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Author
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Topic: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's Autograph and Memorabilia Show 2008
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capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 06-27-2008 10:26 PM
   
quote:
Originally posted by Ryan Walters:
I believe four are planning to attend the show and the rest may have to be done via mail except for Owen Garriott, who I understand doesn't like to sign.
You can try contacting the Association of Space Explorers to inquire about getting Garriott to sign your 16 x 20 for a donation to the association (contact them first before trying to send your photo, though). If you are going to do this, I would do it NOW before others have signed it -- you never know what could happen if you try to mail an item with a bunch of signatures on it...Good luck! ------------------
John Capobianco
Camden DE |
BobbyA
Member Posts: 147
From: Northern Virginia
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-27-2008 10:41 PM
I see they just added Jon McBride (Challenger Pilot STS 41G). That makes 23 astronauts! |
newidad
New Member Posts:
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Registered:
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posted 06-28-2008 04:19 PM
As a "newbie" could someone please help with the following information - How many people, roughly, in total are likely to attend this show?
- Of those how may are likely to purchase the platinum level and be at the reception on the Friday night?
- If one wants items signed does this take place only on Friday and Sunday only (per posted schedule)?
- When will we know which astronauts will sign when? e.g. could Capt Lovell only be there for one day. Asking as I may not be able to get there until late pm on the Friday
- Is Capt Lovell likely to ask more for a signature on an item that has already been signed by Fred Haise?
- Does one pay for signatures by paying the Fund or the astronauts directly?
Assume that "newbies' would be welcomed (and get connected) with what looks like a very close, knowledgeable fraternity.Grateful thanks,
Michael |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 06-28-2008 05:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by newidad:
Of those how may are likely to purchase the platinum level and be at the reception on the Friday night?
I believe the sales were limited to roughly 75-100, but I don't know the exact number. Note, however, that the platinum tickets are sold out. quote:
If one wants items signed does this take place only on Friday and Sunday only (per posted schedule)?
Yes, it appears the autograph show is on Friday and Sunday. The likely explanation for the apparent lack of a Saturday autograph show is that many of the astronauts will be participating in the VIP tours in the morning and attending the airshow in the afternoon. quote:
When will we know which astronauts will sign when? e.g. could Capt Lovell only be there for one day. Asking as I may not be able to get there until late pm on the Friday
If certain astronauts have limited availability during the show, perhaps that will be posted as the show nears (along with fees). But to answer your question, yes it's possible some astros might only attend for a limited time. Generally speaking, however, many of the astros will probably keep the same schedule and be at their tables for much of the scheduled show, with some time off for breaks and meals. I just wouldn't wait too late on Sunday to collect signatures, since some might depart early once things start slowing down...or if they need to catch a flight home. quote:
Is Capt Lovell likely to ask more for a signature on an item that has already been signed by Fred Haise?
Usually fees for completions only apply to items signed by all other crew members. If your item isn't already signed by Swigert (or perhaps Mattingly), then it is unlikely (though not impossible) that Lovell will charge you more. You might run into completion fees if both Aldrin and Lovell sign a Gemini XII item...but sometimes those fees are overlooked when both astronauts are in attendance at the same show. The best advice is to check out the posted fees before the show starts, if in doubt...or check the fees at the tables before getting the signatures (in case one has a higher completion fee than the other). Plus, every show is a little different...so we cannot be certain what the ASF and/or the astros will charge for signatures. quote:
Does one pay for signatures by paying the Fund or the astronauts directly?
