July Cons: Shore Leave Lancaster, GalaxyCon Raleigh

In the first half of July, I would attend Shore Leave in Lancaster, PA. My main want there is David Hewlet who was in the movie Cube. I wish more people from that movie would do cons. Then I saw a table for Battlestar Galactica actor Jack Stauffer. Sadly, due to his health he was a virtual guest. He "appeared" on both a screen and laptop. Pre signed photos were $40. 

A woman invited me to say hi and take a selfie which I did mainly for content. He tried to say it's $20 for a selfie but we had left the table. She told him next time. 

Then I got Marta Kristen from Lost in Space. Already had her but she did free photos with props, so I thought why not. Saw author Dayton Ward walking around and got him. Then got Julie Caitlin Brown from Babylon 5. Then got Sean Kenney who was in a couple of episodes of the original Star Trek series and stuntwoman Sandra Gimpel who was in both the original and next generation series. This ended my time at the con. 

David Hewlett

Jack Stauffer

Full list of Shore Leave photo ops

Towards the end of the month I attended GalaxyCon in Raleigh. I wasn't going to go as there was very little for me there, but a buddy of mine needed my help driving. So, I thought why not. First, I get is one of my main wants at that con, Superman artist Kerry Gammill. I got the photo op but had nothing for him to sign which is just as well because he was $25 an autograph. An unusually high price for a comic book name. 

Most people I get at this con would be the free comic book names as I didn't need much else from the con. I got Kez Wilson then went to Brett Breeding where I paid him $5 to sign my Superman #75, the iconic Death of Superman comic book. Not sure why I didn't get that signed before. But now I gotta get Dan Jurgens again so he can complete it. Also got a free updated photo with him. Then got Ralph Macchio (the artist, not actor), JM DeMatteis, Bob Budiansky, Bob Hall, Ron Marz, Christopher Priest, and David Michelinie. 

Went to the celeb area and got an upgrade with actress Lizzy Caplan from Mean Girls, Steve Burns (fresh), and Angela Kinsey (update). 

Back to the comic book names I got John Jackson Miller, Wade Von Grawbadger, DG Chichester, and Ron Wilson.

Amongst the wrestling names there was Kofi Kingston. I already met Kofi several times over the years, but my New Day photo op from 2016 went semi viral on the Internet in 2018 in lists dubbed "awkward wrestling photos with fans". When I saw Xavier and Big E since that photo went viral I showed them the photo op and the lists. Xavier didn't have much of a reaction, but Big E goes "oh we made a list? I like, I like". 

This time I decided to show Kofi. After he took a photo op with a paying customer I went up to him and I showed him the photo op and the list and told him the story how it went viral, he got a kick out of it and goes "wow look at us, that was long ago". I told him yes and it was Baltimore. Then we shook hands and parted ways as he took his next paying customer.

Later in the day as I was leaving the con I run into Kofi with his wife, his 2 sons, and his daughter. I then ask Kofi if this was his son who was at Wrestlemania he confirmed it and then pointed to his other son and says him too. I then proceed to ask his sons for a photo op as I told him I've met their father but never them. They both happily posed and I thanked them all and we were on our way. Two rare one off Wrestlemania names ended my time at Galaxy con.

Lizzy Caplan

Khi Sarkodie-Mensah and Orion Kingsley Sarkodie-Mensah

Full list of Galaxy Con photo ops part 1

Full list of Galaxy Con photo ops part 2

Brett Breeding autograph

Events and meets on or around the 4th of July

July begins with events related to 4th of July festivities. A couple of days prior to the 4th at Trump's state fair. First up I get an updated photo op with Brodus Clay AKA Tyrus. I got NASCAR names in Austin Dillon and CEO Richard Childress. Plus some political names. 

Went to another spot where I got MMA fighter Ali Abdelaziz, Trace Adkins (update), and Lee Loughnane of Chicago (update). Sadly, he is now the only original member of Chicago left in the band which did me no good as I needed autos from other members. 

Then got country singer Carly Pearce (fresh), Robert Bell of Kool and the Gang (update), and Patti LaBelle (update). Artemis II astronauts were there but complete dicks. 

Went to another spot to see what could be had. Saw Dennis Reed Jr of Sainted Trap Choir. He was nice. Saw Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd which unfortunately has no original members. Although Rickey did play on some early albums. Saw the current singer Johnny Van Zant but he went in the elevator before we could ask. Got MMA fighter Dan Henderson then left to the next spot to try for Keith Urban. The event was over and botched his exit as it seems he exited a different side than we were waiting. Went back to an earlier spot saw Ali Abdelaziz again. This ended an overall sub-par day.

Carly Pearce

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Next day wasn't much better than the previous. Wanted to try for Harry Connick Jr as I needed his autograph. But chickened out from the spot and didn't get him. Went to another spot where Lee Greenwood blanked but I have a photo from before. Got Jared Emerson and others.

Went to another spot to see what could be had. Got country singer Celeste Kellogg, the current lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Van Zant and football player Donnie Edwards.

Did the hotel for 50 cent. He arrived and did a photo but I didn't get it (it's ok I have him from his bottle signing). Did another hotel saw Moneybagg Yo he did a photo op but couldn't get him. Terrible day overall.

Full list of photo ops

On the actual 4th itself, it would be a much better day. It starts off slow but then see Gene Simmons. I get a downgraded photo with him but in one of them he is holding my chin which is funny. Then see someone pull up in a car, turns out it's actor Dennis Quaid. I have him but this is an upgrade. 

Lee Greenwood is sitting in a chair, ask him for a photo and he gets up and does photos. This is a 10 year update. He looks so good for his age. Saw all the current members of Lynyrd Skynyrd sitting and scored a group shot with seven members! Sadly, no originals but still cool. I also got a solo shot with current drummer Michael Cartellone who is a founding member of Damn Yankees. 

