Happy Birthday, Nancy!

 Today is my eldest sister Nancy''s birthday. She is celebrating on a cruise today, but I am saluting her from here.

As I have previously written numerous times, I am lucky to have two great sisters. They are truly my rocks. I love and appreciate them more than I could ever properly express and more than they will ever know.

Nancy and I had a special time last year at our niece's wedding in Cancun. Since our other sister was a bit busy as the mother of the bride, Nanc and I had extra time together (and with her hubby Dave).It was a rare opportunity for all of us to be together outside of our area. Always looking out for her little brother, Nancy could have wanted more alone time with her husband, but she didn't exclude me.

Last year Nanc went above and beyond. On a Friday afternoon, she drove about three hours to see a band with her daughter and me. She didn't even know of the band and the two unexpected opening acts were less than great. She was a real trooper. That's just one example of her kindness.

We jokingly call her the Matriarch and she takes it in fun. She knows we love her dearly.

We will celebrate birthdays when we are all in town together. For now, I wish he a fantastic birthday here. Happy birthday and I love you!

Nancy and me in Cancun, Mexico-November 2025.

Friend Encounters: McKinley the Princess Moose and Nancy

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My sister Nancy is back with another great mascot. The things she does for her brother...

McKinley Moose joined the Princess Cruises family in 2019 to celebrate 50 years of sailing to Alaska. He is reported to be a friend to Stanley the Bear, the first Princess mascot. There's no mascot jealousy here. Like I say about mascots, the more the merrier. 

I found some confusing info. One source listed him as Morris. There really needs to be a mascot database. There was the ill-fated Mascot Hall of Fame, but that closed after an unsuccessful run.

What really matters though is my sisters go out of their way to indulge me in this silliness. What have I done to them> They love me and I am so lucky to have both of them and all the mascots they find. 

McKinley the Princess Moose, Nancy and her friend in Pacific Ocean-August 2025.

Friend Encounters: Stanley the Princess Bear and Nancy

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My sister Nancy was recently on a cruise to Alaska. I didn't even know Princess Cruises had a mascot, but Nancy found him.

Stanley the Bear was named after Stanley B. McDonald, the cruise line's founder. Stanley debuted in 2017. He appears for photo ops, story hours for kids and more. He wears custom clothing themed to each destination and of course, that apparel is available to purchase. Stanley bears are also available to buy, with a portion of the sales going to Princess Animal Welfare Sponsor.

The question arises though, did Nancy take the cruise just to get this picture. She knows I have an unhealthy fascination with mascots. This is one I would never meet. Nancy is always willing to help the cause.

Okay, she probably took the cruise for other reasons, like a vacation. Still, the fact that she got this picture for me means a lot.

Both my sisters are awesome. I am a lucky brother.

Stanley the Princess Bear, Nancy and her friend on the Pacific Ocean-August 2025.

Burn the Jukebox Comes to Chicago

A while back I wrote about my quest to interview Burn the Jukebox, a teenage band my niece and I have been following. While I haven't achieved that goal yet, I did the next best thing.

My sister, niece and I saw BTJ perform at RocHaus in West Dundee, about an hour west of Chicago. After two opening acts performed for about 45 minutes each, BTJ took the stage for a solid two hour set. 

The band started with an original tune with Virginia singing. The rest of the show was mostly covers and mostly Virginia on lead vocals. They did a few original tunes and Luke Hoffman took the lead on a few.

Their musicianship is tight and they have a definite stage presence. I think Virginia is the leader and potential breakout star. They have been together for a few years, but who knows what might happen. As teenagers, their futures could go anywhere.

I still want to interview the band. For now, my niece and I are happy with our long quest finally being satisfied.

Laura, Nancy, me, Carter, Virginia, Luke and Luke in West Dundee, IL-June 2025.

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

My eldest sister Nancy celebrates her birthday today. I am here wishing our Matriarch a great day.

Matriarch is a term of endearment, although I am not sure Nanc sees it that way. Definitions include "a powerful woman figure" or "the female head of a family." Nanc is both of those. 

My sisters are my rocks. I am lucky to have two of the best. 

Knowing my odd fascination with mascots, Nanc made sure to get a pic with Chicago Cubs mascot Clark at a Spring Training game. At first, Nanc sent a picture of Clark on the field. When I poked back and said she needed one WITH him, I had no doubt she would get one...and of course she did.

I am pretty sure she didn't care about Clark and did it for me. That's the kind of sisters I have. They would go out of their way for one little heart on their texted picture.

I hope Nancy has a great birthday out west. Our matriarch deserves that. Happy birthday, Nancy, I love you!

Nancy, her friend and Clark is Mesa, AZ-March 2025.

Happy Birthday, Nancy

Today I celebrate my sister Nancy's birthday. It is right to honor the matriarch of our family.

