THEODORE took a whole YEAR to learn the PIANO

It was late May and I set out for a couple of meets, mainly Billy Joel who is best known for the legendary song, Piano Man (which also got a Weird Al parody in the form of Spiderman). 

It was a lot of waiting and a lot of screw ups, getting caught up in the rain, even at one point coming up a day late and a dollar short (missing a drop off bus by 2 minutes). 

 But the day turned out pretty extravagant. 

First meet was Jesse McCartney, who I know best as Theodore from the Alvin and the Chipmunks movies. He was cool and I got a combo. 

Next success was seeing Trisha Yearwood leaving in a van. She was ultra friendly and even waited to see if the photo op turned out. 

Next up I see James Taylor leaving. He is ultra friendly and I got him to sign me 3 vinyls and an 8x10. I told him I didn't need to bother him for a photo op since I have that already. 

And then I see the man himself, Billy Joel! I manage to get a photo op and two albums signed! He was surprisingly very nice. 

The black mark from this is missing Gloria Estefan but not huge deal as I have a photo op with her already. And I saw Carol King but she was an ultra bitch. I could have waited more for her but it was pouring rain and I decided to go to another spot where I had a better chance of seeing somebody. That somebody was lead singer of the band Phish, Trey Anastasio. I was already in town and Gloria was likely not going to be seen so this seemed like the best option. Me and one other guy managed to go to a spot where other fans weren't waiting and he was very accommodating. I got a photo op. 

Billy Joel photo op

Full list of photo ops

James Taylor autographs

Billy and Jesse autographs

Yet another big NYC weekend

Fresh off Buzz Aldrin signing in early May, I set out for another mega weekend. Sadly early on I had planned it on Alan Oppenheimer in North Carolina. But he canceled. This screwed up my plans and as I would find out later on, cost me a lot of good photo ops in NYC. Losing these photo ops would have been ok IF I had met Alan. But damn, damn damn I lost on all fronts

That aside, let us see what I did get. 

It starts off on Saturday where I pick up Joresky from the train station and we head out to NYC. Our first spot of the evening was uneventful. Kristen Wiig and Jonah Hill would have been cool new photo ops for me, but they did nothing. Paul Rudd also did nothing, although I already have multiple photo ops with him. Could have used an auto and probably would have had it if I went after him as he entered a cab, but it didn't feel worth it since the item I had was just an 8x10. Maya Rudolph and Cobie Smulders photo ops would have been nice scores IF I didn't already have them. The only notable score here was Paul Feig who directed Bridesmaids among others. I also got Jason Sudeikis to sign an 8x10 for me. 

Full list of Saturday photo ops

Sunday begins. I first wanted to try for some Alec Baldwin autographs, but we had info on the Amazing Spiderman 2 film set. I still needed a photo op with Paul Giamatti, so I decided to head out there. Sadly it was a bust as we could not find where the actors were. We were getting nothing so we decide to go for Christopher Lloyd. He's a repeat name but better to go where we can actually get something over what we were getting so far, and that was nothing. 

We wait for Lloyd and he does one per person. I also got another photo with him as he had no hair this time, so he looks like he did in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I got him to sign my Marty/Doc photo already signed by Michael J Fox. 

Off to the next spot where I get a bunch of photo ops, most notably Monica Potter from Patch Adams. Off to another spot where I get a single name, Jason Ritter (son of John Ritter). Ultra nice as can be. Then off to yet another spot. Michael J Fox was there but did nothing for no one. Christian Slater was there and did nothing for no one. I had a New Girl 8x10 cast photo that I got signed by all except Zooey Deschanel (who wasn't there). I also got two actors from the upcoming Ninja Turtles movie. 

Sunday photo ops part 1

Sunday photo ops part 2

Monday starts off on a sour note. We try for Alyson Hannigan who is normally ultra friendly. Sadly this spot has the dreaded garage which essentially renders this spot worthless. 

At another spot Joresky spots David Boreanaz AKA Angel. I ask him for a photo op he shoots me down I try to beg and plead he just runs! I did not follow as I don't want to ruin my chances at another spot where I was expecting to see him. 

