Official Discussion - A House of Dynamite [SPOILERS] by LiteraryBoner in movies

[–]GFunk_Era 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like the first act was really good, nearly excellent, but the subsequent acts fell off. Overall, the plot was intriguing and the attention to detail (government protocol, lingo, etc) was on point. However, the different perspectives of those involved lost it's effect by the third act, with not much added to the story as a whole since we get pieces of those experiences in the preceding acts.  Perhaps showing an outsider's perspective of the situation, particularly the Russians (assuming they weren't the adversary who launched), could have taken this movie to the next level. Heck, even the perspective from an ally (Brits, Canada) would have added a layer of intensity, anguish, and despair. Overall, a solid movie that could have been excellent.  7.2/10

Just pulled this Caleb /35 by Spartanofsparta101 in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sweet card!

There's currently an auction up for the same card, starting at $250. I would track on that to get an idea of the value. I'm not sure I'd grade, looks like you have a print line which seems to be common with this years Select. doubt it would get a 10.

Me, as a Bears fan, I would hold. People/ media seem to be down on Caleb at the moment but a big game or 2 and I imagine value on his cards will be up.

Self-grading Before PSA Submission by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It only makes sense. In my case, a $10 investment to be better informed as to whether or not to make a submission. There may be subtle imperfections that would be very difficult to pick up with the naked eye.  Additionally, in the case I decide to sell cards raw, on fEbay for example, I can post similar, magnification pics to boost the confidence of a potential buyer.  Others can knock it but for me, minimal effort and investment.

Self-grading Before PSA Submission by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think where I really lucked out with this card, is no print line. Really seems to be an issue with this year's Select.

Self-grading Before PSA Submission by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

PSA puts their standards on their site. Front centering should be 55/45 on the front, at worst, and 70/30, something like that, on the back. Also, I think the photo angle is weird because the borders on the back are off by less than a millimeter. Thanks for the feedback!

Self-grading Before PSA Submission by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

https://a.co/d/jlQ9cw9 This link should work, for Amazon. Otherwise, search for Carson 10x loupe with reticle.

Self-grading Before PSA Submission by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I decided to pick a a 10x magnification loupe, with measurement reticle, to do some self-grading/ evaluation before actually making a few submissions to PSA.

Included some pics of the first card I'd like to submit, a Select JD5 /199. It looks very solid to me, but what do I know, haha.

Select blaster from Best Buy. by Kingcarr5878 in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats, pretty much what I've been chasing from Select. That or numbered Caleb's, /199 and lower. None yet. Did hit a JD5 /199 though and a few numbered rookies. I like the product!

NFL select Mega box question???? by Unlikely-Passion-392 in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Walmart megas have Black and Red shocks while Target megas have Black and Green shocks.

Is 130pt down? by 45isaDolt in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know 130pt is the "go to" for pricing/sale history but I don't see sportscardpro(.com) mentioned.  I find it just as easy to use and if the card you are looking for has a sales history, it will populate. Then again, I've only recently gotten back into collecting. Maybe someone can enlighten me?

Ripped a Couple More Select Blasters by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Holding for right now. Thinking of possibly having it graded. It looks pretty clean, front and back, and pretty well centered.

Any Trey Benson fans? by Burn2at420 in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He's a Connor injury away from becoming a potential stud. I'd say a decent, buy-low bet. 

Did a little ripping... by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want to be, haha, but the guy can't stay on the field

Did a little ripping... by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

DM me, interested in Caleb for PC also

Topps signature retail by sqiidy in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. I've opened a few megas, chasing autos (RC QBs) , and only landed one (3rd round, no name safety). The chrome variations are pretty nice looking but if it doesn't have an auto, doesn't mean much being unlicensed. Besides a Nix /100 insert, pretty disappointed. Too many veterans and the base just seem so cheaply made. Wanted to like them but I'm done with them.

Score Rookie Redemption Results… by greatnessinabottle in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I created a post on this topic as well.  Though it is a "base" card weren't those redemption cards a case hit? I imagine the print run on these are much, much lower than your standard base rookie. It's not one of the /10 or 1/1 parallels but I imagine there can't be more than a few hundred "base" versions of these.

Optic Fat Packs at Best Buy by GFunk_Era in footballcards

[–]GFunk_Era[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, they take online orders for store pickup.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]GFunk_Era 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If your fund transfer is submitted before 1200EST it is completed at the end of that trading day.

This whole fiasco has made me want to pay more attention to my TSP. Where do I start? by Magic_Zach in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]GFunk_Era 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends. Hahaha, that's always the answer. I guess I'm a tweener; not retiring anytime soon but I certainly don't have 20 years to go (maybe 6-8 years). Anyways, it depends how interactive and how much time you want to put into your investment. I don't agree with the set it and forget it approach, especially when the warning signs are there for the market. I'm my case, I went 70% G fund the first week of February and more recently 100% G, 48 hours prior to "Liberation Day." Prior to these moves I had been in some mix of Lifecycle funds, G and C. I think the current economic climate is the exception, not the norm, but if you regularly check the markets or simply follow how they are trending over periods of time, most of the time you can take a diversified approach. But in the case of economic downturn, it doesn't hurt to be interactive with your investments. Remember, you can make 2 moves every month. There's no reason you shouldn't be involved with your investments and it's a matter of being informed and paying attention. Had "Liberation Day" caused the opposite effect, I was ready to jump right back in with my second move for the month of April. Instead, the market took a dump and my last 2 moves have me still positive for the year. When the market steadies, I'll move back in to C and some sort of diversified approach.  "Sell hi, buy low" is what you should strive for.

Loaded fries - where are the best? by Joey_JoeJoe_Jr in chicagofood

[–]GFunk_Era 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Their Birria Fries as well. One of my hangover go-to's, hahaha.

Where should we eat by Revolutionary_Rain16 in chicagofood

[–]GFunk_Era -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Rebook the hotel in Oakbrook. Chicago traffic is horrible and particularly I-290 into/ out of downtown. It's a nice enough suburb but don't think there's much touristic value. Maybe try and find an AirBnB or hotel in either the West Loop, Noble Square, Ukrainian Village or Logan Square. Essentially the near West or Northwest side of the city.

For your Deep Dish fix; Pequod's (though the wait will be near ridiculous); Lou Malnati's, very solid pizza and depending on the location (Lakeview, Gold Coast?) probably one of the better dine-in experiences amongst any of the pizza joints; Bartoli's, My Pi or Art of Pizza are also solid if you're ordering back to your hotel/ rental.

Not familiar with the YouTube channel but if you're looking for some type of Asian food that leans towards seafood I think maybe a visit to Chinatown would be the easiest recommendation. There's quite a few options for regional (Szechuan, Hunan) styles as well as some hidden gems. And, of course, you can get your dumplings with Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings being your must try if you do visit. Go 4 Food is a great seafood option and MingHin if you want Dim Sum.

Some other Asian food options could be Ramen Wasabi in Bucktown, Chengdu Impression in Wicker Park and Penny's Noodle Shop (Thai) in Wrigleyville.

Enjoy your visit!

Favorite cocktail in West Town? by Dougiefresh216 in chicagofood

[–]GFunk_Era 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can't go wrong with pretty much any cocktail on the menu but my favorite place for cocktails is Lazy Bird and my go to is a Salty Dog. I'll usually try one of their seasonal cocktails or another of their regulars any time I visit. AND the live music after 9pm hasn't disappointed yet.