Happy Birthday Ma....by Ann Taylor

Happy Birthday to my Mom a.k.a "Ma".  

Dog Welcoming Soldier Home Video.....by Ann Taylor

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/video-ecstatic-dog-welcoming-soldier-home-goes-viral-220608744.html

This is a "feel good" video.  It is so cute!  Enjoy!!!

NEW BLOG INTRODUCTION...by Ann Taylor

I would like to introduce you to a NEW EAST GREENBUSH BLOG, http://eastgreenbushgadfly.blogspot.com/.

Please peruse and share your comments with them.  You have the security of anonymity.

'The Walls of Belfast'..to be presented by Jack Conway

 Sunday April 1, 2012 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM  East Greenbush Library (Multipurpose Rm)

'The Walls of Belfast' is a multi-media presentation by Dr. Jack Conway on research conducted in Belfast, Northern Ireland during the peace process years of 1998-2000. Belfast is famous for the political wall murals that dominate the landscape in working class Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods.  This presentation includes a comprehensive look at themurals, posters, signs, graffiti and warnings placed on the walls of Belfast by militant political movements seeking to shape and explain the violence of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland.

 

Jack Conway is a resident of East Greenbush and a member of the Town's Board of Ethics. He has a doctorate in Anthropology from Brown University and has taught on the faculties of Skidmore College and the University of Albany among other institutions. His specialization is in the study of community politics and he has written extensively on the politics of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In Belfast, his research focused on the militant factions of both Catholic and Protestant communities as he sought to understand the conflict in Northern Ireland from the perspective of those who fought the war.

Dieting...by Ann Taylor

It's no secret that I am a slave to the cocoa bean.  LOVE chocolate (and vanilla and caramel and butterscotch and anything sweet...).  It's also no secret that everyone has a price and my price....is most any baked good or pastry.  I admit it....I am weak when it comes to baked goods...cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cakes, ice cream, etc.  Another little tidbit of information is I am also a big fan of Weight Watchers.  That program works!  I joined Weight Watchers in January 2008 and lost 50 lbs in less than 6 months.  After 1.5 months I felt good enough to add running into my daily schedule.
To this day I still run (about 3.5 miles/day) and follow Weight Watchers.  I fully admit that I am STILL easily tempted by a cookie!  At times I venture beyond my allotted daily points and fall prey to Oreo cookies.  But, I get back on track and follow my points with the program.  It is so true...when you lose weight slowly, and do it the RIGHT way, it really is much easier to keep it off.  Please don't misunderstand, there is always my "inner chubby girl" that is ever so excited to try a new cookie recipe or eat a chocolate cupcake covered in buttercream frosting.  That being said, in moderation, once in awhile it is certainly acceptable to treat yourself to a sugary and sweet pleasure.
So...my question to you....what are some diet secrets, diet plans or exercises you have found to be the most beneficial for you?

St. Patrick's Day....by Ann Taylor

With a maiden name of "Murphy" I cannot let March 17th go by without wishing everyone a very Happy St. Patrick's Day!  This day is also viewed, to some, as the unofficial start of spring...SWEET!

For those that are not Irish let me explain what St. Patrick's Day means to a child of an Irishman.  As many of you know my Dad is Irish, my Mom is Italian.  Guess which one made sure we wore green to school on St. Patrick's Day....you guessed it--MA DID!  She scoured our closets to find a green sweater, blouse, blazer. anything green.  And...to top the outfit off, my sister and I wore green shamrock earrings that Ma had made for us.  Needless to say, we were not exactly the "cool kids".  And we didn't care---we LOVED it!!!!  PLUS, Ma put a green shamrock cookie in our lunches everyday the week of St. Patrick's Day!  SO GREAT!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

In Search of the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie....by Ann Taylor

To anyone who knows me, this post will not come as a big surprise.  It's probably more of a surprise that I have not written it before now!

Chocolate chip cookies are the number 1 most loved cookie in the world according to "Yummy Desserts" http://your-yummy-desserts.com/tag/top-5-cookies.  That's a great little "fact" BUT, it is not specific.  Some chocolate chip cookies are better than others (all are good but some are better).

Some people love Freihofers cookies, some love Chips Ahoy, some like Famous Amos, others like Mrs. Fields, and the list goes on and on.  The pre-made dough even has subtle differences.  Some prefer Nestle, others Pillsbury, and others like Hershey.  Mr. Subb features David's brand and those are very tasty.

So..question to YOU....what is YOUR favorite chocolate chip cookie?

Bounty System....by Ryan J. Murphy

http://theryanmurphyexperience.blogspot.com/2012/03/bounty-system-by-ryan-j-murphy.html

Don't know what a "Bounty System" means?  Check out Ryan's link to find out!

Leaders....by Ryan J. Murphy

http://theryanmurphyexperience.blogspot.com/2012/03/leaders-by-ryan-j-murphy.html

Please check this link and submit comments.  It's a perspective on team leaders in sports.  Pretty interesting.