Coming Soon: Days of the Dead in Chicago

I have written about Days of the Dead many times and I hope to write about it many more times.  Days of the Dead is a great horror convention.  Great events run by great people deserve to be mentioned and supported.
At the last Days of the Dead in Indianapolis, I witnessed rocker Lita Ford do an impromptu duet with a fan who brought a guitar.  I have never seen anything close to that at any other convention.  Applause goes to Lita for doing this, but I must also recognize Adolfo Dorta, the Days organizer and promoter.
It is not just a coincidence that Lita was a great guest.  It was not a coincidence that Roddy Piper, Heather Langenkamp, Traci Lords, Linda Blair and countless others have been awesome guests at Days.  Adolfo wouldn't have it any other way.
Days is his con.  It's his baby.  He nurtures it and care for it.  His passion is palpable.  He has unwittingly ruffled feathers on the convention scene, but only because Days is so successful without being a corporate, over-the-top event.
Adolfo has treated me great since the debut of Days.  He asks for fair coverage and I am fair.  I just happen to love Days and have never had a bad experience there.  My coverage has been nothing but positive, because my experience has been nothing but positive.  It's just that simple.
Days will be coming to my backyard in about two weeks.  From Friday November 15 through Sunday November 17, Days will be in Schaumburg and it promises to be a blast.  For more info, check out DaysoftheDead.net.  For more fun, just go to Days and see for yourself!

Me with Adolfo Dorta in Indianapolis, IN-July 2013.

Johngy Promotes Mancow?

Mancow Muller came to Chicago in 1994 and created quite a buzz.  He has been on the Chicago media scene steadily since then.  Currently, he hosts a television show in the morning.

I saw Mancow at the Hollywood Celebrities Show where he had a booth.  Oddly though, I met him away from his booth, when he was interviewing other celebrities there.  Basically, he was doing what I wanted to do, but with his stature, he had much better access than I did.  I hate being beaten at my own game (even if it was his game first).

If you can't beat them, you join them.  I went up and introduced myself to him and got the picture.  I also did a quick promo for his show.

Wait...Johngy did a promo for Mancow?  Yes, I did.  Theoretically, it should have been the other way around.  Why did I not ask for reciprocation, by the way.  Oh well.

I have not seen my promo for him, but I have not watched every minute of his show.  I would love to see it some day.  If you see it, let me know.

Mancow Muller and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

On the Beat with R Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Between games at the Kicks for a Cure event last summer, Resistance Pro's C Red talked about starting a Positive Outreach Program.  He had a vision of R Pro reaching out to youngsters.  A few weeks ago, that vision became a reality when we appeared at the Southside Occupational Academy.  Since then, we have held events at Fenger High School and at Neil Armstrong Elementary School.
I have been privileged and proud to have been at each event.  I have seen the grateful students and teachers. I have also seen the proud, humble and emotional members of the R Pro family.
Each event was a wonderful experience.  Believe me, I got far much more than I gave at each event.  I am sure my friends at R Pro all feel similarly.  Rather than me speak for them, I am including interviews from them right after the events.  I love the passion and emotion.
R Pro is doing something special here.  They are making a difference.  They are proving they are not just a another wrestling company.
After you watch the interviews, head over to the R Pro POP (Positive Outreach Program) Facebook page.  Give it a "LIKE" and show R Pro your support for this great cause.

Friendly Encounters: Mike and Nicole Bellcaster Meet Jim Ross

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

Today I am featuring Mike and Nicole Bellcaster, a couple I met through Resistance Pro Wrestling.  Mike and Nicole started out as fans, but quickly worked their way into positions as the Official Timekeeper and the Merchandise Maven, respectively.
They are a young, fun couple, who love wrestling and R Pro.  They got married in a wrestling ring, surrounded by family and friends, including many members of the extended R Pro family.
The couple went to Las Vegas in 2012 for the Cauliflower Alley Club event.  There they met many wrestling personalities.  One that really stood out to me was Jim Ross (aka JR).
Ross is a wrestling legend for his broadcasting career.  JR made every match seem interesting, without going overboard.  He is the gold standard for wrestling broadcasters.
I like the juxtaposition of the Hall of Famer Ross with the young wrestling couple.  It is the old and the new, the merging of two generations.
I am proud to know Mike and Nicole and to call them friends.  They are two of the colorful, fun characters at Resistance Pro.  They are also proof that R Pro is more than just wrestling.  It is a big family of great people.

Mike, Jim Ross and Nicole Bellcaster in Las Vegas, NV-May 2012.

