More meets in November (movie, music, sport)

As November progresses, I go to a spot where my main goal is actor Gary Dourdan from CSI and A Different World. Also there is actor Allen Payne, actor Flex Alexander, and rappers Big Daddy Kane and Treach. We go to the spot and seems they are all going in one single van, and that van is in a place where we can't even wait. So we had to improvise and go the restaurant. They were going out of their way to make sure we don't find the restaurant. But it didn't work. At the restaurant everyone exited the van and was nice as can be. It was a clean sweep.

Full list of photo ops

Next event was the evening after Monstermania in Oaks. My main target is rather ambitious. The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus. They are known to be nasty.

They do nothing on entry. But I do get actor Spencer Garrett from Air Force One. Ron Howard goes in and does nothing but thankfully I have him already.

On exits I had a botch. I needed Hillary Clinton to sign me a book and she was one of the first to leave. I missed her cause I wasn't in position (but I have the op from before). I got another photo op with Alicia Keys. Saw Clive Davis leave, he didn't stop but I have him. And the Williams sisters left and by miracle I got Serena but Venus used rain as an excuse not to stop. Jeff Bezos was there but used the garage.

Not a sweeping success but I did better than I had predicted. 

Spencer Garrett

Serena Williams

Full list of photo ops

The next day I went to the airport for actress Ann-Margret. I have a great photo from Chiller a few years ago but figured I'd go for autographs. I see her being pushed on a wheel chair and show her our op from Chiller. She smiles and says hi. Signs my 2 photos no issue. Told her I didn't need another op so I wouldn't bother her with that (no need to get a wheel chair op with hat and shades). After I got her 2 people came up to me and asked who that was. When I told them they go "legendary actress Ann-Margret??" and I said yes.

Autographs

Next up, was waiting at a spot for Ellen DeGeneres. But it seemed like she left. Saw singer Trey Anastasio of Phish fame at the spot and got a photo op, but I have him already. There were also basketball teams staying there but I didn't even bother to ask and let others have at it.

With that loss, it was off to the train station for legendary singer Patti Smith. She was not overly nice but did stop and does combos. While she was walking I noticed someone else walking with her. I look up her band members and it is indeed her guitarist who also wrote songs with her, Lenny Kaye. So I get the photo op.

Trey Anastasio

Patti Smith

Lenny Kaye

Patti Smith autographs

On another day I stood at a spot with people that were mostly rap names I never heard of. Some notable names were LeToya Luckett and Faith Evans. I went there to see what I could see and I managed to get Faith Evans who was very nice. She was already in and I was fortunate she came back out. I also saw Frederic Yonnet and got a photo op but I had him already. 

I could have stayed more gotten more people on entries and exits but I had other engagements and didn't feel like dedicating more time to this. People apparently got everyone else there except LeToya Luckett.

Faith Evans

Frederic Yonnet

Next day at the airport I go for young musician Billy Strings. He is all smilies as I ask for the photo op, but didn't seem too happy when I pulled out two 8x10s. His guy said "one max". I held both up and he signed one for me. 

Billy Strings

Autograph

November cons: Rhode Island Comic Con and Monstermania

Rhode Island Comic Con had such a monster line up. When they added Elisabeth Shue, that sold me. She is a name I missed in NYC and she is the last name I still need from Back to the Future (she played Jennifer McFly in the second and third one). My other top name there was Jason Lee from Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Unfortunately, like Chiller I had to weed out a lot of "maybe" names due to lack of splits. I had 12 names on my main list and got them all. I had 21 names on my maybe list, but I only got 4 of them. 

One great thing about RICC in 2022, the weather was good. Every time I've been to Providence for RICC it was freezing cold. So I would always park in the garage by the venue and sleep there the night before I attend. This would set me back $20 on parking. It is $12 if you park there up to 12h (plenty of time to finish up with the con) but since I arrive the night before and need to somewhat shield myself from the elements when it's cold weather, parking is $20 since I'm there longer. But this time I parked in a residential neighborhood for free and slept there. When I woke up, I walked 20 minutes to the venue! In a world where money is drained from you on every corner, it always feels good to save money somewhere.

As I enter I go to artist's alley and get a free photo op with Batman artist Pat Broderick. I then meet up with markedout's Greg2600 and most of my splits would be with him. 

First up, puppeteer Simon Williamson. He worked on many older Muppet movies but is probably best known for Max Rebo in Return of the Jedi. Always cool to add another name from the Original Star Wars Trilogy. That's almost non existent for me at this point as pretty much everyone from the OT I either met or is dead (or both). Then I get Bruce Reitherman AKA Mowgli from the original Jungle Book. Another older Disney voice actor to my collection, also rare. 

Then actor Jake Abel from I Am Number Four and Percy Jackson. And child actor Grant Feely AKA Luke Skywalker in Obi Wan. Then suit actor Carey Jones from Mandalorian and Predators, followed by Mitchell Whitfield from Friends and My Cousin Vinny. 

After this I go check out the names in the arena and I find out that neither Elisabeth Shue or Jason Lee are doing table ops, which sadly means I am now stuck getting the pro ops. I go back to the original building and seek out the creator and artist of Eddie from Iron Maiden, Derek Riggs! I got the photo op for free. He was doing a singing in Pennsylvania and I'm such a huge Iron Maiden fan I was actually thinking of doing it, but decided against it with everything going on. So to have him here in RICC where I already am and to get the photo op for free? What a treat! He was selling his book for $80 and he would sign and sketch it. It was very tempting to buy that. But sadly ops are the priority for me so I couldn't be spending on this.

Then I get actress Gigi Edgley and go back to the arena to get my sole want from that area, Asher Angel from Shazam who finally returned to this table. 

Then it's time for the Elizabeth Shue pro op which was fairly smooth, and after that knocked out Doug E Doug, Rawle D Lewis, Malik Yoba, and Leon from Cool Runnings. 

Ended my time at RICC with actors Mark Sheppard and Joivan Wade, and the pro op with Jason Lee. Jason's pro op was quite the long wait and I split that with markedout's Woodmo.

Elisabeth Shue

Jason Lee

Full list of RICC photo ops

Monstermania in Oaks had very few wants for me. I would not have event attended if not for the addition of Marley Shelton. First person I get is Bradley Gregg from Nightmare on Elm Street 3. Then Robyn Lively from Karate Kid 3 and Twin Peaks. She was being so friendly and nice to everyone. Also get Michael Bailey Smith AKA Super Freddy and also from Charmed.

I then get Ashley Bank from Monster Squad, the only Monster Squad name from this con that I needed. And I finally get Brooke Bundy (Nightmare on Elm Street 3 and 4) who was sitting by herself most of the time. 

Ended my time in Oaks with Marley Shelton (Scream 4, Rampage) who was friendly.

Marley Shelton

Full list of Monstermania photo ops

Actors and AEW to kick off November

So AEW was in Baltimore and there is a spot with a bunch of actors. Most of them are at the not big names or barely valid, but there were 3 main names I wanted. Jasmine Guy from Different World and Scary Movie 5, Dorien Wilson from Sister Sister, and Terrence Carson AKA Mace Windu in the Clone Wars cartoon and he was also in Final Destination 2. 

Unfortunately this meant that I had to miss AEW at the hotel plus a Billy Gunn flight (I need him on a figure). This sadly is the side effect of not being able to be everywhere. And I did  indeed miss a huge AEW rackfest (thankfully I have most of the names). But I did want Jasmine Guy so I was stuck here and I would dedicate some time to AEW the next day.