Got Christopher Macchio and a Sammy Hagar combo (downgraded shades shot). I was hoping Michael Anthony would be with him but nada. Got Dan Henderson, Edvard Tchivzhel, country singer Michael W Smith, Chris Blue, Billy Graham's son Franklin Graham, old school R&B singer Eddie Floyd, Craig Morgan, and Jason Crabb. Saw Jim Caviezel but had no need to ask him as I have a perfect shot. This ended the day.

Dennis Quaid

Lee Greenwood

Lynyrd Skynyrd (Mark Matejka, Peter Keys, Rickey Medlocke, Damon Johnson, Johnny Van Zant, Robbie Harrington, and Michael Cartellone)

Eddie Floyd

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Sammy Hagar autograph

Next day I do a flight for Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch. While waiting I see one of the two members of a group names Mind Against. I get the photo op. 

I wait more and she arrives with her husband. I go up to her to ask and she says we haven't been introduced. Says I'm Christina. I say my name and shake her hand. Ask for the photo and she is nice. 

Federico Fognini or Alessandro Fognini of Mind Against

Christina Koch

Scattered meets throughout June Part 2

The evening after my James Cameron meet (already reported) I went to a venue for Robyn Hitchcock. The show ended later than I expected but immediately after the show he had a table literally asking, "does anyone need signing?". I saw him take a photo op then I asked and he said he doesn't do photos (even though he literally did it in front of me). I then pleaded and got a selfie. I also asked for photos as he continued to ask, "does anyone need signing?"

I then got the opener Emma Swift and left. Interestingly enough I had completely forgotten that I tried for Robyn Hitchcock at another venue in the past. And when I did, I asked him outside and he out flat denied me photos. And he almost did this time as well. Had I remembered my previous encounter, I would not have gone for him again and gotten him. 

Robyn Hitchcock

Emma Swift

Autographs

Next is a day of largely failures. First tried a Young Washington screening but turns out the only person who will be there is barely valid actor John Foss. Then tried Daniel Tosh at a venue but he exited the bus and got in a car while we were across the street. PUNCH. Tried to go to the next spot but failed. What a big screw up he was on the bus, and we weren't by the bus.

Then tried for country signer Zane Williams but never saw him and only got one of his band members. Left this spot to try for comedian Emil Wakim who was on the 50th season of SNL. He came out and was super nice. Also got his opener Shaunak Godkhindi. 

Full list of photo ops

Couple of days later I attended a con called Station Unity. My main want there was Julian Richings from the movie Cube. First, I got up to Jon St John and show him our photo from years ago. He got a kick out of it and gave me a free update. Then I got Julian Richings (fresh), Kris Holden-Ried (fresh), and Zoie Palmer (fresh). 

Barely valid author Inge Heyer was sitting down. She was of course free photo ops so I grabbed one. She died like 10 days later aged 65. And she looked fine when I met her!

The person I was at the con with was getting Eddie McClintock from Warehouse 13. I have him, but I was gifted the autograph. I also showed Eddie our photo op. Then got Bonnie Gordon (update) and Melissa Navia (fresh), 

Went to the airport for Maren Morris and Jason Derulo. Have Maren never got Jason. Maren arrived with shades so I could focus on autographs as I had no need for another photo. She was only trying to do 1 per but I managed 2. Dennis Rodman's daughter Trinity Rodman is spotted randomly, and I get a photo op. Jason then arrives, but he wasn't very nice and barely did 1 per while refusing photos. 

After this head to an event for Brand Nubian. One of them, Lord Jamar also has acting credits. I get Grand Puba leaving then mooched inside to get Lord Jamar and Sadat X. Then got an upgrade with the 102-year-old Marshall Allen who worked with Sun Ra. 

Tried to wait at a venue for Dewey Bunnell (founding member of America) but never saw him. Bailed on that to try for actress Naomi Scott. Hit lots of traffic and by the time we got there it seemed like she was gone (later we would find out she wasn't). So bailed on that. Two major failures but it's ok, I have outbound flights for both. 

Marshall Allen

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next day starts with an early morning flight for Dewey Bunnell of America. He was grumpy even wondering how we knew the flight, but he did take photos and signed. I then go for the band Del Amitri probably best known for the 1995 hit "Roll to Me". 

The lead singer and guitarist are original, the keyboardist is a core member as he was present for their main hits, and two other members are barely valid. Not too shabby for a band that dates back to the early 80s and had their hits in the 90s.

It's off to a good start as I get lead singer Justin Currie. Then get core member Andy Alston. Get Justin again as he walked to an area with less sun. Then got the barely valid Kris Dollimore. Wait a while and finally lead guitarist Iain Harvie comes off the bus and I get a photo. I also got two members of the opening band Dot Dash. Never saw the other barely valid member of Del Amitri and decided to quit while ahead. 

Head to the airport for the Naomi Scott outbound. I first met Naomi Scott back in October 2024 in NYC. I wasn't prepared with items, and she was wearing shades in the photo. 

By miracle, I got her flight going back to London after her concert tour. I saw this as a chance to get some autographs and upgrade my photo with her in a calm setting away from the NYC crowds. Arrive at the airport and wait. She arrives 15-20 minutes later. 

But two things. 1) she is wearing shades and 2) she is with her husband and former footballer Jordan Spence who is known to be a dick and may shut it all down. 

