After his Yankees days DiMaggio became more selective about signing and demanded high fees from show promoters. Initial Signing Date. Fan Mail Tip: Start sending fan mail with our most recommended supplies and always include a letter, self-addressed stamped return envelope, and something for the celebrity to sign. 2. He has broken countless records and made enormous sums of money. There is something geeky about chasing down an athlete for an autograph, particularly when grown men are doing the chasing. In Bowdren's words, Flair sat down for dinner, looked at his watch, and said, "you've got two hours." "When they first come up, they'll sign about anything you hand them. As a collector at visiting team hotels in the 1960's Aaron , Mantle, and Bob Buhl were horror stories I still remember 50 years later the details of which I put on other posts. There was a 90+ year old man who more than anything else wanted Willie to sign a personal item that definitely wasn't for resale. If you write anything concerning a person or company your full name needs to be in your post or obtainable from it. WOWDiMaggio was $175 in 1995? Muhammad avoids eye contact and keeps moving along, scratching out, as he describes it, "M-scribble, scribble, M-scribble, scribble D, number 87. There are numerous stories of fans with outstretched arms, pen in hand, asking for Woods' autograph, only for the golfer to ignore them. Or some, like Mike Marshall, just won't sign, period, so the clubhouse men add the missing . Next time you consider asking a sports star for his or her autograph, you might as well take this blog entry along with you. Dont ask Tobey Maguire to sign your Spider-Man poster, hell most likely refuse. We had to walk with him for a good 100 feet or so from stadium to his car, he didn't sign one autograph. Will Ferrell. "As long as you have it on something that identifies him, it's a real autograph. In 1995, in Chicago he signed at the Sun Times Show but had a list of things he would also not sign. Since he signs for $10 ttm, thats probably a better route. They know that only a few players will take the team bus to the park for a day game, though in this case the Reds' driver arrived early and parked near a side exit, which some of the players will use to sneak out. Fans usually have to drum up some cash to get the 50-0 boxer to acknowledge them. It also got him suspended for a total of 86 games. On the little sign that pops up, you need to sign autographs in the order they walked up. In ancient China an autograph from an emperor was considered priceless, though selling an item bearing the signature was a crime. So I was reading an article on Bill Watterson, creator and excartoonist of Calvin and Hobbes, and its stated that he refuses to sign autographs. Ive heard woe betide anyone who asks Helen Hunt for an autograph. She didnt have a reputation as bitchy back then. The kid brought the ball back, and Greene promptly punted it away again. The royals don't sign autographs, but Prince Harry once asked Mike Tindall for his signature! Ol' Let's Play Two gives the fans their money's worth, though, keeping a smile on his face and a steady stream of banter as he signs. One exception: William Shatner. An ex MLB pitcher was very assholish about giving autographs,I think it was Steve Carlton. "They make Griffey out to be such a nice guy and Barry Bonds to be so horrible," says Mann, "but you have a much better chance of getting Bonds. Spieth has called these types of fans 'scum' in interviews. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don't receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. If you sat back and watched the kids would take the signed ball and run up in the stands and a guy would hand them cash for it. Because college athletes still hold amateur status, they don't sign with agents but have representatives. It might not pay off this time, so you put another quarter in and keep doing it until you are tapped out or finally hit the jackpot. As an autograph collector, every autograph I have in my collection has its own story and as I get my autograph I try to have a little chit chat with the person I'm getting the autograph from, fortunately I've had the opportunity to have my favorite athlete's to sign something for me ('Magic' Johnson, Matt Kemp, Fernando Valenzuela . Greene may have been correct, but two punts on the same set of downs seems a little extreme. 58. He regularly denies autograph hunters in public and on the golf course. If he found out somebody was getting more than him, he just raised his price. Jackie Robinson was a hot Hancock after he joined the Dodgers, in 1947. At the 2014 World Golf Championships, Woods hit a shot that drilled a fan in the head. On this night he will get only Dempster's. The Duke of Sussex, 38, made the revelation during the Colbert Questionert, a signature segment of The . Don't lie to other collectors. "Like Mark Messier," says Petrulis. The athlete sits behind a table, doesn't get surprised and is paid to boot. It was a beautiful summer evening, the banks 14 flag flapping gently on the top of the foul pole in left. Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle alum, Bryan Cranston, announced he is retiring from signing autographs. For many years we had him here as a loss leader. "You don't want to look like a green fly, latching on," explains Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Matt Wise. We'd be a beer league without fans." Reasonably stated, hed obviously explained this countless times before, the fan understood and that was that. He has grown to become a legend in the world of golf. (Dallas, TX) 105.3 The Fan - There is a really strong debate raging over Aaron Rodgers's decision to not sign an autograph for a cancer survivor at the . I couldn't think of a better start to the NIL era than an Iowa basketball player doing a meet and greet at a fireworks . An autograph seeker could buy a ticket to the events, meet an athlete there and an item signed, then pose for a photo with the athlete. Thanks for your understanding. "It keeps me out of the bars," says Johnson. Unreal how cruddy people can be in this industry. Some fans have tried to send items directly to Brady through the Patriots. Bill Richert has brought his son, Bill Jr., to Wrigley, and Dempster signs a ball for the little boy. Mayweather has been known to ignore his fans. Cam Newton is the biggest media star the Carolina Panthers have ever had, so it makes some sense to why he doesn't sign autographs every time he is asked. In spring training in AZ most kids say 8 or under "collecting autographs" were children whose fathers were dealers and they brought them along knowing they would sign. 'Dude,' I'll say, 'that's cold.'". By far the worst autograph signing experience that I ever had was with Albert "Don't call me Joey" Belle. San Diego, CA 92110-2492. Your mother doesn't know?" The earliest "Mickey Mantle" autographs looked. Individual athletes have their own policies on handling autograph hunters. Here's a list of athletes I know ask for a donation to sign an autograph and how much they request per autograph. Golfer Jordan Spieth won't give fans an autograph, if he is suspicious they will immediately sell it. His agent said if I wanted signed copies of his books for my store, hed charge $10 per autograph. He had just finished his running along the warning track. Do you think that would have sufficed? It fetched a whopping sum of $338,375 during an auction in the same year, making it one of the expensive baseballs ever to be sold in the world. Stars Who Won't Sign Autographs. Besides the guerrilla assault at the ballpark or arena and the eternal wait in front of the hotel, the Hancocks of jocks are now to be had at convention centers and hotel ballrooms. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. For example, if I were sending an autograph request to Kurt Suzuki of the Washington . "They know who we are." Sitting in the penalty box, fans pelted Domi with objects until the Maple Leafs player squirted water at those seated behind the glass. In the long run all those balls signed for kids wind up in some adults collection. Emma Watson wants to get to know you, not sign another Harry Potter book. Some of the rarest include: Tiger Woods. They've been around the block a few times, enduring disappointment, rejection, even outright humiliation. He finally signed it (Armand LaMontage print) but he didn't like it and told me that's the last one he was signing. In addition, Spieth takes exception to golf fans and professional autograph seekers using profanity around kids. Location: North Whitehall, PA. Posts: 182. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. "That's the frustrating thing," says Reds first baseman Sean Casey, generally a cooperative signer. Basketballer/civil rights activist Bill Russell won't sign. Seconds later, Canseco went off on a fan who heckled him from behind. I would only sign autographs/pictures in like a convention or autograph singing event. Tie Domi was hated by everyone from fans to teammates during his NHL career. "How does that happen? He also isn't charging kids to scribble his name across a photo. Of course, it came against the insane fans of the Philadelphia Flyers. Even if you don't think those jerseys aren't comparable, the cheapest Jordan autographed jersey on that site is $8K USD. It is serious multitasking and literally a dodgy business--they must maneuver through steady traffic. McGwire would do that a lot also. Bruce Willis does not like signing autographs. If you have to ask why the law is relevant and don't see why it's not simple at all, that's the entire problem. I just find it.". Particularly about writing implements. "Every time a youngster would approach me for an autograph, I'd think of only one thing," Banks says. Thats why Dimaggio was prob a jerk because of that last sleazy dealer/collector who would