As October came to a close I got flights on actresses Rosanna Arquette and Catherine Keener. Sadly I was not able to spot Catherine. I ended up getting Rosanna.
Rosanna Arquette
Next up, around mid November had flights on members of the band Cheap Trick. All but the drummer is original. Had two members on one day and the singer the next day. First up was guitarist Rick Nielsen. Managed to get him but sadly he doesn't look at the camera for photos and in fact told me so when I tried for another shot. Also in the same flight was his son and barely valid drummer Daxx Nielsen. Next flight was bassist Tom Petersson who was friendly.
The next day I go for lead singer Robin Zander. While waiting I got two randoms who came out of the same hallway as he would come out. One is boxer Ray boom boom Mancini and the other is Bryan Cranston (who I have many times). Finally get Robin and he is cool.
Full list of 2 day airport photo ops
Cheap Trick autographs
The next day I went to a spot for actress Janeane Garofalo. Waited after her show. It was cold but got the combo no issue.
Janeane Garofalo
Autograph
A few days later was an event with Jeff Bezos, James Corden, Kathy Bates, Earth Wind and Fire, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. Before the event I had a flight on actor David Strathairn. Sadly he flat out refuses photo ops saying he doesn't do those. I get his autograph on a Lincoln poster.
Go to the event and it's basically worthless upon entries. I then go to the airport for film critic Leonard Maltin. Over a decade ago he was one of the driving forces in getting Disney to release all their cartoon shorts completely uncensored as part of the Disney Treasures line of DVDs. He was super nice and I got him on the certificates that come with those releases. Told him I wish they'd make those Treasures sets on blu ray he goes "so do I". Told him that he should get us Song of the South and his daughter goes "that will never happen". I told him at least there are some good "alternate" ways to get it and he goes "yes there are".
Back to the spot to try for exits. Not 5 minutes after I arrive I see Lin leave. Thankfully I have great photos with the guy and could concentrate on autographs. More graphers arrive. Security tries to tell us we have to leave but we yell back saying this is a sidewalk. Gayle King comes through. I didn't need anything from her but a friend needed an autograph. I tell him she's coming and openly and loudly tell him that security is trying to kick us out but we are saying it's a sidewalk so don't be afraid to ask. They even tried to physically push away our items but we screamed assault. Gayle was friendly and when they told her not to sign she goes "but they're standing here". I also got news anchor Bret Baier in that chaos.
I see both Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton come out but they blank. Never saw Jeff Bezos or Kathy Bates (at least I have the latter). Sela Ward apparently walked by us but I have her. I waited for Earth Wind and Fire but in all the chaos only managed to get Ralph Johnson and couldn't get the lead singer Philip Bailey. I also did not see James Corden who I wanted.
Full list of photo ops
Signed Lincoln poster
Lin Manuel Miranda autographs
Leonard Maltin autographs
Next up, Michelle Obama doing a book signing at Politics and Prose. It was no photo ops. You had to buy the books one day then go to the event 2 days later. But the books are money. You got up to her, shook her hand, picked up pre signed books. I sold those books for some fuck money. It really baffled me to see people line up in the cold for the satisfaction of meeting her for a few seconds. I understood why I was doing this but couldn't understand why so many camped out in the cold.
Photo from the signing
Signed books that I sold
Then a Sofia Loren flight close to my house! I have a photo op with her so this was primarily for autographs. It was pounding rain outside so the perfect time for indoor autographs. I go to the airport and see her. Get 2 things done. Her entourage stopped photo ops though. Sadly at an outdoor event a combo hunter got a photo op with Diane Lane. So this small victory came with a huge PUNCH. Could never have imagined that with all the rain outside, I guess hindsight is 20/20.
Sofia Loren autographs
Ended the month of November with a photo op with singer Jesse J at the airport who was very cool
Jessie J
Friday, January 24, 2020
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Swinging 3 cons in 3 states, plus post cons NYC meets
With Chono announced at Icons of Wrestling AKA RF Con in Philly I had to go there. Very few wrestling names of Chono's caliber that are left for me to meet, as most everybody I either met or are dead. Additionally, I have an nWo magazine with most every living wrestler featured on that magazine except for him.
