OH TO BE YOUNG AND NOT STUPID

News report from Port Canaveral, FL: James Raynor, 18, was arrested minutes after he got out of the water Wednesday. Young Jimmy with the brains of a 2 year old jumped from a gambling ship on its way to Port Canaveral and did the stunt over a $15 bet from this gambling buddies on board. I guess poor James had to recoup his losses from the Penny Slot Machines. I cannot list this story as a crazy, but stupid will do. Thus filed in the crazy folder forever. Grow Up Jim.

LOVE OR HATE

Dear Readers,

Let's have some fun with commercials. Some of you know that I have written my first book, scheduled to be published in August 2009. It was something I always wanted to do and took a chance and it happened. A Stephen King I will not be, I'm just hoping to sell a few copies to the world. My book is one of humor and sarcasm and in one chapter I devoted my hatred to dumb commercials. So my question to you is what commercials do you love or hate? Send me your posts, tell me what irks or perks you. I'll have this post listed in my subjects under commercials, so anytime you see one that you love or hate send me a post. Let's get it started.

I love the Windex Birds, the Cottonelle Puppy Dog at the Spa (Saw that one last night for the first time), the Heineken Beer closet with the guys. Believe me the hated outnumber the loved.

Hated: Those eyeballs on top of the cash for Geico, the mother yelling about the used minutes on the cell phone, and anything to do with that big headed Burger King jumping around like a fool. OK readers I've got you started so lets go.

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS GUY

Today, April 30th is National Mr. Potato Head Day. So in honor of this classic toy, today's post is to remind you of all the fun you had with your own Mr. Potato Head. Back when I was little, I had the original one, yes you had to use a real potato. I personally favored an Idaho Potato, much longer and you could make use of the various attachments that came with him.

He now comes equipped with his own torso, so potatoes are no longer needed. Progress is wonderful. So if you want to rekindle your childhood days, see if you have your old toy hiding in the cellar or attic. If not maybe go buy a new one and share the joy of creating with your children or grandchildren. Happy Mr. Potato Head Day to you all.

TODAY IN HISTORY

Before we start our history lesson for today, I must acknowledge two holidays that are celebrated today. First it's "National Shrimp Scampi Day" and the second holiday is "Zipper Day". So find a good Italian restaurant and enjoy the scampi and make sure your zipper is up before you leave the table.

Now for the lesson:

Famous Birthdays Today

Alexander II (Romanov) - Tsar of Russia 1818 - I think he had something to do with those expensive eggs.
Duke (Edward Kennedy) Ellington - Bandleader 1899 - Take the A Train, and It Don't Mean a Thing. Duke you had that thing.
Big Jay McNeely - Rocker 1928 - Never heard of him.
King Hu - Film Director 1932 - Him either.
Ralph Dale Earnhardt - NASCAR Driver 1951 - Met his Waterloo at the Daytona 500.
Jerry Seinfeld - Comedian 1955 - No soup for him.
God Shammgod - NBA Guard 1976 - Never new God played basketball on Earth and for the NBA.

Those Who Left Us This Date

Frankie Lymon - Rocker 1968 - Drug Overdose, kid had talent.
Alfred Joseph Hitchcock - British Director 1980 - No more Psycho Birds.
Mike Royko - Columnist 1997 - Dies of Stroke, read his column, great writer.

Stuff That Happened Today (Only the Really Important Stuff is Listed Here)

1813 - Rubber is patented - Think of all it's uses.
1863 - Civil War Battle of Chancellorville, VA (Fredericksburg, Wilderness Tavern) - Shots and Beers for the Winner.
1913 - Told you it was Zipper Day - Gideon Sundback of Hoboken, NJ patents all-purpose zipper -"Good Old Jersey Boy" makes good.
1945 - Adolf Hitler marries Eva Braun - A Match made in Hell.
1964 - Princess Irene marries Spanish Prince Carel Hugo de Bourbon Parma - Who Are They and Who Cares.

Other Holidays Celebrated Today: Alabama, Florida and Mississippi - Confederate Memorial Day - "The South Shall Rise Again", you guys lost, give it a rest.

Japan - Emperor Hirohito's Birthday - Better Known as "Little Sneak".

Well Class, I hope you enjoyed your history lesson for today, make notes, a pop-up quiz may occur. I will try to make this a weekly thing, we'll see the response, hell it's my blog and I'll do what I want anyway. Have a great day, enjoy your life, smile, be happy and love.

HISTORY LESSONS START TOMORROW

My blog is called Joey Z's Speak Easy, to me speak easy is speaking what I want. So readers tomorrow we will begin with a little walk back in history. Births, Deaths and Events that occurred on April 29th. Of course, I will have to comment on some of the entries adding my little notes. Until tomorrow, I wish you all a pleasant and safe evening.

