Greetings Gnafia!
I trust everyone enjoyed celebrating the birth of our nation! Safely, of course.
As promised in last weeks 'cliffhanger' (if you can call it that) I told you I found a new hobby and dropped a few hints. Thanks to a lot of temptation from a certain co-worker, I have found my way back into the hobby of collecting baseball cards.
Now, the Gnodfather's parents are surely rolling their eyes at this point. "Oh boy, we've done this before... don't you have enough already? Come get them out of our basement damnit!" And I said last week that I claimed those and will get them as soon as I am in the vicinity. Now, I investigated the possibility of collecting baseball cards for free. Unfortunately that opportunity just really doesn't exist. It does, but it's very tricky and slow, and I wanted something a little more immediate.
The Rules:
1. $20 monthly limit. Does not include postage for online trades.
2. The goal is enjoyment of the hobby, not to make money. That's why it's a hobby. I'll rant on this later.
3. The Twins are my favorite team. I don't have a favorite player determined... yet.
Now, a bit on how baseball cards have progressed since I was a wee gnome of knee height.
First and foremost, Major League Baseball has negotiated exclusive rights to the Topps company, effectively making them the ONLY source of OFFICIAL baseball cards. Other card companies, like Upper Deck, still exist but they do not deal with current players and logos. Weird, I know. Inserts have become all the rage. Back in the day, inserts were just starting to become popular as the card companies started to move away from just their base sets in the 80's and early 90's. This made opening a pack of cards that much more exciting, and still does. The internet also includes the possibility for an online 'giveaway' which is equally exciting as opening a pack of cards. Double your pleasure, double your fun! The inserts have become much more elaborate and exciting, too. Swatches of game worn jerseys, bats, baseballs, and manufactured glove plates have been incorporated into the card for a really neat looking piece of memorabilia. Topps has also gotten players to sign cards, so you end up with an authenticated autographed card straight from the pack. Very cool stuff. This year is Topps' 60th anniversary, and to celebrate they made a very limited edition set of cards with a quarter carat diamond insert into the card. These cards are not only incredibly rare but incredibly badass and incredibly expensive.
I'm using the forum www.sportscardforum.com to negotiate trades and network with other collectors from around the country. So far it's been pretty productive and the other traders have been very welcoming. This means I can trade all those lousy A Rod, Derek Jeter, and other crummy Yankees cards for much more appealing Twins cards. I mean, who the hell wants to look at present-day Yankees cards, anyways? Yuck.
So, I hope this has been informative for you, I'll be sure to keep you posted as to pulls, trades, and other progress in the hobbies. I'll probably try the method of obtaining autographs that my mother used in the early 90's - mailing stuff to people with a SASE requesting an autograph. I won't be getting a Joe Mauer autograph or anything, but some of those other players that kind of make you go... "Who?" and autographs are really neat, anyways!
Thats all for now, PEACE!
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Rebirth of a Hobby
Greetings Gnafia!
It has been awhile since I have posted. For that I apologize. I have no excuse that I was busy, or out of town, or dead. No, I simply chose not to post. But I will be making a concerted effort to revitalize this blog.
There are some big changes coming, the first of which was/is the design. I'm going to sharpen up on my HTML and make this blog a little flashier. Maybe even include some graphics.
Second, the days of "free stuff" is largely gone. It's just not as interesting or as satisfying as I had hoped. Not to mention I just don't have the attention span to deal with it. It was fun while it lasted, and if I stumble across something really neat I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.
This doesn't mean that my daily 'earning' sites are going away. It wasn't two weeks ago that I redeemed a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card into my account. You can't beat free money with a stick. I encourage you to sign up for SwagBucks via the Swidget on your right. I've earned roughly $70 worth of Amazon Gift Cards through SwagBucks in the last year, and I wasn't really working hard at it most of that time. But what we will be focusing on is what I've done or plan to do with all of my fortunes.
Oh, and good news for my mother, I'm going to lay claim to those, and I quote, "6,000" cards in the basement from Schinders when I was a kid. More details tomorrow.
With that it's about time to head out, but I wanted to post a quick update for you all! Cheers!
-The Gnodfather
It has been awhile since I have posted. For that I apologize. I have no excuse that I was busy, or out of town, or dead. No, I simply chose not to post. But I will be making a concerted effort to revitalize this blog.
There are some big changes coming, the first of which was/is the design. I'm going to sharpen up on my HTML and make this blog a little flashier. Maybe even include some graphics.
Second, the days of "free stuff" is largely gone. It's just not as interesting or as satisfying as I had hoped. Not to mention I just don't have the attention span to deal with it. It was fun while it lasted, and if I stumble across something really neat I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.
