Second post virus in person street meet

Managed to get another quick street meet. This time someone I already had, Chris Kattan. It's at least something to do during virus times. 

Arrive at the airport and spot him. He was super nice even wanting to record us getting him. He signed 3 of my 4 pics because he didn't like the one pic.

When I asked him for a no mask shot he declined. So I got my first ever mask photo op. 

Photo op

Autographs

Kattan signing for me

Video he recorded on his Instagram

For reference, my first photo op

Video Report Halloween Edition!

 New Halloween Edition video report

First ever virus era convention!

I decided to venture to Super Mega Show in Wayne, NJ for my first con since the virus hit. 

There wasn't much for me to get there as I had most of the names. But one solid name they had, Christopher Atkins who co starred with Brooke Sheilds in The Blue Lagoon. It wasn't much, however it was something in these apocalyptic times and may be the only opportunity for the rest of 2020. So I figured I'd do this.

I emailed the promoter to make sure there would be no mask shots, the results were largely positive. 

Drove up, and it had been so long I had to remember some of my toll avoidance strategies. Wow what a feeling that was. I arrive Saturday evening, park at the venue, and prepare to sleep. 

Next Morning I wake up. Admission was $8. They had a $12 admission which included early admission plus a "limited" print, but I had no need for more stuff. 

Not long after I arrive Christopher Atkins arrives at his table. He offered not to charge extra for the op. $30 he would sign one of his 8x10s and step outside and do maskless shots. This was my reason for coming so I quickly paid the money before any of that changes.

Next I go for some "get if there" names. First up is Tony Daniels. He voiced Gambit in the Marvel vs Capcom video games. Also voiced Tony the Tiger. Then for Joseph D'Onofrio AKA young Tommy in Goodfellas. He was the only one who did no mask ops inside. And finally Taimak who starred in the last Dragon. Never heard of that movie but I figured in virus times beggars can't be choosers. He wanted a "socially distant" shot as he put it. It came out well as it was no more than 1-2 feet.

Regarding the turn out, granted it wasn't the largest venue but there was definitely a crowd. Likely due to the fact that it was something to do over nothing. Edward Furlong had a long line (though he also arrived late). But I got done with him long ago so I had no need for him.

Hopefully this is an indication of cons returning, albeit with masks and guidelines. And hopefully promoters and celebs all realize that paying for mask ops is unacceptable. I think cons will happen in the next year, even if on a smaller scale like this one. It is just a matter of whether or not celebs want to actually venture out and do them.

Christopher Atkins

Tony Daniels

Joseph D'Onofrio

Taimak

Autograph

Edward Furlong signing

a whole lot of HESS trucks

New video report, IN PERSON STREET MEET!

I bring you a new video report featuring my first apocalyptic in person meet! 

Google video link

My second ever video report!

Enjoy this video of autographs obtained 

Google Video link

New video report of autographs obtained by various methods!

Trying something new, my first ever video report

Google video link

The digital file 13 years in the making

I managed to track down the digital file of a photo op I took 13 years ago! Let us look back at the event, the time period, and how or why it took 13 years for me to get the jpeg. 

The year was 2007. Fairly early in my combo life and before I started focusing on celebrities. At the time my main focus was still wrestling. The event was actually a sports show in Edison NJ at the convention center on May 6. Tons of sports names most of which I never heard of. The attraction for me? Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Bruno Sammartino, and the Iron Sheik. Out of all those I had only met Bruno before. All the rest were first time meets so getting 3 former champions two of which are iconic wrestling names it seemed like I had to go. Though I would later meet each of Hogan, Warrior, and Sheik once or more since then).

To boot, I also had Jakks Classic Superstars figures and the 2005 Hall of Fame WWE magazine (which was a rare time everyone inducted was alive at the time of induction). 

It should be noted that to my knowledge, this was the first and only time Hogan, Warrior, and Bruno were present under the same roof!

Anyhow, start of the con I head to Warrior. Wow there he was. I was star struck (remember this was early in my combo life).

Now comes the only sour note of the event, the Warrior photo op. They had a pro photographer and would not let you use your own camera. First off we have to remember this was 2007. It was well into the life of digital cameras, but it was the time between the old and the new. Not everyone had fully adapted to all the new technology. To put things into context, some promoters were still using old school low quality Polaroids, smart phones were still a concept most people could never imagine, most video camcorders still used film, and VHS tapes were not fully phased out yet. 

I got the photo op with their camera, and the print outs were nothing like today's print outs at cons. It was an ink jet printer on photo paper (again remember this was 2007). And they did not offer jpegs. I was so upset by this I didn't even pay them for autographs. Here is the print out.

Here are photos of me meeting him.

This is merch for sale (in hindsight $400 for that signed belt was a good deal)

Side note, I would later get a photo with my own camera of face painted Warrior and pay for autographs at a signing in 2008.

Back to this event, I would then go to Bruno, got him on a CS figure (and that came with a free photo op where he was holding the WWWF belt which was nice). Then to the Iron Sheik where I got figures done and also the WWE HOF mag.

