Thursday, July 12, 2007
Cross-country trip worth it for some autograph hounds
That includes Gary Patterson and Levi Morland, who came all the way from Kansas City, Mo., to catch Jordan before the basketball legend played Wednesday's practice round in preparation for the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.
"Jordan's the toughest," said Patterson, who tried but failed to obtain the autograph of the most popular celebrity in the tournament. "He's in such demand."
Jordan knows this.
That's why he was driven to a side entrance of the Edgewood clubhouse while Patterson, Morland and a handful of other autograph chasers waited in front for one of the biggest stars in sports.
By the time the tournament autograph hounds knew what was happening, Jordan, maneuvering behind a screen of security guards, was clear of the throng, the same way he avoided opponents while leading the Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association championships in the 1990s.
Jordan is returning to Edgewood after missing last year's 54-hole tournament that features some of the biggest names in athletics and entertainment.
"See, I told you," Nichol Romo of Stockton, Calif., said after Jordan was inside. "Jordan always comes in over there. I know his security. I know his drivers."
Romo, a veteran tournament celebrity watcher, had seen Jordan's moves in other years. She tried to advise Patterson and Morland before Jordan's arrival. She told them Jordan wouldn't be signing autographs, at least not in the parking lot. But Patterson refused to believe her.
"You're talking crazy," he said.
But Romo, attending the tournament with her son Camrin, turned out to be right.
"Those guys think they know everything," Nichol Romo said after Patterson and Morland missed Jordan.
Sometime during their long and circuitous trip to Lake Tahoe, maybe Patterson and Morland, both 27, convinced themselves Jordan would sign.
"He's the greatest athlete who ever lived," said Patterson, wearing a number 23 Jordan replica Bulls jersey, identical to Morland's.
To get Jordan's signature, along with the autographs of as many of the tournament's other celebrities as possible, Patterson and Morland flew from Kansas City to Las Vegas, then rented a car and drove 445 miles north to Reno, all on Monday.
It was a matter of money.
Flying from Kansas City to Reno and back would have cost them $559 each, Patterson said. The round trip to Las Vegas was $198 each and renting the car for a week cost $130. Patterson and Morland return home today, driving from Tahoe to Las Vegas, then flying to Kansas City.
Do the math.
"We just came to get autographs, mainly," said Patterson, who, with Morland, has been to a Super Bowl and World Series in pursuit of star signatures. "It's a little vacation."
Celebrity signatures are the golf tournament's main attraction. Autograph seekers gather at the clubhouse every morning. They follow stars around the course. They wait for them at the end of their rounds.
Some celebrities adopt unique strategies to avoid the autograph hounds.
Emmitt Smith, the National Football League's all-time leading rusher, arrived at the clubhouse front door. But Smith kept walking, holding a cell phone to his ear and looking at the ground.
"The old cell phone trick," said Patterson, who'd seen it before. "It's a classic move. You know what's even better? When they're pretending they're on the cell phone and it rings."
But Patterson and Morland did have some success.
"We got that Brandi girl," Morland said of Brandi Chastain, the former U.S. women's soccer star who is playing in the tournament.
They also got former National Football League quarterbacks Joe Theismann and Jim McMahon, along with former National Hockey League star Brett Hull. They were waiting for Herman Edwards, coach of their hometown football team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
"We've been out on the golf course all day," Morland said.
They hadn't given up on Jordan. It was only lunchtime. The afternoon remained.
"A lot of times he won't sign until after he's done playing," Morland said. "We'll wait all day."
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Rare Manchester United autograph sold for £12,000
The card, autographed by 14 members of the famous young squad managed by Matt Busby, was bought by a private collector from London at a special football memorabilia sale in Ludlow, western England.
Auction charges meant the buyer had to pay more than £14,000.
The menu is dated Feb 5, 1958, and bears the signatures of Duncan Edwards, Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Liam “Billy” Whelan.
All were killed just hours after signing it.
