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Author
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Topic: Reno Air Show
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LarryG
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posted 05-16-2002 09:50 PM
   
The Reno Air Racing web site(www.airrace.org) has been starting to have information about their September Astronaut reunion dinner. Although tickets are not yet on sale, I would like to see if anyone would be interested in getting together to purchase either a $2500(which allows one to get into the private cocktail reception) or a $1000table. |
albatron@aol.com
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posted 05-17-2002 05:37 PM
I certainly don't want to dampen anyone's enthusiasm about going - nor about meeting the astronauts, but make sure you realize this will NOT be an autograph friendly environment. Certainly a marvelous oppotunity to meet the astronauts - and of course, if Hoot Gibson and Curt Brown race (which Ill bet they are)they are VERY autograph friendly in the pits. Read the fine print on the site about the dinner - it appears they will have autograph police at the door. <G> Also - I went in 1999 when a bunch were there - and don't think they'll be accessible during the races. The Reno folks kep them well hidden during the day. Plus if Bill Anders is racing, he will act like you do not exist in the pits if he even remotely spots a sharpie or anything and thats on GOOD day.
Again- I'm certainly not trying to say don't buy into the table - just be aware of what to expect. And that is expect to not get anything signed - and enjoy your interaction with the astronauts and the air races.Best, Al |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 05-17-2002 05:43 PM
I don't go for autographs, so I don't know how pushy autography people can supposedly get, but when the American taxpayer spent a billion bucks a person to get your arse to the moon - and you can cash in on that for the rest of your life - I really can't quite see being that rude about signing some autographs. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42985
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-17-2002 06:54 PM
Well, not to go completely off-topic (but hey, I'm the moderator, who's going to stop me <G> )...A billion bucks a person? The total cost of the Apollo Program was $25 billion, spent between 1962 and 1972. The population of the U.S. (roughly) in 1969 was 200,000,000. If we were to assume everyone paid taxes (which is incorrect, only about half the population pays (and 10% pay 90% of the taxes) than what we're left with is $12.50 per year per person. Not exactly a major investment. But even if the program cost $12,500 per person -- the astronauts wouldn't owe individual tax payers anything. We paid them to do a job, which they did as well as anyone could have asked. They completed that job 30+ years ago and to expect any of them to think they owe us anything, is not only foolish, its selfish. Now, as for signing autographs. I'm not sure the astronauts attending Reno would have had much of a problem with signing, but the organizers decided they didn't want their event used for that purpose. Even if it was the astronauts who requested the policy, let's face it: a "few" autographs can turn into a handful -- especially at an event where the astronauts' attendance is being advertised. [This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited May 17, 2002).] |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 05-17-2002 07:28 PM
I'm not suggesting Apollo cost $2 x 10^17, don't be ridiculous. The Apollo program put, lessee, 33 people in space and 27 people to the moon. At $25 billion, that's a billion bucks a person. Even if a given astronaut refuses to sign a check, I can't imagine that, having had the chance to go to the moon from the generousity of the American taxpayer, they could impart such a negative reaction as to "pretend you don't exist if you have a Sharpie in your hand" - if you don't want to sign, don't sign. A simple "I'm sorry, but I've stopped signing things" is pretty easy to provide. And if, as a public figure, you can owe someone something - you certainly owe people courtesy. I understand that the secondary market annoys a lot of these guys and it probably gets tiring after 30 years, so I suppose the guy can do whatever the hell he wants, but if what Albatron says is true, he sounds like he's a real jerk.
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Ed beck
Member Posts: 227
From: Florida
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 05-17-2002 10:19 PM
OK, I am going to weigh in on this. I know I am going to be misquoted, and misunderstood, but here goes. The Astronauts do owe us something, courtesy. I condem any one who intentionaly defrauds, rips off, or otherwise abuses an astronaut. But, I am sorry to have to say it once again. The debt to the public for the "PRIVELEDGE" of traveling too the Moon, will never be paid in full. I do not expect bad treatment because of the behavior of some bad apples.
I carry a pen in my pocket at all times, not for autograph collecting, just in case I need it to write something down. If by some chance I ever run into William Anders, and all I want to do is shake his hand and thank him for his contribution to our exploration of the Moon; and he chooses to be rude because he spoted the pen that I keep in my shirt pocket, then as long as I have acted honorabley, he has no reason to be rude to me. But, if that is his way of dealing with the people who DID pay HIS way to the MOON. Then, as far as I am concerned his autograph is as worthless as his reputation is turning out to be.
[This message has been edited by Ed beck (edited May 17, 2002).] |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 05-18-2002 12:46 AM
Well spoken, Ed. |
albatron@aol.com
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posted 05-18-2002 10:53 AM
Hey - this certainly got off topic from a poor guy wanting to get a group of folks together at Reno. My point was simply don't go to get autographs - but DO go to meet these guys and have a great time. I also pointed this out so the new folks who might spend a lot of money with expectations they would get Anders and others to sign would know whats up - not as a dig to Anders.
For those who have had multiple experiences with Anders and the others, like me, this is simply an informative posting. Conversely - I have had a few very pleasant conversations with the General and found him to be charming and very nice.
In regards to the statement he owes us anything - well, no one owes anyone anything. They were hired to do a job - no more - no less. A long as you don't want an autograph Anders is wonderful and full of courtesy.
