Celebrity Jersey Cards #210 Harrison Ford & Bruce Willis

Athletes get trading cards.  Why not celebrities?  At least celebrities wearing athletic jerseys should get cards.  I am doing my best to create cards for jersey-clad celebs.  Today, I feature two iconic actors showing their basketball fandom.

Born in Chicago, IL, Harrison Ford's first big role was in "American Graffiti."  Since then, he has starred in some of the most successful movies ever made.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card picture on the very frustrating "tall" Topps cards, Ford is sporting Kobe Bryant's #24.  I would have preferred he went old school wit a Jerry West jersey, but Ford seems to be trying to be hip these days anyway.

 Born in Germany, Bruce Willis gained fame from tv's Moonlighting."  Since then, he went on to star in some of the most successful action films of all time.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card picture on the much-disliked tri-paneled Topps card, Willis is wearing #15 for Vince Carter.  I would go old-school for Willis, except the previous players wearing #15 were not too impressive.

The Chicago Bliss and Kids

It is easy to dismiss the Chicago Bliss as beautiful girls playing football in lingerie.  While I cannot argue with that definition, I can argue that the Bliss go well beyond just that.

I have previously written about how tough these ladies are.  I have also written about how much fun the games are.  The games are as competitive as any football games I have ever seen.

Another side of the women of the Bliss was seen when they invaded Resistance Pro wrestling last year.  Sure, they took pictures with the many male fans who were smitten by their charm, beauty and personalities.  They posed with those fans and signed autographs for them.

What might have gone unnoticed though was their interaction with the young fans.  My friends Louie and George brought their kids to the show and the kids had a ball meeting these women athletes.  Especially since they were not in game-day mode, the Bliss ladies were able to interact a bit more than usual with the young fans.

The Bliss is not just for men.  A Bliss game is several hours of fun and great sport.  Men, women and children will enjoy a Bliss game.  The season opener is on Saturday, April 25 at Toyota Park.  For more information, check out LFLUS.com.

Katy Massey, Jess Price, Jamie Barwick in Willowbrook, IL-April 2014.

Lou Ferrigno Loves Johngy's Beat

I couldn't ask for much more than to have "The Incredible Hulk" supporting Johngy's Beat.  Last year, at the Wizard World Media Session, Lou Ferrigno was kind enough to send a shout out to us.

I also had the please of interviewing Ferrigno.  I have met and talked to him at conventions many times before, but it was very cool to sit down with Ferrigno and basically just talk.  I asked him about his motivation, his acting (including his role on King of Queens) and more.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Lou Ferrigno at Wizard World.  He followed the interview by giving us the promo below.

The promo has now taken its rightful place in the right column of Johngy promos.  Thank you Lou!

Culture Shock With Terence Muncy

At Days of the Dead in Indianapolis last July.I first met and interviewed writer-director Terence Muncy.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Terence Muncy at Days of the Dead.  I am looking forward to getting an update from Muncy at the debut of Culture Shock in Indianapolis.
Culture Shock is running from February 27 through March 1 in Indianapolis, IN.  It is brought to you by the same fine folks who run Days of the Dead.  With that crew in charge, you know Culture Shock will be a great one.
The talented Muncy is responsible for Bikini Monsters and Midnight Matinee Psychos.  He is also an artist.
Johngy's Beat will be at Culture Shock and we are hoping to get an update from Muncy.  We also hope to see a lot of friends there.  For more info on Culture Shock, check out CultureShockCon.com.

Terrence Muncy and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2014.

