Topic: Al Worden's "Falling to Earth" book signings
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-07-2011 12:05 AM
I hope to get to meet Al on Saturday in Seattle. I have a copy of his book for him to sign but I wanted to print out a photo of the CSM over the moon for him to sign as well. I have NO intention of selling it, has anyone asked him to sign anything extra? If I ask him to sign it to my name, do you think he'd be more receptive if he might not be otherwise?
Dave Clow Member
Posts: 236 From: South Pasadena, CA 91030 Registered: Nov 2003
posted 10-07-2011 10:35 AM
At the two events I attended the people in charge has specified that no memorabilia would be signed.
cycleroadie Member
Posts: 452 From: Apalachin, NY USA Registered: May 2011
posted 10-07-2011 10:58 AM
At book signings, it's usually the book and nothing else. Perhaps if you were a five year old kid you'd have a shot but...
HistorianMom Member
Posts: 105 From: Columbia, Missouri USA Registered: Nov 2010
posted 10-07-2011 02:42 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: A message from Al Worden...
Cool Video!!!
My son and I are signed up for the Cosmosphere visit. Are there any other people from the board planning on coming?
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 10-07-2011 03:56 PM
quote:Originally posted by Henk Boshuijer: Will Francis French also be present at the lecture and booksigning at Space Expo, Noordwijk, Netherlands on October 19th?
Hello Henk - I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to that one, but I know everyone will have a great time meeting Al and hearing him speak - thanks.
Some great new photos, videos and signing event information is being added daily to the book's Facebook page too (you don't have to be a Facebook user to view it all). We encourage people to post their event photos there as well. Thanks!
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-07-2011 10:33 PM
quote:Originally posted by cycleroadie: At book signings, it's usually the book and nothing else.
Thanks for the advice. Still, I'll print that shot up and take it with me anyway just in case. I've gotten lucky in the past with WW2 pilots at signings (I got 'Memphis Belle' pilot Robert Morgan's signature on two books and the lining of my WW2 A-2 jacket with no fuss, at all in the same museum Worden will be at tomorrow). A few times they've been hesitant until I ask to sign it to me personally. I think then they realize I'm not going to turn it around on eBay (I've NEVER sold a signature I've gotten and likely never will as they all mean a lot to me) it stops being a big deal. I'm not a big autograph hound but don't miss a chance if the person is at an event I'm at. It'd be tragic not to have the photo with me and then find out I could have gotten it signed.
divemaster Member
Posts: 1376 From: ridgefield, ct Registered: May 2002
posted 10-08-2011 12:15 AM
quote:Originally posted by p51: I think then they realize I'm not going to turn it around on eBay (I've NEVER sold a signature I've gotten and likely never will as they all mean a lot to me) it stops being a big deal.
Somehow, I don't think the rest of the people on line will understand your good intentions. Book signings always come with very strict rules - and you usually have to buy the book at the venue, not walk in with one off the street, either.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 10-08-2011 10:28 PM
quote:Originally posted by divemaster: Somehow, I don't think the rest of the people on line will understand your good intentions. Book signings always come with very strict rules - and you usually have to buy the book at the venue, not walk in with one off the street, either.
The rest of the people had ZERO problems with it, as well as the organizers (who didn't demand you buy the book there, even though I had, but a week earlier). Al himself was the one who said books only.
Here's how it went down today in Seattle:
I showed up early for the event and got a seat in the front row of the auditorium at The Museum of Flight. There was a empty seat between me and the next guy, only three seats on that side of the aisle. So the theater fills up slowly and I thumbed through his book in the meantime. About 10 minutes before it's supposed to start, someone from the museum comes up and points to the seat between me and other guy and an older gentleman in a suit plops down and starts talking with us. I immediately noticed the astronaut pin on his suit and realized it was Al! He didn't look like his publicity photos so nobody noticed who it was. I didn't ask the next guy over to get a photo of me sitting with him, as I got the feeling he didn't want it obvious he was sitting there waiting for it to start as well. I don't think anyone else around us realized it was him.
