Friend Encounters: Kal and David Herro

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

This is a fun Friend Encounters. Ten or so years ago, it would be celebrity David Herro and his son Kal. Now, it is celebrity Kal and his dad David. Ever humble and proud, David would have it no other way.

While David was making a name for himself as a wrestling promoter, among other business ventures, young Kal was absorbing all in the wrestling world. When he was old enough, Kal joined Ohio Valley Wrestling, run by WWE legend Al Snow. With a lot of hard work, including overcoming injuries, Kal became the OVW champ. Nobody was more proud than papa David, even if David now got second billing. LOL

Never was their dynamic more visible than the premiere of The Herro's Journey, a documentary on David's life. In the film and at the showing, the mutual love, respect and bond was evident.

It is a pleasure knowing both of these men and to call them friends. Saturday at the 20th Blizzard Brawl, I will see these men again!

On a related note, I encourage everyone to check The Herro's Journey. It's the story of a great man and a wonderful relationship with his son, with wrestling as a backdrop. It's heartwarming and uplifting and be prepared to shed a tear or two. I know I did.

David and Kal in Bend, WI-May 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #770 Lil John & Percy Miller

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series featuring celebrities wearing sports jerseys. I'll "rap" up November with these two (sorry).

Born in Atlanta, Johnathan H. Smith went on to fame as rapper Lil John. His son started following in his footsteps as a dj when he was only 11. Lil John is an avid sports fan and actually received a championship ring from the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Truly showing his fandom, Lil John wears #6 of the Sacramento Kings, a number retired to represent fans, on his Celebrity Jersey Card. Mascot Slamson joins him on the card. 

New Orleans native Percy Miller is better know by his stage name of Master P. An inheritance from his grandfather helped Miller found No Limit Records and Tapes  That was the foundation for his future success. An outsanding basketball player, Miller played for a few minor league teams and was in a couple NBA training camps, including the Charlotte Hornets. His Celebrity Jersey Card comes from an exhibition game. Miller sported #15, most notably worn by Kemba Walker.

Appreciating "The Ego" Robert Anthony

It had been way too long since I saw "The Ego" Robert Anthony wrestle. I got spoiled from working with him in Resistance Pro Wrestling many years ago.

Back then, I was new to the Chicago independent wrestling scene. I quickly learned Ego was among the best. In our few years together at RPro, I never saw anything less than an excellent match from Ego. I have often said he has no weakness. He's great on the mic and in the ring, either as  agood guy or a baddie.

I also learned he is a quality person. He helped my young cousin through a difficult time. Ego did this for other youngsters, too. Ego is a teacher by trade, but he impacts folks outside of the classroom, too.

My pal Tony had never seen Ego wrestle. When I saw he was appearing at AAW Pro in Berwyn and our schedules allowed it, I knew we had to go.

Ego was the first person we saw when entering and he greeted us warmly. Later we saw him in a tag team match. While I would have preferred a singles match to see more of Ego, he had several moments in the match that reminded me of classic Ego.

Ego was also running a Toys for Tots toy drive. He filled one big box before the nght had barely started.

Ego started his own wrestling company based out of the Joliet area. Some day I hope to make one of his shows.

I am grateful for my RPro experience because of people like Ego. It has been great watching him wrestle, but even better knowing him and calling him friend..

Robert Anthony and me in Berwyn, IL-November 2025.

Leia Huddleston at Fan Expo

Artist Terry Huddleston's booth is always a stop I make whenever he is at Fan Expo. Terry's art is incredible.

Terry first caught my attention many years ago. He had a backdrop of superhero heads he drew. They were incredible and certainly attracted folks. This year, I almost didn't recognize his booth, because he had made changes. It still was as appealing, but I didn't recognize it as his at first. Then I saw his smiling better half, Leia.

She said Terry was working a different convention. How cool that he has his stuff at multiple conventions. He is quite popular and it is well-deserved.

I usually get a pic with Terry, as I do with all creators. This time, i got Leia for the first time, as she stepped in for Terry. They are such a cool couple. I always enjoy seeing their happy faces, along with his new artwork.

For info on future events, go to fanexpohq.com. Also go to terryhuddlestonart.com to learn more about Terry and his awesome art.

Leia Huddleston and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2025.

Talking Travel with Kacy Standohar

I love it when I can combine my Global Travel world with my friends. Obviously, I can't just interview my friends for no reason in the Talking Travel series, but when I see a possibility, I jump on it.

Such was the case with Chicago media personality Kacy Standohar. I first met Kacy when she was an in-game host for the Chicago bandits. She had just relocated from her native Ohio. Since then, her career has blossomed. She is all over the Chicago sports scene, including the NBC5 newscast. It has been a pleasure watching her career grow, because she is such a wonderful and talented person. She has earned everything she has.

When I interviewed Kacy a couple years ago for here, she mentioned her dream trip would be to Italy. She also said she had never left the country. Since then, I saw her social media posts about trips to Italy, France, San Francisco, Nashville and more. That seemed to be a great focal point for a Talking Travel interview and it turned out to be a fun one.