On the Beat with John Borowski at Mad Mobster Con

I first met filmmaker John Borowski at Days of the Dead.  I was intrigued by his chosen subjects.  Three of his documentary films focused on late nineteenth and early twentieth century serial killers.  Borowski delved into the worlds of HH Holmes, Albert Fish, and Carl Panzram in producing fascinating documentaries.
Recently, I reconnected with John at Mad Mobster Con.  We did the update interview below, but I held it until his latest project was announced.
John is making a feature documentary film on the life and art of Vincent Castiglia, who paints in his own blood.  Castiglia's story is one of troubles and triumphs.  It is a unique success story, directed and produced by the award-winning filmmaker.
There is a funding campaign on Kickstarter for this project.  There are various levels of funding and their respective rewards.  You can find more information and donate to the cause on the Kickstarter page at Bloodlines: The Art and Life of Vincent Castiglia.  Of course, you can also get info and updates from John's site at JohnBorowski.com.
John is a great guy and a talented fillmmaker.  Castiglia's work is unique, beautiful and powerful.  Together, they are combining to make a film, which will certainly be intriguing.  I will be updating John's progress along the way.  When you watch the video and check out the pages, you will find John and his project as interesting as I do.  Hopefully you will jump onto his Kickstarter project and become part of the process.

Friendly Encounters: Ric Flair and Eugene Cresto

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

There he is again.  Eugene Cresto is seen with wrestling legend Ric Flair.  Does Cresto meet everyone?
I have written many times about the celebrities who Cresto meets.  He could start Eugene's Beat (but I shouldn't give him that idea)  Seriously, he has met pretty much every wrestler alive and many other celebs, too.
Meeting "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair has to be one of his crowning accomplishments.  Flair is wrestling royalty.  Flair is unquestionably on the Mt. Rushmore of wrestling.  It doesn't get any better than meeting Flair.
I can't be too jealous though, because I did get to meet Flair once, too.  I remember feeling his presence.  He is one of a handful of celebrities who just have that aura around them.  I am sure Cresto felt it, too, no matter how many other celebs he has met.
As convention season starts to kick in gear this year, I know I will run into Cresto at some events.  My goal is just to keep up with him.

Eugene Cresto and Ric Flair in Rosemont, IL-December 2014.

On the Beat with Ivan Cryptosis at Mad Mobster Con 2015

I originally met Dr. Ivan Cryptosis a few years ago at a comic con.  Since then, I have seen him at a few other cons and he is always good for some entertainment.

Dr. Cryptosis is a classic horror host.  He is also the "center square of pop culture."  That makes him a perfect fit for Johngy's Beat, your 316th best source for pop culture nuggets.

At Mad Mobster Con, Dr. Cryptosis debuted the new Cryptosis lighters, accompanied by a series of puns and jokes.  These are sure to be hits and eventually collectors items.

Cryptosis was also selling the films of Christopher Mihms.  Mihms goes for the old school feel in his films.  They are described as "new old, good bad movies."  They recall classic monsters, science fiction and horror films.  Quoting The Christopher Mihms Facebook page, "The films  are award-winning, as-authentic-as-possible 1950's-drive-in-style B-movies."

I love the concept and the execution.  This is great entertainment.  It is easy these days to make high-budget, high tech movies.  Those movies might be impressive, but they lack heart like the films of Mihms.  Give me a few of his dvd's, a big pizza and a Coke and I am happy for a lzy Saturday.

After you watch our interview below, you can get more info about Mihms and his movies at SaintEuphoria.com.  Check him out.  You will not be disappointed.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #209 Halle Berry & Eliza Dushku

Athletes get trading cards.  Why not celebrities?  At least celebrities wearing athletic jerseys should get cards.  I am doing my best to create cards for jersey-clad celebs.  Today, I am featuring a lovely Los Angeles-Boston rivalry.

Halle Berry was born in Cleveland, OH, but found her fame in Hollywood.  Berry earns her first Celebrity Jersey Card by repping a Los Angeles Sparks jersey, also the WNBA's first appearance.  I have no idea who #1 might be for the sparks, but Berry can be #1 any time.

Actress Eliza Dushku is a native of Massachusetts and she remained true to her roots for her first Celebrity Jersey Card.  Dushku took a selfie wearing the #9 of Rajon Rondo.  I'd let Eliza score on me anytime.

On the Beat with Joakim Nordstrom of the Rockford IceHogs-2/15/2015

Last Sunday, we attended a great win by the Rockford IceHogs.  By beating the San Antonio Rampage 2-1, they moved within one point of the first place Milwaukee Admirals.  In my previous entries, I discussed the fine effort.  Today, I want to concentrate on a very emotional subject.

