Marley Shelton at Flashback Weekend 2026

I was envious of my buddy Tony when he met actress Marley Shelton. Fortunately, I evened the score at Flashback Weekend last month.

The Sandlot is one of my favorite movies, not just one of my favorite sports movies. Shelton played Wendy Peffercorn, who had a memorable scene with one of the boys.

Of course, Shelton has a much longer resume of parts than just Wendy, but that scene is iconic. Some of her other projects include Bubble Boy, Pleasantville and The Lottery, as well as a couple movies in the Scream franchise.

While talking with Shelton, I mentioned a couple of her roles, but had to add I really loved that famous scene. She smiled big and said that really touches her heart to hear fans speak so fondly of that role and scene.

While I was happy to match Tony with the picture, I was really happier just to meet Shelton. She had been on my list for many years.

For more info on Flashback Weekend, go to flashbackweekend.com. Look here for more of my recaps.

Cuzz, Marley and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2026.

Steven Weber at Flashback Weekend 2026

Flashback Weekend is always a special convention. I have been attending it since it debuted in 2002, but it took a few years for me to learn it was run by Mike and Mia Kerz, cousins of Cuzz Gekas. Now, it is like a mini-reunion every year.

This year, I was really excited about several of the guests, including actor Steven Weber. Because we were first into the convention, we were the first to meet Weber and we had a few extra minutes to chat.

Weber actually being there was a matter of luck. He happened to be in town filming Chicago Med, which made him available to attend.

Also known for his role on Wings, Weber was great. When I mentioned Wings,Weber put his hands to his heart and state that meant a lot to him to hear. We chatted a bit about Chicago before letting him get to the rest of the fans. (There is a fine line between a nice chat and a lingerer.)

It's guests like Weber that make Flashback great every ear. I might be biased, but as I wrote, I was a fan before I knew who ran it. It really is a well-run and organized convention and that all goes back to Mike and Mia.

Go to flashbackweekend.com for more info. Check back here for more recaps from Flashback.

Cuzz, Steven Weber and me in Rosemont, IL-Augsut 2026.

Are You Going to Call Ernie Hudson?

Actor Ernie Hudson was 72 when I met him in Indianapolis in 2018. He looked and sounded fantastic.

Hudson has built a great career in movies and television.

Although his career started even earlier, I remembered him from The Main Event, starring Barbra Streisand. Of course, one of his most famous roles was in Ghostbusters. As you can see from his shirt, he embraces that role and fans still love that movie of 40+ years ago.

Hudson was in great spirits at the comic con. He gladly came around his booth to take a picture with Cuzz and me. Then he chatted with us for several minutes. On the business side, I give him high marks for having a nice selection of 8x10s. While many folks wanted pictures from Ghostbusters, there were plenty fans who wanted ones from his other projects, like Roots, Oz and more.

 Cuzz, Ernie Hudson and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2018.

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.

Happy Birthday, Cuzz!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of longtime friend Cuzz Gekas. Cuzz's birthday starts a string of three birthdays between him and his two cousins, Jim and Chuck, in the next month or so.

As I previous explained, Cuzz is actually Chuck. The Cuzz moniker developed because he is a cousin to the first Chuck in our group. It's a name Cuzz quickly embraced. Doesn't he look like a Cuzz?

Anyway, I have known Cuzz for close to 30 years now. We have gone across country on baseball trips and to comic cons. We don't see each other as much these days, but it doesn't diminish my love and appreciation for my friend.

We have had so many great conversations. Sometimes they are silly, like about backup catchers. Other times, they are deep, like religion. Either way, I always appreciate the chat and Cuzz's opinions.

They say to surround yourself with great friends. There is none better than Cuzz.

I won't be with Cuzz on his big day, but I wish him a fantastic day and upcoming year.

Cuzz, Lindsey Wagner and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Cuzz Buzz: Martin Palmer's Heads I Win

Recent birthday boy Cuzz Gekas is back "On the Beat." Cuzz joined me to interview first-time author Martin Palmer about his book, Heads I Win.

In addition to the interview, Cuzz recapped reconnecting with his old friend Martin and his thoughts on Heads I Win. I'll let Cuzz take it from here.

Martin, Cuzz and Mike in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

I have attended Flashback Weekend since its inception in 2002. The proprietors, Mike and Mia Kerz, do an outstanding job and I believe it is the best convention around with its array of celebrities, vendor tables, celeb photo ops, movie showings, and much more.

