posted 09-05-2004 11:11 AM               

Well it's early Sunday morning and I wanted to post a few thoughts about the incredible Burbanks Autograph show.

As most of you know, I've never met any of the astronauts or attended any show like this and for me, it was one of the most extraordinary events I've attended.

What struck me what how gracious and truly nice these legends of the space program are. I had no expectations as to how the astronauts would treat the the throngs of guys wanting photos with, shaking hands with or just wanting a short conversation about their time with NASA.

With the exception of 1 incredibly nasty astronaut TS, EVERY astronaut was great to talk to and to deal with. At dinner I was sitting at Richard Gordon's table next to his granddaughters husband and he didn't really know who or what the astronauts did. I'm looking over at each table in shock & awe at seeing my hero's and I point to Schirra, then tell him about each guy, then there's Gordo Cooper the last man to fly in space alone, then AL Bean the 4th man to walk on the moon and Leonov who's got all the Americans beat in achievements. And look there's Dave Scott, & Rusty, & Charlie Duke & Gene Cernan & on & on & on. It was fantastic.

So this kid looks at me and says, "you're really into this space stuff". DUH !!!!! He was a great guy who's a USC Film student but didn't appreciate who was in the room with him.

The lines for Cernan & Aldrin were long all day, the other Apollo mission astros were very friendly and there was time to take photos & talk with them. When I read Chris Kraft's book about how he didn't appreciate the AP7's rude attitude to ground guys, I thought that Schirra & Cunningham would be less than nice. I couldn't have been more wrong, Schirra was so gracious, so friendly, so enjoyable to talk to that it was like a dream speaking to my boyhood hero in the flesh. Gordo Cooper isn't looking very good, he's very frail and it's very difficult to hear him speak, but his mind was sharp as a tack.

The Skylab astros were a crackup and because everyone was in line for AP mission astros, there was plenty of time to speak about their missions, other stories and Paul Weitz is a very funny guy. Jack Lousma was incredibly nice, we spoke after the dinner and what was really wonderful was how all of the space nerds like me would walk up and join in any conversation. Everyone was respectful of the astronauts, there were plenty of chances to take photos with all of the astros before & after the dinner and obviously there was some competition to slip next to an astronaut while someone took our pictures next to him.

I hate to keep going on but Charlie Duke stayed latter than most just chewing the fat with Robert Perlman, who's also a very nice guy and Duke was one of the friendlest and most gracious astronauts besides, Cernan, Richard Gordon and the Skylab guys. It was incredible to see all of these guys who were on my wall as a kid, in person. Only Buzz didn't show up for the dinner, but he was very nice to meet at the show and we spoke about the Lunar Orbiter for a few minutes.

Most of you know I brought my Lunar Orbiter to have signed and all of the astronauts were intrigued by it, they all listened to the same story I told 100 times that day, but it never got old. It got to be a joke while walking around with this Lunar Orbiter, the astros & others would try to guess what it was. It went from a Lunar Receiving Vehicle for Ham the Chimp, to a dishwasher, to a large meat server, to the first microwave oven and we all were laughing coming up with different uses for this very unusual satellite. With the exception of the incredibly rude & nasty TS with his rep, they all signed it gladly, 1 charged a little more but who cares and this satellite is now covered with my hero's signatures. I'm going to be loaning it to the San Diego Air & Space musuem for a year or 2 and it will be displayed next to the Apollo 9 CM when their new exhibit is opened next year.

Kubasov & Leonov were also very nice to meet with Kubasov having a very dry sense of humor, but they're both very personable and I really enjoyed meeting them. Leonov at dinner wore a fair looking suit with his tie sorta undone, pants not matching and a wrinkled shirt, so he didn't look like the hero of the Soviet Union you'd expect to see in propaganda photos. While sitting next to Dick Gordons GD's hubby, I pointed him out sitting at the table next to us and I said "do you know who that is"??? He had no idea and I proceed to tell him all of the things Leonov has done. He was shocked, by looking at Leonov you'd never know he was a true pioneer of space but before & after dinner and at the show, he posed with anyone who wanted a picture with him.

