Thursday, November 22, 2012

A rare sports meet for me



Very rarely to I set out to go especially for a sports related name. Shaquille O'Neal is one of those times. Day is off to a bad start when I was waiting in the building and people got him outside the building! 

Who would have thought, as he entered the event he blew me off, yet outside he did combos  WTF! Really?


Thankfully I managed to mooch my way into the event, where along with other people I managed to get a combo and an extra 


Photo op

Autographs

Got some GOLD in the NICK of time


In early September of 2012 I attended an event in the hopes of obtaining Whoopi Goldberg and Stevie Nicks. Day is off to a good start when I get a combo and extra with Whoopi! I then got a combo and extra with John O'Hurley, photo ops with Joe Torre, Eric Cantor, Kenny "babyface" Edmonds, and a combo and extra with Harry Reid. 

Sadly no signs of Stevie Nicks. Now I had the option of pulling a Woodmo and calling it a night rather than wait another 8-9 hours for a chance Stevie Nicks (who by all accounts is almost impossible on the street). Instead I got some pizza and waited it out. It proved to be a good decision to wait. I got another Whoopi autograph, then I got a combo and extra from Melissa Manchester. Then Stevie Nicks came out and entered her car. She took one item per person in her car! She put everybody's name but she spelt mine wrong! She wrote it Stephen instead of Steven despite me repeatedly giving out the spelling. 

Thankfully I managed to rub off the name. 

The only failure of the evening was Nancy Pelosi who blew me off a couple of times. 






After a long and fruitful day, I went out clubbing.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Broke down the DOORS and found some POISON


A couple of music meets for me, two repeat meets and one fresh meet. On September 25, 2012 Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors were doing a concert. Got them once before but they're legends so I went for them again. I had hoped they would stop for fans after the concert but no dice. So I had to go to the next spot. At the next spot they go "two things each". And me with only one thing 

Both were nice and friendly. I got a combo with each. When getting Ray he even said "don't forget Rob". 

Ray Manzarek

Robby Krieger

Autographs

On November 16, 2012 Bret Michaels was doing an appearance at Petsmart about 15 minutes from my house to promote his new line of pets rock products  Bret Michaels was someone I've wanted for a while and kept missing. So I had to do this. When I got to him he was ultra nice and friendly. I got a combo. 

Bret Michaels

Autograph

Monstermania Hunt Valley, MD September 29, 2012


I attended this con with less than a handful of names I wanted. My main want was John Kassir, who voiced the Crypt Keeper in Tales from the Crypt. I went for him first. He was very nice and appreciative to all fans. He had 8x10s and official trading cards. I really liked a card that featured Elvis suited Crypt Keeper. So I got that signed. It even has the caption "The KING is in the Crypt". I got my photo op then I recorded him  as he did his crypt keeper impression! HCIT! 




I then stood in line for Jamie Kennedy and he was late. I was first in line and my plan was to leave just after getting him. He arrived and I elected to get a combo. I asked him to stand for the photo op  and he goes "you're going to make me work". Before leaving I got one impulse get, namely Edward  Herrmann from Annie and Richie Rich. This ended a quick, easy, and stress free show. 

John Kassir

Jamie Kennedy

Edward Herrmann

Autographs

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Mr BOND had a NIGHTMARE about a ZOMBIE CAT


On November 9, 2012 Roger Moore had a book signing at the 18th Street Barnes and Nobles in NYC. With that and tons of other things going on, I ventured to NYC to get what I believe would be my first and only chance to ever meet the longest running 007. 

We arrived and first thing we did was buy our books and get our wristbands. Now Instead of checking out his hotel before hand, me and Joresky stupidly try for Josh Saviano (who we did not see). Nothing was going on at his hotel so we headed to the book signing where he was already seated. 
Sadly it was no items besides the book and no photo ops 



When I got to him I attempted for a photo op but was tackled by the staff 

I did get my book signed but big whoop. It was also impossible to get him leaving the book signing. 



