OPINION - Always Keep Learning

If there's one thing this summer of collecting has taught me, it's that even if you think you've seen it all...you haven't. Cards that you've not thought about for decades and have been nestled deep in your collection might actually have more of a story than you know.

I've had three instances of it over the past few months. The Provincial Series impossibility from Donruss Canadian Ice, the Hang Tag from the NHLPA and Roots, and most recently the unknown Day In The Life parallels from Leaf. I can say with strong certainty that there is always something new to learn peeking up over the horizon.

And so what happens just a few days ago?....I receive a message from a fellow player collector with another headscratcher for me to ponder...

For you hockey collectors who have been around for a while, you'll easily notice this In The Game offering from the early 2000's. Nothing out of the ordinary...looks like a simple base card. Right?

Of course not.

Hmmmmm. OK, what do we have here? Something I've never come across in all my years of collecting.

I know this card as the 2000/01 Be A Player Signature Series, but have zero information on a "Player" parallel. The closest card in similarity I have is an 01/02 Signature Series Beckett Promo that has a similar placement and font style used to stamp the back of the Turco card. But that's where my knowledge base ends.

Of course, I have a zillion questions about this new revelation...How rare is it? How was it released out to the collecting world? How many other players have one of these? Does Linden have one? :)

I've made no headway on answering any of those queries. The only information I received about the card when the photo was sent to me was...

"Not sure if it's the same concept, but these old ITG cards had "player" on the back that signified a copy that was given to the actual player. Not my card but a Turco collector showed me this. He said he got it from Turco's dad. Pretty cool."

I'd say so! That's pretty awesome. Now I'm even more curious to know if the Linden family has one in their possession. 

Do I put this on my master list? Not yet. I need more proof that a Linden copy exists before I do that. But make no mistake, when I see these BAP base cards in a penny box at shows, I'll do a little digging. 

Big thanks to Aaron (creasecollector on the hobby boards) who sent me the pics as I know I would appreciate them (and I do). I've known Aaron for a long time both as a fellow player collector (Jhonas Enroth anyone?) and as co-host of a fantastic podcast on hockey card collecting called the Center Ice Card Cast. Definitely worth checking out. Note: Their next episode will be Episode 100...congrats guys on the accomplishment.

For me, I'm excited to find out what's underneath the next rock I turn over.

OPINION - Trevor Linden Digital Cards (Part 4)

A few years ago, I was made aware of a new type of hockey card collecting - digital trading cards. At the time it didn't overly sway me one way or another. I just thought it was cool that there was another avenue available for collectors to enjoy the hobby.

Then, Linden got his first digital card...and so I jumped in the pool. And to be perfectly honest, it was fun. I kept a very firm mindset that I wouldn't spend any money on these digital pieces (I'm not the biggest fan of buying something you can't physically hold on to) and I actually ended up with some very cool designs and "rare" chases.

As each year passed, there would be a handful of Linden cards that would be released. I had a grin when I saw his first autograph card as well as his first relic piece. And while I snickered a bit, I will admit, I did enjoy the process of trading for all the different Linden cards I could.

At the end of the last hockey season, as Topps usually does, they go into a mini-hibernation before launching into the new season. But the delay kept going...week after week. I don't follow the app on social media and such, but I finally figured out why they weren't introducing a new season.

Kinda bummed to be honest. That's it, that's all. And once again a solid reminder that nothing is a sure thing to last forever. So my digital card collecting is over for now. That is until I see some new Linden's pop up in the oasis.

Thankfully, Topps did announce that they would be transferring all the Skate assets to their online archive so at least I can enjoy the cards that I did collect over the years.

So, I thought I'd share my entire Linden digital card collection...

The Uncommon cards were the lowest tier of card that Trev had. The easiest to pull from packs and a breeze to trade for, these two really did nothing but fill the spots on my master list.

Some of the designs...I don't know. Ha ha.

The Rare cards. Sounds challenging, but really weren't. Many of the earlier years were given the rare designation even though they were easy to find or trade for. I do remember when I got the dual auto with Bo Horvat. I think it was around that time when I really felt like these digital cards were a legit outlet and additions to my collection.

I love many of the Topps designs and often would say "If only they had a license to make physical hockey cards again." I don't know if that will ever be a possibility in my lifetime.

The Super Rare cards. That's bigger than rare....wow. You can see that Topps really embraced the parallel world. A lot of the same designs but with a color shift and a lesser card rare ratio.

You'll also see that we venture into the world of digital relic cards. That jersey card in the bottom middle was a pillar moment in my digital card collecting, but it was the Alumni patch that had me think anything could be possible.

The free packs would reward you if you kept at it. I got the traders I needed to land the Linden patch and was blown away.

We're not even in rare air anymore...it's the Iconic class of cards. Tougher than rare. 

If you'd have asked me when I first started collecting digital cards if getting any of these Lindens would be possible...I would have given you a hard "No!"

A lot of these cards are limited to 100 "copies" or less...the gold dual, just 25 were released.

Not a single one of these were "pack pulled" by me and I think that goes to show just how opening some of the trading was on the platform. If you comparable traders (in terms of the class of card and print run), you could find a suitor.

Again, that Alumni patch card was a pretty big moment for me when I traded for that one. I was sure I'd never land it...but I was fortunate to find the right trade partner.

Here we go. Some ghosted out cards (ones that never made it to my collection). No coincidence that they live in the toughest area of town...the Legendary cards.

These were the cream of the crop, the rarest of the bunch and pretty much impossible to pull or trade for. A couple of these are 1/1's...but I take enjoyment that I can just snap a photo and feel like they're my own. Ha ha.

For me, this section wraps it all up in a bow. I am more than happy to keep these digital cards listed on my master list, cross them off when I get one and enjoy the designs and variety of all of them (whether I have a copy or not) whenever I want. Nothing wrong there.

I hope that one day there will be a similar digital hockey card vehicle that can I explore and enjoy. It really was fun while it lasted.

Total Trevor Linden digital card stats...

# of unique cards = 27
# of cards I obtained = 22
rarest card I own = limited to 25 copies
most common card I own = 3281 copies

OPINION - Yeah...I'd Do It

A couple days ago, I caught a story on Instagram that made me stop and think...for more than just a few moments. I actually stopped scrolling - ha!

It got me pondering just how far I'd go to justify adding an item to my player collection. 

The item I saw was super unique to consider adding - and a very fun conversation starter.

Seems harmless enough. It's just a Marc Andre Fleury figurine depicting a pretty massive diving save.

To an MAF collector, I'd think this would be a no-brainer to add to the wantlist. It would be a very cool display item or (like me) keep it in the box in pristine conditon...and then find another to crack out of the case later on. :)

And if you want to see the actual save...check it out...

