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Friday, July 05, 2002

By Rob Rossi

We would like to think that the art of downing 50 1/2 hot dogs in 12 minutes would be devoid of criticism. But we would be wrong. Yesterday -- Live ... from New York -- Takeru Kobayashi set out to defend his title and best his previous record at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July world hot-dog eating contest. He carried with him the heavy (on the stomach) burden of a remarkable 2001 showing -- 50 hot dogs eaten (buns included, condiments optional) in 12 minutes.

	Fundamentals, boys ... fun-da-mentals! (Associated Press)

Talk about pressure (on the colon). He apparently felt none. Using his trusted and true method of removing the wiener from its bun, then dunking the bun in water before eating both, Takeru retained his crown and added half a dog to his old mark.

Hey, to each his own, but congrats nonetheless.

However, a portly chump who goes by the name Hungry Charles cried foul.

"He should be disqualified, period," said Hungry, who at 5-foot-11, 360 pounds, should be embarrassed to have only swallowed 20 processed pork pleasures.

"Eric [Booker, who finished off 26 meaty delights] should have the belt." Not that he would have any use for it.

Reportedly, after the clock ran out, Kobayashi had difficulty keeping down his lunch. At one point, he pulled his shirt to his face as his body heaved noticeably.

"It's my understanding that if you puke, you're disqualified," Booker said.

Sadly, Booker's skepticism fell upon deaf ears; judges already had confirmed Kobayashi's victory.

But, wait ... this just in: George Shea, chairman of the prestigious International Federation of Competitive Eating, declared he would review the videotape to determine whether Kobayashi had spewed.

Now, which is the most disturbing part of this story?

That it's entirely true?

That instant replay might be used to determine if a guy vomited?

Or, that the 2003 installment of this hot-dog eating contest already is being considered the most anticipated since "the Mustard Mistake" of 1947.

Chew carefully ... names@post-gazette.com.