The team, who also included England World Cup 1966 winner Bobby Charlton, had beaten Red Star Belgrade 5-4 on aggregate and signed the menu during the post-match meal at the Majestic Hotel.
Their plane crashed taking off in a blizzard at the German airport, where it had stopped to refuel. Twenty three of the 43 passengers on board were killed.
Auctioneer John Mullock said the card was remarkable as it was so rare.
“We expected an awful lot of interest in it as there had been nothing like this on the market before,” he added. “It is so rare, it is one of the most important items of football history relating to one of the worst disasters ever to hit the sporting world.” – AFP
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Country music museum is deep in the heart of Texas
After leaving Menard, Kimble and Mason counties, it's tempting to head for Interstate 10 for the bright lights and traffic of San Antonio, but if you do, you'll miss the waterfalls of Colorado Bend State Park and Brady's Heart of Texas Country Music Museum.
No matter where you spent the previous night, the road to Colorado Bend State Park can be a little hard to find. The best way from Mason County is to locate Highway 87 at Mason, then take Highway 386 to Fredonia, turn east on Highway 71 and drive to Pontotok, where you'll pick up Highway 501 and go more or less northward until you reach Bend, and then follow the signs four miles to the park.
One caveat -- the guided tour to Gorman Falls, the most beautiful spot in the 5,328-acre park, is only offered on weekends. If your schedule doesn't allow you to see Gorman the first time, visit the park anyway, and hike the trail that runs along Spicewood Springs, where you will see smaller, but still lovely waterfalls; pools so clear that you can see the fish from top to bottom, swimming through the reflections of the clouds above; and if you're lucky, a glimpse of black-capped Vireos, golden-cheeked warblers and high overhead, bald eagles.
Even if you're not into birds or water, this park offers something for just about everyone, with 16 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of mountain bike trails and places to camp, fish and kayak. Kayaks are available for rent.
Finally, there are cave tours on weekends. According to a park brochure, there is a walking cave tour 9:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (resources and weather permitting), and a crawling cave tour 9 a.m. first Saturday of the month (resources and weather permitting.) Reservations are recommended.
San Saba County (population 6,086) is shaded over most of its 1,138 square miles by pecan trees -- thousands and thousands of pecan trees, both native and developed. It was here that English immigrant Edward E. Riesen developed the paper shell pecan. He named San Saba "the Pecan Capital of the World," and with his prodigious harvests, established pecans as the county's cash crop in 1874.
Pecans still play a big part in the county's economy, with five pecan companies accounting for revenues second only to government/services in the 2006 Texas Almanac.
Leave San Saba (pop 2,637 and the county seat) on Highway 190, which takes you west into McCulloch County and the town of Brady, site of a goat cook-off every September and the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum.
The museum is a celebration of those heroes to all of us who learned about life hearing songs of love gone wrong and cowboys crying in their beer. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, the museum features stage costumes, musical instruments, autographs, posters and other relics of more than 100 country music artists, including Kitty Wells, who still comes to Brady regularly to perform, with her husband, Johnny Wright.
Radio station KNEL disc jockey Tracy Pitcox, who serves as museum president, said that most of the costumes have been donated by the artists eager to perpetuate the legend of country music.
The largest item in the collection, however, was bought at auction: the bus owned and sometimes driven by Gentleman Jim Reeves. It's a little shabby and inadequate by today's standards, still smells faintly of cigarette smoke and has a rusty running board step.
"We bought this bus for $3,000, and then it cost us $3,100 to get it down to Brady."
Pitcox said there is a story that he can't verify explaining the rusty step.
"Well, they say that Jim loved to drive this bus, and he drove it fast, and of course, there were often times when they would play all night, then have to be in the next town to play the next night.
"So Jim would be driving, and some members of the band would have to answer nature's call, but Jim wouldn't be willing to stop.
"So he would slow down, and the guy would come up to the front, and they would open the door just as long as necessary, then close it and go on."
