Big Event and other NYC meets

In mid march to coincide with 90s Con in Hartford I would go to Big Event and do some other NYC meets.

First up, Big Event. Kevin Von Erich was there but I got him at Legends of the Ring in 2009 so I had no need for him. Shockingly he seemed fairly unchanged since then. And all the big names there I already had. 

First I get the first ever female WWE ref, Rita Chatterton. Then I get Debbie Combs, daughter of Cora Combs who I met before. I should have told her I met her mother. Then I get Amari Miller from NXT, and a dual mother/son op with Shayna Wayne and Nick Wayne from AEW.

I never had a good single op with Chuck Palumbo I have him in an FBI group op. So I rectified that and got a solo shot. Ended Big Event with What's Happening Now actor Ernest Lee Thomas.

Full list of Big Event photo ops

On to NYC where I start at a spot for Alfred Molina but sadly never see him. I got updates with Dylan Baker and Michael Siberry. Joined markedout admin Greg2600 to the next spot for James Madio who was one of the Lost Boys in Hook. While waiting there get actor Louis Vanaria. Waited some more and finally James who was nice as can be. 

On to the show spots, first up is actor Thomas Gibson from Eyes Wide Shut and other things. He walks out and is cool. Then for Marc Summers who was nice as he exited. 

Go to the final spot of the evening where I get upgrades with K Todd Freeman and Sepideh Moafi plus a fresh op with actress Saffron Burrows! After a successful evening in NYC it was off to Harford for 90s con (already reported).

Thomas Gibson

Saffron Burrows

Full list of NYC photo ops

After 90s con drive into NYC with former board member heelorton and friend, vanessa and friend, and we eat at the diner where the famous Harry Met Sally "I'll have what she's having" scene took place. 

Went again to try for Joy Osmanski for one last time. But again, did not see her. Not sure if it's just because she's Asian or she sneaks. I only got an update with actor Ben Rosenfield. The evening in NYC is a bust as I exit the city. 

When Harry Met Sally spot

Ben Rosenfield

Awesome Con in DC, 90s con in Hartford

I had very few wants at awesome con. Arrive there and start with a photo op with comic book artist Mark Bagley who I already have. My first paid guest is actor Raymond Cruz (Clear and Present Danger). Then Colleen O’Shaughnessey AKA Tails in the Sonic movies. Natasha Liu Bordizzo AKA Sabine in the Ahsoka series. And finally deaf actress Alaqua Cox from Hawk Eye who was pro only and her pro ops had passed. But I managed to talk my way into paying for a table op. It was a win/win. I didn't have to pay for a more expensive pro op (which I view as an inferior product). They got money they wouldn't have had since there was no more pro op. I wanted Tom Kenny who voiced SpongeBob but my splitter bailed on me.

After that I simply got comic book names Klaus Janson, Jeph Loeb, and Sarah Myer.

Natasha Liu Bordizzo

Full list of awesome con photo ops

The next day I did Hayden Christensen at the airport as I wanted autos and his prices of $200 a pop at awesome con is too rich for my blood. I got the updated photo op and two Star Wars  figures done. He was cool.

Hayden Christensen

Autographs

Fast forward to 90s in Hartford. I did NYC before 90s con, and I did NYC after 90s. I will report on that separately. At 90s con by top wants were Geena Davis and the parents from Boy Meets World. I was heartbroken when I saw the horrid separator for her Saturday at 90s con. But Sunday, that was rectified and you just had to be a certain distance from her. So I guess I'm lucky I decided to go Sunday as opposed to Saturday. Cause I might have left Hartford Saturday night and would have had to drive back from NYC Sunday.

First I get James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek). Then Drew Lachey and Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees). Then the Step by Step names which were big wants of mine. Brandon Call and Angela Watson. Then Alimi Ballard which is another addition to my Sabrina the Teenage Witch collection. And then Christopher Castile from Step by Step and the Beethoven movies which I loved back in the day.

Next up Andrew Keegan (10 Things I Hate About You, 7th Heaven), and the parents from Boy Meets World, Betsy Randle and William Russ. And the teacher from Boy Meets World Anthony Tyler Quinn. I've now gotten almost everyone from that show. 

Then I get Barry Watson (7th Heaven) and was about to go for David Gallagher but they said he would be back after the panel as they took him away from the table. I line up for the Geena Davis pro op and say hello to her as we pose. Never would I have dreamt I would get that op as she is nasty on the street and didn't think she would be the con type. But I suppose anything is possible in life and this is proof.

