Archive for the 'Food' Category

Sep

I’m Back!!!

After an extended break from the blog and website, I’m back.
My time away didn’t exactly go as expected. I ended up having several family members come to my house as they had to flee evacuation zones. Of course, of all the homeowners that stayed with me only my house lost power.
We ended up not having power for 5 full days. I’ll avoid being critical of LIPA because I know they had a big job but thank goodness this wasn’t a huge storm.
I wasn’t too worried about losing the power because my family and my parents were slated for a trip to Lake George for 4 days. Unfortunately, that never got off the ground. After driving for hours and hours trying to find a way around closed roads, we finally decided to give up and cancel our vacation.
And it was a good thing that we did. It turns out that the place we were staying in Lake George lost all power. It was likely we would have been miserable there anyway.
We turned our vacation into a staycation as we stayed with my parents until power was restored. We ended up taking trips to 2 parks/playgrounds for DJ to play, Adventureland (he’s still a bit too young but did like the train ride around the park) and the beach.
I wouldn’t say this was the best vacation ever but at least we made the best of a bad situation.

Speaking of bad situations, the Reds must have been experiencing deja vu as they were once again swept by the Phillies in easy fashion. The good news at least is that Chris Heisey returned from the disabled list with a 3 run pinch hit homerun. The Reds also called up rookie catcher Devin Mesoraco to see what he’s got. The Yankees aren’t the only team with a catching phenom. The Reds now have 3 games against the Cardinals. Whether the Reds are in 3rd place or last, they will always want to beat the Birds. I hope they get it done.

Another Study On Soda
If you’re a loyal reader of the blog, you know that I enjoy soda. I drink it more often than I should but my excuse is that I don’t drink coffee so that makes up for the coffee.
Check out this article on soda. It was staggering to find that according to the article, 5% of people drink 4 cans of soda a day. The most powerful part of the article was the quote from an upcoming ad campaign, “”If you wouldn’t eat 22 packs of sugar, why are you drinking it?” I never thought of it quite like that.

St. John’s University Basketball On The Rise
I was pleased to read that the St. John’s basketball team will have 17 national broadcasts this season. That shows that the schedule makers see the Red Storm as a team on the move. I’m glad. Basketball and St. John’s used to go hand in hand. Unfortunately, that was a long, long time ago. I like to see that they are returning to their prominence. I haven’t been to a game in years. However, college level athletics is always fun. I went to a St. John’s baseball game last year and loved every minute of it.
There are plenty of local colleges that you can check out. Hofstra, CW Post and St. John’s are all within driving distance. Best of all, their games are extremely affordable and sometimes even free.

I also managed to finish reading Shoeless Joe during the vacation. Shoeless Joe was the inspiration for the hit baseball movie Field of Dreams. I enjoyed the book, but like the movie must more. The storyline in the movie flows much better than the book. The book has a few addition characters that don’t add to the storyline and often detract from it. Perhaps I feel this way because I’ve seen the movie so often.
I think the movie is better because it focused on the relationship between a father and a son. The book (in my opinion) largely skimmed past that.
I’ll have the book in my classroom library if you would like to check it out. It was still worth reading.
Question of the Day: Do you prefer reading a book first and then seeing the movie, or seeing the movie and then reading the book? If you’ve seen a movie, would you still go through the trouble of reading the book?

It is a tradition for us to watch Field of Dreams during lunch in April. I’m looking forward to doing so once again.

One last thing, I’ve been watching the Phineas and Ferb movie with my son. Is it odd that I’m actually enjoying it. Am I the only one that enjoys this show?

We’re just days away from school. Enjoy what is left of the summer!

posted by Mr. Dowling in Books,Current Events,Food,Movies,Television,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball and have Comments (8)

Aug

Thursday, 8/4

I don’t know if I ever mentioned this, but I’m loving the frozen hot chocolate from Dunkin Donuts. If you haven’t had one, you should. They are definitely available in Port Washington. I had one from the DD on Main Street about 2 weeks ago.

Times are tough for the Reds right now but at least we’re not moaning and groaning about everything the way the Cardinals are. I guess we have a bit more dignity with defeat than they do.

When the entire division hates you and has altercations with you, it can’t be everyone else. It might be time for Tony LaRussa and the Cardinals to look in the mirror and realize that they are the problem.
There are rumors that LaRussa might be leaving the Cardinals for the job in Chicago (White Sox). Hopefully that is the case.