Since our mom passed several years ago, I have referred to Nancy as the matriarch, much to her disdain. She's a good trooper though and accepts it, but she does get me back with various shots.

I often say and I will continue to say that I am fortunate to have two awesome sisters. The eldest sibling, Nancy gave me my first niece in Laura. I also had the pleasure of two roadtrips with them to New York. Nancy 

Nancy has a huge heart for family, friends and dogs (maybe not in that order). Laura, (Nancy's hub) Dave, (Nancy's dog) Sully and everyone else is lucky to have Nancy in our lives.

Although she is out west celebrating with her friends, I will raise a can of Coke to her here and wish her a fantastic birthday. Happy birthday, Nancy. I love you!

Nancy and Laura in Hobart, IN-November 2023.

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

Today is the birthday of my eldest sister. We lovingly call her the matriarch of the family, much to her dismay.

As you will see in 12 more days, I am lucky to have two greatest sisters. I freely admit I would be lost without them.

Nancy is much more than just a sister. She's a mentor, psychologist, confidant and more. She also has been known to make a great batch of chocolate chip cookies.

I love the picture below. Nancy and her friends went to the Singing Pandas Asian Restaurant & Bar and met Asian Elvis. I especially love how Nancy is right next to AE. That's a great move, because if the picture gets reposted or even goes viral, she will always be there, whereas others could be cut out. It is a veteran celebrity hound move! It was also a great way to get featured here, on the 316th best source for pop culture nuggets.

I know Nanc will be celebrating out west, although probably not with AE again. Still, I hope she has a fantastic day and I toast her from here. Happy birthday, Nancy, I love you!

Nancy, Asian Elvis and friends in Chandler, AZ-February 2023.

Happy Birthday Nancy!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my eldest sister. Although she eschews the title, she is the matriarch of our family.

I found this picture of Nancy horsing around last summer. My questions is, does Sully, her ever-faithful Brittany Spaniel know Nancy was playing nice with other animals while poor Sully was left behind? Poor, poor Sully. Poor, sad, lonely, heartbroken Sully. Don't feel too bad, Sully, I wasn't there either.

Actually, Sully is one lucky pup. Nancy is a great dog mom, as well as an awesome sister. I'd say she is the best sister ever, but I am lucky enough to have two great sisters. The two best sisters ever.

Don't worry, Nanc, I am sure Sully would understand you spending time with these horses. He's a very unselfish pup. You raised him well.

We three siblings shall celebrate birthdays together soon. Until then, happy birthday from across the internet.

Nancy and her equine friends in Valparaiso, IN-July 2021.

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

Today is my eldest sister Nancy's birthday. While she is still out west, I am celebrating her day and sending my love.

We have semi-jokingly started referring to Nancy as the matriarch of our family. While it is a playful jab at her age (although we are all getting older), it is done with love. Don't worry, Nancy gives it back just as good, too. 

Both my sisters are my rocks. Not only have they been there for me always, but we have had so many laughs and good times.

The picture below is of Nancy with Sully, when he was just a little pup. Now he's causing all sorts of mischief and Nanc loves him dearly. She's a great dog mom, regular mom, sister and person.

I hope Nancy has a great birthday. Once things settle, the siblings will have a big celebration of all the days we missed during this pandemic. For today though, I send birthday greetings and love out west. Happy birthday, Nancy. I love you.

Nancy and Sully in Sandy, UT-April 2020.

Mascot Week Friend Encounters: Reggy and Nancy Blais

Friend Encounters is a weekly series in which I feature friends who have met celebrities.  Mascot Week starts with a Special Friendly Encounters edition.

Although the Mascot Hall of Fame technically opened late in 2018, the official grand opening was in April of 2019. Of course, I could not miss that event and I managed to drag Nancy with me. I wrote about the experience online for Global Traveler at Mascot Hall of Fame.

The day was actually a bit of a disappointment. A bunch of mascots were advertised and with my fascination of mascots, I wanted to meet them. Unfortunately, the mascots appeared in shifts and nobody really knew the schedules.

We waited around a while and finally met Reggy, the Hall of Fame's mascot. We may have even raced ahead of some kids to get to him first.By then, we had been there about an hour and had pretty much seen all there was.

The museum is aimed more for kids, but there are some interesting things for adults, too. There are a bunh of interactive displays, again aimed mostly at kids, including a "build a mascot" station in the gift shop.

I had waited with anticipation for a long time for the Mascot Hall of Fame to open. It was cool to finally see it. I am sure it will continue to grow and to add new features. I am sure I will be back there later this year to see what's new.

You can get more info at MascotHallofFame.com. You can also get updates and fun pictures on the Mascot Hall of Fame Facebook page.

Nancy Blais and Reggy in Whiting, IN-April 2019.

