Connie Faye at Fan Expo

I first met artist and illustrator Connie Faye many years ago at a convention. I was immediately drawn to her beautiful work. I was impressed by her use of light colors, flowing graphics, interesting images and more.

Based in the Chicago area, Connie has worked in the graphics and illustrations field for 20 years and for several companies, including the United States Marine Corps. She has also provided creations for trading cards.

After seeing her at a couple conventions, she seemed to disappear from them. Recently, I saw her at a couple conventions again. I was so happy to see her and her new illustrations.

Unfortunately, it appears she won't be at many (any?) conventions in the near future. The problem isn't her. It is the conventions. Prices for vendors have gone up a lot. In addition, prices for attendees are much higher. Attendees have o budget their money. They need to pick which ce,ebrities to meet and what merch to buy. Gone are the days when you could get all you want for a reasonable price.

It's really a shame. Fantastically talented folks like Connie Faye are often priced out. Smaller cons aren't the answer either. Smaller crowds mean less sales. Even with lower vendor prcies, it still is questionable for vendors. It's all relative.

I don't have an answer. As long as enough folks go to the conventions, prices will continue to rise. Smaller vendors will have a hard time making it worthwhile.

Connie Faye's website is in transition, too. Her website is still up, but the best place to see her work is Connie Faye on Instagram. For more info on FanExpo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Connie Faye and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Talking Travel with Thor Pedersen

I had the pleasure of interviewing Thor Pedersen, the first person to visit every country without flying. If anyone was perfect for a Talking Travel interview, it is Thor.

Thor had rules about his journey:

1-He would not return home until it was finished.

2-He must stay at least 24 hours in each country.

3-He had a $20 a day budget.

He stuck to those, even enduring a long stay in China during the pandemic. He married his wife three different times during his trip. You can hear all about that in the interview.

The ironic part is Thor did not have a huge interest in travel. It was more for the challenge, although he did develop an interest in travel.

The interview is at Talking Travel with Thor Pedersen on Global Traveler. It is also on the GT YouTube channel and I would greatly appreciate anyone subscribing to that channel. It's free and you won't get bothered by emails etc.

Statues: Michael Jordan

This is a shot you can't get anymore. Since this picture was taken, the Michael Jordan statue has been moved inside the United Center.

Do I need to do any sort of bio on MJ? He's the GOAT. If you disagree, that's fine, but you won't change my mind.

The statue is officially called The Spirit, although sometimes it is called Michael Jordan's Spirit. The statue was unveiled on November 1, 1994. It is a 12-foot sculpture atop a 5-foot black granite base. Prior to every season, the statue gets touched up. It is probably less work since it was moved inside.

Michael Jordan statue an me in Chicago, IL-December 2022.

Jim Blaze of POWW Entertainment

Well, just look at Psychotic Jimmy Blaze and me all spiffed up. That's a rare picture.

I have known Jimmy for many years. His POWW Entertainment was the first independent wrestling I ever attended. While I never abandoned POWW, recently, I have been going to more POWW shows. 

Jimmy gives his all to his shows. Love them or not, the shows feature wrestlers busting their butts to make it fun for fans. Put me in the "Love it" camp, along with most people.

When mutual friend PL Myers renewed his weddin vows, he picked Jimmy and me as part of his groomsmen group. I was proud to be included and took the opportunity to grab as many selfies as I could. Like I started this post, when would Jimmy and I ever look like this again?

POWW's big annual event WrestleRage happens November 1. Find POWW Entertainment on Facebook to get all the details. I'll be in Mexico for my niece's wedding, but I will be back at POWW. I won't be wearing a shirt and tie, but neither will Jimmy.

 Jim Blaze and me in Franklin Park, IL-July 2025.

Friend Encounters: Ickey Woods and Hardcore Heather Owens

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

I firat met Heather O. during our time with Resistance Pro Wrestling. Hardcore Heather made the trek from the Cincinnati area several times and always put on a great match. I think she should have gotten a run with the Women's title, but I wasn't the booker.

Recently, Heather met a Cincy legend. Elbert "Ickey" Woods had a short but legendary time with the Cincinnati Bengals. He burst on the scene in 1988, rushing for 1,066 yards. His touchdown dance, "The Ickey Shuffle" ignited a fan base. Unfortunately, Woods declined quickly. He gained only 459 yards in the next three seasons, while he battled injuries.

From all accounts, Woods was a great guy. His enthusiasm caught on quickly with his teammates and the fans. Few players are better remembered after such a short career. That's how special Woods was.

I know Heather was excited to meet him. A longtime Bengals fan, Heather was just a toddler when Woods played. Still, I know how it feels to meet legends, even if they played before I was around to watch.

I don't know if Woods knew of Heather's wrestling career. If he did, he would be happy to meet her, but she is too humble to sing her own praises. I can though. Although mostly retired, Heather was one of my favorites. As tough as could be in the ring, she was just as nice outside.

She also started Squared Circle Expo with her husband and another couple. SCX is the best wrestling convention and it's no surprise. With those four running it, it has to be great. I wonder if they could get Woods there? Even though he has nothing to do with wrestling, I'd still love to meet him.