Arrive there and throughout the con it was good to see IVP Chris, Tiscione, Scorpion Faced Tony, K&S Kenny and Steve, among others. Get my Chono combo, get an upgrade with Doug Gilbert as he has shades in my old shot, and Jordynne Grace and Crazzy Steve both of Impact Wrestling fame.
Masahiro Chono
Full list of Icons of Wrestling photos
Autograph
Next up I go to Sopranos Con in Secaucus, NJ. My main wants were Annabella Sciorra and Tony Sirico. By the time I got there Tony had bailed on the con. And Annabella was never even there to begin with. Even tried asking staff about her but no one knew anything. I had a handful of secondary wants besides those two, but the prices and lack of splits put a damper on that. So I picked one name from that list and got that name so my time here isn't a complete waste. Namely Kathrine Narducci of Bronx Tale fame.
Kathrine Narducci
Drove to Queens to Winter Con. They had a Farscape reunion. Sadly the prices and lack of splits put a damper on those as well. Though I would have surely gotten Virginia Hey if she did not cancel. Tom Skerritt was there and I could have used an upgrade. But he had a beard and was pro op only. So I scratched that off the list. I only got Laurette Spang of Battlestar Galactica fame.
Laurette Spang
After having swung 3 cons in 3 states within a span of 12 hours, it was off to the streets of NYC. The first spot is one for Daniel Craig. I have him but he has a mustache in my shot plus Last Jedi director Rian Johnson whom I never met was also slated to be there. It's a mob scene as Daniel arrives and does one photo op and signs. Then Rian comes and I score that photo op.
Believing that Daniel wouldn't stop on the way out (he didn't) I would go to the "easy" show spots. First spot was for Enrico Colantoni of Galaxy Quest fame but it looked like the spot was done. It's ok I would try again the next day. Next up I go to the spot for Susan Blommaert whom I missed before. It was the last day of the show and this time I knew what I was looking for. I wait and never see her. Then I mooch inside the venue and seems there is some sort of cast party. I sneak in there and see her. I ask for the photo and she is nice as can be.
Then I go to a spot where Ed Harris is. I have him but wanted a shot with actress Rosalyn Coleman and a better shot with Nick Robinson. Ed wanted no part of photos (it's ok as again I have him). Never saw Rosalyn as she either slipped by or left before I arrived. Finally saw Nick and got the photo op. I also got actress Eliza Scanlen and other barely valids.
Next up was a spot to get the information for the next spot. Will Ferrell was the host and two huge names I needed were present. Namely Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame and Ryan Reynolds. I had zero expectations for those names because it was raining, they are super hard, and I've failed on them in the past. Most notably Roger Waters who people constantly have autograph successes but I always fail at time and time again. So it's the breaking point and lo and behold Roger Waters walking to a car with security. A bunch of us run to the side he is on, he starts signing and I beg and plead that I have nothing to get signed and want the op. He goes "if you can take it". Not sure how but somehow, someway, I get a lucky valid shot as it didn't seem like he was trying to pose. Not the greatest shot but considering the stressful situation, the rain, and how many times I failed on him while he was on tour, I'm super happy with that.
On to the next spot, Ryan Reynolds doesn't even show. To boot the rain didn't subside. See Common and Tiffany Haddish. I shake Common's hand telling him I have multiple ops with him. I try for Tiffany as she leaves but she denies. Try to get autographs from Will Ferrell as he leaves but he completely ignores (at least I have him). Despite the rain and long wait, this spot wasn't a waste as I got fresh photos with actress Rachel Dratch and actor Nicholas Braun.
Rian Johnson
Roger Waters
Full list of day 1 NYC photos
Parked for free by Times Square and wake up in what would be my final day in NYC for 2019. I get a tip for actor Len Cariou at a show. Try for him going in but only see actor Craig Bierko. It's ok I would try later. Go to the next spot for Enrico Colantoni. First I get young actor Alexanger Griffin then get Enrico, both very nice.
Go back for Len and get him leaving. The venue has two sides so I am glad I picked the right now. Then go to a spot for Kathryn Gallagher but never see her. I only get a slew of barely valids in that show. Later I find out she was meeting somebody inside so if I waited more I may have seen her.
