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.

Back at Cosmic Underground

My friend Chuck and I were finally able to coordinate our schedules with Cosmic Underground to see a performance. I recapped the experience at Cosmic Underground on Global Traveler.

Although not by profession, Chuck is a magician. He has done more than 2,700 in-room shows at hospitals, among other performances. I am especially grateful for his hospital visits, but that's for another time.

I was happy Chuck could make the show, because I wanted his take on the experience. Owners Kayla Drescher (who I previously interviewed and who has made an appearance on Penn and Teller Fool Us) and Harrison Lampert combine magic, mentalism and comedy into a night of pure entertainment.

After the show, Chuck admitted her knew all of their secrets, but more importantly, he was impressed by their skills. Their sleight-of-hand and misdirection were masterful.

I also must mention Harrison's ability to name ever cereal mascot. Proving his skill, he rattled off about a dozen, then challenged the audience to stump him. Nobody did, although we threw out another dozen cereals.

I really hope Cosmic Underground succeeds. Kayla and Harrison are so positive. I look forward to a return visit.

For more info, go to cosmicundergroundtheater.com. Check here for more of my Chicago area pop culture bits.

Kayla Drescher, Chuck, Harrison Lampert and me in Chicago, IL-December 2025.

Happy Birthday, Chuck!

Todays is the birthday of my longtime pal Chuck. While I will see him later this month, today I raise a toast to him here.

I have known Chuck for more than 30 years. When we worked together, our mutual love of sports, trivia, chess, Scrabble and office garbageball bonded us. Over the years, Chuck has been a mentor, colleague, friend and brother. It is said you should surround yourself with quality people and Chuck definitely is a quality person.

A part-time magician, Chuck has delighted fans for years. More importantly, he has donated countless hours entertaining children in hospitals. For this alone, he would have my undying respect.

As I mentioned seeing him shortly, Chuck and I will be attending a magic show at Cosmic Underground, a magic and entertainment venue co-owned by Kayla Drescher, who I interviewed on Global Traveler a while back. I wanted to see a show there since it opened earlier this year and Chuck was the perfect person to attend with me. Our schedules finally cooperated and we are going next Friday.

For now though, I wish a happy birthday to the man I call Chachi. I hope it is magical!

Chuck and his granddaughter in Illinois-June 2024.

Happy Birthday Chachi!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of a longtime friend Chuck. I will not give him any of my usual backhands.

It is said to surround yourself with good people. It is also said to judge a person by the friends he keeps. With Chuck as my friend, I am good on both of those. 

Short and simple. I love this guy. For almost 30 years, he has been a great friend, a brother.

I am sure Chachi will be surrounded by his loving family, but I send birthday greetings from afar. Happy birthday, Chuckles!

Chuck and his family in Illinois-November 2023.

Happy Birthday Chuck

It's been a rough year for all, but it's ending on a high note celebrating the birthdays of a couple great friends. Today, I feature birthday boy Chuck Gekas.

I love the picture below. It's from a pre-game press session on the field at a St. Louis Cardinals game. I am so happy to have been able to bring Chuck on the field. It's a little bit of something good I gave him after he has been there so many times for me.

Chachi has been everything to me, including a work colleague, a sounding board, a mentor, a partner in silliness and trivia and more. Words really do not encompass all that Chuck means to me.

When I first got a press pass for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, I immediately thought of Chuck to join me. To say we were like kids on the field is a gross understatement. We have since repeated this at several ball parks and we have never lost that little kid feeling. For me though, doing it with Chuck and giving him the experience is a big part of the fun for me.

Today, like every other year on this date, I raise a toast from afar to my great friend Chuck. Happy birthday, buddy. I hope it is the best, because you deserve it.

Chuck Gekas in St. Louis, MO-Summer 2013.

Happy Birthday Chuck

Today, I celebrate the birthday of Chuck Gekas. He deserves the star treatment.

