Friday, March 30, 2012

Friday Music Blog-1948 for Martinsville Speedway

Welcome to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

The NASCAR juggernaut has arrived in Virginia to race the paper-clip shaped short track of historic Martinsville Speedway.



Created in 1947, the first NASCAR race was run at Martinsville Speedway in 1948. By 1949 Martinsville Speedway was the sixth stop on the tour of what is today called the NASCAR Sprint Cup season. And it still is today.


As this day is set aside for music at Chief 187™Chatter, this week’s focus is songs popular in 1948 or, if you’d rather, artists who were born in 1948. The use of search engines is not only allowed but encouraged to satisfy this prompt! Be sure to include the artist’s name, the name of the song, and any other pertinent information you feel necessary to share.



Be sure to check in with this blog throughout the day and weekend as many add selections at various times. Also, I encourage you to take advantage of the resource that Chief 187™Chatter is becoming. Whether looking for an easy and delicious recipe to prepare or a great movie that someone highly recommends, or simply want to sit back and enjoy several good reads while nursing a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled glass of wine, Chief 187™Chatter offers it all.


If shopping is on your agenda and Amazon is the site you use, please use my link located on the right hand side of this page. By entering through my link, shopping, and checking out in one fell swoop, you pay nothing extra yet I reap a small reward. It is helpful to my organization and I truly appreciate the efforts on your part.


Looking for gear with Chief 187™ on it? Performance t-shirts, clocks, notecards, aprons, or baby gifts? Maybe a night shirt, pajamas, or phone case? How about stickers for your car? I have over 60 items for sale with the Chief 187™ logo, website, and/or my likeness attached. The profits I make from these items allow me to continue to offer my writings here at no cost to you. By purchasing and wearing your Chief 187™ items you support me and help spread the word of what I do. Thank you for your continued support.



Please join me back here on Monday when I begin the week with entirely new, fresh, and original works at
Chief 187(TM)Chatter.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Tantalizing Thursday-A Nod to the Martinsville Hot Dog

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

NASCAR left California for its southern roots, a return to Martinsville Speedway in Virginia for short track racing.



An historic track, NASCAR has been racing at Martinsville since 1948. Among its many claims to fame, this track boasts the world famous Martinsville Hot Dog.



Sadly, the only way to taste this delicacy is by attending the track, something I highly recommend you do. The actual recipe is a secret. But to keep the menu in check with our NASCAR venue this week, I had to offer a recipe for scrumptious hot dogs in the Martinsville style!


We know the hot dog is a red one, the color so vibrant it holds one in a trance for several long seconds. The enticing smell breaks the hypnotic state as one inhales the odors of chili, onions, mustard, and a vinegar-based slaw. The concoction is steamed inside a bun and nestled in a waxed paper to corral all of the ingredients.

The public will probably never know the “secret ingredients”, but we will soldier on by creating our own version of the Martinsville Hot Dog.

First, find the reddest hot dogs available for purchase – the Red 40 makes them superiorly red.


Next, slather the dog in a simple and delicious chili. Here’s a recipe I found online that has ties to Martinsville I believe.

Rumley’s Hot Dog Chili
Recipe found at http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/recipes.cfm?ID=247
Contributed by: Bobby Smith
Bobby Smith worked with Taylor Rumley, developer of this recipe, for over 27 years.


Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 2 tablespoons Paprika
• 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
• Salt to taste

Directions:

Cover the beef with water and work the water into the meat as if you were going to make meatloaf; not too much water or the chili will be too thin. After the meat cooks in the water 45 minutes to an hour, add 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 2 tablespoons of paprika. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring often. Let it sit for a couple of hours so meat will absorb the flavor of the spices. Add salt to taste. If, after tasting, you prefer a spicier flavor, add more of the two spices. "There was never any tomato paste or sauce in Mr. Rumley's hot-dog chili," Smith said.


Next a vinegar-based slaw is a must-have. I found this simple version.