I believe many of the astronauts will likely have ASF reps at their tables to help with collecting fees. If your question pertains to whether the fees will be tax-deductible, that's hard to say. For now, the safe assumption is "no" unless you hear otherwise. (Note: I am not an ASF rep and am only answering your questions based on my best guesses and assumptions. So don't hold me to anything I've stated here.  ) |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-28-2008 09:40 PM
Here's my solution for the Aldrin/Lovell completion fee problem: Lovell is left-handed, so I'm just going to have them sit next to each other, put the photo down, and say "Ready... set... go!" Both signing at the exact same time = neither completing it!  Actually, I notice on last year's Spacefest fees that Aldrin didn't charge extra for a Gemini completion, just Apollo 11. Unfortunately the item I'd like them both to sign is a Gemini capsule model, and he charged $350 for 3D items. Yeech. Steve |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-29-2008 07:39 AM
I am also new to collecting. What size crowds usually attend these shows. I assume the ASF show is one of the biggest and will imagine the there are a fair number of people. I am able to attend all three days but have to leave early Sunday. I want to make sure I can get the signatures I want. |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 06-29-2008 11:08 AM
From past experience, I'd say you'll be there plenty long enough. You should be able to get everything you want done on day one no problem. The lines tend to be really long at first, so an option is to walk around a bit and see if anyone has rare and/or unusual things for sale. Sometimes the guests bring along flown items or other rare memorabilia to sell, and you could miss out on that if you don't see it early. Later in the day the lines tend to be very, very manageable, and if you hang out until then (even after you get your stuff signed) you can just stand and chit-chat with the guests. Sometimes that is the most valuable part of the show. ------------------
John Capobianco
Camden DE |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 06-29-2008 12:16 PM
quote:
Originally posted by stsmithva:
Actually, I notice on last year's Spacefest fees that Aldrin didn't charge extra for a Gemini completion, just Apollo 11.
Steve, that wasn't the case I'm afraid. I had a Gemini 12 to complete and when I put it down Aldrin's handler for the day (Gerry Montague) got all animated and said "Hey, we have a completion"... cost me $225 which was $50 over the regular signing fee. - Derek |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 06-29-2008 06:30 PM
Thanks one again John for the great advise. I am looking foreword to it. |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 06-30-2008 10:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by stsmithva:
are there other things to do there? And what is nearby, besides Disney World and Universal Studios?
Often overlooked, but far more unique than the theme parks, are some of the incredible nature reserves in the area. Cheap or free, no huge crowds, but because of the area's particular natural conditions, not an experience to be found elsewhere in the US. I particularly like the Enchanted Forest nature reserve. One moment you can be at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and (literally) five minutes away are forest trails that allow you to experience Florida as it was centuries ago. The transition between hi-tech and nature is wonderful. Even a ten minute stroll there is a nice experience... |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 07-05-2008 08:13 AM
While this may be a dumb and premature question, I really would like to know what would be a tentative fee each astronaut will charge. I have heard the following:Duke: $75
Mitchell: $75
Bean: $75
Lovell: $190
Haise: $90 - $150 I would like to know if I am on target with these and what it may be for the others. I am trying to plan out my trip and wondering how much I should save up!! Please help!
Thanks,
-Rodrigo |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-05-2008 09:25 AM
quote:
Originally posted by MrSpace86:
I would like to know if I am on target with these and what it may be for the others. I am trying to plan out my trip and wondering how much I should save up!!
Probably in the right ballpark, although as I mentioned earlier, it is hard to say if there might be an additional ASF stipend since the entire event is a fundraiser. Maybe all of the guests are donating all proceeds to ASF, or part of the proceeds, or maybe they will charge more than usual because it is an ASF event.As the old saying goes, pack up all your stuff for the show, and then take out half the clothes and take twice the cash, and you'll be set. On a separate note, it is likely that the show organizers will have a large collection of photos available for you to buy so you can get signatures, and I encourage you to look them over since they may have some neat ones you have never seen before (I got a great one last June with Scott Carpenter and Bill Dana at an Easter Seals event in San Diego). However, if you want to get particular photos signed (WSS photos, etc), then do your homework in advance and BRING THEM YOURSELF! In my experience, some of the "photos" end up being lithos (NOT NASA lithos), and not very high quality ones at that. You're better off to have a plan before you go, with all of the items you want signed already in hand, and then if you find something at the show you would rather have signed then let that be a nice little surprise. YMMV. ------------------
John Capobianco
Camden DE |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 07-05-2008 09:55 AM
quote:
Originally posted by capoetc:
However, if you want to get particular photos signed (WSS photos, etc), then do your homework in advance and BRING THEM YOURSELF!
Thank you for the reply. Yes, I was planning on having some of my flown stuff signed (Spaceflori presentations). It is quite expensive... hopefully I can rack it all up!!-Rodrigo |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 07-05-2008 10:19 AM
From the "Beggars Can't Be Choosers" Department: I hope that one of the "Announcing Soon" spots is soon replaced by a picture of James McDivitt,
David Scott, or Russell Schweickart. Meeting someone from every single flown Apollo mission would be a pretty amazing day. I believe that all three have attended shows like this.Steve |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-05-2008 01:26 PM
McDivitt, Scott or Schweickert (any or all) would be great additions to an already great lineup. I am a newbie to astronaut autograph shows, and aside from a chance meetings with Alan Bean and Harrison Schmitt, this is my first show. I am really looking foreword to it. We were just in Florida for STS 124 launch and had a great time, but when I tossed this idea out to my wife I thought she would never go along with going back so soon. But she quickly agreed and we booked.