Waited for her to check in, and while checking in she removed the shades. Ok, one problem is seemingly gone. I then very nervously approach her expecting her husband to interfere, but she is very nice and cheerful as she took photos and signed. I was completely floored how well this went especially after she did nothing for no one in NYC before/after her concert (not even during her VIP session). Her husband did not interfere and just looked on as everything was going on, but he himself declined photo ops. 

Dewey Bunnell

Naomi Scott

Full list of photo ops

Dewey Bunnell Autographs

Naomi Scott Autographs

Next day I went for actress Monique Coleman from High School Musical. Arrive at the location and see George W Bush's brother Neil Bush. Got the photo op. Then checked the event room a couple of times and eventually saw Monique lingering about. She was super nice.

Neil Bush

Monique Coleman

Next day I would go for two bands, Shinedown and the Doobie Brothers. Shinedown are doing a radio station event. This is where I got burnt with The Ataris. This time I found out they are only doing a private pre show meet and greet but not a post show meet and greet. Found my way to the meet and greet and got a dual shot with original lead singer Brent Smith and longtime guitarist Zach Myers. Success! 

Go to another spot for the Doobie Brothers. It is off to a very good start as I get original member Patrick Simmons whom I missed out on the last time. Then got the barely Marc Russo. Football coach Jack Del Rio is spotted randomly and I get the photo. And finally, drummer Ed Toth. While he is barely valid for the Doobie Brothers he is actually the core drummer for Vertical Horizon as he was there for the hit song. So that's a good score especially since I recently got the lead singer. 

Zach Myers and Brent Smith

Full list of photo ops

Next day starts at a flight for actress Ciara Bravo. She stops for the photo but denies autographs. Then a flight for Kelsey Grammer. I get an updated photo and some autographs. 

Then go to a venue for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. They are the band behind the King of the Hill theme song. Lead singer Roger Clyne and drummer Paul "P.H." Naffah are both original. The other two members are barely valid. First get a dual shot with PH and the barely valid Nick Scropos. Then get the opener Ike Reilly. Then get a solo PH shot and finally Roger Clyne himself who is nice as can be. Didn't see the other barely valid member but quit while ahead. 

The evening ends with a flight for William Franklyn-Miller who plays George Washington in the Young Washington movie. Super nice as he did photo ops and signed. 

Ciara Bravo

Roger Clyne

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next day starts with a flight for actress Mo'Nique. She took longer than expected to come out but when she did, she stopped and we got photo ops. Checked to see if Sammy Hagar was at a venue but never saw him. Later that evening went for actor and comedian Rick Glassman. He did a meet and greet after his show though was trying to rush us. 

Final spot for the evening was an event for the Young Washington movie. Got William Franklyn-Miller again, got an upgrade with Kelsey Grammer, and director Jon Erwin.

Full list of photo ops

Two days later start at the airport for John Mellencamp. I met him before but never got the autograph. See him and manage to get the combo. Success! Go to a hotel and apparently a WNBA team is checking in. I get a photo op with Sylvia Fowles. Go to a venue and manage to get Arianna Huffington who founded the Huffington Post. Then see Bill Mahr and managed to get a combo. The photo op is a major upgrade as my old photo op is invalid. But then they tell us we can't stand here and kick us out. So, we go back to the hotel, and I get updates with Ted Sarandos and Matt Friend. 

Then to a venue for Sammy Hagar of Van Halen fame. When we arrive by miracle find out that he is going to dinner. Go to the front and see a van that is seemingly designated to pick him up. Scramble and go back to the car and circle around to look for the van. Find it at a loading dock. Sure enough Sammy Hagar pops out and through the skin of our teeth get photo ops! Score! 

After this tried for actor Nick Thune at a venue but it was too late. Missed Nick Thune but I got Sammy Hagar so can't complain. 

Sammy Hagar

Autographs

Full list of photo ops

This day starts at a hotel while it's raining. See Jay Leno walking and get an updated photo plus autographs. Saw John Mellencamp again this time got a better photo op and two autographs. Waited at another hotel but saw nothing. I didn't really want to go but stopped by another spot and got an updated photo with actor Leon. 

Later that evening botched not going to a party spot where we could have had people. Saw Woody Harrelson leaving the spot. Beat him to his hotel where he blanked. It's ok I have him anyway but could have used an autograph. But if we had been at the party spot maybe we would have seen Louis CK who I needed. PUNCH! Overall, a wasted evening.

Jay Leno

John Mellencamp

Leon

John Mellencamp autographs

Jay Leno autographs

Towards the end of June, I would go for the band Human League. They are best known for the song "Don't You Want Me" and it's their first US tour in over two decades. The original lead singer plus the two original girls are touring. 

Get Philip Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley photo ops at their hotel and get autographs from all three. 

Susan Ann Sulley

Philip Oakey

Autographs

The last day of June I attend a Stormy Daniels meet and greet after her show. I get a photo op with her husband Barrett Blade and get an upgrade with Stormy Daniels. Go back to the Human League hotel after their show and get Joanne Catherall. This ended June meets.

Barrett Blade

Stormy Daniels

Joanne Catherall

June WWE meets, Luky Bryan, Triple H, Nick Khan, James Cameron, and more

Around the middle of June, I would get some WWE names. There was a flight where my main goal is Joe Tessitore, whom I never met. On this flight I see The Miz, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, and Charlotte Flair. I got updated photo ops but had no need for a shades shot with Charlotte so didn't even bother with that. Joe Tessitore was never spotted leaving us all to wonder what could have happened. By all evidence he made the flight. He could have come out a different way. PUNCH.

