3 CHEERS FOR FISH AND CHIP MEMORIES

Happy Friday Speakies:

I smell the weekend brewing and wish you all a good day today. Being its Friday how about some fish and chips for lunch or dinner, sounds good to me. I remember when I lived in Trenton, NJ there was a bar called Top Road Tavern across the street from my parents house. Every Friday morning when she was going to work my Mom stopped in and placed her order with the little Italian lady who worked the kitchen for pick-up at 5:00 p.m. Exactly at 5:00 p.m. little JoeyZ went to pick-up that order. For a $1.50 back then, each of us got 2 pieces of fresh flounder, French fries, coleslaw and hot Italian bread. What memories of Fridays.

We have a lot of holidays this weekend so lets get started:

Today:

National Hairball Awareness Day – Big day for cats.

Hairstylists Appreciation Day – Give them a bigger tip today.

Spank Out Day – Sounds interesting actually it was initiated in 1998 to give widespread attention to the need to end corporal punishment of children.

Walpurgis Night - Historically Walpurgisnacht is derived from various pagan spring customs. Bonfires were built to keep away the dead and chaotic spirits that were then widely believed to walk among the living.

Saturday:

Amtrak Day – I remember riding the train from South Carolina to home when I was in the service, long trip.

Lei Day – The soft breeze of the South Pacific are calling to me.

May Day – Was a big day in the Soviet Union once.

Kentucky Derby Day – I’m gonna get my derby and a mint julep around 5:00 p.m. that day.

National Scrapbooking Day – This one honors my wife Roe, check out her site posted on my blog called Creative Memories. Beautiful work, I’m proud of her.

Martin Z. Mollusk Day - If a hermit crab in Ocean City, New Jersey, sees its shadow today, summer will come one week early. Those Jersey guys know how to celebrate.

Mother Goose Day – Read some stories to those kiddies today.

National Dance Day – Get down boogie, boogie, boogie, there are no exceptions to the rule.

Sunday:

Motorcycle Mass and Blessing of the Bikes Day – St. Harley is coming to see and bless you.

National Play Your Ukulele Day – Tiny Tim where art thou?

Enough for the holidays Speakies, pour yourself a nice drink, relax and just chill.

AFTER WEDDING BELLS, PREFER NO PHONE BELLS

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

Friday is one day nearer, so make the most of this day and we all will be one step away from the weekend. Today we celebrate:

National Dance Day – Among the goals of the Dance Day are to increase the awareness of the importance of dance among the general public, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education.
Poem In Your Pocket Day – Pick your favorite poem and share it with others is the purpose of this holiday.

Here’s a few JoeyZ Chinese Proverbs to ponder:

Man who eats many prunes
Get good run for money.

Passionate kiss like spider’s web
Soon lead to undoing of fly.

Man who lives in glass house
Should change clothes in basement.

Wife who put husband in dog house
Soon find him in cat house.

Speaking of Chinese proverbs, I loved the Charlie Chan movies the actors that played Charlie had some great lines especially about Number One Son. If you ever have a chance to catch them or see them on NetFlix do so.

For now have a nice day and be careful. I may be back.

SHOW US YOUR PAPERS

Hello Speakies:

Sometimes I wonder why I watch the world evening news. Is it just to get aggravated by the idiots of this country or did I forget TMZ was on the other channel. Yesterday the Arizona illegal legislation law aimed at identifying and prosecuting illegal’s made me stop in my tracks. The law if passed would make it possible for any resident or visitor to Arizona that looks like he or she could be Mexican or another nationality to be questioned on his citizenship. I remember seeing something like that on the History Channel but the people were wearing arm bands with a yellow star and were Jews. Let's not forget what we did to the Japanese Americans during World War II. Is Arizona going to issue arm bands with the picture of Speedy Gonzalez on it and push this country towards being a fascist nation?

Who comes on next in this news story is John McCain, war hero (The Maverick) saying the people of Southern Arizona are fed up with all the illegal alien crossings. Must be re-election time John and you are worried. What a hypocrite John, you fought for freedom and the rights of all men and now you just turn your head to appease the racists of our country.

It’s funny I hear people saying I don’t want the government to interfere with me and my freedoms, choice of healthcare coverage etc, but yet they turn their cheek and don’t care what happens to their fellow man. Yes, check their citizenship, I’m not paying for their health care but don’t "THREAD ON ME" and my freedom. Keep that idea up and one day we all will be hearing the phrase, “SHOW US YOUR PAPERS.”

Strictly the view of JoeyZ.

WELCOME TO A NEW SPEAKIE

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY HELLO AND WELCOME TO MY FIRST SPEAKIE FROM ECUADOR.
STOP BY ANY TIME AND COMMENT.

