On the Beat Again with Steve Edwards of the Chicago Rush

Sometimes we find interviews and sometimes interviews find us.  The latter was the case Saturday while on the field prior to the game between the Chicago Rush and the San Antonio Talons.
Matt Parker and I were hanging around the end zone at BMO Harris Bank Centre watching the Rush run through some plays.  A deep voice greeted us from behind.  It was Rush offensive lineman Steve Edwards, whom we previously interviewed on Media Day.
Now this is very cool!  It is one thing for Rush staffers or arena workers to greet us, but it was really awesome to have Edwards welcome us and start talking about the upcoming game.  Although we were caught a bit by surprise, Matt and I thought quick enough to ask him to get those thoughts on video.
Edwards talked about the importance of special teams and predicted a big play by the Rush special team.  He was proven right when Jorrick Calvin returned a kickoff 48 yards to give the Rush a 54-42 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Edwards also talked about how the kickers needed to adjust their kickoffs for the low hanging midfield scoreboard.  Then we noticed Rush kicker Jose Martinez setting up way off center on his practice kicks.  It was an odd sight, as we watched the kickoffs curve so close to the scoreboard on their way downfield.  Edwards was right again.
A fellow grad of Mt. Carmel High School, Edwards was an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.  He played with the Chicago Bears for four seasons and with the New York Giants for his last NFL season.  He has been a great addition to his local Rush.
I wanted to point out Edwards for his kind act.  It really should not surprise me that much, because the Rush has really gone out of the norm to make JohngysBeat.com feel welcome at the games.  More accurately, I see the Rush doing everything possible to make each game a pleasurable experience for everyone.

Friendly Encounters: Jean Parker and Rose Nestlehut Meet Little Vegas

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Is an iguana a celebrity?  I say it is, especially for the purposes of Friendly Encounters.  Besides, it is Las Vegas.  Anything can happen in Las Vegas.
On my trip there last month, we were all walking down the strip.  While the Nestlehut and Parker couples were looking for food or new places to gamble, I was looking for celebrities (or celebrity doppelgangers).
At some point, we ran into Little Vegas, an iguana.  A couple years ago, Matt Parker and I posed with a couple snakes.  This time, it was his mom Jean and Rose Nestlehut who were brave enough to pose with Little Vegas.
The ladies courageously gave themselves for the sake of JohngysBeat.  The handler gave them Little Vegas and then stepped back to capture the moment.  Look at them.  They are happy and smiling.  I am pretty sure Little Vegas is, too.  They showed no signs of fright either (but that could be the big margaritas we just had).

Rose Nestlehut, Little Vegas and Jean Parker in Las Vegas, NV-May 2013.

Frehley was Aces at Days of the Dead

Kiss was my first favorite rock group.  Their album Rock and Roll Over was the first album I ever bought.  Oh man...that was one cool album.  I studied that album cover and read the liner notes for hours.  Even now, I rank that cover as one of my all-time favorites, and not just because of nostalgia.
I have given my opinion on Kiss and their place in musical history.  They are Hall of Famers.  Don't give me the makeup argument either.
I almost met Ace Frehley in 2011 at Days of the Dead, but his line was insanely long.  I really tried, but time constraints prevented me from meeting Frehley.  Heading into the 2012 Days in Indy, I figured the situation would be the same and it was.
Sometimes though, being a member of the media has its privileges.  At the end of one of the nights, a few of the celebs were invited into meet Frehley and I was also given the opportunity.  This was so cool for many reasons.
First, obviously, I was stoked that I was going to be able to meet Frehley without waiting 4 hours in the line. Second though, it was fun to watch Frehley and other stars interact.  I was scheduled to interview Felissa Rose right after meeting Frehley and who should "cut" in front of me?  Ms. Felissa herself!  I also saw JohngysBeat.com favorite Traci Lords pose with Frehley.  It was like seeing various worlds colliding.
Meeting Frehley was super cool, as well.  I asked him how he was doing and how long the day was.  He was pretty low key, but responded that he was great and how could he really complain about the line or anything else.
You might think this is a no-brainer, but not really.  Many stars do voice their complaints.  Many stars let you know how tiring these appearances are.  Don't get me wrong, I do not feel sorry for any celebrity making cash signing and posing and I can see how tiring it can be, but Frehley's attitude was exactly what you would want in any celebrity guest, let alone the big draw of the convention.
Overall, this was one of the highlights of the convention.  It was great to see that one of my musical favorites was very cool.  It also says a lot for the Days of the Dead con and for Adolfo Dorta who runs it.  It isn't just coincidence that his guests are all very fan-friendly!

Ace Frehley and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2012.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #141 Michael J. Fox & Ron Santo

This is a regular series in which I try to combine my lifelong passion for bubblegum cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  The Chicago Blackhawks face the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals.  It doesn't get better than two Original 6 teams battling for Lord Stanley's Cup!