Old movies inspire fervent collector
NEW MILFORD — In Simon Melzer's basement foyer, there is a black-and-white framed photo of the late Jackie Gleason and Art Carney in a famous scene from "The Honeymooners.''
It's an appropriate prelude to the retired Henry Abbott Regional Technical School media specialist's private Hollywood nostalgia museum, which would surely awe any old movie or horror film buff.
"I was a movie nut ever since I was a kid. That was my whole thing,'' said Melzer, 60, who just finished a film documentary titled "Hollywood and the Stars Nostalgia'' that will be shown on Charter cable Channel 21 later this month. "I'm a collector of everything movies from the silent screen through the 1970s. I always wanted to make my own movies."
Instead, his career as a state vocational school educator — he spent 13 years at Henry Abbott before retiring in 2001 — had him making promotional videos for schools. He also worked part time as a manager of the former North Street Shopping Center cinema.
Simon Melzer‘s collection includes this page from a 1920 issue of "The Moving Picture World."
Nowadays, he is pursuing his moviemaking and digital photography hobby by making independent films through his company, Si Melzer Productions, about the history of Hollywood, including one called "The History of Horror and Monster Movies.''
In his southern New Milford home, his movie passion is palpable.
Every wall and beam in his basement is covered with glossy, autographed photos of starlets of yesteryear and aged movie posters, all carefully preserved and framed. He has an original souvenir program of the controversial 1915 film, "Birth of a Nation,'' a series of Charlie Chaplin posters and one from Mel Brooks' "High Anxiety.'' There are photographs of silent screen stars such as Thea Barrett and glamour shots of actresses such as Lauren Bacall.
Lined up on one column in the room are black-and-white autographed photos of Elizabeth, best known for her long-running role as Samantha in the 1960s television series "Bewitched," and her father, Robert. There is an original "King Kong'' pepper shaker (Melzer doesn't know what happened to the matching salt shaker), and a 1935 steel film reel.
Simon Melzer‘s collection includes this page from a 1918 issue of "The Moving Picture World."
One of his most prized collectibles is a "Tarzan'' photo of a buff Johnny Weissmuller, arguably the most famous "Tarzan'' star, with an autograph Melzer obtained separately.
His now 86-year-old mother, Ilonka Schwartz, once worked for the G&M Bakery on Madison Avenue, and one day in the 1940s Eleanor Roosevelt's driver was a customer. His mother was desperate for an autograph of the First Lady, and she was somehow able to arrange one.
About 30 years later, Melzer traded that autograph for Weissmuller's. He has no regrets.
"They're my pride and joy,'' Melzer said of the autograph and another film photo of Weissmuller's Tarzan embracing Jane, played by Maureen O'Sullivan.
Melzer's most unusual item is called "Tarzan's New York Adventure,'' a full series of 8-inch lobby cards. A collection of that ilk could fetch a pretty penny. Melzer's entire collection of posters, autographs and other memorabilia is probably worth more than $20,000.
A 1925 photo of Greta Garbo was taken by Ruth Harriet Louise.
"But I wouldn't sell them,'' he said.
His collection stunned his friend Jay Adler, who reunited with Melzer a year ago at their 40th high school reunion.
"I couldn't believe how many posters he had in that special room of his. It' s like a museum,'' Adler said.
Upon their reunion, Melzer invited Adler to go with him to New Jersey for the annual "Chiller Theater,'' a convention of horror and science fiction buffs that often attracts the aging stars of those films and their relatives.
Melzer decided to interview some of the stars at the "Chiller Theater," and he and Adler teamed up to turn his footage into the Hollywood stars documentary.
Adler, who lives in Manhattan and is president of his own insurance company, said he was honored when Melzer asked for his assistance in making the film.
