[meteorite-list] Tucson Thanks! Part II of II

From: Alexander Seidel <gsac_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:12:07 +0100
Message-ID: <20070227131207.121010_at_gmx.net>

Great posts, Doug, muchas gracias! Which makes me (us) wonder whether you will (hopefully!) also attend the Ensisheim show in June this year, or one of these years.

It makes quite a difference to the big Tucson show in the U.S., but then again it?s METEORITES wherever you look, and you will face by far the highest possible concentration of meteorite aficionados here in good ol? Europe in four dimensions, both space and time...

[PS: by the way - the place is a lovely historic one!]
 
Alex
Berlin/Germany


-------- Original-Nachricht --------
Datum: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 03:48:53 -0600
Von: "MexicoDoug" <MexicoDoug at aim.com>
An: "Meteorite Mailing List" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
CC:
Betreff: [meteorite-list] Tucson Thanks! Part II of II

> (continued from last message)
>
> To warm down a bit I stopped by to see Kitty Killgore who I didn't expect
> this year. Apparently the show promoter had kicked Martin's SWMC out of
> the
> show some time as a not for profit, because as everybody knows, this is
> Tucson and everything has to have a price tag. SWMC fund raising and
> acquisition strategy apparently just didn't fit
> the bill... So there was our unchanged Kitty in her usual good humor, and
> a
> selection of some of the finely prepared meteorites we have come to expect
> >from Southwest Meteorite Labs. Thanks for the smile every time I visit!
> Always a room filled with eye-candy...
>
> At one point, I caught up to a group of Moni, Rob Matson and other
> friendly
> folks. It was the first time I had met them in person. Moni is a greatly
> spirited conversationalist and also, it becomes apparent in talking, a
> dedicated and hardy hunter when the opportunity is there. Some day I hope
> to hunt on some dry lake beds with Moni and her friends!
>
> Rob, actually was a sort of icon of mine, turned out to be the antithesis
> of
> what one expects when speaking of History's great comet and asteroid
> hunters. Patient to discuss and open about his work, completely too
> humble
> about his accomplishments, and the kind of person who we all wish we could
> have as a friend. Good luck with that black crusted fresh desert find you
> picked up from the Chladni gang Rob; I appreciate your advise and
> follow-up
> and hope someday I can discover a celestial object like you have done -
> which I dream of associating with my own Father's name. Congratulations
> with
> my highest regards to you for your hunting successes!
>
> Also I met Jason Utas and his dad Peter. We didn't get to speak much, but
> they are a great team and look great together. It's hard to believe young
> Jason has already accomplished himself so well, but he has earned my
> respect
> by reading his posted thoughts (not always in agreement - but fresh and
> creative thought processes to back himself up). It was nice to say hi.
>
> A new face for me was Don and his wife Linda Hurkot who came from way up
> North. Thanks to Don in many ways, I was able to get my own superior
> slice
> of Seymchan, instead of one filled with epoxy as almost happened. At Al
> Lang's sale we both bid against each other for ownership of a certain CM2
> that I have always hoped for. While I simply couldn't compete on the
> final
> bid, I am very pleased that the specimen went to the finest home I can
> imagine where it will be loved. Anyhow, that's my consolation and what I
> keep telling myself:-). As Don considered me a friend, he offered me the
> piece I lost at his cost when he saw I felt a little bad. Of course I was
> flattered for his thoughtfulness! Thanks for everything Don and I am glad
> to hear Linda had a lot of fun besides meteorites too. Hope we meet
> again.
>
> At the meteorite party, the person I remember most was Mar?a Haas already
> mentioned, as kind as ever and a lovely change from the outside. Re:
> Outside: the so called security guard and his boss who kept others and me
> at
> bay in the entrance way to the Steve and Geoff bash. Let's not give those
> pinheads more bandwidth than they deserve. But if you saw someone
> pantomiming on the window with their hands begging to get in that was me.
> Word has it that Keith Vasquez (of "Will Work for Meteorites" fame, and
> another great acquaintance from the show, took a picture of this debacle
> >from the inside - I want a copy!). Bob Verish and his lady were stuck
> out
