2020 Topps Opening Day Blaster!

The Easter Bunny was good to me this year, bringing plenty of card packs for me to open. I thought I'd share them with you because, well, what else am I going to write about?

We'll start with the newest box, the 2020 Topps Opening Day!

Not sure why these come in one of the big blasters. Was the single slot not wasteful enough? Too easy to display on shelves?

I mean, there are more packs than usual...bot not THAT many more. Even if you include the "red parallel" pack.

Speaking of which...always great when the special packs yield a Red Sox card. It will be interesting to see how Chavis does in his next season. Will he have a role? Will he break out? Will he be forgotten? Only time will tell.

Look, another Red Sox card in the very next pack! And, another player currently on the team. Bonus! Love the red jersey matching up with the red border.

No Red Sox card in the next pack. But, a guy the Sox beat on the way to one of their titles. That's pretty. Cool.

OK, this is pretty cool. I wonder if that chandelier looks as amazing in real life. Anyone know? Is it just out in the middle of the concourse?

Another Washington guy. A pretty generic insert, but at least it adds some variety to the pack.

I have to say, I enjoy the mascot inserts in this set. The idea was supposed to be that this would be a fun set...and the mascots certainly help that image.

The same goes for this insert set. I like the theme of showing spring training shots as a fun diversion from regular cards.

Another Red Sox player. The blue jersey doesn't work quite as well as the red one did.

This one's not quite as obviously spring...so a little less fun.

Another mascot!

Another National! What's with them all?

Did he catch it?

Another Red Sox! Unfortunately, the first "former" Red Sox.

As expected, a fun box to open. Imaginative inserts. Mascots. Exactly what you've come to expect from Opening Day.

How did your boxes turn out?

Allie Gier Visits Section 36!

Photo by Josh Roesener

Section 36 has another visitor! Allie Gier is passionate about giving hope to people with depression and anxiety, a talented stage orator, and the current Miss Butler County. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Allie Gier visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Butler County crown?

Since it was just my mom and I who drove up to Augusta we went to Walmart and bought a whole bunch of snacks and watched movies in the hotel all night! I wouldn’t trade that memory for the world!

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Butler County?

One thing that is really surprised me so far as Miss Butler County is the close knit community of Augusta! Every time I go, I feel so welcomed by everyone there!

Since this will be your first time competing for Miss Kansas after competing in the Teen program, what part of the competition are you most nervous about?

I think the most nerve-racking part is getting to be on stage with so many other amazing and talented women!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Depression and Anxiety: There is Hope”? 

I chose my social impact initiative for two reasons. One is that I’ve been suffering from severe depression and anxiety for quite a few years. The second reason is because I lost a dear friend of mine freshman year to suicide, it was something that really impacted me and I decided I wanted to help make a change.

What goes into creating a great monologue to perform on stage?

Lots and lots of drafts! My monologue went through five or six different drafts before I was finally happy with the current piece!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be any Disney character for a week it would definitely be Rapunzel!! I adore her both with her long and short hair. She has such a kind and brave heart and she knows what she wants!

You were a member of the state champion DC Explosion softball team. What do you remember most from that season?

My summer ball team was state champion back in 2018. A really memorable moment from the season was the moment I stepped up to the plate. I grabbed my bat by the barrel, looked up at God and asked him for strength. The ball came in and I swung, smacking the ball between first and second baseman and past the right fielder. Two girls scored putting us ahead by one point. Switching and going out on the field (I was left fielder) was intense. But we got three outs as each girl came up to the plate. The moment we got the third out we all ran into the pictures circle and we all started crying. We were state champions! On top of that we beat our rival team! 

You were able to make an appearance at a Dodge City A’s collegiate baseball league game. What was that experience like?

I’ve been throwing pitches for the Dodge city A’s for four years as a DC explosion player, but let me tell ya, throwing a pitch in a crown and sash is a whole different ball game!

If you had an extra ticket to a Royals game, who would you bring with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to go see the Royals I would definitely take my dad! I’ve always grown up watching the Royals. I have a baseball that is signed by the team players when they won the World Series back in 1985! My father and I have always bonded over baseball and softball!

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That sounds like it would be a great time!

As usual, I want to thank Allie for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Allie continues her time as Miss Butler County, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook Pages. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Kansas title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Allie, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 18 (154-162)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 18?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  0. Another shutout.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Participants in the 1975 World Series are cool. Pedro Borbon was one. He gave up two of the runs on the game tying home run by Bernie Carbo in game six. That clutch homer is often overshadowed by another home run later in the same game.

