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I know it is a day early, but I wanted to put up this video today for a couple reasons. First, although tomorrow is Valentine's Day, it is also Friendly Encounters day and that shall not take a backseat to a Hallmark holiday. Second, I'm not sure it would be fair to Valentine's Day (even though it is low in the hierarchy of holidays) to link this video to the holiday.
Anyway, the Evil Zebra should take the credit (or blame) for this, as he did a similar video first. After seeing it, I just had to do something with my friends. I won't name the specific friends (trying to protect the innocent).
The video still makes me laugh (although you might feel more like crying). It's just absurd.
Okay, that's enough introduction/apologies. Check it out for yourself.
Showing posts with label Evil Zebra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Evil Zebra. Show all posts
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.
My friend Evil Zebra has graciously agreed to share another great picture and really interesting story. As always, I'll let the Evil Zebra tell you about it.
I'm not great with years and ages, but you can probably figure them out. LOL. It was around 1977-1979 and Dana was 14 or 15 years old... I was an adviser to our high school's DECA program (Distributive Education Clubs of America). That year, we had our national conference in Miami Beach, FL. My students were competing in a project run and sponsored by the 7-Up company. When we got to Florida we learned that 7-Up was bringing in a surprise guest to present the award to the winning high school. That guest was none other than the star of tv's Diff'rent Strokes...DANA PLATO.
Dana and her mother Kay were flown into Florida to spend 3 days at the convention, meet with the students and present the award to the winners at the award session on the final night.
As luck would have it, as I was checking into the Fountain Blue Hilton with my students from Pennsylvania, Dana and Kay were also checking in.
Being the outgoing and friendly person that I am, while my students were star-struck, I started a conversation with Kay (a wonderful lady, I might add).
As it would turn out, their room just happened to be 2 down from mine, so we got to know each other pretty well. I remember Dana being so excited being around so many kids her age. She got real friendly with a few of my students and kinda hung around with them for the entire 3 days. I also had Kay and Dana eat with our group, so we spent a lot of time talking.
One memorable story happened on the first afternoon. The kids had some free time to just hang by the pool. Dana wanted to go and Kay agreed as long as I would be there to keep an eye on things. I had to judge another event first, so Kay agreed to sit by the pool to watch them until I got back.
I went to my room and threw on my 70's 3 piece pinstripe suit to head on over to judge the event. I had about 5 minutes before I had to be there, so I figured I would swing by the pool before I went.
What happened next was history-making!!!!
I walked to the pool, where my kids and Dana were having a ball. Kay was sitting there reading a book. I saw Kay sitting at the edge of the pool. Next thing I know, the kids dared Dana to...jump out of the pool...run over and push ME into the pool (in my 3 piece pinstripe suit!).
SHE DID!!!!!
The entire place went nuts. Kay was so embarrassed at mad at Dana. I thought she was gonna kill her, but she didn't know how "EVIL" I really was...even back then and I only just cracked up and started laughing!!! I told Kay it was okay...and from that moment on...I just LOVED Dana. (My kid of kid!)
Needless to say I had to hurry back to the room, dry off and change to go to my judging. I went back to the pool later and had a little more fun.
So that is how we met. Lots more stories to follow if anyone is interested.
I always enjoy contributions from the Evil Zebra, but this one is especially interesting. I enjoyed reading about Dana just being a kid. It is great to see that side of her and to see her having that fun. It had to be wonderful to be there.
Thanks to EZ for sharing. If you haven't already, I encourage everyone to check out EZ's Yahoo group.
Dana Plato and the Evil Zebra in Miami Beach, FL-Mid 1970's.
My friend Evil Zebra has graciously agreed to share another great picture and really interesting story. As always, I'll let the Evil Zebra tell you about it.
I'm not great with years and ages, but you can probably figure them out. LOL. It was around 1977-1979 and Dana was 14 or 15 years old... I was an adviser to our high school's DECA program (Distributive Education Clubs of America). That year, we had our national conference in Miami Beach, FL. My students were competing in a project run and sponsored by the 7-Up company. When we got to Florida we learned that 7-Up was bringing in a surprise guest to present the award to the winning high school. That guest was none other than the star of tv's Diff'rent Strokes...DANA PLATO.
