Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Power sluggers of the NL 2019 season.

At nearly half way through the season (morning of 6/26/2019), here are your National League sluggers sorted by home run rankings:

RK   Player        Team Pos  G   AB    R   H   2B   3B  HR
1    Yelich, C     MIL RF   71  266   63  91  16   2   29
2    Alonso, P     NYM 1B   79  287   52  80  17   2   27
3    Bellinger, C  LAD RF   77  275   62  97  17   2   25
4    Renfroe, H    SD LF   72  233   35  58  12   1   23
5    Moustakas, M  MIL 2B   71  271   49  76  16   0   22
6    Freeman, F    ATL 1B   79  312   59  97  21   2   21
7    Bell, J       PIT 1B   76  293   57  91  28   3   20
7    Marte, K      ARI 2B   76  311   53  97  17   4   20
7    Ozuna, M      STL LF   75  285   52  73  13   0   20
7    Pederson, J   LAD LF   71  220   45  51   4   3   20
7    Reyes, F      SD RF   75  238   31  58   7   0   20
12   Acuna Jr., R  ATL LF   79  318   55  92  10   1   19
12   Arenado, N    COL 3B   77  298   57  97  17   2   19
12   Baez, J       CHC SS   77  310   52  89  19   3   19
12   Rizzo, A      CHC 1B   75  275   50  75  12   1   19
16   Blackmon, C   COL RF   62  273   55  90  18   6   18
16   Dietrich, D   CIN 2B   71  175   36  40   4   2   18
16   Hoskins, R    PHI 1B   78  278   42  75  16   2   18
19   Escobar, E    ARI 3B   78  308   51  87  17   5   17
19   Grandal, Y    MIL C    71  241   39  66  10   2   17
19   Machado, M    SD SS   77  292   47  82  14   0   17
19   Muncy, M      LAD 1B   77  261   48  73  12   1   17
19   Rendon, A     WSH 3B   64  236   58  74  20   2   17
19   Story, T      COL SS   72  296   65  87  20   2   17
25   Conforto, M   NYM RF   71  254   45  66  15   0   16
25   Contreras, W  CHC C    68  224   36  66  12   0   16
25   Puig, Y       CIN RF   71  267   32  64   9   1   16
25   Schwarber, K  CHC LF   74  263   41  61  11   1   16
25   Suarez, E     CIN 3B   76  281   37  69  13   0   16

Chi Cubs has 4 Sluggers, all ranked between 12 and 25. Although not far behind, Heyward and Bryant did not make the top 25. Cin Reds has 3 Sluggers. Mil Brewers 3 Sluggers, but has two in the top 5. Pit Pirates has 1 Slugger. Stl Cardinals has 1 Slugger.

If you look at the standings, this has been a large part of how the teams stack.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

GT500 Announcement!

In case you haven't heard, just released on Twitter, the Shelby GT500 Mustang will have 760 horse power! The vehicle will sport a 5.2L super charged V8 and will produce a maximum of 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. Ford says this is its fastest-ever street-legal Mustang.


Now the world waits for the price. Source: Ford - pictured [Engine for the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500.]

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

2019 Car Shows/Meets

2019 Car Shows/Meets

Event: Mustang Club of America "Stampede to the Heartland"
When: Jul 18 2019 / 8 AM
When: Jul 21 2019 / 5 PM
Type: Public Event
Hosted by: Heartland Motorsports Park and Mustang Club of America
Where: Heartland Motorsports Park
   7530 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, Kansas 66619


Event: Antique Auto Exhibit
When: Aug 4 2019 / 9 am- 3pm
Type: Public Event
Where: David Davis Mansion

About: Beautiful, historic cars in a beautiful, historic setting – that’s the promise of 22nd Annual Antique Car Exhibition. More than 75 cars from the 1900s through the 1980s will be displayed on the mansion grounds. This year, we will also be featuring the 33rd Regimental Band in a special Civil War era concert on the lawn. There will also be picnic foods and beverages for sale and free, self-guided tours of the mansion will be offered!


