Emily Vadeboncoeur Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Emily Vadeboncoeur is an advocate for intellectual and developmental disabilities, a talented dancer,

and the current Miss Strafford County. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Emily Vadeboncoeur visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Strafford County crown?

Honestly, I cried. A lot. I’ve been working towards this title for over 4 years and when it finally came to be my time, I was flooded with so much love and support it was simply overwhelming. Not to mention, i got to do with standing next to my best friends. It really proved that competing in the Miss America Organization truly is a sisterhood and #TheSisterhoodisReal. But now that I’ve finely had the chance for it all to sink in, I’m ready to hit the ground running and continue working my Social Impact Initiative and prepping for Miss New Hampshire! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Strafford County competition that will help you at Miss New Hampshire?

One word. Persistence. Not only that, but I learned that you don’t necessarily need to have a crown on your head to make a difference in the lives of those around you. That can be done simply by being the best version of yourself, which competing for Miss Strafford County definitely taught me to be! 

What are you most looking forward to about your time as Miss Strafford County?

There’s so much to look forward to it’s hard to just choose one. But if I have to choose, I’d definitely say the people. I’ve always loved people, being with them, interacting, meeting new people. And now I’m so excited to have been given this amazing opportunity to not only go out into my community and continue meeting, but to truly make a difference. 

How did you select your social impact initiative: Advocating for intellectual and Development Disabilities?

It kind of chose me without me even realizing it. I had done a

numerous amount of service projects and opportunities within the disabled community while in school, so when it came time to sit down and choose a Social Impact Initiative, it was a no brainer.

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

I love dance and performing because it not only allows me an extra chance to share a story with an audience, but I also love the power of dance. Dance can be so connective and truly therapeutic. Mostly I just love the ability dance has to bring people together. Whether it be through my being able telling a story during a performance or just letting go and having fun with those around me. 

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

Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame! I always loved how she stood up for those who couldn’t and always put others before herself. She’s definitely a reason why I developed a passion for service! 

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Although he’s retired, Big Papi will always be my favorite! I’ve been watching him since before I could even remember and was always an Inspiration to me during my time playing softball!  

Is there a feature or activity at Fenway Park you would especially like to experience?

Sitting in Section 36! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox game, who would you bring? Why?

I’d need more than one ticket, I just wanna bring everyone! 

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I have the same problem!

As always, I want to thank Emily for doing this interview, and for

sending along so many great pictures. They really make the post a lot more fun to read.

As Emily continues her time as Miss Strafford County, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. You should also follow her on her official Instagram account. They’re both great ways to see what she’s up to during her time with the crown.

I also want to wish Emily luck when she competes for the Miss New Hampshire crown. We've been on quite a run of former visitors winning that crown, and it would be amazing to have another former visitor take home that title!

Thanks again Emily, and good luck!

2019 Topps Holiday

OK. So, I'm finally doing one of these fairly close to the release date. Although, still not all that close. I was actually afraid I had missed out on this product. I despise Wal-Mart and avoid it at all costs. So, I didn't even notice that these cards were out until I started seeing tweets from others. By then, I didn't see any at my local Wal-Mart, and couldn't even find them on the Wal-Mart website. I had resigned myself to just buying the Red Sox team set at some point. But, on a whim yesterday I dragged myself to Wal-Mart, and lo and behold there were a half dozen or so boxes sitting on the shelf. I quickly grabbed one, and started opening. (Well, started opening later that night after I purchased the box and brought it home. But you get the idea.) How'd it go?

Even the box is festive. Sorry the pictures are so dark. Was was having more trouble than I realized.

Ten packs was a nice surprise. Seem to open lots of boxes these days from products with half that many.

First pack was the best of the bunch. Two Red Sox cards, and the SP Yelich candy cane bat. I'm usually not a fan of the intentional photo variations that Topps has been doing in its sets. But, for a themed set like this one that is supposed to be fun, it really works and was done well.

Two more Red Sox in the next pack! Is this a good time to mention that I LOVE the design? In past years the snowflakes have been fairly subtle...which is of course one way to go. But, I love the full-on holly borders on this year's set. If you're going to have a theme, go for it!

Joey Votto was the best card in the next pack. No Red Sox cards this time.

