Autograph Collectors Daily

Student Finds Thomas Jefferson Letter

2009-12-05T14:16:00.001-05:00

In a nondescript conference room tucked inside the library at the University of Delaware, a graduate student found a historian's equivalent to a needle in a haystack.

Amanda Daddona said she discovered a personal letter from Thomas Jefferson amid one of 200 boxes of legal documents, minutes from meetings and day-to-day correspondence of a prominent Delaware family.

"The first thing I recognized was his signature," said Daddona, 22, who is getting her master's degree in history. "It was really, really exciting. I just sat with it for a few minutes and looked it over and savored the moment."

Daddona found the letter last month in an unmarked folder among archives from the Rockwood Museum in Wilmington, Delaware. The archives, which the library received as a gift this year, contain the keepsakes and papers of the Bringhurst family, early members of Delaware's elite society.

Daddona and fellow grad student Matt Davis have been spending 10 hours a week processing the archives for future use.

The letter, dated February 24, 1808, is addressed to Dr. Joseph Bringhurst, who had informed Jefferson in an earlier correspondence about the death of their mutual friend John Dickinson. Dickinson, a notable Delaware politician in his own right, worked with Jefferson as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Jefferson's letter is a tribute to Dickinson, whom he calls "among the first of the advocates for the rights of his country." Susan Brynteson, vice provost and director of libraries at the university, said the letter stood out to her because of the "extraordinary humility" Jefferson shows for Dickinson, who was 11 years older than the president.

In it, Jefferson "calls himself a 'junior companion' " of Dickinson's labors, Brynteson said. "It is such a humble letter from a great man."

Daddona said she is still marveling over her big find so early into the archiving process.

For me, when I find a document, it's very much a personal connection to the person who wrote it or had it," she said. "Just to know that they had written it or had it in their desk -- it's incredible. This letter was like a link to Jefferson himself."

Historians had been aware of the existence of the letter, thanks to Jefferson's use of a portable copying press, one of his many inventions. But its physical whereabouts had been unknown.

The letter will be kept in a vault in the Special Collections Department of the university library.

Brynteson said it will be made available to academics, students and other library visitors.

"To hold it in your hands is really quite thrilling," she said.

Mysterious Voynich Manuscript Is Genuine, Scientists Find

2009-12-05T14:10:00.002-05:00

An mysterious unintelligible manuscript that has puzzled researchers for decades has been dated to the 15th century and found to be genuine, according to US studies that were presented Thursday by Austrian broadcaster ORF.

Many historians have so far believed that the so-called Woynich manuscript, which includes illustrations related to natural sciences, is a forgery, and mathematicians and other experts have not able to decode it.

The book is named after Polish-American antiquarian Wilfrid Voynich, who acquired the text in 1912 in Italy.

Researchers at the University of Arizona used the radiocarbon dating method on the 246 pages written in Europe by and found that the parchment was made between 1404 and 1438, said Walter Koehler, an ORF producer who oversaw the TV documentary on the manuscript.

In addition, experts at the McCrone Research Institute in Chicago determined that the ink was not added in a later period. The text was likely written in Northern Italy.

Before these findings, 'there was no serious expert who would have dated it to pre-Columbian times,' said Koehler, but rather to the 16th century, when coded texts were in fashion.

Although the makers of the documentary were not able to unlock the mystery of the text itself, the dating now enables researchers to discount later encoding techniques and focus on new approaches, Koehler said.

However, some experts like Germany-based Rene Zandbergen think that the mysterious letters could simply be ornaments that may have been derived from the Arabic.

The documentary about the manuscript that is kept at Yale University is to be aired on December 10.

Rare Edgar Allan Poe Book to be Auctioned Off

2009-12-05T14:03:00.001-05:00

thecelebritycafe - A very sought after Edgar Allan Poe book is to be auctioned at New York

Edgar Allan Poe’s book is to be sold at New York auction for record winnings, reported Associated Press.

Poe’s first book “Tamerlane and Other Poems,” one of the world’s rarest and most sought after books, will be auctioned off at Christie’s in New York on Friday.

Officials told reporters the book will possibly sell for a record price for American literature, expecting to get $500,000 to $700,000 for the book.

The record for the priciest book auctioned is held by “Tamerlane,” sold at $250,000.

The book is part of the 300-book collection being sold by William Self, former president of Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Christie’s will also be selling the Los Angeles resident’s Mark Twain collection, Jane Austen’s and Charles Dickens’ collection, among others.

Self said he is selling the collections since his wife, and collecting partner, died three years ago and he does not want to burden his children with caring for the books.

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Adam Lambert in San Diego

2009-12-04T11:52:00.001-05:00

He had a touch of the flu and another cancellation controversy brewing. But when Adam Lambert rode his media roller coaster into San Diego yesterday, the local “American Idol” newsmaker arrived with a smile on his face and no chips on his shoulders.

In the Gaslamp Quarter to donate a costume to the Hard Rock Hotel’s memorabilia collection, Lambert shrugged off the fallout from his envelope-pushing performance on the Nov. 22 “American Music Awards.”

Yesterday, ABC canceled Lambert’s upcoming appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The network had already canceled Lambert’s post-AMA appearance on “Good Morning America,” although the singer will still be featured on Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People of 2009” special, which airs Dec. 9 on the Disney-owned ABC.

“What’s done is done,” Lambert said. “It’s time to move forward.”

Clad in black and sporting a major ring on each hand, the Mt. Carmel High graduate said a happy goodbye to his Hard Rock donation, which featured the leather vest, jeans and homemade platform boots he wore during his performance with KISS in the “American Idol” finale in May.

“It’s obviously quite an honor,” Lambert said of joining a collection that includes items from Madonna, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. “I’m a new kid on the block, so I’m just excited to be asked.”

Lambert also talked of his hopes for a spring tour, and his plans to visit his father, Eber, while he was in town. Which left just enough time to visit with the 200 or so fans who came bearing cameras and unconditional love.

“He shouldn’t be blackballed from anything,” said El Cajon homemaker Audrey Wilmot. “Adam is just being Adam.”

Collectormania: Cash and Carry

2009-12-04T11:34:00.003-05:00

Barely smiling, a harassed celebrity scrawls a signature for a fan, who slinks off clutching the flimsy memento.

Business is booming at London's Collectormania autograph convention - and with hundreds of fans queueing for the biggest stars there is little time for niceties.

John Barrowman is the most popular celeb - despite charging punters £20 for a signature, another £20 for a photo and a further £20 to attend a talk about his BBC show, Torchwood.

In the course of a day he will pose for more than 600 snaps, sign about 1,000 autographs and address a sell-out audience of 500 at the meeting - adding up to a possible £40,000-plus.