Tremendous! Definite save of the year candidate. Fleury just is cementing himself as one of the all-time great goalies. It's hard to deny that. He's a lock to be a Hall of Famer.

Now, take a closer look at the original IG post. It's not a Marc Andre Fleury collector who posted it.

Watch the highlight again. See where I'm going with this?

Would you, as a Nic Petan collector want to add this MAF piece to your collection? It's obvious that Petan is inextricably linked to this save. How many times do we see an unworldly dive at the last moment and immediately think of the sniper who got robbed? Players screaming to the rafters and rolling their eyes in disbelief. 

I bet Petan was doing his fair share of it on that night.

So the question remains...would you want that reminder in your collection?

Initially, I think it would bring some snickers...a humourous thought for sure. But there's some definite validity and a strong argument for as well.

I think it's a pretty darn cool item - definitely unique. I feel like I'd add it in an unofficial capacity. Chase it, but only if the price is right. And I don't think it'd get a mention on my master checklist...but it would likely be front of mind when I'd go to shows or card shops. I'd be looking for it.

I saw this as I was doing my search for the figurine. Official signed photos...I'm sure there are posters and all that too. Maybe not everything needs to be on the radar. :)

There are limits, no question. I can say pretty confidently that if it was a certain New York Ranger goalie making that save in game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup series, I'd likely pass on his bobblehead. And let's not dare mention the other Ranger (that we will never talk about).

A cool figurine for sure and a fantastic debate on how much we as collectors will morph our boundaraies to justify and add an item.

What's the biggest stretch you've put on convincing yourself to add an item to your collection? Do you still think it belongs? Any regrets?

MY COLLECTION - The Sports Card Live Podcast - Episode #233...It's Me!

It was a hobby first for me last night. I was a guest on the Sports Card Live podcast...and had an absolute blast sharing my hobby story and showing off some of my collection. 

For those who know my blog...you know I love telling stories - it's a major part of what I love about my collection and pieces within it. But I rarely hop in front of a camera to chat cards. For many years, I've been an introvert with card collecting - something I didn't really share with non-hobby people I knew. This blog has really helped and allowed me to bring an enjoyment that maybe has connected more with some of those friends, family and co-workers. I'm much more comfy with it. :)

I've known the show's host, Jeremy, for decades and have always enjoyed his enthusiasm, knowledge and just overall passion for a positive hobby landscape. He knows a lot of industry people in this sportscard world and his genuine curiosity is something I am drawn to. He's a person I have a ton of respect for and was excited when he asked me to be on his show.

And yes, this episode is 2 hours in length...but no joke, I could've talked for another couple hours. It was so extremely fun. You can actually see the times when Jeremy has to reel me in because I just get so into it. Ha! 

If you have the time, check it out.

I share a few early items from my collecting story, "Wallet Card" Oscar Gamble makes an appearance, some inexpensive side projects are discussed and (of course) plenty of Linden talk. 

Near the end of the episode, I got a chance to share my thoughts about a number of other Linden collectors who have been so very instrumental to my hobby world and I just want to give them a shout out on this blog as well. I can't overstate how lucky I am to have had (and with some, still have) such a positive rapport with them. My collection and my collecting mindset wouldn't be what it is without them.

Kevin, Victor, Elliot...huge thank you. Your positive presence, selflessness and example is something I try to bring forward constantly when I hobby. I'm grateful for the longstanding relationship we have built. Brad, James, Gary...cheers guys...you've made such a positive impact on my collection...and more importantly, my enjoyment and experiences that are a part of it. To all others who I have crossed paths with over the years...I valued our connection of Trevor Linden collecting.

Lastly, to Ian (who I unfortunately forgot to shout out by name in the episode), a guy who I'm connected with in this Linden collecting world probably more so than any other - just a genuine Thank You! Ian is the person who had a major part of his Linden collection stolen years ago and I am so grateful that the stars aligned and I was able to help recover some major pieces of said collection. I enjoy talking cards with you and look forward to the next time we do so.

I say it in the episode...I'm very lucky to have such an awesome Linden collecting ecosystem.

And to all the other hobby bloggers I've crossed paths with over the years - cheers to you all. My hobby is more complete because of this outlet and the people I've met from it. From player collectors like Paul to the guy who brought the birth of my Wallet Card (and my Oscar Gamble collection), Casey, big thanks.

This podcast episode has given me a jolt to tell more of my hobby stories. Geez...if only I had a blog to share it on. :)

Have a great day!

OPINION - Trevor Linden Digital Cards (Part 3)

It was a little over a year ago that I shared my thoughts and updates on Trevor Linden digital cards. I still peruse the Topps Skate app (though not as often) and enjoy the free offerings it provides. I maintain that if Topps were ever to physically produce some of the designs they come up with...the hockey card collecting world would really benefit from it. Gorgeous pieces of cardbo....oh wait, they're still just digital images.  :)

I had laid out my disappointment back then about the newest Linden cards released...patch cards that were only available as a bonus for finishing the tough-to-build insert set. Thankfully, these bonus cards can be traded for...and I'm a patient guy.

I said back then that the iconic and legendary cards (tougher to hit "classes" of cards) would likely be hit in the free packs about once a year...if you open packs on a regular basis. Well...I pretty much nailed that prediction.

As a result, I was able to land this rare bird...and am shocked I now "own" it.

2021/22 Topps Skate!

#NN Triple Threads Series 2 Alumni Green Iconic

This is an amazing card...I want a physical copy of it. There are only 34 copies total in the global count on the Topps app and has now become the most rare Linden digital card I own.

A year ago, I NEVER would have thought I'd be able to get my hands on this one without shelling out cash...I'm still gobsmacked that I was able to trade for it.

So how did it happen??

Well, as I said, when you open packs using the free coins you can get from going on the app, every once in a while you'll hit a tougher-to-find card. I hadn't hit one in over a year, until....

2022/23 Topps Skate!

#NN Vintage Vaulted Series 1 Signatures Gold Iconic

As soon as I saw the moniker 'iconic', I knew I had a shot of landing a Linden. I didn't know how many copies of the card would be released, but I started my quest immediately.

I reached out to a couple guys on the app who had a duplicate of the above Linden (yeah....think about that for a moment), but they balked at the trade request. There are currently 119 copies of the Beniers card out there while only 34 of the Linden exist...not a fair trade in some people's eyes. And I can appreciate that. The global card count for an item holds much higher value in the digital card world.

I had a number of people trying to trade with me for the card - many of them making decent offers (multiple 'iconic' cards), but I told them all that I was trying to parlay this into a Linden on my wantlist.

One trader did perk my ears. He had originally offered up three Canucks 'iconic' cards...so I decided to take a look at what all he had in his collection. Sure enough, he had the Linden I was looking for. I reached out to him letting him know that the Linden is what I was after - also mentioning that it was a bit of an "unfair" trade on my part - I'd be getting the much more rare card. I asked if he would part with some of his iconic cards that might be able to alnd me the Linden at a later point.

