Scattered meets throughout November

November starts with a show for 2 actors. Rob Yang (The Resident) and Karan Brar (Diary of a Wimpy Kid). Two other barely valids were also there. After it breaks, wait it out, and everyone is super nice. An easy clean sweep.

Full list of photo ops

Couple of days later went to the airport for singer Erykah Badu. We wait at departures and her bus pulls up. She took ages to come out, but she finally does and is nice.

Erykah Badu

Autograph

Couple of days later I go to a Martin Lawrence flight. I hope to upgrade my photo op. Unfortunately he shows up with a mask, hat, shades, and head phones. Completely worthless op wise. He does 1 per and I get the auto.

Martin Laurence autograph

Days later I go to a venue for Jazz musician Arturo Sandoval. I was doing something unrelated to combos 10 minutes away from the venue so I thought might as well. He came out the back and was super nice. In hindsight this time and effort was wasted because I would see him again in the near future. 

Arturo Sandoval

Next day I went for a British band called Sports Team. Odd name for a band and I never heard of them. But it was an attractive setup. And the price was right. You get free Jersey Mike subs, a free performance, and a free guaranteed photo op with the entire band. All original members though not shocking considering the band is only 4 years old. Ate some good subs, put a few more in the bag for later, watched the performance, got the op, and got autographs.

Sports Team (from L to R: Rob Knaggs, Ben Mack, Alex Rice, Oli Dewdney, Al Greenwood, and Henry Young)

Autographs

Couple of days after I would go to a flight for California governor Gavin Newsom. He arrives and is nice as he signs my photos and does an op. Randomly flying in was a basketball team and among them is DJ Rodman, son of Dennis Rodman. So I get the op.

Gavin Newsom

DJ Rodman

Autographs

Later that evening I went to a BBMak show at a venue close to my house to improve my photo op with them. Lynda Carter was inside to see her daughter and I wanted to get autos but sadly by the time I got there she was gone. While inside I get Mat Dauzat who played with Seal and an update with Lynda Carter's daughter Jessica Altman.

Got in the meet and greet and it was the oddest thing ever. They had a selfie stick, you put your phone on their stick, and the artist took the op. I heard of forced pro ops, but this was a new one. Forced selfies. I've never seen that before. And yes they were enforcing that. Since I knew someone with an iphone better than mine, I used his phone for the selfie stick. After they took the op and while the woman handler's head was turned I got out my camera and snuk a selfie with my own camera which turned out better than the iphone.

We tried to wait for autos after the meet and greet but we were cock blocked by the handler. So we went outside to wait for autos. While waiting that same woman said they weren't gonna stop and proceeded to call us out on mooching. At this point we just called it.

BBMak (from L to R: Christian Burns, Stephen McNally, and Mark Barry)

Full list of photo ops

Next day I go for a Brian McKnight flight. Came through with his wife and was super nice as his wife videoed him doing combos.

Brian McKnight

Autographs

My final meet in November would be my best meet of November and also my final time in Philadelphia for 2024. A flight for the legendary Wayne Newton! Unfortunately he has a wife that tries to shut things down and she was on the flight with him. So I went in bracing for the worst.

He comes off the plane I ask for the op, he agrees but his wife is trying to pull me away. I manage to score it. As they walk a grapher is trying to get autographs. Finally he relents as he signs and the wife is shouting and lecturing 1 per. It's not the best photo op but I'll take it.

Wayne Newton

Autograph

Final con of 2024: Monstermania in Oaks

In November I attended Monstermania in Oaks, PA which be my final con of 2024. It was fairly quick and easy as I got only 4 names. 

First up, Liana Liberato from Scream 4. Then go for someone I shockingly never saw in person before, Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp). It was good to finally get that op after seeing everyone else do so both on the street and in cons.

Then I get John Allen Nelson from Baywatch. Always cool to get more people from Baywatch. My final name would be Randy Blythe, lead singer of Lamb of God. 

Liana Liberato

Kathryn Newton

John Allen Nelson

Randy Blythe

Scattered meets throughout October

October starts with Monstermania in Baltimore. My first time at the new location in Maryland. I only needed one person. That is Keith Gordon from Christine. Got the op.

Next I went back to the Bakula show one last time to get some autographs. He came out the back and the same guard as before was pitching a fit. But I got autographs. I had no need for the photo op since I got a perfect one in NYC but others got the op.

Keith Gordon

Scott Bakula Autographs

Next day to a hotel for a 90s tour. My main want was the group All 4 One, best known for the late 90s hit "I Swear". I arrive minutes later I see them and get the group op and autos as they are nice as can be! Already on the board. Then I get Mark Calderon of Color Me Badd (the only original member that is touring). Not long after the entire current line up of Color Me Badd comes out and for shits and giggles I get the group op with Mark and the barely valids.

I then get upgrades with Young MC and Tone Loc. All 4 One comes out again a little more dressed up and I get another photo op and another 8x10 done. A successful day!

All 4 One (Delious Kennedy, Jamie Jones, Tony Borowiak, and Alfred Nevarez)

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next day I went to a show to get actress Elizabeth Marvel. Mooch inside during the q&a portion. After the q&a she was mingling. She is nice as can be as she signs and does op. I get some other barely valids, I get some free horderves. That's a good evening.

Elizabeth Marvel

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

A few days later I wanted to try again for actress Beanie Feldstein who I failed on a few times in the past. My only op with her she is wearing a mask. There's two other people to get in the show. Noah Galvin (fresh) and Kevin McHale (upgrade). The rest are barely valid.

After it breaks there is a huge crowd and to my utter shock and awe, everyone comes out, everyone stops, and everyone is nice. This included a very nice and cheerful Beanie Feldstein. I couldn't believe it! She would even go "nice to meet you" after every person.

Beanie Feldstein

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next day I tried for someone else I failed on many times, Dionne Warwick. Sadly when I saw her get wheeled out from the venue in a wheel chair I knew she wouldn't do photo ops. And she didn't. I got a vinyl signed.

Dionne Warwick Autograph

On a day I had 3 flights. But only 1 would be a success. First up I try actress Lily Gladstone and she completely denied. 

I wanted to go for Idina Manzel and Aaron Lohr, mainly to get Aaron as I have Idina. I missed them stopping by about 5 minutes so I had to go to another section of the airport to get them. Sadly she denied the auto and I tried pleading with him for the op but he politely declined.

After this failure Patrick Dempsey would be my success. He was actually nice and took ops and signed. He is a big want that has alluded me so I'm glad to finally get that. I guess if 1 of those 3 were to go well I'm glad it's this one. 

Patrick Dempsey

Autographs

Towards the end of October I would try for singer King Diamond. While waiting I get original guitarist of his band Andy LaRocque, original bassist of Overkill DD Verni, and other barely valids from both bands. Blitz Ellsworth, original lead singer of Overkill, sadly denied me. But King Diamond came and was nice and did combos. I got a suited op and autograph.