Event: Cruise-In
When: August 11 / 4 pm- 9 pm
Where: Uptown Normal

About: A full-scale cruise-in sponsored by the Car Community Automobile Club in conjunction with the Twin City Cruisers and the McLean County Antique Automobile Club. Come enjoy hundreds of classic and contemporary show cars while you stroll the streets of Uptown!



Event: 41st Annual All Ford Show and Swap Meet
When: Aug 25 2019 / Sun 8 AM
Type: Public Event
Hosted by Central Illinois Mustangers
Where: Landmark Ford Springfield, IL


Event: Cruise-In at the Mansion
When: September 8 / 10 am- 2 pm
Type: Public Event
Where: David Davis Mansion Bloomington IL

About: All types of cars will be on display at the David Davis Mansion, including antiques, classics, trucks and motorcycles. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 vehicles. Attendees can also enjoy tours of the mansion, concessions and music.


Event: Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11
When: Sep 11 2019
Type: Public Event
Where: Downtown Decatur IL

About: Car/bike show-$11 registration fee, 11 mile cruise, food vendors, FREE entertainment ...Memorial Service. This fund raiser was created to provide our area a way to honor those that serve, have served our Country and provide family entertainment. This year is our 11th annual show to honor the anniversary of 9-11 with family fun in downtown Decatur.



Event:American Legion Car Show - 3rd Annual Car meet
When: Oct 19 2019 / Sat 9 AM - 2 PM
Type: Public Event
Hosted by: American Legion
Where: Burna Ky

About: Car show - $10 registration fee. In the past 2 years approximately 100-110 cars in show - all years, makes, and models. Registration fee goes toward funding American Legion.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2098096367154288/
***See photos of 2018 show

Jul 13
Central Illinois Mustangers Ford Cruise-in
Sat 1 PM · Bob Ridings in Taylorville · Taylorville, Illinois
You like Central Illinois Mustangers

Aug 25
41st Annual All Ford Show and Swap Meet
Sun 8 AM · Landmark Ford · Springfield, Illinois
You like Central Illinois Mustangers

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Andre Dawson collection as of June 2019

Andre Dawson collection as of June 2019

Like Ryne Sandburg, Andre Dawson is on of my most collected Hall of Fame Cubbie! As soon as I had started collecting Cubs, I was searching out Andre Dawson. I still remember  buy Andre Dawson's rookie card in a card show in the 80's and how proud I was to own that card.
1978 Topps Andre Dawson
Here is my collection at a glance:

  Year  Brand       Series        Card #   Name                 Team              Note            .
  1978  Topps       Standard      072      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos         rookie card    
  1981  Topps       Standard      125      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos     
  1983  Topps       Standard      680      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos      
  1985  Leaf        Donruss       421      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos     
  1987  Leaf        Donruss       009      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Diamond Kings    
  1987  Topps       Standard      345      Andre Dawson         Mon Expos     
  1988  Fleer       Standard      415      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
2 1988  Leaf        Donruss       ---      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Popup    
  1988  Leaf        Donruss       009      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Diamond Kings    
2 1988  Topps       Big           153      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs     
  1988  Topps       Kmart MMo80s  009      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs 
2 1988  Topps       All-Star      001      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs 
3 1989  Fleer       Standard      422      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs 
  1989  Fleer       Standard      713      R Sandberg/A Dawson  Chi Cubs          100 Club    
  1989  Leaf        Donruss       167      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1989  Topps       Bowman        298      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1989  Topps       Standard      004      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Record Breaker    
  1989  Topps       Standard      010      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1989  Topps       Standard      391      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          All Star National Leag    
  1989  Topps       Standard      391      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          All-Star    
  1990  Fleer       Standard      029      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1990  Upper Deck  Standard      073      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Team check list    
2 1990  Upper Deck  Standard      357      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1991  Topps       Standard      640      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1992  Leaf        Awesome       113      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1992  Leaf        Donruss       422      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          All-Star card    
  1992  Topps       Standard      460      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1993  Leaf        Donruss       632      Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs      
  1994  Leaf        Donruss       448      Andre Dawson         Bos Red Sox      
  1996  Topps       Standard      275      Andre Dawson         Mia Marlins      
  1996  Upper Deck  Standard      335      Andre Dawson         Mia Marlins      
  2012  Topps       Standard      GG-76    Andre Dawson         Chi Cubs          Golden Greats    
  2012  Topps       Standard      TT-16    A Dawson/J Upton     Chi Cubs D-backs  Timeless Talents    
Cards to catalog tonight

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Is there a future for e-Mustang


Is there a future for an electronic Mustang?