During the day, Collectspace members would walk up to me and say "Ray, nice to meet you" and I'd ask how they knew it was me. They said "Uhhhhh, there's not another Lunar Orbiter being dragged around the show, so I assume it's you". The guys from this board have been so great to meet in person, we hung out taking pics with the astronauts at the dinner and then the evening ended too soon for us.

When I got home at midnight, my wife asked how it went and I told her it was one of the most enjoyable evenings, out of her company, that I've ever spent. I'm taking my 3 year old son back today just to take some photos with all of the astronauts, so in 60 years from now, he can show his grandchildren that he got to meet men who were true pioneers and hero's of our country. Hopefully he'll appreciate it as much as we on this board all do.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to give the guys who couldn't attend a glimpse into the show.

Ray

posted 09-05-2004 02:00 PM               

I would just like to say that, last year, I was in Washington for the 1st convention, and had no problem with TS.
Well.. he was (maybe still is) under contract with someone I don't like much, who took care of him during the signing with no respect for us, collectors, but TS himself was very nice, signed and then talked with me, agreed for a couple of photos etc. I found him old, a bit under the influence of that other guy, and it was a pity, but apart from that he was as kind and friendly as all the others astros there in the Washington Hilton.

posted 09-05-2004 09:44 PM              

quote:

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Originally posted by Spacepsycho:
I'm looking over at each table in shock & awe at seeing my hero's and I point to Schirra, then tell him about each guy, then there's Gordo Cooper the last man to fly in space alone, then AL Bean the 4th man to walk on the moon and Leonov who's got all the Americans beat in achievements.

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posted 09-05-2004 09:51 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by BLACKARROW:
The last person to fly in space alone was actually Boris Volynov, who flew alone in Soyuz 5 in January, 1969, after his two crew-members transferred to Soyuz 4.

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I believe the last man to fly alone in space was Ron Evans on Apollo 17, while he circled the Moon waiting for Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt to finish their lunar adventures.

Gordon Cooper was the last man to fly into space alone.

posted 09-05-2004 09:53 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
The last man to fly alone in space was Ron Evans on Apollo 17, while he circled the Moon waiting for Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt to finish their lunar adventures.

Gordon Cooper was the last man to fly into space alone.

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Actually, Vladimir Shatalov flew into space alone after Cooper, on Soyuz 4... then Volynov returned alone, on Soyuz 5.

posted 09-05-2004 10:01 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
The last man to fly alone in space was Ron Evans on Apollo 17, while he circled the Moon waiting for Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt to finish their lunar adventures.

Gordon Cooper was the last man to fly into space alone.

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If you want to get real technical, the last person to fly into and return from "space" alone is Michael Melvill aboard Spaceship 1.

posted 09-06-2004 02:58 AM               

I know what you mean about being identified by people at the shows, If Id been there I would have been in my kilt or Tartan waist coat and people who have never posted on any of the news groups would come up and say hi.

I just wish I had the cash to go this year.

posted 09-06-2004 03:12 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by skippy in space:
What about the guy from China last year?

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posted 09-07-2004 01:05 AM            

Here�s my report:

First of all, I�d like to thank Steve Hankow & Nolan Sims for creating such a unique event in the first place. My original plan was to show up by myself and wander around just to be among the many legends and pioneers of the Apollo era.

Then my 8 year-old son found out I was going, and that changed the mission plan.

I contacted Nick Proach and asked him to make a 1/144 scale Saturn V Rocket for my son to have signed at the show.

If you are not familiar with Nicks work, let me just simply say that he is a master.

Many of the Apollo astronauts that signed the rocket were quite impressed with the attention to detail, as were many of the attendees.

People were actually taking photographs of my son holding the model. Many thanks go out to Nick, and again, to Steve for getting it to the hotel safely.

Each of the Apollo astronauts and guests took their time signing the Saturn V, posing for a picture with my son, and having a brief conversation with us.

People that were in the line behind us were always very patient and understanding, there was a very relaxed atmosphere around the hall on Saturday as we all crept along pretending that we were on line to get our vehicles registered.

On Buzzs' line, we got behind a �dealer� that had a half dozen moon globes, posters, pictures, & baseball bats that will eventually wind up - well you know where.

