Dirk Manning at Motor City Comic Con 2018

Fan Expo returns to Chicago August 14-16. As always, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend meeting all sorts of creators and celebrities.

Over the years, some of the creators have become friends. Dirk Manning is at the top of that list.

With an interesting booth and his face half-covered, Dirk knows how to draw people to his booth. He drew me to his booth about 15 years ago and I stop by every time we're at the same convention.

Dirk is a comics-creator, although he also wrote a very successful 'how-to" book on writing. More recently, he started doing graphic novels for wrestlers. That just shows his talent and versatility.

I have interviewed Dirk many times and he always delivers. He even revealed his favorite ice cream spot (Jeni's, and he was right), which is appreciated given his appreciation of ice cream.

Dirk is a great guy. If you see him at a convention, stop and check out his work. Also, take a minute to chat with him. He's full of interesting stories.

Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates. Also, go to DirkManning.com for more info on him.

Dirk Manning and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Bananas or Crime Fighters

The Savannah Bananas actually started as a legit baseball team. Once they added entertainment, they started to become a phenomenon. Since then, they incorporated more entertainment, while keeping baseball as the soft backbone. They still play games and still compete, although the actual rules of baseball are often ignored, not that anyone cares.

Basically, the Bananas are sort of like the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball. They sell out stadiums wherever they go. I don't know when (if?) the novelty will wear off, but for now, the Bananas are extremely popular.

Earlier this summer, the Bananas played a three-game series against the Fire Fighters (one of the six teams in the Banana Ball League) at Wrigley Field. When Dunkin' hosted a Banana event near my home that morning, I met brothers Zachary and Noah Bridges of the Fire Fighters. The event drew a huge crowd, as most Bananas events do.,

Zachary and Noah Bridges and me in Chicago, IL-July 2026.

Supernova of the Chicago Stars

The last time I covered a Chicago Stars game, I saw mascot Supernova greeting fans at the entrance. Of course I had to get a picture with him. For my first game this year, of course he was on my list to get again. 

As I left the Media Room and headed to the pressbox, I almost ran into him. I took advantage of the perfect timing and asked for a picture. His handler took the photo and my goal was accomplished early. It was almost too easy.

Supernova debuted in 2024, as the team was rebranded from the Red Stars. Supernova is described as a Martian with "blue eyes like the Chicago flag and a heart as big as Chicago."

Having secured my mascot picture, I found my spot in the pressbox and settled in for the game. The Stars upset Racing Louisville 3-2 to improve to 5-15-1. Unfortunately, the team is still in last place in the National Women's Soccer League. With 16 points, they trail 15th place Boston Legacy by four points. Moving up that one slot would be a nice way to finish the tough season.

I'll be back with the Stars later this seaosn. Hopefully by then, they will be on a winning streak.

Supernova and me in Evanston, IL-August 2026.

Friend Encounters: Joan Osborne and Chris

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My pal Chris has been featured several times with softball players. A long time supporter of the old Chicago Bandits, Chris was a constant presence at the games, usually taking pictures or supplying more cowbell. When Athletes Unlimited debuted, Chris was back at it, but now he is really happy his Bandits are back, even if it is a different version.

Music is his other passion. If he isn't at a softball game, he is probably at some music venue. I believe he once told me he kept a record of all of his concerts and it numbered more than 1,000. One interesting aspect is his music tastes. He has seen an amazing variety of musicians.

One such musician was Joan Osborne. Perhaps best known for "One of Us," Osborne has performed for more than 40 years. She has been nominated for several Grammy awards and "One of Us" was also nominated for Song of the Year, but that nomination goes to the song writer. Chris saw Osborne at City Winery, a great spot and one of his favorites for a night of music.

For more info on Osborne, go to joanosborne.com. For more info on Chris, go to a Badits game next season or catch him at a concert. Bring a cowbell though, to join the fun.

Chris and Joan Osborne in Chicago, IL-May 2019,

Celebrity Jersey Cards #817: Matt Bevin & Bob Castellini

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing pro jerseys. I continue my season-long march through all MLB teams.

Born in Colorado, Matt Bevin was elected as 62nd governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019. Bevin's political and personal life has come under criticism a few times. The Cincinnati Reds invited Bevin to throw a ceremonial pitch, which landed him on a Celebrity Jersey Card. 

Cincinnati native Bob Castellini is living a baseball fan's dream. He became principal owner of the Reds in 2006. Castellini made positive statements of making the Reds winners, but unfortunately, the team hasn't done well for the most part under his ownership. Castellini's Celebrity Jersey Card seemingly comes from the press conference announcing his ownership.

Cards That Never Were: Bob Beall Topps 1976, '80-'81

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 have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of them.
After starring at Oregon State University, Bob Beall was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 28th round of the 1970 MLB June Amateur Draft. In late 1973, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves. He made his MLB debut in 1975, but spent all of the 1976 and '77 seasons in the minors. After returning to the MLB in 1978, he was traded midseason 1980 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent 1981 in the minors before retiring. All told, he played parts of four seasons, appearing in 148 games, hitting .231 with one HR, 18 RBIs and 32 runs scored.