At the next spot I get a few names most notably JK Simmons who plays Jameson in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. The spot after that is when I would have a major haul. The spot was basically blown and the crowd was insane. Despite that with yelling, begging, shoving, and pushing, I did real good. 

First good score is Emily Deschanel who is much friendlier than her bitch ass sister. Lots of names come in but sadly do only a little cause of the huge crowd. On exits though I had better luck. First comes the most persisting and begging I've done in 2013. A huge want of mine that costs $100 for a photo op at conventions. Namely, David Boreanaz. I wonder if he remembered me from our previous encounter, but he did photo ops but ignored me. I had to run from spot to spot as he went down the railing, begging, pleading, shouting, etc etc. At one point he even gave me a hand gesture acknowledging me but not coming over to take a photo op

But I do not quit! I still continue, and I still plead. He then comes over 

I quickly snap the shot and I wasn't sure that it even came out, but thankfully it actually came out. I was so excited I just could not believe it I went on my knees held the camera up in the sky and thanked the lord for this big victory! That's $60 I won't have to spend at a con (after split and digital copy). Demi Lovato was then spotted walking away. I went up to her, asked for a photo op, and she did it. Got a huge score in Matt Dillon. Got Beth Grant from Donnie Darko, among others. 

Two notable failures for this spot was Mario Lopez who would not do anything. I needed him on an 8x10. And of course Zooey Deschanel. She was leaving on a go cart and I ran to beat the go cart to where she was being dropped off. I had to climb rocks and take other short cuts. She did an auto and a photo op, but not with me. Despite my best begging, pleading, and persistence this was a total fail. 

Off to the next spot where we saw Uma Thurman. This was unexpected so I sadly had nothing on me. A dealer gave me $10 to get his item done and she didn't do photo ops. I missed actor Steve Buscemi but got actress Julianna Margulies. Then came a huge A level score in Ron Howard! 

Off to the next spot where I would see some huge scores. Gillian Anderson who played Scully in X-Files was doing stuff. When taking my photo op a dealer tries to get more out of her and she verbally rejects him, and that screws up my photo op  Thankfully she agrees to a redo. Then I get a Courtney Cox photo op, a huge want of mine. I see Sean Hayes who is also a want of mine but sadly security rushes him and my photo is blurry  but I would have a chance to rectify that. The night ends with a few more photo ops, including Rebecca Romijn (Mystique) and James Spader. Rebecca went in doing nothing then had a change of heart and did photo ops!

David Boreanaz

Demi Lovato

Matt Dillon

Ron Howard

Courtney Cox

Gillian Anderson

Rebecca Romijn

Monday photo ops part 1

Monday photo ops part 2

Monday photo ops part 3

Finally we get to Tuesday, and sadly my final day for this round. It started off at a spot trying to meet singer Huey Lewis but unfortunately he used another exit to leave the building. Got a photo op with Carson Kressley from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy who was ultra friendly. Joresky spotted Steve Guttenberg jogging. I ran to him and I asked him for a photo op just for the hell of it even though I had one already. He did one no problem. 

At the next spot I would make up my Sean Hayes photo op and get GW Daily from Police Academy, among others. Then at the next spot I would obtain a huge mega score! I actually had no idea who that was when I got him, but when he was ID'd boy was I floored! Joss Whedon who directed Avengers and created Buffy and Angel. I also got Clark Gregg who I always missed out on in the past, among others. One Asian actress did not look at my camera but I was able to make it up later. 

Then me, Joresky, and others stand in line for a free frozen banana. I was actually hungry but questioned the wisdom of standing in this line since every second standing there was possibly costing us an autograph or photo op somewhere else. However this turned out to be a wise move as Joresky spots Christian Slater walking about. We both followed him and as a result scored photo ops!  Of course Joresky was bitching cause he had shades and a hat, but I am just grateful to get him as opposed to not getting him. And I commend Joresky for spotting him. 