My favorite card on the page: I'll go with the Dave Kingman. He's the only other player on the page that I had heard of before. Here's one of his fun early cards. Didn't know he played for the Giants.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

"Sunflower Science" - A new Section 36 Video Series Submission from Sierra Bonn

The Section 36 Video Series is growing! I'm sure you all remember Emily Mahana's wonderful talk about Engineer's Week and her favorite engineering kids book. This time, we have something a little different.

Sierra Bonn, who you remember from her interview with us, is passionate about STEAM. No, she's not just really into boiling water. That's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. As a way to combine all of that, she created this video showing off a great science related art project. Of course, you have to love her wardrobe in the video, right?

Enjoy!

Leah Juliett Visits Section 36!

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Leah Juliett is passionate about Cyber and Trans rights, a talented poet, and the current Miss Greater Rockville. I was so excited they were willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Leah Juliett visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Greater Rockville crown?

I was unbelievably surprised and overwhelmed that I'd been fortunate enough to earn the job of Miss Greater Rockville 2020. As an openly non-binary and queer person who does not fit the traditional mold of what society would deem a "pageant queen", I was incredibly gracious that the judges saw my character, embraced my difference, and acknowledged my passion for serving in this role. That's why my first inclination was to speak with the judges post-crowning and thank them for their time and generosity. It was an honor to hear their feedback and shake their hands. After speaking with the judges, I was embraced by my family and friends, whose pride and love was staggeringly beautiful.  I got a quick bite to eat at Rein's Deli (my favorite local spot with the best pickles) and headed home, as I had to be up early in the morning for work. I work for an LGBTQ tech organization- so I'm always incredibly busy, in the best way. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Greater Rockville competition that will help you at Miss Connecticut?

Photo By CS Marchand

Many titleholders say that they've been dreaming of being Miss Connecticut since they were a little girl. I haven't had that experience. I never dreamed of being Miss Connecticut because I never saw myself reflected in the girls who won. They didn't look like me and they didn't identify like me. They, of course, were more than deserving, but because I didn't look or identify like them, I didn't think I was equally deserving of holding the same job. After competing in Miss Greater Rockville (my first pageant since I was 15), and winning the title, I learned that I am more than capable and deserving of being Miss Connecticut. I've learned that serving my community and amplifying my voice has always been my dream- so I suppose I've always dreamt of being Miss Connecticut all along. 

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Greater Rockville?

Photo by
Steve Smith Photography

I was crowned on March 1, which was only two weeks before quarantine began for the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to attend many in-person events due to the quarantine (although I had the honor of marching with the LGBTQ Contingent in the Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade- which I loved!). I'm fortunate to have been able to take my work digitally and hold cyber community events and conversations within my state to keep us connected in the time that we're apart. I've been incredibly grateful to have immense communal support for this work. I can't wait to get back into my community once the quarantine has been lifted and everyone is safe and healthy. I've also been surprised and uplifted by the support and kindness I've received from people all over the state who embrace my identity and are proud that I am holding this job. 

You have a dual social impact initiative. What can you tell me about “Cyber Civil Rights for Americans Online”?

Photo by CS Marchand

I founded Cyber Civil Rights for Americans Online (CCR4AOL) as a community and education-based extension of my international organization, The March Against Revenge Porn. The March Against Revenge Porn is a global campaign fighting image abuse and sexual cyber-harassment through federal lobbying, organizing, victim support services, education, and media advocacy. When I was a teen pageant contestant, naked photos of me were posted on the internet without my consent. I struggled deeply with the reality of living as a victim of sexual harassment and abuse and have experienced mental illness and trauma as a result. I left pageants because I was deeply ashamed and felt I no longer deserved to represent my community. At nineteen, I began telling my story and serving as an advocate against sexual violence. Through Cyber Civil Rights for Americans Online, I utilize my platform and my job as Miss Greater Rockville to activate students and young people as advocates against cyber violence and image abuse, like what happened to me. I do this through education, advocacy, media campaigns, and speaking engagements. 

How does that play off your other SII: “SAFETY”?

