A long and icy weekend

I tell myself, two days a year I suffer in the cold for combos, and these two days were sadly upon me.

However, before those two days would happen, I would start with some flights.

Day 1

This starts with a Jane Lynch flight that has nothing to do with the dreaded two days. Had it not been a flight I probably wouldn't have bothered with her. The main reason I wanted her was because of her role in Wreck It Ralph. 

So I arrive at the airport and the witching hour arrives. I ask for a photo op and she says "sure". Then another grapher asks for an autograph and she signs. She expects me to ask and has the sharpie ready, I present the photo she goes "I don't like that one" then I present her another one she goes "I'll sign this one". This is the photo she would not sign

A rare quick and easy success here! 

Jane Lynch

Day 2

This days was the warm up for the dreaded two days. It included some incomings for the event. 

Now I mapped up a plan for myself. Go to the airport get a Glenn Close autograph on a Cruella DeVille photo (already had a photo op), dash to the train station and get singer Harry Belafonte (daaayyy-oooo), then drive to another airport for actress Anna Kendrick. Then drive back to the first airport for any other flight I wanted to do. And by now I know with combo hunting you are always playing roulette, so I braced myself. 

After picking up my order of photos, I go to the airport. Looking at the list of flights I have I see that Brendon Urie is arriving a few minutes before Glenn Close. So I figure might as well get him. When he comes out he's as nice as can be, happily doing combos. 

Then it was time to wait for Glenn Close. Here is where a kink is thrown into my plans. She was taking her time coming out and I had to rush to Belafonte at the train station! Eventually she does come out and does one autograph per person. She said "no thank you" to any extras and to any photo ops. Not a huge deal as I already had a photo op. 

I then rush to the train station, hitting traffic and going past the speed limit. When I arrive I find out that his train came in 10 minutes early  Had it been on time odds are I would have been on time! But with Glenn being late and Harry being early, this did not work out as well as I had hoped. 

Moving on, it was off to Anna Kendrick. I drive there and arrive with a good 20 minutes to spare. She arrives and sees us then puts on her shades. She does combos with everyone and signs whatever. She was super duper nice! I wish I had more than just three photos for her. 

After this success there were two more flights I was interested in trying, namely Don Henley (original Eagles drummer) and Jazz musician Chick Corea. I had nothing for Chick so I whizzed by a record store and picked up some $1 to $3 vinyls. 

Now I was hesitant to do Don Henley since he's known to be a total asshole. But I was already there so it was tempting. However, turns out the flight was cancelled. So that was that. 

Then I tried for Chick Corea. I looked hard in order to spot him, but sadly to no avail. I don't know if he walked by me or didn't make that flight. But after wasting $5 on parking I decided to call it a night and rest up for the dreaded two days. 

Anna Kendrick

Brendon Urie

Autographs from first two days

Day 3

Day 3 which is day 1 of the two days of the year I dread most! 

I had three layers of socks on, three layers on pants, and the top was a sweat shirt, jacket, and coat. 

In a conversation I had with a long time grapher, he arrived at the spot saying " this is the day I dread for 365 days of the year". I told him that these are my sentiments as well, and the week before I was like "oh God it's next weekend". Then I said "yet we both keep coming here". His response was, and I quote, "it's part of the job" and I agreed. 

The guitarist Orianthi was one of the first I've seen. Going in she was rushed and I got a sub bar photo op, but I got a better photo op going out including two photos signed. 

Anna Kendrick also showed up but I virgilized her the day before. I did get her on a blank going out. 

Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys also did photo ops. Both were nice. 

Now here is where things got turbulent. I saw Florence Henderson who I got before but I had some items to get signed. Also opera singer Martina Arroyo who was on a wheelchair. I asked her for a photo op and she agreed. But wait, Shirley MacLaine‎ was also coming in! This was my top want for the whole weekend! So I had to ignore the others. I got her to sign then asked for a photo, she said yes but waved at the camera and that ruined the photo  Then I begged for another cause it didn't turn out, and she looked at the camera! Upon the second shot my reaction was this face  I COULDN'T BELIEVE I SCORED MY TOP WANT! 

To boot, I even scored yet another autograph! Besides me she only did one other photo op with an old lady, and that was the last photo op she did for the entire weekend! This was my major victory! From then on, everything was just gravy. 

Harry Belafonte showed and only did a few autographs, which I got one. Billy Joel I sadly failed to get even though he signed going in but did nothing going out. At least I already have my combo from him so while that sucked cause I had albums, it wasn't catastrophic. Carlos Santana also signed a few and I got him on an 8x10. 

