Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

I have featured Ira Knobler here before, when he met the Hart Dynasty (Nattie Neidhart, Tyson Kidd and DH Smith).  Today, Ira is sharing a picture of him meeting Trish Stratus, coincidentally another wrestler from Canada.

Ira met Stratus at a recent signing in New York.  Ira said, "She's such a sweetheart."  Stratus talked at length to many of the attendees and everyone left happy (although they waited longer than expected).  Still, a long wait is fine, if the end result is good.

Stratus embarked on her appearance tour a couple months ago.  Stratus is a former wrestler (winning the Woman's title 7 times) and is currently an actress and television personality.  Recently, she hosted Stratosphere, a tv show featuring Stratus visiting exotic locations around the globe (hmm, seems like a good idea for a Global Traveler tie-in).
Ira has met a bunch of wrestlers and I am glad he is willing to occasionally share the evidence.

Ira Knobler and Trish Stratus in New York-September 2010.

Celebrity Rookie Cards

Many of my fellow bloggers do awesome work creating virtual cards of all types. I'm sure I am leaving some out, but my favorites are Birth Year Cards and Cards That Never Were (at White Sox Cards), Chachi Cards (at The Phillies Room), random card creations and corrections (at Wrigley Wax), Final Tribute cards (at Garvey, Cey, Russell and Lopes) and random stuff (at Punk Rock Paint).
I wanted to attempt something on my own to work on my PhotoShop skills (which are mediocre at best) and to have a unique series which reflects the scope of Johngy's Beat. I decided to do a card series of celebrities who have worn jerseys at some point. I would use the card design for the year after the person's professional debut. I realize the pictures versus card year might present time-travel issues, but these Celebrity Rookie Cards are not perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards.
With all of the best intentions, I screwed up (like a rookie) on my first attempt. I made a Trish Stratus birth year card, instead of rookie card. After I realized the error, I then encountered a logo problem I couldn't overcome on the proposed rookie card, so I went to the Maestro, Steve at White Sox Cards for some help. Steve produced the masterpiece incredibly fast and precise.
While my goal is still to do these on my own, I reserve the right to call for help on occasion. I also invite anyone else to join the insanity if the mood should strike. The concept is easy, rookie cards of celebrities wearing jerseys (no fair PhotoShopping this part...the celeb must have actually worn the jersey).
Without further adieu, I present my first attempts at Celebrity Rookie Cards.

Lanny Poffo was born in the Chicago area and remains a Cubs fan. I have met Poffo several times. I had the pleasure of interviewing him for an article and working with him on a literacy ad series.

Trish Stratus is a native of Canada. She is a big fan of the Maple Leafs and appeared in their merchandise catalog a few years back.

My wrong year version of a Trish Stratus Celebrity Rookie Card.The correct Trish Stratus Celebrity Rookie Card (thanks to Steve).