This Day In History
1790-Congress creates what will become known as the Coast Guard.
1914-President Woodrow Wilson declares US neutrality in World War I.

posted by Mr. Dowling in Food,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball,history and have Comments (4)

Jul

Friday, 7/15

Did you hear about the little girl who shot a hole in one? And it wasn’t even in mini-golf…no tricky windmills or anything. Unbelievable!
Here’s the article. I believe I read somewhere that it was an 85 year shot, nearly an entire football field. That’s pretty accurate!

Television during the summer is usually a graveyard of terrible shows and repeats. Mrs. Dowling and I managed to find a few good shows worth watching. We are currently watching the 2nd season of Master Chef and Hot in Cleveland. We just added a new show on TLC called Surprise Homecoming. Usually I call TLC the Freakshow Channel because this is the channel that brought us shows about Tree People, 1000 lb. people, wolf-man, etc. but this show is actually worth watching. It is about soldiers coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan to surprise family members who haven’t seen them in a long time. It is tough not to get emotional watching the show. It airs Mondays at 10 and is hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus. Definitely worth checking out.
Here’s the link to the show’s website.

Speaking of television, this Sunday on ABC Family is a movie called Cyberbully. Check it out. Let me know if you think it is better than Odd Girl Out. There’s a bunch of information on the website about the movie and the campaign to “Delete Digital Drama”. Check it out.

I used to love these when I was a kid. They are WWE Wrestling Ice Cream bars. They had a cookie with a wrestler printed on it with vanilla ice cream and a chocolate coating. If you ever see these in a store, pick it up. It is worth it, even if you don’t like wrestling.

Big series for the Reds this weekend. Reds vs. Cardinals. It is also Superhero Weekend for the Reds. Too bad they couldn’t have Superman or The Hulk in their lineup. I guess we’ll just have to settle for Votto and Bruce.
Here’s a good cartoon in honor of Superhero Weekend.

Have a great weekend!

posted by Mr. Dowling in Food,Movies,Television,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball and have Comment (1)

Jun

Wild Kingdom Edition

I take back my complaints about mosquitoes from earlier this week. At least they didn’t fly into my ear!!!

Amazingly, the thing was still alive when they took it out of the little boy’s ear.
If reading is more your speed, check out the article here.

Turtles Cause Delays At JFK
How would you like to be a busy businessperson on your way to a huge meeting that will bring about a million dollar agreement. The only problem is your flight it delayed…by turtles!!!
This happened right in our own backyard at JFK Airport.
Check out the article here.
I would be worried if I had a flight today. There are probably going to be a bunch of rabbits on the runway. The tortoises always beats the hare!
Apparently this happens every year…probably because we are so nice to them. They are taking advantage of our hospitality. I don’t think they would get such a kind reception from a NYC taxi driver.

Made s’mores last night. I have no idea why I made as many as I did. I usually take pride in finishing everything on my plate. I tapped out with one sweet/delicious treat on my plate. I guess I’m not in “eating shape” yet.

This Day In History
2006-During my first trip to The Great American Ballpark, Adam Dunn hits a game-winning, walk off grandslam off of Bob Wickman. This shot put the Reds in first place for the first time in a long time and the ovation was thunderous. This is still by far the most amazing experience I’ve had live at a baseball game.
Speaking of the Reds, they have to step it up a bit. Their next ten games are against the Indians, Cardinals (you know how much I hate them) and then the 1st place Brewers. Anything less than 7-3 could be the beginning of the end for the Reds chances of being competitive. After the all-star break, the Reds also start things off with the Cardinals. So over the Reds next 13 games, 10 will be against the Brewers and Cardinals. This is a major part of the season. It doesn’t get any better after that. The Reds have to play a much improved Pirates team.
1950-President Truman orders US troops into Korea
1953-The first Chevy Corvette rolls of the assembly line in Michigan.

My favorite is still the Tucker Torpedo, pictured below.

Apparently, one of these cars was sold recently for nearly $800,000. Perhaps after we fund the socialstudieswithasmile.com Superbowl Commercial we’ll start the fund raising for a socialstudieswithasmile.com Tucker Torpedo.

posted by Mr. Dowling in Current Events,Food,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball,history and have Comments (9)

Jun

Good News

Casey has finally come home! After nearly 2 weeks in the hospital, we were finally able to take our baby home. DJ seems to be working on adjusting. He seems to be a pretty protective brother. He checks on Casey every time she makes a noise and cries when she does.