The event ended I went up to the stage and got some names. Then I got some people walking to the party, then again leaving the venue. I got my main 3 targets and then some but also missed a lot of barely valids just cause no one could spot them. 

Jasmine Guy I almost missed. While I was inside she came out to smoke, did ops, went back inside. I rushed from inside to outside hoping to see her and then she left the venue and did a photo op with me as she entered an uber. Praise the combo Gods. Besides the main 3 I got names like Terayle Hill, Kiki Haynes, and others.

Terrence C Carson

Jasmine Guy

Dorien Wilson

Full list of photo ops

I then drive to Baltimore, sleep in the car, as I ready for a flight for the biggest name in AEW that has eluded me: Kenny Omega! Yes it's true I never had luck getting the guy as I never saw him and I was never at a con he was at. Plus his price is like $100 at a con and that isn't very appealing to begin with. So I wake up, I mooch some breakfast, and it was off to the airport. 

We see Kenny and he is super cool signing and taking photos. He said not to post the photos online. I assume he said that cause he hadn't been back on TV then. But now that he's back on TV I think we're fine posting them. I got the photo op and five 8x10s signed, a $600 convention value! Although I wouldn't have paid for the autos at a con so I guess I technically "only" saved $50-$100 for his op depending if I split it or not (which don't get me wrong I'm very happy saving that money).

Back to the hotel where the setup is no where close to the ideal setup they had the day before as they put us further away and it was harder to have access. I got a few names but had most of them. I did get fresh names in Cole Karter and Angelico so I guess that's something. And by luck Billy Gunn (who wasn't staying there) was dropping off his sons so I managed to get my figure done. He was barely wanting to do it saying his arms are frozen but gave me the best Billy Gunn autograph I ever got (paid or free). He wrote "Bad Ass Billy Gunn HOF 2019 DX". I also got Jerry Lynn on the WWE_E V3.

I cut my time short and people got more later but not too much that I didn't have. Kenny Omega was the main one so mission accomplished! 

Kenny Omega

Kenny Omega autographs

Billy Gunn figure

Full list of AEW photo ops

Next evening I go to a venue for actor Brandon T Jackson from the Percy Jackson movies. After the show he was super cool greeting people

Photo op

And a few days after that to another venue for actor Tommy Davidson. Similar setup where after the show he was super nice and greeted people. 

Photo op

Chiller Theater Halloween Weekend plus NYC meets

Halloween 2022 Chiller had a ton of names for me. Thankfully I manage to split most of them cutting costs big time. But even with that I had to weed out a ton on my "maybe" list. 

Get there Friday and I start with one of my two top wans, Lorraine Bracco. She wanted a "socially distant" shot but it turned out fine. Next up I got Robert John Burke from Robocop 3 then to my other top want, action star Bolo Yeung. 

Then I get actor Chazz Palminteri from The Usual Suspects. Then Leonard Whiting AKA Romeo. Then get a photo op with Matthew De Meritt who played ET in some scenes. He was born with no legs so as a child he wore the suit along with 2 midgets who are now dead.

Then Olivia Hussey AKA Juliette who had the longest line. Sucks she wore hat and glasses but what can you do. Her daughter India Eisley was at the hotel and came down and did photo ops on Sunday. But thankfully I already got her in NYC before COVID hit. Then Johnny Martino from Godfather. I didn't need Cathy Moriarty but the person I was splitting with was getting her then she invited me to come in the photo op. 

Then I get Richard Burgi from the 2009 Friday the 13th, Ola Ray from the Thriller music video, Mike Starr from Dumb and Dumber, and K Callan from Lois and Clark. Chiller ended and hung out in the lobby and snagged a few more ops.

Lorraine Bracco

Bolo Yeung

Olivia Hussey

Full list of Friday Chiller photo ops part 1

Full list of Friday Chiller photo ops part 2

Saturday starts with the Jeffersons. I get Berlinda Tolbert and Ernest Harden. Then get Daryl Mitchell from Galaxy Quest. Back to the Jeffersons where I get 91 year old Marla Gibbs. 

Ended Chiller with Judie Aronson (Friday the 13th part 4), Lucy Lee Flippin (Flashdance, Little House on the Prairie), and Robin Frates (Puppet Master). 

Marla Gibbs

Full list of Saturday Chiller photo ops

With Chiller in the rear view mirror it was now off to NYC. My first stop is a signing with RL Stein. I have him before but I thought why not get some autographs for free. I got him to sign me two books and I got an update with him along with ops with his son, his daughter in law, and one other person.

Now to try some of the "easy" spots in NYC. First spot is for Daniel K Isaac (Billions) and actress Linda Lavin (Barney Miller, Alice). Daniel is as nice as can be and Linda takes long to come out. She is confused as to what I want which I find strange considering I saw photo ops on social media. But she does the op no issue. 

Next a spot for actor Ralph Fiennes from a whole bunch of things. Sadly the venue is monstrous with multiple exists. The first of its kind I've ever seen in NYC. And we can't figure out how he leaves. This one is a bust. 

The final spot for the evening is one focused around Jack Harlow. He's not a want of mine and hasn't been nice lately so I wasn't expecting to get him. But I was hoping for randoms. Me and Vanessa the Jersey Shore Stalker almost didn't find the spot and were on the verge of giving up. We then stumbled upon it. It was the strangest thing ever. I got a few ops nothing too great and Jack was a total dick. I did get Lorne Michaels to sign me an 8x10.

Full list of Saturday NYC photo ops

Autographs

After some much needed sleep I go back to the "easy" spots to try for John David Washington (son of Danzel). I would actually be joined by markedout board member Crowbar. That was unexpected.  

Sadly John David would keep the mask on for ops even declining to take it off. Danielle Harris walks in but I have her. Samuel L Jackson no one asks and just walks him. But I have him too. And Ray Fisher outright declined everyone. I have him but shocking considering how nice he used to be. 

Then I go to a spot with actors Josh Mostel and Richard Masur. Need Josh have Richard. The spot ended earlier than I thought but thankfully I was on time as Josh walked out when I got there. He was nice. Never saw Richard but apparently he left before Josh.

Next a spot for Patina Miller, Annie Golden, and David Patrick Kelly. Wanted a better shot with David and need the other two. There were two exists. Patina comes out of the one with the railing while the others come out through another door. Sadly Patina didn't stop, Annie we weren't able to spot, and David we had to run after him to stop him and he was cool. While in the area I got another op with Faran Tahir plus others.

Then I have to decide if I want to check out one last spot for the evening or leave the city. I didn't know the start time. But I decide to check it out which was a fantastic decision because it is ripe with activity. Graphers, paps, actors, etc. This spot has Jim Parsons who I have. He did some ops reluctantly but I didn't really try for one. But Anthony Edwards was there with his wife Mare Winningham whom I never got. She was in St. Elmo's Fire and other stuff from the 80s and 90s. And I got Mary Beth Peil from Dawson's Creek. Great way to round up my time in NYC. And I was out!

Mary Beth Peil

Mare Winningham

Full list of Sunday NYC photo ops

October cons: Monstermania, Celebfest, and CSA Show

Three quick cons that took place in October. 