King Diamond

Full list of photo ops

Autograph

At the end of October I would go to the airport for WWE. There was an early evening international flight that I expected to be a mass flight as a lot of people landed in the morning. So I go to the airport to first start with Randy Orton coming in early afternoon. It's been 9 years since I met Orton so getting him on my WWE_E V4 and an updated op would be cool.

Orton arrives and goes "how did you know I was on this flight". But he signs my WWE_E V4 and does the op. Now to the mass flight, or so I thought. As the flight was boarding I only see Randy Orton, Nick Aldis, and LA Knight. I got ops with both and Nick and LA Knight and got Nick to sign my TNA trading card. Sadly all those who came earlier in the day must have flown out via charter because no one else was seen. PUNCH!

Randy Orton

LA Knight

Nick Aldis

Signed card

On the last day of October I went to the airport for Swedish singer Zara Larsson. Super nice.

Zara Larsson

Autograph

Chiller Theater Halloween weekend

At the end of October I went to Chiller theater. My top want for Chiller Mickey Rourke canceled but there were still people to be had. Particularly Predator actors and some of the original girls from Facts of Life.

I arrive there Friday. First get is martial artist Cynthia Rothrock. Then Richard Chaves (Predator), Billy Van Zandt (Jaws 2), Peter Onorati (Goodfellas), Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives), John Dukakis (Jaws 2), and Gigi Vorgan (Jaws 2).

Then I go for actress Kathryn Leigh Scott from Dark Shadows. For $20 you got a book which she signed and did a photo op. In this day and age this equates to "free". And finally Saffron Henderson in Friday the 13th part 8.

After the con I then got Bill Duke (Predator) and Larry Mathews (The Dick Van Dyke Show).

Richard Chaves

Bill Duke

Full list of photo ops

Next day I get more names at the con. Start with the original Facts of Life girls, Julie Anne Haddock, Felice Schachter, and Julie Piekarski. Then I get Marc Price (Family Ties) who I needed a better photo op with. I also caved in and got Bam Margera from Jackass. As she left the con I got Sandra Taylor. 

Since I had splitters I finally got a no shades photo op with Corey Feldman. Then Kenn Scott, the only suit actor from the early 90s TMNT at Chiller that I still needed. He gave me the full combo for the photo op price. So I got him on my TMNT laserdisc. 

Ended my time at Chiller with a dual op with Room 222 actresses Karen Valentine and Judy Strangis.

Julie Anne Haddock

Felice Schachter

Julie Piekarski

Full list of photo ops

Chiller autographs

After Chiller I went to NYC to get some actors at "easy" show spots to round up my time at Chiller. This would be my last time in NYC for 2024. First up I go for actor Dan Butler (Frasier, Art in Rosanne). He was super nice. Then to the next one where there are lots of actors but only two I never got before. Namely Genevieve Hannelius (Good Luck Charlie) and Billy Magnussen (Aladdin, Game Night). 

I wait in the back and Debra Messing leaves out the front. It's ok I have her. But I find out that Billy actually left the show. PUNCH! First up Neil Patrick Harris and I get an update with him. Then Genevieve Hannelius who is nice. Get another op with Constance Wu who is nice as always. And finally an update with Garret Dillahunt which would be my final NYC photo op for 2024.

Full list of NYC photo ops

New York Comic Con week report part 2

Day 4 

This day starts away from NYCC at a spot for Terry Bradshaw. And I was successful as I score a combo! Kylie Minogue was here but she snuck out. I have the op would have been nice to get an auto.

Then it was back to the Javits where I am focused on one goal. Namely, Simpsons creator Matt Groening. I enter his panel room and I secure a front seat. At this point it is a waiting game. After the panel, by complete miracle I manage to grab one of the only ops he does. He refuses any autographs. Finally, got Matt Groening after failing on him multiple times in the past. I then get a pro op with actress Ella Purnell (Kick-Ass 2, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children).

Next up a paid booth signing for the original artist of the Pokemon cards, Mitsuhiro Arita. While I admit I never got into the Pokemon phenomenon, I can appreciate the magnitude of that. Since I knew someone with multiple items, I was happy to get the free op. Did a signing for the anime Bleach where I got Noriaki Sugiyama and Masakazu Morita to sign a poster but they sadly did no ops. I also managed to mooch a photo op with actor John Bell (Outlander, Hobbit movies). 

Go to a School Spirits panel. I manage to clean up there. Python List is there but I have her so while everyone goes for her I focus on what I don't have. I got director Oliver Goldstick and actors and actresses Sarah Yarkin, Kristian Ventura, Nick Pugliese. Also got Jess Gabor and Miles Elliot who were attending. 

Go to the hotel to wait for Tom Hardy. I have him but wanted a better shot. In a huge PUNCH I find out he did combos for everyone in one of the large room panels. Who would have thought! But at the hotel he garages. While waiting I did get an op with actress Samantha Walkes. To redeem myself I quickly go to the hotel for Aaron Taylor-Johnson AKA Kick Ass himself! He was out and stopped leaving the hotel so now it was time to wait for him to come back. He does come back and is nice as can be as I get a combo, thankfully ending my evening on a high note.

Terry Bradshaw

Matt Groening

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Ella Purnell

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

Day 5

Start at the Javits with voice actor Scott Menville. I get pro ops with Orlando Bloom and actor Tom Glynn-Carney.

I go to a signing where they gave away a free comic and a free figure. I got it signed by producer/writer Steven Paul, Jason Goodman, Marty Abrams, and Larry Hama (GI Joe, Bucky O Hare). I also got a combo with Jon Voight which is really just an update for me. I met him in 2011.

Side note but I kinda wish I went for Dave Goelz (Gonzo) in Queens, but I just felt I was too old to try and in two places at once. So I skipped it. Somewhat of a regret. 

There would be several NYCC failures and botches. 

Tried to get a free op with Calahan Skogman at his book signing he declined. I botched the panel before that so I didn't even get to ask there. 

Tried to get into the over flow line for a free signing of the Godzilla Minus One director but we were all shut out. At the panel could not get the op as he didn't do anything. Botched Wynonna Earp panel so didn't get actor Tim Rozon.

Perhaps the biggest miss of NYCC, Leslie Uggams was doing a signing at the Marvel booth. By the time I found out and got there it was done. 

On the success side, went to a panel and got the director and creator of the John Wick series, Derek Kolstad. He was very cool. Also got actor and comedian Zach Cherry at another panel.

Left Javits to try a hotel and had good scores. Got a photo op with actress Maria Bakalova (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3). Saw Matt Groening with a mask, he didn't do ops but handed out signed and sketched cards. I'll take that. I also got Frank Grillo (update).

Went to the next spot and I missed Skyler Gisondo (Amazing Spiderman 1&2, Jimmy Olsen in 2025 Superman) and Brett Goldstein. But I would have another chance for them at the late night spot. Kaitlyn Dever, Zoey Duetch, and others didn't stop (have both).

