Back to the Future with Claudia Wells

Claudia Wells portrayed Marty McFly's girlfriend in Back to the Future.  Unfortunately, she decided not to reprise her role in the sequels, due to her mother's battle with cancer.  It is probably not huge news, but that type of family commitment is refreshing and should be noted..
We met Wells at the Motor City Comic Con a few years ago.  She looked great and seemed to be having a fun time meeting her fans.  When the celebrities are having fun, it is a good bet that the fans will have fun, too.
Wells had recently returned to acting.  After appearing in tv's Brothers in 1986, she had stayed away from acting until 2008.  She appears to be working steadily these days.
I really liked Wells.  She played a major role in an iconic movie, but chose family over her career.  I suppose it is that sane attitude which endeared her to so many fans at the show.

Cuzz Gekas, Claudia Wells and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

On the Beat with Laura D. James at Days of the Dead 2013

Yesterday, we featured William L. Bozarth, one-half of the creative force behind Spooky Skwerl Stories at Days of the Dead.  Today, we are showcasing Laura D. James, the other half of the creative pair.
Once again, JohngysBeat.com's young interviewers Christopher and Steven ask the questions.  Once again, they provide a fresh perspective.  Laura provides the thoughtful, interesting answers, while giving us a look at how she got where she is.
I really liked William and Laura.  They gave us plenty of time and were very patient, open and willing to help us.  That should be no surprise, because you can see they are very fan-friendly on the Spooky Skwerl Stories Facebook page.  They were one of my highlights at the Days convention.
Spooky Skwerl Stories sound like a lot of fun.  With William and Laura behind them, I have no doubt they are an enjoyable read for kids (who am I kidding...I know I will read them, too!).
After you watch the interview, head over to Spooky Skwerl Stories on Facebook to learn all about this cool series.

On the Beat with William L. Bozarth at Days of the Dead 2013

How can you not be attracted to an "anthology series following four adventurous squirrels with a penchant for mischief always seeming to get mixed up in spooky situations?"  It attracted the eyes of the JohngysBeat.com young interviewers, Christopher and Steven.  Okay, I admit, it attracted my attention, too.

William L. Bozarth and Laura D. James are the creative forces behind Spooky Skwerl Stories.  The pair were appearing at Days of the Dead in Chicago promoting their work, when Christopher and Steven snagged interviews with each of them.  Today, we feature the William interview and Laura gets hers featured tomorrow.

William had the youngsters (and us adults) intrigued and interested throughout their conversation.  In fact, as you watch it, you can see a few times when we thought the interview was over, but it kept going and we kept rolling because it was all good.  A couple weeks later, the young reporters were still talking about William, Laura and Charlemagne.

William answers their questions with thought and humor.  I really appreciate his time in talking to us.  I also appreciate Steven and Christopher for bringing a new perspective to Johngy's Beat.  Finally, I appreciate Days of the Dead, one of the best cons I attend.  Their attention to detail and hands-on approach makes it a winner every time.

After you watch the interview, head over to Spooky Skwerl Stories on Facebook to learn more about thie fun series.

On the Beat with the Rockford IceHogs

What is better than attending our first Rockford IceHogs game and getting a 2-1 win?  How about interviewing the top three stars of the game?  Thanks to IceHogs Communications Coordinator Nate Haeni, that is exactly what we did.

After the exciting 2-1 IceHogs overtime win against the Milwaukee Admirals (their division rivals), we went to the Media Room and talked with Kent Simpson, Mark McNeill and Jeremy Morin.

Goaltender Kent Simpson was the 58th overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft.  The 21 year old is in his first full season with the IceHogs.  Simpson stopped 33 of 34 shots in the big win.
Center Mark McNeill was the 18th overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft.  He is also in his first full season with the IceHogs.  McNeil scored the game-winning goal in overtime, after assisting on the first goal earlier in the game.

Left winger Jeremy Morin was the 45th pick in the 2009 NHL draft.  He is in his fourth season with the IceHogs, although he has logged 24 games with the Blackhawks.  Morin assisted n the game-winner.

