Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.32.70
Current Song - Steppin Out (Joe Jackson)
It wasn't an entirely good day on the Pirate adventure.
My first stop was a card shop in Muscatine IA. I arrived at 9:00 in the morning. They were closed and wasn't going to be open until 1:00. I kind of joked to myself that they were all hiding from me. I'm only kidding. My next stop was one in Milan. Again, they opened at 1:30, too late for me.
The next stop, in Moline, was a success, but only because they were actually open when I got there. No 10/25 boxes, and the only thing they had in a bin were $4 game useds. I didn't want to walk away empty, so I bought a Frank Thomas game used (of the Thomas's I have, this is the 1st game used), and a 45-print run Marcus Giles. I have no idea how much they are actually worth, but I figured at least $10 each - meaning I may have doubled.
The final stop was in Clinton. There were a couple of small 25 boxes. I walked away with a couple of Bowman refractors and a Willie Hernandez rookie card. Who is Willie Hernandez, you may ask? The closer for the 1984 Tigers that won the world series. He started his career as a Cub.
No more card treks for a while.
My brakes are squealing once again. I can now hear them with my windows rolled up. Sometime next week I'm going to take it to Midas. I may also probably get my lights fixed.
***
I just kick-started things with summer coverage. This will be more like pre-prep-season coverage. I gave Bill some stories and I'll give myself some stories.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Baseball Cards
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.22.70
Current Song - Gold Dust Woman (Fleetwood Mac)
I've mentioned on this blog a few times that I have been keeping an eye on my baseball cards. My collection is divided into two parts. One part is the collection I have built together in the past 20 years. The second part is the collection I acquired from a gentleman who ran a business in Rock Falls.
About a couple of years ago, I swaped some cards between both collections. I then added in another 1,000 cards I acquired from a card shop in Madison into the second collection.
I will not be adding any more cards into the first collection. In fact, I want to permanantly store them somewhere. Maybe I should just bury them in the backyard with a note saying "do not open in 200 years." I will be selling off my second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards.
The decision to semi-retire from card collecting is based on two things: one is my time spent away from it, and two is the changing atmosphere of collecting.
I subscribe to Beckett monthly, and have done so off and on for at least 15 years. All of the attention is being given to rare cards, autographed cards, game piece cards, subset cards, etc. One, I can't afford to do that. Two, I have learned a lot from the horror stories of people collecting Travis Lee, Rick Ankiel, Rick Asadoorian, Brad Nelson, J.D. Drew, etc. These are rookie cards that were at the top of the world at one time. I have Nelson's. It was once $15. It is now $0.60. A side note - I own the card with the largest market freefall (1992 Donruss Update Kenny Lofton from $75.00 to $2.00).
When I began high school, the journalism thing and the job thing, I didn't collect as much. So my collection roughly stops at 2002.
As for the "hot" cards, I simply can't waste my money HOPING I will find the lucky card. I have seen dealers badly inflate pack prices in hopes that buyers have a chance at finding a hot rookie card. Barbaric. I have better things to do with my money.
***
So I will be selling off that second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards. The single cards were taken out of the primary collection in hopes that I can sell them for what they are worth.
The above statement causes a lot of heat between buyers and sellers.
I remember about 10 years ago when I had an Eric Moulds (remember him?) Topps Chrome rookie card, valued at $80.00. The guy that owned the card shop in town wanted to buy it for $20. We had a bit of a quarrel before I settled on $20 and took 20 cards from the $1 bin. He was soon selling that same card for $80.
So he makes $60 off the card, and I make $20 off it? What's wrong here?
Instead of bowing down and getting a fraction of the cost off of the card, I won't deal with people who are looking to make money off of my cards. I won't deal with pickers. I won't deal with pawners. I won't deal with ubercollectors. Instead, I would like to pass on what I know about collecting onto other people who are either just starting, or would like to start.
I am actually selling my single cards at a rung below book value. The "rung" is as follows: 05-10-15-20-25-30-40-50-60-75-100-125-150-200-250-300-400-500-600-800-1000 ...
