Bill Nye

8x10 color photo signed in black marker. I grew up watching Bill Nye on PBS. He contributed greatly to my lifelong love of science...and bow ties. Unfortunately, this photo showed up in pretty rough shape - you can't see from the scan, since most of the damage is to the white part. I may write to him again after the holiday season in hopes of getting at photo that isn't as banged up.

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Carl Sagan

True first edition of "The Dragons of Eden" signed on the first blank page in red marker. This one was a surprise. A few weeks ago when I ordered this book, I wasn't expecting it to show up signed - especially since it was advertised as in "very good" condition with no mention of the inscription. I'm not entirely sure it's genuine, but I'm leaning that way. Most of the words in the inscription appear to be characteristic of Sagan's writing. While most of his signatures I've been able to find don't include the "a" and "n" in Sagan, the few that do are dead ringers for the one in this book. I'm trying to get outside opinions at the moment - so we'll see what others think.

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John Williams

5x7 photo signed in black marker. I sent a letter and a photo to Mr. Williams in April 2013, and received this back in the mail this morning. I've been a fan of Mr. Williams' music for a long time - the first album I ever bought was "By Request: The Best of John Williams and The Boston Pops" on cassette. I played it so often that I wore it out. I replaced it with a CD (the first music CD I ever purchased), and eventually wore that copy out as well. Now I'm on my third copy of the album. Since it's on my iPod now, hopefully I won't wear it out again. I had the chance to see Mr. Williams conduct the Boston Pops in June 2013, but unfortunately didn't have the opportunity to meet him afterward. I wanted to have a chance to speak with him, not just because I love his music, but because I'm friends with a former student of his who was my accompanist throughout undergrad while I was working on my music degree. Hopefully I'll have the chance to see him conduct again sometime soon.

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