After he left I basically ran about 40 blocks to his hotel. He was just waiting in his car. His bodyguard said he's not coming out and is not going to be signing anymore. Two older women (one may have been his wife but I don't know) then enter his car as it leaves. Thankfully his bodyguard is not in the car so that gave me some hope. I then run about 5 or 6 blocks to the next spot. As he comes out two other dealers are there. They give him a sob story and offer him money. He declines the money and signs. While this is happening I get him to sign my Moonraker laserdisc! He had a blue sharpie and thankfully he didn't sign in the darkest spot like most celebs do. He signed it in the PERFECT place! The dealers get another item done each as I try for a photo op. One of the older ladies offers to take the photo but I decline. When I get the shot turns out he is not looking  NO NO NO!! So close yet so far. But of course I am not deterred. As he is tying to enter the restaurant I try more. The dealers yell at me saying he doesn't want to take a picture and one of his girls tells us all to go away. But fuck the dealers who are upset I lessened their chances at an extra auto! This is Roger Moore, 85 years old, I must get that prized photo op! After some more pleading and begging by me Roger agrees to the photo op and as I take it he tells his girls "he got it"

YES YES YES I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT A Roger Moore photo op marking my second ever James Bond (Daniel Craig being the first). 



Of course, some people   may say this is WAY too much work for just a combo and it's not fun getting combos that way, but this is Roger Moore we're talking about here! I regret nothing cause it resulted in a combo! Better to get it than not get it. 

We all then wait at the spot for him to come out. Joresky still needs his combo and I wouldn't have minded more autos, but sadly he left out the back. 

Whilst it was a great feeling securing my "trip name" so early on, at the same time I did feel bad for Joresky. 

After this we go for Billy Ray Cyrus, best known for the song Achy Breaky Heart. He was nice as can be and I got a photo op as I had nothing for him. 

We then drive to a spot where Rob Zombie was getting an award. Shockingly none of the usual ebayers or fans are around. Was it cause it was about a 15 minute drive from Times Square? Was it because people didn't know about it? Who knows. It wasn't a very low key event as it was public and had a crowd. I mooch my way into the venue which proves to be a good move. I ask Rob for a photo op and he agrees. I get my picture and they immediately beef up security around him! HCIT! I then call by crew to come on inside and they do. But it was too late to get anything inside. We do manage to get stuff outside though. And I get him to sign two White Zombie CD covers! Rob Zombie is someone I've been missing out on for a long time so I was happy to get a combo and extra. 





We slept across the street from Roger Moore's hotel in the hopes that we would see him in the AM. We woke up and waited but saw no signs of him, any paps, or any dealers. So we left to try for Alicia Silverstone. 



At this spot I got Henry Winkler. I got him before but he was nice as can be signing and taking photo ops. So I got a combo. Got a  name and then Cheyenne Jackson. When the time came for Alicia she blew us off saying "sorry" and "not going to happen" 



We go to another spot and to our surprise Al Pacino comes out! I get a horrible looking auto on my Scarface laserdisc cover. But it's how he does it, so what can you do Richard Schiff then comes out and is as nice as can be. I got a combo. He signed my Jurassic Park Lost World laserdisc cover. 

On to the next spot where we want to get Wayne Knight but get a bunch of  names instead. 

Next spot we were expecting Ben Stiller, Andy Dick, among others. Ben Stiller arrives and this is a very very rare relaxing and stress free meet for me. I already have a good photo op and a great photo op with Ben Stiller, so I had no reason to try for another photo op. I could just calmly and happily go for the autograph, which Ben was happy to oblige. I then get a Christine Taylor photo op. After mooching my way into the event I get photo ops with Leslie Mann, Judd Apatow, and Andy Dick! 


At the next spot we were expecting Michael J Fox. I met him before but I'm a huge fan. Would not mind another photo op and more autographs. Sadly we had to leave that spot before seeing MJF due to another big meet for the weekend, Wes Craven! Never met him so had to give him priority. It was the same spot as Rob Zombie and again none of the usual dealers/fans. In fact Rob Zombie drew a bigger crowd 


Going in we failed, so we mooch our way into the venue. After his Q&A they say they're going to play the first Scream movie in the theater and ask the crowd how many would want to see it. Wes Craven was at the top of the stairs getting ready to come down when they made that announcement, so not surprisingly no one cared to see the movie. Seriously how dumb do they think people are? See a movie that you can download online and watch anytime or see the director of the movie? After this botched announcement they said Wes would be doing photo ops with everybody!  How refreshing it was to have photo ops guaranteed for a change. 