Up next, was none other than Hulk Hogan. I was truly at awe when I was next to the immortal Hulk Hogan. At the time meeting Hulk Hogan was to me a milestone of life. I bought one autograph and that came with a table op. In future events I would improve that shot and get more items done. After Hogan signed the WWE HOF mag, the last person left was Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff (whom I later got, as shown in the photo).

I would end this event by successfully mooching a photo op with Wrestlemania winner Lawrence Taylor (I would get another shot with him in NYC in 2019) . 

Another kind of "Hulks" I got at the show

As I got home, I looked at the back of my Warrior print out which featured the name of the photographer that took the shot. It said contact for extra prints. I called them to try and get the jpeg but to no avail. They said it couldn't be done. Disappointed I scanned the print and made the best out of what I have. 

Fast forward to April 2020 in the midst of the apocalypse. Without new photo ops to create, I have been using Remini and photoshop to revisit old photo ops and improve them. Everyone needs to try Remini which fixes the heads in blurry photo ops (photoshop does a decent job at fixing the rest of the picture). One of the photos I decided to revisit was my first Warrior shot. I used Remini on it and made some photoshop adjustments which made the scan look better. 

Then I thought to myself, why not try to contact the original photographer again? I dig in through old signed photos and amongst them was the Warrior print! I never threw it away cause that was essentially the closest copy of the source that I had. On the back it still said where to go for reprints. And it even had an 18th anniversary sticker of the place (1989-2007). First step was to see if the place existed 13 years later. A google search yielded the web site. I called the number and it went to voicemail. I guess the place was closed due to the virus. So I took the email address on there and contacted him. I explained what I had and if I could still order prints. I got a response saying that he would check in the morning to see if he still has it. 

Next morning comes and said he had it and wanted a check or money order for a print. I told him I just wanted the digital file and that I would send him $5 less for just the file and he accepted! SCORE! I quickly wrote the check, drove to the post office, and mailed it.

Full resolution shot, after going through Remini and photoshop

For reference, my second and final shot with him in 2008

WWE and more - final round of pre apocalyptic meets

Singer Lauryn Hill was doing a 2 day concert. She was in Sister Act 2. I was not going to bother with her. But I heard that on the first day she came out in the lobby and greeted everyone waiting. With that information I decided to go the second day since that meet would be so effortless. And sure enough she came out and was nice as can be. Someone pointed out a DJ named Beverly Bon who also came out in the lobby. Apparently she is valid and has an entry on wikipedia. So I got a photo op.

Lauryn Hill

Beverly Bon


WWE had a show in town. Actually the last WWE show with an audience before the apocalyptic shutdown. I did two flights coming in, namely Kurt Angle and Edge. First up, Kurt. Was his usual friendly self. Got him on his entries on both the WWE_E V2 and WWE_E V3. I also got him on a magazine.

Next up, Edge. I would be joined by markedout board member CMShowstopper. Edge was friendly. I got an updated shot, a magazine, his single entry on the WWE_E V3, and his tag entry on the same book. He seemed happy to see his super fan and began chatting with him. I had to run back to the car as I didn't want it to go over the limit and get charged for parking. 

Now for out bounds. I would be joined by another wrestling combo hunter. I had flights for both members of AOP, Charly Caruso, and Edge. This airport has multiple terminals so I started with the terminal where I got many people in the past. As time passed it reached a point where we saw no one but should have seen someone. So we decide to leave this terminal and move to the one where AOP and Edge are flying out. There were also flights to Orlando from that terminal. This would be a great move cause we would get a slew of people. 

First I got Killian Dain (repeat) and Karl Anderson (repeat). Got Karl to sign the WWE_E V3. Then I got an upgrade with Buddy Murphy. Then Humberto Carrillo which was a fresh score. Next up Andrade and Charlotte Flair come through. Both were nice. I could not believe it this was the nicest I ever saw Andrade. I got an upgrade shot with him. Didn't need Charlotte. 

Angel Garza and Rhea Ripley come through. Angel is another fresh score for me. I got Rhea again. In my pic from Axxess she is making a face so this is a neutral faced shot. 

I got a repeats in R Truth, Ricochet, Liv Morgan, and Kevin Owens. Shayna Baszler signed but declined photo ops. It's ok as I got her at the Wrestlemania hotel in NYC. Edge comes through but I didn't need him. I just told him hello and he said hello back.

Strangely late for their flights are AOP. It was getting really close to their flight time. So I decided to give up and head to the terminal for Charly Caruso. By all reports AOP are not nice to begin with so this close to their flight time no way they would have stopped. As it turned out they didn't even show up. Ironic that for them I had flights and they didn't show, yet for Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza I couldn't find their flights and I got them. 

Anyhow, now I am at the spot for Charly, someone who has eluded me. I never saw her in street settings and would never be at a convention she is at. So I was happy to have her flight. While there I saw Eric Young (repeat) and got a photo op. Both Kurt Angle and Drew McIntyre showed up at the previous terminal I was at (I needed neither). I also saw Erick Rowan waiting for his flight not far from Charly. But I had no need for him and he hasn't been the nicest lately. So I just let him be.

Charly's plane starts boarding and still no signs for her. Eric Young is one of the passengers of that plane. Finally I see her approaching (she was at a coffee shop). I stop her and ask for the photo op. Finally!