I am a big fan of Michael J. Fox.  I am also envious of him.  He has acted with Justine Bateman and Julie Warner, he dated Nancy McKeon and he married Tracy Pollan.  That is quite a collection fo some of my favorite women.  Oh wait, this is supposed to be about Fox.  He is a big hockey fan and often laces up the skates for charity events or just fun.  I am not sure why he wore the Boston Bruins sweater, nor do I know the reason for his #88, but I like the look of his Celebrity Jersey Card.  It has the feel of the real 1973-74 set.  I like Fox a lot, but I cannot cheer for the Bruins.

The late Ron Santo was finally elected to baseball's Hall of Fame.  It was long overdue for the best 3rd baseman in the National League for the 1960's.  Santo donned the Indian sweater, complete with his #10 (although maybe he was also paying tribute to Dennis Hull) for an appearance at a Blackhawks' game.  Santo never won a championship, but the Hawks will!

On the Beat with Chanel Ryan at Motor City Comic Con 2013

I first met Chanel Ryan at a Hollywood Celebrities Show in Rosemont (IL) several years ago.  I had not heard of her at the time, but she really stood out.  Those shows usually have somewhat older stars.  Being a young, beautiful woman really made her stand out.

Chanel is a model, actress, producer and more.  She is one of the most popular women ever to appear in the Benchwarmer Cards series.  She appeared on the cover of Garth Brook's Album "The Life of Chris Gaines."  She has also appeared regularly on various "Top Sexy..." lists.

Honestly, Chanel looks as stunning as she did when I saw her several years back.  I did not talk to her much at that point, but this time I got a short interview.  She is as nice as she is beautiful.

One of her latest projects, Scream Queen Campfire is in pre-production (which stars several of our favorite scream queens).  This is definitely one I want to see.

Several years after meeting Chanel for the first time, I interviewed her.  My how time flies.  Yet, Chanel stood out just like she did back then.  More importantly though, Chanel was just as nice.  She is a great convention guest.

After you watch our interview, check out ChanelRyan.com to learn all about her.  You can also "like" Chanel on Facebook and follow Chanel on twitter.

On the Beat with Don DuPree of A Piece of the Game

A couple months back, I wrote about attending a television taping for A Piece of the Game, a promising new show focusing on sports memorabilia.  It is billed as sort of an Antiques Roadshow on Red Bull.  Despite not being selected to appear on the show (my Jody Davis bat did not make the cut), I really enjoyed the show.
I have collected sports memorabilia since Billy Williams signed my athletic banquet program when I was in the first grade.  Dozens of signed baseballs, hundreds of signed 8x10’s and thousands of autographed cards later, I am still just as interested in sports memorabilia.  I have even parlayed my JohngysBeat.com site into Press Credentials which have allowed me to interview hundreds of athletes.
Twenty or so years ago, my collecting brought me to AU Sports, which is where I first met Scott Beatty.  I have turned to Scott many times over the years for help in collecting and more recently for help with interviews.  At some point in the future, I will lay claim that I discovered Scott.
While I might have “discovered” Scott, the producers of A Piece of the Game brought him to the small screen, as one of the appraisers.  Chicago (and beyond) saw Scott on A Piece of the Game when it aired several times on WGN.
The show has garnered excellent viewership numbers.  As with any proposed tv show, it is a long process from the pilot episode to actually filming more.
Today, I had the pleasure of sitting in on an informal meeting between Don DuPree (Executive Producer) and Scott.  While I cannot reveal everything that was discussed, I can say that the show is moving forward and there are some very cool plans in place.
Don is very excited about A Piece of the Game and he knows a winner.  He developed and directed the Ebert Presents At The Movies movie review show on PBS.  Don and everyone involved in A Piece of the Game are working very hard to get the show up and running.
I am also excited about A Piece of the Game.  Aside from seeing a friend on tv, it is a very entertaining show.  Of course, it would be more entertaining if I appeared on it with my Jody Davis bat or maybe I need to dig through my collection for something better.  In fact, I encourage everyone to dig through their collections to see if they have anything that might make the cut on A Piece of the Game.
Don took a few minutes of his time to talk with me about the show.  Hopefully, this is just the first interview of those involved with A Piece of the Game.  I will be covering the progress and updating everyone of new developments.
After watching the interview, head over to APieceoftheGame.tv to learn more about the show or to enter your info to try to be on the show.  Also, check out the A Piece of the Game Facebook page and follow A Piece of the Game on twitter.