JohngyBeat.com's Matt Parker talked with each player about their performance and the exciting game.  Each player gave us some interesting thoughts and we appreciate their time.

This concludes the first round of coverage of the IceHogs.  Stay tuned here for much more IceHogs coverage in the future.  Until then, go to IceHogs.com for more info.

Friendly Encounters: Jack Keenan Meets Heather Furr

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

I have written many times about my coverage of the Chicago Bliss.  I loudly proclaim that I love the Bliss and I love spreading the word about the Bliss.
My friend Jack was pulled into emergency service helping me on a last minute trip to a Bliss game.  Jack actually liked what he saw and has become a bit of a fan.
What's not to like though?  The Bliss players are attractive, athletic female football players.  To the uninformed, the emphasis is really on football.  These ladies can play.
When I needed to write a story for the LFL360.com site, I decided to interview Heather Furr, the MVP quarterback for the Bliss.  Always looking to expand the JohngysBeat.com interviewer lineup, I asked Jack to conduct this one with Heather.
Jack will downplay it, but he did a fine job, especially for a first timer.  Check it out for yourself at On the Beat with Heather Furr.
This was a complete win for everyone.  I got the story done.  JohngysBeat.com addded a new contributor.  We gave the Bliss a little more coverage and they gained at least one new fan...in Jack.

Jack Keenan and me in Chicago, IL-October 2013.

Bear Down Sunday: Game #12

The Chicago Bears are 6-5 and tied for first place.  The Minnesota Vikings are 2-8-1 and in last place.  This is the game the Bears needed.  The Bears should win this game fairly easily.

This game is like a mother's hug.  It is coming at a great time for the Bears, who have been struggling.  They need a big warm hug from mom and then all the world is okay again.  That big hug will be represented by the bad Vikings and the Bears should respond positively.

At the playoff viewing party for the Chicago Rush last season, I sat at the bar next to an energetic woman, who warned me she would be screaming throughout the game.  I am fine with all of that.  I loved the Rush, too.

It was only at halftime that I learned she was Coach Bob McMillen's mom.  I was able to get some interesting perspective while watching next to her.  I have watched with coaches, players, executives, writers and more, but never a mother of someone involved.  This was a great time and Mama McMillen was delightful.

Of course, with the good, comes the bad.  The Rush are no more.  Coach McMillen is now in Los Angeles.  I am still saddened by that news.  I really had grown to love the Rush.  I even got to know their families! 

Mama McMillen and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

On the Beat with Coach Ted Dent of the Rockford IceHogs

Let the coverage begin!!!

While covering the Chicago Rush in Rockford last season, I met some of the officials of the Rockford IceHogs.  We kept in contact and I am happy to announce that JohngysBeat.com will be making periodic trips to Rockford to take in some exciting IceHogs action.

The Rockford IceHogs are the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.  The IceHogs debuted for the 2007–08 AHL season at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL. They are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Our first trip was lest Wednesday for a game between the IceHogs and the Milwaukee Admirals.  The IceHogs went into the game with a 10-10-1 record and in third place in the Midwest Division o f the Western Conference.  Matt and I were really stoked to start our experience with the IceHogs!

We arrived early and roamed the arena.  Everyone was very helpful and accommodating.  We even hit the IceHogs merchandise store to pick up some gear (and some Christmas presents).

The game was a defensive battle.  IceHogs' goaltender Kent Simpson had a great night.  The IceHogs eventually won 2-1 in overtime.  I could not have asked for a better game.

After the game, we went to the media room, where Communications Coordinator Nate Haeni set up some interviews for us.  We figured Head Coach Ted Dent was the perfect place to start.

Dent is in his third year as Head Coach and his eighth year with the IceHogs.  I talked to Dent about the big win, Chicago fans coming to Rockford and more.

I hope you enjoy the first interview on our journey with the IceHogs.  I can tell you Matt and I completely enjoyed our experience and plan on making as many trips as our schedules will allow.  Stay tuned right here for more coverage of the IceHogs in the future.  Until then, you can learn more about the IceHogs at IceHogs.com.

