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Sunday, June 12, 2011

A Hot Summer’s Day Dani Dog

by Daniella Nicole


I eat healthy most of the time, but every now and then, I just want something different. It might be a bacon mushroom Swiss burger at a fast food joint, or something I create in my own kitchen (dark chocolate brownies-mmmmmm).

Over the weekend, the nice weather caused me to think about grilling and hot dogs, so guess what I indulged in? Of course, I couldn’t just make any old dog on any old bun. I was really happy with my results-so much so that I just made another one for lunch today! It’s really quick and easy to throw together and you can get way more creative than I did, too.

I cook only for myself a lot these days, so this recipe is for one person. You can easily multiply it out to suit your own needs.

Ingredients
1 sourdough sub roll
Butter (I prefer real butter, but use whatever you like)
1-2 hot dogs (If you use skinny dogs like Hebrew National or Oscar Mayer, you will need two per roll. If you use plump dogs like Nathan’s you only need one per roll)
Cheese (use whatever you have or prefer)
Other condiments (I like ketchup and relish-sometimes chili and onions, too)

Directions
Cut open your sub roll (if not pre-cut) and smear a little (LITTLE) butter on the inside of each half. I cut mine all the way open so I can stack them like sandwich bread later.

Place in oven or toaster oven to toast to your desired level of brownness (I like mine golden with some dark brown around the edges). You can also brown these on the grill, if you prefer.

Meanwhile, start grilling your hot dogs. You can use a Foreman grill, outdoors grill or even a non-stick fry pan (no oil or butter needed).

The bread will toast before the hot dogs are done. You want this to happen so you can place the cheese on one half of the sub roll and close it up with the other half so the cheese will melt.

Once the hot dogs are done, open up the sub roll and place the hot dog(s) on the cheese. If you used skinny dogs, you will need two per roll. If you used plump dogs, you can use one as is, or slice it open to help the whole thing lay a little more flat.

Then top with your favorite condiments and close the roll or place the other half on top.

Enjoy!

Note: just one of these is really filling, so you probably won’t want much other food on the side. This does go well with watermelon, salad or homemade chips, though. Two light eaters could probably split one of these and have a small side dish with it, and be happy.


Note, Part 2: I was hungry and didn't think about taking a picture before gobbling it all up! lol. Next time I make one I will take a picture and upload it here. Sorry!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Updates and Feedback from You

by Daniella Nicole


I am still finding my happy place between keeping you updated on Spin Blast and not flooding you with updates on it. Since the last post, the following have been added to Spin Blast:


Veteran's Day Special


Repealing Unconstitutional 17th Amendment


Obama's SAVE Award vs GOP YouCut


Obamacare Waivers Offset Job-Killing Healthcare Bill for Some (This covers the 'six clicks' it takes to find the waiver recipients list, too.)


On a personal note, I'd love for you to weigh in on these topics and others. What do you think of the Spin Blast updates here? Should I include them every time or just post summary lists now and then like I did today? I've covered a lot of things in this blog such as politics, news, job openings, free stuff, random fun stuff and more personal rants and silliness. What would you like me to post more often and what posts do you think I should kill?


Thank you, as always, for your feedback and support.


~Dani

Friday, November 5, 2010

Olbermann Suspended. What's Next for Him; More NBC Suspensions in Works?




by Daniella Nicole



News broke on November 5, 2010 that NBC had suspended Keith Olbermann, host of “Countdown” indefinitely and without pay. The reasoning behind the suspension that was given was the discovery of three campaign donations of $2,400 made by the television host last month. All three donations went to Democrats. They are Arizona Representatives Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva and Kentucky Attorney General and Senate candidate Jack Conway, who lost to Rand Paul. 


A New York Times piece quotes MSNBC President Phil Griffin’s released statement regarding the matter, “I became aware . . .Read more on Spin Blast



Image Credit: kirstenloveputi. Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en Wikimedia Commons.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Keith_Olbermann_-_small.jpg

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Music Video for Election Day: I am American

by Daniella Nicole




This music video by Jeremy Dodge is a great tribute to proud Americans and a great song for election day.





Some of the lyrics:

“We’re rising up because we’re fed up. Got our house in order; and got yours in sight.”
“I am American, that’s what I am. It’s what I think and what I do. I am American, that’s what I am and I bleed red, white and blue.”
“It’s not about party, it’s about what’s right. Taking back our country-come and join the fight.”
“I pledge allegiance to the flag” (full pledge included)

Like this? Find more great posts on Spin Blast. 