Then I go to another airport for Matt Scannell, the original lead singer for Vertical Horizon, best known for the song Everything You Want. He was cool and I get the combo. Next, I go back to the airport for Joe Tessitore to get him leaving town. My plan was to do that then to get some photos at a song writer's hall of fame event. Then what happened? The plane got delayed by like 3h. PUNCH. But I thought if Joe comes early, I could still make the event. I waited till the plane was boarding, Joe would never show up! Now I can't event make the other event! Double PUNCH! Turns out he no showed this flight because he ended up staying for Monday Night RAW.

Matt Scannell

Full list of photo ops

Matt Scannell Autograph

Next day I start at an airport and by chance I see boxer Tyson Fury flying in! This is cool as he has WWE connections. I then rush to try for Georges St-Pierre at a restaurant but missed him. Sucks because he has acting credits. But I got DJ Shipley, Chrissy Blair, and Matt Brown.

Then go to another airport for WWE flying in. My main goal is Sol Ruca. First see Byron Saxton who knows me. He is his usual friendly self, and I said hello to him. Football player Trey Hendrickson is randomly spotted, and I get a photo op. 

Iyo Sky and Akira Tozawa are spotted, they are rough but do stop. Then Drake Maverick who is friendly. Then I see 3 people that look like they could be wrestlers. Indeed, they are people that haven't been called up to the main roster yet. I get Layla Diggs, Kali Armstrong, and Harlem Lewis. Nice, unexpected bonus. And all three are fresh. Then get Lyra Valkyria who said she doesn't sign at airports. See my main goal Sol Ruca and she had shades and headphones, seemingly ignoring us in disgust as she keeps walking. She boarded the bus that takes you to the car rentals. We even beat her there and she still ignores us as if we don't exist. FAIL. The last WWE get is Je'Von Evans who signs and is his usual friendly self. 

Drive to try and get people attending Donald Trump's UFC event. As I arrive it's still going on. I walk away to check something out and I miss Michael Dell and the Winklevoss Twins walking out. I have the twins but wanted Dell. PUNCH! 

Exits start and I get Josh Harris, Richard Grenell, Conor Benn, and Oleksandr Usyk. Then get someone who I've failed on in the past, country singer Luke Bryan. Score! Then get Stephen Wonderboy Thompson, Florent Groberg, and Cub Swanson. Then I get a first time photo  in WWE president Nick Khan! Another score. I also get an updated photo op with Triple H. This is my third photo with him but my first photo of him with the beard. Despite my best pleading efforts, I fail to get him to sing my DX magazine with the Outlaws, X-Pac, and Chyna. Missing him for the complete. I even followed him to his car and said I have Chyna on it. But neither him nor his security were having it.

Keeping with the WWE theme I see Roman Reigns walking down the street taking photos. By the time he gets to me she seemingly shut it down, but I plead for the photo op. This is a 10 year update.  

Then I get a botched Maxx Crosby, Julianna Pena, Kyle Forgeard, Bret Baier, Mackenzie Dern, and Kamaru Usman.

As the night ends, I stop by a hotel and Dana White comes in. I manage to get a couple of autographs as he works the rail. 

Tyson Fury

Luke Bryan

Nick Khan

Triple H

Roman Reigns

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Dana White autographs

Je'Von Evans autographs

Two days later, it was time for another round of WWE meets. I had the outbound for Joe Tessitore. This time he would likely show. Arrive at the airport see Je'Von Evans who signs but I had no need to ask him again. I then go to the flight where Sol Ruca is. She arrives with Maxxine Dupri. No hat, earmuffs, or shades, looking very sexy. Also see Layla Diggs, Kali Armstrong, and Harlem Lewis. After 2 days ago, I dread approaching Sol Ruca. But one has to try. To my complete shock and bafflement, she is sweet and stops no issue. It was like I was asking a completely different person. What happened two days ago was like it never happened. With that, I was elated as I was already on the board. I also say hi to Maxxine and she waves me a hi back. Told her that I met her before and won't bother her today. I get a selfie with Layla Diggs.

Saw Jey Uso deny someone for a photo op thankfully I didn't need to approach him. I see the Street Profits walking, and I get an upgraded dual with both of them. Saw Liv morgan take photos with random fans then run off. Had no need to bother her. Saw Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu, and Charlotte Flair rush to board a plane.

Then I went for Joe Tessitore which was on a different side of the airport. In doing so I had to miss Alexa Bliss whom I need an auto from. Rusev was also spotted at the Alexa area. I wait for Joe and see him on the cell phone. Took him a good while to get off the phone but thankfully he did so before boarding the plane. Super nice guy, did the photo and signed. Final WWE was an updated photo with Corey Graves.

Mooch some breakfast, get some sleep, drive away. As I'm driving home it's no rest for the weary as I get a tip for an event. And turns out James Cameron is at that even. I could use a better shot with him. 

The event is going on, and James Cameron is clearly inside. Me and another hunter are watching different exits and playing phone tag. While this is happening security guards are all over the place watching us like hawks. And there's even a cop on site complete with a cop car. We are wondering if they are all trying to protect James Cameron or if there's someone more high profile. We are of course on the sidewalk so there's nothing anyone can do to tell us to leave. No one actually tried but even if they did we wouldn't have.

Finally, it's the bewitching hour and Cameron walks. He crosses the street to get to his hotel. We ask him for photos and to my disbelief he stops for photos! I imagine if we had merch he would have been turned off as he is usually not nice. After the success the other hunter goes up to talk to security, and he goes "That's all you guys wanted?? PHOTOS?". Apparently, he thought we were protestors who wanted to come in and disrupt the event. It's not often in combo hunting where security is relieved that you're a combo hunter. Usually, it's the combo hunter that is public enemy number 1. 

Sol Ruca

James Cameron

Full list of photo ops

Scattered meets throughout June Part 1

To kick off June I would go for the band LA Guns. Two originals, Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis. I never got them but have other core members of the band. The rest of the current line up are barely valid. 