Next up was Chick Corea, who did a photo op with me and signed two of my albums. On the way out I would get two more done! 

After Orianthi comes out I got a photo ops with Rufus Wainwright, Barabara Cook, Christoph Eschenbach, Marina Arroyo, Mix Master Mike again, Brendon Urie no hat, and Sheila E, among others. Glenn Close also doesn't do photo ops but signs, and I manager to get her on one.

Barabara Cook was actually someone I failed to get two years ago, so that was a nice conquest there. I actually begged for this one before her handler begrudgingly said "ok come on take it" as he rolled wheelchair seated Barabara Cook towards me. And Marina Arroyo was being rolled away on a wheel chair but after I called for her she goes "I promised this guy" and she was rolled to me so I got the shot. 

For Glenn Close I didn't think she'd sign here which is why I went to the airport the day before. Of course I regret that decision now. I did end up with two autographs from going twice but hindsight being 20/20 should have skipped that flight and gone to the train station. 

Besides that Herbie Hancock was cool and Buddy Guy not so much. But I didn't need either one as I had them. Don Henley the drummer of The Eagles didn't even look at anyone. 

Country singer Garth Brooks was awesome as can be. Did combos with everyone and didn't rush. I had a photo op so I didn't need that. But I got him on two photos. 

Some other non-celeb notes from this round. 

This event featured an appearance by the infamous . A grapher who has seen my explicit photos even asked me "who do you think is the bigger pervert, you or him". Of course he had to be home by 5pm so he had to leave the spot no later than 4pm. 

An old couple commended me on my begging abilities, since begging here got results more often than not.  

After this me and Joresky got some food at Pot Belly. Joresky wanted to get comedian Joe Torry, a total  name for me. But not like there was something else going on at that time. After his show he did combos with everyone who wanted. But I think me and Joresky were the only non  who were there. Joe Torry himself was more than happy to be doing combos. 

Then we try for Malcolm-Jamal Warner who played Theo in the Cosby Show. But he apparently left via another door. 

Later we try the hotel, where I managed to score a bit more. There was lots of chaos and I had misses, most notably Harry Belafonte, but I did score another Shirley MacLaine‎ autograph. I can't believe I didn't have more stuff cause she racked! Again hindsight is 20/20. Tony Bennett did a roll down and I gave him an 8x10 which he signed in blue sharpie on the darkest spot. And I also scored another Garth Brooks autograph. Not mega extravagant here, but fruitful nonetheless. 

After this it was time to get some VERY much needed shut eye. 

Day 3 photo ops part 1

Day 3 photo ops part 2

Shirley MacLaine photo op Take 2, with a partial photo bomb 

Day 4

Day 4 which is day 2 of the two days of the year I dread most! And this was one of the worst, and the weather was EXTRA bad, with snow and frozen rain. My feet were cold even with three layers of socks!

Photo of the weather

People all bundled up waiting for combos (with ninja suited Joresky giving a thumbs up)

The first score that day is Orianthi with no shades, who I also get on a blank. After a couple of more people trickle in Snoop Dog arrives. Now I'm normally not a fan of his type, but he's a good all around name. He's been in WWE on multiple occasions, he's been in movies, and he's even been in Epic Rap Battles of History, where he played Moses in Moses vs Santa Clause. Going in he signed a couple of autos, mine being one of them, but said he has no time for photo ops and that he'd take care of us on the way out. 

On the way out he made good on his promise. I was beginning to beg for that photo op and he told me to calm down cause he'll take care of me. Awesome! I was in! I got the shot and I also got another autograph to boot! This is now my second biggest score, after Shirley! 

Next up was Kathy Bates. She did nothing going in but going out she did combos with some and I got one! Tony Bennett does a couple of autographs, and I get one of them. Also got a photo op with Michael Bearden  among others. I also get Mix Master Mike on some blanks. And musician Steve Winwood did quick autographs going out but no photo ops. I got an autograph on an 8x10.

Now for red carpet. This is usually blown up but thanks to the ice cold weather, the crowd was very modest. Cal Ripken Jr. was the first to show up. I get him to sign a baseball (which I sold on site). But despite lots of begging and pleading I failed when it came to the photo op. This is a photo op I have been unable to get for the last few years. Kathy Bates shows up and signs for me. She remembered taking a photo op with me earlier but I explained that I wanted a no shades shot. She was hesitant but did it anyway! Linda Carter then shows up and I get an autograph. Don't need a photo op with her as I have that. 