My overall hope is that the new collectors can truely appreciate the value and the existance of the trading card, as well as the hobby.
Current Song - Gold Dust Woman (Fleetwood Mac)
I've mentioned on this blog a few times that I have been keeping an eye on my baseball cards. My collection is divided into two parts. One part is the collection I have built together in the past 20 years. The second part is the collection I acquired from a gentleman who ran a business in Rock Falls.
About a couple of years ago, I swaped some cards between both collections. I then added in another 1,000 cards I acquired from a card shop in Madison into the second collection.
I will not be adding any more cards into the first collection. In fact, I want to permanantly store them somewhere. Maybe I should just bury them in the backyard with a note saying "do not open in 200 years." I will be selling off my second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards.
The decision to semi-retire from card collecting is based on two things: one is my time spent away from it, and two is the changing atmosphere of collecting.
I subscribe to Beckett monthly, and have done so off and on for at least 15 years. All of the attention is being given to rare cards, autographed cards, game piece cards, subset cards, etc. One, I can't afford to do that. Two, I have learned a lot from the horror stories of people collecting Travis Lee, Rick Ankiel, Rick Asadoorian, Brad Nelson, J.D. Drew, etc. These are rookie cards that were at the top of the world at one time. I have Nelson's. It was once $15. It is now $0.60. A side note - I own the card with the largest market freefall (1992 Donruss Update Kenny Lofton from $75.00 to $2.00).
When I began high school, the journalism thing and the job thing, I didn't collect as much. So my collection roughly stops at 2002.
As for the "hot" cards, I simply can't waste my money HOPING I will find the lucky card. I have seen dealers badly inflate pack prices in hopes that buyers have a chance at finding a hot rookie card. Barbaric. I have better things to do with my money.
***
So I will be selling off that second collection in the form of starter sets and single cards. The single cards were taken out of the primary collection in hopes that I can sell them for what they are worth.
The above statement causes a lot of heat between buyers and sellers.
I remember about 10 years ago when I had an Eric Moulds (remember him?) Topps Chrome rookie card, valued at $80.00. The guy that owned the card shop in town wanted to buy it for $20. We had a bit of a quarrel before I settled on $20 and took 20 cards from the $1 bin. He was soon selling that same card for $80.
So he makes $60 off the card, and I make $20 off it? What's wrong here?
Instead of bowing down and getting a fraction of the cost off of the card, I won't deal with people who are looking to make money off of my cards. I won't deal with pickers. I won't deal with pawners. I won't deal with ubercollectors. Instead, I would like to pass on what I know about collecting onto other people who are either just starting, or would like to start.
I am actually selling my single cards at a rung below book value. The "rung" is as follows: 05-10-15-20-25-30-40-50-60-75-100-125-150-200-250-300-400-500-600-800-1000 ...
My overall hope is that the new collectors can truely appreciate the value and the existance of the trading card, as well as the hobby.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Space
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.91.70
Current Song - Trololo (Edward Kuhl)
I've been in sort of a funk in the past month or so. I don't feel like doing anything other than working or sleeping. When I'm not working, I want to close my eyes and lay down. When I'm not sleeping, I'm usually working.
I don't know if this is my body telling me that it wants to start a long-term catch-up-on-sleep project, or what. Maybe it's because I'm constantly finding myself bored. There are times I don't even feel like writing.
Why am I constantly bored? I think it's because I'm constantly worrying so much. Among the things I'm worrying about include the love life and friendships. The love life has been something I've always had trouble with. But before I can even think about finding a girlfriend, I have to work on maintaining friendships.
What?
You see, I feel like I never do my part in maintaining them. The few who have actually reached out to me, I've had trouble keeping it up. Apparently I have to reach out to everyone else. It's as if others are forcing me to play offense. It's like saying, “don't reach out to him, let him reach out to you.”
I can't. I don't know how. My interest levels do not match those of the people I find myself around. Wait, did I just talk like an android?
As I am typing this, I am sitting on my computer chair staring off into space. Android? Data? I'm finding myself staring off into space a lot these days. Doesn't seem like fun, doesn't it? Id' rather be having a fun time. I can't remember the last time I had a fun time with other people. Most of those with whom I've interacted with in high school seem to have this kind of fun every couple of days.