First off, Monstermania in Hunt Valley. I didn't need too many people. First off Gaylen Ross (Dawn of the Dead), then Mark Burnham from the new Texas Chainsaw Massacre, then actor Quinn Lord. Also got Jeff Daniel Phillips who is in the new Munsters and was also the caveman in the Geico commercials. And finally Oded Fehr from the Mummy who was pro only.

Full list of Monstermania photo ops

Next up, Baltimore Celebfest 5. My main want there is the Doink and Dink dual op. I met them both before, but I never got Dink suited and never got both in the same shot. I don't normally pay for dual shots for repeats, but to have Doink and Dink, dual shot, AND both suited? That is 90s WWF at it's finest and cartooniest. It was too captivating to pass up. I got the dual shot and I also got a signed 8x10 with both. Plus I added Doink to the entry in the WWE_E V1 which is already signed by Matt Borne (I already had the Dink entry signed from before).

I got three more ops. Abadon, Luigi Primo, and Persia Pirotta.

Doink and Dink

Autographs

Full list of Celebfest 5 photo ops

And finally CSA show. I actually had ZERO wants at this con but I went there for moral support (basically to hang out and help someone out). But while there I picked up some ops for free. I got an update photo op with Ilan Mitchell-Smith. And I got free photo ops with boxer Michael Spinks and baseball player Rickey Henderson.

Full list of CSA Show photo ops

Kurt Russell in Pennsylvania report

As most know by now, Kurt Russell was doing a wine bottle signing in King of Prussia, PA about 30 minutes from Philadelphia. I also had his flight. I figured it's worth trying to get autographs and the op to skip the event. I figure worst case it's a chance for autos and an extra chance for the op.

I spoke about it to the top Master combo hunter in Philadelphia and he told me in his 20 years of doing this, he never got so many texts about any flight into Philadelphia as he did this one. People were apparently coming from NYC, Ohio, and other places.

Area #1: Here we are about 8 people. Kurt comes in refusing to take photos but he signs. I manage to only get one. He refuses me more autos even though he signs more for others. 

Area #2: This is where me meet up with the rest of the crowd, about 20-30 people. Here Kurt does nothing as he walks outside. 

Area #3: Now we are outside. Kurt counts 13 people says he will sign 13 autographs. Still declines photos. Starts signing and when he gets to me he goes "I already got you". 

Area #4: This time we are by his car. He signs more and he finally caves in and agrees to ops. WTF! I try to get one and he agrees but looks away! WHAT BAD LUCK! I plead with him some more and he agrees to another op and STILL invalid! WTF? Other people got valid ops! I guess I'm now officially committed to the event. 

Take 1

Take 2

I scope out Valley Forge Casino Resort. Go inside the event and secure my wine bottles for the event the next day. Dine at a Chinese Buffet with Vanessa the Jersey Shore Stalker. Back to the Casino where I park the car and get sleep.

Wake up the next day and line up with my bottles in hand. Hang out with plenty of current and former marked out board members and other combo hunters from all over. It was a unique reunion to say the least. When they let people in it was a mob scene to buy the bottles. Glad I already had mine cause they did not last long!

Finally we line up and it's time to meet Kurt. When he sees me he goes "weren't you at the airport yesterday" to which I reply "yes". He goes "why were you so upset" and I explained why. He then goes "well it all worked out". I take a shot and realize it is blurry. But they gladly take another one. FINALLY get a good op! 

Take 3

Take 4

Chilled a little at the event eating and drinking free samples. Then somehow managed to be find Kurt as he left the building. To my shock he was signing for people. I get up to him and he goes "you just never quit" as he signs two more for me. But he shut it down shortly after and didn't sign more as he finally drove out. 

Signed wine bottle

Autographs

Scattered meets throughout October

Technically very end of September, but it crosses to October so I'll start this report with actor Larenz Tate from The Postman. Go to the airport and he stopped. Got the op and autographs.

Larenz Tate

Autographs

Couple of days later I try the event to get actress Paige Hurd who I could not find a flight for. I was on the fence of even dedicating the time but I ended up in the vicinity. They were going from one spot to the other. I check the outbound spot but don't see them. Then I check the destination spot, again nothing. Just lots of people. I'm about to give up I walk outside then see a bunch of photogs waiting. So I wait and the stars arrive. I ask Paige for an op and she is super nice about it even asking if the photo came out. I try to update my Larenz Tate but he says later. Sadly this wouldn't be without a PUNCH because at another event was actress Lynn Whitfield and she did ops. I tried to scout out if I could find her out and about but no luck. 

Paige Hurd

Next up, AEW in town. Sadly it fell the same time as NYCC week so I could not cover it. I did a little bit before going to NYC. I got a handful of fresh names most notably Ariya Daivari but otherwise underwhelming (because I have most of the names). I also got Big Cass on the WWE_E V3.

Full list of AEW photo ops

Next up, and event where Ray Romano and Brendan Fraser are appearing. I have them already but wanted better ops. First up go to Ray and get him arriving. He is nice as he does the op and signs. Sadly, it's debatable if this is a better shot considering he has facial hair. 

Then to another spot for Branden Fraser but as soon as we spot him we somehow lose him. So we have to try for him later. Meanwhile try for composer Charles Fox who composed music for movies and tv shows. And he is very nice.

Finally try for Branden again. See Ray again while doing so. Take another shot but it's blurry. Then we wait to go into the Branden event as I barely manage to score a photo op as security whisked him away!

Ray Romano

Charles Fox

Brendan Fraser

Autographs

After attending Baltimore celebfest 5 I go to another spot in Maryland and I get artist Michael Godard. I catch his event just as it's ending and he was cool.

Photo op

Autograph

The next day I would go to a spot for Damon Albarn, the lead singer of the band Blur. He was very nice. 

Photo op

Past mid October there's an event with three One Tree Hill actresses. Appearing are Bethany Joy Lenz, Sophia Bush, and Hilarie Burton. Bethany I have a great shot, Sophia I could use an upgrade, and Hilarie I never got. I arrive at the event and find out that a big want of mine, Lee Norris AKA Minkus from Boy Meets World is there! Also there is actor Antwon Tanner. 

At the venue I get ops with 2 of 3 original members of the rockband Switchfoot. Namely Jon and Tim Foreman. But sadly none of the actors stop but by miracle I manage to find the next spot. When there I go inside to make sure they are there, and indeed I see them wining and dining. So I wait outside. 

When they leave I see Sophia and she doesn't stop, but both Lee and Antwon are nice as can be. The other two I sadly don't see. 

Full list of photo ops

Lee Norris

Towards the end of October I was trying for a spot for actress Zoe Saldana. Sadly it seemed like she was no longer there. But nearby was an event with lots of people lined up. So had to scan the people to see if there were any valids there. And turns out there were quite a few actors there. But sadly I already had most of them. I did get two notable fresh names, namely actor Sendhil Ramamurthy from Heroes and The Flash, and actress Poorna Jagannathan from Never Have I Ever. So my time there wasn't a complete waste. As I was leaving I also see Utkarsh Ambudkar from Free Guy, who I also saw at NYCC earlier in the month.

Full list of photo ops

Full New York Comic Con 2022 Report

NYCC 2022 would be my first NYCC since 2019. As we all know by now, 2020 there was no NYCC. And 2021 I decided to skip due to all their COVID measures. I did not want to dedicate time and money to photo ops infected with masks and glass. As I said before, masks not COVID is the true virus!

