I'M TALKING A CHEESE STEAK HERE

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

“Yeah right”, I hear you saying out there, Okay I know its Monday again but let’s try to cope with the day and do the best we can. That reminds me of a kindergarten song someone told me about years ago that should be our Monday Sing-A-Long Song, are you ready for this one:

GOOD MORNING TO YOU, GOOD MORNING TO YOU.
WE’RE ALL IN OUR PLACES, WITH SUN SHINNY FACES.
GOOD MORNING TO YOU, GOOD MORNING TO YOU.

Now that’s a cheer me up Monday song. I can feel the tomatoes flying towards me now. Oh well it was a good idea to begin a Monday with. Hurricanes rolling in the tropics, they are keeping an eye on Earl, hope it stays out in the ocean but I think the US Virgin Islands will have a close call tonight.

It’s restaurant review time. Yesterday my son Joe invited me out to lunch to try that Philly Cheese Steak place Laspada’s. I had to say yes to that offer and besides spending a nice day with my son I was not disappointed in the food at all. Laspada’s is a third and fourth generation owned restaurant in operation since 1938 originally from Chester, PA. We both had the cheese steak sandwiches, mine of course with peppers and onions and we ordered fries along with that, should have forgot the fries, I could only eat half of the cheese steak. This sandwich was loaded with fresh fine chopped steak, white American cheese served on a crispy torpedo roll topped with those peppers and onions. It was the best cheese steak I’ve had down here to date. Their sandwiches come in 6 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch portions. Besides steak sandwiches there are a variety of other sandwiches, hoagies, burgers, dogs, wraps and salads. I could not forget my darling wife and brought a cheese steak home for her after her scrapbooking weekend with my future daughter-in-law. She enjoyed her half and we are planning to have the other halves tonight for a light dinner.

They also carry a variety of Herr’s Potato chips to munch along with your sandwich and you can have dessert with a variety of Tasty Cakes. The place is not fancy, you place your order, your name is call and you dig in. On the walls were some great Philly memories, Phillies pictures, pictures of the South Philly Market, Flyer’s logo, Eagle pictures, the Phanatic, Rocky Balboa and even Randall Cunningham and Rocky Balboa Action Figures in the original cases.

Laspada’s is located at 1010 Lee Road, Orlando, FL in the Lee Road Shopping Center. They are open Monday thru Friday till 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sundays till 4:00 p.m. They have other locations in Orange City, FL and Cornelius, NC. If you are visiting the area or a NJ or Philly transplant give this place a try. Thanks Joe for taking me yesterday and JoeyZ gives this place a 4 Pepperoni rating.

JoeyZ has some business to take care of tomorrow and if I don’t have a chance to write, have a great day. Be careful out here and have a great evening and think CHEESE STEAK.

"MAKE IT SO NUMBER ONE", ENERGIZE CAPTAIN

Happy Friday Speakies:

Only a few more hours and you’ll be off on your weekend journey to fun and relaxation you hope. I saw an interesting holiday today, “BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER MOTORISTS.” Personally I think that is becoming a lost cause. You read daily down here about road rage, I hope it turns around but I’m doubtful on that issue. I remember the days of letting people in line or giving the right of way to another driver, now it looks like Dodge City at intersections; who is going to draw first blood. Only time will tell, I’m waiting for those Star Trek Transporters to become a reality. Can you imagine, you are sitting around the house early in the evening on a Saturday and your wife says, “Gee Honey I wish we could go to Paradise Island for the night.” You rush to put on your James Bond tuxedo, slip under those transporter beams and energize right to Nassau in the Bahamas. One day it may be a reality who knows.

Well whatever you do this weekend or dream of doing, have fun and be careful out there. See you all next week Good Lord Willing.

KIDS AND DOGS

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Well it is Thursday, August 26, 2010. Today we have two holidays I would like to inform you about. The first is Children’s Day and the second is National Dog Day, what a combo, kids and dogs, buddies and pals as they grow up together that’s the way it should be.

For those of us who have children no matter what age, give them a little hug and kiss today, tell them you love them and maybe buy them a little treat. To my sons, I love you both very much and I’m very proud of you both.

National Dog Day – What can you say about this day? We had our Luee and I’m sure my readers had their dogs too. If you are lucky to still have your pups around take care of them, show them affection and be kind to them. To all those dogs up above, it’s your day, eat what you want, pee on anything you wish and chase those mailman and cats until tomorrow. I have one thing to say to Luee, “Easy on the turkey and cheese sandwiches.”

