CLAMS AND TATERS

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

It has been crummy week weather wise with thunderstorms and showers most every day; at least I don’t have to water the flowers. Only two more work days to go and it will be the weekend, but let’s not talk about that today, because today we are talking clams and taters. Yes it is “NATIONAL CLAMS ON THE HALF SHELL” and “TATER DAY.” I’m not a big fan of clams I find them chewy and gritty. Now there was a restaurant in Trenton called Crecco’s who made a great clams casino that I liked. The clams were diced and covered with all those great toppings of onions, green peppers and bacon. So those of you who enjoy clams celebrate the day by having a dozen or two. I’ll be waiting for National Mussel Marinara Day; I’m a mussel marinara man all the way. They are soft, easy to chew and that sauce is great for dipping that Italian bread into and getting every drop of the Marinara sauce left.

Now it’s time for TATERS, it’s the way the good old Southern folk call their potatoes. How do you like yours? JoeyZ is going to lay down his favorites before you:

Mashed – l like them nice and thick and don’t mind a few lumps. Have to have some gravy on top for flavor.

Fried potatoes with onions – my Dad was a cook in the Army during WWII and he made some great fried potatoes for Mom and me at dinner time.

Hash Browns but don’t serve them to me al dente, they have to have a nice brown crust on top and moist underneath and I like them topped off with some ketchup.

French Fries – I like them nice and thick. My grandmother had an old pot and she would fill it with oil and take potatoes and cut them into four slices and cook them in that oil. I don’t know how they cooked to perfection but she took that secret to heaven with her along with her salmon cake recipe. Don’t serve me shoe string potatoes they are a pain to eat; falling off the fork you have to eat those by hand. A man needs a potato that can withstand the plunge of a fork like a gladiator’s sword. Seasoned curly fries are okay in a pinch, along with tater tots.

Scallop Potatoes – love them.

Baked Potatoes – serve them to me with loads of butter and sour cream; throw a few chives on top, but keep that sour cream close for more doses.

Sweet Potatoes – like them for Thanksgiving only and I’m not a fan of sweet potato fries.

Boiled Potatoes – like those little red ones, than fry them lightly with a little butter and onion. Well that’s how JoeyZ likes his taters, have a great day and evening Speakies.

NEED A LITTLE HERE

FOR YOU TRENTON, NJ FANS WHO ENJOY READING MY BLOG, I'M ASKING YOU FOR A LITTLE SUPPORT TO HELP OUT MACK AT HIS BLOG. HE TAKES THE TIME TO TRAVEL, TAKE PHOTO'S AND BRING ALL THOSE "BURG" MEMORIES BACK TO YOU READERS. IF YOU CAN HELP I'M SURE MACK WILL REALLY APPRECIATE IT. I WOULD HATE TO SEE ALL HIS LABORS GO TO WASTE. HIS SITE IS: MACKSTRUCKOFWISDOM@BLOGSPOT.COM AND IT IS ALSO LISTED ON MY BLOG FOR DIRECT OPENING. THANK YOU ALL.

HOMEWORK AND DOGS

HAPPY HUMP DAY SPEAKIES:

I’m getting this message out early so you Guys and Dolls can call up the schools and tell the teachers today is “NO HOMEWORK DAY.” Yes the words kids love to hear, “class there will be no homework tonight.” If your kids come home with homework don’t blame JoeyZ he gave you orders to follow early in the day. I hope the teachers know this it would be a nice surprise for all the students.

Now for the food holiday today, drum roll please it is “NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY.” One of my favorite comfort foods. Did you ever think about how many hot dogs you’ve eaten and the way they were prepared or what condiments you put on them? I know when our boys were small they loved hot dogs mixed in Spaghetti-O’s and as they got older the famed Casino Dog (Italian Hot Dog) became a favorite. The Casino Restaurant will be a place we will hold dear in our hearts forever. Now I’m going to try and remember the many ways I have eaten dogs and with what toppings:

Now as far as the dogs go I prefer not to have a crunchy casing, I just want to bite into that soft dog and enjoy.

The Chicago Dog – is still one that I have to try but like I said I’m not into a crisp casing.

The Chili Dog – I like mine with fine hot dog chili and onions only.

The Regular Hot Dog – I like mustard, relish (regular green or special hot dog relish) and a few chopped onions.

The Italian Hot Dog – this one is served on a torpedo roll with the dogs sliced in half, mustard, fried potatoes and green peppers.

As a little JoeyZ my grandmother would by hot dogs from the butcher and I just ate them plain, no roll right out of the frig.

I also remember going to baseball games with my father at old Connie Mack Stadium in Philly and the hot dog guy coming around with that big grey tub of steamed dogs and buns, when you asked for one he opened the lid stuck the dog on the roll and slapped some mustard on it with a brush. That was a hot dog and heartburn at the same time but good. So I will bid you a good day, hope the kids don’t have any homework and have a family dinner of dogs tonight.

JUST REMEMBER NO KETCHUP ON DOGS AMEN.