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fun, Interactive Election Night Coverage: Not Your Parents' Election Results Show



by Daniella Nicole


Chris “The Fritch” Fritcher of The Fritch Show and Christopher Knight of The Midnight Runner Show will be combining forces to provide fun, interactive election night coverage.

Their Election Night Extravaganza will be streamed live at The Fritch Show  beginning at 8 pm EDT and will allow viewers to interact with each other and the hosts via a chatroom. Viewers will also be able to call into the show. Either way, the audience is encouraged to participate: sharing their stories, views and election updates from their regions. This is good news for everyone wanting a break from the ‘same old boring coverage’ and all those who love to be actively engaged in the issues of the day.

More good news is that . . .


Image Credit: Election Map. AndyHogan14. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2014_Senate_election_map.svg

NaNoWriMo and Movember Come to You



by Daniella Nicole


November marks the start of the annual NaNoWriMo event. NaNoWriMo is the shorter version name of National Novel Writing Month. Each year, thousands of writers commit to a goal of producing 50,000 words in one month, towards a novel. In 2009, more than 165,000 people participated. NaNoWriMo is not about creating the perfect work – it’s about making the time to work on that book buried inside that is just begging to get out and on to paper.

This challenge can be applied to many other things. One group of writers with AC Yahoo! has committed in their own way to produce that amount of work, but in various forms. With the average article being 500 words, it is a commitment of 100 articles in one month. For some, that is an easy goal, being something they already do. For many, though, it can be a challenge, especially if they want it to all be with one company or client.

Setting goals, pushing yourself and reaching higher isn’t just for writers, though. Anyone can set a goal related to something they have wanted to do but keep putting off and get it done this month.

Been dying to get that garage cleaned out? Need to get your teen’s baby pictures scrapbooked? Want to learn a foreign language or read a classic book? Set yourself a goal and give yourself the month in which to accomplish it. Find stolen moments here and there to work on it. Use free time to work on your goal rather than play on Facebook or Twitter.

November is also the month for another challenge; this one for a very worth cause. Movember is in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness. For this goal, men start with no mustache (if they have one, they have to shave it off) and grow it out for the entire month. This is another goal that can be used – and it’s a great cause.

In the case of NaNoWriMo, not every writer succeeds in meeting the challenge. However, many come back every year to try again, after having amazed themselves with what they could really do once they put their mind to it. Even if you don’t manage to accomplish your goal despite your best efforts, you will be that much closer to having it done.

I’ll be participating in my own way in both. No, I won’t be growing a mustache for Movember (though, as a Greek lady I probably could! LOL), but I will be supporting it in other ways. For NaNoWriMo, I won’t be working on a novel, but I will be working on upping my writing productivity for the month, attempting to get more done with several places. Since 500,000 words is approximately one 175-page book, I hope to get at least that much done in singular works, combined.

What is your personal challenge for November?


Image Credits: 
NanoWriMo Logo. Webbadge for bloggers. http://www.nanowrimo.org/webbadges 

Movember Logo. Movember Foundation. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Movember_Foundation_Logo.JPG

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Constitutionality of Requiring ID, Citizenship to Vote





by Daniella Nicole


On October 26, a federal appeals court struck down AZ law requiring voters to present some form of identification in order to vote and to present proof of citizenship in order to register. The court cited inconsistencies with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). In 2004, Arizona voters passed the law the courts then struck down in 2010. 


With all due respect to the court, that ruling is preposterous. Though only legal citizens can vote, the ruling presupposes that registered voters, who must be legal citizens, are somehow prohibited from obtaining acceptable proof of citizenship, which, for the record, is usually one form of identification required to obtain ID-something the ruling allows Arizona to require of voters. 


The U.S. Justice Department states about the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, “The Act allows for removal of voters . . .


Read more on Spin Blast . . .



Image Credit: U.S. Government. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OriginalGreenCard.jpg

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Fun Times at the Airport: Intimate Pat Downs and Full Body Scans

by Daniella Nicole








It was announced that as of Friday, October 29, 2010, enhanced pat downs would be given to passengers who refuse to pass through full body scanners (AIT machines) at airports. Currently, more than 65 U.S. airports use the AIT machines. Enhanced pat downs will also be used at airports without the AIT machines, for those fliers who trigger the other security devices. 