Roe and I watched Man vs. Food last night and saw the segment from Marucas Tomato Pies on the boardwalk. The pie looked good but I don’t remember the sauce swirl, but who cares I just wanted a slice to chow down on. Oh well in my dreams for now.

I had some great comments on my Polish food post, I would like to thank Mack, Skip and Number 2 son for their comments and input. I better go and change the music Polish Day is over but the food lives on.

Have a great day everybody and be careful out there.

BRING ON THE KIELBASA, STASH

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

Just as a reminder, tonight on Man vs. Food at 9:00 p.m. on the Travel Channel, “The Man” visits the Jersey Boardwalk and featured is Marucas Tomato Pies. Now I saw a preview and the pie looks different than I remember, so we will have to see what is up. But for all those transplants, I’m sure the show will bring back memories of the boardwalk and food.

That’s it I’m thinking of ethnic food once again that I miss eating. Being from Polish decent my grandmother was a great Polish cook and she made some wonderful traditional dishes especially over the Christmas and Easter Holidays. What the hell Granny made good stuff all the time. These dishes haunt my memory as well as my stomach so here is a list of some of food I truly miss.

Over the Easter Holidays we had: A large ham, coleslaw, potato salad, beets, hard boiled colored eggs, all kinds of breads and desserts, truly a Polish feast. Christmas Eve was our big meal, no meat served at all. Always a fresh flounder or cod, beet soup and other great side dishes.

Here are some of the Polish food I crave once again:

A good Polish Kielbasa the kind hanging on the rack with some garlic.

Golabki or Stuffed Cabbage.

Pierogi they could be stuffed with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut or ground meat, more like a small meatballs inside. I'll take them all.

Placki – Potato pancakes.

Kluski Noodles – Granny made a killer chicken soup with kluski noodles, fresh white meat of chicken, carrots and celery. What a treat on a cold winter’s day.

Paczki – Donuts light and airy.

Kiszka – Blood sausage filled with rice and meat. She boiled it on the stove and than into the oven until the skin cracked open and you just dug in.

And finally Kapusta (Cabbage), granny made it with mashed potatoes, barley and bits of meat almost like a soup.

One more item I forgot, she made the best salmon cakes and French fries on a Friday, Roe wishes to this date she had the original recipe, but that’s gone with grandma to the grave.

I’m sure there are a number of different nationalities that read my blog, so if you have memories of your favorite ethnic dishes or memories of your mom or granny’s cooking feel free to comment. Have a great day and go out and eat. I only wish I could find a good Polish place here.

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW

HELLO SPEAKIES:

SONG NUMBER ONE IS IN HONOR OF MY POST OF THE DAY. ENJOY THE DAY FELLOW SPEAKIES.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

BOTH MY MOM AND DAD HAVE PASSED AWAY. TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN THEIR 64TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. I JUST WANTED TO STOP BY AND WISH THEM BOTH A VERY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY UP THERE. LOVE AND MISS YOU AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING.

LOVE,

JOE

VINO, NECTAR OF THE GODS

Good Tuesday Speakies:

Hoping your evening was enjoyable and I bid you welcome today. Back in May, Roe and I spent a great vacation at our time share with my best friend Joey G. and his lovely wife Kim. Before they arrived Roe and I did some shopping at a local Publix Market where they had a wine tasting table set up. We tried some of the wines and found them delicious. Now we are not experts on wine but the taste was refreshing and without that after taste. The winery was local and located in Plant City, Florida off of I-4. That evening the four of us drank the wine we purchased and planned a visit to the winery the next day. The name of the winery is Keel and Curley Winery. We tasted 10 wines for a fee and enjoyed everyone. Joey G. bought around 10 bottles to bring back home and of course we needed more for the condo. They make their own blueberry wines and other varieties. Here are just a few of the wines you can find there:

Dry Blueberry
Semi-Dry Blueberry
Sweet Blueberry
Strawberry Riesling
Tangerine Zinfandel and Key Lime to mention a few.

So if you are ever visiting Central Florida and traveling between Orlando and Tampa take the Plant City exit off and treat yourself to some great wines and their interesting shop.

Do you know what happened this date in history, Mt. Vesuvius blew its top, so why not celebrate with a nice glass of wine tonight. Have a great day and evening Guys and Dolls.

MONDAY AGAIN

Good Morning Speakies:

Once again it is that day we love, Monday. Hoping you all had a great weekend, mine was relaxing but once again the heat down here made working outside very difficult. I worked with my flowers for about 20 minutes and was soaking wet. My soon to be daughter-in-law had her surprise bridal shower on Saturday and Roe played the “I’m Going to Try and Fool Her Person.” A good time was had by all the ladies and she did receive some nice gifts.