After the pro op the 7th Heaven people returned to their table. David Gallagher was gone apparently he came back for 10 minutes and had to go to the airport. What in the fucking fuck! That was one name on my list! But I got Beverley Mitchell and Mackenzie Rosman from that show. Ended my time at 90s con with Brendan Fehr and Jason Behr from Roswell fame. 

Geena Davis

Christopher Castile

Betsy Randle and William Russ

Anthony Tyler Quinn

Full list of 90s con photo ops

Multi Day NYC haul in early March

On an evening in early March, I drive into NYC to hit up multiple targets over the next 4 days. I commandeer my parking spot, sleep, and prepare myself for the long week ahead.

Day 1

First stop is actress Denise Richards. Missed her at a Steel City Con in December 2019 just before the pandemic hit because I was out of country. As she exits she is nice as can be even defying her publicist. I get the op and autographs. I also get Eugene Levy to sign for me.

I then go to use the bathroom at my "go to" spot after I wake up in NYC. By coincidence I see Eugene's van at the restaurant nearby. I quickly go to the bathroom then wait. And I get another autograph. I couldn't get the photo op but it's ok I have a decent shot with him.

I then wait on DeWanda Wise at a spot. But she garaged. I do however get child actress Pyper Braun. No Doubt drummer Adrian Young was supposed to be there but didn't see him. There was another spot where the Rock went to. I go check it out but he was gone. I saw Eugene Levy's van again and I informed other combo hunters who needed him and they got the photo op.

Next up try for Lindsay Lohan. Sadly entries is a complete bust. So I wait for exits. At another spot Ashley Tisdale stopped but one can't be everywhere. Also markedout member Greg2600 got Richard Gear and Jean Reno randomly at another spot. I have Gear but need Jean Reno. So that was a little bit of a heartbreak, but spoiler alert I would make that up in the future. 

On exits I am much more successful as I get Lindsay's sister Aliana Lohan (who is valid). Then after a lot of begging and pleading I overcome the crowd and get Lindsay Lohan. Missed actor Ed Speleers who left out the front. 

Went to a spot for Josh Brolin but the crowd was HUGE. Did not think he would do it leaving so I left to try him somewhere else. Sadly he did indeed do it there and I was heartbroken beyond belief as I failed on him in the past as well. But spoiler alert I would make that up the next day.

After this botch on my part, went to spot to try to see if Ed Speleers was still there. Saw Jane Seymour and got another photo op with her. And finally see Ed and get the photo op. Overall a successful day. 

Denise Richards

Lindsay Lohan

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Day 2

This day starts very unexpectedly. Namely with one of the main reasons I came to NYC, Sam Neill from Jurrsassic Park fame! This particular spot was told me on short notice I didn't even have time to eat as I got up and headed there. It is off to a good start as I get a fresh op with actor Jake Lacy who I failed on in the past. Sam Neill did nothing going in.

On exits I get Amanda Bennett but the op is invalid. It's ok I have one from before. And Sam Neill is mobbed on exit and I plead for the op but to no avail. The police even are harassing me and threatening me with arrest. After he gets in his car I go to the other side and beg for the roll down and by miracle I not only get the op but the autograph on my Jurassic Park laserdisc! After this epic success, I am literally on my knees, holding up both my camera and my laserdisc, praising the lord for starting my day with such a huge success, and right in front of the police officers to boot! This also meant that I could sleep the next day instead of trying for Sam Neill at an ultra crowded spot. 

Then I go to the hotel to try to make up my Josh Brolin botch from the prior evening. Radioman was also there and a couple of graphers. Much better that the prior evening crowd wise. He finally came out and I manage to get the combo finally breaking my Josh Brolin curse. I also checked another spot and got actor/writer Julio Torres real quick.

Unfortunately, it began pounding rain so I spent a lot of time chilling at Taco Bell. In the evening I would try indoor spots with another grapher. First up is actress Moses Ingram from the Obi Wan series. She is cool and does autographs and photo ops. Next spot I get actor K Todd Freeman (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sanjit De Silva, John Behlmann, Eleanor Handley, and Sepideh Moafi. There were more people to be had but I would make that up another day.

