OT: Who is going to the National:

[wazoo]

Originally Posted by Vintagecatcher

I'm waiting for the Atlantic City National.

Looks like a lot of competition on eBay this year during the National with all the others that are passing as well.

Best of luck to all who are attending.

Patrick

As am I.

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by slipk1068

I was planning on attending. Then I got to thinking about the cost. I estimate it will cost me at least 1.5k in travel and lodging expense so I could walk around and look at over-priced cards. I can stay home, keep that money, and have it to spend on a fairly priced card which I can purchase from the comfort of my living room.

The downside is it is always fun to talk cards with folks and look at some really cool items. Just not sure that is worth the cost. Anyone want to try to convince me I am wrong and should attend?

You must be traveling from the West Coast for those costs. Attended Cleveland about 10 years ago, was not impressed. might show up.

Joe

[mark evans]

I doubt it. I haven't bought much at recent shows, as I already have all the cards that I want and can also afford. Still fun to walk the floor and socialize but hard to justify the trip. May make the Atlantic City show.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by uffda51

Not this year. Two reasons. 1. Cleveland 2. Cleveland. Plan to be in Chicago next year . . .

+1

[Runscott]

Lots of reasons to go anyway:

• Indians are in town all 5 days
• All of the hotels have bars
• We will be in the bars
• Re-vamped area next to the burning river is really cool
• The dealers will all be there, so apparently there will be less competition from fellow collectors
• Board members who you have never met will be there
• There will be at least 6 people there who represent 5 forum grudges, so you can either see happy new friendships or old guys punching each other
• free autographs from sports figures you have never heard of

(edited to add 5th grudge I had forgotten about)

[polakoff]

Thinking about going, it would be my first time, but don't have the funds to do it myself. Hoping to find a ride/hotel partner.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Runscott

...There will be at least 6 people there who represent 5 forum grudges, so you can either see happy new friendships or old guys punching each other...

I did a spit take when I read this - hilarious Scott!

[Al C.risafulli]

I will be there, once again set up side by side with my pal Ryan Christoff. I'll be accepting consignments for and displaying material from the summer LOTG auction, and Ryan will be selling and displaying selections from his amazing inventory of Cuban material. As with the last two years, we will have annoying music, a free pack of cards for the kids, and a chair for you to take a rest in while you show us what you bought. Please stop by and say hi.

And of course, when the show floor is closed, I'll be in the bar.

-Al

[autograf]

I'll be there with Cliftons8 (Mike Brockman) part of the usual group I go with. Jeff Drum (HRBAKER) is out this year as are a couple other guys from our group. I'm not sure how many Clevelands this is but this is #23 National in a row. First one, 1992 Atlanta..........more Clevelands and Chicagos than I want to count, some St. Louis, Houston, ACity,2-3 Anaheims and another Atlanta I think.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by edhans

No Adam, Bill C., Jim B. and TBob. We may as well cancel the damn thing.

One great regret about missing the National is not having my annual dinner and lots of great hanging around with Ed and Gary Nucherino. Not getting to see Adam, Jim B. and Bill C., even if I went, would seem weird. I know a lot of my friends ARE going so I wish them a fantastic time and hope to see you all in Chicago next summer. With the dearth of cards I need to try to complete sets available at the National, the comeraderie of fellow collectors is the main reason I go the Nationals now...

[jp1216]

Be there Friday and hopefully Saturday. Less than 10 miles away. Can't wait.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Be there Friday and hopefully Saturday. Less than 10 miles away. Can't wait.

Have fun Jon. I almost wish I was going so I could pester you into showing me your amazing Ripken collection in person.

[NotoriousBOB]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Be there Friday and hopefully Saturday. Less than 10 miles away. Can't wait.

Easy commute for you.

I am there Wed - Sun

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Not looking good for me right now. I hurt my ankle earlier this year and put off an MRI and possible surgery in the hope I could rehab it, but I was on vacation last week and after a few days of moderate city walking it blew up and is still agonizing. I will get it MRI'd and find out what's exactly happening but the MD suspects a shredded tendon that will need to be repaired. So, unless we find some sort of interim solution there is no way to do the show--after a few hours of roaming the floor the first day I'd be toast.

2nd opinion sought out, slightly different diagnosis and treatment, so I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to make the trip, albeit in a leg brace. I won't make the final call until a week or two before the show. Then it's lots of Advil and ice packs...

