Autograph Collectors Daily

FIRST PERSON: He Autographs Our Hearts

2009-07-17T16:17:00.001-04:00

by Brett Maragni, bpsports.net

One of the perks of growing up in the home of a journalist was my dad’s penchant for getting baseball autographs for me.

Personalized autographs from Cardinal greats Stan Musial and Lou Brock, home run king Hank Aaron (he’s still the home run king in my book), hits king Pete Rose and other All-Stars from the late 1970s and early 1980s adorned my wall as a kid. I was proud of those autographs.

In my late teens God called me to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and my interest in autographs was revived. Only this time, I sought the autographs of well-known Bible preachers and Christian leaders. When the opportunity arose, I would ask them to sign my Bible: the fiery evangelist Bailey Smith, the world-renowned expositor W. A. Criswell, the enthusiastic motivator Zig Ziglar and the popular radio teacher John MacArthur are a few examples.

As the years passed the baseball autographs ended up in a box in the attic, the autographed Bible became worn out and my interest in autographs pretty much disappeared. The last time I remember seeking out an autograph I was standing in line and thinking, “This is ridiculous. Why am I doing this? This man is just flesh and blood like me. He may be a great preacher, but why should I have him sign my Bible? It’s not like he’s the author. In fact, I know the Author personally! I can talk to Him anytime I want.”

I left the line and have never sought another autograph since. From that day forward I had a different view of athletes, as well as “Christian” celebrities. I realized that they are like grass that withers. The longer time would march on, their fame would fade and their autographs would mean next to nothing.

Now I have a couple of boys, one of whom recently finished his third season of little league. He is not interested in baseball cards or autographs yet, but I suspect that is just around the corner. So my coolness toward autographs is starting to thaw a little. After all, it is pretty fun getting an autograph!

So how will I go about this? First, I hope to instill in my sons an interest in athletes who are either exemplary Christians or those who carry themselves in an honorable way. Children look for role models. It is better that I try to guide them toward good models rather than let them choose their models indiscriminately.

Second, I will talk about how by asking someone for an autograph we are honoring that person, letting them know that we appreciate their hard work and accomplishments. The Bible tells us to give honor to those whom it is due, and this is a way to honor someone.

Third, and most important, I will talk to them about how cool it is to get an autograph, but also point out to them how an autograph from a man pales in comparison to the fact that the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, can sign something for them as well. Centuries ago the prophet Jeremiah said that God will write His law on our hearts. Even more exciting, as they trust in Christ, He will also write their names down in His book in heaven.

Brett Maragni is senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel of Jacksonville, Fla.

The Ali Signature, And My Friend, Were The Real Thing

2009-07-17T16:02:00.003-04:00

By Frank Lotierzo, TheSweetScience.com

I’ve never gotten the whole autograph thing and still have no interest in them. I'd much rather have my picture taken with a fighter than get his autograph. But years ago, I found an exception to this rule.

On the first day of fifth grade, a kid named Andy Hyde – a super nice guy who was liked by all – approached me and said, "Frank, I have something for you, but I forgot it and left it home. I promise to bring it for you tomorrow." I kept trying to get out of him what it was. But he wouldn't tell me, going so far as to warn, "Frank, even if you beat me up, I'm not telling you."

Before school the next day, I was locking my bike to the bike rack when Andy ran over to me. "Frank, I remembered it," he yelled. I couldn't see anything but his book bag. From inside, Andy pulled a note pad. He opened it, retrieving a piece of white paper.

"Frank, when I was with my parents at Philadelphia International Airport over the summer to go see my uncle in San Diego, you'll never guess who I saw. Muhammad Ali!” he said. “He was coming home from his last fight (against Jimmy Ellis; Ali lived in Cherry Hill, N.J., at the time, near where I grew up). As soon as I saw him I thought of you. I asked my father to go up with me to get his autograph."

I remember Andy telling me Ali was really big and very nice. He said his father had told him he was only to ask for one autograph. With that, Andy handed the paper signed by Ali to me. "Here Frank, I want you to have it because I know how much you love Muhammad Ali," he said.

I was stunned and didn't know what to say. Remember, it's 1971 and I'm in fifth grade. And it was well-known among my classmates that I was the biggest Ali fan on the planet.

“Andy, how do I know Muhammad Ali really signed this?” I asked. “If this is a trick I will beat you up everyday when I see you.” I said this knowing Andy was not a kid who would play a trick on someone. And, I remember thinking, if this is real and he's giving me the only Ali autograph he was able to get, I should be thankful another kid didn’t get it.

“Andy, I can't thank you enough and I'll never forget this,” I finally told him. But being the jerk I can sometimes be, I couldn't let it go. “Andy,” I continued, “I do believe Muhammad Ali signed this for you. I'm going to save this for the rest of my life because one day I'll see Ali's signature and compare it. I wouldn't want to be you if it isn't really his autograph.”

Fast forward to May 22, 1979, at the Resorts International Hotel and Casino, the first gambling establishment in Atlantic City, N.J. That evening the amateurs from Joe Frazier's gym (the team I was a member of) fought against Muhammad Ali's amateur team. (Unfortunately for me, I was pulled from the card because trainers George Benton and Val Colbert thought that with only 15 fights, I lacked the experience to fight Lindell Holmes, who was then ranked among the top three middleweights in the country.)

After ten fights, it was tied at five apiece. For the rubber match, Marvis Frazier fought Tony Tubbs, which was perfect - Joe's son fighting Ali’s clone. Marvis was sensational and Tubbs couldn't do much with him; Marvis won a clear and convincing decision in a spirited fight. Before they fought, though, there was an intermission. Ali and Frazier went back to the other teams dressing room and took pictures and signed autographs for the fighters.

I thought back to the Ali autograph Andy Hyde had given me, and said to myself that I gotta get Ali's autograph and compare the two, just to make sure. So I found a drink coaster and asked Ali to sign it. As much as it meant to be around Muhammad Ali for only the second time in my life, all I cared about or wanted to see was how he wrote his name. Nothing else mattered.

So he signed the coaster. The second he dotted the “i” in Ali, I realized Andy had gotten the real thing. At that moment, I knew if I did nothing else in life I had to let Andy know that I believed him.

I grew up in a waspy New Jersey town called Haddonfield. On the night before Thanksgiving each year, guys who graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High hung out at a bar, Haddon West, to catch up with each other. (I used to make a point of going each Thanksgiving Eve, but I haven't in a while.) As fate would have it, on Thanksgiving Eve, 1987, Andy Hyde and I ended up at Haddon West.

“Andy, do you have any idea how long I've been wanting to talk to you since Tatem School?” I asked when I ran into him that night. As a reply, he asked if I still had Ali's autograph. I told him the story.

As I relayed the details, Andy had this big smile on his face. “I'm not surprised you boxed, Frank,” he said. “Not the way you loved it as a kid. I wasn't sure if you really believed it was real when I handed it to you then, but I was glad I gave it to you.”

“Andy, it's as real as it gets, just like you. Keep your money in your pocket. I'm taking care of you tonight,” I said, and for the next three hours I just about ignored the two friends I’d come to the bar with.

One of those friends, Tom Winton, told Andy that, “Lotierzo hasn't changed a bit. He still bores you with boxing, just like he did in fourth grade. If you need a noose to hang yourself so you don't have to listen to him, let me know.”

I then proceeded to cross-examine Andy about everything that went down at the airport that day with Ali. I haven't seen Andy since. I just know he’s probably successful and has a great outlook on life, just as he always had. Today, that autograph is underneath a framed “Life” magazine cover of Ali and Frazier - “Backstage with Ali & Frazier” - from the March 5, 1971 issue. It remains my most cherished boxing piece of memorabilia to this day.

For the rest of my life, Andy Hyde will always have a special place in my heart. For a kid to be that unselfish and caring in the fifth grade tells you everything about the man he was destined to become as an adult.

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Uni. of Florida Football Limits eBay-Bound Autographs

2009-07-16T17:51:00.002-04:00

Fan-appreciation days that include autograph sessions have become such a popular marketing event for college football programs that several prominent schools now limit what fans may offer up to players to sign.

Defending national champion Florida will hold its annual fan day Aug. 16 and expects up to 5,000 Gators supporters to meet with players at the basketball arena. Fans will be given a team poster to be autographed but will not be allowed to bring in outside items, a practice the school has followed for almost a decade.

"Fans used to bring in all sorts of stuff to be signed, from balls to helmets and jerseys. The next day it would appear for sale on eBay," said Jamie McCloskey, Florida's senior associate athletics director for compliance. "We've had fans complain, and for good reasons, but entrepreneurs were abusing the opportunity."

On Wednesday just under 300 items were listed for sale on eBay connected with Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner who is a senior this season. An autographed jersey was listed for $625.

"These things didn't come from our fan days," McCloskey said. "But people come up after games, after practices, in public. Tim is an obliging guy so it becomes a never-ending struggle."