Photo by CS Marchand

I was unable to choose one issue of concern to spend my year uplifting, so I've developed a dual social impact initiative that allows me to focus on multiple injustices. SAFETY stands for Security, Accessibility, Freedom, and Equity for Transgender Youth. As a non-binary person, trans advocacy is incredibly important to me. Research from the National Center for Transgender Equality  shows that transgender people are:

• Fired or denied a job
• Facing harassment and bullying at school
• Becoming homeless or live in extreme poverty
• Being evicted or denied housing or access to a shelter
• Being denied access to critical medical care
• Being incarcerated or targeted by law enforcement
• Facing abuse and violence

Trans people are more vulnerable than ever. Especially trans youth, trans people of color, trans people who are undocumented or mentally ill or immunocompromised or experience any intersectionality of vulnerability. The Trevor Project indicates that 1 in 3 trans youth attempt suicide- which is an astronomical number. If it were a cisgender person, we would say it's a public health crisis. Trans people are also disproportionately vulnerable to cyber abuse, which is why I think SAFETY works in tandem with CCR4AOL. Once the quarantine is over, I plan to visit schools across Connecticut discussing trans issues and uplifting the voices and stories of trans youth. Until then- you can find me doing so on social media and on my weekly video series Cyber Community Chat! 

What do you enjoy most about reciting poetry on stage?

There is no greater feeling than performing your own written work on stage. When I recite a poem that I've written, I bare my entire soul for the audience to witness. They are not only watching a performance, but they're also watching me heal as I reclaim a voice that was previously stolen from me. It's an incredible feeling of justice, freedom, and empowerment. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

While I wouldn't be able to "be"  this character, because I believe that would be culturally appropriative, my favorite Disney character is Mulan. Mulan's story of dismembering the patriarchy and disassembling heteronormativity in order to help her father and save China makes her an iconic feminist powerhouse! :)

If you had an extra ticket to a baseball game, who would you bring with you? Why?

I would bring my Dad. My dad is my best friend- and he happens to be the only person I know who enjoys baseball! I'm incredibly grateful to have him in my life and it would be wonderful to spend time with him. If you're reading this, I love you dad!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I'd love to throw a pitch at a baseball game in my home state or town. While I'm certainly not athletically-inclined, it would be an awesome experience to be trusted with starting the game. 

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That would definitely be an amazing opportunity. Something I wish I could do as well.

As usual, I want to thank Leah for visiting and for sending along the wonderful pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Leah continues their time as Miss Greater Rockville, I encourage you to check out their official Instagram and Facebook Pages. As well as their personal Instagram. Those are the best ways to make sure you don’t miss out on anything they’ll have going on. You should also be sure to check out their website. It has a lot of really great information.

I also want to wish Leah the best of luck when they compete for the Miss Connecticut title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Leah, and good luck!

1975 Topps Page by Page: Page 17 (145-153)

I'm sure that you all remember that I finally completed my 1975 Topps set. 

Now that it's done I thought it would be fun to look through the set and talk about it. Going page by page seemed like a good way to go about it. Hopefully you find it interesting to read what I have to say.

How about we continue with page 17?

Red Sox Cards on the Page:  1. Although, Guerrero was already on the Cardinals by the time this card came out.

Cards that make the 1975 Topps set cool: Team cards are always cool. Hall of Famers are cool. There's one of each of those on this page.

My favorite card on the page: I'll go with the Bob Gibson. Even though he killed the Sox in the 1967 Series, it's hard not to enjoy a card of one of the greats.

What would your answers to those last two categories be?

Francesca D'Alessandro Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Francesca D’Alessandro is passionate about the arts, a talented stage performer, and the current Miss Thousand Islands. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Francesca D’Alessandro visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Thousand Islands crown?

It was so gratifying when I was able to call up my contacts and notify them that my plans as Miss Thousand Islands could begin! My first celebration was going out to dinner with my family, but my favorite celebration was spending a night at Dave and Buster’s to play games and spend quality time with friends! 

What part of the upcoming Miss New York competition are you most nervous about?

Currently, I am mostly focused on preparing myself so that I can feel ready and just be present and in the moment during the week of the competition. I am mostly excited to share all my stories and goals for my social impact initiative as well as perform a talent that I love. At the end of the day, if I know that I put my all into preparation and being present on stage, then I have already learned and gained so much experience. That alone is a HUGE win in itself.

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Thousand Islands?

Photo by
Eve Taverne

I have been FLOORED by how warm and receptive the community has been in Jefferson and Oswego counties as well as my school in supporting my journey to educate our local communities. What’s been surprising to me, especially, is how excited they were to learn about and explore the topic of Autism. There are many misconceptions about what Autism is and I have been so impressed at how respectful, inquisitive, and accepting everyone is in learning about others who are different than themselves. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Triple-A: Adaptation and Awareness for Autism”?