On the Beat with Coach Mike Hohensee of the Iowa Barnstormers

Recently, I lamented the loss of the Chicago Rush.  Over the last two Arena Football League seasons, I really got into the action.  With no Chicago AFL (for at least two years), I am officially turning my fandom to the Iowa Barnstormers.
Last weekend, I was invited to a tryout day for the Barnstormers at the former practice facility of the Rush.  I could not pass up the opportunity to talk to Mike Hohensee, coach of the barnstormers.
Coach Hohensee has strong ties to the Chicago area.  He coached the Rush from 2001-2008 and again in 2010, guiding the team to the AFL title in 2006.  He also played for the Chicago Bears in 1987.  He moved onto the Philadelphia Soul in 2011 and then to Iowa in 2012.
Coach Hohensee has an impressive resume as a player and coach.  Hohensee threw the first touchdown pass in AFL history.  He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2012.  He was the youngest coach in AFL histroy.
I talked to Coach Hohensee about his career, the Rush, the Barnstormers and more.  Coach was very generous with his time and very open with his answers.  It really was a very enjoyable interview for me.  I have always liked Coach Hohensee and now I finally got to have a real talk with him.
The Barnstormers play in Des Moines, IA, which is a bit far for me to travel for every game.  Still, I know I will make the trip for at least a couple games.  With no Rush, I will need an AFL fix and Coach Hohensee has earned my fandom.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #150 Kenny Wallace & Mike O'Malley

This is a recurring feature which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for sports trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today, I pay homage to the 2013 World Seris opponents.

Kenny Wallace come from a auto-racing family.  The Maryland native has had a lengthy career, but I am not sure of his connection to the St. Louis Cardinals.  I think he just threw a first pitch while in town for a race.  If his Celebrity Jersey Card featured a number, it would have been #29 to represent the card he drives.

Actor Mike O'Malley was born in Boston and is a lifelong Red Sox fan.  I don't ever remember him wearing a Red Sox hat on Yes, Dear, but that was probably because of legalities.  He threw out the first pitch at Fenway in 2006.  On O'Malley's Celebrity Jersey Card, we have an appearance Kevin Youkilis, which makes this card really fit into the 1991 set.

Photographic Help From Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips first gained fame in American Graffiti.  What a classic that was!  It had so many young stars.  I loved that movie.

She then costarred on tv's One Day at a Time, which really launched her career.  I had previously met Valerie Bertinelli and Richard Masur, two of her costars.  Unfortunately, I will never get to meet Bonnie Franklin.

Like a lot of young stars, Phillips had a roller-coaster of a career and personal life.  She seems to be doing well now.

I met Mackenzie at the recent Hollywood Celebrities Show.  She was extremely nice.  She was also very patient.  The woman I asked to take out picture was having great difficulty with the camera.  Phillips gently tried to gently guide her through the process (maybe we should have asked Debbie Gibson again...see older post).  After a few minutes of fumbling, the woman finally was able to get the picture.  I don't mind any such delays.  It just means a bit more interaction with the celebrity.

Mackenzie Phillips and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro Wrestling at "Alive"

Last moth, Resistance Pro Wrestling held "Alive" at St. Laurence High School on the far south side of Chicago.  It had been about 30 years since I stepped foot in St. Laurence and then I was cheering for their rival Mt. Carmel (my alma mater).
"Alive" was a benefit for the St. Laurence wrestling team.  Wrestling Coach Joe Phelan worked hard with the Baron Brothers to make this event special.  The action of the evening did not disappoint.  Once again, R Pro blew the roof off of the place and even got some in-ring help from Coach Joe.
During the course of the night, JohngysBeat.com had the pleasure of interviewing several members of the R Pro roster and Coach Joe, too.  This is an interesting mix of interview subjects.  It includes three relative newcomers (Team I.O.U., Jake O'Neill and Chazz Moretti), two managers (C Red and Warden Myers), the Head of Security (Michael Bradley), the Merchandise Maven (Nicole Bellcaster), two R Pro wrestlers (Jocephus Brody and Eric St. Vaughn) and Coach Joe.
Each brought something new to the interview.  Whether newcomer or R Pro veteran, each is making a difference in R Pro.
This is just one of the beautiful things at R Pro.  There are 10 very different people featured in these interviews.  Some of them will go at it in the ring, but all are great folks outside of the ring.  All have a voice and all contribute to making R Pro the best thing out there.
I thank everyone involved with R Pro.  It has been a great ride and I look forward to staying with R Pro for the long haul.  I encourage everyone to check them out at ResistancePro.com and to check them out in person.  Their next show is Friday (tomorrow) at the Barn in Willowbrook.

Mickey Cochrane, Bill Freehan, Lance Parrish and Johngy

Tiger Stadium closed in 1999, with its' demolition complete in 2009.  While I like Comerica Park (the new home for the Detroit Tigers),  I always hate to see an historic place like Tiger Stadium close.
Tiger Stadium opened in 1912.  Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg, Charley Gehringer and other great Tigers called it home.  Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell called so many games there.  Sparky Anderson became the first manager to win a World Series in both leagues when he lead the Tigers to the title in 1984.
The history is spine-tingling and bone-chilling.  Almost 100 years of baseball were played at that field.
Then it was gone.  Poof.  All that was left was a semlance of the diamond and a marker indicating it was the former site of Tiger Stadium.
Cuzz Gekas, Matt Parker, Jason Fleigel and I visited the spot on a trip to the Motor City Comic Con in 2012.  We could not pass the chance to stand on this legendary ground, even if all visual aspects of it were gone.
I took my rightful place behind what would be home plate.  Forget Mount Rushmore, Monticello and Plymouth Rock.  This was history at its' finest.
As we left, a couple groups of people were arriving.  They were actually going to play a game of baseball on that diamond.  I resisted the urge to ask to play, too.
Unfortunately, even the remnants are now gone or at least fenced off.  I am very happy I had the chance to visit it when I did.  At least I can say I stood (or squatted) where some of the greats did!