I go back to the previous terminal and see Drew running. He must have gone in the wrong terminal. Had no need for him so I didn't chase. After this we left and mooched a celebratory breakfast.

Full list of WWE photo ops

Signed WWE magazines


Next up, I have a flight for Rob Gronkowski. Since he has WWE links he was a name I needed. I go the airport seems they are sneaking him in. Since I didn't want to take any chances I change positions. I go to where I'm guaranteed to see him. He shows up with two handlers and I get the photo. I have to plead some more for the autograph and he said he would sign one. I then RUSH back to my car so I don't go over on parking. Made it with 2 or 3 minutes to spare and didnt pay. Thankfully.

I then join other combo hunters at the hotel in the hopes of seeing Terry Bradshaw. But eventually we all give up. The apocalypse would hit shortly after so Gronk may be my last combo of 2020.

Rob Gronkowski

Autograph

Last NYC endeavor of 2020?

After Galaxy Con I would decide to hit up NYC for the Dave Mathews book signing (where they said he would do over the table photos). Thank God I did because I would end up with good names and the apocalypse would hit in full force shortly after possibly making this the last of getting celebs in NYC for 2020. 

My first spot in the city is one with Blair Underwood, David Alan Grier, and Jerry O'Connell. From that I needed a first time shot with David and an upgrade with Blair. I heard David sneak's out. So I watched some other doors like a hawk but sadly never saw him. The venue has a front door that people can leave from so maybe he used that. I did however get Blair who was nice as can be. Never saw Jerry which was shocking since he's a nice guy but thankfully I have a great shot from before. 

Join some friends at the next spot where I get Ben McKenzie to sign me a photo, get an upgrade with Lauren Patten, and another shot with James Cromwell. Wait for Kathryn Gallagher but again never see her.

Go to a spot for Celine Dion. Sadly she garages out. Go to another spot to get two Asian actresses. First is Wai Ching Ho who played a human trafficking madam in Daredevil. Second is Emily Kuroda from Gilmore Girls. Both very happy to do photo ops. Back to the Celine Dion spot but to no avail as it seems she snuck back inside. 

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Autograph


From then I stood in line for Dave Mathews. They were only giving out 200 wristbands so I didn't want to take chances. I stood and Vanessa the Jersey Shore Stalker and friend slept in my car then later we switched. Bought the book. After that went to a book event for Carrie Underwood. It was sold out. I tried to get in but couldn't. No big deal as I have a shot but wanted a better one. It was like 10 minutes from the Dave Mathews event so it was worth a shot.

Back to Barnes and Noble for Dave. Park the car and wait for the spot to be legal. While waiting I see Shane McMahon with his wife and son! I ask for a photo op and he was nice about it. Said to wait as he lets his wife and son in and that he would come back out.

Go to Barnes and Nobles and finally it is my turn. Get two books done which I sold. The handler takes a picture but he did it from so far that it wasn't good. So I just selfied the Dave table op myself. The crowd went wild (they literally did. I'm not kidding).

Go to a spot for Nicolas Cage. There were a handful waiting. There was also another event with Olaf Olafsson (Icelandic businessman responsible for the creation and launch of the original PlayStation) and some actors like Jennifer Grey, Clark Gregg, and others (sadly Grey would no show the event).

Wait a while and apparently Cage had been gone for like 10h+ art that point. The place also has multiple points of entry. At this point me and others decide to give up. I go to the Olaf event. Two combo hunters stay at the Cage spot. This is where I have the punch of punches and Cage eventually shows up! 

At the Olaf event I don't even see Olaf (for whom I had a Playstation to get signed). I upgrade my Clark Gregg shot, get Catherine Curtin, and Charlie Rose. This ended the day.

Shane McMahon

Dave Matthews

Full list of Day 2 photo ops


Now I was on a mission. Rectify my Cage blunder. I park about a 10 minute walk from the spot. Sleep. Wake up. Then go wait. About 30-40 minutes later two combo hunters I know are running up the street saying he exited and is walking down the street. Me and some paps chase. After a couple of blocks I see him walking with his girlfriend. I cross the street, I ask, and I score the money shot! My first A lister of 2020! 

I then head to the spot for Celine Dion. But before I could get there she left. However she only signed and did not do photos so I didn't miss much. Meet up with former markedout board member HeelOrton and friend. We wait at a spot to see if Tom Selleck would show up. But we elected to give up and do some "easy" show spots going in. First spot is for Thomas G Waite and Linda Purl from Happy Days. I have the former but need the latter. We wait and eventually see them both. Both were nice.

Next spot was for actor Dan Stephens (AKA The Beast) and Ewen Bremner (Black Hawk Down, Wonder Woman). Also there is up and coming actor Owen Campbell. I scored both Ewen and Owen but sadly failed on Dan who took photos but walked away when I was trying.

On exits I went to get actor Gideon Glick from Oceans 8. Got some barely valids plus Gideon. Tammy Blanchard was at the spot but never saw her. No big deal as I got her.

