The World Hotdog Eating Championship

Yep, you saw it first on ESPN. Remember, the E in ESPN stands for ENTERTAINMENT and this was certainly entertaining.

It was Joey Chestnut with 52 and the Japanese guy with 53. Each had their own style. Joey kind of stuffed the hotdogs in, or twisted them into his mouth like a corkscrew and the other guy, he chomped down in big bites.

These are some athletes! Apparently they train for the competition.

Ok, how do you train for a hotdog eating contest? You have trial runs? You practice at home? WHAT?

I felt bad for Joey. He constantly looked like he might puke. The other guy, though, he had focus. He could eat and eat and nary a vein popped out on his head. He showed tremendous focus.

I wonder if they have a puke bucket behind them.

Well, here's how it might have gone if I'd been reporting:

"Ok, we're in Coney Island today for the Nathan's Hotdog sponsored World Hotdog Eating Championship. Remember, Nathan's put the "N" in hotdogs. It's a beautiful day in Coney Island. The sun is out, there's a bit of a haze, and you can hear the ocean behind us. Or is it the sound? Oh, who cares?"

"It's the American, Joey Chestnut, against that Japanese guy with the yellow hair and the headband, whatever his name is. The Japanese guy beat Joey at the National Hamburger Eating Championship, so there's a lot at stake here, folks. You can see the sweat pouring down their faces."

"The crowd stands in anticipation as about twenty people stand behind the table, each with a judge in front of them, ready for today's nitrate gobbling fest. Yes, you saw it here first, and only, on ESPN, the channel for professional sports."

"And they're off!"

Yes, it was an exciting twelve minutes. True TV. It had suspense, competition, young people, a woman, a guy with a towel on his head, and one with face paint. Never have I been so thrilled to watch athletes compete at such a high level.

Well, that's what I've been doing today. Watching professional, trained athletes gorge themselves on hotdogs. What fun!