> there and it provided us a fine opportunity to get acquainted, and I want
> to
> thanks you guys as well. Regarding the party, I also met Dima here. Dima
> is Serge A.'s Cometshop partner. What a nice person. I highly recommend
> him for anyone who would like some honest dealings. I was able to pick up
> his last piece of the Shirokovsky fake they had, which he celebrated
> finally
> getting rid of, after they had originally been duped into believing it was
> a
> real pallasite.
>
> I've already mentioned Geoff, but not really Secret Agent #1, who I felt
> fortunate to carry on with at the party. Steve Arnold has the heart of a
> meteorite hunter and this blood really overflows when you speak with him
> and
> his escapades. It is very refreshing to discuss the life of a full-time
> meteorite salvager and one can see the difficulties facing this rare breed
> of person. Steve made a lot of sense to me in any case, though I won't
> comment how sober either of us was as it was his birthday party! Anyway,
> the meteorite-hunting icon he is, I had a few US hunts planned
> post-Tucson,
> and decided to stop shaving and them get a copy beard like he has. They
> say
> imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. BTW, when I got home my girl
> told me I looked more exciting with the new gruff beard. Shucks now the
> joke is on me and I have to keep it a while. Arrrgh. Trust me meteorite
> hunters really have a tough life! Needling aside, I hope a full length
> account can be written some day about Steve and the team's (Geoff, Phil)
> Brenham project. The hunter he is, Steve didn't have a single piece of
> Brenham on him when we met earlier! Thanks for the insight...
>
> Then there was THE AUCTION. That would be synonymous with Michael Blood.
> Despite all the whining, crude jokes and other crap, Michael,
> participating
> in your auction is great fun - and Tucson just wouldn't be Tucson without
> Michael Blood & Co. I found the auction a fair, professionally run affair
> that is a magnet for the meteorite community. Regardless of personal
> opinions, I think it will be very hard for an argument to be made that
> doesn't compliment you for your efforts with the formerly known as
> "People's
> Auction". An opportunity to socialize, and 150 meteorites up for grabs.
> Some at good prices and some not so good. There's enough going on and
> enough variety that everyone can take home something (and you might even
> get
> a Gold Basin in Twink's cake here -thanks for that touch!) Thank's
> Michael
> for an evening of fun which is much more difficult than it seems...
>
> Finally, after all the comments on the list I've been a bit afraid to
> mention Al and Iris Lang's sale. Having seen both sides, all I can say is
> I
> am the happy owner of Jelica, a witnessed fall anniversary date on the
> birthday of a dear family member. Though I paid dearly for it was a
> "must have". I wouldn't call this an auction - just a sale. Absent are
> the
> fees normally associated with an auction: WYSIWYG, and there is no
> arbitrating third party. Lisa, a chic friend of Geoff's was there in an
> attire that must have been something of an evening gown, and was quite
> kind
> to serve a suggestion of champa?a in fluent Spanish. Juxtaposed with
> usually grumpy faced Al, it made for a nice combination. Though Al didn't
> look very grumpy this time! Bob C. was there and took home the main mass
> of
> a meteorite I craved and was a reason to go to Tucson, but the bidding got
> out of hand and I certainly don't have the purchasing power to compete for
> meteorites backed by two tons of Campo del Cielos so I made my best offer
> and Bob went on to nearly double it as the frenzy continued and money
> painted the town green with envy. *Sigh* it was a Mexican meteorite. Wah
> hahaha. No thank you's here - but congratulations are certainly in order
> to
> Bob.
>
> Dave Carothers was a great person to meet -in person- for the first time.
> We exchanged a few mutually enthusiastic words about meteorites, Tucson
> and
> the list and it made all the difference to me, especially in light of our
> past interchanges on the met-list...thanks for the friendly words, Dave it
> was a pleasure to meet you in 'real life'!
>
> I ran across Jim Tobin who kindly filled me in on a certain misconception
> I
> had regarding a meteorite he once wanted. Jim was great as usual - always
> happy to answer technical questions I've had, for which I'm thankful, but
> I
> was sorry to have missed Paul this time around (who was at his daughter's
> graduation). Regards to you both!
>
