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Author
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Topic: Buzz Aldrin's 2009 book signings
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birds-or-shells
Member Posts: 35
From: Marlton, NJ
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted 07-22-2009 07:20 PM
   
About a month ago I learned of the Buzz Aldrin talk from collectSPACE. I should have bought tickets then ($14) so I could have sat in the auditorium and hear/see him in person. Unfortunately I waited until the morning of the talk to buy my ticket online. At that time all that was left was simulcast seating ($7). I got there around 6:40 and went to get my tickets at the Will Call table (the same table later used for the signing) and saw a sign that it was sold out. The Simulcast area was in the foyer which had about 100 seats set up in front of a large movie screen. The actual talk was on the floor below in an auditorium which probably held 300 or more. After an introduction from a library staff member the interview began. The questions were asked by a young man in his early 20’s who has been interested in space since he was a kid and also attended Space Camp. He asked about five questions for which each one took about ten minutes to answer. It seemed to me the question was irrelevant in that Buzz had certain stories he wanted to tell regardless of the actual question. The first question was what got him interested in flying. In answering this question he talked about his father flying for Standard Oil, the two types of planes he flew in, that one was pointed to look like an eagle and the other was christened by Amelia Earhart, that his Mother's name was Moon, how ended up at West Point, etc. Another question was what stuck with him about the Apollo missions – the answer being how important it was to be in the right place at the right time. Each story was entertaining to listen to.Around the time the Question and Answer session began a number of people in the Simulcast area got up to go to the signing line and I joined them as well. The Q&A seemed to last about a half-hour at which time the line had grown to a 100 or more – by the end of the night the line winded through the library to the outside – I would guess several hundred total. The signing went very quickly and seemed well organized. Staff went through the line and made sure each book was opened to the appropriate page. Most everyone had a copy of Magnificent Desolation (mostly just a single copy each) and a few had Look to the Stars. I attended the signing at the Smithsonian so I already had my copy of Magnificent Desolation and Look to the Stars signed. Instead I brought along copies of First on the Moon, Return to Earth, Men from Earth, and Encounter with Tiber. I was really hoping he would sign each based upon the postings on collectSPACE as well as the notice at the library he would only sign books he had written (not just the ones being sold). Unfortunately when I got to the table he looked through what I had brought and said he was just signing his new book – but then looked at Tiber and said he would sign that as it was his favorite. He also signed a copy of the Look to the Stars which I bought that night to have an extra – and to show him that I was a customer. I was glad I attended the talk and got a couple of books signed – I really wished he would have signed the others as it should have been obvious I was fan an that they were for me – as opposed to the folks with several copies of his current book which you might wonder if they were planning on selling extras. Though I missed the experience of seeing the talk live I was rewarded by being able to get in a good position for the signing line. |
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 07-27-2009 08:38 PM
I was pleased to receive in the mail today the two signed copies of "Magnificent Desolation" I had previously ordered from the Joseph Fox bookstore in Philadelphia from Buzz's July 22 signing. One is for me and the other for my son.I was suprised to receive them so quickly since they were sent out USPS media mail. The bookstore did a noce job of packing them. They were autographed in blu ballpoint on the title page. Thanks to the bookstore for providing this service, and to Buzz for signing books which were sent out by mail. (ETA: The autograph was on the half title page, not the title page.) |
bthumble
Member Posts: 267
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 07-29-2009 06:23 AM
I saw Buzz Aldrin at the event in Houston a few weeks ago at the Museum of Fine Arts. But I called ahead and was told that taking pictures was not allowed, so I did not bring my camera but everyone else did! If you were there and took some pictures, could you email me some of the pics? Thanks! |
Scott
Member Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
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posted 07-29-2009 07:59 AM
I was there and took a few pics - I'll send them to you. |
spaceman1953
Member Posts: 953
From: South Bend, IN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 07-30-2009 07:14 PM
quote:
Originally posted by DChudwin:
They were autographed in blue ballpoint on the title page.