Hot Dog Slaw
Recipe found at http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1943,152167-234201,00.html




Ingredients:

4 lbs. cabbage
2 onions
1 1/4 c. vinegar
2 1/4 c. sugar
2 1/2 c. mustard
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper

Directions:

Grate cabbage and onions. Mix all ingredients together. Makes about 1 gallon.


Next procure a fabulous soft hot dog roll/bun that you can nestle the ingredients into, including raw onions and yellow mustard.

Finally, try wrapping the whole deal in waxed paper and microwaving it for a few seconds to get the steamed sensation.

This may not be the EXACT Martinsville Hot Dog, but it is darn close. Next time, get your tickets and down a few REAL Martinsville Hot Dogs. Until then, these will do quite nicely!

As I am wont to do weekly, I have included a dessert recipe I stumbled across while researching the Martinsville Hot Dog. I’m not sure this is entirely native to the Martinsville region of Virginia, but it was included in the Martinsville Bulletin!

Glazed Donut Bread Pudding
Recipe found at http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/recipes.cfm?ID=62
Recipe submitted by: Ryan Wood




Ingredients:

• 9 glazed donuts, day old
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 cup sugar
• 2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. salt
• 12 tsp. cinnamon
• 4 tsp. nutmeg
• 3 cups whole milk

Directions:

Cut donuts into bite-size pieces and arrange in a buttered 13 X 9 baking (glass) dish. Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and pour over donuts. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
Remove plastic wrap. Place baking dish in a larger dish with 1 to 2 inches of water and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 70 minutes or until center springs back to touch.
Serve warm.

Whiskey glaze
Stirring constantly, combine 3/4 cups each brown sugar and butter in small saucepan on low heat. Add one shot of whiskey (or more). Continue stirring until all ingredients come to a simmer. Drizzle over bread pudding.


I hope you have an opportunity to prepare these Martinsville favorites. The Martinsville Hot Dog is a time-honored classic to indulge and the Glazed Donut Bread Pudding is a wonderful thing to try with your day-old Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, or store-bought bakery donuts lying around. Yeah, they don’t lay around my house, either, they get eaten quickly, but you can buy some, hide them for a day, and then make this recipe!

Either way, enjoy the race!

Join me back here tomorrow for the week ending and ever popular Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter!



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Hearts


I love hearts. I wear hearts, have jewelry with heart motifs, and decorate my home with hearts. The heart is a symbol that cheers me to no end, gives me optimism for the future, and lifts my spirits when I’m feeling low.



As is plainly evident with my writings at Chief 187™Chatter, I am a proponent of love and romance. I celebrate relationships, explore music and stories about love, and revel in the power of love.


My adoration of hearts can trace back to my mother. She, having eloped on Valentine’s Day with my father, wore hearts all throughout my childhood and introduced me and my wardrobe to the same.

But my mother’s love affair with hearts drifted off and other symbols took their place. While she started to embrace celestial symbols – suns, moons, and particularly stars – I only had eyes for hearts.



Meeting my husband at the tender age of fourteen and being with him from that point to the present are facts that fed into my passion for hearts. We were and still are a very loving, passionate, and demonstrative couple. Hearts were an outward symbol of our love.

As my love of hearts is well known, so, too, is my love of jewelry. I have collected some lovely pieces over the years. Whether “fine jewelry” or “fashion pieces” I always gravitate to hearts. It simply feels wrong to me to choose anything but hearts.



Some may roll their eyes at this cutesy obsession I have with hearts. Others may pass it off as me being stuck in a juvenile rut. But, I will explain the thought process behind my love of hearts.

In my nearly forty years on the planet I am most proud of my relationship with my husband.



What about my children?

Yes, but they are truly an extension of the love between my husband and me.

What about my writing career?



Yes, but how I write and what I write is also directly related to my relationship with my husband.

