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
Friday, March 27, 2020
Thursday, March 26, 2020
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
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
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
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
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
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
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
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
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
Monday, March 23, 2020
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
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
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!
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.
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!
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