On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Caress of Steel"

Resistance Pro Wrestling celebrated their 2 year anniversary by holding "Caress of Steel" in November.  At the risk of repetition, this probably was their best show ever.  Every match was excellent.

Jocephus Brody beat "The Ego" Robert Anthony to end his 399 day run as champ.  Da Soul Touchaz defeated PL Myers and LockUp to gain the tag team titles.  D'Arcy Dixon retained the Women's title in a smashmouth battle with Mickie Knuckles.  I am excited now, just recalling these and the other matches.

Over the course of the night, we got five interviews.  PL Myers gave us his thoughts pre- and post-match.  Jason Fleigel got Da Soul Touchaz to discuss their new titles shortly after their win.  Our young group of interviewers asked Eric St. Vaughn a plethora of questions.  We finally got ace broadcaster Zach Thompson for an interview.  

All together it is an interest mix of personalities both in R Pro and JohngysBeat.com.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

R Pro's next show is "Vulgar Display of Power" tomorrow.  I encourage everyone to check out this show and see the fun for yourself.  Go to ResistancePro.com for all of the details.

On the Beat with Jason Williams of the Carolina Panthers

A funny thing happened at the Chicago Bliss tryouts a couple months ago.  We landed a Panther.  More specifically, JohngysBeat.com landed Carolina Panther Jason Williams.  We had some help in the form of ChrisDell Harris, star running back of the Bliss and sister of Williams.
It was great meeting Williams and getting an NFL player's view of the LFL.  Williams had some very positive things to say about the LFL and the Bliss tryouts.
At the time of the interview, the Panthers were 4-3 and scuffling a bit.  I mentioned this and Williams corrected me saying that the team was going in the right direction.  He was absolutely correct on that.  Since the interview, the Panthers have gone 8-1.

That is an amazing turn around.  The Panthers started 0-2 and there was talk of Coach Ron Rivera getting fired.  Now there is talk of him being named Coach of the Year.  Can JohngysBeat.com take any of the credit for this?  Either way, we will at least enjoy the success of the Panthers.
I really appreciate Williams talking to us.  I also appreciate ChrisDell for making this possible.

Sarah French and Joe Knetter Love Johngy's Beat

I have previously written many pieces about Sarah French and Joe Knetter.  They really are two of my favorite people I have met at conventions.  They are a fantastic couple and also fun individually.
After the JohngysBeat.com young interns interviewed them at the Days of the Dead convention, I asked the pair if they would do a promo for JohngysBeat.com.  They agreed and the result is below and will take its rightful place in the right column.
I really appreciate them doing the promo and I hope to continue to see them at conventions.
I encourage everyone to check out SarahFrenchOnline.com and JoeKnetter.com to learn more about these two.  I am certain you will like them as much as we do!

On the Beat with the Rockford IceHogs-12/21/2013

Last Saturday, JohngysBeat.com Hockey Expert Jason Fleigel and I made the trek to Rockford and joined 4,000 other fans who braved the inclement weather to watch the Rockford IceHogs play the Milwaukee Admirals.  This was a battle for second place in the Midwest Division of the Western Conference.
The last game we attended was the same matchup, with the Ice Hogs winning 2-1.  We had such a great time we wanted to come back again as soon as schedules would allow.  Despite the bad weather, we were not going to be denied another visit to Rockford.
Since our last IceHogs game, many people have asked me why go to Rockford when there is plenty of hockey in Chicago.  There are many factors involved, such as experiencing something new, getting away from Chicago and checking out all of Rockford's other attractions.  Another important reason is that the IceHogs of today are the Chicago BlackHawks of tomorrow.  Just since our last game, Jeremy Morin and Kent Simpson both logged in time with the Hawks.
Unfortunately, the IceHogs lost on Saturday.  They jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but the Admirals fought back and left with a 3-1 victory.  IceHogs goalie had a solid night in goal, despite giving up three goals.  The IceHogs failed to take advantage of a few powerplays, sometimes getting a penalty themselves.  It was just one of those games.
After the game, we talked to Coach Ted Dent about the game and the goalie situation.  We also talked to Brandon Pirri and Alex Broadhurst.  We really appreciate all three talking to us after the tough loss.  I am quite sure nobody really wanted to stand there and answer questions from the media, but they were professional and gave us solid answers to our questions.