And you thought footballers were overpaid.

London's dated Olympia arena is a fitting venue for such a grubby event, which allows celebs to treat fans as cash cows.

I was one of 3,000 who paid a tenner to get in last Sunday. The first sign to greet guests inside states: "You can now pay for autographs by credit card."

Wendy at the front desk sighs wearily that trade has been "constant" as she asks someone for their PIN number.

Doors opened at 9am and, within three hours, all 620 slots for photos with John have gone. Wendy directs several fans upstairs to his autograph booth, where a ticketing system means you take a number and return for his signature at a set time.

Selena Whiskin, 22, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, is miffed.

She says: "I've just finished reading John's autobiography and wanted a picture with him.

"I'm annoyed that won't be possible. I did try taking one from a distance but the staff just rush over and tell you off."

And she's right. Point your mobile at anyone and you're promptly bawled out by security.

Selena continues: "It's harsh when you've traveled to London specially. I'll settle for an autograph instead as I wouldn't pay for that and a picture. It would be a bit extortionate."

I ask at the information desk if John is likely to get through the 1,000 or so people hoping for an autograph.

Server Katie says: "Yes, we've had him before and he gets through a silly amount. We're open until 5pm and John signs until the end."

Over at Photo Area B, several hundred wait to be pictured with Robert Englund - Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare On Elm Street films. These are relative bargains at a mere £15 a shot or a signature - maybe because it's 25 years since he first played the horror film favourite.

Antony Southall, 23, has travelled 200 miles from Preston to see him.

He says: "I'm hoping to meet his Nightmare On Elm Street co-star, Heather Langenkamp, and George Takei from Star Trek later. All of them seem to be busy.

"I budgeted about £60 for pictures and autographs. It is expensive. If you've taken the time to come, they should at least have a short chat."

Natalie Wilks, 23, from Kent, says: "My mate paid for my ticket. There's no way I'd part with my own money for an event like this."

Most of the 47 guest "celebrities" are virtual unknowns.

They include Katharine Isabelle (who appeared in an X Files episode and Supernatural), Irene Lamb, who helped cast Star Wars movies, and Garrick Hagon, who played Ky in Doctor Who.

No, I don't remember them either.

Some of the sports stars signing are a bit more friendly.

Disgraced Liverpool goalie Bruce Grobbelaar and snooker champs John Virgo and Dennis Taylor only charge a tenner for autographs. Spurs and Derby County legend Dave Mackay will put pen to paper for just a fiver. All pose for photos at no extra cost and spend several minutes chatting.

John, 63, tells me: "This is my first convention, I'm quite enjoying it - I've just been speaking to two people in Star Trek outfits."

The same good humour is lacking at nearby Shannon Doherty's stand. After paying £20 and choosing from a selection of flattering photos, I ask how the former star of Beverly Hills 90210 is enjoying being in London.

"I love it," she replies while autographing the picture. "It was nice to meet you." End of meeting.

This curt approach does not deter Shannon's devoted fans, who turn up in droves for her £20 photo session a few hours later.

Accompanied by four minders, she swoops into the makeshift studio where a snapper wearing a Hawaiian shirt and microphone directs the operation with military precision.

As one person gets a picture with Shannon another stands on the red line, waiting to be called forward.

It's all literally over in a flash.

And celebrities aren't the only people being kept busy.

The auditorium is packed with vendors selling memorabilia including £79 Star Wars lightsabers, £20 cardboard cut-outs of the Harry Potter cast and yet more famous signatures.

At one they have a signed Shannon Doherty photo - for £15. I missed a bargain there.

The salesman says: "I've had the autograph for ages and can't get rid of it." My next investment is a £15 signature from David Soul, who tells me the 2004 film of his iconic Starsky And Hutch Seventies TV show "didn't do the original justice."

Mr Sulu - sorry George Takei - fresh from 2008's I'm A Celebrity, charges me £15 for his autograph. But I do get a free flyer advertising his forthcoming panto in Chatham.

But it's the £20-a-head Torchwood talk that takes the biscuit and comes very close to pantomime.

In fact, there's singing, dancing and double-entendres galore from the man of the moment, John Barrowman.

The crowd lap it up, while posing questions including "What is your favourite cheese?" and "Do you play with your Torchwood character doll?"

"Soft and garlicky Boursin" and "Yes", if you're interested.

Afterwards the sight of people leaving Olympia with bundles of photos under their arms suggests lots of money has changed hands.

Doctor Who fan David Atherton, 42, from Enfield, north London, held out for six hours to meet his idol Barrowman and tells wife Teresa: "It wasn't worth it. I would have appreciated a few words spoken to me.

"I tried to make conversation, saying he provided great entertainment but John just didn't respond. It was as quick as he could sign before on to the next person."

An announcement at 4:55pm reminds visitors Mr Barrowman will leave the building in five minutes.

Meanwhile, with sweat beading on his brow... he just keeps signing.

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Celebration V Officially Announced!

2009-12-03T14:21:00.002-05:00

THE WAIT IS OVER! After months of anxiety, anticipation, and speculative rumors galore, Celebration V has been officially announced! Star Wars fans everywhere can all collectively rejoice together and start planning today for what should be the most action-packed Star Wars convention to date.

City Location: Orlando, FL
Dates: August 12-15, 2010
Venue: Orange County Convention Center

From celebrity autograph signings to guest panel sessions to the famous Exhibit Hall (be prepared - your credit cards will be put to the challenge), a Celebration has something for every Star Wars fan to enjoy and add to their expanding list of memories of that galaxy far, far away. And with 2010 marking the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, rest assured CV will be paying tribute to what many fans consider to be the best film in the Saga.

Be sure to keep checking back right here each & every day (like you don't do that already) for all Celebration V updates as they become available. And definitely check out our official Rebelscum forums to chat about the convention with your fellow Star Wars fans!

See you all there!!

UPDATE: Official Press Release

LUCASFILM AND REED EXHIBITIONS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE STAR WARS™ CELEBRATION V

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back,
Massive Fan Event will Take Place in Orlando, Florida August 12-15, 2010;
Registration Will Go Live Thursday, December 10

Norwalk, CT, December 3, 2009: Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and the ongoing, weekly adventures of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Reed Exhibitions’ PopGroup will partner to produce what’s expected to be one of the largest official Star Wars fan events ever – featuring cast and crew celebrities, fan-run events, costumes, music, live entertainment, screenings, autographs, collectibles, panels and sneak peaks into the future of Star Wars.

Star Wars Celebration V will take place August 12-15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. A website, www.starwarscelebration.com, is dedicated exclusively to the event, and tickets to Star Wars Celebration V will be available for purchase online starting Thursday, Dec. 10. As always, Celebration will bring together the best of the Star Wars universe in one exciting, dynamic event.

