Weird Al Yankovic #SDCC 2014

I first heard a song by Weird Al Yankovic when I was kid listening to Dr Demento. We all know his parody songs and they seem to stick in your head for a long time. MTV helped elevate his stardom as his videos were are amusing as his lyrics.

When it was announced he was going to be at SDCC, I kind of geeked out. Since Saturday was a disappointing day (more on that in a future post) I didn’t know if I could get a raffle ticket.  I knew logistically, I could not get in his raffle line and still do WB and Fox.  So he was not on my radar. 

After the WB and Fox lines were done, I headed downstairs to get in James Dashner’s line. Since that signing went quick, I decided to be greedy and see what was left in the raffle area.  Surprisingly, Weird Al still had tickets available. I even pulled a winning raffle ticket. So I figured they gave out a lot of tickets.

When it was time to line up, I didn’t even bother. I went and did some other stuff and came back 30 minutes later.  The line had moved but still a lot of people were still waiting. I sat and ate and then joined the line. Yes, I was at the end but I was pretty confident he would not leave early or before everyone was done.

Tanya Tate #SDCC 2014

I know you won’t believe this. I’m already cringing from the expectant whack to the back of my head when the wife reads this. But really, I know Tanya Tate as a Cosplayer. As I plan for SDCC every year you see photos and Tweets from people as you follow hashtags.  Tanya Tate does a lot of cosplaying. She popped up often as I was researching events and signings and appearances.

Somewhere along the line, I discovered she did Adults films.  And no, I won’t answer how long that took.  That is not why she goes to SDCC. Like me and a bazillion other people, she goes for the ‘event’ that is ComicCon.

When I found out she was going to sign at a booth, I’ll admit I was excited. As you have read, I have been getting various cosplayers to sign. Tanya in my mind is a celebrity cosplayer. I wanted to add her to my collection.

She is friendly. She is beautiful. Even after being in costume all day, she seemed ready to meet people. And yes, the people that were in line knew her more for Adult films than her cosplay.  I was the anomaly.

Since I wasn’t the first in line, I got to see several people leer and drool on her. It’s never a pretty sight to see in the first place and worse when it’s ComicCon geeks doing the leering and drooling.

I was only going to get one photo but she was inexpensive and had a 3 photo package that I couldn’t turn down.  The photos I got signed are modest. She had a nice collection to choose from. Most of her photos were NOT modest.  I bring this up because of how she worked.

She was mindful that SDCC is considered a child friendly environment. SDCC claims to be child friendly but as you walk the expo floor you see art work that stretches most people’s concept of child friendly. And Cosplayers have their own war on modesty each convention.

Tanya kept all of her photos in a closed folder and away from young one’s eyes. When some photos were picked, she put them out of view of the public.  As she posed for photos, nothing was lewd. She was not there ot have a war with anyone’s sense of decency. She was there to enjoy San Diego, ComicCon, and sign some autographs.

While I really don’t know what she does in her movies, Tanya Tate as a SDCC fan and cosplayer was extremely nice and classy.

AH

Chris Warner #SDCC 2014

The movie Idiocracy fascinates me.  Actually, it scares me. While I cognitively know eugenics (or in this case mal-genics) doesn’t work this way, I see things every day that make me doubt that conviction. Even though Chris Warner had a small role in the movie he made my SDCC radar.

He’s friendly and open. He’s willing to talk to you all day long. He’s asking questions of the people in line. He was not one those actors at SDCC trying to pay the rent. In fact, the cost of his autograph was very inexpensive and he was giving 2 photos for the money. He said that he valued my money and if I was willing to get his autograph he wanted it to be worthwhile.

We talked about the movie, Idiocracy and how he enjoyed the movie and the director. He also agreed, at times, the movie seemed to be coming true.  He talked about Texas.  He talked about his plans and his future. As we talked, he came off as intelligent person with goals more than a mansion and money to burn.

A neat guy and I hope you get a chance to meet him.

AH

Necrolectric #SDCC 2014

My favorite booth, Holzheimer’s had the cast of Necrolectric do a signing. The little that I know about the show is what Jackie, who is with the booth, told me.  It’s a web series.  It’s always hard for web series to find an audience.

I walked up during a lull and the whole cast gathered around me.  If I remember correctly, it was 3 ladies and 2 guys and a photographer. I’m the center of attention as the girls were each asking me questions. All the questions were more or less the same. Mostly the questions were if I have heard about the show yet. They were talking over themselves. As I start one answer, I got another question thrown at me. It was like being on a sit com: never getting to finish a sentence.  The guys were just wondering why I was so important.

I only got signatures from the girls.  The guys did ask why I omitted them. I laughed and pointed at their muscular bare chest photos. They didn’t get what I was implying. I told them I was intimidated by their good looks, very muscular bodies, and lack of body hair. The girls laughed. 

The photos signed are Stephanie Koenig, Chelsea Alden, and Serena Lorien.

