Happy Birthday (Not So) Young Master Jason!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of the man who will always be known as Young Master Jason (or YMJ). I will not mention he is closing in on 50.

I cannot take credit for hiring Jason at Lerner Newspapers, that was our other friend Jason. I'd like to think I taught him a thing or two while we worked there. He came in as a slightly rambunctious teenager/ I often had to remind him by saying "tact," whenever I knew he was working outside of our department. Although slightly a challenge to handle, he was a great worker who became a great friend.

I sometimes still think of him as that young kid, but he is a married man with two children. He's grown a lot, without losing any of his energy.

I know we wiill celebrate whenever our group finally gets together again. For today though, I wish him a great day. Happy birthday, YMJ. I love ya, pal. 

 Jason and Heather in Illinois-Summer 2013.

Cryptkeeper John Kassir

Actor John Kassir has a lengthy resume stretching back more than 40 years. He is probably best known as the voice of the Cryptkeeper in HBO's Tales from the Crypt franchise. The voice and laugh are iconic.

While some celebrities eschew being typecast or at least very well known for one certain role, Kassir embraces his time as the Cryptkeeper and rightly so. At comic cons, he is constantly asked to do the voice, leave a voice mail, record a greeting or other such bits. He never seems to tire of it or at least he doesn't show it. I was one of those folks. Kassir did a promo for my site.

Kassir has been the ideal guest at conventions. He's prompt, engaging and fun. He makes each encounter a special moment for the fan. That's all anyone could ever want.

 John Kassir and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2018.

Cards That Never Were: Johnny Rodgers Topps 1977 & '78

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 Nebraska, including winning the 1972 Heisman trophy, wide receiver Johnny Rodgers was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 1973 NFL draft. He opted to play in the Canadian Football League instead. After four seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, Rodgers joined the Chargers. In his second season with the Chargers, he suffered a career-ending knee injury ending his career. All told, he played 17 games in the NFL, getting 17 receptions for 234 yards and no touchdowns.

For his efforts, Topps did not give Rodgers any cards. Once again, the master of card creations Lynn, of Custom Baseball Cards on Facebook, created these gems before I could get to them. The man has created thousands of cards. I wonder exactly how many, but it wouldn't surprise me if it is 10K+.

Friend Encounters: Nic Nemeth and Michael Kingston

What do you get when you combine a wrestling fan with a lot of creativity and talent? One correct answer is Michael Kingston of Headlocked Comics.

I have known Michael for many years now, having first seen him at a comic con about 10 years ago. I have seen him many times since, but more important are the hundreds of other cons he has worked. The man is one of the hardest working folks on the comic con scene and it is paying off for him.

Years ago, Michael was frustrated with wrestling comics. They were unrealistic to him. Instead of griping, Michael was proactive and created his own. It was so well-done and well-received by fans and wrestlers, he quickly gained a following. He also gained contributors, but not just any folks. Wrestlers came to him to be part of this. Talented artist-wrestlers like Jerry "The King" Lawler started doing artwork for the comics. Lawler was followed by dozens of others. Such was the case when Nic Nemeth joined Michael in Richmond, Virginia in 2024. If you look at Michael's FB page, you will see him with all the big names in wrestling.

I couldn't be happier for him. Michael has worked very hard and earned every bit of success. He has also been very kind with his time for me.

When Michael does comic cons, he usually is not alone. Many times, wrestlers will appear with him. 

Go to headlockedcomic.com for more info on all od Micgael's work. Look for Headlocked Comics and Michael at a comic con near you.

Nic Nemeth and Michael Kingston in Richmond, VA-March 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #781 Ozzy Osbourne & Melissa Reese

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Today is a musical tribute to the Super Bowl teams.

Ozzy Osbourne was a musical legend. Born in England, he performed for more than 55 years until his death last year. His Crazy Train has been used for two decades as the into for the New England Patiots. That explains the Patriots jersey. The #1 might be for a player, but I'll bet it is a tribute to Ozzy. In either case, he gets an old school Celebrity Jersey Card.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Melissa Reese has been performing since she was a todler. She started writing music when she was 12 and is currently with Guns N' Roses. Reese earned her Celebrity Jersey Card while singing the anthem at a Seahawks game. She has been known to dye her hair and obviously here she matches the Seahawks colors.