We are traveling with my our 4 year old daughter, because of this my wife will not be attending the diner. Can someone tell me what these diners are like.It may sound naive, but I really do not know what to expect. best regards
alan |
Mark Zimmer
Member Posts: 289
From:
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 07-07-2008 11:08 AM
Just got confirmation of our Gold Tickets; I'm really looking forward to this as is my g/f. |
MCroft04
Member Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 07-07-2008 09:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by alanh_7:
We are traveling with my our 4 year old daughter, because of this my wife will not be attending the diner. Can someone tell me what these diners are like. It may sound naive, but I really do not know what to expect.
I’ve only attended two of these events, but they are burned into my memory. There is ample opportunity to talk to many of the astronauts at the icebreaker before dinner, but rest assure there is competition for their time so you have to look for opportunities. For example at the 2006 UACC event I had the opportunity to talk one on one with Ed Mitchell for about 5 minutes. The dinners are great; I’ve sat with both Walt Cunningham and Gene Cernan. Generally you sit at a round table with 8-10 people so you definitely get a chance to talk to the astronaut unless you are very shy. Walt devoted all his time to his guests, whereas Gene was constantly sought out by old friends (Dave Scott for one) and only spent about 30 quality minutes with us. But both were great! There are usually photo opportunities and more talk after dinner. I always put together a list of questions for different astronauts before the event just to make sure I have something to talk about if I get the opportunity. |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-08-2008 07:35 AM
MCroft04
Thank you for the feedback. I am really looking foreword to it.
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capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-08-2008 08:19 AM
FWIW, many of the astronauts are more than happy to talk about the experiences, but if you have a chance to chat with them (at a bar in the evening, for example) one on one it is not a bad idea to talk about other stuff too. What are they doing now? Are they into fishing? Any good fishing holes in XXXXXX (fill in name of town they live in)? Do they get to see their grandkids much? Been flying lately?My experience has been that they are much more likely to "hang out" for a bit if they can socialize without necessarily being pressed to tell about "what it was like". YMMV. ------------------
John Capobianco
Camden DE |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 07-08-2008 08:42 AM
Good advise capoetc. That is the sort of questions I think I would ask. I met Al Bean once at an art show years ago, and we talked a few minutes about painting techniques. He seemed more interested in talking about that then his work with NASA. I guess after all the hundreds documentary films, interviews etc, its all been said. |
MCroft04
Member Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 07-08-2008 08:06 PM
Good point. Ed and I discussed global warming which is probably why the conversation lasted. |
Machodoc
Member Posts: 207
From: DE
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-14-2008 03:47 PM
I've got a new helmet to get signed, so I'll be there! |
Machodoc
Member Posts: 207
From: DE
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-15-2008 08:49 PM
I'm not having any luck trying to reach the gang to order my gold passes. I called both Friday and Monday, and sent an email Monday as well.I'll try again tomorrow. Anyone think they may add some platinum passes? |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 07-15-2008 10:33 PM
Machadoc (and anyone else who is trying to reach ASF), I happened to e-mail some questions on Monday and got an e-mail back saying that the person who handles most of those responsibilites is out until Thursday. So you should get a call then.Steve |
Machodoc
Member Posts: 207
From: DE
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-16-2008 08:52 AM
OK, called to order my passes this morning got them with no problem. In fact, they had a cancellation from a platinum pass holder so I was able to snag two of those instead of gold! |
paulj
Member Posts: 98
From: Suffolk, UK
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 07-16-2008 04:26 PM
I phoned to order tickets last Thursday, and phoned them again on Friday, no problems.Looking forward to the event in November. I have been wanting to see the Blue Angels for years, and hoped they would make an appearance in UK. Watching a night Shuttle Launch has been another ambition. Looks like it will be a great holiday to combine those with the ASF autograph show. Regards,
Paul |
Machodoc
Member Posts: 207
From: DE
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 07-16-2008 04:46 PM
Don't know, but however it happened I'm happy to get them (one for me and one for my wife). This time I'm only bringing one helmet, and maybe my bat, but otherwise I'm OK. |
DOX32
Member Posts: 242