These enhanced pat downs do not use the previous ‘palms up’ method, but use the full hand and go where pat down hands at airports have never gone before. Reports are circulating . . .


Read more on Spin Blast . . .



Image Credit: Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Government. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Backscatter_x-ray_image_woman.jpg


Friday, October 29, 2010

Breaking News: Nationwide Rash of Suspicious Packages; Bomb Threat


by Daniella Nicole



On October 28, a flight originating in Montana that arrived inSalt Lake City was reported to have been the target of a bomb threat. Investigators found no bomb. Though this was the same day former President Jimmy Carter was in Salt Lake City for a “White House Diary” book-signing tour, it is unlikely the two are related. 


More reports broke on October 29 of suspicious packages appearing across the USA and in other parts of the world. 


UPS packages originating from Yemen were being checked on cargo planes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Newark,New Jersey. This comes after reports that investigators found . . .


Read more of this ongoing breaking story at Spin Blast . . .

Image Credit: Bluegum. Stock.xchng.http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1279274

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Meet Rising Star and Conservative Radio Talk Show Host Christopher "The Fritch" of The Fritch Show




















by Daniella Nicole



Rising star and host of The Fritch Show, Chris Fritcher offers an independent conservative commentary on the hot topics of the day.

Raised in a devout Democrat family, what caused this hard-hitting conservative talk show host to leave the Democrat fold and to take his common-sense views to the internet and airwaves?

Discover how this “every day Joe Citizen” became a strong voice of reason in America.

Getting to Know The Fritch 

Christopher “The Fritch” Fritcher is, at times, a kind of Superman. One part mild-mannered, humble man and one part fearless fighter for truth. The ads for his show reflect his own self-deprecating humor, and yet, he is outspoken, assertive and bold in his commentary, attacking all the lies and spin put out by the left and right, alike.

Off the air, he is much the same-outspoken in his opinions, thoughts and viewpoints while also being relatable to his audience. This gives him a down-to-earth charm and realism that draws listeners to his show and keeps them coming back for more.

The Fritch’s journey to his growing conservative radio talk show success is a story of embracing the curves life can throw at you. He was . . . 



Read the full article here . . .

Image credit: Used with Permission. The Fritch Show. http://www.fritchshow.com/

Tax-Dodging or Legal Use of Tax Code?




by Daniella Nicole


I recently heard a campaign ad in which an attack was launched against a candidate for ‘using a loophole’ to avoid paying sales taxes on a high-end purchase. The rest of the ad talked about the seniors and others who are struggling to buy groceries.

The two are completely unrelated and the whole thing brings up an interesting point. When you use the legal loopholes and advantages set up in the tax code, are you a tax-dodger? If the code is set up to allow for certain allowances, avoidances and deductions, are you a tax-dodger when you use them?

I certainly use the itemized deductions I am legally allowed to claim in order to reduce my tax burden. I claim my legal dependants and use any other allowances or deductions I am legally allowed to use. Am I a tax-dodger?

I try to keep up on the latest changes in the tax code and keep them in mind as I conduct personal and private business throughout the year, in the hopes my tax burden will be affected in my favor by doing so. Am I a tax-dodger?

I don’t think its fair to call someone who is using the legally allowed means of reducing taxes a ‘tax-dodger’. By that same token, if someone is breaking the law or just not paying the taxes they legally owe, I would say that is tax-dodging.

I think we need to be careful about making accusations about others and when believing the claims others make. I would say that without proof the gentleman attacked in the ad broke the law, the campaign ad was completely off-base and morally reprehensible.

How do YOU define “tax-dodging”?


Image Credit: U.S. Department of the Treasury. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IRS.svg

Calls from "Top Democrats" to Impeach Obama Not What You Think

by Daniella Nicole

25th Amendment, Impeach Obama, Lyndon LaRouche and Obama as Hitler Signs





Hang onto your seats, folks, because this will be one bumpy ride.

The 25th Amendment and Impeachment

Links are being posted on Twitter and Facebook to various articles and posts claiming something such as “Top Democrats call for Obama Impeachment Using Section 4 of 25th Amendment”.

At the heart of this story is the name Lyndon LaRouche. Lydon LaRouche is not a member of congress, but is (or has been) a Democrat. More about him later.

He made his statements regarding the need to remove President Obama from office via the 25th Amendment on the October 6, 2010 Weekly Report on . . .

