The big topic this past weekend was the anticipation of a "shocking" display of megalomania at the MTV Video Music Awards (see Kanye West/Taylor Swift incident), I guess what happened wasn't too newsworthy because the only thing my twitter updates, The Today Show, and the local morning radio DJ's had to say about it was that Justin Beiber won and Lady Gaga (who I still have no idea what she looks like) were the big winners. I guess it's safe to say that we've seen it all when it comes to shocking celebrity incidents and nothing surprises us anymore.

My theory is that we are more interested in seeing people (celebrities) fail in some way or the other - an awesome spectacle of a train wreck (see Perez Hilton's blog, Mel Gibson, Lindsey Lohan, The Jersey Shore "cast"). What happened to Hollywood? To quote a favorite movie of mine, "I mean, it's literally like someone took America by the East Coast and 'shook' it, and all the normal girls managed to hang on." Or maybe I'm just too old now to get what the big deal is...

Duane Kim Baldwin
2010-09-20 20:56:44

I was watching the Today Show this morning as I enjoyed my breakfast before heading to the office and the main story was about how "Snookie" from The Jersey Shore (a reality MTV show) was in legal trouble for being drunk and disorderly in public. Most of us have been drunk in public but not disorderly because we know that there is a time and place for everything. I think we can all agree that being disorderly can best serve us only in a room made of Nerf footballs - I have yet to find this room or become rich enough to afford one so I will settle for just being drunk and not calling too much attention to myself.

So, in honor of "Snookie", who I believe is a complete mess, I've made up a recipe just for her - at least we can agree that there is never a wrong time to enjoy a delicious hot dog.

A WRECK DOG

INGREDIENTS

1" thick Big Hot Dog/Big Bratwurst slice
Hamburger Buns
1 Egg
Onion slice
Mayonnaise
Jalapeno peppers
Avocado
Salt and black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Heat a small skillet with butter over medium heat and fry the egg over easy (or however you like your eggs). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Grill/pan fry/microwave 1" slice of Big Hot Dog/Big Bratwurst

Spread mayonnaise on hamburger buns and place cooked Hot Dog/Bratwurst paddy on bottom bun. Top with fried egg, onion slice, jalapeno peppers, and avocado slices.

WARNING: Much like The Jersey Shore, you won't feel great after consuming but will secretly enjoy it.

Duane Kim Baldwin
2010-09-20 20:56:12

Last weekend kicked off the start of College football season. It’s a beautiful time of the year when the weather gets colder, the leaves start to change, and yes, the smell of a good tailgate fills the streets of every university campus across the country.

Spending four years at Michigan State University (Go Green!), every Saturday morning at 8am I would arise from my hangover, grab a Busch Light from the fridge and start up the old propane grill on my front porch. My roommates would be playing beer pong on the front lawn drinking from their red plastic cups - getting more excited (intoxicated) for kick off with each and every sip. After copious amounts of beer we would grill up some hot dogs and make our way to Spartan Stadium.

As a somewhat responsible adult now I find it nostalgic whenever I see, smell, taste a good hot dog. Hot Dogs are as much a part of America as Football. This season give this recipe a try (unless you are a University of Michigan fan) to take you back to those special tailgate Saturdays - Beer is optional but encouraged.

GO GREEN! GO WHITE! DOG

INGREDIENTS

1" Big Hot Dog/Big Bratwurst paddy Hamburger Buns
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Onion
2 TBL SPOONS of butter
Your favorite mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
Chop the green bell pepper and onion into long strips. Place pepper and onions in a small sautéan over medium heat with butter. Sauténtil onions become translucent. Add black pepper and salt to taste.

Grill 1" Big Hot Dog/Big Bratwurst paddy for two minutes on each side - wait for awesome grill marks (remember to remove casing).

Spread your favorite mustard on both hamburger buns. Place Big Hot Dog/Big Bratwurst paddy on bottom bun and top with the sauté peppers and onions. Sandwich together and enjoy!

DUANE KIM BALDWIN
2010-09-20 20:55:35