|
Author
|
Topic: Spacefest VII, June 2016, Starr Pass (Tucson, AZ)
|
YankeeClipper
Member Posts: 617
From: Dublin, Ireland
Registered: Mar 2011
|
posted 05-17-2016 12:17 AM
   
Handshakes and signatures can both be treasured mementos of an astronaut encounter. Autographs are great enduring aide-mémoires of encounters and I can look at every autograph I have and remember the place and specific circumstances under which it was obtained. There really is some truth in the old adage - "A blunt pencil is better than a sharp mind." Plus there is absolutely no doubt over authenticity. There is nothing quite like an in-person experience!Free handshakes and chats are fine, but I very much doubt events like Spacefest, ASF's Space Rendezvous and Autographica could be economically viable and exist without the paid autograph element. For that premise to work, however, autographs have to remain somewhat affordable. |
David C
Member Posts: 1015
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012
|
posted 05-17-2016 12:43 AM
quote:
Originally posted by NovaRob:
At this moment Ron Garan is not sure of his schedule, other than his WorldView/Paragon talk, so he is not sure if he will be available for signing.
Thanks Rob, fingers crossed for Garan. |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 591
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
|
posted 05-17-2016 12:33 PM
In about three weeks I will be at Spacefest. While a bit dismayed at the prices of some autographs I am nevertheless looking forward to this with more anticipation than any of my previous ones. After the loss of Neil Armstrong, who I never got to meet, I intend to savor the experience of meeting, talking and shaking the hands of the heroes of my youth. I am retiring next year and will probably not get to do this again. How many ever get to share time with the CMP of the first lunar landing, or hear firsthand the story of Apollo 13 from the astronauts involved? We have moonwalkers we actually get to sit and talk to! Hoot Gibson flew a shuttle mission prior to STS 107 that almost suffered the same fate. There is some tremendous history here. I plan to enjoy every second of it. |
kosmo
Member Posts: 388
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
|
posted 05-17-2016 02:27 PM
In 2001, I made a goal for myself to meet all the surviving MGA astronauts, introduce myself, shake their hand and get a photograph. I soon realized that the astronauts were there to make money and for better or worse, I started to collect autographs. While I still think the best way to remember an encounter is a photograph, I agree that these shows would probably not exist without the autograph element to them. |
JasonIUP
Member Posts: 282
From: PA
Registered: Apr 2004
|
posted 05-26-2016 08:33 AM
It looks like Jerry Bostick cancelled. Am I right? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 05-26-2016 08:45 AM
Tragically, Jerry Bostick's wife, Vickie, died yesterday (May 25). The family is planning a memorial service for June 4. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 05-26-2016 10:42 AM
Rob is correct (and thanks), we haven't had a chance to announce it yet but in light of circumstances quite understandable. |
Michael Davis
Member Posts: 528
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 05-28-2016 03:38 PM
Will there be items available to purchase for the signings? Photos, books, etc? Or should I plan on packing a large number of items and hope I have something appropriate in my collection?This will be my first Spacefest, so apologies if this has been asked and answered multiple times already.
|
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 05-28-2016 04:08 PM
Yes, we will offer photos, and have a huge selection of books available as well. Some of the astronauts will have their own and we'll sell some also. Rhea Seddon and Vance Brand off the top of my head but others as well. Lots of book signings as well. |
Daugherty54
Member Posts: 591
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010
|
posted 05-29-2016 05:44 PM
My sincerest condolences to the Bostick family. What a tragic loss! |
Michael Davis
Member Posts: 528
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 05-29-2016 06:07 PM
I have a lot of photos, lithos, patches etc. from the old "sign through the mail" days. I'll never get these signed now and they are just collecting dust. Is it worth bringing these in case someone else comes up short on items?Also, there are a lot of surplus autographed items in my collection. Again, is it worth bringing these for beginners or someone looking for items to complete? Not sure what the rules are for the show. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
|
posted 05-29-2016 08:46 PM
I seem to recall Paul Weitz being listed previously, but he's no longer on the site as one of the attending astronauts. Did he drop out also? |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 05-31-2016 09:13 PM
His wife passed away a short time ago, but I'm thrilled to say he has decided to join us again. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 06-01-2016 09:36 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Michael Davis:
Is it worth bringing these in case someone else comes up short on items?
It's always good to be helpful - as long as you don't compete with photo sales. I always bring extras and hand them out. |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-05-2016 01:23 PM
Getting more than a little excited now...  |
Rocketman!