To my shock, he just straight up traded me the Linden. I was blown away. He asked that I keep him in mind the next time I land a rare bird. Absolutely.

It was a fantastic trading experience and reinforced to me how much I enjoy chasing Linden cards on the Topps Skate app. Trev hasn't had many new cards come out over the past year, so I'm not making much headway (I now have 17 of the 21 Linden cards on the app), but this new patch card addition has me motivated to keep going.

I still have yet to invest a single penny into any of my digital cards. Talk to me in a year to see if that changes.  :)

Digital cards....yay or nay for you?

OPINION - Trevor Linden Digital Cards (Part 2)

It's been three years since I posted my thoughts on Trevor Linden digital cards. At the time, my investment into the Topps Skate! app was minimal. A lot has changed over the three years.

I am now checking the app almost daily. Ripping my complimentary virtual pack, collecting my coins and using those coins to open packs from all sorts of products, and yes...hunting down Linden cards.

To date, he has 18 unique digital cards and I have landed 12 of them. And what can I say...I've loved the chase. Finding a Linden in a pack I open, trading with others on the app...it's pretty much all there.

But his most recent cards have me slightly bummed.

2021/22 Topps Skate!

Triple Threads Series 2 Alumni Relic

Let's just start by saying that this is a BEAUTIFUL card. I've said it before, but what I wouldn't give to hold a physical copy of this one. Dynamite.

But this card is pretty much impossible to land if you are only enjoying the app for free.

This was the "award" card if you managed to complete the alumni relic set (10 cards)...and they were super rare to come by - literally.

Cards on the Topps Skate app are ranked into various classes.  There's base (and their various tiers), common, uncommon, rare, super rare, iconic and legendary. The latter on the list are cards you might come across once a year if you open packs regularly for free on the app.

This Linden card is in the super rare category. I opened dozens of packs and didn't hit a single one of these alumni cards. To land all 10 needed to acquire the Linden wasn't going to happen.

Unfortunate, but it's not the first time I've found a Linden card that I'll never own.

2021/22 Topps Skate!

Triple Threads Series 2 Alumni Relic Green

Here's the green parallel...found in the iconic category. I wish they'd have used a different design on the patch - but maybe I'm just picky.

If the super rare was next to impossible, now multiply that by about 100. 

Interesting thing about this one though is that in the packs that I did open, I hit an iconic alumni patch. Martin St. Louis. I thought maybe there was a sliver of hope in trading for the Linden.

Nope. Because the Linden is an award card, you can't trade for them.

Unfortunate (again), but did I mention that there are cards out there that I'll never own.  :)

2021/22 Topps Skate!

Triple Threads Series 2 Alumni Relic Red

Oh, and just to kick a guy when he's down...here's the legendary red version. 

It's an undeniably awesome card. I almost said "piece of cardboard"...but therein lays the catch that I have to remind myself of - these are just digital images. They don't tangibly exist.

I've seen some digital Linden cards sell for a fair penny on eBay of late. I am not there at all right now.

But talk to me in another three years.  Who knows.

MY COLLECTION - Where Things Are Sitting These Days

Wow.  I won't lie......this feels a little foreign.

For the past 2-3 years, my focus on hockey card blogging has drifted.  It's not that I don't have a lot to say...I just am trying to wrap my head around what it is I'd like to do with my time in this hobby, what I'd like to do with my writing, and (in a bigger sense) what I'd like to do career-wise.

It's a rare Saturday afternoon where I don't have something staring at me on the plate.  I don't have to go into work, I've not set up any plans with people today and I don't have any huge tasks that need immediate attention.

Now don't get me wrong - I've got dozens of things that I need to do.  But this afternoon I am taking some time to recharge the batteries.  It's been a long, challenging year.

So what did I do for an hour or so today?  Opened hockey and baseball packs - digitally.

Yup......I've been converted.

A few years ago I was flip-flopping at the thought of digital trading cards and I can honestly say that these days it has become a daily ritual.  I enjoy the few moments where I go, open a couple of digital packs and enjoy collecting.

The baseball front has really appealed to me due to the way they present their sets and products.  It's so well put together for those wanting to build base sets.  I'm having a lot of fun opening packs and even trading to complete my sets.  I am hoping they do something similar on the hockey front.

So do I normally spend an hour at a time on the apps?  No.

Today, I discovered that Trevor Linden has yet another digital card - three new ones actually.  The chase, was once again on.

But let's step back for a second.  I had hunted and traded for the six Linden offerings that were available when I joined Topps Skate!  It took a while, but it was a lot of fun.  And it was that stretch of time that I really became enamoured with digital trading cards.

2017/18 Topps Skate!

#18 Alumni Chase Signature

The final card of the six was a Linden "autograph".  Landing that card really gave me the same type of feeling that could come from a big ebay win or a sweet find at the local show.  And I was very aware of that feeling.  

As I mentioned, Topps Bunt really has impressed me with it's depth, organization and just simply gorgeous looking cards. 

Of course, it helps when you open packs that have these inside them...

Amazing.  And hopefully good tradebait.  Back to Linden now.

Today, I learned of new Linden cards to add to the wantlist (and they are full-blown, legit additions to the list).  I've already landed the regular version in a trade...

2019/20 Topps Skate!

#4 Five Star Dual Signatures (with Bo Horvat)

What can I say.  It's a nice card.  If only with it existed in real life.  It would arguably be one of the top pieces of cardboard for me to chase in the 2019/20 product release season.

There's a gold version /25 and a Superfractor 1/1 (Linden's first digital 1/1).

I'm kind of snickering right now at the thought of what I've written.  I never would have imagined that digital trading cards would have made me come out of the shell for a few minutes on a fall afternoon...but it did.

And it feels good.

Happy Halloween everyone.

AN ANNIVERSARY OF SORTS

Hello everyone.

I hope all is well with you out there.  Not much more I can say there.

It's an anniversary of sorts for me this week - it's been an entire year since my last blog post.  On one hand, it's incredible to think, on the other, it's been a bit by design.

I'm still knee deep in the collecting world - and Linden cards, but things have just been a lot different for me over the past 12 months.  I love going to card shows, trade nights and scouring eBay for the new and needed...I just don't pick up as many new pieces of cardboard as I have previously.  My pocketbook thanks me.

So what has changed?

My work has been pretty intensive lately - and now more than ever as we laid off about 80% of our staff...leaving me to tend to a lot on the table with little assistance.  But I am extremely grateful to be working and doing something that I love for a living.  I do not take that for granted for a second.

Second, I find I don't have as much to say.  Or maybe....I feel the need to say it a little differently.

