Talking Travel with Travlin Girl Susan Barnes

I first came across writer Susan B. Barnes a few years ago. Somehow I stumbled upon her article about Reese's peanut butter cups being different than the seasonal varieties. She perfectly explained why there really is a difference. It was an argument I have made many times, but not nearly as eloquently or thoroughly. Fast forward a couple years and I met Susan at a Global Traveler event. I knew she was one of the freelance writers GT used. I thought she would be an interesting interview subject on Talking Travel.

Recently, we finally got that interview done. As I was doing a bit of research on Susan, I saw the Reese's article again. I had not made the connection until then. Of course, I led off our interview talking about that piece.

What does Reese's have to do with travel? Nothing really, but Susan covers a lot of interesting topics, along with her main focus of travel. We discussed all of it in our interview.

People like Susan are vital to the travel industry. As a freelancer, Susan is not obligated to write about anything. She basically creates her agenda. That makes her writing even more meaningful. She doesn't write fluff pieces assigned to her to promote destinations. She writes about her real experiences. Those pieces are much more important and Susan does a great job.

Find the interview on the Global Traveler YouTube channel. While there, please subscribe to help keep these interviews coming.

Ranger Baldy at Library Convention

Earlier this summer, I attended the American Library Association Convention and Conference. When I tell people that, the immediate reaction is boredom, however the event was far from boring.

Held at Chicago's McCormick Place, it was a cross between a comic con and a convention. There were panels, Q&As, speakers, autograph and book signing areas, vendors and more. This was much more than the card catalogue.

Yes, there were some serious sections, such as the one against book banning, literacy promotion and other educational exhibits. Unlike booths for insurance companies or roofers, these exhibits drew large crowds.

In short, there was something or actually several things for everyone. I went expecting to spend an hour or so, but ended up there all day. There was just so much to see, even if I wasn't particularly interested in everything.

Then the real unexpected highlight came for me. While I am always on the lookout for a mascot of any sort, I did not expect to see one there. I was wrong. 

As I approached Magic Factory's booth, I spotted a fuzzy creature. Of course, I had to get a picture with the mascot. I learned it was Ranger Baldy (as in bald eagle). In fairness, I stuck around to learn a bit about the Magic Factory and Ranger Baldy.

The Magic Factory is a family entertainment company. Ranger Baldy is the star of an educational, but fun, book series. I was probably the oldest person t get a picture with Ranger Baldy, but I was probably also the person who learned the most and shared the info with others here and on Global Traveler.

The moral of this story though is not to judge a book by its cover (even if it is a lobrary book...sorry for that pun). If a library convention and conference sounds mind-numbing, give it a chance and you might be surprised with how much fun it is.

Ranger Baldy and me in Chicago, IL-June 2026.

Talking Travel with Mayor Cavalier Johnson

After interviewing Palatine Mayor (and former NFL player) Jim Schwantz about competition between the northwest suburb and Chicago, I wanted to pursue the topic a bit more. I turned to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Much like Schwantz, Johnson agreed there is a natural competition for tourism dollars, but he also stated the focus is more on what Milwaukee has to offer than comparing it to Chicago. Johnson discussed the many great attractions of Milwaukee. Having been to most of the places mentioned, I agree with Johnson and am a big fan of the city.

Johnson gave me interesting insight on many topics, including sports. Having lost a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks lost a major draw, but there is still plenty of fun to be had at Bucks games. The Cubs-Brewers rivalry is also good for both cities.

Go to the Global Traveler YouTube channel to see this interview. Also, please subscribe so I can keep doing fun interviews.

Toledo Mud Hens Mascot Statues

As I have well-documented, I have a fascination with mascots. Whenever I know one will be where I am, I always try to get a picture with the furry creature. I usually succeed.

Although I usually get the mascot pictures, it never hurts to get a little insurance if you can. Such was the case in Toledo a few weeks ago.

The Toledo Mud Hens have two mascots. The first was Muddy and he was joined in 2003 by Muddonna. Although both were my goal, it's never s guarantee. When I saw the statues of both inside the ballpark, I got a picture with them. It's not the same as getting real mascots, but on the other hand, they do qualify as statues.

As I covered a couple weeks ago, I did eventually get a pic with Muddonna, but I missed Muddy. At least I got both in statue form.

Muddy, Muddonna and me in Toledo, OH-July 2026.

Friend Encounters: Kal Herro and David Vox Mullen

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Today is one of those two-fers. It features two celebrities and two friends of mine. Of course, Kal Herro and David Vox Mullen would humbly reject the celebrity label. Hopefully, they wouldn't reject my friend assertation.

I have known Kal for most of his life. I have attended wrestling shows promoted by his father David for at least 15 years. I have seen Kal grow from a toddler around the ring to a legit up and coming wrestling star. He has already held a few titles, including the Oho Valley Wrestling Heavyweight championship. He has the looks and all-around ring skills to go far in wrestling. Even better, he has the mindset to remain humble. He really is a great youg man.