Prior to the game, the news spread of the unfortunate, untimely passing of former player Steve Montador.  The 35 year old had played with the IceHogs during the 2012-2013 season and therefore was a teammate of many of the current IceHogs.

I can't imagine playing a hockey game with such heavy hearts.  The IceHogs not only played, but they played one of their best games of the season.  It was a beauty to behold.

After the game, in the media sessions, we saw just how much the players were affected.  Many were seen with red, puffy, tear-filled eyes.  Several were visibly and openly crying for their fallen former teammate.

Joakim Nordstrom broke down during the interview.  The media present had the choice of recording Nordstrom or ending the session.  I am glad everything kept going.  I don't enjoy seeing any person mourn a friend, but the outpouring of Nordstrom's emotion was moving.  It is important to remember hat these are young men.  They are regular people.  They have the same problems as we do and sometimes they have to deal with them on a much larger stage than we do.

We want them to win at all costs.  I have gone to work after hearing of a former co-worker dying.  It isn't easy.  I tip my hat to the entire IceHogs' organization for playing so well under the conditions and for displaying their emotions when they could.  This was horribly tragic, but it also showed the class organization that Rockford is.

There are several games left and as I stated already, I plan on attending as many as I can.  I want to be a part of the playoff run.  I want to support this fine organization and I hope you do, too.

After you watch the very emotional video, please take a moment to be thankful for the good times and good friends you have.  Also, head over to IceHogs.com for more info and the schedule for the rest of the season.

Happy Birthday Sam

A few months ago, my niece Sam Parker finished her first Marathon.  I finished my 15th (or so) about an hour after her.  This was one of my most cherished Marathons ever.

Preparing and planning, joking and talking, finishing and celebrating...we did it all and I enjoyed every step along the way.  I am so glad to have shared this experience with Sam.  Times like this can never be replaced.

Today, Sam is celebrating her birthday.  She deserves to have a fantastic birthday.  She is bright, funny, caring and everything else you would want in a young adult.  She has grown up into such a wonderful person.  I am proud to know Sam.

Join me in wishing a happy birthday to my niece.  I love you Sam!

Sam Parker and me in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

On the Beat with Coach Ted Dent of the Rockford IceHogs-2/15/2015

With their win on Sunday, the Rockford IceHogs have moved within one point of the first place Milwaukee Admirals.  Having won 6 of their last 9 games is also a good sign.

The IceHogs played a great game in beating the San Antonio Rampage 2-1.  The #1 star of the game was goaltender Scott Darling, who stopped 29 of 30 shots.  Pretty impressive.  Cody Bass got the game winning goal, which was only his second of the season.  Pretty clutch.  The IceHogs only had one penalty.  Very clean.  In all honesty, the Rampage only had one penalty, as well.  In short, it was just a fantastic game to watch.  

Even more impressive, the IceHogs had just heard the news of the passing of Steve Montador, a former teammate from the 2012-2013 season.  The entire organization and the fans were clearly shaken by the tragic news.  Coach Dent discusses Montador in the video below and Joakim Nordstrom fights back his emotions in the interview which will run here soon.

We were part of the post-game media session with Coach Dent.  He talked about the recent win streak, the great game, Montador and more.  Dent was his usual open and honest self.

Hockey is getting really exciting in Rockford.  There are stull several games left.  Johngy's Beat plan on attending as many as we can.  After you watch the video below, go to IceHogs.com for all of the info on the team and tehir schedule.

On the Beat with Scott Darling of the Rockford IceHogs-2/15/2015

On our return to Rockford, we saw the IceHogs defeat the San Antonio Rampage 2-1.  It was an exciting, well-played game.  This was hockey at its finest, a fast-paced game with only a couple penalties.

The #1 star of the game was goaltender Scott Darling.  We were hoping to interview him anyway, but now it really was an easy choice for the post-game media session.

A Chicago suburb native, Darling was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007.  After several stops in the minors, it was very appropriate (and very cool) that Darling made his NHL debut this season with the Chicago Blackhawks.  He went 5-2 with a save percent of .937 and a goals against average of 1.97.  Granted it was a small sample size, but those are pretty nice numbers.