THANK YOU TO TOM GLOVER

Just wanted to say "Thanks to Tom Glover" for acknowledging my site on his "Tom Glover's Hamilton Scrapbook". I highly recommend any of my readers to check out his site for a great nostalgia look at Hamilton Township and Trenton, New Jersey. His site is: www.glover320.blogspot.com. Check it out.

THIS ONE IS FOR YOU BARB P.

Barb: Glad to see you back on Mack's Blog. I thought someone may have snatched you away on your appraisal journeys throughout Jersey. If I had to get you back my bait is posted above. Now that I know your safe, go out and have a tomato pie and take the first bite for me.

Those Disco Days

Roe and I loved dancing back in the 70's, so I thought I would post a picture of us back then. The night this picture was taken we were on our way to Philly for an evening on the town with friends. I remember the clubs in those days, Widow's Watch, Michael's that was the Villa Sorrento in Morrisville, Brother's Saloon and one of my favorite places to stop in before going out for a cheap drink was the Wooden Nickel on Broad Street. There was another club on West State Street that did not last too long. It was the home of Mary Roebling once, can't remember the name went there only once sort of a snooty place. If I locate more pictures, I'll post them and bring back some memories. Roe is still lovely after 30 years married to me. Thanks for putting up with me. Love you Honey.

More Trenton, NJ Pictures

I checked out Mack's blog this morning and saw a few familiar photos. One was looking down Revere Ave from Liberty St. Our old Trenton home was on the left side of the photo. Posted were pictures from Saxman of Carl and Mary's Confectionary store on the corner of Beatty St. and Home Ave. Sax's parents owned the store back in the 40's, I never knew that. The pictures brought back a lot of memories of going there to buy candy, cigarettes, yes in those days a kid could buy a pack and drinking the best vanilla milkshakes ever. Carl made them not to thick, not to thin and ice cold. Anyone who reads my blogs and you are from the Trenton area, check out Mack's blog.

What's a Friday without a Crazy

Polk County, FL - A local high school football coach is facing charges for biting a student's nose, but mommy is not upset with him. She knows that Uncle Burney would never do anything to harm her son. The 48 year old coach was trying to motivate his players when he says he put his mouth over the student's nose but did not bite down. Detectives disagree, saying Uncle Burney bit the child in the middle of a Lake Wales game last year.

Uncle Burney it's time to hire a new assistant coach, I recommend Mike Tyson. There are plenty of noses and ears to go. Happy Friday All.

Message for Jeff

Jeff:
Mack posted a picture of the store on Revere and Liberty, check it out. Go to his site, I'm going to send Sam a picture of it to her e-mail. Thanks again Mack.

TWO NEW BREAKING NEWS STORIES FROM CRAZY LAND

Fruitland Park, FL - Reggie a spider monkey who escaped from the Liebel Brothers Circus several weeks ago is back home today. He evaded several homeowners who were trying to capture him in their neighborhood. Finally he was spotted again hanging from a tree, the determined rescue residents decided to feed him Coke, potato chips and Twinkies, until the owner came by to grab him. Poor Reggie he was probably sugar shocked.


Panama City, FL - 33 year old Sir Terrence Croskery, a motel guest tried to scare off deputies with a medieval battle ax, a knife and a long sword. The Bay County deputies arrived at the scene after guests at the motel complained that a guest was acting strange. After the deputies arrived, Knight Croskery threw the battle ax at them and proceeded to lock himself in the bathroom. When they finally broke down the door, they found the knight unconscious holding his broad sword and dagger. This Knight of the Round Table will be charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Sir Croskery sure took that video game too serious.

Rosemary is Rolling

Took Roe to see the surgeon yesterday for a follow-up exam. The pacemaker is doing fine, wound has healed nicely and she was given the OK to DRIVE. That was her main concern, get them wheels rolling again. I'm happy for her and like she said it's good to be alive and I want to live. Start Rollin Baby. Love you Honey.

More Memories of My Neighborhood - The Bars

Bars, now I'm starting to remember some of the local taverns around my old neighborhood. We had Stanley's Tavern, Top Road Tavern, The Polish Falcons, Duffy's on Pine St., and Cappy's on Brunswick Ave. Mulberry Street had a number on bars that were always crowded due to the pottery workers in the area. I remember Stanley's Tavern opened up at 6:00 a.m. for those guys who wanted a shot and beer before work. On hot summer evenings, usually a Saturday, my Dad took Mom and me to the back ladies room of Stanley's, they drank a few brews and I had Coke in a beer glass with a bag of chips or a hot dog from Stanley's hot dog oven. Man in those days that was living.