Unfortunately, both of them along with Johnny Martin went into the bus as soon as the show ended. Eventually Johnny came out the bus and I got him. Also got Ace Von Johnson and Dean Cramer. Tracii came off the bus and did the official meet and greet. But they made sure to kick us out of the venue first. After he was done with the meet and greet he was walking back to the bus, asked him for photo ops and he was nice as can be. Despite my best attempts couldn't get Phil Lewis to come off the bus. I guess 50% success is better than total failure. 

Full list of photo ops

Next evening I go to a movie set for actress Chloe East. Locate her and she is super nice. Also get director Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax, Jungle Cruise, Black Adam) who is nice. 

Go to a music venue for the Happy Together tour. Sadly, I have most everyone there and it's full of barely valids. The band the Troggs best known for the hit song Wild Thing were there, but the only original member is Chris Britton and turns out he was not even there. PUNCH. Another rare band there was the Fortunes but again no original members. 

All the good names I got there were repeats. Got Paul Cowsill, Ron Dante, Jason Scheff of Chicago fame (who also signed for me), Susan Cowsill, Gary Puckett, Jules Alexander, plus a bunch of barely valids.

Chloe East

Full list of photo ops

Jason Scheff autographs

Couple of nights later I waited for DJ Martin Garrix at his hotel. He came out and was super nice. Then waited at a venue for the band Echo & the Bunnymen which has 2 originals. Will Sergeant comes out and is super nice and signs. Ian McCulloch comes out a little later and is not so nice but does photos. 

Walked to another spot where basketball player Jeremy Lin was. Since I was in town I figured why not get him. I remember reading about Linsanity. He was actually nice and did combos.

Full list of photo ops

Martin Garrix, Will Sergeant, and Jeremy Lin autographs

Next up go to Baltimore at an awards event. First see Raul Esparza and he is nice. This is an upgrade for me because he has a beard in my previous photo. Then got updates with Luke James and Lee Daniels. Then a fresh photo with Amanda Lipitz and yet another photo with Raul. 

Go to the next spot where my riding buddy wants Nick Jonas. I already have him. In a garage see Will Farrell's son Magnus Ferrell and Frankie Jonas congregating. Get photo ops with both and they are nice as can be. Both are fresh for me. Couldn't figure out Nick Jonas and this ended the night. 

Full list of photo ops

Couple of days later wake up early for a flight for country singer Rodney Atkins. Saw him ordering breakfast. Went up to him and asked for photos. He was super nice and also signed.

Later that evening went to a spot for Scott Eastwood. I got him with shades before so wanted to upgrade. After his event got a photo with producer Jonathan Saba and Scott himself was super nice. 

Rodney Atkins

Jonathan Saba

Scott Eastwood

Rodney Atkins Autographs

Next day I go for some UFC fighters hoping to see Dana White. Got a few fighters including Josh Hokit who went viral for saying Michelle Obama is a man. Waited for Dana White but he seemingly went out the side. 

Josh Hokit

Full list of photo ops

Next day I attend a mini concert with The Band Perry. The original line up was Kimberly Perry and her two brothers. The current lineup is Kimberly and her husband Johnny. After the show I manage to bum rush the stage and get Kimberly who was nice. Her husband went inside I asked her if she could bring him out for a photo and she did. 

Kimberly Perry

Johnny Costello

On a day I was on a quest to meet Dana White of UFC fame. I go to an event and wait. The venue is basically a house with a driveway and there's a pathway to walk in. 

While I'm on the sidewalk two security guards try to bully me and tell me I need to stand across the street. I fire back and tell them I'm on a sidewalk and they try to insist it's private property. 

After some back and forth the security guard said he's coming back to "remove me". He leaves, comes back, the removal never happens and after more cars come in I'm yelled at again saying I'm impeding the pathway of guests (I'm standing on the side pathway so I'm literally in nobody's way) and he's saying I'm making guests uncomfortable (I care about that as much as they would if they were making me uncomfortable). 

I then lash on him threatening him saying that if he's giving me a hard time for standing on the sidewalk away from the pathway I will deliberately stand in the middle of the pathway. He then lashes back about my rough tone at him then I finally tell him that if he believes I'm trespassing to call the police on me and tell them I'm standing here. He goes "thank you" then goes on the phone and seemingly fake talks to police. Spoiler alert, no cops ever showed up but more graphers show up and the bullying stops now that we have numbers. This spot is a bust as I only get Kaitlan Collins.

Finally 3 cars pull up with Dana White in one of them. They go on the driveway. There is no good ask and Dana White goes inside. The 3 cars then pull in a parking garage. 

Go to another spot to try and get some fighters then try another possible spot for Dana White later. Among others I get Alex Pereira who looks like he is about to enter an octagon. 

Then a tip pops up that Dana White's cars were spotted outside a local Barnes and Noble! Holy crap! Rush there and there were his cars! It felt as magical as when Nicolas Cage's car pulled up at his NYC hotel. At this point don't know where exactly Dana White is, but he indeed comes out of the Barnes and Noble. Ask him for combos and he is nice as can be. Wish I could have gone back to the security guards to rub the photo op in their faces, but the event would have sadly been long done. Try another spot get a couple more names and this ended the evening.

Dana White

Full list of photo ops

Dana White autographs

Next, I go to the airport with Bunny DeBarge of the DeBarge band (Rhythm of the Night). She arrives and describes us waiting for her at the airport as "sweet". She was super nice and took photos and signed my vinyl already signed by El Debarge. She goes "oh that's El's signature". 

Later that evening I went for actress Cocoa Brown from Ted 2. She did a merch table and was super nice. 