Ickey Woods and Heather in Cincinnati, OH-July 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #764 Macaulay Culkin & Charlton Heston

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series featuring celebrities wearing sports jerseys. 

Born in New York, Macaulay Culkin landed his first role when he was only four. He rose to fame in Home Alone and went on to many more roles in his youth. Although not maintaining quite the level of fame, Culkin continued to have a busy career. Culkin is taking it easy on his Celebrity Jersey Card, but he gets extra points for including a Cincinnati Bengals helmet. He is repping Joe Burrow's #9 jersey.

Legendary actor Charlton Heston was born just outside of Chicago. His most notable roles might be as Ben-Hur or Moses, but his resume is lengthy and impressive. Heston's Celebrity Jersey Card comes from Number One, a tale of an aging, injured New Orleans Saints quarterback. Oddly, it came out in 1969 when Billy Kilmer was the QB of the Saints. Heston wore Kilmer's #17 for the movie, but it has no connection to Kilmer.

Cards That Never Were: Mike Squires Oddities

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual cards for players missed in various sets over the years. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of them. You can find more of my creations and a lot of other great creations (and not just baseball cards) in the Custom Baseball Cards group on Facebook.
I have written about Mike Squires and have featured card creations featuring him many times. The former first baseman was my favorite player during his fine career. Squires played for the Whote Sox in 1975 and '77-85. He won the Gold Glove in 1981.
The versatile Squires became the first left-handed catcher in many years, when he appeared behind the plate for two games in 1980. I have been searching for a decent picture of him catching, but have come up empty. I recently saw this picture and, while it is not a real picture of him catching, it is close enough to make a 1981 Topps variation card for Squires

While we are looking at variations, Lynn from the aforementioned FB group began posting baseball players featured on 1985 Topps football cards. I requested a Squires version and Lynn complied very quickly. The '85 football cards are possibly my favorite set. Now my favorite player is featured on my favorite set from another sport.

Goodbye, Good Luck and Thank You Baylee Cosgrove

Baylee Cosgrove is another departing college softball player. Baylee leaves DePaul after an excellent career.

In four seasons, Baylee played 178 games, hitting .255 with 10 HRs, 75 RBIs and 60 runs scored. She hit .320 while starting every game as a senior. Prior to DePaul, Baylee starred in four sports in high school: Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball and Softball.

As always, a new group of rookies will replace the departing players. It's always bittersweet. I love seeing the newbies come in and grow with the team, but I am always a bit sad to see players leave.

I am lucky to know these young ladies for their time at school. It seems I somehow have at least one special memory of each player. Baylee was always one of the happiest players. I probably have more pics with her than other players during her time and she never complained. LOL

Wherever she goes, I am sure Baylee will be a success. As he embarks on that jjourney, I wish her good luck and I thank her for fun memories.

For more info on DePaul sports, go to DePaulBlueDemons.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

 Baylee Cosgrove and in in Chicago, IL-April 2025.

Erik Donner and Me

Yesterday I featured Ral Donner, Jr. Today, I put the spotlight on his brother Erik.

Of course, when I learned of Ral Jr. performing in the area, I also heard about brother Erik, again through Paul Myers. Son after that, I had the pleasure of seeing Erik perform.

Erik definitely has shades of his dad's voice, but he is a bit more of a rocker than Ral or Ral Jr. Each has a unique voice, but I definitely see the connection.

One of the real highlights was seeing Erik perform with Ral Jr. Again, this was a surreal moment.

Ral Jr. and Erik are two very talented musicians. They mostly perform separately around the Chicago area and each is great on his own, but together they are really special.

Like yesterday with Ral, the picture below is from the vow renewal of Paul and Lori Myers. Ral and Erik provided festive music throughout the day. 

Go to erikdonner.com for more info on Erik. Also, follow him on social media and look for his shows if you are in the Chicago area.

Erik Donner and me in Franklin Park, IL-July 2025.

Ral Donner Jr. and Me

The picture below is a bit surreal and a bit odd. At the wedding renewal of Paul and Lori Myers, Joey Roth conducted the ceremony, Ral Donner gave away the bride and I was a groomsman. I have known both Ral and Joey for about five years and both because of Paul.

It's a bit surreal in that Ral's father, Ral Sr. was a singer in the 60s amd 70s. With a voice similar to Elvis, Ral Sr. supplied that voice for an Elvis movie in the 70s. I happened to be a big fan of Ral Sr., when I saw Paul mention Ral Jr. on social media. I had to meet the man and through Paul, it happened.

Since then, I have seen Ral Jr. perform many times. He never disappoints. He is quite capable of covering his dad's songs, as well as others from the 50s through present day music. The guy is massively talented and very engaging.

Back as a kid, when I heard Ral Sr. on Magic104 oldies station, I never figured I would meet and become friends with his son. There I am though.

Go to raldonnerjr.com for more info on Ral. Also, follow him on social media and go to one of his shows, if you are in the Chicago area.

Ral Donner, Joey Roth and me in Franklin Park, IL-July 2025.