Georgia holds fans to a maximum of two items at fan day and encourages players to personalize each autograph, which cuts into its resale value. The eBay factor led Oklahoma, which returns 2008 Heisman winning quarterback Sam Bradford, to limit fans to one item at its appreciation day. Oklahoma also has discussed going to a plan such as Florida's and providing a poster or picture to fans to be autographed.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: eBay Inc | National Collegiate Athletic Association | Ohio State University | Tim Tebow | Sam Bradford

"Enforcement is difficult but that doesn't absolve us (from trying to deal with it)," said OU sports information director Kenny Mossman. "Beyond the rules, it's the taking advantage of players that we'd like to stop."

NCAA rules allow for athlete autograph sessions, said spokeswoman Stacey Osburn. "But it could become an issue for the university if the signed item is sold for profit," she said in an e-mail.

Southern California and BYU are among schools that allow their fans to bring whatever they wish to the sessions and have no limit on numbers. And then there is Ohio State, which discontinued its fan-appreciation day two years ago because the crowds became so large not everyone was able to work through the autograph lines.

"We used to hold it before an open practice but it built up over the years to where there were just too many people," said Buckeyes sports information director Shelly Poe. "It was a good deed that kind of backfired."

Neil Armstrong Signed Check Sells For $27,350

2009-07-16T17:37:00.003-04:00

A check written by Neil Armstrong moments before he blasted off for the moon 40 years ago sold today in an online auction for $27,350.

RR Auction of Amherst, N.H., sold the check after 31 bids to Jack Staub, an engineer and business owner from Newport Beach, Calif.

“The moon mission was one of my earliest memories, and that in itself is significant,” Staub said today in a telephone interview.

On Tuesday, the Globe told the story behind the $10.50 check. Before Armstrong rode an elevator to the top of a 30-story-tall Saturn V rocket, he paused and wrote the check to a colleague.

“Here’s a check for the loan,’’ Armstrong said to Hal Collins, NASA chief of mission support. “But don’t cash it, because I will be coming back."

Collins heeded Armstrong's advice and never cashed the check. The bidding for the memento started today at $500.

“The check is extremely valuable because it was written on the day of the famous launch and signed by Armstrong, who was probably the Christopher Columbus of the 20th century,” said Bobby Livingston, director of sales and marketing at RR Auction.

After placing the winning bid, Staub acknowledged that he had been willing to pay up to $40,000 for the keepsake. Before the auction, Staub said his wife, Jade, rolled her eyes when he told her of his plan.

“I want to keep this check," Staub said. "I am definitely going to hold onto it and pass it on to my kids.”

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First Official UFC Fan Expo a Big Hit With Autograph Hunters

2009-07-15T17:20:00.001-04:00

By any measure, last weekend's much hyped UFC 100 card was a smashing success. Over 11,000 people contributed to a live gate of over $5 million, and it's estimated that over one million households purchased the event on pay-per-view.

In conjunction with the landmark show, the UFC held its first ever Fan Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Highlights of the Expo included Q&A sessions, exhibitors showing off mixed martial arts gear and equipment, and a live grappling tournament.

2009 ufc topps st pierre red auto 219x300 imageFor the booming subsection of UFC fans who are also collectors, though, the top draw had to be the chance to get free autographs. UFC head honcho Dana White announced that over 30,000 people visited the Expo over the weekend, and many of them were willing to wait in long lines in order to snag a signature or two from some of their favorite fighters.

All eras of UFC history were well-reprsented among the autograph guests. That includes UFC Hall of Famers (like Royce Gracie, Randy Couture and new inductee Chuck Liddell), current stars (light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida and recent titleholders Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin were all on hand) and fighters from the WEC (like popular former champ Urijah Faber). Even the UFC Octagon Girls inked up for fans.

It hasn't been announced yet whether the Fan Expo will be an annual event going forward, but after seeing the way the debut event caught on, smart money says it will pop again at some point down the road.

Until then, collectors have a few options when it comes to grabbing autographs of their favorite UFC and MMA stars. Last year, Donruss Americana's Ring Kings insert set and Upper Deck's MMA set both featured a number of autographs and event-worn cards from top fighters.

Topps made a savvy move by grabbing the UFC license and has already released one series of cards in 2009. A second series is on the way later this summer, and it will once again feature multiple autographs in every hobby box.

Ultimo's Stan Lee & Hiroyuki Takei at Comic-Con

2009-07-15T17:13:00.003-04:00

Viz Media has announced that both creators of the Ultimo action manga — American comic pioneer Stan Lee and Shaman King creator Hiroyuki Takei — will appear at the publisher's Shonen Jump panel at San Diego's Comic-Con International on July 24. Both men will also sign autographs at Viz's booth that afternoon after the panel. According to Viz, "the first 40 fans to purchase the July issue of Shonen Jump magazine featuring Ultimo from the Viz Media retail area each day from Wednesday through Friday will receive a ticket to have their issue personally autographed by Lee and Takei."

Stan Lee is best known for co-creating many of Marvel Comics' most famous superheroes: Spider-Man, X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and more. Takei launched Ultimo after finishing six years of Shaman King in 2004, although he still found time this year draw the new "true" ending to the abbreviated story.

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Giant Step for Neil Armstrong Autograph

2009-07-14T17:32:00.004-04:00

Forty years ago tomorrow, astronaut Neil Armstrong hurtled into space aboard Apollo 11 for his rendezvous with immortality on the dusty surface of the moon.

But before he took a lift to the top of a 30-story Saturn V rocket, Armstrong paused and wrote a cheque for $US10.50 to a colleague.

"Here's a cheque for the loan," Armstrong said to Hal Collins, NASA chief of mission support. "But don't cash it, because I will be coming back."

Four decades later, collectors say Armstrong's autograph is the most valuable from any living person.

That cheque, with a clearly legible name that flows gracefully across its bottom, is now for sale through a Boston auction house.

"He's the most sought-after human being for an autograph," said Anthony Pizzitola, vice-president of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club, the largest of its kind in the world. "That's based on the fact that he just stopped signing in 1994. It's just like a stock; that's basically what it is."

The confluence of ultra-rare qualities — an Armstrong signature, the timing of launch day, and the approaching anniversary — is sweet music to RR Auction, which is handling the sale. Bids appear likely to top the previous high of $US19,000 ($A24,000) for an Armstrong signing, Mr Pizzitola said.

RR Auction owner Bob Eaton, whose modest storefront masks a star-studded office where Marilyn Monroe competes with Teddy Roosevelt for wall space, said the cheque showed something of Armstrong's character. During a pressure-packed morning of flight preparations, the astronaut took time to repay a friend.

Armstrong, a former test pilot and Korean War aviator, stopped signing autographs in 1994 after becoming concerned about the profiteering and forgeries associated with his signature.

He once even threatened to sue his longtime barber, who had sold a bit of Armstrong's hair for $US3000.

What makes this autograph extra special, said Mr Eaton, who recently sold a signed copy of the famous tongue-wagging photo of Albert Einstein, is that Armstrong included his rarely used middle initial.

It was one of only three times he signed his full name, Neil A. Armstrong, during the Apollo 11 mission. The other two times were on a customs declaration after re-entry and on a plaque left on the moon, RR Auction staff said.

Bids might top $US30,000 by the deadline, said Bob Livingston, the auction's director of sales and marketing.

Bidders who participated before the deadline can submit new offers during 10-minute segments that are reset with each fresh bid.

Once 10 minutes have passed without a new offer, the sale is closed.

So far, the bidding, which opened on July 10, has attracted interest from Europe and around the United States, the auction staff said.

The allure of an authenticated autograph, in addition to its monetary value, includes the knowledge that "it's absolutely personal", Mr Livingston said.

Forks, Washington Overrun With Vampires!

2009-07-14T17:27:00.001-04:00

Residents of Forks, Washington State, are still stunned by what a piece of assiduous Googling from Twilight author Stephenie Meyer has unleashed on their town. Looking for the US's rainiest location in which to set her vampire series, she lighted upon the small town, population 3,221.

Fans of the books and film, based around Bella Swan and her dreamy vampire love interest Edward Cullen, began pouring into Forks. Today hundreds visit the town daily; its visitor count for June was more than 8,000 - around the number who used to come in a year. Restaurants have Twilight-themed menus with dishes such as Bellasagne, shops sell Twilight items, and tours cover the books' locations.

The logging town has been transformed, says Mike Gurling of the Forks Chamber of Commerce. "Two years ago we did not have a cash register or credit card terminal. Now our sales of anything that says 'Forks' have increased dramatically." A literary symposium was held last month in Forks high school, including - unusually for a symposium - "an actual, real Prom". Chris Cook, editor of the local paper and author of guide book Twilight Territory, says the school's principal was mobbed at a Seattle airport when a teenage fan spotted his Forks Spartan jacket and started yelling, "He's from Forks, he's from Forks!" The fervour is such, Cook says, that a local evangelist, Hallelujah Bill, has started preaching to fans about the dangers of becoming cult followers of the books.