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

Image Credit: U.S. Government. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:President_Barack_Obama_and_Vice_President_Joe_Biden.jpg 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Rampant Voter Fraud: Dems Tactic to Win

by Daniella Nicole

Since the 2008 elections, numerous reports came out, after the fact, of voter fraud across the country, with the main focus being on the leftist group ACORN. Since that time, there have been a few indictments
The Spectator reports that ACORN is still in operation and attempts to further investigate them and prior claims of their corruption and voter fraud are being stonewalled by the Obama administration.

Reports are now rolling in about more organized voter fraud happening again, once again being perpetrated by leftist groups who are turning in massive amounts of fraudulent voter registrations at the last moment. Those registrants are primarily listed as Democrat, even in areas in which this would be a statistical improbability.

Read More at Spin Blast . . .

Monday, October 25, 2010

Helen Thomas Defends Anti-Semitic Remarks; Proclaims Own Journalistic Integrity

by Daniella Nicole

In a Huffington Post report, former White House correspondent Helen Thomas spoke about her disappointment in the lack of support from President Obama for her following her anti-Semitic remarks, life since her forced retirement and reiterates her false statements about Israel.

The beginning of the end for Thomas began in May 2010. According to the Huffington Post, when asked by Rabbi David Nesenoff for a comment from her on Israel, "Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine," she replied.

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

U.S. Invaded: Mexican Drug Cartels Cooperate to Hire Assassins

by Daniella Nicole

A Washington Times report dated October 15, 2010 revealed that sicarios (assassins) have been hired and sent into the USA (Arizona, specifically) by a coalition of Mexican drug-smuggling gangs.

What was the Department of Homeland Security’s response? To ‘warn’ Arizona law enforcement officials. Perhaps the federal government feels that is all it needs to do since it has previously posted signs in Arizona ‘warning’ travelers about invaders from south of the border essentially taking over the area.

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

Big Brother is Watching YOU: Government Spy Machine at Work

by Daniella Nicole

For some time now, reports have been circulating that the government is spying on the online activities of ordinary citizens, with some reports stating that people with certain beliefs (i.e. conservatives) are being targeted.

This report from Fox News reveals that a Freedom of Information request filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) resulted in the release of multiple documents, including a memo from May 2008 with details regarding how the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security was exploiting social-networking sites.

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

Falsehoods Behind Separation of Church and State: Its Not a Constitutional Guarantee

by Daniella Nicole

There are many times when the phrase ‘separation of church and state’ is used in discussions relating to laws and politics. Where the conversation runs amuck is when the phrase and concept is, in error, attributed to the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

A recent case of this occurred in at least two articles posted on the Huffington Post in which the authors criticized Republican candidates by stating they didn’t believe the Constitution requires separation of church and state.

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

No Civil Rights or Voting Rights for Whitey: Skin Color Counts with DOJ and ACLU

by Daniella Nicole

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared, in his “I Have a Dream” speech, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” A leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. King must be rolling in his grave to see how his great work and sacrifice have been hijacked, sabotaged and usurped by progressives and racists.

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

Facebook Data Mined - Organizing for America behind it with Committed to Vote Challenge

by Daniella Nicole

It is spreading like wildfire across Facebook: posts supposedly from friends on the walls of others containing a link to a site with a question such as “Are you Committed to Vote?” The link goes to BarckObama.org, which is the website of the progressive group, Organizing for America.

That, in and of itself, is not a big deal. What comes next, however, is.

Read more on Spin Blast . . .

Dani's Junk Drawer is BACK!

by Daniella Nicole

It's really interesting how things work out sometimes.

I last posted about Spin Blast (featured blog of The Fritch Show) and being the blogger for it. Once that got going, I had an opportunity to have Spin Blast become part of the CBC News network (which it now is!).

In the course of setting up things with CBC, I discovered what the problem was with posting blogs here (same problem there) and was able to fix it.

So, I can now resume my normal blogging here at Dani's Junk Drawer. Yay!

I will be posting teasers for Spin Blast here, but I will also be posting all the things you have come to love about this blog: jobs, rants, free stuff/deals, news, current events, fun stuff and more.

I have several other blogs and some of those will be getting more regular attention now, too.

Thank you for your continuing support and for your patience. I know it can be really frustrating when you like a blog and the updates stop or are really sporadic. Hopefully, things will be more stable and normal now.
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Daniella Nicole. All rights reserved.