St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida
May 24, 2013

Luee

Luee
We adopted Luee from the Humane Society in 1996. He was 2 years old, but still a pup. He has slowed down a bit; his age is catching up to him. He is the best dog anyone could ever have. Luee had to be put to sleep on April 15, 2009. Rest in Peace Pup.

Christmas Eve 2012

Christmas Eve 2012

NINA HULA 7/28/2012

NINA HULA 7/28/2012

Jeff, Sam, Nina and Ian

Jeff, Sam, Nina and Ian
Ian's Graduation from Kindergarten

Luck Be A Lady

Luck Be A Lady

Little GQ 12/12

Little GQ 12/12

Christmas 2012

Christmas 2012

Joey and Elizabeth

Joey and Elizabeth

Nina June 2013

Nina June 2013

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

IF THIS IS THURSDAY, I'M NOT WORKING

Good Afternoon Speakies:

Tomorrow is Thursday and I have some personal business to attend to, so I am wishing you all a good Thursday on Wednesday. Now as a constant reminder if you read my blog, please feel free to make your comments known and also I request you become a follower its easy just click and follow the steps. If you are a new Speakie, let me know I’d like to mention you in my post and give you a big WELCOME.

It was so nice to hear from a group of people I worked with in New Jersey when I was a Litigation Examiner. After all those years of not seeing them, I got bombed on Facebook and would like to say a big Hello and Thanks to Toni, Bonnie, Rose, Donna, Jack and Charlie.

Remember my book is still available and if you enjoy reading my blog I know you’ll enjoy the book, all the details on purchasing is listed on my blog.

Not much happening here today, hot and humid, partly sunny and those showers will be popping up sometimes this afternoon. I leave you now with a few Chinese proverbs to make you think or laugh:

Find blind man on nude beach, not hard.
Man who sneezes without tissue takes matters into own hands.
Man’s mind like parachute; work best when open.
Woman who put detergent on top shelf, Jump for Joy.
Woman who spends much time on bedspring, may have offspring.

Adios Guys and Dolls have a great Thursday.

LAND OF THE FREE? MY GANDER IS GETTING UP


Happy Hump Day Speakies:

I’m in a rowdy mood today so let me see who I can blast today. I know the great politicians of the State of Florida. There are so many stories I could write about them but I think I’ll limit it to two. First of all in one local county the commissioners are planning to cut 55 to 60 firefighter jobs, plus the possibility of closing several fire stations to make up their deficit of $3,000,000 dollars. Sure just cut vital jobs needed to protect your citizens but still plan to build new housing because some contractor needs a favor. Here’s another brainer the possibility of building a sports complex that you really do not need. So go head and cut the firefighters and paramedic positions and when someone doesn’t make it to the hospital on time, I hope you can sleep at night. That's number one, the second one is really getting my Gander Up.

Here’s number two. This one Florida follows like a sheep to slaughter. The Arizona Immigration Law. Some representatives want Florida’s laws to be as tough as Arizona’s when it comes to immigration. Everyone is bitching about the immigrants taking American jobs, well the jobs they work on the farms, orchards, slaughter houses, our American citizens who complain about the immigrants would not even consider taking those jobs to work in such low level standards. Here is a solution Roe had, allow companies hire the immigrants, the company that does so provides them with the proper green cards to work, sees that they are covered by benefits and pay the proper taxes to good old Uncle Sam. Make the employers responsible, but than what about the good old American profit. Start sacrificing if you want workers.


America welcomed immigrants at one time with open arms, the Italian, Poles, Irish, Jews and whoever sought freedom from tyranny and the hopes of a brand new life without hatred and fear.

Maybe the conservative, the holy religious and the heartless zombies who follow them would like to turn this country into a true Gestapo State where no citizen would have freedom in the future. I hope that never happens. Read this inscription all you I mentioned in this paragraph you true Americans of heart.


Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

' With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"


Words from the Great Lady in New York Harbor.


Strictly the opinion of JoeyZ. Have a great day Guys and Dolls.