BYE BYE AL'S I HATE TO SEE YOU GO

Good Morning Guys and Dolls: Welcome to Tuesday in Blog Land and we have some holidays to celebrate today. First I must inform you readers of a pizza place that was one of my favorites until Saturday; Al’s Pizza went down the tubes for me. Roe was feeling tired so we decided to order a pizza for dinner, I drove down and ordered a large pepperoni. Upon arriving home, the BW informed me the pie did not taste hot and behold we could not find any sauce or flavor in the pie itself. We doctored it up with sauce, garlic, olive oil and grated cheese, even putting it in the toaster oven to crisp it up. There was no hope for this Al’s pie. Well Al, it’s adios to your place for good.

Now for the holidays we celebrate today:

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY – I give my respect to those who served our country in this war; I was one of them myself. Say a prayer and remember those who never came back.

LOVE YOUR CHILDREN DAY – This is a no brainer, love them every day and show them your love by guiding them and doing things with them. They grow up too fast, I know I spent Sunday with my son at a baseball game and he is now 31 seems like yesterday he was just 10 years old. To take a quote from the late John Barrymore, “A man is not old until his regrets take the place of dreams.”

NATIONAL MOM AND POP OWNERS DAY – This is trend that is slipping away, I remember when all the candy stores, neighborhood grocery stores, ice cream shops and restaurants were mom and pop places. You called them by their first names and they knew everyone who came to shop in their store. I would like to have those days once again, but progress moves on.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND REMEMBER GIVE THOSE KIDS A BIG HUG AND KISS.

THANKS JOEY,ELIZABETH AND JOHN

JUST STOPPING BY TO SAY I REALLY ENJOYED GOING TO THE GAME YESTERDAY WITH ALL OF YOU. HAD LOTS OF FUN. LOVE YOU ALL.

KEBOBS FOR ME

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Remember that old The Mamas and the Papas song “Monday, Monday”, how I hate that day, well it’s here again and we should be happy we are walking and talking. Hope your weekend was a good one and filled with fun. Today we observe “EAT AN ESKIMO PIE DAY” AND “SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY.” Let’s start with the ice cream one first, I like Eskimo Pies, in fact I enjoy them more than eating a big bowl of ice cream. When I haven’t eaten ice cream in a while I over indulge and feel fat, the pie is just right when I have that craving. The only problem with those Eskimo Pies is they start to melt and I hate chocolate on my fingers. Now for honoring those things on a stick. As a kid I remember enjoying creamsicles, chocolate fudge bars on a stick, ice popsicles and those push-up ice creams in a tube. As we get older other things on a stick are good and some not so good to me:

Shish kebobs with steak, onions, peppers and small tomatoes. – IS GOOD.

Roe makes a great shrimp kebob with some great secret flavoring on the shrimp. – IS VERY GOOD.

Pancakes and sausage on a stick – I think I’ll pass on that one. – NOT GOOD.

Pizza on a stick – pizza has to picked up cracked in half, let that oil drain down and take a bite not on a stick. That reminds me of the Steve Martin movie “The Jerk” when he was eating pizza in a cup. - NO WAY GOOD.

I saw some Japanese street vendors on the net selling, fish on a stick, sushi on a stick and one of my very favorites squid on a stick – NOT GOOD AT ALL.

Now for my least favorite of all “CORN DOGS.” Hot dogs are sacred and should only be served on a bun with either mustard, onions, kraut, chili, peppers or potatoes. Everything leads to food oh well let’s have lunch. Have a great day.

GOOD NEWS

THE LADY OF THE HOUSE IS HOME AND DOING GREAT, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR CONCERNS. HEADING OFF EARLY TODAY AND SEEING THE PHILLIES PLAY A SPRING TRAINING GAME. NO SOFT PRETZELS IN FLORIDA FOR ME. HAVE A GREAT DAY, SEE YOU TOMORROW.

I'LL HAVE LOBSTER AND MOONSHINE

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

That last day of the work week is here and I want to wish you all a great weekend. Hopefully I will be attending a spring training game on Sunday with son and his wife, seeing those Phillies match up against the Braves. Today is “LOBSTER NEWBURG DAY”, I’m not a big fan of creamy buttery sauces, just give me those lobster tails and claws and a cup of butter to dip them in. The last time I had lobster was on a cruise Roe and I took last year, talking about it is getting me hungry for some right now.

We also celebrate “WAFFLE DAY” and “FUNNY COUNTRY SONG TITLES”, this one I can’t pass by so here is a list of my favorites:

I DON’T KNOW WHETHER TO KILL MYSELF OR GO BOWLING.

IF I CAN’T BE NUMBER ONE IN YOUR LIFE, THEN NUMBER TWO ON YOU.

SHE’S ACTING SINGLE AND I’M DRINKING DOUBLES.

I WOULDN’T TAKE HER TO A DOG FIGHT, CAUSE I’M AFRAID SHE’D WIN.

I’LL MARRY YOU TOMORROW, BUT LET’S HONEYMOON TONIGHT.

IF I HAD SHOT YOU WHEN I WANTED TO, I’D BE OUT BY NOW.

SHE GOT THE RING AND I GOT THE FINGER.

HER TEETH WERE STAINED, BUT HER HEART WAS PURE.

SHE’S LOOKING BETTER AFTER EVERY BEER.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEKEND.

