Talking Travel with Frankie Torres

If you watched The Voice this season, you saw Frankie Torres. While she didn't win, she did well and is one to watch in the future.

A native of Minnesota, Torres is the official national anthem singer for  the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Sceptres (of the Professional Women's Hockey League). As a youngster, she joined The School of Rock. Currently, she is in the band Midnight Rambler, but also sings on her own.

Frankie talked about her journey with The Voice, singing in large stadiums in front of huge crowds of sports fans, traveling for shows and much more. She decided to use work as a reason to travel. That's a great goal.

It was a real pleasure interviewing Frankie. I hope she performs in Chicago sometime. I would love to see her in person.

Watch the interview at Talking Travel with Frankie Torres. Also, subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

Talking Travel with Kellie McIntyre

When I researched "family travel," Kellie McIntyre came up first. Author and family travel expert McIntyre became a Talking Travel interview guest on Global Traveler.

McIntyre got a bit of a late start in travel, as did her husband, but within weeks of meeting, they traveled the world and haven't stopped since. Even two young daughters didn't slow their travel. Many years later, they now plan on traveling with their daughter and their growing families.

One of the great things about McIntyre's 4wornpassports.com website is her FAQ. I hear so many folks talk of traveling the world, but few tell how to do it with a limited budget, young kids, school etc. McIntyre is happy to share all of her info/ She hopes everyone has worn passports (like her website title).

Of course, she discussed all of her travels, future goals and much more in our interview. You can clearly feel her passion for travel as she talks.

Watch our interview at Talking Travel with Kellie McIntyre. Also, subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

The Complications of Pete Rose

Like most baseball fans my age, I grew up thinking Pete Rose was one of the greatest players of all time. I loved his style, hustle, baseball cards and all else. He was certainly on a path to the Hall of Fame.

As I reached adulthood, it all started to unravel for Pete. Gambling accusations and other indiscretions, suspensions and finally banishment from the game he loved so much. He denied all, for a while at least. Eventually, more info came out and little by little Pete started fessing up. Pete tried several times for reinstatement, but was denied every time.

In more recent years, statisticians have treated Pete less kindly, giving him far less credit for what he accomplished in his career. He was now called a singles hitter, with little power and below average defense.

I don't really care either way if Pete gets in the Hall of Fame. I think the BBHOF is a joke now anyway. Some steroid players are in, while some are denied. Even the Commish during the steroid era is in. Some lesser players are getting in now, due to favoritism or the shifting of baseball stats. I just don't care anymore. It is no longer the best of the best, most elite.

I have to refute a few arguments for his reinstatement though. He was put on the "permanently ineligible" list. It wasn't a lifetime ban. His death does nothing to change that.

Also, is it is true that he did not bet against the Reds, it is only slightly relevant if he bet them to win every game of the season. If not, what does that say about the other games?

Lastly, sympathizers argue to forgive. It's not my place (nor anyone else's) to forgive him. That's up to his maker. It's not about forgiving though. He broke a cardinal rule of baseball. He can be forgiven, but not exonerated.

My arguments don't mean I want him out of the HOF. Again, I don't care. I just don't like those arguments for him. If MLB decides to make him eligible again and the HOF puts him on the ballot, I wouldn't care.

I know I am the old guy yelling about new times. Actually, I am not. I am simply stating I don't enjoy the game nearly as much because of the rule changes and many other parts of the game. I realize younger folks enjoy it more and that's okay.

As for Pete, he's gone and the HOF won't matter to him. Maybe his family would like it.

Was Pete's problem a disease? Was he born too early, now that gambling is all over sports? It's all a complicated situation..

Pete Rose and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2017.

Liverpool Live at The Stage

On my first full night on my recent Florida trip, we went to The Stage to see Liverpool Live. Billed as Florida's Top Beatles Tribute, Liverpool Live lived up to the billing.

