Coffee Time

*its early morning, I already just brewed my second cup of coffee and I am pumped about another new Cards Over Coffee post*

I am still a bit behind on showing off some amazing stuff on here and figured today would be a great day to catch up on one.

My buddy and Cards Over Coffee reader Oren hit me up recently with a pretty cool mail day and already has the next one out in the mail to me. It has been a lot of fun interacting via email with Oren and doing these trade exchanges. Even though this blog doesn't have the viewing content that Matt's Wonderful Blog Of Hobbies has, I am glad it is still making an impact and it brought me a new trading friend in the process.

By now, Oren has me pretty figured out in what I am looking for and has found stuff in his own collection along with picking up some stuff for me along the way as well for trading purposes.

Today's mail day had a main focus on the non sport portion of what I collect.

*takes a sip before showing off the mail day*

The first card I am showing off is a Sp Legendary cuts card of educator Booker T Washington.

Up next, Oren helped in my set chases for 2011 Topps American Pie. Most of these will be brought back again for the American Pie segment and further looked at.

Fads And Fashioned Mood Rings (my mood right now, coffee)

Hollywood Walk Of Fame Duke Ellington (I really want the Rodney Dangerfield version)

Rainbow Foil, my first one of these and it's a beaut.

A stack of base for my base set, will break these down more later on.

*takes another sip*

The next portion of my mail day involves some hits.

A Terminus Resident relic for my non sport PC. I really need to watch The Walking Dead.

This is pretty awesome. Frank Caliendo relic. If you don't know who Frank is, look him up on YouTube and some of his impressions. I crack up every time I see him do his Morgan Freeman or John Madden. He has many other great ones as well but those two are my favorites. He also starred on MADtv where I was introduced to him first.

 

I may not have ever seen it, but the actor who played Jimmy in the movie Bull Durham I have seen. William O'Leary, who has played in a handful of Movies and TV shows, was best known to me as Marty Taylor from Home Improvement. Marty was Tim Taylor's younger brother on the show.

And there you have it for now. I am sure the next mail day from Oren will arrive by the weekend and we will visit it while I am on vacation next week.

Thanks again Oren for this trade.

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

 

I thought I would close up today's post by showing off this cool sign I saw at Walmart recently. I was thinking it would fit perfectly on the kitchen table next to my laptop as I type up these posts. Maybe the next time I go if it is still there I will grab it.

Til then and until the next post, always remember it is coffee time and more so when you read this blog.

Maybe I should take that phrase and use it sort of like Home Improvement, I would just need Heidi to say, "Does anyone know what time it is?" Then you guys would need to respond "Coffee Time". That's when she goes on to say, "That's right, Green Mountain Dark Magic Decaf coffee is proud to present, Matt The Card Coffee Guy blogger!" The theme music comes on and I sit here to blog for you guys to read.

How does that sound? And please keep your eyes and mind off of Heidi while answering, unless she is the reason why you say yes.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

American Pieces Relics

*early morning posts are the best. That's when the most coffee can be consumed. It's time for some #CardsOverCoffee!*

Over the past year, I have been picking up cards from 2011 Topps American Pie. 

It started with just collecting the base set, then I started to uncovering other parts of the set and the chase expanded from a few of the autographs, some of the relics and especially the American Pieces Relics.

*takes a sip before continuing on. I am a tad surprised as many times as I have edited the beginning of this post that I am not on Cup #2*

The American Pieces Relics is a four card set that features pieces of American history.

So far I have half of the set, but landed the one I sought out most first.

The Statue Of Liberty relic I have wanted since I saw it on Twitter. Being a NY sports fan and a Ghostbusters fan, this relic was much needed.

Grassy Knoll is from the JFK Assassination

*takes another sip, okay, honestly I am on Cup #2 now*

With two pieces down, only the Lewis & Clark Trail and the Gettysburg Cannon remain. I am hopeful I can complete this set at some point. If any of you have the final two pieces and they are for trade, contact me!

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

Funny thing about these relics is that they are apart of History, a subject I couldn't stand in school but have become more and more fascinated by the last few years. Maybe it's because I am more eager to learn as an adult or maybe the things we were once taught, have started becoming history themselves as the world evolves and adapts.

No matter the reason, I am enjoying the cards and the history lesson.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Coffee With Aries Spears

*takes a sip feeling nostalgic today as the memories are floating back to when I first met my wife and some of the movies and TV shows we used to watch. I am not sure why my mind is floating back then but it may have to do with today's card and coffee mate. See what I did there? takes another sip, it's time for some Cards Over Coffee*

When it comes to comedy sketch shows, I am sure many of your minds jump to SNL. To me, SNL is okay. I preferred one which I called a hidden gem in MADtv

Not only were there some hilarious sketches, but some of the characters they brought to the show made you never forget them. Characters like Ms.Swan, Stuart, Kenny Rogers (well played by Will Sasso), Cabana Chat and some great impressions by today's Coffee With actor, Aries Spears.

