The 4th Of July Tradition That'll Make You Want To Vomit

Nothing says “Happy Birthday America” like sitting on your couch watching people down 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

This post will definitely make you the hit of the BBQ,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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1. In a tradition unlike any other, our nation will celebrate its birthday with the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Like our country, the contest’s roots run deep. According to Nathan’s, legend has it that on July 4, 1916, four immigrants gathered at the very first Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand on Coney Island and made eating contest history. As the story goes, they were competing to see who was the most patriotic. The winner was determined with a hot dog eating contest. BUT OF COURSE

2. Due to COVID rules, only five competitors will compete this year and they will compete indoors. Usually the contest has 15 dog-downing competitors and the competition takes place amidst stifling humidity and a massive crowd right in front of the first Nathan’s Hot Dog Stand in Coney Island. The indoor environment might prove to be just what 12-time champion Joey Chestnut needs to beat his record of 74 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. BTW in case you’re wondering those 74 hot dogs equal 22,200 calories and 1,332 grams of fat. IRON STOMACH

3. Don’t worry this sport isn’t only for the boys. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo has won for six straight years. For comparison sake, in 2019 she ate 31 hot dogs as compared to Chestnut’s 71. In case you’re wondering she also holds the records for 8.5 pounds of Kimchi in six minutes and 14 pounds of wild rice hotdish in 8 minutes. For the record, Chestnut holds the record for the most hard boiled eggs eaten in 10 minutes at 151. THIS COULD BE A TALENT YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD

4. Let’s talk about what everyone is thinking about – vomiting. An eater who has "a Roman incident" or “reversal of fortune,” as it is so delightfully called, will be disqualified if the result of that incident touches the plate or table. After the contest is over, eaters can dispose of the food however they’d like, although some contests have a post-binge wait period. And in case you’re wondering, contestants can eat the bun and dog separately and dunk the bun in water to help it go down better. “Chipmunking” is also allowed. That’s when contestants stuff their mouths full of food as time runs out. They have 30 seconds to swallow the food to have it count. MAKE SURE NOT TO SIT IN THE SPLASH ZONE

5. This isn't college, the competitors don't show up just for the food. The winner takes home $10,000. And this year’s event will honor and raise money for those essential workers who take care of us when we’re down and out. If that’s not enough, Nathan’s will also donate 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank of New York. EATING FOR GOOD

You can catch the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at noon EST on July 4 on ESPN.

BBQ Banter

Wrapping up a three-day weekend with a quick read so you can dominate today’s BBQ with the right small talk, an epic pool float and the perfect poolside cocktail. 

Just don't bring the Indy 500 victory drink for the host, 

The Last Night's Game

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

When you feel like you’re doing three people’s jobs. King James still reigns supreme as his team beat the Boston Celtics last night in game seven to head to the NBA finals. Even though this will be LeBron James’ eighth consecutive appearance in the finals, some say this is his biggest feat yet because he has carried his team on his shoulders for the entire season.

Overtime

Hanging out in exotic locations with models is an average Sunday for quarterback Tom Brady (NFL – National Football League). Decked out for a white party, he spent his time at the Monaco Grand Prix (F1 – Formula One Racing) yesterday with model Bella Hadid at a sponsor event. He also took time to toss the football with race winner (see coaches’ corner). BEST DAY EVER?

Sideline stat

There’s still a chance for a rematch of the past three years of the NBA finals, featuring the Cavs and the Golden State Warriors, if the Warriors win tonight. Steph Curry and his team are in Houston to take on the Rockets in game seven tonight.

Coaches’ corner

Yesterday was a great day to be from the land down under, with the Aussies taking home victories in both the Indy 500 (IndyCar) and the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. First, Daniel Ricciardo dominated the picturesque course in Monaco, celebrating his victory with his signature shoey – a celebratory drink out of the shoe he wore for the race. (More like eewey). BOTTOMS UP

Then there’s Australia’s own Will Power, who chugged the traditional Indy 500 victory cocktail, a nice bottle of milk, after racing in scorching hot temperatures. Although all eyes were on Danica Patrick, whose racing career came to an end with a crash less than halfway through the race. INDY

What to watch

What happens in Vegas is certainly not staying in Vegas tonight in the first of seven games in the battle for the Stanley Cup (NHL – National Hockey League). This is the first time in 20 years the Washington Capitals have been in the finals and it's the first year on the ice for the Vegas Golden Knights, an expansion team. ARE YOU READY FOR IT?