Not much happening down here today the kiddies started school today and the roads were busier than usual with the buses and parents shuffling the young ones to school. I did notice that the local elementary school that I pass to work everyday had no crossing guard present, I hope this county doesn’t pull same stunt as the other counties with no guards at all because of budget cuts. Find the MONEY.

Going to make this short today, have a great day and enjoy.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND

HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL:

In just a few hours well maybe a little more than a few the weekend will be here. I hope all you Speakies will enjoy the days off and like I always tell you be careful out there.

The kiddies in Florida start school on Monday so the roadways will be crazy once more. All you Floridian Speakies drive safe and keep those eyes peeled for the little ones crossing the roadways.

I had the Travel Channel on last night and they confirmed Man vs. Food, next Wednesday, August 25 will air the episode of Adam Richman at Marucas Tomato Pies in Seaside Heights, NJ. For all you transplant Trenton area folk watch and remember what the pies looked and tasted like.

Going to run, have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

GET A CHUCKLE OR TWO

Good Morning Speakies:

A Happy Thursday to you all. I’m in a goofy mood today and found some more actual funny country music song titles so here they are to give you a chuckle or two:

How Can I Miss You, If You Won’t Go Away.

I Keep Forgetten, I Forgot About You.

I Just Bought A Car From A Guy That Stole My Girl, but The Car Don’t Run; So I Figure We Got An Even Deal.

I Liked You Better, Before I Knew You So Well.

I Wouldn’t Take Her to a Dog Fight, Cause I’m Afraid She’d Win.

If I Had Shot You When I Wanted To, I’d Be Out By Now.

My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, and I Sure Do Miss Him.

I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim’s Getting Better.

I Don’t Know Whether To Kill Myself, Or Go Bowling.

Mama Get A Hammer, There’s A Fly On Papa’s Head.

Now those songs are One Hit Wonders.

ATTENTION TOMATO PIE LOVERS, MY SON CALLED ME LAST NIGHT. HE WAS WATCHING MAN VS. FOOD ON THE TRAVEL CHANNEL AND NEXT WEDNESDAY’S NEW SHOW IS FEATURING MARUCAS TOMATO PIES AT THE BOARDWALK IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ. MARUCAS ORIGINALLY STARTED IN TRENTON, NJ AND THEIR LOCATION WAS ON SOUTH OLDEN AVE. NEAR THE OLDEN THEATRE. GREAT TOMATO PIES. I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED ON THIS SUBJECT.

ADOPT A PET THIS WEEK

Guys and Dolls:

I just found out this week we observe “National Homeless Animals Day.” I’m a lover of animals especially dogs. Rosemary and I adopted our dog Luee from the Orange County Humane Society. He was 2 years old at the time and the previous owners brought him back because he was always running away. They kept him outside but for us he was an indoor dog with no problems at all. He was very lovable, friendly with everyone, loved kids and if anyone came around the property he would let you know. He brought us lots of happy moments and his memory still lives in our hearts today. If you have the time to devote, the space and the love in your hearts adopt a pet on this holiday or whenever. The love you give will be returned ten times by their affection and trust.

I’m leaving you with a picture of Luee playing with my granddaughter when she was younger. Tell me that isn’t being a pal.

THOSE LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER MEMORIES

Happy Wednesday Speakies:

It’s that Hump Day I wrote about yesterday and the week is on the down slide. I was thinking about more childhood memories yesterday and trying to remember what sort of things I did on summer vacation as a kid or those special little things you remember about summer. So if you smell smoke it’s just the old noggin of JoeyZ trying to recall old summers past. I’m going to try and remember the younger day’s first just small things maybe not important to some but a happy moment for me. Feel free to add your comments to this post it may bring back the sunshine to you.

Spending time at my Grandparents house being my mother and father both worked. Helping my grandfather in his garden, at his work bench in the cellar and just talking with him and playing with Teddy his dog. Running to the corner store for my grandmother and buying bread, milk and lunchmeat and having Mr. Leslie write down the amount in her grocery book for which she paid him every Friday. On Sundays mom and dad took my grandfather to Seaside Heights, NJ to walk on the boardwalk, he loved sitting on benches and just watching the people walk by. I remember going on all the rides and eating all the good food they had. I loved the shooting games, they had one that you held a gun and shot at a bear and when you hit the sensor light the bear would get up and start to growl and then you really let him have it sending spinning around in circles. Heading to Atlantic City, walking the boardwalk and seeing my aunt Helen. Dad and mom would always take me for a pork roll sandwich at Taylor’s Pork Roll stand. Going to shows at the Steel Pier and seeing the jumping horse.