Sorry to see Dave, that this is a ballpoint autograph. I would rather have pencil for archival purposes if they can't use a true Sharpie!Glad they packed good, though. They told me they would ship US Mail when I asked. Thanks for the update! |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 07-30-2009 07:36 PM
Chaucersbooks.com is taking orders, as their shop is hosting a signing in mid-August. I made my order over the phone and the gentleman was very friendly. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 07-31-2009 12:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by spaceman1953:
Sorry to see Dave, that this is a ballpoint autograph. I would rather have pencil for archival purposes if they can't use a true Sharpie
Ballpoint signatures can often out-last felt tip pen signatures (such as those done with Sharpies). I have some ball point signatures from the early 60s that look like they were written yesterday. Also, a ballpoint signature in a book is likely to not be exposed to any light (since the cover will be closed most of the time), so I would think that improves the longevity of an item. Given a choice, I'll always go for a ballpoint pen signature in a book if I can.
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Frederic Janik
Member Posts: 320
From: Helsinki, Finland
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 08-08-2009 04:28 AM
I did not get any reply from Chaucer books unfortunately.Does anybody know of a store selling signed copies (if possible of both of Buzz's new books) or hosing a signing in the coming weeks and who would ship to Europe? |
capoetc
Member Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 08-08-2009 07:40 AM
Check out Aldrin's web site -- he has a listing of all his appearances including signings.He is at Border's in Torrance, CA, today. Chaucer's in Santa Barbara CA on the 20th. Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Memphis TN on Aug 28th., etc. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-08-2009 08:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by capoetc:
Check out Aldrin's web site
Also note that the same schedule, with additional appearances not listed on Aldrin's site, is available on Sightings. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-08-2009 05:33 PM
As far as I can see, Buzz Aldrin's book-signings have all been in the USA. Does anyone know if he has any plans to do any book-signings in the UK? |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 08-08-2009 07:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Frederic Janik:
I did not get any reply from Chaucer books unfortunately.
I'm sorry, I guess I should have explained my own experience with Chaucers. I emailed (per the instructions on the website) and after a few days, received no response. However, when I called I spoke to a very nice man who took my order over the phone. I apologize for not sharing this sooner. I had heard of other people not having a problem, so it didn't really occur to me to let you know there might be a problem. Sorry! Do try to call them! |
Frederic Janik
Member Posts: 320
From: Helsinki, Finland
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 08-09-2009 01:56 AM
Thank you for your replies.I was trying to arrange everything by e-mail for the sake of convenience but I guess I'll have to call the US.  |
Mark Zimmer
Member Posts: 289
From:
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 08-10-2009 01:48 PM
Hmm, I placed an order with Joseph Fox booksellers and haven't received anything, and I don't think they charged my card. I wonder if they ran out?EDIT: Checked with them and they did send it... Media Mail is just being very slow. The tracking puts it as sitting in Illinois for almost a week. EDIT 2: Now according to the tracking, the book has been sent back to Philadelphia. Geez Louise. EDIT 3: Received book Aug. 20th -- there was a new electronic shipping label on the front of the box, dated Aug. 17th, but my original charge slip from July was in the box. Don't know what happened with the USPS but I'm just glad I finally got the book. |
john ffoulkes
Member Posts: 146
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 08-21-2009 04:41 PM
For anyone interested in pre-ordering a signed copy of Buzz Aldrin's new book "Look to the Stars", contact booksofwonder.com who are holding a booksigning on September 12th. Cost of signed book is $17.99 plus postage. Also available will be signed copies of "Magnificent Desolation" at $27 and his previous children's book "Reaching for the Moon" at $17.89. The illustrator of both of the children's books, Wendell Minor, will also be at the book signing event. Colin in their customer service is very helpful for any queries you may have. |
AJ
Member Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 08-27-2009 11:56 AM
I have just received my signed copy of Magnificent Desolation from Chaucer's Books in California. The book looks great with a wonderful, bold signature. This is my first Buzz signature and I have to say, I really love it. Dare I even say it makes me want more?  Thank you to Chaucer's for great service, and also to Albatron, for giving me the heads up in the first place. |
Frederic Janik
Member Posts: 320
From: Helsinki, Finland
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 08-27-2009 01:51 PM
Thanks to Dwight in the US for helping me in obtaining a signed copy of Magnificent Desolation, and to John in the UK for helping me find a possibility to get a signed copy of Look to the Stars. |
AstroAutos
Member Posts: 803
From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 08-27-2009 02:14 PM
Since everyone seems to be saying thanks - I'll say a thank you to Paul Cox from the UK for getting me my signed copy of 'Magnificent Desolation.'  |
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