The lads started the night in early Beatles black suits, while performing songs from the first few years of the group. Before intermission, they took pictures with folks by the stage. That was a nice touch, especially for picture hounds like me. Now I didn't have to worry about getting a pic after their show.

After intermission, they returned in Sgt. Pepper long coats, while doing songs from the middle years. They took off the coats to reveal the look from Abbey Road, while finishing with the last years of the Fab Four.

It was a great show. I'd say George sounded the most like a Beatle, but they all nailed the spirit and sound. I really liked that they played plenty of the favorites (they couldn't possibly play all the hits), but the also played several lesser-known, but still popular songs.

Liverpool Live also interacted with the audience a bit, but not overly so. They sang "Happy Borthday" to one person, invited a couple to dance and a few other bits of engagement.

Go to liverpoolliveband.com for more info on the band. Also, check my recap on globaltravelerusa.com.

 Liverpool Live and me in Bonita Springs, FL-February 2025.

Friend Encounters: Santino Marella and Crystal

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends meeting celebrities.

Santino Marella made his mark in wrestling as a bit of a comedy act. It wasn't that he wasn't a good wrestler. It was more that he was hilariously funny. Whether intentionally mispronouncing names (John Chaina) or bringing out the Cobra (sock over his hand), Marella kept all entertained. In fact, he may have been too funny for the sake of his wrestling. Don't discount his wresling though. This wouldn't work if he wasn't a solid wrestler.

Someone else you shouldn't discount in the ring is Crystal White. She might look beautiful, but she is a force in the ring. Crystal has been doing more wrestling lately, but she has built a solid 20+ career in the ring.

As I have written, I first met her back about 10 years ago at Resistance Pro. Unfortunately, a video cam malfunction costs me my interview with "The Original Diva." I'm still trying to get that interview done. Let this serve as my public plea or my manifestation to interview Crystal this year.

Crystal and Santino met at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Blizzard Brawl. This is a great annual event, featuring wrestling legends and current stars. I was fortunate enough to get a picture with both of them.

Santino Marella and Crystal in Waukesha, WI-December 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #728 Chris Hadfield & John McCain

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys.

Born in Ontario, Chris Hadfield seemingly did everything. He is a retired Canadian astronaut, writer, engineer, fighter pilot, musician and more. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years. He was in space for 165 days. A devoted fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he wore a jersey under his spacesuit for his Soyuz re-entry in 2013. That would have made a cool Celebrity Jersey Card, but this one works, too.

Deceased politician John McCain was born in Coco Solo, Panama and gre up to represent Arizona in Congress for over 35 years.He also received several awards and medals for his many years in the service. Naturally, for his Celebrity Jersey Card, McCain repped his home state Arizona Coyotes.

Karen Mills at Off the Hook

On my recent trip to Florida to visit my sister and brother-in-law, we went to Off the Hook Comedy Club in nearby Naples. The headliner was comedian Karen Mills. 

Before we went, we did a bit of research on Mills. A veteran of 30+ years of entertaining audiences, Mills had an interesting story even before she stepped on stage. At 5'2", she was a long shot to make the basketball team at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. She not only made the team, but became the first, Division 1 first team All-American in UT Chattanooga’s history.

On another note, Prior to the show, I emailed Mills asking for a post-show picture. She responded positively. After the show, Mills took the pic with me, but explained she was under the weather. I thanked her for going above and beyond. A couple days later, she posted she canceled a show due to her illness. I hope she is better by now, but I really appreciate her effort in light of feeling lousy.

Find more about her at karenmills.com. My whole Florida recap will soon be on globaltravelerusa.com/blog/.

Karen Mills and me in Naples, FL-February 2025.

Swag: Chicago Bandits 2017 Team Autographed Softball

With the Chicago Bandits theoretically back, it's the perfect time to feature Bandits swag. How about an autographed team ball?

The 2017 Chicago Bandits were more interesting than usual. A partnership of sorts was formed with Team Australia, which saw eight Aussies join the Bandits for the season. The Elite Eight produced a few athletes who represented Australia in the 2021 Olympics.