While some don't like the attention Twilight has brought, others are enjoying the kudos. Cook says that "traditionally, Forks has been considered by Seattle folks as the sticks, the home of loggers and simple rural ways. Now it's a bit of a status symbol."

Susan Brager, who runs the Miller Tree Inn, now also known as Cullen House, says that although she isn't a huge fan of the books - "not great literature" - she definitely appreciates the tourists. "They like it when it rains," she says.

"What could be better than that for a community that gets more than 120in each year?"

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Fans Flock to Rio to Watch Poker Tournament

2009-07-13T14:19:00.002-04:00

Cretel Kaleel enthusiastically cheered from the rail this week for her husband, David, who was playing in the World Series of Poker Main Event at the Rio.

While David Kaleel was busy accumulating enough tournament chips to advance to the third day, his wife had a different gathering task: securing autographs from the couple's favorite professionals.

So, when popular professional Gus Hansen, who was eliminated from the 6,494-player field earlier in the week, walked through the ballroom on Friday afternoon, Cretel Kaleel grabbed her shirt loaded with autographs and a marker with hopes of adding to her collection.

She wasn't the only one.

Hansen was immediately noticed by at least two-dozen fans and spent the next 20 minutes taking pictures and signing autographs like he was the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees.

Cretel Kaleel said Hansen's signature instantly became her favorite.

"I love the way Gus plays," she said. "He is so unpredictable with how he switches his playing style. I was so excited to see him."

Tournament officials estimate 4,000 fans on average attended the event on Friday and Saturday with play starting at noon and lasting roughly 12 hours.

It's one of the best bargains in Las Vegas — there is no price for admission. State law requires all persons in the gaming area to be 21 years of age or older.

Poker has exploded in popularity over the last five years since ESPN began televising the series.

The attention has turned players like Hansen, who said he has been a professional gambler for 15 years, into marketable celebrities. He was more than accommodating in honoring autograph and photo requests.

"This is great for poker," said Hansen while posing for pictures with a group from his native Denmark. "It's great to get out here and meet your fans. Nowadays, this is part of poker."

Hansen admitted the attention and requests can be overwhelming, especially after being eliminated from a tournament.

"No matter if you have a good day or a bad one (of gambling), you have to put on a smile for the fans," Hansen said.

The series, a slew of tournaments starting in late May and ending with the Main Event, will draw roughly 100,000 fans, said WSOP Communications Director Seth Palansky.

The crowd includes folks like Kaleel supporting a family member, players who were eliminated early in the event and the increasing number of people interested in following the game.

John Ayala from Southern California was vacationing in Las Vegas this week and made sure to stop by the Rio to get a look at the action.

"It's crazy knowing millions of dollars are on the line and I'm feet away from the action," Ayala said.

There are 150 poker tables set up in the ballroom at the Rio, all situated inside a roped off area that keeps the crowd from roaming freely from table to table. Players sitting at the outer tables, however, must contend with the masses.

If the dealer at one of the outer tables notifies a tournament director that a player's all-in bet has been called, the crowd immediately rushes over to see the hand played out.

"This is great way to spend the afternoon," fan Andre Conrad said.

Fans aren't allowed to use flash photography or video recorders. Palansky said most are respectful of the players.

"At the end of the day, the player is our customer and we would control the crowd to ensure the game is enjoyable," Palansky said.

Top 10 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives

2009-07-13T14:06:00.003-04:00

It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. And flocks of kids wearing Punisher T-shirts while lugging stacks of comic-filled white boxes behind them are gathering en masse. Convention season is officially in full swing and the high point of it all is just around the corner. Yep, San Diego Comic-Con hits July 23-26.

If you were lucky enough to get tickets to the show (they sold out online weeks ago, and won’t be selling any additional tickets at the door), then you’re probably already mopping the drool off your chin in preparation for the insanity. But like the Boy Scouts, it’s best to “Be Prepared!” when hitting Comic-Con. If you don’t go in with a plan, it’s way too easy to be sidetracked by big, red, shiny things, as well as get lost (literally) in a sea of people.

Besides oodles of free goodies, awesome stuff for sale, behind-the-scenes panels to attend, and celebrity autographs to snag, Comic-Con is also known for its exclusives. Almost every major company that attends offers some sort of exclusive - a toy, comic or statue that’s only available in limited quantities and only available at SDCC itself. You can view a running list of Action Figure/Toys exclusives, but to help you plan ahead for the show, here’s a list of 10 of the coolest exclusives available only at Comic-Con 2009.

NOTE: Many of the items listed below have limited runs and may sell out quickly. In other words: Move it or lose it!

1. Ghosbusters Venkman & Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Minimates 2-Pack

Who can resist the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man? Especially when he’s so cute and tiny? This SDCC exclusive set will be available from Diamond retailers throughout the floor. Check with the Diamond Previews Booth for more details.

2. HALO Grifball Spartan Action Figure

This Toys R Us Exclusive available from Entertainment Earth, is the first Halo action figure to be based on the Grifball game. Featuring the Recon armor, this McFarlane Toys figure also includes a bomb, gravity hammer and sword hilt.

3. Darth Vader Helmet - Pink Edition

I know what you’re thinking. A pink Darth Vader helmet?!? Well, besides being pretty unique, this exclusive Star Wars bust from Gentle Giant helps a very worthy cause. For every sale, Gentle Giant will donate $6 (up to $10,000) towards finding a cure for breast cancer, courtesy of the Susan G. Koman foundation. Plus, it’d make a great gift for the GeekMom in your life too!

4. Marvel Universe - Captain America

Hasbro’s Marvel Universe figures are pretty neat to begin with. Small, nicely sculpted and very articulated. The Comic-Con exclusive features all that, as well as a cool twist. Thanks to a special-edition grey scale deco, Hasbro’s Marvel Universe Captain America figure has that total 1940s look to him.

5. Transformers: 25th Anniversary Soundwave Special Edition

Apparently Transformers are kind of big these days. Might have to do with some movie or something. But if you already have every figure from every possible Transformers toy line currently out, here’s your chance for something old but new. Hasbro’s re-releasing its original 1984 edition of Soundwave, which includes four cassettes: Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, Ratbat and Ravage. Just don’t be surprised if your kids ask you, “What’s a cassette?”

6. Wonder Twins with Gleek

Go ahead. I dare you. Say the phrase “Wonder Twin Powers…” and see how long it takes before someone responds with “Activate!” Mattel’s Zan and Jayna two-pack is a long-time coming and sports some great sculpting by the Four Horsemen. Besides cool accessories (a bucket of water with Zan’s face!), this set includes space monkey Gleek as part of the Comic-Con exclusive set.

7. Ghostbusters Classics Dr. Egon Spengler with Slimer

Kicking off this ghostbusting new line of highly detailed, articulated figures from Mattel is Dr. Egon and his Proton Pack and gun, along with the only-at-Comic-Con pack-in figure of Slimer.

8. Silver Astronaut Snoopy Figurine

Did you know Snoopy’s been with the U.S. Space Program for 40 years? Well, now you can help celebrate this milestone with one of 400 limited-edition Silver Snoopy figures, featuring the space-faring beagle. Visit the Peanuts booth for details.

9. Marvel 70th Anniversary Captain America Toon Tumblers Glass

Okay, this isn’t a toy. Or a statue. It’s a glass. You got me. But these retro-style glasses are too cool not to pick up normally. And this year’s Comic-Con exclusive tumbler celebrates Marvel’s 70th Anniversary (and Comic-Con’s 40th) with 1940s Cap and the classic 1970s Jack Kirby style Sentinel of Liberty.

10. Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise 12-inch Figure Set

While a bit pricey ($169.99), this 12-inch Figure Set of Luke and Han in Stormtrooper Disguise is way cooler than paying your mortgage. For availability and more information, visit sideshowcollectibles.com.

Be sure to keep an eye on Comic-Con’s Exclusives! page for up-to-the-minute info on the latest limited-edition items.

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From the Fan's Point of View: Meeting J.K. Rowling and Going to Premiere of Half-Blood Prince

2009-07-12T17:01:00.002-04:00

We have a bit of a fun treat today, as there are two special reports from the recent London premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as seen through the eyes of fans. Longtime TLC reader Rotfang and his nephew Harry were lucky enough to actually go into the screening with the cast and crew and sent us their report below. Also two lovely ladies and long friends of Leaky, Ally and Lili (aka the Black sisters) have given us permission to show you their videos of what it was like to spend hours in the pouring rain, with the wait paying off here in part one as they were able to meet and get autographs from the cast of Half-Blood Prince. It is also wonderful to see in this video the pure joy and happiness that we fans all would not doubt feel, as they met and got autographs from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

I’ve just come back from the HBP Premiere and hope to share some of the excitement of the experience with you. I had the good fortune to accompany my nephew, Harry (yep, Harry), on a birthday treat set up by his fairy godmother-aunt. Harry turned 16 and is a true fan of both the books and the films. His verdict: this is the best film yet.