Late night spot would be mostly successful. Got Pom Klementieff (no glasses upgrade), Skylar Astin (update), among others. And get fresh names in Skyler Gisondo and Brett Goldstein who is usually a dick.

Michael Keaton, Billie Eilish, Alec Baldwin did nothing way in or out. Could have used the Billie op and Keaton autograph. Jon Hamm was there but had no need to bother him. Dana Harvey stopped way in but snuk out. I didn't get him but already have him. 

Biggest failure was actor Kevin Polack who declined both in and out (and who I needed).

Orlando Bloom

Derek Kolstad

Jon Voight

Flashback: Me and Jon Voight in 2011

Maria Bakalova

Skyler Gisondo

Full list of Day 5 photo ops

Day 6

The last official day of NYCC. Sadly, I should not have gone. Tom Hardy stopped at another early morning spot I decided to skip, and that would have been better than going to NYCC. 

To boot, Matt Groening stopped and did ops at his hotel. Could have had a better shot. 

At NYCC I got Zilla Fatu, son of Umaga. I showed me my photo op with his father and his was mind blown asking me questions and having his guy record everything. 

I somehow missed the Teen Titans panel. And I tried the Goosebumps panel but due to the size of the room it was completely fruitless. 

Besides that I got a free chicken big mac meal at the McDonald's booth and a free TMNT figure. Officially my worst NYCC day in history.

With NYCC in the rear view mirror, it's time for the "easy" show spots. At the spot I was at Jeff Bezos was there but no one was getting him. I got many names here some repeats some fresh. I got Brandon Flynn (Fresh), Sarah Hyland (upgrade), David Foster (repeat), Stephen Schwartz (fresh), among others. 

Go to the next spot related to this show where I hope to see more names. I get Anna Camp again, Billy Eichner, and others. Singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger was supposed to show up but we never saw her and figured she probably snuk in and out. Was about to call it a night and by miracle she did show up and did ops, ending the evening on a high note.

Nicole Scherzinger

Full list of photo ops

Day 7

This would be my last day before going home. The main reason I stayed was because of an Alex Van Halen book signing. I already have Eddie so gotta get Alex. I waited at the hotel for Matt Groening hoping to see him but never did. Only got Alan Tudyk who I have.

Went to the book signing and waited in line as I hung out with several people I know. Finally got Alex and even showed him my op with Eddie. 

The last spot before I went home was for actress Isabella Rossellini. Confirmed she was indeed there and it was an easy place to get people. Me and one other guy were waiting. Unfortunately she somehow walked away with the crowd while we didn't notice. I guess having almost no graphers was more of a curse than a blessing in this case. This ended my time in NYC on a somber note as I drove out.

Alan Tudyk

Alex Van Halen

Now to showcase autographs obtained

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4 (blanks are Terry Bradshaw, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Jon Voight)

New York Comic Con week report part 1

I would spend a span of a week in NYC for NYCC. Most decisions I made were good, some were bad. Slept a total of 7 nights in the car. Not my record, but close to it. I will split the week into 2 parts.

Day 1

After arriving the night before, commandeering my parking spot, and getting some sleep, get up for my first spot of the week. The goal is a better shot with Melissa McCarthy and some autographs. The spot is a success as I get her, I get her to sign, and I get her husband, actor and director Ben Falcon (fresh).

Try another spot but only get someone I can't identify. Then it is time to go to the hotel for another goal, Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy). She is someone that has always eluded me. I walk to the hotel and on my way I see actress Busy Phillips on the street doing interviews. I wait a bit and grab an updated photo op with her. Then I continue walking to the hotel. 

This hotel would be a fruitful spot. Because the cast of Outlander happened to be staying there among other people. First score is a much needed upgrade with actor Sam Heughan. Then Zoe Saldana gets dropped off and through the skin of my teeth I get a shot with her. Not the greatest shot as she is wearing shades but it's valid.

Next I get actor Richard Rankin (fresh), social media star Dixie D'Amelio and her parents, Scott Wolf (repeat), actress Caitriona Balfe (fresh) and another good name that I never got, actress Anna Camp. Saw actor John Bell inside but he didn't come outside. 

Tried for Zoe leaving her hotel and going to her event but sadly couldn't get the op upgrade. I got the autograph. Beat her to the event, but it was a mob scene where neither she nor Selena Gomez did anything. I got Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascon.

On exit it was another mob scene but by miracle I get an op with Selena Gomez which I suppose is somewhat of an upgrade from what I have. There were other things going on like Bruce Springsteen doing an event but I decided I would hit up the "easy" show spots at this point.

I go to the next show spot for some actors but that one had 2 ways they could leave and didn't see who I wanted. I got updates with David Patrick Kelly, Michael Urie, and others. Went to my final spot for the evening, same one I went to last time I was in NYC where I got Sam Mendes. I got many of the same people as last time but I wanted actor David Wilson Barnes who I missed the last time. It got to the point where they were taking away the railing and it was looking hopeless as security said everyone is gone. But then he walked out casually and was nice as can be. This ended my evening.

Melissa McCarthy

Sam Heughan

Zoe Saldana

Full list of Day 1 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 1 photo ops Part 2

Day 2

Next day my first spot is for actor Montana Jordan. When I first got him years ago he was a child. So time for the adult update. Thankfully he was as cool as he was years ago. Glad to see he hasn't changed. Emily Osment was here and I didn't get her but I had no need to wait for her since I have a good op with her. So I went to another spot for Jason Seigel. I got him to sign me two 8x10s but wasn't able to get the op. It's ok I have an op from before. Saw Sam Heughan tried to get an autograph but wasn't able to. Only photo I got here was an update with Eddie Redmayne.

Next spot I decided to go for Kevin O'Leary and Mark Cuban from Shark Tank fame. While I was there Naomi Scott showed up at another spot. Oh well I will try for her again soon. Kevin, Mark, and Daniel Lubetzky all come out. I already have Daniel so I could focus on the other two. I shouted for them it looked like Mark did not want to come over but then Kevin made him come over. I got a dual shot but I was not happy that I wasn't in between them and next to Mark. So I then asked Kevin for a solo he goes "quickly".

My next project was one I embarked on 100% solo. I did not tell a single soul about it for the simple fact that he is a huge want of mine and everyone I know in NYC has this person and I do not. Last time I tried for him in NYC it was so crowded he shut it down. So this was my secret project and mine alone. Namely, Colin Farrell flying into NYC for his NYCC appearance the next day. His return flight was an international flight not long after his NYCC panel so I knew this was my best shot at him. I also did not want to drive there so I took the economical scenic route and gave myself plenty of time. 

I took the NYC metro train to the last stop, walked 30 minutes to a parking lot, hopped on a free tram to the right terminal. I got into position with 2 hours to spare where I could just charge my phone and relax. Then the witching hour arrived and there he was. I asked for the op and he was nice as can be and signed 2 for me. Major mission accomplished! 