Walk to a spot with Daniel Craig to meet up with Vanessa and friend. Lots of people waiting. Daniel does a few autos no photos. At least I have him. While waiting there another combo hunter spots Kathryn Gallagher going into a car. Despite rain I go ask her for the photo and she was very nice. How ironic that waiting for her I could never get her, but I end up getting her by chance.

From there on we go to the Celine Dion spot. She arrives and sadly sneaks in. Go back to the Nicolas Cage spot but he sneaks out as well. This ended my time in NYC.

Nicolas Cage

Full list of Day 3 photo ops


Could not finish the drive home so I slept. Sadly this meant I would miss entries and exits for an event close to my house. Wasn't a big deal as the only fresh name I wanted was Keith Urban. But still would have been nice. I go to the event to do it leaving, but turns out most everyone including Keith left DURING the show! WTF? I get Garth Brooks again who shut down autographs and said he would only do photos. This is of course a rare care where I needed the autograph and had no need for the photo op. And I get Keb' Mo'. BUST.

Photo ops

Galaxy Con in Richmond - The last comic con of 2020?

I would end February with my first traditional con of 2020, and possibly the last con of 2020 as the apocalypse went in full force not long after.

I was super excited for Ornella Muti (Princess Auro in Flash Gordon) and Brian Blessed (also Flash Gordon and Boss Nass in Star Wars Episode I). But sadly both canceled which was a HUGE punch. However the con still had people I wanted so I would still attend.

I also needed lots of autographs. Needed Scott Weinger and Linda Larkin on two Aladdin and Jasmin photos signed by Lea Salonga and Scott on a Full House Cast photo with multiple autographs. And needed Steve Whitmire on another 8x10 project. Sadly a lack of splits on most of my wants and the price of autographs would put a damper on all that. 

First up I get a photo op with Linda Larkin AKA Jasmin. Then I get the dual op with Clerks actors Jeff Anderson and Brian O'Halloran. Then Brett Cullen from Dark Knight Rises, Apollo 13, Thomas Wayne in Joker, among others. Then get voice actor Phillip Glasser AKA Fievel. 

On the wrestling side I get Kimber Lee. Wanted Caleb Konley but he never showed up at his table. Finally bit and got Cooper Andrews from Walking Dead and Shazam. Found someone to split the combo price with me (glad I didn't pay his prices at Chiller which were more expensive). Still needed Scott Weinger but he had left his table so I went to get the comic book names. 

First I go to Tom Grummett. First 5 items were free after that it is $1 per item. I had 6 items. Got the photo op. Got him on my three Death of Superman trade paperback books, 3 single Superman comics, plus 1 Robin comic. I asked him if I owed him money but he declined to take $1 and told us to move along. 

Then I go to Alex Saviuk who is most known for his work on Spiderman comics. Got a photo op. And finally Robbi Rodriguez who created Spider Gwen. 

Back to Scott Weinger and got the photo op with him. I then leave the con and get photo ops with confederate statues which were 10 minutes away from the con.

Scott Weinger

Linda Larkin

Full list of photo ops

Comics signed by Tom Grummett

Jefferson Davis

Scattered meets throughout February

First up, I to the airport for Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons. It's rare I go for a modern music name like him, but I know a couple of their songs and the location was right. In the flight was his wife Aja Volkman. I printed photos to get both of them on the same shot. 

Dan was nice and I manage to get two done. But his wife denied all photo ops and claimed that this wasn't her in the photos I printed. It looked like her and it was her name on the reservation. 

Photo op

Autographs


Next up, Earl Young! Founding member, song writer, and drummer of The Trammps. They are best known for the song "burn baby burn...disco inferno". There are many barely valids in his band and we thought we may have seen them walking about but we didn't bother. We see him and wow for 80 he looks so good could easily pass for 60. He signs and takes photos no issue.

Photo op

Autographs


Around mid February I would go for Engelbert Humperdinck. I have a photo op so this was an autograph mission. I arrive and he shows up wearing a face mask. Thankfully I don't need the photo op. Had to pull teeth for two autographs.

Engelbert Humperdinck and his entourage

Autographs


The next day I would go to a spot to improve my shot with actor Cheyenne Jackson. Sadly I got stuck 20 minutes in a traffic jam due to a car accident. I then missed him by 2 minutes. I got a photo with actor Damon Gupton who I have. I then came back the next day and got Cheyenne plus another photo op with Megan Hilty.

Photo ops



A few days later I would go for a huge want of mine. Iron Maiden is probably my favorite band. Touring here in a band called the British Lions is founding member, lead guitarist and song writer of Iron Maiden Steve Harris! Wow I could not believe I had this opportunity! 

Try him before the show. While waiting I get some of the barely valids in the band. Then finally the man of the hour is mobbed but super nice. I got photos and autographs. He later goes to a restaurant where we wait and I get more autographs. 

Steve Harris

Autographs

Full list of photo ops


Next day in Baltimore is a series of flights with members of the band Loverboy. 4 out of 5 original members and there were 3 flights for 4 of the originals. I start with Matt Frenette who signed and didn't want to do photo ops but thankfully ends up taking the photo op.

Then it was off to Harrisburg for the front man of the punk rock band Fugazi, Ian MacKaye. Also there was Joe Lally another original band member. After the show we mooch into the venue and manage to get both.

