Back in January I was contacted by Atlas Media to perform for a mini-series that is supposed to air on the National Geographic channel. So of course I jumped at the opportunity. The promo looks crazy awesome and I can't wait to see the final product.
The show has already aired over in other parts of the world.
To see the promo, click here
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pigs In A Blanket Contest...
Here's a video of the Pigs In A Blanket Eating Contest.
The Village Pourhouse in lower Manhattan gave us 4 regular style hot dogs and 25 pigs in a blanket and the format was first to finish. I was happy because speed is my forte rather than distance. I downed the whole plate in under 2 minutes, including the hot dogs in just 40 seconds, which is a decent time. If I could get my capacity up, I'd post a great number ;)
At any rate, my apologies for the quality, it was dark in the bar and my girlfriend decided to get all artsy and flip the camera.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wild Wings at Wildwood...
I was asked by the people at the Alt Games to blog on their website about contests.
For the profile
click here
I'll also post them here but I think it's cool that they asked me to participate.
At any rate, here is the post...
In April, the Alt Games came, were a lot of fun, and then went. I came back home, intent on finishing up my 2 year associates degree and having a great competitive eating year. I had a monetary goal I wanted to reach, and winning a grand at the Alt Games seemed to put me in a comfortable place to reach that goal.
Then came May and the Strawberry contest. I didn't have experience in Strawberries, contest wise, or any fruit for that matter. I got together with some friends and made a practice run. I purchased 5 pounds of strawberries and timed how fast I could throw them down. My time was less than a pound a minute. I was feeling confident as I was also favored to win. At the last minute two top guys unexpectedly came out of the woodwork. The contest suddenly became a much bigger challenge. Additionally a newcomer that is making some waves in the local area showed up. Not only did I have some top talent to fight against but when the bell rang, the strawberry was knocking me out for the count. About three pounds in I became full and slowed. I was told that this year was a tougher than previous years because the strawberry was less dense and so there was more strawberry per pound, making it harder to consume.
The next contest was a local pizza eating contest at Rocco's, that I had previous won in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, I was away participating in the reality show Fat March and didn't compete. The winner of that particular contest, Sal Carbone, shattered my record and then beat me in head to head contest in 2008. This year, not only did he defeat me again, but two other respected veterans.
The year had not been going as well as I anticipated because, in addition to being on a losing streak, the organization that I was slowly trying to progress through had now decided to institute a contract which for many reasons, I had issues with. I would not longer be affiliated with them.
Even more heartbreaking was a burger contest in Astoria, Queens where an amateur beat me out. During an earlier round in the contest, a man known only as "Sunshine" had eaten 8 quarter pound burgers in 5 minutes. Thinking that all I had to do was eat little more than 8 burgers, I took an extra bite of the 9th, for what I thought was the win. I was informed that the rules were that only finished burgers would be counted. We went to an eat off in which "Sunshine" was just seconds quicker than me and took the win.
I needed a boost to feel confident in my ability and was going to take it out on a block of cheese at Cobble Hill's own Stinky Brooklyn. The event was not only fun, but held special meaning since it was where my current girlfriend and I had our first date. It was an anniversary, of sorts, for us. I did indeed take the title by following last years win with a 10 oz win this year.
With the cheese contest bringing June to a close, July brought the Bud Light Wing Challenge in North Wildwood, NJ. This was an unexpected contest. After a team member couldn't make it, my good friend Joel asked me to fill in. The format was a team relay race and it was a race to be the first to finish 75 hot wings. Or 25 per team member. Entry was gained through being a caller on a morning radio show in Atlantic City but we couldn't get through. We took the trip over anyway to see if we could grab the spot of a team that didn't make it. We took the two hour drive and got there super early with our eyes on the prize. Several hours later, the Bud Light team finally arrived and counted the arriving teams. Fortunately, only 6 teams arrived and we, along with another stand-by team, were allowed entry.