IF YOU LOVE ICE CREAM

Hello and Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Remember that saying, well Speakies if you love ice cream you will enjoy this holiday. Today is “31 Cent Scoop Night” at Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream. All scoops will be 31 cents and donations will be made to the fallen firefighters of America. So get out there and have a few scoops and help a good cause.

We also celebrate Workers Memorial Day it takes place annually around the world on April 28, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled and injured by their work.

For all you Moonies out there the full moon on this date is called “Pink Moon” started by Native American Indians because at this time, wildflowers that included the pink ground phlox hailed the arrival of spring.

How about some weird facts:

There are 18 different animal shapes in the Animal Crackers cookies.
In Tokyo, a bicycle is faster than a car for most trips.
Most lipstick contains fish scales.
Porcupines float in water.
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb was afraid of the dark.
Jiffy is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
Try this one the next time you have fresh champagne, a raisin dropped in will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
How about this one also, it is impossible to lick your elbow – who would want to.

Enough with all these facts and wisdom I’m giving your grey matter, have a great day, have fun, love and be careful out there.

TRIBUTE TO NOODIES

Dear Guys and Dolls:

This is a little tribute to a pet rabbit named Noodies. Noodies belonged to a friend of mine at work named Erin. Erin and I spoke of Noodies everyday, saving the daily newspaper for him to use as his private bathroom. We joked about him constantly, his funny name and the stuff he did. Yesterday was a sad day for Erin; Noodies had to be put to sleep. I know what its like to lose a pet and all I can say to Erin is Noodies is in a better place hopping around with all those other bunnies and having fun so don’t be sad. Rest in peace Noodies.

Who knows Erin he may come back as the next Easter Bunny and make all those little ones very happy.

A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON TODAY

Happy Tuesday Speakies:

I thought today we would take a look at April 27 in history. Let’s see who was born, died and what stuff happened today.

Born on this Day:
1791 – Samuel Finley Breece Morse – You got it that Morse Code inventor.
1822 – Hiram Ulysses Simpson Grant – Great Civil War general and later Prez.
1896 – Rogers Hornsby – 2nd baseman St. Louis Cardinals.
1900 – Walter Lantz – Woody Woodpecker’s creator.
1922 – Jack Klugman – Actor Odd Couple, Quincy, M.E.
1932 – Casey Kasem – Radio DJ.
1959 – Sheena Easton – Singer “For Your Eyes Only.”

Went Up or Went Down Today:
1521 – Ferdinand Magellan – Explorer, killed by natives.
1813 – Zebulon M. Pike – Pike’s Peak guy, dies in battle.
1882 – Ralph Waldo Emerson – US poet.
1957 – Mario A. Gianini – Creator of the maraschino cherry.
1965 – Edward R. Murrow – Newscaster and great WWII reporter from London.

Stuff Today in History:
1646 – King Charles I flees Oxford – King Chuck gets out of Dodge.
1805 – US Marines attack the shores of Tripoli – hence their song begins.
1841 – Imakita Kosen, 1st Zen teacher of D.T. Suzuki, found the awakening – Of what I don’t know.
1865 – Cornell University is chartered – Go Big Red.
1937 – US Social Security system makes its 1st benefit payment.
1947 – Babe Ruth Day celebrated at Yankee Stadium.
1953 – Wrestler Freddie Blassie coins the term “Pencil Neck Geek.”

That’s enough stuff for today. Let all of this sink in that grey matter and remain there and when your kids come and say “What happened today?”, you won’t have to squirm but will hit them with the knowledge of JoeyZ. Have a great day and evening.

10,000 VISITORS, THANK YOU

HELLO GUYS AND DOLLS:

CHECKED MY COUNTER AND I'M OVER THE 10,000 VISITOR MARK. THANK YOU ALL FOR STOPPING BY AND READING MY BLOG, I'LL TRY TO KEEP IT INTERESTING FOR ALL OF YOU. THANKS AGAIN.

TIE ME KANGAROO DOWN

G’ Day Speakies:

Today we celebrate the holiday of: “Hug An Australian Day”. I’m hoping you enjoy the first song playing as an honor to this day and now if we can only find an Australian to hug. For you Guys and Dolls here are a few famous Australians I’m sure some of you would like to hug:

Mel Gibson – Actually born in the US, but his mother was Australian and later he lived there for many years. As a result many consider him an actor from down under.

Russell Crowe – Born in New Zealand, later moved to Australia at a very young age. Known for his role as Maximus in the movie “Gladiator.”

Nicole Kidman – Ex-wife of Tom Cruise, born in Hawaii but as Crowe moved to Australia at a very young age.