Tuesday, June 29, 2010

IT IS COMING - "BE NICE TO NEW JERSEY WEEK"


Good Day Guys and Dolls:

A happy day to all my readers and hoping your evening was pleasant. This week most of us are looking forward to a 3 day weekend celebrating the 4th of July on Monday. I read an interesting article that in the first week of July we celebrate a holiday dear to us Jersey hearts, “Be Nice to New Jersey Week.” Us Jersey people have heard all that nasty talk like the “Arm Pit of America, off what exit of the Turnpike do you live? and other assorted insults.

Now I haven’t lived there in 20 years but it was my home for most of my life and I have a lot of fond memories of Trenton, NJ. New Jersey is the home to some great people Thomas Edison, Frank Sinatra, The Soprano’s and the “Boss” Bruce Springsteen. We have great Sicilian Pizza, Pork Roll, True Italian Subs, The Shore with its boardwalks and amusements, great Italian Sausage Sandwiches with peppers and onions, Diners and the best Beefsteak Tomatoes in the universe. In Trenton Nino’s great cheese steaks and fries and one cannot forget DeLorenzo’s and Papa’s Tomato Pies. One more thing about NJ, we don’t pump our own gas.

Now for the first week in July, no insults and honor that holiday, “BE NICE TO NEW JERSEY WEEK” or Big Tony will be paying you a visit.

Let’s wish some people Happy Birthday Today no matter here, up there or down there:

Nelson Eddy – Actor, Singer.
Slim Pickens – Actor Blazing Saddles and many films.
Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle – Comedy actor.
Harmon Killebrew – Baseball Player.
Gary Busey – Actor Buddy Holly Story, Silver Bullet.
“Little” Eva Boyd – Do the Locomotion.
Fred Grandy – Gopher from “The Love Boat.”

And a Salute to one great composer who passed away this date in 1941, the Polish great Ignace Paderewski.

Speakies have a great day and be careful out there.

Monday, June 28, 2010

THEY STILL RIDE AFTER 50 YEARS

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

Hope you all had a great weekend and are all bright eyed and bushy tail and ready to start the week. For me I’d rather be retired. It was a sunny, hot and humid weekend here in Central Florida. Temps were in the 90’s with the heat index around 102. It was the place to be in the air conditioning. I did a few shopping rounds as Roe spent the weekend at a Scrapbook Swarm. This left the whole house to myself to enjoy. I’m very particular what I watch on TV and I can’t sit still very long to keep an interest in a show that doesn’t catch my eye. My favorites are the History Channel, some cooking shows, Travel Channel, ESPN News and a few movie stations.

This Saturday night there was the 50th Anniversary Showing of the “Magnificent Seven.” I sat there and said I saw this 50 years ago in 1960, where does time fly? It was shown with little commercials on AMC so I said, it’s only 8:00 p.m. I can sit still for 2 ½ hours and I did truly enjoying the movie. I never remember the characters they played but to bring back some trivia to you western fans here are the Magnificent Seven:

Yul Brynner as Chris – he died in 1985 from lung cancer.
Steve McQueen as Vin – he died in Mexico in 1980 of a heart attack following surgery.
Charles Bronson as Bernardo – he died in 2003 from pneumonia and Alzheimer’s.
Brad Dexter as Harry – he died in 2002 of emphysema.
James Coburn as Britt – he died in 2002 of a heart attack.
Horst Buchholz as Chico – he died in Germany in 2002 of pneumonia.
Robert Vaughn as Lee – he is the only one alive today from this great movie and if you have a chance to see this movie I highly recommend it.

So I leave you with a wish for a great day and the music from the “Magnificent Seven.”

Friday, June 25, 2010

NAPS AND LIGHTENING


Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Well in a few hours we will start the weekend, that wonderful two days of rest and enjoyment or maybe not. One could nap on the hammock with a cool drink under a nice shade tree or sweat it out doing that “Honey Do” list. I’m for the nap in the hammock myself but under a palm tree.

If you are planning a visit here in Florida, the weather remains hot, highs in the 90’s with chances of showers everyday. This is the norm for summer weather here. Be prepared and dress accordingly and drink plenty of fluids.

Let’s see whose birthdays we celebrate today:
Hap Arnold – General WWII.
George Orwell – Author Animal Farm and 1984.
June Lockhart – Lassie fame.
Eddie Floyd – Rocker.
Carly Simon – Singer.
Jimmie Walker – JJ of Good Times.