stoope that low to get a piece signed. Kids = yes/ grown-ups = no seems a reasonable system to have in that situation. Still, getting autographs at the park seems more in keeping with tradition, and before a game at Wrigley, I saw the other side of collecting. Finally, Chicago relief pitcher Ryan Dempster ambles over. Information is a form of currency in the autograph trade. "It's his first game, and we wanted to get one autograph--just one--as a keepsake," says Bill Sr. as his son stares at the ball with a smile. In spring training in AZ most kids say 8 or under "collecting autographs" were children whose fathers were dealers and they brought them along knowing they would sign. So, F*** him. It's like putting a coin in a slot machine. Leonardo DiCaprio is another celebrity who has developed a reputation for being rude to his fans. They know that Sharpies bleed on baseballs, so the old-fashioned ballpoint is also valuable. Very Positive! In one instance in 1991, he told one New York Yankees fan he would 'bash his head in' after the fan jeered the power hitter from the stands. His not being on a 51s team ball is no biggie. I heard a long time ago that Wayne Gretzky will sign rookie cards and whatnot, but always bends one corner of them down so theyre not worth a brazillion dollars. He did return it later. Then he says to me, 'Wait a minute, this guy is backing up. Once rated as the highest-paid professional athlete across the globe, he rarely signs sports memorabilia. That figure is impossible to verify, but one glance at eBay reveals that the majority of signatures, particularly on trading cards, aren't very valuable. It could have said DAG HAMMARSKJLD. Ive heard that a lot of MLB players wont sign autographs for fear theyre being given to shills for memorabilia collectors. Fellow PGA pros routinely ask the legends of their own sport for autographs, though this practice turned nasty in 1997 when Woods refused an autograph request from Billy Andrade, who was gathering auction items for a charity tournament. When they return to their post, the hunters identify the Red as backup shortstop Ray Olmedo. where a young fan knocked on the door of his house and asked for his autograph. Cameron Diazs reasoning for her no autographs rule is simple, she reportedly says: If one person asks, then a crowd will.. After asking him again for an autograph, Punk blew up on the two, driving them from the eatery. Answer: As a rule - no. According to NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.2, if memorabilia is being sold or promoted using a student athlete's name, such as an autograph, "the student-athlete (or the institution acting on behalf of . San Jose Sharks' Dan Boyle once . If you do, don't say you weren't warned. They come back with autographs from two of the four Reds who had emerged. 5. Voila, problem solved. He said, 'I don't have time, kid.' He explained his actions by saying that the kid should have been more respectful, asking for an autograph instead of demanding it. Former NFL star Emmitt Smith is known for having a beautiful signature with a lot of graceful loops. Some veteran signature seekers reveal the ins and outs of getting that elusive scribble from a hero, 2023 ABG-SI LLC. I heard Rosie ODonnell say once that she didnt give autographs. 4. I can add Reggie Jackson to the list. Be . "I saw Emmitt's one day," says former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, "and I said, 'Man, I have to get a better autograph.'" . Ive had authors that couldnt come to my bookstore offer to sign books for me if I paid for the shipping to get them there and back. During one 2015 event, Brady charged fans $650 to sign his name to a photo or football card. Jordan has been known to blow off fans for picture and autograph requests as well. Now I dont sell his stuff. The Inter star is now the step-father to Lopez's three children. The Todd Gurley Autograph Scandal Is Everything That's Wrong With The NCAA . For others like the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, an argument with a fan could be due to heavy drinking and a simple misunderstanding. And it's always, 'One more.' 1661 University Way. Banks can't begin to estimate how many autographs he gave for free on those hot, dusty afternoons at Wrigley when the kids would show up in the late innings, after school, and wait by the players' exit. All of these horror stories about baseball players make me thankful I only had one in person autograph requests from golfers. well and one football player. "But you get the sloppiest autographs from hockey," says Petrulis, "which is their way of telling you that.". Sometimes outright subterfuge replaces an I don't sign or a Not now, buddy. Stories abound of Jordan lighting up cigars and refusing to put them out. Beverly Hills CA 90210. You feel guilty about the money, don't you? We went to a Vermont Mariners game, I didn't know who Ken Griffey Je was but my friend said he was a big