We've had a friendship forged over about 25 years. Chuck and I have enjoyed many great times and laughs over the years. He's been there for me through good and bad and I hope he knows I am there for him always.

I believe in surrounding yourself with good people and there truly is none better than Chuck. A friend, adviser, and role model, I look at Chuck as the big brother I never had. I can never repay or thank Chuck enough for what he means to me.

Chuck and I can be as petty as can be when we are competing, but he is actually a very humble man, even if he won't admit it. That doesn't mean I will ever take it easy on him. I have too much respect for him and he wouldn't want it any other way.

I am sure Chuck will be celebrating with his wife (and I will not even mention that she is long-suffering) and his three daughters and their families. He'll be ensconced in love and he deserves it.

Happy birthday Chachi! I love ya, bud!

Chuck Gekas and me in Elmhurst, IL-June 2019.

HeroTV 2019: Episode 7 Chuck Gekas and Open Heart Magic

The newest episode of HeroTV, Chuck Gekas and Open Heart Magic, is now airing on Comcast. It can also be watched on YouTube at HeroTV 2019: Chuck Gekas and Open Heart Magic.
This is a very special episode to me. It features my great friend Chuck Gekas. I have known Chuck for 25+ years. He's like a brother to me and I value his friendship dearly.
Chuck is also "an every day hero," as my HeroTV co-host PL Myers would say. Chuck is a volunteer with Open Heart Magic, am organization that brings magic to hospitalized children.
I don't often discuss my childhood, but those close to me know that I spent a lot of time in hospitals. Those were scary, dark and lonely times. A whole world was happening outside and I was in a hospital bed with no control over anything. The television was my only real salvation, but back then, there wasn't a lot of choices on tv.
While technological advances have brought a lot more entertainment options for kids, hospital stays are still scary and sad. Any break from the tedium is greatly appreciated.
This is where Chuck and other magicians of Open Heart Magic shine. These volunteers perform in-room magic for kids in area hospitals. The tricks are interactive, giving the kids options and choices. These magic shows bring happiness to the kids and their family and friends.
When PL invited me to be his co-host on HeroTV, Chuck was one of the first people I had in mind. It took a while to finally get this done, but it is exactly what I wanted it to be. It showcases my dear friend and this awesome organization. Chuck is too humble to call himself a hero, but to the hundreds of kids he has entertained, he is just that. As a former hospitalized kid, on behalf of other kids, I thank Chuck from my heart. In my eye, he is a hero.
After you watch the episode, be sure to check out OpenHeartMagic.org for more information.

PL Myers, Chuck Gekas and me in Elmhurst, IL-July 2019.

Happy Birthday Chuck!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of my dear friend Chuck. I usually exchange good-natured barbs with him, but today, I will be (mostly) kind to him.

I've known Chuck for 23+ years. Over the years, Chuck has become one of my best friends. He's been a mentor, therapist, supporter, friend and more. He's like the older brother I never had.

Chuck's positive outlook has made me try to look at things more positively, too. Knowing and learning from Chuck has made me a better worker and person.

It always warms my heart to see Chuck and his family. It's obvious that his (long-suffering) wife, three daughters, three son-in-laws and five grandchildren all love him dearly. I have had the pleasure of being around them many times, including at their recent Northwestern tailgate. They always make me feel like part of the family.

I am sure his family is honoring him with a birthday celebration, but I always like to take this day to express my appreciation. Happy birthday, my friend!

Borrowing a line of Chuck's, he looks good for a 70 year old. That's a backhand long-running joke, but the reality is that he will still look good for a 70 year old when he does reach that milestone many years from now.

Chuck Gekas and me in Evanston, IL-October 2018.

Happy Birthday Chuck!

It's hard to believe I have been friends with Chuck for over 20 years.  Technically, I met him about 35 years ago, but that's another story.