Another great aspect of the convention is I always seem to run into friends from the past. At this year’s convention I met up with my long time friend Martin Palmer, who I had not seen in too many years to count. Martin lives in Colorado and is retired from the military, but was in town for the convention. It was great catching up with him and I found out he recently published his first book; a novel titled Heads I Win. I recently finished the book and found it to be a very impressive debut novel.

Lance Becker, is a cyber security expert on the trail of a deadly computer virus that could potentially cause irreparable harm to mankind. Becker travels across the globe starting from his home in Colorado, venturing to Hong Kong, Europe, Africa and finally an island in the Aegean Sea to determine the origins of the virus and prevent such a catastrophe. While the subject matter centers on cyber security, there is plenty of action and adventure as Becker encounters hired assassins, shadowy government operatives, and numerous other obstacles before confronting the evil genius behind the dastardly plan.

The pace of the novel moves along crisply and Palmer provides interesting details to the various locations. His knowledge of cyber security and different types of complex cyber-attacks is also evident, yet is made understandable for the laymen. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to Lance Becker’s next adventure from Martin Palmer!

Heads I Win is available on Amazon.com, on Kindle or paperback.

I appreciate Cuzz for his huge part in this experience. Thanks, also, to Martin for his time. Watch the interview at Martin Palmer and Heads I Win.

Happy Birthday, Cuzz!

Today I celebrate the birthday of longtime pal Chuck. He is affectionately called Cuzz, because our group already had a Chuck (they are actually cousins).

We've had a lot of fun over the years. We have also had some deep conversations. I am definitely a better person for knowing Cuzz, but I have also had many great experiences because of him.

Our latest adventure was at this year's Flashback Weekend. As we were leaving, Cuzz ran into his longtime pal Martin Palmer. In talking to him, we learned he just published his debut novel Heads I Win.

A couple weeks later, we interviewed Martin about his book. That interview will be on GlobalTraverelerUSA.com very soon. This was my first joint interview with Cuzz, but I knew he was perfect for the interview. I handled the intro and outro, but let Cuzz handle all the rest and he killed it.

This is just the latest of hundreds of reasons why I appreciate Cuzz.

I look forward to many more great times.

For now though, I raise my Coke can and wish a very happy birthday to Cuzz! I love you pal!

 Cuzz and me in Roemont, IL-August 2024.

Larry B. Scott on Baseball and Nerds

Several years ago, I met Larry B. Scott at Motor City Comic Con. Probably best known for his role in the Revenge of the Nerds film franchise, Scott caught my eye years earlier when he played Gerald LeFlore, father of Ron LeFlore in One In a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story.

Ron went from prison to playing nine seasons in Major League Baseball, including seven season with his hometown Detroit tigers and one season with my Chicago White Sox. He finished with one season with the Montreal Expos in 1982. LeFlore battled issues on and off, but seems to have been on the right track.

I might have been the only person to bring up that role to Scott when we met him. Of course, I also talked to him about his more famous role. Scott was a great guy, granting us an interview with no prior knowledge of us. Scott gave a fun interview, which has gotten one of the biggest responses of any interview I have done. For the rest of the weekend, Scott greeted us enthusiastically every time we walked near hi booth. Before we left, I made sure to thank him for his time and energy. He was really great.

My interview with Scott is at On the Beat With Larry B. Scott. If you watch it, please leave a comment and subscribe to my YouTube page.

Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Larry B. Scott, Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Happy Birthday Cuzz!

Today Cuzz Gekas celebrates his birthday. Today, I raise a blog post to my pal.

Cuzz has been a great friend for many years. We've shared many road trips with other friends and also just by ourselves. Whether it's a baseball trip or a convention outing, it is always a great time with Cuzz.

Cuzz is a great help at events, spotting celebrities, taking pictures and generally coordinating logistics when I get overwhelmed by the chaos there. More importantly though, is the fun I have with him. Several folks could be helpers at conventions, but none can take Cuzz's place.

Earlier this year, Cuzz joined me covering a Loyola women's softball game. Besides hanging with me, he had a special interest. His goddaughter Maddie Kapsimalis was one of the best players on the Dayton Flyers, who were playing Loyola. Maddie's father Greg, a longtime friend of Cuzz's, was also there. It was a fantastic day of watching them watch their beloved Maddie. Sadly for them, the Flyers lost that day. I had divided loyalties and just wanted a good game, with Maddie playing well.