One big failure included Billy Joel who only went over to the side I wasn't at 

Harry Belafonte does nothing for no one. He looked at the photo I had for him and goes "you have a sense of humor" (it was a photo of him with the Muppets). Carlos Santana does nothing for no one. 

Exiting is sadly a 50/50 crap shoot as there are two main doors they leave from. At the door I was at I saw Linda Carter. Got a photo op just because she was doing them. Then we hear that Billy Joel did autographs at the other exit! I guess virgilizing Billy Joel was just not in the cards for me. Since most of the action seems to be happening at that door, we head there. I get a Renne Fleming photo op, and she was nice as can be. Then I hear that Cal Ripken came out the other end. Oh shit, not another photo op failure in Cal! I run there in the hopes that he is still there, and he is standing, I ask for a photo op! SUCCESS! THE CAL CURSE IS BROKEN 

Back to where all the action is, this is where I made a stupid move and stepped away for a minute. During that time Harry Belafonte does combos. I return and he is leaving. I quickly manage to go up to him to ask for a photo op. He jokes with me and goes "does your mother know you're here". He takes the photo op even though someone is saying he has no time. I said "he said yes" and I took it. BUT WTF! FLASH IS OFF 

But wait, I quickly open the flash for a retake, which he does! Unfortunately he does seem to be looking slightly away, but I do think the photo op is passable. Even the no flash one you can still see who both people are. Still a big rookie blunder on my part. Could have had a perfect combo here, instead I got a less than ideal photo op. 

Some other notes, Carlos Santana still does nothing. Baryshnikov‎ signs but doesn't do photo ops. I try to call over Florence Henderson and she goes "one minute" but never reuturns. Also got a Kyle McLachlan photo op. 

I thought about doing hotels in the morning, but I was just waaayyyy too pooped. I decided to go home, where I slept for about 10 hours. 

Sunday photo ops

Kathy Bates

Snoop Dogg

Harry Belafonte

Cal Ripken Jr

Now to showcase autographs from two days in the cold:

Chick Corea signed albums

Orianthi and Harry Belafonte signed photos

Kathy Bates and Snoop Dogg signed photos

Shirley MacLaine‎ signed photos

Tony Bennett, Glenn Close, Carlos Santana, Linda Carter, Steven Winwood signed photos

Garth Brooks autographs (upper right one sold to markedout.com board member cubsfan)

Orianthi, Mix Master Mike, and Anna Kendrick signed blanks

All in all, while I was plagued with some bad luck and it wasn't without some screw ups, I would say the good outweighed the bad, and I was very successful, with my best photo op being Shirley MacLaine. Given her age how many more chances of that will we have? It sucked to be in the cold, especially the last day, but the cold was a blessing as it kept the crowd far away from the spot. Had the weather been good there is no way this would have been as successful.

Couple more music meets

First up I set up to meet country singer Alison Krauss. She is actually a  name for me but my main reason to meet her was because I was commissioned by someone to get her to sign his vinyl album. There were a couple of opportunities I chose the early morning one, mainly because it would be super cold that night. 

We were two waiting and we finally see her. She begrudgingly did one per. I asked for the photo op and she refused. Begging and pleading did no good. 

On my way home I let the person know mission accomplished. He was very happy and moments later the money was in my paypal account. 

While this mission was a failure photo op wise, it is a success cause my main goal was getting an autograph that someone was paying me to get. Still would have been nice to get a photo op out of it.

Alison Krauss signed vinyl


Next up is singer and former member of Destiny's Child Kelly Rowland. The main reason I wanted to get her was because she was in Freddy Vs Jason. I found a flight on her, and this is always my preferred method of meeting. 

Besides me there were also two paps. There was fear among the paps that she got on an earlier flight, but that was not the case. 

So the witching hour comes, she shows up wearing big ass shades. I figure that it's not perfect but it will do just fine. But as soon as she sees the cameras she covers her face with a scarf 

Of course that didn't stop me from asking for a photo op. When I did she goes "are you ready" I said I was and I got a photo op. Of course it was garbage. 

Minutes later I ask for an autograph and she does it despite her people saying "we don't have time". She wanted to give the pen back but I asked for another and she did that. 