My final stand would be an evening show for for Andrea Martin from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. But in a HUGE punch the Internet had the wrong running time and it was done by the time I got there. Finally left NYC after this.
Len Cariou
Full list of day 2 NYC photos
Arrive there and throughout the con it was good to see IVP Chris, Tiscione, Scorpion Faced Tony, K&S Kenny and Steve, among others. Get my Chono combo, get an upgrade with Doug Gilbert as he has shades in my old shot, and Jordynne Grace and Crazzy Steve both of Impact Wrestling fame.
Masahiro Chono
Full list of Icons of Wrestling photos
Autograph
Next up I go to Sopranos Con in Secaucus, NJ. My main wants were Annabella Sciorra and Tony Sirico. By the time I got there Tony had bailed on the con. And Annabella was never even there to begin with. Even tried asking staff about her but no one knew anything. I had a handful of secondary wants besides those two, but the prices and lack of splits put a damper on that. So I picked one name from that list and got that name so my time here isn't a complete waste. Namely Kathrine Narducci of Bronx Tale fame.
Kathrine Narducci
Drove to Queens to Winter Con. They had a Farscape reunion. Sadly the prices and lack of splits put a damper on those as well. Though I would have surely gotten Virginia Hey if she did not cancel. Tom Skerritt was there and I could have used an upgrade. But he had a beard and was pro op only. So I scratched that off the list. I only got Laurette Spang of Battlestar Galactica fame.
Laurette Spang
After having swung 3 cons in 3 states within a span of 12 hours, it was off to the streets of NYC. The first spot is one for Daniel Craig. I have him but he has a mustache in my shot plus Last Jedi director Rian Johnson whom I never met was also slated to be there. It's a mob scene as Daniel arrives and does one photo op and signs. Then Rian comes and I score that photo op.
Believing that Daniel wouldn't stop on the way out (he didn't) I would go to the "easy" show spots. First spot was for Enrico Colantoni of Galaxy Quest fame but it looked like the spot was done. It's ok I would try again the next day. Next up I go to the spot for Susan Blommaert whom I missed before. It was the last day of the show and this time I knew what I was looking for. I wait and never see her. Then I mooch inside the venue and seems there is some sort of cast party. I sneak in there and see her. I ask for the photo and she is nice as can be.
Then I go to a spot where Ed Harris is. I have him but wanted a shot with actress Rosalyn Coleman and a better shot with Nick Robinson. Ed wanted no part of photos (it's ok as again I have him). Never saw Rosalyn as she either slipped by or left before I arrived. Finally saw Nick and got the photo op. I also got actress Eliza Scanlen and other barely valids.
Next up was a spot to get the information for the next spot. Will Ferrell was the host and two huge names I needed were present. Namely Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame and Ryan Reynolds. I had zero expectations for those names because it was raining, they are super hard, and I've failed on them in the past. Most notably Roger Waters who people constantly have autograph successes but I always fail at time and time again. So it's the breaking point and lo and behold Roger Waters walking to a car with security. A bunch of us run to the side he is on, he starts signing and I beg and plead that I have nothing to get signed and want the op. He goes "if you can take it". Not sure how but somehow, someway, I get a lucky valid shot as it didn't seem like he was trying to pose. Not the greatest shot but considering the stressful situation, the rain, and how many times I failed on him while he was on tour, I'm super happy with that.
On to the next spot, Ryan Reynolds doesn't even show. To boot the rain didn't subside. See Common and Tiffany Haddish. I shake Common's hand telling him I have multiple ops with him. I try for Tiffany as she leaves but she denies. Try to get autographs from Will Ferrell as he leaves but he completely ignores (at least I have him). Despite the rain and long wait, this spot wasn't a waste as I got fresh photos with actress Rachel Dratch and actor Nicholas Braun.
Rian Johnson
Roger Waters
Full list of day 1 NYC photos
Parked for free by Times Square and wake up in what would be my final day in NYC for 2019. I get a tip for actor Len Cariou at a show. Try for him going in but only see actor Craig Bierko. It's ok I would try later. Go to the next spot for Enrico Colantoni. First I get young actor Alexanger Griffin then get Enrico, both very nice.