You see, my relationship with my husband spans twenty-five years, has provided many near-insurmountable problems, and endured them all. And, through it all, my husband and I have put one another first and the relationship above all else.


I talk to people who have had friends since childhood, but have been divorced twice. I know folks who have a high-paying, stressful job that affords those expensive vacations, big homes, fancy cars, and they are never home with their families to enjoy their riches.




Those around me usually get frustrated by my steadfast commitment to my husband/family, but I don’t care. I learned long ago to say “yes” to my life and “no” to obligations that do not affect me greatly.



This doesn’t mean I do not volunteer my time, have friends, or get involved, on the contrary, I do! But I know what my limits are to provide a stable home life. Because, above all else, the relationship must not just “survive”, but flourish and thrive to continue to grow, nurture, and provide support.

I don’t want to be married and resentful. I don’t want to be anywhere but where I want to be. So, I build in time for our family to be together, I schedule date nights, and, although we do have an extraordinarily busy social life with extracurriculars for the children, we always have down time so we can just be.

When my children leave the home, start lives and families of their own, I want to look at my husband and smile. I want it to be the beginning of a new chapter with us as familiar characters, not strangers.

In this world, relationships truly are what matter most. Songs from every culture are written about love. We constantly expend energy on finding and keeping love.



My greatest accomplishment, my greatest legacy is my relationship with my husband. As imperfect as it is, the relationship has stood the test of time, continues to grow and prosper, and fulfills us each.


Why do I love hearts?

Because in their beautiful shape a story, our story, is told every time it is viewed. It is the perfect symbol to espouse the love I have for my husband.




Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Simple Joys

Welcome to Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.

Life was overwhelming last week. So much good was going on while, at the same time, disaster, it seemed, lurked behind every corner.

I’m not going to lie to you, I lost it. Maybe I lost it several times for a few seconds here and there, but on Wednesday last, I all out lost it completely. Crying, despair, ranting, hopelessness, and nearly to the point of giving up was where I was. But, I didn’t give up.

My steadfastness coupled with the stress release I allowed to happen, resulted in a tremendous Simple Joy I will share in this article.

And now, without further ado, is this week’s Simple Joys.



Karate. My two sons take Karate and have been studying it for years. My eldest son is a brown belt who tested for his 1st Degree Brown. He is six months away from potentially being a black belt candidate. My middle boy earned his “High Orange” belt and is so very proud of his accomplishments. Normally my daughter and I stay at home and their father takes the boys to class, but I wanted to be there for their testing.

My eldest son spars as a part of his training. He had to endure a line fight with four adult black belts to pass his test; he did so with flying colors. It isn’t an easy task! It hurts, is scary as hell, and leaves one breathless and shaken. But my son never gave up and passed splendidly.

Being able to bear witness to my sons’ tests, especially the line fight, while my daughter and I played quietly in the corner of the dojo waiting room was a Simple Joy that was one of the highlights of the past week.


Earache. In no way, shape, or form is an earache a Simple Joy, but my middle boy got one and it was severe. I’ll spare you the gory details, but the pain was unmanageable and the boy was truly under the weather for many days. Having the good fortune to be a stay-at-home mommy to care for him is a Simple Joy I thank my lucky stars and husband for every single day since becoming a mother.


The breakdown. Sick children, husband in an intense Master’s program that is stressing him out and keeping him away from home several days a week, and trying to debut my own Internet Radio show during the middle of the week is a recipe for disaster.

My son’s earache prompted me to cancel all of our busy Wednesday appointments. A friend thankfully offered to take my eldest to his Den meeting, and I tried to concentrate on the premiere of my racing program, Drafting the Circuits with Chief 187™, Crate, and Sinista-1.

But a combination of the inflamed ear, a two-year-old daughter who makes messes because they are fun and gets her attention, and a feeling of inadequacy led to my ultimate breakdown!