We talked to Darling about the recent win streak of the IceHogs, his favorite players when he was growing up, his time with the Blackhawks and more.

The IceHogs are currently in second place, but nipping at the heals of the Milwaukee Admirals.  A playoff berth seems to be definitely in their future and if they continue to play like they did Sunday, first place could be theirs.

There are still several games left in the regular season.  After you watch the video, head over to Icehogs.com to check the schedule and get your tickets.

Friendly Encounters: Steve Garvey and Louie Atsaves

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

I have known Louie for 27+ years.  We worked together at Lerner for the first 17 and have worked in our own business for the last 10 or so years.  I could not ask for a better business partner, but more importantly, I could not ask for a better friend.

My family truly feels like Louie is part of us and his family has always made me feel like one of them.  I am very happy for Louie as he has three great boys and a great wife (also one of my friends).  They are a wonderful family.

We've been through a lot at work, but when you have someone like Lou on your side, the bad is quickly forgotten and the good is long remembered.  We have had so many laughs.

One of Louie's favorite players growing up was Steve Garvey.  When he was a youngster, Louie got to meet the legendary Dodgers 1st baseman.  I love that picture.  It is so 70's!

This isn;t just a Friendly Encounters though.  This is a birthday wish for my bud.  Happy birthday Louie and thanks for being my missing brother.

Steve Garvey an Louie Atsaves in Chicago, IL-Mid 1970's.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #208 Danica Patrick & Margot Robbie

Athletes get trading cards.  Why not celebrities?  At least celebrities wearing athletic jerseys should get cards.  I am doing my best to create cards for jersey-clad celebs.

Race car driver Danica Patrick was born in Wisconsin.  She dropped the ceremonial puck at a St. Louis Blues game to earn her second Celebrity Jersey Card.  She previously appeared on a card with the Chicago Cubs.  I'd be happy to give her a third card, if she ever reps the Blackhawks.

Margot Robbie is an Australian born actress.  Robbie is a legit fan of the New York Rangers, although there is room for her on the Blackhawks bandwagon, if she ever wants to switch.  She gets extra points for an actual hockey sweater.  I love such enthusiasm on a Celebrity Jersey Card!

Deena, Alli and Johngy

Many friends have posted pictures wearing the Johngy's Beat shirt.  I am grateful for all of them and I always get a childish giggle seeing others wearing the shirt.

One of my favorite pictures features Deena Fagiano and Alli Alberts of the Chicago Bliss.  I was having a crappy day.  I stopped for lunch and was meandering around social media when I saw the posted picture from Deena.  Her comment was "reppin reppin we reppin Johngy's Beat.  Best journalist eva eva eva."

How could that not make my day turn around immediately?  The Johngy shirt never looked better than in the twofer picture with these two beautiful, fun and very sweet ladies.  Did I mention that they are also tough as can be members of the Chicago Bliss?

Well, at least at the time they were both members of the Bliss.  Unfortunately for Bliss fans, Deena left Chicago.  Fortunately, Alli is still here though.

Even nowm this picture makes me smile.  I remember first seeing it.  I remember great times with the Bliss during that magical 2014 season.  I remember two awesome women always being as friendly and fun as can be.

Thank you Deena and Alli.

Deena Fagiano and Alli Alberts in Darien, IL-Summer 2014.

On the Beat with Shake N Bake of the Windy City Rollers

Today, we feature our third interview from our last night of exciting roller derby action courtesy of the Windy City Rollers.  We always learn a lot more each time out and it just keeps being more entertaining.

While the first game from Saturday was a battle of two undefeated teams, the other game saw two winless teams face off against each other.  The Manic Attackers prevailed over the Double Crossers 326-121.
As the regular season winds down, the travel season starts.  The schedule is not out yet, but I'll be watching for it and I am looking forward to seeing those games for the first time.

We interviewed Shake N Bake of the Double Crossers.  THE WCR rookie is temporarily on the sidelines as her broken arm heals.  She broke it in a practice session.  As I have said, these ladies play hard and practice hard).  She hopes to be back in action for the upcoming Ivy King Cup, but only time will tell.

