2022 Topps Update Blaster!

I think it's time for some more 2022 Topps Update! I klnow, I just opened some of this. I know, it's probably weird to keep opening more. I know it's lazy. I know it's probably boring. But, I can't help it. There are cards to look at! How did this box go?

Let's find out!

Guess what that is!

Guess what those are!

I will say that these boxes are more fun when the Sox have a better rookie crop. I want Houck and Whitlock, not Duran. As great as this card is, I only need so many of them. I think I've passed that number a bit ago.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Terrible card. Terrible uniforms.

And, another Refsnyder to close out the box.

So, nothing spectacular. Especially considering the Xander. But, it's always fun to take that chance, isn't it?

How did your box go?

Happy Festivus!

That’s right, today’s the day! As you can see, I’ve set out my aluminum pole and am ready for the festivities to begin!

While it’s kinda hard to do feats of strength on a blog, we can certainly air some grievances! I’ve even started with the first one. I would definitely rather be in Section 36 right now!

Now it’s your turn. I’m taking this opportunity to allow you to air your blog-related grievances! That’s right. Leave a comment telling me things you don’t like about the blog and its content!

Is the font too small? Too big? Are the sidebars too plain? Too cluttered? Do I write about a topic too much? Do you wish I wrote about a topic more? At all? All with no hard feelings on my part. This is your chance!

I know. Allowing the internet to complain about you can be scary. But, maybe I’ll be able to respond to the grievances and make the blog better for everyone!

One thing by way of rules, this is Section 36 asking for grievances. So, keep them to things about the blog and its content...not blog post subjects. So if you want to complain and say I write about Chris Sale too much, or too little, that’s fine. If you complain and tell me Chris Sale sucks, that’s not fine and I may delete your comment. In this particular post, that’s not really what I’m going for.

Sound reasonable? Ok then. Let’s hear it.

What are your Section 36 related grievances?

2022 Topps Archives Blaster!

More Cards! Today, let's try some 2022 Topps Archives. I haven't opened any of this on here yet this year that I can see. This product is always fun to open with the different designs giving the process lots of variety. Especially when they drift into designs that weren't quite mainstream. There are so many options for Topps to explore.

How did this box go? Let's find out!

The box itself, showing off that variety I was talking about.

And the packs...completely lacking in any sort of variety,

Fun rookie card of Jarren Duran. Like I said, they have so many designs to choose from, it's annoying they picked this one.

Even when it's a card of your newest Hall of Famer David Ortiz. This is a nice card, though.

And this also goes for this design. Sure, it's a fun design. But when it's used so much as an insert set design in the regular packs, seems unnecessary to use it here. I've said before that it wouldn't be hard to come up with some sort of schedule so that Archives, Heritage, and the inserts don't repeat designs very often. Always great to get a new Pedro card though.

Yup. I'm not ready for this yet.

And there you have it. A rookie, and three former Sox. As far as variety, the Sox didn't exactly display that in this case with only two designs represented. Oh well.

How did your box go?

2022 Topps Update Blaster!

It's time for some more 2022 Topps Update! I have this thing where I have to keep buy this whenever I see it. Is that weird? I can't help it. It's just so much fun with all the rookies, stars, and fun subsets.  How did this box go?

Let's find out!

Do you know what the box looks like yet?

Or all the pretty packs?

I still don't know what this insert set means. I still think it's pretty stupid. Nice to get another Manny card though.

I could handle signing hit to a long term extension at a reasonable price.

I like how Rob really pops against the out-of-focus background. The red jersey is certainly fun.

Still can't believe how jarring those yellow uniforms are. Guess he won't have to wear them again.

Is he a rookie? Is he a star? Is this a stupid insert set?

And here's Hill closing out the Red Sox portion of this box.

And there you have it. No superstars, but a nice selection of Sox.

How did you do?