Member Posts: 121
From: Redmond, Washington, USA
Registered: Dec 2007
|
posted 06-05-2016 01:56 PM
My artwork will be displayed at Spacefest VII this weekend alongside the work of two dozen notable space artists. This will be my first trip to attend Spacefest, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate.If you are a cS member, please come up and introduce yourself... and meet the man who designed the collectSPACE insignia. I have written up a short description of my preparations for the show on my website. — Dave Ginsberg  |
moonnut
Member Posts: 248
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013
|
posted 06-05-2016 08:13 PM
I was thinking it would be pretty cool if there was a bar or lounge where a bunch of us cSers could meet up on one or more of the nights for a drink and exchange stories and just meet some faces? I'm not familiar with the resort so I don't know if this is possible. I am going by myself so I thought it would be nice to meet some of you. I am staying at the Starr Pass Golf Suites and arrive around 7 p.m. Thursday night and may be ready for a drink or two. Does anyone think this would be a good idea? Like a collectSPACE Happy Hour. |
albatron
Member Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 06-05-2016 09:29 PM
Theres a nice outdoor area serviced by the bar right inside that's perfect for a meet. A lot of people gravitate there to simply hang out and meet up. Maybe stake out a table and put a sign of sorts up when you get there? |
divemaster
Member Posts: 1376
From: ridgefield, ct
Registered: May 2002
|
posted 06-06-2016 12:42 AM
Just a quick reminder to those going to SpaceFest. I will do my best to post any photos taken with Cunningham, Duke and Worden to their website. Please send them to me in, preferably, 800x600 format to divemaster@pobox.com.Have a great time! |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-06-2016 03:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by moonnut:
Like a collectSPACE Happy Hour.
Sounds good to me. I'll probably see you there. However, we've GOT to get the boss man there too. Robert, fancy it?? |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 06-06-2016 12:23 PM
quote:
Originally posted by farthestreaches:
Anyone ordering from Farthest Reaches and also attending may pick up their items from me at the event and save shipping charges. Nothing too oversized please.
Just a reminder that there's still time to make purchases from Farthest Reaches and have them brought to you at Spacefest. Would suggest at this point that you contact me via phone at 310.892.5150 (cell) to expedite. Of course, email is just fine as well if you'd rather. I've been asked if I have a vendor table at SpaceFest and the answer is no. I do look forward however to meeting as many of you as possible and to that end, hope you'll look me up to say hello. |
gareth89
Member Posts: 298
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014
|
posted 06-07-2016 09:01 AM
Just a quick one about photos with the astronauts. I've got a stellar ticket, so I won't be attending the lunch or dinner and I'm not particularly wealthy so unfortunately I'll only be able to afford a handful of autographs. I'd like to shake hands with as many of the legends taking part in the weekend as possible and would love to have my photo taken with them. Is this possible? Would I be allowed to queue up at the autograph stands to ask a question and shake hands?Can't wait til Thursday, I'm flying tomorrow (22 hours of flights and transfers!) looking forward to seeing you all there! |
David C
Member Posts: 1015
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012
|
posted 06-07-2016 09:17 PM
Can you shake hands without buying an autograph? My experience is yes. However, I'd wait for a queue to die down or disappear and you can also have a chat. A photo as well? Rather unlikely, don't be greedy. Pick your moment. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 06-08-2016 05:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Buel:
Robert, fancy it??
I'm up for getting together. I arrive tomorrow and will be around all weekend. Hope to see cS'rs at my talk on Saturday (2:15 p.m.), too... |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-08-2016 06:28 PM
Well it's all looking great here. Everybody is very excited about the next few days.Just so everyone knows, Dutch von Ehrenfried has realised that his talk on Friday is a paid lecture and is worried that "It'll be just me and my Mother," so please try and show some support guys. After all, this is someone who was there at the start and worked in Mercury Control through Gemini and Apollo. Please let me reassure you that this man is a larger than life character. Please go and meet him tomorrow - you will NOT be disappointed!! |
moonnut
Member Posts: 248
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013
|
posted 06-08-2016 11:06 PM
So everyone that wants, I will post on this forum tomorrow when I get there and find a spot for a drink or two. And anyone is welcome to come hang out. I may print a paper that says collectSPACE and put it on my table. Or maybe hang a cardboard sign around my neck that says, "collectSPACE Happy Hour Foundation" and put out a coffee can for donations. LOL. |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-09-2016 11:49 AM
quote:
Originally posted by moonnut:
Or maybe hang a cardboard sign around my neck that says, "collectSPACE Happy Hour Foundation" and put out a coffee can for donations.