When I came home on leave from the service my buddy Jack and I would go to Stanley's for a few beers. A long neck glass of beer was 25 cents a glass, and a five dollar bill went a long way for the both of us. Those days are gone, except in one's memory of what use to be. If anyone out there remembers some more taverns, please post your thoughts. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

One Crazy Mom and One Wild Hog

Good Morning Readers: I bring you not only one but two news stories from the great state of Florida this morning. From Ocala, Florida we have a mother who was arrested for threatening her children with a butcher knife because they would not say they loved her. She also threw a glass table at them. Do you blame your children for not saying they love you idiot? Butcher Momma is now being held without bond. She needs to find a new home with lots of love from the people in little white coats.

Our second story comes from St. Petersburg, Florida, where a 200 pound wild hog attacked a woman in her back yard yesterday. A neighbor told her there was a pig in her yard, so our 26 year old wonder went out to investigate, unfortunately the porker charged and cut her leg. She was treated at her home and is recovering nicely. The hog was removed by Pinellas County Animal Control and will be tested for rabies. If rabies are not found the hog will be sold to local Bar-B-Q restaurants for pulled pork sandwiches.

Thats the news Mr. and Mrs. America

Some More Brunswick Ave. Places I Remember

Mack does a great job on his blog with the ability to take pictures of the familiar places in the "Burg". It's fun reading the posts and every ones comments. I would have to depend on Google Earth to send you a picture. I just recalled some more places near my old neighborhood and maybe some of you will remember them also.

The Brunswick Theater
Cassianni's Tomato Pies right across the street from the Brunswick Theater
Top Road Barber Shop
Dale's
Before McDonald's there was a Pix's by the Circle Bowling Alley
Brunswick Hardware, they carried all the fishing supplies one could ask for
Columbus School, we use to play baseball there in the summer
Mercer Savings and Loan, the official Polish bank
There was a small Chinese restaurant next to Top Road Barber Shop, China Garden, not really sure that was the name
Rose's Top Road Woman's Shop, the hottest fashions south of Olden Avenue

Princeton Avenue had a number of small businesses, but to recall their real names is making my brain hurt right now. If any come to mind, I'll let you know. Have a nice evening everyone and remember sign on as a follower.

With Icing or Not

Are all the loonies in Florida or do some of the village idiots still reside in your state? Over the weekend this was a news story from Polk County, Florida and this is for real. A woman wanted a Pop Tart for breakfast, her boyfriend refused to give her one, so she stabbed the living daylights out of him. His fate is in the hands of Kellogs.

The moral of this story, when your sweetie awakes offer to take her to breakfast at the Waffle House. Get the point.

Thanks to Everyone

Roe and I want to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts last week. It's nice to know people like you and God bless.

Momma Yogurt Another Florida Crazy Or Should It Be Idiot

A local story from Orlando, a 28 year old mother left her 14 month old infant alone to purchase yogurt for a friend. Neighbors heard the child crying for over an hour. When the police were called they found the child and this a quote from the story, "the baby was at the door which was not locked with a Super Glue cap in his mouth". Momma Yogurt was arrested but bonded out of jail that night. She went home looking for her son but he was in the hands of foster care. Child services said it would work with the mother to see if they can be safely reunited.

Child Services you better look real hard at Momma Yogurt before you reunite her with anything.

Rest in Peace Luee

The picture of the dog on my main page is our dog Luee. He was 2 years old when we adopted him from the humane society and had the pleasure to enjoy his companionship for 14 years. I had to put him to sleep on Wednesday. He was starting to go down hill but when I saw him that morning hardly moving, I knew it was time for him to rest for good. Luee thanks for being a good friend to everyone in our home and filling our hearts with your love and devotion. There has to be a heaven for animals for all the joy they bring to a family. Now Luee, you can eat all the turkey and cheese sandwiches you want along with a side order of potato chips, chase those UPS trucks to no end, chase the geckos around the trees and if you like have a piece of chocolate cake, it can't harm you now. Vaya con Dios.

Roe is Home

Just wanted to let all you readers know, Rosemary came home Wednesday evening. She is now fully equipped with a new pacemaker and ready to roll. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. You are some of the nicest people I never met in person.

Update on Rosemary

Just heard from Rosemary, the doctors are pleased with her progress and the pacemaker. The cardiologist is reviewing the records and she may be released as early as tomorrow, but I'm a betting man and say Thursday or Friday. Thanks once again for all your prayers and thoughts, that's something I'll always remember. Have a great evening and enjoy.

