Author
|
Topic: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's Autograph & Memorabilia Show 2009
|
RocketmanRob Member Posts: 268 From: New York City USA Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 12-21-2008 11:25 AM
I was just looking around on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation website and noticed on their site: - November 6-8, 2009 - 2009 Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show
No additional details are posted at this time. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-06-2009 01:54 PM
The first astronaut guests have been announced: - Alan Bean
- Dan Brandenstein
- Gene Cernan
- Walt Cunningham
- Charlie Duke
- Fred Gregory
- Mike McCulley
- Ed Mitchell
- Mike Mullane
- Rhea Seddon
- Rusty Schweickart
- Al Worden
Tickets will go on sale to the general public in a couple of weeks (people on the wait list will be contacted soon). |
Paul23 Member Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 01-06-2009 03:25 PM
Hmmmm, getting a wee bit tempted by this show now I've seen that line-up. Wretched credit crunch! |
alanh_7 Member Posts: 1252 From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 01-06-2009 06:47 PM
Oh oh. I just got last November's show paid off. |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 01-09-2009 07:59 PM
They just added Fred Haise to the astronaut guest list. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-10-2009 02:11 AM
As well as Jim Lovell, Winston Scott and Bob Springer... |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 01-20-2009 12:54 PM
Astronauts Vance Brand, Tom Jones, Rick Searfoss, Dave Scott and Dick Truly have been added to the line-up. Thank you. |
Rob Joyner Member Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 01-20-2009 04:06 PM
Dick Truly! What a welcome shock! He's one of those astronauts I thought I'd never get to meet! |
MarkRP Member Posts: 174 From: Michigan, USA Registered: Nov 2002
|
posted 01-21-2009 09:26 AM
Dick Truly is now gone from the website. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-21-2009 09:50 AM
Per the Foundation, Truly's addition was in error; he was to be (and has been) added to the Astronaut Autograph Club, not the show.On the plus side, an "Apollo 13 VIP Lunch" has been added to the schedule... |
Sarahnaut Member Posts: 15 From: Florida, USA Registered: Nov 2008
|
posted 01-21-2009 10:53 AM
They don't waste time! I got my email and my order in. Stuck with the same category, couldn't quite afford the spankin' new cat.See everyone in November!! |
alanh_7 Member Posts: 1252 From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 01-21-2009 11:24 AM
I just bought my Platinum ticket too. I could not justify the cost of the Plus ticket. Looking foreword to it. |
ilbasso Member Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 01-21-2009 01:06 PM
I'll be there, too. Just got the Platinum passes. Haven't been to KSC since 1988, and my wife has never been, so we're looking forward to it!I'm not holding my breath, but I note that STS-129 is currently targeted for a November 12 launch... |
machbusterman Member Posts: 1778 From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland Registered: May 2004
|
posted 01-21-2009 03:48 PM
WOW... $1000 for the platinum plus ticket That's a bit spendy before you factor in autograph fees!! |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 01-21-2009 04:28 PM
quote: Originally posted by machbusterman: That's a bit spendy before you factor in autograph fees!!
Not to mention factoring in airfare, hotel, car rental, food, etc. I also notice there is no air show this year, nor are there any VIP tours of KSC... which were two highlights of last year's show, in my opinion. To be honest, the "training experience" doesn't interest me at all... |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 01-21-2009 05:26 PM
Yes $1000 is a lot of money, but remember a good part of it will be tax deductable, and it's for a great cause. I ordered before I told the wife. Looks like another great show! And for me the "training experience" sounds fun! |
ilbasso Member Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
|
posted 01-21-2009 07:52 PM
I changed my mind after placing the Platinum order and called back a few minutes later to upgrade to Platinum Plus. I figure this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, so what the heck! As mentioned, it is at least partially tax deductible - how many vacations can you say that about? At least I have 10 months to pay off the difference before the show. A few less visits to Starbucks every week will make that happen easily. |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 01-21-2009 09:23 PM
quote: Originally posted by ilbasso: I changed my mind after placing the Platinum order and called back a few minutes later to upgrade to Platinum Plus.
