Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman

I met 8 time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman after his seminar at the 2005 fitness expo. Ronnie is now retired from pro bodybuilding. You can see from the picture that I weighed a lot more since this was back in my "hardcore bodybuilding" days. My cheeks were very chunky.

The expo was always held at the Pasadena convention center. Every year the event just got bigger so it was eventually moved to the L.A. convention center. Ticket prices have more than doubled since the first time I attended the event. This is all credited to MMA fighters and other sports athletes making appearances. If you want a quality expo, you have to pay for it.

I couldn't attend the expo this past weekend on January 23&24. A friend sent me a text message while he was at the expo that "girls were everywhere". I wish that I went! Hopefully I can attend next years expo so I can mingle with the fitness celebs once again.

www.thefitexpo.com
www.bigroncoleman.com

Tapout Warehouse Signing

A big event was scheduled at the Tapout warehouse in Grand Terrace, CA. Many MMA fighters made appearances to sign autographs. Clothing was also being sold at the event but the autographs were free. When I arrived the place was jam packed. I missed some of the MMA fighters that made appearances earlier in the morning. Roy Nelson and Tyson Griffen were fighters that I wanted autographs from but had missed.

I made it in time for Kimbo Slice, Martin "Hitman" Kampmann, Mike "Joker" Guymon, and Punkass & Skyscrape of the Tapout crew. I was really looking forward to seeing Kimbo Slice. He was the main reason I went to the event. The MMA fighters took time to meet and greet all fans. Nobody felt like they were rushed in the autograph line.

Video of the signing.


After getting my autographs I left the event. I was walking on the sidewalk and noticed the Ultimate Fighter winner Roy "Big Country" Nelson signing autographs and posing for photos. Nobody really noticed him outside of the event. I asked Roy for a photo. He was very happy to pose for photos and sign additional autographs for the fans.

Video of Roy Nelson signing autographs and posing for pics.


Thanks to Tapout for this free event.

Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm Signing

Former Dodger Nomar Garciaparra and his wife, soccer great Mia Hamm made an appearance to sign autographs. The event was held at a Sport Chalet in Torrance.

I was not planning on attending this event the night before since Torrance is an hour and a half drive for me. Also, Mia Hamm was going to do the signing alone. Then I got word from my people that Nomar was also going to join his wife at the event. After being told that I could not miss it.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess over 250 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Giveaways? An extra autographed photo signed by Mia and Nomar.
• Free Signing? Yes.

Video of the signing.

This dual signed photo was handed out as a bonus item.

Please visit the Mia Hamm foundation at http://www.miafoundation.org/. Thanks to Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra and Sport Chalet for this really cool and free event.

Dodger Day at the L.A. County Fair

I hope everybody had a good Christmas. Here are videos from the L.A. county fair in Pomona. I recorded these on September 17, 2009. These videos were posted in the past but took them off because I was having problems with the uploads. Hopefully I got it right this time.

Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, Tommy Davis, Maury Wills, and Ron Cey made appearances at the fair. The line was long when I arrived and moved very slow. I had already missed Steve Garvey but I didn't worry since I had multiple items already signed by him. I was fortunate to get three of the four remaining Dodgers. Check out the videos of Bill Russell, Tommy Davis, and Ron Cey signing my Dodgers jersey.

Video Bill Russell signing autographs.


Video of Tommy Davis signing autographs.


Video of Ron Cey signing autographs.

Bill Walton Autograph Signing

Bill Walton made an appearance at Kia Motors in Irvine. The autographs were free of charge and the event was better than I had anticipated. Breakfast and lunch were given out for free by Kia. I had Bill sign a basketball with the incsription "Hall of Fame 93". He also signed a couple of photos for me.

This is one of the best events I have ever been to. The line was indoors and all fans got to eat for free. It was also a small turnout which made it easier to get multiple items signed.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? I would guess around 75 people.
• Items per person? Multiple items.
• Giveaways? Food and goody bags.
• Free Signing? Yes.

Video of the Bill Walton signing.


Thanks to Kia Motors for this really cool event. I would also like to thank the kind and courteous employees at Kia for making it an even better experience.

Bill Russell, Al Ferrara & Greg Townsend Autograph Signings

Former Dodgers Bill Russell and Al "The Bull" Ferrara made an appearance to sign autographs today. It was at the annual holiday open house at Hall of Fame Sports in San Dimas. The autographs were free of charge. I purchased a photo of each former Dodger to get signed. Al Ferrara was a very nice man and seemed really happy to be there. Bill Russell was also in a good mood and did not hesitate to take a photo with me when I asked.