Hellsapoppin in Florda

In a nut shell the weather in Florida today is thunderstorms, tornado warnings and watches, wind and lots of rain. My observation of the rain in Florida is the following, we never seem to have a nice steady soaking rain for hours to make all those little plants and grass grow and turn green. We start with the darkening of the sky, wind blowing like a hurricane and than the rain coming down in sheets. Put this all together with the tourists and you have mass confusion on the highways. On days like this one, remain home with a nice book and a Manhattan on the Rocks. Hoping your day is great, talk to you later.

Just Heard from a Old Friend

A few minutes ago I heard from another old friend, Saxman's brother Lou. Lou and I belonged to the famous Beatty St. Boys in our younger days. Lou heard about Roe and wished his blessings and prayers, I feel like Jimmy Stewart at the end of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". It's true good friends, you may never see them enough, but they are there. Thanks Lou.

Special Thanks to Some Great People

Just heard from Roe, Surgeon was in to visit and said everything looks good on his end. She's waiting for the Cardiologist to come in for room transfer and consultation on the heart flutters she experienced yesterday. I want to say thank you to Mack, Saxman and Maryann, Barb P., Noel and my good buddy Joey G. for all their prayers and best wishes. Except for Joey G. and Saxman, I never met the rest of you, but people like you are hard to find. God Bless you all and thanks again. Will keep you guys advised.

Another Friday is Upon Us

TGIF to everyone and may you all have a Happy Easter and a great weekend. Remember to sign up and be a follower of my blog. Post your comments or pick a subject. Special thanks to Mack for his publicity about my site.

Places I Remember on Brunswick Ave.

Some of the places I remember, across the street from our house was Ed's Esso Station and Garage, one honest mechanic, the other great mechanics were the Reither Brothers on Spruce and Princeton St. We had Willett's 5 & 10 Store, Deal's Camera Shop, there was an appliance store on the corner of Brunswick and Olden, I think it was City Line Appliance. A Jewish Deli owned by 2 brothers, the name eludes me now. Drs. Franzoni, Rexall Drug Store, a dentist Dr. Greenwald, Brunswick Drug Store with its soda and ice cream fountain, John's Barber Shop, right next door to me, Stanley's Tavern on the corner of Brunswick and Myrtle St., and the Food Fair on the next block. Across the street from that was the Pine St. Drug store. Who could forget Top Road Tavern, best fish and chips on a Friday. I remember going their at lunch time to place an order and at 5 p.m. when my father came home, running over to pick the order up, cost $1.25 a platter. Their pizza was and I hear it's still out of this world. There were more bars and stores, if anyone can remember, please post. If I remember more, I'll be back.

Have a great evening.

My Old Neighborhood

As I said, I grew up in the Polish section of North Trenton, basically known as the St. Hedwig's area. My parents lived near the corner of Brunswick Ave. and Spruce St. Growing up in that area I had a lot of fun. As a boy we played baseball at the Food Fair Parking lot after it closed, using sponge balls we bought for a quarter at Willett's 5 & 10. Road our bikes around the blocks, flipped baseball cards, played Catch 5 and in the summer always lighting up those punks we found growing near the Farmer's Market swamps.

I attended St. Hedwig's grammar school, I was an altar boy at the parish, played basketball for St. Hedwig's and just grew up enjoying myself in that neighborhood.

I'm running out of room on this comment, so I'll be naming some of the familiar places I remember in the neighborhood. Readers please feel free to post your comments and maybe we can get a good thing going.

Calling All Polaks or Those Who Wish They Were

I was chatting with Mack this morning and he mentioned how the Polish neighborhood of North Trenton, where I grew up is still flourishing with traditions. There has been an influx of new immigrants to the neighborhood and it's my understanding it's thriving once again. I remember what it was like when I was growing up and and the differences when I moved away.

I'll throw some things out and if any readers would like to comment on their views please do. All I can say is "Let's see what happens". I'll title this one "Polska na zawsze" or "Poland Forever".

Thanks Mack

Thanks for signing on as a follower Mack.

Old Man Winter Returns

Hello readers, Old Man Winter is returning to Sunny Florida for the next few days. After a much needed rain yesterday, temperatures are dipping into the 30's tonight with highs only reaching the mid 60's for the next few days.

I'm still inviting all you readers to join my blog and throw out subjects to discuss, so please sign-in. That includes you Joey G., I haven't heard from you yet. Just doing a little writing today, the crazies are quite and all is well. Have a great evening.

