Woooo!!! Meeting WWE Legends John Cena & Ric Flair

These iconic professional wrestling superstars crossed my path prior to WrestleMania 31. Ric Flair could not have been nicer to me at a WWE reception held at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Nicknamed “The Nature Boy,” Flair is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and is widely known for his signature catchphrase: “Woooo!!!”

Ric Flair is a 16-time World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) World Champion and has also held championship titles in the NWA, WWF, and WCW. He is a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee—first in 2008 for his individual career, and again in 2012 as a member of The Four Horsemen.

His accolades also include induction into the NWA Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Needless to say, Flair is an icon not just in wrestling, but in the broader world of sports.

After a few minutes of cordial conversation, Flair graciously agreed to take a photo with me. In the shot, he struck his signature “Man” pose, pointing his finger at me—a gesture that has been a central part of his persona for decades. It’s his way of asserting that he is “the man,” often accompanied by his famous phrase: “To be the man, you gotta beat the man.”

A few months later, during a WrestleMania promotion, I found myself in the same room at the Silicon Valley Convention Center as the already legendary actor and professional wrestler John Cena. Cena, who starred in the 2006 film The Marine, has been signed to WWE since 2001.He holds a record 17 WWE world championship wins, including 14 overall title reigns, and is widely considered among the top professional wrestlers of all time. His portrayal of a heroic wrestling figure from 2003 to 2025 marked the longest such run in WWE history.

Cena shook up professional wrestling at WrestleMania 41 in 2025 when he turned into a “heel,” or bad guy—but he was far from that when I met him. We spoke about his acting career, as I was a fan of his first movie. I asked whether he planned to focus more on film roles in the future, but he made it clear that his commitment and focus remained with WWE.

Interestingly, as we spoke, I caught a glimpse of the famous WWE co-founder, “Mr. McMahon,” hovering somewhere in the back of the room. Both McMahon and Cena have played key roles in elevating WWE to worldwide financial success.

Cena was friendly and engaging, and we had a fascinating conversation about his movie career and his time in wrestling. For the record, he genuinely seemed like a nice person. In fact, his charitable work is extraordinary—he currently holds the record for granting the most wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with over 650 granted.

Brushed by Fame: Baron the Dog

Most of the stories I share here are about the famous people I’ve crossed paths with—politicians, musicians, movie stars, athletes. But today, I’m bending the rules just a little to introduce someone whose star is still on the rise: Baron, my dog.

Meet Baron—the star of his own tale

Baron may not (yet) have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but he’s certainly earned a place in my heart—and now, in print. I recently published a book about him, Baron’s World: A Dog’s Tale (Illustrated Edition). It’s the true story of a resilient rescue pup who went from an uncertain start in life to becoming a beloved companion, exploring the hills of Silicon Valley, touring the Google campus, and bringing joy to everyone he meets.

Baron isn’t just a pet—he’s a character. The kind of dog who turns heads, makes friends everywhere, and whose life felt worthy of a story. So I wrote one. And judging by the early response, he might be brushing up against fame himself soon.

Baron surveying his kingdom: the hills of Silicon Valley

You can find Baron’s World on Amazon here—and follow along as this four-legged wonder continues his journey from rescue pup to legend.

Even heroes have their off days—but Baron always gets back up

Sometimes, the most remarkable “celebrities” aren’t the ones we see on screens—they’re the ones waiting for us by the door, tail wagging, ready for their next adventure.

Stay tuned for more brushes with fame—four-legged and otherwise.

Brushed by Fame: The Stories Behind the Stories

What do Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Clint Eastwood, Marie Osmond, and Charles Barkley all have in common?

Well… me.

Over the years, my life has had a strange habit of intersecting with the rich and famous. No red carpets, no VIP invites—just spontaneous, unscripted run-ins with some of the world’s most iconic figures. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’ve probably read a few of these stories—some unbelievable, others just plain unexpected—but always real.

Now, I’ve taken the best of those encounters and put them together in one place.

