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The Pope, an Old Couple, and Pele walk into a bar....

The big story regarding “valuables” happened recently and by now, everyone has heard about it. An older couple walking their dog in Northern California and came across a few buckets of gold coins from the 1800s. They’re worth around $10 million, and while they were smart in not saying who they are or where they live (don’t need a bunch of people showing up with metal detectors and shotguns!)…I think they should’ve been quiet about it all together. First, the IRS is already saying they’ll be collecting 50%. But…what happens if they find out a bank or mint was robbed back around that time? And the same amount of buried treasure is what was taken? I’m guessing those folks don’t just get to keep their treasure trove.

As somebody that is fascinated by autographs, I enjoy stories about finding signed things much more fun. That person cleaning out an attic and finding an original Declaration of Independence; or a woman finding a signed Beatles album in the garage that her mom got while she working on the Ed Sullivan Show, and she had forgotten it was even in a box of her belongings.

Another recent story got me thinking about people that collect autographs of religious figures. I would find it odd to ask the Pope or Dali Lama for a John Hancock, but suppose I might. You never know when you can trade an item like that for something in a genre you prefer.

The other day, Pope Francis was given a jersey by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. It’s a national team jersey that is signed by Pele – the greatest soccer player of all time, and also a ball signed by Ronaldo – one of the most popular soccer players today. The Pope joked that he might start supporting Brazil over his native Argentina in the upcoming World Cup. Ahh, bribery. What does their religion say about temptation?

Pope Francis has been a lifelong fan of the Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, and actually has a decent sized collection of jerseys. The one signed by Pele is inscribed, “To Pope Francis with respect and admiration.”

The soccer ball was signed, “To Pope Francis, a big hug from your friend, Ronaldo.”

Rocker Rod Stewart, an avid soccer player, often kicks balls into the crowd during concerts. If only the Pope would decide to do this at his next speaking engagement. Come on! Isn’t it better to give than receive?

Tags: Dilma Roussett, Pele, Pope Francis, Rod Stewart, Ronaldo, World Cup, signed soccer ball

2 members like this

Comment by Rick Meyer on March 9, 2014 at 10:09pm: I'd read it. Glad the caps are gone. The caps and language were just brutal. Makes it hard to read the point.

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 9, 2014 at 10:12pm: Joey,

We tremendously respect and appreciate members of the Armed Forces. Rick was instrumental in helping prevent thousands of blatant forgeries from being sold to soldiers, their families and vetarans. So believe me, he's on your side.

Comment by JOEY DALUCA on March 10, 2014 at 7:22am: good to see ole ricky boy isnt a commie. too many commies nowadays think that everyone needs to share. when i was a kid you didnt share because ole johnny boy down the street would steal your bike if you were lucky enough to have one. stevie boy i was in the army not the navy. kids these days dont know the difference they are too busy teaching people how to be commies in schools nowadays. i tell my granddaughter that she better not share her lunch because in my day sharing was a sign of communism.

Comment by Steve Zarelli on March 10, 2014 at 9:33am: Ol' JOEY boy... love the schtick... good stuff. LOL

Comment by JOEY DALUCA on March 10, 2014 at 4:56pm: [Deleted due to profanity--Comm. Mgr.]

Comment by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 10, 2014 at 5:54pm: Joey,

I warned you about not using profanity here and you understood. I hate to do this, but you're suspended for 30 days. You can sign back in on April 10.

Comment by Rick Meyer on March 10, 2014 at 6:49pm: Maybe he can spend those 30 days chasing commies ole Stevie boy. I think the Army forgot to tell him the Cold War is over.

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