Stuff:
1956 – Collision of the Andrea Doria and Stockholm occurred killing 51 passengers.
And the big happening was in 1977, Roy Sullivan of that great Southern State of Virginia is struck by lightening for the 7th time in his life. Reminds me of that guy at the bar in that John Candy movie “The Great Outdoors.”

I leave you with one proverb to live by: He who cannot describe the problem will never find the solution to that problem.


Enjoy the music of “A Five-O’clock World” and the weekend will be here soon.

Have a great weekend Speakies, be careful but have fun.


Thursday, June 24, 2010

BOMB POP DAY


Happy Thursday Speakies:

I'm getting back to normal so I thought I’d lay off people today, but if some bozo comes along you’ll know about it. There’s a nice holiday we celebrate today and it’s:

BOMB POP DAY – Now when I heard about this, I thought it was Bomb Your Dad Day like with a water balloon or a paper ball but no. So I checked my sources and found out that it’s really a popsicle. You know that single popsicle layered in red, white and blue, looks like the Fourth of July. Originally the flavors were cherry, lime and blue raspberry. It now comes in an array of flavors for everyone’s taste. Get out there today and search for a Bomb Pop for yourself and the kiddies. You know I never had one; my favorites were the twin pops in root beer and vanilla. I also remember those fudgesicles and creamsicles on a hot summer night as a kid they were a treat. Back then everyone sat on the porch talking with the neighbors and just enjoying the evening. Sweet memories of years past.

Now a little Chinese Humor:

Do not drink and park, accidents cause people.
Forbidden fruits make many jams.
He who sleep on bed of nails is holy man.
House without toilet uncanny.
Man who eat many prunes get good run for money.
Man who scratches ass should not bite fingernails.
War does not determine who is right, war determine who is left.

Don’t worry Speakies there will be more to come. Have a wonderful day and a great evening at home or wherever you will be doing. Just be careful out there.










Wednesday, June 23, 2010

DOUBLE DOSES OF BOZOS

Good Day Guys and Dolls:

A nice sunny and hot day here in Central Florida, the kid here is feeling a little better and I thank my friends for asking. I’m still feeling a little nasty so I’m going to blast another Bozo Organization today. Watching the evening news can really get you ticked off and here’s what I mean.

The Center for Science in the Public, a Washington consumer advocacy group is threatening a lawsuit against McDonald’s for “unfairly and deceptively” marketing toys to children. So here’s my view, a parent takes their child into McDonald’s for a Happy Meal, they have a choice of chicken or a hamburger with healthy choices; milk to drink and apples as a dessert, it’s probably less calories, sugar and fat than some lunches elsewhere. As a nice little bonus the child receives a small toy to collect or play with. What’s wrong with the picture Center for Science Bozo’s? NOTHING it’s just some other stupid thing to waste America’s courts and time with. Let me ask the CEO’s and all those big wigs of this advocacy group a question. Do you remember as a child that wonderful treat you ate called “Cracker Jack?” Yes, that snack consisting of caramel coated popcorn and peanuts and packaged with a prize of little or no value inside which the company began putting in the year 1912. Weren’t you so anxious to get the prize first than eat the snack? What has really changed, I guess you are getting to be just grumpy old men and women. Lighten up Center for Science.

The next object of my affection goes to General McChrystal. This Bozo gets paid for an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, criticizes the President, the VP and others in the government for their policies. In my opinion the military brass loves to carry on war for their macho image and have something else to do except sitting on their asses shuffling paperwork.
Listen General you took payment for what you said and if you were in the Russian Army you’d be breaking ice in Siberia right now. So take your resignation and stick it between your legs and head to the White House. Better yet I hope he fires you.

Strictly the opinions of JoeyZ. Have a great day Speakies.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

TWO BOZO'S TODAY


Good Day Speakies:

JoeyZ is a little under the weather with some stupid sinus stuff going around and you can ask Rosemary, when I’m not feeling good, you don’t want to be around me. It’s my fault I’m that nasty when not feeling in my prime and I apologize to her and anyone else I offended. Sorry.