On the way back to the city I stop by an "easy" show spot for actor Ilia Volok and actress Gus Birney. I got Gus but sadly I find out Ilia Volok is sick. I also get others in the show. Go to the final spot for the evening to see what can be had but sadly I get only repeat names. Namely actress Mickey Madison and director Sean Baker. 

Kevin O'Leary and Mark Cuban

Kevin O'Leary

Colin Farrell

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Day 3

This is the first official day of comic con. I would start at a spot away from comic con. My main goal is actress Naomi Scott. Thankfully she is super nice albeit wearing shades. I leave the spot to go to Javits and find out that both Marisa Ramirez and Donnie Whalburg show up. Have Donnie but need Marisa. PUNCH at the time although I would make it up. And to boot Terry Bradshaw stops somewhere else and I chose not to go. Again, would make that up.

Upon arriving at the Javits I would find out the biggest PUNCH of all. They finally implemented the garage they always promised us that they would. As a result cannot get people leaving or coming in. For years they told us, for years we didn't believe them. Now it happened. Even the low level anime vendor guests got taken in that inaccessible way. The end of an era. Which means 1) THANK GOD I got Colin Farrell at the airport 2) would have to get people in other places both in the Javits and at hotels. 

Inside the Javits first I hit up artist's alley and get free ops with screen writer and producer Marc Guggenheim and Keith Tucker (Animaniacs). Then go for actress Catherine Disher (Forever Knight, X-Men voice actress) who was only there for one day. Then Tony Olive who helped producer the Power Rangers tv show.

Next I manage to get into the Phineas and Ferb meet and greet. I get a free group shot with Dan Povenmire, Vincent Martella, Jeff Swampy Marsh, David Errigo Jr, Alyson Stoner, Caroline Rhea, and Dee Bradley Baker. And also get individual shots. I already got Caroline Rhea and Dee Bradley Baker from before, but my best score here is Alyson Stoner who was in Cheaper by the Dozen and its sequel. This was an unexpected clean sweep. It was sadly a little bit dampened when I found out Ashley Tisdale was at the panel.

I also got a free photo op with comic book artist Greg Capullo, and my only pro op for the day would be actor Timothy Omundson (Xena, Pysche).

Then within NYCC I would attend the book signing of Jordan Mechner, creator of the iconic Prince of Persia video game. Literally there were 3 of us in line which included myself and markedout admin Greg2600. The 3 of us basically told each other about it. This goes to show you how poorly promoted things can be at NYCC and how if you don't look for stuff you simply don't find it. Had he done (say) a panel I'm sure more people would have been in the room. I then join the signing line of Outlander.

For here on would be a series of botches and failures. Some my fault and some not my fault.

Stupidly left Outlander cast line at NYCC to go to the hotel for the Dune cast. In itself not a dumb move but I left too earl I should have stayed then went. It's off to an ok start as I get a free photo op with Khary Payton (never wanted to pay for him at cons). Trump had an event nearby so now roads were shut, this made getting celebs harder.  They got dropped off on the side and I botched it badly to where I missed big score in Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, and others. I did manage to score Emily Watson (Corpse Bride) who I really wanted. 

Went to another spot for the Blue Bloods cast to improve my Tom Selleck photo op and get a couple of others but it was big bust as no one stopped. When it ended I went to the hotel and got Marisa Ramirez from that cast. I also got voice actor Greg Cipes for free who happened to be there. Went to spot for Emma Stone and others. But it was another botch as Emma Stone walked and no one called her. Could have used a better shot.

Went to a spot for Orlando Bloom. I stumbled upon a Michael Keaton restaurant but didn't stay as I didn't have my stuff on me. So I continued to Bloom who stopped going in but I never saw him leave. Actress Gemma Chan was there as well but never saw her leave either. Who did I see by pure chance? Leonardo DiCaprio who I pleaded for an op as he rushed into the car. That was almost a repeat of Dustin Hoffman as a lot of failures happened and I could have had an epic score. Alas history would not repeat itself. I guess I should have stayed at the Keaton restaurant I could have at least had another op with him.

Naomi Scott

Phineas and Ferb cast L to R: Dan Povenmire, Vincent Martella, Jeff Swampy Marsh, David Errigo Jr, Alyson Stoner, Caroline Rhea, and Dee Bradley Baker

Alyson Stoner

Emily Watson

Full list of Day 3 photo ops

Scattered meets throughout September part 2

 After mid September I would go for Craig Newmark. Who is that you may ask? Literally the Craig in Craigslist. After all the sex I got because of craigslist it was good to finally meet the creator and founder of craigslist. He took a photo and signed for me.

Craig Newmark

Autograph

Next up, start my day with an early morning Jessica Alba flight. Most would argue not the wisest of moves. But I saw her, she had a cap on but no mask and no shades, she took a photo op, and she signed 2 things for me. I have been going for Jessica Alba in a span of 10-15 years, and never in my life have I ever seen her this nice. Sadly I can never seem to get a "great" photo op with her. But this is better than the others I have. I'll take it.

I would try for two more flights that day. Second would be actress Emily Procter. When I asked for a photo op she completely shot me down. Wouldn't even sign. Completely nasty. Who would have imagined that Jessica Alba would be nice in an early morning flight but Emily Procter would be so nasty on a flight later in the day. Truly goes to show you how unpredictable combo hunting can be. 

Final flight for the day was Mavis Staples. She would not do ops but signed 1 per.

Jessica Alba

Autographs

Next day I try to look for the West Wing cast. Try the spot where they are doing a screening but they were already in. Didn't know where they would come out but finally the hotel was figured out. Go to the hotel and wait. We were almost getting ready to give up, then a bus pulls up, right on the sidewalk, and the holy grail motherload is there! Most of the cast! 

I got director Thomas Schlamme (fresh) and Christine Lahti (update). Then I got actress Janel Moloney (fresh) and actress Emily Procter (fresh). Contrast to the airport the prior day, she was super nice with a huge smile happily stopping. She was such a different person to a point where I wondered if I made an error spotting her and it was actually someone else. Dule Hill was on the bus but I didn't bother him since I have enough ops with him. Martin Sheen was also in town but we didn't see him. No big deal as I've seen him enough times.

What was basically hours of running around and what seemed like a complete bust, in a span of 5 minutes turned into an epic success. Again, shows you how unpredictable these things can be.

Later that evening I tried Mavis Staples at her hotel, but sadly her handler remembered me from the airport and didn't stop for me.

Full list of photo ops

On my way back from Baltimore Comic Con I would go for Gordon Gano, the lead singer of Violent Femmes, at his flight out. He was super cool even removing the mask for the photo op. Also got an autograph.

I would try for Scott Bakula at a show he was doing to get some autographs and hoping his wife Chelsea Field would show up. But never saw his wife and when I mooched into the venue I got caught and kicked out. Never saw him leave either. I would attempt this again soon.