With the new wings/garages of the Javits center and reed pop announcing mask policies, I decided 2022 would be the test on whether or not I would embark on NYCC in the future or if this would be my last. Spoiler alert, I decided 2022 wouldn't be my last.

Wednesday

I arrive in NYC Wednesday night and decide to test some of the "easy" shows spots. Sadly they were not so easy. At least those particular ones. First I tried for John David Washington and he didn't want to interact with fans and had a mask. Tried to chase him down to plead for an op but he wanted to keep the mask on so I didn't bother. Then I tried for Lea Michelle but she kept the mask on and didn't even take photos. Went to another spot but sadly was too late. Missed Hong Chau from Downsizing by a few minutes and also missed actor Judd Hirsch who was a random (spoiler alert, there would be more on Judd Hirsch later). I'm stupid for having even tried these show spots. Rookie move.

Thursday

The first day of NYCC! And it's off with a good start as I get the One of Us is Lying cast. This includes Annalisa Cochrane from Cobra Kai. Throughout I would get some first time ops, some updates. One notable get is Utkarsh Ambudkar from the movie Free Guy!

I go inside try some panels. I try the The Owl House cast but get there too late and missed most all of them (though I have the main one, Mae Whitman). But would do better for Pennyworth. I got Jack Bannon (Alfred) and Ben Aldridge (Thomas Wayne).

Then I would get actor Jack Huston from American Hustle, and good upgrade/update with James McAvoy, among others. Two more panels I try would be a total bust. First one is Significant Other. I don't bother with actress Maika Monroe as I got a shades shot earlier and I have a perfect no shades shot from before. But I wanted actor Jake Lacey from Rampage. I plead with him but sadly he is a complete asshole and eventually security stops me. And I try the Midnight Club panel but that was fruitless. 

After NYCC I go to the "easy" shows and I get Dominic Fumusa (Nurse Jackie), Abigail Hawk (Blue Bloods), and Jessica Pimentel (Orange is the New Black).

Overall I would classify this day as solid. But sadly it would be met with a huge PUNCH. I would find out that Liam Neeson was a random at another "easy" show and did photo ops. That hurt bad. 

Full list of Thursday photo ops part 1

Full list of Thursday photo ops part 2

Friday

This day is off to a good start as I get a photo op with author Neil Gaiman, someone I had missed at NYCC in the past. I see Martin and Jesse Kove come in and I call for Jesse and he does a photo with me "just because I called his name". He had shades but later in the day got a no shades shot.

Now there were two signings, almost back to back. First was Good Omen. Besides Neil Gaiman you had showrunner Douglas MacKinnon, executive producer Rob Wilkins, and actors Maggie Service, Nina Sosyana and Quelin Sepulveda. It was strict no photos but I got two posters signed. And in going to this horrid signing I missed a lot of good people outside including the cast of Let the Right One In which had lots of people I wanted. Beginning to remember why I despise NYCC. You can't be everywhere (spoiler, I would make it up later). 

Then I go to the next signing for the Lord of the Rings TV show. This was the exact opposite of Good Omen and the best experience of any free signing at NYCC. They let you do ops with EVERYONE! First I got a much needed upgrade with actor Benjamin Walker then SIX more ops! Wow what a wonderful sweep! 

Go outside get some fresh ops, some not. From the Chucky tv show I get actress Alyvia Alyn Lind (I asked her to remove the mask) and Zackary Arthur. I made the mistake of not going to the Reginald The Vampire panel where I could have had actress Em Haine and Jacob Batalon of Spiderman fame, but when it let out I did manage to get Jacob. I also got Dylan Sprayberry AKA Young Clark Kent from Man of Steel! And I get another great name whom I missed on entry, Rodrigo Santoro AKA King Xerxes from 300! 

Omar Epps also stops. I focused on an autograph since I already had a shot from before. He was wearing shades and my previous shot is a shades shot, so I felt no need to fight the crowd for another shot. Also Martin and Jesse Kove gave out free copies of their comics which they were selling for good money inside. I got Jesse to sign it.

Now for the Let the Right One In panel. I decide to crash it rather than wait for exits (fantastic decision cause they garaged out). My main wants are Nick Stahl AKA John Conner in Terminator 3 and actor Demian Bichir. I manage to score these and most all of the cast. Sadly in my focus on those two I miss actor Kevin Carroll. And actress Anika Noni Rose kept the mask on (the sole instance of a mask op the entire week). 

After NYCC go for the "easy" shows and get actress/model Azita Ghanizada and actor Faran Tahir (Iron Man). Wanted a better op with David Patrick Kelly in another show but never saw him (I would get another op in the future). 

I then join markedout board member Greg2600 at the hotel for the Let the Right One In cast in the hopes to see Kevin Carroll but never do. I get a better shot with child actress Madison Taylor Baez whom I also got back in the panel. After this called it a night. All in all a great day at NYCC

Alyvia Alyn Lind

Dylan Sprayberry

Rodrigo Santoro

Nick Stahl

Demian Bichir

Full list of Friday photo ops part 1

Full list of Friday photo ops part 2

Full list of Friday photo ops part 3

Saturday

Saturday is off to an ok start as I get an upgrade/update with Chloe Grace Moretz. Not many people waiting and thus not many spotters, so I decide to go inside. Me and my splitter secure a spot in line for paid guest Boyd Holbrook. I search for the vendor booth owned by Don Handfield (Deep Impact) and get that op. His booth had the signing and Martin and Jesse Kove. Then back to Boyd and get the op. 

Next up, the panel for the original TMNT movie. I get ops with producers/writers Kim Dawson and Bobby Herbeck. Attending the panel (as in the audience not a panel guest) was Michael Turney who was in the first TMNT movie. Sadly he wants nothing to do with his TMNT past so he wouldn't do ops. But I did get him to sign my TMNT laserdisc. I also got Kim to sign it but Bobby only wanted to do it at the booth. At the booth it of course costs money. So I chose to simply be happy with my Kim combo, Bobby photo op, and Michael autograph, all of which I got for free. While I was inside I even missed people outside. Just an example of how there's so much going on at this con.

Outside getting the Walking Dead people is like pulling teeth. Norman Reedus signs and I get an auto. In hindsight I would have done better with them at another spot they were at. I got an update with Lauren Ridloff. Rush inside for a paid op with Harvey Guillen. Then back to walking dead where I get Michael James Shaw (fresh), Scott M Gimple (upgrade), and Paola Lazaro. Overall did pretty bad with walking dead.

I sadly don't attend a panel where I could have had Jim Henson writer Craig Shemin. Dumb!

Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams) doesn't stop going into NYCC and garages out. So we beat her to her hotel. She does an op with someone but doesn't really stop much otherwise. She almost immediately leaves to go out to a party but rushes into an uber. We wait for her to return and never see her. Eventually give up and go to a spot with Brendan Gleeson who I need. As I arrive at that spot I find out Colin Farrell was a random and stopped going in. PUNCH! Brandon did not stop. I get Timothy Olyphant who I have and Zacheri Levi shows up and I get an update with him (my first op is from 2014). Sadly Brandan, Colin, and Woody Harrelson (who I have) all sneak out. Someone waited for Jenna till like 5am and never saw her come back to the hotel.

Saturday is officially my weakest day of NYCC week.