While the pap was taking pictures I was following and one of her people was telling me "you got it already right" and I said I did but "he's my ride" which was my excuse for following. The real reason was to see if an opportunity for a better photo op or even another autograph would arise but no luck there. They then all left in their car. As that happened I was minutes away from a $10 parking fee, so I rushed to the payment machine as fast as I could and the fee was only $5. 

I left the airport really upset because my main goal was the photo op. It was really upsetting especially since my latest endeavors haven't been too successful photo op wise. 

Let's recap: 

Dave Davies: first photo op was no good, had to rush to his hotel for a second chance. Got a passable but less than ideal photo op. Had to beg and plead for it no less. 

Stephen Speilberg: Stood out in the cold for only one autograph despite begging/pleading failed to get a photo op

Alison Krauss: Similar situation as Speilberg. Though the photo op wasn't the main goal it's still a valid photo op failure. 

And now this! It seems as if photo ops are becoming harder and harder to obtain. And to reiterate that point I would have to go out of my way for a second chance at a Kelly Rowland photo op? Really? Really? 

Against my will I decided to try for her again to properly complete my combo, this time outside the venue. We were 15 people there. Besides myself there were only two other White guys and both were flaming gay. 

When the witching hour came there were like 3 guards in front of us! Only a couple of people got photo ops, and somehow I was one of the VERY lucky ones to score a photo op! It was chaotic and guards were being  about it! I couldn't believe I scored. As it turns out she made "vagina" lips in her pose with me. I wonder if she recognized me from earlier which might explain why I got that fantastic pose! And to boot, no shades, no scarf, no hat, nothing! The difference between the shots is night and day! 

So to add to that running list showcasing why photo ops are becoming harder to get:

Kelly Rowland: first photo op was no good, had to go out of my way for the second, got a great shot but only managed to get it through the skin of my teeth! 

Kelly Rowland take 1

Kelly Rowland take 2

Kelly Rowland autographs

On a side note, the photo of her signing for me at the airport made the daily mail in the UK! I PDF'd the news article for my archives. LINK 

A whole set of miscellaneous meets

October was a busy busy month for me, not just the big weekends I posted, but other days that slipped in here and there. Two of those were Taylor Kitsch and Oliver Stone (posted in the NYCC report and RICC report, respectively), but here I will showcase other meets that don't fit in with any of the big weekends. 

First one took place about two days after Legends of the Ring weekend where Hugh Jackman was coming to town. I found a train on him, so I decided to try for him. I already had a photo op with him but I figure I could try for an upgrade plus to complete my combo. 

When the witching hour arrives he was walking to the car and said he'd do one per person before entering his car. We were four graphers plus one pap. He puts his stuff away and counts "one, two, three, four". He asks if anyone has a black people say no and one guys says he has red. He was about to turn around and go in his car when I frantically scream out "I got black, I got black" as a scramble to pull it out. He takes my black and signed a "J" for everyone! Tried begging for a photo op but he would do nothing for no one after signing one each. Since I completed my combo this was not a failure at all. But if not for my black sharpie this would have been a total bust for everyone. I thought about trying for him at his event the next day but decided against it. And as I would later find out he told one of the graphers "I signed for you yesterday" so odds are he would have remembered me as well. So staying home and relaxing was a good move on my part. 

Hugh Jackman autograph 

Next one took place two days after NYCC. Now after this long and grueling weekend the last thing I wanted to do was go combo hunting. But something big enough could get me out. And this was the KIND OF MAGIC that was big enough, as two members of Queen were in town. Namely guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. 

Since this was short notice, I had no vinyls. So on my way to the spot I stopped by a record store. I found a Flash Gordon soundtrack on vinyl. Not the most ideal item, but for $2 and the fact that it was in overall good shape, it couldn't be beat. Before leaving the store I did go to take a crap and they had some decorations in the bathroom. One of them was a beat up "News of the World" Queen vinyl. When I finished I asked if I could have that but to no avail. 

So I head out to where they were performing. But they used the garage at that spot so I had to rush off to the next spot. This is where stuff began to happen. I scored a photo op with Roger Taylor in addition to two autographs, one on the Flash Gordon vinyl and another on the record sleeve. Now when Brian May came this was sadly a lot less successful. People asked him and he goes "shake my hand, shake my hand, shake my hand"  I even tried asking for just a photo op but he gives me the same response! Who the hell cares about hand shakes we want combos here! 

