On the Beat with Adam Mock at C2E2 2013

Adam Mock is a true artist.  He loves art.  He believes in art.  He creates art.
I first met Mock at Wizard World in 2012.  He was promoting Fallen Superheroes, a coffee table book about "D list celebrities with extraordinary super powers," according to Mock.  It is a three man project consisting of Mock, Scott Allen Perry and Eric Curtis.  Fallen Superheroes is brilliantly illustrated and includes hilarious blurbs.  It features celebrities (including Doug Jones, Andy Dick and more).  Mock also makes an appearance in the book.
This is the second project for the previously listed three man team.  They (along with Doug Jones) previously created Mime Very Own Book, a book looking into the life of mimes.  It is hilarious and interesting.
I ran into Mock again at C2E2 2013.  The interview below is a recap of Fallen Superheroes and an update, too.
Mock is a genuinely nice guy.  He even tried to set up an interview for us with wrestling legend Booker T.  Unfortunately, Booker became hospitalized and could not make it to C2E2, but Mock's gesture was certainly appreciated.
This is another example of friends I ahve met through these conventions.  Mock is as nice as he is talented.  I plan on following his career and creations and I encourage all to do so, too.
After you watch the interview, you can learn more about Adam Mock at MedallionMediaGroup.com.  Also, check out Adam Mock on Facebook and follow Adam Mock on twitter.

Happy Birthday Laura

My niece Laura is celebrating a birthday today.  Suffice it to say, she is in her mid-20's.
Laura is fantastic and not just because she is my niece (maybe even despite her being my niece).  She is bright, funny and completely cool.
As I have previously documented here, it is my fault that I missed parts of her youth.  I do take some consolation in two road trips to New York.  Seventeen hours in a cramped car with each other (and my sister/her mom) will really serve as a crash course in bonding.  Oh sure, I grumbled, but I loved every minute of it (even when Nancy actually drove for a few minutes).
Laura is courageous and strong.  She has done things I would have been too frightened to try at her age.  Nothing bad, all good, but still too daunting for me to attempt.  Yet, there she was.  I was amazed, impressed and proud.
It's Laura's day today.  I hope it is a great one.  She deserves it!
Happy birthday Laura.  Your uncle Crash loves you.

Laura Fitzpatrick in Fox River Grove, IL-Winter 2012.

On the Beat with Eric St. Vaughn at Resistance Pro Wrestling "Back for the Attack"

Eric St. Vaughn is living his dream as a wrestler for Resistance Pro.  As a friend, I am enjoying experiencing all of it and being a small part of it.
ESV is working hard and quickly improving as a wrestler.  He wrestles as a heel, but he usually gets a good amount of cheers.  When he started doing his Body Magic rap, he got some of the loudest cheers I have heard at R Pro.
Then last month, just when I started thinking he might turn to the good side, ESV and his Body Magic partner GQ gave a post-match beatdown to the Two Star Heroes.  This ESV is an interesting guy.  Maybe I don't know which side of the fence is in his near future.
I do know success is in that future.  That I can see and so can all else.  He's got the look, the attitude, the fans and (like I wrote) his wrestling is improving every time out there.
ESV Superfan and JohngysBeat.com Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker missed the last show and therefore I handled his usual ESV interview.  I must say, it was a pleasure and an honor to interview this young star.
ESV's wrestling career started shortly after R Pro debuted.  They have grown together, which is appropriate.  R Pro is full of quality people and ESV (despite the bad guy we see in the ring) is a class act.
JohngysBeat.com believes in ESV's future.  That is why we jumped on the ESV sponsorship bandwagon.  We want to be in for the full ride!
After you watch our latest ESV interview, check out the Eric St. Vaughn Facebook page and follow ESV on twitter.

On the Beat with Lin Brehmer

When going to a Resistance Pro Wrestling event, you never know what might happen.  You will definitely see great wrestling.  You will see the JohngysBeat.com crew.  You might even run into a radio legend, like the "Reverend of Rock and Roll" Lin Brehmer.

Brehmer has been on the radio since the mid 70's and has been on WXRT in Chicago since 1991.  Merely surviving that long on one station earns him legendary status.  Brehmer has done much more than survive though.  He is one of the most knowledgeable and most popular radio personalities in Chicago or anywhere to be honest.

I approached Brehmer for a picture at first.  When he offered to jump down from the stage to pose with me, I was immediately impressed.  JohngysBeat.com's Scott Beatty and I talked to him for a bit and he was so interesting, we both knew we wanted to get an interview with him.  He agreed and the result is shown below, with Scott (lead interviewer, all around big shot, comics master and music historian) asking the questions. 

Brehmer is one of those people who could talk for hours and still be fascinating.  His stories and opinions were fascinating.  Even his choices for summer record picks were intriguing.

On top of all of that, Brehmer is another great person brought in by R Pro.  No shock there.  The Baron brothers have a history of working with good people and bringing in quality people for appearances.  This is what you get from an R Pro show.

We really appreciate Brehmer's time.  Talking with a radio legend was unexpected, but totally cool.

After you watch the interview, check out Lin Brehmer on Facebook and follow Brehmer on twitter.

