Does anyone else vaguely remember a thin skin on hotdogs 50 years ago?  I’m not sure if it is a real memory, or if maybe it was one hotdog among the hundreds (thousands?) eaten as a child.  Hotdogs today are prepared from mystery meat, cooked and formed (or formed and cooked?), and then hurried to grocery stores where they can remain viable nearly as long as a Twinkie.

I like a grilled hotdog as much as the next guy, but I really like a “dirty water dog” served on the streets of New York City.  The water isn’t really dirty, but the name is a holdover from days when maybe it was a bit more true.

Speaking of New York City hotdogs, has anyone tried to buy one that is not marked halal?  It turns out that most hotdog stands are owned and operated by Muslims–not that there is anything wrong with that.  (A bit of Seinfeld.)  Decline of the Dog talks about the evolution of the hotdog cart, but don’t read it on an empty stomach or you’ll raid your refrigerator.

And, how does a person spell this childhood treat?  Either way is the answer according to a search of the internet, but I’ll go with hot dog.  Hot Dog History claims two words so I’ll change my spelling preference too.  Whether hotdog or hot dog is correct, it sounds much better than the original “dachshund sausages.”

And then there is this guy Weiner.  Kids in my neighborhood called each other weiners, but it was all about a certain male appendage and it was always funny calling someone a weiner, or chasing someone after being called a weiner.  We were kids.  That’s what kids did.  We taunted each other and name calling was just normal.  Being called a weiner never hurt anyone, at least until the last few years.  Being called a weiner now has a different meaning.  Liar.  Exhibitionist.  Someone who endangers his own child.  Loser.

But, where was I?  Oh yes.  I have four dachshund sausages in my refrigerator and four buns.  I see a plan coming together.