Having Aussies on the team created an unusual dynamic. The fine folks in Australia began following the Bandits, bringing a real international flavor to the team and the fan base. The players and their families and friends could not have been nicer.

National Pro Fastpitch fans didn't know how to feel about this at first. Teams get new players every year, but getting eight players "on loan" from Australia meant eight less jobs for players we all knew better. While it was different, it wasn't a bad thing. It quickly became a good thing when the Aussies blended into the team and the Aussie fans merged with Bandit Nation. In the end it was a really cool experience, made even cooler by seeing some the the Aussie Eight play in the Olympics.

The 2017 team ball is one of about 25 softballs I received over the years covering the NPF. they are all special in their own way, but this one is certainly unique because of the Aussie Eight.

Kal Herro at Squared Circle Expo

The Fannypack Kid is coming to the Squared Circle Expo V. Kal Herro will be appearing at the great two-day wrestling convention in Indianapolis April 25-26.

From a young age, Kal seemed destined to enter the world of professional wrestling. Being around his promoter father David, Kal learned the business from an early age. He also learned from many pro wrestlers, including Al Snow, his tag partner in The Newest Rockers.

While Kal has had a lot of guidance, he worked his way up and earned everything he has. The best part is he is as humble and gracious outside the ring as he is talented inside it. Clearly proud papa David did well and Kal followed the lead of dad and his friends like Snow.

He currently wrestles at Ohio Valley Wrestling. At SCX V, he will defend the SCX tag titles with Snow. That is just one of several interesting matches already announced for SCX V. There will be a full Saturday night wrestling card.

Of course, that all comes after two days of meet-and-greets, Q&As, panels, photo ops and so much more. It is a convention for wrestling fans, run by wrestling fans, who are also outstanding folks. This is one of the best-run conventions I have ever attended. It is a yearly must on my calendar.

For more info, go to SquaredCircleX.com. Check back here for my updates.

Kal Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2024.

Happy Birthday, Sam

There's my adventurous niece Sam. Today she is celebrating her birthday with her parents, but I celebrate her from afar.

Sam has the biggest heart, loves animals and is always off on some adventure. She has so much spirit. She's done stuff I never had the courage to even think about trying. I work for Global Traveler, while she is a global traveler. (I have to talk to Publisher Fran about getting her on the cover. LOL). Seriously, she deserves that and so much more.

Did I mention her brave work in the healthcare industry during the Covid outbreak. Yes, she's also one brave young lady.

I am sure she will enjoy her special day, then be off to another adventure of some sort. Meanwhile, I send her love and best wishes for a happy birthday and great year!

Cards That Never Were: Dan Fife Topps 1975

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

 After starring at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), pitcher Danny Fife was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2nd round of the 1971 MLB June Draft. In March 1973, Fife was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Jim Perry. Fife made his MLB with the Twins that season, splitting time with the Twins and their minor league AAA team. The 1974 season was much the same. After spending the 1975 season in the minors, Fife retired. For his career, Fife pitched 14 games, going 3-2 with a 5.43 ERA. He did have one complete game.

For his efforts, Topps gave Fife a card in the 1975 ser. That left a 1975 career capper card missing. Once again, I was beaten to it by Lynn from the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group. Since there was no need to try to duplicate Lynn's creation, especially since he is the master, I feature his work. Lynn is probably the most prolific contributor of Custom Baseball Card Facebook group, with thousands of creations, but there are many other excellent creations from others and not just baseball cards, despite the group's title.

The Chicago Bandits Are Back?

The Chicago Bandits are back...sort of. All is know certain or known yet, but there is a Bandits team, at least.

The Chicago Bandits played in the NPF, which folded several years ago, Athletes unlimted started with a new points based softball league. This season, AU Sports added a new softball league under the traditional softball format. One of the teams is the Bandits, but despite the logo incorporating bits of Chicago, a city designation has not been made.