*takes a sip before moving on*

Aries Spears has been in both film (he was in Jerry Maguire and Malcolm X to name a couple) and TV, but to me will be best known for his role on MADtv. He has some great impressions including two of my favorites of his in Jay-Z and Eddie Murphy.

Spears appeared in Upper Deck's Goodwin Champions product in 2019 which is known to find autographs/relics of people you don't get everyday.

 

 

I recently snagged this autograph for $4 on eBay with a leftover gift card. As always, my celebrity autographs always represent a part of my past and memories. Spears also has base, parallels and a relic card as well. Maybe something to look at down the road.

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

Aries played on MADtv between 1997-2005 and currently does some voices in cartoons, guest appearances on shows and still continues his roots of comedy stand-up.

I think if I was to go back in time, I would have tried some stand up myself. I love comedy and especially making others laugh. The saying goes "laughter is the best medicine" and I believe in that. I did all I could to make people laugh last year as I know we were all going through a tough time. The laughter of others also helps yourself feel better too.

*takes a sip, Coffee Card Blogger Out*

What Makes A Good Blog?

*sweat running down face as turns laptop on, looks over at cold drink that was picked up from the errands run and takes a sip. Aww refreshing. It's time for Cards Over Frozen Hot Chocolate*

 

*takes another quick sip*

What Makes A Good Blog? That's what I have been asking myself as I continue to figure out what direction my blogging will head. I have a deep passion for writing and enjoy coming on to show off what I opened or traded for, but how and where I display those writing pieces is still so undecided.

I take a look at other popular blogs I know (popular blogs are ones that have lots of comments and views) and try to see what makes them. Night Owl Cards ,which is probably at the tops of popularity, has great writing which lures the readers right in. Chronicles Of Fuji another one, has a way to connect with his readers through his life of being a teacher and some amazing cards. Baseball Card Breakdown by Gavin features life, cards and his incredible custom cards. 

Which leads me to ask myself, what is my thing? What makes my blog or blogs? (you guys can help me answer these questions if you want in comments)

I really don't have an answer for that myself, which is why I am having such a problem deciding what to do.

I guess I really need to look at my blogs closer and ask myself, what would make them a good blog? Is there a way to improve the foundation I have started?  Which one makes the most sense for some of the ideas I have going forward? Maybe that will help me decide which direction I will head.

While those questions are still burning, I will continue to plug a new post in on here like today's where I am showing off a couple great additions to my collection thanks to my big trade with @90sNicheFBCard.

*takes another sip as the condensation creeps upon the laptop, grabs a towel, wipes it up and continues on with the post*

My baseball card collecting has taken a bit of a turn in the past couple of months. I am not deeply collecting the Yankees anymore and am really only seeking out specific parts for my collection.

I have begun unloading all of my Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres cards along with other Yankees in exchange for cards that mean more for my collection. Football, Non Sports rank far ahead of baseball for me but it doesn't mean I gave up collecting baseball overall.

What I am looking out for now in collecting baseball cards is, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr, 90's inserts from 1995-1999 (any team, players) and 90's Fleer Metal Universe from 1996-1998.

And certain cards that peek my interest from Yankee championship years such as today's two cards, which both happen to be 1/1's and are from 2020 Topps Archives Signature Series.

First up, Johnny Damon. My first auto of Damon is a nice one. Good thing he wasn't feeling a little tipsy before signing these cards or it wouldn't have been signed in a straight line.

 

And the next I was really excited about in Jorge Posada, who my wife always jokes and calls him George Posada. Jorge was one of the final two Yankees autographs that I really needed for my 90's collection of them. The last one I really am seeking out is Mariano Rivera. Not sure how easy that one will come or if it ever will.

Once again, even though I have said it already many times to him, thanks again Bryan for the trade.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post and before it becomes a hot chocolate*

I hopefully will come up with an answer to all of my questions soon. I will admit I have been getting some outside advice and feelings from myself that I need to return to where I started and stay there. It also may be a sign when I found a list today of the Top 25 Sport Card Blogs to follow in 2021 and see that I am on there at number 18 with that said blog. 

But, who knows what I will decide. For now, I just need to catch up on some posts, enjoy some time away from blogging all the time, and catch up on some sorting. Also, enjoy my coffee and right now my Frozen Hot Chocolate that is quickly thawing. I don't know how you guys in the south deal with the heat.

Hope everyone has a great rest of their day and as always comments are welcomed.

*takes a few more sips*

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Coffee Break:2020 Topps Chrome Baseball Value Pack

*coffee is poured, pack is ready to be open and I am ready for some Cards Over Coffee*

I have stated this many times how much of a fan I am of Topps Chrome. I have been a Chromie since 1996 and don't ever expect to change. I still wished that Topps had a slice of the football action and made Topps Chrome football but for now Prizm will have to do.

I didn't have a lot of success with Topps Chrome up to this point with the little bit I was able to find, but maybe today is the day.

*takes a sip, begins to rip*

In every Value Pack of 2020 Topps Chrome baseball, there are 3 packs of 4 cards of Topps Chrome and a 3 card pack of Pink Parallels. Each Value pack currently goes for $35.