Our interview is at Talking Travel with Kacy Standohar on the GT YouTube channel. While you're there, please subscribe to the channel. It's free, you won't be bugged and it helps my job.

Blizzard Brawl 2025: Al Snow

Blizzard Brawl returns December 6 in Waukesha. That's just 10 days away. As always, I will be "On the Beat" meeting wrestlers and watching great matches.

One of the highlights is always Al Snow. I have seen, interviewed and chatted with Al so often, I consider us friends. Al might say otherwise, but his wife Jessica will usually agree with me on that (although sometimes she plays the heel). Actually, they are both great folks and always greet me with a hug and a big smile. Al sometimes also gives me a soft punch for fun.

My buddy Tony and I talk about how surreal it is that we actually know Al, after watching him in the ring for so many years. Little did we know years ago when we watched him as Leif Cassidy or any of his other gimmicks, we would become friends with him. 

It really hit home when Tony saw Al at an event I could not make. Al asked him where I was. It's one thing to be nice when he sees me, but to actually notice and ask about me when I am not there is wild.

Blizzard Brawl is a must on my yearly calendar. Having been to many Blizzard Brawls, I can say they never disappoint. Between the large guest lineup and the awesome matches, it's fun all night. Don't let the many wrestlers worry you though. There is plenty of time to meet all of them. 

For more info, go to GLCWWrestling.com. Also, check back here formy recurring coverage.

 Al Snow and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2022.

Ask Trevor Mueller About Comics

Comic artist and creator Trevor Mueller is one of the first creators I met and befriended through comic cons. I met and interviewed him many years ago, but my most recent interview with him is at On the Beat With Trevor Mueller.

Trevor has a lengthy resume of his own creations, as well as contributing stories to several anthologies. One of his most successful works is Albert the Alien.

In Artist Alley at comic cons, it is hard to stand out. Trevor has a unique setup. Along with his booth, Trevor holds a sign reading "Ask me about my comic." It sounds very simple and it is, but it is also effective. I am familiar with his sign, but one of my assistants wasn't. When walking by Trevor, my guy pointed him out as a potential interview. That's how it works. Of course, I explained it to my assistant and we congratulated Trevor on mission accomplished.

Trevor is such a creative person. I always stop by his booth to "ask him about his comics," but of course, I don't need the sign to push me. I will always check his booth/

For more info on Trevor, go to trevormueller.com. If you are at a comic con, go to his booth and "ask him about his comics."

Trevor Mueller and me in Rosemont, IL-Agust 2025.

Friend Encounters: Ken Sanders and Dennis

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Former Major League pitcher Ken Sanders was one of the first baseball cards I remember. As the years passed, it always seemed he was on a different team, mostly because he was. From1972-77 on Topps cards, he was with the Brewers, Phillies, Indians, Angels, Mets and Royals. He never actually pitched for the Phillies and he never got a card with the Twins for whom he did pitch during those years. After debuting in 1964, he spent parts of three seasons each with the Kansas City/Oakland A's and the Brewers, with a quick stop with the Red Sox.

My buddy Dennis is not that well-traveled, but he gets around to a lot of meet-and-greets, usually featuring Wisconsin players. That's where the Sanders picture originated. I have seen Dennis meet a lot of former players with better resumes, but I really appreciate this one. I love seeing older less-known players get some spotlight.

Dennis and Ken Sanders in Milwaukee, WI-May 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #769 Patricia Kara & Missa Kate

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series on which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Today I feature two of my favorite Chicago area ladies.

Patricia Kara rose to fame holding briefcase #9 on tv's Deal or No Deal. I have had the pleasure of interviewing Patricia a few times and she is always a fun guest. She wrote one book, Dream On...Now Deliver and is going to be releasing another one soon. That should mean another interview. Patricia had some fun with Johnstown Tomahawks mascot Chopper to earn her Celebrity Jersey Card. She previously appeared on a CJC wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey. I say Chicago teams need to bring her in for something. I want to see Patricia in a Chicago jersey.

I have written many times about "Chicago's Favorite Sweetheart" Missa Kate. Equally excellent as a good or bad guy in the wrestling ring, Missa has the best circle kick I have seen on the independent (or any) wrestling scene. She also happens to be be one of the nicest and most engaging wrestlers you will ever meet. Missa threw out the first pitch for the Chicago Cubs to get her celebrity Jersey Card. Of course, it was a strike!

Cards That Never Were: Jim Sims Topps 1977

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.

Jim Sims played football at Los Angeles Harbor College and the University of Southern California before being selected by the New York Giants in the 12th round in the 1974 NFL draft. He opted to play in the World Football League for two seasons. I don't know how he came to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he appeared in two games, starting one, in the 1976 season.

Of course, Topps did not give Sims a card. Still, I firmly believe all players deserve a card. I love finding pictures for players like Sims. The picture is from the game he started, a 31-14 loss to te New England Patriots. I couldn't find defense stats, but it appears he tackled running back Don Calhoun.