From: Lakewood Ranch FL USA
Registered: Jul 2004
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posted 07-18-2008 06:26 PM
Steve, we need to get together prior to going to this ASF memorabilia show in November.Any meeting scheduled in DC area? ATA Space unit is meeting in August 23 at the Americover show at Fairview Park marriott 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Anyone going down for the show is welcome to network with us. Woody |
Mark Zimmer
Member Posts: 289
From:
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 07-22-2008 09:03 PM
Are many people sticking around for (what I hope will be) the shuttle launch on Nov. 10? I assume that's still on at least so far. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-22-2008 09:09 PM
Actually, you might have to come early, rather than stay late. In an attempt to extend the window, NASA is looking at moving the launch of STS-126 as early as November 4. Whether that is possible relies in part if NASA can start STS-125 earlier than its planned October 8 launch. A decision for that mission won't be made before August 14. |
NJSPACEFAN
Member Posts: 128
From: Ocala, FL USA
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 07-23-2008 04:05 PM
Due to a wedding in my family, I now can not go to the show.I have two Platinum Tickets available at face value. If you want them I will have the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation change it to your name. The foundation did ask that they be notified soon to change the ticket. I would prefer to sell them as a pair. Art S. yankfanats@hotmail.com |
Mark Zimmer
Member Posts: 289
From:
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 07-31-2008 05:29 PM
I just received the following email from the ASF regarding the shuttle launch: NASA has now moved the launch to Friday, November 7th. To be honest, we do not yet know how that will impact our Astronaut Autograph Show, if any.We are in the process of sorting it all out, and will communicate any information to our ticket holders just as soon as possible. Thanks! So, stay tuned. |
newidad
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 08-04-2008 08:24 PM
Thanks Mark for info on the change of the Shuttle launch date to Nov. 7.Want to arrive in time, so any idea re when it will launch on the 7th? Close to the planned time on Nov 10 at around 9:30pm? Anybody I could contact? With thanks,
Michael |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-04-2008 08:36 PM
The ASF was a bit premature in their announcement. The launch date has not changed yet, but as was reported by several news sources, a change request to move the launch to Nov. 7 has been issued by mission managers. And while there's an expectation that the change will be approved, the formal decision won't come until August 14.That said, to answer your question, a launch on November 7 would come around 10:39 p.m. |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 08-05-2008 11:06 AM
I addressed the shuttle launch issue with the ASF and was quickly advised, as Robert has said, that at the moment there were no plans to change the ASF schedule. But the ASF would be able to better asses the issue once NASA approves the new launch date. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 08-05-2008 11:21 AM
A lot of things can change between now and November regarding the shuttle launch schedule, so it's probably best not to get one's hopes up TOO high.Having said that, if there is a shuttle launch during the weekend of the ASF show, I hope the ASF could arrange for launch viewing at the causeway (or pehaps a VIP location, since many pioneer astronauts will be in attendance) for Platinum and Gold ticket holders...even if there is a nominal fee to do so. (Note: The UACC show last year offered a limited number of $15 passes to the causeway to show participants.) Hopefully this is something they will take under consideration. |
mmmoo
Member Posts: 551
From: London, England
Registered: May 2001
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posted 08-07-2008 06:35 AM
I am very happy and excited to announce that Moonpans will now be travelling over from the UK to attend the show as an exhibitor. And will have a selection of signed and un-signed high quality Apollo panoramas and 16x20 photos available.I do hope the Shuttle launch goes ahead, what a fantastic bonus to an already great show! We should be seeing a bit of Florida after the show, possibly heading South, so any suggestions of the best places to visit will be welcome! Thanks Mike Constantine
http://moonpans.com |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-08-2008 03:26 AM
Oh No, Mike. That's more liver damage to be anticipated! It's gonna be fun.Paul |
mmmoo
Member Posts: 551
From: London, England
Registered: May 2001
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posted 08-08-2008 11:26 AM
I know! And for so much cheaper than the Autographica bar prices!Mike Constantine
http://moonpans.com |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 08-10-2008 12:08 AM
Two-time shuttle astronaut Bob Springer has been added. |
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