Well being that I’m not feeling that well it’s time for me to blow off some steam to the Bozo’s of the Day. First Bozo is the City of Orlando. Heard a story on the news; do you remember that mud football game at the Citrus Bowl that embarrassed the city over the Christmas Holidays. Well the local leaders have agreed to spend over $1 million dollars to install Astro Turf. They only play 2 football games a year there plus throw in a tractor pull or some other dismal game. Wasting money Orlando, Yes Sir. Orlando you can use that money to hire more police officers to prevent the rising crime in the “City Beautiful”; I want to choke on that slogan. While we are on the subject of Orlando, the City Council yesterday decided to charge $20 per vehicle to park in the new garage next to the new arena being built for the Magic. This will also raise prices in the other parking garages that are near the arena and Church Street Station area. Most people make minimum wage here and can’t even afford a ticket to a game let alone a $20 parking fee. I wonder about the brains of politicians. Maybe not it could be the bucks that flow in the back pockets.

Second Bozo of the Day is that Dutch Dipstick, Van Der Sloot. I saw on the news he is receiving proposals of marriage even one woman wanting to have his child. Honey you are a real Bozo too and should have your tubes tied with barbed wire. Der Sloot is now serving time in a Peruvian prison for murder. A self proclaimed liar he now claims his innocence on the murder charges. This nimrod has his own cell adjacent to some Columbian hit man and they share a TV; oh how nice pretty soon they may take warm showers together. Get this Bozo back to Aruba, put one ski on him take him out into the Atlantic and if he falls keep dragging him until a shark clears the line. No pity from JoeyZ.

Have a great day Guys and Dolls.

Monday, June 21, 2010

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE


Good Morning Speakies:

Hoping you all had a great weekend and for all the Dad’s a great Father’s Day. I enjoyed a great homemade macaroni and sausage dinner made by Rosemary and had a nice day shopping at Wal-Mart. Can’t beat that for fun on Father’s Day.

Today is the beginning of Summer and the longest day of the year, so if it’s nice outside get out and enjoy. Down here it’s sunny right now highs will be near 88 degrees with a 50% chance of storms this afternoon.

We also celebrate Baby Boomer’s Recognition Day it is a day of celebration for the Baby Boomers for persons who are between the ages of 46-64 according to a certain source of mine. So if you are a Baby Boomer like me have a great recognition day.

I’ll be checking around today for interesting things and if I find anything I’ll be back, if not have a great first day of summer.















Friday, June 18, 2010

WEEKEND WISHES AND HAPPY FATHER'S DAY GUYS

TGIF Speakies:

Welcome to Friday, that day ending the work week and meaning the weekend is near. We celebrate an important holiday this weekend, “FATHER’S DAY.” I would first like to say “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO MY SON JEFF.” You are blessed with two wonderful children who love you very much, may your day be filled with love and happiness and the rest of your life with the same. I love you very much so enjoy your day. Now to all you Dads out there and to mine and Roe’s Dad in heaven, “Happy Father’s Day.” No ties please.

I read an interesting story out of Atlantic City, NJ, seems a local high school had a bit of a food fight last week, with some of the students being suspended for their actions. Here is the kicker to the story; the cafeteria ladies (most of them Moms themselves) took their own action against the food flinging young ones. The entire school is now being served only cheese sandwiches on white bread. HAIL TO THOSE CAFETERIA LADIES. Some-one took the bull by the horns and did the right thing.

Well Guys and Dolls I want you all to have a great weekend, enjoy your time off, relax and remember Dad on Sunday. Cook the old man a steak with a nice beer or cocktail of his choice. Have fun and be careful out there. See you all next week.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

TALKING FOOD WITH JOEYZ


Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

A happy Thursday to you all. Today we celebrate “Stewart’s Root Beer Day.” Good old Stewart’s Root Beer, best tasting on earth, along with their chili dogs, fries and they had a great steak sandwich basket. We had 3 back home as I remember, one on Route 1, one on Route 33 and their was one in the Bordentown, NJ area. We’d hit that one on the way back from the shore. So if there is a Stewart’s in your area pack up the kids and your Doll and go have lunch and order a large root beer for me.