Jeff at the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Fighter Dept. was a great help and the people at Bud Light were more than accommodating. The contest, was very dramatic. Along with myself and Joel, my friend Jamal came for the trip. Being that contest entry was not guaranteed and it was a decently long trip, it was hard to find a third partner now that two thirds of the original team dropped out. Jamal's only previous CE experience was finishing a 1lb burger plus toppings, bun and fries in 20 minutes. We decided that the best course of action would be to place Joel, a mid level eater, first. Jamal would be second because of his inexperience. I would be last as the heavy hitter so that if there was any time to make up, I would know what I was up against. As Joel began, he started out in the lead and with a good pace but slowed a bit toward the end his run. Three teams jumped ahead and moved on to their second member. Finally Joel finished and Jamal was in the hot seat. Jamal did about what we needed him to do for his first contest. He wasn't a power eater, but he kept the pace. The other three teams ahead of us all moved on to their closer as Jamal struggled to keep the chicken down. He finally finished with just those 3 teams ahead and it was time for The Champ to step in. At this time, on the other end of the stage, there was controversy brewing. At one point I had heard another team mention that a member of the team in the lead had thrown up, which would mean automatic disqualification. Regardless of the status of the other teams, my job was to get in there and finish strong. Amid the confusion I powered through my 25 wings quickly. I was told to clear my mouth and secured the victory. Or so I thought. It seems that as I finished, the controversy at the other end of the table continued. From the information I was told from a variety of people watching, it looks like the second person did not throw up, instead, he apparently picked apart the meat off the bone, collected it in his hand and got out of his seat with his hand to his mouth, something I did see before but was still going by the vomit comment I had overheard. The truth was that he was continuing to eat as their third member sat at the table. He did not clear his mouth before moving forward, which was a violation. The other teams in the contest were actually rallying against them and said that they wanted to make sure that we secured the win because they felt the other team were cheaters. We were officially granted the win and left with a team prize of $2500.
For the profile
click here
I'll also post them here but I think it's cool that they asked me to participate.
At any rate, here is the post...
In April, the Alt Games came, were a lot of fun, and then went. I came back home, intent on finishing up my 2 year associates degree and having a great competitive eating year. I had a monetary goal I wanted to reach, and winning a grand at the Alt Games seemed to put me in a comfortable place to reach that goal.
Then came May and the Strawberry contest. I didn't have experience in Strawberries, contest wise, or any fruit for that matter. I got together with some friends and made a practice run. I purchased 5 pounds of strawberries and timed how fast I could throw them down. My time was less than a pound a minute. I was feeling confident as I was also favored to win. At the last minute two top guys unexpectedly came out of the woodwork. The contest suddenly became a much bigger challenge. Additionally a newcomer that is making some waves in the local area showed up. Not only did I have some top talent to fight against but when the bell rang, the strawberry was knocking me out for the count. About three pounds in I became full and slowed. I was told that this year was a tougher than previous years because the strawberry was less dense and so there was more strawberry per pound, making it harder to consume.
The next contest was a local pizza eating contest at Rocco's, that I had previous won in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, I was away participating in the reality show Fat March and didn't compete. The winner of that particular contest, Sal Carbone, shattered my record and then beat me in head to head contest in 2008. This year, not only did he defeat me again, but two other respected veterans.
The year had not been going as well as I anticipated because, in addition to being on a losing streak, the organization that I was slowly trying to progress through had now decided to institute a contract which for many reasons, I had issues with. I would not longer be affiliated with them.
Even more heartbreaking was a burger contest in Astoria, Queens where an amateur beat me out. During an earlier round in the contest, a man known only as "Sunshine" had eaten 8 quarter pound burgers in 5 minutes. Thinking that all I had to do was eat little more than 8 burgers, I took an extra bite of the 9th, for what I thought was the win. I was informed that the rules were that only finished burgers would be counted. We went to an eat off in which "Sunshine" was just seconds quicker than me and took the win.