We all get Wes Craven photo op and the stress is gone! Sure autos would be nice but the important thing is out of the way. Then we wait for him to exit with lots of difficulty we get autos. Sadly my silver died and my auto didn't come out well  I thought of beating him to the next spot but it wasn't worth while just for another auto. 

Off to the next and final spot for the evening. Radioman was there and acting more normal than usual. Anne Hathaway arrives and does a single photo op. She then says hi to Radioman and hugs him. She tells everyone to stand on the sidewalk and that she would do photo ops. This is a photo op I've been trying to get for an entire year so my reaction was 

But then she and I quote "I have to get inside" and does no photo ops

Jason Sudeikis comes and I do have a couple of 8x10s for him, but he said he would do one. I also get a Nuno Bettencourt photo op. We see Jeremy Renner AKA Hawkeye but he does nothing. Vince Vaughn is also inside.

So we are waiting. At one point a groups of Yamaka headed Jews arrive on the scene. They know Anne Hathaway is here. My reaction was this face  

Simply put, this group doubled the crowd size and lessened the chances of Anne Hathaway and Vince Vaughn photo ops from 25% to 0%


Thankfully, these Jews are not hardcore graphers or meeters. After about 30 minutes of waiting they give up and walk away and my reaction was this face 

It's about 5AM and BOTH Vince and Annie are coming out at once and it is CHAOS! Everyone crowds Annie, so I try for Vince. First shot he is not looking then after some pleading I get a second shot! I try to get Vince to sign my Lost World laserdisc cover but to no avail. I then turn my focus back on Annie who is about to leave and said "last photo op" NO NO NO 
 I tell her I waited for her the entire evening and she stops for me!  

Then my camera acts funny! NO NO NO  Thankfully I manage to get my camera running and get my prized photo op with Annie! This is my Triumph of the Human Spirit photo op of 2012! I tried to get an auto after that but she ignored. Whilst my Catwoman figure would have looked so awesome signed by her, I wasn't upset at all. The event was done, doors were closed, celebs had left, and I was celebrating my two A level photo ops! Even rarer one of those photo ops is an A level female celeb! This was SOOOOOOOO worth waiting till 5AM for.

Autograph wise this day was sub par at best. Photo op wise it was mega extravagant







Sunday we decided to try our luck rather than go to Retrocon. 


One of our friends who met with us on Saturday  paid $25 for a hostel in Queens but chose to crash with us in the car instead. 

First meet was Wayne Knight who was friendly. Got a combo and he signed my Jurassic Park laserdisc. On to try our luck at the next spot and we see Kevin Connolly and get photo ops. We see Jamie Foxx but he is a dick and even pulls the old fake cell phone trick. We stumble upon a Selena Gomez's hotel and there's a crowd of creaming teenagers. We see her running into her car. I then try another spot in the hopes of seeing several celebs but only two show up, namely Isla Fisher and Alec Baldwin. Isla signs but I had nothing for her and she didn't do photo ops. Alec does nothing  Before the celebs leave a m/f couple arrives. Alec comes out and still does nothing for no one, but of course I attempt to persuade him. The girl in the couple says "oh look at you, you're a train wreck". At first I look at her with this face  but shrug her off. When Isla comes out they get autos and I try for the photo op and the girl goes "you're not getting the picture". At this point I am annoyed and tell her to mind her own business. She then says I will get nothing and I tell her to worry about what she gets and doesn't get and not to worry about what I get and don't get. She says she will laugh while I get nothing and I show her my Anne Hathaway photo op from last night and she goes "I don't care". I then say if she doesn't care to act like it and mind her own business. Her guy then intervenes and says "shut the fuck up" I then lash out at him and say "NO, YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP" complete with my hand gestures. I then point out that THEY threw the first stone, not me. After this all sides basically shut up. But this spot is a dud from here on, they leave and I leave minutes later. This wouldn't be my last encounter with that couple, more on that later. 