Dana and her mother Kay were flown into Florida to spend 3 days at the convention, meet with the students and present the award to the winners at the award session on the final night.
As luck would have it, as I was checking into the Fountain Blue Hilton with my students from Pennsylvania, Dana and Kay were also checking in.
Being the outgoing and friendly person that I am, while my students were star-struck, I started a conversation with Kay (a wonderful lady, I might add).
As it would turn out, their room just happened to be 2 down from mine, so we got to know each other pretty well. I remember Dana being so excited being around so many kids her age. She got real friendly with a few of my students and kinda hung around with them for the entire 3 days. I also had Kay and Dana eat with our group, so we spent a lot of time talking.
One memorable story happened on the first afternoon. The kids had some free time to just hang by the pool. Dana wanted to go and Kay agreed as long as I would be there to keep an eye on things. I had to judge another event first, so Kay agreed to sit by the pool to watch them until I got back.
I went to my room and threw on my 70's 3 piece pinstripe suit to head on over to judge the event. I had about 5 minutes before I had to be there, so I figured I would swing by the pool before I went.
What happened next was history-making!!!!
I walked to the pool, where my kids and Dana were having a ball. Kay was sitting there reading a book. I saw Kay sitting at the edge of the pool. Next thing I know, the kids dared Dana to...jump out of the pool...run over and push ME into the pool (in my 3 piece pinstripe suit!).
SHE DID!!!!!
The entire place went nuts. Kay was so embarrassed at mad at Dana. I thought she was gonna kill her, but she didn't know how "EVIL" I really was...even back then and I only just cracked up and started laughing!!! I told Kay it was okay...and from that moment on...I just LOVED Dana. (My kid of kid!)
Needless to say I had to hurry back to the room, dry off and change to go to my judging. I went back to the pool later and had a little more fun.
So that is how we met. Lots more stories to follow if anyone is interested.
I always enjoy contributions from the Evil Zebra, but this one is especially interesting. I enjoyed reading about Dana just being a kid. It is great to see that side of her and to see her having that fun. It had to be wonderful to be there.
Thanks to EZ for sharing. If you haven't already, I encourage everyone to check out EZ's Yahoo group.
Dana Plato and the Evil Zebra in Miami Beach, FL-Mid 1970's. An Evil Zebra & Dancing Elves?
When we last saw the Evil Zebra, he was being inducted into the Jay Leno Club. EZ has been a a strong supporter, excellent contributor and generally all around good guy to Johngy's Beat (I hope that doesn't hurt his 'evil' image). I absolutely love the pictures and stories EZ contributes and will certainly run more of them in the future. To get more of his stories, pictures and news, you should check out EZ's site.
Recently, EZ posted a funny video featuring dancing elves. I totally cracked up. However, little did I realize that I would become one of the dancing elves on another video he posted a couple days ago. I have to say I am rather impressed with my dancing moves (better than the real me).
If anyone else (elfse?) out there wants to be a dancing elf, you can go to elfyourself. Enjoy it. I sure did.
EZ's Elf stable, featuring Johngy Elf.
Recently, EZ posted a funny video featuring dancing elves. I totally cracked up. However, little did I realize that I would become one of the dancing elves on another video he posted a couple days ago. I have to say I am rather impressed with my dancing moves (better than the real me).
If anyone else (elfse?) out there wants to be a dancing elf, you can go to elfyourself. Enjoy it. I sure did.
EZ's Elf stable, featuring Johngy Elf.The Jay Leno Club:Part 2
A couple weeks ago, I wrote about the first group of celebrities to join my Jay Leno Club. To recap, the Jay Leno Club is comprised of celebrities who have mentioned my alleged resemblance to Jay Leno. Currently, the club consisted of Patrick Warburton, Larry Zbyszko, the Honky Tonk Man, Terri Runnels, Brian Knobbs and the Iron Sheik.