Once again, despite the loss, on the way home, we were already trying to plan our next game.  It's just that much fun.  I am sure if you give the IceHogs a chance, you will feel like we do.  For more info on the IceHogs, go to IceHogs.com.

On the Beat with April Hunter at Days of the Dead 2013

April Hunter has had a busy, successful and interesting career.  She has appeared in Playboy, was a Nitro Girl in WCW wrestling, wrestled, modeled, acted and on and on.  She has done all well and has been popular at every level.
Hunter has been on my "want" list for a long time.  I missed her at a few previous conventions.  When I saw she was appearing at Days, I contacted her and she agreed to do a short interview.
I was very happy to meet Hunter, but even happier after seeing just how incredibly nice and friendly she was in person.  She talked to us before and after the interview, as well as the other days of the convention.  We talked about acting, wrestling and other fun stuff.
I also have to applaud Hunter for her booth display.  She brought many 8x10's and other stuff.  She had something to satisfy any fan.  Not only is she good to her fans, she is a smart businesswoman!  I was torn between two of her pictures and ended up getting both.
Hunter was a real sweetheart.  I hope to catch her again at a future convention.  I would love to hear more stories (on or off the record).
After watching the interview, head over to AprilHunter.com to learn more about her.  Also, check out the April Hunter Facebook page and follow April Hunter on twitter.

On the Beat with Michael Perez at Days of the Dead 2013

Sometimes at conventions, I stumble upon very interesting people.  At Days of the Dead 2013, I was early and roaming around, when I saw a booth about Return of the Living Dead.

I approached the booth and met Michael Perez.  Perez is the Executive Producer of More Brains!  A Return to the Living Dead.  It is not just promotional rap to say that this is the definitive documentary on Night of the Living Dead.

As you will learn in the interview with Perez, this is the real deal.  Thorough and intensive, More Brains! includes over 40 people directly involved in the Living Dead I, II and III.  These are the best sources to discuss Living Dead and to reminisce about it.

For Living Dead fans, this is heaven, but you don't have to be a Living Dead fan to enjoy this.  Living Dead is just one of those special movie series.

On the Beat with Brian O'Halloran at Days of the Dead 2013

At Days of the Dead, JohngysBeat.com's Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker set his sights on an interview with Brian O'Halloran, perhaps best known for his role in Clerks.  I thought it was a lofty goal, especially without any pre-convention correspondence, but Matt gave it his best shot...and landed the big interview!
O'Halloran was extremely nice.  He gave Matt several minutes of his time and gave us an interesting interview.
O'Halloran obviously respects Kevin Smith, as he has done several films with the Smith crew.  It certainly is a winning formula.
One movie that has escaped me so far is Vulgar, in which O'Halloran plays a clown who is attacked and traumatized.  I need to see that movie, but I digress.
We really appreciate O'Halloran for doing the interview.  He was very busy at the convention, yet he made time for us and we could not be happier.
Great job, Matt!

On the Beat with Laura D. James at Days of the Dead 2013

Yesterday, we featured William L. Bozarth, one-half of the creative force behind Spooky Skwerl Stories at Days of the Dead.  Today, we are showcasing Laura D. James, the other half of the creative pair.
Once again, JohngysBeat.com's young interviewers Christopher and Steven ask the questions.  Once again, they provide a fresh perspective.  Laura provides the thoughtful, interesting answers, while giving us a look at how she got where she is.
I really liked William and Laura.  They gave us plenty of time and were very patient, open and willing to help us.  That should be no surprise, because you can see they are very fan-friendly on the Spooky Skwerl Stories Facebook page.  They were one of my highlights at the Days convention.
Spooky Skwerl Stories sound like a lot of fun.  With William and Laura behind them, I have no doubt they are an enjoyable read for kids (who am I kidding...I know I will read them, too!).
After you watch the interview, head over to Spooky Skwerl Stories on Facebook to learn all about this cool series.

On the Beat with William L. Bozarth at Days of the Dead 2013

How can you not be attracted to an "anthology series following four adventurous squirrels with a penchant for mischief always seeming to get mixed up in spooky situations?"  It attracted the eyes of the JohngysBeat.com young interviewers, Christopher and Steven.  Okay, I admit, it attracted my attention, too.