Heath Ledger – Deceased, famous for his role as the “Joker” in The Dark Knight. I liked him in “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson.

Naomi Watts – Famous for her role as Ann Darrow in the remake of “King Kong.” Too many King Kong remakes, I’ll take the original any day.

Hugh Jackman – The X-Man Guy.

Cate Blanchett – Known for many roles, The Lord of the Rings; The Return of the King and recently in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Eric Bana – Liked him in the movie Troy, he played the role of Hector.

All I can say after this is “Grab yourself a Coldie and Hooroo from Oz”.

HONOR THE BARD AND THE RED HAT LADIES

TGIF Speakies:

Well in a few hours it will be the start of the weekend. I can’t wait to hear the sound of the 5 o’clock whistle and I’ll be out of heeeeeeeeeeeeerrre! We have some holidays to celebrate so let us raise our mugs and get started:

Today:
Talk Like Shakespeare Day - Celebrate the Bard and all he has contributed to the English language.

Saturday:
Astronomy Day – Go out into the back yard at night and strain your neck looking at the stars.

Bulldogs are Beautiful Day – They always remind me of Winston Churchill.

Interstate Mullet Toss Day - A Mullet Toss consists of individuals on the beach throwing a mullet from a 10-foot circle in Alabama across the state line into Florida. I imagine mass quantities of beer are consumed during this spectacle.

National Go Birding Day – Break out your wings and take flight.

Sense of Smell Day – Get out and smell the roses, personally I love the smell of Night Jasmine.

Sunday:
DNA Day – Wonder how many people were wrongly accused of a crime before DNA was tested.

Malaria Awareness Day – George W. started this holiday in 2007 to curb malaria in Africa.

National Pet Parent’s Day – Roe and I were pet parents.

Red Hat Society Day - Is a social organization founded in 1998 for women approaching the age of 50 and beyond. As of July 2009, there are over 70,000 registered members and almost 24,000 chapters in the United States and 25 other countries. The Red Hat Society is the largest women’s social group in the world. Congrats Red Hats.

For me that’s it for today, I wish you all a great Speakie weekend, enjoy your days off and be careful as always.

I'M TALKING HERE

Speaking My Mind Speakies:

This morning a little editorial from JoeyZ. Last evening on the national news I heard the story of how so many states will be closing public schools, giving teachers their pink slips due to lack of funds for education. This ticks me off to no end. Let’s start with some basic ideas to finance this situation. We’ve had an illegal war going on since 1991; it’s time to end it. I guess we haven’t learned since Korea and Vietnam that the last war we won was World War II. Congress must declare war not the whims of past presidents without the approval of Congress. Get out of the Middle East and tunnel that money towards education and other needs of the American people who are struggling. To all political parties stop the nonsense and work together to solve the problems of the American people. I’m so sick of hearing about Conservative Christian values. They don’t mean a thing when politicians show no compassion for its fellow man only the lies and greed of old men.

Now for “Space the Final Frontier”, you’re not going anywhere. Back in the 60’s our nation went to the Moon, since then all we have been doing is circling the Earth and trying to repair a rundown space station. Do me a favor NASA fix up the space station, turn it into a hotel and charge a million dollars a week to stay there if you want money to finance your projects. NASA is spending billions which could be channeled to education and other needs. Tonight in Florida the Air Force under NASA is sending up a secret space craft, if it’s so secret how come it’s all over the news called the X-37. How much is that costing the American public? Get my point it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to solve financial problems of education and other needs of this country just balls to start in the right direction.

Here in Florida Governor Charlie last week vetoed a bill that would base teacher’s salaries on these FCAT tests. Good for you Charlie, now the Republicans don’t want anything to do with you. Tell them to FCAT it. The only thing FCAT does is put fear in teachers and students to no end by constant pressure to pass tests. Let the teachers start teaching basics so when these kids get out in the real world they know how to count change for a dollar. Now I said my piece and it’s strictly from the mouth of JoeyZ.

JELLY BEAN DAY

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

I hope all of you Administrative Assistants had a great day yesterday, I sure did, I work with some of the nicest people on earth who really treated me with some nice surprises yesterday, it’s a pleasure working with them. Thanks Gang.

We do have some holidays to celebrate today and they are:

Earth Day – Al Gore’s favorite holiday.

National Jelly Bean Day - Jelly Beans have been around for over one hundred years and today, the sweet treats come in all sorts of colors and flavors. From sweet and sour to spicy and gourmet.

Take the Kids to Work Today – That’s all you need around you all day.