Gordon Gano

Autograph

Next night to a venue for original member of Judas Priest, KK Downing. During the show I get the original lead guitarist of Accept Wolf Hoffmann, a pretty solid name. During the span of the show I also get other barely valids. Unfortunately KK himself does a run off after the show and I never saw him.

Full list of photo ops

Next day I went for a Jo Jo Levesque book signing. I had someone to help with gas and buy me the book. So I did it. I got a huge upgrade over my past shots. Outside the bookstore she wouldn't sign only did selfies.

Jo Jo Levesque

Autograph

Next evening to a venue for singer Suzanne Vega. She is not only a good name in her own right but a good historical name as one of her songs was used in the creation of the MP3 format. When she came out she was nice, signed, and did ops.

Suzanne Vega

Autographs

Next night is back to the Scott Bakula show. This time I was almost sure his wife Chelsea Field (Teela in the Masters of the Universe movie) would show up. And indeed I could see from the outside she did show up. I mooched inside the venue was about to ask. I caught her attention but the same security guard kicked me out again. I had to try at the next spot which would be a party spot. Sadly the same security guard was accompanying them. He tried to stop me but she agreed and I got the op! Thankfully didn't need to ask Scott.

Chelsea Field

Drove to a venue to try for Till Lindemannm, the lead singer of the legendary German band Rammstein. I had failed on at the airport. At the venue he signed but still refused ops. Sadly someone handed him a crappy tattoo marker to sign their arm and he used that. Thus all the autographs were garbage. I grabbed some barely valids while waiting for him. Evening was a bust. I then went to NYC.

Full list of photo ops

Horrid Till Lindemann autograph

On the way back from NYC I would try for more music names, this time the band Counting Crows. First up, the airport. I would get 

Jim Bogios (long time drummer)
Dan Vickrey (guitarist in all but the first album)
David Bryson (original guitarist)
Charlie Gillingham (original keyboard player)

Then it was off to the train station where I would get

David Immergluck (played on the early albums as a session musician turned into a full member) 

And last but certainly not least, the original lead singer and main man himself, Adam Duritz!

Overall a nice clean sweep, only missing longtime bassist Millard Powers as far as the current lineup goes.

Full list of photo ops

Scattered meets throughout September part 1

September starts with an event of largely Spanish speaking people. I arrive and just missed basketball player Carmelo Anthony. No biggie as I don't really care for sports and he wasn't that accommodating to begin with. Not long after I arrive John Leguizamo shows up and I get a combo. Lost count as to how many times I've seen him. Next up get Harvey Guillen (again a repeat). Next up get "actress" Nava Mau.

Then Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera, who is super nice and seems super healthy at 85. And after that my top want for the night, actor Danny Ramirez from Top Gun: Maverick and Falcon in the MCU.

It is smooth sailing from here as I get 80s singer Lisa Lisa, ER actress Lisa Vidal, Cuban singer Cimafunk, actress Paulina Chavez, and actress Annie Gonzalez.

This Latin boyband called Morat comes out. Never heard of them, but when in Rome. So I got the op with all 4 members. One singer I didn't see or spot is Nathy Peluso. So I would have to do the flight the next day.

Full list of photo ops

Autograph

Next day at the airport wait for singer Nathy Peluso. She is cool as she does photos and signs. Go to a venue later and wait for Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20. Get the combo.

Nathy Peluso

Rob Thomas

Autographs

Next day I go to the airport for singer Bruce Springsteen. Due to parking fumbling I miss him during the day but I go back at night and he did a combo. This is my third photo op with him but my first without either hat or shades. I guess I can stop asking him for ops going forward.

Bruce Springsteen

Autograph

Back the next day to the same spot as Bruce, 3 original members of Deep Purple. Roger Glover, Ian Paice, and Ian Gillan. I wait then see the car. As I go there I unfortunately see Ian Gilian at the door. Try to call for him but to no avail. Then I get Roger Glover who is cool for the op. I start getting yelled at by the staff. But I manage to ask Ian Paice as I am getting yelled at and he does the op. I guess 2 out of 3 (including the lead singer) is pretty good.

Roger Glover

Ian Paice

Basketball coach Dan Hurley is in town. Since he was on Monday Night RAW I figured I'd go get him. I also got 2 players while waiting. Dan was nice and did the op and autographs.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Around mid September there was an even with Glenn Youngkin. He may run for VP in 2028 and it wasn't far from my house so I figured I'd go get him. After the event I got an op. Although in hindsight this effort would be a waste because I would see him in a rope line in the future.

Glenn Youngkin

In mid September I would go for the music duo Tag Team, best known for the song "Whoomp! (There It Is)". After the show we followed them and they let us in their VIP room where they signed for us and did ops. Super nice people. 

Tag Team (Steve Rolln and DC, the Brain Supreme)

Autograph

Septmeber Cons: Little House on the Prairie Con and Baltimore Comic Con

September would be a relatively low activity month in terms of cons. 

In early September I would go to a small Little House on the Prairie con in Lancaster. I arrive there and the line is ginormous. Like, what the hell? To boot, admission was sold out and there was no way I could buy it. Another obstacle to overcome. I wait in line and Alison Arngrim comes out to greet fans lining up. I ask for a selfie and she does it. She was my main want so right there I'm officially on the board.

By miracle I improvise getting into the event. There are lots of lower names from the show. Everything was priced $10. I selected 3 names as I there are lots of cons coming up. I got Charlotte Stewart, Dean Butler, and deaf child actor Jonathan Kovacs.

Alison Arngrim

Full list of Little House on the Prairie Con ops

Later in September I would attend Baltimore Comic Con. I would have 2 main wants there. Actor Daneil Kash from Aliens, and comic book writer Karl Kesel who was involved in the Death of Superman story line.

First I get my photo op with Daniel Kash, then line up for Karl. I add him on two of the Death of Superman storyline paperbacks and add him to 4 comics books. Primary objectives are done. I also get comic artist Richard Case, Lee Weeks, and Keith Champagne.

Daniel Kash

Full list of Baltimore Comic Con ops

Death of Superman paperbacks

Signed Superman comics

Multi Day New York City Haul in September

Towards the end of September I would go to NYC. There were a lot of broadway names I wanted to clear up before New York Comic Con that was coming up soon and there was also a book signing with Lance Bass of NSync that I could hit up.

I arrive in NYC, commandeer my parking spot, and sleep. Wake up in the morning and it's off to a bad start. I go to a spot for Javier Bardem. I miss him by about a minute. He was rough around the edges and didn't exactly take care of everyone, but I probably would have had him. I go to the next spot but get nothing good. I think they're housewives. I try for Chris Stapleton at the next spot and he declined. So far a horrid day.

Go to the book signing for Lance Bass. I try to get an extra item before the signing but the guard cock blocks me. At the signing I get the op and the book signed. Outside the signing I manage to get him to sign my 8x10 despite the guard trying to say no.