Our buddy actually befriended someone at a spot where he wanted to meet Paul Rudd, and in doing so got a good tip. We go to that spot and get photo ops with director David O Russell. We see Jennifer Lawrence but she is a bitch and does nothing. We also see Jeremy Renner who does nothing. When this event let out one girl actually tried to throw us off saying Jennifer Lawrence left through the back. Of course we did not believe her and she goes "you can wait here if you want". Around this time that same couple from earlier arrive but keep to themselves. When Jennifer comes out she signs stuff but doesn't do photo ops, despite our best efforts. That girl from that couple then yells out "She doesn't want to do pictures". Since that wasn't directed at me and was directed at everyone in general I chose to ignore that. Some of my crew also wondered what was up with that girl.

Distraught from this less than pleasant experience we hit up a spot where I get a photo op with Diane Neal. Then we randomly see Wallace Shawn!! Got a photo op marking my fourth actor from Princess Bride! What a cool random! Then Seth Green shows up and is friendly to everyone. I got him to sign me two 8x10s. Did not bother with a photo op as I have good ones already. 

We then go back to another spot to try for Jennifer Lawrence again. As we arrive we see Jeremy Renner. And he stops!! I stop the car blocking traffic to attempt that photo op but he is looking away in my photo 

I park the car then we see Jennifer Lawrence again but shoots us down again!

Then one of us spots Jeremy Renner going out a side door walking the street. I chase after him and ask for a photo op and he says no! But then I put on my best pleading face and he agrees!!! YES! I got Hawkeye!

I then try another spot to attempt for Leonardo Dicaprio instead if joining Joresky to get some lower tier names. But sadly I got nothing at that spot. It was then time to leave. 


The trip had ups and downs, hits and misses, but overall probably my best weekend of 2012 so far 








Autographs:





On the way home I stop by a record store to see what merch I can get for autographs, and I come across this Oddball 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Met a GLADIATOR in NYC during Chiller Theater weekend

So it was time for Chiller Halloween edition 2012. On Friday October 27 I headed out to NYC to get some celebs before going to Chiller. 

First up was actor and MMA legend Randy Couture. He was doing a signing at Tightan MMA & Fitness in Astoria, NY. Luckily I had my own picture printed cause they were charging a whopping $12 for 8x10s!!! 

When I got to him he was very cool and friendly, and gave a good hand shake. I got a combo from him. 

Next up we try a movie set in the hopes of seeing Will Smith, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, among others. 


But sadly none were there 

Next up we try for Vince Vaughn. While I was parking the car he blows off two of my crew members. 


We then go to another spot in the hopes of seeing Russell Crowe, a huge want of mine. No signs of him but I get photo ops with Karolína Kurková (who I got before) and Katie Lee Joel. A bunch of paparazzi's were waiting for someone, but we elect to leave. We would later find out it was Mary Kate Olsen (who would have done nothing anyway).  

In the next spot our luck turns around. We see James Van Der Beek from Dawson's Creek. Not   really a want of mine but he was there so I got a combo. After him 3 members of the band XX come out and I get photo ops from each. 

We check out a new spot but it's basically a dud. Then we miss George Lucas by 2 minutes at another spot! Not a huge deal for me as I had a photo op already but horrible for one of my crew members Joresky who really wanted that photo op. 

Next up we try for Sigourney Weaver, the star of the iconic Aliens franchise and also in Ghostbusters. It was my second time meeting her so my priorities were autographs. She was ultra friendly and did combos for everyone. I got her on a show program, an Aliens 8x10, and a Ghostbusters figure. She totally marked out for the figure saying "Oh wow why didn't they send me one, where did you get it, etc". Mine was the first one she signed, HCIT! I also got a David Hyde Pierce combo (though I got him before). Tried for Frankie Valli but didn't have a good position in the railing so that was a no go.

This ends a decent Friday. Now it was off to Chiller Theater in NJ. 

some photo ops



Saturday starts with Chiller. I didn't have too many wants which was good. Sadly, the mooching Gods weren't too good to me throughout as I attempted to mooch several times but failed. 