Happy Birthday Nancy

Today is my oldest sister Nancy's birthday. Since she is across the country right now, I will celebrate her day here.

We might tease her about being the "matriarch" of the family and being the oldest sibling, we love her dearly. It's not because she makes cookies, cupcakes or even pumpkin rice krispies treats. It's not because she helped hang a bunch of pictures in my place either. It's not even that she indulges me and gets pictures with mascots whenever she can. While Nancy has done a lot for me, it isn't for what she does. We love Nancy for who she is.

Nancy is caring, generous, thoughtful, loyal, funny and all other qualities you'd want in a person. Lucky for me, she is my sister and my friend.

I always say, my sisters are my rocks. I love them both and appreciate them dearly.

We've had so many great memories and I look forward to so many more, like when we celebrate when she's back in town. For now, I just wish her a wonderful birthday. I love you, Nancy.

Nancy and Clark in Chicago, IL-December 2019.

Happy Birthday Nancy!

Today I celebrate the first of both of my sisters' birthdays this month. I'll skip he age jokes and just say that Nancy was the first of the three of us to appear on the planet.

Nancy is a great sister and I am lucky to have her in my life. She's always there to encourage, console, help and celebrate with me. Of course, she's also quite capable and willing to give me a quick verbal jab.

Nancy has even chased down a few celebrities with me. One of the most recent happened last year, when she accompanied me to a lecture by radio legend Kevin Matthews. I know Nanc doesn't necessarily care about the celebs or the events, but she goes along for me. It's just one of so many things she does.

Life isn't just about things though. I can have a great time just sitting around joking and talking with her. Nanc isn't just my sister. She's my friend. She is one of the two rocks in my life.

I love you, Nanc. Have a birthday as great a you are!

Nancy Blais, Kevin Matthews and me in Rolling Meadows, IL-Fall 2018.

Mascot Week Friendly Encounters: Kit Kat and Nancy

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends who have met celebrities. This is a special Mascot Week edition of Friendly Encounters.

My fascination with mascots has been well-documented here. I think that I might have spread that love to my sister or maybe she just does it for me. Either way, I love it.

While on a trip out east, Nancy ran into a giant KitKat bar. I don't know if it is technically a mascot, but it will do for my purposes here and my intrigue remains the same.

Nestle actually introduced an official KitKat bear mascot, but there was a backlash when the public felt it resembled the Pedobear, a bear used to mock pedophiles. Obviously, Nestle was wise to recall the bear mascot. Giant candy bars are safe as mascots, though.

I was never a big fan of the actual KitKat candy bar. I am not much into candy anyway, but a KitKat would be really low on my list if I ranked candy bars.

I do love that KitKat and Nancy looked so happy in the picture. It's the perfect Mascot edition of Friend Encounters.

Nancy Blais and Kit Kat in Hershey, PA-July 2013.

Happy Birthday Nancy!

Today my sister Nancy's birthday. I will not reveal her age, except to mention she is older than me.

Why am I not revealing her age? Actually it isn't that important, but I am also being polite. Why am I being polite? I already stated, it is Nancy's birthday.

Nancy is often pelted with jokes when the family is together. Oh sure, we are all targets at some point, but Nanc does seem to be targeted most often. To her credit, she goes along with all and actually nails us with her own shots when we least expect it.

Like I wrote, the number isn't really important either. Nanc has undergone a big transformation over the last year or so. She has worked very hard at losing some weight, eating healthier and getting in better shape. It is never easy and she deserves applause.

She also deserves applause because she is a great sister. Being my sister isn't easy either. I need lots of help and Nancy is always on my side. I got very lucky by having two wonderful sisters and I cannot say enough good things about them.

Nancy also deserves praise for her acting. While I fiddle around with interviewing people, Nanc (and husband Dave) have stepped in front of the camera on several Chicago-filmed shows.Maybe I should interview them?

We will not be together today, but I send her a long distance birthday greeting. Happy birthday, and I love you, Nancy!

Nancy Blais in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

Happy Birthday Nancy

I am lucky enough to have two great sisters.  Both are celebrating birthdays this month.  Today is Nancy's birthday.

I don't even know where Nancy is right now, as her and Dave trek all over the country.  Distance doesn't really matter though.  We are always close where it counts.

Nancy is my sister, but also my friend.  We laugh and poke each other all the time, but we always love each other.

One of the best times I have had with both of my sisters was at the Billy Joel concert in Wrigley Field last year.  As a longtime Joel fan, it was fantastic sharing that experience with them.  It was just one of many great times we have had.  Any time we spend together is special.

Wherever she is, I hope Nancy enjoys her day.  Once she returns, we shall celebrate a lot of stuff at the Village Inn.  Until then, happy birthday Nanc and always know I love you.