Got to a spot where George Clooney is having an event and lots of celebs are present. Here is where I find something out just by checking an event on my phone. There was a screening with Hellen Mirren (who I have) and other cast members. And Dustin Hoffman attended that screening! He was not part of the cast but he just attended. To boot, everyone waiting for the cast got the op. Dustin Hoffman is someone I miserably failed on in 2012. And have constantly missed since. My heart was crushed. To boot, the guy is 87 so not many more opportunities will come up at this point.

Now in a stroke of magical luck, all the cast members left the screening, but Dustin himself stayed! This means there is another shot at him. I could have waited at the theater, or I could go to his hotel. I abandoned my current spot and go wait outside his hotel. I figured he probably would not stop at the theater since he did it for everyone going in. 

Wait at the hotel, the event lets out, and sure enough he did not stop at the theater. By another stroke of magical luck, I'm the only one waiting at the hotel! Finally Dustin arrives as expected, I give him my plea, and he agrees to the photo op! Major unexpected score of the year right there! It went from a horrid day to an epic day right there and then! 

Go back to the Clooney event to see what can be had, I see people I have leave such as Shailene Woodley, Keegan-Michael Key, Gabrielle Union, and others. But I had no need to fight to get them. I got a DJ named Mark Ronson and an update with actor Richard Kind.

Dustin Hoffman

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Next day start at a spot mainly for Fred Hechinger (Gladiator 2). I get Hamish Linklater (repeat), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Fred Hechinger, Jimmie Fails, and Ethan Herisse. Daveed Diggs was there but I didn't bother to get that since I have him. Go to the Dustin Hoffman spot to see what can be had, and I score Luke Wilson (upgrade).

I go to the next spot for Cate Blanchett. Someone I've always failed on photo op wise. And given the crowd it was looking like history would repeat itself. She did nothing going in and barely signed while leaving fast. I got an autograph. I also got an op with Leila George.

Move on to the "easy" show spots. First one the main target is Mamoudou Athie from Jurassic World Dominion. I get a couple of barely valids in the show and then see him inside on his bike. I go up to him, he introduces himself, and is nice as can be. Next Show spot features Adam Driver but I need actress Heather Burns. I get Frank Wood and Kenneth Lonergan who I have but somehow I miss Heather Burns. I also fail to even get an Adam Driver autograph. This means I would have to return.

Fred Hechinger

Luke Wilson

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Next day I start at the same spot as the prior day, this time for actor Brady Corbet (Thirteen). Adrian Brody and Felicity Jones are here but I have them both. Got Felicity Jones going in but it's slightly blurry. No big deal as I have a shot. Randomly leaving nearby was Timmy Trumpet. I get the op. Brady Corbet goes in and I get that op. On exit I get Adrian Brody but it comes out blurry. Again no big deal. But I get his wife Georgina Chapman who is an actress.

Go to the next spot for an upgrade with actress Saoirse Ronan. On entry she does nothing but I manage to score her husband Jack Lowden who is a fresh meet! On exit neither do anything.

Now back to the "easy" show spots. First up I wait for a big want of mine, Andrea Martin (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Wait and as luck would have it she is the first one I see. Was nice, did ops, and signed. Score! Between entries and exists I also get Rafi Gavron, Anna Kahja, Melora Hardin (The Office), and others. Overall a nice clean sweep. Robert Downy Jr is also there but no one ever sees him. Thankfully I have a passable shot.

To the next place back where Adam Driver is, I got Heather Burns (Miss Congeniality, You've Got Mail) but I fail to get another op with Adam Drive. I score his autograph on a program. I'll take that. Heather was moving fast but I ran after her and asked and she was very cool.

Final spot for the evening is a late night spot. I would get lots of good names but sadly I have most of them. It was pandemonium but fruitful. I got Jean Smart (repeat), Jim Gaffigan (repeat), Dana Carvey (no hat upgrade), among others. Post Malone I got autographs since I already have an op. Chaos truly erupted when both Jelly Roll and Machine Gun Kelly came out. I almost got tackled by Jelly Roll's security asking for the op but Jelly Roll overid his authority. The black mark for the evening is failing to get Machine Gun Kelly who is want of mine due to his WWE connections. I guess you can't win them all.

Andrea Martin

Jelly Roll

Full list of Day 3 photo ops

My fourth and final day would be a day of relative rest as I would stick to the "easy" show spots. To boot I would get some much needed sleep. First spot is Meredith Garretson from Resident Alien. She was super happy to do the photo op. Always nice to start your day with names like that. Your day starts well as you got your first photo op, and you make someone else's day.

Next spot was for actress Gus Birney then found out about Saoirse Ronan has an event nearby. So I abandon ship and fail on Saoirse Ronan. No big deal I have a Saoirse Ronan shot and would try for Gus Birney in the future. 

At this point I was debating if I should leave the city or try one more thing in the evening. Upon learning that director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Skyfall, Spectre) is there I decide to stay. The show breaks and I start getting people. Get Clark Gregg (update), Brandon Uranowitz (update), Richard Lumsden. Then playwright/director Jez Butterworth and finally a combo with Sam Mendes. Then get Bryan Dick (Master and Commander), Leanne Best (Star Wars Force Awakens), Laura Donnelly (update), Ophelia Lovibond (Guardians of the Galaxy), among others. This ended my time in NYC till comic con week.

Sam Mendes

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

Autographs obtained:

Autographs part 1

Autographs part 2

Scattered meets throughout August part 2

Around mid August I would go for UB40, probably best known for the song "Red Red Wine". The current line up has 10 members, but only 4 original. The rest are barely valid. I already met 2 original members who are not in the current line up. Original lead singer Ali Campbell and Astro (who is dead). So it would be cool to add these 4 original members to the 2 I have. 

The show let up and I wound up seeing all 10 members, every one of them was as nice as can be. Success. I should add this wound up being a better deal than the $250 meet and greet because in that op you had all 10 members and weren't even next to any originals. 

The 4 original members I got are

Jimmy Brown
Robin Campbell
Earl Falconer
Norman Lamont Hassan

Full list of UB40 photo ops

Before hitting up Fairfax comic con I would do a flight for the group Shalamar. Two originals members Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel. I already have the third original member, Jody Watley. 

First up is Jeffrey Daniel he is dazed and confused as to how we knew he was coming and why we would want combos from him. Was super nice and even chatted with us as we explained to him where he landed and where he's playing. Also got Howard Hewett who was also super nice. And both signed. And I got the barely valid Carolyn Griffey.

Shalamar photo ops

Autographs

Next up a venue for Christian music singer Sandi Patty. She came out after the how in the lobby and was nice as can be, along with her husband Don Peslis.

Sandi Patty

Don Peslis

And finally a flight for Sam Sorbo, wife of Kevin Sorbo. She's not really a huge name but she was in episodes of the Hercules tv show. And since I had a flight I thought why not. She was super nice and I got a photo op with Sorbo's son who has some movie credits.

