FGCU 's Azul

While in Florida visiting my sister Jean, we saw the Loyola women's basketball team was playing an NIT game in the area. My last night there unexpectedly became a night of cheering for the Ramblers.

The big question was if the Ramblers would have their mascot LU Wolf at the game. If he was there, I would find a way to get a picture. Unfortunately, he was not there.

Florida Gulf Coast University, their opponent, was playing in their home arena. Naturally, their mascot was there. Call me a turncoat, I had to get a picture with him. I do not apologize for my fascination with mascots.

.FGCU's mascot is Azul the Eagle. Introduced in 2001, Azul is named after the school's colors (cobalt blue and emerald green). That's an odd connection. Azul is a multi-time winner of the ASUN Conference Most Valuable Mascot Award. Azul wears jersey No. 23 and leads the "Dirty Birds" student cheering section. "Wings Up" is the official, popular cheer of fans and the Azul.

I was automatically on a mission to get a selfie with the mascot, but he made it easy for me by coming into the stands. Jean became an unintentional photo bomber in my picture, but she is a good sport about it.

I do have to comment on his costume though. While his head was fine, his upper body was okay and his lower body was basically green sweatpants. Call me a mascot snob, I expect a bit more from mascots. FGCU needs to step up their game a bit. Still, I appreciate adding Azul to my collection.

and me in Fort Myers, FL-March 2026.

Happy Birthday, Jean

Today is our middle sibling's birthday. I am sure Scott and Jean will be celebrating somewhere in Florida today, but I toast her here.

Like my eldest sibling Nancy, Jean is my rock. I love and appreciate them both more than they will know or than I can properly express.

On my last trip to Florida, Jean drove me around to a few cool sculptures, because she knows I enjoy them. There was a Beatles night, a comedy night and an unexpected night of Loyola women's basketball Jean always goes above and beyond, like driving 90 minutes to meet my longtime pal and Global Traveler boss Fran. Of course I enjoy all of that, but I enjoy just hanging out an laughing. She also scouted a few cannoli locations and they were fantastic.

I am blessed to have two great sisters. I put it here always knowing they will read it and know I love them dearly.

While Jean is enjoying her day in Florida, I wish her a great birthday from here. Happy birthday, Jean, I love you.

Jean and me in Florida-February 2025.

Friend Encounters: Bucky and Jean

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Buc-ee's, is an American chain of country stores and gas stations founded in 1982 in Texas. It is known for its size, selection, cleanliness and mascot. That last part is what always catches my attention. In this case, it also caught the eye of my sister Jean.   

On a recent trip from Florida, Jean and Scott stopped at a Buc-ee's near Atlanta, Georgia. Jean said she stopped for a chicken Caesar salad, which she described as delicious, but I think she really stopped for Bucky, Buc-ee's mascot. The name Buc-ee's and the beaver mascot were inspired by the founder's nickname "Beaver" and his dog Buck.

Whether Jean is catching my fascination for mascots or she did it out of love is unknown, but either way, I appreciate it. I always love a good mascot.

On a side note, Scott opted not to get their famous brisket and pork sandwiches because the place was so busy.

Jean and Bucky in Fort Valey, GA-May 2025.

Happy Birthday, Jean!

A couple weeks ago, my eldest sister celebrated her birthday. Today, our middle sibling has her birthday.

Like Nanc, Jean is my rock. I couldn't ask for better sisters or friends.

This year, even though Jean suffered a broken foot shortly before my trip to visit her and Scott, she toughed it out and still did more stuff with me than she should have (although she'll probably say we didn't do enough lol). The truth is I don't have to do anything to have a great time with my sisters. Just hanging out and laughing is the best.

Jean will be returning to the Chicago area soon. Hopefully then, the siblings can have one big celebratory lunch. For now though, I wish her a happy birthday from here. Happy birthday, Jean, I love you.

Jean and me in Goodland, FL-February 2025.

Friend Encounters: Ben Allen, Jean and Friends

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My sister and her friends attended a Ben Allen concert. As she has done many times, Jean sent the picture of meeting him to me, because she knows what I do.