The only bright spot in this is that I qualify for a temporary handicapped parking permit. That is a huge deal in Los Angeles, especially if I go to the beach, a concert or the ballgame, or virtually any restaurant of note. Plus, I get to pre-board the flight to Cleveland. Sweet!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

2nd opinion sought out, slightly different diagnosis and treatment, so I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to make the trip, albeit in a leg brace. I won't make the final call until a week or two before the show. Then it's lots of Advil and ice packs...

The only bright spot in this is that I qualify for a temporary handicapped parking permit. That is a huge deal in Los Angeles, especially if I go to the beach, a concert or the ballgame, or virtually any restaurant of note. Plus, I get to pre-board the flight to Cleveland. Sweet!

Hope you can make it, Adam. There are enough dealers you know that you can have a rest every several feet if you need to. You have an open invitation to sit behind our table and rest as long as you want to. Going to the National for me is more about seeing old friends than it is picking anything up or selling anything. I do that all of the time online. I know I am in the small minority but I love hanging out and talking cards and stuff more than anything else...

[edhans]

Originally Posted by Leon

Hope you can make it, Adam. There are enough dealers you know that you can have a rest every several feet if you need to. You have an open invitation to sit behind our table and rest as long as you want to. Going to the National for me is more about seeing old friends than it is picking anything up or selling anything. I do that all of the time online. I know I am in the small minority but I love hanging out and talking cards and stuff more than anything else...

+1 We'll always have an extra chair at our booth for you, Adam.

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Lots of reasons to go anyway:

• Indians are in town all 5 days
• All of the hotels have bars
• We will be in the bars
• Re-vamped area next to the burning river is really cool
• The dealers will all be there, so apparently there will be less competition from fellow collectors
• Board members who you have never met will be there
• There will be at least 6 people there who represent 5 forum grudges, so you can either see happy new friendships or old guys punching each other
• free autographs from sports figures you have never heard of

(edited to add 5th grudge I had forgotten about)

You know, as one of those grudges, I'm really angry about this post. How do you know I'm old?? Sure, I'm at the far end of middle age, and I have the back of an 80-year old, and I take way too many bathroom breaks through the night, and I can't stand the music these kids listen to these days, and...

Disregard. I'm old.
Since I never could take a punch anyways, I'm just going to plan on being part of a happy new friendship.

Ken

PS: The river burned 40 years ago, so those jokes are passe. We are a new, improved Cleveland. Please keep all jokes fresh. Suggestions: the Browns, the Cavs, Manziel, midges, or the Cleveland Public School System. (OK, that last one has also been a joke for 40 years.)

[kailes2872]

This post prompted me to get my hotel locked up (coming from North of Pittsburgh). The Residence Inn and Marriott were sold out and I wanted to use points, so I am staying at the Courtyard Cleveland Airport North - 24901 Country Club Boulevard, North Olmstead.

Me and my two sons will be checking in Friday, hitting the show, going back at it all day on Saturday and then making the late night trek back to Cranberry.

If anyone is staying at the same hotel, let me know.

Kevin

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by earlywynnfan

You know, as one of those grudges, I'm really angry about this post. How do you know I'm old?? Sure, I'm at the far end of middle age, and I have the back of an 80-year old, and I take way too many bathroom breaks through the night, and I can't stand the music these kids listen to these days, and...

Disregard. I'm old.
Since I never could take a punch anyways, I'm just going to plan on being part of a happy new friendship.

Ken

PS: The river burned 40 years ago, so those jokes are passe. We are a new, improved Cleveland. Please keep all jokes fresh. Suggestions: the Browns, the Cavs, Manziel, midges, or the Cleveland Public School System. (OK, that last one has also been a joke for 40 years.)

Thanks, Ken - I look forward to meeting you. I wasn't actually poking fun at the burning river thing - I just couldn't remember what that area was called. When I first visited Cleveland (to see a ballgame at the old gigantic stadium), they had fixed up that new area and there were still a lot of references to the river.

Manziel could very well be the new Cleveland joke, but since I went to the same school he did, whatever he does to embarrass Cleveland will further embarrass myself and Texas A&M as well.

[Blunder19]

I will be there running around with Chris looking for T206 rare backs and errors

[polakoff]

After getting a few PMs encouraging me to go to my first national, I'll try to make it work. Going to talk to some nearby folks about ride/hotel sharing. I can't really do it by myself (the trip from Raleigh is a tad bit far...I'll fall asleep at the wheel).