Back to Baltimore for the other two flights. Get the 3 remaining original members of Loverboy. Paul Dean, Doug Johnson, and Mike Reno.

Full list of photo ops


Then an event with 3 actresses. Erin Whitehead, Lauren Lapkus, and Stephanie Allynne. Nothing big but it was something to do in passing. It was freezing cold but thankfully we were able to wait indoors. The event let out and got them all. Lauren is an upgrade from my NYC shot the others are fresh. Waited with other combo hunters for some rappers I had never heard of (namely Eric B and Rakim). They were at the same venue so I stayed just to hang out for a bit. But they blanked leaving the venue.

Full list of photo ops


And finally a day where I fail on 2 out of 3 targets. Wait for Post Malone to leave his hotel to his show and he completely blanks. Then I go for Donald Trump Jr. He blanks going in the event but leaving he stops. I failed on the autograph but got the photo op.

Then I go to a venue for singer Marty Stuart. He is doing a meet and greet after the show but has a sign on the table saying no photo ops. I try to plead my case but to no avail.

Photo op

First NYC endeavor of 2020

Kicked off NYC in early February with the Jessica Simpson book signings at Bookends in NJ. Arrive and we get the guaranteed photo op and unsigned book. Also there was her husband and football player Eric Johnson who I got a selfie with. No idea who he is, but never know he may one day be cast in a movie with her or do something with WWE.

This sadly would be a wasted effort as I ended up going to her NYC hotel and getting her there (got the book signed).

The next day would be off to a bad start. Tried for Shania Twain but she garaged and didn't stop both way in and way out. Go to a spot where you see randoms, but saw no one good. 

Next up is a spot for country singer Tanya Tucker. I don't normally go for country but I like getting the old school names. Waiting there (which was arranged by Vanessa the Jersey Shore stalker and friend) was NYC combo hunter Mitchell Wenig who plays in the Adam Sandler movie Uncut Gems. He is the guy who is given the fake Rolex. Pretty cool bonus if you ask me. 

Tanya Tucker went from her bus to her $100 meet and greet and did nothing. But coming back from her meet and greet she did multi combos. Glad I didn't know about the meet and greet cause I likely would have paid for it to have a guarantee.

Went to another spot where my main want is actor James Cromwell from the movie Babe. First I get Priscilla Lopez then James comes through and is nice as can be. I would miss other actors going in including Ben McKenzie whose autograph I wanted but I would make it up later in the evening. 

After a break, went to try for actor Mel Johnson. He was the black taxi cab driver turned alien in one of the best Arnold movies, Total Recall. His show had other barely valids but didn't get them cause was focused on him and didn't know how they looked like. He was nice as can be, signed and took a photo.

Back to the James Cromwell spot and got Ben, got a fresh shot with Maulik Pancholy and repeat shots with Jane Alexander and Michael Urie. Then a shot with actress Ashley Park.  Kathryn Gallagher was letting out but decided to check a spot with models and see what I can get there. Sadly not much (spoiler, would make up Kathryn in the future). Checked out another spot but it seemed most everyone was gone and it was getting too cold to be out at that point. So I ended my time in NYC.

Jessica Simpson

Mitchell Wenig

Tanya Tucker

James Cromwell

Mel Johnson

Full list of NYC photo ops

Autographs obtained

January movie and music meets

First up I would go to the airport for Martin Sheen. I have a shot but I needed his autograph on my Gettysburg laserdisc. He was cool as he did multi combos. I got 3 autos and didn't bother with the photo op as my shot is perfect. 

I initially got that laserdisc for the Jeff Daniels meet and greet and was hesitant to start that project as it involved getting people I already had. But I'm glad I did cause I put little to no effort to get the others. 

Besides Jeff and Martin, 

Tom Berenger would do a con I was already attending. 

Sam Elliott landed in the very same airport I got Martin Sheen at (the easiest place on Earth for me to get celebrities). 

Stephen Lang did an event in NYC when I was already there. 

So wow I got all FIVE autos on this laserdisc without going out of my way! I now consider it complete. Martin Sheen also told me something I didn't know, that Ted Turner is on the cover of that laserdisc.

The next day I would have two flights. Actress Amber Valletta and actor Juaqin Phoenix. Amber was super nice and signed and took photos. Juaqin as expected was not. He completely blanked and denied. He had a young guy with him and one pap yelled out "is that your fluffer" 

Went to another spot to try for actress Tiffany Haddish. I already have her but wanted an autograph and maybe a better photo op. Sadly she rushed in her car before I could react. 

Amber Valletta

Juaqin fail

Amber Valletta and Martin Sheen autographs


Next day at the event I wanted to try again for Juaqin and also get Maggie Gyllenhaal, who for the life of me I couldn't find a train or plane on. At the event I would then find out why. She was replaced by Susan Sarandon (who I have). While waiting I find out that actress June Diane Raphael was there. Thankfully I manage to get that so my time there wasn't a total waste. But was not able to Juaqin. Jane Fonda denied any autographs and photo ops but thankfully I have that. After the event was done I mooched some of the food and drinks they provided for attendees of the event. Juaqin also denied at the airport as he left town but I wasn't there.