After the game, we all talked and took pictures. I later interviewed Maddie via Zoom, which is at On the Beat with Maddie Kapsimalis. While I would have been at the game even without the Maddie-Cuzz connection, it was special because of Cuzz. It also added to one new event for us.

Happy birthday, Cuzz! I hope it's a great day and upcoming year.

Cuzz Gekas and Maddie Kapsimalis in Chicago, IL-May 2023.

Happy Birthday, Cuzz!!

Today is the birthday of Chuck "Cuzz" Gekas, a longtime, dear friend. I won't see him, but I send greetings here and I'll call him later.

I met Cuzz through his cousin, Chuck. My group cannot have two Chucks, so he became Cuzz. It's a name and vibe he has totally embraced.

Cuzz and I have had many great adventures. We can have a great time with deep conversations on spirituality or we can have goofy chats on the best backup catchers. I greatly appreciate those times.

Cuzz is like a brother to me. I am better for knowing him.

As a huge help to my site over the years, I know Cuzz will eventually read this. I want him to know I think the world of him and hope he has a great birthday!

PJ Soles, Cuzz and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2022.

PJ Soles at Flashback Weekend 2022

Earlier this month, I attended Flashback Weekend, Chicago's longest-running horror convention. My coverage appeared at Flashback Weekend Recap on the Chicago Patch.

One cool story involves PJ Soles, a longtime favorite of mine. Soles was on my list of "must see" at the convention. Unfortunately, her line was so long every time I went by her table.

As my friend Cuzz Gekas and I were leaving for the day, show promoter Mia Kerz (Cuzz's cousin) asked us how it was. I said all was great, but I missed Soles and might return the next day to see her. Mia surprised me by saying Soles was in the break room and I could pop in to see her there.

I didn't want to bother her on break, but Mia led the way and Soles could not have been any nicer. She actually remembered me from previous meetings, including once when I interviewed her (at On the Beat With PJ Soles).

We chatted for a few minutes and took the picture. I thanked Soles and Mia profusely for this moment.

Granted, everyone won't get that treatment from Mia (or husband Mike), but everyone will have a great time at Flashback Weekend. I have been going for many years and it is always a stop on my convention list.

Go to FlashbackWeekend.com for news and updates throughout the year. Also check back here for my recurring coverage.

PJ Soles, Cuzz Gekas and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2022.

Happy Birthday Cuzz!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of my pal Cuzz Gekas. To most, he is Chuck, but our group had a Chuck, so Cuzz became Cuzz. Somehow, he really fits the Cuzz moniker.

I have known Cuzz for 20+ years. We have had a ton of great times together. We have also had ridiculous conversations, as well as deep ones. I always enjoy talking to Cuzz and learning from him, too. 

Cuzz has been a valuable part of Johngy's Beat for many years. He has patiently gone along to many comic cons. Aside from his help, I really appreciate the experiences we have had. I could always find another helper, but I could never find another Cuzz. I greatly appreciate him accompanying me, but I appreciate his friendship even more. That is what makes the events even more special.

I am sure Cuzz is celebrating somewhere today and I hope he enjoys it. I also hope we have many more adventures down the line.

Cuzz and me in Akron, OH-Summer 2016.

Happy Birthday Cuzz!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my longtime friend Cuzz.
Cuzz is "Cuzz" becuzz our gang already had a "Chuck" Gekas. He soon became "Cuzz" to us and he eagerly embraced the moniker. Born out of necessity (or at least clarity and convenience), "Cuzz" actually fits him well. He is Cuzz.
In all seriousness, by either name, Cuzz is a great friend and human. I've been fortunate to call him a friend for more than 20 years. He have traveled the country, seen dozens of sports events, started a BackUp Catcher Hall of Fame and have had a lot of fun.
Part of that fun happens at comic cons. Cuzz has been a huge help to me at cons over the years, but more importantly, I enjoy his company on these trips.
I did put him to extra work a few years back when I asked him to interview former boxer Jack O'Halloran. A boxing aficionado, Cuzz was the perfect person to handle the interview and he did a great job with it. That interview is at On the Beat With Jack O'Halloran.
Cuzz is a man of deep faith and I appreciate his insight and ear. I have learned a lot through Cuzz and I hope it has made me a better person and believer.
Happy birthday to Cuzz. I hope your day is awesome and I am looking forward to celebrating with you soon.