Lucasfilm Ltd launched Star Wars Celebrations in 1999. Since then, the official Star Wars “parties” have become mega events, attracting tens of thousands of loyal and devoted fans and families. To date, there have been four Star Wars Celebrations in America, as well as a Star Wars Celebration Europe (2007) and Star Wars Celebration Japan (2008). Star Wars Celebration V will be the first Star Wars Celebration produced jointly with Reed PopGroup, which is responsible for the successful New York Comic Con, the new Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) and more.

“We’re going to have a blast commemorating the 30th anniversary of fan-favorite The Empire Strikes Back as we welcome an entire new generation of fans watching our animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” said Steve Sansweet, Lucasfilm’s head of Fan Relations. “There’s no doubt that Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando will be the ‘must attend’ event for Star Wars fans of all ages and from all parts of the galaxy,” he added. “We’re also very excited to launch our partnership with Reed PopGroup, which has shown great expertise in running large, fun-filled events that satisfy fans, show participants, and exhibitors. We’re expecting the biggest and best Celebration to date.”

“This is an enormously exciting undertaking and a natural partnership,” said Lance Fensterman, Vice President of Reed PopGroup. “Star Wars is arguably the strongest brand in the pop culture world, while Reed PopGroup has established itself as a leader in creating amazing experiences for fans and customers. Additionally, Reed Exhibitions has a strong international presence and is able to create world-class events globally,” he added “We look forward to providing first-rate organizational and programming expertise for a fan-based event that is well established and already attracts an enormous audience. In tandem with Lucasfilm, I’m certain that Star Wars Celebration V will be bigger and better than ever. We look forward to many years of working with Lucasfilm.”

Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm convention celebrating all things Star Wars. The Celebrations are the biggest Star Wars events held, allowing friends and families to gather to have fun and celebrate their love of the Saga. From fans who first experienced A New Hope in theaters to kids just discovering Star Wars through Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Celebration touches on anything and everything connected with that galaxy far, far away. The producers promise more interactive events than ever at Celebration V. Celebrity guests will sign in the Star Wars Celebration Autograph area as well as make presentations. The annual Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge prizes will be awarded and there will be a chance for budding filmmakers to get tips from more experienced ones. Star Wars Celebration V will feature scores of crowd-pleasing events that can be found only at an official Star Wars convention.

Melissa Gilbert in St.Louis

2009-12-03T14:17:00.003-05:00

Catching up from a week ago tonight . . . here's actress Melissa Gilbert as she departs from the Fox Theater in St. Louis following the opening night performance of the play, Little House on the Prairie. Gilbert has the role of "Ma" in the production; she was Laura in the original TV series.

This shot was just inside the backstage door of the theater thanks to an invitation by one of St. Louis' finest. As Gilbert walked out the door, she ignored a request to sign a couple of 8 x 10s, but then decided to sign after I asked a second time.

Thanks to Kevin!

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Mika Brzezinski Book Signing Events

2009-12-02T15:19:00.002-05:00

Mika Brzezinski, NBC & MSNBC correspondant, will be signing copies of her book All Things At Once at the following locations:

* 1/09/10 2:00 PM at Borders Books - Providence Place. Providence, RI.
* 1/28/10 7:00 PM at Bookends - East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ.

Book Signings & Events

103rd Philadelphia Sportscard & Memorabilia Show

2009-12-02T14:45:00.001-05:00

Phillies stars Cliff Lee and Shane Victorino will headline the 103rd Philadelphia Sportscard & Memorabilia show. A number of top athletes will appear in the autograph pavilion at the show, which takes place December 4th-6th at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA. Athletes appearing include Hall of Famers Steve Carlton and Mike Schmidt, all-time hits leader Pete Rose, and 2009 World Series team members Lee, Victorino, Scott Eyre and Jamie Moyer. While pricing for each signer varies, former Phillies Todd Pratt and Keith Moreland will be providing one free autograph with the price of admission at select times. Signers will add personalized inscriptions for an additional fee.

The athletes will appear along with top companies specializing in memorabilia, authentication and card grading. A new addition to the Philly Show, representatives from Louisville Slugger will be on hand selling customizable bats.

"As the holidays approach, you can find the perfect gift for the sports fan in your life. We have a selection of unique sports items you won't find elsewhere," said David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions, the show's parent company.

The Philly Show runs Friday, December 4th from 5pm-9pm, Saturday, December 5th, from 9am-5pm and Sunday, December 6th, from 9am-4pm. Admission is $7 per day, or $18 for a weekend pass. Children under 8 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Pricing varies for autograph tickets, which may be purchased in advance at www.mab-celebrity.com. For more information about the Philly Show, visit www.phillyshow.com.

ABOUT THE PHILLY SHOW:

The Philadelphia Sportscard & Memorabilia show was established in 1975 in the Philadelphia area as one of the first venues for sports related cards and collectibles. Long considered one of the premier events of its type in the country, the show was held three times annually for many years at the Fort Washington Expo center before moving to Reading, PA. In the fall of 2008, Exton, PA based Hunt Auctions, a leader in the sports memorabilia auction industry, assumed ownership of the show. The event now resides at the Valley Forge convention center in King of Prussia, PA and takes place every March, September, and December.

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Colorado Man Donates 'World-Class' Sports Collection to Teen Group

2009-12-01T12:46:00.002-05:00

A nonprofit teen center facing deep budget cuts in this small mountain town is finding renewed hope, thanks to one man's unexpected act of generosity.

David Shortridge, 73, is well known in the Nederland community for his philanthropy. He's helped local churches, food banks and individual homeowners, but no one expected his most recent donation -- his late son's collection of rare and valuable sports memorabilia that could fetch more than $100,000.

This week, Shortridge will give the entire collection to TEENS Inc., a nonprofit organization that runs an alternative high school for troubled youth and provides recreation and leadership opportunities for Nederland teens.

Officials with the group say the gift is almost unimaginable, but Shortridge says it's what his son would have wanted.

'It brought us together'

David H. Shortridge II moved in to care for his father 15 years ago, after he began going blind. The pair found a common bond in the younger Shortridge's passion for sports collectibles.

"We started this collection together," the elder Shortridge said, using his hands to identify boxes filled to the brim with thousands of sports cards, autographs and assorted rarities. "We did it together, and it brought us together even more, because it gave him what he wanted to do and it allowed me to be with him. It's rare that an older child and a father can come together on something."

The father and son team spent countless hours, and just as many dollars, canvassing online auctions and memorabilia dealers to find only the best -- and rarest -- of sports collectibles across the world.

"He wanted a collection of perfection," Shortridge said of his son.