AH

Seth Meyers Entertainment Earth SDCC 2014

I mentioned earlier, Entertainment Earth made getting autographs easy. I expect that ease was from a lack of understanding from the masses and next year will be a challenge. Since I was having some success, I threw my hat in the ring for Seth Meyers.

Again, Entertain Earth would allow outside items signed but I was unprepared. When they offered a reasonably prices action figure, I pulled the trigger and bought one.

And again, Entertainment Earth was very cool about letting people take photos with the celebs. And the celebs they had seemed to enjoy the fan interaction.

AH

 

James Dashner Maze Runner SDCC 2014

Once I got through the Saturday travails of raffles, I got onto the expo floor and lined up for James Dashner.  The line wasn’t too long and once it started it went fast.  I barely had time to chat with line mates and look around when I was in from of the author.

That is not to say interest in the book, Maze Runner, was mild.  With the upcoming movie, people wanted to meet the author. Sometimes, it’s all about the timing and I was ahead of the wave. 

Because of the interest, it was an assembly line signing. Nothing wrong with that; especially at SDCC where you can spend hours in line and come up empty.

AH

Chris Hadfield – Canadian Astronaut B&N NorthPark

There is no denying I’m a geek. I have a big place in my heart for space geek-ery.  The announcement of an astronaut coming to my favorite B&N was exciting. Even as busy I’ve been with roommate, work, and new house; I craved out some time to attend the Chris Hadfield signing.

Of course I got there late but I heard most of what he said.  As you know, I usually want to skip the Q&A and lecture but what I heard was intriguing and enlightening. I found it interesting how Chris described zero G and the effect to the body over long periods of time.  He also described the sensations once gravity was reapplied and his own issues with bone density.

He was a very friendly and gave extra time to the children in attendance. He took special care to introduce himself directly to the little ones to them and to speak directly to them. He often handed the signed book back to the child and told them they were responsible of taking care of the book.

AH

Ksenia Solo Rose City ComicCon 2014

There was no reason at all for me to get Ksenia Solo’s autograph again. I was able to see her in Houston less than a year ago and she was a super sweet. In fact, some friends even got to hang out with her in the hotel bar and she bought them drinks.

However, I saw this photo and I couldn’t resist.

As I waited in line, I saw her interact with people she met over the weekend and little ones.  She genuinely seemed to enjoy being at the show and getting to know fans. She didn’t hide her face in a phone or chat with her co-star, who was sitting next to her. She was up front and accessible.

As she signed for me, I mentioned how my friends got to hang out with her in Houston. While she couldn’t remember (and I told her I didn’t expect her to remember them) she tried hard to recall the event.  Then one of my fellow hounds came up and joined the conversation. He mentioned how jealous we all were. As a group, in Houston, we had just separated. Then we see photos on Facebook of what we missed.

She signed and we left. No drinks this time either.

AH

Neil Napier Tyler Rose City ComicCon 2014

The next autograph was slightly embarrassing for me.  I kind of knew who Neil Napier and was all set to get his autograph.   Things were going well. Despite a small paper airplane interruption, we were chatting.

He mentioned being in Canada for a show. He apologized for not having photos from that series.  So of course I had to ask. It was mandatory I follow up with the leading statement with a question. He said Helix.

Okay, I watch Helix. I enjoy Helix.  I didn’t recognize him. 

He read my eyes and saw what I was thinking: bit part. He told me he was the brother that was infected. Wow, once he said, I saw it.

In person, he’s a big guy. On the show as he lies on his back, he doesn’t seem that big. So he promised some nice surpass for season 2 and didn’t tell any spoilers. He did promise he would spend as much time on his back.

AH

Jennifer Spence Tyler Rose City ComicCon 2014

Another Stargate Universe alumnus was Jennifer Spence.

I really said nothing to her other than comment on the paper airplanes buzzing around.  I’m not quite sure if a ‘war’ is the way to describe it. There were 2 or 3 planes in flight at all times. She even paused to pick one up, read it, add a quick reply, and then send it back in the general direction from which it came.

Did I mention read the plane?  Yes, the celebs and vendors on that part of the floor were using the planes to send messages and generally disrupt any sense of decorum. It was great. I was unusual. It is a memory I will keep of Tyler, Texas.

AH

Peter Kelamis Tyler Rose City ComicCon 2014

As Peter Kelamis signed my photo, we chatted about Stargate Universe and all of the unexplored potential.

Of his selection, I liked this photo best.in the show, anything that made the characters’ lives easier, was slow in coming and hard fought.  The ability to explore outside of the ship was a milestone. For me it was a nice reminder of the show.

AH

Flickr and albums and photos

Trying to do something where I can share the hundreds of photos I have. Since it's not easy to share on the blogger I'm trying Flickr.

I’m not 100% happy  with the results and will to take some suggestions.

My Flickr account is click here.