Jack O'Halloran , Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Friend Encounters: Neve Campbell and Cuzz Gekas at Flashback Weekend

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. With Flashback Weekend this weekend, I am presenting a special Friend Encounters Flashback Weekend edition.
Canadian born Neve Campbell rose to fame on television's Party of Five and on the big screen in Wild Things and Scream. Neve was hugely popular.
Like many others, I was a fan of Neve's. My fandom actually goes back to a Coca-Cola commercial she did in 1991. Neve and Coke make a great combo (even if it was just a paid job for her).
As I have often written, Flashback Weekend is one of my favorite events of the year, It is the first horror or comic con I ever attended. It was only several years after my first time there that I learned the promoters Mike and Mia Kerz are related to my great friend Cuzz Gekas. I don't know how we never made the connection, but we eventually did.
I don't support and promote Flashback Weekend because we are all friends. I do so because it is a fantastic convention. Having great folks like Mike and Mia (and their daughters) running the event only makes it that much better. They work tirelessly to make it entertaining for all.
In 2016, when Cuzz and I were going to Flashback Weekend, Neve was tops on my list. Meeting her surpassed my hopes. She was so fan friendly. She stepped away from her table for every photo request, because the lighting was not good at her table. She cared enough about everyone's pictures to double check. Despite having the longest line that year, Neve made each encounter special.
Thanks to Mike and Mia for their hospitality and consideration. Thanks, too, to Cuzz for facilitating things and for his friendship. We always have a fun time hanging out at Flashback Weekend.

Go to FlashbackWeekend.com for all of the info on this great convention. Also, check the Flashback Weekend Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Neve Campbell and Cuzz in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Jenna Elfman at Motor City Comic Con 2018

The Motor City Comic Con was supposed to be this weekend, but it has been postponed due to the pandemic. While I sadly wait for the situation to be resolved and the MCCC to be rescheduled, I am recalling some of my favorite times there.
When talking about the best celebrity guests, Jenna Elfman would have to rank high. Elfman went above aqnd beyond with every fan at her booth. Despite having one of the longest lines, Elfman made sure to make each interaction as special as could be. She greeted everyone warmly and thanked all for seeing her. She had a decent selection of 8x10s, but it was her personality that was the hit. After taking every picture, she made a point to make sure the fans liked the picture before leaving.
These are all simple things, but they go a long way in attracting and keeping fans. I am sure reports from the first day brought more fans to her the next two days and justifiably so.
Elfman is probably best known for her title role in tv's Dharma & Greg, a role for which she won a Golden Globe award. Elfman met her husband Bodhi at a Sprite commercial audition in 1991. Famed composer Danny Elfman is Bodhi's uncle.
You can follow Jenna at @JennaElfman on twitter. Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Jenna Elfman, Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Julia Montgomery at Motor City Comic Con 2018

Julia Montgomery was at the Motor City Comic Con 2018 as part of a Revenge of the Nerds mini-reunion. I don't intentionally do it, but I usually know and  celebrities for roles other than the "big" roles. Montgomery was one of the best examples of this.

While her most well-known movie was Nerds, Montgomery has a lengthy resume on television and movies. She was in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, The Kindred and many television shows, including "adult Steph" on Full House. I first saw her on One Life To Live in the late-70s.

When Cuzz and I saw her at MCCC, I talked to her about her role on OLTL. She seemed amused and pleasantly surprised that I remembered her from that role. Her weekend was filled with Nerds talk and she was grateful for that recognition, too, but she said it was a nice change to discuss her OLTL days. We talked about storylines and old co-stars. I think she was impressed (scared?) that I knew so much of the OLTL history.

This was a rare chance to meet Montgomery, as she doesn't do many appearances. This is one of the cool things when MCCC does these sort of mini-reunions. Often, it allows fans to meet a wide range of the actors from the movie, plus ones you might better know from other roles.

Check MotorCityComicCon.com for more info,. Also, follow the Motor City Comic Con on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Cuzz Gekas, Julia Montgomery and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Happy Birthday Cuzz

Today I celebrate the birthday of dear friend Chuck Gekas, better known as Cuzz. He earned the Cuzz moniker by being cousins with another Chuck Gekas, but Cuzz fits him well in general.

Over the years, we have developed a great friendship. Cuzz has joined me at many comic cons, offering his invaluable help and never complaining. While his help is very much appreciated, it is his company which I really enjoy.

Cuzz and I have had many conversations during our roadtrips. While some are focused on serious stuff like backup catchers, we also delve into truly important topics like religion and life. I have learned a lot from Cuzz and he has helped me understand and deepen my religious beliefs. He is a great guy and I am a better person for knowing him.