As soon as I arrive at the next spot they had railing setup and were actually enforcing them. One actor came through and took photo ops, and I defied the rules and got him just as he entered the door. Security yelled at me and I obeyed the rules from there on. I had no idea who that actor was when I got him, but turns out it's Sean Bean from Lord of the Rings and Lightning Thief. So a good move on my part. Throughout the course of the day I would go between spots. I scored two Courtney Cox autographs on an 8x10 with David Arquette and also a Masters of the Universe DVD already signed by Frank Langella. I got a Breckin Meyer (road trip) photo op. I made up the photo op with the Asian actress, and got some other photo ops. I did have some big misses in Ben Affleck and Robin Williams, but since I already have combos with them it was no big deal. This ended my trek as I left the city. 

Joss Whedon

Christian Slater

Breckin Meyer

Clark Gregg

Sean Bean

Tuesday photo ops part 1

Tuesday photo ops part 2

Now to showcase some autographs

Back to the Future photo, completed

Coutney Cox, Jason Sudeikis, and New Girl cast (worthless without the Zooey)

Buzz Aldrin book signing report

Buzz Aldrin was doing several public appearances to promote his Mission to Mars book. I went there to pick up some signed books and perhaps improve my photo op. The one I went to was early May at the National Geographic building in DC. The employees were actually very nice which is unusual. May have had something to do with the fact that I bought 5 books (with the intention of selling 4). 

Joining Buzz in the signing was his son Andrew Aldrin (who wrote the foreword of the book) and also co-author Leonard David. While technically correct autographs on the book, I had no interest in devaluing my books so I told the female handler up front that I only wanted Buzz. She was more than friendly about it. 

Sadly, the friendliness of all the employees was tainted by the usual unfriendliness of Buzz. He refused to pose for me stating that it would start a trend. Not a huge deal as I already have a photo op, but would have been nice. I did get a cool "face off" photo op with him which technically counts and is a nice bonus. 

Photos from the signing

Book that I'm keeping for myself

Buzz Aldrin photo op from September 2010

It is pretty cool that of the first 4 people who ever walked on the moon, I have photo ops with 3 of them!

A round of NYC meets including one epic meet!

Fresh off a John Densmore signing I set out to NYC for some meets. The initial plan for day 1 was to try for Chip Zien (who voiced Howard the Duck) and then Christopher Lloyd. But then we got some info for a bigger event so we decided to leave Lloyd for another day. No big deal since Lloyd is a repeat meet. 

Anyhow, we stand at a spot for Chip Zien. The venue has two exists and we basically have to hope we have the right one. He has a common look and there were like 7-8 people that looked like they could have been him. Finally we actually get a confirmed visual, and he sees us with our Howard the Duck items. A first happened here. He smiled and then HE APPROACHED US  This has never happened before in any meeting attempt! The celeb approached us before we even asked! He then took his time to chat, to sign, and do photo ops. Essentially we were happy to get combos from him, and he was happy to be giving out combos. Why oh why can't every encounter be like that? Got him on an 8x10 and a Howard the Duck DVD already signed by Ed Gale. 

We head to the next spot. On our way I see Constantine Maroulis. He was doing combos with people, so I snagged a photo op. 

Arriving at the spot where we would spend a good chunk of the rest of the day, there was already a crowd and it was slim pickings at first. I got a couple of photo ops but nothing too huge. After it was over things turned around when I got a Cary Mulligan photo op! Emma Roberts snuck out when she saw fans. Joresky wanted to check out another spot, but my instincts told me to stay with the known rather than venture into the unknown. After all we at least knew who was in that building. After a couple of hours we were expecting mass exists. Katy Perry was coming out the back. But I chose to stick to the exit I was at since I prefer a shot at many rather than a shot at one. 

A very wise choice on my part, especially since Katy Perry only got a handful of people waiting there. I got Baz Lahumann who directed Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby. Piper Perabo from Cayote Ugly and Cheaper by the Dozen. Upgraded my photo op with John Leguizamo (FINALLY got a good photo with him). Just barely got a Kylie Minogue photo op as she was rushed (I snapped while being shoved/pushed didn't see what I was getting but got something half decent), got a combo with Cuba Gooding Jr, among others.

Then Oliver Stone walked down the street. He is someone I was never able to get a good photo with. So I run down away from the crowd I ask him. He had two Asian girls with him. He looks back to make sure no one else is coming then takes a picture with me!! This spot ended with a David Schwimmer photo op (from Friends), somebody who is usually a dick. 