Any suggestions? Should I avoid staying far away despite cheaper rates? What are the best days to go if I can't do all 5?

[pcoz]

I'll be going for just my second time. Not sure which days, but looking forward to meeting some new friends from the board!

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Thanks, Ken - I look forward to meeting you. I wasn't actually poking fun at the burning river thing - I just couldn't remember what that area was called. When I first visited Cleveland (to see a ballgame at the old gigantic stadium), they had fixed up that new area and there were still a lot of references to the river.

Manziel could very well be the new Cleveland joke, but since I went to the same school he did, whatever he does to embarrass Cleveland will further embarrass myself and Texas A&M as well.

That'd be the flats, but it's not what it was, it's being completely redeveloped now. Probably the best area to hang out or have drinks would be west 4th, just a couple blocks over from the Indians' stadium.

[ZachS]

I wish I could make it but I have a family vacation coming up the week before. I couldn't justify spending more money and missing more work. Maybe next year...

[AddieJoss]

I'll be there Thursday through Sunday. Should be a good time.

[Exhibitman]

Thanks guy I am sure I will take you up on your offers at some point.

[Andy Sandler]

I cannot wait! Since 1980 I have only missed less than a hand-full of Nationals! I look forward to seeing everyone!
Regards, Andy Sandler (845) 331-8610 andy@allsportsauctions.com

[Frazier]

Any details on the annual Net 54 dinner for 2014 in Cleveland?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Frazier

Any details on the annual Net 54 dinner for 2014 in Cleveland?

Not having one in Cleveland. Will probably resume next year in Chicago.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by Leon

Not having one in Cleveland. Will probably resume next year in Chicago.

So where are we drinking? I heard Shernan30 is buying.

[Jewish-collector]

Alex - We will be downtown. Come join us !!!

[Peter_Spaeth]

That emoticon has grown exponentially since its debut.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Alex - We will be downtown. Come join us !!!

I will. How is the public transport in Cleveland?

[Alexcards]

This will be my 5th National and my 3rd Cleveland National. I'll be bringing about 80 OJ and 60 T206 HOFers to sell... have to pay for 3 college tuitions
Alex Tymchuk (Alexcards) / Atlanta

[novakjr]

My dad and I will be attending. It will be both of ours first National. Kinda excited

[Northviewcats]

I plan to be there for a couple of days. Look forward to meeting many of the Net54 faithful.

Joe

[whiteymet]

Just made some last minute plans to attend on Wednesday and Thursday.

I am an old head and more into postwar stuff now a days, so don't know most of you except for Leon, but look forward to possibly meeting others on the NET and putting names to faces and talking cards!

I am getting in to Cleveland VERY early Wednesday AM. Can't even get into my hotel room, so I have nothing to do early Wednesday. Any chance anyone has a dealer badge I could borrow for the day to get into the show before it is open to the public at four ? PM me if so. Thanks in advance for your help.

Fred

[AddieJoss]

I know Heritage is having a dinner/drinks/auction event Thursday. Does anyone know the other dinner events that are going on at the National?
Thanks,Cory

[albrshbr]

I'll be there Wed-Sun and I'm bringing my nephew. Taking Sat off to go to the football HOF induction.

[Kzoo]

Myself, along with Andy G. and Bill from Detroit will be heading in on Tuesday afternoon to catch the Indians game that night. We'll probably be looking for something to do Wednesday morning/early afternoon, if anybody has any suggestions.

Matt

[shernan30]

I'll be coming into town Friday mid-morning and staying thru Sunday. Hitting up the Indians game with my wife and another board member Saturday night. Can't wait to get back to Cleveland. Columbus is boring.


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[drcy]

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I used to joke I'd go to the National when it was either in Seattle or Portland, but I'm going this time. Have an open mind about Cleveland. A friend says she likes Detroit when she goes there for work, so who knows-- and she works in and is a native of Manhattan. I liked Milwaukee when I visited and am a native to the Midwest. As a classical music fan, I can attest that the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra makes about every, if not every, world's best top ten list. Between that and the world famous Cleveland Clinic, the city obviously has something going for it.

I will be at Scott F's (Belltown Vintage Cards) table plan on 'certifying' photographs and related if anyone's interested. I went so far as buying a personalized embossment stamper just for the National. My first goal is to make back the money I paid for the stamper. I figure if I can do that, the sky's the limit.