This season will be a barnstorming sort of season. The four teams will play about 26 games in several cities to be named. Presumably one of those cities will be Chicago. Even though it will only be a few games this year, softball fans in Chicago are rejoicing.

One thing is for sure. Sahvanna Jaquish is a Bandit again. Sahvanna is coming out of retirement. So far, she is the only former Bandit to be named for the new Bandits. We love Sahvanna, but we hope for more former Bandits to become current Bandits.

Sahvanna was one of the most versatile players and a fan favorite. My interview with her can be found at On the Beat with Sahvanna Jaquish.

Welcome back, Sahvanna. We can't wait to see you on the field.

Sahvanna Jaquish and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2017.

Friend Encounters: Mya Caras & Mike Pankow

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Mike Pankow is the Dean of Chicago wrestling writers. Mike's Windy City Slam is a great place for wrestling recaps, interviews, calendars and more of Chicago area wrestling and the big companies, too. Mike is basically a one man show, although at times, he has used a few helpers, myself included. It's always a pleasure to contribute anything to Mike's work.

Rocket Pro Wrestling based in Joliet is one of Mike's regular coverage spots and justifiably so. First, he lives near there. Perhaps more important, Roclet Pro is one of the best companies around.

At the January RPW show, Mike was there early as usual, getting quotes, pictures, setting up interviews and more for future coverage. "The Muscle Mommy" Mya Caras was one of the many wrestlers Mike saw. Caras is a powerhouse.

I am very impressed with the little I have seen of her. I am curious to see where she fits in with RPW. They don't have a women's division or even women's matches. Will she battle men? Will they bring in more women?

From her looks and moves I have seen, I think she could be believable in battling men. Granted, it might be a stretch to see her face the bigger men like Marshe Rockett, but I could see her feuding with some of the others before hopefully settling into a new women's division. RPW is ready for a women's division.

For more info on Mike's work or RPW, go to WindyCitySlam.com. You can also go directly to RocketProWrestling.com.

Mike and Mya Caras in Joliet, IL-January 2025.

Happy Birthday, Louie

I call him Luigi, Squeegie, Mr. Aparicio, Luger and more. Today I call him a birthday boy. Most importantly, I call him a great friend.

I've known Louie since I "stole" his desk at work in September 1987. A high school job for him, a part time job for me until I found a real job, that place became our home for the next 17 years (although Louie had already been there a couple years).

Louie is more like a brother to me than anything else. His family adopted me as an honorary Greek and welcomed me from the start. He put me on his softball team when I wasn't very good, but he knew I needed to get out of my home. (I did repay him with a few timely hits over the years lol.)  

We don't work together as much these days. Covid hurt our distribution business and we went different ways workwise. Work didn't define our friendship though.

I couldn't ask for a better workmate, business partner or friend. I also couldn't ask for a better left fielder.

I am sure Louie is celebrating with his family today. (How did his boys get so big so quickly?). I wish him a great birthday from here. Happy birthday, Lou, you deserve it.

Louie and family in Greece-Summer 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #727 Gracie Hunt & Torrie Wilson

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Today is one last Super Bowl tribute with the winner getting last billing.

The daughter of Kansas City Chiefs chief executive officer Clark Hunt and granddaughter of Lamar Hunt, one of the founders of the American Football League, Gracie Hunt is the oldest of three children. She is also a beauty queen, earning the titles of Miss Texas Teen International in 2016 and 2018 and Miss Kansas USA in 2021. Concussions derailed her dreams of being a soccer star, but she is quite busy anyway. Travis Kelce is a future Hall of Famer, but #87 never looked better.

Born in Boise, Idaho, Torrie Wilson grew up to be a model and professional wrestler. Although her main in-ring action lasted only 10 years, Wilson is considered one of the favorites of her era, as witnessed at wrestling conventions. Wilson gets extra points for having a helmet on her Celebrity Jersey Card. I wonder if she used it in that match?