> Somewhere here I met a bunch of other very nice people. Fred O.
> immediately
> comes to mind as a very straightforward Coloradoan who just loves
> meteorites.
> Jan from Holland was there with his lovely wife, still looking like
> newlyweds and he's even better to meet in person than on the list! A big
> pleasure Jan and Yvonne! Bruno was on the prowl there and I gave him a
> big
> hello but he couldn't remember who I was, but that was ok since his wife
> was
> looking fine with some of the nice meteorite jewels sparkling around their
> room. Somewhere in the mess I remember seeing an always friendly Jason
> and
> appreciate the chance to say hello,as was the case with my hello to a
> friendly Tim Heitz. Erich was looking quite well this year with his
> companion as I watched him get a quite massive iron he still had time to
> give a friendly hello. Hans was there and his illness didn't put any
> dampers
> on his penchant to sell...as was sold out prot?g?e Jose complaining as
> usual
> how he wants to go into the construction industry (chuckle, chuckle) - but
> congratulations Jos? on finally owning Rockgems in full. Outside Hans'
> room
> was a Saharan Blue Person named Mohammed. He turned out to be a very nice
> guy with a pile of unclassified CR's as well as some specimens of the
> latest
> Moroccan fall last December. Mohammed had been robbed earlier and it was
> rather a sad affair. I wish Mohammed the best of luck and he has a great
> sense of humor and seems like a good source of material around the porous
> NWA borders. Several other friendly smiling Northern African guys were
> all
> quick to give smiles like Pani, Raouf and Larby, all in my limited
> experience. Bud Eisler was there and kindly took time to describe the
> adventure he was now participating in and his extreme courteousness and
> attention was noted upon visiting his room. Good luck with that Galleon!
>
> Bob Haag and his Heidi were in the Westward Look Resort with a very small
> but effective meteorite display compared to prior years. Bob, as usual,
> shared his talent for exciting people about meteorites. Eduardo wiped him
> out of small affordable Esquels in front of my eyes and left not a one, so
> I
> am resigned to the fact that I won't ever get this signature Haag
> meteorite.
> Bob himself was the typically Bobby Haag who hasn't changed in 20 years in
> many aspects. He kindly allowed me to 'fondle' and then 'handle' his
> massive specimen of Allende with my bare hands - and it was a religious
> experience I must say. Thank you Bob for the priceless opportunity. As
> you
> say, Mexico has been kind to you and I hope for you that this continues.
> Please don't take the Lang sale event too seriously. Things have changed
> less than you think ... you'll see, you can continue to sell to the little
> guys and make our day. My best to you and family...
>
> So here I sit, back home, and after two more weeks of meteorite
> adventures,
> in my boring little computer corner, with a very few new meteorites to
> savor
> and a copy of Meteorite Magazine I received from the editor himself.
> Larry
> L. and his wife, the husband-wife team were there and very kind and
> brought
> an interesting component to the meteorite melting pot and I had wished to
> continue some discussions with them, but I only saw them twice. But
> enough to be happy to have met a nice enthusiastic couple.
>
> Speaking of people that have become scarce, I noticed Dorothy Norton and
> her
> husband Richard I believe too. I turned my head and a moment later they
> were gone. The Norton's always have so much to add to Tucson for those
> who
> have an opportunity to talk with them. I was sorry I mostly missed out
> this
> time, but appreciate the brief encounter none the less.
>
> Plus the fun in meeting for the first time and discussing meteorites with
> great pleasure with Dave Gheesling Richard Young! Thanks for a great time
> to each of you.
>
> Well, no doubt that I have forgotten some of the most important people.
> Cheers to everyone and thanks for making a fine, fun Tucson possible!
>
> One person I haven't forgotten is Walter Branch who I pray will attend
> next
> year. Last year we lamented together about missing Tucson and I also told
> him I looked forward to the day we could meet. His response (14Feb06):
>
> >would have loved to have shared a good time with and feel bad about
> missing[Tucson].
> Next year my friend... next year! -Walter
>
> Next year it shall be!
> Best health to all, Doug
>
>
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Received on Tue 27 Feb 2007 08:12:07 AM PST