Me at home plate in Tiger Stadium in Detroit, MI-May 2012.

Al Snow Punched Me, Again!

What's with Al Snow?  Every time I see him, he punches me in the face.  On second thought, maybe it is me.    Maybe I elicit that type of reaction.
Actually Snow punches me, because I ask him to punch me (although he seems to do it with quite a bit of glee).  I think Snow started this tradition.  I had met him several times and one time he just said we should have some fun.  Who am I to argue with Snow?  Thus the face punch was born.
One time, I was looking at the polaroid we took and a woman freaked out a bit that he actually punched me.  I guess she was not in on the joke.  I told Snow about it and he had a good laugh.
Snow is a great guy.  He was a successful wrestler, although he never attained true "main event" status.  I think the wrestling promoters missed out on Snow.  The man has humor, charisma and ability (just ask Mick Foley).
Regardless, Snow is great at appearances.  He is always willing to have fun with the pictures.  I have a few face-punch shots though.  I think next time, maybe I should get a "Head" shot or some other form of violence.  I am sure Snow will cooperate.

Al Snow, Head and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2012.

Friendly Encounters: Frank Wroblewski Meets Grin

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

My dad has started to get into meeting celebrities.  Oh he claims he is doing it to help me, but I am pretty sure he is enjoying it like I do.  (I also have a small suspicion that he is planning on starting his own celebrity website to compete with Johngy's Beat).  He has met players from the four major sports, but in June, he really entered my territory by meeting pro wrestler Grin.
Okay, I admit that I asked him to go meet Grin.  I could not make the event and I figured my dad would like to help out JohngysBeat.com.  Besides, I kept picturing my dad with this face-painted grappler.
Grin is a highly entertaining wrestler and he wears face paint.  I first met him about a year ago.  He is as cool outside of the ring as he is talented inside the squared circle.  I thought he might get a kick out of meeting my dad.
My dad took it seriously (always the professional).  He even broke out his JohngysBeat.com shirt.  I swear I did not make him wear it.
Both Grin and my dad reported back to me that they enjoyed the encounter.  I know I certainly enjoy seeing the picture of these two together.

Grin and Frank Wroblewski in Schererville, IN-June 2013.

Bear Down Sunday: Game #7

The Chicago Bears stand at 4-2 and are tied for 1st place in the NFC North division.  Today they face the Washington Redskins who are 1-4 and struggling.

I won't hedge here.  I still fear RG3.  The Bears are having issues on defense and RG3 could find the many weaknesses.

Nick Roach came out of Northwestern and played 6 seasons with the Bears, before leaving for the Oakland Raiders.  Roach would look good back on the Bears right about now.

The Bears are hurting on defense, as players keep going down with injuries.  I fear they are one or two more injuries away from disaster.  Hence, my wish for Roach to still be here.

I met Roach last summer at Arlington Race Track.  He was great with the fans.  Roach and a few others were appearing there for "Bears Day."  It was about 110 degrees, but they were all great.  That is what I like to see.  That is what needs to be reported.  Roach had to be uncomfortable in that heat for hours, but he was awesome to everyone the entire time.

Thanks to Roach for a great day and also for several years of excellence here in Chicago.

Nick Roach and me in Arlington Heights, IL-August 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #149 Jerry Lawler & Flea

This is a recurring series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for sports trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today, I pay my respects to Ohio baseball.  While it is true that both the Indians and the Reds got bounced in the Wildcard one game playoff, at least they made it (unlike Chicago teams).

Jerry "the King" Lawler was born in Memphis, TN and enjoyed most of his pro wrestling success there.  He has won many titles over his 40+ years in wrestling.  He is a long-time fan of the Cleveland Indians and often can be seen wearing their jersey.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card, he tossed out the first pitch at an Indians game a while back.

Michael Balzary, better known as Flea, is an Australian-born American musician and actor.  I have seen him in several pro jerseys, but for his Celebrity Jersey Card, I used a batting practice shot.  I love the shot.  Flea is seen through the netting and he is just starting his swing.  This reminds me of actual cards I love.