It is my opinion that strong people are the ones who allow themselves to have a breakdown. We cannot be perfect, do it all ourselves, and figure everything out in a timely fashion all of the time. My breakdown was a Simple Joy because, once finished, it offered peace and clarity and the knowledge that I would get through everything I had to confront.


Hanlon Razor. I’ve written about this man before. He is a dear friend and a colleague in my Internet Radio world.

Sitting down at my computer, moments before my show debuted, my producer said his computer contracted a virus! He was not sure he could run the show that night! I felt panicked but already had my breakdown so my calmer head surfaced.

While weighing my options my oldest appeared at the door telling me my middle son needed me because, “the pain was so bad”. My husband, of course, was not home from school yet. I zoomed up stairs because I am a mother first. Thankfully my oldest volunteered to stay up late and sit with the boy who had a fresh dose of medicine that needed time to kick in before it worked. They were allowed to watch television. With ten minutes before air time I got back to work.

I contacted Hanlon who is more than capable of producing my show, even though we hadn’t talked about it once. He was doing the Wednesday program I had given up to get my own show. He left the show to his co-hosts while still on air to help me out – with seven minutes to spare.

My co-host, Crate, had never worked with the program we were using so he was nervous and unsure of himself, although he is a veteran radio man. With literally 90 seconds before airtime everything came together perfectly and the show went off without a hitch. Having Hanlon Razor in my world and his graciousness in my time of need is a Simple Joy I will always cherish.


Family Guy. It’s rude, crude, outlandish, and just plain wrong a lot of the time, but my Simple Joy was watching DVR’d episodes with my hubby over the weekend and laughing until tears streamed down my face.


My husband. When he tells me how gorgeous I am and I am in a robe, unshowered, with no make-up on and haven’t run a comb through my hair he makes my heart soar. When he writes beautiful things about how much he loves me on Facebook and Twitter and ladies tell me how lucky I am, I tell them I know it, I’m blessed. Having my husband in my life, supporting me, loving me, still lusting after me, and holding me every night is a Simple Joy I will never tire and never give up.

Life came at me fast and furious with wicked curveballs and stress-inducing factors. I caved in and cried. When I came out the other side I saw the plethora of Simple Joys that occupied my week. I found my strength, my humanity, my friends, and my faith.

Simple Joys is not just a post I write weekly, it is a way of life that has enhanced my life immeasurably.

I wish you all Simple Joys daily!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Monday Media Blog-Police TV Shows

Welcome to the Monday Media Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

I was waxing nostalgic recently about the glory days of the police drama on television. My earliest memories of

programs dealing with police departments were of Barney Miller,

CHiPs, and the opening strains of Hill Street Blues.



Too young to remember any of the plots, I just loved watching policeman, for the most part, as heroes in the programs. Many of these shows had romantic plotlines (we know what a hopeless romantic I am), mysteries to solve, and an inside look at police work.

As television became more reality-based, we saw baser storylines, more human characters, yet still heroes who stirred the soul, raised our compassion, and plucked our emotions.


NYPD Blue was my favorite in the 1990s. Detective John Kelly had my heartstrings in a knot that first season of the show. Later, Detective Andy Sipowicz became a complex and spell-binding character.

Now a whole new string of police programming is running. I admit I haven’t watched any of them, mostly due to time

constraints not lack of interest. Law and Order, NCIS, CSI, and more fill the airwaves from different cities in the franchises with popular stars.




What are your favorite police television shows from then and now? Is it a favorite genre of yours? Why do you love the shows you chose?

I look forward, as always, to reading your response. Getting feedback is a wonderful treat for me and, rest assured, I read every comment left on a post at Chief 187™Chatter.

Please join me tomorrow for the ever-popular Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday Music Blog-California

Welcome to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

As the activities get under way at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, many of my fellow race fans have

already mentally checked out. Notoriously a “boring track” with lackluster racing until the last few laps, many consider this a terrific track to view in a state of napping.


Regardless, California is where the boys and girls of NASCAR are this weekend so here is where my attention is as well.