The look on Buzzs� face was priceless.

Fortunately, we were able to get a genuine smile from Buzz when it was our turn for a signature and a photo. Thanks Buzz.

All in all it was well worth the wait.

Charlie Duke was very warm and cordial as was Gene Cernan, Alan Bean, Richard Gordon, Walt Cunningham, & Rusty Schweickart.

I am so happy that Gordo Cooper was able to attend. Looking into his eyes and shaking his hand was a highlight for me.

My son and I spent an extraordinary amount of time chatting with Guenter Wendt, Wally Schirra, Jack Lousma and Dave Scott (he kept rubbing his finger on my moon dust sample, asking me where he could get some � Florian � are you listening?).

It was truly a privilege and an honor to be among such people.

Wally has a great sense of humor as does Sy Liebergot and Bill Dana is a crack up!

Many of the guests were really enjoying themselves - plenty of smiles and laughter!

Are these kids having fun or what!?

It was truly a great day.

The dinner was a magical event - sort of like going back in time.

Words can't really describe it.

We sat at Charlie Dukes table and listened to tales of what it was like going to sleep in 1/6th gravity - what it looked and felt like re-entering the Earths atmosphere, and my son had the unique opportunity to find out what this moonwalkers favorite meal was during the mission.

A peanut butter & jelly sandwich!

During the course of the weekend I was finally able to meet new friends � Big Wave Dave, Larry, Leon, Lunar Rover, Jake, Tracy, FFrench, Poolman, Eddie & Decklan, the NovaSpace crew and a host of others.

All you guys and gals are GREAT.

I even got to meet the gentleman that out bid me on that Michael Collins flown Italian Flag. I gave him my phone #

I felt welcomed by everyone and returned home with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

My son told me on Saturday night that he really enjoyed himself and had more fun than he had expected.

Another highlight.

Thanks again to all of the astronauts and guests that made this an incredible experience for my son and I including Robert Pearlman who deserves much credit for providing such a great forum and for making us aware of such a historical event!

Mahalo & Aloha from Maui -

Rizz and Little Rizz

posted 09-07-2004 03:17 AM               

Thanks for all of your posts on this topic, I'm happy others who couldn't be there, got a glimpse into this incredible event.

BlackArrow, Ok, Ok, Ok.....I didn't know I was going to be under the gun like this, so I'll have to clarify my comment. Gordo Cooper was the last American to fly into & out of space alone on an orbital mission. Whew..... I feel better just getting the facts straight. Yes the Chinese cosmonaut was the last person to fly into & out of space alone, but honestly, the Chinese program holds no interest for me.

Rizz, we met for a few minutes while you & your son were at the table before dinner and Jake was sitting right next to you with Charlie Duke on the other. I'll tell you, Mr. Duke was one of the highlights of this event, he was such a down to earth nice guy, easy going and loved to tell about his time in space. I didn't know your model was a Nick Proach and it was truly gorgeous, especially signed.

Rob, I just posted in the Autograph forum what happened between Tom Stafford's rep and myself at the table when I asked if General Stafford would please sign my Lunar Orbiter or my Soyuz window signed by Leonov & Kubasov or my 12"x12" slab of AVCO Apollo heatshield with all the other astronauts. It's hard for me to understand how General Stafford can allow some arrogant piece of garbage dictate what he signs. It was painfully apparent that the General didn't really want to be at this show, he couldn't have cared less about meeting anyone attending and was just there for the money.

I'm sure that if you're an old friend or another astronaut, you were treated differently. But it's like the old addage, "it's not how you treat people when times are good, the real measure of a persons character is how you treat people when times are bad". Well I'm thinking times are pretty good for the General and his rep, so I'd hate to see him when he hits hard times. I know for a fact that Gemeral Stafford will not be invited to any other events, IF his rep will be joining the General. From many others I spoke to at the show, they were very turned off by both the General and his rep and many passed on buying an autograph from him.

I have to tell you guys, I took my 3 year old son to the show on Sunday and besides being the most beautiful and smartest little boy in the world, he's also very well behaved and he's very polite. For the most part I had all of my items signed on Saturday and I wanted to have our pictures taken with all of the astronauts, except TS on Sunday.