Over the holiday break last December, I started looking at outlets for showcasing my creative work in a bit more of a grander scale - call it a "living resume".  It's been a goal I've been working towards (website, blog, social media, etc) and have spent a great deal of time planning....to a fault.

I'm an obsessive planner - but it has cost me over the years as I tend not to act as quickly.  I've seen it in previous projects I've worked on, even with simple blog posts.  I have seen a lot of people post first and think later.  It's an attitude I'm trying to execute on a little more.

I'm hoping that I will have things to share over the summer months that can kickstart some things for the year.  I've started with LinkedIn and have posted a few blog articles there.  Next will be a website of my own.

Lastly, I've taken a lot more time for myself - reading, taking classes, enjoying time with family and friends.  Time is such a precious commodity...and when work ends, I want to spend time unwinding, relaxing and recharging.  One thing I've learned over the past few months is that I love work...I'm passionate about the creative outlet I'm fortunate enough to pursue for a living.  And I love to invest in it.  But on the flip side, when work is done....I want that time to be for me.

This blog will always be here for me - and I love that.  I love that there are no rules, no expectations and no timelines.  I might come back to it in a more dedicated form at a later time....but for now, it's a nice (call it) pause.

Make no mistake, I still think this is the greatest hobby in the world - and I am a lifer when it comes to sports cards, but I get to call the pace.  Right now....it's a gentle stroll.

Enjoy the weekend...enjoy the summer....talk to you all soon.

Be well.

Cheers!

OPINION - Trevor Linden Digital Cards

Well, the inevitable finally happened.  Trevor Linden not only has digital cards.....he has his first digital relic card.

And while I'm still torn on how the whole "digital card" element of my collecting will evolve, I thought I'd take a few moments to share my thoughts as they are at this time.

But first, let's take a look at what I had to say on the subject three years ago.

One thing that caught my eye in re-reading this post is that my thoughts leaned towards the immediacy of collecting - Topps Now comes to mind.  I still believe that this element of the hobby can be further explored and generate even more excitement.  Imagine seeing the card being built right on your smartphone mere minutes after the actual moment has been captured by photographers.  That could be cool?

I also noticed my thoughts on how digital card collecting might be the way to introduce some of the younger generation into collecting.....after all, one can enjoy the hobby on a daily basis via the Topps Skate! app - for free.

Yes, did I show my hand here?  I've been using the Topps Skate! app for the better part of a year now and I must say I am thoroughly enjoying it.  Granted, I swipe through the base cards like they are nothing now and look forward to the insert cards, but still....the fun of ripping a virtual pack (dare I say) is there.

One of the reasons I signed up was because I had learned that Linden garnered his first digital card (complete with an "autographed" parallel).  This finally brought the question to the forefront....

How will I go about collecting Trevor Linden digital cards?

Honestly, I can see myself chasing them in trade only.  I can't justify (yet) paying money to purchase a digital card.  Just so you know, a digital version of the Linden auto popped up on eBay a number of months back and was scooped up for about $25 bucks.  I'm just not ready to fork out actual cash for my non-tangible Lindens.

The challenge when it comes to trading for these digital offerings is that the only way you can sign up for the Topps Skate! app is through Facebook - and I am not on Facebook.  For the past year I've been building my digital collection as a "guest".  Believe it or not, this might be the straw that busts me into starting Facebook - who'd have thought??

Anyways, back to the latest Linden digital offering.

2018/19 Topps Skate! Triple Threads

#5 Alumni Relic digital card  (limited to 150)

First of all, this is a stunningly beautiful card.  This would rank high on the wantlist if it was an actual tangible item.  A bit of a shame that they don't do up the backs of their cards with any sort of statistical detail (that's one of the big drawbacks of Topps Skate!.....but they make up for it in volume of items).

It's a definite eye-catcher and this has me wavering a little more towards signing up and seeing what I can go to obtain one (I actually have some solid traders that I've picked up via my free daily packs of digital cards).

So what I've done with this card, and all of the other Linden digital cards that have surfaced, is that I'm taking a screen grab of the front and back, adding the cards to my Linden Master List (indicating that it is indeed a "digital card") and treating them just like every other card on my wantlist.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing.  It's silly really......I don't "own" the card but I can access whenever I want to on the app just like I've brought it up so I could take a screen grab.  What's the difference between owning it and not??  It's all mental - it's all in my head.

But in my head......I don't own them.  So I am not crossing them off my list.

Side note.....one just sold for $5 on eBay - and was snatched up quick.

We hobbyists......no wonder my co-workers think I'm weird.

OPINION - Tim Horton's Hockey Cards

I apologize in advance...but I'm going to get a little ranty this afternoon.

A few weeks ago we saw the latest release from the Tim Horton's trading card release put on by Upper Deck.  These have been a fun chase for many over the past three years (3??...4??...anyways) with a simple base set to build, some nice insert sets, tougher hits and a few impossible pulls (this year it's the Crosby signed card /87).  I've fancied a few packs over the years when I've gone to buy a cup of hot chocolate on a cold morning as I head to work.

A couple weeks ago a co-worker and I got into talking about hockey cards (and the ever-popular "I have a whole bunch I should bring in"...only to be early 90's junk wax base).  It was a lot of fun to just reminisce about players from that era, bad photography, overproduction and cheesy inserts.  It was awesome.

He asked what kind of products were out there these days and I told him that the landscape has completely changed.  But a good starter product could be these Tim Horton's cards.  I talked about how you can go about buying packs, what kind of stuff to expect in them and their initial wave of popularity.  He was genuinely excited.

Over the next week he was showing off some of the cards he had picked up and I helped him out by giving him the pack or two that I had bought (obviously I didn't hit the big inserts.  Ha ha.)

Fast forward to a few days ago when I went to the Timmy's by my house.  I placed my order and asked for a pack of cards.  "Sorry, we're all sold out".  What??!!  I couldn't believe it.  Hundreds of packs gone in a matter of a couple weeks?  Gotta say, I was pretty bummed.

But as I drove off I thought about it.  I really shouldn't have been surprised.  Why?  Seems as though you can now buy unlimited amounts of packs in one shot if you have the cash.  And where there's an opportunity, there are people looking to take advantage of it.

I get it.  There are cards out there....it's clearly pointed out that if you want to buy additional packs it'll cost a little more.  But boy it sure sucks as a person just trying to have some fun with the product to now have to go to the secondary market to get my fix.

And it was out there in spades today at the local card show.

Pretty much every table had a selection of Tim Horton's cards - from the umpteen dozen packs they must have opened to get the sheer volume of product on their table.  I went up to one guy and he asked what I was on the hunt for and I brought up the topic of Tim Horton's cards.  He said he "has it all" - and he sure did.  Boxes upon boxes of unopened packs - cases even.  The guy must have bought out stores of the stuff (probably the Timmy's I go to).