Go back for Len and get him leaving. The venue has two sides so I am glad I picked the right now. Then go to a spot for Kathryn Gallagher but never see her. I only get a slew of barely valids in that show. Later I find out she was meeting somebody inside so if I waited more I may have seen her.
My final stand would be an evening show for for Andrea Martin from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. But in a HUGE punch the Internet had the wrong running time and it was done by the time I got there. Finally left NYC after this.
Len Cariou
Full list of day 2 NYC photos
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Williamsburg Nostalgia Fest and Christmas Con
In early November I went to a small Western con in Williamsburg, VA. My main reason to go was for Patrick Wayne, the son of John Wayne. He was in many movies with his father. Including the epic movie "The Alamo". Another big reason to go was Alex Cord from Air Wolf. Overall it was a smooth and easy con and I got photo ops.
Alex Cord
Patrick Wayne
Full list of Williamsburg Nostalgia Fest photos
Next up, Christmas Con in Edition, NJ. My main want there was Lacey Chabert from Mean Girls, Not Another Teen Movie, Daddy Day Care, Party of Five, among others.
When I entered the con was pretty brutal as I couldn't get into the celeb area. But I found a roundabout way inside. And when I did most celebs I wanted weren't even at the table, which was an annoyance. Thankfully eventually everyone was there even if some were barely there. Lacey had a big line. I managed to get all I wanted. I got Jack Wagner, Jesse Metcalfe, Jackee Harry, Holly Robinson Peete, and Jonathan Bennett. Jesse's barely valid girlfriend Cara Santana was there and I got the photo as they were leaving the table.
Lacey Chabert
Full list of Christmas Con photos
Alex Cord
Patrick Wayne
Full list of Williamsburg Nostalgia Fest photos
Next up, Christmas Con in Edition, NJ. My main want there was Lacey Chabert from Mean Girls, Not Another Teen Movie, Daddy Day Care, Party of Five, among others.
When I entered the con was pretty brutal as I couldn't get into the celeb area. But I found a roundabout way inside. And when I did most celebs I wanted weren't even at the table, which was an annoyance. Thankfully eventually everyone was there even if some were barely there. Lacey had a big line. I managed to get all I wanted. I got Jack Wagner, Jesse Metcalfe, Jackee Harry, Holly Robinson Peete, and Jonathan Bennett. Jesse's barely valid girlfriend Cara Santana was there and I got the photo as they were leaving the table.
Lacey Chabert
Full list of Christmas Con photos
AEW names, Sting, and more in Starrcast Balitmore
I decided to do two days worth of Starrcast in Baltimore. Luckily I had splits so that coupled with their 50% discount I was able to save a ton of money. Got Adam Page, negotiated with MJF for a photo op, got a an AEW update with Cody and Brandi, Riho, among lots of other ops. One really cool looking one is Jurassic Express.
Leaving the stage I manged to get Excalibur, Scott Hudson, and Mark Madden. All but Mark are fresh.
Sadly I screwed up big time calling it a day and going home, because people got Kenny Omega at his hotel.
Jurassic Express
MJF
Full list of Day 1 Starrcast pics part 1
Full list of Day 1 Starrcast pics part 2
The next day I had two major wants, namely the Crocketts Jim and David. First up I got a USA painted Sting photo op which turned out awesome. Got Sting on the NWA poster that I made for NWA Legends back in 2009. Then off to Jim and David. Got them on the same poster and also on their entries in the WWE_E V3.
Sadly my big screw up was leaving and not getting Muta, who did a awesome suited photo ops. I got him before and saw him on stage and he wasn't dressed up or anything so I left assuming he'd be that way at the signing. Also people got Kenny Omega at the arena. ugghhh.
Sting
Jim Crockett Jr and David Crockett
NWA Legends signed poster
Leaving the stage I manged to get Excalibur, Scott Hudson, and Mark Madden. All but Mark are fresh.
Sadly I screwed up big time calling it a day and going home, because people got Kenny Omega at his hotel.
Jurassic Express
MJF
Full list of Day 1 Starrcast pics part 1
Full list of Day 1 Starrcast pics part 2
The next day I had two major wants, namely the Crocketts Jim and David. First up I got a USA painted Sting photo op which turned out awesome. Got Sting on the NWA poster that I made for NWA Legends back in 2009. Then off to Jim and David. Got them on the same poster and also on their entries in the WWE_E V3.