I checked for some history lessons today, but did not like anything I saw so you are all lucky today, but don’t push it. I’m going to let you enjoy Earth Day, the kids at work and eat your jelly beans. Have a great day Speakies.

I WANT MY TV SHOWS NOW

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Yesterday I was thinking and I don’t want to hear “I thought I smelled something burning” from any of you guys. TV shows, I know we have our new favorites, our old favorites and that’s what I want to write about today. We have satellite as our provider and with all the channels the Western Channel and TV Land are the only ones that provide some of the nostalgia shows from the 60’s and 70’s.

I say we need a few more channels for some of the shows I remember from that time period. Let’s call them the Detective Channel, Nostalgia Comedy Channel and You Asked For It Channel. The reason is last night one channel had the Golden Girls on all night long, now I liked the show at one time but I don’t want to see it over and over again, it has to go. Now here are some of my shows I would love to see, now you can write in and let me know your favorites also.

The Detective Channel:

77 Sunset Strip
Hawaiian Eye
Ironside
Bourbon Street Beat
Surfside 6
Quincy M.E.
Longstreet
Banacek

Nostalgia Comedy Channel:

The Dean Martin Roasts
The Love Boat
Carol Burnett Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Barney Miller

You Asked For It Channel:

The Invaders
One Step Beyond
The Outer Limits
Battlestar Galactica
The Rat Patrol
Combat
Mission Impossible

There you go Guys and Dolls just to name a few. If you want to comment or add a TV Channel of your own, we can start a list to submit to these cable and satellite guys, let’s get tough, down with reality shows and up with the past.

Today we also celebrate some holidays:

Administrative Professional Day - God Bless Them All for putting up with all that bull.

Kindergarten Day - We celebrate Kindergarten Day, in honor of Friedrich Froebel who was born on April 21, 1782 and who started the first Kindergarten in Germany in 1837. The school was built upon a series of innovative principles that used the curiosity and interests of children to guide them through song and play (which was unheard of in earlier schools); daily lessons in drawing, design, and other artistic activities; and learning through active doing and close contacts with the natural world.

National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day - Give me the plain nut any day.

Have a great day Speakies.

BITE, BITE, ITCH, ITCH, OH WHAT A PAIN IT IS

Hello Speakies:

I received this information from a biologist friend of mine and thought I would pass it along to all you readers. Mosquito season is about to begin here in Florida and soon coming your way. Here are a few preventive steps to take.

Recommendations for Residents

The type of mosquitoes and their impact on your daily activities will vary, depending on where you live. For instance, in heavily urbanized areas, residents will more likely be affected by pesky container breeders, while in coastal areas the salt marsh mosquito will be most prevalent and annoying.But no matter where we live, there are some general guidelines we can all follow to minimize the incidence of mosquitoes and our exposure to the diseases they transmit:

1. Remove all standing water from your yard by bringing indoors or emptying and cleaning all containers, even very small ones. For example, do not leave toys that can retain water outside; remove saucers from under flower pots; clean or remove pool covers; clean pools and add chlorinated water; cover rain barrels with mosquito proof netting; clean rain gutters and rain spouts.

2. If you need to control adult mosquitoes in your yard, do not apply insecticides yourself. Instead, contact your county public works or environmental health department. Mosquitoes have a long history of developing resistance to insecticides when applied incorrectly.

See I pass along informative stuff too. Don’t get bit.

THE SMOKING LAMP IS LIT

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Well we made it through another Monday and when you got home from work last evening I hope you all had a pleasant and relaxing night. One major holiday today it is:

National Pot Smoking Day – It’s a day where people from all over the world celebrate the consumption of that magical herb, marijuana. It’s the unofficial counterculture holiday based upon the simple concept of smoking some weed and being happy. I just imagine seeing Cheech and Chong with that gigantic rolled-up smoke. They made some funny movies. Last week Roe and I caught a portion of that great 1936 pot propaganda film “Reefer Madness.” The movie cracked us both up; the people that were smoking pot looked like crazed zombies from a horror movie. All I can say is the times sure have changed.

The weather is not looking good for those coming down on vacation for the first couple days this week. We’ve had rain yesterday and some more showers with a possible thunderstorm may occur this afternoon. Highs will be in mid 80’s and at night in the mid 60’s. Sunny to partly cloudy skies should make your stay enjoyable starting Wednesday. Damn I should be on the local news as a weatherman, I said what had to be said and that’s it. Not every five minutes like the weatherman here in Florida.

Have a nice day Speakies.

MONDAY ONCE AGAIN

Good Day Speakies:

Not much to say, it’s Monday once again and let’s hope the day goes by quickly. Hoping you all had a nice weekend and did all the things you wanted to do. All I’m gonna say now is “Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain, and the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet. It’s time for dumb state laws and today’s winner is OKLAHOMA, so let’s go:

Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings – Ya gotta watch out for them car rustlers.