Off to the next spot, where I also do decent. After a Kelly Rutherford photo op I got a PERFECT Gwen Stefani shot. Then got Danny Stong from Buffy. Wanted to upgrade my Michael Shannon shot but he was rushed into a cab and I screwed it up. No big deal though as I have that. Then got Nina Dobrev (again) and Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood).

Katy Perry did nothing and she come out. She says “You know I don’t usually do this" and got in her car. She was standing right in front of me 

Cuba Gooding was in a restaurant and I waited till he came out to get an autograph. Sadly my silver died and it came out bad 

But overall a very good day with both fresh and upgraded photo ops.

Chip Zien

Carey Mulligan

Piper Perabo

Gwen Stefani

David Schwimmer

John Leguizamo

Kylie Minogue

Cuba Gooding Jr 

Oliver Stone

Photo ops day 1 part 1

Photo ops day 1 part 2

Day 2 starts off rather slow. We see Peter Tork randomly at a restaurant but I had him already so didn't bother. Next spot we were expecting to see Kerry Washington. I had a photo op so I thankfully didn't need a front railing spot. I love how stress free "auto only" meets are. To my astonishment she came to the crowd and did combos. I got an autograph. Then I got a photo op with John Krasinski. At another spot we hope to see Jenna Fischer but we saw actress Marilu Henner (TV's Taxi). Got a photo op. 

Next up most my crew wanted to go to a spot where you couldn't even get close to a celebrity. Essentially you could gaze from across the street. Big whoop. Luckily I found some info on a Michael Keaton film shoot and managed to talk some sense into them to try for that instead, where you actually have a 50% shot as opposed to a 0% shot at getting close to anyone. 

We headed to the spot and it looked promising. After waiting a couple of hours we see Naomi Watts, but I already had a good photo op so didn't need to bother. Shortly after we see Michael Keaton! An epic name that is worth the entire ordeal! My first photo op was a self blast and he was not looking. I plead to him "it didn't turn out" he goes "let him take it" so I hand my camera and get a perfect shot. He replied "sorry I can't" when it came to autographs, but I got a photo op I've been wanting for a looooonng time! Everyone else thanked me for this awesome and wise decision that I made. After I got that photo op I was really trying to control myself from bursting out with joy. One old lady asked me who that was, I replied "that was Michael Fucking Keaton" in a controlled overjoyed voice. With the addition of Michael Keaton I am now missing only one actor that played Batman: Christian Bale. 

Over the the next spot we see a bunch of people running to a garage. We follow and it's the car of singer Nicki Minaj. She was willing to come out and do photo ops, she stepped out the car and the crowd began acting like true animals so she went back in her car. Now I am not president of the Nicki Minaj fan club but I've never seen a celebrity offer to go out of her car for photo ops. For the crowd to behave like they did, it is utterly disgusting. And coming from me of all people that's saying a lot. We declared the garage worthless as the crowd was running everywhere like a pack of wild dogs, so nothing good was going to happen. 

After this we went looking around for different spots. We found one spot with 5 or 6 fans waiting and Jennifer Lopez entered the building. One fugly female generated tears on the spot and J-Lo takes a photo op with her. After the photo op the tears disappeared and she laughed about it. Incredible how these girls do things. 

We then go to a spot where we had lots of success last year. It is semi blown but we did well last year. Sadly this year the setup was so bad you could really get nothing. The railings were setup where you couldn't get near anyone unless you go on the street and attempt as they enter or exit the car. Tried also pleading with Jennifer Lawrence as she walked down the street but to no avail. Some names we saw included Madonna, Katy Perry, Tobey Maguire, Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Morrison, among others. Only photo op I managed to get from this mess is Debbie Harry, the lead singer of blondie. She's looking all wasted in the photo op. HCIT.

Most of my crew decided to ditch this spot but since I saw Radioman out back I decided to stake it out. Last time I stuck with Radioman I got a Russel Crowe combo. I figured out Radioman was waiting for Leonardo DiCaprio. Sadly as I waited a couple of people did do stuff up front. Emilia Clarke did photo ops and Toby Maguire signed autos. Not sure if he did photo ops though (or if he would have). When the event ended more people were waiting for Leo. He comes out and the crowd is unruly. This is an auto only mission (as was expected). I got punched, I got shoved, and I had to yell and beg, but I managed to get an auto on my magazine. One of his friends who sounded gay yelled "OMG Leo just get in the car". 