Before we got soaked in Leicester square we had the pleasure of giving Harry his birthday tickets to HBP and have a photo of him looking as though he has just been hit by a passing anvil but is steadfastly refusing to let go of the laminated tickets one of which has Snape, Fenrir, Draco Malfoy, and Bellatrix on it, and the other Dumbledore and the Trio. The legend on the envelope read: Leavesden Studios Daniel Radcliffe, which had been crossed out in pen, and Harry’s name scribbled underneath - a gem of a souvenir if ever there was one. Harry had got his tickets from Daniel Radcliffe’s allocation.

We arrived early at Trafalgar Square to look at the new living sculpture instalment on the empty plinth (a different person spends an hour doing whatever they want), before making our way to Leicester Square, which lies just behind, happily admiring the bright blue fluffy cloud-ridden sky. By the time we got to the crowds on the periphery of the Premiere it had started to drizzle. As we were trying to figure out how we were going to navigate our way to an entrance into the heart of the heavily poster-bedecked square the heavens opened. Just another normal July in England: drizzle, heavy rain, hail, followed by more heavy rain accompanied by rumbles of thunder and the odd streak of lightning.

We were soaked through in seconds, and so was everyone else, including Matthew Lewis and Tom Felton who had made the effort to come an hour early to sign as many autographs as possible for the fans. The only reason we knew any of this hiding under our umbrellas was because of the piercing sound of waves of screams, and the screens around the square showing the latest arrivals. This was accompanied by a running commentary by two young TV presenters, one of whom had seen the film and knew something about the books, and the other who appeared to have never read a Potter book in his life.

The only souvenir we have of this insanity is a single photograph of Harry and I looking like drowned rats on the edge of the red carpet area to the square. At 5.30 exactly the entrances to the heart of the square were opened and we squeezed passed security onto a huge path of what looked like red felt. It wound its way around the main statue in the square and branched off in two directions: one to the Odeon cinema and the other to the Empire cinema where HBP will be shown this summer. You had to cross scaffolding bridges covered in red carpet to get to either one. Harry and I made our way, utterly soaked, across the bridge to the Empire, a few girls merrily screaming at Harry, no doubt partly to keep themselves warm, or just for the hell of it, and we squelched our way up some more stairs and inside, where we were met by a line of young people handing out rolls of tissue to help us dry off!!

The entrance and inside was lined with huge posters of the cast and crew all in heroic poses, and we found our entrance to the amphitheatre, where the huge screen was showing the latest arrivals, accompanied by poor audio. Only a few people sat scattered around the auditorium, every seat had a free packet of sweet popcorn and a bottle of water.

Harry and I wondered around the theatre trying to get warm, at one stage I saw a guy trying to dry his trousers using the dry air machines in the toilets, or we just tried to see if we recognised anyone. Stuart Craig passed by at one stage and Harry spotted Tom Felton who came and sat a few rows behind us, so Harry duly got his autograph.

As the theatre filled up someone called my name and I looked up to see a white haired gentleman looking directly at me, mobile phone in hand, it was Alan Radcliffe coming to wish us a good viewing of what he described as a ‘rollercoaster’ film, and to ask us to pass on his thanks to Harry’s aunt for her donation to the Tricycle Theatre, which is how we’d got the tickets. He was very sweet and full of that tireless energy that Daniel seems to exude.

Then we looked up to see lined along the wall leading to the stage David Heyman, David Barron, Emma, Rupert, and Dan, Tom Felton and David Yates. Two Warner Brothers producers got on stage to thank the cast and crew, many of whom were in the audience with their families, and to remind us that Warner’s were proud HP was the highest-grossing franchise of all time. No apology for HBP’s rescheduling. David Heyman received tremendous applause as he came on to the stage whereupon he thanked just about everybody. He then introduced Rupert as the man who had made ginger sexy, and Emma as “the woman who gets more beautiful every day.” Neither spoke, but Daniel, who’d been introduced as the person upon whose shoulders the franchise pretty much rested, and who was blinded by a sudden burst of flashlights from hundreds of cameras amidst wild applause, thanked everyone, hoped we would enjoy the film, and asked all under 12s to kick the shins of anyone who took a flash photograph during the screening!!

Forty minutes later than scheduled the rollercoaster began. It started with camera flashes and was over within one, the time had flown by. As we left Tom Felton was just behind us and I turned and said well done, he kindly joined me patting me on the back, and asked whether I had enjoyed the film and as I tried to exit by the way we had come in our path was blocked by a huge security man. Unfortunately for Tom because he was speaking to me, an old guy in a baseball cap, security had not clocked whom it was I was speaking to. I of course was not allowed out that route it was for the stars only, but within an instant security recognised Tom and let him through ushering me towards some small side exit. As we squeezed our way out I asked Harry what he thought, and he said it was the best film yet, no question.

Hulk Hogan is Ready For His 'Resurrection'

2009-07-12T16:44:00.004-04:00

Around the three hour mark of Hulk Hogan’s autograph signing Friday, he briefly leans over a table and stretches out his surgically repaired back. His hands are holding onto one end of the table and his eyes are watering slightly from all the standing he has been doing in Toyota Park's Stadium Club.

Hours of autographs and pictures would tire any person out—but it takes an even bigger toll on Hogan, who has trouble just shaving these days.

Once the next fan approaches for a picture and autograph, Hogan slaps the table with both hands, almost as if to re-energize his 55-year-old body, and immediately switches gears.

“What’s up, brother?” says Hogan.

The showman in Hogan is still alive and well—even if his body isn’t.

Terry Bollea made his name in the WWF wrestling ring in the 1980’s and 90’s as the yellow and red wearing Hulk Hogan. His larger-than-life persona led him to endorsement deals, music, movies, a Saturday morning cartoon (remember Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling?) and a television series.

Although it’s been over 20 years since he famously bodyslammed Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III, the reaction he gets at the autograph signing reminds you that he is still the most famous wrestler around. About 400 fans show up to the signing, which isn’t cheap at $99 per person.

One fan, Wil Reyes (below), had Hogan’s signature tattooed to his left bicep after meeting him at Wrestlemania XIX in 2003. Reyes has Hogan sign his right wrist this time around before heading to a tattoo parlor to make it permanent.

Hogan 002 Most fans have Hogan sign non-body parts, including his famous “Sports Illustrated” cover from 1985 and replica championship belts. While many of their comments are similar (“I’ve been watching you for over 20 years,” “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this,” and “When are you coming back?”), you can’t help but feel excited for each of them.

As for the comeback question, Hogan gets it often—especially on this afternoon.

“About every third person was saying, ‘When are you going to get in the ring again?’ ” says Hogan in a Toyota Park suite following the signing and a massage. “They don’t realize that, even though I look the same way I looked 30 years ago—kind of—my body is pretty beat up. It’s kind of hard to explain to them.

“The hip replacements, the back surgeries, the elbow surgeries, the shoulder surgeries…I never like to say never, but right now I’m on the rebuild and rewind process."

Hogan admits that the autograph signing was hard enough as it is.

“I tried getting through it without letting everyone know I was having a hard time,” Hogan says. “I’d never had a chair there at an autograph signing before. Now I have a chair in my bathroom so I can brush my teeth. When I shave, I shave half my face, lay on the floor for 10 minutes and then shave the other half of my face.

“I had a hard time walking through the Chicago airport today. I stopped one time to sit down and acted like I was doing something. I walked farther and then went into the men’s room. I leaned on the sink to crack my back and pretended I was looking at my face."

Hogan says he had hoped to wrestle at Wrestlemania XXV last April and had even spoke to WWE owner Vince McMahon about it during the four months leading up to the event. Those plans fell through when Hogan had to have two back surgeries.

“It seems to get farther and farther in reach,” says Hogan about a comeback. “I just don’t want to exclude it from my thought process. It’s like the one place that, when I’m in there, I’m totally free.”

In the last five years, Hogan went from having his family featured on the VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best” to having his family regularly mentioned in the tabloids.

His son, Nick, was involved in a car accident in Aug. 2007 that left his passenger with incapacitating brain damage. Nick was charged with reckless driving involving serious bodily injury and served five months in jail. In Nov. 2007, Hogan’s wife of 24 years, Linda, filed for divorce.

Hogan says his spirituality and religion helped him cope with the “personal nightmares.” He is in talks to share his rebuilding story on a new reality show.

“It’s a show about someone that could have been a statistic, someone that could have been involved in turning everything into a crime scene, someone that could have ended up jumping off a bridge or sleeping in a gutter,” says Hogan.

“Even though I’ve had financial devastation, I am planning on having my greatest year physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. People will realize I’m not who they thought I was. I’m not who I used to be. Now I’m 100 percent dependent on the spirit of Christ.”

While he wouldn’t reveal which channel the show would appear on, Hogan said the series may be called “Finding Hulk Hogan” or “The Resurrection of Hulk Hogan” and the cameras could begin rolling as soon as late August. He points out that it will be much more real than “Hogan Knows Best,” which he calls a “softly scripted show.”

