find or what you have noticed has gone up in price welcomed in comments.

I tip my mug to you all as a thanks for coming to read today's post on this fine Thursday. I need to finish up this cup and grab another soon before my day fully begins.

Coffee Card Blogger Out.

Remember When These Were $1?

GOOOOOOODDD MORNING COFFEE CARD LOVING PEOPLE!!! Who out there is ready for a NEW Cards Over Coffee?? Yes, I see you giving me a thumbs up. If your cup is in front of you, I tip my cup to you and toast.

I will take a sip and we will get on with today's post.

It was over seven years ago when I made a purchase that I didn't realize would shock the hobby world now, I picked up three 1997 Precious Metal Gems for $1 each.

You read that right, $1 each.

The only thing today you can get for $1 that's decent is coffee from McDonalds and even that isn't spot on all of the time.

I had found a seller on eBay back then who was unloading a bunch of 90's rare inserts such as Cramers Choice Awards, Mirror Golds and Precious Metal Gems. The advantage for me was the fact I was able to bid on these cards with no competition, so they all ended at $1 with my one bid.

These were inserts and parallels I chased throughout my childhood but never had success in pulling them. So, I did what most unlucky collectors do, I found the cheapest version I could add of the cards.

Let's take a look at the three I purchased.

Bert Emanuel. There is some very minor chipping on the card, which is expected, but overall, this is still a sharp card.

Back of the card.

This card graded currently had sales of $202 and $400.

Up next, Nilo Silvan. Still a player I don't know.

Nilo may be the PMG I have in the best shape.

This one had an eBay sale back in March of $197.50 raw.

And finally, I pulled a lot of cards of this player but never a PMG.

Eric Moulds. Once again, not too much chipping or damage on the card.

The back is in pretty good shape as well. Don't mind the S in sharpie. That was written on the penny sleeve this is in. I couldn't put myself into taking them out of the penny sleeves and toploaders they were in.

This one had sales of $310 and $351 in March and May. The $310 was for a raw copy like mine.

It amazes me sometimes how much the hobby has changed since I got into it. I am glad I picked up the cards and completed the sets I wanted to while I could because there is no way I could afford to do that now. Which is why a lot of my fun projects I put on hold.

When it comes to the cards above, yes, I could make a spectacular profit from them, but I choose not to. These cards have more meaning to me than money ever will.

Comments and thoughts on my Precious Metal collection is welcomed below.

I need to finish my cup of coffee and get started on the day.

Coffee Card Blogger Out.

A Pick Me Up

*takes a sip, sits down to get ready for another Cards Over Coffee post*

*makes sure Kleenex box is still nearby*

I am sure you are sick of hearing about me being sick for the last couple of weeks, but here we go again. I am on the mend finally, but still have some lingering symptoms. 

I can assure you this much, if you haven't had Covid, you won't want it.

*takes a sip*

*blows nose*

*takes another sip and returns to today's post*

My mail box has been extremely slow this past week with no cards incoming, until yesterday in which a surprise envelope arrived from blog reader Oren.

Since this envelope was a surprise, this meant that the contents were as well. This wasn't the typical trade where he lets me know ahead of time what is being sent. My curiosity was at an all-time high and I ripped into it.

I was greeted immediately with a note that stated this was a pick-me-up mail day since I wasn't feeling well.

Then I was greeted with some Seasons Greetings from Florida and Kadarius Toney. What I wouldn't do to be on the beach in Florida. Maybe some day.

The next card was full on Dufex with Future Force of Garrison Hearst. I hadn't seen one of these inserts before and are from 1994 Select.

A Trevor Zegras rookie card from NHCD. (I had to smile at this as Oren continues to hook me in on hockey)

Rookie Rewind of Bryant Reeves. If this card doesn't scream 90's, not sure what card does.

And my final two cards were from Fleer Tradition.