Yesterday Roe and I had a doctor’s appointment and several shopping stops to make but we had time to squeeze in a good lunch at that pizza place I wrote about earlier that Roe tried last week. I totally recommend this place to try if you live in the area or are here just on vacation. The restaurant is called Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza of Sand Lake; it’s located at 8031 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando, FL. Their pizzas are cooked in a coal oven making the crust nice and dark on the bottom, they use mozzarella, plum tomatoes, Romano cheese, basil and olive oil. This pie is the closest to a DeLorenzo’s Tomato Pie from Trenton. Yesterday we shared an individual pizza and their coal oven roasted chicken wings that were served with grilled onions and foccacia bread. The meal was fantastic and we brought half the wings home for dinner tonight. They are open for lunch and dinner so give them a try and tell them you read about it on JoeyZ’s Blog.

Well Speakies, I hope I made you all hungry for pizza and wings and have yourselves a nice cold beer with that order and don't forget about Stewart's Root Beer. Have a great day and be careful out there.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

HAPPY FUDGE DAY


Good Morning Guys and Dolls:


Making a quick hello to wish you all a "Happy Hump Day." I have a bunch of assignments to complete today but for those chocolate lovers or other flavors of fudge, I wish you a "HAPPY FUDGE DAY."


Fudge is a confectionery, very sweet, rich and usually flavored with cocoa. It's made by mixing sugar, butter and milk heating it to certain temperature and beating the mixture while it cools to give it that creamy look and texture. So enjoy your fudge today. Have a great day and evening, see you later.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

LET YOUR FEELINGS FLY

Stand Back Speakies:

Hoping you all had a great evening last night. I enjoyed watching a new show that my wife watches called “Drop Dead Diva”, clever show and it kept my interest which sometimes I lose quickly with other shows. We also enjoyed our Monday evening Food Channel shows which always makes me crave a slice of pizza or a cheese steak at 10:30 p.m.

This morning checking out the local news, I found a story that gets my gander up. Here’s a local mother who leaves her 4 children with little or no food in the house and her 13-year old daughter to take care of the younger children. The younger children also had rashes and were constantly crying in pain. Where was this BIMBO the so called mother? She was staying at her new boyfriend’s house. Luckily the children are now in the care of child welfare and the Bimbo is in jail where she should be de-tubed forever and sown up. I have no pity or feelings for a crap humanoid like that. Amen from JoeyZ.

Here’s another thing that gets me going, I go to check the local news on the internet whether it’s locally or my home town paper. I want to read the stories but what do I get these collapsible ads from car dealers, lawyers, you name it the damn ad goes up and down like a yo-yo causing me to wait to read the news. All I can say is cut this crap out. Put your ads on the side and make them stationary and not moving like a roach across my screen.

There are probably a few more things I would like to attack today, but I better leave now before I really get my gander up. Send me your pet peeves; I’d be glad to post them. Speakies have a great day and I’ll see you soon. Let your feelings fly, you’ll feel better inside, I know I do.

Monday, June 14, 2010

JUST CHEWING THE FAT


Happy Monday Speakies:

Hope your weekend was filled with fun and you all accomplished what you wanted to do. It’s back to work for most of us; I did not hit the Lottery here so I’m back for another week of toil. Weather is hot here in Central Florida; today’s high will be near 97 degrees, with heat index nearing 105 degrees. Looks like this weather will be here for awhile so if you are planning your visit be prepared and take heed of the heat.

We celebrate a traditional holiday today, it’s Flag Day, so if you have one, put it out and show your spirit for the Grand Old Lady. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, President Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day.
Roe and I had a great little lunch yesterday at the Olive Garden, I’m not much for chain restaurants but this was a fairly new one. We enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, along with stuffed mushrooms, soup and salad. The Pasta Fazioli was a hearty soup and enjoyed by the both of us and of course I had to have two bowls. After that came a stint of walking doing some shopping to work it off.
Roe found a new pizza place that we are going to try called Anthony’s Coal Oven Pizza; I will give you all my review after we try it. Remember I am still in the search of the best pizza here.
Well Speakies have a great day and evening, be careful out there.

Friday, June 11, 2010

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND


Happy Friday Speakies:

I smell the weekend only hours away and the fragrance is sweet. I hope the weather will cooperate with all your plans. The forecast for Central Florida is HOT with highs in the 90’s and there is always that chance of those pop-up thunderstorms. Let’s checkout some of the holidays this weekend:

Nurses Assistants Day – Helpful little ones, they were the ones who came in to take my blood pressure and temperature in the middle of night, just after I fell asleep. Have a great day Assistants.