But I was not deterred. It was late at night, and I waited for them to come out. Roger Taylor came out first, one guy had an extra "News of the World" in AWESOME shape. But Roger was far away. I offered him $10 for the vinyl if I could get it signed for myself, he accepted. So I RAN to catch up with Roger. Even though the security guard was telling me no I handed him the vinyl in his car and he signed it! So at least at this stage me waiting the extra time was not a total waste cause I got a very nice Queen vinyl signed. 

Then Brian May comes out, it was just 5 of us. But we get the same "shake my hand, shake my hand, shake my hand" Let me say that this was one of the most painful handshakes I had ever experienced in my life. At this point I decided it was a hopeless cause. 

While that night was not an extravagant success, it was far from a bust. 

Roger Taylor photo op

Roger Taylor autographs

Three days after Queen it was time for Simple Minds. This is their best known song, "Don't You Forget About Me" from the soundtrack of Breakfast Club:

The main two people from the band are of course singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill. So they were my main goal. Drummer Mel Gaynor is second tier in terms of importance. Although he is technically not an original member he was with them the longest besides the main two. Plus he performed in the music video I posted above. The other two members are scrubs. 

When the witching hour arrives I score a combo and extra with the lead singer Jim Kerr! YES! So success is now sealed and delivered. Both items I got signed were vinyls. 

Next up I see Mel Gaynor. He was on both vinyls I had Jim sign so I got him on those plus the photo op. Seemed very happy to be doing combos. Next up one of the two scrubs pops up, namely Andy Gillespie. Just got a photo op since he was there. He was of course happy to be doing combos. Sadly after waiting and waiting there were no signs of Charlie Burchill, which would have for all practical purposes completed my vinyls and I would have had photo ops with the main three members of Simple Minds. He must have slipped past everyone or left through another door. 

While no Charlie was without a doubt a black mark, 2 out of 3 ain't bad at all (with one of the two being the lead singer). 

Jim Kerr photo op

Full list of photo ops

Simple Minds vinyls

About 10 days after RICC weekend where I was recuperating from a long and grueling wave of combo hunting weekends, I decided to try for Dave Davies, the lead guitarist of the Kinks. This is their best known song:

I arrived towards the end of his show, and I managed to mooch my way in where I got to catch the last couple of songs. After the show ended we were about 5 people waiting. While waiting I was also in contact with someone else waiting at his hotel. 
 As he comes out I get an autograph and he goes back inside  then minutes later comes back outside signs more. I ask for a photo op and he poses as his girl yells at me saying no photo ops. He poses and his arm is around me but he is looking down  I try to say he is looking down but the venue security says "doesn't matter" as he is rushed to his car. The photo op is the most important thing here so it sure as hell matters! 

Not deterred I rush to the hotel before his car does and I wait. Hotel security takes note of me I just say I'm waiting for a friend. When he comes out of his car I beg for the photo op as his girl yells more but he poses again!

This time the shot is much better but one eye is closed. He signs for other graphers as he is rushed inside. I leave so as to not strain things with security in case I come back to this hotel. The photo op, whilst not prefect is good enough. It wouldn't be much different if he had shades on or an eye patch. I got a combo so mission accomplished. 

Dave Davies photo op

Full list of photos

Signed Kinks vinyl

Fast forward a few days and it was time for Park Fest 2013, where the sole guest was Dian Bachar from Orgazmo. The promoter asked me if I could pick him up from the airport and I accepted. I text'd him the night before to tell him that I'm picking him up. Since this was an early morning flight I wanted to make sure he got on so I don't get up for nothing. I wake up early, head to the airport, and pick him up. He was wearing shades. While in the car we BS about various things, including how Matt and Trey make $4 million a WEEK from their Book of Mormon Play  Truly is a depressing thing to hear when I have to scrimp and save every penny. For example I asked him to tell me which door he is coming out from so I wouldn't have to park my car and save $5 on parking costs. While in the car I also tell him that I am not able to stay the whole day so I would like my combo taken care of before he goes for a nap. He agreed to that. 

We get to the Crown Plaza where the convention was taking place, and he checks in. Then he removes his shades and takes care of my photo op and I also take the promoter's photo op. At the reception desk I hand him the 8x10s I wanted him to sign.