Ashley Massaro was a Diva, a Bunny, a Survivor and More

Ashley Massaro was the winner of the 2005 WWE Diva search and remained with the WWE through 2008.  She was also on Survivor and has done other acting and modeling.
I give Massaro credit for quitting the WWE to care for her daughter.  I am quite sure she could have had several more successful years with the WWE, but her daughter was more important to her.
I never have cared for WWE "divas."  I like attractive women, but have no real interest in seeing them in wrestling, unless they actually wrestle or manage a wrestler.  Eye candy rolling around in the ring is not my idea of entertaining wrestling.
While Massaro was a "diva," she did attempt to learn how to be a wrestler.  She studied tapes of Molly Holly (aka Nora Greenwald) and was trained by Trish Stratus, Ricky Steamboat and Fit Finlay.
Unfortunately, Massaro did not accomplish much in the ring during her stay in the WWE.  Granted, she wasn't there that long, but the WWE had a lot of great women wrestlers at the time.
I met Massaro at Days of the Dead.  She had a nice variety of pictures for sale and a signed and kissed baseball.  I don't really know where the baseball fits.  Most similar "divas" have lip print cards for fans of that stuff.  The signed and kissed baseball was an interesting item though.  I should have asked about it.
In any case, Massero can be seen at conventions around the country and I am sure she will be doing more acting and modeling.  For updates, you can follow Ashley Massero on twitter.

Ashley Massaro and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2012.

Johngy, Mickey and the Detroit Tigers

The White Sox are facing the Detroit Tigers (their division rivals) for the first time this season).  In keeping with the Detroit theme, I am featuring Comerica Park and one of their lesser known statues.
Part of the experience of going to the Motor City Comic Con is a Saturday night baseball game at Comerica Park.  It is an easy 20 minute ride from Novi.  I don't know if the MCCC organizers plan the convention on a weekend when the Tigers are in town, but they have coincided for at least the last four years.  I am 3-1 so far.  Unfortunately, this year, the Tigers were out of town.
Comerica is a very nice park.  My only complaints involve food and beverage.  The cola beverage is Pepsi and the food selection is mediocre.  For a new-ish ball park, this is disappointing.
In the outfield, there are several statues of Tigers' legends.  It's great to see statues of real legends and not just recent stars.
Speaking of real legends, they also have a Mickey Mouse statue.  Mickey is adorned in a Tigers uni (although the big buttons on the pants are  big disconcerting).  I don't know why Mickey merited a statue, but it is pretty cool nonetheless.

Mickey Mouse and me in Detroit, MI-May 2011.

On the Beat with JG Faherty

I want to start this piece by apologizing to author JG Faherty and thanking him for his patience.  I was supposed to contact him months ago about answering some questions and I got unexpectedly busy and let a few opportunities slip by me.  Fortunately, Faherty is very forgiving.  When I recently finally contacted him, he was still willing to indulge me.  Actually, as he pointed out, this is good timing for Halloween, since he is a horror author.
I really love finding new authors.  Faherty has written many short stories, along with several novels and novellas.  He is also involved with literacy and library programs (with some other interesting folks).  Those programs are near and dear to my heart.
Faherty answered a few questions for me.  I really hope to meet him in the future and talk to him in person.  I definitely hope he keeps in touch and we can get some updates on his future projects.  Until then, I encourage everyone to check out his website and other pages (the links appear at the end of this piece).

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
***That's a good question. Really, it goes back to grade school. I enjoyed writing fantasy stories and comic strips that were R-rated take-offs on popular tv shows. Then I stopped in high school, tried to write a horror novel in college but tossed it because I thought it sucked, and didn't start writing fiction again until 1999, when, as a freelance writer, I got a job doing reading passages for grade school test prep books. I got hooked, and I've been writing ever since.***

How did you go from the normal business world to writing horror stories?
***Sort of explained above. I was writing test prep books for The Princeton Review, and part of that entailed writing the reading passages, half of which had to be fiction. It came easy, and not long after that I wrote my first novel. It didn't sell, of course, but that led me to my first sci-fi con, where I met Jeanne Cavelos, who said I could submit to her Van Helsing anthology. I didn't make the cut, but I came so close that Jeanne wrote me a note saying I should pursue writing because I had a knack for it. So I did. As for writing horror specifically, I've always been a huge fan, and it's mostly what I've read since middle school, so it was just natural that my muse would lead me down that path.***

It's cliche, but I have to ask..Favorite horror movie?  Favorite horror book (or author)?
***It's also a cliché, but I can't list just one. I can give you some of my favorites, and why, but I couldn't narrow it down to one anymore than I could name a favorite song or food. It all depends on mood.

Movies: Carpenter's The Fog, Phantasm, White Noise, Paranormal Activity, The Omen (the original), Godzilla (any), the Universal movies from the 40s...what I don't like is most of the new movies like Saw, Hostel, Human Centipede – all gross-out and no plot.