Within a decade, the pair had amassed a collection of rarities such as one of the world's only perfect-condition set of 1989 Score trading cards, a complete set of John Elway cards -- including one of only a handful of perfect condition Elway rookie cards and a little-known rookie card from 1981 when Elway played minor-league baseball -- and autographs of sports legends such as Michael Jordan and Joe DiMaggio.

There are thousands of other autographed pictures, complete with certificates of authenticity, along with signed baseballs, basketballs, footballs, hockey sticks and knick knacks.

Some of the one-of-a-kind items in the collection could fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction, including original artwork for trading card packs and original autographs used as templates by trading card companies. There's even the original artwork used in the mid-1980s to package Michael Jackson trading cards, which Shortridge suspects has skyrocketed in value since the singer's death.

"It's been defined as a world-class collection," Shortridge said. "There is a dollar value on this, but there's an intrinsic value in it that's much more. We loved this set, we worked together and we loved each other."

'Some buyers are going to get great deals'

When the younger Shortridge died last summer from liver failure at age 51, his father donated the entire collection to the David H. Shortridge II Memorial Fund, which the family has contributed into to fund community-based projects in Nederland.

The fund has already provided a portable defibrillator to the Nederland Police Department, $25,000 to complete the Nederland Carousel of Happiness, a wheelchair ramp to a pharmacy and funding for a pets-for-seniors program.

The fund also gave $2,000 to help save this year's Fourth of July fireworks display over Barker Reservoir, and included some of the younger Shortridge's ashes in the opening volley.

Now, more than a year after his son's passing, the elder Shortridge, who also served a controversial stint on the Town Board and was embroiled in a year's long legal battle with Nederland more than a decade ago, is making sure the collection he spent so many years helping to build will sustain another community group.

TEENS Inc. serves about 420 Nederland teens each year but has run into financial distress after the state cut grants that fund half of the center's annual $410,000 budget.

"I couldn't think of a better place for this to go to work," Shortridge said. "This (collection) might do the same thing for some of them that it did for me. It brought me and my son together."

This weekend, members of TEENS Inc. will gather up hundreds of pieces from the Shortridge collection to sell off at Nederland Middle School, 597 Eldora Road. Every dollar from the sale will go to the organization.

Items being sold Saturday and Sunday include 1,000 vintage team caps, hundreds of autographed pictures and hundreds of less-than-perfect graded trading cards. Hats and trading cards will be priced at $5 each -- some of which would normally sell for up to $50 apiece -- while autographs will sell for a few dollars more than the original purchase price.

"Some buyers are going to get great deals," Shortridge said.

Anyone who purchases an item during the sale will be entered into a drawing to win an autographed photo of Michael Jordan.

The big-ticket and especially rare items will not be sold this weekend, but rather will be auctioned off online in a virtual eBay store being set up and managed by Nederland teens. Those proceeds will also benefit TEENS Inc.

"I am so pleased that my son's collection is in the hands of these teens," Shortridge said. "I couldn't think of a better place to put it."

'People do care'

Stephen LeFaiver, executive director of TEENS Inc., said the donation is a godsend to the small organization.

"I think it's something everyone in our situation dreams of," he said of the unexpected donation. "It's going to just really help pass us through this uncertain time."

Roby Spratford, 18, is a senior at the center's Chinook West Alternative High School. He said word about the sports collection has spread throughout the town, and the good deed has shown him and his friends the power of caring.

"It goes to show the spirit of the community here in Nederland," Spratford said. "People do care. They see the positive effects something like this has."

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Autograph Authenticating Scams Continue to Diminish the Autograph Hobby!

2009-11-30T13:24:00.002-05:00

Reprinted from AutographAlert.com

With all the documented evidence over several years of the incompetence of the high profile authenticators, there are still some shops and shows that allow these authenticating imposters to attend their events.

People who pretend to be able to authenticate autographs can’t tell the difference between real ink and printed signatures. They all have made every imaginable mistake possible. Authenticated as genuine are rubber stamped signatures, secretarial signatures, machine signed signatures, and forged signatures. This is an extremely common occurrence by all of the high profile authenticators. Worse, in many cases, they have identified a signature that is of a different person. How incompetent can you be when a high profile company authenticates a Karl Doenitz (German Fuhrer) as America’s Admiral Nimitz?

The autograph market has been flooded with their worthless mis-diagnosed "guesses" and "opinions." Every one of them will take your money and offer no guarantee for their uneducated guesses.

One authentication expert has been embarrassed more than once on national television authenticating autographs as genuine that were forged just hours before the interview.

Another firm's top authenticator said during a deposition that "I don’t recall" when he was asked if he was physically removed from the Chicago National Sports convention for selling forgeries.

You can be assured that every shop and show that allow these wannabe autograph authenticators to attend their events are well aware of how incompetent these self- proclaimed authenticators are. Yet they have no problem nor conscience allowing their customers availability to the wannabe authenticators.

It is an absolute insult to all collectors when shops and shows allow these companies to rent booths. They certainly do not have the good of the collector in mind and the only reason has to be greed, simply to collect revenue to rent another both. There is basically no difference if the shops and shows would rent a table to a forger! The authenticators are passing many bad items for dealers and collectors and these items enter the autograph market. Shame on the shops and shows that support these imposters.

Always keep in mind, these authenticating companies simply offer basically an uneducated opinion. Try to find one of these authenticators that has taken any one of the fourteen autograph educational courses that were taught around the United States. We can assure you that not a single authenticator has taken the free Internet Autograph Educational Course and received the Certificate of Completion available on this website. Try to find one authenticator who will financially guarantee their guess.

Be it known, the bulk of professional autograph dealers will NOT accept any one of these 3rd party authenticator guesses for a refund. Basically, 3rd party COA’s have become worthless. No autograph needs a 3rd party COA to be sold. Choose any one of the many professional autograph dealers and auction houses. They will purchase your autograph or take it on consignment based on their own expertise!

The autograph community is finally coming together. Many dealers and collectors are protesting these authenticators, and will NOT attend any event the authenticators are allowed to exhibit; nor purchase any autograph that comes with one of the 3rd party Certificates.

There are many websites that educate the consumer on the uselessness of 3rd party autograph authenticators.

Nine Inch Nails Auctioning Tour Equipment On eBay

2009-11-30T13:06:00.002-05:00

Like a garage sale specifically aimed at the most ardent of Nine Inch Nails fans, Trent Reznor and Co. have taken to eBay to sell their touring equipment. The band’s last live gig was at the Los Angeles Wiltern Theatre on September 10, so why not unload some guitars, amplifiers and pedal boards on the people?

Right now there are only 20 items listed on the ebay site, but Reznor has promised to put up hundreds more over the coming weeks. Items set to go up for sale inclue guitars, keyboards, amps, drums, cables and effects pedals.