Me and the promoter then escorted Dian to his hotel room so he can get some sleep before his appearance. I shook his hand and told him goodbye. I hung out at the con a little bit then I left. The con also featured an appearance by the now infamous 

Dian Bachar photo op

Dian Bachar autographs

Fast forward about 6 days Stephen Speilberg is in town. Despite freezing weather I decide to try and complete my combo. I arrive at the spot and apparently we missed him coming in by 30 minutes  I guess I can't blame myself too munch here cause even the most experienced graphers failed. So we wait for him to exit, and it is freezing cold. Joining us was none other than pedophile Clint from Pittsburgh  At this point we were 6 graphers. As we were freezing some of the other graphers were even talking how combo hunting is so horrible and agonizing and one guy said he doesn't even care to do it as a hobby.

Stuff starts happening. Director Ken Burns comes out first and I get a photo op with him. When Speilberg comes out I try to approach for the photo op but security stops me. He signs for everybody and I score him on my Lost World laserdisc, already signed by Jeff Goldblum and Richard Schiff‎. I then beg and plead for the photo op but he is rushed to his car. While technically not a bust since my main goal was to complete my combo so I consider this mission a failure. 

In an attempt to redeem the evening, I decide to go try for Molly Ringwald. She is not a name I would ever go out of my way for since she's a bitch. Got her once before but autograph only. Since I was already in town it made sense to try to complete my combo with her. At the venue she was doing a signing where you paid $20 for her CD. But she wasn't posing for photo ops. I try outside and she blows me off, after begging and pleading she goes "you just have to accept no as an answer"  A Molly Ringwald photo op would have somewhat redeemed my evening, but it was not to be. Hindsight is 20/20 I should have stayed warm at home. 

The sole photo op, Ken Burns

Jurassic Park: The Lost World laserdisc

Speilberg on the upper right, Jeff on the upper left, Schiff on the bottom. 

Rhode Island Comic Con weekend

In what was the final stop in a sweeping wave of combo hunting weekends, after Chiller weekend I decided to pull a Joresky and attend Rhode Island Comic Con. The reason is because it was PACKED with names I wanted to meet that I never ever saw in any of the major cons. Essentially about 70% of names that Joresky traveled all over different states for were present in that con. So I ordered my bus ticket from NYC to Providence and back for $10.50 round trip. 

Friday

My adventure actually starts an hour from my house. I set out to meet Oliver Stone. The reason being I had a Scarface laserdisc signed by Al Pacino so I wanted to add him to that. 

He was doing a book signing. Problem is the venue charges $22 to enter. Add to the fact that I would have had to pay $12 to park the car and $30 to buy a hardcover book, it didn't seem very appealing. There wasn't even a guarantee non-book items would have been signed. So I parked the car and stayed next to it and waited. As I would later find out people did get extras therefore it may have been a good idea to go inside and get a couple of books. But I chose to go the cheaper route so I made my bed now it was time to lie in it. 

Finally he leaves the venue and I spot him, call over other graphers, run to him, and get my LD signed. Since we were only four people he was nice and accommodating. I didn't bother with the photo op as I'm happy with mine. Then it was off to pick up Joresky and head over to NYC. 

We arrive in NYC not knowing if me missed the celebrities coming out of the spot. But when we arrive we see several dealers. Meaning the action did not start yet. 

The first person that comes out is Jennifer Tilly, which is about the fourth time I've seen her. I had two 8x10s and an 8x12 for her. She sees the 8x12 and says she doesn't like the photo but signs it anyway. I then get my other photos done. Since I have photo ops with her I didn't bother with that. 

After her Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride) and Julie Hagerty (Airplane movies) both come out at once. Me and Joresky go to Wallace Shawn since Julie is being mobbed. I improve my photo op with Wallace and get my two 8x10s done. Now it was time for Julie. Joresky gets his photo op then I get mine. I ready my stuff to get signed. She signs one for Joresky then says she has to leave  But I was not deterred. I run after her across the street and beg until she breaks down and signs for me, completing my combo! My reaction was this face 

Since I already had photo ops with Robert Hays (that I got a week before) and Leslie Nielsen, it was cool to get Julie. 

We go to the next spot in the hopes of seeing Andrew Dice Clay. But we apparently missed him by a few minutes. We then decide to call it a night. We park in a spot that's free for the weekend, and sleep. 

Wallace Shawn 

Julie Hagerty

Scarface laserdisc (Al Pacino's horrid autograph below Stone's)

Signed photos


Saturday


We then get up early to take the bus to Providence which as I mentioned the ticket cost me $10.50 round trip. Joining us was none other than the now infamous  He was smart enough to find a bus ticket for $2 round trip, but not smart enough to remember to bring his own camera. So I had to help him out with his photo ops. 

In the bus, I get some sleep. Though personally I find the car more comfortable. 