For his efforts, Topps gave Beall cards in its 1979 set. That left three to create to finish his set. The 1976 card was created by Gio from WhenToppsHadBall.blogspot.com. The site has hundreds of cards missed by Topps, including rookie cards, do-over's, career cappers and more. Gio does a fantastic job.

Talking Travel with Travlin Girl Susan Barnes

I first came across writer Susan B. Barnes a few years ago. Somehow I stumbled upon her article about Reese's peanut butter cups being different than the seasonal varieties. She perfectly explained why there really is a difference. It was an argument I have made many times, but not nearly as eloquently or thoroughly. Fast forward a couple years and I met Susan at a Global Traveler event. I knew she was one of the freelance writers GT used. I thought she would be an interesting interview subject on Talking Travel.

Recently, we finally got that interview done. As I was doing a bit of research on Susan, I saw the Reese's article again. I had not made the connection until then. Of course, I led off our interview talking about that piece.

What does Reese's have to do with travel? Nothing really, but Susan covers a lot of interesting topics, along with her main focus of travel. We discussed all of it in our interview.

People like Susan are vital to the travel industry. As a freelancer, Susan is not obligated to write about anything. She basically creates her agenda. That makes her writing even more meaningful. She doesn't write fluff pieces assigned to her to promote destinations. She writes about her real experiences. Those pieces are much more important and Susan does a great job.

Find the interview on the Global Traveler YouTube channel. While there, please subscribe to help keep these interviews coming.

Ranger Baldy at Library Convention

Earlier this summer, I attended the American Library Association Convention and Conference. When I tell people that, the immediate reaction is boredom, however the event was far from boring.

Held at Chicago's McCormick Place, it was a cross between a comic con and a convention. There were panels, Q&As, speakers, autograph and book signing areas, vendors and more. This was much more than the card catalogue.

Yes, there were some serious sections, such as the one against book banning, literacy promotion and other educational exhibits. Unlike booths for insurance companies or roofers, these exhibits drew large crowds.

In short, there was something or actually several things for everyone. I went expecting to spend an hour or so, but ended up there all day. There was just so much to see, even if I wasn't particularly interested in everything.

Then the real unexpected highlight came for me. While I am always on the lookout for a mascot of any sort, I did not expect to see one there. I was wrong. 

As I approached Magic Factory's booth, I spotted a fuzzy creature. Of course, I had to get a picture with the mascot. I learned it was Ranger Baldy (as in bald eagle). In fairness, I stuck around to learn a bit about the Magic Factory and Ranger Baldy.

The Magic Factory is a family entertainment company. Ranger Baldy is the star of an educational, but fun, book series. I was probably the oldest person t get a picture with Ranger Baldy, but I was probably also the person who learned the most and shared the info with others here and on Global Traveler.

The moral of this story though is not to judge a book by its cover (even if it is a lobrary book...sorry for that pun). If a library convention and conference sounds mind-numbing, give it a chance and you might be surprised with how much fun it is.

Ranger Baldy and me in Chicago, IL-June 2026.

Talking Travel with Mayor Cavalier Johnson

After interviewing Palatine Mayor (and former NFL player) Jim Schwantz about competition between the northwest suburb and Chicago, I wanted to pursue the topic a bit more. I turned to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Much like Schwantz, Johnson agreed there is a natural competition for tourism dollars, but he also stated the focus is more on what Milwaukee has to offer than comparing it to Chicago. Johnson discussed the many great attractions of Milwaukee. Having been to most of the places mentioned, I agree with Johnson and am a big fan of the city.

Johnson gave me interesting insight on many topics, including sports. Having lost a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks lost a major draw, but there is still plenty of fun to be had at Bucks games. The Cubs-Brewers rivalry is also good for both cities.

Go to the Global Traveler YouTube channel to see this interview. Also, please subscribe so I can keep doing fun interviews.

Toledo Mud Hens Mascot Statues

As I have well-documented, I have a fascination with mascots. Whenever I know one will be where I am, I always try to get a picture with the furry creature. I usually succeed.

Although I usually get the mascot pictures, it never hurts to get a little insurance if you can. Such was the case in Toledo a few weeks ago.

The Toledo Mud Hens have two mascots. The first was Muddy and he was joined in 2003 by Muddonna. Although both were my goal, it's never s guarantee. When I saw the statues of both inside the ballpark, I got a picture with them. It's not the same as getting real mascots, but on the other hand, they do qualify as statues.

As I covered a couple weeks ago, I did eventually get a pic with Muddonna, but I missed Muddy. At least I got both in statue form.

Muddy, Muddonna and me in Toledo, OH-July 2026.