Books: Favorite authors? Classic = Poe, Shelley, Stoker, Bierce, and Lovecraft. Modern Classic = King, Straub, Wilson, Wagner, Morrell. Modern = Maberry, Keene, McKinney, McBride, Strand, Hautala, Jeffrey, Preston & Child. Some of my favs would be Insomnia, The Talisman, the earlier Anita Blake books, the short stories of Jack Ketchum, the Necroscope series....on and on and on...!***

Tell us a bit about YA Literacy and Library programs and your partnering with the Curtis comic strip?
***There are actually 3 distinct programs: Library Outreach, Literacy, and YA. But they cross each other's paths so often that we frequently work together and share resources. It started with YA literacy. From doing presentations at libraries, I realized that all the librarians were telling me the same thing: we can't keep enough horror on the shelves for the teen readers. And so I did some investigation and found that most libraries don't know about – or can't procure books from – small and specialty press. So I started the program to bring more horror to the attention of the libraries. The idea is that if there is more horror on the shelves for the teens, they'll read more. And then they're more likely to be readers when they get older, plus remain fans of horror. Which, in turn, benefits writers of horror. I contacted Ray Billingsley, creator of Curtis, because he frequently mentions horror movies in the strip. It turns out he's got an enormous collection of horror dvds, and he's also an avid reader. He agreed it would be a good thing for Curtis to enjoy reading some books now and then, so he did several strips where Curtis reads horror novels. He even mentioned my own Carnival of Fear in one, and the Horror Writers Association in another. Ray is now a member of the HWA and did a Curtis poster for us to use at conventions. Since then, we've begun talks with other celebrities, such as Richard Christy and Amber Benson, to be part of our literacy movement.

From there, we expanded the program to include adult literacy. We've created a database for writers and librarians, so they can 'discover' each other and arrange for more presentations and readings to be put on, and we provide a special page on our website for librarians that includes recommended reading lists, which are updated each year.

The YA program overlaps the Literacy program by providing specialized resources, interviews, and other information for YA librarians and teachers. It will expand again in 2014, when 2 new sub-programs, involving horror curricula for libraries and schools, are launched.***

What is next for you?
***Well, I'm anticipating 2014 being a big year. In addition to the work I'm doing for the HWA (we just finished four amazing days at the NYC Comic Con, the first time we've had a booth there), I've got five novellas coming out from Samhain Publishing, a new novel, Hellrider, coming out from Evil Jester Press, and several short stories as well. All that means is now I've really got to get to work so I have some things to release in 2015!***

JG Faherty is the author of THE BURNING TIME, CEMETERY CLUB, CARNIVAL OF FEAR, THE COLD SPOT, HE WAITS, and the Bram Stoker Award®-nominated GHOSTS OF CORONADO BAY, along with more than 50 short stories. His next novel, HELLRIDER, comes out in 2014, as do several novellas. He writes adult and YA horror/sci-fi/fantasy. His works range from quiet, dark suspense to over-the-top comic gruesomeness. He enjoys urban exploring, photography, classic B-movies, good wine, and pumpkin beer. His personal motto is "Photobombing people since 1979!" You can follow him at www.twitter.com/jgfaherty, www.facebook.com/jgfaherty, http://about.me/jgfaherty, and www.jgfaherty.com.

On the Beat with Ox Baker Jr. at Wizard World 2013

Ox Baker Jr. has been wrestling for many years, but he told us has been been drawing for even longer.  One might say he is an artist in and out of the ring.
We met Ox Jr. at Wizard World and learned a bit about him.  We always knew he could wrestle.  Just check out any of his matches on YouTube.  At Wizard World, we saw some of his art work and were quite impressed.  The man has talent.  In the interview, Ox Jr. gave us a little info on both of his careers.
To learn more about the multi-talented wrestler-artist, head over to the Ox Baker Jr. Facebook page and follow Ox Baker Jr. on twitter.  You can also check out the Ox Baker Jr. site to see some of his artwork.

Friendly Encounters: Robert Anthony Meets Jim Cornelison

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

I am going with some hockey-wrestling symmetry here.  Please bear with me.
Hockey season is back and that means Jim Cornelison is back.  Nobody belts out the National Anthem like Cornelison.  When the Hawks won the Stanley Cup championship, Cornelison got a ring.
It is always wrestling season.  Few people belt their opponents like Resistance Pro Wrestling's "The Ego" Robert Anthony.  When he won the R Pro championship, Ego got a title belt.
Both men are great at what they do.  Both are popular at their regular events and as special guests at other events.
Ego is a big Blackhawks fan and Cornelison is a wrestling fan.  Their worlds crossed at a wrestling event last November.  I happened to be at the same event and met both men.
I love the photo below.  I am pretty sure neither men knew I was taking their picture, but I saw a JohngysBeat.com opportunity and I took it.  Two champs?  How could I pass on this?
As champ at R Pro, Ego has met lots of celebrities (or lots of celebs have met him).  He is a great champ and I am always excited about seeing his matches.  His next match at R Pro will be October 25 in Willowbrook, IL.  R Pro's Welcome to My Nightmare promises to be a highly entertaining evening.

Jim Cornilson and Robert Anthony in Melrose Park, IL-November 2012.