I had to REALLY fight tooth and nail for that autograph, and my head and torso was aching for a couple of hours after that. For a short while my ears were even ringing. 

I then moved to the hotel where Joresky and the rest of my crew were stationed. It was looking dead. We were about to give up and drive off when Nicholas Hoult showed up! I had no idea who I was getting, but after I got him I was overjoyed! That's Beast in X-Men: First Class and Jack in Jack the Giant Slayer. He is a future A lister. So that was an awesome way to end the evening. 

Again, lots of hits and misses. Autograph wise it was sub par, but overall an awesome haul without Michael Keaton, and an epic haul with Michael Keaton. 

Michael Fucking Keaton

Debbie Harry

Nicholas Hoult

Photo ops Day 2

Autographs from both days

I broke another DOOR down

After a grueling weekend it was off to something a lot less stressful, a book signing at Soundgarden in Baltimore, MD. Namely that of John Densmore, drummer of the Doors. At the time he was the only living member of the Doors I still did not have at least one combo with. So I set out to rectify that. 

Generally it was one item signed for each book, plus a photo op. My two primary items were vinyl records already signed by Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger. I also saw a very nice looking vinyl and spent money I didn't have to buy that (though I made it up, more on that later). I thought it'd be awesome to add the other two (since Ray was alive at the time). Additionally I bought a Doors CD. 

I bought a total of four books, and I got all those signed plus 3 vinyls and a CD. John Densmore was very cool and had no problem taking photo ops, which was a big relief since photo ops didn't happen at the NJ signing. 

I sold 3 of the books on ebay and I got back all the money I paid for the books, the vinyl, and gas! Essentially I got a book, a vinyl, a CD, a combo, and 4 extras all for FREE!

Four books

Four books signed (I kept the one in blue)

Vinyls and CD autographs

John Densmore photo op

An epic but grueling 2013 weekend in late April

Fresh out of awesomecon and some sex, I geared up for yet another long weekend in lat April. It was full of hits and misses, full of ups and downs, full of successes and failures.

It starts with a Sharon Stone flight. She's someone I was never truly able to get a photo op with. So I try again. Sadly she was a bitch and did nothing for no one. Towards the end, after I gave up, she even yelled at a grapher who kept begging her for an autograph, and I quote "that's enough!!" 

This was the best I got out of this ordeal

I guess better than nothing. 

Off to a bad start, but lots more to come. 

The next day starts off with an event that features Sharon Stone plus a bunch of lesser celebs including but not limited to Patricia Arquette and Tim Daly (who voices Superman in the animated cartoons). As we were waiting down the street both Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde were spotted. Didn't need Jason but Olivia Wilde is someone that blew me off several times. How awesome would it be to score that photo op. As they saw the crowd they walked away, one grapher got an auto from her and I went up and asked for a photo op! She said YES!  I couldn't believe it! I got my photo op. I then told Jason that I got him before and I didn't need to bother him this time, then I shook his hand. 

After my success 3 others tried for the photo op but were shot down as she said they were trying to get something to eat! This day had very low expectations and I got an awesome random in Olivia Wilde! I then ran down about 2 blocks, away from the event as I rejoiced!

After that as I got autographs from Patricia Arquette, combo and extra from Tim Daly, and some other photo ops. Sharon Stone signed one autograph for an old couple.

After this I went to another spot but nothing was happening. One other grapher joined me and he had just come from a spot that I was thinking of waiting at but did not. He said he got Michael J Fox, someone I had before but had items for! No one knew who was inside that spot but he took a chance I stupidly did not. To add insult to this injury, we would both later find out that 5 minutes after Michael J Fox left that other spot George Lucas came out! So I missed both and the grapher who had been standing there missed Lucas! Sadly this spot was a total bust and it was time to call it. It was still an awesome evening as I got Olivia Wilde and some others but it would have been ultra epic if coupled with autographs from Michael J Fox and George Lucas. 