2022 Bowman Blaster!

It's been a while since I've opened a blaster of this. Bowman is always a little less fun to open than some of the other sets since with all the pre-rookies there isn't that immediate star power. Nor is there the massive hit potential of the chrome version. But, it's still fun opening packs...right?

Let's see how it went!

The box, with the fun graphics.

And the packs, with the same design. A little variety would be nice.

People have been talking about this guy a little bit lately. Hope he's the real deal. And, yes, you can get the Chrome version in these packs.

I don't remember. Do we have high hopes for this guy?

I'll admit. I have no idea who this guy is.

Well, I guess if you're going to get a duplicate, it might as well be this one.

And there you have it. None of the Red Sox cards I pulled are current players...unless you count Jeter. And, one of them I hadn't heard of until now. Exactly the problem with opening Bowman boxes. But, who knows? Maybe in five years I'll look back on this box and smile.

How did you do?

2022 Topps Update Blaster!

It's time for some more 2022 Topps Update! Do I open too much of this stuff? Perhaps. But, it's just so much fun with all the rookies, stars, and fun subsets. Definitely better than the other Topps base options. How did this box go?

Let's find out!

Did you forget what the box looked like? No?

I count seven packs. Just like there's supposed to be. That's a good sign.

Look, the Sox still have an all-star on their team. God, that uniform is trash though. But, all star subsets are always fun. Or, are these insert sets? Either way it's always good to add a Devers.

You're 2023 Red Sox starting shortstop? This is a fantastic action shot cropped almost perfectly. What a magnificent card.

Paragon - A person or thing regarded as a perfect example. So, Manny is a perfect example of "postseason"? Shouldn't it be "Paragons of Postseason Players"? or "performance"? Either way, I'll take another insert set copying the 1987 Topps design before I want another version of this garbage.

Another nice card. Great action, nicely framed. 

And there you have it. A fun selection of Red Sox in this one...inserts and base. 

How did your blaster go?

2022 Topps Fire Blaster

Let's try some 2022 Topps Fire. Going back to normal with just a blaster this time. Sort of annoying price point for the blasters when the boxes come with guaranteed autos. Much better deal. But, the blasters are still fun to open. How did this one go?

Let's see!

See? This time I'm just looking for autographs, not getting them.

I'm getting lots of Ohtani though. On the wrapper of every pack.

I also have some Rafael Devers. Honestly, the design of Fire is something I feel differently about every time I see it. Sometimes it's new and different. Others, campy and cony. At the moment? I'll go with fun.

The golden ones don't really do it for me, though. All the fun and design elements get muted into this blah metallic vibe. Even the power of Ortiz can't stop it.

Ok. This hurts. But…Here's one of Bogaerts in a new design. Even when I think the design is corny, I can appreciate the variety. After pack after pack of the same Topps flagship design, I enjoy something new like this.

Back to the shattered glass look for this Dalbec. Although, like Bogaerts, he's running at the camera. Or, is he running away from that shards of glass? Who's to know?

And there you have it. Four Sox on three different designs. Not a bad haul. Even better than the box did. A nice representative sample of what to expect. 

How did your box go?

2022 Topps Update Blaster!

Let's try this again and open some 2022 Topps Update! As akways, it's a fun box to open. Full of rookies, all-star, and other specialty cards. Not much more you can ask for. How did it go?

Let's find out...

Apparently this is a great set for Mets fans.

Lots and lots of Mets.

Great insert of Ted here. I always love Topps using their classic designs as inserts.

As opposed to whatever this thins is. What exactly are the qualifications for being one of the "Stars of MLB"? And why is he on fire?

Nice card of Story here. Nice and tightly cropped to really feel the action.

Duran seems to be enjoying the weather in this pic. Maybe someone just told him he was a Star of MLB.

Refsnyder ready for action. He's apparently not yet a Star of MLB.

Devers is though. Definitely deserves a flex now and again.

And there you have it. A nice selection of Red Sox in this one, which is always fun. Including one of the true Stars of MLB. Lots of fun to open.

How did your blaster go?