I haven't known Vox as long, but I have watched his career progress a bitt, too. I met him as a comedian many years ago. Since then, he has gotten involved in wrestling at OVW, created an act with wrestler Al Snow and was a huge part of a documentary on David Herro (a great doc, by the way).

That doc was the setting for the picture below. Of course, Kal and Vox probably have dozens of pictures together, some of which I have even managed to take. The Wisconsin premiere of The Herro's Journey was an awesome night. Friends and family joined Kal, Vox, David and all others involved for a screening. It was a fantastic documentary about a great father-son relationship, with wrestling as the backdrop. You do not need to like wrestling to enjoy this film. Just seeing the bond between father and son was enough to bring a tear to my eyes.

I am proud to know Kal and Vox. You will not meet two finer humans. You will not find more entertaining folks either.

Kal and Vox in West Bend, WI-June 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #816: Jerry DePizzo & Kathy Valentine

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing pro jerseys. I continue my season-long march through all MLB teams.

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Jerry DePizzo grew to fame as a musician. While at the Ohio State University, DePizzo joined O.A.R. (Of a revolution). I assume O.A.R. performed the National Anthem for the Tampa Rays to earn his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Born in Austin, Texas, Kathy Valentine gained fame as a musician. She stated Suzi Quatro was an inspiration for her to become a musician. In 1980, she joined The Go-Go's. She was inducted with The Go-Go's into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Valentine (middle, wearing a cap) earned her Celebrity Jersey Card when The Go-Go's sang the National Anthem for the Rays. 

Cards That Never Were: Roger Weaver Topps 1981

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrow from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Pitcher Roger Weaver was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 16th round of the 1976 MLB June Amateur Draft. He made his MLB debut in 1980, going 3-4, with a 4.10 ERA in 19 games. Unfortunately, that would be it for his MLB career. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves prior to the 1982 season, but spent his last season in the minors for them.

For his efforts, Topps put Weaver on a tri-pictured Future Stars card. Thanks to Jeff from the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group, Weaver now has his own card.

Serendipity in Skokie

On Wednesday nights, I usually enjoy hearing the live music at Wednesdays on the Green from my balcony. When Serendipity lays though, I make the short walk over to see them.

The funny thing is, I originally went to see the band a few years back here because of the drummer Heather. She hasn't been with the band in a few years, but I keep going to see them whenever they play anywhere around me.

They are a cover band, specializing in music from the 70s to present. They usually do a disco mashup. Even though I have never been a disco fan, I do like their mix. They also do a Journey mini-tribute.

This year, they added a cover of The Beatles "HJelp!" I have been a long time fan of the Fab Four. I have heard many covers of their songs, but I had never heard a female cover "Help!" It was my favorite song of the night.

Over the years at Wednesdays on the Green, they have endured rain a few times. This year, it was super hot, but they played with as much energy as ever.

After the show, I chatted with them for a short bit and got my usualy picture. Now I must look to see where else they are playing before the summer ends.

 Serendipity and me in Skokie, IL-July 2026.

Talking Travel with Jim Schwantz

Once again, I was able to combine sports with travel for a Talking Travel interview. This time, I added politics, when I talked to Mayor Jim Schwantz.

I wanted to talk to a mayor near Chicago to discuss the challenges of "competing" with tourism with a big city. Since Palatine is about 20 minutes northwest of Chicago, it is a great option. It just so happens Mayor Jim Schwantz is a former NFL player, including two stints with the Chicago Bears.

Mayor Schwantz talked a bit about his career, including an interesting story about his first football card. He also gave his thoughts on the Bears potential moves. Palatine neighbors Arlington Heights, the suburb the Bears have selected as a candidate for the new stadium. Certainly if the Bears move to Arlington Heights, it will impact Palatine.

Talked turned o tourism as Mayor Schwantz stated his staff focuses on Palatine and not necessarily Chicago. He stressed the family aspect of Palatine and all else it has to offer. 

Watch the entire interview at Talking Travel with Jim Schwantz. While you're there, subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel.

Angel Medina at Fan Expo 2024

As I have been reporting, Fan Expo returns to Chicago this Friday through Sunday. As usual, I will be joined by Tony "On the Beat" as we cover this fun weekend.

Several years ago, my comics friends urged me to meet comic book artist Angel Medina. Since they certainly knew more about comics than I did and they all said the same thing, I had to meet the man. Unfortunately for me, it took several years, because he is very busy at his booth. I never interfere with business, but I kept checking several times at each convention. Finally, a couple years ago, we got in early as the press and I was aboe to meet Angel without disrupting his fan interactions.

Angel has worked for many companies, including Megaton Comics, First Comics, Marvel Comics and more. He did some illustration for Spawn and also Kiss: Psycho Circus, based on the band.

For more info on Fan Expo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage. If you see Angel, definitely check out his booth.

Angel Medina and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.