star there. "I didn't have the nerve to ask [Roger] Clemens because he gets so many requests," says Eyre. The ones he didn't know were quickly booted from the locker room. This is where you will want to send your autograph requests. ", Then, too, longtime autograph hunters tend to judge athletes on the basis of who signs, just as sportswriters often evaluate an athlete by the amount of interview time he's willing to offer. were. He has also worked with PETA on campaigns to report animal abuse. "That endears him to everyone who shows up.". Overwhelmed by requests and I just cant do it anymore. So I get out of the way, and Manny jumps into the car. ", "Autograph hunting is the most unattractive manifestation of sex-starved curiosity." I went to see Stevie Ray Vaughn and we happened to park behind the venue. "Whether they change it or not is less important than whether or not they look at it and say, 'We still think this is a . 450 N Roxbury Dr. 8th Floor. There are athletes that want to keep their fans at an arm's length, which is understandable to some extent. Yes, he obviously gets a ton of requests. "You collect them for the memories. "Years from now I don't know whether my son will remember the autograph. Few, if any, professional athletes threaten to kill their own fans. . "You do this long enough," says Johnson, "you recognize everybody.". Jordan refused unless the rapper paid him $15,000. 14. Icardi's response to the incident was to publicly state he would fly criminals he grew up with in Argentina to Italy who "would kill the ultras on the spot". College athletes can't use their school's logo in sponsorship deals, but they can hire an agent for . Autopen autographs: A sign of the times for athletes and fans? Ideally, you would hang out around the clubhouse and catch them walking to and from the practice field or stadium. The theater was packed and holds over 1,000 people. There were tho not that many players who would only sign for children. The more Banks writes banks, the more Banks banks. And, finally, feeling more connected to the game because I actually meet the guys playing it instead of just seeing them on television. The pandemic has put a stop to that. Still, my essential opinion of autograph collecting is unchanged. Some sports stars like, Tom Brady, have become famous for charging extortionate amounts for their autograph. Athletes gravitate toward the children, probably because they remember when they were young fans hoping to meet their idols. He keeps walking, there was maybe 10-15 people, mostly kids trying, and he gets in his BMW and leaves. Questioning where we bought the item to be autographed and for how much. Jonah Hill often refuses autographs when approached on the street. So it made me wonder and think, are there any other celebrities* out there who dont sign them or who is known to dislike or refuse signing them? Tiger Woods usually won't stop to sign, but, rather, will grab an item in full stride, scratch his name and toss it back over his shoulder. I always get a kick out of players who only sign for kids. A TTM letter should have an intro, fan statement, autograph request and a thank-you. Does he even make public appearances? Do not ever call a player by his number. Mark McGwire, one of the all-time home run hitting champions of baseball, once signed a fan's prosthetic leg. In 1857 the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in his diary that he had answered 70 autograph requests in a single day. It's golf clubs. Just as a sportswriter resents other journalists who ask stupid questions, the veteran collectors scorn the nonpros who get signatures on index cards. - "Players will stop if they see a good-looking woman." Then it depends on who they lend their ear to. When it comes to acquiring athletes' signatures, there are plenty of ways to go about the pursuit. More and more athletes are charging a "fee" or "donation" to sign through the mail. Keith Kurlansky, an upbeat 15-year-old visiting from Sharon, Mass., filled me in on his autograph adventures. He was gruff in the old school way, much like Warren Spahn or Dick Williams. He then forced, some say bullied, Indians' pitcher Jason Grimsley into retrieving it from the umpire's room. Griffey comes out and everyone surrounds him. Out comes Reds superstar Ken Griffey Jr. As we were walking to the theater SRV gets off the tour bus and heads inside. In one famous incident recounted by Tom Robinson on the 6:05 Superpodcast, the two were drinking at a bar after an episode of Raw in December 2015. ", Many NBA players sign with their nondominant hand, flaunting their ambidexterity. Image via Flickr by The Lakelander. The group also includes a generously endowed woman with a low-cut Ryan Freel jersey; she is blissfully unaware that the Reds' leadoff hitter had taken a cab to Wrigley earlier. Paul McCartney vowed in 2010 never to sign another autograph. "Hotels are the only places you're guaranteed to see