Corn on the Cob Day – I like it, prefer the white corn myself. I was a pretty good shuckster when I was younger and working at the local farmers market. Big pay in those days, 50 cents an hour, plus I got to take some corn, tomatoes and other veggies home at the end of the day.

JoeyZ is covering the bases today, for all us Philadelphia Flyer fans, maybe next year, we Philly fans are tired of being the bridesmaids of championship games we want to cut the cake and eat it too. That goes for you Eagles and Sixers too, get on the stick.

Congratulations to those Celtics for getting even with the Lakers last night. Good luck to the Phillies today opening play in Bean Town against those Red Sox.

Well I’m going to call it a quick good-bye and wish you all a great weekend, enjoy and be careful out there.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

GOOD OLD TV DAYS


Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

I was just thinking TV sure has changed. I remember growing up and all the new shows started in September and ended in May or June. I can’t recall the summer had new pilot shows or not, I think we just watched reruns or found something else to do. Of course one did not have the choices as we do today, cable, satellite and soon I expect some new TV wonder to pop up. There are so many choices to watch, comedies, sports, reality shows, movies, specials of all kinds, PBS channels, game shows you name it and it’s on the tube.

The highlight of summer evening TV for me growing up was watching New York Yankee baseball on Channel 11, with Mel Allen, Red Barber and Phil Rizzuto. I would also catch my team the Phillies mostly on the weekends with By Saam, Richie Ashburn, Claude Haring and Bill Campbell direct from Connie Mack Stadium. Oh the sponsors, TastyKake cakes and pies, Frank’s Soda and a host of other Philly favorites.

Friday nights I remember watching the Friday Night Fights with my Dad brought to you by Gillette Razor Blades, “Look Sharp, Feel Sharp.” There was professional wrestling with such greats as Antonio Rocco, Johnny Valentine, Buddy Rogers, Gorilla Monsoon, Dr. Jerry Graham and of course my favorite “Killer Kowalski.” They had a couple of Indian Chiefs, Chief Big Heart and Chief White Owl also wrestled on the side of good. Throw in those midget matches and a couple of female matches and you had an evening of fun.

During the week on Channel 9 from New York at 8 p.m. there were movies and the same movie showed all week long at the same time period. This is where I first saw the original King Kong and remembering my mother telling me that I would have nightmares from watching it. Never did Mom, but thanks for trying to scare me.

Have a great day Speakies and be careful out there.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

JOEY G, THIS ONES FOR YOU

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Half-way through the week has arrived and it’s all downhill from here. There are a couple of celebrations to raise our pints to today:

Best Friends Day – This one is for you Joey G.

National Marriage Day – A happy day for all married couples no matter the sex, enjoy the day and share the happiness.

Let’s see who was born, died and what stuff happened this date:

Birthday Suit Boys and Girls Today:

1893 – Cole Porter – Great composer.
1900 – Fred Waring – That blender guy.
1915 – Les Paul – Great guitarist and inventor of the Les Paul Guitar.
1934 – Donald Duck – That Disney Duck.
1934 – Jackie Wilson – Lonely Teardrops.
1951 – Bonnie Tyler – Singer “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
1961 – Michael J. Fox – That Teen Wolf guy.
1963 – Johnny Depp – Actor of many fine films.

Zipped Upstairs or Downstairs Today:

68 – Nero – That Roman who burned down Rome is burning now.
1981 – Allen Ludden – Password Host, also the husband of Betty White.

Stuff:

1963 – Barbara Streisand appears on Ed Sullivan.
1978 – Gutenberg Bible sells for over $2 million dollars.
1980 – Phillies and Giants end their game at 3:11 a.m.
1989 – A rare tornado touches down in Philly.

And I leave you with this wise saying, “One cannot tell where path lead until reach end of road.”

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

THIS ONE IS FOR YOU PAT


Good Day Guys and Dolls:

Hoping you all had a pleasant evening and are ready to start a brand new day. Today we celebrate some holidays:

Family Recreation Day – Take a day off and have fun with the family.

Chocolate Ice Cream Day – One of JoeyZ’s favorites.