Sadly my big screw up was leaving and not getting Muta, who did a awesome suited photo ops. I got him before and saw him on stage and he wasn't dressed up or anything so I left assuming he'd be that way at the signing. Also people got Kenny Omega at the arena. ugghhh.
Sting
Jim Crockett Jr and David Crockett
NWA Legends signed poster
Monday, January 20, 2020
Rhode Island Comic Con 2019 and NYC report
I didn't attend RICC in 2018, but with several good names in RICC 2019 I figured I couldn't miss it. The biggest one for me was Chevy Chase whom I missed a few years ago at a signing and also failed on him in the street.
I arrive in Providence friday night and get a photo with Patrick Renna from The Sandlot. Parked in the garage and slept. Woke up the next day and it was time for the con. I had splits for most of what I got, but sadly had to skip a lot due to the lack of splits.
I got The Office actors that were there, Dana Barron of National Lampoon fame, some Stranger Things names, and of course the three Family Matters names that were there! I got a free photo op with the barely valid Lucia Oskerova who was with her husband Anthony Michael Hall. I upgraded my shot with Michael O'Keefe because he has facial hair in my photo op. I was also commissioned by someone to get 4 things signed by Chevy Chase.
Finally it was time for Chevy Chase and I went through the smooth pro op line.
Kellie Williams
Darius McCrary
Chevy Chase
Full list of RICC photos
From then on it was off to NYC. Went to my first and only spot for the evening where Kristen Stewart would be. Sadly she would blank going in and sneak out. Lead singer of Coldplay did no photos. I did however get Elizabeth Banks leaving upgrading my slightly blurry shot from years ago. Also got Lorne Michaels to sign for me. Beyond that spot was largely a waste.
Elizabeth Banks
Full list of NYC photos day 1
Next I start out the day with a spot for Raul Esparza. Try for him going in but don't see him. Mooch some food from the spot, go back to the car to nap a little bit, then back to the spot. Seems he doesn't come out the stage door but I got some of the barely valids and also an update with actress Ciara Renee. Went to the front and I see him coming out and score the photo op and autographs.
The final spot would be a spot for Katie Holmes. The event starts with names I have before namely Margo Martindale, Judith Light, Thomas Sadoski, and an upgrade with Jane Krakowski. Finally Katie shows up and by some miracle she stops and I get the photo op!
With that I decided to leave NYC on a high note.
Katie Holmes
Full list of NYC photos day 2
NYC autographs
I arrive in Providence friday night and get a photo with Patrick Renna from The Sandlot. Parked in the garage and slept. Woke up the next day and it was time for the con. I had splits for most of what I got, but sadly had to skip a lot due to the lack of splits.
I got The Office actors that were there, Dana Barron of National Lampoon fame, some Stranger Things names, and of course the three Family Matters names that were there! I got a free photo op with the barely valid Lucia Oskerova who was with her husband Anthony Michael Hall. I upgraded my shot with Michael O'Keefe because he has facial hair in my photo op. I was also commissioned by someone to get 4 things signed by Chevy Chase.
Finally it was time for Chevy Chase and I went through the smooth pro op line.
Kellie Williams
Darius McCrary
Chevy Chase
Full list of RICC photos
From then on it was off to NYC. Went to my first and only spot for the evening where Kristen Stewart would be. Sadly she would blank going in and sneak out. Lead singer of Coldplay did no photos. I did however get Elizabeth Banks leaving upgrading my slightly blurry shot from years ago. Also got Lorne Michaels to sign for me. Beyond that spot was largely a waste.
Elizabeth Banks
Full list of NYC photos day 1
Next I start out the day with a spot for Raul Esparza. Try for him going in but don't see him. Mooch some food from the spot, go back to the car to nap a little bit, then back to the spot. Seems he doesn't come out the stage door but I got some of the barely valids and also an update with actress Ciara Renee. Went to the front and I see him coming out and score the photo op and autographs.
The final spot would be a spot for Katie Holmes. The event starts with names I have before namely Margo Martindale, Judith Light, Thomas Sadoski, and an upgrade with Jane Krakowski. Finally Katie shows up and by some miracle she stops and I get the photo op!