Video of the signing.



Thanks to Hall of Fame Sports for this free autograph signing.

December 2, 2009 Greg Townsend Autograph Signing

Greg Townsend made an appearance at a Raider Image store where he was going to sign autographs. It took place at the Ontario Mills Mall in Ontario, Ca. I thought the signing was free but found out upon arrival that a purchase was necessary for an autograph. I then purchased a photo. Greg is a really cool guy. We even talked some TCU football who is currently undefeated and where he played college ball.

Video of Greg signing a photo for me.



Thanks to the Raider Image Store and Greg Townsend for this appearance.

Kenny Landreaux Autograph Signing

Former Dodger Kenny Landreaux made an appearance at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry. For this signing a purchase had to be made. I purchased a $5 photo to get signed. Kenny also signed a couple of outside items that I brought from home for no additional charge. This was similar to the event the previous week that featured another former Dodger Derrel Thomas.

Video of the signing.

November 21, 2009 Derrel Thomas autograph signing

Derrel Thomas made an appearance at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry. Derrel is a member of the Dodgers 1981 World Series team. I purchased a photo for $5 to get signed. I also had him sign my Dodgers jersey that already had a couple of signatures from other former Dodgers. He is one of the nicest former players I have ever met. Thanks to Frank & Sons for this $5 signing.

Video of Derell signing autographs.


Thanks to Frank & Sons Collectible show for these events.

Rod Carew Autograph Signing

Angels great and baseball Hall of Famer Rod Carew made an appearance in the city of Orange to sign autographs. I'm glad I was able to make it to this event. Former angles Mike Witt and Bob Boone also made an appearance prior to Rod Carew arriving. Word was that they would only be signing small photos provided at the event. That was not the case. I got a ball and an 8X10 photo signed by Rod.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? Less than 75 people.
• Items per person? 1 item with a chance to get back in line.
• Free signing? Yes.

Video from the signing.


Thanks to Old Mill Design, Boone Action Turf and Rod Carew for this event.

Joe Theismann Autograph Signing

Former NFL MVP and Super Bown Champ Joe Theismann signed autographs at the annual Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino. The line was not too long and was two items per person. I got a 1997 Starting Lineup signed by Joe along with a photo.

Signing Recap:

• People in line? Around 150 people.
• Items per person? 2 items with a chance to get back in line.
• Free signing? Yes.

Video of the signing.


Thanks to Kellogs, Stater Bros. and Route 66 for this free event.

Tommy Lasorda Autograph Signing

Tommy Lasorda was the guest speaker at the 66er's Meet The Team Dinner on May 15, 2009. The event was held at the Orange Show in San Bernardino. This time I didn't have to drive to L.A. like I normally have to do to obtain autographs. It was a short ten minute drive from Redlands where I live.

Ticket prices for the event were $35 per person. It was well worth my money. We had a very good Italian buffet and were privileged to hear the man who bleeds Dodger Blue speak in person. Tommy told many stories about his playing and coaching days. Most of his stories were very funny and kept everybody laughing. After the event Tommy spent time signing autographs for the fans. I got a ball and photo signed. Too bad he is looking at the wrong camera in the photo. I didn't bother asking for another picture since he looked very tired.

Tommy signing my ball.

Thanks to the Dodgers single A Affiliate for this event. I hope they do it again next year.

January 10, 2009

Pete Rose in Las Vegas

I had the opportunity to meet baseballs all time hit leader in Vegas. The fee per autograph was $69 for small items. I chose an 8X10 photo to get autographed. I tend to stay away from purchasing autographs since I already waste a lot of time and money driving to L.A. and Orange County for autographs. I was in Vegas and it was either pay for the autograph or blow the money on gambling or strippers. I chose the guaranteed autograph.

This was the shortest autograph line I had ever been in. I think my wait was about a minute. If it was a free signing the line would of been all the way around the corner. It was well worth my money. It was an actual meet and greet. Pete made conversation with my friends and I as he signed my photo. I even got to sit next to him.

Thanks to Field of Dreams in the Caesars Forum Shops for this experience.

August 29, 2009
Chone Figgings autograph signing

The video below is of Chone Figgins signing autographs in Anaheim Hills. The event took place at a At&t store. The line was very long. My estimate was about 400 people. Once Chone arrived it moved pretty fast. I got my Angels mini helmet signed. Thanks to At&t in Anaheim Hills for this free event.

Video of the signing.