Brushed by Fame: Up Close With the Rich & Famous is a collection of true stories about the time I bumped into Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, danced with Miss America, got into a conversation with the last man to walk on the moon, and more. From presidents and movie stars to athletes, musicians, and cultural legends, these are the kinds of “you’ll never believe who I met” tales that happen when life decides to surprise you.

With astronaut Gene Cernan – the last man to walk on the moon.

These aren’t fan photos or staged meet-and-greets—they’re real, unexpected moments that remind us that no matter how famous someone is, they’re still just people… often caught off guard, just like me.

If you’ve enjoyed reading these celebrity run-ins on the blog, you’ll find even more in the book—polished up, expanded, and collected in one place for the first time.

📚 Brushed by Fame is now available on Amazon:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8JBL6YN

Some stories changed how I saw fame. Others just made for a great dinner party tale.

10 Most Beautiful Actresses of All Time

There are thousands of beautiful actresses, but here is a subjective look at this blogger’s top 10. Several on this list are former beauty queens, in fact.  On a side note, this author was lucky  enough to have a literal brush by fame with the iconic Raquel Welch when attending her Walk of Fame Ceremony reception in Hollywood. Take a look, and leave a comment below on whose on your list?

There should be no argument here as Marilyn Monroe is an all-time beauty. At 22 years old in 1948 the then Norma Jean Mortenson was crowned Artichoke Queen in Castroville, California. Soon, the whole world would see her beauty as the famous actress Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe – 1926 -1962

Born Jo Raquel Tejada, Raquel Welch won multiple beauty titles as a teenager. In high school, she was named Miss San Diego and Miss La Jolla. She also was named Maid of California in 1958 before starting a successful acting career.

Raquel Welch – 1940 – 2023

The third actress on this list of beauties is born of Russian and Ukrainian descent, Natalie Zacharenko later known as Natalie Wood. She began her career as a child actress before becoming a major box office star.

Natalie Wood – 1938 – 1981

Former Dolce and Gabbana Italian model Monica Bellucci turned a successful modeling career into a long-acting career. She is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful actresses ever to be on screen.

Monica Bellucci – 1964 – Present

Born Margarita Carmen Cansino, Rita Hayworth was called “The Love Goddess” by the Hollywood press. She was the top pin-up girl for soldiers during World War II.

Rita Hayworth – 1918 – 1987

Ava Gardner’s natural beauty catapulted her into an acting career at Metro Goldwyn Mayer. She acted from 1941-1986.

Ava Gardner – 1922 – 1990

A pin-up model and one of the highest paid actresses of her time, Lana Turner had an acting career that lasted five decades.

Lana Turner – 1921 – 1995

Both a film and fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn was named the third greatest female screen legend by the American Film Institute.

Audrey Hepburn – 1929 – 1993

Claudia Cardinale won the “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” competition in 1957. Soon after, she started a successful film career.

Claudia Cardinale – 1938 – Present

Former Miss Israel at 18 years old, Gal Gadot started an acting career in 2004. She received her breakthrough role in 2017 as Wonder Woman.

Gal Gadot – 1985 – Present

Observations of Living in Arizona for 18 Months

Here are several observations and comments about life in Arizona after a year and a half living here. There are a lot of positives including living in a beautiful, gated golf and country club in a new house, having a lower cost of living, and experiencing very minimal rain or snow. Weather, of course, is a positive and a negative. Summers are in fact hot, but in contrast the other months are ideal with mostly perfect temperatures.

Fay Canyon – Sedona, Arizona

Also, seeing the beautiful orange and red sunrises in Arizona most mornings are a big plus. Being able to watch professional baseball in February and March is awesome. The games are played in a laid-back atmosphere and the primary players usually play for the first part of the game. Also, love that Arizona has the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Phoenix Suns, so I can always get my sports fix.

Surprise Stadium – Spring Training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals

The entertainment scene in the Phoenix Scottsdale region is huge with just about every touring act stopping at either the Arizona Financial Theatre, Celebrity Theatre, Footprint Center, or State Farm Stadium. There are also several casinos in both the East and West Valley of Maricopa County.

State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona

During the summer months, started to swim again for the first time since childhood on a consistent basis. Swimming has been awesome and helps to get past the warm summer days. Also, morning walks with my dog Baron either in the Sterling Grove community or at the city lake have been good.

