Beer, bots and biceps

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier this week I posted a blog about the upcoming Southern Illinois Men's Expo. The event happened Saturday morning and was a huge success. We offered men around the region FREE health screenings, including blood draws for cholesterol, vision, dental, blood pressure and foot problems. 

Fire is good

Our panelists talked about the importance of nutrition and exercise and answered questions for the men in attendance. Physicians were on hand for one-on-one talks with men on a variety of topics. We learned about the benefits of drinking beer in moderation and how to home brew. Southern Illinois Miners COO and manager Mike Pinto heated things up with this talk "Taking Charge of Your Health." Yes, a handful of participants ate fire!

Crown Brew Coffee Co.

I can't thank our vendors, exhibitors, screeners, volunteers and sponsors enough. Our professional staff (Lisa and Ariella) did an amazing job throughout the process. I know I've probably forgotten someone and that's I'm not specifically naming names (besides Lisa and Ariella). 

Found my abs
They were at JFortune Photography

I am drained but in a good way. This expo/conference has been a labor of love for me since 2008 when the first committee came together and decided it was time to help make men more aware of their own health. Now as president of the Women for Health and Wellness board, we are moving forward. Look the for SI Women's Health Conference in September and big changes in 2018. Join our mission to make health and wellness a priority for EVERYONE in southern Illinois. 

Double trouble

Oh, I guess I should address the suits too. My buddy Tom Harness (Harness Digital Marketing) has a collection of OppoSuits. We decided a while back to get the Star Wars suits and use them to brand ourselves when we do events together. It was a bonus that an R2 was there from the St. Louis R2 Builders Club. 

There's something about Carrie

Leia saves Han Solo in Return of the Jedi

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Many are still mourning the unexpected death of actress and writer Carrie Fisher. She, of course, is the woman who brought the Star Wars character Princess Leia to life in the 70s and 80s. Even today's generation is enjoying the character with last year's release of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and next year's Star Wars Episode VIII. Earlier this year Star Wars co-star Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 died as well. 

Leia and Han Solo in The Force Awakens

Social media lit up in the moments following Fisher's death. I had been following her health since last Friday's announcement that she'd had a cardiac event aboard an international flight. Like many of you, I too hoped for the best, but sadly Fisher joins a long list of celebrities we've lost in 2016. 

Fisher's star on the Walk of Fame

The way some of us mourn the passing of our favorite stars draws criticism on social media. It's only natural to feel a sense of loss with someone we've connected with, even if we've never met that person in real-life. There's no need to judge or mock the way a person mourns. 

Critics may point out flaws in the some of the stars we lost this year (and in year's past). This has been spoken of slightly with Carrie Fisher but was rampant when wrestling Superstar Chyna died earlier this year. She too had addiction issues and in some instances garnered less sympathy because of that. I did a vlog on that issue shortly after Chyna's death.

Postcards from the Edge

But back to Carrie Fisher. No doubt she'll go down in history as not only a great actress but writer as well. Her book Postcards from the Edge became a movie. Besides Leia, I'll fondly remember Fisher for her roles in When Harry Met Sally and The Blues Brothers. 

Han Solo & Princess Leia circa 2006

The Leia character will be her true legacy and continue to inspire little girls for generations to come that girls can be just as heroic and tough as our favorite guys in the movies. There's also that night my wife and I paid tribute to Han Solo and Princess Leia for our 70s themed New Year's Eve party 10 years ago this week. Rest in peace Carrie Fisher and May the Force be with You.

Remembering R2D2

Kenny Baker as R2D2
Rest in peace

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Kenny Baker, the man who played R2D2 in the Star Wars film franchise, has died. He was 81 years old and had been battling a long illness. Baker brought the lovable droid to life in the first six Star Wars movies. Beyond that he was a regular at conventions around the world.

Hanging with an inflatable R2 at Force Awakens

R2D2 and C3PO were always together in the movies. They were a couple of my favorite characters and as a kid I had several versions of both, including the R2 with the extendable antenna. I'd spend hours on end playing with my Star Wars action figures for several years. 

No doubt R2D2 is one of the franchise's most iconic and popular characters. I recently had a chance to interview a member of the St. Louis R2 Builders Group. This group is a part of the international organization and does exactly what the title implies. They build droids from the ground up. The creations are amazing. They've even made R2s for charity auctions and often taken them to children's hospitals to cheer up the patients.

As the world mourns the loss of Mr. Baker, there's comfort in knowing a character he helped bring to life will live on for generations to come. Rest in peace.