She didn't stop there though. She sent a mini-biography. While I had heard of him, I didn't know his backstory and it is quite remarkable.

Country music star Allen was on The Voice for Season 19. He has since become incredibly popular and successful. Recently he experienced chest pains and was smart enough to get a checkup. He had a heart attack, "a big one," in his words. Fortunately, he recovered.

The Ben Allen Band has become so popular, they do a lot of private events, but he believes in giving back and still does free shows for his fans. I have a lot of respect for that. 

Go to benallendband.com for more info on Allen and his music. Check back here for more Friend Encounters.

Jean, her friends and Ben Allen in Florida-March 2025.

Friend Encounters: Daisy Duck and Jean

Friend Encounters is a weekly series about friends meeting celebrities.

My sister Jean is back and this is doubly good. Not only is it a Friend Encounter, it features a mascot.

Jean is always supporting my silly writing, sending pics when she meets celebrities. She also knows my affinity for mascots. On her first day at Disney earlier this year, she sent me a picture with Daisy Duck, one of Disney's legendary characters.

Developed as a female counterpart for Donald Duck, Daisy debuted in 1940, after having been inspired by an appearance by Donna Duck in a 1937 Disney Film. As Daisy was fleshed out, relatives began appearing. Much like her boyfriend Donald had three nephews, Daisy had three nieces (April, May and June). Daisy, as Super Daisy, has been featured as a superhero crime fighter in Italian Disney comics.

Thank you to Jean. This one is really cool.

Jean and Daisy Duck in Orlando, FL-November 2024.

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Today my sister Jean celebrates her birthday. She'll be having fun in Florida, while I send her bithday greetings here.

The picture below was taken this year at Spring Training. It's typical Jean. I don't think she cares about the Boston Red Sox World Series trophies, yet there she is in the picture, because she knows I like that stuff. Like our other sister, Jean always has my back and looks out for me.

Jean is a grandmother now (how??) and she shows her little grandkids even more love. She's a great mom, grandmother, sister, friend, person.

We've all had so many great times together and more to come. I am doubly fortunate to have two awesome sisters.

While Jean whoops it up in Florida, I raise a Coke can to her here. Happy birthday, Jean. I love you.

Jean and me in Fort Myers, FL-February 2024.

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my sister Jean. I am sure she will be celebrating in Florida, but I send her wishes from chilly Chicago.

I can't believe my sister is a grandmother. It seems just yesterday we were fighting over something silly as kids. Of course at the time, I had no idea how the future would play out and how awesome she was and is.

At least as an adult, I appreciate al that she is. She's a great mom, grandmother, sister and friend. I am so lucky to have her in my life. As I have previously written, my sisters are my rocks. I love them dearly.

I love the picture below of Jean and her oldest granddaughter Delaney. Though they may be a bit too young now, I wonder if Delaney and her younger brother Teddy will battle like Jean and I did. My advice to both youngsters is to realize how special your sibling is right away.

Both my sisters will be back in the area soon and I look forward to a sibling lunch. For now though, I hope Jean has a fantastic birthday. I love you!

 Jean and Delaney in Orlando, FL-February 2023.

Friend Encounters: Robin Roberts and Scott and Jean

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

A couple weeks before my recent New York trip, my sister and her husband stopped in New York during a longer trip. While staying in Times Square, they met broadcaster Robin Roberts of Good Morning America. Once again, Jean and Scott beat me on this one. I have never met Roberts.

Roberts rose to fame on ESPN starting in 1990. Her resume is impressive. She was with ESPN for 15 years, was elected to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions, was the first woman of color and the first openly LGBT woman to host Jeopardy! and celebrated 20 years on GMA in mid-2022, among other achievements. More importantly, she is a breast cancer survivor. Roberts is an inspiration to all.

It was a bit of good timing and a bit of patience that allowed Jean and Scott to get the pic with Roberts. Jean gave me all the info I needd to try to get a similar picture with Roberts when I was in New York. Although I was staying close enough, I had a meeting which prevented me from being out there.