Chloe Grace Moretz

Zachary Levi

Full list of Saturday photo ops

Sunday

Sunday is off to a horrid start. I wake up, practically parked up the street from the Javits center. As I arrive I find out that I missed by less than 5 minutes actor Xolo Mariduena (Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle) and others stopping for everyone. PUNCH! (spoiler, I end up making up for it). But things take a turn for the better as I get people from the Muppet cast. This include a much needed upgrade with Lilly Singh, Tahj Mowry (Full House), and pupeteer Bill Barretta. The latter is a great name cause he took over characters like The Swedish Chef and Dr Teeth from Jim Henson and he wore the Earl Sinclair suit in Dinosaurs! 

Among others, I also get Jensen Ackles who has alluded me for a long time and I never wanted to pay his insane con prices. He has shades on, but I'll take it. Daniel Radcliffe comes in and it's a mob scene. He took some ops but had a beard so I had no need to fight for this op. 

Then I crash the panel with Xolo and thankfully him and the rest of the cast are very nice! Back outside and get Anders Holm and Lilly Singh again then back inside for another panel where I get everyone there. Back outside for more stuff. I get among others things upgrade with Brenton Thwaites AKA Nightwing. Larry Kenney comes out and signs for everyone and I get a couple of autos. This ended NYCC. 

Then it was off to a spot for Branden Gleeson and Colin Farrell. Sadly it's a mob scene. Branden doesn't even show up and Colin barely stops and promises to stop on the way out. They pulled a bait and switch as they snuck Colin out and gave his car to actor Barry Keoghan. Huge PUNCH but I do get Barry so it wasn't a total waste. This ended the day. I then park my car at a great spot.

Mallori Johnson seemingly all into me

Bill Barretta

Xolo Mariduena

Lilly Singh

Barry Keoghan

Full list of Sunday photo ops part 1

Full list of Sunday photo ops part 2

Monday

After much needed sleep following a grueling comic con, I wake up. I look at the time and see that I can make a Jamie Lee Curtis spot. She hadn't been stopping as of late, but it was literally on my way to the bathroom so I thought I'd try for an autograph (already have a great op). But she does nothing for no one. 

Now I have two shots at Brandon Gleeson and Colin Farrell. First spot I wait. Most people are busy with Robert Downy Jr (who I have). So I bank on everyone remaining busy with him. Going in they do nothing. And by the time they leave sadly people who were waiting for Downy join in. And no shock they don't do it leaving. 

I run on foot to the next spot and beat the car there. Sadly they don't stop going in or leaving. Colin is even using the COVID excuse. At this point I decide I cannot dedicate more time for the huge want that is Colin (I had long given up on Brandon at that point) and should now go to spots where I can actually get ops. Before leaving this spot I get barely valid actor Ben Ahlers.

Next spot is off to a great start as I get a much needed upgrade with actress Claire Foy. Also get Sarah Polley. Rooney Mara didn't stop (but I have her) and everyone missed actress Sheila McCarthy (Die Hard 2, House Arrest) in the crowd. But move to another spot where I hope to see her, and I did. She was nice. I also get actress Kate Hallett. Now it is at this spot where I am with markedout member Greg2600 and the most heart crushing thing takes place. Exiting this spot is none other than 88 year old Tina Louise AKA Ginger from Gilligan's Island! I know she doesn't normally stop for ops, but seeing her there, you had to ask. No shock she ignores. This would have been my best op for the week if she did stop. But it was truly heart crushing to see her and watch her walk away. 

Back to the previous spot where I wait for Tilda Swinton and she is nice as can be doing it for all. Got the op and some autographs. My time in NYC was coming to a close. I debate if I should waste time checking one last spot for Colin Farrell. I decide to check it out before leaving the city even though it is late. As I arrive I am heart broken as an old lady waiting tells me there were like 2-3 people waiting and he did indeed stop for ops leaving. PUNCH. But I wait anyway cause it looks like paps are waiting and there's some action to be had. Not minutes later I spot Judd Hirsch leaving! Holy crap! I ask him for the op and he agrees! Which is unusual for him! Missed out on Colin but I guess Judd is older so better to get him in the long run. Wait some more as there are paps and cars. Taylor Swift exists and wants nothing to do with anyone. This ended my time in NYC. 

Claire Foy

Sheila McCarthy

Tilda Swinton

Judd Hirsch

Full list of Monday photo ops

Now to showcase autographs: 

Autographs obtained part 1

Autographs obtained part 2

Autographs obtained part 1: https://i.ibb.co/NpRQwGT/IMG-8159.jpg

Autographs obtained part 2: https://i.ibb.co/c6k53mc/IMG-8160.jpg

Blanks are Norman Reedus and Larry Kenney.

Despite some misses and PUNCHES, I would say this was overall a very fruitful week.

Scattered meets throughout September

September starts with the cast of Pawn Stars. They were in town for a couple of days. First day I get Chumlee and Corey Harrison. Sadly Rick Harrison declines. I have a shot with him from years ago but he has hat and shades so I wanted an upgrade. 

Next day I get Rebecca Romney and try again for Rick, sadly to no avail.

Pawn Stars photo ops

Got a flight for Leslie David Baker from The Office. Nice as can be did the photo op and signed.

Photo op

Autographs

Next up, I go for the band Culture Club, best known for the song Karma Chameleon. I have Boy George but need the other band members. Boy George declines everyone waiting at the hotel but one of his people comes down and takes our stuff up to get signed. I wait some more and eventually see both Mikey Craig and Roy Hay who are both nice as can be.

Photo ops

Autographs

Then I go for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Need pretty much anyone not named Chad Smith. But sadly the lead singer Anthony Kiedis is known not to stop anymore and the other members, John Frusciante and Flea, are iffy.

I start at a spot for Billions actor and comedian Dan Soder. Security is bothering us and even telling us we can't stand on the streets! WTF? I didn't want to start fights with him cause that guard is a regular at the spot, but Dan goes in and we don't get a chance to ask.

Then to the Red Hot Chili Peppers spot. I wait for them leaving for the show, I see Chad going for a walk. He is nice as can be as usual. Get him to sign, get a photo op. Then coming back I get a no shades shot. Sadly I don't see anyone else.

Later that evening I go back to the spot for Dan Soder. He leaves the spot, that security guard is nowhere in sight, and I get the photo op. I then quickly go away to avoid the security guard. In doing so I actually missed actor Jermaine Fowler who was attending the show, but thankfully I have a couple of shots from NYC a few years ago.

Back to the Red Hot Chili Peppers spot, but it was a bust. I only see Flea and he blanks. 

Photo ops

Autograph

Now a couple of airport runs. First I go for actress Sarah Rafferty. Sadly she declines ops while wearing a mask but signs. When she goes outside I try to plead a little more hoping it will make a difference, she offers to do mask ops. But all saddened I just walk away. I don't think it was even a COVID thing. I think she just wasn't all dolled up.

Next day I go for a Seth Rogen flight. Already have him but needed his wife Lauren Miller who is an actress. First I get Seth autos. Then I ask Lauren for a photo op, asking her if she would pull down the mask which she does. Afterwards I ask Seth Rogen for a photo and get an update.