There are many reasons why Autism has been so close and near to my heart. Overtime, the goals of my initiative have changed and evolved and I’m beyond excited to compete for Miss New York to make my vision a reality. Growing up with a parent who was an aid for special needs adults and having multiple friends on the spectrum, has truly opened my eyes on what their perspective on life is. Currently, I work at a school specialized for children on the spectrum and I get to bring my skills as a speech-language pathologist to help them grow in their relationships and it helps with any disruptive behaviors.

As a talented opera singer, what do you like most about performing on stage?

When I perform, I get to step into someone else’s shoes for a moment and to me, that is the most exhilarating experience to share with others. It’s always a humbling feeling when someone in the audience feels the story I’m singing and shares their personal experiences with me.

You’re also passionate about making sure everyone who wants an education can get one. How did that become important to you?

Education to me is not about knowing the most, but knowing that there’s always something new to learn. It’s important to break glass ceilings for yourself and others. When I became a first-generation college graduate, I got to share my experiences and stories with many different organizations. This helped me understand and appreciate how important scholarship organizations such as the Miss America Organization is to promote not just leadership, but how important funding is for young women leaders locally. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I love anything that makes me sweat and pushes my mental boundaries. To me, a good workout is one where I got to relieve some stress and push myself to do better than the last session. I never strive for an “ideal” figure. Right now, I mostly incorporate a mix of running and weight lifting and I always feel on my game. 

What do you remember from your first baseball game?

At the time, I had lived in a small town for many years and was shocked at not only how massive the crowds were, but how intense the fans are before, during, and after the game. It was amazing to see the pride and dedication that a city has for their team and I see a lot of correlation with competing within the Miss America Organization. It’s a very similar experience of how communities are so proud and excited to see their local titleholders go on to compete for Miss New York and eventually Miss America. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

Previously, I have sung for over a dozen basketball games but I would be honored to sing on the baseball field. It would mean everything if my students could attend since they love watching baseball games and we have had outings where we got to watch some games from the box. Their support on the sidelines as I sing the National Anthem would be so meaningful to me since they inspire me everyday. And ESPECIALLY if it was for the New York Yankees!

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That would definitely be an amazing opportunity, even if it was for the Yankees!

As usual, I want to thank Francesca for visiting and for sending along the wonderful pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Francesca continues her time as Miss Thousand Islands, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook Pages. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on. You should also be sure to check out the website for her SII: Triple-A Autism. It has a lot of really great information.

You also won't want to miss her Instagram Live series "Spectrum Sundays" performed with fellow Section 36 visitor Meghan Sinisi.

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss New York title. It would be wonderful to have the another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Francesca, and good luck!

A Strange Sale

OK. Things are still weird. There's still no baseball. You're still staying home as much as humanly possible. You're still doing the right thing. But, now it's even weirder! The Section 36 Store is having a quick three-day sale today through Friday. And then, next week? Doing that again! Then two weeks later? Doing it again! How strange!

No matter how it's scheduled, don't miss this opportunity! 

So, head over right now and select something that you like. But, don't delay. Remember, the sale only runs through Friday! Only a few days before prices go back to their regular levels.

Click Here Now!

And, as always, when you do get an item, send me a picture wearing it for me to share with the world! The blog, Facebook, and even Instagram! Not only would it be a great way to show the world your amazing outfit, but if you have a business or cause that needs promotion, it's an easy way to get a mention on Section 36!

Like the amazing singer Sabrina did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Or like the talented photographer Kelsey did!

This Tee is on sale!

Or like another wonderful singer, Lyssa, did!

This tank top is on sale!

Or like Lauren did!

This Tank Top is on Sale!

Like Bridget did! (With some help from K. Garcia Productions)

This sweatshirt is on sale!

Or, like travel agent Bernadette did to show off how amazing this tank top looks on her in Fiji.

This tank top is on sale!

Or Phil did

This tank is also on sale!

Or Holly did with her cozy new hoodie.

This hoodie is on sale!

Or Nicolette did with her great t-shirt!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or like Allison did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

Or, like Sierra did!

This t-shirt is on sale!

But, first you need to buy something you like. There's a lot to choose from. There are even a couple new designs to choose from!

What will you get?