RAISINS AND THEY ARE CHOCOLATE COVERED TODAY

IT’S THURSDAY, IT’S THURSDAY SPEAKIES:

A good morning to all my Guys and Dolls out there and my wishes for a wonderful day and evening to each of you. As far as food holidays we celebrate “NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISINS DAY.” In my younger movie attending days, chocolate covered raisins were one of the more popular candy treats in lobby. The brand name was Raisinets sold in that rectangular box that we ripped open one side and slid those babies down into our mouths. After the box was empty we saved the box which made great annoying noise when you blew into it. I think I had some chocolate covered raisins about a year ago along with vanilla yogurt covered raisins. Let’s see what other treats we enjoyed at the movies: Popcorn regular or buttered, Ju Ju Beads, those chocolate covered Bon-Bon ice creams, Juicy Fruits and chocolate covered Goober’s Peanuts just to name a few. Some of the movie theaters down here serve a full course dinner along with wine, beer and cocktails the times they are a changing. How could we forget that happy little movies song, “LET’S GO OUT TO THE LOBBY, LET’S GO OUT TO THE LOBBY AND GET OURSELVES SOME TREATS.”

Today is also “NATIONAL FAMILY DAY.” Remember today and every day to show your family members the love you have for them. Be kind, understanding, forgiving but most of all let happiness fill your home each day. Maybe JoeyZ should start a greeting card business when I retire.

A little note to my reader Skipster, glad you are going to give it a try; you’ll do a good job. This one is on the QT if you know what I mean.

Let’s say Happy Birthday to the following people born this date:

Norman Fell – Mr. Roper on Three’s Company, never could stand that show.

Steve McQueen – One of my favorite actors, The Great Escape, Bullitt, The Cincinnati Kid, The Thomas Crown Affair and the Magnificent Seven just to name a few.

Clyde Barrow – That gangster guy who was in love with Bonnie.

Kelly LeBrock –A WOO WOO WOW WOW GAL starred in Weird Science.

Harry Houdini – The escape master.

Left for upstairs today or down there today:

Peter Lorre – Great character actor, starred in many Humphrey Bogart films. One famous line that stands out for me is from The Maltese Falcon when Bogart tells Lorrie, “If a woman slaps you, you’ll take it and like it.”

British General Bernard L. Montgomery – Famous WWII general and to Patton a real pain in the butt. That is it for today; I bid you a nice day once again and be careful out there.

GOODBYE LIZ

LOST A GREAT ACTRESS TODAY IN ELIZABETH TAYLOR. REST IN PEACE "MAGGIE THE CAT."

CHIPS, DIP BUT HOLD THE TURTLE ON THE SIDE

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Well Elizabeth another holiday celebration for you, me and I’m sure a lot of my Guys and Dolls out there. Today is “NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY.” I bought some chips on Sunday a new flavor Macaroni and Cheese and brought some to Roe in the hospital to try, they tasted like butter instead to both of us, and I can only hope I am not losing my taste for chips. I get that way at times no ice cream for a year than I go crazy for some not a lot just to savor the taste of it. Now back to chips and dip. For dipping I prefer a ruffled potato chip something sturdy because when I scoop up the dip it fills the entire chip I’m a hog so what. My favorite dip has always been French onion it has the right bite that completes the taste of the chip. If it is not available a medium salsa or picante sauce will do, even a spicy cheese sauce will make my chips happy. I guess you can call me a chipper kind of guy. So Elizabeth and my potato chip and dip Speakies get those chips and dips out tonight and enjoy.

The Dixie Ice Cream Cup made its debut in 1912. I remember those as a kid you always had to eat them using that wooden spoon. Vanilla and Chocolate were the flavors as I remember and of course you had to lick off the lid before you took your first bite of ice cream.

Lastly we honor those slow moving creatures that sometimes can snap and bite off your finger for it is “NATIONAL TURTLE DAY.” I still remember that old cartoon from TV, the race between the Tortoise and the Hare and that goofy voice and face of the tortoise still cracks me up. We have a great variety of turtles here in Florida and I’ve seen many crossing the roads and nearly crushed and many times drivers getting out of their vehicles to move the turtles to safety.

Well Speakies enjoy your day and have a wonderful evening too.

GOOF-OFF AND FIND ME CHEESE WAFFIES

Hello Guys and Dolls:

Welcome to Tuesday, March 22, 2011 and this month is nearly coming to an end. Time flies, when you get older it seems to fly a little faster than normal. I’d like to wish “Happy Birthdays” to all my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today. Now Happy Birthdays to some famous people, some here, some gone:

Karl Malden – Actor with the big nose, Streets of San Francisco, American Express commercials, Cincinnati Kid and other movies. To me he was a fine actor and I enjoyed all of his performances.

Ross Martin – Actor born in Grodek, Poland starred in the Wild Wild West series on TV.

Barbara Parkins – One beautiful woman gets the JoeyZ “WOW WOW”; she played in Peyton Place on TV.

Bob Costas – Sportscaster, has knowledge and insight to all the sports and a pleasure to listen to.

Today is also “NATIONAL GOOF-OFF DAY.” I’m for that kind of holiday I think I'll goof-off a little at work today just to make it official. My son called me the other day asking me about Cheese Waffies, he thought they might be a waffle potato chip and I tried to explain to him what they were. They are made by Wise Potato chips and I have copied a picture of the bag, if any of my Florida readers have seen these let me know. Here are the famous Cheese Waffies.

Have a great day Speakies.