SSW Former Women's Champ Sophia Rose

Sophia Rose and me in Kenosha, WI-September 2024.

Happy Valentine's Day

To celebrate Valentine's Day, I present several appropriate autographs I have.

Grammar Police: Today Years Old

This could be an Absurdities post, a rant or A Grammar Police post. It fits all.

I realize people want to be cute and funny on social media, but I absolutely hate posts that start with "I was today years old when..." There's no such thing. Stop it. Please just stop it.

I won't go into all the reasons it makes no sense. Let me ask this though. If you learned it yesterday, would you be yesterday years old when you...?

Because I have no lawn, I can't yell at kids for being on it. Now, I will shake my fist and yell at some clouds.

Happy Birthday, JayHawk

When I first met Jason, he was a young college student working part-time as a telemarketer. His interests were mainly Star Wars and the Chicago Blackhawks. Now some 30 years later, so much has changed. He is a married man with two children, whose main interests are Star Wars and the Chicago Blackhawks. Okay, maybe things haven't changed that much.

Today I celebrate the birthday of my dear friend. We've been through a lot together. When he joined the staff at Lerner, I never imagined 30 years later he would be a great friend.

Happy birthday to my pal. I hope the force is with you this year!

Jerry Lawler at Squared Circle Expo

The King is coming to Squared Circle Expo. That would be the King of wrestling, Jerry Lawler.

Lawler will join about 60 other wrestling stars and legends in the two day SCX. In addition to the huge lineup of wrestling stars (or royalty), there are panels, Q&As, photo ops, a full wrestling card and so much more.

It is a well-organized and run event by four great friends. Every year it gets better and bigger. This year promises to top all. That is a credit to the hard work and dedication of the organizers. They aren't a nameless corporation. They are four wrestling fans who know how to run a fantastic convention.

Lawler is a well-seasoned convention veteran. Having met him several times at various conventions, the King is always great with the fans. I look forward to seeing him again this year.

SCX runs April 25-26 at the Wyndham in Indianapolis. Tickets are welling fast, but there are still a bunch left. Get yours today.

Check squaredcirclex.com for updates and scheduling on SCX V. See you there!.

Jerry Lawler and me in New York, NY-October 2021.

Friend Encounters: Kevin Rahm and Troy G.

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Troy G. is a media friend, who is a part of the Geary Stein & Stevens Show podcast. Last year, he covered the Big Slick Kansas City Celebrity Softball weekend and met a bunch of stars and athletes.

In 2010, Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis came together with an idea. Fifteen years later, Big Slick is growing bigger and better every year. It has raised more than $21 million for Children's Mercy. This May 30-31, it will add to that total.

Check out BigSlickKC.org for ore info. Also follow Troy on The Geary Stein & Stevens Show.

Troy and Kevin Rahm in Kansas City, MO-May 2024.

Friend Encounters: Marley Shelton and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends meeting celebrities.

This one hurts. I cannot deny it. My pal Tony met Marley Shelton (aka Wendy Peffercorn).

Although she has had a lengthy and successful career, Shelton will always be remembered by me (and millions of other men my age) for her role in The Sandlot. One of my favorite movies of all-time (not because of Shelton), The Sandlot was about a bunch of teenagers playing baseball. One of the boys was Squints Palledorous, who had a major crush on the older Wendy. Squints wisely took an opportunity at the local pool to kiss lifeguard Wendy when she tried reviving him after a pool "accident." It was such a cute scene.

So there is my pal Tony meeting Shelton while at a horror convention in Kentucky. Shelton is certainly in my top 5 of actresses I want to meet and Tony knows it. I am sure he took special glee in meeting her and posting this pic. Okay, I admit, a sliver of me is happy for him, too.

Someday, I hope to meet Shelton. It's okay if I meet her with Tony, but if he's not there, I will admit I will have a special bit of glee, too, as I post the picture.