Via a message on the NIN official website:

“We’ve been going through the NIN touring and studio rigs and are getting rid of a large selection of gear and equipment the band is no longer in need of.

We do not know which (if any) tour these items are from unless specified, nor can we get any items autographed, so please do not ask.”

A certificate of authenticity would at least be nice. The no autograph part kind of sucks, especially on a guitar, but it seems like the band is going to unload a ton of equipment, so any die-hard fans are probably chomping at the bit to own a piece of the band’s history.

No word on the official, NIN website about where the money from the auction sale is going, but it’s their tour gear, so maybe it’ll just get funneled back into buying brand new equipment when they decide to reunite for a comeback tour. As of this second the band is still on indefinite hiatus.

So whether it’s a Gibson Les Paul 1960 RI, or a Sting Ray Bass, the NIN ‘everything must go’ auction is underway on ebay.

Presently, the Godin A 6 Acoustic / Electric is receiving the most bids (38), with a current bid price of $1,150.00.

Would you want to bid on a piece of tour equipment from Nine Inch Nails?

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Winona Ryder Filming Movie in Toronto’s Union Train Station

2009-11-28T13:37:00.002-05:00

We see and enjoy celebrity photography on countless news sites and magazines every day. Sometimes the behind-the-scenes stories of what goes into getting those photos can be equally as fascinating.

“I would be the first one to admit there is a breed of celebrity photographers that do cross a line into invading an individuals right to privacy – and yes, I think even celebrities have privacy rights too. I personally cringe when I see shots of celebrity moms picking up their kids from school… But the filming of a period-piece movie with a Hollywood star in a public train station? Puh-lease… I’m blasting.” – Richard Budman, shot7.com

Ex-Policeman Convicted of Theft, Misconduct

2009-11-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

A former Greensburg, Indiana police officer has been convicted of theft and misconduct for pocketing money from a man who allegedly sold fake autographs by a pro wrestler.

A Decatur County jury deliberated for about three hours Wednesday before convicting David L. Scudder on the charges.

Prosecutors say a promoter allegedly tricked wrestling fans into buying autographs and photos from a man impersonating wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin at a Walmart store in Greensburg.

While Scudder was investigating the alleged scam, prosecutors say, he took the $154 the promoter made and kept it.

New Website Offers Voice For Collectors and Dealers

2009-11-28T13:17:00.004-05:00

Behind the Gavel is a not-for-profit website established by the CDA (Collector/Dealer Alliance) to assist in getting out the truth about "self-proclaimed experts" in the autograph collecting community and the auction houses that let these so-called "experts" use their good name and credibility to further their propaganda and self-serving agenda. Many of the dealers and collectors who have contributed to this website wish to keep their names confidential as they are very aware of the intimidation tactics and abuse of power these individuals. Rather than be named, many CDA members prefer to let the facts speak for themselves.

One longtime collector has said, "I tried to take my items to auction to offer them for sale and I was turned away. I was told I needed a certificate of authenticity from their "approved authenticators." The item I was trying to sell was signed in front of me and at least 10 other witnesses. Why can't the item stand on its own merit? I had no choice because I needed the money so I took the item to the "expert" the auction house recommended and they said it was a fake! Don't the auction houses realize what is going on?"

The Collector/Dealers Alliance

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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UPDATE: Maybe?

2009-11-28T04:55:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: Hi everyone. I received a phone call Friday morning from a local Comcast supervisor who informed me that he and a crew would be here first thing Saturday morning. Soooo.....we'll see what happens. Thanks to all for the fantastic support...and to those readers who personally gave Comcast a piece of their mind on my behalf! Lon

Justin Bieber's Autograph Signing Caused Near-Riot

2009-11-23T17:15:00.002-05:00

Canadian singer Justin Bieber's autograph signing caused a near-riot at a Long Island mall after thousands of fans showed up. His record label Island Def Jam Records senior VP of sales was also been arrested in the incident.

Over 10,000 fans stormed at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island to get a glimpse of the 15-year-old Internet sensation, who was promoting his new album "MY World" at the clothing store Justice.

Fans began lining up as early as 9 a.m. in a bid to receive a yellow bracelet, a pass to meet the star. However, trouble began brewing up before 4 p.m.

People started screaming his name and running forward. Everyone was reportedly pushing and there were several fans who were knocked down in the stampede.

Hoping to bring order, Bieber sent out a Twitter message to his fans, saying, "They are not allowing me to come into the mall. If you don't leave I and my fans will be arrested as the police just told us."

"The event at Roosevelt Mall is cancelled. Please go home? I don't want anyone hurt."

Police decided to cancel the event for being unsafe. Only minor injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, the label's senior VP of sales, James Roppo, was arrested for sending out Internet messages to over 3,000 fans that the singer was signing autographs even after officials dispersed the crowd.

He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, obstruction of governmental administration, reckless endangerment and criminal nuisance.

Pearl Jam Snub Autograph Seekers

2009-11-23T16:54:00.003-05:00

Attention all Pearl Jam fans - it would be wise to bring your camera, rather than a pen and paper when chasing Eddie Vedder and the US rock gods around town this week.

While the Seattle quintet played Sydney Football Stadium last night, tour insiders say the band will not sign any autographs.

The move comes after years of being besieged by professional autograph hunters, who go on to sell the signatures on eBay. It's sad it has come to this, but a picture - if you're lucky enough to get one - does tell a thousand words.

NOTE: unfortunate situation all around...but why these artists are concerned, if there is a market and desire for their signatures, is beyond me. This trend is continuing throughout the entertainment business.

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Pricey Gift: MLB Offers World Series Film Set For $2,229

2009-11-21T19:09:00.001-05:00

Major League Baseball has the perfect gift to bust a budget in a recession.

A 20-DVD set of World Series films can be bought for $2,299, and it contains authenticated autographs of 12 Hall of Famers, including Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt.

A limited edition run of 100 sets was put together by Major League Baseball Productions, A&E Home Entertainment and Mounted Memories, the companies said Friday.

There are 65 films from 1943-08 that run for more than 50 hours. The package also has autographs from Johnny Bench, Gary Carter, Bob Feller, Rollie Fingers, Carlton Fisk, Whitey Ford, Brooks Robinson and Bruce Sutter.

MLB spokesman Jeff Heckelman said the set is also available without the autographs for $179.99 on MLB.com and in stores with a suggested retail price of $229.