Lauren Miller

Seth Rogen

Autographs

Next up an even I'm not really sure why I went. Only person I really cared for was DJ Jazzy Jeff and I had him. It was something to do passing by and I thought I'd get a couple of ops along the way. Got blown off by Grandmaster Flash who did ops with others but I couldn't get it. I got MC Lyte and DJ Kool. And got DJ Jazzy Jeff update and autos. Plus other ops.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Then a trip to Gettysburg, PA for actor Damian Chapa AKA Ken from the Street Fighter 2 movie. A rare name I have not seen elsewhere so it was odd to see him make an appearance at a restaurant called Plaza Azteca. Got the photo op. 

Photo op

Another airport run for actress Constance Wu. Already have her but she is nice as can be so I thought I'd go for some autos. By miracle I manage to spot her with a mask and shades on. Not sure how. I get a photo op and get her to sign. She is wearing shades but that's ok I have a great shot from NYC.

Photo op

Autographs

Now a huge event which involves the likes of Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Bradley Cooper. Never got Julia and need autographs from Bradley.

The pre event the night before I would score Anna Kendrick on entries. I got her years ago but she has shades on. And when I got her a second time the shot was blurry. So this is a welcome upgrade. Get some other names and an autograph from Billie Jean King then wait for exits where I get Anna to sign (somehow I spotted her leaving and all the other graphers missed her leaving). I get Billie Jean King update. And someone with a great eye spots actress Garcelle Beauvais. No one huge but she was in the original Coming to America and Wild Wild West. Not bad for a bonus name. 

The next day is the big event. I see Anna enter but don't bother her. Throughout the day bust would be the theme. Julia Roberts did nothing at the event or hotel. Bradley Cooper did nothing at the venue and at the hotel he signed one but I didn't get him. Other graphers then followed him further to other spots but to no avail. Clooney did nothing at the venue or hotel.  And Tom Hanks ignored leaving the venue. Wow. But I guess I had to try for glory. My sole op for the day was another shot with Jose Andre.

Full list of photo ops

Anna Kendrick

Autographs

Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Show plus a pre show meet

In mid September I would attend the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Show in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Thursday evening before the con I would try for actor and comedian Michael Rapaport. I met him before but don't like my op. I was joined by Richmond combo hunter Troy B. We wait and I see him leaving from a distance right after the show, and other combo hunters swarm him. He does combos with everyone no issue.

Photo op

Autograph

Next day, after mooching some breakfast I go to the con. First I get Bob Eubanks because he is leaving early. Then Nancy Kovack and Sharyn Wynters from Batman fame. Then 91 year old actress Constance Towers. It's incredible how healthy she is for 91. She moves just like I move. No shaking, no slow movement, no crutches, NOTHING. I should have asked her what her secret is. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. She also said I was handsome. 

Then I get actress Jennifer Savidge who was $5 on your own item and a free photo op. Unheard of in this day and age. I opted for the free op. Then Linda Gaye Scott from Batman and actress Linda Thorson. This ended my time at Mid Atlantic.

Full list of photo ops

Creature Feature in Gettysburg, Station Unity in Maryland

On a weekend I decided to attend two cons. 

First up, Creature Feature in Gettysburg. I didn't need any of the big names, so I went on a Friday to get what little I needed. The bigger names were all saturday/sunday. I mainly needed Kimberly Beck from F13th fame and a few get if there names. It wasn't too far for me so I thought why not. I also knew someone with consignments so I was able to split combo prices.

First up, I get Nightmare on Elm Street 2 director Jack Sholder. Then actress Kimberly Beck. Then a rare Halloween guest in John Michael Graham. And finally added me some Texas Chain Saw Massacre names in John Dugan and Edwin Neal. Edwin actually offered free ops if you said your name was Murray, and ops were $2500 if you worked for people magazine. It was all stated on his price list. This ended my time at Creature Feature.

Kimberly Beck

Full list of Creature Feature photo ops

The following Sunday I attended Station Unity in Maryland. The con wasn't very well attended which led me to worry if celebs would even be there Sunday, but thankfully everyone was. Plus I also had people to split with.

My main want is Geoffrey Blake from Forrest Gump, Critters 3, Men at Work, and other movies. He was nice as can be. Sadly I don't think I saw anyone go up to his table which sucks cause it might discourage names like him from getting booked. These are half decent names that don't do a lot so it was good to see him here. 

Then I get Taylor Buck from Superman and Lois, Tony Amendola from Mask of Zorro and Once Upon a Time, and Erik Valdez from Superman and Lois.

Ended my time there with actress Crystal Lowe of Final Destination fame.

Geoffrey Blake

Crystal Lowe

Full list of Station Unity photo ops

Meet of the year after many failures

For the last 10-12 years I've been trying for Steve Martin. And he never agrees to do the photo op. Sometimes he signs. Sometimes he does nothing. But never the op. Even worse, I didn't go to a CD signing in NYC where he ended up doing ops. Big mistake (they had said it was no ops). 

The last time I saw Steve Martin was at an event last December. He completely denied everyone while wearing a mask. The time before that pre COVID where I got him after a show he did, he signed wouldn't do ops. When I pleaded him for an op he goes "boring".

Fast forward to the latest Steve Martin and Martin Short tour. I embark to what I believe is a fruitless endeavor to get a photo op with Steve Martin (already have a few ops with Martin Short).

Day 1

Start in the evening for his private flight coming in. He completely declines just like last December (except no mask). Martin short declines someone an op but actually signs for Clint from Pittsburgh. Go to the hotel we don't ask Steve Martin as he has hotel staff escorting him but Martin Short also declines an op.

Day 2

Here we see if we could get them coming from from the show (they were on for 2 nights). We wait and finally the SUV pulls up. Steve Martin, again declines without a mask and does nothing. Martin Short also declines. 

Day 3

At this point we are all battered and bruised. I am on my own and have to decide if I want to try again. It is early evening and I am debating if I want to even try. After some back and forth I think to myself, well let me spend some time there see if I see him leaving for the show.

I arrive and park in position. At this point I am blind. I have no idea if he's still there, if he left for the show, or if he's out sight seeing. Nothing. Just parking there blind and waiting. As I wait, about 40 minutes later I see Steve Martin walking from the nearby restaurant to the hotel. I'm like WTF! But it gets worse, he is wearing a mask. I debate if I should even ask with the mask on but I say fuck it, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Steve Martin just walking by himself, and me waiting here by myself. 

I go "excuse me Mr. Martin may I have a photo with you and maybe an autograph". He looks and goes "no autographs, I'll take a picture, quick". I am floored! I am about to take the op then I ask "do you think you could put the mask down" and he goes "no I'm not...well ok quick". And I snap the money shot right there as I thank him and he continues to walk in!

I can't believe how many things went right there! I waited blindly, caught him as he finished eating at a restaurant, he agreed to a photo with me for the first time ever, AND he agreed to remove the mask? The combo Gods were truly looking out for me! 

Imagine that, I went for DJ Spinderella, she had a mask on and refused to remove it for the op. I went for Steve Martin, he had a mask on and pulled it down for the op. It truly goes to show you the unpredictability of combo hunting. A denial from Spinderella and a compliance from Steve Martin? I'll take that trade!

For those that say it was rude to ask to remove the mask and he could have ended up walking in and denying me altogether, that is fine with me. Mask shots are garbage. So asking him to remove the mask was a risk I had no problem embarking on. Because I had everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Steve Martin

WWE Monday Night RAW Report

WWE RAW is in town. So I prepared for my first WWE trek since COVID seems to be eroding. Which means opportunities to make up for past mask shots! I had a whole bunch of flights coming in the day before the show, sadly half of them got canceled or moved. This included Bobby Lashley (would have been cool to get a 14 year later update), Dominick Mysterio (needed an upgrade), and Austin Theory (only have a mask shot which I don't count). PUNCH! 