On the Beat with "the Rockstar" Heather Furr of the Chicago Bliss

The Chicago Bliss won the 2013 Legends Football League championship.  The LFL MVP was "the Rockstar" Heather Furr, quarterback for the Bliss.
Heather is everything you would want in a quarterback and teammate.  She is an excellent athlete (who also happens to excel on defense).  She is also talented, smart and competitive.  It doesn't hurt that she has a winning personality, too.
We had the pleasure of watching Heather and the Bliss up close all season.  I gained another level of respect for all of the players.  These women are as tough and as skilled as any athletes I have ever seen.
It is the offseason now, but Heather is in midseason form all year.  There is no letdown.  She is ready to go for the 2014 season.
JohngysBeat.com's Special Correspondent Jack Keenan and I ventured over to Murphy's Bleachers to catch up with Heather.  The Rockstar gave us her usual candid thoughts on several topics.  Heather gives great interviews, never relying on generic answers.
One topic covered was the Bliss tryouts which will take place on Saturday, October 26, at the Bridgeview Sports Dome.  I won't be trying out, but I will be there to cover the event.
We really enjoyed our interview with Heather.  As I wrote, we have enjoyed the entire experience with the Bliss.  Watch the interview.  Check out the team.  Come to a game next season.  I am sure you will love the Bliss as much as I do.

Meeting Murph (Photo Bomb By My Dad)

Mike Murphy was a long-time radio personality on the Score in Chicago.  He was also a long-time Cubs fan (going back to the original "bleacher bums").

At a White Sox game last year, I thought I recognized his voice from the group sitting behind us.  I checked with Matt, but we still were not sure.  I had to ask the man himself.

Sure enough, it was Murph.  This was a first for me.  I rarely recognize celebrities even when I am looking at them.  Recognizing one by voice was a new one for me.  Of course, I was definitely familiar with Murph's voice from listening to him for so many years.

We talked or a bit, but I did not want to intrude on his time with his friends.  Later in the game, they got up to walk around the park.  I happened to be at the concession stand as they walked by.  I took that opportunity to get a picture with Murph.  Later, when I looked at my camera, I noticed my dad had unintentionally photo-bombed me!  (I think that was a first for my dad.

Mike Murphy, me and my dad in Chicago, IL:-Summer 2012.

Erin Murphy Was Bewitching

Erin Murphy shared her first big role with her sister.  After the first season of Bewitched, Erin took over the role full time.  After Bewitched, she has remained busy in acting and in many other areas, too.
I met Erin at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.  Erin was a great guest.  She had a nice selection of 8x10's.  When I asked for a picture with her, she responded that pictures were free.
Erin has done other shows, so this was not a rookie mistake.  She actually does not charge for pictures with her.  That might sound normal, but most celebrities do charge (or they take one with you if you buy something else).  I mentioned that to her and she shrugged and we sort of chuckled a bit.
She also went above the call of duty when posing with fans.  The arrangement of the tables did not allow quick access to the celebrities.  Instead of taking the pictures across her table, Erin made the long walk around to stand next to each fan for the pictures.  It was just another reason why the encounter was pleasant.
It was cool meeting her, because I basically grew up watching her and now she is a beautiful woman about my age.  Plus, she was as nice as could be.  You can follow Erin Murphy on twitter to get all of her updates and to learn where she will be appearing next!

Erin Murphy and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

Bear Down Thursday: Game #6

The Chicago Bears are now 3-2 after starting 3-0.  Tonight they will play the New York Giants who are 0-5.  I am a bit scared of this game.
Putting my Manning family love aside, realistically the Giants will not go 0-16.  Both teams are coming off of a short week of practice.  The Bears do have the home field in their favor.
In honor of this matchup, I am featuring Steve Edwards, an offensive lineman who played mostly for the Bears, but finished his NFL career with one season with the Giants.  He also played in the Arena League, most notably with the Chicago Rush.
Edwards is a local guy, having gone to Mount Carmel High School (my alma mater).  He started 16 games for the 2003 Bears.  He was also a great fit for the Chicago Rush.
Edwards brought veteran leadership, NFL experience and a great attitude to the Rush.  He was always very nice to us as we covered the team.  I was able to see him helping others up close during practice.
With the demise of the Rush, I am not sure where Edwards will land.  I wish him well though and hope to see him down the line.  Speaking of the line, I really wouldn't mind seeing him on the offensive line for the Bears.

Steve Edwards and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2013.

Lamenting the Loss of the Chicago Rush

Last weekend, I received the sad news of the demise of the Chicago Rush.  I am really bummed about this latest development in the Rush saga.
I got involved covering the Rush for the 2012 season.  Last season, it all really came together.  I was at practices, games, media sessions and anywhere else a Rush event was.  I interviewed players, coaches and staffers.  I was having a fantastic time and loving every minute of it.
The season started great.  A new owner promised a fresh start.  The owner seemed like a good guy.  He always treated us well.  Unfortunately, there were financial issues and the league took over ownership.
The Rush were forced to play games in Rockford.  They were even forced to play their playoff game away, despite earning the right to host it.
Rumors were around all season.  Fellow writers and Rush staffers all agreed that the AFL needed a team in Chicago and the rest should work out.  Unfortunately, it apparently did not work out.
The AFL asked for 2 year commitments from all teams.  The Rush have no ownership.  No such commitment could be made.  It sounds ridiculous, but the end result is that there will not be a Rush team (or any team in Chicago) at least for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
I would like to thank everyone with the Rush for being so professional and so friendly.  I could not have been treated any better.  I do not have one single complaint at all.  I truly loved this experience.