According to Hogan, anything that gets him to leave the house is a good thing. He doesn’t travel much anymore.

“My buddy Chris said, ‘It’s good for you to get out of the house and start doing stuff again. Let’s get the ball rolling again,’ " Hogan says of the autograph signing. “I came out today and the people were really nice. Nobody said, ‘You look old.’ It was really neat hanging out for five hours and hearing people say nice things.”

It’s hard to say Hogan looks old when he can still pull off a bandanna better than most, even as he approaches his 56th birthday. His physique doesn’t look like it has changed all that much in recent years besides a slightly bigger stomach. Even the biceps that he famously calls “pythons” continue to stretch the sleeves on his t-shirts.

Still, he laughs about how they’re nowhere as big as they used to be.

“They used to be 24 inches when I was 27 years old,” he says. “Now, last time I taped them, they were about 20 inches. That was a couple years ago. I haven’t taped them since. I’m afraid to.”

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Michael Jackson Autographs and Memorabilia

2009-07-10T15:58:00.006-04:00

Origin: White fedora from Mr. Michael Joseph Jackson's personal wardrobe worn by him in one of his music videos, hand signed by Mr. Michael Joseph Jackson himself. This fedora is part of my extensive Michael Jackson collection. This specific fedora was part of Mr. Michael Jackson's personal wardrobe and is said to have been worn during the making of one of his music videos. Due to it's color and style I would have to assume that Michael Jackson wore this fedora in his 'Smooth Criminal' video, as this is the only video, to my knowledge, where he wore a white fedora. This specific fedora is hand signed by Michael Jackson, on the underside of the front brim, in what appears to be black marker. The inscription reads, " ALL MY LOVE MICHAEL JACKSON 1998 OW ". This specific fedora has Michael Jackson's name printed in gold lettering on the black rim that circles the inside of the hat, and through my research, and knowledge, this marking is a clear indication that this fedora was indeed part of Michael Jackson's personal wardrobe. Through my research, and knowledge, I learned that even know there are other fedoras Michael Jackson has signed, only fedoras that were part of Mr. Michael Jackson's personal wardrobe had his name printed in gold on the inside rim.

Origin: I went to school with Michael Jackson (pop artist) in 1973. We were both 14 years old. It was a private school called Cal Prep, in Encino, CA... right down the street from Michael's house. There were only 90 students at the school in grades 7-12. Michael and I had an art class together. He drew a lot of faces and I asked him if I could keep this drawing of Charlie Chaplin (I also have another drawing of an old black woman's face that he signed). I took it home and my father told me to have him sign it - so he did the next day - in black crayon. I've kept both drawings, but this one of Charlie Chaplin is my favorite.

NOTE: these two items were authenticated by me over the past several years. It would be interesting to see what price these items would bring in the current market...Lon

Auction House to Sell Autograph Collection / 'Jackson 5' Signatures

2009-07-10T15:45:00.004-04:00

An autograph collection from the 1960s and 70s featuring a teenage singing and dancing sensation called Michael Jackson is set to come under the hammer in Norfolk.

A woman from Downham Market has put the collection up for auction among the effects of her late father, who worked as a security guard at TV studios.

Julia Shepherd, of Hawkins Auctioneers, said: “Her father was a doorman at London Weekend TV studios and he collected autographs for her.

“There's Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithful, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howard, Sid James, Alfie Bass, Mick McManus and Wendy Craig. Michael Jackson was there with the Jackson Five.”

The collection was entered for the general sale at Hawkins, on July 22, prior to Michael Jackson's death at the age of 50, on June 25.

Auctioneer Barry Hawkins said the singer's departure made it difficult to value the collection.

“It's a total impossibility now he's dead,” he said. “We would have thought £100 or something of that sort but now the sky's the limit.”

Pop memorabilia expert Pete Cossey , who runs The Movie Shop, in Norwich's St Gregory's Alley, said: “He was quite a reclusive sort of guy in many ways, he wasn't the sort who'd get stopped in the street for autographs.

“I'd have said it could be worth quite a lot of money. Vintage autographs tend to be worth more than more modern ones: it's quite a valuable and collectable item.”

The autograph dates from the late 1960s or 1970, when Jackson first tasted fame with the Jackson Five, in which he sang with four of his brothers - Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine and Tito.

He signs himself Michael - with a smiley face above the 'i - alongside the rest of the Five . The brothers became an instant success with hits like The love You Save and I'll Be There, while the baby of the bunch with the razor sharp dance routines, Michael Jackson, left the group in 1971 to pursue a solo career at the behest of Motown Records.

Yesterday one eBay seller was listing a framed piece of paper signed by Jackson for £400.

Preview of Bob Gibson’s Collection In High Demand at All-Star Week Celebration

2009-07-10T15:43:00.002-04:00

Representatives of Legendary Auctions and valuable pieces of Bob Gibson’s personal memorabilia collection are on their way to St. Louis at the request of numerous media sources covering the All-Star Game festivities. In addition to being featured and highlighted in many upcoming news stories, historic pieces from Bob Gibson’s personal collection will be on display from July 11-13 at the “Meet Me in St. Louis” autograph event which will be held across the street from Busch Stadium at the old bowling Hall of Fame. These significant items will be featured in Legendary Auctions’ live auction event to be held on Friday, July 31, 2009 at the House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio. If you are planning on attending the All-Star festivities, this weekend, be sure to stop by the “Meet Me in St. Louis” event and be amazed at these stunning Gibson treasures.

Significant Gibson memorabilia that will be on display includes:

Bob Gibson's 1968 National League MVP Award - acknowledging one of the best single-season pitching performances in history;
Bob Gibson's 1968 Cy Young Award from his incredible 1.12 ERA season;
Bob Gibson's 1967 World Championship Ring - awarded after winning three games and posting a series ERA of 1.00;
Bob Gibson's 1981 Hall of Fame Induction Ring;
Bob Gibson's Personal Hall of Fame Plaque - awarded at his induction;
Bob Gibson's 1968 St. Louis Cardinals Contract - From His Historic MVP and Cy Young Season!
Bob Gibson's "All Century Team" Collection (7 Items) - Bestowed Upon the Top 30 of the 20th Century's Best Players!
Bob Gibson's Game Used Glove
Bob Gibson's 2006 St. Louis Cardinals World Championship Ring
Bob Gibson's 1959 St. Louis Cardinals Contract - his rookie season!
Bob Gibson’s "First Major League Victory" Game Used Ball –The Only One He Kept!

Bob Gibson will be one of the baseball greats signing autographs at the “Meet Me in St. Louis” event. There is a fee for attending the autograph session. For more information, on the event, call (618) 281-6014. For additional details regarding the auction of Bob Gibson’s personal collection of significant baseball memorabilia, call Legendary Auctions at (708) 889-9830 or go to www.legendaryauctions.com. Hope to see you in St. Louie!

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'Public Enemies' Signing Report

2009-07-09T16:15:00.004-04:00

by Mike Sametz

Today is going to be a long day. The lovely Erica is in town and she convinced me we should head down to Westwood to check out the premiere for Public Enemies, the new Johnny Depp movie. The film also stars Christian Bale, Rory Cochrane, and more. So, we are off to spend one long hot day waiting for Johnny Depp.

12:08 p.m. – So we’re here. We were told that the premiere was at the Majestic Crest and so here we are. There are about 10-15 other people here so far. Not too bad.

12:20 p.m. – It seems so strange that such a high profile premiere would have so little fanfare. I mean there is only one simple guard rail, and hardly anything else. Hmmmmm…..

12:32 p.m. – One of the guys talked to the box office manager who told us the big premiere was down the street at the Village Theatre. Great.

12:35 p.m. – We are heading down the street power walking to the new location. Ugh… did I mention it is hot outside?

12:43 p.m. – Okay, this makes more sense… There is a huge press line, and about 30 people already waiting... ugh… Wonderful. It’s really hard to find a good spot.

12:49 p.m. – Well, Erica and I settle for this spot behind a young lady from I think the UK. The barricades are strange because they are not sectioning off the entire area, and have barricades down the streets but not over the crosswalks. Hmmmmm….

1:34 p.m. – it’s getting really hot now. And sticky… mmmm lovely. Erica brought her Sweeny Todd and Pirates mini posters. I brought my Batman poster for Christian Bale, my Pirates mini, my Chocolate mini poster from the UK, and my Edward Scissorhands script that I already have Tim Burton on to get signed. I also brought my Dazed and Confused dvd for Rory Cochrane in case I catch him.

2:22 p.m. – People are really starting to swarm around now. I brought my jacket which I am using as a butt cushion. It really helps, you would be surprised! LOL… Erica brought magazines and such. Sigh… Arrivals are supposed to start at 7:00 p.m. so we have some time to kill.

3:09 p.m. – We just got a coupon for buy one get one free yogurts! Whoo hoo! I love a good coupon! Mmmmmmm yogurt…

4:15 p.m. – There are a lot of people from overseas here today, along with the typical collectors as well. I’m hoping it won’t be super crazy, but with Johnny Depp here I’m expecting it to be insane. I would not be here if it wasn’t for Erica. She really wanted to come so I’m escorting her. Lol….