Tony and Marley Shelton in Lexington, KY-October 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #726 Josh Shapiro & Jenna Bush

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards fr Celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today is as political as I ever get.

Ironically, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He took office as the 48th Governor of the Keystone State in 2023. Shapiro met his future wife in the ninth grade and reconnected after college. Given his birth place and his current job, I wonder who Shapiro really wants to win. Either way, his Eagles jersey lands him on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Daughter of President George W. Bush, Jenna Bush was born in Dallas, Texas. While this certainly isn't the reason for her wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, it is interesting that the Chiefs started as the Dallas Texans in 1952, before moving to Kansas City the next season. Her husband, Henry Hager, appears to be from Virginia and the couple seem to live in New York. None of that explains her Chiefs jersey though. No matter, it earned her a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Denis DeJordy Topps 1973 & '74

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create digital trading cards for players missed in various sets. I borrowed this concept from far too many to thank, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

From Saint-Hyacinthe, PQ, Canada, goalie Denis DeJordy debuted in the minors in the 1957-58 season. He was called up by the Chicago BlackHawks during the 1960-61 playoffs but did not play. His name was engraved on the Stanley Cup and he appeared in the Hawks' Stanley Cup team picture, even though he had yet to play a single NHL game. He made his NHL debut in the 1962-63 season. Midway through the '69-70 season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens midway through the '71-72 season and then again to the Detroit Red Wings after that season. After the '73-74 season, DeJordy closed out his career. He played in 317 games and had a 3.14 goals against average with a .902 save percentage.

For his effort, DeJordy received cards from Parkhurst, Topps or OPC from 1961-62 through '72-73. That left two years to complete his career. I found enough pictures to make those cards.

Talking Travel with Karen Schaler

My latest interview guest on Talking Travel for Global Traveler is Karen Schaler, three-time Emmy award winner, author and creator of Travel Therapy. You've probably seen her movies on the Hallmark Channel and elsewhere, but now you can get a little more of her story.

Travel Therapy is about choosing specific destinations or vacations based on what you need, not because the place is warm or other such reasons. Karen believes each emotion or reason needs to be addressed to determine where is the best place to go. Of course, that is my simplistic quick description. Karen's research goes deep. 

Karen also created Christmas Camp and several other things on her platform. She has created quite a lot to help travelers and we appreciate it.

Find the interview at Talking Travel with Karen Schaler. Also, subscribe to the GT You Tube channel (It's free and you won't be bothered by emials etc.)

Jeff Isom and the Chicago Dogs

Jeff Isom has spent most of this century managing minor league baseball teams. He has racked up more than 1,000 wins during hat span. (Remember, minor leagues do not play 162 games like MLB.) Last season, Isom led the Chicago Dogs to a 55-45 record. 

Prior to managing, Isom was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round of the 1993 MLB draft. He played pro baseball for seven seasons, but did not reach the MLB.

During this ofseason, Isom decided to open a baseball facility in his home area of Lafayette, IN. We will miss him in Chicago, but we wish him well.

 Jeff Isom and me in Rosemont, IL-June 2024.

Mascot Spotlight: Providence's Friar Dom

Providence University's Friar Dom has been called the creepiest mascot. I think that's an unfair opinion. Even if it is accurate, is that a bad thing?

Friar Dom debuted in 2002, replacing the live Dalmation mascot. Dalmations are called "the watchdogs of the Lord." The Friar Dom mascot has been tweaked over the years, each one seemingly slightly ghastlier.

I repeat, what's wrong with that? With the possible exception of kittle kids, this Friar Dom mascot isn't going to make anyone cry, but an intimidating mascot isn't a bad thing. Must all mascots be lovable lumps of fur with goofy faces (not that there's anything wrong with that)? I applaud Providence for creating Friar Dom this way, even if it might be unintentional/ Serendipity can be a beautiful thing, even if it relates to a ghoulish mascot.