Dogs must have a permit signed by the mayor in order to congregate in groups of three or more on private property – I can just imagine the dogs heading up the stairs of City Hall.

Fish may not be contained in fishbowls while on a public bus – a nice garbage bag will do.

It is against the law to read a comic book while operating a motor vehicle – why not I’ve seen idiot’s text.

It is illegal to have the hind legs of farm animals in your boots – I don’t even want to envision that.

It is illegal to wear your boots to bed – remember you are in cowboy town.

No one may spit on a sidewalk – that should be everywhere, disgusting

Whaling is illegal – I don’t think Moby Dick can make it inland that far.

People can be fined, arrested or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog – do it in front of a Pit Bull see what happens.

Have a great day Guys and Dolls, see you later.

HAPPY WEEKEND SPEAKIES

Happy Friday Speakies:

I smell the weekend is near and I hope all your plans turn out great. For me, I did my yard work last weekend, maybe just a little light duty around the house and that’s it. There are some holidays we need to raise our glasses to so here they are:

Today:

High Five Day – Who started that anyway?
Equal Pay Day – I’ll take some of that CEO pay any day.
National Stress Awareness Day – Have a drink no more stress.
Trivia Days – Break out the board game tonight and play with the family.

Saturday:

Blah, Blah, Blah Day - The purpose of this day is to take care of the long list of household projects and boring chores that people have been nagging you to do.
Ford Mustang Day – My son has a nice one he rebuilt.
Husband Appreciation Day – OK Roe lay that appreciation on me.
Nothing Like a Dame – That great song from the Broadway play “South Pacific.”
Record Store Day – As a teenager I remember going to them every week for the top 100 and look at those 45’s.

Sunday:

Pet Owners Independence Day – What do you do, fight your cats and dogs at the Alamo.
World Amateur Radio Day – I wanted to do that at one time looks interesting, congrats to all of you Speakies that do.

For all of you coming to Central Florida the weather forecast is looking good, sunny, highs in the 80’s and lows at night in the 60’s. Just as a reminder be careful in the ocean watching out for rip currents. The crazies are quite for now but you never know when they will pop-up. Keep an eye out for JoeyZ’s news flashes. Have a great weekend Guys and Dolls, love each other and be careful out there.

REMEMBERING LUEE

Good Morning Speakies:

I would like to dedicate today to my old pal and dog Luee. It was exactly one-year ago today I had to put Luee to sleep, a day that really broke my heart after 16 years together. Luee had problems getting up and could hardly walk that morning. With the help of my good neighbor we took Luee to the Vet and it was decided he was suffering a lot and my only choice was to ease his pain. As we said our goodbyes he looked up and we both knew how much we had loved each other. Roe and I called Luee our third son. It was hard on Roe as she came home from the hospital that day and Luee was already with the angels, my son Joe took it bad also as he always called Luee his pup.

The picture in this post is of my granddaughter when she was younger and Luee. You can see his demeanor as she would dress him up and play with him, there was never a bad bone in his body. These were the funny things we all remember about him.

In my second book, I’ve written a few stories about Luee and included a very special 10 Commandments to dog owners from their pets. To me on this day, the tenth commandment hits home to me the hardest as I remember that day a year ago. It goes like this, “Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it,” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

As I told my granddaughter when Luee died, is that God needed some more dogs to help the angels in heaven and Luee was called to join. Rest in Peace Pup.

MORE DUMB LAWS, IOWA STYLE

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Well Hump Day is upon us and I wish all of you a pleasant day at home or work. No really interesting holidays to mention today, so let’s pick on Dumb Laws, this time in that great corn state of Iowa.

It is a violation of the law to sell drugs or narcotics without having first obtained the appropriate Iowa drug tax stamp. – It’s the great American way to do things.

A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public. – Can he goose her in public?

One-armed piano players must perform for free. – That’s one law you guys in Iowa have to change.

Kisses may last for no longer than five minutes. – They should not even last that long take it elsewhere kiddies.

Ministers must obtain a permit to carry their liquor across state lines. – Can’t let those ministers get everything on the slide.

Now here are some dumb city laws, the names are not mentioned to protect the population from embarrassment:

It is illegal to read palms in the city limits. – Crystal balls are okay.

The fire department is required to practice fire fighting for fifteen minutes before attending a fire. – I wouldn’t like to live in Fort Madison, OOPS.

The ICE CREAM man and his truck are banned. – Sorry little tykes in Indianola, OPPS.

Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants. – I have no comment on that one.