Sam Neill

Josh Brolin

Moses Ingram

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Day 3

First spot I go to I see No Doubt drummer Adrian Young who is very nice. Then I get Spanish singers Yandel and Manuel Turiz whom I never heard of. Go to the next spot for a slew of music names. First get is Luke Spiller from the Struts, Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, and yet another op with David Grohl. Then I get legendary soul singer Bettye LaVette, session drummer Steve Gadd, and Marcus King.

Now it turns out Ricky Martin walked into the previous spot that we left. So we returned to get him walking out. I got him before but he has hat and shades. As he walked out he was nice and I got this upgrade. Went back to the spot with all the music names and here is where I botched. I left to try and see Alfred Molina. Never saw him and only got Toby Stephens who I have. Had I stayed I would have gotten a dual op with the Black Keys (have Patrick need Dan who is usually a dick) and Luke Spiller with no shades. PUNCH.

Then headed to a different spot with Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, and others. I actually wanted a better shot with Sophia. Sadly never saw her or Hilarie (I would get Sophia in the future), but I did get another shot with Tina Fey, actor Thomas Doherty, Paula Pell, and Renee Elise Goldsberry. 

Now go to some "easy" show spots. First one I get Josh Radnor (update) and actress Madeline Weinstein. Then go for actor Dorian Harewood who doesn't come out an greet the crowd. Got some barely valids in the railings then they removed the railings. I waited some more and he came out all covered up with a mask. But when asked he was nice and pulled the mask down for the photo op. Went to the next spot to get more names but only got Stephen Moyer. At the final spot went to try for Joy Osmanski but sadly never saw her.

Ricky Martin

Full list of Day 3 photo ops

Day 4

This day I start at the hotel for Sam Neill to try for an autograph, but he is not there. I head to the next spot. I immediately get Eddie Izzard (update). Anne Hatheway and Sam Neill use the garage but Sam does the roll down and I get an autograph on my Jurassic Park blu ray. I also get Awkwafina again. She signed and I got a blurry op. It's ok I have enough photo ops with her. Go again to try and see Alfred Melina but no luck there. I get Michael Siberry and Jonathan Hadary. 

On to Barnes and Noble and Union Square for the Nora Jones album signing. And get the combo there. Go to a Scott Bakula spot where I upgrade my photo op with him and get autos as well. Was hoping to see his wife Chelsea Field (Teela in the Masters of the Universe movie) but sadly she wasn't there. Actress Isa Briones was there and I botched not getting here (but would do so in the future). For my final NYC spot, I tried again for Joy Osmanski but again didn't see her. This ended my time in NYC.

Nora Jones

Scott Bakula

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

Now to showcase some autographs:

misc signed 8x10s

Denise Richards

Jurrasic Park laserdisc with Sam Neill added, Nora Jones, and Josh Brolin

Jurrasic Park blu ray signed by Sam Neill

Tom Morello

Some scattered meets throughout February

In early February I embark to get actor Ronny Chieng who was in Crazy Rich Asians, Godzilla vs Kong, among others. I checked the venue and didn't know if he was in already. I hit up a nearby spot for some rap names I never heard of. I figure since I was there anyway might as well. I got Kwame, Chubb Rock, and Master Gee. On exit I try for Ronny again. He walks out with his entourage and is nice as can be.

Then to another spot for Seth MacFarlane. I met him before but I wanted the autograph. While waiting I get composers Joel McNeely and Michael Corcoran. Sadly Seth garages out. I also get actress Elizabeth Gillies but sadly a repeat name.

Ronny Chieng

Full list of photo ops

Days after I go to the airport for actress Sissy Spacek. Met her before but I wanted a better op and some autographs. She was somehow freaked out by me. She signed but sadly didn't do the op. I tried to ask her husband Jack Fisk for the op but he also declined.

Then to another repeat name, Vint Cerf also known as the father of the Internet. He sat down and lectured me. Asked how I knew about the flight. I said I waited on San Fransico flights (the place where he was doing events). He said he is "paranoid" and wanted to know who I was and asked for my ID which I showed him. Talked about previous airport encounters with another combo hunter. 

In one of the autographs he drew a sketch for inter planetary Internet and said he didn't do that for others and I'm "special". He also explained to me how they want to have Internet on Mars one day.

Vint Cerf

Autographs

A few days later I hit up the Animaniacs on tour event. The main reason is for screen writer Randy Rogel. I enter and see both Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche. I get autos from them. Then I wait and as the show is starting Randy is about to enter I quickly grab a photo op.

