Thoughts, observations and opinions on the National

[Leon]

On the "friend" side of the above equation I forgot to mention that I met Jim Crandall (previously had never really spoken with him in person) and we had a few very nice conversations. He really is a nice guy but just collects differently than many of us. His passion and enthusiasm for the hobby is very refreshing. I hope to get to know him better in the future and I DO think he will make his way to this board again.

ON a similar note, and sort of funny/ironic was my first conversation with him. I had only met Jim once before, at a National and a few years ago. IN that respect I really didn't even remember what he looked like. So he walks up to my table...was talking with a few folks and I heard he was Jim Crandall. I introduced myself and we really had a very pleasant conversation. After a few minutes he asked if I had seen David Akatz at the show. I had never met David before, and certainly not that day, so said "no". Right then David walked up and introduced himself to me. I think I introduced them to each other...they were pleasant to each other and Jim walked away 2 seconds later. Needless to say there was a tiny bit of tension in the air for a few seconds. It was all ok and both gentelmen (Hi David) are nice guys, in my book.

[JasonL]

Originally Posted by Leon

On the "friend" side of the above equation I forgot to mention that I met Jim Crandall (previously had never really spoken with him in person) and we had a few very nice conversations. He really is a nice guy but just collects differently than many of us. His passion and enthusiasm for the hobby is very refreshing. I hope to get to know him better in the future and I DO think he will make his way to this board again.

is there a reason Jim no longer posts here?...I have missed his contributions and wondered why I no longer see him on here...
JasonL

[Leon]

Originally Posted by JasonL

is there a reason Jim no longer posts here?...I have missed his contributions and wondered why I no longer see him on here...
JasonL

Jim told me he couldn't figure out how to register or post on the new board. I told him I would register for him. I think he will come back in due time.....Like his collecting ways or not, he is a passionate collector and a very nice gentleman when speaking with him. regards

[bcbgcbrcb]

As many have stated already, Baltimore is the venue that offers the most entertainment for the entire family and all within walking distance of the show. Can't say that about Cleveland, Chicago or Anaheim.

[Matthew H]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

As many have stated already, Baltimore is the venue that offers the most entertainment for the entire family and all within walking distance of the show. Can't say that about Cleveland, Chicago or Anaheim.

Yes but the Los Angeles Convention Center is close to entertainment

[timzcardz]

As a father, husband and collector, I absolutely LOVED The National. It had everything that I needed.

We, my wife, 16YO son and I, got to Baltimore on Sunday and spent the entire week there, leaving again on Sunday. My truck was parked for 7 days straight, as once we arrived there was no need for it. Everything necessary for a family vacation was within a couple of blocks or a water taxi ride away.

We spent Monday through Wednseday doing the touristy things, like the National Aquarium and the whole Inner Harobor waterfornt thing. we took the water taxi around the harbor for a leisurely afternoon, spending a little time at the shops in Fells Point.

Hit an O's game? Again, just a walk of a couple of blocks.

When it came time for The National, staying at the Sheraton, it was just a very short walk to the convetnion center. If my 16YO wanted to sleep in, he simply met up with me later. Come lunch time, a couple of minutes back to the hotel to meet my wife for lunch. Want a few beers with lunch? Not a problem becaue I wasn't going to be driving anywhere anyway, but rather walking a few minutes back to the convention center. I bet my hotel room was closer than I would have parked at some other venues. It was just real convenient.

I really did enjoy parking the truck once and not driving the rest of the week.

It reminded me of a song from The Lion King. Hakuna Matata! It means no worries for the rest of your days.

The only negative thing about the actual convention center is that the food choices were a little limited if you didn't want to leaed the center, and no tables and chairs near the food.

There were some dealers that I thought had ridiculous prices on cards, but I found several that had reasonable prices MARKED and reduced from there before even asking, and when asked you could negotiate an even better deal, particulalry once they knew it would be a cash deal. FYI, my focus was primarily towards completing my '58 Topps set.

I hope to make 1 or 2 before then, but if 2014 is a Baltimore again, then it is a DEFINITE for me and my wife, and probably my son too (who would be 20 then). He had a really good time.