What.  A.  Turnoff.

I mentioned that it was frustrating to go to a Tim Horton's hoping to buy a pack and find they are all sold out.  He didn't even flinch.  He asked if I was looking for anyone in particular.  Yeah...some packs so I can have fun opening them and maybe help someone build a set.

I get it.  There's a pocket of time where people can binge on a product and have a good chance on some return.  But boy does it suck the life out the hobby when a person can't even buy a stinkin' pack of the product because they're all sitting on dealers table at the local card show.

Yes, we all look for those opportunities to make a buck.  I do it myself.  Heck, I did it at the show today.

I bought this card for the single purpose of maybe being able to flip it for a card I will want for my pc later - or yes, even sell it for a bit of a profit.  I have no idea who this guy is or if he is still playing in the league.  But for five bucks.....I'll take a chance on a Cup rookie auto patch gold /40.

But I refuse to be put in the same category as the guy who is hoarding unopened packs of Tim Horton's cards.

What sucked even more is going to the next table and being told the best way to build the set.  "Don't buy a pack here...buy a pack there....you'll never build the set that way.  Buy a box and you'll have basically two full base sets.  That's the way to do it."

Bull.  Shit.

How about buying packs, opening them and then maybe....MAYBE trading for the cards you need - especially the base.  After all, that's what it says on the friggin' wrapper.  Trading cards.

Guy looked at me like I was an alien.

And then he had the gall to complain because there were guys who had last year's product and couldn't get rid of it.  Are you kidding me???  You want pity because you over-purchase the product and then can't sell it?

Brutal.

This is a hobby I love - and will defend until my dying breath.  But it really takes the wind out of me when I see this kind of approach to "collecting".  Upper Deck and Tim Horton's have a really good thing going but they blew it when the opportunity to buy in mass happened.  Like I said, put an opportunity out there and someone will abuse it.

I'm curious to see what kind of reaction my co-worker will have when I share this info with him on Monday.  Will he want to race out and buy packs at a Timmy's that might still have the product?  Will he want to go to the next card show with me and gobble up everything in sight?  Or will he just give up on the chase and toss the cards aside because the fun of buying a pack might not be there.

Sadly, it's the third option that happens more and more.  And people wonder why we can't get new blood into this hobby.

OPINION - Older Ultra-Pro One Touch Magnetic Holders (UPDATE)

During my holiday break back in December/January I did some closet cleaning.....card closet that is.  But during my tidying up I discovered something that was a bit of a surprise to me.  Many of my older one touch magnetic holders were showing signs of disintegrating magnets.

I was pretty bummed - but more concerned as I have a number of my cards in these holders.  I knew that keeping them in these ticking time bombs might prove detrimental to their condition in the future (I'd hate to see what happens when the magnets completely fall apart and seep into where the card is).

So me being me I decided to contact Ultra-Pro and let them know about the situation.  I asked if they had seen anything like this before.  They asked if I could send a couple samples - which I promptly did, and once they received those, quickly came to the conclusion that replacements would be sent.

They asked for specific numbers (sizes and amounts) as well as what kind of storage conditions I kept the cards in.  After a bit of back and forth with the e-mails I learned that a package had been sent.

It arrived today....

This is what 121 new Ultra-Pro Magnetic One Touches looks like.  And I don't have much to say other than I am completely impressed.  Impressed with the customer service I received and impressed with the promptness of their response and action.  In less than 3 months my concerns of damaged card holders is gone.

I would implore you all to check your one touches (especially if they are the older ones with silver magnets) and to contact Ultra-Pro should you see the same kind of damage I did.  I would hope that they deal with all future concerns the same way they did with me.

Massively impressed!!!!!

OPINION - Camaraderie

So I was just wrapping up watching a movie tonight - decided to skip the Grammy's - and decided to check out the hobby boards I attach myself to.  In there was a private message from a fellow hobbyist who just wanted to take the time to say how much he's enjoyed looking at some of the cards in my Trevor Linden collection.

I can't lie......it made me feel pretty good.

It also made me think about the long journey I've taken to build my Linden collection up from a handful of base cards back 20 years ago to where it is now.  The thought of that spurred on many memories of the great stories and episodes that I've encountered to obtain some of the cards.  But mostly I've thought about the great people I've dealt with and gotten to know over the years.

Camaraderie is a big part of my collecting world.

It's easy to find those who have a bone to pick or a chip on their shoulder or a sense of entitlement when it comes to cards.  I feel sorry for those who feel the need to spew negativity on a regular basis. It's not difficult to find them....but often hard to ignore.

So it's refreshing to hear some positive words....a simple compliment, maybe the start of a back and forth dialogue.

In this era of online buying, webcast box breaks and cutthroat competition for the rarest of the rares out there, it feels good to just sit back and chat or head over to the card shop and shoot the "preverbal poo" with others or shake hands with someone I haven't seen in a while at a show.

At the end of the day, we all collect - and shouldn't we feel free to celebrate that, scream at the top of our lungs about it (ok....maybe that's taking it a little too far), you get my drift.

But I also think part of that camaraderie is listening.  Hearing what the person across from you has to say about his/her collecting world and taking a genuine interest in them.  Sure, some of it might be nothing more than "filler" for discussion....being courteous, but I like to think that if I'm really interested in what the other person is up to.....I'll be the one asking more questions than he is.

At the end of the day, this hobby is about having fun and relieving some stresses in our lives.  I see a number of people who look like card collecting is just adding to their frustration.

Camaraderie can help that.

OPINION - Older Ultra-Pro One Touch Magnetic Holders

I was spending a nice relaxing evening watching some hockey and going through some of my stockpiled hobby supplies that I've built up over the years.  I've got way too much crap....and so a good purge was in order.  It was nice to see my closet slowly looking more organized and less like my nephew's "place for everything".

Gone are some taped top loaders that were going to be used for future mailings (I've only got a bazillion of them now) as well as some bent binder pages and tarnished one touches....they're all going bye-bye.

But as I was going through the one touches....I noticed something very interesting - and disturbing.

No....that furry little pet in there is not something I'd like to add to the family portrait.  It appears to be a dissolving magnet and the filings are starting to burst out.

I've had some of my older one touches for at least a good decade or so (they had been used...but not in bad enough shape to throw out) and they've just been sitting on a shelf in my closet waiting for a day when I might put them back into service.  After seeing this though I don't know if I'm comfortable doing so.

This side view should give you a better idea of what I'm up against.  My first thought was "How many of these old (silver...not the gold magnets) one touches hold cards that are sitting in my pc?"  Ugh....the thought of that just churns my stomach.  Definitely don't want any of this stuff falling onto my card surfaces.