Bunny DeBarge

Cocoa Brown

Bunny DeBarge autographs

May cons: 80s wrestling con, Fan Expo Philly, Big Lick Comic Con, and more

After I left NYC, I went to 80s Wrestling Con in Jersey. There was very little I needed there but I helped someone out with his items and I got photo ops. Since I had everybody. this con was more about social fun than it was about photo ops. 

First, I got promoter Joel Goodhart who created Tri-State Wrestling Alliance which later became ECW. He was a free photo op. Never got him before. But almost all photo ops I would get were repeats, some updates some upgrades. 

I got Baron von Raschke, John Laurinaitis, Vladimir Koloff (fresh), and Harry Smith. Showed Harry my Hart Dynasty photo op and he got a kick out of it. Then got a dual shot with photographer George Napolitano and Bill Apter. Since I never got George before I also got a solo with him. 

Then I got a nice dual shot with Ray Rougeau and Jacques Rougeau, Boris Zhukov, Koko B Ware, and Jose Luis Rivera. I showed Koko our photo op from years ago and he didn't seem to recognize himself. 

Also enjoyed the watching Koko sing Piledriver and the Rougeau brothers singing All American Boys. The best part of this con was seeing old faces from wrestling cons the years. Including Ray Duct who beat cancer! 

Ray Duct

Ray Rougeau and Jacques Rougeau

Full list of photo ops

In May I would also attend Fan Expo in Philly and Big Lick Comic Con. Unfortunately, my top want from Big Lick, Tony Anselmo (whom Clerance Nash trained to voice Donald Duck) canceled. Prior to these I would go for bodybuilder and four-time Mr. Olympia winner Jay Cutler. He had a meet and greet at a gym and did combos. 

Went to a hotel where the Big Lick people are staying, got Daniel Kash (update) and Kaitlyn Robrock who currently voices Minnie Mouse (fresh). Go to the airport and get Bill Farmer AKA Goofy flying in (update). Came back to hotel saw Arryn Zech and Bill Farmer. Arryn declined.

Full list of photo ops

Autograph

Next day I went to Fan Expo in Philadelphia. My main want is someone I technically have, Mr T. But in my street photo op he has a hat and shades, making this a much-needed upgrade. 

Mr T was unfortunately pro-op only. I did the pro-op and he seemed happy to be there. 

After that I get Greg Weisman who created Gargoyles and Bonkers. Only got a photo op which he charged $10 for (if I got a $20 auto it would have been free). Then I go for artist Jose Marzan Jr who gave me a good deal. For $5 he signed my six Superman and Flash comic books and did a photo op with me. 

Then got comic books names Joe Quesada (update), Ken Wheaton (update), and Scott Hanna (fresh). Back to the actors I got Emilio Rivera (fresh) then I got Dominic Monaghan from Lord of the Rings. For years he has alluded me, so it was good to finally get one of the only remaining names from that Trilogy that are still alive and I don't have. 

I then get Frank Miller (update), actor Colin O'Donoghue (fresh), and actress Dafne Keen (fresh). Then I got a Brian Tochi autograph on my TMNT laserdisc. He played Leonardo so I guess I had to get it. I think my laserdisc is "complete" as there is little else I could get on there plus I'm running out of room. Then author David Wenzel (fresh) and actor Jonny Coyne (Fresh). Ended my time at Fan Expo with a David Morrissey upgrade.

Did some hotel rounds in Philadelphia. Scored singer Monica who was friendly. My riding buddy attended a VIP meet and greet with Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty of Airplane fame. But I already had them so I had no need. After this was done left Philadelphia. 

Mr T

Dafne Keen

Full list of photo ops

Superman and Flash comics signed by Jose Marzan Jr

Signed TMNT laserdisc with Brian Tochi (Lenoardo) added

Next day I go to Big Lick (the actual con). First, I get actress Catherine Disher (upgrade) and Ruth Connell from Supernatural (fresh). Then youtuber Meghan Camarena (fresh). Then I get a bunch of artists that are there. Go to the airport and get an update with Joe Satriani who was leaving plus 2 autographs. Then get DJ MAU P who was flying in. Wait to see some Big Lick people leaving. Got Ricco Ross (update) and saw Daneil Kash but didn't bother him. Bill Farmer declined someone for an autograph saying he can't do it outside of the con.

Full list of photo ops

Joe Satriani autographs

New York City: The Festivities of the Televisions

In mid May, I would spend the week in NYC and do the festivities of the televisions. I arrived late the day before, I commandeered my parking spot for the whole week, I slept, and I got up.

Since I had a little bit of time to kill, my first stop was entries for the "easy" NYC show spot. And my goal is Nathan Lane who has denied me every time I saw him for the last 10-15 years. I wait and eventually he pulls up to the car. He wasn't trying to stop but I plead for the selfie, and he BARELY does it as he rushed in. It's not the best, but I finally have a valid shot with Nathan Lane! A great start to my NYC week.

Go to the first hotel for the week, starts with Michaela McManus (updated shades shot), Jane Levy, Peter Krause, Jake Johnson. Jamie Lee Curtis arrives I get a horrible selfie but it's ok I have a good shot with her from her book signing years ago. 

I then get actress Gemma Chan from Crazy Rich Asians (shades sadly) then decide to bail on this spot for another one. In doing so I missed actress Jaime Murray who was there randomly. 

Didn't get too much at the next spot. Nina Marie Daniele, upgrade with Sam Witwer (Darth Maul in Star Wars cartoons), and updates with Gordon Ramsay and Joel McHale. This ended my first night.