Within the city limits of Ottumwa, OOPS, a man may not wink at any woman he does not know.

Well Speakies there you go with some dumb law knowledge, no offense Iowa, strictly just some fun. Have a great day and be careful out there.

FOODIES FOR MY SPEAKIES

Good Morning Speakies:

My mind the last few days has been on good old Polish cooking, I found a place in my old stomping grounds on Brunswick Ave. in Trenton, NJ. The name of the place is Rozmaryn Restaurant (Rosemary in Polish) and the reviews are great. They offer delicious Polish and American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere and at a good price. I’ve included their website: http://www.rozmarynrestaurant.com/ so check it out if you are going that way and let me know. Sure sounds good to me. There is a great deli located at 916 Brunswick Ave. called Henry’s Deli. Polish food to take home or eat in at their small dining area. In reading their review the smells are right out of Polish heaven seems like everyone’s Polish grandmother is in the kitchen cooking. Why is it always food? I’m watching too much Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on TV.

Roe and I did locate a good German restaurant in Ocala, Florida called the Schnitzel Factory, they have a website and the food was great with true German brew to wash down that Sauerbraten. So if you are visiting that area stop in and enjoy a true German meal.

Roe and I are still in the quest for the perfect Jersey Pizza or Tomato pie. I’ll keep you posted on that search as time goes by. Alert, yesterday Roe and I had a doctor appointment in Winter Park and had to make a stop at a certain store in the Colonial Plaza Shopping Center on Colonial Ave. There is a pizza place in this shopping center called “Lil Anthony’s Original Brooklyn Pizza”, so we thought we would give the place a try. Small place with about 10 booths saw people coming and going with take-out, but they had a medium cheese pizza special for $6.99, so we decided to have that. We heard the other customers crunch of the pizza as they folded it in half and our mouths started to water. Out comes our pie, I start to divide the slices and the oil is just dripping down, nice looking crust also. Now the taste test, pretty good, lots of cheese but the oil made it so soft so it was not chewy. Roe admitted that was the best crust she has had so far, we will keep looking and letting our readers know when we find the best, but if you are in that area of Orlando and shopping give the place a try.

If you are a fan of Mexican food, I finally had the opportunity to try a place that Roe loves in Clermont, FL. San Jose’s is a quaint Mexican restaurant with a small coved bar. The food was delicious and fresh tasting and the place a must try. I believe they have a website and they are located off Highway 27 heading towards Clermont. Try this restaurant if you are in the area, you won’t be disappointed.

Well gang that’s all for my food reviews for a Tuesday and as a reminder if you have not filed your taxes to date, get your butts busy. Have a great day Speakies.

SEE YOU ON TUESDAY

Hey Guys and Dolls:

I have a little bit of personal items to take care of today. So I just wanted to stop by and say hi and wish you all a pleasant Monday.

LOUIE LOUIE

Weekend Wishes Speakies:

Once again Friday is upon us and the weekend a few hours away. We had a nice turn out for Earth Day yesterday at work. The weather is a little crummy here today, cloudy with a light drizzle, hoping the weekend weather will be better for you visitors. We have some holidays to celebrate, so let’s take a look and get those steins ready to clang.

Today:
National Cherish An Antique Day – Give your old lady a hug and kiss.

Winston Churchill Day – Light up a cigar in honor of the old chap. He use to order his cigars from the Cigar Factory located in my home town of Trenton, NJ.

Saturday:
Baby Massage Day – That applies to you Doll Babies too.

National Love Our Children Day – Love them everyday not only on this holiday.

Salvation Army Founder’s Day – Love that Christmas bell jingle.

Sunday:
Barbershop Quartet Day – Pull out those straw hats, suspenders, striped shirts and bowties and start singing on the corner.

International “Louie Louie” Day - Provides an annual opportunity to celebrate the song that has been called best party song of all time, has been recorded more times than any other rock song in history, and was very nearly declared the official state song of Washington State. Song also played in “Animal House” a true movie classic.

World Parkinson’s Disease Day – Let’s all hope for a cure for those suffering from this disease.

Have a great weekend, be careful, have fun and keep loving each other. And in honor of “LOUIE, LOUIE, a little Louie Louie music.

PONCE PONCE HE'S OUR MAN

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

A bright shinny good morning from Central Florida, highs today should be near 90 degrees and lows tonight in the 60’s. The weather if you are down here is beautiful so enjoy your visit here. The weekend is looking good too.

We honor two holidays today so let’s raise our glasses high and toast:

Buddha's Day - The traditions of Buddhist ceremony include the "Bathing of the Buddha", daily Dharma ceremonies, the Wishing Bell and traditional incense offerings. – Sounds like a fun day for Buddha.