4:22 p.m. – We just got yogurt… mmmmmm

5:01 p.m. – Okay things are starting to move a little. Arrivals actually are supposed to start at 6:00 p.m. so God willing things will start picking up soon.

5:39 p.m. – People are really starting to get nervous/excited. A couple girls and one of their moms are getting into a shouting match, ah good times…

6:01 p.m. – Okay… people can start to arrive now…. Sigh… so far nothing.

6:22 p.m. – Still nothing. Erica is holding her poster and looking despondent. She just said she doesn’t have a good feeling about this one. I kinda have to agree.

6:34 p.m. – Some costars are arriving but no one that any of the collector’s here are interested in. Things are all pretty quiet here still.

6:44 p.m. – Rory Cochrane just arrived and people, well, kinda just one person, is screaming his head off for him. It doesn’t look like he is going to come over, but the guy is persisting. Sigh…

6:49 p.m. – Oh, Rory is walking over to sign. Very cool. I have my Dazed and Confused DVD out and get him on it, but he signed right on top of Matthew McConaughey! Great… Just what I didn’t want. Sigh…

7:04 p.m. – Christian Bale just arrived. People are going nuts for him. He walks over to the end of the barricades, and signs for people on the side. He gets to our spot and stops signing. Great. It doesn’t look like I’ll be getting him on my Batman poster!

7:11 p.m. – Marion Cotillard just arrived. People are screaming their heads off for her, but she just waves and walks into the press line… Bummer! Sigh…

7:24 p.m. – Oh, a car is pulling up, and it’s Johnny Depp! People go nuts for him. He walks over to the crowd and walks to the end of the barricades where we are. He signs really fast and is just getting to our area. Erica and I have our posters out, but he’s signing for like every fourth person, and we both miss him. Shit!

7:26 p.m. – I leave our spot and run to the very end of the barricade where there are only like five people waiting. I did not wait here since noon to be shut out! He is coming by and he grabs my poster and signs it. Whew finally! I am the last auto he does before he heads into the press line.

7:33 p.m. – I found Erica again, she got totally shut out. I tell her we need to go over to the other barricade because since he signed here, I think he might come back out and sign for that side. I rolled up my Pirates poster and get my Chocolate poster ready.

7:41 p.m. – Erica and I are getting ready at the other side. There is a school group here, and they keep asking us questions about the premiere. We told them no one would probably come back until after the movie.

7:49 p.m. – The school kids decide to pack it in, which is killer for us, cause we got spots right in front of the barricade. HEH HEH HEH… no we did not plan it… it just kinda happened! ;)

8:03 p.m. – Oh shit, Johnny is walking back over and heading right for our side! He starts signing and then I get him on my Chocolate poster. Erica got him on her Sweeny Todd poster as well. I saw her get her signature and I decided to run to the opposite end of the barricade once again.

8:11 p.m. – I get in the second row on the opposite end of the barricade. Christian Bale came back over and signed about 15 before heading back inside. Johnny makes his way down to our end, sees my script, pauses, looks at it, and then signs it. Very cool! I got three!

8:15 p.m. – Leelee Sobieski walks over to sign for the crowd. Erica and I don’t have anything for her, and call it a night. I saw one of the dealers run with photos for her exclaiming, “I’m running low on my Leelee Sobieski’s! I need more!” Is she that in demand? Do people pound at our door exclaiming, I need Leelee Sobieski signed photos! I need them now! LOL…

Overall, it was a fun day, a long day, but I got an incredible three from Johnny Depp, who I’ve wanted for a long long time. I’m very pleased, and I’m also happy Erica got him as well. Did I mention he signed his crotch on Erica’s poster! I thought that was a funny tidbit! LOL…

Michael Jackson 'Suicide' Lyrics to Come to the Auction Block

2009-07-09T16:09:00.002-04:00

International autograph auctioneers Alexander Autographs Inc. of Stamford, Ct. will offer in their August rock and entertainment auction a telling set of lyrics handwritten by Michael Jackson indicating that the late singer may have been in a suicidal frame of mind at the time of their composition.

The hastily-scribbled lines were written in pencil on a white sheet and include several erasures and some underlining. They include such phrases as: "...I hurt my backbone... I start to givin' up...The bills are pilin' up...This stuff ain't good for me...Life's an Aggravator...I plan to give it up." The manuscript contains even more relevant content. At the bottom of the page, Jackson drew a portrait of himself forlornly gazing up at his own words.

Especially revealing in Jackson's notes is the quote "This stuff ain't good for me." Drugs are widely suspected to have been a cause of Jackson's death. Indeed, Jackson family attorney Brian Oxman confirmed Jackson was heavily medicated for a range of ailments stretching back to 1984. If Jackson's reference to "stuff" meant medication, he may have foreseen his own end. Jackson also refers to his "backbone," and today it is also believed he was heavily medicated for spinal pain.

Alexander Autographs' president, Bill Panagopulos, undertook extensive research of Jackson's notes. Evidence suggests that the late singer wrote this manuscript in about 1986 for what eventually became a song which incorporated only a few lines of this text. The song was ultimately rejected from inclusion in his smash album "Bad." Panagopulos speculates: "It was in the mid-1980's that Jackson's physical appearance first started to change - he had rhinoplasty surgery, rapidly lost weight and his skin had begun to lighten. These 'modifications' could have been a result of a great deal of mental anguish or struggle, and frankly, that's what I see in these notes. No doubt the finished song was cut from the album because of its utter negativity."

Jackson's "suicide" lyrics were obtained along with other items from an aide to Jackson in 1993 when they were discarded by the singer. They have been carefully examined for authenticity and are being offered fully guaranteed.

Alexander Autographs will also offer a signed two-page legal agreement in which Jackson releases to USA for Africa all of his rights and royalties to the epic single "We Are the World." Also coming to the block will be a Jackson-style "Bad" era black leather jacket replete with buckles, straps, and steel ornaments, nearly identical to the jacket he wore on the "Bad" album cover and video, and bearing within a label from the famous Western Costume Co. with Jackson's name.

The 1,000 lot auction, scheduled for late August, will include additional Jackson material as well as other premier items including an Elvis Presley stage-used guitar from his last filmed tour, two Jimi Hendrix guitars, Hendrix handwritten lyrics, a Prince stage-used "Purple Rain" outfit, and hundreds of other rare rock and entertainment collectibles.

Ohioan Pursuing Veterans' Autograph Collection

2009-07-09T16:01:00.002-04:00

My name is Kyle Nappi. I am 19 years old and I live in Ostrander, Ohio. I have a big interest in history, specifically World War II, and I collect military medals, patches, badges, insignia, field gear and a very unique thing: veteran autographs. I have a collection of autographs from military veterans who served during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and the present war in Iraq.

I have been interested in history for over seven years now, and I have collected the autographs and stories from nearly 2,500 veterans in 20 countries. The oldest veteran is currently 113 years old and the youngest enlisted at age 14. Some of the autographs are from Pearl Harbor survivors, D-Day veterans, airman, POWs, the last World War I veterans, generals, U.S. Presidents, USS Indianapolis survivors, Holocaust survivors, and even German soldiers!

My collection began in 2002, when I received a biographical letter from a World War II soldier who was captured by the Germans. From there, I was determined on obtaining as many stories as possible. I have been to local VFW posts and veteran hospitals and have talked to/interviewed veterans. I would often go to local veteran get-togethers and meetings and talk with the veterans.

Then I would read newspaper articles about other veterans, out of state. Seeing how it would be difficult to meet every veteran that I have contacted, I would write letters explaining my collection and if they could help me with my collection. I began writing letters to veterans in my state, then neighboring states, then all 50 states and foreign countries. I have sent thousands of letters and thousands of emails out to veterans and veteran-related organizations worldwide.

Back in June (of 2007), I was interview by PBS, to talk about my collection for an interview that was to be shown online (YouTube). After that, I was interviewed for "The Columbus World War II Roadshow." They mentioned that it was to come on (in Central Ohio) before some of the episodes of Ken Burns' "The War." You can find this interview on YouTube under "Kyle Nappi."

I was interviewed in 2008 by the American Legion for an article that appeared in their August magazine. Here is an Internet link to the online article: http://www.legion.org/whatsnew/publications/ newsletter/story?id=635.

There have been several other people who have taken the time to post my request online and in newspapers. There are too many for me to list, but if you go to Google or Yahoo and search "Kyle Nappi," you can find most of them.

I just recently returned from a twoweek trip to France, which was sponsored by our school. One of our stops was Normandy coastline, where I saw Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. It was quite an experience and one that I will never forget.

So, overall, I am trying to obtain as many autographs/stories from veterans as I can to ensure that their stories are not forgotten. I get over two to five things in the mail each day, followed by 10 to 15 plus emails, fielding phone calls, writing up letters, sending out letters to numerous veterans, locating/finding addresses, typing up the questions, translating the letters (for those foreign veterans), etc.