Gemma Chan

Nathan Lane

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Day 2 starts off on a good note at the last spot of the prior evening. I got a photo op with British actor/comedian Stephen Fry. Then got an update with Stephen Amell, fresh photo with Noah Beck and updates with both Jerry O'Connell and Michael Imperioli. Walked to another hotel and saw baseball player Spencer Torkelson and got a photo. 

Then to an event where access was horrible, but I got a photo op that has alluded me for a long time, Johnny Knoxville of Jackass fame (and also WWE). He even took a polaroid of me and handed it to me. On exits I got Molly Parker (update), Thaddeus LaGrone (fresh), Noah Beck again, Brooks Nader (Baywatch suited update), Alex Rodriguez fresh but subpar photo op, Annie Potts update, Johnny Knoxville improved photo, fresh photos with Hassie Harrison and Jessica Belkin, and a Shay Mitchell update. 

Both Patrick Dempsy and Livvy Dunne were stopping but since I have good shots with both from before I didn't bother to fight for them. Went to another spot and saw Alex Rodriguez again. This time I got a better shot Saw others I had seen earlier and didn't bother to get them again. Final spot for the evening was a complete bust. I got a photo op with DJ Diplo but then I bailed on it in favor of McDonalds. But I heard the Off Campus cast and Shaboozey and did nothing. 

Brooks Nader

Johnny Knoxville

Alex Rodriguez

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Day 3 was big in quantity but also big in disappointments. I start at the first spot for the day which was an error. Because this spot pretty much everyone I got was repeat. There was another spot I could have had Kit Harington who was there randomly (need a better shot with him) and other names I didn't have. Big botch. 

Next spot was another botch. Randomly there was actress Rosaraio Dawson. I got a sub-par shot with her (it's ok I have many shots with her) and she left. I had arrived early to get a good place in the railing and turns out it wasn't the best. I got some names then moved to a better spot where more people were being had but then the setup changed after I got there and I was completely screwed. Missed many names such as Tiffani Amber-Thiessen who I have and Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) who I needed a better photo with. I did get lots of names some repeats some fresh. One name I got was William Reeve, the son of Christopher Reeve who appeared in the new Superman movie. Wow he looks so much like his father. Got Chris Carmack from Grey's Anatomy among others. 

Nathan Fillion and Tom Hiddleston both took care of everyone when they left but I already have them. Amongst my misses were actresses Camilla Luddington and Jessica Capshaw. I missed them because I was in the wrong spot earlier in the day. In this spot I missed them because of my setup SNAFU, and in the case of Jessica I even missed her last year. When they exited they did nothing. So I wasn't having it. 

I hopped in a cab to beat them to their hotel. The cab took a bad turn and a garbage truck was blocking it! What the hell? Eventually I got to their hotel and saw them both taking photos with fans. A complete 180 from how they behaved at the previous spot. I ran out the cab and managed to score photos with both! I also got a better shot with Chris Carmack.

After this I left the spot and missed Jason Winston George but I had him. 

William Reeve

Camilla Luddington

Jessica Capshaw

Full list of Day 3 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 3 photo ops Part 2

Full list of Day 3 photo ops Part 3

Day 4 starts at the hotel where I ended Day 3, but then went to another spot. I got M Night Shyamalan update plus an autograph. Got Kevin Sussman (fresh) and Lauren Lapkus (update). The setup was bad so I bailed and went back to the hotel to get the people coming back instead of putting up with the bad setup. This was an error because I missed actor Morgan Spector who would not come back to the hotel. 

I got Grant Show (update), John Ross Bowie (update), Noah Wyle (update), Katherine LaNasa (fresh), William Stanford Davis (update), author Rachel Reid (fresh), Brian Posehn (fresh), Camilla Luddington again (Jessica Capshaw was also with her but didn't bother getting a shades shot), Jesse Palmer (fresh), and finally Francois Arnaud (update). This officially ended events and hotels related to the Festivities of the Televisions. 

Go to the next spot for the cast of Testament to make up for some misses from the prior day. For entries I got Ann Dowd who I had gotten the prior day and in the past. Rowan Blanchard just walked in and declined. I said, "on the way out?" but she didn't reply. The others came in a van and didn't stop. For exits I got Chase Infiniti who I missed the day prior due to my bad positioning. I got Lucy Halliday who I had gotten the prior day, and then I ran over and got Rowan Blanchard as she was leaving. This was the one I wanted the most since she was in Girl Meets World. I was the only one to get her! Sadly, wasn't able to get Mattea Conforti. 

Went to the final spot for the evening which was the hotel for Nicolas Cage. I did not bother at the event which was a mob scene. The hotel also had a front and a back. 

There was a chance he would not come back to the hotel, and there was a chance he could come to the back IF he did. 

On the witching hour, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw his car actually pull up. It felt like something magical happened. He comes out says "hey guys" and was mobbed. In the chaos I manage to not only upgrade my photo op (no hoodie, no facial hair, nothing) but I also get the full combo! 

The autograph is horrid looking and on a blank, but hey he signed it and it's a valid Nicolas Cage autograph. Considering the odds were so stacked against me, I'm happy to even have an autograph to complain about. 

There was another spot with some of his Spider Noir co-stars Branden Gleeson and Lukas Haas. In all my excitement I didn't think of going there and trying. PUNCH!

Chase Infiniti

Rowan Blanchard

Nicolas Cage

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

With the Festivities of the Televisions in the rear-view mirror, I start at a spot but all I see is Brian Ray from Paul McCartney's touring band. Then I go to a spot for the Dexter: Resurrection cast. My only want there is actor Jack Alcott. First get is Eric Stonestreet. He looked at me and claimed to have remembered taking a picture with me before. I confirmed it was true. If his memory is legit, he has a really good memory because my last photo with him was pre COVID. Then I got Jack Alcott who was very nice and then an update with David Zayas. Michael C Hall didn't stop going in but thankfully I have him and was able to leave this spot. 