This doesn't mean that my daily 'earning' sites are going away. It wasn't two weeks ago that I redeemed a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card into my account. You can't beat free money with a stick. I encourage you to sign up for SwagBucks via the Swidget on your right. I've earned roughly $70 worth of Amazon Gift Cards through SwagBucks in the last year, and I wasn't really working hard at it most of that time. But what we will be focusing on is what I've done or plan to do with all of my fortunes.
Oh, and good news for my mother, I'm going to lay claim to those, and I quote, "6,000" cards in the basement from Schinders when I was a kid. More details tomorrow.
With that it's about time to head out, but I wanted to post a quick update for you all! Cheers!
-The Gnodfather
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday Freebies
Hello, hello Gnafia, I know it's been awhile. But what better way to get back into the swing of things than a good old fashioned Friday Freebie?
This week instead of offering you links to offers for freebies that may or may not come (I've decided the success rate for my freebies is right around 33%...) I'd like to share with you the free and rewarding opportunities known as volunteering.
Yes, volunteering. It is free, it's easy, it's entertaining, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. You can find volunteering opportunities doing just about anything, from cleaning up a park to tutoring children to helping feed the hungry. If you have a speciality, like being a handyman or mad computer skills you might be able to find specialized volunteer activities. Those whom are sports-minded might volunteer to coach youth sports while those whom are wilderness-oriented may volunteer as an Assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America.
No matter your forte, you can volunteer. If you're not sold on it yet, give it a try. The most you'll be out is an hour or two at the most. Best case scenario is you find you enjoy it so much you do it again and again as time allows.
Volunteering, besides making you feel good, also looks really good on applications for various schools and maybe in some job application scenarios. It's really a win-win situation all around, and I encourage you to try it out. Some areas have organizations designed to help you find volunteer opportunities. If you're in the San Diego area, I recommend http://www.volunteersandiego.com/ . It's free to register and get connected with opportunities.
That's it for this week, have a great (cheap) weekend and we'll catch you next week. As always, keep it in the family.
This week instead of offering you links to offers for freebies that may or may not come (I've decided the success rate for my freebies is right around 33%...) I'd like to share with you the free and rewarding opportunities known as volunteering.
Yes, volunteering. It is free, it's easy, it's entertaining, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. You can find volunteering opportunities doing just about anything, from cleaning up a park to tutoring children to helping feed the hungry. If you have a speciality, like being a handyman or mad computer skills you might be able to find specialized volunteer activities. Those whom are sports-minded might volunteer to coach youth sports while those whom are wilderness-oriented may volunteer as an Assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America.
No matter your forte, you can volunteer. If you're not sold on it yet, give it a try. The most you'll be out is an hour or two at the most. Best case scenario is you find you enjoy it so much you do it again and again as time allows.
Volunteering, besides making you feel good, also looks really good on applications for various schools and maybe in some job application scenarios. It's really a win-win situation all around, and I encourage you to try it out. Some areas have organizations designed to help you find volunteer opportunities. If you're in the San Diego area, I recommend http://www.volunteersandiego.com/ . It's free to register and get connected with opportunities.
That's it for this week, have a great (cheap) weekend and we'll catch you next week. As always, keep it in the family.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Souper Freebie Friday!
Hi Gnafia!
Since it's been exactly one week since my last post, I've decided to reward you with a SOUPER FREEBIE FRIDAY! Yes, that means more than double the normal freebie offerings! Huzzah!
Jamaica-Bobsled-Last Freebie - Free 'Beyond Coal' Sticker
Want to show the world that you want nuclear power more than coal? Now you can! Request your FREE 'Beyond Coal' sticker by clicking HERE!
Democrats-In-Last-Election-Second-To-Last Freebie - Autographed Weather.Com Picture
Just as useful as Democrats in their two years of electoral supremacy, you can be the proud owner of an autographed picture by a Weather.com person! I picked Jennifer Lopez because then I can say I got an autographed photo of Jennifer Lopez. Click here to get yours!
Getting-Somewhere-Third-To-Last Freebie - Scented Candle
Does it stink in here or is it just the dog? Either way, light up a free scented candle! Request yours by clicking here now!
Honorary-Runner-Up - Ring Sizer
Have you ever gone 'Damn, I wish I knew my ring size?' I know I do every day. So why not do something about that ignorance, but without going to a jeweler's store? Request your FREE plastic ring sizer via Blue Nile diamonds (whom are responsible for a certain lucky lady's engagement and wedding rings I might add!) by clicking here!