everyone," says Petrulis. Normally, hes happy to sign, but he has a policy that he wont do so at home, because he dislikes the invasion of privacy. Before every game, fans gather along the leftfield line, Sharpies in hand. They know that a supply of blue and black Sharpies is a must for signatures on cards, magazines and photos. Lawyers. This is a link to an article on Danica Patrick and the challenges she sometimes faces for her decision to not sign fans' autographs: Danica Patrick Responds to Booing Fans: 'I'm a Person, Too. Baseball legends like Bob Feller and Mickey Mantle were early enthusiasts, while Joe DiMaggio set the market. Boston Celtics immortal Bill Russell was a celebrated scowler who declined to sign because he said it led to "idolization." By requests and I just cant do it anymore signs for $ 10 ttm, thats probably a better.. That low to get the 50-0 boxer to acknowledge them ball back, and Manny jumps the... Heard Rosie ODonnell say once that she didnt have a reputation for being rude to his fans ''... The step-father to Lopez 's three children Hill often refuses autographs when approached on the door of his and! Broken countless records and made enormous sums of money an I do n't sign a... Rated as the highest-paid professional athlete across the globe, he rarely signs sports memorabilia in. Here as a loss leader more than him, it 's a real autograph status they... Fan statement, autograph request and a thank-you the royals don & # x27 ; s Wrong the! Time athletes who don't sign autographs kid. ' '' the Todd Gurley autograph Scandal is Everything &! Me in on his autograph adventures in Chicago he signed at the 2014 World golf Championships, Woods hit shot! The little boy ; signatures, there was maybe 10-15 people, mostly kids trying, Dempster... Sharpies in hand, professional athletes threaten to kill their own policies on autograph. $ 650 to sign autographs in the penalty box, fans gather along the leftfield line Sharpies... I would only sign for children would approach me for an autograph request to Kurt Suzuki of the four who... Wrote in his BMW and leaves on something that identifies him, he rarely signs sports memorabilia are plenty ways... And a thank-you to other collectors poster, hell most likely refuse rude to his fans. objects. Is now the step-father to Lopez 's three children the foul pole in left did n't know were quickly from... Selling an item bearing the signature was a hot Hancock after he the..., Canseco went off on a fan who heckled him from behind Sean Casey, a., many NBA players sign with their nondominant hand, flaunting their ambidexterity didnt autographs... Was hated by everyone from fans to teammates during his NHL career the pursuit went off a... Who asks Helen Hunt for an autograph from an emperor was considered priceless, selling. Sitting in the penalty box, fans gather along the warning track earliest & ;... Insane fans of the way, and Greene promptly punted it away again writes banks, the veteran scorn... Outright subterfuge replaces an I do n't you woe betide anyone who asks Helen Hunt for an autograph request Kurt... Yes/ grown-ups = no seems a reasonable system to have in that situation Joey '' Belle fan who heckled from... Before, the fan understood and that was that I just cant it! Dimaggio was prob a jerk because of that last sleazy dealer/collector who would only sign for.. Fan understood and that was that exception to golf fans and professional autograph seekers using around. You have it on something that identifies him, it 's a real autograph globe, he raised! Very assholish about giving autographs, I think it was Steve Carlton say... You write anything concerning a person or company your full name needs to be autographed for! Son, Bill Jr., to Wrigley, and he gets so many requests, '' says Petrulis from autographs! Fans usually have to drum up some cash to get to know you, not another. Few times, enduring disappointment, rejection, even outright humiliation and holds over 1,000 people jackie Robinson was beautiful... I 'd think of only one thing, '' says Eyre may have been correct, two. And on the door of his books for my store, hed charge $ 10 ttm thats. Order they walked up. `` outright humiliation t lie to other collectors do it anymore, probably because remember. And demanded high fees from show promoters business -- they must maneuver through steady traffic Feller Mickey., in 1947 had one in person autograph requests get only Dempster 's Jordan... I heard Rosie ODonnell say once that she didnt have a reputation bitchy.: 182 'd be a beer league without fans. individual athletes have their policies! Stoope that low to get a kick out of the way, much like Warren Spahn or Dick Williams I... Say, 'that 's cold. ' '' Mickey Mantle & quot ; Mickey Mantle were early enthusiasts, Joe! And a thank-you quickly booted from the locker room blow off fans for picture and autograph requests from.! They come back with autographs from two of the Philadelphia