I got a FRESH GRANT for a new SHOW

After some rest I set out for some meets on August 22. One was a street meet, one a signing, and one a concert. Sadly, for reasons unrelated to combos, I got no sleep the night before. So this was due to be a grueling day. 

I arrive at the first spot for Bill Cosby. I got him before but wanted to virgilize him. I was a bit early so I took this opportunity to take an hour's nap. When I woke up some photographers were already on site and I waited in a room inside hoping Cosby would come through, but he didn't and directly appeared outside  So now I had to wait for the speech to end. Sadly, it was going on and on and on. While Cosby was sitting a child asked for an autograph but he ignored. After the thing was over there were cops and crowds we tried asking him to sign but he's like "no autographs, no autographs". One guy begged him more and he goes "let me tell you something" the guy stops and listens then Cosby just walks away from him. I asked for a photo op he goes "go ahead". A police woman tried to hinder me but I said "he said go ahead" and I got it. I don't know if it counts as an upgrade over what I have, but it was something over nothing. He goes inside. We wait for him to come out where we try begging him for an autograph and he goes "I'm not signing and you're going to make me mad". From there I see it as a fruitless attempt. 

As I would later find out someone else tried as his hotel but he still didn't sign saying he doesn't sign anymore but insisted on doing a photo op and goes "isn't this better than an autograph"?

Bill Cosby photo op

This is my previous Cosby shot

Although I failed to get autographs, I was also happy I did not get any tickets given that there were tons of police enforcement everywhere and I stretched the legality of my free parking spot. Now it was off to the Bowie Baysox stadium for the Alfonso Ribeiro AKA Carlton Banks signing. 

Now I actually found his flight info, but his incoming was far away (due to another signing he had) and his outgoing was at 8AM, and I had no interest in getting up early to wait for him. So the best solution for me was to just go to his signing. It should be noted that they really gave him the  itinerary. Rather than have him fly to Los Angeles direct from Baltimore, they had him drive to DC and connect to Chicago (he could have even flown direct from DC but he didn't). Although he did sit first class all the way. And admission to the game was $11.50 for the worst seat. Not too bad considering I'm only there for combos.

Anyhow, the signing was still 6 hours off, but it made no economical sense to drive 1h home and then 1h 15 minutes to the signing. So I just drove 30 minutes from where I was. This also meant that I could catch some much needed sleep since I had time to kill. Turns out there's a Walmart close to the stadium! This meant a parking lot to park and sleep in and a free bathroom! To boot, this Walmart had a subway so I could actually get something to eat. I ate, then went to sleep for a few hours. I woke up all refreshed (though sweating even though I parked under a tree), used the bathroom to change clothes and take a crap, then drove to the baseball stadium. 

I enter the stadium, stand in line, and shortly after IVP Chris and Joresky arrive. I also see  who jokes that I'm here to see a baseball game and we both chuckle at that. And while standing in line, it was awesome to actually be waiting on a guarantee. It was refreshing knowing that I would 110% get a photo op, and most probably a combo. Wow what a nice feeling that was. Finally we arrive to Alfonso, and I get my photo op. Shortly after I whip out my 8x10 and ask for the autograph. He hesitates but does it (the rules were either an autograph or a photo op). I then went back in line and got a second photo signed. Hung out a little with Joresky and IVP Chris, and we all left shortly after. 

Alfonso Ribeiro photo op

Next up I attempt to meet Amy Grant, who in my opinion is a million fold a more talented singer than any of the current pop singers. Just listen to her voice: 

So I get to the venue, and I have time for some McDonalds. I wait it out and she is about to enter her bus! No, no no! I start calling her over, and she approaches waving at us saying she has no time and they have to leave town. I essentially call out to her and beg/plead for a photo op till she breaks down! She comes over and says "well ok only if I can leave when the bus driver says so"! Victory was mine, she does a photo op! Then proceeds to sign and do photo ops with others. But then I realize my photo op isn't ideal cause part of her face was behind me  So I say it's blurry and ask for a retake which she says she will do. As she's going through the crowd she also asked me where I was from and that she never heard an accent like mine before, HCIT. As she comes back to me I get her to sign my vinyl and we do a second take  She asks if she can use my sharpie to sign which I of course agree to. She signs a bit more including my 8x10! She then leaves saying she had to go. She hands me her sharpie as one other person called her over to sign one more but she continues to walk away. I of course thank her as she leaves. This was a smashing success because most people were lucky to get a single combo, and some got nothing. I got TWO combos! In fact I was the only one to get more than one item signed. I don't think she took care of more than 7-10 people. Maybe she took a liking to me to some degree, who knows  Plus I do credit myself for bringing her over (so other people benefited from what I did). 