Sam Sorbo

Shane Sorbo

WWE, New Japan, and more in August

On a day towards the end of August I go for Jake Paul, brother of Logan Paul. He has WWE connections hence why I wanted him. Going in the MMA event he didn't stop. So I enter the event and get an op with ring girls Janey Lee and Holly Barker. I later left to wait outside which was a fatal mistake because he apparently did combos inside after his segment. PUNCH! 

While waiting out I get co owner of the league Donn Davis and figher/boxer Francis Ngannou. Some other people came out and I couldn't get them but don't know who they are. 

Jake Paul finally comes out and he agrees to the op. Guards are physically trying to stop me despite that. I get the op but don't like the photobombing guards, so I run to the car and get a roll down shot. Stupid guards if not for them I wouldn't have bothered him again.

After this success it was off to the airport for WWE flights. First up, Michael Hayes. Wasn't too nice about signing but I get another op. Then there were 2 mass flights on opposite ends of the airport. The timing would have worked out if the flights were on time. But 1 flight was delayed and 1 flight was early. Meaning they were both landing at the same time. The worst possible outcome timing wise. One flight had Jacob Fatu, and one had Blair Davenport, both of whom I need. To add further insult, Tama Tonga (who I need) came in at the same time in another airport. 

Wait for the first flight and saw Grayson Waller walk by. He barely acknowledged. Thankfully had no need to bother him. The first flight lets out. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fato were both dicks with Jacob saying he is still mourning his uncle Sika's death. This sucks because I need Jacob Fatu. I didn't ask Nia Jax or Tiffany Straton but Nia shot down on Tiffany's behalf when someone asked. 

Saw Naomi who hugged me. I asked for autos. She said sure but no ops since she's not looking great. I said it's ok I have so many ops with her. She says "I know". Got her on my WWE_E V4. Then I rush to the other end of the airport as I don't want to miss Blair Davenport. 

I arrive in time for the max exodus. Sadly my teammates did not make it in time so I have no one to take a cool Santos/Angel/Berto/Elektra group op for me.

I saw but didn't ask

Santos Escobar
Angel
Berto
Kevin Owens (who barely acknowledged)
Appollo Crews

I got selfies with Elektra Lopez, Blair Davenport, Isla Dawn. Then I go next to Blair who was next to Piper Niven to get Blair autos. She is nice as can be. I tell Piper that I got her before and don't need to bother her this time. She goes "no worries". I also get a selfie with B-Fab.

Jake Paul

Blair Davenport

Full list of photo ops

Blair Davenport autographs

Two days later it was time for a book festival and a mass WWE outbound. At the book festival my main goal is author James Patterson. I bought the book from Barnes and Noble since it would be cheaper than buying it at the festival. They had said no posed photos. But I managed to score the op. On my way out I saw author Doris Kearns Goodwin was doing an interview and when she was done I got the op. Then it was back to the airport.

I stop by a hotel near the airport and run into Byron Saxton (who knows me). I shoot the breeze with him and he told me how he's going to visit some museums before flying out. 

On to the airport and wait for check ins and see no one. Turns out most had already checked in! Now it was time to go to another part of the airport. I see both Jade and Theory just sitting down. Soon after they start lining up and it is chaos as 2 WWE security guards are trying to stop us yelling at us that they're trying to get on a plane. 

I get a combo with Cody Rhodes (signed my WWE_E V4), I get a dual shot with the Street Profits. My first time getting both Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford in the same op. The whole time I'm trying to focus to find Tama Tonga. I see AJ Styles declining ops but I didn't ask him. 

I saw Bayley, Indi Hartwell, Naomi, Tiffany, Nia Jax line up but I didn't ask them. I told Naomi to have a good trip. I saw Johnny Gargano and Candice Le Rae, Tommaso Ciampa, and Pretty Deadly arrive. I get an op with Tanga Loa but he shoots down autographs. This is my first op with him since the Camacho days.

As my dumb luck would have it, after everyone else is loaded on the plane and it's almost time for the plane to leave, Tama Tonga is seen running with Jacob Fatu. Of course Tama has the "I have a plane to catch" excuse and Jacob goes "we're still in mourning". 

In hindsight, I should have done Tama Tonga at his inbound then woke up early for Blair Davenport. But presumably I would have had multiple opportunities at Tama Tonga leaving but that would not happen.

On to another flight saw Shinsuke Nakamura. And as I was leaving the airport saw Ilja Dragunov.

Cody Rhodes

Street Profits

Full list of photo ops

James Patterson signed book

During the last days of August I would try for the first time in my life New Japan Pro Wrestling. First I would try an inbound flight for Hiroshi Tanahashi. I met him in 2011 but I thought it's enough of a big name to warrant an update and autographs. Since it's a flight from Tokyo I also hope for more people on the flight. Unfortunately I see nothing which is shocking. In a somewhat humorous incident, I see someone who looks like he could be a Japanese wrestlers. I ask him for an op and he doesn't even speak English. He does the op. But upon an image search turns out he's a Hispanic singer from Panama named Flex. 

Flex

Next day it took a lot of hard work and time spent searching but I finally found the NJPW hotel. As a result of the time it took, I could only do them coming back from the show. I arrive at the hotel and get James Drake (fresh), Zack Gibson (upgrade). Sadly it turns out they are leaving via private plane to make the next AEW show. This meant Lio Rush and others I was hoping to get would be doing the same thing. PUNCH.

When the NJPW bus arrives it is pandemonium. I get Matt Vandagriff (fresh), Kevin Knight (fresh), Robbie Eagles (fresh), Mikey Nicholls, (fresh), TJ Perkins (downgrade), Tomohiro Ishii (update), Royce Issacs (fresh), Yoshi-Hashi (fresh), Hiroshi Tanahashi (update), Shane Thorne AKA Slapjack (downgrade), Dan Moloney (fresh), and Hiromu Takahashi (fresh). At this point an older Japanese lady is yelling at me demanding to stop saying this is private property. I see Zack Sabre Jr and others go upstairs while I'm being yelled at. 

After this woman is gone the lobby is mostly empty. But Zack Sabre Jr (fresh) comes back down and I get him. Then I get Gabe Kidd (fresh). I see some NJPW women out and about and people at the bar. I wait for a good time to strike. But the women rat me out to the hotel staff and that ended my time. While I didn't get "everyone" it was still a solid sweep of largely fresh ops.

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Next day I had two flights at two different airports. Hiroshi Tanahashi leaving and David Finlay (son if Fit Finlay) leaving. And they were leaving around the same time. I chose to go to Hiroshi Tanahashi for some autographs because it was the easier airport for me. He was super cool. Got a great shot sitting next to him and photos signed.

Hiroshi Tanahashi

Autographs

Scattered meets throughout August part 1

Early August starts with a flight for actor Jay Eillis from Top Gun: Maverick, Escape Room, among other things. He was super nice and signed and took photos no issue. 