They were Great Expectations inserts of,

Shareef Abdur-Rahim (is it just me or did I pull a lot of cards from this guy back then)

 

And Tim Duncan.

I really liked the design on those.

Thanks again to Oren for the pick-me-up mail day. I really enjoyed it and it means a lot. Of course I always appreciate the friendship as well.

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

Before closing today, I wanted to take some time out to thank the rest of you who came on here and on Twitter and wished me well. Every thought matters.

Thoughts on my mail day welcomed in comments.

Have a Super Saturday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Covid, Playing Cards and Yada Yada Yada

*grabs kleenex box and places on table*

*goes and gets coffee prepared and sits back down for another cards over coffee*

*takes a sip*

*blows nose, coughs some*

*takes another sip*

It's been a long couple of weeks as I am still dealing with some parts of Covid but things are finally starting to turn the corner as I am feeling a little better today.

*wipes nose*

Now that things are hopefully now turning in the right direction, I need to do some catching up on mail days I have received in this time frame and yada yada yada.

*coughs, gets up and washes hands, sits back down, takes a sip, continues to type*

One of the coolest additions that came in the mail was the latest introduction to my Seinfeld collection.

Seinfeld Playing Cards. I know these don't count as trading cards, but they still have the word cards in them.....right?

I can still play cards over coffee so it counts on here. Speaking of playing cards, my biggest memory with playing cards is playing War against my mom at 4 am before school while sipping on some coffee. Those were the days. It was a different time then, not sure any parents would give their under 10-year-old coffee now. 

*takes a sip*

I got these cool cards as a Random Acts of Kindness from @ArcadeCouple on Twitter.

The cards with numbers in the set run the same way as a regular deck of cards, which was a bit disappointing, however, the special cards each feature a Seinfeld character.

Kramer is the Ace of the deck

King Jerry

 

Queen Elaine

Jack is no other than George

And finally, they are all Jokers and a bunch of yada yada yadas.

I wished the rest of the deck would had included episode scenes. How cool would that have been? I may have binder paged them all if they were like that.

Thanks again to @ArcadeCouple for sending me this. My collection and myself thanks you.

*wipes nose again*

*coughs slightly*

*gets up, washes hands and sits back down to take a sip before finishing up today's post*

I am hoping I can get some more new posts going on here now that I am hopefully feeling better. I am actually glad to had gotten my Vaccines as I can imagine this would have been a lot worse than it was. My nephew got hit really hard with it being unvaccinated.

Before I finish up, get vaccinated and wear your masks. I am not saying this for political reasons, but for health and medical reasons. Also, PLEASE make sure you stay home if you have any symptoms, so you don't infect others......like me. Curse you spreader who got me!!

Thoughts on my mail day welcomed in comments.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

A Clip From A Movie

*wakes up, drags self out of bed and decides to distract self with a new cards over coffee post. grabs a mug, forgets to fill it with coffee, does so, then sits. opens laptop and starts typing what you are reading now. let's get this going*

Drinking coffee, collecting sport cards are not the only things that have been a big part of my life and bring back memories and nostalgia, but movies and television do as well. If not bigger than the first two.

It's also what a lot of my non sport collection is based off from. Yes, I will pick up non sport autographs, relics and base cards that have nothing to do with my past, but most of the time whatever is featured on the card/photograph, plays a role in some form or memory or nostalgia.

When I saw my buddy @clrshonuff post some cool Movie Clip relic cards from Historic Americans he was collecting, I had to seek out a checklist to see if any would fit my collection.

Fortunately for me, @clrshonuff came through with some screen shots of it immediately.

My biggest wish was that there was a National Lampoons Christmas Vacation version of these I could track all down of. But no such luck.

However, there were a few other films I could choose from which had their own memories so I was good with that. But, I expect Christmas Vacation next time Historic Autographs.

*takes a gulp. yup, we are beyond a sip this morning. moves onto the rest of the post*

Even though I wanted to tackle movies like Austin Powers and Space Jam first, I started with two kids films first.