When Chuck re-entered my life by joining Lerner Newspapers, he had a (long suffering) wife (that's a long-running joke) and three teenage daughters.  Now, he has the same (longer suffering) wife and three grown daughters, 3 son-in-laws and 5 beautiful grandchildren.  Throughout it all, Chuck has remained basically the same great guy.

He's got a quick, sharp wit, which he will unleash on you in a split second, but he is also one of the nicest people on this planet.  He's one of the funniest people I know, but in a subtle sort of way usually.

How do you tell someone that they have been a great addition to your life?  How do you thank that person for being a friend, mentor, brother, advisor (occasional tormentor) and more?  Knowing Chuck has made me a better person (and as he would say, I needed some bettering).  If there was a Hall of Fame for friends, Chuck would be a first ballot selection.

Happy birthday, buddy!  I hope it is a great day!

Chuck Gekas, Anthony Gattuso and me in Evanston, IL-September 2017.

Boys of Summer 2017

The "Boys of Summer" started in 2001.  Jim, Jason, Chuck and I went to Cleveland, OH for the weekend to watch the Indians play the Anaheim Angels.  The Indians won 4-2 to start a great win streak for us and an even better trip experience which has lasted 17 years and counting.

Over the years, we have added Cuzz Gekas (2003) and Jason Fleigel (2007).  We have seen 28 teams in 27 ballparks.  We have included a few extra activities (white water rafting, the Baseball Hall of Fame, ziplining and more).  We visited other areas (Las Vegas, Washington D.C., LaJolla (CA) and others).  We have yet to see home games of the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals.

Cuzz has missed the last couple, but is always welcome to return.  In 2015, we combined the Boys trip with Matt Parker's bachelor party in Las Vegas, which included Louie, Scott Parker and several others.

In 2001, we had no idea this experience would last 17 years.  I hoped for a few more, but 17 trips was more than I could have imagined at the time.

I love these trips and these guys.  I soak in the experience every time, knowing it might be the last trip.  I'm even at peace if the trip ends.  I feel blessed to have been on 17 trips and I know it won't last forever.

For now, I am just happy to have 2017 in the books.  It was a bit of a struggle and we ended up just "traveling" to see the Chicago White Sox.  Despite the lack of a "trip," we enjoyed the ride down to Guaranteed Rate Field, the game, the park and the meal after the game.  Most of all, I enjoyed spending a relxing and laughter-filled day with my friends.

Jason, Jim, Jason, me and Chuck in Chicago, IL-June 2017.

Happy Birthday Chuck

As my friend Chuck would say, surely everyone knows today is the birthday of some of the greatest celebrities, like Dick Butkus, Lori Greiner, Redd Foxx, Kirk Douglas and Donny Osmond.  Chuck is a true renaissance man though.  He would then cite that it is also the birthday of Chenghua (Emperor of China), John Milton (English poet and philosopher) and Tip O'Neill (55th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives) among others, but he wouldn't want to showboat by naming them all.

Chuck could also rattle off other important events on this date.  In 480, Odoacer, first King of Italy, occupies Dalmatia.  In 1793, New York City's first daily newspaper, the American Minerva, is established by Noah Webster.  Chuck is too classy to flaunt his knowledge.

One event he probably wouldn't mention though occurred in the mid 20th century.  Chuck was born and the world was never the same.

I am proud to have called Chuck a friend for over 20 years.  I think I am better for knowing him.  Oh sure, I might be pettier because of Chuck, but that's part of the fun.

Seriously, Chuck has been a colleague, mentor, supporter, psychologist and more.  I couldn't create a better brother if I tried.

Today I raise a glass of Merlot to my bud Chuck.  I love ya, my friend!

Chuck Gekas and me in Tampa, FL-August 2016.

Cindy Williams at Motor City Comic Con 2011

American Graffiti starred so many actors and actresses who went on to fame.  One of the more under-the-radar stars was Cindy Williams.