She Loves Aquaman!

My fandom of Aquaman has been well-documented here.  Aquaman is the most underrated, underutilized, under-respected Superhero out there.  I have always been an Aquaman supporter and I always will be, despite sometimes being in the small minority.

At every convention, I always am looking out for people dressed as Aquaman.  I usually meet the same guys at Motor City Comic Con every year and a different guy at Wizard World Chicago.  I have also met a zombie Aquaman, a kid Aquaman and a few other incarnations.  A couple years ago, I met a new version of Aquaman and I liked it.

What is not to like about a cute, young female dressed as Aquaman?  I even give her extra points for going with the old school Aquaman look.

I know, some might argue that I am contradicting myself by promoting a sexy Aquaman.  Don't I always say that Aquaman doesn't need gimmicks to be successful?  Don't I always say that the writers should be true to Aquaman's roots and just create better stories?

All of that is true.  I am not suggesting Aquaman be reinvented as an attractive Aquawoman.  Nor am I suggesting Aquaman gain a cute Aquagirl sidekick.

All I am doing is appreciating the respect that this young lady showed to my favorite Superhero.  I am applauding her for not going with the flow and being Harley Quinn or any of the other new favorites.  I am also grateful for the opportunity to feature Aquaman again.  More Aquaman is always a good thing (especially if it does involve a lovely young lady)!

Aquawoman and me in Novi, MI-May 2011.

The King, Big Money and Johngy

Jerry "The King" Lawler has had a fascinating wrestling career.  He has held over 150 titles in his 40+ years in the ring, although many of those titles were won in the Memphis area or at least in the south, where Lawler ruled, title or not.
Lawler achieved some mainstream notoriety many years ago when he was involved in a much-publicized feud with the late comedian Andy Kaufman.  There is some debate whether the feud was legit or staged.  Honestly, it is hard to tell and I really don't know.
Lawler had a heart attack on live television earlier this year.  Fortunately, he has made a complete recovery.  Actually he looked fantastic when Matt and I saw him at a PCW wrestling event.
Lawler brought his crown and Matt got to hold it for the picture.  I still think Matt should have gone for it, by putting the crown on his head.  Now that would have been a cool photo.  Still, I am pretty sure this is the only photo I have ever posted featuring a (non-beauty pageant ) crown.

Jerry Lawler, Matt Parker and me in Midlothian, IL-Spring 2013.

On the Beat with Sarah French at Days of the Dead 2013

Yesterday we featured Joe Knetter.  Today, we feature his significant other, actress Sarah French.  Did I mention I love these two?
I first interviewed Sarah a couple years ago.  It was one of my most enjoyable interviews.  Aside from the fact that I was talking to a beautiful, young actress, I just simply liked Sarah.  It was a ton of fun.
Since then, I have interviewed Sarah a few times and have talked with her off camera at times and I like her more each time.  She is awesome...such a total sweetheart.  Sarah and Joe are quite a couple.
Sarah has been acting for several years and has done a lot of horror films.  Seriously, I would not have her killed in any film.  I am all for more air time, but I do have to admit she does a great death.
Much like with Joe, I allowed the youngsters to ask Sarah their questions.  (These kids are killing me!).  They asked some interesting questions and Sarah gave some thoughtful answers.  (I have to get rid of these kids).
The kids did a great job, but forgot to ask her about current projects.  Therefore, I feel the need to mention a few of her projects.  Zombie Dollz, Insectula, Lazarus and Opposite Blood are all in post-production and slated for release in 2014.  Be on the lookout for Sarah in these movies.
I see Sarah and Joe at a few conventions every year and I always look forward to seeing them.  If (or when) JohngysBeat.com has a Hall of Fame, Sarah and Joe will definitely be enshrined!

For more info and updates on Sarah, check out SarahFrenchOnline.com.  If you see her and Joe at a convention, definitely meet them and tell them Johngy sent you.  Just don't ask Joe about that infamous 8x10.