Here at socialstudieswithasmile.com, we pride ourselves on our constant discussions on food. Usually we talk about things without any regard for the negative impact the fatty foods could have on our health. We’re going to change things up a bit. Did you see the article in the paper about the worst food you can eat…potato chips!
Apparently eating potato chips adds about a pound a year to our frame.
Here’s the article.
I guess if I never had potato chips I’d be about 30 lbs. lighter. I would wither away to nothing!
Thoughts?

Anyone feel any 1986 Mets nostalgia? It seems that The Nationals have replaced Jim Riggleman with former Mets manager Davey Johnson.
Here’s the article on Johnson’s return to MLB after a 10 year absence.
Davey Johnson is a winner. He won the with Mets. In fact, the brought the Mets from laughing stock of the league to league dominators. They became hot right around when I became a baseball fan. It is amazing that I never became a Mets fan because they were what the Yankees are now in the mid-1980s. He took the Mets to the playoffs twice, winning on championship. He then brought the Reds and Orioles to the playoffs as well. Can he do the same with the Nats? Only time will tell but I like his chances with Stasburg and Harper.
Johnson is the 2nd former Reds manager to get a job this week after Jack McKeon got the Marlins job earlier. Apparently being old and former Reds manger is in style.

DJ Playing In the Yard

posted by Mr. Dowling in Casey,Current Events,DJ,Food,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball and have Comments (19)

Jun

Lincoln’s Beard

You may recall that when we looked at pictures of Lincoln during the Lincoln-Douglas debates Lincoln did not have a beard.
Lincoln did not grow the beard until he ran for President 2 years later.
The reason?
In 1860, Grace Bedell, a young girl, wrote Lincoln with advice

Dear Sir,
My father has just come home from the fair and brought home your picture…I am a little girl only eleven years old but want you should be President of the United States very much…I have got 4 brothers and part of them will vote for you any way and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husband’s to vote for you and then you would be President…

-From Bennett and Cribb’s The American Patriot’s Almanac

Did You Know?
According to Fast Food Nation (an eye-opening book), the average American eats three hamburgers each week. Apparently I am an average American. I had 3 hamburgers this week. Actually it is around this time each year that I decide to cut back on eating hamburgers. There are just too many barbecues during this time of year.

That’s all for today. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

posted by Mr. Dowling in Food,Uncategorized,history and have Comments (3)

Jun

Do You Think This Guy Is Going To Get A Father’s Day Present?

By the way, according to the website, Jeltz’s card is worth around $.25.
I could not find a price on the Mark Salas card. I guess we’ll just call it “priceless”.

We had okay attendance at extra help this morning. We even had a student from the Red House. Hopefully it was helpful to you. Remember our next session is Monday afternoon (3:15-3:45).
Congrats to those of you who won extra credit today. At least most of the non-extra credit winners were able to go home with a nice firm handshake. Some even left with a baseball card. I hope you treasure your Steve Jeltz card!

This Day In History
1916-Louis D. Brandeis, the first Jewish member of the US Supreme Court is sworn in.

Today is National Donut Day. Yes, Krispy Kreme is giving out free donuts. Apparently, this day is to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. Now it is just an excuse to enjoy tasty-glazed goodness.

Did You Know?
Why the heck are we asked to say cheese when someone wants to take our picture? Beats me. But did you know that it was in 1920 when saying cheese before a picture became common. Maybe that’s why that all people aren’t smiling in really old pictures.

posted by Mr. Dowling in Food,School,Uncategorized,history and have Comment (1)

May

The Weekend of 5/21

Thank you for those of you who participated in the Extra Credit Extravaganza. A good time was had by all. This was an opportunity to not only gain a few extra points but also to review for the final. Be sure to read over some of the responses. I’m sure they will help to refresh your memory a bit.

Some say the world is going to end today. I say if you believe that then give me all of your money. You’re not going to need it after today anyway…

Reds blew a 4-0 lead yesterday against the Indians. At least they didn’t lose any ground as the Cardinals also lost to the Royals. Perhaps I’m too much of a traditionalist but I’m not a big fan of interleague play. I guess I feel that way especially because the Reds have to play the Indians 6 times, the Yankees 3 times and Rays 3 times.
This week doesn’t get any better for the Reds either. After finishing up with the Tribe, they go to Philadelphia.