We arrive and sadly the mooching Gods abandoned both me and  as  far as admission goes. To boot, I would get a record amount of autographs as far as cons go. I got SIX autographs from five different people. I normally don't get autographs to save money but the items I had were priority items. I probably got more paid autographs this con than I did all other 2013 cons combined. 

We finally make it and I go for my top want above all else, Alan Oppenheimer. He provided the voice for several characters in the 80s He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon and also in The Neverending Story. The most notable is the main villain of Masters of the Universe, Skeletor. When you think if the most iconic villains in movies/tv, Darth Vader is #1 and honestly Skeletor comes right after. Plus this would mark my second Skeletor since I have Frank Langella who played Skeletor in the 1987 He-Man movie. I got signed by him my MOTUC Skeletor and my MOTUC Man-At-Arms, another character from He-Man that he voiced. He was impressed at the figures. At first glance he looked at the Man-At-Arms figure with this face  and asked who it was and I said "Man-At-Arms, you did voice that didn't you?" he then goes "oh yes I did". Shocking that he would not remember voicing one of the main MOTU characters after He-Man and Skeletor. I suppose not many people must ask him to sign that, so I have a unique item right there. I of course got a photo op as well. 

Next up I move to the Superman guests, namely Jack O'Halloran and Sarah Douglas. They played 2 of the 3 Kryptonian villains in the Reeves Superman movies. They sure look different than they did in Superman II wow how time can take a toll on people. I got combos with both on my Superman laserdisc. I did have an 8x10 that Joresky picked up for me at a previous con already signed by Jack O'Halloran, but I didn't want to spend extra to get Sarah Douglas on it.

Then it was off to two Back to the Future guests that have eluded me. Claudia Wells who played Jennifer in the first movie, and James Tolken who played Strickland (and was also in the Masters of the Universe movie). Got photo ops with each. James went out of his way to give fans an experience.

Then to was off to Paul Blake, a Star Wars name who alluded me. Greedo, a famous Star Wars characters, was played by both Maria De Aragon and Paul Blake. I already have Maria's autograph on a Greedo figure, and Paul is the more important Greedo since he played the character in the shots with Harrison Ford. So a combo with him was pretty essential. 

Now another unique thing about this con was the plethora of Power Ranger guests. It had almost all the ones that I cared to meet. The only one I previously had was Jason David Frank so this was a real treat. 

To cut down on costs I of course stuck with photo ops. I got: 

Robert Axelrod (voice of Lord Zedd)
Barbara Goodson (voice of Rita Repulsa) 
Catherine Sutherland (second Pink)
Steve Cardenas (second Red)
Walter Jones (first black)
Kerrigan Mahan (voice of Goldar)
David Yost (first blue)

And of course Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy (Bulk and Skull). They were ultra friend and took some an awesome phtoo ops of them strangling me with my sweat shirt string.  

With all these Power Ranger meets there are only an handful I still care to meet (first Red, first Pink, and second Yellow being the main 3 I still want). 

Next up, Weekend at Bernie's actors. I believe Andrew McCarthy no showed but I already had him. I got photo ops with Jonathan Silverman and Terry Kiser. The latter of which I got 50% of costs back whenmooched the photo op after I got it. So essentially this was a half mooch for each of us. Then got photo ops with Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Vernon Wells from Weird Science. Already had Anthony Michael Hall so didn't get him. Then another voice actor. This one is a semi  but has eluded me for a while. Larry Kenny who voiced the iconic Lion-O in the 80s Thundercats cartoon. He did come across as slightly money grubbing but at the same time appreciated anyone coming to his table and treated fans like royalty. His price was what used to be the basic standard and now a very rare $20 for an autograph and free photo op. I got him on my Bandai Lion-O figure. His handler asked if this was the new Lion-O but he explained to her that it was in fact the classic Lion-O but a new figure of the character (which of course makes it correct). Essentially I got two iconic 80s cartoon voice actors in the same con! How awesome is that. 

Next up, William Zabka from Karate Kid. I split the photo op with and he took two photo ops with different poses. Did not need Martin Kove as I got him already. 

I ask William Forsythe (Flattop in Dick Tracy) for a photo op and he does one FREE

Joresky is in line for Glenn Morshower who has been in a ton of movies. He wasn't in my initial plans but upon looking at his bio he has had sizable roles in many many things. So I decided he was worthy of a photo op. Joresky paid the price for a combo, and I mooched the photo op after he got his. I then gave him 50% of the photo op cost. 