Shake N Bake discussed her path to the WCR, the Ivy King Cup, the WCR schedule post-Cup and more.  You can tell she is itching to get back into action and her fans definitely want to see her out there, too.

Once again, we thank the Windy City Rollers for their hospitality.  We appreciate their time and consideration.  We always have a fun night watching WCR action.

I encourage everyone to come out for the Ivy King Cup on Saturday, March 28.  After you watch the interview below, head over to WindyCityRollers.com to get all of the info and updates.

Happy Birthday JayHawk Evans

Whether I call him Jason Fleigel, JayHawk Evans, the Little Ball of Hate, Senor Anger, YMJ or any of the other monikers bestowed upon him, I always call him friend.  Today, I am celebrating my friend's birthday!

I have known Jason for about 20 years.  I have watched him grow from an impatient, energetic college student to a mostly-mellow married man.  The transformation is undeniable, yet he has not lost any of his true essence.

I am proud to call Jason a friend.  I am also happy to wish my friend a happy birthday!.

Jason Fleigel and me in Rockford, IL-December 2014.

On the Beat with Christian Mangle of the Windy City Rollers

After Hell's Belles beat The Fury 235-110, we talked to Christian Mangle #2 on the victorious Belles.  Christian joined the Belles in 2014, after starting the season with farm team.  We talked to Christian about her path to roller derby, her roller derby highlights and more.

Like the rest of her teammates, she is looking forward to the Ivy King Cup.  Hell's Belles will be 3-0 going into the Ivy King Cup on March 28.  It promises to be another exciting night of roller derby action.

This Saturday, as I sat there watching the many dedicated, tough women of the Windy City Rollers, I looked around the UIC Pavilion and saw fans of all ages.  I checked myself in on Facebook and immediately got texts from friends who wanted to know when the next night of games was.  There is a lot of interest in the Windy City Rollers and I am doing my best to spread the word even more.  In a city consumed by sports, the Windy City Rollers provide some of the best entertainment around.  I originally came to R for something different to cover, but I quickly found myself enjoying the flat track action.  I am sure you would enjoy it, too.

After you watch the interview below, please head to WindyCityRollers.com to learn more about these talented women.  Even better, come out on March 28 and see for yourselves!

On the Beat with Trouble Helix of the Windy City Rollers

I was really looking forward to the third set of games for the Windy City Rollers.  The first game of the night was a battle of the undefeated Hell's Belles and The Fury, who were also undefeated.

Hell's Belles came out victorious 235-110.  Obviously, one team had to win, but I am surprised by the margin of victory.  The Fury is a very good team.  Hell's Belles jumped out to a quick, big lead and they never looked back.  Still, I watched the game and it seemed a lot closer.

With the win, Hell's Belles moved into sole possession of first place.  This is very important as the teams gear up for their next night of action on March 28.  They have to be considered the favorites to win the Ivy King Cup, but anything can happen.

After her big win, we talked to Trouble Helix of Hell's Belles.  Trouble Helix is one of the veteran skaters on the Belles.  Wearing number #260, she first skated with the team in 2012 and has been an excellent player since then.

We talked to Trouble Helix about her path to roller derby, the origin of her name and much more.  Like the rest of the women athletes of the Windy City Rollers, TH was a lot of fun.

She also helped us understand the game a bit better with her explanation for why a skater ends a jam.  This is probably the most popular question we get asked.

It's either that or if roller derby is real.  The answer is that this roller derby is a real sport.  Aside from their colorful names, the rest is legit.  The WCR is full of dedicated, athletic women who want to win each game.  They also want to be selected for the All-Star teams.  Combine all of that and add their fan-friendliness and you get a fantastic night out.

We will be featuring more interviews right here over the next couple days.  We are grateful for another fun night of roller derby action.  We appreciate the hospitality shown to us and we encourage everyone to check out the WCR at WindyCityRollers.com.

