Lotsa Hot Dogs

So in perusing old blog entries, I came across my post about last year's hot dog eating contest, and I realized I didn't enlighten our readers about the competition from this year.  And, considering that anyone reading this was likely in the contest, you probably are interested in it.

The 2011 hot dog competition was held in Northeast D.C. and featured 4 competitors and one spectator/photographer, Evan Egri.  Despite my best efforts, I could not convince Evan Egri, a vegetarian of about fifteen years, to participate.  So it was the four of us, Twin #2, Dallas E., Buzz B, and myself, competing for the title of 2011 Family & Friends Hebrew National Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.

The dogs were cooked and ready to go, the timer was set, and the participants were hungry--it was time to start.  From the opening moment, it was clear who was, again, taking it most seriously.  I had made a point to not eat since the night before, and to drink plenty of water to expand my stomach.  In the meantime, the other participants gorged themselves on Fourth of July waffles that morning, which admittedly looked quite delicious.

Therefore, it was no surprise when I claimed victory in the fourth annual competition.  I inhaled a record 6 1/8 hot dogs and buns, while Twin #2 placed second with 5 1/4.  Although that may seem close, the contest was never really in doubt as I took an early lead and held on to it throughout.  Buzz B did not put in much effort whatsoever, and came in a distant third with 2 1/8 hot dogs and buns.  Buzz B was followed by Dallas E., who put forth a similarly disappointing effort and came in fourth with only 2.

I'm looking forward to next year already.

2010 Hot Dog Eating Contest

Before I get started on this post, I have to share my thoughts on Glen Perkins.  After a poor showing yesterday, I would not be surprised to never see him again in a Twins uniform.  The guy struggled mightily in 2009, apparently did not communicate properly about any injuries he had last season, and then filed a grievance against the Twins, all before he started throwing batting practice at AAA this year.  Now he finally got another opportunity with Minnesota, and not only does he predictably piece together an awful start, he hit Carlos Quentin twice, presumably on purpose.  The last time a Twins pitcher purposefully threw at an opposing hitter, he was verbally attacked by a very angry Delmon Young, and the rest of the team backed Young up, including Ron Gardenhire.  I just don't see how all of that adds up to Perkins getting another game in a Twins uniform, even if he is a homegrown product.

On the other hand, the latest news that Jose Mijares is headed to the DL means he may stick around a little longer.  I have to agree with Nick Nelson on this one, as Perkins has no business on a big-league roster.

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To continue yesterday's theme of completing posts that have been in my queue for far too long, I wanted to write about our family's annual hot dog-eating competition.  It was started in 2008, and we've now done each of the last 3 years on 4th of July weekend.  This year, with July 4th being a Sunday, we did on Independence Day itself, although it was expanded to include friends since most of the family was in Spain.

The Family & Friends Hebrew National Hot Dog Eating Contest is different from the official competition you see on ESPN.  For one, we use Hebrew National hot dogs rather than Nathan's, simply because they are the most delicious.  The more significant change is that we only have four minutes to eat as many was we can, since none of us are professional eaters and thus do not want to subject ourselves to ten minutes of torture.  Otherwise, though, the rules are the same.  Competitors are allowed an unlimited amount of the drink of their choice, but dunking the buns is HIGHLY discouraged.  This is because Non-Twin #1 (our little sister) used that strategy in the inaugural competition, proceeded to almost vomit, and cost everyone about a full minute of eating due to the hilarity of the situation.

To the results, though:

1. Twin #1 - 6 hot dogs and buns
2. Twin #2 - 4 hot dogs and buns
3. J.A. Canada - 3 hot dogs and buns
4. Dallas E. - 1 hot dog and bun

As much as I would like to revel in my victory, I must admit that none of the other contenders took it seriously this year.  On the other hand, I did still break the record (which previously was 5 1/2) and had to stop because we ran out of hot dogs, due to the number the six spectators ate.  Not that I could have eaten another six, but I easily could have downed another half a hot dog and maybe a whole one.  We do measure down to 1/8 inch preciseness--it just so happened no one ate a partial hot dog.

Yet again it was a fun event and I hope it continues to be an annual tradition.