To discuss why these guys have become like this is a totally different thread. I agree it doesn't hurt to say no thanks - but I also understand I cannot think for the guy.
So please - lets get back ON topic and help the guy out who wants to put together a banquet table. Al |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 05-18-2002 11:20 AM
Fair enough.I'll be at Reno. I am very much looking forward to the CF-104s. Should be excellent. Hopefully it will be accident free, it was no fun at all to watch Levitz die right in front of my eyes in 1999. Ugh. By the way, anyone know what it takes to get out to have a seat at the Pylons?
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Ed beck
Member Posts: 227
From: Florida
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 05-18-2002 10:06 PM
Hey, I hope you get your banquet table together and everybody has a blast out in Reno. Wish I could go.
Sorry we got off topic, it seems to happen alot around here. I was simply responding to Al's advise about General Anders. I am glad to hear that he is a nice person after all.
My comments stand as stated. Preparring for, and flying a mission to the moon involves something more that just punching a time clock and going to work for a pay check. There is the historic nature of the business, that takes it to a different level.
No astronaut owes anyone an autograph. But, I will never agree that it is somehow OK for them to be rude to anyone due to the bad behavior of others. Especially if the person asking has not been rude, or out of line. I don't know any other way to put this.
I now return you to the original track of this thread. Have fun in Reno, hope you get lots of tables together, and leave with a good time had by all.Ed ------------------
" I collect space, in order to fill the space between my ears."
ME |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 05-19-2002 03:26 AM
Astronauts or not, I plan on being there this year. Hopefully I'll have a chance to finally meet some of you other space geeks!  Yeah, I just read about those F-104s that should be awesome to see! As for the $12.00 per person for the Apollo projects, I would happily give more right now to get the ISS situation worked out and get that thing somewhat useful with a FULL crew! |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 05-20-2002 07:42 AM
I am seriously thinking of travelling over from the UK for the races. I was there in '99 and had a fabulous time. My wife and I rolled up at Stead on the last day, with no tickets and this guy walked right up and offered us prime grandstand tickets - for FREE as he couldn't stay!
If I can make it I may be interested in the dinner, or failing that a group get-together.
Now to check the cost of transatlantic flights.....
Paul Bramley |
LarryG
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posted 05-30-2002 10:03 PM
I called the Reno Air Race Association, and they have begun to sell the tables for the astronaut dinner.
Although I enjoyed the spirited debate about astronauts signing autographs, I am concerned that the tables, especially for the private reception will get sold out.
If anyone is interested in going in with me and splitting the cost of a table, please let me know, here or off-line @LEGLUS@AOL.com.
Remember- last year Neil was listed as attending!
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mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 07-10-2002 05:13 PM
Hey!I've never been to one of these events... but I sure am tempted. Can any of you exeperienced people educate me on what it's all about? What really goes on? Any good tips or advice? I might be interested in a couple seats at that table if you still have some available. Noah mensax@yahoo.com |
LarryG
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posted 07-11-2002 09:36 PM
Noah- In reply to your posting this would be the first re-union(last years was cancelled because of 9/11. The airrace.org says 15 astronauts have confirmed(last update was Feb,2002). I suggest you check their website for more info.
If interested in tickets, feel free to e-mail me. LarryG. |
BobbyA
Member Posts: 147
From: Northern Virginia
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 07-28-2002 11:00 AM
I am new to collect space, but I am interested in the Reno reunion. If anyone has gotten a table and has a couple of extra seats please email me the price per seat and any other info you may have on the event(baapel@yahoo). It would be great to chat with Armstrong, Cernan, Stafford, or any of those guys.This site is GREAT by the way. |
lewarren
Member Posts: 269
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 07-28-2002 07:16 PM
Ok - I am very tempted to go as I live within driving distance of Reno. Is there anyone who has bought a table for the reunion dinner and needs another person to buy in?
Please contact me -
Liz
lewarren@ucdavis.edu |
DaveH
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posted 08-01-2002 04:31 PM
I spoke with Ellen Ward at the Reno Air show yesterday to get an update. She's helping coordinate the event. She says 16 astronauts are now confirmed, and the list will be published on their website next week as a press release. Meanwhile, she hinted strongly that Neil Armstrong would be attending. There are currently 3 tables left at the $2500 price, which includes the cocktail reception with the astronauts. 8 people per table. My wife and I want to attend, and purchase a $2500 table - can we find 6 more attendees who are willing to split the table cost 8 ways? ($312.50 per person)Reservations require payement in full, upfront... |
BobbyA
Member Posts: 147
From: Northern Virginia
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 08-04-2002 09:17 PM
I may be interested in buying a seat at your table. It depends on the coast of a flight. Please give me an email, baapel@yahoo |
DaveH
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posted 08-14-2002 03:25 PM
Hi all - I'm looking for one ticket to a $2500 table at the Reno Air Show. Does anyone have a seat for sale? Need to know very soon, so I can book my flight...
thx! |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
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posted 08-14-2002 05:22 PM
Hi Dave,
Please contact me offlist at matt@watcuts.com. I have a spare ticket at Larry G's table that I bought for my wife; she can no longer make it so it's up for grabs at $312.50. You've got first refusal.
Cheers,
Matt T |
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