One Too Many Hot Dogs? Grab for Pepto-Bismol

I've lived in Brooklyn for a long time. But today I felt like a true Brooklynite as I witnessed one of the most captivating and disturbing things I've seen in a long time -- the July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating competition up close and a little too personal.

Dynamic duo: Joey and Pepto /John Carluccio

Shaking. Nearly choking. And doing a twitchy dance. Four-time champ Joey "Jaws" Chestnut chomped down 54 red-food-colored Nathan's dogs in ten-minutes, a far cry from the record-setting 68 dogs he devoured in 2009.

Nevertheless, the revved up Coney Island crowd cheered him and his distant competitors (record-holder Sonja "Black Widow" Thomas and beauty salon owner Juliet Lee represented for female competitive eaters) on with our Pepto-Bismol thunder sticks.

What better place to get reacquainted with the pink bismuth staple in your medicine cabinet?

"When you have one too many, reach for Pepto," says Procter and Gamble external relations manager Carlos Taveras. "[The Nathan's contest] is a combination of celebration and over-indulgence."

Taveras adds: "Forty-percent of consumers have Pepto, but less than a quarter use it. [So this] is a reminder."

I'm sure Chesnut and the other gorged contestants will be crying for Pepto for days to come. From experience, I can attest the Instacool chewable tablets come in handy.

Photo credit John Carluccio

The champ later told press the 94-degree-heat and lack of any real competition affected his performance.

His nemesis, hot dog eating pro Takeru Kobayashi, was in the Coney crowd but a contract dispute prevented him from competing. A black-clad Kobayashi was arrested after he tried to get on stage as the contest ended.

Oh well, there's always next year for a U.S.A. vs. Japan rematch. Against my better judgement, I may be there to watch.

Comments

Conway Discount Clothing Chain Closing in New York City

(Tracy E. Hopkins) It's the end of a budget shopping era. Conway discount stores are closing in New York City . As of this weekend, a sign on the sole Herald Square location (34th Street btwn 7th and 8th Ave) says the store will close in "7 Days." Before I relocated to the Big Apple, I was introduced to the discount chain while on a bus trip from Baltimore. I recall the first time I saw Conway's signature pink bags carried by hurried shoppers in midtown. And Miss Foster, the trip organizer and a bargain hunter from way back, took me to the store for the first time. Conway store in the Fulton Mall./Tracy E. Hopkins When I moved here in 1994, my love affair with Conway continued. I furnished my first apartment with discount knick-knacks and home goods from the store. And much to my chagrin, in hindsight, I curated most of my wardrobe for my first full-time job from the long-shuttered 42nd Street and Third Avenue store. One regretful ensemble: Lime green and

Soak Up the Last Weeks of Summer Sun At The Rockaway Hotel

Summer is winding down, but there's still time to soak up the sun -- while wearing sunscreen, chic shades and a protective hat or sun visor, of course. If you're in New York City, The Pool at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa is a cool place to swim, lounge and discreetly people watch while swaying to beat of ambient music. It's a vibe! Day passes are available for non-hotel guests Monday through Thursday (excluding private events, 10 am -7 pm). Located in the heart of the Rockaway Beach community in Queens, New York, the Rockaway Hotel is just a few short blocks from the sand and surf. Besides the outdoor pool, the newly built 84,000 square foot hotel offers around 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a large event space. And it's a nice addition to the area. When my husband and I visited the popular pool, we enjoyed yummy sips and bites poolside. Lounging chairs are first come, first serve so the early bird gets the spot of their choice. After chilling at t

Giveaway Alert: Switch Gear Interchangeable Jewelry Set!

If you've ever wanted to make your own jewelry, then try Switch Gear . The patent-pending, interchangeable jewelry sets let you play designer and assemble your own accessories. Switch Gear comes in five different kits. And Everything She Wants is giving away the Chickit Jewelry Set ($75 value) -- which offers 100s of earring and necklace options -- to one lucky reader. The Chickit Jewelry Set includes: 1 pair sterling silver lever back earrings 1 sterling silver venetian box chain necklace 6 pairs of interchangeable hoops, loops, drops, and chains that fit on the necklace and the earrings Made of sterling silver, red agate, silver pewter, glass, brass, vintage and industrial materials. Switch Gear was invented by Lisa Monahan, a metalsmith who has designed jewelry and sculptural metal works for 18 years. The Boston native works with quality metals and precious and semi-precious stones. Her work is available online and in select galleries and mus

Everything She Wants

Search This Blog