Go to Friars.com for more info on Providence sports. Check back here for more mascot fun.

Providence Friar Dom and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Happy Anniversary to Global Traveler

Happy anniversary and congratulations to Global Traveler on hitting 21 years. What an amazing run it has been.

Publisher (and longtime friend) Fran Gallagher had a dream and made it happen in February 2004. Fortunately for me, I was involved right from the start. I have worn many hats in GT, but it has been great.

GT has survived the decline of print magazines. GT survived the Covid shutdown. No matter the obstacle, GT overcomes, survives and actually gets stronger.

It all goes back to Fran, but also his staff. Many of us have been with GT for 10+ years.

As GT embarks on Year 22, I look forward to what's next. 

The Global Traveler Team in Beverly Hills, CA-December 2024. 

Friend Encounters: Anthony Michael Hall and Michael K.

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I have featured comic creator Michael Kingston many times here. Usually Michael is pictured with wrestling stars, which makes sense considering his Headlocked Comic is about wrestling. Today, though, I show Michael with actor Anthony Michael Hall.

Michael is s creative as he is determined and busy. All of this makes him the success he is. He went from being disappointed by unrealistic comics to creating his own comic, which quickly became successful and has been growing ever since. Headlocked Comics has been embraced by the wrestling community, both insiders and fans, which isn't easy, considering the often fickleness of the fan base.

Michael does many conventions promoting his work. Obviously, aside from working with them, that is where he meets lots of wrestlers. That's also where he met Hall.

Hall has had an interesting career. From a geeky young actor to an established excellent actor, Hall has impressed me with his body of work and his growth, Having met Hall, too, I was very happy to see he was a genuinely nice guy.

I like these pics, because it shows others are just as happy to meet celebrities. Michael obviously posts a lot of his wrestler pictures, but he proudly posted this one, too, and I am appy to give Michael a little extra exposure.

Fir more info on Michael's work, go to HeadlockedComic.com. Check back here for my updates on Michael and more of his celebrity meetings.

Michael Kingston and Anthony Michael Hall in Richmond, VA-March 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #725 Alex Trebek & Linda Ronstadt

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I make virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. I'm taking a break from football to go old school hockey.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, Alex Trebek rose to fame hosting game shows. He reached his peak on his long run as host of Jeopardy! for more than 36 years, winning eight Emmy Awards. In 1996, Trebek ran one leg of the Olympic torch's journey to Atlanta. He became a U.S. citizen, but his ties to Canada were strong with his love of hockey. That explains his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Linda Ronstadt was born in Phoenix, Arizona and grew up to be a music icon. Among her many awards are 11 Grammy Awards. With a career starting in 1965, she entertained millions for more than 45 years, before mostly retiring. I don't know of any hockey connection for Ronstadt. Maybe she just wore it in concert in Toronto. Either way, she eaned a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Pinfalls: WWE Royal Rumble 2025

Let's get ready to rumble! My The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast partner Tommy Else and I are definitely ready to rumble and so is the WWE.

The WWE Royal Rumble is Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana starting at 5 p.m. CST on Netflix. This will be the 38th annual Royal Rumble. In 1988, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan won the first Royal Rumble. Last year Cody Rhodes won the Men's Rumble by eliminating CM Punk. Asuka won the first Women's Royal Rumble in 2018, while Bayley won last year by eliminating Liv Morgan. No woman has ever won twice, but several could accomplish that feat this year.

There are four matches on the card:

Men's Royal Rumble

Women's Royal Rumble

Undisputed WWE Championship (Ladder Match)

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens

WWE Tag Team Championship (2 of 3 falls)

DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampo (c) vs. Motor City Machine Gun (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin)

Being the first event of the year, Tommy and I start fresh in our battle. I won in 2021 and last year, while Tommy took 2022-23, but I hold a slim one win lead lifetime.

Make your predictions, watch the video here and see how you do against us. Check theeverydayfan.com wrestling coverage.