This week’s focus is songs that have the word “California” in the title or lyrics OR is a band or artist from California. Be sure to include song titles and artists. The more answers the better so you are all welcome and

encouraged to participate!


Please check back with this blog throughout the day and weekend to see the selections that have been added. Also, remember the Tantalizing Thursday archives - this week was Anaheim Fish Tacos, Monday Movie and Media Blog archives, and all of my posts are all readily available by perusing the topics in the right hand sideboard or typing in something specific in the search feature located in the top left hand corner of this page.

I wanted to share with you all that I made a big purchase of the Chief 187™ gear I peddle at

cafepress.com/Chief187. This is quality stuff, wears well, looks great, and is so flattering. Both Racer 187 (my hubby) and I highly recommend the performance t-shirts. If you are interested in purchasing Chief 187™products, please find a Cafepress coupon code by Googling those words ("Cafepress Coupon Codes")!

Thank you to each and every one of you who utilizes my link to shop at Amazon. Though there is no extra cost to you whatsoever the purchases add up and help me immensely!



I invite you to join me back here on Monday as I begin another week of entirely new, original, and fresh posts on Chief 187™Chatter.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Tantalizing Thursday-California Cuisine

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.


NASCAR is traveling back out west to race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, a stone’s throw away from Los Angeles.



Californians are very proud of their fresh food recipes, healthier versions of classics, and artistry of their plates. In addition, Mexican cuisine is also popular in California.

The recipe I have chosen mixes Californian and Mexican ingredients into one sumptuous dish!

Anaheim Fish Tacos
Recipe found at http://allrecipes.com/recipe/anaheim-fish-tacos/detail.aspx




Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 Anaheim chili pepper, chopped
• 1 leek, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds halibut fillets
• 1 lime
• 12 corn tortillas

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and sauté the chili, leek, and garlic until tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the chicken broth and tomatoes into the skillet, and season with cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Place the halibut into the mixture. Sprinkle with lime juice. Cook 15 to 20 minutes until the halibut is easily flaked with a fork. Wrap in warmed corn tortillas to serve.

The recipe was submitted by the following person who stated:

By: REDDUNEBLAZER

"I created this one to make mouths dance. I love fish tacos, but don't like the fried versions or cabbage. Not really for kids, though - a bit flavorful. Serve with authentic Mexican cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lettuce, and lime."


So, while you’re preparing for racing at the Auto Club Speedway, rooting for your favorite driver whether he be Dale

Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, or Clint Bowyer (or any of the other great drivers out there), fix these fabulous Anaheim Fish Tacos to set the mood!



And, even though we are preparing a healthy, California-inspired menu, I don’t want to leave off dessert. I found this extremely easy and decadent dessert recipe to finish the meal. Not too heavy, too filling, or too fattening, this dessert satisfies a sweet tooth, but complements and continues the healthy menu we started.


Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar
Recipe found at http://allrecipes.com/recipe/strawberries-with-balsamic-vinegar/detail.aspx




Ingredients:

• 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and large berries cut in half
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions:

1. Place strawberries in a bowl. Drizzle vinegar over strawberries, and sprinkle with sugar. Stir gently to combine. Cover, and let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour but not more than 4 hours. Just before serving, grind pepper over berries.

This recipe was submitted by the following person who wrote:

By: HOOLIE

"This is a unique, gourmet way to serve this fantastic summer fruit! The balsamic vinegar brings out the berries' beautiful color and truly enhances their flavor. Great served with a simple pound cake, over vanilla ice cream, or simply by themselves."



This dessert seems amazing and easy to prepare. I, of course, would sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream thereby ruining the “healthy” meal flow, but I can’t help it! I may not be super model thin, but I enjoy my meals!



Thank you for joining me for these delectable and relatively easy recipes chosen for their link to California. Enjoy the race!

Please join me tomorrow for the week ending Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.