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

Hoping you all had a great weekend, there was college basketball a plenty to watch and I did catch a few endings of the games. I enjoy college basketball over the pros there’s more hard effort put into a college game and more excitement. A man goes to a psychiatrist. The doctor says, “You’re crazy.” The man says, “I want a second opinion!” “Okay you’re ugly too!” BAROOM BOOM.

I forgot a food holiday yesterday, it was “NATIONAL RAVIOLI DAY.” Where would we be without macaroni on a Sunday for dinner? If you are Italian you catch my drift on that one. For us Polaks it was always stuff cabbage Sundays, with the usual mashed potatoes and beets and Mom made enough to last all week long. My mom did a bulk of cooking on Sunday mornings making about 3 dishes that would serve as dinner all week long. On Fridays it was fish and chips from Top Road Tavern, I looked forward to that day. When I was in high school and staying the weekends at my grandmother’s house; Friday night meant tomato pie from Sam’s on Broad St. enjoyed by my buddies Lou, Richie, my cousin Tom and of course yours truly. You would get a whole pie for $1.50 that’s living.

Onward to the holidays we celebrate today. First of all it is “MEMORY DAY” and yes I know mine is starting to slip a little. At times Roe has a different opinion if I do or say something stupid. Just remember Guys and Dolls keep your grey matter active get a hobby, for me it’s writing this blog each day with different thoughts and feelings and when I retire next year fishing with my son. Remember just don’t sit there do something.

For our food holiday it’s “NATIONAL FRENCH BREAD DAY.” Yes that crusty bread you can have with butter, cheese, French dip roast beef, dip it in your Italian gravy, load it up with lunch meat or whack you kid in the head with it. Have some today, with a little wine, a little cheese and a little onion on the side.

Have a great day and evening Guys and Dolls and be careful out there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO OUR GRANDSON:

HI LITTLE BUDDY WE WANTED TO STOP BY AND WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY. GRANDMOM AND I ARE SORRY WE COULD NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR PARTY. WE HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME AND REALLY LIKED THE CLOWN. HAVE FUN TODAY, AND REMEMBER WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.

WE WILL BRING YOUR PRESENT REAL SOON.

LOVE,
POP POP AND GRANDMOM

HAPPY FRIDAY SPEAKIES

Happy Friday Speakies:

Sorry about Danny Boy not playing yesterday, I had to rush my wife to the hospital on Wednesday night, she is doing better. Danny Boy will play next year on St. Paddy’s Day. How about them Princeton Tigers a tough loss to those Wildcats but almost a great upset. I’m very proud of my Tigers, they never give up.

I want to wish a follower of mine a very “Happy Birthday” tomorrow; Noel enjoy the day and have fun. STOLAT! Going to leave you Guys and Dolls now have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Remember tomorrow is “NATIONAL POULTRY DAY”, so save a chicken and eat a burger.

TODAY IT'S CORN BEEF AND CHILI FOR ME

TOP OF THE MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:

A very “HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY”, to all my Irish Speakies and to those celebrating the festivities of this day. So I ask you to raise your glass of green beer and give a cheer to the Irish on this day. Remember if you like corn beef and cabbage this is your day to have some for lunch or dinner. Roe and I are having some tonight at a Pot Luck Supper held at our clubhouse.
When we lived back in Trenton we had a St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year. I believe they still hold the parade but at a different location in the suburbs.

This afternoon for lunch our place is having their 17th Annual Chili Cook-off. We usually have around 10 entries and everyone brings side dishes to enjoy. At the end of the luncheon a chili champ is chosen and has bragging rights for the year. Roe has entered her great chili in the contest we call it “THE MAN’S CHILI.” Of course the recipe is a secret and I am sworn under oath never to give it away. All I know is before lunch today I have to stir the pot and make sure it is at the right temperature and not sticking. We also have pre-luncheon snacks available to munch on like chips, dip, veggies etc. so I’m always running into the break room to make sure I can secure some to tie me over till it’s chili time.

We also celebrate “Submarine Day”, speaking of submarines one of my favorite old war movies was “Destination Tokyo”, with Cary Grant, John Garfield and a host of stars. For those readers from Trenton, remember going down to Lamberton Street and watching the Submarine Races with your date. I was there many a times, and as Bob Hope would say “thanks for the memories. “ Well Guys and Dolls once again I wish you all a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day”, be careful and enjoy the day and evening. I now leave you with a little “Danny Boy.”

Sorry for Danny Boy had to rush Roe to the hospital last night and forgot to play it. Talk tomorrow.

NEWS FLASH - HAS ROCKY TURNED BAD?

A BREAKING STORY FROM BENNINGTON, VT. - A LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD IS BEING ATTACKED BY A RENEGADE SQUIRREL. A MAN SHOVELING SNOW WAS JUMPED ON BY THIS CRAZED VARMINT POSSIBLY RAISED AS A PET. OFFICIALS SAY IT MAY ATTACK PEOPLE IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE (GEE THAT'S THE WHOLE TOWN). KEEP WATCHING THE TREES.

STORY BY SCOOP JOEYZ

WHERE OH WHERE ARE YOU CHEESE WAFFIES

Hump Day is Here Speakies:

We are half-way to the weekend, so let’s see some smiles on those morning faces. A very funny man was born this date in 1906, Mr. Henny Youngman “King of the One-Liners.” Take my wife please. “Doctor, I have a ringing in my ears.” “Don’t answer!” It is an honor today for me to remember that funny man. Henny even had one-liners for everything, even us Polish people.