Olivia Wilde 

Photo ops from that day

Autographs from that day


Next day starts off early. This spot was at a private residence and sadly most were driving in so access was impossible. I did get three good things out of this round. I improved my Jay Roach photo op (director of Austin Powers movies and Meet the Parents) and I got an autograph from Kevin Spacey. He did not do photo ops but I had one already so that was of no issue to me. Also got a Michael J Fox autograph who was really shaking as he was signing.

Next I try some hotels. As soon as we arrive me and one other guy spot Kevin Spacey just talking with friends. Now this was a rare situation were you actually had the chance to be respectful and calm. We go to the car, get our items, an approach. We ask politely and he says "one minute". One of his people tried to tell us he's not signing but we rebuff by saying Spacey himself said one minute. As we wait he did one per person. I would see one other person at that spot, namely Kate Mara. Contrary to other reports she was NOT eating lunch. She was sitting with others who were eating, but she had nothing. I tried asking for a photo op cause there was another spot I wanted to get to. She said to wait till she's done. I said ok. Sadly I blinked and when I looked again she was gone. While I would have seen other people there had I stayed (including Kate Mara), I had to get to another spot where there were bigger fish to fry. 

Also, at the Mara/Spacey spot one other grapher who was there told me how he could not wait till this event was over and done with, and I fully agreed with him. 

Now at the next spot is where the major work and fruitfulness began! This spot is chaotic cause tons of people are there and celebrities just come from everywhere. First score was a photo op with MC Hammer, which took some chasing after to get. I saw Speilberg and defied the rope line for him but no success. I was then asked politely not to do that again. At this point I figured I can only do that for someone worthwhile. In front of my own eyes I saw a guy in an air force suit with fake medals and a bullshit story go up to Barbara Streisand and get a photo op (one of the most impossible photo ops to get). I could have crossed the rope line and perhaps gotten it, but she wasn't worth getting ejected for. It was very slim pickings at that point but I scored autographs from Claire Danes, Jeremy Renner, and Hayden Panettiere (didn't need photo ops), combo and extra from Olivia Munn, Kate Walsh photo op, among other things. Others like Katy Perry did a photo op or two but I wasn't able to get her. Gangnam Psy of all people was a total asshole. At one point I saw George Lucas and of course if THIS isn't worth defying every rule in the book for, nothing is. So I left my area, fought a crowd of people, and asked for an autograph. He yells NO  Now in any other situation this would be a begging on my knees type situation. Sadly in this one I had to cut my losses and fall back or get kicked out. Fall back I did. 

Now it was calm again, I had 3 hours of rest. I was hungry but did not want to leave the spot and did not want to order food there as it cost a pretty penny (over $10 just for a plate of wings, screw that). So I went to the bar, got some free nuts, and drank some free water. This would quench my hunger for the evening, and the price could not be beat. Free is free. 

Chaos starts again, and everything is speedy. First score is an MC Hammer autograph (he said he would do just one). I also see Michael J Fox and get two more items from him. He was REALLY shaking badly. Also upgraded my photo op. He also signed 3 things for one other guy. I then shook his hand thanking him and telling him what a childhood fan I am. I did legit feel bad for asking for autos, but not bad enough to supersede my selfish desire for combos. 

Tried begging Sofia Vergara but to no avail ("sorry I can't"). Same with Streisand. NJ Gov Chris Christie did nothing for me despite my best begging. His bodyguards told me enough. In the total chaos I apparently I missed Nicole Kidman, Michael Douglas, and Ian McKellen all of which did sutff  but I would remedy one of those later. Also George Lucas blew people off at first then actually signed for one person. So I missed him as well. But there was no way one could be everywhere. 

This spot was tapped out, it was off to the next one. Next one was even more brutal as they made everyone stand across the street. Throughout the evening it was clashes between hired security and graphers, with curse words being thrown. Some that we saw but could not get included Hayden Pannettierre, Patrick Stewart, Julie Louis Dreyfus, Sophia Vergara, Claire Danes, Olivia Wilde, Ed Helms, among others. And celebrities were usually swarmed with fans. 

