Monday Minute: Serena Shines, Rookies Rise + European Excitement
Conversation hotter than the weather
Good morning, sports enthusiasts! It's Monday, July 8, and just like the summer heat, we've got some sizzling topics to kick off your week.
Serena Williams’ Big Week
First up, let's talk about two powerhouse women making waves. Serena Williams has a big week ahead with her new documentary, "In the Arena," dropping on Wednesday on ESPN+. Following that, she'll be hosting the ESPYs on Thursday. It's Serena's world, and we're just living in it.
WNBA All-Star Game Highlights
Rookies are also stealing the spotlight as we gear up for the July 20 WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) All-Star Game. Caitlin Clark made history as the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and the first in Fever franchise history, leading her team to upset the top-seeded Liberty. Meanwhile, Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky shattered Candace Parker's WNBA record with her 13th consecutive double-double.
Formula One: Hamilton’s Historic Win
In the world of Formula One, Lewis Hamilton celebrated a triumphant return to the winner's circle, clinching his first victory since 2021 at Silverstone, his home track. This win marks his ninth at Silverstone, the most of any driver in F1 history.
European Sports Extravaganza
Europe is the place to be for sports right now. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, continues while the Tour de France and Wimbledon are in full swing.
Wimbledon Updates
Wimbledon finals are set for this weekend, and after a heartfelt tweet from Kate Middleton, Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career received a royal send-off. As we head into the quarterfinals, top seeds like Janik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz remain strong on the men’s side, while the women’s side is wide open with both Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff out of the competition.
Euro Cup Excitement
The Euros are also capturing global attention with record-breaking viewership. The semifinals are set, with England, France, the Netherlands, and Spain battling it out. The excitement even interrupted the Wimbledon match between Djokovic and Popyrin as fans celebrated England’s victory over Switzerland.
Stay tuned for more updates, and have a fantastic week ahead. For all the latest, visit us at [Last Night’s Game](https://lastnightsgame.com) or follow us on social media.
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Weekend Preview: Hot Dogs, Women Making History + Heartwarming Moments
Carrying you through the holiday weekend
Good morning! It’s July 5th, and I hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July. While some of you might have spotted Tom Brady playing beach football with Demar Hamlin and Travis Scott in the Hamptons, the rest of us were glued to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights to keep your conversations buzzing this week.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Miki Sudo set a new women's record by devouring 51 hot dogs to claim her 10th title. Over in the men's division, Chicago's own Patrick Bertolelli took the crown with 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, filling the gap left by the absence of Joey Chestnut.
Meanwhile, Joey Chestnut was busy in Texas at Fort Bliss, where he downed 57 hot dogs in just 5 minutes during an event sponsored by Impossible Meats. The CEO of Impossible Meats presented a generous $106,000 check to Operation Homefront, supporting military families.
Minor League Baseball Fun
The Madison Mallards have outdone themselves with tomorrow night’s theme night. Inspired by Chris Farley's iconic “Saturday Night Live” character, Matt Foley, the team will don replica jerseys and hats. Fans are encouraged to dress up and join the fun in the stands. This tribute to the beloved comedian, born in Madison, Wisconsin, promises to be a memorable night.
WNBA All-Star Lineup
The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) All-Star Game is set for July 20 in Phoenix, featuring an exciting matchup between Team WNBA and Team USA. Caitlin Clark, who garnered over 700,000 votes, and her teammate Aliyah Boston will represent the WNBA team. Meanwhile, stars like A’ja Wilson and Diana Taurasi will shine for Team USA. Get the full lineup here.
Historic Moment in Hockey
Jessica Campbell made headlines as the first woman to be named an NHL (National Hockey League) coach when she was hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken. Congratulations, Jessica, on this groundbreaking achievement!
Wimbledon Emotional Farewell
Andy Murray bid an emotional farewell to Wimbledon in what may be his final appearance. It was the first time a men’s doubles first-round match was played in the event’s main stadium in nearly 30 years. Although he and his brother Jamie lost their doubles match, the crowd was deeply moved by their heartfelt hug and the touching moment they shared on the iconic court.
Euro Cup and Copa America Action
The quarterfinals in the Euro Cup are set, and one thing to note when watching is that there’s no extra time in a game that ends in a tie—just straight to penalty shootouts. Exciting matchups include Germany vs. Spain and Portugal vs. France, with Lionel Messi and Argentina advancing to the Copa America semifinals after a draw with Ecuador. Expect thrilling action ahead!
That’s your weekend recap! For more updates, follow us on social media or visit lastnightsgame.com. Have a great weekend as you recover from the holiday festivities!
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Devouring Victory: Fun Facts About The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The American tradition that makes us want to puke.
Author: Bri Talmadge
1. The hot dog eating contest is a tale as old as…1916. Picture this: four immigrants at Nathan's hot dog stand in Coney Island on July 4, each with a burning desire to prove their patriotism. How did they come to settle this debate? Obviously, with a hotdog eating contest. To this day, no one knows who scarfed down victory that day!
2. In 2003, NFL (National Football League) legend William "The Refrigerator" Perry stepped up to the plate at the world-famous hot dog contest. He aced the qualifiers, devouring 12 hot, but when the game day arrived, after just four hot dogs in five minutes, he threw in the mustard-covered towel.
3. Ever wonder how the pros turn hot dog eating so fast? Pro eaters have a secret playbook for slamming down the most hot dogs. They've got a top-secret move: the infamous "dunking" technique. Just imagine hot dog buns dipped in the water, getting squeezed dry like they survived a spin cycle, and disappearing faster than socks in a dryer. You could say the hot dog eating contest is a mixture of culinary magic meeting laundry day, except no clean clothes, just clean plates.
4. The Major League Eating (MLE) has strict contest rules that competitors must follow. Condiments are allowed but are a decoration, as competitors do not use them. Penalty cards are on standby for any misconduct, including the dreaded regurgitation offense and messy eating. But here is a twist: partially eaten hot dogs? They still count! Even if you're still chewing as the final buzzer sounds.
MLE hosts more than just the hot dog eating contest. Imagine eating as many hard-boiled eggs, shrimp cocktails or fudge as you can.
5. Winners of the hot dog-eating championship don't mess around. They're like mustard on a bun; they stick to their record-breaking ways. The reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, inhaled 76 hot dogs like a light snack in 2021, keeping his world record intact. Meanwhile, three-time women's champ Sonya "The Black Widow," Thomas casually skips practice like a boss.
Chestnut won’t be participating in the Coney Island contest this year due to his partnership with Impossible Foods, which has led him to be considered a competitor of Nathan’s; he will be competing against soldiers in Fort Bliss in a hot dog eating contest. In the five-minute contest, as opposed to ten minutes, four Army soldiers will have to eat more than Chestnut to win the contest.
6. The victor of Nathan's hot dog eating contest receives $10,000 but also struts away with a bejeweled mustard yellow belt. And for the ladies, a dazzling pink bejeweled belt. If that doesn't mustard up your enthusiasm for the contest, relish the thought of what will.
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON