Blake Brady at Wizard World Chicago 2016

Blake Brady started by drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and continued onto other cartoon characters.  Fast forward to adulthood, Blake has expanded his artistic creativity to superheroes, Star Wars, pop icons (like Mr. Rogers) and more.

You can see some of Balke's work behind us in the picture.  (Over his left shoulder is the aforementioned creation of Mr. Rogers.  There are black-and-whites, realistic renderings, cartoonish pieces and more.  It would be hard for me to pin down his exact style, but it is all excellent stuff.  As I always say, standing out in Artist Alley is not easy, but Blake's work really stood out at Wizard World Chicago 2016.

Check out BlakeBradyArtwork.com, for more info and updates on Blake.  

Blake Brady and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Roller Derby With Juanna Rumbel

In the early 2000's, Elizabeth Gomez had a crazy idea.  By 2004, she had morphed into Juanna Rumbel and had co-founded (along with Kelly Simmons) the Windy City Rollers.  The Rollers are the first flat-track Roller Derby league established in Chicago.  The all-female league has four league teams that play within the league, as well as two travel leagues, an A and B team, that compete with other leagues around the world.

This isn't the televised form of roller derby from years ago.  It has retained some of the theatrics, but it is a legitimate sport, played with real (enforced) rules and the score is kept.  It took me a few games to understand the scoring system and the rest of the specifics, but once I did, I was hooked.  It also helps that the ladies of WCR are all fan-friendly and very positive about the experience.  It is simply a fun time at the bouts.

I had the pleasure of attending a WCR gala.  I have to admit, I did not recognize several of the derby ladies.  They look a lot different when out of their derby gear and all dressed up.  Fortunately, they were all their usual nice selves and many reminded me of who they were.

Check out WindyCityRollers.com for more info, including event dates.  All of my interviews with the WCR ladies can be found at the Johngy's Beat WCR playlist on YouTube.

Juanna Rumbel and me in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

Cards That Never Were: Barry Pearson Topps 1977

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series where I create virtual cards for players who were missed in various sets over the years.  It is a concept I borrowed from too many others to list, but I appreciate them all.
Wide Receiver Barry Pearson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971.  He got into only 2 games in 1972 and did not have any stats.  He saw more action in 1973, but then was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he spent three more seasons, although he did not have any stats for the 1976 season.
Topps saw fit to give Pearson cards in the 1974-76 sets, skipping him in the 1972 and 1976 no stats years.  While I cannot blame Topps for leaving him out of those sets, I could not resist giving him a card for the 1977 set, when I found a nice shot of him on the sidelines during his time with the Chiefs.
I think it is fitting that it is a sideline shot, since he might not have seen any action in 1976.  I also think it fit with the feel of that set.

Matthew Fletcher at Motor City Comic Con 2016

Matthew Fletcher's vivid creations caught my attention as I strolled the Artist Alley at the Motor City Comic Con.  You can see his takes on the Joker and Batman in the photo below.

Based in Connecticut, Fletcher mostly utilizes ink and watercolors for his beautiful works. On The Art of Matthew J. Fletcher, it states that he "immerses himself in the world of superheroes, robots and monsters," but looking at his portfolio, his works go much beyond those subjects.

He has some really cool takes on the Muppets.  He also has a totally cool Derek Jeter piece.

He does have a big selection of superheroes (although no Aquaman), robots and monsters, as advertised.  Whatever the subject, Fletcher makes the image come alive and really pop off the canvas.

Check out The Art of Matthew J. Fletcher and Fletcher's Deviant Art page for more info and thumbnails of his cool creations.  You can also follow Matthew J. Fletcher on twitter.

Matthew Fletcher and me in Novi, MI-May 2016.

Judge Reinhold Joins the JohngysBeat.com Jay Leno Club

I recently wrote about actress Jennie Garth joining the JohngysBeat.com Jay Leno Club at REWind Con.  The next weekend, actor Judge Reinhold joined the club at Days of the Dead Chicago 2016.  Sometimes these things come in bunches.

I was talking to some people at Days and we were near Reinhold's table.  He stood up and walked away from his table a bit to take a picture with a fan in line.  As he moved back to his table, he saw me and said that he wanted to take a picture with "Jay Leno."  I never refuse a picture request (I don't get many), but especially a picture request from a celebrity (I get even less of those).

Reinhold asked me if I ever heard that before and I had to burst his bubble and tell him that I hear it fairly often.  I did brighten his day by telling him he just made the Jay Leno Club, though.  I'm sure that ranks up there with his other awards and acknowledgements.

Reinhold is the 17th celebrity to join the Jay Leno Club.  He's also the second Seinfeld character (Patrick Warburton is the other) to be in the club.  You never know when or where another celebrity will join the club, but when it happens, I will report it right here.

Friendly Encounters: Tiffany and Josh Watko

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Another year is almost done and Josh Watko of JWsWrestlingMemorabliia has just announced his 2016 Joshie award winners.  Unfortunately, once again, I did not win a Joshie.  Technically, I am not even sure I would qualify for a Joshie, but it still remains my goal.
Josh is a celebrity fan, with a major focus on wrestling.  His site is full of great wrestling stories, pictures, reviews and more.  It's very well done and I am not just saying that to enhance my chances for a Joshie in 2017 (lthouh if that works, so be it).
Anyway, as you can see below, Josh meets more than just wrestlers.  He met former teen idol Tifffany a couple years back.  Does that mean that is a picture of two former teen idols?
Doesn't Tiffany still look great?  More importantly, she sings even better.  Yes, I admit, I am a fan of hers.
Of course, I am also a fan of Josh's.  Some day, maybe Johngy will win a Joshie.  I'm hoping to even meet Josh someday.

Tiffany and Josh Watko in Pittsburgh, PA-August 2015.

Merry Christmas!

I "acted" in two commercials this year.  Both were for Sears.  One appears online at Sears Wrestler on YouTube.  The other ad was an inhouse promo for Sears.  It is not available (at least not yet) for public viewing.

The ad was intended to encourage Sears employees to wear elf hats.  It was a cute ad which featured me as a technician guy.  It was not stated, but I think I played the same character as in the other ad.

Also appearing was Santa Claus.  Santa was a jolly old soul (sorry) from the north (Wisconsin, not the North Pole).  He has appeared in several other commercial, too.  You've probably seen him without even knowing it.

As you'd expect, Santa took kindly to this ad rookie.  He gave me a few pointers and mostly helped me relax.  He was very helpful and it really made the experience sop much better.

Whether you believe in Santa or not, believe in the season.  Believe in the spirit.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all.

Santa and me in Chicago, IL-August 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #302 Kris Bryant & Nick Swardson

This is a regular series where I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys.  Only two more games to play (although it really ended several weeks ago).

Kris Bryant finished his season as a champion.  The versatile Bryant probably would have made an excellent football player, too.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card, he donned the #89 worn most famously by Hall of Famer Mike Ditka.  Unfortunately, the name portion of this card is less than perfect.  Darn Topps and their fancy text.

A native of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, Nick Swardson is an actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer.  He might be best known for his work on television's Reno 911! or his sketch comedy series Nick Swardson's Pretend Time.  Swardson stayed true to his Twin Cities roots for his Celebrity Jersey Card, by sporting the Vikings #84, probably Randy Moss, jersey.  Some might say the card is off-center.  I say it artistically features the field.

On the Beat With Vic Law and Sanjay Lumpkin of the Northwestern Wildcats

My extended coverage of the State Farm Chicago Legends brings us to the two stars of the first game.  The Northwestern Wildcats beat the Dayton Flyers 67-64 behind the scoring and rebounding of Sanjay Lumpkin and Vic Law.

Lumpkin had 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Law added 6 points and 9 rebounds.  That is about half the rebounds and a thuird of the points for the entire team.

Law is a sophomore forward out of St. Rita.  Lumpkin is a senior guard-forward from Minnesota (Benilde-St. Margaret's) 

Both young athletes were poised and in control as the game neared the end.  NU had a big lead which Dayton slowly chopped.  NU very easily could have floded and lost "a tough game."  It still would have been a good game for NU.  These young men would not go under though.

Coach Chris Collins kept them calm and in control.  As he said in his press session, Coach Collins literally kept voicing the time left in an attempt to just hang on and the Wildcats did just that with Law and Lumpkin leading the way.

What a thrilling win.  What a great event.

Once again, I would like to thank KemperLesnik for their hospitality.  It was an honor and privilege to cover the inaugural State Farms Chicago Legends.  With or without press credentials, I shall be back next year!

On the Beat With Dayton Flyers Coach Archie Miller

Dayton Flyers Coach Archie Miller was all class and professionalism on Saturday.  Despite his Flyers falling behind big and early, he kept his team in the game right to the end.  The Wildcats hung on for the win, but the Flyers made it a real nail-biter.

Beating Dayton is a real feather in the cap of NU.  They have an outstanding program and Miller is an excellent young coach.

Miller was a point guard for North Carolina State.  He started his coaching career as an assistant at Western Kentucky in 2003.  After a few more stops, he was named Head Coach at Dayton in 2011.  He has lead the Flyers to the NCAA tournament the l;ast three seasons.

At the post-game press session, Miller was gracious in defeat.  He gave credit to NU and he applauded his team's effort.  He said all of the right things, but it did not seem like textbook coachspeak.  He seemed to speak from the heart.

It could not have been easy coming into Chicago and facing Chicago's own Northwestern Wildcats for this big event.  It becam even more difficult as the Wildcats jumped to the early, big lead.  Still, Miller would not let his Flyers give up.  These young men hung in and almost caught the Wildcats.  It made for a thrilling game to watch, but was pribably a heart-breaker to coach.  Coach Miller stood tall and answered all of the media questions.

I give Coach Miller a ton of credit.  He could easily have been chippy at the media session.  Instead, he was calm and gave credit to all.  His team played well and there is no shame in losing like this.

I give Coach Miller even more credit when he talked to a certain unfamiliar reporter from an relatively obscure media outlet.  It's one thing to answer the questions from the big media folks.  It's another to talk to the little guys.

Once again, I thank KemperLesnik for their fine work on this event.  I certainly would not have been there without their hospitality.

Happy Birthday Jim

First I met Chuck Gekas (he of the birthday earlier ths month).  A few years later, I met his brother Jim.  I love these guys, but today is about birthday boy Jimmy.
If you truly get judged by the company you keep, I am happy to hang with Jimmy.  He really is a good person.  He's become the best friend I could ever want.  I am better for knowing Jim.
Oh sure, I might bust his chops about his overzealous appreciation of the talents of some Chicago players, but that's part of his charm.  Ever the optimist, Jim just badly wants to see his beloved Cubs/Bears/Wolverines do well.
His love of life and all things living is inspiring, as is his faith.  He has taught me a lot and I am forever grateful.
Below is a pic from the time the Gekas brothers joined me on the field in St. Louis.  This was one of the coolest Johngy's Beat adventures ever.
Happy birthday Jimmy.  Love ya, pal!

Chuck and Jim Gekas in St. Louis, MO-August 2013.

On the Beat With Northwestern Basketball Coach Chris Collins

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of covering the inaugural State Farm Chicago Legends event at the United Center.  This debut event featured Northwestern playing Dayton in the opening game and the University of Illinois battling BYU in the second game.  There would also be a special presentation to a first class of Chicago Legends.

My recaps will appear on Global Traveler and the Patch.  For right here, I am featuring the post-game media session with NU Coach Chris Collins.

I start by saying that I do feel a bit old.  I remember Chris as the kid hanging around his father Doug Collins during his time as coach of the Chicago Bulls.  Actually, I remember pulling a Doug Collins card in one of the first packs of basketball cards I ever got.  Now here is young Chris as the coach of the Wildcats.

Northwestern jumped to a big lead early in the game and held onto it for a 67-64 win.  It did become a bit of a nail-biter in the end, but the Wildcats held thei composure and closed it out.  I'm sure the team was as nervous as the fans, but the played tough through the end and came away with the win.

Coach Collins talked about all of ths in the post-game media session.  He was gracious and professional, but I had the feeling that this game meant a lot to him and the program.  He has done great things since taking over at NU and a win against Dayton at an event like this certainly was impressive.

It was a Chicago event, featuring two Chicago (or Illinois) teams, honoring Chicago legends (the late Coach Ray Meyer and Mark Aguirre).  It was an event that will only get bigger and better.  Being at this first event was extremely special and it will mean even more as the Chicago Legends continues to grow.  I al already looking forward to next year.

I would like to thank the fine folks at KemperLesnik for allowing me access.  Everyone involved was extremely professionald and organized.

Friendly Encounters: Mark Metcalf and Nancy Blais

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

This is another of those special "Friendly Encounters."  I love this picture for many reasons.

I was scheduled to cover Wizard World in Columbus, Ohio and my family decided to join me there to visit our cousins for the first time in many years.  That alone made the trip memorable.

My sister Nancy "volunteered" to help me at Wizard World.  One of the peole we met was Mark Metcalf, known for his role as "Master" on Buffy and for being "The Maestro" on Seinfeld.

I got my picture with Metcalf and we talked a bit.  Then his attention turned to Nancy.  He offered her a free picture and autograph.  That's a bit unusual, although very nice.  Before we left, he gave us both hugs, although I think mine was more obligatory.

Nancy and the Maestro!  Who would have thought?!

Nancy Blais and Mark Metcalf in Columbus, OH-October 2011.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today, my brother-in-law Dave Blais is celebrating his birthday.  As always, I celebrate his day and say nice (but true) things.
Recently, Dave has gotten a bit of the acting bug.  Thespian Dave has appeared on such television shows as Chicago Fire.  He may not be the star.  He might not even appear in the credits.  Still, he is appearing semi-regularly on shows.
Dave and Nancy have found work and fun being extras.  They appear in the backgrounds as whatever the scene needs.  It's pretty cool and they have fun.
Speaking of fun, I had a great time with Dave in Las Vegas last year at Matt's bachelor party.  Dave even placed a sports wager, betting for the Green Bay Packers against our beloved Bears.  For the record, I encouraged that bet and he won that bet.  You're welcome, Dave!
I went on my first scooter ride with Dave many years ago.  I admit being slightly scared as we zipped down North Avenue, but it was fun and I eventually got my own scooter.
Dave is a good guy and I appreciate the advice, support and help he has given me over the years.  I also appreciate the fun times.
Happy birthday Dave!  Whoop it up big time, my friend!

Dave and Nancy in Chicago, IL-September 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #301 Erin Andrews & Brent Seabrook

This is a regular series where I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys.

Sportscaster Erin Andrews was born in Maine, but moved to Texas and later Florida in her youth.  Somewhere along the way, she became aq fan of the Green Bay Packers.  She went all out for her Celebrity Jersey Card by wearing the helmet along with the jersey.  The #52 is for Clay Matthews and her hair extending out is like his, too.  That's the end of their similarities though.

 Brent Seabrook has been a key part of three Stanley Cup championships for the Chicago Balckhawks.  A native of Canada, the defenseman has played his entire career for the Hawks.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card, he is wearing his usual #7 and so is his child (presumably Carter Seven).

Broadcasting With Barbara Jordan

I have met a lot of interesting people while covering the Chicago Bandits.  Last season, I met softball legend and broadcaster Barbara Jordan in the press box at Bandits Stadium.

Since 2010, she has covered sports, including NPF softball, for many networks and media outlets.  I have grown to love watching the NPF, even on television and even non-Bandits games.  A big part of that reason is the excellent work of Jordan.  She is interesting and (obviously) knowledgeable.  She gives great insight without going overboard.  It's a pleasure listening to her during broadcasts.

Prior to broadcasting, she was a standout player at Cal State Northridge, on Team USA and in the professional ranks.  I'm relatively new to women's softball, but I have done my research.  She was elite.  As a little piece of trivia and as testament to just how good she was, she was the only member of the 1996 Olympic Softball Team who did not compete at a Division I University.

I had the opportunity to meet Jordan and her broadcast partner Eric Collins last season.  It was cool to meet these two who make the NPF come alive on television.  Of course, my dream would be to join them even for one at-bat during a Bandits broadcast, but for now, I am just happy to join them in the collective sense in providing coverage of the NPF and the Bandits!

Next season, I am also hoping to land a short interview with Jordan.  I am putting this out there, hoping to get an early start on my request.

Barbara Jordan and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2016.

The House of Truth (Martini)

Truth Martini is a wrestler and trainer.  I had been trying to interview Truth for a while.  We had it set up at Motor City Comic Con a few years back, but scheduling conflicts prevented it.  I did get to finally interview him in Chicago.  That interview can be found at On the Beat With Truth Martini.

Truth is an interesting guy.  He came back from a devasting broken neck which left him paralyzed.  He started a managing and training career.  He has been all over the indy wrestling scene.

He is captivating.  He is capable of cutting a great wrestling promo, but he might also drop some deep thoughts on you.  He talks with respect fo the business and the companies.

I have heard great things from the people he has trained.  His House of Truth Wrestling School is based in the Detroit area.  You can get more info on Truth and the school at HOTWrestlingSchool.com.

Truth is on my radar for 2017.  I'd lie to do a catch up interview with him.  If you're reading this, I'm coming for you and that is the Truth!

Truth Martini and me in Berwyn, IL-September 2012.