Ford continues to tease about a non-gasoline, electronic, Mustang coming in the future. But I see this a risky future for the Pony line. I'm not a car engineer.  I also don't have an inside track with any car manufacturer's  engineering team.  I just have a few thoughts on this.

First, the majority of Mustang lovers love the sound of a Mustang.  Especially any Mustang in the GT line. Electric cars are notorious for being super quiet.  To the point the blind don't like them for safety reasons.

Then there is weight of electric cars. Currently Ford is making lighter, more powerful, faster cars than Ferrari. In fact, Ford purchased Ferrari cars when developing the 6th generation to ensure they were. The engine itself on the 6th generation 5.0 L engines are at least 12 pounds lighter. But electric cars are heavy. The heavier the vehicle, the more power is lost moving down the road and Mustangs are about performance.

Additionally, there will be major changes in a vehicle's suspension when weight of the vehicle is distributed.

The near future of the Mustang is near and it looks impressive. Ford is just about to release the GT500, and "By the Numbers" (see http://2020gt500.ford.com/Y2019/default.aspx)

HP: 700+
0-60 mph: mid-3.0 seconds
1/4-mile: < 11 seconds
Front Brakes: 420mm
Hood Vent: 6.03 sq. ft.
Transmission Shifts: capable of < 100 milliseconds

All of these specs are just insane!! So my parting questions are, do we have the technology in electric cars to do this?  Maybe we do.  If we alter the car so much to be electric, will it still be a Mustang at heart?

(image copyright by Ford)

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Making the Perfect Layer Cake


Making the Perfect Layer Cake 
Many people think that baking a cake is as easy as buying a box of mix and then adding water and a couple of eggs. True, this will produce a cake, but it will be far from perfect. It’s best to start from scratch. Choosing the proper fresh ingredients and maintaining good technique is key.

Ingredients 
Always start by preheating your oven. A preheated oven is key to even baking. If you throw a pan in an oven that's still heating up, you will end up with a cake that is burned on the top and still batter on the bottom. 

Then choose the ingredients. It's a good idea to set out all the ingredients in the beginning so that you don't end up with a half-mixed batter only to realize you are out of eggs. The kind of layer cake you’re making requires different recipes. Choose cake flour to increase the lightness of a cake or a whole wheat flour to increase the density of a cake. The kind of sugar you use can also make or break a cake. White sugar will make for a very light and airy cake, but for a cake with depth of flavor and texture, choose brown sugar. Chocolate cakes are especially good when made with brown sugar You'll also need flour eggs and baking powder. And you'll need butter and some good-sized pans to bake the cake in.

Mixing
Once you have decided on a recipe and set out the ingredients, start with the butter. Cream the butter until it's a light yellow. The butter will need to be room temperature so that you can easily cream it. For best results, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Once you’ve finished, slowly add the sugar. Mix the butter and sugar together until they are blended evenly. Add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well.

When you mix the batter, pause the mixer to scrape down the sides with a spatula a couple of times during the process. This will help you get everything in without making a mess as well as ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

While the mixer is mixing the sugar and wet ingredients, you can start sifting the flour and other dry ingredients together into a separate bowl. Once you have combined the dry ingredients, set the mixer to low and slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a little at a time. Make sure each addition is completely mixed in before adding the next batch.

Baking 
Now that the batter is mixed, grease two round cake pans. Pour the batter into the pans; be sure to evenly divide the batter between the two pans. Place them into the oven and position
them as close to the middle of the oven as possible; this will allow for even baking. Set the timer based on the recipe. While you wait, take the time to prepare the frosting.

When the timer goes off, you should test the cakes with a skewer or cake tester to make sure you have baked the cake long enough to take it out of the oven. If the skewer comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, take the cakes out. If not, set the timer for two more minutes and check again. Bake in two-minute increments, watching closely until the cakes are ready. Take them out and cool them. While cooling, leave them in the pans.

