Reflecting on some good times

As the years wind down, I get a little nostalgic for some of the finest times in my life.
While rearranging the handcuff safes, I came across these pics from a decade ago and remember the few times like minded friends from all over the world and had no politics to get in the way of just pure fun and friendship.  New and long lasting friendships were formed.

Maybe one day the fun times will come back but as some of us are no longer here to come back, at best, it won't be the same.  Some are new to the hobby and missed these super conventions.
I look forward to the Euro conventions but as they are great in their own right, they are quite different from the Cannon Cons.

I hope everyone here will have a Happy and Healthy New Year

I wish I could have gone to the escape conventions, when they were at their best. I had limited access to internet and didnt even know they existed until 2 years before they were done. I missed out on so much. Made a few great friendships through the Indy convention. But, im afraid, we are close to losing that one. Lack of interest and lack of attendance. I would like to try the Pennsylvania show, but it falls on a weekend that i am gone, every year. Euro is just out of budget and out of reach. Hopefully, Indy will get the fire back under it. Its the closest to me. About 2 hours east of me.
-Richard Knip-

750 members here and only about 5 post. do the math of who's interested anymore

Unfortunately, "Anon" posts did nothing to help this forum. Guys who have a snarky comment or just plain rude comments, arent man enough to step up and sign their name, to their handiwork. And honestly, I dont blame them. Some of the "Anon" comments through the years, have been so ridiculous, I wouldnt want anyone to know who posted them. But, since we cant stop the "Anon" posts, we have to understand that it is the cancer to this forum's existence. Avoid it as much as possible and try to scroll past it. There is so much information contained in these pages. Information that is clouded by hate and people who just cant fight the urge to be, immature. Good posts still pop up. I think the people who are important on here have figured out how to tune out the crickets and get to the heart of why we are here. I have no reason to hide who I am. If i have something to say or add to a convo, i will step forward and do so. If i disagree with something or hate the topic, i scroll on or go to a different site and see what else is new. My 2 cents (keep the change).
-Richard Knip-

the website died when any anonymous people could post.  nothing to do with manning up.  'Anonymous' who has donated to $100 to JL claims to be a good friend of the site owner. it's probably also anonymous x 3 and all the other names. cash for comment. The trust was killed here years ago.  If you are just into tuning out and scrolling past, what the heck was the two cents worth then? 

I would say....about 2 cents.
-Richard Knip-

No forum really uses real names. Hell back in the AOL chat rooms with good ole dial up it was common to use a screen name. In my job the less people that know anything about me the better. Figured a zip code is about as close as i want anyone to know about me.

I firmly believe, as do many people i talk to, that there is a movement to tear apart this country. Change what was into what will be. Media and the internet has the power to change your outlook on people and events. If we all talked to each other as tho we were standing in front of each other it would be alot more positive. And facebook needs to die.

I bought some stuff from cannon's and even have the last catalog somewhere around the house. Hated to see them close it all down.

< signed ,
Your friendly neighborhood spiderman...sorta >
:)

I was lucky enough to attend all three of the conventions in Ontario and that was indeed a high point for collectors.  What made the gatherings at Indy so great was not only the group of collectors that would be there but the gab sessions after the show that lasted into the next morning.  To be honest, it was all the work of John Bushey who put a lot of time and effert into getting so many collectors together.  

I have not attended the Indy show for the last three years, going to Lancaster instead.  However, maybe this year we can get a group together for the Indy show and have our own dinner and shoot the bull like we use to.  

About the lack of people posting it is too bad. However, if you look at the number of people reading the posts, it is quite high in most cases.  There are a lot of collectors reading the Forum but not posting.  There are a lot of Anon postings, but there are also a lot of us that do use our real name and email.

Ron

Hi Ron,

It’s that Lancaster PA or CA? What’s the date?

Hope all is well at your end.

Brad

Hi Brad,
It is in Pennsylvania.  Far away but so beautiful to travel there.
It is always on or about my birthday, 3rd week of July so I try to make it a nice way to spend a few days.
It sure would be good to see you there.

I am in Cincy about 2 hours East of Indy, True the attendance has dropped some, however hope to make it again next year.
Always have a good time and seeing the people again for another year.

Howy
Cincy

Thanks, Mark. I love PA. Just might try to make it.

Hope all is well with you.

Brad

Hi Brad, So far, so good.  I may travel to Maine this summer and if I do, Lancaster might be out of the question. 
I missed it last year and I was hoping that I can do it this year.
 I will know shortly which I can do.

There was not much handcuff activity at the last show I attended but the friends who were there, made it a nice show.  Side trips to nearby Gettysburg and Valley Forge made it a great vacation.
Keep your eyes pointed here as time gets closer.  There usually is a discussion about who is planning on going.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Will do, Mark. Thank you.

Keep meaning to post about goofy recent finds, but get sidetracked.

Happy holidays.

Brad