William L. Bozarth and Laura D. James are the creative forces behind Spooky Skwerl Stories.  The pair were appearing at Days of the Dead in Chicago promoting their work, when Christopher and Steven snagged interviews with each of them.  Today, we feature the William interview and Laura gets hers featured tomorrow.

William had the youngsters (and us adults) intrigued and interested throughout their conversation.  In fact, as you watch it, you can see a few times when we thought the interview was over, but it kept going and we kept rolling because it was all good.  A couple weeks later, the young reporters were still talking about William, Laura and Charlemagne.

William answers their questions with thought and humor.  I really appreciate his time in talking to us.  I also appreciate Steven and Christopher for bringing a new perspective to Johngy's Beat.  Finally, I appreciate Days of the Dead, one of the best cons I attend.  Their attention to detail and hands-on approach makes it a winner every time.

After you watch the interview, head over to Spooky Skwerl Stories on Facebook to learn more about thie fun series.

On the Beat with the Rockford IceHogs

What is better than attending our first Rockford IceHogs game and getting a 2-1 win?  How about interviewing the top three stars of the game?  Thanks to IceHogs Communications Coordinator Nate Haeni, that is exactly what we did.

After the exciting 2-1 IceHogs overtime win against the Milwaukee Admirals (their division rivals), we went to the Media Room and talked with Kent Simpson, Mark McNeill and Jeremy Morin.

Goaltender Kent Simpson was the 58th overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft.  The 21 year old is in his first full season with the IceHogs.  Simpson stopped 33 of 34 shots in the big win.
Center Mark McNeill was the 18th overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft.  He is also in his first full season with the IceHogs.  McNeil scored the game-winning goal in overtime, after assisting on the first goal earlier in the game.

Left winger Jeremy Morin was the 45th pick in the 2009 NHL draft.  He is in his fourth season with the IceHogs, although he has logged 24 games with the Blackhawks.  Morin assisted n the game-winner.

JohngyBeat.com's Matt Parker talked with each player about their performance and the exciting game.  Each player gave us some interesting thoughts and we appreciate their time.

This concludes the first round of coverage of the IceHogs.  Stay tuned here for much more IceHogs coverage in the future.  Until then, go to IceHogs.com for more info.

On the Beat with Coach Ted Dent of the Rockford IceHogs

Let the coverage begin!!!

While covering the Chicago Rush in Rockford last season, I met some of the officials of the Rockford IceHogs.  We kept in contact and I am happy to announce that JohngysBeat.com will be making periodic trips to Rockford to take in some exciting IceHogs action.

The Rockford IceHogs are the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.  The IceHogs debuted for the 2007–08 AHL season at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL. They are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Our first trip was lest Wednesday for a game between the IceHogs and the Milwaukee Admirals.  The IceHogs went into the game with a 10-10-1 record and in third place in the Midwest Division o f the Western Conference.  Matt and I were really stoked to start our experience with the IceHogs!

We arrived early and roamed the arena.  Everyone was very helpful and accommodating.  We even hit the IceHogs merchandise store to pick up some gear (and some Christmas presents).

The game was a defensive battle.  IceHogs' goaltender Kent Simpson had a great night.  The IceHogs eventually won 2-1 in overtime.  I could not have asked for a better game.

After the game, we went to the media room, where Communications Coordinator Nate Haeni set up some interviews for us.  We figured Head Coach Ted Dent was the perfect place to start.

Dent is in his third year as Head Coach and his eighth year with the IceHogs.  I talked to Dent about the big win, Chicago fans coming to Rockford and more.

I hope you enjoy the first interview on our journey with the IceHogs.  I can tell you Matt and I completely enjoyed our experience and plan on making as many trips as our schedules will allow.  Stay tuned right here for more coverage of the IceHogs in the future.  Until then, you can learn more about the IceHogs at IceHogs.com.