Myself and the next guy over asked him some questions and he was a very nice guy. He showed off a neat tie that had the pattern of the instrument panel of his Apollo command module, joking the wood box it came in must have cost more than the tie itself. He mentioned how people ask him to sign all kinds of stuff, I think referring to a question he said he'd been asked already before he got inside. I asked him how it felt like to a commodity to some people, he laughed and said, "It sucks, but at least I got all you to buy my book, didn't I?" He seemed surprised I'd actually read it, I think he knew most people had bought a copy right before walking into the presentation.
Afterward he started signing books, it was made clear to all that he would only be signing his books and nothing else. So much for getting a signature on the print I had of the command module over the moon. A 10-year-old boy in front of me had a nice toy Saturn V with some Apollo crew signatures on it already and he got shot down. I understood and the the kid seemed to as well, but the dad wasn't happy at all.
As far as I saw it, getting to talk with him like that more than made up for it for me. It made for some raised eyebrows on the people behind me in line when he smiled after handing the book to me and recognizing me as the guy he'd sat next to earlier. He hadn't reacted like that to anyone else, and I think others were wondering if he knew me or something.
It was a great afternoon and I still have my signed book so there's really no reason to complain at all.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 10-09-2011 07:07 PM
The autographs are always nice, but your experience with Al will live with you forever. You can't sell that! Thanks for sharing.
Fezman92 Member
Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
posted 10-09-2011 09:19 PM
Any word on what time the Cradle of Aviation signing/presentation will be? I know the date is set but I haven't seen anything about the time.
divemaster Member
Posts: 1376 From: ridgefield, ct Registered: May 2002
posted 10-10-2011 04:08 PM
I have a call in to the powers that be at the Cradle of Aviation. Keep an eye on Al's web site for the times. As soon as I know them, they'll be posted.
jerseyboy Member
Posts: 49 From: Overland Park, Kansas U.S.A. Registered: Feb 2004
posted 10-11-2011 07:23 PM
quote:Originally posted by HistorianMom: My son and I are signed up for the Cosmosphere visit. Are there any other people from the board planning on coming?
I plan on attending with my daughter. Probably tour the Cosmosphere first and than attend the lecture and book signing.
Henk Boshuijer Member
Posts: 450 From: Netherlands Registered: May 2007
posted 10-18-2011 05:06 PM
Tomorrow I will meet Col. Worden at Space Expo, Noordwijk, Netherlands. I am really looking forward to it. Also several Dutch cSPACE- members will be there. I am looking forward to meeting them aswell.
posted 10-20-2011 08:17 PM
I just finished reading this book. I could not put it down. A great read. Well written, honest and unlike many space biographies it did not re-hash the same stories over and over. Many books have been written about the Apollo era, but I found this one refreshing in style and because few have been written by those of the later group of Apollo astronauts.
Without a doubt Francis has become one of the best space writers around. I have always found he (and Collin Burgess) two books together (Into the Silent Sea and In the Shadow of the Moon) to be two of my favourites. And now add this by Al an Francis to the list.
My only regret is I will not be able to congratulate them in person at the ASF this year but will see them at Spacefest.
I wish we could get a few of the astronauts north of the border for signings. I think there would be a solid turn out if we did. The last Apollo era astronaut to come was Buzz a few years ago.
Any chance Al Worden could be prodded into coming to Canada for a signing? I am sure if the right venue were selected (Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton for example) it could be a great event.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 10-20-2011 09:46 PM
Thank you so much for those incredibly kind words - they mean a great deal to us.
Al would definitely be up for a book signing in Canada - he's in Europe right now, for example, talking and signing books. He spends half the year in Michigan, not that far from the area you mention.
The best thing to do would be to contact the venue(s) you think would be good to host him. You can give them this publisher contact information and recommend they contact them to try and arrange a talk and signing. Thanks again, good luck, and I hope it comes together!
posted 10-20-2011 10:05 PM
You are most welcome Francis. A wonderful read.