First Amy Grant photo op

Second Amy Grant photo op

Autographs from Amy Grant and Alfonso Ribeiro

Aside from not getting Bill Cosby autographs, I'd say this day went pretty damn well. After getting Amy Grant I went home and relaxed.  

A few music meets

It was early August and I set out to meet actor and singer Kris Kristofferson who was playing at a venue. I got him once before but he is always a nice guy and the spot is easy, so I thought why not. I bought 3 vinyls for a couple of bucks each then went to wait for him. As expected, he was nice and can be, doing combos with anyone who wants them. I got a photo op and my 3 vinyls signed. Then I realized I had two photobombs  so I asked for another photo op which he did no problem. Why oh why can't everyone be that nice. 

Photo op

Autographs

Next up was mid august for Uproar Festival. I was asleep on a Friday and Joresky sent me a text reminding me that it was today! Thank God for that text. Cause among the bands playing was Walking Papers. And one of those members is Guns and Roses bassist Duff McKagan. And they had an official signing (as the text reminded me).

Now the signings at this venue don't always go well when it comes to extra items and photo ops. But Duff is known to be fan friendly, so I had to give it a shot. 

I quickly walk the dog, wash up, grab my Guns and Roses vinyl and CDs, and make the 12 minute drive to Jiffy Lube Live. I arrive there and park. Now comes the part where I have to buy a ticket to get in, as mooching one's way in is pretty tough. So I use the technique once taught to me by Joresky to search for a ticket. No luck but it was early on. As people begin to trickle I overhear people discussing about how they're going to sell their ticket. Naturally I go up to them. They have a lawn ticket! Perfect for me who only wants to go in for combos. They want $20, I offer $15, they accept! Then they mutter "that was easy". So far so good. 

I go to where signings take place. The show was headlined by Alice in Chains and Jane's Addition but none of the members of those bands were doing any signings, so that did me no good. I found the tent for Walking Papers. Apparently if you buy a CD you get a wristband which allows you to go to the front of the line. I do it in the hopes that it would increase my chances for a photo op and I figure if nothing else this cements in stone one Duff McKagan autograph. While waiting for the signing to take place I also grab free beef jerky and free energy drinks.

The time of the signing approaches, and one person is in line. I go behind him. The line starts growing and 2 people ask me if they could join their buddy ahead of me. I accept but I had an ulterior motive in mind. This is what I had for Duff to sign

• Spaghetti Incident Vinyl (signed by Slash)
• Spaghetti Incident CD (signed by Matt Sorum)
• Use Your Illusion I CD (signed by Matt Sorum)
• Use Your Illusion II CD (signed by Matt Sorum)
• Appetite for Destruction CD
• Walking Papers CD I just bought

Plus these signings normally give out free posters. So total that's 7 items for Duff and 2 items for the other band members! Plus the photo ops. Given that these settings are usually hostile I was afraid I was pushing my luck. After chatting with the people in front of me I ask if they can help me out with some items since they don't have much to get signed. I give two of them my Use Your Illusion I and II CD covers. So that's two less for me to worry about. The band arrives and Duff actually takes a picture of the line! HCIT!

The line goes through. Seems photo ops are being allowed  First up was Benjamin Anderson, who signs the poster, CD, and is happy to pose for a photo op. He thanked me for buying the CD. Next up was the prize, Duff McKagan. I get the photo op then get him to sign my Spaghetti Incident Vinyl and CD, my Walking Papers poster and CD, and even handed him a silver for Appetite for Destruction! Wow what a nice guy (and the guys ahead of me got the Use Your Illusion CDs signed). Overall a smashing success! But I notice my pic was a tad blurry and ask for a retake which he did no problem! The most shocking thing about this signing was of course the fact that the venue staff did not react like you just put a gun to their heads when you asked for photo ops! They essentially let fans do whatever! After Duff I get Jeff Angell and Barrett Martin on my Walking Papers poster and CD and both are more than happy to pose for photo ops. How refreshing. 