American Royal Arts Seeks Court Action to Stop the Sale of 'Doctored' Signed Photographs

2009-11-21T18:37:00.006-05:00

Posted at AutographAlert.com:

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - American Royal Arts (ARA), a Florida based company and recognized leader in the rock n roll fine art and memorabilia industry, has once again stepped up to the plate in an effort to protect the industry's integrity and to protect the memorabilia fan, collector and consumer. On November 18, 2009, ARA filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Palm Beach County, Florida, against Bruce Hall, d/b/a Gallery of Dreams. In the Complaint, ARA alleges that Gallery of Dreams, a California based company which has an established and continuous course of business dealings in Florida, sent to ARA and other similarly-situated companies, false provenance and altered/doctored photographs which it represented supported the authenticity and genuineness of the memorabilia it sold to ARA and others.

ARA's dispute with Gallery of Dreams began during a November 13, 2009 hearing in a lawsuit ARA filed in 2007 against Frank Caiazzo, d/b/a, the Beatles Autographs, for defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices and unfair competition. During this hearing, ARA's president Jerry Gladstone, during a cross examination by Caiazzo's lawyer, was handed photographs of celebrities signing guitars that were "doctored". In a rather dramatic moment, (Someone from the Caiazzo camp notified the press) Caiazzo and his business allies thought they dropped a bomb on ARA. It was, actually, a dud. Mr. Gladstone vehemently denied having altered photographs or having any knowledge that the autographs were altered. He promised to fully investigate immediately following the hearing. In contrast, Caiazzo and his lawyers had "sandbagged" revelation of this seemingly legitimate concern with the photos to further their personal concerted smear campaign against ARA. Caiazzo and his supporters had no interest in immediately exposing their apparent discovery of the doctored photos to protect the public from further damage. No, there continued interests were self-centered and motivated by self-preservation, rather than for the good of the industry as a whole. In reality ARA did not tamper with any of the photos. In fact ARA is now aggressively seeking justice against Gallery of Dreams.

ARA takes these issues very seriously. ARA has provided the press with supporting information to confirm that it did not participate in any wrong doing and that it was defrauded by Gallery of Dreams, as alleged in the lawsuit.

A more dramatic point during the November 13 hearing was when Frank Caiazzo admitted, for the first time in an open forum, that he has no formal training what so ever to support his self-proclaimed status as a "handwriting expert." It was also disclosed in a deposition in that litigation that Caiazzo has placed his own Beatles material (bearing his own certificates of authenticity) for sale in major auction houses, including Christies, Sotheby's, Alexander's Auction, and eBay. When Caiazzo was asked who checks his work before it goes into auction his answer was "nobody." Only he, who admittedly has no formal training what so ever, authenticates these items!

Caiazzo was questioned about another document during the November 13 hearing, a Certificate of Authenticity he issued on a "Please Please Me" Beatles album. His own counsel had placed the item into evidence as a defense Exhibit! ARA counsel grilled Caiazzo as to whether this certificate authenticated as legitimate a "Please Please Me" album which was fabricated by transferring three Beatles signatures from a menu and one from a clip to the album. Caiazzo had already admitted to having certified a "Sgt. Pepper's" album which bore signatures transferred from another item to the album. In that deposition, Caiazzo testified, under oath, that it was ok to transfer signatures as long as one discloses it in the certificate. There was no such disclosure on the "Please Please Me" album that Frank Caiazzo certified on April 12, 2005. In addition "provenance" was included in that Caiazzo certificate. He represented that this Beatles album was signed by the Beatles for a young girl waiting for them outside a venue! During the hearing on November 13, Caiazzo testified that it was possible that his April 12, 2005, certificate was for the very same "Please Please Me" album. Chances are, it was, particularly if one accepts Caiazzo's own suggestion that only had a handful of Beatles albums exist bearing all four of their autographs.

ARA has been doing business for over 24 years with a stellar reputation. It has an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau. ARA was founded in 1986, and has held numerous worldwide publishing and distribution rights for MGM/Rocky, Apple Corp., Disney Studios, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Twentieth Century Fox, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, artist Joe Petruccio, Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin, and photography from the Hulton Archive of London, MirrorPix, James Fortune Peter Simon and, most recently, the Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp. ARA will continue to do all it can to put an end to the unfair and deceptive practices and to eventually restore peace, honesty and integrity to this industry.

Jerry Gladstone
President
American Royal Arts Corp.
546 North West 77th Street
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Ph: 561-869-0602
Fax: 561-869-0602
e-mail: jgladstone@americanroyalarts.com
www.americanroyalarts.com

NOTE: Autograph Collectors Daily and staff officially state neutral status in any business or personal disputes reported on or referred to this site.

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Sarah Palin Quits Again! ...Refuses to Sign Hundreds of Books

2009-11-20T22:52:00.004-05:00

Click for video

Angry crowd shouts at Sarah Palin at her book signing in Noblesville, Indiana on November 19, 2009 after Palin quits and refuses to sign books for around 300 families that spent over 3 hours in the cold and rain waiting in line.

How can this be? I thought Sarah was "tough" and "ready to serve"? Are my eyes & ears deceiving me?

People at the event first heard chants of “ONE OF US!” but near the end the angry crowd was chanting “SIGN OUR BOOKS!” before she ditched them.

Mariah Carey Brings West London to a Standstill

2009-11-20T18:31:00.002-05:00

Thousands of fans brought west London to a standstill last night as they waited for hours to meet American superstar Mariah Carey.

The 39-year-old singer was at the Westfield shopping centre to switch on the Christmas lights and sign autographs to promote her new album, Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, and her third Elizabeth Arden fragrance, Forever.

"This is amazing, this is so much fun," she told the screaming crowd before flicking the switch.

Carey - without husband Nick Cannon - was an hour late for her appearance and the fans went crazy upon her arrival, with her bodyguards working hard to keep them back.

As she sang along to a festive hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You, the stage was illuminated by pyrotechnics.

Her publicist dismissed claims that the five-time Grammy award- winner had made extravagant requests for the event, which included 20 white kittens and 100 white doves.

"It's absolute rubbish and absolute nonsense," she said.

She also clarified stories that Carey had asked for a pink carpet (her favourite colour) and pink butterfly-shaped confetti, explaining that they were provided by Westfield without the star's input.

Viggo Mortensen Signing Report

2009-11-20T18:21:00.004-05:00

by Mike Sametz

Ah, this is one of those weeks where you have to pick and choose your battles. It is the week of the AFI Festival. This is shaping up to be a pretty interesting year. So far, from what I have hear and from personal experience as well, it has been rough to get anything signed. I got shut out by Drew Barrymore yet again, Bill Murray, and more… Tonight Erica, the fabulous M’Lou Elkins and I are heading out to Hollywood Blvd to the premiere of The Road at AFI fest. Erica really wants to get Aragorn himself Mr. Viggo Mortensen and I really want to get Ms. Charlize Theron. So, buckle up and get ready for a long evening out!