Later that evening I entered a comedy club for actress and comedian Luenell from the movie Borat. I get a photo op.

June Diane Raphael

Luenell


Around mid January I got a flight on Martin Lawrence. I got him before but my photo op is pretty bad. I thought maybe I could improve it rather than pay $400 for his meet and greet. He arrived to an entourage of bodyguards and he did photo ops and did one per. The photo op is not great but better than what I had. 

Photo op

Autograph


Later that evening went to a show to get actor Michael Park from Stranger Things. Got him plus other barely valids.

Full list of evening photo ops


The last thing I did in January was a flight with 3 band members of Korn. In that flight was singer Jonathan Davis, bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer. Someone came up to us and told us that no one is going to sign. But of course we all ignored him. Jonathan sadly blanks but we get multi combos with the other two.

Fieldy

Munky

Autographs

Kicking off 2020 with a rather unique con

As 2020 dawned, I attended a con called Magfest, which stands for music and gaming fest. It is a rather unique con cause it draws a TON of people at a huge hotel in Maryland called the Gaylord.

I went there for social reasons but also to get David Wise who composed music for the Donkey Kong Country series and Kevin Bayliss who created Diddy Kong plus characters from Battletoads, Killer Instinct, among others. 

Arrive at the con and meet up with a friend who shows me around this con as it was a totally new experience for me. I get photo ops with some old Arcade and pinball machines. 

First get was Harumi Fujita who composed music for many old CAPCOM games for arcade and NES. She was cool and I got the photo op.

Next up I go to the David Wise and Kevin Bayliss panel because only David was announced for the signing. So I wanted to get Kevin. As the panel ended they told us to get them at the signing as Kevin confirmed he would attend the signing. At the signing both were super nice as I get the dual shot plus autographs from David. Very laid back compared to the very stressful NYCC signings or book signings I'm used to.

As a bonus I also got voice actor Jim Foronda later on.

Harumi Fujita

David Wise and Kevin Bayliss

Jim Foronda

David Wise autographs

Final round of 2019 meets

To round off 2019, let's look at the final week I was combo hunting in 2019!

First off, at the train station for two members of Blondie. Debbie Harry herself and Chris Stein. Chris was a first time meet for me and did the photo op. Debbie I got a combo. Not sure if it's an upgrade since she has the glasses but in my older shot she looks drugged (though it's a valid shot). She also signed for me.

Later on that evening I had a flight for Linda Ronstadt. After that were two different flights at two different airports. Damon Wayans at the same airport as Linda. And Sally Field at another airport. My decision was easy since I have Sally and don't have Damon. 

First up, go for Linda. This is probably my second time going to the airport for someone with Parkinson (the first being Michael J Fox). I was the only one there, I spotted her on a wheelchair. She denied photo ops but said she would sign me an album. I managed to get her to sign two. 

Next up was the Damon flight. Sadly it would get canceled. So with that being out, I went to the other airport for Sally Field. She was nice and took photos and signed. 

Chris Stein

Debbie Harry

Linda Ronstadt being wheeled at the airport

Sally Field

Linda, Debbie, and Sally autographs


Next day was a flight for actress Debra Winger and Arliss Howard. Debra was the one at the weekend event and happened to have her husband with her (who is actually a good name as he was in Full Metal Jacket and Jurassic World).

Got them both. Arliss signed by Jurassic World laserdisc. This would be a really worthwhile score as he would not stop at the event. Debra signed photos for me. Also Michele Lee was on the same flight so I got an upgrade.

Next up was Pierce Brosnan. He was on the go but accommodating and I got a photo op update and multiple items including two Bond laserdiscs!

Arliss Howard

Debra Winger

Michele Lee

Pierce Brosnan

Brosnan autographs

Debra Winger autographs and signed Jurrasic World laserdisc


Now the event which would span 2 days. Unfortunately there would be many repeat names for me, but to be expected. 

Day 1

The day would have a miss. Carrie Underwood didn't do my side of the barrier. Others broke the rules and got her, but I didn't. Mainly because I have her. I could have used an upgrade and an autograph, but no big deal. In hindsight no one got in trouble for going to the other side.

Sesame Street folks would enter. Got Leslie Carrara Rudolph (Abby) to sign and take photos. One good score was David Rudman who is the current Cookie Monster but more importantly he worked with Jim Henson! I got him on Cookie Monster items and my Labyrinth blu ray. Leaving I got combos from Matt Vogel (Big Bird) and Ryan Dillon (Elmo). Peter Linz and Eric Jacobson (Bert and Ernie) didn't stop. Eric is a good name cause he also plays Miss Piggy but thankfully I have him. Peter stopped the next day.

I got my biggest want of the weekend, someone I failed to get in the past and someone who is not known to be the nicest, Joseph Gordon Levitt! I could not believe he stopped! Got the combo. 

Lucy Lui did send ins for autographs and even remembered my unsigned item when I presented it for her as she came down the railing when she was leaving. She took a picture with me but it is bad as she is looking at me. It's ok I have a great shot from NYC many years ago.