I dare you...  |
SteveG
Member Posts: 48
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Registered: Nov 2001
|
posted 06-12-2016 03:29 PM
90% of the mail order is already packed up and will go out in the next few days. Some people even got emails with photos from the signings already. The rest will go out this week.Thanks to Kim, Sally and Rob for their help with this! |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 06-12-2016 04:16 PM
Looking forward to feedback on the events of the last few days. After all the controversy surrounding his signing fee I'd be interested to hear what kind of numbers were at Gene Cernan's table. |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-12-2016 04:55 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
I'd be interested to hear what kind of numbers were at Gene Cernan's table.
From what I could see, there were rarely moments when there wasn't a queue. quote:
Looking forward to feedback on the events of the last few days.
For me, there is too much to write in one sitting when I'm waiting to check out/be removed from our room so let me just say that this was one of the best experiences of my entire life. Be it Dave Scott standing next to me at the bar and my trying English humour on his wife (not a 100% success) to singing Karaoke in downtown Tucson with a crazy, incredibly funny Mercury/Mission Control Flight Controller by the name of 'Dutch' von Ehrenfried, it was all almost too much to take in. Please don't take this as boasting or being the 'big I am', I'm just giving my side of this adventure.Unbelievable and I wish more of you guys could have been here with us to share it. Edit - I will add that (and maybe this is an American thing) what I particularly enjoyed was the fact that everyone seemed so happy to say 'Hi' to each other not just in the main room, but coming and going there too. Everyone was just so happy and in the same vibe. That was pretty special. |
MCroft04
Member Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 06-12-2016 06:44 PM
Agree with Buel; there were too many great experiences to write about now — maybe after I get home. The highlight has to be Michael Collins! I went into the show hoping I might get at least one photo with him (when he signed my photo), but I got way more. Also, Rusty S explaining to me exactly when and where he and Jim M used my flown Apollo 9 cue card — including a diagram. Listening to Dave Scott describe how he and Jim Irwin discovered the Genesis rock, and then signing my Apollo 15 geologic map. Oh yes, listening to a guy talk about lost moon rocks. Now who would that be? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 06-12-2016 08:53 PM
My congratulations to Kim, Sally, Rob, Holly, Randy, Al, Colin, Nick and the entire Spacefest team for another truly stupendous event! One of the best parts of events like this is a chance to catch up and meet for the first time many of members of the collectSPACE community. The list of the people is too long to add here, but to mention just a few... - It was absolutely fantastic to meet Ryan Nagata, whose spacesuit and hardware replicas are even more impressive in person.
- If you were impressed with what J.L. Pickering and John Bisney were able to uncover in their "Snapshots" books, wait until you see what they have coming next!
- As I had the chance to write about before Spacefest, Keith Haviland, David Fairhead, Rick Houston and Gareth Dodds have put together a truly must-see film in "Mission Control: The Men Who Put a Man on the Moon."
- It was great to see Dave Ginsberg's work as part of the art show, including our own logo. And I was glad to have seen Chris Calle's latest work before it was sealed for shipment to its lucky new owner.
- Ron Franco should have had his own autograph table as a newly-emerged member of NASA's HERA X crew, but I was glad to see him just the same.
Of course, no post about Spacefest would be complete without mentioning the astronauts, flight controllers and other guests at the show. Seeing them all was a thrill unto itself but I really appreciate the time and conversations I had with Nicole Stott, Ron Garan, Don Thomas, Hoot Gibson, Jerry Ross, Rusty Schweickart, Fred Haise, Al Worden, Charlie Duke, Milt Heflin and Sy Liebergot. (A few of those conversations will be shared in upcoming articles.) Lastly (but certainly not least), I want to thank everyone who came to my talk, "Missing Moon Rocks and Other Space History Mysteries." I hope you enjoyed the presentation. |
JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
|
posted 06-13-2016 02:17 AM
I had a great time. The resort was unbelievable. It was strange randomly running into most of the astronauts.Besides meeting Michael Collins I'd say my favorite part was Dave Scott being willing to write "Man must explore" on my helmet. That really stunned me! |
SpaceFerris
Member Posts: 57
From: Thornville, OH
Registered: Mar 2015
|
posted 06-13-2016 09:28 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveG:
Some people even got emails with photos from the signings already.