I've been telling my son for weeks that we're going to meet the astronauts and 6 men who walked on the moon. Unfortunately Ed Mitchell & James McDivitt couldn't make it because of the storm, so we ONLY got to meet 5 men who walked on the moon. While he really doesn't understand what it means to walk on the moon or what it took to get us there, he was so excited to meet the astronauts and have his picture taken with them. I figure when he's in his 50's or 60's, long after we're all gone, but Gunther will still be around telling great stories, he'll be able to enjoy the pictures of himself with true hero's & legends who are only known in history books. I hope he enjoys the same appreciation for space that we all do and that my Lunar Orbiter doesn't end up in some pawnshop because my son couldn't care less about it.

It was a sincere pleasure meeting all of you at the show.

Ray

posted 09-07-2004 07:08 AM               

I never heard that McDivitt was coming to the show and that Mitchell was the only guest how didn't show up.

posted 09-07-2004 11:31 AM               

Thank you Steve and Nolan for your efforts in putting this event together! I don't imagine that it was very profitable for you in financial terms, but if measured in gratitude� you are both wealthy men.

It was great to talk with all of my fellow �space enthusiasts�. You know who you are so I�m not going to try to list all your names. But, the time you spent sharing your experiences and knowledge with me will always be treasured.

The highlight of this event was the Dinner. There was an overwhelming sense of wonder in that Hall. A gathering, perhaps one the last reunions, of many of the men who were major players in one of the greatest events in our worlds history. And, I was there! Who will ever forget that skit with Wally Schirra and Bill Dana? Or, when Leonov took the podium and spoke to us in his broken Russian accent? I felt fortunate to have had Leonov sign my copy of The Two Sides of the Moon, that had already been signed by Dave Scott.

Dave Scott, what a great man. I had dinner with the commander of the Apollo mission that landed at the base of Mount Hadley and who was the first to drive a car on the Moon. Now how cool is that? He blessed us by telling us of the intricacies of landing a Lunar Module, of how impressive of a feat it was for Neil to land the first one, of what we missed out on by not going to see the North Ray Complex, and how he gets a letter of appreciation from a scientist on the anniversary of him extracting the core sample that caused him so much trouble. We heard his views on the new return to the Moon proposal, Antarctica, why the rover's steering acted up the first day, and the Bible he left on the Rover before returning to Earth.

I had Dave Scott sign a 16x20 photo of Irwin loading the rover in front of a shadowed Hadley (I just love that photo). Thank you Rob S. for turning me on to those huge photos (wish you had of been there). Dave inscribed the photo with a quote from the last paragraph in his book The three most memorable days of my life I often feel a pang of nostalgia.

The Gold pass ticket was worth its weight in gold. I went on the tour of JPL on Friday. I stood on the shop floor and listened to one of the engineers as he proudly spoke of a piece he had been working on (and passed around for us to hold). I enjoyed seeing the family photos and stickers on the technician�s toolboxes, much like auto mechanics do. We were taken into the building where the exact replicas of the Mars rovers were. There they sat in red faux Mars soil ready to be driven in case a tricky situation on Mars was to occur.

My golden passport also got me into an intimate gathering of the show�s participants on Friday night. My favorite encounter was talking to Rusty Swiekart�s wife. She is a most charming lady who graciously filled me in on her secret of bonding with grandchildren. I can't wait to have some grandkids to try it out on them!

My encounters with Buzz Aldrin and with Gene Cernan were both wonderful. Robert Pearlman�s assistance to Buzz, and the gang from Novaspace (Kim, Sally, and Stef) assistance to Gene, was professional all the way. Both of these astronauts are fortunate to have such support.