They endured a few rejections, including Bela Lugosi Jr., whose father was the famous "Dracula,'' for which Melzer has some original movie posters. But they also were granted permission by many, including the daughter of Boris Karloff, the original "Frankenstein'' and the voice of "The Grinch;'' Ann Robinson, the original "War of the Worlds'' actress, and Betsy Palmer of "Friday the 13th'' fame.
For the 25-minute film, Adler was the interviewer and Melzer served as the researcher and narrator. Original film clips accompany the interviews with the actors and actresses.
"It was an exercise in using my new digital camera and making a field production,'' Melzer said. "We didn't even think they'd (actors and actresses) talk to us. And most were so nice to give us one or two minutes.'
In total, they did 14 interviews, including actress Katherine Leigh Scott, who once played on the 1960s soap opera "Dark Shadows.''
In New Milford, Melzer is able to share some of his views with students through a history of the movies adult education class offered at the high school. He also still substitutes at Henry Abbott.
"I don't like George Lucas,'' Melzer said of the "Star Wars'' guru who might be a "master of special effects'' but not a classic filmmaker. "He made one movie over and over again.''
Melzer admires some of Steven Spielberg's films, but he considers masters like Frank Capra, Billy Wilder and Alfred Hitchcock true classic moviemakers.
"They invented the language of the cinema,'' Melzer said. "The kids making movies today don't know what they're doing.''
Computerized action and effects are almost cheating in Melzer's view.
"There are no storylines, no great writers,'' he said. "I don't know who writes this junk today.''
He is quick to say there have been a few exceptions.
He contends "Chicago,'' and "A Beautiful Mind,'' are film jewels, and he was impressed with Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning "Million Dollar Baby.''
Asked to name his favorite movies of all time, beyond "Tarzan," Melzer said, "Lawrence of Arabia,'' and "The Bridge Over the River Kwai.''
The most perfect movie ever made: "The Wizard of Oz.''
Why?
"The casting was perfect, the black and white and color, the editing was superb, and the special effects were out of this world,'' Melzer said.
Some of Melzer's favorite stars: John Wayne, James Cagney, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis. His favorite starlet: the ever mysterious Marilyn Monroe.
Least favorite? Greta Garbo. The reclusive actress refused to give autographs.
Today, Melzer's movie memorabilia collecting has slowed. He now wants to concentrate more on filmmaking.
As for his family's take on his movie compulsion, Melzer laughs.
"My daughter (Jessica) could care less about movies,'' he said. "Every time I pontificate about movies, she runs away.
"My wife (Nancy) and daughter will go to the movies, but they are not interested in anything I have to say about them.
"But it's great that she lets me do all this crazy stuff.''
Could McCain's travels be precursor to presidential bid?
The book is the fourth collaboration between McCain and Mark Salter, McCain's chief of staff. It tells stories of historical figures ranging from Mother Teresa to former Arizona Cardinals football player Pat Tillman. McCain has been crisscrossing the country in recent weeks, combining book signings with political stops in some states that pop up early in the 2008 GOP presidential primary race. Last week, McCain reopened his Straight Talk America political action committee, raising hopes for a 2008 presidential run.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Rangers' giving spirit on display
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers see themselves as more than just a sports franchise. They see themselves as a contributing part of the community, and that giving spirit was on display again in 2005.
"I think we have built a great tradition in Arlington, and it is our responsibility to use our assets to give back to the community," said former Rangers catcher and current executive director to the president Jim Sundberg. "For years, we have helped by doing our part, and I think with the recent hurricanes, it's important for the community to know we are there for them. They are there for us."
The Texas Rangers Foundation, a non-profit organization created in 1991 to support community endeavors, has been a success. Again.
The events sponsored by the Texas Rangers Foundation included: the first Cancer Awareness Day at Ameriquest Field in Arlington; Fight Hunger at the Plate, a partnership with the Tarrant Area Food Bank and North Texas Food Bank; Firefighter/Officer Appreciation Night; the Diamond Boot event to benefit the Texas Chapter of the American Society for Autism; and silent auctions.