I obtained a pre show ticket from someone selling his extra ticket, so I saved a tad of cash right there. And I start the show by saying hello to the man I see more than I do 85% of people on this planet, Virgil 

I get a spot in line for Danny Glover from Lethal Weapon and Predator 2. I then find out Dustin Diamond AKA Screech is leaving at 12pm! So I had to get him out of the way. We go to his vending area and next to him is John Wayne Bobbitt. I choose to get a combo from Screech. He wants to personalize the cast 8x10 which I don't want. And he goes "oh you want to ebay it?" I look at him with this face  cause honestly I doubt I can even get $10 for his autograph on ebay. I tell him that I hope to get the whole cast and I don't want my name multiple times and he replies "I could have been the first". He does sign it and I get a photo op. This makes my third actor from Saved by the Bell, since I got photo ops with Principle Belding and Slater. 

Since there I get John Bobbitt. He was in good spirits, super friendly, and joked with us about his dick being cut. He had kitchen knives that he was signing. I got him on the RAW entry of the WWE_E. He also drew a knife! 

Back to the Glover line where a guy lashes out at me and threatens me for "disappearing" and bringing people in line. I try to tell him to chill and that it's just a Danny Glover line and that I had to go get Dustin Diamond who leaves at 12. After more insults and threats I tell him he could either strike me right now or move on with his life. All through his wife was trying to calm him down. In the end he apologized as I took a photo op for one of my buddies and even offered to let me go in front of him, which I declined. When we left the line I accidentally bumped into him on the main floor and apologized then he offered me a hand shake as a peace offering and I accepted it. 


Joresky had items for a friend of his. About 8 of those items were for Samantha Fox. I take advantage of that to get myself a photo op. Next up was my biggest want for Chiller, Bronson Pinchot AKA Balki from Perfect Strangers. I told him he was the main reason I came to Chiller. His price was higher than expected but since he was my main Chiller want I just had to get a combo. I got him on my Perfect Strangers 8x10 already signed by Mark Linn-Baker AKA Larry, thus completing it. I did get him to stand for the photo op He did say he had an artificial leg but if I had known that I would not have asked. I also tried to get him to say "Of course not don't be ridiculous" while I record it but he wouldn't do that. 

Next up were photo ops from Andrew McCarthy (weekend at Bernie's), Steve Bauer (Scarface), Barbara Carrera (James Bond), and Virginia Madsen (Candyman). 

Joresky's friend needed Lee Majors. We went in line for that and I saw some folks I know from wrestling cons (who recognized me before I did them). They were cool to chat with and say hi to and even held us a spot in line.

Then I go for another want of mine, Aileen Quinn AKA Annie. Her handler looked like it was her mother but I'm not sure. They were both friendly and talkative and asked what I had to get signed. When they saw my laserdisc they both marked out and were impressed by it. Got a combo from her. 

Them something random happened. Barbara Leigh who was the first model for Vampirella asked to take a photo with me. She asks her handler "can you take my photo with that young man". How often does a celeb ask to take a photo with me? I'm thinking HCIT! She takes one with her camera and I ask for one to be taken with mine. When Joresky gets his photo op she charges him! 



Next up was an impulse buy, Valerie Leon. She was in Bond movies and one of the Pink Panther movies. I remembered her so I got a combo. Last Chiller guest I get would be Sophia Myles. Joresky's friend had 3 items to be signed so I got the photo op for free 


Chiller Autographs

WWE_E RAW entry

John Wayne Bobbit

Dustin Diamond

Bronson Pinchot

Danny Glover

Andrew McCarthy

Aileen Quinn

Barbara Leigh 

Full Gallery of Chiller photo ops


After all my crew gets their Chiller wants we dash to NYC so Joresky can catch his bus to Tennessee  We just make it. I then head back to the Russel Crowe spot. After all I wanted at least SOMETHING huge to happen.
 When there I see a beacon of hope 


Radioman is there!! Now true he could have been there for anybody, but the fact that this was Russel Crowe's hotel and the fact that Radioman is one of Russel Crowe's best buddies that meant in all likelihood it was just a matter of time before we see Russel Crowe. Of course I calmed myself down cause it was just too soon to celebrate. 