Runner-Up - Tape Measurer
Why just measure your ring size, but also your chest, bust, waist, hips, and tuckus! Hooray for measuring things! Or you could tie it into a lasso and pretend to be a cowboy. Click here to get your measuring lasso!
Third Place - Taster's Choice Coffee
Who doesn't love coffee? This coffee probably tastes like Navy coffee, but it is free. So request your sample by clicking here!
Second Place - Computer Key Brush
Who knows if this works, but it might! Brush off your computer keys and keep them nice and clean! Don't forget the disinfectant! Click here to get your free computer key brush!
WINNER - FREE Maxim Magazines!
Finally, something we can actually cheer for! Free Maxim! I can say this one works, too, as per the three issues already sitting at home. Anna Kournikova in 3D, anyone? Click here to check it out! Francis Pruter need not apply, though.
WTF Winner - Tape Measurer Pen
While looking for a free tape measurer I came across a free tape measurer pen... for all the times you're writing and go, "Damn, I wonder what my margins are on this hand-written note" and compulsively measure your piece of paper. Whatever. You get a free catalog, too. Check it out here!
Thats it for this week, Gnafia! Souper Freebie Friday, gotta love it!
Keep it in the family!
Since it's been exactly one week since my last post, I've decided to reward you with a SOUPER FREEBIE FRIDAY! Yes, that means more than double the normal freebie offerings! Huzzah!
Jamaica-Bobsled-Last Freebie - Free 'Beyond Coal' Sticker
Want to show the world that you want nuclear power more than coal? Now you can! Request your FREE 'Beyond Coal' sticker by clicking HERE!
Democrats-In-Last-Election-Second-To-Last Freebie - Autographed Weather.Com Picture
Just as useful as Democrats in their two years of electoral supremacy, you can be the proud owner of an autographed picture by a Weather.com person! I picked Jennifer Lopez because then I can say I got an autographed photo of Jennifer Lopez. Click here to get yours!
Getting-Somewhere-Third-To-Last Freebie - Scented Candle
Does it stink in here or is it just the dog? Either way, light up a free scented candle! Request yours by clicking here now!
Honorary-Runner-Up - Ring Sizer
Have you ever gone 'Damn, I wish I knew my ring size?' I know I do every day. So why not do something about that ignorance, but without going to a jeweler's store? Request your FREE plastic ring sizer via Blue Nile diamonds (whom are responsible for a certain lucky lady's engagement and wedding rings I might add!) by clicking here!
Runner-Up - Tape Measurer
Why just measure your ring size, but also your chest, bust, waist, hips, and tuckus! Hooray for measuring things! Or you could tie it into a lasso and pretend to be a cowboy. Click here to get your measuring lasso!
Third Place - Taster's Choice Coffee
Who doesn't love coffee? This coffee probably tastes like Navy coffee, but it is free. So request your sample by clicking here!
Second Place - Computer Key Brush
Who knows if this works, but it might! Brush off your computer keys and keep them nice and clean! Don't forget the disinfectant! Click here to get your free computer key brush!
WINNER - FREE Maxim Magazines!
Finally, something we can actually cheer for! Free Maxim! I can say this one works, too, as per the three issues already sitting at home. Anna Kournikova in 3D, anyone? Click here to check it out! Francis Pruter need not apply, though.
WTF Winner - Tape Measurer Pen
While looking for a free tape measurer I came across a free tape measurer pen... for all the times you're writing and go, "Damn, I wonder what my margins are on this hand-written note" and compulsively measure your piece of paper. Whatever. You get a free catalog, too. Check it out here!
Thats it for this week, Gnafia! Souper Freebie Friday, gotta love it!
Keep it in the family!
Friday, November 12, 2010
LOVE Friday Freebies!
Greetings Gnafia!
Today I woke up and said to myself, "LOVE!" Literally. So to spread the LOVE I have to ensure that everyone who LOVES FREEBIES gets an opportunity to do so on this GLORIOUS FRIDAY!
Honorable Mention: Foodlers Stickers and Magnets
I'll be honest, I'm not sure what these stickers and magnets are all about, but they're free, so why not! My fridge is looking kind of bare. Click here to request your FREE Foodlers Stickers and Magnets!
Runner-Up: True-Lemon Water Flavorer
I'm a little thirsty, so I figured I'd find something to drink online. I found some free True-Lemon, True-Orange, and True-Lime water flavoring samples! Sounds tasty! Click here to request your FREE sample of True-Lemon, True-Lime, and True-Orange water flavor packets!
Winner: Bottle of Water
Like I said, I'm thirsty, so to go with your True-Lemon sample, why not sample some purified water? Click here to request your FREE 8.4 ounce bottle of purified water!