Bowling Scores For the Week
189, 213, 185 for a clean sweep of games this week. It also allowed my team to finish in 2nd place. Not bad at all. Bowling has been a frequent topic on the blog since it first started. However, next year I will not be a full-time member of the league. I’ve decided to continue as a sub only. Bowling every Friday night can become a bit of a grind and I’m sure Mrs. Dowling and DJ are looking forward to having me home Friday nights.

From Newsday

Mickey D’s defends its clown

McDonald’s Corp. chief executive Jim Skinner came out swinging yesterday when asked about Ronald McDonald and whether the burger chain hooks children with junk food. Skinner, speaking at the company’s annual shareholder meeting at McDonald’s headquarters outside Chicago, said that newspaper ads Wednesday calling for Ronald’s retirement had prompted an outpouring of support, with parents and customers asking Skinner “to defend their right to choose.” A group called Corporate Accountability International paid for the ads, which said Ronald is encouraging unhealthy eating habits and contributing to childhood obesity and related diseases such as diabetes. At the meeting, shareholders defeated a proposal the group had helped craft asking McDonald’s to issue a report on its responses to childhood obesity.

What’s your opinion on this? Is a clown the reason that some youngsters are overweight?

If it were that easy, wouldn’t all restaurants have goofy clowns outside of their doors?

Did You Know?
Only 4% of comic book collectors are female. I guess that’s why the Comic Book Guy on the Simpsons is single.

posted by Mr. Dowling in Bowling,Current Events,Food,School,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball and have Comment (1)

May

Man Plans To Eat 25,000th Big Mac

Check out this article: Man Plans To Eat 25,000th Big Mac

Questions I have:
How is this man still alive?
Who counts how many hamburgers they have eaten?
Why does this man suspiciously look like the Hamburglar?

How is it that this guy doesn’t have the record?

posted by Mr. Dowling in Food,Uncategorized and have Comments (5)

Apr

Yummmmm!

Looking for a tasty desert to go with a Krispy Kreme hamburger? We’ve found one. First of all, Ethan and I found out that the KKH is also known as a Luther. I’m not sure why but that’s what it said in a book that Ethan shared with me.

If you’ve ever been to a baseball game you know that one of the top treats at the game is ice cream in a helmet. In fact last year Baskin Robbins was selling them at their stores. It’s a classic.

A minor league baseball team has decided that this tasty treat needed to get tastier…and BIGGER!
Feast your eyes on this:

It is known as The Screamer. It includes 5 pounds of ice cream in a regulation sized baseball helmet.
It has a 1 lb brownie for its base then 21! scoops of ice cream, 4 bananas (for health reasons I’m sure), hot fudge, whipped cream and sprinkles.
Could you imagine the brain freeze you would get from eating this too quickly.

Bowling Scores For The Week: 141, 163, 154. A rather weak week for me but my team pulled off 2 victories to take sole possession of 2nd place. Next week we face the 1st place team. Hopefully I’ll bring my A game. We’re going to need it.

Opening Night tonight. The Reds are probably the only team that celebrates both Opening Day and then an Opening Night. I guess they have to do whatever it takes to get people into the ballpark. The economy of Cincinnati and the rest of the Ohio area seems to be struggling a lot more than our area.
The first week of the season is always difficult for the fan. The Reds have one game, then an off day. Then two games and then an off day. 3 games in 5 days.

Did You Know?
Lifesavers are the best selling candy in the world.

This Day In History
Floridians celebrate Pascua Florida Day today. They are celebrating the day in 1513 that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon made his first known visit to Florida. As you may recall from class, Ponce de Leon became the governor of Puerto Rico after conquering that area. During his time there (according to legend), Ponce de Leon was told of a fountain of youth. Naturally, he wanted to find it. Instead, he found Florida. He named it Florida because he arrived at Easter time, which the Spanish called Pascua Florida, the Feast of the Flowers.
Ponce de Leon did not settled in Florida until 8 years later.
1917-President Wilson asks for a declaration of war against Germany. As you recall, he wanted “the world to be safe for democracy.”
1953-Scientists Crick and Watson publish an article in a science journal describing the double helix structure of DNA. Mr. Buchman would be proud to hear of a science mention on the blog. Actually, Mr. Buchman loves history. If we had to switch classes he would probably choose Science. If I could I’d switch with Mrs. Convey to teach math.

Busy day tomorrow. Reds game followed by Wrestlemania. I haven’t missed a Wrestlemania in nearly 25 years.

posted by Mr. Dowling in Food,The Reds,Uncategorized,baseball,history and have Comments (2)

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