It's Called Joey Z's Speak Easy and Joey G is on the Way

I finally talked my old friend Joey G to be a follower on my blog. So hurry up Joe and sign in today. This blog posting is dedicated to you and I do expect comments on your part.

To everyone out there you are also welcome to post a comment or tell me a subject you wish to discuss. If it's interesting and clean will publish it and ask for comments. That's why this blog is called a Speak Easy, so let's talk. We have the crazies going, Trenton, NJ stuff and tomato pies, need more subjects, get busy people. Till then have a great rest of the afternoon and a wonderful evening.

I'D LIKE TO LEARN TO SHOOT A GUN

Here you go Mr. and Mrs. America, crime is up and you want to protect yourself and your family. Before buying a gun, you go to your local shooting range to give it a try. You receive your proper gun safety instructions and just like a Dirty Harry movie, the target is placed on the hook and zips back at a rapid pace ready for you to pull the trigger. You hold the pistol, squeeze the trigger for the first time, bang, bang all around you. This is fun shooting at a target, that's what the people in Casselberry, Florida thought yesterday afternoon, except fate reared its ugly head.

Momma Marie Moore, age 44, with her son Mitchell, age 20 entered the Shoot Straight Gun Range at 4:30 p.m. They practiced shooting targets for awhile just like the normal people there, than Momma shot Mitch and pulled the trigger on herself. Police said there was a history of mental illness with Momma Marie. Lesson learned Mitch, never take a crazy with you to the gun range even your mother. Yes folks, the crazies live and breathe and they keep coming and coming.

GOOD MONDAY MORNING

There was never anything good about a Monday morning unless you won the lottery over the weekend or awoke and remembered you retired on Friday afternoon. For all of you out there scratching out a living, good Monday morning to you all. I can hear you responding "YEAH RIGHT".

Read some of Mack's posts today, WaWa store was interesting and so was "You Know When Your From Jersey". My sons loved going to WaWa for the hoagies when we lived on Revere Ave. Have to admit they made a good one. There were no more Mom and Pop stores around us at the time.

Try to survive the day, and I will be posting a crazies story for you later.

DUMB BUT NOT ONE OF THE CRAZIES

Good afternoon readers, I bid you all hello from partly sunny Florida this afternoon. Here's another true story from our great state. I can not consider this a crazies story but it will be filed there for reading purposes. Mascotte, Florida: Michael Howarth, an escaped inmate found walking along the road. Now here's the story, Michael was serving time for a 1991 burglary; he had no priors and was sentenced to 18 years. A rather harsh punishment in my eyes, considering this state is letting out rapists, child molesters and other low life's in a few years. Michael was set to be released in 2012, however his libido started to get the best of him.

Michael was in a minimum security institution and had been exchanging notes with a female on the outside. Well, Michael decided to walk away, meet her to satisfy his needs and return to his work release job. A wonderful idea, however Mikey got stuck in a Mud Bog and sank up to his waist. By the time he got free it was too late to return, so he went traveling down the Yellow Brick Road to freedom never meeting the lady of his loins. He was apprehended and returned to jail. I feel sorry for you Mike having to serve such a long sentence, but you did a dumb thing. Good Luck.

One for the Crazies File

Down the road from our house lies a tiny town, if you blink your eyes you passed it. Last night the local news reported that one of it's finer citizens was gardening in the afternoon and found a snake in her garden. Mary Mary Quite Contrary decided to pick up the snake and bring it inside her house. The reason you ask, well knowing the locals of this country side gem, she was probably going to make it a pet or cook it. The snake however turned out to be a poisonous Water Moccasin which made Mary it's dinner by taking a chunk out of her.

Mary Mary was taken to the local hospital and will live. The snake is reported missing in action. They come here to reside all the crazies. Sometimes I feel I live with the Pods of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Life on Mars

An unusual ending to a great show last night. A shocker but one should have known. I'm talking about the ABC Network's "Life on Mars" one of the finest shows made for a TV series this year, ended last night. For those not familiar with the plot, a police officer living in the year 2008, is hit by a car and awakens in the year 1973. The episodes that follow shows him dealing with life and work in the 125th Police Precinct of New York in 1973, A superior cast supports the show and information can be found on IMDB. For those who watched this show I hope you enjoyed it as much as Rosemary and I did. For those whose interest I perked, hope this show becomes available on DVD for your viewing enjoyment. Don't miss it.

NO FOOLIN AROUND TODAY

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY TO EVERYONE. I have not been hit with any pranks as yet, but I'm going through my list of usual suspects to plan an afternoon attack. If you were the recipient of a prank today I hope you found it funny and had a good laugh. If there is anything you readers would like to blog about, enter your post and let's see what happens. A fools good night to all.