Other programs included the Mark Holtz Hello Win Column Fund, the organ donor awareness softball game and Shoes for Orphan Souls. The Rangers also honored the Teacher of the Year as part of Teachers Appreciation Night.
In conjunction with outfielder David Dellucci's foundation (Catch 22 for Blue) and Brookshire's, the Rangers recently provided 30 Thanksgiving baskets to families that had been relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex from the Gulf Coast area because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"Being from Baton Rouge, La., I take a lot of pride in saying that I am from there," Dellucci said. "It touches my heart when I think of families going into the holidays away from home and separated from family members. It really drives me to help."
Additionally, Catch 22 for Blue and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation are teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves and FSN Southwest and KLUV radio in the Toys for Tots program to collect toys this holiday season -- primarily to benefit the several thousand Gulf Coast residents who have relocated to the area because of the hurricanes. The Catch 22 for Blue Toy Drive will kick off on Nov. 28.
The holiday drive will conclude with a special Catch 22 for Blue Toy Drive Celebration on Dec. 15 from 5-7:30 p.m. CT in Vandergriff Plaza at Ameriquest Field in Arlington. The Catch 22 for Blue Toy Drive Celebration will feature autographs, caroling, Santa, Rangers Captain and the Legends of the Game Museum craft area. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to bring toys to help the families of North Texas.
Baseball's Giving Spirit 2005 | MLB in the Community
Texas Rangers players, front office staff, Santa Claus and Rangers Captain will once again visit Children's Medical Center of Dallas, on Dec. 15 from 10-11:15 a.m. The Texas Rangers Annual Holiday Sale will take place at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on Dec. 9-10. The sale will feature cracked bats, Rangers jerseys, flags, former Texas Rangers Alumni autographed items, publications and a variety of other items.
"When you help out or you visit a child in the hospital, it does something to the person who is helping, and that is positive," Sundberg said. "For some people, these are trying times, and we will help with support. Especially with the hurricane victims, rebuilding is not going to happen overnight. It's something that is going to take time. We want to do our part to make the transition easier."
Martha Stewart to serve autographs to local fans
If you're a Martha Stewart fan, you'll fit in just fine Saturday at the Barnes & Noble in downtown Minneapolis: She'll be there from noon to 2 p.m., signing copies of her new baking handbook. Come early — as early as 7 a.m. — to try to get a wristband for the long line that's sure to form.
"She mentioned on her talk show that she'd be in downtown Minneapolis, so we've been getting calls from all over the country from people seeking signed books," says store spokeswoman Kathy Kaysen.
Martha, says Kaysen, signs very quickly, so she should plow through a lot of copies of "Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook" (Clarkson Potter, $40). She also will not pose for photos with fans, so that should further speed the line. The store is at 801 Nicollet Mall.
After she's done talking about Tarte Tatin and Torta della Nonna, Martha will move on to Edina in the evening, where she'll appear at an invitation-only event at the Marshall Field's Southdale Home store. There, she'll talk about the Opal Point Collection, the latest offering in her furniture line with Bernhardt Furniture Co.
Make sure to read the Sunday edition of the Pioneer Press for a story about Martha's visit, as well as an interview with her. In the meantime, the domestic diva recently dished with the Pioneer Press via e-mail, talking about fern fronds and steel blue hues.
Crede available to sign autographs on Saturday
Crede will be in the cafeteria on the lower level of the Information Technology Center. The event, which will help raise money for a LSTC Drafting Club field trip, will end with a raffle that includes an autographed White Sox hat, baseball, baseball bat and World Champion pennants.
Autographs are free. There is no entry fee and no personal cameras will be allowed.
Those who attend can bring cards or gloves to be signed, while cards and baseballs with Crede's signature will be available for purchase. Fans can also purchase an 8x10 photograph with Crede for $10.