Then to the airport for actor Jon Bernthal. He is cool and I get another photo op and some autographs. I try for singer Gary LeVox at a spot but sadly never see him (spoiler alert, I would make that up in the future).

Randy Rogel

Jon Bernthal

Autographs

Mid February I mooch into a book signing and get a photo op with director Edward Zwick. The next evening I mooched into a show with actress Zainab Johnson. Everyone lined up and I got the op.

Edward Zwick

Zainab Johnson

Couple of days later I go to the airport for football player Joe Montana. He was rough but I got him to sign a football. Then went to a venue for singer Steve Forbert. He did a meet and greet and I got the photo op. Went to another venue for comedian and actor Hasan Minhaj but sadly never saw him. Had I waited at the hotel a little I probably would have but I called it too early.

Steve Forbert

Signed football

Next day I went to the airport for actress Phylicia Rashad. I have her but wanted autographs. She signed but wouldn't do photos with me. It's ok I have great ops with her. 

Autographs

Phylicia Rashad signing for me

El DeBarge, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Anna Sawai

 After my political endeavor I would go for singer El Debarge. He is probably best known for the song "Rhythm of the Night". Wait at the venue and one of his guys said it's been a rough week and he may or may not stop. He came out was friendly but not overly friendly. I manage to get the op but no autos. 

So I rushed to the next stop where I managed to get him to sign. Then his people tried to stop me from getting another auto but I successfully defied them and got the auto. His guy said he would call security on me if he saw me again and I replied "that's fine". This was rougher than I imagined for El Debarge as I heard good things about him. But later I found out his mother had died a week earlier so I guess that would explain it. 

El DeBarge

Autographs

At the end of February there was a flight for legendary Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada. On the same flight was singer and actress Anna Sawai. Arrive and wait and finally they arrive. First get is Anna and she is super nice even said "I took off my make up" but does the op. Then I get Sanada who was super nice for the op. Both did one each as their handler stopped us. 

We later when to another spot at the airport. By luck Anna was in line on her own and we racked her. Then we tried again for Sanada and barely got one more for him as we were yelled at.

Overall this is a sweeping success and I consider Sanada my first big movie name of 2024 and my best meet of 2024 thus far. 

Anna Sawai

Hiroyuki Sanada

Autographs

A rare political report

I usually don't do much political meets, and when I do they are usually one off. But towards the end of February, I would attend a political convention to see what could be had. I had a few people I wanted but didn't dedicate all the time to get them all. But I did get some top wants in the time I did dedicate.

First day would be short and sweet. I arrive and I find Naomi Wolf doing a book signing. I never heard of her. But it was a free book signing. So I got a free signed book and a photo op. That doesn't happen very often. 

Then I got Steve Bannon who was cool for ops. Walk around and see a big want of mine, Lou Dobbs! He was very nice and I got a combo. Then I see Natasha Owens all dressed up getting ready for sound check. She is known for the "Trump Won" song. I got the op. Then I saw another want of mine, the MyPillow CEO Michael J Lindell. He was nice and got a combo. 

Then got ops with Sebastian Gorka, Frank Pavone, Fernando Lisboa, Tanya Posobiec, Matt Schlapp, John Fabbricatore, Jack Posobiec, and Robert Wallace Malone. Then got another good score, Tim Ballard. The movie "Sound of Freedom" is based on him. Ended the day with Vince Fusca.

Lou Dobbs

Natasha Owens

Michael J Lindell

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Autographs

Next day was a little longer and a little rougher than the previous day, but I managed to come out on top for the most part. Starts off slow with Matthew Whitaker, Vanessa Broussard, Hung Cao, Italian far right politician Manlio Messina, Richard Grenell, Tom Fitton, Forgiato Blow, Jerrod Sessler, and Dennis Mayo. 

I tried for Argentinian president Javier Milei after his speech but sadly he was mobbed so could not get him. I did get Kari Lake who was nice. So score right there. I wanted to get Vivek Ramaswamy but he snuck out. And while I didn't know it at the time I got a photo op with Santiago Abascal the leader of the Vox party in Spain! 