Me in Arlington Heights, IL-August 2013.

Dirk Manning, Mr. Rhee and Johngy

I originally met Dirk Manning at Dan Con.  Manning is a talented author and writer.  I have had the pleasure of interviewing him a few times (check the JohngysBeat.com YouTube channel) and he is always interesting.

I strongly believe in promoting good people and their projects.

Manning is one of those good people and he has a cool project, a hardcover graphic novel titled Tales of Mr. Rhee.  Mr. Rhee is the cryptic and tortured main character and his story is told through 13 short stories.

Manning has put his project on the Kickstarter page in hope of raising $13,000.  At roughly $3,500, he is a bit over 25% of his way there.  The Kickstarter campaign ends on November 4.

You can donate whatever money amount you would like, but there are various rewards for certain levels of donation.  There are a lot of cool things available and it all goes for a great cause.

Manning has always been good to JohngysBeat.com and I would love to see this Kickstarter campaign be highly successful for him.  I hope you will at least go there and check out Tales of Mr. Rhee and the project.

I encourage everyone to go to Tales of Mr. Rhee Hardcover Graphic Novel on Kickstarter to learn more about the project.  Dirk is great and very talented.  Help with the project if you can!

Dirk Manning and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Joe Phelan Meets XPac and the Two Star Heroes

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

Here is another odd Friendly Encounter.  I actually met the celebrity before I met my friend.  In this case, the celebrity is Sean Waltman, also known as XPac.  The Two Star Heroes should also get celebrity consideration, but more on that later.
I met Sean Waltman at a Resistance Pro Wrestling event several months ago and the resulting interview can be found at On the Beat with Sean Waltman.  Waltman put on a great match that night and was a great guy from all accounts.  Hey, he did our interview, which makes him okay by me.
At the last R Pro event, I met Coach Joe Phelan.  Coach Joe and R Pro put the event together as a benefit for his Badgers wrestling team.
While I figured that Coach Joe would meet all of the stars of R Pro and Waltman, too, I somehow never guessed he would be in an actual match and get the pin!  To the delight of the crowd, Coach Joe made his pro wrestling debut, alongside Waltman and the Two Star Heroes and the foursome won!  Coach Joe is now 1-0 in his pro career.
The Two Star Heroes (Matt Knicks and Chris Castro) are also pro wrestlers, although they have not yet achieved the success that Waltman has.  Of course, the Two Star Heroes are much younger and just at the start of their careers.  I really enjoy their work and I enjoy them as people.  They are just good guys.
The picture below shows the end result of the match.  It was a great moment.  Coach Joe deserves to have his hand held high and not just because he won a match or met some wrestlers.  Coach Joe is a great guy and a fantastic coach.
This Friendly Encounter is about a lot of things.  Most importantly, it is about helping others.  Everytime I look at this picture, I remember the night and simply feel good about life.

Chris Castro, Joe Phelan, XPac and Matt Knicks in Burbank, IL-September 2013.

Bear Down Sunday: Game #5

The Chicago Bears are 3-1 and hosting the New Orleans Saints who are 4-0.  This is a big test for the Bears.
Today, I am featuring Walt Housman, former member of the New Orleans Saints.  Housman is perhaps better known as Coach Hous, Assistant Coach of the Chicago Rush.
I got to know Housman a bit while I covered the Rush last season.  I really appreciate everything the Rush did for me and Housman was a big part of that.  He made me feel welcome and comfortable at every practice.
The first instance caught me by surprise.  I walked over to the side boards and Housman greeted me.  Then a few minutes later, he made some comments about the defense directed to me.  He actually was giving me a little insight into the practice.
He quickly obliged when I asked for an interview after practice and he gave me more than I usually get.  We talked about the Rush, fishing and more.  It was a fun interview and can be found at On the Beat with Walt Housman.
More relevant to this story, Housman is an excellent defensive coach.  He has done a great job with the Rush.  Just like with Coach Bob McMillen, Coach Housman has had to endure uncertainty and confusion over the last two seasons.  Somehow through the muck, the team made the playoffs last season.
I will be channeling Housman's defensive spirit as the Bears take on the Saints.  They will need some tough D to win this game.  I hope they take a page (or 2) out of Coach Housman's book.

Walt Housman and me in Arlington Heights, IL-July 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #148 Tom Skerritt & Nate McMillan

This is a regular feature which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for bubblegum cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  With the football season 1/4 over, the Seattle Seahawks are 4-0 and have the highest ranked team in the NFL.