For more information, contact Brad Crede at (573) 897-5113.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Maher pulls no punches in valley visit
PALM SPRINGS - President Bush's approval rating hit an all-time low in polls last week, with an indictment in his White House, a war languishing in Iraq and his first choice for the Supreme Court withdrawing in a hailstorm of criticism.
"Good," Bill Maher said.
The author, comedian, television host and thorn in the side of conservatives signed his new book, "New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer," at Peppertree Books in downtown Palm Springs on Saturday. A sold-out concert at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert was to follow.
Hundreds waited for a photo or handshake and a signed book from Maher.
Judy Graham of Palm Desert was in line three hours before the book-signing.
"He's so exceedingly intelligent, but he's gifted in being able to deliver his message in a comedic way," she said.
That's Maher's magic, said Chris Johnson, owner of Peppertree Books.
"He's able to be politically charged and also very funny," he said. "When he hits home with certain truths, if you're laughing, it's hard to get upset. The comedy aspect opens doors of discussion, and that isn't easy, particularly in the current political climate in this country."
Maher, host of the HBO series "Real Time with Bill Maher," had a question for the growing number of Americans dissatisfied with Bush's job performance - where you been?
"There's a saying about the Roman Empire - the amazing thing isn't that it fell; it's that it lasted so long," Maher said.
"It's the same thing with the Bush administration. It's not that they're having so many problems now; it's that it took so many people five years to catch on."
"Dittoes!" said Jim Benzie of Cathedral City as he got his book signed, spoofing a slogan used by callers to conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh. That prompted a mock-outraged "Hey!" from Maher.
Book-signings aren't a chore, Maher said.
"I enjoy meeting my people; just not people in general," he said.
Some getting their book signed urged Maher to run for president. Won't happen, he said.
"When you tell it like it is, you can never run for president," he said.
Those who think Maher doesn't love his country because he's often critical of what its leaders do are guilty of "rank stupidity," he said.
"It's like Al Franken said: Conservatives love their country like a 4-year-old loves her Mommy - unconditionally; she can do no wrong.
"We love our country like two adults in a mature relationship. It's not perfect, but you work to make it better."
Celebrity Autographs And Celebrity Addresses
Finnish band H.I.M. will meet fans at HMV (333 Yonge Street) in Toronto on Sunday, before playing in front of a sold-out audience at the Kool Haus later that night.
Making their first trip to Canada, the members of H.I.M. will sign copies of their latest album, "Dark Light." The band will arrive at the HMV location at 3 p.m. The first 300 fans in line will be given wristbands, guaranteeing them an autograph.
H.I.M. has sold millions of albums in Europe and Asia, but has yet to make a big impact in North America.
That could all change as the band makes its way to Canada. H.I.M. will play in Montreal the next night, on Monday, Nov. 14.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Britney Spears: Pics of Baby on Web Were Stolen
At least two Web sites showed photos of Spears embracing her child, as well as a family portrait.
A statement released late Friday by Spears' record label, Jive Records, said the photos were swiped from a private photo session.
"Anyone who publishes, sells or otherwise exploits any of these images in any way will be subject to liability and damages for willful infringement of copyright, and will be liable for invasion of privacy," the statement read.
The pop star gave birth to her first child last month.
Spears and her husband, Kevin Federline, recently made their first public appearance since the infant was born, but there have been no clear images of the baby until now.
A representative for Spears declined to comment.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Nicklaus, Player exchange words over autograph signing
Sept. 20 GAINESVILLE, Va. — Presidents Cup captains Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player engaged in an animated exchange over players signing autographs during practice rounds at the Presidents Cup on Tuesday.
Nicklaus, who is captaining the U.S. team for a third time, confronted Player on the driving range and accused the International team captain of breaking an agreement to not allow players to sign autographs on the golf course.
World No. 2 Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen and the International team in general were seen signing autographs throughout the day as they practiced at the Robert Trent Golf Course. Later, some U.S. team members also signed for fans.