I'm also a happier person. Cuzz and I have had a lot of laughs along the way. I couldn't ask for a better convention "assistant" or a better friend in general.

I won't see Cuzz today, but I am sending him wishes for a fantastic birthday. Cuzz deserves the best,  because he truly is the best.

Cuzz Gekas and me in Columbus, OH-July 2016.

Kristy McNichol at Motor City Comic Con 2016

Motor City Comic Con is coming back to Novi, MI May 17-19. I always look forward to this con. I also look back on so many great memories there.

From 1976-1980, Kristy McNichol starred as Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence on tv's Family.  Eight years later, she had another successful tv run as Barbara Weston on Empty Nest from 1988-1995.  I was a regular watcher of both shows.

When I saw McNichol would be at the 2016 Motor City Comic Con, I put her on my priority list.  She hadn't done many celebrity appearances and I wasn't going to miss her there.  In fact, since her acting retirement in 2001, she spent most of her time teaching acting and doing charity work.

McNichol is an actress I never expected to meet.  Because of her low profile, it seemed I wouldn't get the chance.  Then when I did, it was a bit surreal.  I remember watching her as "Buddy" way back when.  It was almost like seeing a childhood friend.  Back then, there was never a thought that you would actually meet and talk to these tv stars.  You were happy just to pic up a magazine and read about them or maybe join their fan club.

McNichol was as sweet as could be.  We talked about her shows, her brother Jimmy and more.  She seemed genuinely grateful for her fans and I know the fans were happy to see her.

I haven't seen her doing any shows since.  I hope she does some shows though, because an entire generation grew up watching her grow up on tv and would love to see her.  I'd certainly like to see her again.

For this year's celebrity and artist lineup, head to MotorCityComicCon.com. I'll be "On the Beat" all weekend.

Kristy McNichol, Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2016.

Happy Birthday Cuzz!

Today is Cuzz Gekas is having birthday. Join me in honoring one of my best friends on his special day.

I met Cuz through his cousins Jim and Chuck. Because two Chuck Gekases would be confusing (for my small brain), we started calling him Cuzz.

Born out of necessity, the nickname really fits him and he has embraced it fully. It seems serendipitous that it played out this way, because I can't imagine him not being Cuzz (with no disrespect to his given name).

Anyway and more importantly, Cuzz is one of the greatest people I know. As my roadtrip convention pal, Cuzz has gladly taken the role of my "producer" at the conventions and I appreciate his "work" there.

It's not just his work though. It's all else. We have trivia quizzes, silliness, deep religious conversations and more. I have learned a lot from Cuzz and I know I am a better person because of him.

One of my favorite memories from cons with Cuzz happened last year when he took the interview lead when we had with former boxer-turned-actor Jack O'Halloran. If you go to On the Beat with Jack O'Halloran at Motor City Comic Con 2018, you will see Cuzz did great. Becaus eof how much I appreciate Cuzz at these events, I always want to make sure he has fun and he has good memories. I think this interview accomplished that for him.

I always look forward to the out of town cons and hanging with Cuzz is a big part of the reason. I know it will always be totally fun.

Happy birthday Cuzz. I hope it's a great day and I look forward to our next convention!

Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Malcolm McDowell at Flashback Weekend 2016

Flashback Weekend is returning to Rosemont from this Friday through Sunday. It is a weekend of fun, celebrity guests and all sorts of events.

Cuzz Gekas and I met legendary actor Malcolm McDowell a couple years ago. McDowell costarred in Clockwork Orange in the early part of his lengthy career. Well over 100 movies later, Malcolm is still going strong.

I have heard from a few fans that he was a bit gruff, but I think they were just intimidated by his presence. The man is a great actor and carries himself with quiet dignity. He silently demands respect (and he totally has earned it). Whenever I met Malcolm, including at Flashback Weekend with Cuzz, he was awesome. He was friendly and as talkative as could be in the setting. Every meeting with him was a positive one.

I always look forward to Flashback Weekend. It is filled with actors, authors, creators and other interesting people. I have met so many famous and great people (like Malcolm), as well as gaining several friends. It's really like a friend reunion with celebrity guests invited.

Check out FlashbackWeekend.com and the Flashback Weekend Facebook page for more info and updates. Malcolm probably won't be there this year, although you never really know. Cuzz and I will be there and "On the Beat" all weekend.

Malcolm McDowell, Cuzz Gekas and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.