I stopped by the model/fashion spot where I planned to spend most of the rest of the evening. I got Bethenny Frankel but the photo op was blurry. Thankfully with ai this is no longer the death sentence it once was. Left this spot to go to a signing for Mike Ness, the lead singer of Social Distortion. It was sold out but I waited for him to leave and managed to successfully plead for a photo op despite his handler trying to stop me. 

Go to an "easy" show spot where my main wants are Michael Cyril Creighton and Sarita Choudhury. I see someone waiting there I thought he was a grapher. I asked him if the show ended. He said no and he is waiting for it to end so he can sleep on the steps. Apparently, he is homeless. I wait some more and it seems like it was never going to end even to a point where the homeless guy left and came back and asked me if it ended yet. 

Finally, it did end. Wait for actors to come out. First I get Michael Cyril Creighton who is nice then Sarita Choudhury who is also super nice. The next actresses to come out I already have, but I get updates. I get Daphne Rubin-Vega and Jennifer Tilly, both of which are their usual friendly selves. Now it's back to my model/fashion spot and another show lets out as I come back. I get a quick update with Adrian Brody. 

Next, I get a whole bunch of models and amongst them I get an upgrade with actress Tiffany Haddish and I get rappers Fetty Wap and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Saw Rob Gronkowski but didn't need to fight for another photo op with him.

They also gave bags of Raising Caine's Chicken which they gave out to people waiting. I got two bags worth of free food. After the last photo op ended the evening, I went back to the show spot where the homeless guy had set camp. I saw his stuff on the theater's steps, but he wasn't there. I left him 2 boxes of Raising Caine's Chicken and a note telling him who put it there. After that I walked to my car to sleep.

Mike Ness

Tiffany Haddish

Full list of Day 5 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 5 photo ops Part 2

Day 6 and my final day starts with two actors from Off Campus. Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli come out and I get fresh photo ops with each. Then I go to an award event focused on theater. I get lots of names but mostly names I had. 

On entries I got James Carpinello (upgrade), Patrick Wilson (update), Caroline Aaron (update), Frankie Grande (fresh), Bryan Cranston (update), Carrie Coon (update), NIcholas Christopher (fresh), Alex Brightman (upgrade), Michael Kelly (update), Kara Young (upgrade), Kristin Chenoweth (upgrade), and Christopher Abbott (update). 

At the distance at a hotel I saw Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He was his usual friendly self and I got another combo. Back to the pervious place I got Jane Krakowski (update), George Whipple III (fresh), and Joe Mantello (update). 

While waiting I also randomly saw graphers Mitchell Wenig and Stewart Wenig who were both in the movie Uncut Gems (during the fake Rolex scenes). I met Mitchell before never met Stewart. I got a dual selfie. Then got Victor Garber (upgrade) and Nichelle Lewis (fresh). 

Ruben Santiago did one going in. Missed him leaving. Didn't see Lea Michelle. Sucks cause I needed both of them. 

John Lithgow was a dick and didn't stop but thankfully I didn't need him. 

On exit I barely got Ethan Slater (fresh) leaving whom I missed going in. Said he had to pick up his child from school I said I would walk with you which I did. Then got Ben Vereen (update), Christopher Abbott again, Kerry Butler (update), Alden Ehrenreich (upgrade), Ayo Edebiri (fresh), and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (update).

My biggest miss here was actress Bebe Neuwirth whom I never got. When she left, I ran after her and begged and pleaded but she declined photos and said she would sign for me. I said I had nothing to get signed she then said next time she sees me she will sign for me. I gave up on the photo then said I had a blank she could sign she literally stopped walking. She even said she wanted to check if she had a sharpie, I said I have one. She signed a blank for me no problem. I find it incredible that she went out of her way to give me an auto but wouldn't want to take a photo. She also signed for another grapher who ran up after he saw she stopped for me. He tried to force a selfie but failed. 

Left this spot and when to a signing with baseball player Darryl Strawberry. It was over but as he left his event I managed to score a selfie. Then I hit the "easy" show spot for entries. 

Wait for entries I see actress Rachael Stirling and get the photo. I see Aya Cash with shades but I have no need to bother her. I see John Lithgow come in but I don't even bother asking. Bradley Dean is there randomly seeing friends and I get a photo op. It is looking bleak as I don't see Elliot Levey but when it's almost time for him to be there he finally shows up and is nice. 

Go to a spot for the movie Jack Ryan: Ghost War. Sadly I mainly got people I had and didn't get people I didn't have. Got John Krasinski (update), JJ Feild (update), and Krystal Joy Brown (fresh). Didn't see Betty Gabriel and Max Beesley didn't come over. Sienna Miller was there but didn't need her.

For the next "easy" show spot I go to Brooklyn and meet up with markedout admin Greg2600. After it lets out, I found out that my main want Alistair Petrie (Rogue One) left the play and has been replaced by the understudy. PUNCH. I got Ayesha Dharker who played the Queen of Naboo in Attack of the Clones and dwarf actress Francesca Mills. Also got other people in the show. Greg spotted actor Robert Glenister who was there to see his son perform. Got the photo op. Left Brooklyn and back to midtown to check out another spot for Jack Ryan. As I fumbled how to get there and walked there I saw Betty Gabriel walk in her car from the distance. PUNCH. After that I walked to my car and this ended my time in NYC.

Full list of Day 6 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 6 photo ops Part 2

Now let's look at some autographs obtained:

Carrie Coon, M. Night Shyamalan, Bebe Neuwirth, Chad Smith

Bruno Tonioli, Nicolas Cage, Noah Wyle