On the negative side, traffic in Maricopa County is worse than the San Francisco Bay Area. With a combination of confusing highway signage and aggressive drivers, there is an accident reported on Interstate 10 here just about every day. Drivers must be especially careful at night.

What do I miss most about the Bay Area? Besides family and friends, would say being able to drive to the bay or ocean in less than an hour. However, we did manage to stop in Monterey this past September, 2024 and enjoyed some time on Monterey State Beach. If/when I do miss California, it’s comforting to know the Arizona/California border is less than three hours away.

Monterey State Beach

What Do You Remember?

As you age, your not-so-great memories may fade, or you simply choose to forget them while the more pleasant ones live longer in your mind. In fact, none of us are guaranteed our memories. After six decades of life, there are thousands of memories to choose from, but for this post am listing only 60.

Not surprisingly, many are of places visited and/or people met including several “brushes with fame.” As an exercise, see if you can recall at least the number of memories as your age. Memories are listed in chronological order:

1. I remember how much I loved the song Puff the Magic Dragon.
2. I remember the plain M&M’s in my great grandmother’s kitchen cabinet.
3. I remember my grandfather in his recliner sharing slices of his apple with me.
4. I remember the taste of ice cream sandwiches after swimming lessons.
5. I remember the feel of the carpet at my grandparent’s home.
6. I remember my paper route that included an entire street of apt. complexes.
7. I remember in a Times Square theater seeing Raquel Welch in Kansas City Bomber.
8. I remember climbing up the spiral stairs inside the Statue of Liberty.
9. I remember sneaking into the drive-in movies to see Barbarella.
10. I remember being very cold in the snow at my Uncle John’s construction site.
11. I remember my grandfather willing to fight for me.
12. I remember jumping in the estuary at Jack London Square to save a child who fell in.
13. I remember walking halfway across the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
14. I remember my grandmother cooking me eggs, potatoes, and wheat toast.
15. I remember doing post-game interviews after “The Play” at Cal vs. Stanford football.
16. I remember meeting friends Roxanne & Kevin in a Miami Beach hotel elevator.
17. I remember telling Marianne I will always love her.
18. I remember talking with Shirley Temple Black in San Francisco.
19. I remember winning at craps for the first time at a Reno casino.
20. I remember kneeling down to look up to take a pic of the WTC Twin Towers.
21. I remember being tossed around underwater by a strong wave in Kauai.
22. I remember climbing the cables to the top of Half Dome at Yosemite.
23. I remember taking a photo with my teenage crush Marie Osmond.
24. I remember dancing with Miss America, Carolyn Sapp.
25. I remember talking to the last astronaut to walk on the moon, Gene Cernan.
26. I remember speaking with former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
27. I remember my room at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
28. I remember touching the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
29. I remember visiting Marilyn Monroe’s crypt in Westwood, California.
30. I remember waiting outside Planned Parenthood for Tina.
31. I remember shaking actress Ann Margret’s hand in Las Vegas.
32. I remember shaking both Al Gore and Bill Clinton’s hand in the same afternoon.
33. I remember standing behind the camera watching Clint Eastwood direct “The Rookie.”
34. I remember talking with Brazilian actress Sonia Braga.
35. I remember driving to work hearing about 9/11 from the Howard Stern show.
36. I remember sitting next to and speaking with Rev. Jesse Jackson.
37. I remember former Alcatraz guard Frank Heaney showing me around the island.
38. I remember standing near Raquel Welch at her Hollywood Walk of Fame reception.
39. I remember flying American Airlines from JFK to Rome.
40. I remember looking at what was Circus Maximus, home to Roman chariot races.
41. I remember hiking with Mila 16 miles at the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.
42. I remember the last words my grandmother said to me.
43. I remember watching my grandmother’s ashes blow away at the marina.
44. I remember seeing Olga for the first time in San Francisco.
45. I remember friend Monty taking a photo of Olga and I at Starbucks.
46. I remember the first time I saw my dog Baron playing at the foster home’s backyard.
47. I remember hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the climb back up.
48. I remember my dog Baron climbing high over three stacked barrels.
49. I remember the view from standing atop the Eiffel Tower.
50. I remember seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
51. I remember the nighttime cruise along the Seine River.
52. I remember being inside Buckingham Palace.
53. I remember talking with actor and wrestler John Cena about his career.
54. I remember the day at Great America theme park with the German Shepherd group.
55. I remember talking with Dick Fosbury, first to high jump with a “back-first” technique.
56. I remember meeting Ric Flair, one of pro wrestling’s greatest champions.
57. I remember stepping into the room at Mt. Vernon where George Washington died.
58. I remember walking to my classroom to teach at San Jose State University.
59. I remember our picturesque Golden Gate hike with friends Sergio and Bruna.
60. I remember the last time I saw my mother.