Then I get Margaret Byfield and Coleton Furlow. But I was disappointed the day was pretty much done and I didn't see one of my top wants, director and actor Eduardo Verastegui. He directed Sound of Freedom and also was in Mall Cop 2, among other things. But since I had time to kill before going to try for El Debarge I thought I'd look around as a final Hail Mary. While doing so I got a photo op with John Tabacco. 

Then I looked around at nearby restaurants to no avail. I met up with other photo op seekers at the restaurant/bar inside the hotel and I spotted Kari Lake but I didn't bother her. Then lo and behold entering the restaurant to eat was the man himself, Eduardo Verastegui! Wow luck like that doesn't happen too often! He was super nice and I got a combo. Also saw Patricia McCloskey and Mark McCloskey sitting down having a drink and thought why not I'll get them again. Also got a signed photo they give out. After this it was off to try for El Debarge (which will be in another report).

Kari Lake

Santiago Abascal

Eduardo Verastegui

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Autographs

First wave of 2024 meets in January

First combo endeavor of 2024 was a little rough. While I didn't come out empty handed, I didn't succeed on my primary objectives. I arrive at the hotel to try for Martin Scorsese. I have him but could use a better shot and autos. Sadly, he blanks there and also the venue where he used the garage. 

Now trying the venue on exit I needed a photo op with actress Lily Gladstone, but she was completely mean and blew everyone off as she left. Another fail. Martin garaged out and some people tried at the next spot where they failed.

It wasn't a complete waste because leaving the venue I got two actors, namely Tatanka Means and Janae Collins, making my first and second photo op of 2024.

Went to another spot where I was hoping to see Neil Patrick Harris and actress Denee Benton, but never saw them.

Tatanka Means

Janae Collins

Next up is a little more exciting. There was an event with actors Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Barry Keoghan, and Nate Mann, and producers/writers John Oloff, Gary Goetzman, and Kirk Saduski. Out of all those, I got Barry in NYC but never met the others. So there was lots of room for fresh meets. 

Start at the hotel, and as they all come back I am sadly alone. This is where I need people to distract as they enter the front door. They arrive and I had to act quick. I ask Nate and he declines. Then I ask Callum and get the op! Officially on the board as he was the #1 name I needed.

Next up I decided to go inside the event. After the event I get Anthony Boyle leaving the state and get declined by Nate. Sadly I should have left the area quicker cause they walked in another area I could have had more chances. Big screw up on my part. I only got writer Kirk Saduski. 

Then I wait outside by the vehicles. First up Barry is walked to the vehicles. I get a slight upgrade (clean shaven). Then Anthony Boyle comes out and I score a better shot than the one I just got. Both were super nice. I wait some more hoping to see Nate and the other 2 producers but it starts to rain and they take the cars to the loading dock where I have no access. I decided to call it right there rather than try again at the hotel and be blown off by Nate.

While it was not a clean sweep, I would say this was definitely a success as I got the main two I needed (Callum and Anthony) and then some.

Callum Turner

Anthony Boyle take 1

Kirk Saduski

Barry Keoghan

Anthony Boyle take 2

Next day I went for a meet and greet with LaTavia Roberson. She was an original member of Destiny's Child and on the first two albums. Now admittedly this is more of a "Pokémon" meet for me. But it was a guaranteed meet AND it was free. And after that I could go to another spot I wanted to hit up anyway. If this were a paid meet I wouldn't have done it. And if I had to wait for a chance outside a venue I wouldn't have bothered. But it was a guarantee and the price was right. 

Arrive at the meet and greet and as I pull out my 8x10s the photographer wants to take photos of me holding them. When I got up to her she was nice as can be. Got the op and when I presented my 8x10s she asks where I got them and goes "I haven't signed an autograph in a long time" as she signs and as her people film and take photos. Although for someone who was seemingly happy to sign autographs she gave a one letter autograph on one of the 8x10s. I'm not complaining just seemed a bit odd for her to do that. This marked my first autos of 2024.

She then hugged me and even kissed me on the cheek. This was shocking cause it is the first instance of a celeb kissing me at a signing. Then got some free food and free desert and left the place. Wow, it is a shame that more meets can't be this pleasant and more celebs can't be this nice. 

Off to the next spot where I hope to upgrade my Neil Patrick Harris photo op and get a photo op with actress Denee Benton. After waiting a while finally see Neil who does ops with all but refuses to sign. Then finally see Denee who nastily declines ops.

LaTavia Roberson

Neil Patrick Harris

Autographs