Friendly Encounters: Crazy Mary Dobson and Kane

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

This is more than just an ordinary "Friendly Encounter."  This is sort of a part of an audition.
Crazy Mary Dobson has been making a splash on the independent wrestling scene.  Despite being very young, CMD has a lot of experience, including wrestling in Japan.  She receives rave reviews wherever she wrestles.
I have seen her wrestling regularly at Resistance Pro.  She is one of the most popular wrestlers in the company.  She always receives a great response from the audience.
CMD has been making random appearances on WWE television.  One time she was in a backstage segment with Corporate Kane.  She was her usual entertaining self.
Dobson has a bright future.  Having recently turned 21, she might be hitting the big time well before most wrestlers.  She deserves every thing she gets.  She is as nice as she is talented.
If you get a chance to watch Dobson wrestle, don't pass up the chance.  The other option is to just wait, because she will be on WWE television sooner or later!

Crazy Mary Dobson and Kane in St. Louis, MO-November 2014.

John Borowski and Mad Mobster Chicago

There is a new convention debuting in Chicago this coming weekend.  Mad Mobster will be at the Hilton Chicago (downtown) Friday through Sunday.  For more info on this exciting new event, check out the Mad Mobster Chicago website.  The fine folks at Mad Mobster Chicago have graciously invited Johngy's Beat to attend the inaugural event and we are looking forward to it.
One of the featured guests is John Borowski, an independent film maker.  He is perhaps best known for his his trilogy of documentary films focusing on late nineteenth and early twentieth century serial killers HH Holmes, Albert Fish, and Carl Panzram.  Borowski specializes in historical horror.
Another of his works is Serial Killer Culture, a documentary which featuring musicians, filmmakers, authors and others who create and/or collect art based on serial killers.  Through interviews, Borowski examines why people are fascinated by serial killers.
Serial Killer Culture is fascinating in itself.  I have watched it several times already.  It is interesting for the history involved, as well as the emotion and thought process of all interviewed.  It really is engrossing.
I interviewed Borowski at Days of the Dead in November.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with John Borowski.  I am looking forward to getting an update with him at Mad Mobster Chicago.
I encourage everyone to attend the debut of Mad Mobster Chicago.  It's going to be a fun time.  (I resisted the urge to call it a killer event.)

John Borowski and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2014.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #207 Derrick Rose & Doug Buffone

Athletes get trading cards.  Why not celebrities?  At least celebrities wearing athletic jerseys should get cards.  I am doing my best to create cards for jersey-clad celebs.  Today, I am featuring Chicago athletes from other sports, repping the Indian head as we get thick into the hockey season.

Derrick Rose is a local guy who was poised for super stardom, until injuries got in the way.  Only time will tell how much he makes it back to his former self.  His Celebrity Jersey Card comes from his ntermission appearance at the United Center.

Doug Buffone was a very underrated linebacker for the Chicago Bears.  He has kept busy on the Chicago media scene for many years.  Uncle Doug (Uncle Fuzzy) wore his regular #55 when he participated in the puck shooting display at intermission of a Hawks game.

Felissa Rose Rocks!

I have interviewed hundreds of celebrities.  I usually enjoy the celebrities, but some really are memorable for me.  Felissa Rose is one of the coolest.

I first interviewed Felissa at Days of the Dead in Indianapolis.  It was a lot of fun, because she is a lot of fun.  We later reconnected while meeting Ace Frehley, another celeb guest there.

Since then, I have met Felissa a few more times, most recently at the Days event last November in Schaumburg, IL.  This time, I was working with the crew at PsychoBabbleTV.  We got an interview with her again and it can be found at On the Beat with Felissa Rose at Days of the Dead 2014.  Felissa combined with PsychoBabble was pure gold.

Later, I had a chance to talk a bit with Felissa, away from the crowd.  She is just awesome.  Am I gushing?  Seriously, she is a class act and a ton of fun.  She is exactly why I love doing this stuff.

The picture below was Felissa's idea.  She wanted to be goofy.  She wanted to do something different.  She wanted to do the scream.  Hey, I was all in.  Why would I argue?

If you ever see Felissa at a convention, stop by her table.  I guarantee it will be worth it.

Felissa Rose and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2014.

Bryant Mumble Has the Call for the Windy City Rollers

Bryant Mumble has been a colorful announcer for the Windy City Rollers since the 2006 season.  This is no easy job considering how fast-paced the sport of roller derby is.