Frosting
When the cakes are cool, prepare them for frosting. Slide a knife around the edge between the cake and the pan. Invert each cake on a cooling rack. Then take a long serrated knife and carefully slice through the cake from one side to the other. This will create two layers out of one cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap. Place the layers in the freezer for at least half an hour. This will make them much easier to work with.

For the crumb coat, start by taking the layers out of the freezer. Unwrap the layers one at a time as you need them. Place the first layer on a cake board. Frost the cake all over with a light coat. It’s called the crumb coat because for this, it doesn't matter if you get crumbs on the frosting or if the cake shows through. Think of this as the primer. Continue until all the layers are frosted and in place. Put the whole cake in the refrigerator for another half hour. This will make the last coat look nicer as well as make it easier to work with.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Drop a large amount of frosting on the top of the cake. This will be the final coat. Using a metal spatula, spread the frosting over the top. Then take some frosting with your spatula and, holding the spatula against the side at a 45-degree angle, spread the icing around the cake. You can put the cake board on a lazy Susan to help you turn it.

You should end up with frosting sticking up above the top layer. Use the spatula to smooth the frosting over the top of the cake. Dip the spatula in warm water and smooth out the top of the cake.

Decorating Embellishments are very fun and enticing! Add flowers, sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fruit — whatever you think will be delicious and beautiful. Place the cake on a platter or cake plate and invite friends over to celebrate your first perfect layer cake. Finally, dig in and be sure to enjoy the savory taste that you could never get from out of a box!




https://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/yes-it-matters-what-kind-of-kitchen-mixer-you-use


http://blog.redvelvetnyc.com/lifestyle/diy/frosting-techniques-for-cakes/


https://www.make-fabulous-cakes.com/icing-a-cake.html

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

My old stang and my new stang.


There is nearly 50 years difference between my first red 1967 Mustang and my newer 2016 Mustang.

Completely different cars concerning how they are made and the technology used by each.
Yet, sitting behind the steering wheel on both cars are oddly the same spirit of the vehicles.


  • The fact you hear the engine. The rumble from their V8 or V6 is something I will miss when cars all go electric.
  • The long red hood you stare over with twin ridges.
  • The three chrome pieces on the steering wheel with the horse in the middle.
  • Round gauges
  • The simple way you sit in the seat.
  • The heavy doors that you open and close when you get in and out of the vehicle.
Of course the steering wheel, suspension, safety, and power are all better than any Mustang made in the 60s. But somehow Ford makes a Mustang feel like a Mustang and Mustangs makes me smile.

Ford vision, or the DNA of the Mustang, as the following:

  • Flat front grille
  • Twin eyebrow dash
  • Round gauges on console
  • Tri-bar tail lamps
  • Shark bite nose
  • Hockey stick side.


In fact I read a review that stated the Cons: **Edmonds web review


  • Impractical back seat
  • Performance package ride quality can be bouncy
  • Long, heavy doors and mediocre cabin access
Heck, if it didn't have these cons, it wouldn't be a Mustang ;)

Monday, June 10, 2019

My new (to me) 'Stang


⭕My new toy I got for Father Day/Birthday (a week early). This is my 50th birthday to shut me up about wanting a Mustang again.

                  

This Mustang is a 2016 (6th Generation), Race Red, V6 3.7L 300HP engine, 6-Speed Manual, upgraded rear suspension, aluminum wheels, and factory installed blade spoiler.

