Originally posted by H_Toser: [ I think Hammer took this one to prove that he made it to the show. Either that or to show that I made he and Graham put up the banner! If I took it there was a blooming long time delay on my camera
Graham did such a good job putting up the banner that he gets to come back every Spring and Fall to do it again! Enough of this Graham fan club - I did just as much as him!!!
Posts: 12188 | Location: England | Registered: September 16, 2003
Well, after what seems like an age, here's my report. Sorry it's late, sir
As a first time visitor to this show, I was warned not to expect too much as I'd already experienced the mammoth that is San Deigo. Believe me, if it's cards you want, this is the place to be. I, together with Hammer were press-ganged invited to help with the set-up on Friday. How could I say no, especially as it gave me the chance to have a butchers at the goodies that would be on offer on Saturday? Very good move, methinks First person I came across was Tony Sacarellow who greeted me with a handshake, smile and a look of a man that can smell a fresh dollar a mile away A good start, and it got better meeting Tom Breyer again. His display of 'The Tudors' was so impressive that the set hadn't crossed my mind, but suddenly, I wanted them all! I took the oppotunity to introduce myself to Axebone and Sean Pence while they were setting up. And to work...which didn't take long until the banner for outside suddenly appeared. With Hammer and Harris, I helped with the erection (oo-er missus). With all the grace of the Stooges, it was job done and stayed up all weekend. The Tosers had invited the helpers (loose description ) to dinner that night. Kebabs. Not the greasy pitta bread mound I usually end up with after a night on the lash, but a feast of different plates of dips, all of which were new to me and varied between gorgeous and shredded sock. Each to their own. Back to the Hotel to meet up with Batman and his lovely wife. He reckons he's unlucky when it comes to pulling great cards. I think he used all his luck getting his wife (see Batman's report for this meet). Saturday The queue was huge! There was mutterings of not needing to get a two-day pass as it would be Sunday when we got in For me, it was straight to the artist pool. Got some great pre-ordered commissions (see below). Every one was beyond my expectation. Thank you all so much. I was going to have a quick scan of the tables, but everyone had so much good stuff, I had to stop and have a good look. I MET OWM!!! This was one of my best memories of the weekend. Joanna is lovely and I got to hug a legend! Met Sara (more hugs). She possibly has the cutest son on the planet. Great little chap. I was lucky enough to get a Betty Page pack. The talent that is Ted Dastick Jr. is my commission choice. After the show, it was the Casino and then Red Robin It was like a who's who of Card Talk. Absolutely brilliant. Together with the artists, I was in geek heaven. Me and Hammer were the last to leave - an English tradition when there's a beer involved. Sunday Great Card Talk meeting. Of all the raffle prizes to win, me and Hammer both got UK cards Off to the show. A lot quiter that Saturday, but this gave a lot more time to talk to the dealers, artists and Card Talkers. Of all those we met, the manic energy of Kevin LaPore will stick with me forever. Bought a couple of boxes of Tudors (ask Hammer what autos I got ). Left about 2.00pm for the looong journey home. In no particular order, I'd like to thank (where's the Oscar?)...
Harris, for all the energy he puts into the show and making us both feel so welcome. Roxanne and Marlin for keeping everything in order. Lovely to see you both. Bill DeFranzo who was so generous with promos. Another box ticked in the 'must meet' column. Chris Verdecchia whose main aim was to point out items that would make my bank manager weep Mrs. Batman for putting up with me. Batman. Wouldn't be a show without Bob. All the artists who were beyond my wildest expectations. and finally, Hammer. If it wasn't for Kevin, certain parts of the weekend would have been unbearable. Thanks.
Here endeth my first Philly report.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Graham,
Posts: 3804 | Location: United Kingdom | Registered: April 21, 2004
(see Batman's report for this meet).
For me, it was straight to the artist pool. Got some great pre-ordered commissions (see below). Every one was beyond my expectation. Thank you all so much. I was going to have a quick scan of the tables, but everyone had so much good stuff, I had to stop and have a good look. I MET OWM!!! This was one of my best memories of the weekend. Joanna is lovely and I got to hug a legend! Met Sara (more hugs). She possibly has the cutest son on the planet. Great little chap. I was lucky enough to get a Betty Page pack. The talent that is Ted Dastick Jr. is my commission choice. After the show, it was the Casino 
and then Red Robin 
It was like a who's who of Card Talk. Absolutely brilliant. Together with the artists, I was in geek heaven. Me and Hammer were the last to leave - an English tradition when there's a beer involved.
Off to the show. A lot quiter that Saturday, but this gave a lot more time to talk to the dealers, artists and Card Talkers. Of all those we met, the manic energy of Kevin LaPore will stick with me forever. Bought a couple of boxes of Tudors (ask Hammer what autos I got 
). Left about 2.00pm for the looong journey home. 