With that I decided to leave NYC on a high note.
Katie Holmes
Full list of NYC photos day 2
NYC autographs
Post Chiller/TFcon meets
With the cons in the rear view mirror I go to the hotel for a Dave Chappelle event to see who I can get. Sadly it wasn't a success as I got no one big and even Neal Brennan declined photos saying he was not shaved.
Go to the next spot hoping for better results but turns out most celebs aren't even there. Neal Brennan does pose here though. And I see Morgan Freeman but he does nothing going in or out (at least I have the photo op from before). Evening is a bust.
Full list of photo ops
Next day at the main spot, results are a little better. I get a first time photo op with John Legend (though that success would mean less as I would get him again in the future). Got autos from Common, Tiffany Haddish, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman (all of whom I have previous ops with). Get George Lopez on a Smurfs photo (again, didn't need a photo). Morgan Freeman as expected blanks. At one point on exits a huge shocker takes place as Chris Tucker stops for everyone who asked! I upgraded my hat and shades shot meaning my day is officially not a waste.
At the party after the event I get more autos and photos most notably an upgrade with Marlon Wayans. Chance the rapper was there but didn't stop. Then security kicked us out and this ended the evening.
John Legend
Chris Tucker
Marlon Wayans
Full list of photo ops
Autographs obtained
Go to the next spot hoping for better results but turns out most celebs aren't even there. Neal Brennan does pose here though. And I see Morgan Freeman but he does nothing going in or out (at least I have the photo op from before). Evening is a bust.
Full list of photo ops
Next day at the main spot, results are a little better. I get a first time photo op with John Legend (though that success would mean less as I would get him again in the future). Got autos from Common, Tiffany Haddish, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman (all of whom I have previous ops with). Get George Lopez on a Smurfs photo (again, didn't need a photo). Morgan Freeman as expected blanks. At one point on exits a huge shocker takes place as Chris Tucker stops for everyone who asked! I upgraded my hat and shades shot meaning my day is officially not a waste.
At the party after the event I get more autos and photos most notably an upgrade with Marlon Wayans. Chance the rapper was there but didn't stop. Then security kicked us out and this ended the evening.
John Legend
Chris Tucker
Marlon Wayans
Full list of photo ops
Autographs obtained
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Chiller Theater Halloween and TF Con
After a post NYC power nap, exit the car and would start with Chiller. Sadly couldn't get all I wanted due to the lack of splits. I only had a couple of splits and also split combo prices for some. Some highlights include Michel Qissi from the Van Damme movies, Tony Cox from Bad Santa, Krista Allen from Final Destination, Friday the 13th names, Robert Towers from the MOTU movie, the kids from Forest Gump, among others. Here is a full list of photo ops obtained.
List of Chiller Theater pics part 1
List of Chiller Theater pics part 2
List of Chiller Theater pics part 3
The next day I would do TF Con in Reston, VA. Arrive there and get my main want out of the way. Namely Dan Gilvezan AKA Bumblebee. Also got Vince DiCola (who composed music for the Transformers movie and Rocky IV), David Sobolov AKA Gorilla Grodd, Paul Eiding AKA Perceptor, and Michael McConnohie AKA Hot Shot/Ironhide. I needed some of those in my Transformers movie poster but sadly had to pass as I had no splits and couldn't get full combos. I did get Vince DiCola on the poster since it was basically a free photo op with the autograph. I also got free photo ops with whatever artists and writers were around.
List of TF Con pics
Signed poster
List of Chiller Theater pics part 1
List of Chiller Theater pics part 2
List of Chiller Theater pics part 3
The next day I would do TF Con in Reston, VA. Arrive there and get my main want out of the way. Namely Dan Gilvezan AKA Bumblebee. Also got Vince DiCola (who composed music for the Transformers movie and Rocky IV), David Sobolov AKA Gorilla Grodd, Paul Eiding AKA Perceptor, and Michael McConnohie AKA Hot Shot/Ironhide. I needed some of those in my Transformers movie poster but sadly had to pass as I had no splits and couldn't get full combos. I did get Vince DiCola on the poster since it was basically a free photo op with the autograph. I also got free photo ops with whatever artists and writers were around.
List of TF Con pics
Signed poster
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