Jose Altuve led the next pack. The holiday theme really makes me not mind seeing the same image/design that I've seen on so many other sets this year. A lot more variety than an Opening Day logo or a chrome sheen.

Another Red Sox! And, this time it's stud rookie Michael Chavis. I'm excited to see what this kid brings next year.

Speaking of stud rookies, Fernando Tatis Jr is definitely one of the draws in the set.

Another Red Sox rookie! This one not quite as well known as Chavis. 

And another stud rookie! If he can fix a few holes, this guy is going to be a beast.

The box promises one auto or relic. I was hoping for an auto. But, I got this card of former Red Sox Jon Lester. I like the design of the relic, again carrying that "Holiday" theme as fas as it can go.

We'll close the box out with World Series hero Max Scherzer. 

Over, all not bad at all. I love the cards themselves. I got a good helping of Red Sox cards, and two of the top rookies. I could have done better with my SPs and my hit, but you can't get everything.

Have you opened a box of this yet? What did you think?

End of the Reign

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last week or so, you know that the Red Sox are no longer the current World Series

champions. The Washington Nationals took that title by prevailing over the Houston Astros. It was a seven game series that easily displayed the strengths and weakness of each team.

Whenever a team other than the Red Sox wins the series, there's an obvious urge to compare the Sox to the winning team. How close are the Sox to being able to win again? How much better is that team than the Sox are right now?

Sometimes, the answer is that the Sox aren't even close. You might see an explosive lineup that the Sox don't possess. You might see a killer rotation that the Sox can't touch.

Or, like this year, you can look and feel pretty good about the Sox and their team. Which, frankly, you'd expect from a team just a year removed from winning 118 games on the way to a title of their own. But, while watching the series, I never had that "aha" moment where I saw the difference between the two teams staring me in the face.

Take the Nationals. They won by riding one of the most expensive rotations in baseball. The Sox, you may remember, also have an expensive rotation. Of course, it's just not expensive. The Sox rotation, when healthy, can certainly go toe to toe with anything the Nationals or Astros were throwing at you. Especially if you're counting EdRo and his 19-win season as the real him. Now, the Sox are probably going to lose Porcello before next season. But, a healthy Sale-Price-EdRo is still a pretty scary top three entering a playoff series.

The Sox can also match the Nationals in the "young stud" department, with Rafael Devers doing his best Juan Soto impression. Bogaerts plays the role of Rendon. Or, maybe Mookie is the better comp. No matter how you match them up, the line-up certainly looks pretty favorable for the Sox. 

Really, the main difference is that after their slow start, the Nationals were healthy enough to show their true colors the rest of the way. The Red Sox? Not so much. Sale and Price were never able to round into form after IL stints. 

So, after the series I'm pretty happy with the Sox of the future. Especially with JD officially back in the fold. I expect 2020 to be much closer to 2018 than 2019.

And it should be a lot of fun.

Shelby Lentz Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has a new visitor! Shelby Lentz is a champion for Huntington's Disease, a talented singer, and the current

Miss Sunrise Side. I was really glad that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So let's see what happens when Shelby Lentz visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Sunrise Side crown?

After the pageant, I was exhausted! We had rehearsals the day before and the day of, as well as interviews. But I have had a tradition of sleeping in bed with my crown and sash after being crowned (not just taking the traditional sleeping selfie, I actually sleep with them! lol) 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Sunrise Side competition that will help you at Miss Michigan?

Breathe. Smile. And enjoy every moment. The best part of the competition, regardless of the outcome, is being around incredible women who become family and growing as an individual every time you walk on that stage. That is something I will not only take with me to state, but carry with me throughout the rest of my life. 

What are you most looking forward to about your time as Miss Sunrise Side?

Growing up, I looked up to Miss Michigan and Miss America. I am excited to now have the roles turned and to be that woman in a crown that another little girl or boy can look up to. Especially as a woman, I think it is important to use your title and voice to be a spokesperson for topics that are close to our hearts. 

What is your social impact initiative, and why did you select it?