Williams went on to appear in many roles in episodes of tv classics such as Room 222, Nanny and the Professor and Love, American Style, before finding huge success on Laverne & Shirley.

Cuzz Gekas and I met Williams at the Motor City Comic Con back in 2011.  She was charming and delightful.  We talked a bit about her famous roles.  Of course, I had to bring up her role in Beware! The Blob, a horror classic I have seen many times.

Williams looked great, too.  It also appeared that her looks were (at least mostly) natural.  She still retains that youthful look she always had.  It was a real pleasure meeting her.

On a side trivia note, Williams was married to Bill Hudson, of the Hudson Brothers.  Bill is the uncle of actress Kate Hudson.

Cuzz Gekas, Cindy Williams and me in Novi, MI-May 2011.

Happy Birthday Chuck

Life is about the accumulated experiences with family and friends.  Chuck and I have accumulated a wide variety of experiences over the years.

In the 20+ years I have known him, our friendship has grown from friendly co-workers to tight as brothers.  Chuck is one of the few people in life who I know I can count on without a single doubt.  He's helped me through tough times and celebrated with me during happy times.  Chuck is a true friend.  A true brother.  I am lucky to count Chuck as both.

He can backhand you with a snappy retort faster than you even realize he got you.  He's one of the quickest, funniest people I know.  He might also be the pettiest person I know (not counting myself).  Most of all, he's one of the most genuine people.  Chuck has helped me be a better person just by knowing him.

Happy birthday Chachi.

Chuck and me in Las Vegas, NV-September 2015.

What Happens in Las Vegas...

My friends and I have made baseball trips since 2001.  This year, we were undecided on our destination until my brother-in-law Scott put together a Las Vegas trip for my nephew Matt's bachelor party.

The Boys of Summer left a day early, flew into Phoenix and saw the Diamondbacks defeat the San Francisco Giants.  On Thursday, we drove to Las Vegas and met up with the rest as the celebration began.

This was a trip of a lifetime.  The "Boys" include Chuck, Jason, JayHawk, Jim and me.  The rest included Louie, Scott, Matt, Kyle, Marty, Tom, Dave and Michael.  That is a baker's dozen of good friends and family.  Just getting that many guys together in Vegas was amazing.  The time we had out there was unforgettable.

Major kudos go to Scott for organizing everything.  The planning and effort he put into this was off the charts.  The food was delicious and everything else was highly enjoyable.  Things could not have run smoother.

For me, it is never about what we do, but more about doing it with great people.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and several awesome friends.  During the trip, we all interacted with everyone at some point or another.  It was just a seamless, fun experience start to finish.

I also have to mention a friend I made at the California while playing Pai Gow.  I have no idea if she will read this.  I did shamelessly give her my business card (but only when she doubted I was actually "Johngy").  I had a blast that night, even though she punched me and may or may not have "lied" to me several times.

You need to grab these moments when you can.  Trips like this, with friends like these, do not come along often.  I am not always a happy guy, but I have learned to really soak in these moments.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.  Next stop...Matt's wedding.

Everyone in Las Vegas, NV-September 2015.

Happy Birthday Chuck

I have known Chuck Gekas for about 20 years, although technically I met him about 30 years ago at the Chicago Sun-Times.  Either way, Chuck has become one of my best friends.

In life you are lucky if you have a few people who you know will always be there for you when needed.  Whether for a laugh, support, advice or just silliness, I know I can always count on Chuck.  Like most friends, we have been through a lot over the years.

I can't believe Chachi is a multi-time grandfather now.  Those kids could not ask for a better grandfather, role model, friend.  Just ask his three awesome daughters.

Happy birthday to my dear friend Chuck.  Join me in raising a toast.

Before I end this, I must also wish a happy birthday to Chuck's "long suffering" wife Mary.  How she puts up with him is beyond me.  Together they are one awesome couple though and I give her 98% of the credit.

Chuck Gekas and me in Toronto, Canada-August 2012.