Years ago, Jean and Scott saw Howie Schwab of ESPN. Now they got Roberts. One can only wonder who is next for them?

I appreciate Jean sharing the picture, even though I am envious I don't have one. Still, I can experience it vicariously through them.

Scott, Jean and Robin Roberts in New York, NY-September 2022.

Friend Encounters: Donny Osmond and Jean

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

This is one of my favorite Friend Encounters ever. Last month, my sister Jean met the legend Donny Osmond in Las Vegas.

See how she looks out for me? Sacrificing her time, money and energy to get a picture with Donny, she did it because she knew I would love it.

Seriously though, I do love it. I remember as kids how big the Osmonds were. Back then, we never thought we would meet these big stars. Yet there she is with the former teen idol. I have met a few of my teenage crushes and it is always surreal. I imagine Jean felt the same. Actually, I feel that way just looking at Jean standing with Donny.

Jean said this was part of a pre-show, exclusive VIP experience with about 15 people. Donny sang, talked and answered questions for almost an hour. How cool is that? Jean made sure to get that picture before leaving and I applaud her big time for that. You don't pass opportunities like that without getting the picture.

After this session, Jean and Scott settled into their seats for the full concert. At 64, Osmond looks and sounds great. He can still deliver on stage.

I'm glad Jean got to meet Donny and happy she shared it here. Once again, I encourage everyone to get those pictures when given the chance. 

Jean and Donny Osmond in Las Vegas, NV-June 2022.

Happy Birthday Jean!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of the middle sibling in my family. Jean is one of the two best sisters in the world.

I love the picture below. Jean and her beautiful family always make me smile. It's not just them though. They always make me feel part of it all. Whether it is outings, Wordle or so many other things, Jean always makes me feel included.

It's an amazing feeling knowing my sisters always have my back. I really would be lost without them.

Jean will probably be celebrating her special day with her family or friends. Soon though, we will have our sibling lunch.

Happy birthday, Jean! I hope it's great!

Scott, Jean, Erin, Theo Sam, Delaney and Matt in Florida-February 2021.

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Today is my sister Jean's birthday. I am sure she is celebrating in a safe, mild manner in Florida, but I celebrate virtually with her from here.

Like my other sister Nancy who had a birthday a couple weeks ago, Jean is my rock. I could never thank either enough for the love, support and great times I have had with each.

I've invaded Jean's hom in a few states now, but she always keeps allowing me to return and we always have a great time (at least I do).

She's kind, caring and funny, capable of taking a good ribbing and delivering one right back. We've had so much fun over the years at events or just hanging around the house.

Jean and Scott have raised two great kids and now they are grandparents to a beautiful little girl (plus a baby boy on the way) and four fun pups. I love seeing pictures of Jean with Delaney. She has to be the coolest grandmother, because she is the coolest sister.

It's been a tough year or so. We've only seen each other a couple times. I miss Jean and everyone, but soon we shall all get together and have fun again.

I am raising my Coke can in a big toast to Jean. Have a fantastic birthday. I love you. 

 Jean and Delaney in Watervliet, MI-Summer 2020.

Friendly Encounters: Josh Blue and Jean Parker

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends who have met celebrities.

My sister Jean is always trying to help me. She has given me many great blog ideas for Global Traveler and several excellent celebrity pictures for the Beat. A couple years ago, Jean and her friend saw comedian Josh Blue and Jean sent this picture to me.

Blue started doing stand-up comedy while in college. Much of his self-deprecating humor is centered on living with cerebral palsy. He was voted the Last Comic Standing on NBC's reality show Last Comic Standing during its fourth season in 2006. He followed that by being the first comedian to do stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

He has continued on the comedy club scene and also makes television appearances. His 1 million followers on Facebook are testament to his popularity.

Go to JoshBlue.com for more info and to purchase his comedy DVDs, shirts and other cool stuff. Also, follow Josh Blue on Facebook, for news and updates.

A friend, Josh Blue and Jean Parker in Naples, FL-January 2018.