Playing baseball, we played baseball all summer long whether it was handball or with a bat. Flipping baseball cards for keeps, I hate to think of all the Mickey Mantle cards I may have lost. Playing flashlight tag after dark in the alleys. Cutting down punks and drying them on the tin roofs during the day to dry them out and light them at night while we sat on the porch watching people and cars ride by. I can still smell them burning. Learning to ride a two wheel bike.

Going down to the Delaware River fishing with my dad or to Point Pleasant and fishing in the canals for anything we could catch. Seeing the Phillies play at Old Connie Mack Stadium, what an old magical baseball stadium that was. I saw some of the best play, Robin Roberts, Richie Ashburn, Roberto Clemente, Sparky Anderson and I will never forget Chico Fernandez.

On those hot summer nights heading to Stanley’s Tavern and drinking cokes as mom and dad downed a few beers. Walking to Cassianni’s Tomato Pies on Brunswick Ave with my parents for an occasional Friday night pie. Seeing movies at the old Brunswick Theatre on Saturday afternoons, previews, cartoons, newsreels and a good horror or outer space thriller all for 25 or 50 cents. Dad taking me to his friend Stanley’s house, Stanley did barbering on the side and had his own little shop in the cellar. I would get my summer buzz cut to beat the heat.

Well I probably have loads more but I’ll call it quits for now. Send me your summer memories, be glad to post them for you. Have a great day Guys and Dolls. Now I leave you with a summer song by Nat "King" Cole.

I KNOW THE DAYS OF THE WEEK, IT'S A TUESDAY, A WEDNESDAY, A MONDAY

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Today is Tuesday, what does one write about on a Tuesday, to me Tuesday is a boring day; let’s look at the week according to JoeyZ’s theory.

Monday – The day no one wants to get out of bed, least of all go to work. It’s the day your bones ache and your body has no ambition.

Tuesday – The “Boring Day”. Monday is behind us but we still have 4 more days to work and it always turns out to be a long day.

Wednesday – Good Old “Hump Day”, you know the work week is half over at the end of the day so your energy is building.

Thursday – I call it the “Day of the Scent”; one can smell the weekend approaching like a Zombie looking for dinner. You pounce on this day, working harder to make the time fly for tomorrow is Friday.

Friday – The last day of the work week, you are happy only 8 hours separates you from frolic or a honey-do list, but what the hell it’s Friday, good old Friday.

This reasoning does not apply to those having to work on Saturdays and Sundays, you can start your own conception of how you feel about the work week. Don’t be too harsh.

I’d like to thank Skip who wrote a comment on its A Shame yesterday. We went to the same Catholic Elementary School and he remembered the “Patrol Boys” and Dot “The Cop”. They protected the kids crossing the streets in the city and Dot probably never received a red cent for her position but she always watched out for us kids. Maybe local school boards and commissioners should take a hint instead of the mint they try to grow in their pockets.

HAVE A GREAT DAY SPEAKIES AND BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE COOL GIRL

I JUST WANT TO WISH MY SPECIAL LITTLE PRINCESS AND A VERY COOL GIRL

"A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY".

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. HAVE A GREAT DAY HONEY.

LOVE,

POP-POP

IT'S A DAMN SHAME

News Flash Speakies: Dateline Volusia County Florida

Here is a story I heard on the news this morning and it frosts me because children are involved. Seven Volusia County elementary schools will be without school crossing guards when they open today. “Budget cuts, budget cuts, we have no money to spare,” those famous words that ring throughout Florida effecting the education and the safety of children. County commissioners and school boards wake up. Cut the budgets for the unnecessary building of new homes, stores, arenas and pet projects of your buddies etc.

I hope not one child is injured due to your trying to save money on school crossing guards, shame on you. I hope the other counties whose schools start next week take heed.

TO FRANK AND ELVIS

Good Morning Speakies:

Monday is upon us again and so is another work week, unless you are retired or are on vacation. In my case it’s neither so I have to earn my keep for another week. Just to report to those planning to come to Central Florida for that last minute vacation before those kiddies head to school IT IS HOT; so if you are coming be prepared for HEAT, HUMIDITY AND SHOWERS but have fun.

There are a few birthdays today and if one of them is yours a very Happy Birthday from JoeyZ.

Happy Birthdays go out to:
Fess Parker – That Davy Crockett guy.
Robert Ringling – Circus Man.
Frank Gifford – NY Giant Halfback that got flatten by that Eagle Great Chuck Bednarik.
Robert Culp – I Spy Guy.
Reginald VelJohnson – Die Hard cop eating those Twinkies.

