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David Sedaris did it. So did Noam Chomsky. Dear Abby signed one, Governor Jesse Ventura scrawled one out, and Senator Paul Wellstone inscribed one to paper. If writing someone else's name qualifies as giving an autograph, then more than 70 thinkers, actors, and policymakers have committed the act. For years now, Paul Schmelzer has requested his own name in writing from notables of all stripes. And often—more often than you would ever think—they have granted his wish. Civil rights leader Kwesi Mfume and rocker/poet Henry Rollins even offered encouragement, each in his own way of course. But not everyone has reacted supportively. Legendary dancers who escaped the Soviet Union will not collaborate: Mikhail Baryshnikov wrote back, "Not interested. Thank you." Well, at least he's polite. Both Robert Redford and the late, great James Brown blithely looked the other way and signed their own names. Imagine that.

Jan 01, 2008
Good-Bye From Yahoo! Picks - Good-bye!

Dec 31, 2007
Long Awkward Pose - smile for the camera. Keep smiling.

Dec 28, 2007
Starship Dimensions - space invaders.

Dec 27, 2007
Kiddie Records Weekly - the gang's all here.

Dec 26, 2007
Japander.com - money changes everything.

Dec 25, 2007
Scared of Santa - who is that bearded man?

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