Radioman had a buddy there who was not too happy to see that two people just showed up at the spot. At one point a car pulled up and when I positioned myself where I thought I had the best chance Radioman's buddy says I should stand where I was because I am getting in front of Radioman and he has been there all day. I look at him with this face  as it's basically a public sidewalk and there are no railings or anything. Basically anyone can stand anywhere. I tell him that I am not trying to upstage Radioman just trying to stand where I think I had the best shot. He goes "I'm asking you nicely go on the other side". I don't comply. Turns out the car is for a nobody, and after the car leaves I do go back to the other side just to keep the peace. 

Next up more paps show up and after that two of my NYC allies also show up. Thankfully with them there I am no longer the primary target of Radioman's buddy and one pap who was also saying I "went in front of everybody" whatever that means. Now there's more people to worry about. Radioman obviously told his buddy something then I heard Radioman's buddy say "so these guys are photo with only guys? Whatever they're wasting their fucking time". 

Then a random girls comes out and jokingly tells paps to take photos. I jokingly ask for a photo op. She not only poses but she kisses me! 



Shortly after, the holy grail comes out! Russel Crowe! It was very stressful but with some pleading I get my autograph and then my photo op! I tried to get another autograph but he didn't do it. I didn't care cause I got the combo! A nice clear photo op and a great autograph! I heard he just signed initials unless you were Radioman, but I got a great big autograph  So I can't complain. As he was in his car I thanked him. 



After Chilling with my NYC allies I head out to try for Frankie Valli again. This time I had a good spot. When it came to getting the photo op the handler goes "no we're only doing autographs you take pictures and sell on ebay". My reaction was WTF   and I tell him that it's not ebay cause it's my photo with him. So my photo op is ebay but people getting autographs are not? Really? Really? I do manage to grab the photo op thankfully enough. 

Down the street was a Grace Jones concert. Wasn't sure who she was initially but upon googling her I realize I do in fact know who she is! Among other things she starred with Arnold in Conan the Destroyer and with Roger Moore in A View to a Kill. She took her time to come out. While waiting for her the original Village People cowboy Randy Jones comes out. He does photo ops and gives out his card saying "send me the picture". When she finally comes out she was reluctant to do photo ops saying no flash, but thankfully after some pleading I manage to pull it off. 

This ends a very very good day in NYC!



Russel Crowe complete with a photobomb 

Frankie Valli

Grace Jones

Randy Jones

All my NYC Street meet autographs from Friday and Saturday

Randy Couture autograph

After this it was time to drive back to Chiller to get some sleep and attend the Kirk Hammett signing (which I won). When eating in the lobby we see Maryse checking out. She ran away a day early to avoid the storm.

We then sleep. I wake up Sunday morning and say hi to Mr and Mrs Lucas. Then I calmly browse the vendor areas a bit. I go say hi to So Cal Val who recognizes me each time. Virgil goes "I heard him say he's gonna spend $55 at your table" and she goes "I heard that too". We chat up a bit and she says that she has to make her flight before the storm. I then go to Barbara Leigh's table and chat with her a bit. 




Next up we go in line to buy our limited edition cover Kirk Hammett books which were 1/250. They told us they flew Kirk to NYC but that they don't know if he could make the signing cause if he does he may not be able to make a flight out due to hurricane Sandy After an hour or so they confirm that Kirk is not showing up  

They still sell us the book saying that they may reschedule him and if they do they would honor everything they promised. I bought the book cause I figured worst case scenario I can sell the limited cover and get most of my money back (if I don't make money out of it). Plus I wasted hours at Chiller I wanted to leave with something. But honestly I'm disgusted with Chiller. I realize shit happens but why couldn't they have made the signing earlier? Hopefully they make good with their fans and bring Kirk back. 

On a rather humorous note, Virgil mooched his whole table from where he was assigned to the A level room! 

I then make the drive home successfully racing the incoming storm.