After I wrote about my encounter with the Honky Tonk Man at the Motor City Comic Con, the Evil Zebra saw the piece and contacted me. When I knew I would be going to the Ultimate Collectors Show in Oaks (PA), he informed his buddy, King Kong Bundy, that I would be there and looking for him. Bundy was a lot of fun. He also joined the Jay Leno Club by making the reference.
Therefore, without further adieu, I present the 2 newest members of the Jay Leno Club, the Evil Zebra and King Kong Bundy! It is quite fitting that these two wrestling legends should be inducted together.
After I wrote about my encounter with the Honky Tonk Man at the Motor City Comic Con, the Evil Zebra saw the piece and contacted me. When I knew I would be going to the Ultimate Collectors Show in Oaks (PA), he informed his buddy, King Kong Bundy, that I would be there and looking for him. Bundy was a lot of fun. He also joined the Jay Leno Club by making the reference.
Therefore, without further adieu, I present the 2 newest members of the Jay Leno Club, the Evil Zebra and King Kong Bundy! It is quite fitting that these two wrestling legends should be inducted together.
Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
When you have gold presented to you, the best thing to do is to sit back and let it shine. With that being written, I will sit back and re-introduce you to the Evil Zebra, who will tell the tale of his 'Friendly Encounter' with Mike Douglas.
It all started back in Philly in the 70's...
Mike used to film his show out of KYW TV-3 Studios on Independence Square in Philly.
Mike cousin Richie Rome (a musician best known for his disco group back then, the Ritchie Family) was one of Mike's Musical Directors on the show. I got to attend numerous tapings over the years (and that's in fact where I FIRST met Paul Lynde).
In the late 70's he moved his show out to Hollywood. I thought his last taping in Philly, which was awesome (I still have the tshirt he gave to everyone that day), might be the last time I ever saw Mike...BUT I WAS WRONG.
In 1980 our Phillies were in the World Series and a good friend and I were always looking for a fast way to make "EZ" bucks back then. We decided to take a shot that they would win, so we invested in a boatload of tshirts.
The rest is history. We were at the game when they won and SOLD out of our shirts.
We decided to use the money to take a trip out west and surprise Dana Plato for her birthday (Nov. 1980).
We packed some tshirts for Dana, Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges and took a few extras with us. I was sitting in Dana's dressing room and flipping through the closed circuit tv that showed all of the shows being filmed that day at KTTV in Hollywood...and what do I see...The MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW!!! I'm like OMG it's MIKE!
Dana's mom said to me, "You know Mike?" I said that I sure do and she said he is filming right next door.
So, I grabbed a tshirt (Mike was a big Phillies fan) and headed to his studio, went into the control room and saw his producer, who I knew from Philly, Woody Frazier...He said this was too good, that the Phillies had just won the World Series and there was already a tshirt for Mike. What he had me do next was historical.
As Mike was interviewing Susan Anton live (on tape), they had me go down in the back of the audience and yell "Hey MIKE, your PHILLIES are WORLD CHAMPS!"
He stopped and looked into the crowd as I was walking down the aisle to hand him the tshirt. His face was priceless. He stopped taping for a few minutes and explained to his audience who I was and where I was from. He took the shirt back to his chair and went on with the show.
Got to meet him for a little bit after his taping and that's about it for my Mike Douglas Friendly Encounter...LOL!
When you have gold presented to you, the best thing to do is to sit back and let it shine. With that being written, I will sit back and re-introduce you to the Evil Zebra, who will tell the tale of his 'Friendly Encounter' with Mike Douglas.
It all started back in Philly in the 70's...
Mike used to film his show out of KYW TV-3 Studios on Independence Square in Philly.
Mike cousin Richie Rome (a musician best known for his disco group back then, the Ritchie Family) was one of Mike's Musical Directors on the show. I got to attend numerous tapings over the years (and that's in fact where I FIRST met Paul Lynde).
In the late 70's he moved his show out to Hollywood. I thought his last taping in Philly, which was awesome (I still have the tshirt he gave to everyone that day), might be the last time I ever saw Mike...BUT I WAS WRONG.