On the Beat with Jeff Scanlan

When our Boys of Summer trip shifted to Milwaukee this year, Chuck Gekas mentioned his friend and fellow magician Jeff Scanlan performed at Miller Park.  Scanlan entertained fans with close-up magic at Sunday home games.  I thought it would be an interesting interview, but there was even more to the picture than I first thought.

Chuck and I found Scanlan near the right field concourse.  He had a consistent audience throughout his entire show.  Scanlan incorporated many of the kids into the tricks.  I am always amazed at the ability of magicians, especially performing up close tricks like this.  Scanlan entertained the fans with his tricks and with his interaction.  This was such a cool attraction at a ballpark.

At the conclusion of his performances, the three of us went to the Brewers offices to talk.  I figured Chuck would be the better interviewer, since he knew Scanlan.

Scanlan told a couple of fun stories about his performances.  Then Chuck asked about his other passion.  Here is where it got even more interesting.

Scanlan puts things inside of bottles.  Of course, I had heard of ships built in bottles, but Scanlan's skills go well beyond that.  I also learned there were others like him (although Scanlan loos to be the best) and that there are rules governing the craft.

Tennis balls, golf balls, perfect and new decks of cards and Converse high tops are just some of the things that Scanlan has gotten into standard bottles.  I checked his website and I still can't believe my eyes.  This is simply amazing.  His magic was impressive, but his bottle magic blew my mind.

The interview covers Scanlan's magic and also his bottle magic.  I am just fascinated by this.  After you watch the video, check out JeffScanlan.com and BottleMagic.com to learn more about this talented man.

Thanks to Chuck for turning me onto this.  Thanks to Jeff for his time and consideration.  Thanks to the Milwaukee Brewers for their hospitality.

Gregg Zaun and the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame?

We have previously discussed the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame and our respect for the many fine catchers who never really made it as everyday catchers, but who nonetheless carved out solid, productive careers helping their teams in an under-appreciated way.  At JohngysBeat.com and the BCHOF, we always strive to shine a positive light on them.
For the first nine years of Gregg Zaun's major league career, he was well on his way to induction into the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame.  He averaged 64 games a year with a solid .250 batting average.  Throw in about 4 home runs and twenty rbi's and you have a can't miss BCHOF'er.
Then came 2004.  He played in 107 games.  He followed that in 2005 with 133 games.  Then 99 in 2006.  At this point, his BCHOF hopes were gone.
Was it worth it?  Were the extra games over those few years worth his BCHOF induction?  Only Zaun truly can answer that, but the BCHOF feels the loss.
Zaun finished his career with a respectable .252 batting average and 88 home runs.  He averaged 77 games a year over his 16 year career with 9 teams.
Zaun's career is not to be diminished.  Lasting for 16 seasons in the major leagues is an accomplishment.  He was a dependable catcher with a little pop.  I have certainly seen a lot worse in Chicago in my lifetime.  I'd gladly take a Gregg Zaun even now.
I am just lamenting the BCHOF's loss of such a promising prospect.  Rarely does a player put up nine solid seasons of BCHOF-esque numbers only to blow it all.  It's just a shame.
On the other hand, Zaun still plays a big role in the BCHOF.  He also proves just how valuable an excellent backup catcher really is.  Zaun was certainly capable of starting (or stepping in when needed).  If his stats were put into a 162 game average, they would show 12 home runs, 57 rbi's and a .252 average.  Those stats would have put Zaun in the top ten catchers last season.
Cuzz Gekas and I met Zaun on our annual baseball trip in 2012.  We fought back the urge to discuss this with him.  If we had more time, maybe if we had a beer with him, we would have explained this to him.  Instead, we talked briefly about his post-playing career and the Blue Jays.  He was a very nice guy and he would have made a great BCHOF'er.
It's just a shame.
JohngysBeat.com supports Zaun in his post-playing career efforts.  Zaun started the Gregg Zaun Foundation to help Canadian families in need.  He is very active with the charity and it does great work.  Please check it out at GZFoundation.com.