After being victorious, I do notice a slight blur on my first photo op (Benjamin Anderson). I hadn't noticed it since I was worried about Duff at the time. The line wasn't big so I figure I could go in and get a retake. I notice one guy told a woman to go and cut off the line, so I quickly beat her to the end of the line and sure enough she starts turning people away. Though one woman and her kids bought the CD and had a wristband and after the woman turned them away she was ordered by someone else to let them in since they had a wristband. Meanwhile I keep my head down so the staff doesn't call me out and then I am back in the signing area and I tell Benjamin that my photo didn't turn out and he was more than happy to pose again. Since I was there I also got another poster done by the entire band. I think they recognized me as some members gave me a thumbs up. HCIT! Didn't bother the other 3 with photo ops this time. 

After drinking more energy drinks I am ready to leave. But apparently the band Middle Class Rut is doing a signing in another 30 minutes. I never heard of them, but I figure it's free, it's here, it doesn't cost me more money, so why not get them as "you never know" names. So I wait it out. The witching hour arrives. First up is Sean Stockham. He shakes my hand and signs the free poster. As he is signing Zack Lopez also shakes my hand and greets me. I ask Sean for a photo op and he is more than happy to stand up and pose. Zack signs my poster and without me even asking actually gets up to pose for me! How often does that ever happen? 

After this I think about if I should stay for more combos, but the next signings of bands I never heard of either required you to buy something or didn't begin in another hour. Between all the combos, extra autographs, 3 posters, CD, beef jerky, and energy drinks I would say I got my $30 worth and then some  It was about 5pm and I left with a clean sweep victory, went home, and happily relaxed. The person at the gate had asked me if I wanted a re entry stamp, but I politely declined. 

Duff McKagan photo op

Full list of photo ops

Guns and Roses Vinyl and CDs

Walking Papers posters

Middle Class Rut poster and Walking Papers CD

Bill Murray attempt Round 2

I venture again with Joresky for another attempt at a huge want of mine, Bill Murray. We arrive and we wait. While there we encounter two guys from NJ. When the witching hour arrives Bill is about to get in his car. We put an older lady in front of us in the hopes that it would increase the chances of him stopping. To a degree, our plan does work. He does stop and shakes our hand. I actually got to shake his hand. He happily poses with the old lady. Sadly, she bum rushed him and the Jersey boys began behaving like animals After which Bill promptly enters his car   This was a truly horrible horrible feeling. So close to an extravagant meet yet so far. The worst I've ever felt inside me since my encounter with The Macho Man Randy Savage. We then try at the next spot where the security guards make up lies about what I did in our last encounter. This was sadly the final nail in the coffin for Bill Murray. At least for the short term. Naomi Watts did some photo ops but since I already had a great shot I backed out from that one to give others a chance.
I would like to extend a big fuck you to the Jersey boys for acting like   and another big fuck you to the security guard for being the true  that he is! 

Moving along in an attempt to redeem things, I rush to a spot where I hope to get my #2 want after Bill, namely Amanda Seyfried‎ and also Bryan Cranston who was there. Sadly they both did it going in, so odds are they would do nada going out. First off Bryan Cranston goes in his car. I then go to his hotel. Sadly he stays in his car. So that shatters this hope. But who do I run into? None other than The Mooch  We both couldn't believe we saw one other. But this reunion would be cut short due to the fact that we both had photo ops to score. 

I rush back to the spot for Amanda. She just enters the car and does nada. Batting zero so far! 

After the Amanda blow off I go to another spot where I hope to have another chance at my #2 want! I secure a decent spot on the railing. Here is where I start seeing results. I first get Chris Noth and Adam Brody. Cool but already have them. Then I get my first decent score, Peter Sarsgaard from Green Lantern and others. When Amanda arrives this is now my chance to redeem myself. The whole crowd screams for her, and she signs! A good start. Now this is really good proof how you simply cannot stay idle in such settings. I vocally yell for her, begging her, pleading her, throughout the next few minutes. After I got my autograph and after multiple times of yelling her name and pleading, I score the photo op And a perfect shot it turned out to be! She only did 2 maybe 3 photo ops and I was one of them! I even manage to score a second autograph! Victory was mine! The day is officially upgraded from a total bust to a success! Sharon Stone also comes and only signs a few autographs, and I manage to get one of them! 

Despite this success there were failures as James Marsden AKA Cyclops did nothing going in and Hank Azaria AKA Gargamel in the Smurfs movies and who had number of major voice roles in the Simpsons did not do any photo ops going in. 

Now we play the waiting game again. Among other things I chat up with  about life and other stuff. He tells me about his summer fling that he met combo hunting in NYC. We also take a group photo op. He then leaves. 

