Sheryl Steines at Fan Expo 2024

Fan Expo Chicago returns August 14-16. As usual, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend meeting all sorts of interesting folks.

One of the most interesting creators I have met is Sheryl Steines.I interviewed Sheryl one of the first times I met her. That was a typical coverage interview for Wizard World. Since then though, i really became a fan of her work.

At some point I learned her love of writing started with reading Nancy Drew mysteries. As a big fan of The Hardy Boys books (counterparts to Nancy Drew), I certainly could appreciate that.

Sheryl bills her work as urban fantasy and mystery. Her stories are very character-driven. It is easy to get drawn into the characters once we get to know them. Sheryl does a great job with character development. She also tends to focus on strong women characters, but not at the expense of male ones or stories. Again, Sheryl does a wonderful job with balancing all. That is what makes her a fantastic writer.

She is also a very nice person. She always has time to chat with me. I enjoy seeing her at conventions and checking out what is new with her and her work.

One additional impressive part of Sheryl is she is active on social media and is not afraid to express frustration during dry writing spells. Sheryl shows it isn't always easy, but she shows her talent wins in the end.

I don't know if Sheryl will be at Fan Expo this year, but Artist Alley is filled with dozens of creative folks. You can get more info on Fan Expo and fanexpohq.com. Also, check out Sheryl at sherylsteines.com.

Sheryl and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

Ron Kittle at AUSL

At a recent Chicago Bandits softball game, Tony and I were hanging out on the concourse prior to the game, when I saw a familiar face. I don't usually recognize celebrities, but I was pretty sure I saw former Chicago White Sox Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle. Tony looked over and confirmed my belief.

We went over to him and asked for a picture. He could not have been nicer. We ended up talking to him for several minutes. Kittle asked us a few questions about this incarnation of the Bandits, after telling us he was involved in the beginning stages of the original Bandits. 

It turns out it was White Sox Day at the ballpark, although it wasn't really promoted well. Kittle was there to toss a first pitch. He was accompanied by White Sox mascot Southpaw (and you know I got a picture with him, too). The team gave Kittle a jersey. Although it was a legit jersey, much like the ones they sell in the merch shop, the letters and number on the back are funky. I don't know why those aren;t the same as actual player jerseys. I might even buy one if they backs weren't so funny.

Anyway, Kittle threw overhand, but he landed a perfect strike. He also was interviewed between innings.

Meeting Kittle was a pleasant surprise. I actually met him about 30 years ago. In the era before selfies and digital cameras, the guy taking my picture had his thumb blocking most of the image. At least now, I have a great picture with Kittle.

Tony, Ron Kittle and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2026.

Missa Kate "AKA Missa"

I was a big fan of the wrestler Missa Kate. I am an even bigger fan of the person Melissa.

Missa Kate retired from in-ring action much to the disappointment of all of her fans, including me. Missa had no weakness as a wrestler. She was great as a good or bad guy. She was excellent on the mic. She could brawl or mat wrestler.

As she neared 30 years old, Missa decided to walk away from wrestling and move on with her life. Since then, she has popped up online for various social media posts, but nothing major until last week.

Missa posted an incredible video on her YouTube channel. Missa was open, honest and vulnerable as she discussed her recent battles, including depression, a concussion, drinking and more. She also announced she will be working forward on speaking out and helping others. She doesn't exactly know where all of this is going, but she is determined to make a difference. You can watch the video on the Missa Kate YouTube channel.

I already really liked Missa, but I gained a whole new level of respect for her. I really just wanted to give her a big hug or at least a high-five.

Like Melissa, I don't know where this will all go. I know with her, it will go some place positive. I support her efforts and will update all on her future projects.

Missa Kate and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Dan Parent at Wizard World 2021

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

Dan Parent is an artist and writer I met many years ago. Known for his work on the Archie franchise, Dan has done plenty of other work, too. He has done so much great work with Archie that other work gets overshadowed.

With Archie, he introduced Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in the series. He also has done crossovers with Sharknado and Batman.

With a lot fewer comics in my youth, Archie was one of the most popular. It seems the series got left behind for a while when flashier, more action-packed comics flooded the market. Thanks to folks like Dan though, Archie has regained some steam. At Fan Expo, it is always good to see the attention Dan gets for Archie. This just proves good stories written by talented writers are timeless.

For more info on Fan Expo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage. Also, follow Dan on Instagram to see his great work.

Dan Parent and me in Rosemont, IL-October 2021.

Friend Encounters: Frankie Torres and Jonathan

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I met Jonathan many years ago at a Chicago Bandits game. A sports fan in general, he is a big grapher (aka someone who pursues autographs). I can't even guess how many autographs he has. I have seen him post about getting dozens in just one weekend. I don't know if he got an autograph from musician Frankie Torres, but he did finally meet her.

Jonathan moved from the Chicago are to Minnesota a few years ago. After I interviewed Frankie (a musician from Minnesota), I messaged him asking if her heard of her. Coincidentally, he just saw her singing the National Anthem at a sports event. He still had not met her though.

That changed at Frankie's recent performance. No doubt Jonathan dropped my name to get celebrity access (or maybe not lol). Either way, he met the talented Frankie and sent me the picture.