And thank you for the information. There are a fair number of space enthusiasts here who I am sure would enjoy a book signing event. There are few venues that would be ideal for a signing. It is worth a try.
Also belated congratulations on making the LA Times best seller list.
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2031 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 10-20-2011 11:44 PM
Although Francis has thanked you on our behalf, I'm also very touched by your complimentary words. Thank you.
posted 10-21-2011 06:56 AM
You are most welcome Colin. Well earned. Your new book is next on the list, "Selecting the Seven: The Search for Americas First Astronauts." I look forward to it.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2476 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 10-21-2011 01:07 PM
I finished the book last week and must say what a great read! As one who grew up in the same area as Worden except across the border I found the info on his early days fascinating.
I never knew much about the whole cover issue nor did I care; it appears that NASA wasted a lot of talent for future missions on a lapse in judgment. I know it was a different time, but what a shame.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 10-25-2011 03:13 PM
Information on Al's forthcoming New York City-area signing at the Cradle of Aviation has been posted here. We appreciate you spreading the word - thanks!
carl walker Member
Posts: 360 From: Netherlands Registered: Feb 2006
posted 10-31-2011 09:57 AM
Al flew back to the USA over a week ago, after four days in the Netherlands, signing quite a few books and meeting a lot of people - many of whom have not had the chance to meet an Apollo astronaut before. It was a great week, thanks Francis and Al.
Media results and enquiries still keep coming in, will keep you posted!
MikeSpace unregistered
posted 10-31-2011 10:35 AM
Just called the Cradle of Aviation to reserve two seats.
I asked the lady collecting the information how large the event would be, meaning how many seats did the place hold. 'About 300'
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 10-31-2011 11:35 AM
Are any CS members planning on attending the Worden event at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, GA on 11/11?
Vic370 New Member
Posts: 7 From: Dallas, GA, USA Registered: May 2011
posted 10-31-2011 01:17 PM
You bet. I live not far from Cartersville and I'll be back from AAMS just in time to go. I might get to meet Al twice in one week!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 11-01-2011 02:09 PM
The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center have just announced copies of "Falling To Earth" signed by both authors are now available via their website. All sales assist the center in their space education and preservation mission.
bruce Member
Posts: 916 From: Fort Mill, SC, USA Registered: Aug 2000
posted 11-08-2011 07:11 AM
Any cS’ers planning to attend Al Worden’s talk and book signing tomorrow night at the Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill, NC? According to the Morehead website, each ticket includes the premiere screening of their newest planetarium show "Solar System Odyssey", the presentation by Col. Worden, a personalized, signed copy of Col. Worden's book, "Falling To Earth" and a dessert reception with Col. Worden.
I'll be there for sure!
jiffyq58 Member
Posts: 218 From: Durham, NC, USA Registered: Jun 2011
posted 11-08-2011 09:07 PM
I will be there. I was actually the one who alerted the Planetarium to the possibility of getting Al to give a talk there. I'm really happy it worked out.
Tickets were getting close to running out when I talked to someone at the Planetarium this afternoon, so if you don't have one, I would try to do something about that in the morning.
bruce Member
Posts: 916 From: Fort Mill, SC, USA Registered: Aug 2000
posted 11-10-2011 02:06 PM
Col. Worden was in fine form last night at his absolutely packed to capacity Morehead Planetarium book signing appearance in Chapel Hill, NC!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 11-10-2011 09:29 PM
quote:Originally posted by jiffyq58: I will be there. I was actually the one who alerted the Planetarium to the possibility of getting Al to give a talk there. I'm really happy it worked out.
We're most grateful for your efforts, and those of many others out there contacting their local museum / science center to suggest a signing. It pays off, as you can see!