We also lost some good ones this date:
Babe Ruth – Baseball great at age 53.
Amanda Blake – Miss Kitty of Gunsmoke.
And Elvis Presley at the age of 42.

My brother-in-law Frank passed away a few years ago, a really nice guy and I still think of him fondly. He was a big Elvis fan, so in honor of Elvis who maybe shaking his pelvis in heaven and Frank playing poker with my father-in-law up there, I’m playing my favorite Elvis song, “Kentucky Rain” for them and all you Elvis fans.

Gotta run for now Guys and Dolls, have a great day and evening. If you want to play Elvis all day long and shake your pelvis too all I can say is live it up.

BATTER BATTER BATTER

Happy Friday Morning Speakies:

That day all of us workers look forward to is here at last. For some of you it may be a pay day, some may start a vacation at the end of the work day, but for most of us it’s the weekend a coming. Those two fabulous days to putter around the house, be a couch potato or do the adventurer thing. I hope the weather will be in your favor, down here it will be hot, humid and those afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

There is a holiday this weekend we observe and that is “WIFFLE BALL DAY.” Now wiffle ball was big in my kid days. The original wiffle ball set included a narrow solid yellow bat and a wiffle ball that had holes all around the ball for proper air flow. As a pitcher one could deliver amazing curves, sliders and fast balls galore and as the ball was released a whistling sound filled the air.

Now there came a second sort of wiffle ball with a regular softer bat and solid plastic ball, but a true wiffle baller preferred the narrow bat for that was a hitter’s challenge to prove himself in the batter’s box. I remember when I belonged to the Boys Club in South Trenton, we played wiffle ball every afternoon in the summer. The counselor would choose 2 team captains and than we would pick our teams for a double header game. We played on a concrete lot with a big tree in left field and if the ball went into the tree play continued if the ball was caught after falling out you were out. We had very simple rules, over the fence a home run, a foul ball over the catcher and over the fence behind him was an out. Regular baseball rules applied for the rest of the game. JoeyZ is proud to say that one season I won the home run championship with a total of 50. A simple game with lots of fun and wiffle ball sets are probably still available today. Pick one up and have fun with the kids.

Going to say goodbye now. As for the weekend Guys and Dolls, have fun, be safe and stop by next week. Remember you can sign-up to be a follower of this blog, just follow the instructions and please feel free to post your comments it’s easy.

DAUGHTERS AND VINYL RECORDS WHAT A HOLIDAY

Happy Thursday Speakies:

Did you drink your Kool-Aid or Ice Tea yesterday, I sure hope so, we have to keep those holiday traditions going strong. Well we do have two more holidays we can celebrate today. They are Daughter’s Day and Vinyl Record Day.

Regarding Daughter’s Day all I can say is Moms and Dads show your daughters love everyday but maybe today, spend a little precious time with them. A little gift, a flower or perhaps a nice lunch or dinner out. To top it off a little kiss, a big hug and an I Love You. Remember if you can’t be with them a telephone call and I Love You will do just fine.

Vinyl Record Day, I sure do remember those vinyl records. I had my share of Johnny Mathis albums, my mother collected Broadway musicals and I also had my 45’s. I remember buying my 45’s at Broadway Records on South Broad St. in Trenton and at a record shop downtown. I still remember my first record player, a square shaped boxy green looking thing, open the clips the speaker was the top part and you spun your records on the bottom part. The big day came when my parents bought the ultimate AM/FM Stereo radio and record player in that big cabinet style piece of furniture. I remember it taking almost the entire space near our staircase. The sound of stereo blasting in the living room as I spun those records and on Sundays Mom listening to her Polish music while she was cooking dinner. Those days are clear as a bell in my mind. Yes vinyl records I do honor your holiday with fond memories of the days gone by.

Now I have to tell you a true story of a great treasure find. I had just started high school and one afternoon after school, I went over to a friend Johnny’s house. There was this lot near by and we noticed a cardboard box on it’s side now as curious teens we decided to investigate. We opened the box and found it filled with 33 1/3 vinyl record albums sealed and intact. The only thing was they were all the same records “HERBIE REMMINGTON AND HIS STEEL GUITAR.” Never heard of him, however we did take the albums and distributed to anyone who would listen to good old Herbie hoping we could make him a star.

So Guys and Dolls enjoy the company of your daughters today and break out those old vinyl’s and give them a spin. Have a wonderful evening.

KOOL-AID AND CATFISH BUT DON'T FORGET THE ICED TEA

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

The day that balances the work week is here, we can now officially say are on the downside of the work week. The weather here continues to be hot, humid and wet and probably will remain that for the rest of the week.