Tailors Day – I’m going to honor a tailor who I worked with at a fine clothing store back in my home town; his name was Pasquale Verde and one of the finest tailors and nicest guys around. He could make anything for a man to wear and it was outstanding and first class. He’s gone now but Pat I’m sure is making those robes up in heaven. God Bless Pat.

For those planning to visit Central Florida this week expect hot temperatures, highs will be in the 90’s with heavy humidity and those off and on showers and thunderstorms daily. With the school year ending this week the tourist season is under way. There will be more traffic, so if you are planning to drive use your noodle and don’t make a right hand turn from the fast lane. I’ve seen it done believe JoeyZ.

Short and sweet for today, have a great day and I may be back if I spot crazies or find a bozo.

Monday, June 7, 2010

THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS


Good Monday Morning Guys and Dolls:

Hoping you all had a nice and relaxing weekend and are feeling bright-eyed and bushy tailed to start the new week off “NOT.” Well let’s try anyway to make the most of this day so smile it will make you feel better.

Last week I mentioned a holiday Yo-Yo Day and my Blog Buddy Mack made a comment how his Dad picked up a gift yo-yo one Christmas. He started playing with it and sure and behold the old tricks came back to mind and he amazed everyone on his prowess of the days of old. So I’m thinking not smelling any smoke burning yet what simple toys or games I played when I was young. Now here I go writing them down, so don’t laugh, kids then had to use imagination, especially me I was an only child. Let me see what I remember deep inside my memory.

Yo-Yo’s of course, I could only go 3 times up and down and could never do the other tricks.

Thumb Tack Races – Get a few of those metal tacks and a couple of buddies, put that tack between your thumb and middle finger, give it a twist and let her ride and see who’s tack spins the longest. The kitchen table was the field of battle.

We flipped baseball cards to match and win or fling them to see whose came closer to the wall. I lost many a good card and probably a few Mickey Mantle’s in my day.

Match football, I’m sure everyone knew how to play this game, I remember my cousin Tommy and I would play that on a cold night at my grandmother’s smoking a few cigs and drinking coffee. (We were teenagers then and smoking was fashionable).

My parent’s house had a shed, actually it was a room where Mom had her stove and kept all her appliances and canned goods. It had a door that separated it from the kitchen. At night instead of watching TV, I remember playing sock basketball. I’d put up a box with no bottom securing it with tape to the wall rolled up a pair of socks tied with a good heavy rubber band and the teams played. One shot for your team and one for the opponent. First team to reach 60 was the winner. My Day got tired of hearing the sock hit the wall so he bought me a rim and net and screwed it into the wooden stair case in the cellar. I had just enough clearance to make baskets from all angles, man I felt like a pro.


In the summer I would pitch against the brick wall in our backyard pretending to play a regular baseball game. If the ball got by me it was a hit and with more hits came the runs and the game. Now we had a few guys in the neighborhood and we would get together after dinner and when the local Food Fair store closed use their parking lot to play baseball. Now with all the houses around we had to use a rubber sponge ball. A homer was across the street.

Well there are some of the nostalgic games or toys I played with, send me yours. Don’t be shy you readers can make comments and they would be appreciated. Have a great day.

Friday, June 4, 2010


Happy Friday Speakies:

The start of the weekend is but hours away so buckle down to work and the hours will fly by. For those born this date, here are a few interesting facts:

Your birth flower is the Rose.
Your birthstone is Alexandrite. It can also be the Pearl, Moonstone and Opal.
Your Zodiac sign is Gemini/Cancer.

Holidays celebrated today are:
Cheese Day – Love cheese especially Sharp White Cheddar along with some potato chips.
Old Maid’s Day – Is it the card game or the old ladies?
National Cancer Survivors Day – A day for those who survived to really celebrate, I know I’m one of those lucky ones.

Other holidays this weekend are:
Teacher Day – They truly deserve a holiday.
National Attitude Day – I remember that song, “I Got A New Attitude.”
National Yo-Yo Day – I was never any good at yo-yo spinning, I guess I could be considered a yo-yo. Baroom Boom!
D-Day Anniversary – A great day in history for the Allied Troops but with heavy loss of life. A toast to those who died on the beaches of Normandy.


For you planet gazers in the Northern Hemisphere head outside any night this week an hour after sundown and hoping the skies are clear you will see Saturn, Mars and Venus in alignment. Check out the map on space.com for details of this occurrence.