I recently completed my senior year, after graduating from Buckeye Valley High School. I will be attending a smaller campus of the Ohio State University starting in the fall. I would like to pursue my interest in military history and turn it into a career (something along the lines of military historian). I am also considering a military career. I would like to major in either history or political science in order to help further my career.

There are so many people, my age, who don't fully understand the magnitude about the veterans and what they did for our country. I think it's inspiring to these veterans when, someone is asking for their autographs/military experiences, but also when the person asking is that of my age.

If any veterans would like to get in touch, I will provide them with a questionnaire, which includes some basic questions I have for them about their service time.

My main purpose for writing is to share with you that there are people from my generation who do remember the past and the sacrifices that were made for our country. I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass the word around that there are people who remember, along with the information about my collection.

I see my collection as a way of remembering the stories of our veterans to ensure that they are never forgotten. In March 2008, I was able to meet Frank Buckles at the Pentagon, through an invitation I received from the U.S. secretary of defense. Mr. Buckles is the last surviving American World War I veteran, out of nearly 5 million that served. Before long, the World War II veterans will dwindle down (nearly 1,100 die each day), and we must not only remember their stories, but also the ones who did not come home. "All gave some, some gave all."

Kyle Nappi may be contacted for his veterans' project by mail at 1890 Warren Road, Ostrander, OH 43061; by phone at 740-363-8095, or by email at knap607@yahoo.com

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Op-Ed: 'Twilight' Autograph Fee Disgusting

2009-07-08T16:54:00.002-04:00

Sitting in the car with the faint smell of chlorine from the kids' towels, I had just picked up my daughter and her friend from the pool and I was so excited to tell them my news. I just knew it would promote me further toward the status of "kewl mom."

"Girls," I said giddily, "On Saturday, how would you like to meet Dr. Carlisle Cullen from 'Twilight!?'"

Screams filled the minivan. "Nowayohmygoshareyoukidding?!" I gave them what few details I knew. Peter Facinelli, an actor from the movie "Twilight" would make an appearance at the Town Center Mall this Saturday. (If you don't know what "Twilight" is, go ask a 15-year-old girl, then resume reading this).

I like to be aware of my kids' cultural consumption, so I read all four of the "Twilight" saga books -- no small feat as each one is thicker than a Charleston phone book. I have to admit I liked the books. I even liked the movie -- a lot. I'm not alone either. There are a lot of women "my age" who love these books. There is even a Web site dedicated to 40-something fans like me (twilightmoms.com). Yes, it's pure escapist fantasy, but escaping occasionally is not a bad thing. At least that's how I justify it.

So taking my daughter and her friend was not going to be a great sacrifice for me. I wanted to go meet Peter as much as they did. We made plans to have my daughter's friend spend the night Friday and go to the mall Saturday to line up early. As I drove home, the girls chattered in the back seat about which book they should take for Peter to sign.

After a quick dinner, I logged on to the Town Center Web site to check the details. I was stunned to read that a fee of $25 per person would be charged to each person standing in line for an autograph. What!? Further reading revealed that the fee for having your picture taken with Peter is $40. No personal cameras or camera phones are permitted and no "posed" pictures or "hugging" pictures are allowed. I suppose the fact that a portion of the fees collected goes toward the celebrity's favorite charity is supposed to make the outrageous amount more palatable. It doesn't.

Maybe I'm old, out of the loop or cheap, but I think this charge for a simple autograph is obscene. It's actually embarrassing to think about paying $25 to have a movie star sign a picture. The Town Center staff should be at the very least uncomfortable about this fee. I hope at least one staff person sitting around the planning table winced a little. But as long as people pay it, they will charge it. We consumers aren't the whole problem, but we are definitely part of it. And that means we can be part of the solution.

I like Peter. I really like the "Twilight" saga. I love my daughter and we will probably never have this opportunity again. But I'm not going to take her. If for nothing else than to make a statement and set an example. Thankfully, when I told her, my sweet daughter was equally disgusted about the fee and understood why we would not be going. She was still disappointed, though. Me, too. Perhaps not as disappointed as those who show up at the mall Saturday morning without $25 cash expecting to get an autograph and catch a glimpse of one of their favorite stars. These people, mostly teenage girls and moms, have already spent enough money on all the books and the movie.

And in case you're wondering, Peter's favorite charity is a fashion brand that donates a portion of its profits to fight extreme poverty. Ironic, huh? He may be contributing to the very cause he is fighting.

Daniel Radcliffe Braves Rain For Fans

2009-07-08T16:42:00.003-04:00

The 19-year-old star spent an hour signing autographs for some of the 3,000 screaming fans who had been camping next to the red carpet for more than 24 hours.

When it became clear the rain was not going to ease, Rupert joined Daniel, shunning umbrellas to get closer to the crowd.

But while the boys cackled and splashed about in the rain, Emma Watson remained dry and warm in her limousine, unwilling to get her vintage Ossie Clark gown wet.

The stunning actress eventually emerged nearly an hour later, waving to fans and posing for pictures with a sodden Rupert and Daniel.

She thanked fans for braving the inclement weather, gushing to BANG Showbiz: "It's just so fantastic that people have been so dedicated to come down and see us all. My message to the fans is thank you so much I love you all and I'll be so sad when this series finally comes to an end."

Daniel agreed, adding: "It's going to be very, very sad to finish these movies but at the same time it will be exciting, there's more stuff to move on to, so I'm not purely depressed about finishing them."

The film's other stars Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Bonnie Wright, Helen McCrory, Tom Felton, Jessie Cave, Evanna Lynch and Matthew Lewis also attended the premiere.

But it was 'Harry Potter' creator JK Rowling who got the biggest cheers of the evening. The author arrived minutes before the screening was due to start, walking briskly through the crowds in a sexy electric blue gown, smiling and waving to fans.

Most of the cast wore white ribbons around their wrists in tribute to their murdered co-star Rob Knox, who was stabbed outside a London pub last May.

Daniel said: "Rob would have loved to be here tonight. It's awful that he's not. It must be very hard for his family."

The film is the sixth in the popular boy wizard franchise.

It sees Harry and Professor Dumbledore desperately trying to devise a plan to defeat dark Wizard Lord Voldemort, as Hogwarts faces attack from both outside and within.

Clive Owen, Jamie Oliver, Graham Norton, Gordon Ramsay and Pixie Geldof also walked the red carpet at the event.

Old Letters Removed From Baseball Auction

2009-07-07T11:25:00.001-04:00

A trove of letters to one of baseball's founding fathers has been removed from an upcoming auction while the FBI investigates whether they were among items stolen from the New York Public Library years ago.

The letters are 19th century correspondence to Harry Wright, who built the country's first professional baseball team in Cincinnati and went on to manage in several cities.

Sports memorabilia dealer Hunt Auctions had stopped bidding on the letters last week. On Monday, it said in a statement that it was removing the items from the auction outright because "many questions still remain unanswered."

The Exton, Pa.-based auction house said it was working closely with the FBI.

FBI spokesman Jim Margolin said Monday that investigators are trying to determine "whether those items were among the items apparently stolen from the public library collection."

The 20-plus lots were part of a larger auction scheduled for July 14 at the All-Star Game's Fan Fest in St. Louis.

New York Public Library spokeswoman Heidi Singer declined to comment, citing the investigation.

The library's collection originally contained four scrapbooks of letters that had been sent to Wright between 1865 and 1894. Only one of those volumes, covering the years 1878-1884, is still at the library. The material was found missing during an assessment of the collection in 1986-87, Singer said.

The auction house has declined to identify the seller of the letters, other than to say that they had belonged to the consignor's grandparents.

Wright was born in England and played cricket, but gravitated to baseball as a young man in New York. He organized the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869, managed the team and also played center field. He later managed the Boston Red Stockings, the Providence Grays and the Philadelphia Quakers.

Many modern elements of the game were his innovations, like hand signals, defensive fielding shifts and hitting fungoes to outfielders before the game.

Chris Pine, John Cho (Star Trek) Signing Report

2009-07-07T11:15:00.004-04:00

by Mike Sametz

I really do not want to be here today. Sigh, if it wasn’t for Erica I would be home with a bottle of Trader Joe’s two buck chuck and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich… Wait, that sounds like I’m a depressed alcoholic with a high fructose corn syrup addiction, how about this, if it wasn’t for Erica I would be skiing the Appalachian Mountains with my friends Missy, Buffy, Becky, and Carl… hmmm is that really better? Anyway, Erica dragged me out tonight because Chris Pine, and John Cho are going to be on a talk show together to promote the new Star Trek film, and both of us are working on getting our posters signed. I am dog tired, but I’m dragging my butt here because there are two stars of the film making an appearance... sigh…

5:25 p.m. – I so do not want to be here today! I just got out of jury duty, I’m dog tired, and all I want to do is snuggle up on the couch… sigh… here I am in my favorite ally. Anyway, Erica and I are trying to get Chris Pine and John Cho on our Star Trek posters. I also have the single shot mini poster of Chris Pine with me if I can luck out and get two.

