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Author
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Topic: Autographica 18, Birmingham, UK, October 2012
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Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-10-2012 04:41 AM
   
Alternatively just do what I always do when meeting astronauts, stand their with mouth open gormlessly, mumble some form of greeting or a refence to having read their book which never quite comes out right and then say thank you in a voice about three octaves too high!Works for me every time! |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-10-2012 05:53 AM
Paul, I really, really liked your post!  Don't worry, it's virtually guaranteed that that is exactly what i ll do... even though I'm desperately trying to be cool. Over on the NASASpaceflight forum, a fella advised 'Just don't drool, they hate that', which I thought was pretty good advice. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-10-2012 06:51 AM
Very sound logic, just putting it into practice is usually my problem! |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-10-2012 10:00 AM
Can anyone tell me how many people are usually on a table with a 'celebrity'? I'm on Buzz's table you see. I joke with my girlfriend that there are probably about a hundred people per table or something! |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-10-2012 12:10 PM
Usually around a dozen per table: get ready to drool! |
YankeeClipper
Member Posts: 617
From: Dublin, Ireland
Registered: Mar 2011
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posted 10-10-2012 03:51 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Buel:
I'm on Buzz's table you see.
If you're seated next to Buzz, try to avoid the temptation to periodically prod him on the upper arm to see if he's real while your mouth mimics a fish out of water!Also, be careful asking Buzz about rendezvous/orbital mechanics - that's like asking Dave Scott about geology - strap in and hold on! |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-10-2012 05:22 PM
Very, very funny!!  As for the rendezvous/orbital mechanics question/s, I may as well say 'Hey Buzz, please just go ahead and humiliate me', ha ha. And as for asking Dave Scott about Geology, better that than stamps eh?
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Brian Bayley
Member Posts: 32
From: Merseyside UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted 10-11-2012 07:11 AM
At one Autographica show I asked Scott Carpenter how awesome was it to be Capcom on Apollo 11 when Neil and Buzz landed!Doh!! Charlie was on the next table and I got them mixed up. Still I guess Scott hadn't been asked that before and we had a great chat afterwards! My standard question to an astronaut is usually - "People are always in awe of meeting you, who have you met who you were in awe of?" Jim Lovell - "I've met Kings, Queens, Presidents, Rock Stars and Actors, but the people who impress me the most are ordinary members of the public who have done something amazing for no reward" Buzz - "Can't think of anyone at the moment"
Me (Struggling) - "Did you meet Elvis?"
Buzz (Laughs) - Yes but he sure didn't awe me" Charlie - Meeting Billie Graham was amazing and there is a German Evangelist (can't remember his name) who was great too, but I guess the best time was when I met Jesus" I work closely with anaesthetics and it is very dangerous to be ventilated on 100% oxygen over a long period. Although the astronauts lived on 100% oxygen to flush nitrogen out of their airway to prevent them from getting decompression sickness, it is amazing how many of them are unaware how dangerous this can be. Most of them think that 100% oxygen is nectar for the lungs when in fact it is very dangerous over a long period. This can be a good topic to bring up and Gene Cernan found it interesting. It is good to give them something to listen to rather than just answering questions. Hope you all have a great time over the weekend meeting our heroes. I have a table in the main room. Come and say hello. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-11-2012 07:26 AM
I generally research their hobbies (fishing, painting, music etc) and start off about that.... 'Interesting' topics: - Can you see stars from the Moon?
- Will the US ever return to the Moon?
- Have you seen a UFO?
- Do you think 'magnificent desolation' accurately describes the lunar landscape?
- Did you ever visit Pancho Barnes' Happy Bottom Riding Club?
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Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-11-2012 07:55 AM
What fantastic replies they were, Brian Bayley and Dave Bryant, thank you both so much!Brian, I would love to have seen your face at Charlie Duke's answer!!!!! Blimey!! (and Scott Carpenter's face at your question- Brilliant!) And Buzz's answer really made me smile! I have to say, your comment regarding 100% oxygen really made me think. Would I be correct in assuming that you are perhaps offering a connection between the 100% oxygen intake and certain astronauts' 'experiences'? What is your table so I can say hi? |
Brian Bayley
Member Posts: 32
From: Merseyside UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted 10-11-2012 08:34 AM
100% oxygen is dangerous because it flushes the nitrogen out of the bottom of your alveoli in the lungs. Nitrogen, being a heavy gas keep the alveoli open and allows oxygen to be absorbed. With all the nitrogen flushed out the alveoli can collapse and cause poor oxygen intake and serious lung injury. Pure oxygen can make you light headed but probably wouldn't enhance the astronaut 'experience.' With the sudden atmospheric changes during a flight, it was essential to flush nitrogen out in order to avoid getting the 'bends' but it did carry a risk which not many of the astronauts were aware of.My table is in the main dealer room. I am a collector rather than a professional dealer so I don't have a business banner promoting who I am. Many of the dealers in the room know me so you should find me ok. Look forward to meeting you.