Jennie Garth Joined The Johngy's Beat Jay Leno Club

Over the years, I have heard many times that I resemble Jay Leno   I usually laugh it off and joke that I wish I could make it profitable.  As I started to cover the various conventions and sporting events, I started hearing it from celebrities.  Thus,. the Johngy's Beat Jay Leno Club was formed.

The most recent addition to the Jay Leno Club is actress Jennie Garth.  At REWind Con 2016, as I approached her, Jennie made the reference.  I chuckled and told her I hear that a lot.  Then she grabbed her Beverly Hills 90210 costar Luke Perry and pointed it out to him.  He didn't seem too impressed.  Actually, I think he was just busy.

Jennie thus becomes the 16th cdelebrity to join this exclusive club.  As you'll notice by the picture below, many of the club members are in the world of pro wrestling.  Spider One and Peter Tork are musicians.  Jennie joins Patrick Warburton from the acting field.  Vince Papale is a former fotball player and the subject of the movie Invincible.

It's funny, because I never really expect it.  I can always tell it will happen though, because it usually starts with "Did anyone ever tell you...?"

As I continue covering events, the Jay Leno Club is bound to grow.  When it does, I'll report it back here.

Blissful Times

Sorry for the cheesy pun of a title for this.  I can't help myself sometimes and even if I could, I probably wouldn't.

The Chicago Bliss of the Legends Football League won their third LFL title in the last 4 years.  I covered the team through the first 2 titles, including accompanying them to Los Angeles for the title game.

It was a lot of fun and I thought it was a unique sport I could cover.  The team was always good to me, granting me lots of extra axcess.  I enjoyed talking to Coach Keith Hac, his assistants and the players (and not just because they were attractive young women).

The LFL itself, though, is a bit of a strange beast, confusing me to this day.  The Powers That Be (TPTB) decided to take all the media coverage and bring it in house.  Suddenly I was not part of the credentialed media.

Why a relatively unknown leage (sport) wouldn't want as much coverage as possible is  beyond me.  How many of my readers heard of the Bliss before I started covering them?  If you did know of them, how many people really knew anything substantial about them?  Yet TPTB decided they didn't need my extra coverage.

For full disclosure, I know of only one other "media" outlet covering them back then and they treated the Bliss mostly as a joke.  Regardless, they were also ousted from the coverage.

I still occasionally write about the Bliss.  I have no hard feelings towards the Bliss.  I don't want to come off like a bitter person, because I'm really not.  I have plenty of other stuff to cover, if I am not wanted somewhere.

In the end, it was a great ride while it lasted.  I had a lot of fun.  Jack and I went to Milwaukee and Los Angeles because of the Bliss.  I met a lot of great people, like Photographer Norm Cook.  I thought this would be a long run of expanding coverage.

I think TPTB have a different agenda though and I have no idea what it is.  Maybe they want to keep it as their little secret.  It's a shame, because the product is good.  The women are tough and skillled athletes.  In addition, they are very fan-friendly.

Next season, I'll probably check out a game (they only play two home games) and reconnect with some of my old friends.  It's hard to be "just a fan" after being so close.  It might be even harder to be sort of an insider/outsider like I am.  We'll see.  Until then though, I look back on the experience and remember the good times.

Norm Cook, Jack Keenan and me in Ontario, CA-September 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Crazy Mary Dobson and Eric Joseph Larkin

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Eric Joseph Larkin has met a ton of wrestlers.  One of the youngest has to be Crazy Mary Dobson, who he met when she was 20 (or younger?) at Resistance Pro.
EJL is one of the good guys.  Obviously he is a huge wrestling fan, but he isn't an obnoxious fan and he is always respectful to the wrestling talent.  He's a welcome fan at any RPro event (and he attends a lot of them).
Crazy Mary Dobson was one of the best in an RPro ring.  Unfortunately for RPro fans, she has moved onto the big time at the WWE.  That's really just the nature of the business for independent companies.  The exceptional wrestlers usually move up to the bigger companies (WWE or TNA).
She's not the first to move on from RPro to a bigger stage, but she might have the best future.  I have seen her improve over her time at RPro.  I have also seen her work incredibly hard at improving her skills, as well as overall training.  I dare say, in a legit fight, I wouldn't bet against her even against some men.
She's a class act and I wish her nothing but the best.  I'm sure we will see a lot of her on WWE television going forward.  That WWE title belt will look good around her waist.
I'm also sure I will see EJL at future RPro events and that's also a good thing.  You can always count on seeing good frends and familiar faces at RPro.

Eric Joseph Larkin and Crazy Mary Dobson in Summit, IL-December 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #300 Kelly Hall & Patrick Stump

This is a regular series where I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys.  Again we feature the Chicago Bears game.  Go Lions!  #BetterDraftPick

Kelly Hall met Matt Stafford while they were both students at the University of George.  Matt went on to be a pretty good quarterback with the Detroit Lions, while Kelly has gone on to do some modelling and acting.  I'm guessing her jersey is Matt's #9 and I give her extra points for the Lions hat.

 Musician Patrick Stmp was born just outside of Chicago, in Evanston, IL.  Best known for his work in Fall Out Boy, Stump has also found success as a solo act, as well as in other projects.  For his Celebrity Jersey Card, his coat is most covering his #35 (Anthony Thomas?) jersey, but it's cold in Chicago and we can forgive that.

Kristy McNichol Was Like A Buddy

Back in the 70's, didn't everyone love "Buddy" on tv's Family?  Kristy McNichol played the youngest daughter in the Lawrence family.  She was a bit of a tomboy, which made her even more likable to all.  She won two Emmy Awards for her performance.  Later, McNichol had a successful run co-starring on tv's Empty Nest.  

In addition to those two popular series, McNichol did a lot of episodic television, along with movies.  She was quite active until her retirement from acting in 2001.

I have met McNichol several times and she is a real sweetheart.  At one convention, we talked a bit about her brother Jimmy.  At another, Jimmy was there and we all talked.  The McNichol siblings appear to be close.  It was cool to see these former child actors looking so good and being so personable.  I really felt like I was having with old school chums.

It really is weird (in a good way) meeting these peole who I watched on tv when I was a kid.  Now, with the internet, cell phone pictures/videos, these conventions etc., you see celebrities around all the time.  Back then, I had no idea I would ever meet any of these people.  It was a huge deal to exchange greetings with a baseball player when he signed an autograph before a game.  Times change.

By the way, for you trivia buffs, Kristy's given name is Christine (with a "C").  Also, he character's real name on Family was "Letitia."

Kristy McNichol and me in Rosemont, IL-October 2014.

Happy Birthday Chuck

As my friend Chuck would say, surely everyone knows today is the birthday of some of the greatest celebrities, like Dick Butkus, Lori Greiner, Redd Foxx, Kirk Douglas and Donny Osmond.  Chuck is a true renaissance man though.  He would then cite that it is also the birthday of Chenghua (Emperor of China), John Milton (English poet and philosopher) and Tip O'Neill (55th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives) among others, but he wouldn't want to showboat by naming them all.

Chuck could also rattle off other important events on this date.  In 480, Odoacer, first King of Italy, occupies Dalmatia.  In 1793, New York City's first daily newspaper, the American Minerva, is established by Noah Webster.  Chuck is too classy to flaunt his knowledge.

One event he probably wouldn't mention though occurred in the mid 20th century.  Chuck was born and the world was never the same.

I am proud to have called Chuck a friend for over 20 years.  I think I am better for knowing him.  Oh sure, I might be pettier because of Chuck, but that's part of the fun.

Seriously, Chuck has been a colleague, mentor, supporter, psychologist and more.  I couldn't create a better brother if I tried.

Today I raise a glass of Merlot to my bud Chuck.  I love ya, my friend!

Chuck Gekas and me in Tampa, FL-August 2016.

William Sadler and Gabriel Baron at Wizard World Chicago 2016

I was very happy to see Gabe Baron at Wizard World 2016.  Gabe has taken a hiatus from Resistance Pro to stay at home with his newborn and her older infant sister.  Gabe is not just one of the good guys.  He's one of the best guys!

On Friday at Wizard World, we were talking about the celebrity guests and he mentioned wanting to meet William Sadler among others.  I had never met Sadler, but was very familiar with his body of work (The Shawshank Redemption, Die Hard 2, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey and many more).

When I found out I would be meeting Sadler, I invited Gabe to join me.  This is one of the coolest parts of the convention work for me.  On occasion, I get to connect my friends with some of their favorites.  It's cool to give them a little extra fun at the con.

It was especially fun with Gbe.  I hadn't seen him in a while and we got to chat away while we waited for Sadler.  That basically means swapping 1970's sitcom stories.  It's always fun with Gabe.

As for meeting Sadler, he was very personable.  I backed off and let Gabe do most of the talking, since he was the bigger (and more knowledgeable) fan.  We talked to the veteran actor for several minutes.