How do Polish people spell farm? E-I-E-I-O.

A Polish man had his vasectomy done at Sears. Now when he makes love, the garage door goes up.

There you go just a sample of the humor provided by Mr. Youngman. I may throw a few more out to you in the days to come.

The other day we had some great comments about Potato Chip Day so I thought we would carry the discussion over to other snacks we like, meaning pretzels, cheese doodles etc. We can even list the snacks from our childhood that no longer exist. I’m going to start this thing of insanity off so here we go along with the usual JoeyZ comments:

Cheese Waffies – a snack of the past, cheddar cheese between two cracker like wafers, they were good. I haven’t seen those in years.

Pretzels – I like mini sticks, rods, nuggets and regular shaped pretzels. I remember when I was a kid those mini pretzel sticks came in a small rectangle box that sold for a nickel.

Fritos – like the original flavor. I know they have a chili flavor now also.

Cheese Doodles – my favorites are the puffy ones and the crispy hard ones and they have to be the original ones of course; after you eat them you can paint a picture on a wall with your fingers. Roe likes doodles too.

Pub Mix – I like the spicy one, the best one is Utz’s Pub Mix a great mix of flavors and some heat and spice.

Cheese-Its – they are okay but not one of my favorite snacks.

Slim Jims – a snack to take on the go, I haven’t had one in years.

Well there you go Speakies I gave you the ones I like and remember, so put your thinking caps on and send JoeyZ your list of favorites. Have a great day and remember the Princeton Tigers play tomorrow at 2:55 follow them on the net or if you’re home on the tube.

THE IDES HAS IT; BUT WATCH FOR BUZZARDS

Happy Tuesday Guys and Dolls:

First of all the JoeyZ’s Weather Report for Central Florida. The remainder of the week calls for Partly Cloudy skies today and Wednesday and sunny days the rest of the week. Highs will be in the mid 80’s and lows in the upper 50’s. So if you are here or planning to visit you should have great weather to enjoy. That’s the way weather reporting should be short and sweet and if it rains oh well I don’t fool with Mother Nature.

Being today is March 15, I would like first of all to wish my Mom in heaven a “VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY”, HAVE A GOOD ONE MOM AND DO WHAT YOU WANT, LOVE YOU.

Today is also “The Ides of March” a festive day in ancient Rome dedicated to the god Mars. It was also the day Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in 44BC by his good buds Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus along with about 60 other conspirators. He was on his way to the Theatre of Pompey when he saw a seer who once told him danger would come to him by the Ides of March. He told the seer that the Ides of March has come, to which the seer replied, “They have come, but they are not gone.”

Now in the little township of Hinckley Ohio known as the home of the buzzards, today they celebrate “BUZZARDS DAY.” On March 15 of every year, the buzzards arrive in large flocks at the town. They will draw around 50,000 visitors for the event. They even throw a little party in welcoming back those turkey buzzards with a festival of sort, food, skits just like an old fashion fair. I wonder how many windshields will have the white fudge upon them.

We have a few interesting food holidays coming up this month and you know I will be writing down my thoughts on the subjects. I’ll call it a day and bid all of you Speakies a great day and a wonderful evening.

HEY! ELIZABETH IT'S OUR DAY

Happy Monday Morning Speakies:

HOW ABOUT THEM TIGERS, A GREAT IVY VICTORY AND NOW ONTO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT AGAINST THEM KENTUCKY CATS. GOOD LUCK GUYS.

Hoping you all had a nice weekend and accomplished everything you wanted to do. Of course those of us who live under Daylight Savings Time lost an hour of sleep and it seems it takes forever to catch up with the rest you need. Well we can’t do a thing about it so let’s start the week off with a cup of coffee and a smile.

As we start this third week of March we celebrate the following:

National Art Week so if you like to paint, draw or just doddle do it and have fun this is your week. Encourage the little ones, who knows you may have another Picasso brewing deep inside.

Goof Off Week – I’m sure there are loads of fans for this holiday celebration probably some that celebrate it all year long. Go ahead Speakies goof off you deserve it.

Good Old American Chocolate Week – alright Dolls this is your week get your fill of those bon-bons, truffles and Dove squares. I love chocolate too but don’t eat much of it; maybe I’ll have a piece this week.

NOW THIS IF FOR MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW “ELIZABETH” – IT IS “NATIONAL POTATO CHIP DAY.”

Elizabeth and I both love our chips, we are potato chip freaks so is our day to celebrate. Elizabeth has her favorites but I’m going to list some of mine and see if you match the old JoeyZ’s favorites.

Wise Potato Chips – plain and they have a new spicy barbeque.

Charles Chips – delivered in those cans, I haven’t seen them here.

Utz Potato Chips – a friend once sent me a whole box of assorted chips when I had cancer years ago; shrimp was the most unusual flavor.

Target brand (Market Place) has those crunchy style chips most of them are really good. They have a BBQ flavor that is hot as hades. Let’s just face it I love chips and so I say on behalf of Elizabeth and I raise your chips up and crunch them down.

Have a wonderful day and evening and enjoy whatever you do today.