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California “Leavin’” – One Person’s Journey from California to Arizona

Left a centrally located quiet San Jose neighborhood in California four months ago. It wasn’t an easy decision for a life-long Californian to pack-up and sell my home, but in the end wanted to be free of paying high property taxes, repairing the sidewalk and curb out front (yes in San Jose, California residents are required to fix any sidewalk or street curb damage in front of their residence), and watching in store robberies at my neighborhood Walgreens.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that in most California cities, residents are permitted to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADA) in their backyard. In San Jose, homeowners can even build two-story ADA’s. My elderly next door neighbor lost her patio privacy that she enjoyed after such a home was built directly behind her with a large window facing her sliding door.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was apprehensive about a move out of state, but for reasons mentioned above went with a mindful plan and not with emotions. After countless trips to Arizona, we finally purchased a new build home in the West Valley in Surprise, Arizona at the award-winning community Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club.

Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club

The home took 15 months to build. During that time, we were introduced to a fantastic San Jose realtor named Connie Foley to help sell our San Jose home. She came as advertised and was the best realtor ever, super helpful and supportive at every turn in the entire selling process. When the time came to move, there were challenges, including finding a trustworthy moving company, searching for a way to transport one of two vehicles to another state, and most importantly finding a rental until the Arizona home was built.

After researching rental units online, ended up by accident getting connected to a nice man in Surprise that had a rental home on the 14^th green of a golf course at Sun City Grand. We loved it there. Sun City Grand basically is Sterling Grove 25 years ago but has held up beautifully. In fact, we are not ruling out a return there. Once the hot record setting weather of the summer passed, it was time for the final move to our new home.

Sun City Grand

After moving belongings from storage into the home and registering electric, garbage, gas, internet, and water, I feel somewhat settled in. As of this writing, landscaping the front and back yard still needs to be done, but other than that, we like the home location on a corner lot next to a greenbelt (or brown belt in Arizona). A new Safeway within walking distance opens in less than two weeks, so our weekend walk for groceries does not change except we won’t see homeless persons on the street, graffiti on buildings, or witness in-store robberies. Instead, we see beauty all around us in this resort-style community, including an abundance of green natural grass and views of the majestic White Tank Mountains.

Life here is a mix of residents from all over who are looking for what is now rare in California: affordable housing, lower taxes, safe communities, and an overall higher standard of living. This journey is over. We’re here.

Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club

Up Close with Only Movie Actor to Become President!

As a young man still in college in the 1980’s, I volunteered on Labor Day to be a press escort at then President Ronald Reagan’s campaign rally speech at De Anza Community College in Cupertino, California. The Reagan-Bush team was kicking off their run for a second term, and the 40th President of the United States was back again in his home state of California. Along with him that day was First Lady Nancy Reagan and other dignitaries.

Admit Ticket to Reagan-Bush Rally – September 3, 1984

Reagan-Bush Rally at De Anza Community College – Cupertino, California

As a media intern, I was tasked to help keep the thousands of event attendees from entering the press area which was cordoned off with yellow rope. The problem was that day it was extremely warm, and several people literally were about to pass out from either being crushed or from heat exhaustion. Although we were supposed to keep the crowd away from the press, we did allow a few in that space just to save them from a medical emergency. 