Today we celebrate that holiday we all remember as kids “Kool-Aid Day.” Now my Kool-Aid never came in an ice filled glass pitcher with a nose, eyes and a big smile more of a plastic pitcher filled with that sugar flavored powder, water and ice. To tell the truth I was never a big fan of Kool-Aid.

Iced Tea was my favorite summer drink growing up. I remember both my mother and grandmother having a big pot on the stove filling it with water and about 2 dozen Lipton tea bags firing up that gas stove and waiting for that water and tea bags to boil. After the tea was brewed I can still hear those words, “wait till it cools.” Mom and Granny would get the ice tray out of the freezer bend that handle back to crack the ice cubes free and fill the glasses with ice. Speaking of the glasses, they used the regular clear glasses but I remember those aluminum glasses in blue, red and silver. Now they kept the tea nice and cold. I still wish I had a few of those around today just as a keepsake. I could swear both my mother and grandmother must have made about 3 pots of tea a day. My Dad was another iced tea fanatic. Today I just grab one of those little tubs of tea, Peach being my favorite, fill the container with ice and water, give a little stir and I have my tea ready. Funny thing I always have to have a glass on the night stand and when I awake, take a nice sip and back to dreamland I go. So pour yourself a glass of ice cold Kool-Aid or Iced Tea, sit back and remember your childhood days of how Mom made yours.

Now no ideas for dinner tonight, well JoeyZ has one for you. It is also “National Catfish Month.” I never ate catfish till I moved down south. Those farm raised catfish are great breaded and fried, some fries and cole slaw tops them off. So there is a hint for dinner tonight. Have a wonderful day and evening gang. Happy Birthday to my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today and many more.

TICKED OFF AND LAZY

Top of the Tuesday to You Speakies:

I do not like to start off my day in an “I Hate Everybody” mood but some of the news stories just frost me. I don’t like to use my site for political views except if stuff upsets me to no end. There is enough hatred in this country and if everyone just wised up and worked together we could be the OLD USA again, but I don’t see that in the near future.

So here’s my beef for today. A local senator running for re-election made it clear he supports Florida’s ban on gay adoptions and also believes that gays should not be allowed to be foster parents either. His opponent running for the same party told a Baptist newspaper he opposes gays being foster parents also. I know you boys have to keep those born again Christians happy and get those campaign bucks in your pockets but here is a little Joey Z input. Gays are people and probably would make some great parents and foster parents. You good old boys should watch “Modern Family”; even though it’s a comedy show the gay couple surely loves that little girl like nothing else in the world, maybe take heed. Come on boys look at some of those adoptive and foster parents we have in this state, I would not let them care for a pot of soup cooking on a stove. Judge people by their character and not their choice of sexual preference.

To prove my point further yesterday police in Ocala, Florida found 2 bozo women in a motel room high on weed and crack cocaine. Guess what the police also found in the room? A “LETHARGIC” infant child of one of the mothers, just breathing that good aroma of weed right into its little lungs. Tell me these women are more justified to be parents than a gay man or woman. Wake up Florida and get out of the Dark Ages. If I were a judge these two Nimyos would have their internal organs taken out and marked for life as losers. Hope the little baby will be fine.

These are strictly the opinions of JoeyZ. We also celebrate “National Lazy Day.” That’s right we all have the right just to be a down right slouch today, so right now I’m going to sit back, close my eyes and take a little break. Have a great day Guys and Dolls and remember, be careful out there.

BUSY BUSY MONDAY

Hello Speakies:

JoeyZ is having a super busy day today, running errands, phone calls and new projects at work. I'm just stopping by at lunch to let you know I'm here. Have a great day and if I get a chance today, there will be a post if not see ya tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by.

BRING ME A SOFT PRETZEL WITH MUSTARD NOW

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Our favorite day of the work week is here again and play time is just hours away. The weather here in Sunny Florida will be sunny, hot, humid and the threat of those thunderstorms popping up at any time. Remember keep that beer holiday in mind all weekend and party on. We do have some holidays this weekend and they are:

FRESH BREATH DAY – Remember to gargle and rinse your mouth out in the morning and evening and keep those mints ready for that unexpected kiss that maybe lurking in the shadows of love.

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY – What is your favorite? Mine is the Spicy Brown Mustard. Goes great on dogs, ham sandwiches, egg rolls and of course soft pretzels.

ASSISTANCE DOG DAY – Those dogs are great in assisting the handicapped. I have a little story to tell you about my old buddy Luee. Rosemary took him to see if he would qualify for a Cheer Dog. Now these dogs visit nursing homes and we have a Give-Kids-The-World Village here. These children have cancer and various other problems and they stay there with their parents while visiting Disney etc. Well I’m proud of old Luee he made the grade and became an Official Cheer Dog and brought a lot of smiles to those kid’s faces.