As I have previously written, the Windy City Rollers are comprised of four teams who compete on a flat track at the UIC Pavilion.  The players still have fun monikers, but the theatrics of yesteryear have been replaced by legitimate competition.  Make no mistake about it though, this is just as much fun (if not more) than the roller derby from back when.

Mumbles sits in the broadcast perch calling out the action.  How he does it so smoothly is really a mystery and quite amazing.  I have a tough time just keeping up with the action as a spectator.  I can;t imagine trying to describe the play.  Mumble is a real pro.

In addition to that, he also helps get the crowd into the games, as well as partakes in various segments during stoppages of pay.

He is an integral part of the night at WCR, yet he is not center stage.  He does his job extremely well.

This Saturday at the Windy City Rollers will be in action again and Mumble will be describing it all.  I encourage everyone to come out and take in a night of fun and sport to see all for yourself!

Bryant Mumble and me in Chicago, IL-January 2014.

Barbara Magnolfi Is A Class Act

Barbara Magnolfi is an actress with a lengthy resume.  Magnolfi is best known for her role as Olga in Dario Argento's horror cult classic "Suspiria" and as the main character in "The Sister of Ursula."

Last year, I saw that Magnolfi was going to appear at Days of the Dead in Indianapolis.  I contacted her for an interview and received a positive response.  Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication and I did not get the interview.

I have often written that I never expect an interview.  Celebrities and athletes do not owe me or anyone else anything.  They provide entertainment to us.  It is a privilege to do what I do and to get extra access at some events.

I usually don't write negative stuff.  I prefer to concentrate on the positive experiences.  I have written a few times about bad times, but usually because I found humor in what happened.

Earlier this year, I wrote about my failed attempt to get an interview with Magnolfi in Indy.  The piece lacked humor and I found out later that it lacked accuracy.  This is where it gets really interesting.

I found out about my errors because Magnolfi contacted me.  She explained what happened and expressed regret that we did not connect for that interview.  She was respectful and gracious.  Had I done due diligence and contacted her before writing the story, I would have discovered all of this.

On the positive side though, this all lead to a wonderful series of exchanges with Magnolfi.  I apologized to Magnolfi for writing before checking back with her and she responded very positively.  I appreciate her contacting me and her honesty.  She did not have to do that.  She could have been nasty and opposed to any sort of future communication.  In short, she went way out of her way and was nice about it.  She even agreed to an interview if our paths crossed again.  She took the high road and I have a new found appreciation and respect for her.

I sincerely hope to see Magnolfi again at a convention.  I still find her career fascinating and would love to discuss it.  Now I also know a bit more about her character and I am definitely impressed.

I don't know if I will ever see her to get that interview to learn even more about her, but for now, please check out BarbaraMagnolfi.com to learn all about her and get her updates.

Thank you Barbara Magnolfi.  You are a woman of class and dignity, who possesses a big heart.

Echoing Scott Darling

Scott Darling was born in December of 1988 in Lemont, IL.  He played goalie for the University of Maine, before being drafted in 2007 by the Phoenix Coyotes.  He made his NHL debut this season with his hometown Chicago Blackhawks.

I had the pleasure of talking to Darling after a recent Rockford IceHogs game.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Scott Darling.

I was already working by the time Darling was born.  Many years earlier, I had a childhood dream of being a sports writer.  I guess I felt my Oscar Madison dream was too much of a longshot.  I found myself in the circulation department of Lerner Newspapers.

Sometime around 2000, one of the editors (Laurie) allowed me to write a guest column.  I enjoyed it and it was fairly well-received.  She allowed me to write a few more columns.  Then when I moved onto Global Traveler, the Editor Lisa asked me to write an article and I eventually found myself as a regular blogger for GT.

Uing GT as a launching pad, I started to seek out press credentials.  I interviewed former baseball player Rick Monday and a few others on a west coast trip.  I followed that with interviewing lesser-known celebrities at various comic cons.

Fast forward a few years and I have interviewed over 500 celebrities.  It is still a kick, especially when I get to interview actors or athletes from my youth.  How do I put into words the feeling of interviewing Peter Tork of the Monkees?  How do I express the emotion of interviewing Roddy Piper?  Or Jenilee Harrison?  Or Gorman Thomas?