My social impact initiative is Champions for HD: The Fight Against Huntington's Disease. Champions for HD is my nonprofit for Huntington's Disease, which is a degenerative, neurological genetic disease that is similar to having ALS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's simultaneously. My grandfather and father are ill with the disease, and my 13-year old sister has the juvenile version of it. She currently is limited in her ability to walk, talk, and eat. She is in a wheelchair, no longer attends school, and has a feeding tube. Being at-risk, I got test in 2017 at 20 years old and found out I have the gene for the disease as well, meaning without a cure I will develop symptoms at some point in my life. I wrote a song while in Nashville called "Champion" inspired by Rocky Balboa, which in turn inspired the name for my nonprofit. Champions for HD has raised nearly $10,000 in our first year-and-a-half and donated to over 20 families in need. We have also donated to local research. 

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

I love the power and energy behind music. When I write a song, I have the ability to connect with people on a much deeper and emotional level. I love that energy that I feel when I am on stage. But most of all, I love when people tell me my music means something to them and gave them hope in a time where they couldn't find any. That is what music is about. Connection. 

If you could be a Marvel character for a week, which would you choose? Why?

I love this!! I actually have a small Marvel/Avengers tattoo on my left arm. I would say Black Widow. I think she is highly underrated for the purpose she has served. While she may not have superpowers like many of her Avenger peers, she has a confidence and heart that is unmatched. She also is able to hold her own emotionally and physically and she is one hell of a fighter. Although she had such a cold up bringing, she uses her past to bring good to the world. And her ultimate sacrifice is just another reason why I love her and her sacrifice for those she loves. 

What is your favorite part about attending a Tigers game?

We have a Miss Michigan Tigers game where all of the local titleholders come and are on the big screen and the current Miss Michigan will throw the first pitch. It is a fun annual event!

If you had an extra ticket to a Red Sox - Tigers game, who would you bring? Why?

I would bring my mom because she has been a huge support in my pageant career and I would love to treat her to a girls day!

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That sounds like a great day!

As always, I want to thank Shelby for doing this interview, and for sending along the pictures to ass some flair to the post.

As Shelby continues her time as Miss Sunrise Side, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Sunrise Side Facebook page. 

Also, remember her amazing singing? You'll definitely want to follow her singing career by checking out her music website and facebook page.

You should also check out her social impact website Champions for HD. It's an important cause that deserves your support.

I also want to wish Shelby luck when she competes for the Miss Michigan crown. This will be the first chance for a visitor to go on and take that title. That would be incredible!

Thanks again Shelby, and good luck!

2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Blaster!

Yup. You were probably hoping there would be a Topps Update blaster coming soon. Hopefully there will be. As soon as I get get my meaty little claws on one, you can be sure. But, for now this was still hanging around my Target. So, since I haven't opened one on here yet, I thought it would be fun. 

How did it go? Only one way to find out...keep reading!

Yup. They use that enormous box to hold eight packs. Have we figured out why they do that yet? This of the packaging and shipping costs they could save. Let alone saving the turtles.

First pack, and first TWO Red Sox. Pretty solid talent represented by these two as well. I like the design of the set this year. It manages to get the feel of that old timey paintings, but still make the images easy to see.

Two packs, both with Red Sox cards! Always enjoy getting cards of this World Series hero. Is the look on his face him knowing that he holds all the cards?

Not a Red Sox card, but still a solid pull! Odd that Alonso's cards don't seem as popular as Judge's were just a couple years ago, despite Alonso breaking Judge's record and also playing in NY. The interlocking N-Y sure does have a lot of pull!

Always fun to get a Hall of Famer. Even thought thy mystique is wearing off a little bit since they seem to be included by the handful in just about every set these days.

Speaking of Judge...

Look, another Hall of Famer. He's in the Hall of Fame, right? I lost track once they started voting everyone in the world into the Hall.

Not a Hall of Famer. I always see these cards and question my involvement in the hobby. My first reaction is, "no matter how much I think monkey's are cool...why would I collect a card just because it has a picture of a monkey on it?" Then I remember, that's what the entire baseball card hobby is based on. Why are collecting cards with baseball players on them more legitimate that collecting cards with monkeys on them? Any ideas?

Or, you know, thrones on them?

So, there you have it. Solid box if I do say so. Lots of Red Sox, a few Hall of Famers, a hot rookie, and some fun oddities. Pretty much exactly what you hope to get in an A&G blaster.

What did you get in yours?