⭕Detailed Description:
2016 Ford Mustang V6 in Race Red:

Body:         2D Coupe fastback
Exterior:     Race Red (2016 Ford Race Red PQ M7236) with 
              factory blade rear spoiler (Optional equipment)

Wheels:       18"  Silver painted  aluminum 5 spoke (Optional equipment)
Tires:        Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 235/50R18W (Optional equipment)

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Engine:       The Duratec 37 227.4 cu (Cyclone)
              3.7L V6 Ti-VCT 24V
              300 HP (224 kW) at 6,500 
              270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) at 4,000

Interior:     Ebony Cloth Bucket Seats
Center Con:   Sync Communications & Entertainment System
              - 6 Speakers
              - AM/FM radio
              - w/Single CD Player
              - Bluetooth
              - Rear-view Backup Camera


Rear Axle:    3:15 Ratio Limited Slip Axle for higher top speeds (Optional equipment)


Other Standard Features:
  Key-less entry/start button
  Power Lift-gate
  Power Windows
  Power Seats
  High-Intensity Discharge Headlights
  Air Conditioning
  Rear window defroster
  Power steering



⭕Considering all, when this Mustang was new, given all that the vehicle came with, Ford gives a lot of bang for the buck.

⭕Although I know it is not universal with Mustang lovers, I personally love the "mean" look of the 6th Generation of 'stangs!






















Monday, June 3, 2019

My Ryne Sandberg Collection

This will be my second recent post on players I collect. Ryne Sandberg was just a natural choice to collect being a HoF, a Cubbie, and so many different cards made. So far, I have 58 cataloged cards of Ryne Sandberg (including some duplicates). I probably have more in my collection that have not been unsealed.


x  Year  Brand       Series            Card#  Name(s)                Team      Note             _
   1983  Topps       Standard          083    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  rc (perfect mint) 

   1984  Topps       Standard          596    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

   1985  Topps       Standard          460    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

2  1986  Fleer       League Leaders    039    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
3  1986  Topps       Standard          690    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1987  Leaf        Donruss           077    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
2  1987  Topps       Standard          680    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

   1988  Fleer       Standard          431    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
2  1988  Fleer       Standard          628    Ryne Sandberg/Smith    Chi Cubs  Master of the DBL play 
   1988  Leaf        Donruss           ---    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Popup 
   1988  Topps       Big               016    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1988  Topps       Standard          010    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
3  1988  Topps       Standard All-Star 014    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

2  1989  Fleer       Standard          437    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1989  Fleer       Standard          713    Ryne Sandberg/Dawson   Chi Cubs  100 Club 
2  1989  Leaf        Donruss           105    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1989  SDC         Standard          005    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1989  Topps       Bowman            290    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
2  1989  Topps       Standard          360    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs
   1989  Topps       Standard          387    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All-Star 
   1989  Topps       Standard All-Star 014    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs

2  1990  Fleer       Standard          040    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Fleer       Standard          625    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Players of the Decade 
   1990  Fleer       Standard          ???    Ryne Sandberg/Johnson  Chi Cubs   
   1990  Fleer       Standard          ???    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  '84   
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           067    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           077    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           692    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All Star card 
   1990  Leaf        Donruss           BC-10  Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  MVP card 
   1990  Topps       Standard          210    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1990  Upper Deck  Standard          324    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1991  Fleer       Standard          431    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1991  Fleer       Standard          709    Ryne Sandberg/Fielder  Chi Cubs  Home Run Kings 
   1991  Leaf        Donruss           014    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Diamond Kings card 
   1991  Leaf        Donruss           404    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  MVP card 
   1991  Pinnacle    Score             862    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Franchise card 
   1991  Post        Collector Series  016    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1991  Topps       Standard          398    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All-Star 
   1991  Topps       Standard          740    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1992  Leaf        Donruss           429    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  All-Star card 
   1992  Leaf        Donruss           576    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1993  Leaf        Donruss           344    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1993  Topps       Stadium Club      366    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   
   1993  Topps       Stadium Club      600    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs  Members Choice 
   1993  Topps       Standard          003    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1994  Topps       Standard          200    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

   1996  Topps       Standard          356    Ryne Sandberg          Chi Cubs   

Some cards missing from my collection

1983 Donruss
1983 Fleer
1984 Donruss
1984 Fleer
1985 Donruss
1985 Fleer
1986 Donruss
1987 Fleer
1984 Fleer
1992 Topps
1992 fleer
1994 Fleer
1995 Topps
1995 Fleer
1996 Fleer

New office/computer lab done!

My new office/computer lab is done! This is my 7 to 1 KVM setup that I spent only $83 on. It manages all but two of my computers and soon m...