On one occasion Roe took Luee to a nursing home, as she was talking in the hallway Luee ran off down the hall and into a room. Roe and a nurse went to investigate and there was Luee by the bedside of a woman who was dying. Roe said it gave her and the nurse goose bumps as Luee knew this woman did not have long to live. Luee all I can say is you were one hell of a sweet dog.

Time to run Speakies, have a wonderful day, enjoy the weekend and be careful out there. See you next week God willing.

GET THOSE FROSTY MUGS READY AND I DON'T MEAN ROOT BEER

Good Day Speakies:

Today is “International Beer Day.” Makes you want to sing that old Nat “King” Cole song, bring out those lazy, hazy days of summer, those days of hot dogs, pretzels and beer or however it goes. Yes with temperatures reaching the upper 90’s here and the heat index nearing 115 degrees, cold beer is the answer today and probably the rest of the summer. Now I’m not a beer expert and to tell you the truth on a hot day beer tastes good but to me it all tastes the basically the same. Now I’ve had a few exceptions to that rule however the American lager beers the taste is always too close to compare. I can hear you beer connoisseurs screaming, “JoeyZ you have no taste buds left in that mouth of yours.” Okay you guys win, but I’m going to try and list all the beers I ever tried. Now Speakies you write in and add yours to the list. So here we go, it’s “BEER TIME.”

Piels,
Schaeffer
Bud – All brands
Iron City
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Rolling Rock – My little favorites in those green bottles.
Coors Light
Miller – All brands
Busch Beer – Now that stuff tastes like flat - - - - well I won’t say.
Keystone
Sam Adams
A Pumpkin Beer can’t recall the name, my son loves it.
Corona
And that other beer that the “Most Interesting Man in the World” drinks.
While in the Caribbean, I’ve tried:
Amstel in Aruba, not the light but the original Amstel from Holland.
Red Stripe from Jamaica Man.
Caybrew from the Cayman Islands.
El Presidente – One of my favorites.
Belikin Beer from Belize, really a great beer, it costs only a dollar in Belize.
Here’s a few more: Spaten Lager from Germany, Chang from Thailand and San Miguel from the Philippines.

There’s probably lots more I’ve tried but the old noodle goes blank but now it’s your turn to write in and remember have a great day and evening and down a beer to a fine celebrated holiday. Be careful out there.

HAVE A CHIPPER DAY

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

Well I had a lot of fun posting about my old neighborhood but I’m sure more memories will pop-up one day and you’ll be the first to read about them here. I feel like a hodge-podge day today a little of everything, so first of all let’s see who is celebrating birthdays today dead or alive.

Louis Armstrong – That Hello Dolly guy, great jazz musician and bandleader.

Dallas Green – Phillies (Won a World Series) and Yankee manager.

Frankie Ford – Singer, “Let Me Take You On A Sea Cruise.”

Richard Belzer – Actor and Comedian. Played a detective on Law and Order.

Billy Bob Thorton – Actor, sort of a strange bird.

Roger Clemens – Boston Red Sox pitcher.

For all you Guys and Dolls celebrating your birthday today, JoeyZ wishes you a very “HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND A POLISH STOLAT TO YOU ALL.”

Today is also “NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP DAY.” Chocolate chips are great; you can eat them right out of the bag, in cookies, ice cream, pies and cakes. I like chocolate chip ice cream but whatever your favorite is made with chocolate chips have one at lunch or tonight for dessert.

Have to say the Crazies and Bozo’s have been quite on the local scene but just like Zombies they might pop-up when least expected, maybe the heat is keeping them down. Any late breaking news of them will be reported.

I leave you now with the wise saying of Confucius: “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.”

Have a great and safe day Guys and Dolls.

IF YOU LIKE GOOD OLD MOVIES

HELLO SPEAKIES:

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE GOOD OLD MOVIES, I HAVE AN ACTION FILM FOR YOU TONIGHT. TAPE IT IF YOU MUST OR WATCH IT IF YOU CAN.

10:15 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON TMC (TURNER MOVIE CLASSICS) "BULLIT" STARRING STEVE MCQUEEN, GREAT DETECTIVE MOVIE WITH LOTS OF ACTION, DON'T MISS IT. GREATEST CAR CHASE SCENE EVER.

P.S. - JACQUELINE BISSET IS AS SEXY AS EVER.