I don't know if Gabe will ever return to RPro.  I guess he will and I hope he does.  He is missed there by me and everyone else.  At least I know I will usually see Gabe at the various comic con events like Wizard World.

Gabriel Baron, William Sadler and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Freezer Mortis at Days of the Dead Chicago 2016

What better place for a horror host to make an appearance than Days of the Dead.  At the recent DotD in Chicago, I met Freezer Mortis, host of Formerly Crappics and proud member of The Church of Ed Wood..

The stated mission of Formerly Crappics is "to bring to the forefront (however briefly that may be) some of cinema's less-than-memorable movies for your viewing pleasure."  That could be said for most of these type shows.  Nobody said the concept was original, but the key is to make the content original and entertaining and Freezer Mortis does just that.

It's hard to stand out in a field so crowded with over-the-top characters, but even at DotD (which is filled with larger than life characters), he managed to stand out.

He isn't your typical horror host.  I mean no disrespect to other hosts though.  I actually like many of the hosts I have seen.  I generally like this whole genre.

I hope to see Freezer Mortis at a future event.  I would definitely get an in-person interview with him.  If that happens, of course, I will feature it here.

Until then, check out the Freezer Mortis Facebook page for more info on this horror host.  Also, you can find him at Formerly Crappics on LiveStream.  You can also catch his shows on HorrorHost.net.

Freezer Mortis and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2016.

Paul Sorvino at Motor City Comic Con 2016

I occasionally come across oddities at comic cons.  Such was the case with Paul Sorvino at the Motor City Comic Con 2016.

Sorvino is a legendary actor.  His performance in Goodfellas alone would put him on the map and I am not an overzealous fan of that movie either.  His onscreen career spans nearly 50 years.  He has done episodic television like Law & Order, along with movies like Joe Torre: Curveballs Along the Way.  He even played the father of Bruce Willis on Moonlighting.  On the big screen, his credits include Dick Tracy, Reds and many more.

At the MCCC, Sorvino had a relatively short line and a low price.  It was ridiculous.  I'm not being grumpy old man here.  At the very least, the man's work in Goodfellas merits more attention.

Cuzz's theory is the MCCC had a different crowd.  There might be some validity to that, but not enough.  I've seen far less accomplished actors have longer lines and higher prices.  These weren't just more recent actors either.  This was the bizarro world.

Don't get me wrong, Sorvino probably did well enough and if not, I'm sure he will survive.  It just struck me as odd that there wasn't as much excitement for him as I thought there would be.  I was ecstatic to meet Sorvino, as was Cuzz.

It makes me shake my head to see much less accomplished actors garner long lines even with higher prices.  I never begrudge the actors.  The market truly does set the price.  It just boggles my mind that Sorvino didn't have a super long line.  Maybe I should just be grateful we didn't have to wait in a super long line.

For his part, Srvino was engaging.  I brought up his role as Torre (I always seem to focus on the odd role and not the major one).  Maybe Sorvino was happy to not talk about Goodfellas for one.  Either way, he was a class act and I am glad to have met him.

Paul Sorvino, Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Michael J. Fox and Eugene Cresto

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Here's my comic con buddy Eugene Cresto again.  This time he is with Michael J. Fox, one of my favorites and truly a special person.  Euegene is special, too, but don't tell him I said that.  It'll go right to his head.
Eugene and I have a parallel comic con life, although he tends to beat me on bigger names, like Fix.  In fact, it was this pic with Fox that inspired me to make sure I met him at Chicago Wizard World.  I was not being competuitive or petty (for once).
I saw this picture of Eugene and Fox and I realized that I had to meet Fox.  You can spend your time and money at comic cons meeting other celebrities or you can focus all on meeting your favorites.  It is time for me to choose quality over quantity.  In other words, I won't let an opportunity like meeting Fox pass.  He's just too much of a favorite.
Usually, I jokingly chide Eugene for beating me to a celebrity.  Today I am thanking him for really being the reason I met Fox this year.
As for Fox, his condition is not a secret.  The man suffers from Parkinson's Disease.  He raises awareness for the disease with his appearances.  I am sure sittting there for hours of photo ops isn't easy, but Fox remained friendly and personable throughout the weekend.  Of course, he made good money doing such, but that does not make it any easier.
Kudos to Eugene for meeting Fox.  Kudos to Fox for making these appearances.  Kudos for Wizard World making this all happen.

