Author: Dave Farquhar

Velvet Freeze Ice Cream history

Dave Farquhar Retail, St. Louis
Velvet Freeze Ice Cream history

Old timers in St. Louis and Kansas City talk sometimes about Velvet Freeze, a St. Louis-based chain of ice cream stores. One Velvet Freeze ice cream store remains in the north St. Louis suburb of Jennings, and a few other reminders of the chain remain around St. Louis and Kansas City, but it’s mostly a memory now. Here’s a look back at Velvet Freeze history.

Read more

Commodore 64 value

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing
Commodore 64 value

The Commodore 64 is the most popular computer model of all time. That also means it’s the most common vintage computer, but high demand and parts scarcity drives up its value. If you’re wondering how much your Commodore 64 is worth or want a price check on Commodore 64 value, read on.

Read more

HO scale vs O scale trains

Dave Farquhar model railroading
HO scale vs O scale trains

HO scale vs O scale: which should you choose? Both model train scales have been around a very long time and have a loyal following. Both definitely have pros and cons. Here’s a comparison between two popular model train scales so you can make the right decision which one will work for you.

Read more

Best brand of paint for rental property

Dave Farquhar Landlording
Best brand of paint for rental property

The best brand of paint for rental property depends on a couple of things. But you definitely can make your life easier by choosing the right paint, primer, and supplies. Here’s my experience with painting rental property.

I actually care a lot more about the brand of primer and the grade of supplies. Here’s why.

Read more

Baseball card brands

Dave Farquhar Baseball
Baseball card brands

Baseball cards have existed in one form or another since at least 1863. Baseball cards really picked up steam in the late 19th century. And in the 20th century a large number of baseball card brands emerged.

Here’s a look at the most popular baseball card brands of all time.

Note: Many sets from before 1930 are known by Jefferson Burdick’s alphanumerical classification rather than brand. That’s why you won’t see many pre-1933 brands in this list.

Read more

Commodore 64 vs IBM PCjr

Dave Farquhar Retro Computing
Commodore 64 vs IBM PCjr

In early 1984, IBM released its first home computer, the IBM PCjr. Commodore soon responded with one of its best advertisements, pitting its Commodore 64 vs IBM PCjr.

Read more

Sizes of model trains or model train scales

Dave Farquhar model railroading
Sizes of model trains or model train scales

Model trains come in a variety of sizes to fit the space you have available. Or, to cram more stuff into the space you have available. Here are the common sizes of model trains, or, if you prefer, model train scales.

Sizes of model trains, or any other model, are measured in scale. Scale is a ratio of the model’s size relative to the real thing. Sometimes people will refer to gauge as well, which relates to the track, rather than the train.

Read more

How hard is Security+?

Dave Farquhar security
How hard is Security+?

Many jobs require Security+, and even if a job doesn’t require it, having Security+ can help you break into your first security job. So how hard is Security+?

Even if you don’t work in security, but work with security, say, as a system administrator, having Security+ is helpful, as it can help you understand why a security analyst is asking for something. When you understand motive, then the relationship can move from following orders to something more collaborative, which is always a good thing.

Read more

Does peel and stick tile last?

Dave Farquhar DIY
Does peel and stick tile last?

Peel and stick tiles certainly offer attractive pricing. But you may be wondering, does peel and stick tile last? That’s a wise question to ask, because a floor that costs 38 cents per square foot isn’t much of a bargain if you have to replace it a lot.

I’m a landlord, so I use a lot of peel and stick tile. You might be glad to know that I see a lot of old peel and stick tile too.

Read more

Rarest baseball cards – the Big Three

Dave Farquhar Baseball
Rarest baseball cards – the Big Three

In baseball card circles, you sometimes hear about the “Big Three.” The Big Three aren’t necessarily the rarest baseball cards in existence, but they are exceedingly rare and they are part of extremely popular sets. This increases demand, since set collectors can’t have complete sets without these. There just aren’t enough of the Big Three to go around.

In addition, each of the Big Three have a great story behind them, often shrouded in some mystery.

Read more