Steve, I wanted to thank you again for getting my Jim Irwin signed litho (saluting the flag next to the LM Falcon) autographed in silver by Al Worden and Dave Scott in the blackness of space area. The pics you sent looked great and I cannot wait to have what for me will be a complete crew of the Apollo 15 mission. In total, it all added up to about $800 for all three, but worth it to me. Awesome!! |
Michael Davis
Member Posts: 528
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 06-13-2016 11:22 AM
I was on the same flights to and from Houston as Walt Cunningham. Yesterday I reintroduced myself as he passed by my seat on the way home. Later he came forward and stood beside me to chat for ten minutes or so. I thought this was my once in a lifetime chance to discuss a long ago correspondence with Wally Schirra about his decision not to wear helmets during reentry on Apollo 7. I marked this down as a great bonus from Spacefest.It got better. Storms shut down Houston Intercontinental and our flight was diverted to the airport in Corpus Christie. After another hour on the tarmac, during which Walt briefly stopped by my seat again, we were sent into the small and now crowded Corpus Christie terminal. Walt and his wife Dot invited my to sit with them. What proceeded was five hour of nearly dedicated time with an Apollo astronaut. I was allowed to ask all of the questions that had built up during fifty years of following the space program, reading hundreds of book on the subject, and doing countless hours of research. We talked about whether we should return to the moon and the challenges of getting to Mars. We talked about Robert Gilruth, Pete Conrad and Chris Kraft. He told me of the Apollo crew selection process and about his decision to leave NASA. We talked about why the Apollo 9 CM is in San Diego and how the Apollo 7 CM got to Dallas. We talked more about Wally Schirra and his concerns with the safety of the crew seats on Apollo 7. Later the flight crew joined us and that lead to a discussion of flying modern aircraft versus the planes from Walt’s era. They discussed the hazards of too much aircraft automation and the need for better pilot training. They discussed the challenges of landing helicopters on ships. Walt talked about earning his wings not too far from where we were sitting in that terminal. For five hours we ranged over every topic I could think of. Upon our eventual return to Houston I thanked Walt and Dot once again for sharing their day with me. They had been gracious with their time, extraordinarily patient with my questions, and exceptional “hosts.” What normally would have been a terrible travel experience had now turned into one of the most memorable days of my life. This all was not really a direct benefit of Spacefest, but it certainly made the cost of a Galactic ticket worth it.
|
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-13-2016 02:25 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Michael Davis:
This all was not really a direct benefit of Spacefest, but it certainly made the cost of a Galactic ticket worth it.
What a wonderful story. I am very happy (and a little envious, of course) for you. I hope more of 'us' get on here and share their experiences.On that, I was surprised how many of us enthusiasts are actually 'lurkers' on collectSPACE and have never posted? I urge you collectSPACE 'virgins' to get on here and share with us your experiences... |
astrobar1
Member Posts: 112
From: Mishawaka, IN, USA
Registered: Apr 2005
|
posted 06-14-2016 06:39 AM
What a fantastic time it was at Spacefest. A marvelous three-ring circus where there was always something going on that I wanted to see, hear or do. It certainly exceeded my expectations on all levels. All of the interactions, whether with fellow enthusiasts or with the celebs, were rewarding.One thing that struck me was how differently the various astronauts approach these signings (I should not have been surprised as that statement applies to any gathering of people). I happened to be the first person in line in one of the queues and listened as the astronaut chatted with his assistant about kicking off the day. He was firm in saying that the most important thing was that the people have fun. If they could not afford the signing fee he'd still make sure they got a signature. Soon afterwards I was standing in another queue behind a very nice young couple chatting with the astronaut. He offered for sale a couple of his books (autobiography and children's book) which they bought. When he asked if they wanted them signed, they said their budget would not allow it. I fully expected the astronaut to say he'd sign the books that they bought anyway, but was sadly surprised when he said he understood their budget limitation and thanked them for stopping by. Maybe if there hadn't been anyone in line waiting to buy a signature he would have done a freebee. I on the other hand was fortunate enough to buy a signed "Last Man on the Moon" poster (I really like the UK landscape format) at the "discount" price, so certainly no complaints from me! |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-14-2016 09:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by astrobar1:
Maybe if there hadn't been anyone in line waiting to buy a signature he would have done a freebee.
I would bet that that was the case. |
Buel
Member Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 06-14-2016 09:38 AM
Did anyone video the Apollo panel talk? I really need to see this. |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1075
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 06-14-2016 03:58 PM
I would like to say what a wonderful event this was. Kudos to Kim, Sally, Al H., Rob and the entire team for making it a great weekend. No one knows more than I, how hard it is to put on an event like this. It was great seeing so many of you who I've gotten to know via the computer over the years however nothing beats shaking hands and exchanging kind words or stories that can only happen at an event like this. It brings you all to life for me and must say I enjoyed every moment. So thanks again to everyone associated with this event for a job well done. |
advertisement