On the Beat with Sarah French at Days of the Dead 2013

Yesterday we featured Joe Knetter.  Today, we feature his significant other, actress Sarah French.  Did I mention I love these two?
I first interviewed Sarah a couple years ago.  It was one of my most enjoyable interviews.  Aside from the fact that I was talking to a beautiful, young actress, I just simply liked Sarah.  It was a ton of fun.
Since then, I have interviewed Sarah a few times and have talked with her off camera at times and I like her more each time.  She is awesome...such a total sweetheart.  Sarah and Joe are quite a couple.
Sarah has been acting for several years and has done a lot of horror films.  Seriously, I would not have her killed in any film.  I am all for more air time, but I do have to admit she does a great death.
Much like with Joe, I allowed the youngsters to ask Sarah their questions.  (These kids are killing me!).  They asked some interesting questions and Sarah gave some thoughtful answers.  (I have to get rid of these kids).
The kids did a great job, but forgot to ask her about current projects.  Therefore, I feel the need to mention a few of her projects.  Zombie Dollz, Insectula, Lazarus and Opposite Blood are all in post-production and slated for release in 2014.  Be on the lookout for Sarah in these movies.
I see Sarah and Joe at a few conventions every year and I always look forward to seeing them.  If (or when) JohngysBeat.com has a Hall of Fame, Sarah and Joe will definitely be enshrined!

For more info and updates on Sarah, check out SarahFrenchOnline.com.  If you see her and Joe at a convention, definitely meet them and tell them Johngy sent you.  Just don't ask Joe about that infamous 8x10.

On the Beat with Joe Knetter at Days of the Dead 2013

Joe Knetter and Sarah French are two of my very favorites at conventions (or elsewhere).  They are talented, funny and very nice (yes, even Joe).

I love talking to them and interviewing them, but at Days of the Dead, I gave up my chance to let Christopher and Steven have a shot at the twisted author (I mean the author of twisted books).  Some might say it was risky letting kids talk to Joe, but I liked the possibilities.  I certainly did not put any restrictions on Joe, but in the end, he gave completely clean answers, as you will see.

We ran into Sarah and Joe while we were waiting to enter Days.  I asked both about the interview and both agreed (as they always do...one reason why I really like them).  Hearing I wanted the kids to do the interview, Joe quickly pointed out that he wrote Trapdoor with his daughter Katie (who was eleven at the time).  Obviously, Joe has a somewhat softer side than is visible in his other gore-filled books.

Don't get me wrong.  I am not complaining about his horrific books.  In fact, I own four of them.  I started with Room and enjoyed it so much, I bought the rest at Days.  Joe downplays his writing ability, but these books are full of interesting, unique and definitely gory short stories.  I immediately started reading Vile Beauty the night I got home from Days.

The kids asked Joe things on their mind and Joe answered very thoughtfully and patiently.  I appreciate Joe for his time, as always.  His interviews, like his books, always entertain me.

As much as I love his books and I look forward to future books, I have no plans on buying that infamous 8x10 of his.  Sorry Joe, I like you a lot, but no sale there, buddy!

For more info on Joe, check out JoeKnetter.com.  You can also order his books through that site or Amazon.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Welcome to My Nightmare"

Resistance Pro's last event, Welcome to My Nightmare, was a fantastic evening of exciting pro wrestling, cool costumes by all, tricks, treats and Svengoolie!  Who could ask for more?
Every R Pro show is special, but the Halloween show is uniquely special.  (Is that redundant?)  In any case, the Halloween show is a lot of fun because most in attendance are in costumes and that includes the wrestlers, the fans and even the R Pro owners.  It is magically surreal.
As Rowdy Johngy Piper, I scored some interviews with a mix of the R Pro talent.  JohngysBeat.com got Vector A before and after his title match with Egotistico Fantastico (aka "The Ego" Robert Anthony).  We got Road Warrior Andres the announcer.  We got Lucy Mendez, Mad Man Pondo and Crazy Mary Dobson and newcomer Jordynne Grace.  We even got musician and R Pro fan Professor Kliq.  Oh, did I mention we got Billy Corgan, Creative Director?  All of those interviews can be viewed below.
It was another great show.  I know this seems like a repeat of last month's piece about the previous R Pro show, but that is only because R Pro continues to put on great shows and I continue to try to tell everyone.

Watch the interviews below and see some of the R Pro talent.  Head over to ResistancePro.com to learn more.  Come out to n R Pro show and see for yourself.  As a matter of fact, there is an R Pro show tomorrow at Amundsen High School in Chicago.