I got actress Maura Tierney whom I needed a better shot with (sadly she had shades).

Earth Wind and Fire came through. Upgraded my Ralph Johnson shot, got autographs from all 3, but sadly Philip Bailey declined photo ops (didn't need a Verne shot as I have a perfect shot with him). 

Other mostly repeat gets include Thomas Rhett, Lars Ulrich, John Legend, David Copperfield, Cynthia Erivo, among others.

Joseph Gordon Levitt

Full list of Day 1 photo ops


Day 2

Day is off to an ok start as I get Peter Linz (Ernie). Since he wanted to personalize I didn't get him to sign my items.

Steven Speilberg came and did nothing going in but signed leaving. I got autos on the Lincoln poster and Gremlins laserdisc. 

Later I would also get autos of Joseph Gordon on my poster and on red carpet I got Sally Field to sign it.

Tom Hanks did nothing going in or leaving.

Jonas Brothers stopped going out, since I have photo ops I concentrated on autographs but sadly only got 2 out of 3.

Throughout the day and night I wouldn't get anything great photo op wise. Got mostly repeats with Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Pierce Brosnan, Cedric the Entertainer, Ne-Yo, among others. In hindsight I wish I left after red carpet cause I got nothing good after that. 

I wanted the co founders of Sesame Street Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett but both of them blanked.

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Now to showcase autographs obtained the past two days

Amazing Spiderman 2 poster, Labyrinth blu ray, and Earth Wind and Fire vinyl

Signed 8x10s

More signed 8x10s

Sesame Street autographs

Even more signed 8x10s and John Legend Vanity Fair magazine

Germlins Laserdisc signed by Speilberg and Lincoln poster which got Speilberg, Levitt, and Sally Field added!

Some scattered meets in October and November

As October came to a close I got flights on actresses Rosanna Arquette and Catherine Keener. Sadly I was not able to spot Catherine. I ended up getting Rosanna. 

Rosanna Arquette


Next up, around mid November had flights on members of the band Cheap Trick. All but the drummer is original. Had two members on one day and the singer the next day. First up was guitarist Rick Nielsen. Managed to get him but sadly he doesn't look at the camera for photos and in fact told me so when I tried for another shot. Also in the same flight was his son and barely valid drummer Daxx Nielsen. Next flight was bassist Tom Petersson who was friendly.

The next day I go for lead singer Robin Zander. While waiting I got two randoms who came out of the same hallway as he would come out. One is boxer Ray boom boom Mancini and the other is Bryan Cranston (who I have many times). Finally get Robin and he is cool.

Full list of 2 day airport photo ops

Cheap Trick autographs


The next day I went to a spot for actress Janeane Garofalo. Waited after her show. It was cold but got the combo no issue. 

Janeane Garofalo

Autograph


A few days later was an event with Jeff Bezos, James Corden, Kathy Bates, Earth Wind and Fire, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. Before the event I had a flight on actor David Strathairn. Sadly he flat out refuses photo ops saying he doesn't do those. I get his autograph on a Lincoln poster. 

Go to the event and it's basically worthless upon entries. I then go to the airport for film critic Leonard Maltin. Over a decade ago he was one of the driving forces in getting Disney to release all their cartoon shorts completely uncensored as part of the Disney Treasures line of DVDs. He was super nice and I got him on the certificates that come with those releases. Told him I wish they'd make those Treasures sets on blu ray he goes "so do I". Told him that he should get us Song of the South and his daughter goes "that will never happen". I told him at least there are some good "alternate" ways to get it and he goes "yes there are".

Back to the spot to try for exits. Not 5 minutes after I arrive I see Lin leave. Thankfully I have great photos with the guy and could concentrate on autographs. More graphers arrive. Security tries to tell us we have to leave but we yell back saying this is a sidewalk. Gayle King comes through. I didn't need anything from her but a friend needed an autograph. I tell him she's coming and openly and loudly tell him that security is trying to kick us out but we are saying it's a sidewalk so don't be afraid to ask. They even tried to physically push away our items but we screamed assault. Gayle was friendly and when they told her not to sign she goes "but they're standing here". I also got news anchor Bret Baier in that chaos.

I see both Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton come out but they blank. Never saw Jeff Bezos or Kathy Bates (at least I have the latter). Sela Ward apparently walked by us but I have her. I waited for Earth Wind and Fire but in all the chaos only managed to get Ralph Johnson and couldn't get the lead singer Philip Bailey. I also did not see James Corden who I wanted. 

Full list of photo ops

Signed Lincoln poster

Lin Manuel Miranda autographs

Leonard Maltin autographs


Next up, Michelle Obama doing a book signing at Politics and Prose. It was no photo ops. You had to buy the books one day then go to the event 2 days later. But the books are money. You got up to her, shook her hand, picked up pre signed books. I sold those books for some fuck money. It really  baffled me to see people line up in the cold for the satisfaction of meeting her for a few seconds. I understood why I was doing this but couldn't understand why so many camped out in the cold.