Real life is setting in. It seems as if those I was once with are drifting into a large melting pot, leaving me all alone (but not on purpose).
(10 more minutes of staring into space)
Okay, I now remember the last time – in March at March Madness in Peoria, eating wings at Hooters with some Winnebago fans. March. Four months ago.
I need to stare off some more ...
Current Song - Trololo (Edward Kuhl)
I've been in sort of a funk in the past month or so. I don't feel like doing anything other than working or sleeping. When I'm not working, I want to close my eyes and lay down. When I'm not sleeping, I'm usually working.
I don't know if this is my body telling me that it wants to start a long-term catch-up-on-sleep project, or what. Maybe it's because I'm constantly finding myself bored. There are times I don't even feel like writing.
Why am I constantly bored? I think it's because I'm constantly worrying so much. Among the things I'm worrying about include the love life and friendships. The love life has been something I've always had trouble with. But before I can even think about finding a girlfriend, I have to work on maintaining friendships.
What?
You see, I feel like I never do my part in maintaining them. The few who have actually reached out to me, I've had trouble keeping it up. Apparently I have to reach out to everyone else. It's as if others are forcing me to play offense. It's like saying, “don't reach out to him, let him reach out to you.”
I can't. I don't know how. My interest levels do not match those of the people I find myself around. Wait, did I just talk like an android?
As I am typing this, I am sitting on my computer chair staring off into space. Android? Data? I'm finding myself staring off into space a lot these days. Doesn't seem like fun, doesn't it? Id' rather be having a fun time. I can't remember the last time I had a fun time with other people. Most of those with whom I've interacted with in high school seem to have this kind of fun every couple of days.
Real life is setting in. It seems as if those I was once with are drifting into a large melting pot, leaving me all alone (but not on purpose).
(10 more minutes of staring into space)
Okay, I now remember the last time – in March at March Madness in Peoria, eating wings at Hooters with some Winnebago fans. March. Four months ago.
I need to stare off some more ...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A breakdown of the Final Four
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
I have narrowed my undergraduate choices to four schools: Northern Illinois, Western Illinois, Illinois State and Wisconsin-Whitewater.
This post will be used as a drawing board for thinking. Feel free to add in your input either via comment or other means (email, messaging, etc).
Distance (Mapquest):
NIU - 1 hour; 55 miles
WW - 2 hours; 117 miles
ISU - 2 hours; 120 miles
WIU - 2 hours; 135 miles
Art's Nearest Store:
NIU - Rochelle (15 miles) [Midpoint: N/A]
WW - Woodstock, Marengo and Belvidere (all within 46-49 miles) [Midpoint: Sharon, WI]
WIU - Galesburg (50 miles) [Midpoint: Roseville or Avon]
ISU - Oglesby (57 miles) [Midpoint: Wenona or Minonk]
NISB Info:
NIU - Plethora of schools
WW - Harvard is nearest school (33 miles), Rockford nearest group (53 miles)
ISU - Streator is nearest school (57 miles), IV nearest group (62 miles)
WIU - Rock Island is nearest school (78 miles), QCA nearest group (78 miles)
Living off Campus:
NIU - Yes
WW - Yes
ISU - Yes
WIU - Not Sure
RateMyProfessors (overall/easiness):
ISU - 3.2/3.1 -- 3.2
WIU - 2.9/2.9 -- 2.9
WW - 3.3/2.5 -- 2.9
NIU - 3.1/2.3 -- 2.7
Composite Favorite so far (on a scale of 10):
NIU - 8.5
WW - 6.0
ISU - 5.0
WIU - 5.0
I have narrowed my undergraduate choices to four schools: Northern Illinois, Western Illinois, Illinois State and Wisconsin-Whitewater.
This post will be used as a drawing board for thinking. Feel free to add in your input either via comment or other means (email, messaging, etc).