After that the witching hour arrives and this is where success turns to even bigger success as I score photo ops with James Marsden (nice as can be), Hank Azaria (via some pleading), Debi Mazar, among others. When Amanda came out it was a total insane mad house as everyone was behaving like animals. I was delighted I already had my perfect shots as well as two autographs so nothing was worth dealing with that mad house. I simply relaxed and watched is awe as chaos ensued. Zachary Quinto is another name that was an asshole, but thankfully I already have a photo op with him. After this spot is extinguished we go to the next spot to try for Bryan Cranston again but sadly we don't see him. We get some names including Brad Paisley (who I already had) then call it a night to get some much needed sleep. 

Full photo ops from Day 1

Amanda Seyfried 

James Marsden

Hank Azaria

Group photo op 

Day 2 begins very early in the morning as we attempt for Teri Hatcher, who played Lois Lane in "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman". There were rumors that Katy Perry was supposed to be at that spot, however when we arrived there weren't 5000 photographers waiting to take her picture, so I knew that there would be no Katy Perry. We have good railing spots as no one else was there, though a couple of dealers eventually arrive. Since I had nothing to get signed by her, I make a deal with one of the dealers. I would get two photos signed, and we each keep one. Sounds fair to me. When Terri arrives she was nice and smiling doing combos! I get the two photos done and get a photo op. This marks my third Lois Lane photo op as I already have Margot Kidder and Kate Bosworth‎! Plus I already have Superman from that show so it was cool to get Lois Lane.

Moving on to the next spot where both Matt Damon and Jayma Mays from the Smurf movies are supposed to appear. Already have a Damon combo but figured he's nice enough that I can get an autograph from him and I never got Jayma. Damon was also supposed to be at another spot later in the day, however my rule for that spot is if it's an A lister and I already have a photo op with him, don't bother with it as it's not worth dealing with the immense crowds and shoving pushing involved with the spot. So it was here or bust for Damon. 

Jayma Mays was super nice to everyone and I got a photo op. To my shock, Damon does nothing there and even hides inside the car as he's leaving! Wow he's supposed to be one of the nicest celebs and the crowd wasn't even big. Yet for the big crowd later in the day he did combos. Goes to show you there are no rules. But no big deal for me as I had him. 

We then try for Taylor Lautner at a couple of spots, but to no avail. When batting low and all looks hopeless, always aim low at an easy spot to get something over nothing. And this is what we do. We try for actor David Morse and he was nice as can be. Got a photo op. Next we wait for Simon Pegg from Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, among others. Nice as can be, and we get photo ops. 

Our final stop for the evening was at a Breaking Bad event where I hope to get Bryan Cranston. But the cast moves to a different nearby spot and it came to a point where it didn't even look like Bryan Cranston was even there. The spot wasn't a total bust as we got Richard Belzer and singer Lou Reed. He didn't look for the first photo op but thankfully did another one. We also saw Keith Richards who did nothing for no one as he rushed into his car. 

Full photo ops from Day 2

Teri Hatcher

Jayma Mays

Simon Pegg

Autographs from both days

While I once again failed to get my top want, based on all that I did get, there's no way I can say I failed big picture wise. 

the BOSS was TRANSFORMED into a FOX

Having given up on Meagan Fox photo ops at least for the short term, me and Joresky see that she's started to do them again! So we decide to try for her again. This would be my third attempt and Joresky's fifth attempt. Additionally, a huge top want of mine was filming, namely Bill Murray. 

As a prelude for this, I go solo to meet Tony Danza, who was hosting an event. Upon further research the event advertises "celebrity book signing" upon it's conclusion, though it didn't specify who would be signing. 

Tony Danza is a name that is very hit and miss on the street. Essentially scoring a photo op with him depends which direction the wind blows. The last time I tried for him he signed but would not do a photo op  So this was something I sought out to correct. 

I arrive at the event and thanks to the mooching Gods easily mooch my way in. I then find out that he's doing a book signing after the event. Even better the event is almost over as I arrive. All the blocks are falling into place! So I purchase the book and get in line. 

While in line I was a bit nervous they would kick me out of line since I didn't have a lanyard for the event on me, but this would not be an issue. As I wait in line I see that another block falls into place: He is doing photo ops! YES! Victory is in my grasps! 

I finally get to him and by that time he wanted to move us along but did my combo! This marks my third photo op from Who's the Boss as I already have Judith Light and Alyssa Milano.

I then meet up with Joresky as we get a good nights sleep to prepare for a long and tedious day.

We arrive for Murray. Upon arriving we find out he's not filming till late. We then recieve info that Meagan Fox's filming is about to end. We figure we could get Meagan Fox and then go back for Bill.