My interview with Frankie is at Talking Travel with Frankie Torres on Global Traveler. While you are there, please subscribe to the channel. Every subscription helps keep the channel growing (and me employed). Also, be sure to go to frankietorresmusic.com for more info on the awesome musician!

Jonathan and Frankie in Minnesota-June 2026.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #814: Zach Banner & Hines Ward

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

Born in Washington, Zach Banner played for USC before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. The offensive lineman was released by the Colts, but signed by the Cleveland Browns for the 2017 season. After one season, the Browns released him, he was claimed and cut by the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played four seasons with the Steelers and is currently a free agent. He was the first Chamorro (the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands) ever drafted in the NFL. Banner's B3 Foundation supports Black and Brown youth in Tacoma, Los Angeles, and Guam. Banner earned a Celebrity Jersey Card tossing a pitch for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He wore #13, most recently worn by Ke'Bryan Hayes.

Hines Ward was born in Seoul, South Korea, but went on to star at the University of Georgia. He was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 1988 NFL draft. He made the Pro Bowl four times, was a Super Bowl champ twice and a Super Bowl MVP once in his stellar 14 seasons with the Steelers. He wore his usual #86 when he tossed a first pitch to land on a Celebrity Jersey Card. That number was never worn by any Pirate.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #814: Special AUSL Edition: Alyssa Brito, NiJaree Canady, Rachel Garcia & Tiare Jennings

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

Today, I feature four professional softball players from Athletes Unlimited Softball League. In its second season, AUSL has six teams. This season, the Utah Talons beat the Chicago Bandits for the championship.

Four AUSL players were invited to participate in the MLB All-Star game festivities. Alyssa (Blaze), NiJaree Volts), Rachel (Volts) and Tiare (Volts) were the chosen players. MLB has invested in AUSL and is promoting and including the league. It is a great sign to see the players and league get such exposure.

I have been a fan of women's softball (college and pro) for many years. It is still a sport that is very off the radar for most, but it is gaining momentum.

Chicago Knockouts Pam

Roller Derby is sports entertainment which seems to be eluding me of late. Whether it is the Windy City Rollers, Chicago Knockouts or any of the other area derby companies, none seem to be consistently having events.

My first foray into roller derby was with the Windy City Rollers who then played at the UIC Pavilion. That lasted a few years, then stopped.

My next company was the Chicago Knockouts, who ran shows in Homewood. Again, I enjoyed events for a while. I even learned my pal Tony loved roller derby and we went together a few times.

We also saw random derby events in other areas, but nothing on a regular basis. Unfortunately, other groups were not as fun for various reasons like bad venues, distance or other factors.

I miss seeing WCR or CKO in action. During my time following either, I met so many great and entertaining women skaters (rollers?). One of the best was Pam or CKO. 

With CKO, Pm skated under several gimmicks, as is the case and part of the fun. She was one of the best and fastest on the track. She always greeted us with the biggest smile after the matches.

I interviewed Pm a couple times and learned so much more about her. She is extremely intelligent and very athletic.

I haven't seen Pam in a couple years. We keep hoping she'll make a roller derby comeback. We also hope roller derby groups start having regular events again.

Pam and me in Homewood, IL-November 2024.

Jason Mewes at Wizard World (Fan Expo)

Running August 14-16, Fan Expo is approaching fast. Of course, I will be "On the Beat" as usual.

The convention scene in general has undergone changes over the many years I have been covering cons. There use to be a lot more comic books. The focus started to shift to celebrity appearances. As that got more popular, bigger names started appearing, while the overall guest list got a bit smaller. Either way, there is something for everyone.

I met actor Jason Mewes about a decade ago at Wizard World (now Fan Expo). Mewes is probably best known for playing Jay, the vocal half of the Jay and Silent Bob duo. Although very popular, Mewes still made sure everyone had a special moment while meeting him.

I especially like these type of interactions. While I was a fan of his, I didn't know a ton about him. I wanted to meet him for my coverage, but didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be completely enjoyable.

Every year, I have a few such interactions. I look forward to another year of meeting new folks and seeing how those moments go.

For more info on Fan Expo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Jason Mewes and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Carving Out Sue Bird

I was pleasantly surprised during my recent visit to the Dunn Museum. The newest exhibit Carving Out the Future: The Rotblatt Amrany Studio Story featured a lot of athletes, including WNBA legends Sue Bird and A'ja Wilson.

Founded in 1992 by artists Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, the Rotblatt Amrany sculpture studio and school has statues, memorials and parks all over the world. Running through January 2027, this exhibit features many athletes, but also historic figures like astronaut James Lovell.

Upon entering the gallery, the first thing you see is a section dedicated to Michael Jordan. Moving along, there are sculptures of Jordan's teammate Scottie Pippen, Green Bay Packers legendary coach Vince Lombardi, Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg and many more. Then I saw Sue Bird.

Bird played her entire 19 year career with the Seattle Storm, making 13 All-Star teams, winning four WNBA titles and being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Bird is a basketball legend.

It's not that she wouldn't deserve a sculpture. I am just happy Bird and Wilson (a current star and legend in the making) were acknowledged with these sculptures. As a longtime fan of both and supporter of women's sports, it was great seeing them represented.

Go to Carving Out the Future on Global Traveler to get more pictures. Check back here for my coverage of other great sculptures, statues and art.

Sue Bird and me in Libertyville, IL-June 2026.