Well in case you folks don't keep up with the "News" portion of the Tuff Stuff Sports Collectors Monthly website, here are some hobby happenings.

MEARS is getting into the auction business, with its first auction slated to end Dec. 18. It's live now. This is a first for the company, and they are using it as a test for future development. Look for a lot of variety - not the just the usual high-end game-used items the company is known for.

Speaking of auctions, Legacy Sports Rarities, headed by Gary Bussineau, will conduct its inaugural auction in March. Look for classic 19th and 20th century sports rarities in the sale.

Topps is expanding its entertainment card brand by adding a trading card game based on the online Sony game Free Realms. the first product will be available next spring.

Tristar is releasing a few different products. TNA Wrestling has a new set in Cross the Line, which features the 5-year-old daughter of Kurt Angle. Hmm - is that soemthing you want your kid subjected to so early? Also, Tristar Prospects Baseball launched this week. Get the draft picks before everyone else wants them.

Also, Beckett Grading Services is now accepting Star Co. Basketball cards for grading. The move was initiated through a request from The Schonco Sports Collection to have BGS grade their inventory of Star Co. basketball cards prior to its release onto the market.

Star Co. was the exclusive licensed distributor of NBA cards in the early 1980s, and their limited edition sets feature some of the earliest and most valuable Michael Jordan rookie cards available. There are a lot of counterfiets out there of this product, so hopefully BGS can get the true stuff out there.

So the hobby isn't stopping for the tough economic times or for the holidays. They are moving forward, as I hope you are.