National D.A.R.E. Day - Today we commemorate Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), a program that has worked to educate children and protect them from these problems. National D.A.R.E. Day provides the opportunity to reflect upon the dangers of drugs, gangs, and violence and to emphasize efforts to combat these threats.

I want to see if anyone I like was born or died today, let’s venture forth:

Born:

1460 – Ponce de Leon – The Spanish explorer who search for the “Fountain of Youth.” I drank from that fountain in St. Augustine years ago, still getting old.

1925 – Shecky Greene – Comedian I liked him in the “History of the World Part I.”

Died:
1981 – General Omar Bradley – Last 5 Star General – he was the G.I. Joe’s general down to earth.

That’s the only people I found that I liked. Got to run we are having Earth Day here at work and the day will be a busy one. Have a great day and be careful.

SO SORRY PONCE PONCE

HEY SPEAKIES, I WANTED THE POST TO GO TOMORROW, I TRIED TO CHANGE THE DATES NO LUCK SO FOR THOSE READING MY BLOG YOU HAVE TOMORROW'S TODAY.

HONORING BEAVERS TODAY

Happy Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Two things today, we will be checking out our holidays a little later down the page, but first it’s “Dumb State Laws.” Today we pick on the great square state of Kansas. Some of these laws are state wide and some city, only the laws will be listed here to protect the residents of certain cities. So here we go:

If two trains meet on the same track, neither shall proceed until the other has passed – sounds like a Yogi quote to me.

It’s illegal to throw knives at men wearing striped suits – wear plaid guys.

Servers are forbidden to serve wine in teacups – I think that should be a law.

It is illegal to catch bullfrogs in a tomato patch - I did not know frogs liked tomatoes.

It is illegal to hunt whales – the only whales in Kansas would be the ones that fell off on the interstate.

It is illegal to put ice cream on cherry pie – apple pie would really be upset if that wasn’t a law.

Minors are not allowed to purchase cap pistols; they may buy shotguns freely – that’s a real winner.

Rabbits may not be shot from motorboats – rabbits are in real danger on that one.

State law requires pedestrians crossing the highways at night to wear tail lights – I think I’ll start an implant clinic.

State game rule prohibits the use of mules to hunt ducks – dogs would be my best bet to use.

Now let’s raise our glasses to the holidays we celebrate today:

ASPCA Day – Great society to protect those pets we love.

International Beaver Day – No comment on that one.

Metric System Day – Give me the regular number stuff, let Europe have the metric.

National Day of Hope – Hope you all get what you want.

No Housework Day – Hear that Roe.

With that, have a great day and be careful out there.

HAPPY TUESDAY

Happy Tuesday Guys and Dolls:

Hoping you all had a pleasant evening, enjoyed the NCAA Championship if you were watching it or just had fun whatever you were doing. Not any crazies on the loose today in Central Florida, but that may change at any time and you’ll be the first to know. The weather is beautiful, highs in the 80’s with plenty of sunshine for the next few days.

We celebrate a few observances today, the first being Tartan Day it is a celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the date on which the Declaration ofArbroath was signed in 1320. The second holiday is Teflon Day, to me we either honor the guy who created Teflon for pots and pans or honor the Teflon Don.

Let’s look at a little history for today.
Born Today:

1914 – George Reeves – The original TV Superman.
1929 – “Crazy” Joe Gallo – Gangster not the wine maker.
1937 – Billy Dee Williams – actor and Merle Haggard – country singer.
1945 – Bob Marley – Reggae musician
1967 – John Ratzenberger – Cliff Clavin of Cheers.

Died Today:

1199 – Richard I “The Lion-Hearted King of England” – you know him from Robin Hood fame.

Stuff:

1868 – Brigham Young marries his 27th and final wife – I should hope so, had more wives than a sheik.
1909 – North Pole reached by Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson. – first words uttered d--- it’s cold up here.
1930 – Hostess Twinkies invented by James Dewar.
1931 – First broadcast of “Little Orphan Annie” on NBC radio – I can still hear that song being played on the “Christmas Story” movie, with Ralphie and Randy on the floor by the radio.

Have a great day, I may be back later.

BYE BYE BIRDIES

Good Morning Speakies:

Another Happy Monday is upon us; try to make the best of it my guys and dolls. Hope everyone had a nice Easter holiday. My son and my soon to be daughter-in-law came over for dinner. Roe made a great chicken parm and linguine side dish and she did not forget the Polish in me by having my kielbasa and horseradish also. My son did a little mechanic work on my car never forgetting his education from Ford Motor Company. We played a little Monopoly card game and of course the ladies were the victors once again.