Great decision! Wonder how many Platinum Plus passes there are. Se you there! |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-21-2009 11:08 PM
Hoot Gibson and Dee O'Hara have been added... |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 01-22-2009 02:00 AM
quote: Originally posted by MCroft04: Yes $1000 is a lot of money, but remember a good part of it will be tax deductable, and it's for a great cause.
NOT tax deductible on this side of the Atlantic so maybe they should consider differential pricing to encourage "international" visitors. IMO it's only worth the trip if I'm going for the top package, BUT $1000 is a HUGE sum; add $500 for food and accom; add $1000 for airfare; add $300 car hire... doesn't leave much in the kitty for a few Buzz's. My money's going on the GOE, or a potential Apollo 11 reunion. |
BA002 Member Posts: 175 From: Utrecht,NL Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 01-22-2009 12:53 PM
Thanks for the heads-up, I immediately bought my ticket too. Even though indeed it's not tax-deductible from this side of the pond...What is GOE? |
BMacKinnon Member Posts: 230 From: Waterford, MI. USA Registered: Jul 2007
|
posted 01-22-2009 03:16 PM
GOE is Gathering of Eagles.Paul there might be an Apollo 11 re-union in Titusville this summer at a re-dedication of the Apollo monument. Merely speculation... |
Sarahnaut Member Posts: 15 From: Florida, USA Registered: Nov 2008
|
posted 01-22-2009 04:38 PM
Normally I would probably find the funds to do the Platinum Plus, but I've already done ATX and as a Platinum holder at the past show I rode the SLE with a great group of Astronauts, so I can't see getting it, but I can tell those that purchased it, ATX is a BLAST! (pun intended?) you'll have a great time! |
alanh_7 Member Posts: 1252 From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 01-27-2009 04:37 PM
Just thought I would give a heads up. The ASF has announced the hotel. They are returning to the Radisson at the Port. It is available now for ASF discount rate.
|
stsmithva Member Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 01-27-2009 05:54 PM
I know that last November some people had legitmate gripes with the Radisson, but I'll put in a quick good word. I thought its location was great: just about as close as possible to KSC, a 20-minute walk to the beach, and a 5-minute walk from a great little "Manatee Park" with an elevated wooden walkway and a chance to see those critters. (From the name I thought it would be some cheesy tourist trap, but no, it was just a quiet neighborhood park and a fine place to unwind if you had an hour in the evening.)Its staff accomodated me on several issues. For example, I left my credit card on the restaurant breakfast table, and that evening a couple of people at the desk called employees at home until they tracked down where it had been left for safekeeping. (OK, it was in an envelope right there on the front desk the whole time, but still.) I liked that there were two large, perfect venues for the events. And finally, the pool area, with its cheesy waterfall, was at least to my eyes like something from Florida in the days of Mercury-Gemini-Apollo. The bar could have been better for hanging out, but there were some good places a couple of minutes away for that. (Thai Thai restaurant across the street = excellent Thai and Japanese food.) The rooms themselves were average, but with a weekend like that one doesn't want to spend much time sitting around in the room. Just my two cents. I can't go this year, so I'm not hoping for any comps from the Radisson! If you going this year, have a wonderful time. I envy you getting to look forward to that for the next ten months! |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 01-27-2009 07:07 PM
I echo Steve's comments. And after watching him burn that credit card, I can see why he won't be attending this year. |
stsmithva Member Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 01-27-2009 07:59 PM
quote: Originally posted by MCroft04: I echo Steve's comments. And after watching him burn that credit card, I can see why he won't be attending this year.