Happy Birthday Jean

Today I celebrate my sister Jean's birthday. There's not much celebrating anywhere today, but we must take happiness when we can and we must make our lives as normal as possible.

I was supposed to be in Florida last month to celebrate my birthday late or her birthday early or really, just to have a good time. Unfortunately, those plans got shelved due to the health crisis.

The picture below makes me so happy and I am sure it makes Jean and Scott happy, too. Little Delaney is such a joy to all. Jean and Scott are proud and happy grandparents. While it is odd seeing my sister as a grandmother, it is so heartwarming. She is such a loving, giving person. Delaney is one lucky little girl. I am just as lucky as her brother.

I couldn't ask for two better sisters. I celebrate their birthdays, but I also give thanks for them.

The worldwide pandemic is keeping all of us apart, but I send love and best wishes to Jean today for a happy birthday and we will all celebrate soon. I love you, Jean!

Jean, Delaney and Scott in Florida-February 2020.

Mascot Week: Friend Encounters: Rocky of the Denver Nuggets, Jean and Sam

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. We continue Mascot Week with a special Friend Encounters: Mascot Edition.

My niece Sam and her husband Kyle recently moved to Colorado. It was sad to see them leave Illinois, but I am happy for them.
Her parents Jean and Scott made their first visit and took in the sights of the Denver area. Of course, one of those stops had to be a Denver Nuggets game at the Pepsi Center. While there, Jean and Sam met Rocky, the Nuggets' mascot.
Actually, Rocky's full name is Supermascot Rocky and he is widely recognized as the best mascot in professional sports. Rocky debuted December 15, 1990. Born in the Rocky Mountains, his billed height is 5'10" and his billed weight is 154 pounds. He has a reputation for being ornery, although I think that is aimed mostly at the opponents and their fans.
Jean and Sam earned extra Johngy Points for waiting in line to meet and get a picture with Rocky. They are always looking to help me with Johngy's Beat and they know I love mascots.

Jean, Rocky and Sam in Dnver, CO-December 2019.

Happy Birthday Scott

I will poke and compete with Scott Parker almost any day, but today is his birthday and I'll give him his props.

It's hard to believe all of the fun we've had over all the years. It's even hard to believe how many years it's been. It's over 36 years now.

My brother-in-law by title, Scott is much more like my brother. He has helped me and supported me in far too many ways to list. He wouldn't keep score anyway, but I am forever grateful for everything. Mostly, I am just grateful for his friendship.

Despite beinga White Sox fan, Scott enjoyed the Cubs World Series run of 2016. Scott, Jean and I watched an exciting playoff game in Las Vegas and Scott was cheering for the Cubs (as odd and disturbing as that was).

Scott (and Jean) have played host so many times in Florida and Michigan. They always make everyone feel welcome, but one of the real highlights is Scott's grilling. Grillmaster Pork has quite a way around the grill. My mouth waters just thinking about his meals.

I am sure he will be celebrating in Florida (and I am so jealous as I freeze in Chicago), but I toast him from here. Happy birthday Pork! Enjoy your day!

Scott, Jean and me in Florida-February 2018.

Happy Birthday Jean!

Today I celebrate the second of my sisters' birthdays this month. Her age isn;t important, but she is a grandmother...and an awesome grandmother, too!

Like our older sister Nancy, Jean is a rock for me. She has helped me in so many ways, I can't even count. More importantly, she is always there to support me. She never fails to make me laugh or to feel better about anything.  I couldn't have made it this far without my sisters.

Jean is a great sister and now as I previously mentioned, she is a fantastic grandmother! Little Delaney is lucky to have grandma Jean, just as I am lucky to have sister Jean.

Jean has let me barge in on many family trips. We have been to really cool places and fun events, but some of the most memorable times were just us hanging around the house.

Happy birthday Jean. I love and appreciate you!

Jean Parker and me in Marco Island, FL-January 2018.

Happy Birthday Scott!

Today, my brother-in-law Scott's birthday. I am sure he is celebrating somewhere warmer, but I send my birthday wishes from icy Chicago.