In 1980 our Phillies were in the World Series and a good friend and I were always looking for a fast way to make "EZ" bucks back then. We decided to take a shot that they would win, so we invested in a boatload of tshirts.
The rest is history. We were at the game when they won and SOLD out of our shirts.
We decided to use the money to take a trip out west and surprise Dana Plato for her birthday (Nov. 1980).
We packed some tshirts for Dana, Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges and took a few extras with us. I was sitting in Dana's dressing room and flipping through the closed circuit tv that showed all of the shows being filmed that day at KTTV in Hollywood...and what do I see...The MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW!!! I'm like OMG it's MIKE!
Dana's mom said to me, "You know Mike?" I said that I sure do and she said he is filming right next door.
So, I grabbed a tshirt (Mike was a big Phillies fan) and headed to his studio, went into the control room and saw his producer, who I knew from Philly, Woody Frazier...He said this was too good, that the Phillies had just won the World Series and there was already a tshirt for Mike. What he had me do next was historical.
As Mike was interviewing Susan Anton live (on tape), they had me go down in the back of the audience and yell "Hey MIKE, your PHILLIES are WORLD CHAMPS!"
He stopped and looked into the crowd as I was walking down the aisle to hand him the tshirt. His face was priceless. He stopped taping for a few minutes and explained to his audience who I was and where I was from. He took the shirt back to his chair and went on with the show.
Got to meet him for a little bit after his taping and that's about it for my Mike Douglas Friendly Encounter...LOL!
Happy Birthday Evil Zebra
After the Evil Zebra emailed me for the first
time, I checked out his site and I was blown away by the people he has met. The list goes from Hollywood Hall of Famers like Bob Hope to entertainers like Paul Lynde to wrestling legends past and present like Killer Kowalski and King Kong Bundy. I could only imagine the stories EZ could tell. However, why should I just imagine? I have the opportunity to actually hear them and put them here for all of you to read, as well.
I quickly asked EZ if he would be willing to share some of his stories on a regular basis. A little while back, I featured his meeting with the late-great comedian Paul Lynde. Monday, I will be featuring his encounter with the former talk show host icon Mike Douglas.
Okay, that is past and future, so why am I writing this today. Oh today is a special day. Today is the birthday of the Evil Zebra.
I am not sure about what makes him evil (or if he really is evil). I hate to ruin a reputation and potentially incur his wrath, but he seems downright nice to me. Well, maybe you can be evil and nice?!
Whichever the case, I want to send out a birthday greeting to my newest bud, Evil Zebra. It has been a real pleasure getting to know more about you and I look forward to more stories and sometime even meeting you!
time, I checked out his site and I was blown away by the people he has met. The list goes from Hollywood Hall of Famers like Bob Hope to entertainers like Paul Lynde to wrestling legends past and present like Killer Kowalski and King Kong Bundy. I could only imagine the stories EZ could tell. However, why should I just imagine? I have the opportunity to actually hear them and put them here for all of you to read, as well.I quickly asked EZ if he would be willing to share some of his stories on a regular basis. A little while back, I featured his meeting with the late-great comedian Paul Lynde. Monday, I will be featuring his encounter with the former talk show host icon Mike Douglas.
Okay, that is past and future, so why am I writing this today. Oh today is a special day. Today is the birthday of the Evil Zebra.
I am not sure about what makes him evil (or if he really is evil). I hate to ruin a reputation and potentially incur his wrath, but he seems downright nice to me. Well, maybe you can be evil and nice?!
Whichever the case, I want to send out a birthday greeting to my newest bud, Evil Zebra. It has been a real pleasure getting to know more about you and I look forward to more stories and sometime even meeting you!
King Kong Bundy Meets Jay Leno
As I have written, when I met the Honky Tonk Man, he asked me if anyone ever told me I look like Jay Leno. We joked about that all weekend at the Motor City Comic Con. When I wrote about it, the Evil Zebra saw my blog and contacted me.