So I sent Ultra Pro an e-mail and am hoping for some sort of comment/response.  I don't know if there is any sort of guarantee on these but I can safely say that I will be assessing my entire pc and purging all silver one touch holders.

Anyone else ever notice this?  Or better yet....has anyone else experienced this (after racing to their collection to check right after reading my post)?

I would hope that Ultra Pro stands behind their product and is able to work with me to rectify this situation.  I've put a lot of money into their products over the years and feel that they are the gold standard when it comes to card protection.

That said, this could be the turning point for me looking elsewhere for my supplies.

Oh......and Happy New Year!!!  :)

OPINION - Bonehead

That would be me.

So I noticed last week on COMC's blog that their Black Friday sale would be gearing up.  I got really excited because I had close to 20 cards ready to ship, there would be some sales to be had and then to top it off....cheap shipping.

Glorious.

Well.......only if you take advantage of all that on the correct weekend.

Seems my anxious nature put me in the mindset that this past weekend was the big sale.

So I snagged a few more cards (surprised to really see no big deals going on), got my total all dolled up and hit the purchase button.  I was kind of surprised to not really see any hug discount for shipping (heck, I don't even know the usual amount as this was my first go around on COMC) but I figured that all was taken care of and I could just sit back, relax and wait for my monster shipment to arrive.

Then today I saw the posts about the Black Friday sales week starting up on COMC.

DOH!!!!!!

If you need any special bonehead services over the next few days, I'm available to botch things up royally.

Oh well....I'm sure I'll laugh about it.

Someday.


To make me feel better...here's a little sneak peek at one of my favourite cards coming in my order.

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - Sign Of The Times

I purposefully left this Linden card off my previous show & tell because I decided to share it as an individual pickup.....and to get a little something off my chest.

I'm a big fan of custom made cards.  I love the creativity and thought that goes into some of these unique offerings.  Heck, I've dabbled in them myself over the years.

But I've always thought that there was a line that shouldn't be crossed - and I fully realize that it gets crossed everyday.  For the most part I don't see it as I am out looking for it, but recently it crossed my path head on - and I bit my tongue for a while, but when I saw the comparison to the card I just picked up....well, here are my thoughts.

2014/15 Upper Deck SPA

#SOTT-TL Sign Of The Times

I really have liked the looks of the last couple Sign Of The Times auto cards offered up by SP Authentic.  The photo in the shot is a little closer up than the full body shots of previous years, lots of signature space and the design is clean and simple.  It's a sharp looking card.

I held off for a while before pulling the trigger on one of these because they either popped up for a strong price or they just didn't pop up at all.  I didn't think they were that rare (other SOTT cards weren't) so I just stayed patient and waited.

When I finally decided to snag one, I may have been a little temped due to the lack of Linden card purchasing in general....still, I paid a price I was happy with.

So when the package arrived, it was just a day or two after I saw this...

This "Signature Series" card is a custom.  Looks nice, has a strong autograph on it, I recognize the photo and is also a simple design.  A solid card all around.

My beef is that it has been plunked on eBay with an asking price that is over three times the price of the SOTT card - which is an authorized signature card from the only company that is legally able to use team logos.

A custom card is a great thing, but to slap it up on eBay, with full designation that it's a custom, does not clear the designer from all issues.  I'm gonna guess pretty strongly that the designer did not get permission fro the photographer to use that Linden photo.  And I'm also pretty sure that the NHL did not allow the designer to use the Canucks team logo.

I got a chance to talk to Canucks team photographer Jeff Vinnick a number of years ago and I really admire his work and (quite frankly) think he has one of the greatest jobs in the industry.  While I'm not sure if this head shot of Linden is his or not, it still bugs me that his photo just gets stripped off a Google search, slapped on a custom card and the thrust up on eBay at a crazy price.

A Linden auto tends to drift in the $10 range (at most) for his non-limited signature offerings.  This seller is asking $30 and feels that his ability to call it a SSP makes it not only rare, but desirable.  It pisses me off.  It's almost as if the seller knows that Linden gets good attention on eBay and is trying to capitalize on it (a quick search on eBay shows that this seller has over 1600 items up for sale....holy crap).

It's clearly not the first card custom he has sold on eBay and obviously it won't be the last.  I have no doubt that there are many custom card guys who have made a killing on the open market.  But it's a shame that these guys are doing it on the back of someone else's work.

Now I've seen a lot of the work the seller has done over the years.  He's a staple of custom creations on hobby boards and such.  He's done great work and I really like his attention to detail.  I'm sure he's done cards for many people....commissions and such, but I've never seen him flat out selling his stuff online until now.

Am I jealous that I'm not the one cashing in?  I don't know...maybe I am.  I would love to just sit in front of my computer, come up with custom cards all day and then sell them for top dollar.  But there's got to be some level of ethics....right?

Maybe I'm a hypocrite because I can definitely say that I've done my own google searches for my own custom creations, but I don't go out advertising my work and I certainly have not put them up on eBay for the highest bidder.  There's got to be a line.

In the end, I know that it is impossible to see the custom card world living in a space where everyone follows the rules and I know that it's impossible for all the photogs to get their just due for the photos they snap.  But when I saw that Linden custom signature card pop up, I just became a little more disheartened.  It just furthered the divide of what's right and wrong (in my eyes) and shoved it square in my face.

I hope I never see another Linden custom card on the secondary market ever.

OPINION - Digital Cards

Digital cards.  It's a subject that I really haven't had impact my collecting directly - yet.  My guy hasn't been added into any digital card products - yet.  I haven't really had to decide if I'd put money into cards I can't touch - yet.

But the concept of digital cards has been one I've thought about many times...and for many years.  And so I thought I'd share my opinion(s) on the topic since my scanner purchase hasn't happened quite yet.

What are digital cards?  To me, I've only experienced them as an outsider looking in.  I would consider what Topps has done with their Star Wars, what Upper Deck has done with Upper Deck (and others) to be true digital trading cards.  That is - opening "packs" online or through apps or other means to then reveal cards which are yours in the sense that they are housed under your name....but they aren't truly tangible in that you can't hold onto them physically.

I think the streamline process of concept to completion of a set, the ability to get them out to the public and in turn be traded through the digital world is so fast and exciting...I can see it being a part of collecting for the foreseeable future.

People live in a world where things happen quickly, reactions happen almost instantly and yesterday's news is just that.  The ability to access "now" quicker can most definitely be a good thing.

That said, and I think I feel this way because I haven't yet been faced with dealing in the digital card world directly - yet, the elimination of the brick & mortar store - the local card shop in this process is definitely concerning.  I worry that the more digital cards become popular, the fewer shops in town and shows locally there will be.  If there was one single thing about digital cards that I don't like....it would be this.

I don't know if I want my hobby to be completely done from the chair in front of my computer (it takes up a lot of time there as it is).