Wally is wonderful. What a great guy. He�s got my vote as the single most important figure in the MGA era, he just added so much. I had him sign a few items; most notable was my huge Turtle flag, which was flown on Apollo 7. He inscribed it, chuckling the whole time� This Turtle flag was carried by me on the flight of Apollo 7, Wally Schirra, High Potentate, Interstellar Association of Turtles, Outershell Division. After which he asked me if I was a Turtle, which I quickly responded with the proper response and then we both had a good laugh. I then pulled out my other item. I brought with me, Deke Slayton�s wallet sized swimming certificate, along with quotes that Wally and Scott Carpenter had made on the "Moonshot" video about Dekes lack of swimming ability during the Mercury days, for both of them to sign. You could see that both of these men were both touched in seeing this item of Dekes and that they found my approach to presenting this item both honoring and humorous at the same time. Wally did also say that he truly enjoyed the show and everyone that he had met.

Charlie Duke now knows my name (I visited with him that much). Guenter is a national treasure. Victoria Campbell let on that the next Aurora sale is going to be the best one yet (like anyone is going to have any money after this show . I do so wish that Jack Lousma had gone to the Moon, such a wonderful guy, and deserving to be added to the list of moonwalkers. Richard Gordon is a friend to everyone. Gordo Cooper... God bless him and his wife. I�m sure I've left out some folks but I've rambled on too long. Thank you one and all.

Noah

[This message has been edited by mensax (edited September 07, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by mensax (edited July 04, 2005).]

posted 09-07-2004 04:23 PM               

I know you both put in a lot of long hours on the show and it certainly showed.

Thank you for your time and effort. You gave me a chance to meet and talk to a lot of my childhood heros. It was a very special weekend for me.

Take care,

posted 09-07-2004 04:41 PM               

What a wonderful week-end. It was the first time that I attended a space show and believe me it was worth the trip! Thanks to Steve and Nolan who did a great job.

The first celebrity I met was Guenter Wendt and, boy! what a legend he is. We chatted for about five minutes and he told me that his most memorable moment was when Al Shepard got at the base of the Mercury-Redstone rocket and knowing that almost all the previous tests ended up in a ball of fire, simply told him: "I hope you guys fixed all the problems!"

Next, it was Alan Bean. He signed his 2004 calendar and we talked about his good friend Pete Conrad who let him fly the Intrepid for about one minute on their way to rendez-vous with Dick Gordon after they lifted-off from the moon. "That's good commanding!" he told me.

Then, I was second in line for Charlie Duke when he left the table to go for a pee! When he passed by me, he noticed that I was smiling and he gently grabbed my arm and said:"When you have to go...you have to go!" and we both laughed. What a cordial man he is.

My goal was to meet all the moonwalkers and have pictures taken with them so I also met Dave, Gene and Buzz and let me tell you they are all wonderful and patient people.

I also met some cS members: Jay and Don (sorry guys, I forgot your last names!) and of course, Ray with his lunar orbiter (I have a picture of Rusty signing your probe!) and my fellow Canadians John and his son Mark who were very friendly and helpful.

Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the dinner and by reading some of the posts, looks like I missed a great show but, anyway, I enjoyed my short stay in beautiful California.

posted 09-07-2004 05:26 PM               

One thing that cannot be stated too many times is a hardy congratulations and a sincere thanks to Nolan Sims and Steve Hankow for their hard work and superb planning that made this whole weekend possible. This was as close to a perfect event as we will probably ever see.

Hosting Buzz Aldrin at the show was a thrill and an honor. We expected a line but nothing could have prepared us for the warm and long(!) response come first thing Saturday morning. Immediately, Dr. Aldrin was concerned that we would have the time to meet with every collector in line. If we seemed to rush the line along at times, it was because of our shared concern that everyone had a chance. I am extremely grateful for the patience and understanding that many of you waiting demonstrated.

I am also very appreciative of the warm reception the great majority of you gave to my guests at the show, including a friend of mine from Boston and my sister. I was quite touched by the many of you that came to express your appreciation for this site - to which I could only say thank you in return. As was the case with the DC show, a true highlight of the weekend was seeing so many cSers in-person, some for the very first time.

Of course, another highlight was the astronauts and other guests. As expressed elsewhere, the JPL tour with Dick Gordon was a real treat, as was the dinner. Wally Schirra's and Bill Dana's classic performance was great fun, as were hearing stories by Charlie Duke and Dick Gordon. Listening to Alexei Leonov and Valery Kubasov speak, and meeting them the next day was truly memorable; especially Alexei's kind-hearted joking with my friend.