Distance (Mapquest):
NIU - 1 hour; 55 miles
WW - 2 hours; 117 miles
ISU - 2 hours; 120 miles
WIU - 2 hours; 135 miles
Art's Nearest Store:
NIU - Rochelle (15 miles) [Midpoint: N/A]
WW - Woodstock, Marengo and Belvidere (all within 46-49 miles) [Midpoint: Sharon, WI]
WIU - Galesburg (50 miles) [Midpoint: Roseville or Avon]
ISU - Oglesby (57 miles) [Midpoint: Wenona or Minonk]
NISB Info:
NIU - Plethora of schools
WW - Harvard is nearest school (33 miles), Rockford nearest group (53 miles)
ISU - Streator is nearest school (57 miles), IV nearest group (62 miles)
WIU - Rock Island is nearest school (78 miles), QCA nearest group (78 miles)
Living off Campus:
NIU - Yes
WW - Yes
ISU - Yes
WIU - Not Sure
RateMyProfessors (overall/easiness):
ISU - 3.2/3.1 -- 3.2
WIU - 2.9/2.9 -- 2.9
WW - 3.3/2.5 -- 2.9
NIU - 3.1/2.3 -- 2.7
Composite Favorite so far (on a scale of 10):
NIU - 8.5
WW - 6.0
ISU - 5.0
WIU - 5.0
Time
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.31.70
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)
Somehow, somehow I have found a small pocket of time.
A lot has been going through my head lately.
I'm figuring out that this Peoria Woodruff project is taking longer than I thought. The research part is actually easy compared to actually formatting it on the Glory Days site. It's taking me two sports at a time before getting tired.
With the way I function, I can't work on anything else until I get this thing done. I've got a bunch of minor sports left to do (Boxing?), as well as the activities portion. I have today off of work. Maybe before the All-Star Game, I'll work on more of it.
I spent last Friday down in Peoria doing research for it. This is kind of like building a template for record book audits. What are record book audits? When this Woodruff thing gets done, the next school I'll work on is Sterling St. Marys and Community Catholic (the predecessor to Newman).
As I mentioned, the Woodruff project is kind of putting a big hold on things for NISB. I do have stuff planned, but I'm trying to find a good time to start on it. We're still pretty early.
---
Then there's the rummage sale plan.
I have all of the items lined up and boxed. I am just in need of tables and an area to do it at. A date to do it, too.
---
Work is going good.
---
The time-off thing is being criticized by more customers. Once again, I was told by someone else that I need to be in school NOW.
Okay Real World, here's a question for you ...
Is is possible to plan the whole college thing, from scratch, in two weeks?
Bear in mind, my choices range from: NIU, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Illinois State and Western Illinois. Secondary choices are: Chicago State, Illinois-Chicago, Eastern Illinois and Wisconsin.
---
Last, but not least, the private life. The search still continues for that special woman.
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)
Somehow, somehow I have found a small pocket of time.
A lot has been going through my head lately.
I'm figuring out that this Peoria Woodruff project is taking longer than I thought. The research part is actually easy compared to actually formatting it on the Glory Days site. It's taking me two sports at a time before getting tired.
With the way I function, I can't work on anything else until I get this thing done. I've got a bunch of minor sports left to do (Boxing?), as well as the activities portion. I have today off of work. Maybe before the All-Star Game, I'll work on more of it.
I spent last Friday down in Peoria doing research for it. This is kind of like building a template for record book audits. What are record book audits? When this Woodruff thing gets done, the next school I'll work on is Sterling St. Marys and Community Catholic (the predecessor to Newman).
As I mentioned, the Woodruff project is kind of putting a big hold on things for NISB. I do have stuff planned, but I'm trying to find a good time to start on it. We're still pretty early.
---
Then there's the rummage sale plan.
I have all of the items lined up and boxed. I am just in need of tables and an area to do it at. A date to do it, too.
---
Work is going good.
---
The time-off thing is being criticized by more customers. Once again, I was told by someone else that I need to be in school NOW.
Okay Real World, here's a question for you ...
Is is possible to plan the whole college thing, from scratch, in two weeks?