Greg Zaun, Cuzz Gekas and me in Toronto, Canada-Summer 2012.

Rod Carew's Statue, Statistics and Memories

When I was a kid, Rod Carew was in his prime with the Minnesota Twins.  I loved the fact that Carew was a legit superstar with the Twins and then I hated when he went to the Angels.

When my friends and I went to see the Twins a couple years ago, Chuck and I ran into the Rod Carew statue outside of Target Field.  It was so cool to see the familiar, distinct batting stance of Carew.  It also made me think back on his career.

Carew finished with 3,053 hits, 353 stolen bases and .328 batting average.  That is quite a career.  What I remember most was that he always seemed to be in motion.  Looking at his stats now and seeing where he ranks overall brings back those memories.

It also points out how numbers are now skewed.  Carew was great.  He is a Hall of Famer.  Still, his numbers will pale in comparison to some of the "stars" who have followed him.

I am starting to think stats now no longer matter.  I know Carew was great.  Nothing can take that away.  I don't need to look at lists to see how many recent players have passed him statistically.

Carew reminds me of all things good when I was a kid.  I am happy that the Twins gave him a statue.  I hope others who see the statue will look beyond the numbers and realize what a great player he was.

Chuck T. Gekas, me and Rod Carew in Minneapolis, MN-Summer 2011.

Otis the Alligator Got Me

Actually, the headline should have read "Otis the Alligator Peed All Over My Leg," but I wanted to keep it a bit cleaner (cleaner than my leg at least).  Darn alligator!
It all started innocently enough at the Days of the Dead convention in Indianapolis.  Cuzz Gekas saw a table where they were letting you pose with a tarantula or a mini-gator.
I had several tarantulas (although I have no pictures with them), but I never held a mini-gator.  Plus, the gator had its' snout sealed shut and I figured it would be easier to control than a tarantula.
The best laid plans of mice and Johngy...
Cuzz and I carefully held Otis and the photog snapped a few pictures.  Otis started squirming just a bit and I saw Cuzz back away as he mentioned that Otis was urinating.  It was too late for yours truly though.  Otis let go a solid stream down my right leg.
Fortunately, my cameras, wallet and keys were in my other pockets.  Still, I had the right side of my shorts soaked in gator urine.  At least our hotel was located just across the parking lot.  I dried my leg with a couple towels at the table and we headed back to our room to change.
I love the picture below.  I look so happy.  Of course I was happy.  My shorts were still dry!
After the urination, I started to think of better things to do with the gator than posing for pictures.  I thought about alligator jerky, alligator soup, alligator ribs...well you get the idea.

Cuzz Gekas, Otis and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Chuck Gekas Birthday Edition

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.  This is a special Chuck Gekas Birthday edition.

Today my dear friend Chuck Gekas is celebrating a birthday.  Therefore, JohngysBeat.com will celebrate Chuck Gekas.

Chachi has been a great friend to me for almost 20 years.  Part mentor, part brother, part pal, Chachi has been and continues to be an important part of my life.

Several years ago, it was Chuck who accompanied me to Dodger Stadium when I got press credentials for the first time.  I could tell many stories of that day, but none will really encompass what we both felt.  Making it more special for me was that I was able to give Chuck that opportunity to be on the field and interview baseball people.

Since that day, we have repeated this experience in a few other ballparks over the years.  I always enjoy having Chachi there.  Life's experiences are meant to be shared and I am glad and proud to share this fun with my great friend.

I am sure Chachi's wonderful family is helping him celebrate his day.  I also know he will read this at some point and know that I really appreciate him and wish him the best birthday.

Happy birthday Chachi and I hope we get to interview many more players together!

Chuck Gekas and Terry Pendleton in St. Louis, MO-June 2013.