Actor Tom Skerritt was born in Detroit, but now lives in Seattle.  I can certainly understand his thought process there.  Skerritt was the honorary 12th man at a Seahawks game.  The 12th man is a ceremony the Seahawks have to honor their fans (the 12th man).  This explains the #12 jersey on his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Nate McMillan played 12 excellent seasons with the Seattle Supersonics.  He also coached them for another 5 seasons.  Eventually, he left Seattle to coach the Portland Trailblazers for another 7 seasons.  Despite his time in Portland, McMillan will always be affiliated with Seattle.  He received a warm welcome when he raised the 12th Man flag and earned his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Photographic Help From Debbie Gibson

Going to conventions by myself can present challenges.  One such problem is finding someone to take the pictures of me with the various celebrities.  Sometimes, there just is nobody right there when I need someone.

Debbie Gibson solved that problem for me, by having someone working her table with her.  The assistant was able and willing to take our picture.  The only problem was that the room was dark and needed a flash.

Of course, I had no idea how to get my camera in flash mode.  Debbie Gibson to the rescue!

Debbie took my camera and fiddled with it for about 10 seconds.  She not only figured out how to put the flash on, she turned it back off for me when we were done, but taught me how to do it.

Aside from this being a very cool thing for Debbie to do and it making a fun little story, it also brings up one point, which I am sure my faithful readers and friends will question.  Was this all a clever ruse on my part to spend time with the lovely Debbie?  While it did allow me a few extra precious moments and while that would have been pretty smart on my part, I must admit that my ignorance of my own camera was indeed legit.  Sometimes though, ignorance is bliss, like the few extra moments I spent with the lovely Debbie Gibson!

Debbie Gibson and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

Revisiting Coach Keith Hac and the Chicago Bliss

The Chicago Bliss won the 2013 Legends Cup and are the 2013 Legends Football League Champions!
I have previously written that here and on other sites (like LFL360.com, for instance).  Still, it bears repeating.  So I will.
The Chicago Bliss won the 2013 Legends Cup and are the 2013 Legends Football League Champions!
It bears repeating because Coach Keith Hac and the entire organization are great people who worked very hard to accomplish this feat.  Unfortunately, the Bliss get neither the respect nor the recognition they deserve.
My role at LFL360.com was to cover the Bliss.  My coverage can be found at John's LFL360.com Bliss pieces.  The LFL 360.com has a lot of talented, hard-working people who are trying to report and promote the LFL.
Recently, I talked to Coach Hac about the off-season and the 2014 season.  Hac was his usual calm and confident self.  That story can be found at 2013 Coach of the Year Keith Hac.
Once again, I found myself really liking Hac and wanting to do whatever I could to promote the Bliss.  It really is just that much fun and the people involved are awesome.
I hope this piece serves as both a "Thank You" to the Bliss and a promo for them, as well.  Coach Hac deserves both, as does his team!
I encourage everyone to check out LFLus.com to learn more about the Bliss and the LFL.  My interviews with Coach Hac and the Bliss players can be found at the JohngysBeat.com Chicago Bliss playlist on YouTube.

Coach Hac and me in Oak Lawn, IL-August 2013.

Johngy Gets into Hardcore Pawn

I don't watch much reality television.  I don't think there is much reality to reality shows anymore.  I do make an exception for Hardcore Pawn.
I am fascinated by the interaction and the dynamics of the Gold family.  On one hand, I think a lot of the battles are "highlighted" by the production crew.  On the other hand, I can see it pretty close to reality.
Sure they all fight.  What friends and family don't?  In the end though, they have each other's backs.  In the end, it is all about the business.
Maybe that is the answer.  It is about the business.  Now, the business includes the television show.  A show with no action is not much of a show.
So what is my end statement?  I really don't know.  I do know that I find the show fascinating and I keep watching it.
I have now met Papa Les and both of his children.  I have also met Bobby J(aniec), another employee/cast member.  They have all been very nice.  They were very popular at the Motor City Comic Con last year and again this year.
My only real complaint is that I would love to have the whole family there at once.  Then I would probably say I wished Rich was there!  Or Dennis.  Maybe I know a bit too much about Hardcore Pawn.

Seth Gold, me, Les Gold and Bobby Janiec in Novi, MI-May 2013.

Would Chazz Moretti Ever Sign Johngy?

I first encountered Chazz Moretti at a POWW wrestling event.  Moretti was managing some wrestler and putting on a great show.  Actually, he was stealing the show.
Since then, I have seen Moretti work his magic in several different organizations on both sides of the fence.  Whether heel or face, Moretti gets a great crowd reaction.
Whether heel or face, Moretti is still Moretti.
These are the qualities that make him a great character in wrestling.  The best characters keep the same characteristics on either side of the fence.  They simply tweak them a bit.  This is where Moretti shines.
As a face, he is not a kiss butt, nice guy softie.  He has swagger on either side of the fence.
He also has charisma.  Fans love to hate him, but they also love to like him.  I have seen the heat and I have seen the pops.  Moretti gets to the fans either way.
None of the above is meant as sweet talk to Moretti.  I just write the truth as I see it.  If however, he wanted to sign me for some role in the Moretti Agency, I would certainly be agreeable.

Me and Chazz Moretti in Merrionette Park, IL-May 2013.