Happy Fourth!!!! Joey Chestnutt Does it!!!

Nothing says Americana like the annual Nathan's International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest. You can keep the Stanley Cup, the World Cup, even the America's Cup I just want to watch the freaks in New York dip hotdogs into the Mountain Dew cups, moisture melts the matter allowing faster passage. This year is the 92nd annual event. I first caught this classic on ESPN a few years ago @ work. Truly, most jobs shouldn't allow tv watching but this event defies convention and taste. Funny on two levels.

I was spellbound by the athletes' feat (also funny on two fee/at) and their athletic supporters. There were accomplished gorgers from eggsucking tourneys, sushi rollers, pasta benders, et al. Champions of Devour or the hour make their way in their best elastic waist pants to celebrate the holiday with the weiner. How can these be bad people I asked myself. And every year I go back for more, with them.

Takeru Kobayahsi is the reigning champion tipping the scales at a healthy 154 lbs and a record 53.5 HDBS (hotdogs and buns). Kobayashi has won the classic for the last six years running. The man's technique and love for the sport is amazing to watch. He is so focused on what he is doing you can't help but admire him. Every year I wonder if anyone will be able to stop this machine, until this year. Kobayashi went public last month with his jawthritis and the international gorgers community felt a shiver in the force.

Enter Joey Chestnutt. For the name alone, he is my idol. As a child I loved chestnuts and as a man I loved a Joey. Actually I still love both, toasted. (w/ Veuve) Joey Chestnut is an accomplished pretzel eater and wing eater. Mr Chestnut tips the scales at a robust 215 lbs and holds a HDB of 59.5. This Fourth of July maybe more memorable and the elders have fortold. I look forward to seeing the technique of the seventeen competitors and the rivalry in reruns as I already know.................................................................The winner for the Nathan's International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest, with a win of 66 dogs is Joey Chestnut. Give him applause, give him room.

photo credit AP/louis lanzano