Though I only had brief moments with the others, all the astronauts in attendance were - as described - warm and generous with their time.

A special thanks to Michael Cassutt and Chris Gilman of Global Effects for their appearances at our table. Michael sold and signed copies of his books while Chris generously loaned us for the show replica A7L and Gemini spacesuits such as the ones his company built for From The Earth To the Moon.

posted 09-07-2004 08:19 PM               

It's been said before, but thanks to Nolan and Steve for pulling this together! This was much more than an autograph show. It was a chance for renewed connections with many of the astronauts, and a place for many of those of us who post here to meet in-person. Cece Bibby (who painted the logo on three of the Mercury capsules) for example re-connected with Scott Carpenter for the first time in almost 40 years!

Thanks to the many of you who I had a chance to interact with. (Jim, Ray, Doug, Terry, FFrench, Kim, Sally, Victoria, Michael, Julie, Tom, Chris, Rizz, Robert....... I could go on forever!) Things were so fast-paced that my weekend seemed like one overly rushed conversation followed by another. I honestly would have liked to spend more time speaking with many of you longer.

The astronauts and other VIP guests were outstanding. Sharing conversation with them is a true honor. I won't go into detail regarding each, but say that conversing with EACH AND EVERY ONE was a great experience. I had no negative experiences at all. Clint Howard, Bill Daily, Dee, Cece, all of them were also great.

Perhaps my best signing memory was having Cece Bibby paint "Gumball Seven" on my one-of-a-kind bubblegum rocket - which I scratch built/modified into a Mercury Redstone. I didn't bring the entire thing, just the capsule, but it was really a pleasure to see her get a kick out of "signing" the whimsical piece.

Clint Howard and Sy were also especially great to talk with. Since so may people were there only for the astronauts, many of the other VIPs were easier to engage in a longer conversation - without feeling like you were depriving somone elso for their time. One of the unexpected surprises of the weekend was to acquire Clint's Apollo 13 crew shirt. He had two and decided to part with one at the show!

Over at the Novaspace display, it was great to see Gene again, and priceless to watch Bruce sign a print with the, "OK Neil, we can see you comming down the ladder now" quote, follwed by his reading of that phrase out loud. Man it was goosebump city for me.... WAY cool....!

Hope to keep in touch with many of you through these postings, and see you again at future gatherings.... too cool.......

posted 09-07-2004 09:03 PM               

As far as the individual astronauts, the first one we met was Alan Bean, at the check in line at the hotel. I was too shy to say hello, but my Dad went right up to him, shook his hand, and said it was an honor to meet him. Naturally I followed, and that helped me get over my shyness meeting these great people. You know, this guy must be super rich, with his art and everything else, but there he was like the rest of us, carrying his own luggage and all. He should have had three valets carrying his bags and opening every door he walked through :-)

Some thoughts on the individual astros...

What an honor to meet Buzz Aldrin.

Carpenter was quite friendly and nice to talk to.

Cernan was quite a trooper with his knee, and he did not let on at all that it was bothering him.

Same with Cooper. He had slowed down a little more than I had expected, but still very friendly.

Cunningham was also friendly the second time around. I was fortunate to meet him at the Space Store in Houston last year when he was promoting "The All American Boys" (A GREAT book) and he was just as gracious as before.

Charlie Duke - what a nice man. Talking to this man for just a few minutes made you realize what a super guy he is.

Dick Gordon. Another super guy. He got my Dad in quite a "Gotcha" as Guenter would say. My dad (Rangerrogerszorro), who's first name is also Richard, was asking Gordon for his autograph, and asked him to inscribe the picture to him. Without batting an eye, Gordon asked, "How do you spell Richard?" Now don't let me leave y'all with the impression he just got my Dad, he got me good too. Both of had stop for a minute before we realized that we were the victims of one helluva funny Gotcha.

Kubasov and Leonov were just great. When you think about their space program, and considering what we now know about it, they are even more impressive than I previously thought. And at the dinner, it was nothing short of poignant when they spoke, and expressed how glad they were to be here. If anyone reading this communicates with them, and I hope they express how honored we were all to meet them.