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Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-11-2012 09:16 AM
So close to the show and I am gutted, I have purchased a photoshoot with each of the astronauts and have just read that the charge is for one person in the photo only.I purchased the photoshoots so I could have my picture taken with my two boys aged 2 and 5 with Buzz Aldrin and all the other astronauts so that they have something to look back on in the future. Has anyone got any advice to give? Is there a way I can still have my photograph taken with my boys with each of the astronauts. Really gutted about this as my boys are the main reason I have paid all the money that I have for all the photoshoots. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-11-2012 09:28 AM
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but my understanding is that Showmasters tend to be quite firm on that policy (I think there is an exemption for what they describe as 'babes in arms' but otherwise I believe it is one ticket per person in the photoshoot. I think this is a rule they have across all their signing events and conventions, not just Autographica.You could try contacting Dave about it directly, although I'm not sure if he would be at the venue by now, but I suspect you might be out of luck on this one. |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-11-2012 11:21 AM
Anybody know what the situation would be for us to take a photo of the kids near these legends as all I want to do is provide them with proof when they are older that they did indeed meet these people as my two year old will definitely not remember this.Also do you think the astronauts will be accommodating towards my boys by which I mean shake there hands? Never been to one of these events before so this is all new to me. Thanks for your help. |
Brian Bayley
Member Posts: 32
From: Merseyside UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted 10-11-2012 12:23 PM
Charlie Duke, Edgar Mitchell and Dick Gordon are very approachable and should pose for a family photo with you if you catch them in the bar. They will probably be having drinks both before the Gala Dinner and in the public bar afterwards. They might be in the drinks reception on the friday night too. Charlie and Dick are great fun and Edgar is quieter. Personally I prefer a candid photo with them posing with a glass of wine in hand rather than a more formal Apollo pose.Buzz is harder to catch and you might be better using your photoshoot tickets for a formal family shot with him. Don't forget, Neil and Buzz landed on the moon at the same time, so they were actually both the first man on the moon. An opportunity for your family not to miss. You'll enjoy the show I'm sure so try not to worry. Come and see me in the dealer room for a chat. Enjoy. |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-11-2012 12:59 PM
Brian, thanks for your reply it's very much appreciated. You mention to use my photoshoot ticket to get a formal family shot with Buzz but from what I understand I will be the only one to be able to have a photo with him and not my two boys as well. |
Brian Bayley
Member Posts: 32
From: Merseyside UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted 10-11-2012 02:24 PM
Just ask - nothing is carved in stone. If you've paid for three phototickets it will save them time to do three at once and honestly, what inconvenience will it cause anyone? Don't go in by yourself without making enquiries at the time. You might regret it! |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 10-11-2012 02:41 PM
I'll be arriving in Birmingham Friday evening by car (all the way from Cologne, Germany)! Hopefully we will be early enough for the drinks - and after that trip, I'll definitely need a pint!If anyone has a copy of Live TV From the Moon and wants it signed by the author, bring it along. At $0 per signature with personalization, his rates are pretty good too and he'll pose for photos with whomever you want for the same fee as the sig... |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-11-2012 02:58 PM
Hey Dwight, I take it/hope you are bringing some of your books? (Great offer of free signings!!) |
Dwight
Member Posts: 576
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 10-11-2012 06:48 PM
No sorry, I don't have any spares left! I know there is a shop near Manchester which sells them via ebay and/or shopfrontm or Amazon with priority shipping may work in time. Im only there for Saturday as well. Dont know if that helps though. |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-12-2012 03:29 AM
Safe journey, everyone! See you all soon! |
robert_l
Member Posts: 168
From: Dundee,Scotland
Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 10-12-2012 07:17 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Dwight:
If anyone has a copy of Live TV From the Moon and wants it signed by the author, bring it along.