Meara Seery Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Meara Seery is passionate about climate change, a talented performer, and the current Miss Heart of Vermont. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Meara Seery visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try for the Miss Heart of Vermont crown?

I competed for Miss Vermont the first time as Miss Maple Leaf in 2021. I wanted to compete last year as well but had to take a brief hiatus for a friend's wedding that was on the same exact day as the competition. So, after taking a year off, I was lucky enough to participate in the National Sweetheart Pageant as well as the Cherry Blossom Princess Program, where I represented Vermont and met some amazing women from around the country and the world. The title of Miss Heart of Vermont was actually inspired by two of those women, Ashley Erhart, who was Miss Heart of Oklahoma and then Miss Oklahoma USA, and Hannah Edelen, who was Miss Heart of Kentucky and then Miss Kentucky. I look up to both of these women and what they have done for their communities, and the title seemed to be good luck!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Heart of Vermont?

I launched my small business this month and am

hoping to create enough revenue to donate to a Vermont organization geared towards climate activicy, agriculture, the environment, or education. I am a designer/artist/photographer by trade, so I've started making designs that can be placed on reusable water bottles, stickers, hats, shirts, really just about anything. The shop is still in its infancy, but I encourage everyone to take a look! You can find it here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/mearcat4/shop

What part of the upcoming Miss Vermont Competition are you most nervous about?

This year I'm changing up my talent from a mix of trumpet and singing, to just trumpet or just singing. I still haven't decided which I'm going to do, but currently leaning towards singing!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Climate C.H.A.N.G.E.”?

As a kid, I spent most of my time outside. The recession hit my family hard, causing us to move from apartment to apartment and even having to live in a hotel/with friends. But despite this tumultuous time, there was one thing that remained constant: the outdoors. Spending time outside instilled in me a love and passion for the environment and I saw first hand how nature can change someone's life. I chose Climate C.H.A.N.G.E: Creating Healthier Agriculture, Neighborhoods, Generations, and Environments as my Social Impact Initiative because of my belief that nature is healing, and also because Climate Change is the most serious issue we as human beings face today. It is one of the only issues that affects every single person on Earth, whether they realize it or not. In Vermont, many of our industries rely on a specific climate. Maple sugaring, skiing, dairy, agriculture –these are all affected by Climate Change. So, as Miss Heart of Vermont, I am making it my mission to do my part in fighting Climate Change.

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

The first time I ever sang in front of people was actually at my first pageant.  Since then, I've loved performing.  I think what I love most about it is the adrenaline rush you get from doing something in front of so many people. 

You had the opportunity to intern for Sen Bernie Sanders. What was that experience like?

I interned for Senator Sanders from January, 2022 until July, 2022. After that, I was offered a position as a Digital Producer! The best part of my job, other than the fact that I get to travel around the state meeting Vermonters and making videos, is that I am not only working for Senator Sanders, but for Vermonters. I love being able to serve the communities that gave so much to me, and it feels great to be able to combine my passion for the arts with my love of Vermont.

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

Oooooh, that's a tough one. My initial thought would be a character that can fly, but I think I'll have to go with Marie from the Aristocats. Cats are my favorite animal, and I think it would be so fun to get to nap all day and play piano!

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, who would you take with you? Why?

I would bring my boyfriend, Michael. He loves baseball and I love the Red Sox, so I think it would be a great game!

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

I'm not sure if they still do it, but I know in the past the Red Sox have done Vermont Day at Fenway Park. I actually got to go in 2018, when I won the Red Sox Scholarship for outstanding community service. That's where I was first introduced to the Miss Vermont Organization, because Julia Crane, Miss Vermont 2018, was there for the ceremony! I would love to be able to go back to this event and congratulate the recipients of the scholarship.

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That's a wonderful goal! I know I've been to Vermont Day ant Fenway before myself, and it's always a lot of fun. 

As always, I want to thank Meara for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Vermont! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Meara during her journey as Miss Heart of Vermont. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Meara, and good luck!