I really enjoyed the movie Monsters Inc which released in 2001. 

The film cel I found was one of my favorite scenes from the movie and a line that I use in different forms.

 

*holds card up to the light so you can see the film cel*

"Wazowski, you didn’t file your paperwork"

Or in case of this blog,

"Matt, you didn't post these cards when you got them"

Or

"Matt, you didn't brew yourself another cup of coffee"

The line is very versatile.

The next two cards I grabbed, came as a two-card lot from the movie Ice Age which was very memorable for me.

*takes another gulp*

In March of 2002, I met who would end up being my wife while we both worked at a local grocery store. On our first date, we chose the movie Ice Age to go and see. I am not sure why we chose that movie but we did.

I remember a little girl sitting in front of us who she used to babysit watch us all night. I also remember it taking me half of the movie to make my first move and hold her hand. I also remember how much we laughed at the movie especially the scenes where the acorn-obsessed saber-toothed squirrel Scrat was involved.

So, I was able to find two cards featuring Scrat.

 

*holds card up to the light so you can see the film cel*

As you can see, Scrat is trying to land that acorn.

That first date led to us going on more and getting engaged a month later and married six months later after that. When you know, you know. In October of this year it will be 20 years for us.

Occasionally we will watch Ice Age and we did watch the sequels which were not as good as the first, when are they ever. But, now I have pieces of cardboard memories to tie in as well.

Before I close up today's post, I wanted to mention these cards fell 1:10 packs and here are the card backs,

It doesn't give much details on the guarantee on these, but according to their website, these were culled from reels by Historic Autographs. So not sure if they are from original ones or not.

Thanks to Chris for the heads up on these and for the checklist.

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

I hope to track down a few more of these, especially from Austin Powers and Space Jam. Not that I wouldn't mind adding some Star Wars or an American Pie.

Thoughts on these relics, the movies I listed above and which ones you would chase is welcomed in comments!

Have a Fantastic Friday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

This Is Us

*drags self out of bed, gets coffee and tries to get motivated to finally finish this post that was started four days ago*

*takes a sip and begins*

This has been a long week so far in my household. Multiple Covid positives including myself this morning, so I am lagging on doing posts on here. Just hope you guys haven't missed me too much.

Despite how cruddy I sound, at least there is always coffee to help push me through.

And cards.

And television.

*takes a sip*

I have watched a lot of TV shows over the years, but none have pulled me in more than This Is Us.

This is the one show I countdown to seeing every week, it's just too bad it is ending soon with only two episodes left.

Usually I am not someone for "touchy feely" kind of shows, but this one has me turning in my "man card" because of the incredible writing involved. It's a show like no other I have ever seen.

The series follows the lives and families of two parents, 

Jack, played by Milo Ventimiglia

And Rebecca, played by my long time crush (hope my wife isn't reading this) Mandy Moore.

Along with the lives of their three children spread across several different time frames.

It's a show that brings you on a roller-coaster of emotions as you watch the lives of each character develop over the years and the situations they are both in and come from. So many twists and turns along the way as well.

The show is currently in its 6th and last season, and I am not ready to see it go. I feel there is a lot more to the story that could be written, but I have heard that the writers have always planned on the show ending in 6 seasons.

I just hope they can end the show properly. I have yet to watch a show finale I was happy with.

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

As with most TV shows or cartoons that have been a part of my life, I try to tie cards or signed items into it. Above, I got the Milo in a trade long before I knew who he was and the Moore I got recently from Wes for Christmas. I hope to add autographs from both of them some day as well.

When it comes to rest of the cast, I am not sure if any of them have cards. I may have to look it up some day and add them if they do.

Thoughts on This Is Us and if you watch it is welcomed in comments. I suggest if you don't watch it, to WATCH IT.

Also let me know if you collect cards from some of your favorite shows.

Have a thankful Thursday.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*