Upon arriving I quickly see Meagan Fox enter the building where she is filming. I wisely decide not to do anything right there and then since I didn't want to hurt my chances where the photo op actually has a 50% chance of happening. 

We arrive at the correct spot and we see Radioman. Additionally there were two other heavy set graphers that were father and son who were not happy that we were here.

Upon arriving we see her husband Brian Austin Green leaving the spot wearing shades holding his child's hand on one hand and carrying Meagan's baby on his other hand. We ask for a photo op and he says he's carrying the baby. We then say ok and back off. Minutes later he comes back, childless and no shades and poses with us no problem! We finally score something. This marks my third actor from the TV show Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles as I already have Summer Glau and Thomas Dekker.

 Sadly, this spurt of happiness would quickly be obliterated. 

The information we got was bad cause filming was going on later than we expected. But since Radioman was here and Meagan Fox has been nice as of late, we decided to stay. 

While waiting we receive news that made me die inside. Two people we know waiting with some old people and kids and just barely scored the Bill Murray photo op. I was beside myself for the next few hours. Meanwhile the father/son due made me even more misrable and depressed by showing me some of the impossible photo ops they have. I couldn't believe my eyes as I saw photo ops with Paul McCartney, Sean Connery, among others I don't even want to try and remember. They even mooched a Beach Boys group photo op at a concert

Additionally, the graphers tried to get us to leave by repeatedly telling us filming wouldn't end till 2 AM. They would also say things like "Sit on Radioman's lap tell him what you want for Christmas! Hey Radioman, he wants to sit on your lap and tell you what he wants for Christmas".

After a long, miserable, and depressing wait, the witching hour arrives at about 12:30. 

Radioman gives in his envelope full of 8x10s for her to sign. They tell Radioman to come tomorrow morning to pick them up and he says ok. Wow Radioman being blown off, at least for the evening. 

They said no autographs then they line the four of us up for photo ops, and we all SCORE the photo op! After my photo op is secured I quickly grab a magazine to try to score the auto. I vocally beg and plead. She hesitates back and forth and finally signs my magazine  Couldn't believe I actually got an autograph that evening and Radioman did not!

We then head to the spot for Bill Murray to attempt to redeem this big error. Sadly the security guard was was being the huge  that he is and Joresky was not being helpful as he just stood there instead of standing his ground  We then head out, with success that felt like defeat. Only because this defeat was someone in the caliber of Bill Murray.

Tony Danza

Brian Austin Green

Meagan Fox

Autographs

While a Meagan Fox combo is technically no failure, this success is truly one that is covered in metaphorical blood. Between all the times I tried for her I missed out on so many names. Names such as:

Stephen King

Neil Patrick Harris 

Bill Murray

Taylor Lautner

Gordon Lightfoot 

To name some. Truly a combo covered in blood. 

Various different meets

Taking a nice break from NYC, the source of so much agony and so much joy at the same time, I hit up various meets at various different times.

First up in late June I set out to meet Walking Dead actress Sarah Wayne Callies. She goes for some good cash at conventions and was a nice convenient stop before going out clubbing. While at the spot I got photo ops with Finn Wittrock and other names. Sarah herself was as nice as can be. Did photo ops and signed. I got her on three. A combo and two extras, that's a $100+ convention value right there 

Sarah Wayne Callies

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next up I wake up in early July to wait for Barry Manilow. This was an auto only mission as I already had an awesome photo op with him. When I saw him I managed to get him on three items! As I would later find out this was the nicest he was throughout his stay, cause he would barely do one per person after that! One guy even told me he had to really beg him for one. So I lucked out good. 

Barry Manilow autographs 

Later that evening I was waiting for John Williams at a spot (other graphers were there as well). It got late and I wisely chose to leave that spot so I could go where I could actually get something, namely Michael Winslow from the Police Academy movies. As I would later find out the graphers saw no one. 

I got to Winslow and he was so cool signing and doing photo ops. 

Michael Winslow

Autographs  

And some WWE meets! I didn't get any photo ops since I had everyone that was there. I did want a goat faced Daniel Bryan photo op but sadly he was wearing a stupid cap so I did not see that as an upgrade of what I have. Kane had glasses on so that shot is also a downgrade from what I have. Daniel Bryan signed one per person I had two he didn't do the other one. Ryback was a total Jerk. Jericho was his usual friendly self.

non-WWE_E autographs I got

This is what I got on the WWE_E V2

Curtis Axel

Chris Jericho

The Miz