Coming down late Saturday night so can be there on Sunday. I would love to meet you. Have got the book and very interested in Apollo TV and the connection with John Logie Baird, the Scotsman who invented the TV and sequential colour system. |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-13-2012 12:11 PM
WOW!! Met Buzz, Charlie Duke, Ed Mitchell and Dick Gordon. They were all fine/good but Dick Gordon was fantastic — so funny!!Buzz was nice... but especially nice to the girls! |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-13-2012 02:06 PM
Back home from the show and just wanted to post how great the show was organised by Dave and the crew, a big thank you to you all for making it possible for us to meet so many great astronauts in one place and the best thing was my boys appeared on all the photoshoots with me except for Ed Mitchell so have memories to look back on.The lecture with Ed Mitchell was very interesting. Would also like to say it was nice to meet some of you for the first time, i.e. Martin, Oliver and David Bryant. Now time to start saving for next year. |
Skyguy48
Member Posts: 142
From: Scotland
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 10-13-2012 03:44 PM
That's great to hear you had a great time Rob, panic over! Am flying down in the morning from Edinburgh for the day, sounds like today was pretty amazing. |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-13-2012 04:57 PM
Thanks, hope you have a great time yourself tomorrow. Wish I could be there again. |
Kite
Member Posts: 831
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 10-13-2012 04:57 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed today at Birmingham. Great at last to shake hands with Buzz Aldrin, I had seen his talk a few years ago at the Royal Festival Hall in London but had not met him. He was very gracious as were all the astronauts without exception. Good to meet Dick Gordon again and enjoyed his talk with his usual sense of humour but unfortunately missed Ed Mitchell's as when I went to get a ticket they had sold out. Still nice to talk to him again and had gone to Featherstone last year for his lecture. Will see Charlie Duke next week in Pontefract and he was his usual sociable self, just the same as before in Norwich three and a half years ago. Another thing I'd like to mention is the two splendid talks by Bob Springer and Don Thomas. Both were good natural speakers and their enthusiasm really shone through. Sometimes when we have so many legends to see we can tend to underestimate just how good and talented the shuttle astronauts are. Many thanks to both of them. Finally good to see some old faces, some belonging to collectSPACE, and some surprisingly not, so I gave us a plug. Thanks to the team who organise this extravaganza and who must be thrilled to see so many there and the long queues to spend a lot of money on the autographs, photo shoots and talks. |
Paul23
Member Posts: 836
From: South East, UK
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 10-14-2012 01:18 PM
What a weekend that was, everything was fantastic. The organisers deserve a lot of credit for putting on a show as good as that.I was disappointed when they first made the move back to one show a year but it has to be said the last two have been very high quality events. |
star61
Member Posts: 294
From: Bristol UK
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 10-14-2012 02:59 PM
As usual it was just an enormous honour and a pleasure to meet those guys. Dick Gordon was a delight and made my 9 year old daughter's day with a BIG space hug.Donald Thomas talked with inspiration to my son who is off to Uni next year and and Ed and Charlie likewise. Only managed quick word with Robert Springer and photo session with Buzz... but got a big smile and sincere thanks from Buzz at a comment I made. So the biggest moment? Just knowing that my kids can say they spoke with these historical figures and just having the memory of seeing how darn nice they are with so many folks. Also enjoyed our nicely "irreverent" chat David... nudge nudge say no more, ha ha! Just sorry we didn't get back to you later. You were quite busy I think? |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 10-14-2012 03:37 PM
I think it was a great show, certainly it was the busiest I've ever seen. There were healthy lines at most guests tables and I don't just mean the astronauts. Buzz's line on Saturday was particularly long, which I was surprised with at £250 per signature. Dick Gordon was looking very well indeed, certainly looked younger and healthier than he did at his last appearance in 2005. I actually said that to him at the pre-drinks reception. I can't thank Dave Phillips enough. Huge tip of the mad props beanie to him, he really made my weekend as I didn't think I'd get a place at the Gala Dinner but as it turned out I had had four Bond Girls sitting at my table (Marguerite Lewars, Catherine Schell, Beatrice Libert and Corrine Clery). It was great to see everyone too... Yvan Voirol, Ollie, John Ffoukes, Geoffrey, Dave, Paul Bramley, Aileen and Tony Malone, Rick Mulheirn and the ASF girls (Linn LeBlanc, Nicole Russ and Kristin). Top weekend... can't wait for the next one!! |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 10-14-2012 04:33 PM