I leave you a Chinese Proverb: “Truth like oil will in time rise to surface.”
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend and be careful out there.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

MANY THANKS AND DUMB LAW TIME


Happy Thursday Speakies:

Had a great evening celebrating my birthday at home with my lovely wife. We enjoyed a pizza from Al’s with a cold beer and just relaxed. That’s the way to celebrate. I also received a call from my lovely granddaughter and my son and his wife wishing me a Happy Birthday. Number one son called me in the morning and I received e-mail wishes from my future daughter-in-law as well. The folks I work with are great, received a nice gift-certificate for dinner at one of our favorite places, balloons and cake. It’s nice to have great friends and family, thank you all.

Today it’s Dumb State Law Day and the winner today is that Cheese State of Wisconsin. Let us proceed to check out their laws that will make a man shiver.

Whenever two trains meet at an intersection, neither shall proceed until the other has. – Okay I’m still shaking my head at that one.

It is illegal to serve apple pie in public restaurants without cheese. – I guess it is because it’s the Cheese State.

All cheese making requires a license; Limburger cheese requires a master cheese maker’s license – For what to put in the extra stink.

It is a no no to kiss on a train. – Is sex okay?

All yellow butter is banned as people used to smuggle it in from Illinois.

Butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in prisons – No butter for the yard birds give them lard.

It is illegal to cut a woman’s hair – What did they do instead?

It is against the law to wave a burning torch in the air – Let a couple of crazies swing torches around and see what happens.

It is illegal to throw rocks at a railroad car – Especially when you can aim for a passenger car with all that glass. Well that’s enough for those dumb laws for now. I leave you with a Polish Proverb – “Women cry before the wedding, the men after.”

Have a great evening Guys and Dolls and be careful.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

IT'S MY DAY


Happy Wednesday Guys and Dolls:

It’s a very Happy Day for JoeyZ for on this date in history, MommaZ gave birth to little JoeyZ and brought him forth into this world. I would like to share with you all the other people who share this date with me.

Born Today:

1890 – Hedda Hopper – Gossip columnist.
1904 – Johnny Weissmuller – The original Tarzan of movie fame.
1936 – Sally Kellerman – Actress M.A.S.H. and Back to School.
1941 – Charlie Watts – Drummer Rolling Stones.
1948 – My man Jerry Mathers “The Beaver Himself.”
1955 – Dana Carvey – Saturday Night Live guy.

Passed Away:

1941 – Lou Gehrig – N.Y. Yankee great first baseman.
1943 – Leslie Howard – Actor “Gone with the Wind” fame, his plane was shot down by the Nazis in WWII.
1987 – Sammy Kaye – Band Leader, Momma and PopZ’s favorite band leader in the 1940's and 50's.
1990 – Rex Harrison – Actor “My Fair Lady.” Better known as Sexy Rex by the Dolls.

Stuff That Happened:

1835 – P.T. Barnum and his circus begins 1st tour of US.
1924 – US citizenship is granted to all American Indians. 10 Bears smiles down from the Happy Hunting Grounds.
1977 – N.J. allows casino gambling in AC. What I hear things not looking good on the boardwalk as far as casinos go.

Well Speakies have a great day, I will too and the picture of the cake is my favorite just an old fashion pound cake buttery and moist.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

WELCOME TO JUNE


Good Day Speakies:

Well June is upon us and it reminds me of an old song, “June’s busting out all over, June needs a brand new dress.” Okay I know it’s corny but it always made me laugh. June is also the start of summer and the Zodiac signs are Gemini and Cancer. I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend doing and enjoying whatever. The first week of June is National Fishing Week; I wish I had more time to do that, maybe when I retire. Let’s see what holidays we have for today:

Donut Day – I remember a bakery where I grew up, called Service Bakery, they made a donut we called finger cakes it was oblong shaped and filled with white cream, so fresh and tasty. My kind of donut.

Children’s Day – To me every day is children’s day, they are just special little people and I love my two grandchildren very much, so kids enjoy your day.

National Frozen Yogurt Day – Chocolate frozen yogurt by Publix is my favorite.

Well Guys and Dolls enjoy your first day of June, I may be checking for breaking stories, if not check you later.