5:44 p.m. – Erica has been here since five so hopefully we will get lucky and get him going in. Otherwise we are in for a long long wait… sigh…

6:22 p.m. – There are about 40 people here already and we are back at the end of the line. I hate that… Damn you civic duty! Damn you!

6:45 p.m. – Chris Pine just came in the far entrance carrying his change of clothes with him. He motioned he will sign on the way out… ugh… we are in for a long long wait…

7:03 p.m. – I told Erica I want to go home but she won’t let me… L

7:32 p.m. – John Cho just arrived people are going crazy for him. He runs over and signs autographs for three people... Three people out of fifty. He runs back in, and barely waves. What a douche!

7:43 p.m. – I am still so irritated that John Cho did that. I mean why even come over if you don’t want to sign. It makes me really not like him.

8:19 p.m. – Flo Rida is sound checking… He keeps playing that Spin Me Round song over and over… Hearing his version makes me long for Dead or Alive… I never thought I would long for Dead or Alive but yet, here I am… longing… go figure!

8:33 p.m. – The security guard has hijacked us and is going on about his biblical beliefs. Apparently, God is going to take him to heaven on a big white horse… on the flip side the recession will be over next year according to his prophet! Whoo hoo!

8:54 p.m. – It’s getting cold. I really want to head home… sigh….Oh wait something is happening…

9:13 p.m. – John Cho is leaving… He barely waves and heads right to his car. Again, he’s a dick.

9:23 p.m. – There are over 50 people here now and they are all getting a bit antsy.

9:34 p.m. – There’s some commotion and Chris Pine is heading out… He is walking right over, and Erica and I are getting out posters ready… He comes to our side, but we are at the very end of the barricade. Everyone is pushing so hard people are getting crushed. Chris keeps missing Erica’s poster and then he bends down to take a picture with a fan. He finishes it and heads the other direction. Erica takes off and runs over to the fence. I follow shortly behind; Chris finishes the barricade and signs for the people at the fence. He gets my poster and then I flip it around to the shot of just him. Out of the corner of his eye he sees it and takes it from me. He signs it really big in silver. He is a really cool guy, unlike someone who plays Sulu. He signs for most of the people at the fence and then security takes him away.

9:38 p.m. – Erica didn’t get her poster signed. Apparently he kept missing her.

9:44 p.m. – I’m trying to make Erica feel better… it’s not working… I’m trying to convince her we’ll get him again, which I know we will. He would have signed more but the collector’s were just going crazy. There will always be a next time.

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The Best Investment You’ve Never Heard Of

2009-07-06T18:49:00.003-04:00

PRESS RELEASE JULY 09
Louise Reynolds
lreynolds@stanleygibbons.co.uk
01425 481045

The best investment you’ve never heard of
- An interview with Stanley Gibbons Chief Executive, Mike Hall

Stanley Gibbons, stamp dealers and publishers since 1856, diversified into collectibles and memorabilia in 1990 with their acquisition of Fraser’s Autographs and began offering alternative investment portfolios in 2003. Chief Executive Mike Hall explains why rare stamps and autographs could be the best investment you’ve never heard of.

Why invest in autographs and stamps and not traditional stocks and shares?

I would not suggest that investors abandon traditional investment mechanisms such as stock and shares. What I do recommend is that investors recognise the importance of diversification. Evidence proves that the movement in the prices of rare stamps and autographs are uncorrelated with equity and property markets.

What sort of returns can I expect?

Our Guaranteed Minimum Return Investment Contracts offer investors a guaranteed minimum return of 4% per annum over the next 5 years and 5% per annum over the next 10 years. The rare stamp market however shows excellent growth potential. Rare stamps have increased in value by an average annual compound growth rate of 10% in the past 50 years.

Are there any management fees?

There are no hidden charges. We offer free storage and insurance during the term of your investment. We also provide free annual valuations.

Which stamps and autographs would you recommend?

I recommend focusing only on rare stamps in premium condition which historically have always achieved the best returns at auction. Condition is all important when considering investment merit.

Rare signatures also represent good value at this time due to the fact that it’s still a relatively immature market.

Do you invest in stamps and autographs?

I have built up a substantial investment/collection in rare stamps and signatures during my 10 years with Stanley Gibbons. Last year my investment in rare stamps and signatures was the only asset I own that went up in value.

My stamp collection consists of a number of well known rarities from Great Britain such as a penny black, 2d blue, seahorse and £5 orange. I also have a substantial collection of what I consider to be undervalued rarities from British Commonwealth countries and am currently building a collection based on what I consider the most attractive stamp designs in the world in the best condition I have ever encountered.

My signatures collection includes firsts such as Apollo 11 (first men on the moon), Wright Brothers (first manned flight), Edmund Hilary (first man to climb Everest) etc. My secondary collection is in signed artist’s prints and sketches by artists such as Pablo Picasso.

How do I get started?

I would recommend investors do their own research. Firstly, look at our website www.stanleygibbons.com/investment and other similar websites discussing rare stamps. Sign up for our weekly investment newsletter to get a feel for the various products we offer and perhaps contact one of our advisors for a free, no obligation personal consultation on 01481 708270. You can speak to your IFA, however most will not be aware of this product; it has been referred to in the past by one financial commentator as “the best investment you have never heard of.”

To sum it up, what makes investing in rare stamps/autographs so compelling?

This is an opportunity for investors to achieve true wealth diversification in a safe asset class offering an exciting minimum return of 4%. What other investment do you know of that has risen in value every year for the last 50 years?

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Autograph Club Looks to the Future

2009-07-05T18:19:00.002-04:00

The new IADA-CC.COM will emerge as the autograph networking site of the future. The autograph industry has been stagnant for the past few years after bursting into a multi-million dollar industry. The industry being one of the rare businesses where your investment has the ability to sky rocket to amounts that top all other investment industries. The major difference between autographs and the major investment industries like stocks, bonds, coins, gold,etc is that they all rely on supply and demand, but the autograph industry has an exclusive factor which is uncontrollable, the unfortunate death of the celebrity signer. Who can't say they don't remember the passing of those legends like Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mantle, John Lennon? This phenomenon has really showed up more recently with the deaths of Farrah Fawcett, Heath Ledger, and Michael Jackson. Autograph prices are reported to reach levels never imagined. Auctions houses are reporting sales that are 45 to 50 times the actual value. One newscaster reported, "Sales of Michael Jackson has reached Elvis Presley status". Yes this has been the trend of late. Autograph collecting has turned into one of the best investments ever.

Along with monetary value increasing on autographs at record levels comes some negativity. Money sometimes brings the worse out in people. The simple photo, album, and even baseball becomes an opportunity for the ruthless to take advantage of the unknowing collector. The forgeries rise to record levels. This is something that can be controlled. With understanding, education, knowledge, and help from the some of the most renowned and respected autograph dealers in the industry, no longer does the collector have to fear the old adage "Buyer Beware".

The IADA-CC's President Mike Frost along with Rich Scott, Web site administrator are in the works at reinventing the wheel. Mike Frost and Rich Scott, pioneers of the autograph industry are recreating a Autograph Club built by Mike Frost back in the 1990's Mike Frost had a vision before MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter developed into networking sites. The IADA-CC launched in 1997 where MySpace launched 2004. The original IADA-CC site had networking capability such's a chat room, collectors forum, Dealer Directories, emails, member categories and much more The IADA-CC wanted to help promote an industry just growing, not knowing what it will become.

Today, the International Autograph Dealer Alliance and Collector Club (IADA-CC.Com) has hired a new Web Designer and Internet programmer that are on the verge of making Autograph history. No longer will it just be a club but a full range networking site. Twitter and Facebook move over, a new face with some old ideas will be joining the craze. "We will have the ability to educate and help those looking for research. No longer does a collector have to go in blind to sites such as, Ebay, Amazon, or the hundreds of auction sites available on the Internet. Our new site will be able to show exemplars, authenticate for those that need it. Introduce autograph studies from the experts in the industry and authors of handwriting analysis. A mixture of elite autograph dealers, advance collectors, the novice, and those that want to meet new interesting people will create one of the most sought after sites on the Internet. Learn, earn and have fun" says Rich Scott, IADA-CC Admin.

The original site is still up and running and easy to view welcoming new members every day. The new site is going to launch within the week. Please take a look at the wonderful things the old site has to offer and imagine moving one of the first true social networking sites into the future. This will be the Mecca of the Autograph industry and a place to visit for all your autograph needs.

Michael Jackson Autograph / Signed 'Thriller' Album

2009-07-04T13:35:00.004-04:00

Michael Jackson hand-signed 'Thriller' album jacket with vinyl. Overall condition is very good...minimum edge wear, no tears or folds. Signed on September 8, 2001 outside the New York Palace Hotel in NYC. Bold and clean blue sharpie signature. In frame. If you are interested in purchase, please click to send email for price quote. Serious inquiries only.