Bear in mind, my choices range from: NIU, Wisconsin-Whitewater, Illinois State and Western Illinois. Secondary choices are: Chicago State, Illinois-Chicago, Eastern Illinois and Wisconsin.
---
Last, but not least, the private life. The search still continues for that special woman.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Bored out of my mind
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.70.70
Current Song - Love is Blue (Paul Mauriat)
I had wanted some sort of progress this summer. I'm only getting it in the form of more work hours and a 0.25 pay raise due to 7/1. While that is great, I could do more outside of work.
Like that rummage sale that's been in the planning stages for a couple of years now.
I just need to round up all of the things I don't want, do announcements somewhere, price them reasonable, get the posterboard, etc. My biggest obstacle is finding tables, and the time to do it.
I have all day Sunday off of work. I want to gather things together and plan it out for a future date that I'm off of work. To prevent it from being put off any further, I will schedule it for some time next week or two weeks from now.
The summer calendar has so far been sketchy. Work and tiredness had a lot to do with it.
I was going to go to Peoria to complete my work on the Woodruff page of the Glory Days site, but little did I know that libraries were closed on the 5th in observance of the 4th. Luckilly, I didn't waste 160 miles on my car before I looked to see if Sterling's library was open.
So that's what I'll do on Friday. I have the general history section researched, and will be spending time working on a more elaborate athletic history.
Sunday is my next day off - rummage sale planning
A couple of weeks ago, I made a Glory Days trip toward DeKalb and Yorkville. I'm finding out that there were a couple of spots I missed, but only missed them because I needed to get to the DeKalb library before they close. They are: Richmond, Ringwood, Roscoe, Channahon and Lisbon. Future trips for unknown dates.
I will clamp down on the summer stuff for NISB in about a week. We've got a college-bound piece pending.
I'm tired. Good night.
Current Song - Love is Blue (Paul Mauriat)
I had wanted some sort of progress this summer. I'm only getting it in the form of more work hours and a 0.25 pay raise due to 7/1. While that is great, I could do more outside of work.
Like that rummage sale that's been in the planning stages for a couple of years now.
I just need to round up all of the things I don't want, do announcements somewhere, price them reasonable, get the posterboard, etc. My biggest obstacle is finding tables, and the time to do it.
I have all day Sunday off of work. I want to gather things together and plan it out for a future date that I'm off of work. To prevent it from being put off any further, I will schedule it for some time next week or two weeks from now.
The summer calendar has so far been sketchy. Work and tiredness had a lot to do with it.
I was going to go to Peoria to complete my work on the Woodruff page of the Glory Days site, but little did I know that libraries were closed on the 5th in observance of the 4th. Luckilly, I didn't waste 160 miles on my car before I looked to see if Sterling's library was open.
So that's what I'll do on Friday. I have the general history section researched, and will be spending time working on a more elaborate athletic history.
Sunday is my next day off - rummage sale planning
A couple of weeks ago, I made a Glory Days trip toward DeKalb and Yorkville. I'm finding out that there were a couple of spots I missed, but only missed them because I needed to get to the DeKalb library before they close. They are: Richmond, Ringwood, Roscoe, Channahon and Lisbon. Future trips for unknown dates.
I will clamp down on the summer stuff for NISB in about a week. We've got a college-bound piece pending.
I'm tired. Good night.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Future
Cutter's Log – Stardate 0102.40.70
Current Song – While my Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison)
Yesterday's personal disappointment made me want to think about my recent future. As mentioned, I consider myself a free agent in the high school sports journalism world. Actually, I've been a free agent since August 2004.
Unlike LeBron, I won't wait.
I have decided to go at least one more year with Northern Illinois Sports Beat. After that, the future seems more open.
Could the 2010-11 season be the final season for NISB? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.
I have certain expectations for NISB for the upcoming year. If they are met, good. If they aren't met, the future is uncertain.
What do I mean by this, exactly?
NISB is pretty much a “second job” for me. My “first job” is with Johnson Oil. I get paid there. I don't get paid for NISB, that's because I run it. I have always tried to find a way to make NISB something where money can flow. I just haven't been able to find a way that will not aggravate people.
