Moon Landing Anniversary Event Generates No Buzz

Buzz Aldrin: Everywhere

Buzz Aldrin was recently at the South Coast Plaza Borders signing copies of his book Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon. The former Laguna Beach resident was also hawking his children's book, Look to the Stars. He's done dozens of interviews in recent weeks talking about the alcoholism and depression that followed his famous Apollo 11 moon walk. And he just rapped with Snoop Dogg on a record raising funds for a space charity. And he donated a mock moonprint to a Hong Kong space exhibition. And he's got a new commemorative watch. And he's Twittering.

So when former astronauts Scott Carpenter, Thomas Stafford and Gene Cernan come to South Coast Plaza Saturday afternoon, we can all collectively say, "At least there will be no goddamn Buzz Aldrin!" Look, everyone loves the Buzz, but dude's more overexposed than Michael Jackson these days. Time to spread the wealth.

Thomas Stafford, Gene Cernan and Scott Carpenter await your love, earthlings.

Carpenter was an astronaut commander, Lt. Gen. Stafford served as a Gemini and Apollo astronaut, and Cernan was the last man to walk on the moon. They deserve their own crowd in South Coast Plaza's Jewel Court, where they will participate in a panel discussion at 3 p.m. to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. A lunar rover, Apollo 10 space suit and mars rover will also be on display. Outstanding.

Uh, wait a minute: it says this "exclusive appearance" is presented by watchmaker Omega, whose Speedmaster watches from Gemini and Apollo missions will also be exhibited. This will also mark the launch of the Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonwatch, "a limited edition timepiece inspired by the original watch worn during this momentous milestone."

Buzz must've been busy.