On the Beat with the Chicago Rush

I must admit I bristled a bit when I heard that the Chicago Rush had moved a couple games to Rockford, due to scheduling conflicts at the Allstate Arena.  I would much rather take the 15 minute drive to Rosemont, than the 60 minute drive to Rockford.
After stewing for a few minutes, I realized how positive the entire Rush organization has been throughout the ownership troubles.  If the Rush could keep making the effort, I could certainly give Rockford a try.
The game was held in the BMO Harris Bank Center (formerly the Rockford MetroCentre).  It opened in 1981 and was home to the AFL’s “test game” between the Chicago Politicians and Rockford Metros in 1986.
There was a palpable and contagious positive buzz around Rockford for the Rush.  The arena event staff did everything possible to make the team and the fans feel at home.  This was starting off as a very pleasant experience.
The game started with the teams trading touchdowns and Utah lead 14-13 early in the second quarter.  The Rush took the lead on a 15 yard touchdown reception by Jared Jenkins.  The Rush never lost the lead and cruised to a 67-43 victory.
In the post-game media session, Coach Bob McMillen discussed the Rockford situation.  He also fielded a question by yours truly.  Yes, JohngysBeat.com was on the board!  We weren't done however.  Cuzz Gekas got in a question to the players.  It was a JohngysBeat.com two-fer!
The Rush turned the negative scheduling conflict into a positive.  Once again, I was very impressed with Coach McMillen, who continues to be a positive force in the locker room and one the field.
The Rush will play two more games in Rockford.  We plan on making the short trip for both.  What started out as two friends going to watch exciting indoor football has turned into future getaway plans.  I am looking forward to going back to Rockford and to seeing the Rush continue their excellent season.  As Coach McMillen said, “It is a great place for football and more.”

On the Beat with Curtis Armstrong at the Motor City Comic Con 2013

Curtis Armstrong has a lengthy resume.  The man is very successful.  He is also known as "Booger" or as a nerd.  How does that happen?  It happens because of one of his most famous roles.  In Revenge of the Nerds, Curtis played Dudley "Booger" Dawson.
Curtis is definitely not a one-hit wonder though.  He had big roles in Moonlighting, Risky Business, The Closer and more.  Because of his many roles, he is a great convention guest, appealing to many fans of different genres.
Despite his huge popularity, Curtis responded quickly and positively when I contacted him for an interview.  Even more impressive, he did just the same when I met him at his booth.  He held off his fans for a coule minutes while we got the interview done.
I was so impressed with his professionalism, humor and politeness.  Curtis immediately became one of my favorite interview subjects.
This was another of those surreal interviews.  Way back when, I loved Curtis on Moonlighting and Risky Business.  How very cool it was to find out that Curtis was so very cool.  These are the best types of interviews (a longtime favorite who is very gracious in person on and off camera)..
Seriously, meeting Curtis would have been enough reason to attend the MCCC.  To interview him and see how nice he was just made it incredible.
Thanks to Curtis for his time and consideration.  Thanks to the fine folks at the MCCC for making this possible.
After you watch the interview, you can "like" Curtis on Facebook and follow Curtis on twitter.  You can also follow King of the Nerds on twitter.

Friendly Encounters: Nancy Blais Meets Fonzie

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

My sister Nancy is cool.  Don't just take my word for it.  Ask Fonzie.  Yes, Fonzie, better known as Arthur Fonzarelli, the former Mickey Mantle of the grease pits, the man who really did "jump the shark."
Oh sure.  People can pretend to be "cool" now by knocking the old Happy Days tv show, but I am not buying it.  I admit that I watched that show religiously.  I bet you did, too.
On a recent trip to Milwaukee (which comes from the Algonquin and means "the good land"), Nanc ran into the man who exuded cool.  Nanc ran into the Fonz!
As you can clearly see, the Fonz gave Nanc two thumb's up!  That is high praise from Fonzie, but Nancy does deserve it.
Nanc always looks out for me when a celebrity photo op is around.  Okay, perhaps this "Fonz" isn't quite as animated as Henry Winkler would be, but that does not prevent me from making this a Friendly Encounter!
Thanks Nancy and as Fonzie would say, "Aaaayyyyyyyyeeeeee!"

Nancy Blais and Fonzie in Milwaukee, WI-May 2013.

On the Beat with Alloy Ash at the Motor City Comic Con 2013

I immediately picked out Alloy Ash when I saw the list of guests for the 2013 Motor City Comic Con.  I have never interviewed a state welding champ.  Seriously, the beautiful Alloy Ash is a state welding champ.
She is also a very popular model.  Alloy has done a ton of cover work, as well as photo spreads, catalogue modeling and much more.  As I wrote, she is very much in demand!
In addition to being beautiful, Alloy is very professional.  She addresses several issues and is very clear on her working situations on her Model Mayhem page.
We talked about her career, her tattoos and more.  I asked about her first at and if she had any she regrets.  I always wonder about regrets.  I am not a tattoo guy, but I could possibly see getting a couple if I really knew what I wanted.  Nothing ever gripped me enough to want to permanently ink it on my body.
Alloy has many tattoos and was the perfect person to ask about regrets.  She answered quickly and honestly as you will see in the interview.
Times is limited at these cons and I appreciate Alloy taking time to talk to us.  I just have so many more questions for her.  I really hope to catch her again at a con in the future.
After you watch the interview below, check out AlloyAsh.com to learn more about her.  You can also "like" Alloy on Facebook and follow Alloy on twitter.  Finally, you can see more of Alloy on Tumblr.