Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

hotdogs
Originally uploaded by dangunderman.

I've been aware of the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island for some time now. I even know that the same diminutive Japanese guy has won four years in a row, defeating many men more than twice his size.

I also know that vying for the prize this year is Eric Booker, a 7-train conductor. He's 6'5" and 420 pounds, which makes him more than three times the weight of the current champ.

For me, though, the most unbelievable aspect of the contest is that it's sponsored by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. That there was a demand for such a federation baffles the mind. But I'm guessing the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest, held every July 4, is their Super Bowl.

Good luck, Conductor Booker. Do all of us 7-train riders proud.