When Kerry Washington came out me and two others defied security and went up to her as she signed. The guy goes "seriously?" She signed for me and one other guy then the third guy she goes "that's not me". Autograph wise I also scored Conan O'Brien, Mathew Perry, and Tony Goldwyn (didn't need photo ops with them or Kerry). 

Despite the grueling nature of that spot, I would score two of my greatest photo ops for that weekend. The first would be Michael Douglas who was swarmed. I could not believe how I got that photo op but I did! Considering his age and health, this is a mega score that negates all failures that weekend. Due to concentrating on the photo op I was not able to score any autographs. 

Next up I got a photo op with someone I had no idea who he was. I always go by the "get now ask questions later" philosophy. And this is a great example of why it pays off! Turned out I got none other than Bryan Singer, director of Superman Returns, X-Men movies, among others! This is a HUGE score. Sadly with that victory came a defeat, namely the fact that Ian McKellen was right there with him and I didn't realize it 

Aside from that got Connie Briton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from Game of Thrones, among others. Almost got Natalie Dormer‎. As I was getting the photo op her handler pulled her away and photo op came out blurry. 

The night ended with Jay Roach signing my Meet the Fockers DVD (already signed by Ben Stiller) which he marked out for. We got up early the next day to try another spot but security tried to say we couldn't ask for combos on the public sidewalk. They threatened to call the cops and I dared them and told them let's call the police. When they realized they weren't dealing with an amateur they're like "do we really want it to escalate to that?". Normally you always work with security even if they're in the wrong, but they wanted us to not ask for combos. I informed them that we would be doing just and that is simply not open for negotiations regardless of their desires. We did see Alan Greenspan but no one else. He is not looking in my shot but I didn't care as I had him already. I also informed all the guards that if they tried anything I didn't like I would not hesitate to press charges, especially if they tried to knock my items out of my hand. 

While I was willing to fight tooth and nail at that spot, we came to the realization that there was nothing really worth fighting for as the party was winding down and no one was showing up. Additionally two other graphers were sitting across the street before we came and they had seen no one. So we tried one more spot then cut our losses. 

Jay Roach

MC Hammer

Michael J Fox

Bryan Singer

Michael Douglas

Photo op list part 1

Photo op list part 2

Autographs part 1

Autographs part 2

Michael J Fox autographs

Meet the Fockers DVD

All in all while there are certainly some regrets and some screw ups, overall I cannot complain. It had the potential to be beyond epic, but still epic as it stands, if nothing more just for the Michael Douglas photo op.

My quick visit to Awesomecon

On April 20 I decided to make a quick visit to Awesomecon. The guest list was almost non-existent, but I was never able to catch Billy West at con. So I decided to hit it up prior to a Saturday night sex date. I normally hate mixing sex with meets but I figure this is a guarantee and I only need 2 people from the guest list, I should be in and out pretty quick. I also put 2 hours in the parking meter.

I arrive around 1 pm and it seems the two people I want (Billy West and Phil LaMarr‎) are doing Q&A sessions so they won't be at their table all the time. Booooo! I guess it's great for people who go to these things for more than just autographs and photo ops. But for me, very very inconvenient and hindering. 

I find myself to Billy West's table and wait in line. He finally arrives. The sign said $20 autograph includes free photo with, and $10 for only a photo op. After the first few people go through the line the guy in front of me wanted a combo but is asked for $30! He points out what is stated in the sign and I bring the sign to show them the evidence. They honor the $20 combo price and I ask for the same thing. Got my Futurama figure signed. Got the photo op and Billy West was nice as can be about it, even taking off his glasses. After I got my combo Billy asked his handler to take care of the sign. His handler took down the sign and blacked out the part that says free photo op with the autograph.

After him I stand in line for Phil LaMarr‎ who plays Hermes in Futurama. Sadly he was running late due to his Q&A and my meter was running out. Plus I had to get to my sex date 

Eventually he shows up, I get my photo op, rush to the meter. Thankfully no ticket. I then head to my sex date. I was a little late but it was of no consequence. 

Signed Fry figure

Billy West photo op

Phil LaMarr photo op

The sign after I got my photo op (the other blackened area is $25 for a recorded message and he told his handler he wasn't up for that).