Friendly Encounters: Matt Parker Meets Ernie Banks

This is a weekly series about my friends who have met celebrities.

A couple months ago, Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker and I attended a taping of A Piece of the Game, a new television show about sports memorabilia appraisals.  Our friend Scott Beatty of AU Sports Memorabilia was one of the appraisers on the show.  We were there to support Scott, as well as to possibly get on the show.

Matt brought a signed Sammy Sosa baseball that he got at an All-Star game in Houston.  I brought along my game-used Jody Davis bat that I got from the bat boy back in 1984.  Neither of us made the cut and therefore will not be seen on the episodes taped that day.

Despite our disappointment, our day was made when Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks appeared.  Banks was there for a segment, which also featured Scott as the appraiser.  We had the pleasure of talking to Banks for several minutes.  It was pretty cool.  Besides being a Hall of Famer, he is a Chicago institution!  Even Sox fan Matt was happy to meet this legend.  I think Banks is the best player I have ever met and probably the same for Matt.

Below is the picture of Matt and Banks.  You can get all of the info on watching the show including the appearance by Banks at APieceoftheGame.tv.

Matt Parker and Ernie Banks in Chicago, IL-March 2012.

On the Beat with James Finn Garner at C2E2 2013

James Finn Garner is a Chicago-based author, whose first book Politically Correct Bedtime Stories spent 65 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list.  He has since written several more books, including his latest, Honk Honk, My Darling: A Rex Koko, Private Clown Mystery, a clown noir.
Clown Noir?  Oh, I am all over that.
JohngysBeat.com's Scott Beatty took the lead in this interview with Garner.  They discussed Garner's career, his future projects and Rex Koko, of course.  The whole time, while I was fascinated by Garner, I kept thinking I could hardly wait to dive into Rex Koko.
Clown Noir?
How positively cool and intriguing.  I am thinking it would take a talented author to pull off such a thing.  The reviews I have read call it "ridiculous and real" and "unbelievably believable."  I really can't wait to add my thoughts to those reviews.  Just when I think I have seen all genres of books, out pops Garner and Clown Noir.
I really appreciate Garner giving us his time.  It was a real pleasure talking to him during and after the interview.
After you watch our interview, please check out JamesFinnGarner.com.  Also, be sure to check out the James Finn Garner Facebook page as well as following James Finn Garner on twitter.

Paper Marlin: The Journey Begins for a 48 Year Old Little Leaguer

In Paper Lion, George Plimpton, a talented writer, told of his experience as a pseudo-quarterback for the Detroit Lions.  Last Monday evening, I took the first steps in my journey as a Paper Marlin.
The Lincolnwood Marlins are a team of roughly 12 year olds playing in the Majors Division of the Little League.  Thanks to the hospitality (and patience and humor) of coach Louie Atsaves and the welcoming nature of the team itself, I will be one of the members (albeit it the biggest member) of the Marlins.  This really does make me a big fish in a small pond.
When it comes to actual competitive league baseball, I admit I am a bit of a novice.  I have not played any type of organized league baseball since… well never really.  I have played some league ball in pickup games on occasion and I have played all forms of softball for most of my adult life.
So what is a 48 year old wannabe writer doing as a wannabe little leaguer?  I am reminded of Cosmo Kramer’s line, “We’re all on the same skill level.”  Actually, that is a bit of a stretch.  Judging by some of the action I witnessed Monday, some of these kids have already passed my skill level, but I digress.
Due to a variety of health reasons, I could not compete in sports as a child.  Needless to say, my athletic skills were not honed until I started playing rec league sports in high school and by then, I was woefully behind the pack.  Still, I was gritty and I always brought something (usually humor) to the team.
Last fall, I attended some of the Lincolnwood team’s games and even helped out with fielding drills.  That gave me the itch to play, to fulfill my dream of playing little league baseball.  The question was how to pull it off without looking like a complete buffoon.
Then it hit me.  Paper Lion.  Plimpton was a genius.  How else could a middle aged writer join a real NFL team and take some snaps in an exhibition game?  But Plimpton did not stop there.  He suited up for the Boston Bruins in Empty Net.  He attempted to join the PGA Tour in Bogey Man.  Next to press credentials I occasionally get for JohngysBeat.com, this is the best scam ever.
I admit, I am no George Plimpton.  In all fairness though, the Marlins are no Detroit Lions either (with no disrespect to my new teammates).  If Plimpton could be a Lion, Johngy can be a Marlin.
I am not asking for any breaks from Coach Lou either, despite our 25 year friendship.  I admit he and Coach Harry Konstantopoulos took it easy on me in my first team practice, but as excellent coaches, they realized I was a bit rusty and would need to be indoctrinated a bit slower than the rest.  (A good coach knows his players).
Don’t get me wrong though, I accounted fairly well for myself on Monday.  I caught or blocked most of the throws I got at catcher.  My throws were fairly accurate and reached each base on the fly.  I also made solid contact on most pitches Louie threw to me (although I have a feeling he might have grooved a few for me).
My shins are bruised, but I am wearing them as badges of honor.  I have some aches from muscles I am not used to using in that way, but the soreness pales in comparison to the thrill of the experience.
During the course of the season, I will be updating my progress, as well as bringing you an insider’s look at the ups and downs of these little leaguers.  I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I will.