You'll also find it from the 'follow me' flickr link.

Currently I have 4 albums, SDCC 2014, SDCC 2013, SDCC 2012, and Hawaii 2014.  I hope to get the previous 8 years of SDCC in ‘soon’. I should add my London and China photos down the road.

If I’m good about taking my camera to the various shows I attend, I’ll try to create albums for those events too.

AH

Erin Marie Hogan Tyler Rose City ComicCon 2014

While Erin Marie Hogan was not really on the want list, I ended up getting her to sign a photo.

Unlike most celebs, she had a banner up advertising her location. On her table she had a nice selection of photos. Out in front of her table was ‘the photo’.  It’s the same photo I got signed.  Yes, I’ll admit I was distracted. Yes, I admit I did notice ‘the photo’ before I noticed her beautiful smile. Yes, I’ll admit, I’m a guy. I picked up ‘the photo’ and had her sign it. Think what you may of me.

As I moved down the line of celebrities, I stopped at another actors’ table. He noticed ‘the photo’ in my hand. Saw who it was. He took it from my hand. He stared at it a heartbeat too long. He looked over to her and shouted, ‘What the Hell, Erin!?!’   Then he said, ‘I want one of these.’   

Another male celebs then looked over to see what the ruckus was about. He then saw the photo.  He stared a few more heartbeats too long.  Plucked the photo from the first celeb’s hand and said, ‘What the Hell, Erin?  And you better get me one too!’

Pretty funny.

When I got home, I showed my wife the stuff I picked up at the show. I quickly heard: What the Hell! and then a swack! as she hit the back of my head.

AH

James and Oliver Phelps Fan Days 2014

By far the longest line I was in at this show was for the Weasely twins, James Phelps and Oliver Phelps.

I have no idea which one was which as I spoke to them. I know the crowd was excited to see them.  A couple of 30 something ladies had tears in their eyes when they entered the room.  I guess they had childhood crushes on them as young teens.

I know one of the twins had been to Dallas before. One hurt his hand playing cricket and the other chided him for dropping the ball.  As you can see each autograph is very different.  Even with the differences, they both seemed to enjoy the crowd and talking to fans.  In general, I have found that the case with everyone I’ve met from Harry Potter.

AH

Elijah Wood Dallas Fan Days 2014

For me, the BIG name as this show was Elijah Wood. Not that I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan or even that I’m a huge Elijah Wood fan. But he’s a big name and while he does shows, he doesn’t do that many shows.

When I first got to Fan Day, the line was capped. Once he was back, the line was short.  I jumped in.  The line moved fast but he was spending time with people too.  I have no idea how he did that. It’s a gift.

Again, my encounter was pedestrian but I saw him pose and chat with people.  I saw a young couple finish and they walked away. He looked over noticed the tattoo on girl’s neck.  He called over to the couple. He asked if that was Elfish. She nodded yes.  He waved them back to him and asked what it said.  They spend maybe 30 or 45 more seconds. It didn’t hold up the line but it made a great impression as someone who enjoyed meeting their fans.

AH

Ke Huy Quan Dallas Fan Days 2014

After Caity, I got into the Ke Huy Quan line. As I stepped up, he greeted me with a warm smile. I said hello and then I stopped. I said: Maybe I should have said Ni Hoa.

He smiled again and I said I knew it was Mandarin and not Cantonese.  Both he and his handler said I said it well.  I smirked and said it was with a Jersey/Shanghai accent.   I said that between Xi Xi and Ni Hoa, I got pretty far in Shanghai. 

Then we talked Shanghai and Hong Kong.  I kept it brief. Very brief. I can go on and on about my trip to China.

Now, the million dollar question...why was I speaking Chinese to someone from Vietnam? 
Oh, that's easy: because I'm an idiot and I tried to show off.  Ugh.

He was polite and never let me know I'm  idiot.

AH

Caity Lotz Dallas Fan Days 2014

When I returned to Fan Days on Saturday, I saw lots of long lines. Most of them were being capped as the celebs were about go to a panel or do a photo op or whatnot.  Then I saw one that wasn’t capped so I jumped it that line. At the time I wasn’t sure who it was for but I was sure I wanted the autograph.

(I rise out of my metal folding chair and speak clearly to the group: Hi, my name is AH and I have a problem…

In unison the crowd ritually repeats: Hi, AH. Meanwhile, let's get back to the post.)

So I’m in some unknown line.  After 15 minutes, a volunteer walked the line and mentioned that Caity Lotz was running late because she was tracking down her photos. It seemed they were delivered to the wrong hotel.

Once Caity arrived with her photos, the line moved.  My inaction with Caity was pedestrian. Although of note, someone had made a pipe cleaner figure of her character.  They added an immense amount of cleavage to the figure.   

Also noteworthy, Caity did table photos.  As a very little one came up to the table, got down to one knee and posed t make sure it was a good shot.  It was sweet.

AH