I remember the first time I saw Scott. It's hard to believe that was over 35 years ago (we were both just infants).

Over the years, Scott has been a friend, mentor, betting-nemesis and a brother. He invited me on his Canada fishing trip in 1995, when I was at a low point and the time up there really cleared my head. It was just one of many times Scott has helped me in one way or another. He even organized my move a couple years ago, easing my stress level immensely.

Of course, one of our favorite stories is when he tricked the usher (and Jimmy Wynn) into thinking Jimmy had agreed to meet us after his tv work at Minute Maid Park. That was inspired genius.

I haven't even mentioned his killer turkey burgers and frozen drinks. I have had far too many (but never enough) of those treats courtesy of Scott.

Happy birthday, Pork. I hope it's a great one!

Scott and Jean Parker and me in Las Vegas, NV-May 2017.

Billy Joel at Wrigley Field 2018

Despite being a big Billy Joel fan, my first Billy concert happened almost by accident. In the pre-internet days, info wasn't readily available everywhere. I learned about his tour for "The Bridge" as I walked by Rose Records downtown Chicago. Tickets just went on sale and I decided to go in and get a pair. I think they were about $20.

Fast forward to early this year, when another Wrigley Field concert was announced. The September date worried me a bit because of the potential weather issues, but that wouldn't stop me from attending. Billy would be 69 at concert time and you never know when he will stop touring.

My sister Jean and brother-in-law Scott agreed to join me. Although not huge fans, they enjoy concerts and I was glad to go with them, especially since I would be intruding on their 33rd anniversary.

My early weather concerns were realized, as rain was predicted for the day. We endured some rain early on through mid-afternoon. We ate lunch and did a little bar-hopping, hoping for the storm to pass, which it did by late afternoon.

Billy opened with "Big Shot" and closed with "You May Be Right," as the 4th encore song. All told, Billy and the band romped through 26 songs, with Billy getting a short rerst as two band members took the lead twice.

Crystal Taliefero took the lead on "Respect," as an homage to the recently deceased Aretha Franklin. A long-time favorite of mine, Crystal took center stage and rocked the house.

Later in the show, Mike DelGuidice showed his operatic abilities with a powerful rendition of "Nessun dorma." DelGuidice, who fronts Big Shot, a Billy cover band, has an amazing vocal range.

Billy isn't the dame raw performer that I first saw back in 1986, but he is just as enjoyable. His edgy energy has been replaced with polished showmanship. He has transitioned nicely in his older years.

This was my 12th Billy show and I will keep going as long as he keeps returning. I especially enjoyed seeing it with Jean and Scott. Sharing these experiences makes for great memories. I really appreciate them letting me join their anniversary weekend.

I wrote more about the night for Global Traveler at The Piano Man Plays Wrigley Field. It was the most read piece on GT's site, mostly thanks to DelGuidice sharing it on social media, for hich I am grateful.

Scott, Jean and me in Chicago, IL-September 2018.

Friendly Encounters: Josh Blue and Jean Parker

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Josh Blue started doing comedy during his college days. He was the winner on the 2006 season of NBC's Last Comic Standing and was the first comedian to do stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Blue has cerebral palsy, specifically classified as spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. His condition has not stopped him from a successful career in comedy and it is sometimes used as comedic material for him.

My sister Jean saw him earlier this year and sent me the picture. That's Jean, always looking out for me and contributing. It's reason #834 of why I love and appreciate her.

I checked out some of Blue's work on YouTube. One appearance on Last Comic Standing, an appearance on The Tonight Show and another appearance on Last Comic Standing are just a few of the videos I found and enjoyed. You can also go to JoshBlue.com for more info and other fun.

Blue is an inspiration to all. He is not letting his condition prevent him from living his dream as a comedian. Going up on stage and doing stand-up has to be hard enough, without the added hindrances his condition brings him. I have not called him a "disabled comedian," because, first and foremost, he really is just a comedian, who happens to have a life-altering medical condition.

A friend, Josh Blue and Jean Parker in Florida-Spring 2018.