Reagan-Bush rally attendees on a very hot Labor Day, 1984

That day, I also spoke to legendary ABC news reporter Sam Donaldson. I walked him over to where a vending machine was, so he could get a coca cola. He mentioned what a sweltering day it was and hoped the drink would help.

ABC News Reporter and News Anchor from 1967 – 2009

As for President Reagan, having been an actor and a governor before his presidency, he was an electric speaker. His voice resonated loud and forceful as he rallied the adoring crowd. Reagan, in fact, went on to win re-election beating Walter Mondale and his running mate, the first nominated woman vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro. To view President Reagan’s entire speech that day, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci-Epf_IFRA

Opening Remarks by President Reagan at Reagan-Bush Rally – September 3, 1984

Meeting Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson

One night in Houston, Texas while strolling through the lobby of the busy Hyatt Regency, I spotted Reverend Jesse Jackson. I knew immediately I had to meet him. Jackson is an iconic figure famous for being an American civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and politician. His bids for the U.S. presidency (in the Democratic Party’s nomination races in 1983–84 and 1987–88) were the most successful by an African American until Barack Obama captured the Democratic presidential nomination.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

His place in history is assured as he was at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968 when King was assassinated. At the exact moment of the shooting, he was one floor below. A day later he appeared on NBC’s Today Show wearing a blood-stained shirt with Dr. King’s blood on it. Here is a famous photo of Jackson on the balcony of the motel with Dr. King the day before the shooting.

Jesse Jackson with Martin Luther King Jr. at Lorraine Motel

Rev. Jackson eventually founded and organized the Rainbow Coalition which later merged, in 1996, with Operation PUSH. His involvement with Dr. King, his charismatic speeches at Democratic conventions, and his lifelong advocacy for civil rights made him someone I was excited to meet.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. with Barack Obama

As far as I could tell, Rev. Jackson was sitting alone on one side of the hotel lobby. I quickly walked over to where he was sitting and introduced myself. He was personable and friendly. I immediately felt at ease and soon began a conversation as I asked what brought him to Houston. It was a speaking engagement that I forget the name of. I also told him I was in town attending the National Tour Association (NTA) convention.

Soon after, I asked if we could take a photo together. He was accommodating. In fact, it was a friend and/or staff of Rev. Jackson that took the photo. After the photo, I think others in the lobby realized that the Rev. Jesse Jackson was there. I also knew he was on his way somewhere, so I did not take any more of his time. Meeting this famous icon in American civil rights and politics is a memory of a lifetime.

With Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. in Houston, Texas

Famous Musicians in Concert

Been fortunate to have seen over 50 musicians in concert over the years. Several of them more than once! How many of these performers have you seen live? (Musicians listed in alpha order)

My personal top five concerts attended are in bold.

1. The Baby’s
2. The Bangles
3. Beach Boys (2x)
4. Boys II Men
5. B 52’s
6. Ray Charles
7. Cher (2x)
8. Chicago
9. The Commodores
10. Alice Cooper
11. Phil Collins
12. Doobie Brothers
13. Duran Duran
14. The Eagles (2x)
15. Earth, Wind, & Fire (2x)
16. Jon Fogarty
17. Gloria Estafan
18. Foreigner
19. Peter Gabriel
20. Heart (2x)
21. Faith Hill
22. Fleetwood Mac
23. Gladys Knight & The Pips
24. Hiroshima
25. Elton John
26. Greg Kihn Band
27. Kool & the Gang
28. Diana Krall
29. Cyndi Lauper
30. Huey Lewis & the News
31. Olivia Newton John
32. Paul McCartney (3x)
33. Eddie Money
34. Ricky Nelson
35. Willie Nelson
36. Neville Brothers
37. Marie Osmond
38. Peter, Paul, and Mary
39. Prince and the Revolution
40. Lionel Richie
41. Ringo Starr & All-Star Band (2x)
42. Smokey Robinson (2x)
43. Rolling Stones
44. Diana Ross
45. Jon Secada
46. Spin Doctors
47. Bruce Springsteen
48. Rod Stewart (2x)
49. Train
50. Frankie Valli
51. Brian Wilson
52. Neil Young