This was truly heartbreaking. But the Omos flight was still good and I only have a mask shot with him. So I still went. Akira Tozawa was on the same flight but I didn't need him as I met him many times.

So I go to the airport and wait. From a distance I see someone wearing a Superman shirt that looks like a wrestler. Turns out it is Damian Priest who I never met! He was on the same flight and I didn't even know it! I guess the combo Gods wanted to make up for the punches. And they did good on that front! He is super nice. Get him on an 8x10 and the WWE_E V4. 

Next up, there he is, the colossal Omos. Was super nice and did a combo per person. Didn't have a mask on or anything. Never saw Tozawa turns out he didn't have luggage so he must have slipped out. Missed someone I didn't need, got someone I needed in Damian. I'll take it. Two fresh wrestling names for such a short time at the airport is a treat for me these days (I consider Omos fresh since my original shot is a mask one).

I go to another airport to see who I see. I see Finn Balor so I get an update. After I left Io Sky did mask ops but I have her. I then go check out hotels and I see Byron Saxton and Io Sky checking in. Byron Saxton knows me so I go up to him tell him hello. I also tell him that I could get him on the WWE_E V4 which he says he is happy to do. I go on the side and wait for him to be done checking in. While waiting Corey Graves declines me. Byron finally approaches me, I get the autograph and an updated shot. 

Io Sky is wearing a mask as she checks in. I get her on her entry in the same book. She asks me what book it is and that she's never seen it. How cool is that? This ended my evening.

Damian Priest

Omos

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Wait at the hotel the next day and first person I see is The Miz coming back from his signing. I get an update and Miz is cool as always. Also get him on the WWE_E V4. I seek Kevin Patrick. Fresh name alert! So I approach him and he is very cool. Then see and get Dexter Lumas and Tamina, both updates. Doudrop pops up and all of us gang up on her. She signs my 8x10s and does photos. Super nice lady. At this point the hotel asks us to only ask outside and we are welcome to hang out inside as long as we don't ask. So we go outside.

Outside we see Dakota Kai and Io Sky. Get updates with both and Dakota on the WWE_E V4. Get a Mike Rome update and then see Usos and Angelo Dawkins. Jimmy (I think) outright declines and Angelo ignores but Jey (I think) comes over. I have them all from before anyway.

Come back at night and I get Kevin Patrick and Dexter Lumas on the inside cover of the WWE_E V4, and Mike Rome and Corey graves on their entries.

Doudrop

Kevin Patrick

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Last day of WWE, we start with the airport. Austin Theory is my main one, but he's leaving from the airport most people don't use. A big let down cause that means we will miss a ton of people going for him. But we start in the main airport to see who we see. See referee Rod Zapata and get an update. Angelo Dawkins shows up. We get ready to ask but he lies down on a chair with a hat on his face as if sleeping. SMH. Can't believe this guy became a dick. Guess hanging with the Usos rubbed off on him.

Wait a bit more then see Montez Ford and Bianca Belair wearing masks. I have them so I didn't bother to try for ops but Bianca did a mask shot. I got them both on the WWE_E V4. At this time we had to leave to the next airport. I knew Doudrop was coming soon but thankfully got her the day before and didn't have to wait for her. 

On the next airport I knew two flights for sure, Austin Theory and Rey Mysterio. First person we see is Asuka. She is her usual friendly self. Get her on the WWE_E V4. Spot Ciampa from a distance. Get a combo on the WWE_E V4. Then finally Austin Theory shows up and is cool. Get the op and his auto on the WWE_E V4.

Next up Rey Mysterio shows up and his is usual friendly self. Update and auto on the WWE_E V4. In all the excitement I forgot to get Austin Theory on my 8x10s. But no worries he isn't going anywhere for a while. Track him down and get the photos signed. Also see Omos again and get him on an 8x10. He remembered us from 2 days ago. Get updates with Akira Tozawa, Kevin Owens, and Adam Pearce. And get Pearce to sign the inside cover of the WWE_E V4. I told him he has no entry he said I must have an old edition, but I pointed out it's the newest one.

Austin Theory

Full list of Day 3 photo ops

Now to showcase autographs

Full list of autographs part 1

Full list of autographs part 2

WWE_E V4

Damian Priest
Byron Saxton
Io Sky
The Miz
Dakota Kai
Kevin Patrick (inside cover)
Dexter Lumas (inside cover)
Mike Rome
Corey graves
Montez Ford (Streets Profits entry)
Bianca Belair 
Asuka
Ciampa
Austin Theory
Rey Mysterio
Adam Pearce (inside cover)

Monstermania Cherry Hill and Steel City Con

In one weekend I would attend both Monstermania in Cherry Hill and Steel City Con. My first Steel City Con in years. Unfortunately both would be severely ruined by cancellations. 

On the Monstermania side, Marley Shelton would be announced and canceled. Additionally, I had planned to go to Monstermania Friday and Steel City Saturday. W Earl Brown was supposed to be there all 3 days. Then he was changed to Saturday and Sunday. PUNCH! My plans were already in place at that point.

On the Steel City Side both Mia Farrow and Jennifer Grey, both wants of mine, canceled. 

Despite that there will still people I could get at both shows. With Alicia Silverstone being my top want for the weekend.

First off, Monstermania. I get Leo Rossi and Dick Warlock from Halloween II fame. Then make up artist Greg Nicotero, and finally Debra S Hayes from Friday the 13th part 2.

Full list of Monstermania photo ops

Autograph

Next up, Steel City Con. I get my top want Alicia Silverstone out of the way since she had a long line. Then it was smooth sailing from there on. Got actress Grace Van Dien and voice actress Judy Kuhn. I was thinking of getting Tom Payne but he was pricey and I had no one to split with so I didn't get him.

Rounded up my time at Steel City with X-Men Animated creators Eric and Julia Lewald. And make up artist Nick Maley who is best known for his work on Yoda.

Alicia Silverstone

Full list of Steel City con photo ops

Kicking off August with a few meets and a con

Start August with Baha men, best know for the early 2000s song "Who Let The Dogs Out". After the show they were super friendly and met with all fans. I'm sure some of them are barely valid, but I did get the main two singers. Dyson Knight (who yells actual phrase WHO LET THE DOGS OUT" and lead singer Rik Carey.

Baha Men photos

Next up to Philly for Icons of Wrestling AKA RF Con. I mainly needed Slick because my old ops are not really valid. I get a photo op with Slick and his autograph on the WWE_E V1.

While there I got ECW original Tommy Cairo who is best known for his feud with Sandman. And I got a dual shot with Dexter Lumas and Parker Boudreaux.

Icons of Wrestling photos

After that it was off to the airport for two original members of Blue Oyster Cult. You have the two members that tour along with the barely valids. And you have the Joe and Albert Bouchard who are the rare members. Arrive at the airport and see Joe. He is super nice. But his wife was not letting him take the mask off for photos. Managed to talk them into a distant no mask op (which wasn't easy). Not the greatest but valid and counts. I think of it as no different than a shades shot. Not ideal, but valid. Then Albert who is also super nice and does a normal op.