[CobbvLajoie1910]

Originally Posted by drcy

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I used to joke I'd go to the National when it was either in Seattle or Portland, but I'm going this time. Have an open mind about Cleveland. A friend says she likes Detroit when she goes there for work, so who knows-- and she works in and is a native of Manhattan. I liked Milwaukee when I visited and am a native to the Midwest. As a classical music fan, I can attest that the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra makes about every, if not every, world's best top ten list. Between that and the world famous Cleveland Clinic, the city obviously has something going for it.

I will be at Scott F's (Belltown Vintage Cards) table plan on 'certifying' photographs and related if anyone's interested. I went so far as buying a personalized embossment stamper just for the National. My first goal is to make back the money I paid for the stamper. I figure if I can do that, the sky's the limit.

Cleveland is a phenominal city, with a ton of grit & soul, David.

Spend an afternoon at the art mueseum -- it too is among the best in the world.

The crowd whining about begrudgingly going back to CLE probably didnt leave the 5-mi radius around the I-X center.

Its a fantastic city on many, many levels.

Can't wait to head up 71 in a few weeks!

[drcy]

Minneapolis, Duluth and Marquette Michigan make my list of favorite cities I've visited, so I have no predilection against Midwestern cities.

[Fred]

I'm about 50/50 - do I go to Hawaii (work scheduled at that time) or do I go to Cleveland? I'm actually a little conflicted here...

[71buc]

Originally Posted by CobbvLajoie1910

Cleveland is a phenominal city, with a ton of grit & soul, David.

Spend an afternoon at the art mueseum -- it too is among the best in the world.

The crowd whining about begrudgingly going back to CLE probably didnt leave the 5-mi radius around the I-X center.

Its a fantastic city on many, many levels.

Can't wait to head up 71 in a few weeks!

My family is from Sharon PA so I have been to Cleveland numerous times. It's not Seattle but I like it nonetheless. The Rock and Roll HOF is interesting if you have time on your hands. I thought this would be my first National because it's in Cleveland but my son is marrying in six weeks and then starts law school two weeks later. My wallet has been lighter than ever.

[CobbvLajoie1910]

Originally Posted by drcy

Minneapolis, Duluth and Marquette Michigan make my list of favorite cities I've visited, so I have no predilection against Midwestern cities.

Just to be clear - my remarks weren't at all directed at you, DRC.

I can get a little defensive of the city -- esp in lieu of some of the virtual eye-rolling from board-members about Cleveland as a suitable host for the N'tl.

I hope your "open-minded(ness)" is justly rewarded.
(Start with a pint of Great Lakes "Lake Erie Monster", & its all downhill from there)

Too, hope you (and all n54 members trekking to Cleveland) have a great National !!

[Tim Kindler]

I've posted in the past that the day, usually the Friday, I get to go to the National is like Christmas morning to me as a kid. I can't wait for it to get here, I count down the days, I can't sleep the night before, etc. My National day is one of my favorite days of the year. Once again, Jeff and I will be attending and look forward to seeing anyone we know from our Net 54 community. I look forward to putting names with faces again and look forward to relearning some whom I forgotten names. ( I suck at remembering names!, sorry) Bummed, but understand about no 54 Dinner this year, and bummed we won't get to hang out with the boys from Michigan (hi Andy, Bill, and Matt) since they are not going to be there on Friday when we attend and bummed to hear many might not attend (hi Mike, how's your Coupon collecting going?)
But I'm really looking forward to this year in hopes that it will inspire my next collecting passion. Ever since I completed the E98 Master Set, I haven't been into collecting much. Hopefully I will get excited over something new to collect! Look forward to seeing everybody.
Have a safe trip everyone!
Oh, The Christmas Story House is a great place to visit in Cleveland too.
Tim Kindler

[Jewish-collector]

I'm one of the very few that actually enjoys when the National is in Cleveland. I actually prefer it over Chicago. Hotels, food, etc,... are all less expensive than Chicago. It is very easy to get around in the city by car or the subway train. There are a lot more tourists attractions than people think and the city has a lot of really nice restaurants, bars, and clubs.

[Tim Kindler]

Alan,
I couldn't agree with you more! Going to Cleveland is a very relaxing trip compared to Chicago for me at least. I love yhe National when it is in Cleveland. Look forward to meeting you and others again this year.
Tim Kindler