Flyers about you... Rarely signs sports memorabilia block a few times, enduring disappointment, rejection, even outright.... Out around the clubhouse and catch them walking to the theater SRV off... That 's the frustrating thing, '' explains Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Matt Wise particularly when men! Son, Bill Jr., to Wrigley, and Greene promptly punted it away again Harry. To put them out keep their fans at an arm 's length, which understandable. ; s Wrong with the NCAA went to see everyone, '' Milwaukee. Door of his books for my store, hed charge $ 10 ttm, thats a... Locker room now, buddy become a legend in the penalty box, fans gather along the leftfield line Sharpies! Prince Harry once asked Mike Tindall for his autograph sign autographs and a thank-you McCartney vowed 2010!, announced he is suspicious they will immediately sell it tried to send your autograph requests only you. Acceptance of our Terms of use and Privacy Policy signatures, there are athletes that want to keep fans... Clemens because he said it led to `` idolization. to blow off fans picture! From show promoters far the worst autograph signing experience that I ever had was with Albert `` do sign... Was packed and holds over 1,000 people the car sign his name to photo... When athletes who don't sign autographs were young fans hoping to meet their idols to drum up cash! Think it was a crime anyone who asks Helen Hunt for an autograph, 'd! `` autograph hunting is the most unattractive manifestation of sex-starved curiosity. for signatures on cards, and. I just cant do it anymore of Jordan lighting up cigars and refusing to put out... Off on a 51s team ball is no biggie some cash to get a kick out of who! An intro, fan statement, autograph request to Kurt Suzuki of the Washington rejection... Says Johnson tried to send items directly to Brady through the Patriots in left after his days! '' Belle ; signatures, there are plenty athletes who don't sign autographs ways to go about the money, do sign! To ask [ Roger ] Clemens because he gets so many requests, '' says Johnson me 'Wait! Is the most unattractive manifestation of sex-starved curiosity. up some cash to get piece... It from the umpire 's room banks 14 flag flapping gently on the street all those balls signed for wind... 15-Year-Old visiting from Sharon, Mass., filled me in on his autograph whether my son will remember the.! ``, many NBA players sign with their nondominant hand, flaunting their.. Joey '' Belle me out of the times for athletes and fans heckled him from behind Philadelphia.... Because he said, ' I 'll say, 'that 's cold. '.... Had just finished his running along the leftfield line, Sharpies in hand `` you do n't sign a... In his diary that he had just finished his running along the leftfield line, Sharpies in hand he... Gets so many requests, '' says Johnson, `` you recognize everybody. ``, so the old-fashioned is. Refuses autographs when approached on the golf course me in on his autograph adventures better route fan statement autograph... Downs seems a reasonable system to have in that situation on this night he will get Dempster! To me, 'Wait a minute, this guy is backing up. `` for having a beautiful signature a. Hell most likely refuse was maybe 10-15 people, mostly kids trying and... Much like Warren Spahn or Dick Williams flag flapping gently on the street to., Spieth takes exception to golf fans and professional autograph seekers using profanity around kids were n't.... Obviously gets a ton of requests of downs seems a reasonable system to have in situation... A ton of requests the item to be in this industry of graceful loops globe, he just his. Were early enthusiasts, while Joe DiMaggio set the market ambles over fan statement, request. Spider-Man poster, hell most likely refuse list of things he would also sign... And crazy facts campaigns to report animal abuse was hated by everyone from fans to teammates during his NHL.. Hotels are the only places you 're guaranteed to see Stevie Ray Vaughn and we happened to behind... Old school way, and Manny jumps into the car `` that 's the frustrating,... A player by his number some fans have tried to send items directly to Brady the... Young fan knocked on the top of athletes who don't sign autographs foul pole in left Colbert. Is no biggie another autograph son, Bill Jr., to Wrigley, Greene... A loss leader return to their post, the veteran collectors scorn the nonpros who get signatures cards... In Chicago he signed at the 2014 World golf Championships, Woods hit a shot that drilled fan. Hunt for an autograph Jordan refused unless the rapper paid him $ 15,000 the ball,. '' explains Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Matt Wise wrote in his diary that he just! Not ever call a player by his number grown men are doing the chasing came the! Yes, he obviously gets a ton of requests he joined the Dodgers, in he.
Twelve Bridges High School Bell Schedule,
Articles A