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Author
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Topic: Space Collectors
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mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 07-11-2003 07:11 PM
   
I never did get around to posting my experiences at the recent astronaut gathering in DC... procrastination comes easy for me, after all there was so much to digest about that great weekend... and then came the Aurora auction. So, pardon me for my tardiness.Of course there were the astronauts, the tour of the NASM, and some unique items for sale... but for me the unexpected treat was meeting for the first time many fellow space collectors. You know who you are. I'm a bit of an introvert by nature so it took quite a bit of gumption on my part to walk downstairs to have dinner with a bunch of folks I didn't know, but, it was the night before the show and I wanted to see what was happening. I was the last to join the party and was seated at the end of the table and was told that the seat was reserved for the one who was paying for everyone... I immediately felt welcomed! Bunch of smart a's! As I got to know everyone that night I realized that we had more in commmon than just our age and our passion for space. Space collectors are one sharp bunch of people. I would imagine that if IQ tests were handed out that the group would be in the top 1% of the general population... well... that is if the tests were handed out before the beer was passed around. ;) Also, space collectors are friendly people that went out of their way to encourage each other throughout the show. I was given a tremendous amount of advice, and encouragement, over the course of the weekend. It was great. One thing about smart friendly people... they tend to be strongly opinionated and they tend to easily get their feelings hurt. It has pained me to see all the bickering that has gone on lately on this and other collection sites, but I guess the closest of familys have occasional spats.
There were, of course, a couple of "troublesome people" at the show. I ignored them. And they went away. Sound advice... One last comment and I'm done. We are very fortunate to have a Robert Pearlman in our hobby. I don't think many people realize how much work goes into this site and the moderation of it, both visible and behind the scenes. In addition Robert has become the hub of many other space activities, from the Astronaut Scholarship Fund, to the Astronauts themselves, and then there are the current NASA (and private)space activities he keeps up with. He sure doesn't do this for the money... he just loves what he does. Folks, this mans efforts have, and will continue be, a great benefit to this hobby. Noah |
David Stephenson
Member Posts: 294
From: England
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 07-11-2003 08:00 PM
I found this article most interesting and have found the collectspace site in general to be of tremendous value to me in so many ways.I have to agree Robert Pearlman deserves some thanks for his efforts,thanks Robert for a job well done.
David. |
cklofas
Member Posts: 221
From: Euless,TX USA
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 07-11-2003 10:35 PM
I agree also !! Kudos to Robert for his hard work and dedication !!! |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 07-11-2003 10:39 PM
No argument there. Robert does yeoman's work in the field and one of these years I'll have a chance to buy him a beer or whatever his vice of choice is. |
John K. Rochester
Member Posts: 1292
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 07-12-2003 09:25 AM
I must also add my 2 sheckles about Robert..met him at the NASM for the Thomas Stafford lecture. He didn't know me from a bag o' dirt, but was very A) approachable with questions..B) kind enough to take the time to answer them all..C) VERY well versed in his knowledge . Proud to have such an outstanding guy carrying the flag for our hobby!! |
Scott
Member Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
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posted 07-12-2003 10:56 AM
Reading your excellent account above Noah, I am envious of you! Sounds like you and the others had a great time. I would really like to meet everyone here some day. With a baby it would not be possible for me to travel, but I hope to see many of you at something here in Houston in the future.
I completely agree with all of the postings above about Robert. I don't know how he does it all. One sharp and hard working fella to be sure.
Scott[This message has been edited by Scott (edited July 12, 2003).] |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 1328
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 07-14-2003 10:53 AM
Noah,
Great piece! I could not agree with you more. (I think I was sitting next to you that night) And, one can't praise Robert Pearlman's efforts enough. Rob Sumowski and I commented several times during the DC show that Pearlman was truly a blessing to our hobby.
Gilbert Huey |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-14-2003 12:33 PM
Thank you Noah, David, Charles, Andrew, John, Scott, and Gilbert for the very kind words of support. As the fourth anniversary of this site approaches (July 20), it fills my heart with pride that I have such great members such as yourselves to share in the joy this site and its related projects bring. I think Noah, you hit the nail square on its head when you expressed the warmth that the members of our hobby can extend. Its that very feeling that keeps me motivated to produce collectSPACE and expand it to be the best possible resource for collectors that it can be. - Robert [This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited July 14, 2003).] |
Larry McGlynn
Member Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 07-14-2003 02:01 PM
I wanted to chime in and say that the DC show was a wonderful experience for me, because of the chance to meet guys like you, Noah, as well as many other collectors.It was a highlight of my year. ------------------
Larry McGlynn
A Tribute to Apollo |
poolman18
Member Posts: 225
From: Ontario,Canada
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 07-14-2003 10:34 PM
Just wanted to add my thoughts also. It was a great experience being at the DC show especially for an unexperienced collector as myself.I was a pleasure listening to Robert Pearlman talk at dinner Friday evening and I too would like to thank him for his great efforts. Noah,Rob,Larry,Gilbert,Tracy,Steve and all of our European friends you made me feel very welcome and it was a great experience. I can't stop thinking about Saturday night in the bar with Guenter.... it doesn't get any better. David |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 07-15-2003 12:36 AM
Hi Fellas:I agree completely. Hanging out so informally, but still over a good meal, was a major highlight for me. Noah, I was thinking the same thing there- This is an extremely intelligent and articulate group of people. Dave, thanks for letting me buy Guenter's drink. He was definitely "on" that night and fully willing to share any and everything. Unlike the flustered Guenter we saw at AHOF, he was completely relaxed and enjoyed hanging out. (Hell, he was still rocking when we left.) Anyway, it was extremely cool. Take care- Rob |
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