Lousma was really a keen guy. I frankly am not that familiar with Skylab, but he was so talkative you never felt uncomfortable. When he found out I was a Texas A&M Aggie, signed my Dad's picture "Hook 'em Horns", the chant of our main rival. That was downright hilarious, not to mention pretty darn special.

Bruce McCandless was really interesting and friendly, and joy to talk to.

They don't get much fiendlier than Schirra.

An honor to meet Rusty Schweickart.

Tom Stafford was a little on the grumpy side, and I had no problems with his aide, and he graciously signed all my photos. What more could I ask? When you think about Stafford and Aldrin, and how they were a bit grumpy, just think, wouldn't it have been nice to meet a grumpy Neil Armstrong or John Young, and get their autograph too?

If any of you, like my Dad, brought up the Col. Klink helmet with Guenter, boy did he get fired up. That guy is still going strong, and what a personality. Highly recommend his book.

Curt Newport was simply a joy to talk to to. I explained one of my first areas of interest was the Titanic, and he stood there and talked to me for about 10 minutes. He showed some diagrams in his book, and was really interested in making me understand his finding the Liberty Bell. I hope he becomes a professor someday - there will be some lucky students in his classes.

Bill Dana - what a funny, charming, and sweet man.

Bill Daily also took a long time and talked to us about his career and what it is like to play in a sitcom.

My final comments about the celebs are reserved for Clint Howard and Sy Liebergot. I had the good fortune of meeting Sy in Houston, also at the Space Store, and his book is another one you should read. He is a man not afraid to voice his opinion, and we could use more people like that. Charming, friendly, and just a great guy. Same with Clint. Clint is about as much a regular, nice guy as they come. I was very fortunate to eat dinner with them (and Guenter as a bonus!) It was really a magical moment to see Clint talking to the gentleman to my left about playing Sy, and see Cy chiming in with commentary on the Apollo 13 movie. Just amazing. Sy was sitting across us, and after the meal was over but before Bill Dana started speaking, he came over and sat next to us, and spoke with the two if us for abut 15 minutes. A great deal of thanks to him! One last thing, Sy said he met a very nice man named Rizz, thought he was a pleasure to meet. Thought you might like to read that, Rizz!

Sims and Hankow - what can I say? I will say they Steve was extremely gracious, not to mention helpful, in opening on Friday night, so we could buy pictures early. This was very kind, and he did not have to this. It only stood to benefit us, because we were probably going to buy the same amount of pictures any way.

Also very much enjoyed meeting Kim and Sally Poor and their crew. What professionals! Same with Robert Pearlman, and I told him so. I am a relatively new poster, and I think this is one darn good site.

Well, Everyone is probably asleep now, but I will close by saying this was a once in a lifetime event, and I feel fortunate to have gone. Hope everyone else had as great an experience as I did!!

Chris Scheer

posted 09-07-2004 09:33 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Bookman1975:
One last thing, Sy said he met a very nice man named Rizz, thought he was a pleasure to meet. Thought you might like to read that, Rizz!

Chris Scheer

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Thanks Chris, what a nice gesture.

Must have been my son he was referring to.

Enjoyed reading your post. Its great to hear about everyones personal experiences and interactions with these people.

Aloha-

Rizz

posted 09-07-2004 11:10 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Kevmac:
Can any one associated with this show or, in the dealer business, shine some light on this situation and maybe explain this relationship to us??

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posted 09-09-2004 12:06 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Wehaveliftoff:
Some UK residents did bring their previously signed books for Leonov to sign though.

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Gee, I wasn't aware that Rob Pearlman and I (and a few others, I'm sure) were UK residents. Maybe we're ex-pats? Or did we lose the battle for American Independence?

posted 09-09-2004 11:42 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
...Although, come to think of it, California <I>is</I> British territory, no' foolin'. It's just that the British have declined to take up their claim.

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Well, I have...

And as a UK Citizen and US Resident, I did indeed have a copy of the book signed in the UK by Scott, which Leonov happily signed for me and personalized.

posted 09-09-2004 01:34 PM               

I don't have the book back yet but when I see the mail man coming I start drooling like a dog.