Nancy Blais, Jean and Scott Parker and me in Chicago, IL-August 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Mark Metcalf and Nancy Blais

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

This is another of those special "Friendly Encounters."  I love this picture for many reasons.

I was scheduled to cover Wizard World in Columbus, Ohio and my family decided to join me there to visit our cousins for the first time in many years.  That alone made the trip memorable.

My sister Nancy "volunteered" to help me at Wizard World.  One of the peole we met was Mark Metcalf, known for his role as "Master" on Buffy and for being "The Maestro" on Seinfeld.

I got my picture with Metcalf and we talked a bit.  Then his attention turned to Nancy.  He offered her a free picture and autograph.  That's a bit unusual, although very nice.  Before we left, he gave us both hugs, although I think mine was more obligatory.

Nancy and the Maestro!  Who would have thought?!

Nancy Blais and Mark Metcalf in Columbus, OH-October 2011.

Happy Birthday Nancy

My eldest sister Nancy is celebrating her birthday today.  I can't say how old she is, because that's not polite (and not because I can't count that high).  Suffice it to say, she is the oldest of the siblings.

My sisters are my rocks.  I love them dearly.  I don't know where I'd be if not for them.

Nancy always likes to quote me as saying, "I can't live without them" or something similar.  I don't deny it.  I'll poke and prod her all day long, but I am so grateful for her.

She is always worrying about me and caring for me.  She does the important stuff and the silly things, like repping the Johngy at one of the southernmost spots in the United States.

Happy birthday Nancy.  Here is your gift in writing.  I don't know what I'd do without you.  I hope you enjoy that and your day!

Nancy Blais (and "Johngy") in Key West, FL-February 2016.

Happy Birthday Nancy Blais

Oh sure I will kid my sister Nancy that she is another year older.  I'll also mention that she is the oldest of the three siblings.  I am sure I will pepper in a few more age jokes, too.

Despite my jabs at her increasing age, I love Nancy dearly.  I couldn't ask for a better sister and friend.  Nancy has been there for me in so many ways (and probably some ways I don't even know).

Thinking about how great she is, maybe I will take it easy on her today.  Maybe I will let up on the age jokes.  Then again, how else will she know I love her and am wishing her well on her birthday?

Actually, all she has to do is to read this.  Happy birthday Nanc.  I hope it is a great one.  You deserve the best!

Nancy, me and Jean in Colome, MI-July 2014.

I Was Not in This Alone

My Marathon plan worked.  Early in my training, I put my goal on Facebook and announced that I was not alone in my Marathon comeback.  My goal was that putting it out there like that would hold me accountable, almost force me to train hard to finish the Marathon.

Never was my FB catchphrase more accurate than on Marathon weekend.  The outpouring of well wishes via texts, FB messages, videos, pictures, calls etc. overwhelmed me.  I took all of that support with me as I plodded along the 26.2 mile course.

Speaking of that course, several members of my family and friends busted their butts and met me at many spots along the way.  Seeing these familiar faces and hearing them encourage me helped me block out the pain and move onward.

Having this sort of support is very powerful.  It is uplifting and moving.  It is the greatest feeling in the world.  Yes, it is even better than the feeling of crossing that Finish Line.  However, crossing that Finish Line with them there is just the best.

I can never express my gratitude and love enough.  At least I am publicly putting it out here and telling the world that I have the best friends and family.

I was not alone in this...and I am never alone!  Love you all.

Nancy, Kyle, me, Lou, Sam, Scott and Jean in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

Mascot Week: Coop the Boomer

Last summer, my sister, dad and I took in a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game.  We saw the mascot hanging around right field and Nancy and I decided to try to get a picture with him.

Of course, by the time we maneuvered through the stands and finally made it over there, the mascot was basically right where our seats were.  Back we went.  My dad, of course, was laughing at our antics and futile attempt.

We finally got our picture.  We also discovered that the mascot was "Coop," a prairie chicken.  A little research reveals that Coop was born under the nose of George Washington on Mt. Rushmore.  Coop is a 

descendant of one of the last prairie chicken communities to leave the Schaumburg area.  Coop always dreamed of going to the land of his forefathers (as opposed to forefeathers).

One day, he saw tourists wearing his likeness on their caps and shirts.  He learned that they were fans of the Schaumburg Boomers.  He stowed away in their luggage and eventually found himself in the Chicago suburbs.

The Schaumburg Boomers welcomed him into the organization and he has been entertaining fans ever since (when he isn't evading them and making them chase him around the stadium, but I digress).

Seriously, I didn't make up this stuff.  You can check it out on the Schaumburg Boomers website and check out Coop at a Boomers game.

Nancy Blais, Coop, Frank Wroblewski and me in Schaumburg, IL-August 2013.