Right now, the only thing I charge for is past stories. I recently decided to permanently archive stories of the past two sports seasons. All Fall 2009 stuff will be archived at the start of Fall 2010, for example. All stories and information are mostly free, except for the archived stories. I really do not feel like charging people for fresh information.
So in the coming days, I will think about things that I could do make the “second job” feel like one. As long as it doesn't harm the website traffic.
The middle ground will be found soon.
Current Song – While my Guitar Gently Weeps (George Harrison)
Yesterday's personal disappointment made me want to think about my recent future. As mentioned, I consider myself a free agent in the high school sports journalism world. Actually, I've been a free agent since August 2004.
Unlike LeBron, I won't wait.
I have decided to go at least one more year with Northern Illinois Sports Beat. After that, the future seems more open.
Could the 2010-11 season be the final season for NISB? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.
I have certain expectations for NISB for the upcoming year. If they are met, good. If they aren't met, the future is uncertain.
What do I mean by this, exactly?
NISB is pretty much a “second job” for me. My “first job” is with Johnson Oil. I get paid there. I don't get paid for NISB, that's because I run it. I have always tried to find a way to make NISB something where money can flow. I just haven't been able to find a way that will not aggravate people.
Right now, the only thing I charge for is past stories. I recently decided to permanently archive stories of the past two sports seasons. All Fall 2009 stuff will be archived at the start of Fall 2010, for example. All stories and information are mostly free, except for the archived stories. I really do not feel like charging people for fresh information.
So in the coming days, I will think about things that I could do make the “second job” feel like one. As long as it doesn't harm the website traffic.
The middle ground will be found soon.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I know how LeBron ... and D-Wade and Bosh ... Feels
Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.30.70
Current Song - Promises, Promises (Naked Eyes)
I feel like my career is somewhat paralleling LeBron's.
I "filed for free agency" this past spring from NISB. I'm contemplating several opportunities. A part-time job recently opened in LP. There's a big NIU and preps (80/20) opportunity at DeKalb. The second Peoria paper may still have an opening. There's another in Munster, Indiana. There's desk stuff in Mattoon. Creston, IA is a ways away. Then there's always NISB.
I have been bugged by A LOT of people regarding what I do next. Relatives, customers at the gas station, friends, instructors, etc. I stated during graduation that I would take a year off to try to "get on my own two feet." Apparently no one knows what that means --- It means find a place to live on my own. I just CANNOT understand why people think it is so easy to get out and just find a place willy-nilly.
The fact is, right now I am in no shape to get a place of my own. I do not know how to find a place of my own. I do not know how to successfully be on my own. I do not know how to earn enough money, without dying of excessive body pain, to sucessfully pay the money (bills, groceries) needed to be on my own.
After pausing for about 45 minutes after writing the next paragraph, I have come to the conclusion that my biggest lack (communication) is preventing me from doing what I want to do.
I do not want to live like a lonely reculse my entire life.
Current Song - Promises, Promises (Naked Eyes)
I feel like my career is somewhat paralleling LeBron's.
I "filed for free agency" this past spring from NISB. I'm contemplating several opportunities. A part-time job recently opened in LP. There's a big NIU and preps (80/20) opportunity at DeKalb. The second Peoria paper may still have an opening. There's another in Munster, Indiana. There's desk stuff in Mattoon. Creston, IA is a ways away. Then there's always NISB.
I have been bugged by A LOT of people regarding what I do next. Relatives, customers at the gas station, friends, instructors, etc. I stated during graduation that I would take a year off to try to "get on my own two feet." Apparently no one knows what that means --- It means find a place to live on my own. I just CANNOT understand why people think it is so easy to get out and just find a place willy-nilly.
The fact is, right now I am in no shape to get a place of my own. I do not know how to find a place of my own. I do not know how to successfully be on my own. I do not know how to earn enough money, without dying of excessive body pain, to sucessfully pay the money (bills, groceries) needed to be on my own.
After pausing for about 45 minutes after writing the next paragraph, I have come to the conclusion that my biggest lack (communication) is preventing me from doing what I want to do.
I do not want to live like a lonely reculse my entire life.
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