Let's put it this way: I had to leave the Friday-night reception for a while because I got a call on my cell phone from a concerned woman at Mastercard. She wanted me to confirm that I really had flown to Florida and had charged that much money, that many times. She read off about ten charges: "$75 to Astronaut Scholarship Foundation... $150 to Astronaut Scholarship Foundation... $150 to Astronaut Scholarship Foundation... $60 to Astronaut Scholarship Foundation... " and I kept having to say "Yes... yes... yes, but you should see this great 'Earthrise' that Jim Lovell inscribed to my wife!" Look forward to a post by me soon up in Buy/Sell/Trade... Just a few more items sold and I'll be done paying for the trip! |
alanh_7 Member Posts: 1252 From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 01-27-2009 08:26 PM
I can relate Steve. I had set a budget limit that I thought was fairly high, but when I got there, that budget went out the window quickly. My wife told me to have a good time.... so I did, but whew when the bills came.....the surprising thing is she agreed that we could go again this year. |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 01-30-2009 12:30 PM
Astronaut Fred Gregory has been dropped from the line up, but Charlie Bolden, Scott Carpenter and Hank Hartsfield had been added. Thank you. |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 01-30-2009 08:10 PM
John Blaha has been added to the line up, but November 7th only. Thank you. |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 01-31-2009 03:19 PM
Astronauts Richard Gordon and Bill Pogue had been added to the line up as well. Thank you. |
astro-nut Member Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 02-02-2009 04:30 PM
Astronaut Jack Lousma has been added to the line up. Thank you |
BC Member Posts: 30 From: Springfield, IL, USA Registered: Nov 2008
|
posted 02-02-2009 05:02 PM
Got my platinum ticket and can't wait. Last year was great. I concur with the comments about the Radisson...OK, but not great. Still, I'll be there. I also agree about the restaurant across the street...ate there twice.Look forward to seeing many of you again! |
alanh_7 Member Posts: 1252 From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 02-02-2009 06:14 PM
quote: Originally posted by astro-nut: Astronaut Jack Lousma has been added to the line up.
I did the bus tour of the KSC with Jack Lousma at this past Novembers ASF show. I also had a chance talk with him for awhile on Sunday at the show. What a nice guy. Very informative and interesting and friendly. I am glad he has been added to the lineup. |
Linda K Member Posts: 62 From: Greensboro, NC 27455 Registered: Aug 2008
|
posted 02-02-2009 06:33 PM
Well, you guys are now hearing from the happiest female on the planet - my husband just got my ticket for this year!!!! By the way, I won't be feeling like a red-headed stepchild this year - I got a MAJOR upgrade from the ticket I got last year!!! Woohoo!!!!Now that I've rambled, done a few somersaults around my room (rather painful at my age, but oh, well! lol), let me just say that I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing everyone and experiencing everything that this year's show has to offer. See you in Florida! |
bmattingly New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 02-04-2009 11:49 AM
I just purchased my ticket to ASF's autograph show, and just want to say Wow! I read some of the previous comments about the price, but $1000 for everything they offer-the atx experience (with an astronaut, not just led by a KSC employee), and the Apollo 13 Lunch, I will never tire of hearing Jim Lovell talk about that successful failure, and now I get to hear Fred's take on it as well! I know a lot of people have talked about the Friday night reception as being the highlight- I have to agree, how awesome to just hang out with these incredible men, and in such an intimate atmosphere! I can't wait for November, and while I know the economy is not the best, that $1000 was well spent! |
Linda K Member Posts: 62 From: Greensboro, NC 27455 Registered: Aug 2008
|
posted 02-08-2009 10:17 AM
Ed Gibson is also on the line-up. |
BC Member Posts: 30 From: Springfield, IL, USA Registered: Nov 2008
|
posted 02-09-2009 05:05 PM
quote: Originally posted by Linda K: Well, you guys are now hearing from the happiest female on the planet - my husband just got my ticket for this year!!!!
Linda K: Fantastic; glad you'll be there again! |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 02-09-2009 09:12 PM
quote: Originally posted by Linda K: Well, you guys are now hearing from the happiest female on the planet - my husband just got my ticket for this year!!!!
So now I know that Linda will be there. How about Bill and Kim? 2008 was a great show and I recall with pleasure the new friends made. Perhaps we can pressure Steve into changing his mind? |
BC Member Posts: 30 From: Springfield, IL, USA Registered: Nov 2008
|
posted 02-10-2009 05:17 PM
I'll be there too! Can't wait to see you guys again. I'd love to see Steve try to melt his credit card again running all those charges! |