Me in the batting cage in Lincolnwood, IL-April 2013.

Inside the Squared Circle with Lisa Marie Varon

A couple weeks ago, Contributor Extraordinaire and I met our friend (and Resistance Pro wrestler) Eric St. Vaughn at The Squared Circle, a pizza and burger place owned and operated by Lisa Marie Varon.  We also ran into Matt Knicks and Chris Castro (two other wrestlers also known as the Two Star Heroes).
Immediately upon entering The Squared Circle, LMV greeted us with big hugs and a big smile.  While enjoying our pizza and appetizers, she came over several times and joined us for some casual chat.  I wrote about the experience for the Patch at On the Beat with Eric St. Vaughn and Lisa Marie Varon at The Squared Circle.
Today, I want to write about how cool Lisa Marie Varon is.  We had met her several times prior to this evening at various conventions and she has always been friendly, sweet and fun.  She has given us interviews, put us in wrestling holds, showed us her infamous ankle tattoo and other fun stuff.  More importantly, she gives us her warmth, friendship and spirit.
Wrestling is a hard business.  It is highly competitive in and out of the ring.  While others have made headlines for the wrong reasons, I have never seen a bad thing about LMV.  She has apparently lead a normal life and seems to be determined to keep it that way.
The Squared Circle is a lot like her and not just because of the wrestling theme.  It is fun and lively, but also comfortable and casual.  It is the kind of place I would gladly take visiting friends for a great night.  It is also the place I could go regularly as a neighborhood spot.  I think The Squared Circle is a winner, like LMV.
I really hope The Squared Circle is a success.  Lisa Marie Varon deserves it and besides...I really loved their pizza!!!

Matt Knicks, Matt Parker, Chris Castro, Eric St. Vaughn, me and a few others have fun with Lisa Marie Varon at The Squared Circle in Chicago, IL-April 2013.

Eric St. Vaughn reviews The Squared Circle in Chicago, IL-April 2013.

On the Beat with Chris Burnham at C2E2 2013

I know, when my friends read this, they will be shocked that I am featuring a comic other than Aquaman.  While my love for all things Aquaman is widely known, you should know I would not pass up talking to a talented comic artist, no matter which superhero is his subject matter.
Such is the case with Chris Burnham, best known for his awesome work for Batman Incorporated.  Mark Beatty, of Dark Tower Comics in Chicago, introduced Scott and me to the talented Burnham at C2E2.
I really liked Burnham.  He doesn't take himself too seriously, although he takes his job seriously.  He admits it is a thrill to draw for Batman.  You can quickly tell he is having fun.
I imagine it would be like me writing for Aquaman.  Oh sure, it still involves the process of work, but what a blast it would be.
Burnham was one of the most popular guests in Artist Alley and deservedly so.  The guy is talented, personable and drawing for one of the most famous superheroes.  He is definitely an artist we would like to revisit in the future.
Once again, JohngysBeat.com's Scott Beatty (lead interviewer, all around big shot, music historian and comics master) took the interview lead.  I just wish he asked one Aquaman question.
After you watch the interview, check out ChrisBurnham.com and Chris Burnham on Facebook and follow Chris Burnham on twitter to learn all about him and keep updated!

On the Beat with Vivek Tiwary at C2E2 2013

From the moment I heard my first Beatles song, I was hooked.  I became a Beatles maniac.  They were (and still are) the best band of all time.
When I heard that Vivek Tiwary was going to appear at C2E2, I jumped at the chance to meet and talk to him.  Tiwary is an award winning producer of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun and Green Day's rock opera, American Idiot and The Addams Family.  The man is talented.
Tiwary's latest project and the big reason for my excitement is The Fifth Beatle.  Of course, the fifth Beatle would be Brian Epstein, the original manager of the Beatles.  Tiwary is set to write and produce the graphic novel and film about Epstein.  He states that it is more a story about Brian as a person (an outside even), than a musical biography.
He showed us a preview of the graphic novel and it looked simply amazing.  Aside from being very interesting, this looks to be amazingly artistic and beautiful.  I cannot wait to add this to my collection of books on the Fab Four.
Epstein is an interesting choice for such a project.  His contributions to the success of the Beatles is undeniable, but often forgotten by most.  Tiwary is taking the less-traveled road with this project, but it is a road filled with interesting people and events.  With his experience, knowledge and unique view, I feel certain that Tiwary is creating a masterpiece here.
For the interview, I called on JohngysBeat.com's Scott Beatty (lead interviewer, all around big shot and music historian).  It seemed like a natural choice.
I really appreciate Tiwary for talking to us.  I applaud his professionalism, as he was the first interview subject to ever call me prior to the interview to check on things.  It was such a pleasure meeting and getting to know Tiwary a bit.
After you watch the interview, check out TiwaryEnt.com and follow Vivek J. Tiwary on twitter to learn and to keep updated on Tiwary and his projects .  Also check out FifthBeatle.com to keep up with the developments on this great project!