I went up to Alan Oppenheimer (who remembered that I got the figures signed at his table) and asked if I could record him doing the Skeletor voice. I had seen vids of him doing that so I thought it was no big deal, but he was reluctant to do it. Then he goes "personalized to you?" and I go "that's fine"

Then I got FREE photo ops with James Hampton from Police Academy 5 and Teen Wolf, and Leslie Easterbrook from Police Academy. Already had Leslie but since  got a free photo op I figured I might as well get one as well. 

After I got the guests there was still a tad of time until the bus left. I got photo ops with a very nice costumed Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd. Then I saw a booth that was selling reptiles and I got a photo op holding a giant snake and an alligator! I also saw Barrie Holland who had a few roles in Star Wars and got a FREE photo op with him. He then goes "quick, disappear" 

Then got a few other random photo ops, included a hot looking Jessica Rabbit and at the headquarters of Hasbro. 

Other things of note, Jett Lucas no showed I wanted a photo op possibly combo from him. I also saw James from Legends of the Ring among the wrestling guests. Said hello to him and chatted with him for a couple of minutes. 

After dining at subway with  it was then back to the bus to go back to NYC. 


Alan Oppenheimer video 

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Full list of photo ops part 3

Alan Oppenheimer

Larry Kenny

Jack O'Halloran

Sarah Douglas

Claudia Wells

James Tolkan

Pulling a Jake Roberts and holding a real snake

Now to showcase the autographs at RICC, which for me is a record as far as paid autographs go:

Superman laserdisc and Greedo figure

Figure now completed with Paul Blake and Maria De Aragon (the voice actor is dead). Superman II laserdic was already signed by Margot Kidder in silver. Hope to add more people to that, such as Gene Hackman and Terence Stamp. 

Skeletor, Man-At-Arms, and Lion-O figures (they don't photograph too well but look better in person).  

The bus ride back was pretty torturous. I don't know how Joresky can handle 8-12 hour bus rides one way. 3.5 hours was plenty. I did manage to get a bit of sleep which was nice, since combo hunting takes a toll on a person. 

Back in the city where we try for Sarah Jessica Parker and Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents). Blythe Danner was a fresh meet for me, and SJP I had gotten before but failed photo op wise. When SJP comes out she was rushed but did a combo with me! SUCCESS! I got her on a magazine but when I tried for an 8x10 she goes "I think I did enough for you". In these situations I don't bother to beg cause after all she did do a combo. Next up was the ultra friendly Blythe Danner who is ultra friendly. Get a photo op and two autographs. After this sweeping success it was actually downhill for the rest of the evening. I should have gone to a party I was thinking about going to. 

We did finally get Joresky's poster signed by Arthur Darville. Then in the final spot for the evening I saw Kerry Washington who did nothing (I had her already but had a magazine for her to sing), Eminem who no showed, and Rashida Jones who slipped inside but I didn't see leave. Only photo op I got was with Oliver Peck

We did have info for Tom Hiddleston AKA Loki but it was early in the morning and we were all too worn out  So we went to sleep. 

Sarah Jessica Parker


Blythe Danner


Sunday

First thing Sunday morning I decide to try for a $70-$90 convention value, namely a Patrick Stewart autograph. I wait and while waiting I meet one guy who runs tons of vendor stands in Manhattan who goes by the name of Kenny (also wating for Patrick Stewart). He was telling me the kind of profit he makes selling hats, jackets, etc etc. Apparently he owns like 10 stands. He even walked Times Square and everyone told him hello. He also said that at his stands he talks to people from all over the world and can always correctly pin point where they're from by their accents, but that my accent rang no bell for him. 

Anyhow, Patrick Stewart comes and I get an autograph from him. So success! 

We then try a spot for James Ransone (The Wire, Generation Kill), James Badge Dale (World War Z), Keegan Allen (Pretty Little Liars), and John Pollono (episodes of How I Met Your Mother). These are all good "you never know" names. Best to get them while they are happy to be doing combos. Got photo ops with all of them, James Badge Dale on two, and had another autograph on the second item but can't figure out which of the three signed it 

As a last ditch effort to get an Ed Harris and Amy Madigan photo op, we try for them again but don't see them. We did see Bill Pullman and Glenne Headly. I got photo ops just cause nothing else was going on but I had them already so no big deal. After buying some $1 pizzas, this ended our trek. 

Full list of photo ops for Sunday

Autographs from Saturday night and Sunday