There are some fuzzy areas for me as well when it comes to digital cards (and maybe you out there could help in clarifying).

I've heard that with some product releases (Upper Deck Series I hockey), cards that would have been released into the set (parallels, subsets, etc.) were not printed in full numbers to be put into physical packs.  For example, UD Exclusives /100....there would not be 100 of each card that could be obtained in physical packs.  Some of these numbers were reserved for the digital version of the release.  Truly creating a hybrid effect with the production numbers.

Also, with digital cards there are the opportunities to obtain physical versions of certain cards - or even special variations only obtainable through the digital collecting process.  For example, if you get a certain number of digital cards of a certain player, you can trade them in to get a special card mailed out to you.

Another interesting twist to the concept.  Still on the fence with this one.  I feel as though this is creating a new landscape of how to collect.

What if Linden gets a card?  Do I add it to the list?  How would I feel once I obtain the digital card?  Where do I keep the card?  Where do these additions land on my overall wantlist?  After all....I am a completist.

Do I equate it with music?  I buy off of iTunes but never really have a physical copy of the song.  Am I ok with this?  (Actually....I still buy most of my music through cd or vinyl.  I'm definitely old school like that).

Lots of questions, lots to iron out.  I'm sure things will be less volatile over the next year or two once companies find something that works in terms of a template.  I don't think digital cards are going away anytime soon.


One concept that has me intrigued is Topps Now.  A baseball digital release that coincides with the games being played on any given night - and new cards being mocked up the day after.  Instant satisfaction.....right?

This Trevor Story card was made and shown off literally hours after his debut.  That's pretty exciting.  And it's been 2-4 different cards on a daily basis being shown off - all documenting the baseball season and the exciting moments it has.  Slowly building a robust set as the season goes along.

I feel like I've seen this concept somewhere before...

Ha.  The Year In Cards....circa 2009/10.

For those who have followed my blog since the beginning, you may remember this daunting experiment I started....and then abandoned after a couple months.

I would grab a photo from last night's action, make a card and then at the end of the week I would share them all on my blog.  A recap of the week's action.

And yes, I did make card backs too.

At the end of the day it was just too much work to keep up with creating cards and writing up the backs.  But I did like the concept.

What Topps Now has done, in addition to building the excitement of what is created on a nightly basis, has kept collectors interested and engaged in the next cards to come out.  Even going so far as participating through social media in hopes of swaying the next day's decisions.

It's a very immediate, inclusive and interactive product that is being built.

Now, my understanding is that if you want a physical copy of the card, you can order one through Topps.  Once the deadline to purchase any single card has passed, they will print only that number of cards and then ship them out.  Truly the essence of "demand and supply".  No waste and no leftovers.

I don't know if the cards are numbered or if the production numbers for each card is announced.  I'm on the fence as well with the price point for the card.  I believe it is $10 per card.  Again, it's such a new venture that I'm in more of a spectator role....so from a price point I can't really say if that's good or bad.

I don't even collect baseball cards and I find myself looking at what the newest Topps Now releases are.  I think that can only be a good thing moving forward...interest in a concept can be huge.  Keeping collectors engaged.

What will my thoughts be on digital card moving forward?  What will my thoughts be once Linden gets his first digital card?  I don't know.  But I'd be naive to think that it will never happen.


Lastly, a question was posed on an online chat board asking what can the hobby do to attract the younger collector....the next generation of hobbyists.  While many feel that, like stamp collecting, sportscard collecting will fade with the current crop of collectors....eventually dropping off completely a few decades down the road, there are some that feel there can be a bit of a resurgence.

I am one of them.

And I believe the concept of digital trading cards will be a part of it.

I think that if a company can come up with a concept where trading cards are merged with the world of digital communication and social media, creating an EXPERIENCE for the collector that will engage them...then there might be something there.

I look back to when I was a kid.  7, 8, 9 years of age.  Just getting into hockey cards.  What made them special to me?  Well, I could trade with my friends - it was a social experience.  Participating in it was fun.  Watching others rip open packs was fun.  Adding to my collection was fun.  Finishing a set was fun.

But there was something else that made cards special at that time.  I felt as though I was getting a little closer to the players.  I felt like I got to know them a little more.  Remember, this was at a time before computers, before the internet and before social media.  Getting information on your favourite player meant watching Saturday night hockey on TV or reading the newspaper or hockey magazine.  There was a barrier between player and collector.  Getting closer to the player was exciting.

Today, there is almost complete transparency when it comes to player and fan.  We have cameras on them at all times it seems, they are able to communicate with their fans at a moment's notice on Twitter or Facebook and we see them and hear from them on a daily basis - even during the offseason. Hockey is everywhere (I'll use hockey for this example).

The media coverage has created a world where there is no separation.  Nothing feels special anymore, certainly not a new piece of cardboard that has to be bought at a card store.

But what if a company could take the concept of cards - trading cards and turn it into an experience that a kid could get nowhere else?  I don't know what that would be?  But I feel that the digital forum of both cards and communication will be key in getting kids - and keeping them engaged in hockey and hockey cards will be paramount.

The essence and simplicity of physical cardboard cards in a store might go by the way of the dinosaur, but digital cards might just become the portal for future hobbyists.

In the end, I do feel like there will be a lasting place for digital cards....and I lean towards the "I like them" side of the fence right now.


So what are your thoughts on digital trading cards?  Have you tried them?  Will you?

OPINION - Final Vault...My Final Rant

Hello.  It's been a while.  I've been busy but that's not the only reason why I haven't been blogging as much.  My computer crapped out a few weeks ago (literally days before I was to retire it).  Of course I hadn't moved across all of my files yet so life was crappy while I had to try and fix it - for as little money as possible.

Anyways...problem solved.  I'm still getting the new system all set up and fancy, but in the meantime I can throw out a bit of a blog post.  I have no scanner yet (hopefully tomorrow) so I've resorted to stealing a scan this time.

Linden cards have been few and far between of late.  Other than the big white whale that arrived last month it's been slim pickings.  Some very nice gestures from other player collectors and people who have known me for a while have really been the majority of my new adds this year.

Not really as motivated.

Why?

ITG Vault cards.

Simply put....leftover stock in the In The Game warehouse, stamped with a unique coloured 1/1 stamp and thrown into a cash-grab of a product.

Recently - and hopefully finally - the Vault release of note is ITG Final Vault.  And it's loaded with Linden cards.  Not a good thing.

I really do hope it's the final offering of this "concept".  I'm growing tired of it - and I think others are too.  You can see it reflected in the secondary sales of these cards.  No longer are people asking $100 or even $50 for Linden cards.  Sellers are plunking them down with a low minimum bid and they pretty much sit there.

I've once again decided to boycott the product as I find it a jumbled mess of leftovers.