Jay Ellis

Autographs

After this success I would try a play letting out. Photo op wise my goals were actress Lesli Margherita and Michelle Veintimilla (Firefly in Gotham). Autograph wise I needed Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (Scarface) and Steven Pasquale (both of which I have ops with). The play also featured a plethora of barely valids and potential up and comers. 

The play let out and it was a success. Got the op with Lesli Margherita. Michelle Veintimilla was super nice and signed and did ops. Steven Pasquale was rough but I got a combo. Mary Elizabeth was super nice and signed all my items including my Scarface laserdisc marking the fourth autograph on it. And I got 18 other ops.

Michelle Veintimilla

Full list of photo ops

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio autographs

Other autographs

Next day I go for a flight with Liv Morgan and Bron Breaker. I have them both but figured I'd get some autographs and I was also hoping there would be more people on the flight. As it turned out Bron canceled and there was no one else on the flight. Flight was a let down but Liv was her usual friendly self. 

Liv Morgan

Autographs

A radio station had an event with the rock band 311. I admit I'm not too familiar with the band, but you won tix and it got you free food, a free performance, and a guaranteed free pro op. Hard to beat that, especially in this day and age. To boot, you got all 5 original members. Unheard of for a band that released its first album in 1993. Ate some good food, got a free photo op. Then outside I got a selfie with the main guy Nick Hexum.

311 (Tim Mahoney, Aaron Wills AKA P-Nut, Nick Hexum, Doug Martinez AKA SA, and Chad Sexton)

Nick Hexum

Now for a rare sports meet for me. Former NBA player Gheorghe Muresan who also co starred with Billy Crystal in a movie. First day I tried for him I missed him by 5 minutes. So I waited earlier the second try and I saw him. He was nice as can be. Even told me "hello shorty" and signed. He stands at 7'7, the same height as the Giant Gonzalez. I guess it's a forever preview of how a Giant Gonzalez photo op would have looked like. This has to be the tallest photo op I have.

Gheorghe Muresan

Autograph

Next I try again the play from before, this time for more Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio  autographs. I get some repeat photo ops, I get another Steven Pasquale autograph, and Mary Elizabeth signs for me again as she is her friendly self.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Then a Michael C Hall flight. Had him 1 on 1. Did 2 and the photo. I consider this an upgrade over my NYC photo from his play years ago.

Michael C Hall

Autographs

On a day I went for a flight for Olympians returning from Paris. The main get was swimmer Katie Ledecky. First up is wrestler Kyle Snyder who is nice. Then Katie comes out and is mobbed but I manage to get a combo. And finally track and field runner Quincy Wilson who is mobbed and does it for everyone. 

Later that same evening I went to a venue for Bare Naked Ladies singer Steven Page. He doesn't tour with the rest of the band. Waited after the show and got him and other barely valid names. He was nice as can be and signed all my Bare Naked Ladies albums, completing most of them. 

Katie Ledecky

Steven Page

Full list of photo ops

Olympic autos

Bare Naked Ladies autos

August Cons: Monstermania, Steel City Con, and more

First up, Montermania in Cherry Hill. My wants at this Montermania would thankfully be very little. First up, Ronee Blakley from the original Nightmare on Elm Street. Then Craig Sheffer from One Tree Hill. And finally Mikey Madison from Scream. In hindsight getting Mikey would not pay off because I would see her for free in NYC in the near future.

Full list of Monstermania photo ops

Next up, Steel City Con. My top want here is Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Red Dawn, among others.  

First up I get Yuji Okumoto from Karate Kid 2 and Cobrai Cai. I went back later to get a retake because I didn't like my expression in the photo. They were cool enough to let me do it for free. Then Mary Mouser form Cobra Cai. Then Tanner Buchanan from Cobra Cai, He's All That, and Fuller House. Then of course Jennifer Grey.

Then I get actor Mark Pellegrino (Mulholland Drive) and go for screen writer Todd Langen. He was involved in the early 90s TMNT 1&2 movies. He had a sign that literally said "everything is free". As in free autos and free photos. Even free items to get signed. You don't see much of that in this day and age. I got a script page signed and the op. 

After this I got my Yuji Okumoto retake. Ended my time at Steel City with a suited Thomas Lennon.

Jennifer Grey

Everything is Free

Autograph

Full list of Steel City Con photo ops

Next up, I would knock out 3 cons within a single weekend. First, Fair Fax Comic Con in Chantilly (same venue as CSA show). I enter and get a free update with comic book artist Brett Breeding. I had no splits and didn't like the prices for the names, so I thought I'd try my luck at a hotel. 

First up was a name I actually wanted, Ryan Drummond who voiced Sonic in the Dreamcast/PS2 era of Sonic games. And I also got voice actor Matthew Waterson (X-Men 97). 

Next day I would make a stop at Risu Con in Silver Spring, MD. I would get one name, namely Paul Niemeyer who did the cabinet artwork of the original Mortal Kombat game. There were other names I might have gotten but with the prices there and no splitter I left the con. Then I headed to Station Unity at the Gaylord hotel in Maryland. I mooched Christopher Larkin (The 100) as he was leaving the con and got actress Lotte Verbeek (Outlander).

Fair Fax Comic Con, Risu Con, and Station Unity photo ops

Paul Niemeyer Autograph

Scattered meets throughout July part 2

The last few days of July would be riddled with failures but had some successes. First up, I would try for John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls at the airport. Complete and utter dick, cursing people out even threatening to call the police. 

I had the hotel for some cast members of 3 Body Problems, but then found out they all checked out. I was one step behind. I tried another spot for Elon Musk and saw nothing. 

A few days later I would fail on 3 different bands in one day. First I tried Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt at the airport. They had an entourage and did nothing. I couldn't believe it. I had items for Billy Joe Armstrong which was the next flight but seeing how bad this one was I went for James Iha at another airport which landed around the same time. I was right about Billy Joe being worthless, but as was James Iha who declined. 

Later I tried for Blink 182 at the airport the cars snuk in the tarmac. I beat them to the hotel where they declined. 

Another day On my way to AC Celeb Con I stopped by McGoobys for Lil Rel Howery from Free guy. He was cool.

Lil Rel Howery

On my way back from Shore Leave in Lancaster I stopped by the airport for Tim Armstrong from the band Rancid. Wasn't going to stop but ended up doing combos. 

Tim Armstrong

Autographs

The final success of July would be at the airport for Ellen DeGeneres. She was actually nice despite her bodyguard trying to stop things. Actress Portia de Rossi (Ally McBeal) went in the car, I called her from the car windows and she opened to the door to take a photo op (much to the chagrin of the bodyguard). This is something I truly expected to go south but went much better than I would have imagined. 

Ellen DeGeneres

Portia de Rossi

Final day of July I tried for Joan Baez outside a venue she declined. Only got Ari Shapiro. At the hotel I watched from a distance as she declined those that asked. I had her flight out and did not want to mark myself. But at the flight she declined as well. SMH.