Photo from the signing

Signed books that I sold


Then a Sofia Loren flight close to my house! I have a photo op with her so this was primarily for autographs. It was pounding rain outside so the perfect time for indoor autographs. I go to the airport and see her. Get 2 things done. Her entourage stopped photo ops though. Sadly at an outdoor event a combo hunter got a photo op with Diane Lane. So this small victory came with a huge PUNCH. Could never have imagined that with all the rain outside, I guess hindsight is 20/20.

Sofia Loren autographs


Ended the month of November with a photo op with singer Jesse J at the airport who was very cool

Jessie J

Swinging 3 cons in 3 states, plus post cons NYC meets

With Chono announced at Icons of Wrestling AKA RF Con in Philly I had to go there. Very few wrestling names of Chono's caliber that are left for me to meet, as most everybody I either met or are dead. Additionally, I have an nWo magazine with most every living wrestler featured on that magazine except for him.

Arrive there and throughout the con it was good to see IVP Chris, Tiscione, Scorpion Faced Tony, K&S Kenny and Steve, among others. Get my Chono combo, get an upgrade with Doug Gilbert as he has shades in my old shot, and Jordynne Grace and Crazzy Steve both of Impact Wrestling fame.

Masahiro Chono

Full list of Icons of Wrestling photos

Autograph


Next up I go to Sopranos Con in Secaucus, NJ. My main wants were Annabella Sciorra and Tony Sirico. By the time I got there Tony had bailed on the con. And Annabella was never even there to begin with. Even tried asking staff about her but no one knew anything. I had a handful of secondary wants besides those two, but the prices and lack of splits put a damper on that. So I picked one name from that list and got that name so my time here isn't a complete waste. Namely Kathrine Narducci of Bronx Tale fame.

Kathrine Narducci


Drove to Queens to Winter Con. They had a Farscape reunion. Sadly the prices and lack of splits put a damper on those as well. Though I would have surely gotten Virginia Hey if she did not cancel. Tom Skerritt was there and I could have used an upgrade. But he had a  beard and was pro op only. So I scratched that off the list. I only got Laurette Spang of Battlestar Galactica fame.

Laurette Spang


After having swung 3 cons in 3 states within a span of 12 hours, it was off to the streets of NYC. The first spot is one for Daniel Craig. I have him but he has a mustache in my shot plus Last Jedi director Rian Johnson whom I never met was also slated to be there. It's a mob scene as Daniel arrives and does one photo op and signs. Then Rian comes and I score that photo op. 

Believing that Daniel wouldn't stop on the way out (he didn't) I would go to the "easy" show spots. First spot was for Enrico Colantoni of Galaxy Quest fame but it looked like the spot was done. It's ok I would try again the next day. Next up I go to the spot for Susan Blommaert whom I missed before. It was the last day of the show and this time I knew what I was looking for. I wait and never see her. Then I mooch inside the venue and seems there is some sort of cast party. I sneak in there and see her. I ask for the photo and she is nice as can be.

Then I go to a spot where Ed Harris is. I have him but wanted a shot with actress Rosalyn Coleman and a better shot with Nick Robinson. Ed wanted no part of photos (it's ok as again I have him). Never saw Rosalyn as she either slipped by or left before I arrived. Finally saw Nick and got the photo op. I also got actress Eliza Scanlen and other barely valids.

Next up was a spot to get the information for the next spot. Will Ferrell was the host and two huge names I needed were present. Namely Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame and Ryan Reynolds. I had zero expectations for those names because it was raining, they are super hard, and I've failed on them in the past. Most notably Roger Waters who people constantly have autograph successes but I always fail at time and time again. So it's the breaking point and lo and behold Roger Waters walking to a car with security. A bunch of us run to the side he is on, he starts signing and I beg and plead that I have nothing to get signed and want the op. He goes "if you can take it". Not sure how but somehow, someway, I get a lucky valid shot as it didn't seem like he was trying to pose. Not the greatest shot but considering the stressful situation, the rain, and how many times I failed on him while he was on tour, I'm super happy with that. 

On to the next spot, Ryan Reynolds doesn't even show. To boot the rain didn't subside. See Common and Tiffany Haddish. I shake Common's hand telling him I have multiple ops with him. I try for Tiffany as she leaves but she denies. Try to get autographs from Will Ferrell as he leaves but he completely ignores (at least I have him). Despite the rain and long wait, this spot wasn't a waste as I got fresh photos with actress Rachel Dratch and actor Nicholas Braun.

Rian Johnson

Roger Waters

Full list of  day 1 NYC photos


Parked for free by Times Square and wake up in what would be my final day in NYC for 2019. I get a tip for actor Len Cariou at a show. Try for him going in but only see actor Craig Bierko. It's ok I would try later. Go to the next spot for Enrico Colantoni. First I get young actor Alexanger Griffin then get Enrico, both very nice.

Go back for Len and get him leaving. The venue has two sides so I am glad I picked the right now. Then go to a spot for Kathryn Gallagher but never see her. I only get a slew of barely valids in that show. Later I find out she was meeting somebody inside so if I waited more I may have seen her. 

My final stand would be an evening show for for Andrea Martin from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. But in a HUGE punch the Internet had the wrong running time and it was done by the time I got there. Finally left NYC after this.

Len Cariou

Full list of  day 2 NYC photos