GOOOOOOO PRINCETON

GO TIGERS:

Making another quick stop. I forgot my Princeton Tigers are playing against Harvard tomorrow night for the Ivy League basketball title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Princeton has always been my favorite college basketball team along with their football team. My dad worked for the university and took me to see many a football game there on Saturdays at old Palmer Stadium. My son Joe and I use to go see the basketball games at Jadwin Gym when we lived up north. Those are memories I will always have with me.

SO TO MY TIGERS GOOD LUCK, VICTORY AND FOR YOU ALL A LITTLE “TIGER RAG.”

POT OF SCALLOPS FOR ME

Happy Friday Speakies:

That glorious work day is here Friday; the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow we spotted on Monday is upon us today. I’m just stopping by to make a quick hello and wish you all a great weekend. For me its tire Saturday, have go out and purchase those expense rubber wheels that make the old girl go down the road.

Raise your glasses to a couple of celebrations this weekend. Saturday we celebrate “NATIONAL BAKED SCALLOPS DAY.” Scallops one of my favorite seafood dishes. I like both the sea and the bay scallops, fried, broiled in butter or covered in flour and Panko bread crumbs and cooked in a pan. We also celebrate Girl Scout Day and Good Samaritan Day. If you see those scouts out there selling cookies buy a box and if you see someone who needs assistance be a “Good Samaritan.” Have a great weekend Guys and Dolls.

WHAZZZ UP WITH BLUEBERRIES

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

Expecting some Thunder Storms today after enjoying a beautiful day yesterday, one has to take the bad with the good. We have a food holiday to celebrate; it is “NATIONAL BLUEBERRY POPOVER DAY.” I never had a popover but I do like blueberry muffins they are so good and go great with a cup of coffee in the morning, wish I had one now. I wish I had time for eggs, bacon, home fries and toast in the morning but for a working stiff it doesn’t fit the schedule. I have to wait for the next cruise I take to enjoy a breakfast like that. It’s funny I enjoy a cup of coffee at work in the morning with a snack but over the weekend I usually never have coffee or breakfast.

For you history buffs here are a couple of interesting things that occurred today:

The first paper money was issued in the US today in 1862 – it was probably the size of a piece of paper towel in those days.

In 1831, the French Foreign Legion is formed – those desert fighters’ us as kids wanted to be. Imagine living in those big forts in no-man’s land and fighting the bad guys of the desert sand. They still exist today check out the internet for an interesting history of the legion.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell transmits the first telephone call. He calls Mr. Watson and says, “Whazzzz Up Watson.” Not really he actually says, “Come here, Mr. Watson, I want to see you.”

Roe and I tried a new restaurant the other day for lunch after some doctor appointments. The place was called Crave, described as fresh, vibrant and American. The lunch menu was not my cup of tea with that pita, salads, flatbreads etc. They did list the Crave burger with smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickle and fresh cut fries. Sounded good to me, Roe was going to order the Margarita pizza but shifted over to the Bull’s-eye burger. The burgers were big and tasty could only eat half; the fries were plentiful and filling the same with Roe’s burger platter. A little pricy for lunch, give me a Five Guys burger and a bag of fries or a couple slices of greasy crunchy crust pizza with a root beer and I’m fine. If you like those kinds of foo foo food give the place a try if you come down here.

That is it for today Speakies have a great day and evening. Be careful out there.

PUT A TAG ON THAT CRAB

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

I’d like to first of all wish Happy Birthdays and Happy Anniversaries to all my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today. May you day be filled with fun and lots of love. A Happy Birthday to a guy born in 1777, Alexander Orlowski, a famous Polish painter I wonder if my grandfather was related to him. A very popular Polish surname.

Today is “NATIONAL NAME TAG DAY”, so put your name tag on and be recognized. I’ll never forget that scene from National Lampoon’s Animal House were all the nerd guys are wearing name tags and sitting alone in one section of the frat house. Jamal meet Irving, Irving meet Kent, Kent meet Larry, that was some real funny stuff. That whole movie was a scream made up of nearly unknown actors at the time.

It is also “National Crabmeat Day.” I like crab but my favorite is still lobster meat I had to make that clear. Crab cakes are one of my favorites, but I always wanted to tackle cracking open crabs and digging out the meat from the claws or feasting on soft shell crabs. Every time I watch one of those Food Channel shows and they feature lobster or crab I wish I was there devouring plates of crab or lobster dripping in butter. Roe loves crab cakes and if you are ever in Central Florida, Maggiano’s has great crab cakes as an appetizer and if there is a Maggiano’s where you live I would recommend you give those crab cakes a try. I guess you can say seafood dishes are my favorite. There are so many dishes I would like to try but it seems I always go back to the same. Here are a few of the things I would like to try to eat:

A LOBSTER ROLL

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A CHICAGO HOT DOG WITH THE WORKS – I DON’T KNOW ABOUT MY STOMACH ON THAT ONE.

A DIPPED CHICAGO BEEF SANDWICH.

A WHOLE LOBSTER WITH A BIG BOWL OF MELTED HOT BUTTER

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A GOOD TOMATO PIE DOWN HERE – I HAVE THE RIGHT TO DREAM A LITTLE.

There’s my list Speakies, enjoy the day, good eating and have a pleasant evening.