After talking with Player, Nicklaus told fans around the driving range — as he was signing autographs — that some of his players thought the Internationals where making them look "like jerks," said Nicklaus.
In three previous Presidents Cups played at the Robert Trent, the Internationals are without a win, including a 21½-10½ drubbing in 2000.
The European team drove the U.S. to distraction at last year's Ryder Cup in Oakland Hills near Detroit, signing autographs and mingling with American fans as part of a major charm offensive designed to help diffuse some of the hostility they might face during the event.
The plan worked as the Europeans received a mostly warm welcome from the pro-American crowd as they rolled to record-breaking 18½-9½ victory.
Celebrity Autographs And Celebrity Addresses
Four Hall-of-Famers have agreed to sign autographs at seventh annual Iowa Cubs FanFest in January at the Drake University Knapp Center: Tom Seaver, Reggie Jackson, Rod Carew and Luis Aparicio. FanFest will take place Friday, Jan. 20, from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reggie Jackson will kick things off on Friday, signing from 4-7 p.m. for $75 per autograph. (Jackson will not sign bats or jerseys.) On Saturday, Seaver will sign from 9 a.m. to noon, Aparicio will sign from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Carew will sign from noon to 3 p.m. Autograph prices for Saturday;s signers are: Seaver, $35; Aparicio, $25; and Carew, $30. No restrictions on items have been indicated for Saturday's signers, but they reserve the right to refuse to sign any items they wish.
The FanFest First Pitch Luncheon will take place on Friday from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the 7 Flags Events Center in Clive. The speaker for the luncheon has yet to be determined.
For more details and to order tickets, call the Iowa Cubs box office at 515.243.6111. Stay tuned to www.iowacubs.com for more information on the luncheon and the luncheon speaker.
Celebrity Autographs And Celebrity Addresses
Ursula Andress and Buzz Aldrin to appear together in London at Autographica 2005
For Immediate Release
LONDON/EWORLDWIRE/Oct. 17, 2005 --- On the last weekend of October a unique meeting of mind and body will take place at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow, London. Colonel Buzz Aldrin, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 11, the first moon landing, and the first and ultimate Bond girl Ursula Andress will meet at Autographica for the Worlds Largest Autograph Show.
Fans from around the globe will come together on October 28-30 in order to meet some of the greatest names from the space, film, television and sport worlds. The Radisson Edwardian Hotel at Heathrow will become the centre of attention for autograph collectors of all kinds for three days of signature heaven.
Buzz Aldrin and Charles Duke, two of the 12 men to have walked upon the surface of the moon, together with Ursula Andress and 10 other James Bond guests, plus around 25 others, will make themselves available to collectors over the three days. Guests will be signing books, photos and memorabilia, and also giving lectures or Q and A sessions.
The celebrity guests will all be attending a special Gala dinner on the Saturday evening, which will include a Charity auction to raise money for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, guest speeches and after dinner entertainment will follow.
This will be the first time that Ursula Andress has ever attended such an event, and is a rare visitor to these shores from her home in Rome, and is sure to be in high demand from Bond fans.
Col. Aldrin's visit will be the first time he has signed items at a public event outside of his native United States. This visit coincides with the recent news that NASA has announced plans to return men to the moon no later than 2020, and no doubt Col Aldrin will be asked for his thoughts on this new venture.
Ursula Andress appeared in the very first James Bond, Dr. No, as Honey Ryder and also starred in the "alternative" James Bond film, Casino Royale, which coincidentally is to be the title of the next James Bond Film due for release in November 2006. No doubt fans will want to know her thoughts on the new James Bond Daniel Craig.
Harvey Stephens, Damien from The Omen, will also be attending. This will be a very rare appearance from him, as he has shied away from publicity for over 25 years.
CONTACT:
Garry King
Autographica
195a City Way
Rochester, London me12tj
PHONE. 01634 813873
EMAIL: GARRY@BALDYMAN.COM