Eugene Cresto and Michael J. Fox in Philadelphia, PA-June 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #299 Paula Creamer & George Wendt

This is a weekly series where I try to combine my lifelong interest in trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Once again, I feature the matchup for the Chicago Bears game.

Golfer Paula Creamer was born about 30 miles out of San Francisco, CA and she remains a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers.  While she has never been ranked #1 for a year, she has finished in the top 10 five times.  She owns a lot of team gear, but for Creamer's Celebrity Jersey Card debut, she is wearing her customized 1 jersey.

Geotrge Wendt has previously appeared here in a Tampa Rays jersey and a Chicago Blackhawks jersey.  Today, Wendt scores his third sport, by appearing on a Celebrity Jersey Card in a Chicago Bears uniform.  It is from his role as "Bill Swerski" in the famous Saturday Night Live skit.  Obvious, in homage to "da Coach," whose jersey he is wearing, he is listed as a Tight End.

Ruff Crossing at Blizzard Brawl 2015

Ruff Crossing was one of the first indy wrestlers who caught my eye.  I announced myself as a "Ruffian" as a sign of my fandom.  Okay, maybe that isn't too original, but what in wrestling is?

Anyway, Ruff is a very talented wrestler.  I have seen him wrestle all over, winning titles and gaining fans.  One such place was Blizzard Brawl.

This year, the usual Blizzard Brawl event has morphed into House of Hardcore 21: Blizzard Brawl, but it promises to be everything you'd want.  Call it whatever you want, it is still going to be a great wrestling show in Waukesha, at the same time as Blizzard Brawl was, featuring some of the same talented wrestlers and stars...you get the point.  As I wrote, what is original in wrestling?

It doesn't have to be original to be creative and entertaining.  Ruff isn't the first cowboy in wrestling.  Especially in the more characte-driven years, cowboys were one of the most common characters.  Ruf, however, is not common.  In a room full of cowboys, he would stand out.  In an arena full of wrestlers, he stands out.  He's that darn good.

I don't know if Ruff will be on the House of Hardcore card.  If he had no other commitment, it is a good bet that he will at least be at the show.  I'm hoping to see my friend again.

House of Hardcore 21 is tonight in Waukesha, WI.  Check out HouseofHardcore.net for more info on this great event.

Ruff Crossing and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2015.

Melanie Cruise at Blizzard Brawl 2015

Melanie Cruise is a real sweetheart, but I hope she doesn't read that.  She might (most ikely would) hurt me.

Melanie was the first Resistance Pro Women's champ.  I saw her first at RPro and liked her matches so much that I started going to other places to watch her wrestle.  She never disappointed.

I have seen Melanie many places, but unfortunately, never in Japan, where she goes often and is quite popular.  Why this woman has not been pikced up by TNA or the WWE is beyond me.  She has the look, talent and charisma.

I hadn't seen Melanie is a while and was happy to finally see her at Blizzard Brawl 2015.  It was just like old times.  I was greeted with her warm smile and hug.  Then I was happy to see her perform in the ring.  Melanie comes alive in the ring.  It's her home.

This year, Blizzard Brawl will be replaced by House Of Hardcore 21: B;izzard Brawl.  Mickie James is on the card.  Dare I hope Mickie wrestles Melanie?  I swear, as I type this, I am excited about that possibility.  I am sure if Melanie is in the country and not booked elsewhere, she will be in that ring against someone.

For more info and updates, check out HouseofHardcore.net.  This one will be special.

Melanie Cruise and me in Waukesha,WI-December 2015.

David Herro at Blizzard Brawl 2015

What is up with Great Lakes Championship Wrestling and Blizzard Brawl?  How does Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore fit into this equation?  Perhaps we will get some answers on December 3 at House of Hardcore 21: Blizzard Brawl.

At last year's Blizzard Brawl, Wisconsin promoter David Herro lost control of Blizzard Brawl through a match stipulation.  Tommy Dreamer immediately picked up the slack and announced House of Hardcore would be coming to the arena.

Is this storyline or reality?  Does it really matter?  I only care that we will be entertained and I am positive that will be the case.  Herro is involved and he wouldn't let down the loyal GLCW fans.

Tickets will go quickly and you don't want to miss this show.  Already announced are Mickie James, Ryback, Colt Cabana and more.  Knowing the Blizzard Brawl events, you can expect many wrestlers there just as fans.  For more info, check out HouseOfHardcore.net. 

David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2015.