Monday, December 29, 2008

VIP Gift Bag #6: Kasey Kahne

And the winner is...

Joe Hoptowit of Toppenish, WA.

Congrats Joe!

Stay tuned for future winner announcements.

Monday, December 22, 2008

VIP Gift Bag #5: Jimmie Johnson

And the winner is:

Bob Schneeman of Abingdon, MD.

Congratulations! Stay tuned for upcoming Gift bag drawings.

Monday, December 15, 2008

VIP Gift Bag #4: Kevin Harvick

And the winner is:

Adam Miller of King City, OR.

Congratulations! Stay tuned for upcoming Gift bag drawings.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Coin Collecting

I’m a numismatist – coin collector. I’ve been in and out of the hobby over the years; each time I’ve given it up, I’ve managed to show a reasonable profit but just couldn’t stay away from it for long.

I automatically look closely at the coins and bank notes that I receive in change. I actually received a 1954 proof nickel in change from a soft drink machine at work; sadly it had picked up a few scratches along the way and a $20.00 coin is now worth at best $1.00
So what is it that is so addictive about coins; what captivates a person and draws them into this fascinating hobby? In my case it’s the beauty and history of a coin or bank note.

For example, the 2001 American Buffalo Commemorative Coin, which is based on the original Buffalo Nickel, is a magnificent 1.5 inch diameter silver coin. I remember saving three months to purchase one.
Other people are drawn to the hobby for different reasons; I know a coin dealer who got involved because he wanted to own a coin that had circulated when Jesus was alive. Now he owns his own ancient coin business. It is an awesome feeling to hold a coin in your hand that is over 2,000 years old and wonder whose hands it had passed through on its journey to yours? Perhaps those of Jesus - you never know!
People often ask how can I afford to collect coins and bank notes – my response is fairly simple – my hobby is self financing and it saves me money, no pun intended.
Remember a coin has different values; its face value, its metal value and its collectable value.
Example - the 1927 gold Quarter Eagle -
Face value $2.50
Metal value $150.00 (depending on spot gold price)
Collectable value $225.00 - $1,500 (depending on condition)




The above 1927 $2.50 gold Quarter Eagle is worth $2.50 as a US coin – but – as we are no longer on the ‘Gold Standard’, the metal value has soared as has its collectable value.

Happy collecting – whatever it may be!

Norm

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

VIP Gift Bag #3: Carl Edwards

And the winner is...

Paul Cantine of Santa Ana, California.

Congratulations! Stay tuned each week as we reveal the winner of each VIP Gift Bag.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Go Wolfpack!

Everyone has their favorites. For some it is Dale Jr. For others it is Troy Aikman. For a few it is the Boston Red Sox. But for me nothing can come close to North Carolina State University football!

I remember the moment that I was hooked. My sister attended NCSU from 1992-1996. But it was two years after she graduated when I realized that it was always going to be the Red and White for me. It was Sept. 12th 1998. I was thirteen years old and a freshman in high school. My family had season tickets since 1993 and no matter what was going on even if it was pouring down rain if there was a game we were there. It was a Thursday night and I was sitting on the grass behind the goal posts. I watched wide-eyed as NCSU made history and defeated Florida State. It was the first time that Florida State had lost since joining the ACC.

I don’t remember the final score or who the play makers of the game were or who the coach of NCSU was at the time, but I do remember that feeling. It is something to watch your team win a huge game.

I am very proud of my Wolfpack because this year they went from being considered possibly the worst team in the ACC to being Bowl Eligible. While I got to experience that historical win sadly I’ve never been to a bowl game. I’ve watched my fair share of them on television like the Orange Bowl back on January 1, 2003. I would have given anything to see Philip Rivers beat Notre Dame. I can’t image what that experience would have been like.

So to all you hopefuls out there with your fingers crossed that your team (cough…Florida…cough) make the big game I hope that you get to experience the glory that is college bowl games whether it be on the television or in person. I hope to some day see NCSU win the big game.

Go Wolfpack!
Allison

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

VIP Gift Bag #2: Martin Truex Jr.

And the winner is...

Eric Wiegelman of Hooksett, New Hampshire.

Congratulations! Stay tuned each week as we reveal the winner of each VIP Gift Bag.