Would agree with Derek's sentiments and observations. The show was the busiest I can recall seeing in 12 years of attending.Steady line of folks at the astronauts tables while I was there. I did not interact much with Buzz who was pleasant enough but his minders were somewhat over the top. I was stopped from taking a picture of Buzz at his table from a modest distance. Instead I was asked to move back a further 20 feet or more, which I though a bit unnecessary. Dick and Edgar in particular looked well and all the astronauts were on good form. My apologies to Geoff, Derek and Paul for disappearing part way through "lunch". I had arranged a time to take some photos with Ed Mitchell in the "Green room" with a camera that had been acting up so I was somewhat preoccupied. Chats with Nick and Bryar Deakin, the Dave Shayler clan and David Bryant took way longer than than anticipated and before I knew it a further three hours had flown by and I had to be heading out. Congratulations to Dave, Jason and Co. An excellent show that had a "buzz" (sorry) that I had not seen for quite some time; a sentiment echoed by attendees and traders alike. Hopefully it is indicative of a revival in people's spending habits and may be better financial times ahead. Worryingly I heard it reported that this was going to be Buzz's last such event in Europe. Jim Lovell has gone on record as saying he would not be attending future events and I understand other Apollo guys are thinking along similar lines. I just hope we have not seen the best of Autographica from an Apollo perspective and hope Dave and Jason (with a little help from Linn LeBlanc) can pull a few irons out of the fire for next year. A visit from Gene Cernan next year would float my boat. Bring it on! |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-14-2012 04:36 PM
Was in the queue on Saturday for the photoshoot for Richard Gordon and a gentleman had a space helmet in his hands and asked if he could go in front of us so we said yes not knowing who he was. Have now found out it was Dave Phillips, so I would like to say a late hello to you and thanks again for a great show and for giving my boys something to brag about for the rest of there lives, oh and me.  |
David Bryant
Member Posts: 986
From: Norfolk UK
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 10-14-2012 05:56 PM
Actually, the gent with the helmet was Jason!Great weekend, with so many memories (and photos!) to reflect on... So: thanks to Dave, Jason and Paul and to the many people who stopped for a chat. |
lspooz
Member Posts: 384
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012
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posted 10-14-2012 06:17 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Brian Bayley:
My standard question to an astronaut is usually - "People are always in awe of meeting you, who have you met who you were in awe of?"
{Oliver Voice}
Please, Sir, can I have some more?
{/Oliver Voice} The vignettes from Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin and Charlie Duke were wonderful! If you could post a few more or perhaps spin off a whole thread, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance... |
Madon_space
Member Posts: 667
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-14-2012 06:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by David Bryant:
Actually, the gent with the helmet was Jason!
I looked at the photo on the Autographica website under the (about us page) of three gentleman in dinner suits and noticed the one on the left to be the person I saw on Saturday, further down the page it states David, Jason and Paul so assumed he was called David.I stand corrected, so hello to Jason instead! Nice to meet you on Saturday David. |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 10-15-2012 01:45 AM
Totally agree that the whole weekend was awesome.Which one of you guys was the intense Scotsman with the kilt? |
minipci
Member Posts: 365
From: London, UK
Registered: Jul 2009
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posted 10-15-2012 04:51 AM
Had a great time on Saturday, but was astounded by the size of the queues! Much longer than any I had seen before. Recession? What recession!Unfortunately I missed the Ed Mitchell talk as I was stuck in the line for Richard Gordon. Not to worry as I got a chance to hear his talk last year. I did hear Dick Gordon's talk though, and it was nice to meet him in person. Enjoyed meeting David Bryant again, and got a nice book from him. Lastly, I was impressed by the Martin Landau talk. Very glad to get the chance to hear him reminisce. The only down side? Not having time to get a pint at lunch time. The bar seemed to be stuffed to bursting point by teenage girls attending the Twilight convention.  |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 10-15-2012 01:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by minipci:
The bar seemed to be stuffed to bursting point by teenage girls attending the Twilight convention.
That was a downside?  |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-15-2012 03:12 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
I did not interact much with Buzz who was pleasant enough but his minders were somewhat over the top. I was stopped from taking a picture of Buzz at his table from a modest distance. Instead I was asked to move back a further 20 feet or more, which I though a bit unnecessary.
Buzz was his usual distracted self but had a few nice words with my son. At one point someone showed up and was entertaining him with card tricks. Weird. I'd agree that the minders were over the top, just like the $600 fee to "complete" a Collins signed print. But apparently the fees will double shortly, then "triple." Great to see you guys again and it was another well-organised and varied show. The only thing that surprised me on Sunday was that no one was checking entry tickets, which is a shame for the organisers. |
machbusterman
Member Posts: 1778
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004
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posted 10-15-2012 04:03 PM
quote:
Originally posted by gliderpilotuk:
The only thing that surprised me on Sunday was that no one was checking entry tickets, which is a shame for the organisers.
It was the same on Saturday Paul... You could enter the room from either end and no-one checked your wristband/pass. |
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