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 11-11-2011 05:21 AM
Joel Katzowitz, Bob Bruemmer and I will be at the Tellus Museum in Cartersville, GA tonight for the Worden lecture and signing. If anyone wants to hook up with us let us know.
jiffyq58 Member
Posts: 218 From: Durham, NC, USA Registered: Jun 2011
posted 11-11-2011 08:23 PM
Francis, sorry you weren't able to join Al for the Morehead stop on the tour. We missed you. And Bruce, sorry I didn't get to meet you there.
As Bruce said, it was a sellout crowd, and it seemed that everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. I wish we got more events like this around here. But it was great to have Al here talking about his astronaut career and particularly about how he learned stellar navigation at the Morehead Planetarium.
Joel Katzowitz Member
Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 11-12-2011 07:52 AM
The event at the Tellus Museum (Cartersville GA) last night was well attended and great fun. We estimated about 400-500 people, including a lot of kids, were there. Worden was "interviewed" by two of the museum staff and he provided some interesting insights as well as humorous responses to the questions.
Gilbert and I had our books signed after a short wait in line.
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 11-12-2011 08:47 AM
It was good to see so many children at the Worden event last night. It was also nice to see an Apollo astronaut get the A-Lister treatment he deserves. The Tellus Science Museum did a wonderful job hosting and proved to be the perfect venue. Great fun, and a rare thing in Georgia!
And... Joel Katzowitz was there!
JasonB Member
Posts: 1091 From: Registered: Sep 2003
posted 11-12-2011 10:42 AM
I sent a request to the Abraham Lincoln Museum here in Springfield asking for them to try and host an Al Worden booksigning. They had Jim Lovell here last year and he attracted over 1000 people on a Thursday morning (they were so unprepared that they only ordered about 100 books), so I'm hoping they listen and try and make something happen.
Spacefest Member
Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
posted 11-12-2011 03:34 PM
I'd urge anyone who hasn't read Al's book or attended a book signing to do so soon, as the first printing has Sold out. The publisher is considering a second printing, but won't say when.
heng44 Member
Posts: 3387 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
posted 11-15-2011 06:07 AM
Al and Francis did a great job writing this book. I enjoyed reading it very much. The story on the aftermath of the flight is very interesting and I had not read about it in such detail. Even for an Apollo fan like myself there was quite a bit of new information in the book.
HistorianMom Member
Posts: 105 From: Columbia, Missouri USA Registered: Nov 2010
posted 11-15-2011 09:22 AM
quote:Originally posted by Spacefest: I'd urge anyone who hasn't read Al's book or attended a book signing to do so soon, as the first printing has Sold out. The publisher is considering a second printing, but won't say when.
That is great news, not only for Colonel Worden and Mr French, but for anyone considering writing space history -- one of the things publishers always want is sales record data on comparable books. I also have to say that both authors have been terrific at signings -- it has to be getting a little old by now, but everyone I have talked to has mentioned what a positive experience the signings have been.
albatron Member
Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
posted 11-15-2011 08:04 PM
Al will be signing his book at the Vero Beach Book Center (Vero Beach, FL) on Saturday, 11/19 at 1:00 p.m.
Is anyone else going?
divemaster Member
Posts: 1376 From: ridgefield, ct Registered: May 2002
posted 11-18-2011 12:15 AM
Spent the evening with Al at his Uniondale, NY signing. He almost filled the IMAX theater and had a mighty long book line. Good to see some old friends and hang out with Al [playing bodyguard telling what could and couldn't be signed].
Al is a wonderful speaker, no matter how many times I've heard him, I've learned something new. If you haven't been to his website lately, check out the video of his talk with the folks at Google. Always fascinating.
Francis won't let me post any pictures, though. I'm under an NDA.
(And I wore a suit and I shaved. I don't do that for everyone. Come to think of it, I think it's been two years since I last put on a tie.)
MikeSpace unregistered
posted 11-18-2011 03:02 PM
Glad the Cradle of Aviation went well was going to go but the traffic to get to/from NJ to Long Island, it was actually probably easier to go to the NASM signing.
posted 10-07-2011 12:05 AM
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