That's why I really liked what Darling had to say.  He grew up as a fan of the Blackhawks.  He liked Ed Belfour, Chris Chelios and the rest of those teams.  How did he describe the feeling of putting on the Blackhawks sweater for the first time and playing his first game?  He pretty much did what I do.  He expressed real emotion and a lack of adequate words to encompass it all.

Some would say as a writer, I should be able to explain the feelings.  Would I sound unprofessional if I said I was giddy?  Truthfully, I don't care how that sounds.  As long as I get to keep doing what I am doing, I'l fine with it.

Scott Darling, I could not have said it any better!

Scott Darling and me in Rockford, IL-February 2015.

On the Beat with Lindsey Mikulecky and Nneka Nwani of the Chicago Bliss

Today, we feature an intervuiew twofer.  It was my pleasure to interview Lindsey Mikulecky and Nneka Nwani together, before the tryouts started.  As returning veterans, these ladies were there to lend a hand to the coaches and to help the Bliss hopefuls.
Last year, Lindsey was in their shoes and she earned a spot on the 2014 team.  She also earned a good amount of playing time and proved to be very valuable to the team, playing steady all season.
Nani also played well last season.  She came up with some pretty big plays and was a major contributor to the success of the team.
Both ladies are very much involved with fitness.  You can check out "GetFitWithNani" on Instagram to learn a bit more about her.  I love her tag line of "Personal Training Personality."
I have also followed Lindsey's training on social media.  She posts her fitness progress regularly.  Following her progression was one of the inspirations for my 2014 Marathon effort.
After you watch the interview, you can check out both women on their various social media spots or go to LFLUS.com.  Of course, you should also stay tuned to Johngy's Beat, as we will be covering the Bliss all the way to the threepeat.  Most important, you can check out the team in person at their home opener on April 25.

Friendly Encounters: Keith Hac and Steve McMichael

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

Chicago Bliss Head Coach Keith Hac has a lengthy coaching resume.  He has been successfully guiding teams for years.  Of course, his latest accomplishment is coaching the Bliss to back-to-back Legends Football League titles.

Last Saturday, Hac and the Bliss officially started their quest for the threepeat with the open tryouts at the Bridgeview Sports Dome.  The word of the day (and season) is "three," as in threepeat.

Years ago, Hac was the Associate Head Coach for the Chicago Slaughter in the CIFL (Continental Indoor Football League).  Under Hac's leadership, the Slaughter went 32-9 in three seasons, including winning the 2009 CIFL championship and making the playoffs every year.

Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael was the coach of the Slaughter.  If I had to guess, I would say that Hac did about 95% of the coaching (no offense to Mongo).  I am sure McMichael imparted his wisdom from years of playing, but when it came down to drills and execution, I am betting Hac was the man.

I love the picture below.  A Bears legend and a legendary coach in midgame action.  I can't wait for the Bliss season to begin.

Steve McMichael and Keith Hac in Hoffman Estates, IL-January 2010.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #206 Evelyn Lozada & Hope Solo

Athletes get trading cards.  Why not celebrities?  At least celebrities wearing athletic jerseys should get cards.  I am doing my best to create cards for jersey-clad celebs.  Today, I salute the Super Bowl participants.

Television personality Evelyn Lozada was born in Brooklyn.  The star of tv's "Basketball Wives" dated Antoine Walker for years.  She was married to NFL's Chad Johnson and is in a relationship with MLB's Carl Crawford.  (She needs to date a hockey player to complete that Grand Slam.)  None of that explains her New England Patriots Celebrity Jersey Card though, but who really cares?  If not for the new uniform, I would swear the #85 was for Dennis Wirgowski (one of my childhood favorites).

Hope Solo's Celebrity Jersey Card (her second actually) is more easily explained.  The native of Washington and star goalkeeper for the Seattle Sounds was one of the 12th Man Flag-raisers at a Seahawks game.  That all comes together to make a great card.  I made her a kick returner, because I figured she was always on the receiving end of kicks and this way she could actually do something with the ball other than just stop it!