Recall Alert: Ben & Jerry's Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream

Ben & Jerry's should be issuing an official recall notice for their new ice cream flavor Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream any day now.  It has been determined that the ice cream poses serious health risks and should be removed from homes as soon as possible.  Below is my personal experience with this ice cream and I'm certain that there are tens of thousands of similar cases around the country right now.

While my case has a bit of history that I cannot blame on the ice cream itself, this may not be true in all cases.  The previous history I refer to is slight back pain for several days before this incident.  However, the ice cream was directly responsible for the aggravation of the situation. 

On Thursday evening, I decided to open the new container of Ben & Jerry's Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream.  My wife, who was in the kitchen at the time, took notice to this, picket up the container from the countertop, and tried to steal a spoonful for herself.  I reacted in the only reasonable manner, I grabbed the container from her and ran down the stairs screaming "Mine! Mine! Mine!".  I then proceeded to yank open the back door, and ran around the yard, continuing to scream while eating the ice cream.  Meanwhile my wife was chasing me yelling "Give that back!  Everyone deserves a piece of the Americone Dream!"

It was then I realized that the pain in back had increased dramatically and I am still paying the price today.  I place the blame for this incident squarely on the shoulders of Stephen Colbert.  He never should have allowed his name to be attached to such a potentially harmful product.  I don not, however, regret my actions.  You simply cannot go to far to attempt to protect the Americone Dream.

PS: My wife did eventually get her spoonful (and then some).

PPS: While the viewpoints expressed in this story are comically exaggerated, the pain involved is not.

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QotD: My Favorite Greasy Spoon

What is your favorite greasy spoon?
Submitted by S@ngarang.

This is an easy one.  The Bowmanstown Diner in Bowmanstown, PA wins hands down.  This place has never grown beyond the traditional greasy spoon offerings, and I'm fine with that.  The only exceptions to that rule are some locally loved Pennsylvania Dutch recipes like potato filling (mmmm), pork and sauerkraut, and french fries smothered in gravy. Being the only 24 hour place in the area, I ate way too many post midnight meals here when I was in my late teens and early twenties.  Hot roast beef sandwich and fries (or filling) with gravy.  Stick to the ribs food that always hit the spot.  I don't get there nearly as often as I'd like now that I'm married.... my wife isn't a fan of such places.  But I'll take nearly any excuse I can to get back.  It may not be fancy, but it's great, traditional, meat and potatoes style food.

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A Photo is Worth a Thousand (bad) Puns

I know ewe did it! (P1010122)

Looks a bit sheepish, no?

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QotD: Musical Horoscope

What's your musical horoscope?  (Put your player on shuffle and write down the first 10 songs that come up.)
Inspired by Stephanie.  

Robert Plant – Ship of Fools
Better Than Ezra – Good
Def Leppard – Rocket
Aerosmith – Rag Doll
Van Halen – Best of Both Worlds
Queen – Seven Seas Of Rhye
Boston – Amanda
Queensrÿche – Sacred Ground
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge
The Presidents of the United States of America – Lump

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I have a headache

As far as I can see, it doesn't have Excedrin written on it, so I have no idea what to take to get rid of it.  That is all.

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QotD: Apple For The Teacher

Who was your best (or worst) elementary school teacher?
Submitted by Minnow. 

I'll give you one of each.

My best elementary school teacher was Mary Mulligan in 3rd grade (Franklin Elementary School, Lehighton, PA).  She stood out far ahead of the other teachers I had in elementary school (possibly all of my education) because she truly cared, set her expectations high, and provided you with the means and support to reach those expectations.  If anyone here sees Mary, let her know that Shawn O'Brian wishes her the most heartfelt thanks possible.  I don't believe I would be where I am today if it weren't for her.

My worst elementary teacher (and again, worst overall) was Mr. Peiffer in 4th grade.  In his class I quickly learned (since he pulled me aside and explained this) that I would receive good grades simply because it was expected of me from my performance in earlier years.  Knowing this I hardly tried to learn anything.  This is the year I fell behind in math and never completely recovered.  I tried and did reasonably well in successive years, but was never again outstanding when it came to my math courses.  Another reason he was my worst teacher was the fact that he had taken swings at several students.  Granted they were provoking him by taunting him, but talk about an overreaction!  Now when I say swings, I'm not saying he tried to slap them with a ruler, I mean he tried to punch them and do serious harm.  Thankfully they were quick enough to dodge.  In one case his missed throw hit the bulletin board on the wall behind the student.  It left a nice sized dent in the bulletin board.  It was a bad year for me and other students, thankfully he was transferred away after that one year.  I pity the students that may have had to deal with him since.

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QotD: Think Global, Buy Local

Do you buy products made locally?  Is there anything made in your area that you love?

There are a few things that are locally made that I will buy:

Iced Teas: Zimmerman's Dairy here in Lehighton, PA or Turkey Hill from Lancaster PA.
Sodas: A-Treat beverages headquartered in Allentown, PA.
Ice Cream: Turkey Hill from Lancaster, PA.

There are others, these are just a few off the top of my head.  There is one brand that no longer is produced that I miss, although my heart is praising every supernatural being in non-existence for the fact.  Golden Sun Potato Chips.  These were the most incredible potato chips that were made in small batches by a family in Slatington, PA.  While I say small batches, I mean compared to Lays, Herrs, etc.  They were available in stores throughout the Lehigh Vally, at least.  I've never found a replacement for these.  When I heard the families children were not going to continue the business when their parents retired I was shocked.  I bought every box and bag I could get my hands on, but that wasn't much because many other people were doing the same. 

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