Cards That Never Were: Walter Payton Topps 1988

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

With the Super Bowl tomorrow, I am honoring the player who helped bring the only Chicago Bears Super Bowl win in my life. On a team of legends and characters, he was one of a kind.

The Bears selected Walter Payton with the fourth pick in the 1975 NFL draft. He went on to a Hall of Fame career. He is arguably one of the greatest Bears, but also one fo the best in the NFL, certainly among running backs. Water could do it all. In addition to rushing for 16,726 yards (then a record), he had 4,538 receiving yards and threw for eight TDs, going 11-34 passing. He also punted once for 39 yards. For his efforts, Topps gave Sweetness cards 1976-87, leaving him without a career-capper card. He did have a special Record Breaker card in the '88 set, but especially players like Payton deserve a final card.

That led me to create one for Payton. I am surprised i haven't seen others, since so many talented folks are so productive. In any case, here is a final card for the greatest!

Rachael Adams at Motor City Comic Con 2013

Rachael Adams was one of my first interviews at Motor City Comic Con. A model, actress, spokesperson and more, Rachael was Ms. Michigan America 2015.

Full of positive energy and very engaging Rachael was a great comic con guest and perfect for an interview. I was a bit green, but Rachael was smooth and carried it. 

I saw Rachael a couple more times, but that has been it. I probably haven't seen her since 2015 or so. I have looked for her online. I don't see much. Maybe she opted for a quieter life outside the spotlight.

To me though, Rachael is one of the cool memories, especially from my early days of covering events. She easily could have snubbed me, but she gave me plenty of her time. As a local celebrity, Rachael was very popular at MCCC.

Experiences like those with Rachael gave me the confidence to keep going. Those interviews, although shaky on my part, allowed me to gat comfortable and learn. I will always be grateful to Rachael for her kindness and patience.

Wherever she is, I hope she is doing well. If Rachael happens to see this or if anyone knows of her, please send an update. I would love to know what she is doing these days.

The next MCCC is May 15-17. Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Rachael Adams and me in Novi, MI-May 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #780 Chelsea Green & Jackie Redmond

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create digital cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. In honor of the Winter Olympics, I feature two ladies repping their country.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Chelsea Green rose to fame in pro wrestling. Currently in the WWE, she won titles wherever she has gone. A noted sports fan, she often wears jerseys or jersey-like outfits. I was surprised to see her sporting a Team USA jersey instead of the Canada one, but I'll take it for a Celebrity Jersey Card. Green only needs a football jersey pic to complete her grand slam of Celebrity Jersey Cards.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Jackie Redmond is a broadcaster currently with the WWE. She also covers the NHL. She is a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and I'll be looking for a pic of her in a Leafs sweater to give her a Celebrity Jersey Card. For now, shhe gets a special edition Olympics Celebrity Jersey Card.

Moses the Black

At the invite of Pickwick Theater owner and longtime friend Dino Vlahakis, I met my pals, Chuck and Cuzz to attend opening night of Moses the Black. It seemed especially fitting since February is Black History Month. My full recap is at Moses the Black on Global Traveler.

Moses the Black is the story of a modern-day Chicago gangster who begins to have visions of fourth century Saint Moses the Black. The rest of the movie is his inner battle.

It is a dark movie in tone and production. It is not always an easy movie to watch. None of that is meant as a negative. It is extremely well done from every aspect. It is a very powerful film. While most of us have not done gangster acts, nor do we see visions of saints, we all have doubts and struggles with our actions.

Chuck, Cuzz and me in Park Ridge, IL-January 2026.

Happy Anniversary Global Traveler

In February 2004, Global Traveler published its first issue. As it enters its 23rd year, GT is as strong as ever.

The picture below was taken at last year's GT Tested Readers Survey awards. It's one of GTs annual events and also serves as a bit of an anniversary party. While there are several longtime GT folks, Publisher Fran Gallagher and I are the only originals. Actually, I am a bit surprised at the longevity of several folks. At least four others have been at GT for at least 15 years. That speaks of their commitment and also of the working environment.

It all started and stays with Fran. In 1984m when I met the then-goofball, little did I realize we would still be friends 42 years later, while working for him for the last 22.

It's been a fun ride. I have gone to places, met people and experienced things I never would have with Fran and GT. The few bumps along the way are minimal and far outweighed by the good times.

Happy anniversary GT, Fran and the whole staff. Thank you for so much fun..

The GT Team in Coral Gables, FL-December 2025.