2023 Topps Composite Blaster Opening!

 I was hoping this would be a different product. Remember when Topps came back to the basketball card market after a long absence? They put out their Archives set. It featured players whose rookie cards would have been produced during their time away, in the design of that year’s baseball set. So, we got Michael Jordan in the 1984 Topps design. I was hoping that’s what this set would be. I wanted Josh Allen in the 2018 Topps design. What I got was a football version of the baseball archives set. I didn’t need another Dan Marino Topps card, or Barry Sanders in a design from the 70’s. On the bright side, the blaster was full of stars and top rookies. On the other side, it was a missed opportunity. What do you think?

How did this particular blaster go? I'm glad you asked.

Here's what the box looks like. In a shadow.

And here's a Drew Bledsoe on a Topps Chrome design. See what I mean, though? I have plenty of Bledsoe Topps cards. This one just seems unnecessary. Especially an "unlicensed" version.

Same goes for this Tops Finest looking card of Teddy Bruschi. I mean, sure, always nice to add one of his cards. But...this is really something I didn't really need.

And there you have it. Two Patriots cards out of this box, and they're both retired greats.

If you want to see every card I pulled, be sure to subscribe to the Section 36 YouTube channel! The video of the entire opening will be posted there, if it hasn't already. You will also be able to find an almost endless selection of packs and boxes that I've opened. Feel free to dive down that rabbit hole.

How did your box go?

2023 Panini Donruss Football Jumbo Pack Opening!

Check out my YouTube video to see which Patriots came out of these packs!

Also, thought you might like to see what it was like to open one of those Fairfield repack boxes. For the price point, it's not actually terrible. But your call as to if it's worth it.

K. Garcia Productions Week - Patriots Themed Shoots

During the month of December, the Section 36 blog is celebrating "Photography Month" with weekly posts about photography. Monday started the month off with a feature on a photographer who has meant so much to the success of Section 36, Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions. I thought it would be fun to show just how much Kelsey's pictures have spread throughout the Section 36 Suite...all the way over to this blog.

K. Garcia Productions takes all sorts of photos, from headshots, to weddings, to shots on location, to just about anything. For instance, themed studio shoots.

Like...a Patriots themed one. That's exactly what happened when Kelsey combined her love of pageantry with New England's favorite dynasty. Check out these great shots!

Pretty sure Kelsey didn't actually take this first shot, since that's her in the middle. But, it's a great look at the fun group she assembled for the shoot.

I love foam finger prop and the yoga pose mimicking the yoga shirt. Fans of Section 36 (or pageantry) will recognize Olivia Clark from her interview with Section 36, and remember these pictures from their appearance on her Section 36 Pageants profile page.

Alexis Ferreira also did an interview with Section 36, and this picture joins others on her Pageants profile page. 

If you're doing a shoot with a group of titleholders, it's fun to get multiples in a picture. This great action shot really gives that playful look that shows how much fun the girls were having. You may recognize the kicker as Miss Massachusetts 2019 Lyndsey Littlefield. She also interviewed with Section 36, and has this photo included on her Pageants profile page.

Another prop was brought out for this picture with Jackie O'Keefe. Once again, she interviewed with Section 36, and this picture is on her Pageants profile page in the photo gallery.

This picture of Emily Yeo is a bit prophetic. Currently, Emily is a member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. It's great the way this shot captures her smile. It's almost like she knew.

Speaking of NEPC, Nicolette Peloquin is also a current member of the cheerleader squad. This picture was also taken before she made the team.

As were these two. As you might remember, Nicolette is another interview guest with Section 36. These pictures, and more, can be found right here on this blog on her NEPC profile page.

Hopefully you've enjoyed this look into what fun a photo shoot with K. Garcia Productions can be. If you want to try your own themed shoot, I suggest you get in touch with Kelsey.

And be sure to check out all the blogs in the Section 36 Suite to see even more of her work!

Morgan Dzicek Sang at Fenway for Childhood Cancer Awareness Night

Previously posted on Section 36

On Saturday, the Red Sox held Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at the ballpark. As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Sox took the opportunity pregame to honor survivors of, or those dealing with, childhood cancer, as well as those helping to find a cure. With their long-standing relationship with the Jimmy Fund, it was certainly a cause the Sox are familiar with.

As part of the ceremony, Morgan Dzicek was given the opportunity to sing the national anthem. 

Morgan was the perfect choice, for a few reasons. For one, she is a childhood cancer survivor herself, having been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 13. It took 40 rounds of radiation over the next four years before she was declared cancer free at 17.

Morgan is also currently a member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. With the Patriots opening their season the following night, the crossover appeal is obvious.

Finally, Morgan is simply an amazing singer. She's a graduate of Berklee College of Music, and even has her own single on her resume. Released last fall, “Every Step of the Way” is an incredibly beautiful song about her battle with cancer. The video for the song was just released a few days ago. Check it out below.

As we continue to celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, there are naturally several ways you can help out.

Morgan herself is personally passionate about “Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island”. It was with their help that she was able to record “Every Step of the Way”. But, certainly do whatever you can to help those suffering from the effects of childhood cancer, whether that's through Make-a-Wish, the Jimmy Fund, or another option of your choosing.

I also assume that you're going to want to hear "Every Step of the Way" over and over. I know I did. In that case, you're in luck! It's available on Spotify, apple music, and basically anywhere else you get your favorite music.

Be sure to go find it now!

NEPC Tryouts Start Today!

Today the journey starts to see who will join the New England Patriots Cheerleaders squad for the 2019 season! I'm sure all of you are as excited as I am to see who makes the team.

During today's preliminary round, we will be cheering extra hard for one contestant in particular. You may remember Hannah Trepanier from her visit with Section 36. 

Hannah Trepanier

Miss Rockingham County 2018

She has decided to take this opportunity to try out for the squad. We certainly wish her the best of luck!

Of course, there are five visitors to Section 36 who were on the squad last season. These amazing women will get a first round bye, and will begin competing in the final round. Naturally, we hope to see them on the sidelines again next season!

Photo by Rob Hare

Alicia Capone

Talia Laurito

Photo by Rob hare

Jonét Nichelle

Nicolette Peloquin

Photo by Rob Hare

Isabella Tropeano

Good luck to everyone trying out!

Visiting Visitors!

Section 36 has been fortunate enough to interview several members of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. They have been so much fun. As a continuation of that, I think it's important to point out that these amazing ladies sometimes make appearances around New England where you may have the chance to bump into them. Sometimes these appearances are NEPC related, and sometimes they're to support their personal endeavors. In either case, it's probably worth you keeping the events in mind. They'll probably be something you'll want to take part in.

Here are some upcoming events involving Section 36 visitors!

Talia Laurito
12/21 Legit Activewear in Chestnut Hill

12/29 Extend Barre  in Burlington
1/5/2019 Lash Envy in Cranston RI

Be sure to mention you heard about it on Section 36!

Looking for a Fitness Program?

If you are, here's an interesting option to try out. New England Patriots Cheerleaders Isabella and Talia are starting a program in January that's probably just what your looking for! Check out the flyer below.

That looks pretty awesome to me. For $100 (or $75 if you're quick) you get a month worth of help on your fitness program from a pair of coaches. As you can see, the program includes 8 full video workouts, workouts of the day, grocery lists, sample meal plans, supplement suggestions, and probably most important weekly check-ins via skype or email. I know I'm much more apt to stick to a program if I have to report back to someone. Or, look them in the eye and tell them why I was slacking.

So, definitely contact Isabella, and see if the program is right for you.

And be sure to tell them Section 36 sent you!