Top Blog Moments- IT'S A LIST, LOST COLLECTOR

Remember that time the Lost Collector wrote a post about how lists were lame, and it rubbed Night Owl the wrong way?  That was funny.

I'm happy to say that for as much grief as I give AJ (The Lost Collector), I consider him a friend and one of the best people I've met as a result of this blog business.  

So before my last post tomorrow, in honor of AJ, I wanted to stroll down memory lane and list out my Top 9 favorite blog moments from the last three years.  Why 9?  Because 7 ate 9.  Wait, no that's a punch line to one of my 4 year old's jokes.  Why 9?  Because.... I couldn't come up with 10.

Here they are, sort of ranked and sort of not:


#9 : Auctions/Gifts From Cleve:

Obviously auctions at Cleve's were a major part of my blog.  My involvement with Cleve's won't end with the ending of the blog thankfully.  And I'm still stunned by some of the incredible cards that Cleve has given me over the years:

Yes that's a Triple Threads dual autograph book card of Evan Longoria and Josh Hamilton.  It is indeed.

I guess these aren't directly tied to the blog, but they are so nice and Cleve is so awesome that they need to be on the countdown.



#8 :  Dayf sends me the best card I ever received from another blogger:

 

As you may recall, I made a lazy, half ass attempt to get George Will, my hero, on a card in Allen & Ginter.  It went nowhere, but did result in me receiving a custom made Will A&G card, courtesy of everyone's favorite Cardboard Junkie.

#7:  AJ Gets Ranced:

Speaking of exchanging cards between bloggers, I was very proud of what I sent AJ after he made a smart ass remark about some tainted cards I had opened.  His post is perhaps my favorite post related to my blog from another blogger.

I also want to send a kudos to Cardboard Catastrophes for the best title of a post about a trade with me:  Paper Products From a Paper Product.  That was brilliant, and Jeff is a fantastic writer and generous dude.

#6:  Etopps Scandal:

This is as close to fame in the baseball card world as I ever got.  I was mentioned on eTopps message boards and it led to a mild scandal.  It's a weak 15 minutes of fame grant you, but it's mine.

#5:  Hot Dog Tournament:

I know this was a stupid bit on my part, but it was a blast.  My stomach didn't appreciate it, and I won't do it again, but it was fun to write.  It's also been fun to re-live all the matchups and the controversies that occured.  What a thrilling tournament!

#4:  The Becky Bridwell Interview:

I was pretty of proud of this one.  It's as close to journalistic "work" as my blog ever got.  Adventures of Napkin Doon is not interview-centric at all, but the interview with Oriole's prospect Parker Bridwell's mom was fun, and she was an awesome person to correspond with.

#3:  Doon Discs:

This was a totally stupid spoof of phiten discs, but it was a wonderful creative release.  I was also able to use artwork from stuff I received from AJ and Dayf to make the "discs".

#2:  My Collecting "Food" Pyramid:

 

Other than my first Big Fun Game, this post was one I got the best response to early in my blogging days.  I think the analogy still holds up for me as a collector.  In fact, the comparison of junk wax to candy was spot on for me personally, because I'm getting to the age where splurging on either really makes me feel like crap.  I think it was my best "contribution" to the "blogosphere."

#1:  George Will Sends Me An Autographed Card:

Sure, this is number one for purely selfish reasons.  But getting an autographed card from George Will, and having his assistant tell me he was amused with my letter still gives me chills.  Best autograph I have by far.  This alone was worth starting the blog.


I'm sure there are a few things I'm forgetting that should make this list, but for now, that's it, that's the list. 

Blog Dog Championship Tournament: Match 1

Five Guys vs Kum and Go

This has massacre written all over it.  First, let’s meet the first contestant, seed #8, Kum and Go Hot Dog. 

Yes, this little convenient store with the filthy name had the odds stacked against it. 

Here was my hot dog, spinning around on rollers with his brothers and sisters and cheddar brat cousins, oblivious to his impending doom.   After dressing it up with mustard and relish (the standard condiments I will give every hot dog in this contest to keep it fair) this is what my $1.59 got me:

And do you know what?  It was EXCELLENT!   The bun was soft, the meat was plump and juicy (no dirty jokes please) and the condiments were just fine for coming out of a bottle on the counter.  I have no complaints about this hot dog!  An impressive start to the competition, and Five Guys had better have their act together, or they are in big trouble.

So let’s see if Five Guys answered the bell.

There was a noticeable tension in the air behind the counter at Five Guys as I ordered my hot dog for $3.99.    Were they aware of what had happened earlier in the day at Kum and Go?  I don’t know, but here is what they served up:

Uh oh, not too impressive looking.  Could it be possible that a hot dog from a Five Guys Burgers, an establishment just recently featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, could lose to a place called Kum and Go, who was featured in Maxim Magazine's "Found Porn" segment?  Let's see....

Ok, Kum and Go, it’s time to go… home.  This Five Guy hot dog makes a man want to slap his mamma!   The bun was warm and fresh and the meat was deep fried and had an audible snap when I bit into it.  This deep fried hot dog may just roll through the competition like it rolled through my bowels this evening.  What a freaking masterpiece!

Round one result:  Despite a valiant effort by Kum and Go, it’s hot dog was simply outclassed.  But don’t worry, Kum and Go.  You’ve earned my trust and respect, and I will be seeing you again soon.  But the moment belongs to Five Guys, so congrats to them!

Next round:  Chicago Dog vs. Back Yard Burger