4:21 p.m. – Erica and I just got here. We met up with M’Lou at the Coffee Bean where she was having tea with Gene Simmons and Spider-Man. Only in Hollywood folks… only in Hollywood.

4:28 p.m. – There is literally no one here, it’s a tad shocking considering that the red carpet is supposed to start at 6:30 p.m. Anyway, Erica and I are going to take a walk down to Hollywood Book and Poster.

4:29 p.m. – M’Lou is going to continue her coffee session with Spider-Man. To be fair, Spider-Man is not literally at her table just next to her. I was hoping to have brunch with Jesus and Bart Simpson later on today, but I guess that will have to wait.

4:55 p.m. – We just got back from Hollywood Book and Poster and we didn’t find anything. Oh, Erica got a 24 mini poster. But all in all not much.

5:10 p.m. – So, now we are debating on where to stand. There is a spot on the Blvd to stand and then there's always the old standby across the street. I suggest the spot on the Blvd next to the premiere. Erica is saying across the street. None of us really know though. Honestly, it’s all a crap shoot.

5:15 p.m. – We are across the street.

5:20 p.m. – We just moved to the spot next to the premiere on the Blvd.

5:31 p.m. – It’s shocking but there are only maybe 15 people here. Usually for a premiere of this sort the barricades are filling up by now.

5:45 p.m. – The arrivals start at 6:30 ish and then there is another premiere right after for the new Nick Cage movie, Bad Lieutenant. I know that’s strange but that’s what they are doing!

5:59 p.m. – I brought my Lord of the Rings trilogy mini poster, and a magazine for a friend as well. I also brought a DVD insert of Return of the King for another friend of mine. I think that every friend of mine loves Viggo! LOL… Chicks, what can you do?

6:10 p.m. – I just noticed someone made a sign for Viggo and hung it across the street. It says, “The Road lead us to Viggo.” Lol, it’s kind of small but hopefully effective.

6:21 p.m. – Erica brought a Lord of the Rings book that she has a lot of people already on. I mean she has ¾ of the cast! Very impressive.

6:43 p.m. – It’s starting to fill up now, well at least behind us. There are a couple rows of people behind us now, across the street there isn’t anyone! Crazy times!

6:46 p.m. – People are starting to arrive, oh wait… that’s Charlize Theron! Everyone is going crazy for her. We are chanting and chanting… She is not even looking over at us! We are continuing to chant and chant and chant some more…

6:48 p.m. – Charlize is walking the carpet with her date and then runs back and walks the carpet by herself. Still she is refusing to look over here. Man that really sucks! I really wanted her… sigh…

6:51 p.m. – Wait, someone is signing across the street. Where did they come from? Holy crap it’s Viggo! He simply appeared, no one saw him arrive, and no one saw him cross. Crazy! He is signing up a storm, I ask Erica if she wants to run over there, but she says no and we stay here.

6:57 p.m. – Viggo is crossing back over and coming right over to us. Well, Erica is shouting her lungs off… you think she’s small but she is quite mighty and has impressive lung power when she wants too.

6:59 p.m. – Viggo is signing away. M’Lou took my magazine and I have the mini poster and insert. M’Lou just got him on the magazine and I got him on the poster. I tried to get the insert signed as well but Viggo looked at me and said, “You got one already.” Harrumph, it’s not like the dealers didn’t just get like seven each. Sigh… He is very nice though and quiet, and I’m not sure if this is the right way to describe it, but serene is what comes to mind.

7:02 p.m. – The other premiere is going to start soon, I think at like 7:30 p.m.

7:10 p.m. – They are just flipping the posters over on the carpet for each movie. That’s kind of lame I must say.

7:35 p.m. – Some people are arriving now; we were told Nicholas Cage is not going to show up. Sigh…

7:38 p.m. – There was some kind of party beforehand so everyone is coming back to back. Fairuza Balk just arrived… Oh and there’s Eva Mendez… No one is coming over. Sigh… to be fair people are not really yelling either.

7:41 p.m. – Oh, there’s Jennifer Coolidge! I love her! Nope, she’s not coming over either. Sigh… well, I’m getting disappointed, so it’s time to head home and get warm. Thankfully, Viggo came over. I’m very disappointed in Charlize I must say. Still, I’m happy with Viggo, a little upset the Erica got me to start a Lord of the Rings poster after I have avoided it for years... sigh… lol…

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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Richard Petty Still Draws A Loyal Following

2009-11-19T15:54:00.002-05:00

thestate - The sleek Dodge Challenger SRTA, painted its distinctive shade of blue, drew admiring looks from the auto racing fans who poured through the doors of the Mike Addy Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep showroom in Lexington at 6 p.m. Wednesday. But the car was not the reason most were there.

They quickly lined up, waiting their turn to meet Richard Petty, NASCAR's winningest driver and "The King" of his sport.

Petty, still trim at 72 and wearing his signature cowboy hat, jeans, boots and sunglasses, perched on a stool and patiently signed model cars, caps, photos, posters - even an oil painting of Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt with "autographs" of NASCAR's two seven-time champions.

"I had a guy do it for me" in 2001, said Lexington's Kevin Brown, then owner of a racing souvenir store. "But I didn't think the autographs were real, since Earnhardt died six weeks before I got the painting."

Petty grinned before affixing his looping signature. "NOW it's authentic," he told Brown.

Winner of a record 200 races and a member of the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Petty was promoting a new project, Petty's Garage, which produces high-performance cars. The retro-1970s Challenger will be auctioned off in Scottsdale, Ariz., in late January, with proceeds going to the Petty Family Foundation.

"(Auction house Barrett-Jackson) auctioned off another car for $500,000, not one of mine," Petty said. "I doubt this will bring that much, but anything helps the cause."

This year has been busy for Petty. Besides sharing the Hall of Fame spotlight in Charlotte, he has overseen a merger of Richard Petty Motorsports with Yates Racing, set to take place in early 2010.

"When I started out running here in Columbia, in Cayce, you never thought about being in a hall of fame," Petty said. "You were just thinking about doing your job, and you went out and done it."

Petty said he would have preferred the first Hall class to be about the "first era" of NASCAR, and thought France Jr. and Earnhardt should have waited while Spartanburg's David Pearson should have been in the first class.

"Big Bill (France) started (NASCAR) and Junior (Johnson) was there when he started it, I was there, and Pearson was there," he said. "(France Jr.) and Earnhardt, that's another era.

"I thought they should've covered the first era, and the second era with the next crowd. But (NASCAR) did it like they wanted to, and I'm just fortunate to get in."

Petty's role with the RPM-Yates operation "won't change a lot," he said. The team will end its long-time ties with Chrysler and Dodge to run Fords in 2010. "We take over a program that's established with Ford, and we're established, so that should make us stronger and Ford stronger," he said.