No checklist to accurately update my master player collection list (thanks for that ITG) and just keeping up with all the different stamp colours is I think quite ridiculous.

I've so far found over 30 unique Linden cards released in this product.  And based on the numbers associated with the mind-boggling stamp offerings, I calculate a minimum - MINIMUM of 60 different Linden cards to chase.  Most with a bogus 1/1 stamp on them to inflate the supposed desirability and thus the asking price.

Here's the hilarious breakdown of how the Vault stamp colours work...

Red 1/1 - at least 1 of that particular card exists
Blue 1/1 - at least 2 of that particular card exists
Green 1/1 - at least 3 of that particular card exists
Silver 1/1 - at least 4 of that particular card exists
Gold 1/1 - at least 5 of that particular card exists
Black 1/1 - at least 6 of that particular card exists
Pink 1/1 - at least 7 of that particular card exists
Purple 1/1 - at least 8 of that particular card exists
Copper 1/1 - at least 9 of that particular card exists
Teal 1/1 - at least 10 of that particular card exists

What kind of rinky-dink operation is this?  Pink?  Purple?  Teal?

And just try to figure it out from a crappy scan.  Good luck.  Can you tell me what colour stamp the Linden card above is?  I've sent many an e-mail off to sellers just trying to confirm what colour the stamp is on their card.  Too bad that's the extent of my interest.

Who is this product (and other Vault products) for?  Certainly not the player collector.  Most of the Linden cards have boring jersey pieces on them or just simply an auto.  Cards like these in this product are nothing more than cheap filler and I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the dollar box at the local show in the very near future.

Except for those that feel Linden cards with a Vault stamp on them still hold some sort of value in the secondary market.  Again...I'm confused as to what the purpose of these 60+ cards are?

Hopefully this will be the last of it and I can move on from this abysmal period in Linden collecting.  I look forward to seeing innovative and forward thinking designs and concepts that will attract my interest as a collector and my pocketbook so I can add some exciting pieces to my collection.

Vault does neither of these things.

OPINION - Why I'm Not Blogging As Much

So I went to the Flames game earlier this week with a friend of mine and during the course of a pretty good tilt (if you're grading on the curve of games the Calgary Flames have played this year) the question came up as to why I don't blog as much.

It's a pretty valid question if you take a quick peek at my numbers over the past seven years.

Between 2010 and 2012 I was averaging 200 posts a year (that's a post every day and a half).  In 2014 I posted just over 100 times....granted I did have a summer hiatus, but still.  And last year was even quieter, the first time I didn't hit 100 posts over the twelve months.

This year so far I've been almost invisible.

So why is that?

I think it's a few reasons.  The current landscape of Linden cards is not great.  Yes, there's lots out there, but the cards are so low numbered and with high asking prices (especially when you factor in the brutal Canadian dollar exchange rate).  I've just passed over way more cards than I've picked up.  In fact, I've only made one ebay purchase since Jan. 1.  I'm definitely not inspired in that sense.

My scanner crapped out a little while ago and my computer is on its last legs (I've had this beast for a good 10 years now) and I find I don't spend as much time in my office upstairs.  No real excuse...but if I'm not actually present in front of the computer it does make it harder to blog.  And I don't know about anyone else, but I feel like a blog post without a picture is just a little less exciting.

So yes, I will share a couple pics in a moment.

I'm spending less money on the hobby than I have in a good number of years.  I don't feel like the interest in cards is dwindling, I think I'm just keeping things a little lower key while this economy is in the dumps.

There are times when I don't know what to say or share.  And this one really had me thinking.  Why don't I have more to say about this hobby?  Why don't I spend more time trying to come up with a "good take" or my perspective on things?  I have no answer to that.  And that revelation has made me want to improve in that area.

Lastly, I've been a busy guy over the past number of months.  Work has been a grind (although not nearly as much these days), I volunteered a lot with my niece, spent time with my nephew, escaped into a good book or caught a hockey game or two.  The opportunity to blog has not been as abundant.

And at the end of the day.....I don't want my blog to feel like a job or an expectation.  I've been really focused on keeping this fun and something that I want to do for me - as opposed to having the mindset of NEEDING to write for my audience.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's cool that you all come and check out  what I have to say and share (and I thank you for that), but I want to keep my blogging experience very close to me.  It's to give me more experience in writing, give me a bit of a kick in the rear with my organization and ultimately keep things fun.

What will the future hold?  Not sure right now.  I don't have any quotas that I've administered for myself but you can be sure that when the time is right for me to blog....I will.


Now, with all that said I feel the need to share a photo or two.  So I took a snapshot of my garbage can.

For reals.

It's my Ken Danby 'At The Crease' garbage can.

Actually it started out as a popcorn container I believe.  And no, I do not keep my garbage can on my side desk....I put it up there si I could take a nice photo (thanks for asking).

This painting of Danby's is such an iconic piece of art in my books.  I've got a framed print of it in my closet somewhere.  I don't know why I don't put more stuff up on my walls.  Seriously, why do I keep them bare?

But when I saw this container at a garage sale about 2-6 years ago I thought that it would make a real cool garbage can for my office.  It's the perfect size.

The bags I use fit nicely inside and it's robust enough to handle a little bit of abuse.

It's got the goalie on either side of it (if a cylinder can have sides) and this 30th Anniversary note in between.

For the .25 cents I paid for it, I'd say it was money well spent.

Speaking of cool garbage cans....I have a story.

I always have a story.

When I was a little kid we would visit my grandparents on their farm.  We're talking late-70's, early 80's.  I would always get to sleep in my uncle's old room since all of the other rooms were more "girly".

My uncle had neat stuff on his walls, a cool lamp and alarm clock, some collectible-type stuff in his closet - all of which stayed put when he moved out.  But it was the container in the corner that had me gawking.

This is not his (I grabbed it off the internet) but she looks just the same - even better condition than this one.

What a beaut.

I didn't even want to put garbage in it I liked it so much.

And this depiction of Jacques Caron is killer.  Even though there's no logo on the front of his sweater (no idea why), the pretzel mask is a dead giveaway in my books.

Everything about this garbage can spoke to me.

What I really liked about it was that it was "before my time".  When I really noticed this was at a time when Gretzky had exploded into the league, the WHA had merged with the NHL and the fibreglass mask was quickly finding its way out of the league - only to be replaced with the much less sexy helmet-cage combo.

Look at all those great vintage logos!  They don't' make 'em like that anymore.

For years I would always stare at this garbage can when I would visit.  I wanted to take it home with me really bad but just never could get the courage to ask.

It's been a long while since I've been to my grandma's place now, but I'm sure she still has it (she never throws anything out).  I was thinking of asking her now, but I just feel funny approaching her about it.

I think in some weird way I like it more that it's not mine.

So there you go.  Your collectible garbage can story of the day.