Evil Zebra is an interesting man. I have featured him once here and will soon again. EZ also knows King Kong Bundy and informed him that 'Jay Leno' would be seeing him in Oaks (PA) at the Ultimate Collectibles Show.
Bundy immediately recognized me when I approached him at his booth. (Am I really the only one who doesn't see the Jay Leno resemblance?).
We talked for a bit about wrestling, the Evil Zebra, and other things. He was funny and nice. What a great guy. It was a real pleasure to spend a few minutes with this wrestling legend.
Thanks to the Evil Zebra for facilitating this meeting. As I saw with other fans, Bundy would have been nice to me either way, but EZ helped make it extra special.
Evil Zebra is an interesting man. I have featured him once here and will soon again. EZ also knows King Kong Bundy and informed him that 'Jay Leno' would be seeing him in Oaks (PA) at the Ultimate Collectibles Show.
Bundy immediately recognized me when I approached him at his booth. (Am I really the only one who doesn't see the Jay Leno resemblance?).
We talked for a bit about wrestling, the Evil Zebra, and other things. He was funny and nice. What a great guy. It was a real pleasure to spend a few minutes with this wrestling legend.
Thanks to the Evil Zebra for facilitating this meeting. As I saw with other fans, Bundy would have been nice to me either way, but EZ helped make it extra special.
Look for EZ and KKB in a feature here in the very near future.
King Kong Bundy and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
I got to know the Evil Zebra after running a piece on meeting the Honky Tonk Man. EZ emailed me to tell me he thought it was funny and was sending it to the Honky Tonk Man, one of his friends. He invited me into his Yahoo group, EvilZebra:The Official Home of Team PMA. EZ is the East Coast's favorite referee!
I was amazed at the number and variety of people EZ has met. I was simply fascinated by looking at all of the pictures. Like me, some of the celebs he met, became friends.
One of his friends was the late comedian Paul Lynde. Lynde was famous for his role on tv's Bewitched and for being long-time center square on Hollywood Squares.
EZ first met Lynde when Lynde was a guest host on the Mike Douglas Show in the early 70's in Philadelphia. They became friends and would get usually get together when Lynde performed on the East Coast.
The picture below was taken a few months before Lynde's death. It was backstage at the Valley Forge Music Fair, theater in the round in Valley Forge (PA).
EZ has agreed to share more pictures and stories in the future and I am certainly looking forward to his contributions. Thanks to EZ for sharing this great stuff with Johngy's Beat.
This piece was scheduled to run last week, but due to a posting snafu (a moment of small brain on my part), it was delayed until today. It's usually not wise to mess with EZ, but for some reason he took it easy on me over this situation (maybe setting me up for later?).
Paul Lynde and the Evil Zebra in Valley Forge, PA-1981.
I got to know the Evil Zebra after running a piece on meeting the Honky Tonk Man. EZ emailed me to tell me he thought it was funny and was sending it to the Honky Tonk Man, one of his friends. He invited me into his Yahoo group, EvilZebra:The Official Home of Team PMA. EZ is the East Coast's favorite referee!
I was amazed at the number and variety of people EZ has met. I was simply fascinated by looking at all of the pictures. Like me, some of the celebs he met, became friends.
One of his friends was the late comedian Paul Lynde. Lynde was famous for his role on tv's Bewitched and for being long-time center square on Hollywood Squares.
EZ first met Lynde when Lynde was a guest host on the Mike Douglas Show in the early 70's in Philadelphia. They became friends and would get usually get together when Lynde performed on the East Coast.
The picture below was taken a few months before Lynde's death. It was backstage at the Valley Forge Music Fair, theater in the round in Valley Forge (PA).
EZ has agreed to share more pictures and stories in the future and I am certainly looking forward to his contributions. Thanks to EZ for sharing this great stuff with Johngy's Beat.
This piece was scheduled to run last week, but due to a posting snafu (a moment of small brain on my part), it was delayed until today. It's usually not wise to mess with EZ, but for some reason he took it easy on me over this situation (maybe setting me up for later?).
Paul Lynde and the Evil Zebra in Valley Forge, PA-1981.