Summary: The base set of Topps Chrome is a condensed Flagship set. There are 200 base card of veterans and rookie content led by Luis Robert who I have a Chrome rookie card of in a previous break.

There is plenty of refractors in the product knowing its chrome. There are, Refractor, Prism, Pink, X-Fractor , Negative, Purple /299, Blue /150, Green /99, Green Wave /99, Blue Wave /75, Gold Refractor /50, Gold Wave /50, Orange /25, Orange Wave /25, Red /5, Red Wave /5, SuperFractor 1/1, and Printing Plates 1/1.

There is a half dozen inserts in Chrome but all look spectacular and come with parallels of Green /99, Gold /50, Orange /25, Red /5, and SuperFractor 1/1.

Rookie and veteran content make up the on-card autographs in Topps Chrome.

Let's see how the break goes,

 

*takes a sip, thinks about something sugary for breakfast. Sugar and non caffeinated coffee mix well together.*

I was pretty happy with this break. Two Roberts including an insert and rookie, and a couple other cards I know that I can easily use for trade bait. I would rank this up there pretty high when it comes to retail ripping for me in terms of a value break.

I hope everyone enjoyed a cup during this break, if not, don't let your coffee get cold.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Coffee Break:2020-2021 NBA Hoops Fat Pack

*not much sleep last night, lots of tossing and turning despite the cool sleeping temperatures. Guess I will need to hook up the coffee IV and pretend there is caffeine in my coffee*

I apologize I haven't posted in a few days. I am still working through where I want to do all of my blogging when all is said and done. I have three blogs, but, only one blog can survive and get my total focus.

For now it's been this blog, but in the end, who knows. I am up in the air on this decision still and any guidance would be appreciated.

In the meantime, enjoy another coffee break brought to you by NBA Hoops.

*takes a sip, begins to rip*

In each 2020-2021 NBA Hoops Fat pack there are 30 cards. I opened this pack up a long time ago so I am not sure what the going point was on these, but now I see they are going for about $15.

Summary: There are 270 cards in the base set with 200 veterans and 70 rookies.

There are plenty of parallel options for Hoops including, Blue, Hyper Blue, Neon Green, Purple, Purple Explosion, Purple Winter, Red Backs, Teal Explosion, Winter, Yellow, Silver #199, Green /99, Hyper Red /99, Green Explosion /89, Red /75, Teal /70, Blue Explosion /59, Artist Proof /25, Hyper Green /25, Orange /25, Orange Explosion /25, Red Explosion /15, Artist Proof Gold /10, Hyper Gold /10,  and Artist Proof Black 1/1.

Inserts are aplenty with close to 22 different ones, unless I miscounted. That is a ton!! Some of those also have parallels and numbered parallels. The Slam inserts were very popular and still are.

The hits in Hoops are a good mix of veteran and rookie content.

Let's see how my break went,

*takes a sip before closing*

Not a bad break, pulled a Slam insert, LeBron and a Knicks parallel. It was very weak again on the rookie card front but I have no luck in pulling good basketball rookies in the little bit of basketball I have broken.

I hope everyone has a great day.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Unleashed

*takes a sip, maybe two,maybe more. It was one of those long nights of no sleep. Coffee is on the agenda, but aren't cards. So let's do some #CardsOverCoffee shall we?*

Every year, I find myself indulging in one newer set that catches my attention. I don't collect as many newer cards as I do 90's, but there usually one set that stands out to me. In 2019, it was Optic Base set(which I still need to finish the last 8 cards to). Last year it was the 2020 Donruss Holiday Sweater Sets (still need 4 duals to master set it all) and this year, I felt a bit Unleashed by Donruss.

Now before you go into complaining about Panini baseball cards, I still stand firm by them. They have some great value and some nice looking cards and guaranteed if they had a license, you would be seeking out more than Topps. At least for a few of the products.

*takes a sip, well, two, okay I lied, a few more*

I have always liked Donruss since Panini revived the brand. Not so much the base and the endless name variations, but the attractive inserts. Those are the big draw.

Donruss is full of shiny/numbered inserts that grab you in like a good book. But, none, NONE of the inserts caught me more than this years Unleashed.

Unleashed features a unique design featuring players from the top of the food chain. Since I can't ever seem to pull a Downtown or Kaboom that features unique art look, these are the closest to cool I can get.

The checklist for Unleashed features 26 cards and also a wide variety of parallels, Diamond, Pink Fireworks, Rapture, Vector, Silver /349, Blue /249, Red /149, Gold /99, Green /25, and Black 1/1. There is still plenty to be unleashed. However, I am just happy collecting what I can of them. I don't see any rainbow chases in the foreseeable future nor can I even tell the difference in most of the cards.

  

Here are all of the ones I have found so far.

I hope to add to this as time goes on with any cards I don't have and will seek out small trades to do so.

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

My chase came early on this year for a product as its usually a later season product that catches my attention. That's okay, maybe this year I will find more than one to chase. Not that I need anything else to pile on.

Let me know your thoughts on these in comments or if you have any I don't, let me know. I have plenty of trade bait available.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*