Oddball of the Week: Zimbi Drinks
I'm still thirsty. So here's a free strange new drink with a throwable bottle. I guess they like lawn darts or something? Click here to request your FREE sample of Zimbi!
Thats it for now, Gnafia! I urge you all to love your life and love some freebies! Love one another! Love everything! HOORAY LOVE!
Keep it in the family. Except love. You can love people outside of the family, too.
Today I woke up and said to myself, "LOVE!" Literally. So to spread the LOVE I have to ensure that everyone who LOVES FREEBIES gets an opportunity to do so on this GLORIOUS FRIDAY!
Honorable Mention: Foodlers Stickers and Magnets
I'll be honest, I'm not sure what these stickers and magnets are all about, but they're free, so why not! My fridge is looking kind of bare. Click here to request your FREE Foodlers Stickers and Magnets!
Runner-Up: True-Lemon Water Flavorer
I'm a little thirsty, so I figured I'd find something to drink online. I found some free True-Lemon, True-Orange, and True-Lime water flavoring samples! Sounds tasty! Click here to request your FREE sample of True-Lemon, True-Lime, and True-Orange water flavor packets!
Winner: Bottle of Water
Like I said, I'm thirsty, so to go with your True-Lemon sample, why not sample some purified water? Click here to request your FREE 8.4 ounce bottle of purified water!
Oddball of the Week: Zimbi Drinks
I'm still thirsty. So here's a free strange new drink with a throwable bottle. I guess they like lawn darts or something? Click here to request your FREE sample of Zimbi!
Thats it for now, Gnafia! I urge you all to love your life and love some freebies! Love one another! Love everything! HOORAY LOVE!
Keep it in the family. Except love. You can love people outside of the family, too.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Why I Hate Daylight Saving's Time
So we just rolled back our clocks. Not a big deal. My sleep schedule is pretty solid, pass out around 10:30~11:00, wake up around 5:30. Easy day. Even with an extra hour of sleep, or losing that hour of sleep, I have no qualms with. What I do dislike is how it doesn't reset my internal hunger clock. So it was 9:30 am and I was hungry as heck. Like a hungry-hungry hippo, I wanted to gobble down everything in sight. I would feel awkward and wrong saying, "Hey guys, I need food." plus I would be disobeying the first rule of resetting your internal hunger clock - don't give in!
Fortunately time has passed, and I'm still very very hungry (and will be enjoying a delicious Subway Sandwich, because that sounds fantastic right now. If only I could get it for free...) but at least I can chuck deuces for lunch and not feel like a slacker moreso than I already do.
Other reasons I hate daylight savings time -- it's now light in the morning and dark in the afternoon. I hate that. I don't want it to be 5:30 in the afternoon and the sun is setting and by 6:30 it's pitch black! That's like Wisconsin time-stuff! (Oh, the memories of walking down the frigid driveway at 4:00 in the afternoon and the sun was setting... I miss snow, too) Instead, I want it to be light when it should be light out (~6:30 am to about 8:00 pm, every day) and dark the rest of the time. Do I need to move to the equator to do that? Do people who live in perpetual sunlight lead happier lives since dark-time people are depressed?
Well, that sandwich calls. Mmmmm, Subway.
Keep it in the family.
Fortunately time has passed, and I'm still very very hungry (and will be enjoying a delicious Subway Sandwich, because that sounds fantastic right now. If only I could get it for free...) but at least I can chuck deuces for lunch and not feel like a slacker moreso than I already do.
Other reasons I hate daylight savings time -- it's now light in the morning and dark in the afternoon. I hate that. I don't want it to be 5:30 in the afternoon and the sun is setting and by 6:30 it's pitch black! That's like Wisconsin time-stuff! (Oh, the memories of walking down the frigid driveway at 4:00 in the afternoon and the sun was setting... I miss snow, too) Instead, I want it to be light when it should be light out (~6:30 am to about 8:00 pm, every day) and dark the rest of the time. Do I need to move to the equator to do that? Do people who live in perpetual sunlight lead happier lives since dark-time people are depressed?
Well, that sandwich calls. Mmmmm, Subway.
Keep it in the family.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
DON'T PANIC: Freebie Alert!
Greeting Gnafia!
If you've read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, this freebie is for you and require's NO explanation. If you're completely lost by this reference, find a copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and read it, then request the following freebie:
FREE TOWEL
Click here to get a FREE towel.
Keep it in the family.
If you've read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, this freebie is for you and require's NO explanation. If you're completely lost by this reference, find a copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and read it, then request the following freebie:
FREE TOWEL
Click here to get a FREE towel.
Keep it in the family.
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