Petty conceded NASCAR's move in recent years away from the Carolinas, "which is where it all started," has cost it ties with its roots.

"To get more sponsorships and fans, we had to go where they was at. They couldn't all come to Charlotte or Darlington; we had to go to New Hampshire and Chicago and Texas, Kansas City, California."

These days, Petty marvels at NASCAR's national profile. But he remains most at home with fans such as those on hand Wednesday.

"I had a pretty good career, and some (fans) appreciate that part of it," he said. "I know I appreciate what I got out of it, and hopefully they got something out of it, too."

Judging by the turnout, they still do.

Weezer CD Signing Report

2009-11-19T15:39:00.005-05:00

by Mike Sametz

It’s a brisk night here in sunny Cali, and I am dragging my pasty Canadian butt down to the Hollywood and Highland Hot Topic for a CD signing with Weezer. As any regular reader knows I ran into half of the band not too long ago when they were doing a television taping (you can read about that here: http://www.mishmashmagazine.com/tabid/106/itemid/694/Weezer-Echo-and-the-Bunnymen-Catherine-Keener-Si.aspx). I am bringing along that poster and a few other goodies I have picked up over the years. So, on with the show!

6:12 p.m. - I just arrived at the Hollywood and Highland, I expected there to be more people honestly, but I wasn’t sure how many people would be in line. There are about 45-50 people here now. The signing starts at 7:00 p.m. so I have a little time to wait.

6:21 p.m. – Erica just called. She is waiting at AFI and trying to get Colin Firth from Shakespeare in Love. LOL, she is going to join me afterwards. AFI has sucked this year, and that’s all I am saying! Harumph!

6:34 p.m. – I brought my "Beverly Hills" picture disc with me to get signed. I couldn’t find it the first time I met them… sigh… I also have the unfinished posters from the first time I met them, and Erica is going to bring her Raditude CD. You know the one that has “Cool stuff with dogs on it.” I love that line. I should put it on a T-shirt.

6:41 p.m. – They are moving the line now. We are going up to the bridge that overlooks the Hollywood sign. Not that you can see the Hollywood sign at night, but still, that’s the point of this bridge. Everyone thinks that the sign lights up at night, but it doesn’t.

6:42 p.m. – Did I mention standing on a bridge when it’s chilly is not a pleasant experience?

6:45 p.m. – Oh, Erica’s here now. She did not get Colin Firth. Sad times.

6:48 p.m. – I just signed up for the Hot Topic rewards card… cause I look like the typical Hot Topic psyudo-goth… I mean, I’m so white I’m practically transparent! Oh wait… with the vampire craze maybe I do fit in now… hmmmmmmmmm…

6:51 p.m. – This is a wrist banded signing and you had to buy the CD on the day of release to get a wristband to go in today. I got one and so did Erica. I think they still have wristbands left though.

6:54 p.m. – Security just told us that the band is running late but will sign any one item which is cool cause usually at controlled signings like this they make you get whatever they are selling signed. I’m going for the picture disc… I love picture discs!

6:59 p.m. – There is a mini roadmap all along the main courtyard here at the Hollywood and Highland. It says “The Road to Hollywood.” Then they have a large couch. LOL….

7:11 p.m. – They really are running late. It’s quite usual. I’m using Erica as a shield to stay warm. I’m 6’3 and she’s only four apples high so it’s hard to use her effectively but I’m trying.

7:14 p.m. – There is a guy selling "I love L.A." shirts and he does not look like he really loves L.A. right now. Come on dude, you gotta sell those shirts! You gotta smile and really love L.A. - consumers can smell insincerity. I tell ya!

7:23 p.m. – Oh, the line is moving now. Whoo hoo!

7:31 p.m. – We are almost at the front now. I’m not sure if they are going to let us take pictures. I don’t think the security guards even know if we can take pictures.

7:41 p.m. – Alright we are in the door and defrosting. For some reason all the Hot Topic employees know Erica. Is she a Goth in disguise? If she starts busting out the Avril Lavigne punk princess look, we are all going to have to start an intervention.

7:42 p.m. – Erica just told me it’s because she went to the Jennifer’s Body signing at this Hot Topic a couple months ago. Still... I have to wonder…

7:45 p.m. – Oh, and there’s Weezer. They all look nice and relaxed and are quite friendly. I got my picture disc out and everyone is really cool. Each band member takes his time and really looks at it before signing it, which is cool. Patrick said something like, “this a real piece of memorabilia right here.”

7:46 p.m. – Erica got her CD signed and asked the band to personalize it, which apparently they were not doing. Rivers did so anyway, which was cool of him.

7:48 p.m. – So, now that we went through the line once... I still have these two unfinished posters with me... hmmmm… I’m convincing Erica to do a little reconnaissance and we ask one of the women working the sale if there are still more wristbands for our “friends”… our “twin friends who happen to be dressed just like us!”

7:51 p.m. – Okay, we just found out there are more wristbands available, and we decide to buy two more CD’s and run back to Hollywood Blvd to get back in line. LOL…

8:05 p.m. – We’re back in the cold! I have Erica hold up the Canadian tour poster to get it ready. Whoo Hoo! LOL… There are about 3 people behind us in line.

8:10 p.m. – Back to the wind tunnel… you know when the sun goes down… It gets really cold! The bridge is like a wind tunnel!

8:15 p.m. – Okay we are back to the front now… There are about uh… maybe 20 people behind us. They are now out of wristbands….

8:22 p.m. – Erica’s friends at the Hot Topic are happy to see her once again… hmmmm… If she starts singing "Sk8er Boi" I’ll know she is a closet Goth for sure!

8:23 p.m. – Nope, no "Sk8er Boi"… Still the jury is still deliberating… any day now Erica will arrive in LA with pink streaks in her hair... I can see it!

8:26 p.m. – We’re meeting Weezer again! Erica has the tour poster, and Scott says to her, “nice to see you again.” I think Brian said, “I remember you!” which is funny cause he never met her, I think he probably remembers the poster! LOL… I got my Raditude poster signed. They are all very cool, and this was such a nice chill signing. I’m very impressed with the band as they all seem quite personable! Check out their new cd Raditude cause it rocks, and has cool artwork "with dogs on it!”

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I am in the process of compiling data from collectors and dealers to determine which celebrities have been the best autograph signers for 2009. There will be a U.S./Canada celebrity list and a UK/Europe/Australia celebrity list. If you would like to participate, please send your list to this email Your Best Celebrity Signers For 2009. Please consider the signer's willingness to sign, their demeanor and how they signed. Celebrities from movies, music, TV, sports, etc. from any country can be included. Please limit your list to 10 celebrities in order of preference.

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