MORE BRUNSWICK AVE. MEMORIES

Good Tuesday Morning Guys and Dolls:

As I told you last week, my reader Skip filled my National Milk Chocolate and Brunswick Drugs post with other familiar places that surrounded our neighborhood mostly located on Brunswick Avenue. I’d like to thank Skip for filling in where my mind goes blank. Here’s a list of some of the places with a little JoeyZ comments:

Polonia Polish Restaurant – Not there when I was growing up but read reviews and the ratings are great.

Columbus School – We played baseball there in the summer too. Rubber or tennis balls only too many houses and windows.

Brunswick Sporting Goods – My Dad took me there to buy me my first fishing reel and pole, it was a bait caster and I could never get it to work right for me.

Stanley’s Tavern – Went there with my parents on hot summer nights, they drank beer and I polished off cokes and chips and played the juke box. Of course we had to sit in the ladies room in the back in those days. Came home on leave from the service and went to Stanley’s for those 10 cent beers every time. Long gone now.

D’Agostino’s Men’s Wear – It was originally a Buster Brown Shoe store and they had one of those foot x-ray machines to see how your toes fit inside the shoes. It later became Kushner’s Men’s Shop.

Servus Bakery – I spoke of those finger cakes filled with cream, but I don’t remember walnut lady fingers like Skip said, these were plain with powder sugar only and filled with cream. They also had great cakes, Danish and breads. I went to school with one of the sons.

Top Road Tavern – Great tomatoe pies and fish and chips. Cheap beer too.

Lisook’s Deli – Was the Jewish Deli owned by the two brothers I spoke of earlier, on Sundays they had bags of Kramer’s rolls and bagels in the window. You grabbed what you wanted and brought it to the counter. A hard fresh roll and butter with coffee after Mass could not beat it.

St. Michaels Church – Small but warm feeling Catholic Church.

Top Road Barber Shop – Use to get my hair cuts there, no longer exists now a Chinese restaurant and Realtors Association.

Mercer Savings and Loan – Just like Bailey’s in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Roe and I got our mortgage there for our first house.

Ianni’s News Stand on Olden Ave. – Cigarettes, newspapers, Playboy magazines and other stuff. I was a frequent visitor as a youth.

Dominick’s Shoe Repair – Real nice elderly Italian guy fixed shoes like a pro and put those cleats in the heals so everyone heard you coming.

Schaffer’s Cleaners – The neighborhood pro’s at dry cleaning and altering. Had to take all of my uniforms there after basic training to get them refitted.

Reither Brother’s Garage on Spruce and Princeton Sts. – I started going there later, two brothers owned it after their father retired. Honest mechanics, don’t know if it’s there anymore.

Well there you go more Brunswick Ave. memories; fun to remember, write and read about. To those who lived there or knew of the area I hope you enjoy reading about the places and days gone by and maybe recall your own neighborhood memories.

Have a wonderful day Speakies.

THANKS FOR THE STORY SKIP

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

Hoped you all had a great weekend and welcome to the start of a brand new week. Late Friday I received an e-mail from my blog reader Skip with a funny memory of his growing up in our old neighborhood. So I would like to share it in this post for all to read.

“Joe, I just thought I'd share this memory of "The Circuit" and I know that you have to know the participants. A perfect storm for teens gone bad.Eddie Lisiecki's Dad had the funeral home almost next to Kalina's on Olden.George Salcewicz and I lived on Ellis and George worked for Winowicz Funeral Home in high school doing odd jobs.Eddie's parents went out for their usual long Saturday night fine dining and it was usually out of town.We are bored, it's Saturday night and Eddie is the class clown and always up for a laugh. He remarks that we should take the limo for the funeral service and he would don a chauffeur cap and ride around. Problem, we have keys but no limo. But, we do have a hearse. George notes that he just stacked a load of fresh off the truck caskets in the Winowicz storage garage. You can see where this is going? Too cool, three kids in a hearse complete with casket riding down State Street on Saturday night and the radio is up and, and, and, And we look over and to our horror, Ed's dad (Ed senior) and his mom are at the light at Warren. We race back and ditch the casket and Ed takes the car home.Next day he answers the door and Holy Cow, he has two shiners. Grounded for two weeks and ..Thought you might remember these guys. The other trick was we had two "One Star General" flags and would put them on the limo and drive through Fort Dix real slow and watch all the troops stop and salute while we howled in the back.This, I guess is as James Bond would say .. "For Your Eyes Only" .. or use it as you see fit.

Thanks Skip for this great story from the past now say 3 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Mary’s. Skip also gave me some other names and stores to recall from our area and I’ll be doing a post on them shortly. Glad to share this with you Speakies and now have a great day and be careful out there.