Today we celebrate the following holidays:

National Deep Dish Pizza Day – See I can never get away from pizza. I’ve had deep dish but still prefer my Jersey crispy crust tomato pie or Sicilian.

White House Easter Egg Roll – A standard tradition in Washington, DC, roll those eggs kiddies.

Speaking of Washington, I read my Eagles traded Donovan McNabb to the Skins, it’s a mixed emotion for many Eagle fans, he brought Philly into contention many seasons but could never win the big one. I wish him luck in DC and I hope it does not come back to bite the Eagles in their butts. Only time will tell. I wanted to play a farewell song for Donovan so I checked my music list and found one pretty close. It’s Bye Bye Birdie from the movie of the same title. Enjoy and have a great day Speakies.

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Almost the weekend in a few hours and for most of us a special weekend being Easter. I would like to mention some other observances to raise your glasses to. Here they are:

Today:

Hospital Admitting Clerk Day – This one is devoted to my future Daughter-in-Law Elizabeth.

International Children’s Book Day – Get those little ones reading and teach them well.

Saturday:

Pony Express Day – Long gone but replaced with the UPS and FEDEX guys.

Tweed Day – I always loved a tweed sport coat.

Sunday is EASTER and make sure you eat, drink and enjoy your family. I don’t want to see any of that kielbasa left on your plates.

From JoeyZ to all my Guys and Dolls, a HAPPY AND BLESSED EASTER. THERE’S A LITTLE EASTER SONG FOR ALL OF YOU PLAYING.

TIE ME WALLABY DOWN MATE

Speakies:

I bring you a breaking news story out of Windermere, Florida. A bit of Australia has made a visit to this exclusive section of Central Florida. A runaway wallaby is on the loose. The animal stands about 2 ½ feet tall and has been spotted at the Bay Hill Golf Club and a near-by elementary school.

The high society of this neighborhood was hoping it would be a mink on the loose instead.
Sorry ladies and gents you’ll have to drink Fosters Beer and not Champagne.

SICILIAN PIZZA DREAMS

Ciao Speakies:

Rosemary and I have been discussing Sicilian Pizza all week long. Last Sunday we tried a pizza place in Clermont, Florida. Roe being the bold one of the family walked right in and asked him if he made the best pizza in Clermont, now of course his answer was yes. The two began the talk about making us a Sicilian pie. The pie man said he was originally from Brooklyn and knew about a grandmother pie. Now a true Sicilian pizza is made with the good mozzarella cheese placed over the dough first allowing it to melt into the dough, than the sweet tomato sauce and topped with Romano cheese. My mouth was watering so we ordered one.

Sitting there in anticipation sipping our soda and ice tea, thinking “Are we really going to have a true Sicilian pie?” Out it came looking good and smelling great. Have to admit the pie was light; sauce was good not as sweet as the ones in Jersey. The crust had a nice crunch and the anchovies made the topping special. It passed our test but we still will be in search of the perfect Sicilian pie in Florida. Back in Jersey the best Sicilian pie was at Nino’s Pizzeria in Trenton, NJ on Chambers Street, also the home of the best cheese steak and fries.

If you are in the Clermont area the name of the pizza place is Stromboli’s, check out the web for the address. Until then may your dreams be of pizzas.

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY

Happy April Fools Day Speakies:

Some of us will be the victims of some sort of prank today; it’s the legal day to do so. They were simple once, “Oh what is that spot on your shirt!”, April Fools, the list could go on forever. Besides April Fools Day we celebrate the following today:

Boomer Bonus Day – Hey that’s me “What Do I Get.”

International Tatting Day - Tatting is using a needle or shuttle to create lace for garments, doilies, and other durable goods. Tatting laces is more delicate of work compared to crocheting this type of trim work for items.

Sorry Charlie Day - A day to reflect on all the times we have been rejected in our lives and how we have survived. It happens to everyone. The important thing to remember is how you have "bounced" back and what you have learned from all those rejections. If you know someone who has recently been rejected, you can help them with your wisdom and experience.

Holy Thursday – The day of the “Last Supper.”

National Fun Day and National Fun Day At Work – Just one fun day anyway you look at it.

St. Stupid Day – It’s a stupid day celebrated in California read about it on the Internet.

US Air Force Academy Day – I guess it’s a big day of celebration in Colorado.

Being its April Fools Day, I’ll be playing a fool's song of my choice. Send me your song titles with fools in it, for example I’ll give you a few:

Fools Rush In by Elvis
What Kind of Fool Am I – From a Broadway Play
Fool on the Hill – Beatles

Got the idea, now send in those comments and have a great day and for the fun of it “GET FOOLED."