Joe Bouchard

Albert Bouchard

Autographs

Then to a separate flight for DJ Spinderella of Salt and Peppa. I see her and ask and she's like "what do you want". I reclarify and say I want the op. She goes "c'mon" but sadly declined to take down the mask. Bust.

DJ Spinderella

Fast forward to mid August and I get info for two actors from the show Trying. One of them, Rafe Spall, was in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. And the other is actress Esther Smith.

So I went to the hotel not knowing if they were in, out, or even still there. I ask a guy who was with them in the event. He claims they are gone "to the next spot". But I am not too quick to believe that. Upon further research I have reason to believe they are still there but not in the rooms. Not long after I start waiting, perhaps 45 minutes later, I see both Rafe and Esther walking on the sidewalk to go back inside. I couldn't believe how I lucky I got to a point where I had to do a double take and look at the photos on my phone to make sure I'm not hallucinating. Indeed it was them, and they are super friendly. 

Wow it is not often you go to such a setup, wait, see your people not long after, AND they are  super nice. Usually you wait 5 hours and don't even see them!

Rafe Spall

Esther Smith

Shore Leave, Scares that Care, and Galaxy Con

Rounding off July cons, I would do 3 cons. Shore Leave in Maryland, Scares that Care in Virginia, and Galaxy Con in North Carolina. Sadly, covid would be a factor in these cons.

Let's start with Shore Leave, where I meet with Greg2600 on markedout. We both want Aimee Garcia but turns out she is behind a glass pane and not doing table ops. She has pro ops the next day but not the day we are there. The website said nothing of all this. And she is really the only name of note that we needed here. We wait to try to negotiate. While waiting I knock out John Billingsley of Star Trek fame and actor Eddie McClintock.

When it comes to Aimee we plead our case saying the website said nothing and we have to drive up. In the end they let us pay for table ops, but sadly there's a glass pane. However, it is 1000X better than the pro ops she did the next day. They used a horrid divider for that. And I managed to edit out the pane well. So it largely worked out.

Aimee Garcia (glass pane edited)

Full list of Shore Leave photo ops

Next up a weekend of two cons, Scares that Care and Galaxy Con. First up, Scares that Care. Thankfully I only plan for 4 people. KC Martel from ET, Steven Williams from Jason Goes to Hell and 21 Jump Street, Harvey Stephens who was the Child actor from The Omen, and finally Kerr Smith from Final Destination fame.

Full list of Scares that Care photo ops

The heartbreaking this about all this, it would be the last Scares that Care ever. Sad times cause I really liked this con. And off to Galaxy Con.

Start off Galaxy Con with Andrew Robinson from Dirty Harry. A good rare name I haven't seen elsewhere. Then Marilyn Ghigliotti from Clarks who did over the table ops due to COVID. I'm fine with that better than masks or glass.

Next up Gerard Christopher AKA Superboy. And then actor Rupert Friend from Obi Want tv show and Pride & Prejudice. Surprisingly his booth didn't have much activity and did table ops even though those were not advertised. 

Now here comes a sour note of this con. She was advertised as doing table ops. So I went to get one. But she is not doing table ops, pro ops are done, and she is not there Sunday! What an unlucky chain of events! I pleaded my case to them, told them I'd pay, and explained my situation. In the end they preferred to give me a free signed 8x10 as an apology instead of taking my money for a table op. The mind boggles. I figure she will do another con so I decided to concede and chose an 8x10 from Star Wars.

For actors I rounded up my day with Terry Farrell from Star Trek fame and Hellraiser III and Steve Downes AKA Master Chief from Halo.

I also got a couple of people from the artists area. Comic book writer Peter David. I got him to sign my Incredible Hulk comic books and a photo op. I put $5 in his donation box. And artist Tom Fleming who worked on some iconic WWE are from the early 90s. He sadly wouldn't take the mask off for ops. But I got him on two prints. He asked where I got these. I told him truthfully I got them from the Internet and printed them at Walgreen. He goes "oh, really" like he was surprised. Then I left Galaxy Con.

Michael C Hall was playing a venue in Raleigh. So I thought why not try to upgrade my shot from NYC years ago. Don't want to pay for it but for free why not. Sadly he didn't stop. Rushed out the front while we were waiting in the back. I got the barely valid band members.

Andrew Robinson

Rupert Friend 

Full list of Galaxy Con Day 1 and street photos

Autographs part 1

Autographs part 2

Go back to Galaxy Con the next day. The main objective is Brendan Fraser, a huge want of mine. Now here's the mind baffling thing about him. He is at his autograph table, he is doing no table ops. He has no mask, no glass, no divider, nothing. And he is mingling normally with fans. Yet in the pro ops he requires plexi glass. The mind boggles to no end.

I begrudgingly decide to do the op. My rationale is that if he died I would regret not getting the op. But I managed to edit out the damn divider. Ended my time at Galaxy Con with wrestler Kaleb with a K who was also Suicide in Impact Wrestling.  

Brendan Fraser (glass pane edited)

Full list of Galaxy Con Day 2 photo ops

More scattered meets in July

First off, a spot with the bands Bare Naked Ladies (best known for the song One Week) and their opener Toad the Wet Sprocket. There's 4 members to get for BNL and 3 to get for Toad (one member is barely valid).

I arrive and sadly missed BNL singer Ed Robertson by a few minutes.

First up I get photo and autographs with BNL member Jim Creeggan. Then photo and autographs with BNL member Kevin Hearn. I see the main man of TTWS Glen Phillips walking about and get a photo op with him. Then TTWS member Dean Dinning. Thankfully I finally see Ed and get autographs and photos from him. 

Sadly I never see Tyler Stewart of BNL and I couldn't get a photo op with Todd Nichols of Toad as he was behind a fence and only signed.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next up a political name. I go to the airport for Nikki Haley. She was nice as can be but did only one per.

Nikki Haley

Autograph

Next up a music venue with En Vogue, Salt N Peppa, and New Kids on the Block. Need 2 members of New Kids and all of the rest. Sadly it is a bad venue. So you have to get them at other spots. While waiting there I see rapper D-Nice. Never heard of him but got the op.

I found a spot and got Salt of Salt N Peppa but didn't see Peppa. At another spot I got New Kids member Danny Wood. Sadly I had him already. So the night is largely a bust. I had a flight for all members of En Vogue but since I saw they wore masks for their paid meet and greets I didn't bother to try.

Full list of photo ops

And finally Linda McMahon. I met her before but I wanted to get some autos. She was doing a 2 day event. 

Went the first day. Never saw Linda the whole time but I got former Governor of Texas Rick Perry, football legend Lou Holtz, Kellyanne Conway (update), Joni Ernst (senator), and the cast of the TV Show Wise Guys (John Tabacco, Cara Castronuova, and Lou Gelormino). Saw Newt Gingrich but didn't bother to chase him down for an op as I have him a couple of times.

On to day 2. Donald Trump was there that day but of course no shot at him. I do get Tommy Tuberville (senator), and Keith Kellogg (former National Security Advisor). And finally I do see Linda McMahon at the very end. She does ops, signs one item for one person, but declines autographs otherwise. This is painful cause I had an op and this is just an update. I needed autos more than the op.

To make matters worse, I was blown off 3 times by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a senator I actually would have liked a photo op with. 

Linda McMahon

Wise Guys

Day 1 photo ops

Day 2 photo ops