On the Beat with Kurt Dinse at Days of the Dead 2013

Artist Kurt Dinse first caught our eyes at Wizard World.  Actually, it was his slightly twisted rendering of the Blackhawks logo which really caught our attention.  We liked his body of work so much that we got an interview with him that day.  That interview can be seen at On the Beat with Kurt Dinse at Wizard World 2012.
At the recent Days of the Dead, JohngysBeat.com had two new and young interviewers set to debut.  When I saw Kurt was appearing at Days, I knew the kids would like his work and would be interested in talking to him.
Kurt does very creative work.  One of my favorites of his is a twisted character who resembles Elvis Presley.  That is only one of his cool creations. Hmmm...I wonder what Kurt would do with the Johngy logo?
I really appreciate Kurt for giving us his time and for being so helpful with the newest JohngysBeat.com interviewers.  I know they had a lot of fun and were happy to be able to ask their questions.
After you watch the interview, please head over to PungentBasementArt.com to learn more about Dinse and to see more of his great artwork.  You can also follow Dinse at One Year in Indiana on Facebook and Pungent Basement Art on twitter.

On the Beat with Jessica Cameron and Heather Dorff at Days of the Dead 2013

At Days of the Dead 2013 in Chicago, I stumbled upon two really cool women promoting one really interesting movie.  The women are Jessica Cameron and Heather Dorff.  The movie is Truth or Dare.

Jessica wrote Truth or Dare, directs it and stars in it.  Heather is one of Jessica's co-stars.  They sold me on the concept and I will promote Truth or Dare right here.

Truth or Dare is the story of college students who play Truth or Dare with a violent twist.  They become internet stars, but the fun stops when a fan starts playing by his own set of rules.
I love Jessica's explanation of how she got the idea for Truth or Dare.  I also love their enthusiasm.  It is clear that Truth or Dare is a very special project for them.  That kind of passion will undoubtedly show in the movie itself.
I am looking forward to seeing this movie and I am not the only one.  I talked to many patrons at Days of the Dead who also shared the excitement.  Some saw the preview.  Some talked to Jessica and Heather.  Some heard word of mouth.  Any way, the buzz is growing and I hope to help it a bit more.  I can write more, but I think it comes better from them directly.
After you watch the interview, I encourage everyone to check out TruthorDaretheMovie.com to learn more about this intriguing film.  Also, check out JessicaCameron.com and HeatherDorff.com to learn all about these two young stars.

 

On the Beat with Billy Corgan of Resistance Pro Wrestling

At last month's Resistance Pro wrestling show, I had the pleasure of interviewing R Pro Creative Director Billy Corgan.  Aside from it being a feather in my cap to add Corgan to my interview list, I was very happy to present the fans with Corgan's thoughts in his own words.
I asked Corgan about the upcoming two year anniversary of R Pro and also about the great work that R Pro is doing with the POP (Positive Outreach Program).  It is one thing for me to transcribe Corgan's feelings on these topics, but it is important for his voice to be heard.
The interview is short, but packs a punch.  Of course, I would have loved to talk at length with Corgan (yeah, me and hundreds of other journalists and thousands of fans).  On the other side of that coin, I am sure Corgan would prefer to fade into the background and just do his thing with R Pro.  Our video here is a nice compromise.
Corgan should be applauded for what he has done with R Pro.  I totally respect his honesty in his answer about the direction (past and present) of R Pro.
Corgan is very involved in R Pro.  He isn't some figurehead or an absentee bigwig.  He works very hard at making R Po a success.
He is also involved in the POP program and has been at the events.  It is very motivating seeing Corgan and Gabe and Jacques Baron at these events.  It all flows from the top down.  This is one reason why R Pro staffers are so loyal.

He has his detractors and everyone is entitled to an opinion.  I only ask that you watch the video and get a glimpse into Corgan's thoughts and passion for all things R Pro.  He has totally made a believer out of me and I am certain if you give Corgan and R Pro a chance, you will be joining me and the others on the R Pro bandwagon.

The next R Pro show is two weeks from today, on November 23.  You can go to ResistancePro.com for all of the details.