MAKING A QUICK AFTERNOON STOP-BY

Hi Guys and Dolls:

Just stopping by to say I may not be posting tomorrow, due to a few doctor appointments and after that this kid is in no mood to write only to nap. JoeyZ is feeling a little under the weather today, I hate post nasal drip and allergies but what can one do.

Just heard two new stories on the news down here involving one local dummy and one out of state zippo. The first one is this 60 year old guy who shots his girlfriend in the face at a local WalMart parking lot. He stated she was taking advantage of him but after he blasted her he told police he could not live without her. He drove her to a local hospital where upon he was arrested. I wish I could post the picture of this guy, ever seen those WalMart shoppers going around I mean the funny dressed ones, this guy is close.

The next story concerns an out of state bozo who is a dentist, he finds a credit card in a parking lot and goes ahead and charges pizza to the owner's card. This guy is worth millions and instead of doing the right thing, he orders pizza. JoeyZ has only one question to throw out "WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE PICTURE HERE?"

I have to rest now will be writing soon, have a nice day tomorrow.

COOKIES AND BUBBLE BLOWING

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

We are off to the start of another week and hoping it will be a good one for all my Guys and Dolls. I would like to thank my son Joe for repairing my car over the weekend, he is my master mechanic and all that schooling paid off. Thanks Joe.

As we begin the second week of March, we celebrate the following:

GIRL SCOUT WEEK – My little granddaughter is a Brownie and really enjoys all the things that they do and teach her. She also sold us a box of every variety of cookies. I encourage my Speakies to help these young ladies it’s for a great cause and a fine organization that teaches them about life and true morals.

PULMONARY REHAB WEEK – Good people helping others to breathe. Remember throw those cigs in the garbage, I wish I did long ago; maybe I would not have the problems I have today.

Now for the lighter side of the week because it’s "NATIONAL BUBBLE GUM WEEK.” That sugar stuff we chew, chew, chew and blow or pop bubbles. Me I’m a bubble popper and don’t laugh I only learned how to do this two years ago from Roe. I wonder how many different kinds of bubble gum there are in the world. I remember Bazooka Gum as a kid with that guy Bazooka Joe. There is Bubble Yum, Dubble Bubble and one of my favorites the one that squirts out liquid when you bite in. I have a favorite gum it’s called Stride and the flavors are great and they last, try some next time you see it in the store. I remember what I really liked as a kid was the waxed lips or mustaches that you could chew and how could I forget those wax soda bottles with the liquid; after you drank it you chewed the bottle like gum. Speaking of chewing I’d better stop chewing the fat and get busy.

Have a great day Speakies.

WEEKEND WISHES ALL

Happy Friday Speakies:

The weekend is sneaking up on us and soon it will be that five o’clock hour, I may play a little song regarding that hour for you today so if you have sound turn it on. I usually make my Friday posts nice and short but I am excited about the weekend holidays. Today we celebrate one of my favorite desserts, “NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY.” Pound cake is my favorite cake but it has to be nice and moist and I don’t care if it’s in a cake or a Bundt pan, just give me pound cake. I like plain with a touch of vanilla flavor, marbled, chocolate anything except coconut. Pound cake and coffee in the a.m. at work is great. So if you are a pound cake lover get out there and get some.

Saturday is “NATIONAL CHEESE DOODLE DAY.” I haven’t had them in a while but I like them all, crunchy, regular and even the white cheese doodles. Remember when you were little and your Mom use to yell “don’t get that yellow stuff on your shirt or my sofa.” One cannot help the orange fingers mothers of the world. We also celebrate “ALAMO DAY”, remembering those heroes who fought for Texas independence against Mexico.

We cannot forget "FROZEN FOOD DAY”, where would we be without those frozen TV dinners that come in handy in pinch when there is nothing left to eat. Let’s also hear it for “CHOCOLATE CHEESE CAKE DAY.” I love cheese cake, sounds like I love everything to eat. Back home they had a great cheese cake store called Michelle Lorie’s. They carried all different varieties and flavors of cheese cakes. Down here Publix Markets makes a cheese cake with assorted slices which is pretty decent. As much as I like cheese cake I find it too heavy to eat and can only do a small slice.

Oh well enough of JoeyZ rambling on. Have a great weekend, enjoy, share it with the ones you love and please be careful out there.

HAPPY HAPPY NUTS

Good Day Guys and Dolls:

Thursday is upon us and it is a beautiful day in Florida, so if you are down here on vacation and reading my blog have a great day and enjoy the weather too. Today is “BE HAPPY DAY”, don’t worry be Happy, Woo Woo Woo Woo Woo, that old Jamaican song. Personally I prefer a little Harry Belafonte, “Jump in the Line.” Just a little advice from JoeyZ try to be happy and have a nice day and just maybe you’ll make some people around you happy too.

I did not know this it is also “NATIONAL PEANUT MONTH.” I love peanuts even though I should be eating the unsalted kind I crave those salted babies to eat. Now regular peanuts are not the only ones I like and here is my list of other nut family members I like to eat:

Whole Cashews

Pistachios
Brazil Nuts – which were actually found in Bolivia first.
Macadamia Nuts
Walnuts
Chestnuts – I tried them one time can’t remember the taste, Roe likes them. When I hear the word I start singing the “Christmas Song”, chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Boiled Peanuts – I saw those when I was in the service but they always looked disgusting to me. One day at work we had a giant bowl of hot boiled peanuts and I tried some and did I like them, just sucking out those babies from the shell. Have to buy some soon they are always being sold on the road down here.