On the Beat at the Chicago Bliss Tryouts

Last Saturday, we ventured out to the Bridgeview Sports Dome to observe the tryouts for the 2014 Chicago Bliss.  This was not your average sports team tryout.  The Chicago Bliss is coming off of their championship season, but as we quickly learned from Coach Keith Hac, every position/job is open for competition.

Hac is not one to sit on his title and cruise through 2014.  On the other hand, from what I know of the Bliss women, they are not likely to be on cruise control either.  As I have written previously, these women are dedicated and focused.

While many young, athletic women turned out for the tryouts, I doubt any of them will be able to pry the quarterback spot out of Heather Furr's grip.  Furr has an MVP award and a killer instinct in her arsenal.  The same could be said for most of the other players.  In fact, my guess is that the vast majority of the 2013 LFL champion Bliss players will return as they go for a repeat.

I have no special insight as to any of the 2013 team not returning, but my guess is that number will be few, probably 3-5 players.

The tryouts started with a rousing video followed by a direct talk by Hac.  Hac pulled no punches when he described what it would take to make the 2014 Bliss (veterans and newbies).  This was followed by a series of drills and tests.

It was cool to see the veteran players leading the pack, but also guiding the wanna-be's.  The veteran players are definitely putting the team first.  It si this type of attitude which was a major [part of their championship season.

In between all of the activity, I was able to talk to several of the Bliss players about the tryouts, the championship, the 2014 season and other fun topics.Below are those interviews with Dominique "DC" Collins, ChrisDell Harris, Jamie Barwick, Meredith Mulford and Melissa Oehlerking.  For JohngysBeat.com, it was a nice mix of new interview subjects and ones we featured previously.  New or old, we love them all.

Seriously, if you have not realized it yet, I love the Chicago Bliss.  If you have not gotten on the Bliss bandwagon, you are missing out.  Everything about the Bliss is fun, yet the football is dead serious.  It is a winning combination and I am hooked.

On the Beat with R Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Between games at the Kicks for a Cure event last summer, Resistance Pro's C Red talked about starting a Positive Outreach Program.  He had a vision of R Pro reaching out to youngsters.  A few weeks ago, that vision became a reality when we appeared at the Southside Occupational Academy.  Since then, we have held events at Fenger High School and at Neil Armstrong Elementary School.
I have been privileged and proud to have been at each event.  I have seen the grateful students and teachers. I have also seen the proud, humble and emotional members of the R Pro family.
Each event was a wonderful experience.  Believe me, I got far much more than I gave at each event.  I am sure my friends at R Pro all feel similarly.  Rather than me speak for them, I am including interviews from them right after the events.  I love the passion and emotion.
R Pro is doing something special here.  They are making a difference.  They are proving they are not just a another wrestling company.
After you watch the interviews, head over to the R Pro POP (Positive Outreach Program) Facebook page.  Give it a "LIKE" and show R Pro your support for this great cause.

On the Beat with Coach Mike Hohensee of the Iowa Barnstormers

Recently, I lamented the loss of the Chicago Rush.  Over the last two Arena Football League seasons, I really got into the action.  With no Chicago AFL (for at least two years), I am officially turning my fandom to the Iowa Barnstormers.
Last weekend, I was invited to a tryout day for the Barnstormers at the former practice facility of the Rush.  I could not pass up the opportunity to talk to Mike Hohensee, coach of the barnstormers.
Coach Hohensee has strong ties to the Chicago area.  He coached the Rush from 2001-2008 and again in 2010, guiding the team to the AFL title in 2006.  He also played for the Chicago Bears in 1987.  He moved onto the Philadelphia Soul in 2011 and then to Iowa in 2012.
Coach Hohensee has an impressive resume as a player and coach.  Hohensee threw the first touchdown pass in AFL history.  He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2012.  He was the youngest coach in AFL histroy.
I talked to Coach Hohensee about his career, the Rush, the Barnstormers and more.  Coach was very generous with his time and very open with his answers.  It really was a very enjoyable interview for me.  I have always liked Coach Hohensee and now I finally got to have a real talk with him.
The Barnstormers play in Des Moines, IA, which is a bit far for me to travel for every game.  Still, I know I will make the trip for at least a couple games.  With no Rush, I will need an AFL fix and Coach Hohensee has earned my fandom.