Nuts in general reduce the risk of coronary heart disease so don’t be afraid to grab a handful and chuck them down. A cold beer or your favorite cocktail would be a nice match with them too. When I was younger and Trenton was a nice town to visit they had a Planter’s Peanut Store on Broad St. The smell of the roasting nuts brought people to the place like the Pied Piper took those rats out of town. I can still smell those nuts today and in the winter the smell seemed stronger and the pigeons also liked hanging around the joint. I also remember as a kid at Christmas everyone had those nut baskets out on the coffee table, filled with walnuts and all the varieties of nuts that were available to munch on. I guess this just turned into a nutty day, have a great day and a nutty night.

BANANA CREAM PIE FOR SKIP; DON'T EAT THE SILLY PUTTY

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Hoping you all had a pleasant evening last night and I wish you a great day today. March has a lot of stuff to celebrate, its "Noodle Month" and who does not like noodles. My favorite is the Polish Kluski noodle for homemade chicken soup. Kluski is a generic Polish name for all variations of noodles or dough. Roe makes a great chicken soup using only broth shredded chicken, carrots and some special seasoning. Great on a cold day or rainy day like today, chances are I’m not seeing soup tonight for dinner. We also celebrate Hamburger and Pickle Month. A true honor to Rossi’s and Ernie’s for their burgers. I hate to brag but Roe started to make cheeseburgers from ground chuck mixing salsa and topping with cheese and served on five grain Italian bread, sooooo gooood. The burgers at Five Guys are good and they offer a good variety of toppings, their fries are the best. If you never had a Five Guys burger and fries and are in the Central Florida area stop in and try one.

I have to remember Skip today he’s a pie loving guy and today is "National Banana Cream Pie Day", so Skip get out find a great bakery or have your lovely wife make you one. One has to honor your favorite holidays. Silly Putty was discovered this date in 1943 during the Second World War. It reached the toy market in 1949 and actually debuted on the Howdy Doody Show. Which one of you kiddies never had Silly Putty; I loved bouncing the little sucker all over the house and my mom yelling at my butt. The fun part was putting it on the comics and getting a full color picture of your favorite characters.

Enough with holidays for today. Last night I watched an interview with Charlie Sheen, that man should have had his ass whacked more by his father maybe that would have brought his brains up to where they belong. He wants $5 million per episode and receive $320 million for his mental aggravation caused by the producers. Take a hike Charlie. You know JoeyZ tells it like it is, Justin Bieber is next, one of those Hollywood shows showed him with his new girl at the Oscar’s Party celebrating till 4 AM. How old is this kid 17, get home and do your homework, no little tyke like you should make millions, people like me should have that luck, heck I can’t even get 3 numbers on a lottery ticket here. Here’s one for you Speakies the Powerball winner Saturday was from my area and won 182 million dollars. The winning ticket when announced was purchased at a local Publix Supermarket. I did not look at my ticket Sunday but I purchased mine at Publix, could I be the winner? No and here’s the kicker the store was on Fortune Road.

Lastly a sad goodbye to Jane Russell one beautiful and sexy actress adored by all the fighting men of World War II, for you guys up there you have her company for all eternity. Rest in Peace Jane. Have a great day Speakies and take care of each other.

TALKING MARCH AND PORKY HERE TODAY

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

A Happy Tuesday to you all and welcome to March 2011. My day started off right had to get some blood work done for upcoming doctor visits it’s one of my favorite things to do at 7:15 a.m. Lots of stuff happens in March, Lent begins, Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, First Day of Spring occurs, loads of Earth Day celebrations and of course the Ides of March, you can ask Julius Caesar about that date, well you can’t so JoeyZ will fill you in with some details. Ides of March is known as the date Julius Caesar was killed in 44 B.C. He was stabbed to date in the Roman Senate led by his bud Marcus Junius Brutus and other co-conspirators. He was warned by a soothsayer but Julius being the Caesar he was did not pay one ounce of attention and paid the price. And that’s today’s history lesson from JoeyZ.

Being March the First today we celebrate “NATIONAL PIG DAY.” The purpose of this day is to honor our porky friends as one of the most intellectual and domesticated animals. But the real question is do we honor them for that reason or because they provide us with all those spare ribs, bacon and ham for us to consume. Speaking of all that pork I can go for some ribs right now but that’s not going to happen today.

I was going to go on a tirade about stuff that is really getting to me but I think I’ll just mention one thing “THE PRICE OF GAS.” That Libyan Bozo goes bananas and the world panics about an oil shortage. Wouldn’t you like to know how much oil we have stored in the US, what about the off-shore wells and the Alaskan Pipe Line? Better yet some South American country came up making alternative fuel, we can’t do that it will kill the profits of big business and the stockholders will start to cry. All I say is $%^&*%$#@$. Same old stuff the rich get richer and we stay at our level picking up the scraps thrown at us. For once I would like to see an effort made the people of this country not to purchase gas for an entire day; I bet the price will be $2.00 a gallon the next day.

Enough of my big mouth for today, enjoy Pig Day, have a great evening and be careful out there.