I needed a boost to feel confident in my ability and was going to take it out on a block of cheese at Cobble Hill's own Stinky Brooklyn. The event was not only fun, but held special meaning since it was where my current girlfriend and I had our first date. It was an anniversary, of sorts, for us. I did indeed take the title by following last years win with a 10 oz win this year.
With the cheese contest bringing June to a close, July brought the Bud Light Wing Challenge in North Wildwood, NJ. This was an unexpected contest. After a team member couldn't make it, my good friend Joel asked me to fill in. The format was a team relay race and it was a race to be the first to finish 75 hot wings. Or 25 per team member. Entry was gained through being a caller on a morning radio show in Atlantic City but we couldn't get through. We took the trip over anyway to see if we could grab the spot of a team that didn't make it. We took the two hour drive and got there super early with our eyes on the prize. Several hours later, the Bud Light team finally arrived and counted the arriving teams. Fortunately, only 6 teams arrived and we, along with another stand-by team, were allowed entry.
Jeff at the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Fighter Dept. was a great help and the people at Bud Light were more than accommodating. The contest, was very dramatic. Along with myself and Joel, my friend Jamal came for the trip. Being that contest entry was not guaranteed and it was a decently long trip, it was hard to find a third partner now that two thirds of the original team dropped out. Jamal's only previous CE experience was finishing a 1lb burger plus toppings, bun and fries in 20 minutes. We decided that the best course of action would be to place Joel, a mid level eater, first. Jamal would be second because of his inexperience. I would be last as the heavy hitter so that if there was any time to make up, I would know what I was up against. As Joel began, he started out in the lead and with a good pace but slowed a bit toward the end his run. Three teams jumped ahead and moved on to their second member. Finally Joel finished and Jamal was in the hot seat. Jamal did about what we needed him to do for his first contest. He wasn't a power eater, but he kept the pace. The other three teams ahead of us all moved on to their closer as Jamal struggled to keep the chicken down. He finally finished with just those 3 teams ahead and it was time for The Champ to step in. At this time, on the other end of the stage, there was controversy brewing. At one point I had heard another team mention that a member of the team in the lead had thrown up, which would mean automatic disqualification. Regardless of the status of the other teams, my job was to get in there and finish strong. Amid the confusion I powered through my 25 wings quickly. I was told to clear my mouth and secured the victory. Or so I thought. It seems that as I finished, the controversy at the other end of the table continued. From the information I was told from a variety of people watching, it looks like the second person did not throw up, instead, he apparently picked apart the meat off the bone, collected it in his hand and got out of his seat with his hand to his mouth, something I did see before but was still going by the vomit comment I had overheard. The truth was that he was continuing to eat as their third member sat at the table. He did not clear his mouth before moving forward, which was a violation. The other teams in the contest were actually rallying against them and said that they wanted to make sure that we secured the win because they felt the other team were cheaters. We were officially granted the win and left with a team prize of $2500.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Recent events....
Things have been pretty average as of late.
I've finally graduated from Kingsborough, which is something I never thought I'd do. But I got there and now it's time to figure out the rest. The plan as it stands is that I'll be looking into a job with PCS Metro, which is a new cell phone company here in NYC (and I'm sure other places as well). I'll more than likely take the semester off and see how that goes, assuming I get it. From there I'm looking at the spring to be my potential return to school. I've already been accepted to the College Of Staten Island but I'd prefer to go to my choice school of Hunter. I decided that my major will probably change from Sociology to something in television and film, but I'm not sure what yet. If I'm making bank at another job though, I don't know what I'll do.
On the Competitive Eating side of things, I had a few tough losses lately, including to an amatuer. I also had an incident when I went clothes shopping. I haven't gained any additional weight from what I had already gained over the past year, however I finally had some extra money to get some clothes for the first time in awhile and the size I wear was getting a little to tight. It was weird because the clothes I have in that size fit fine, so I'm not sure if the big and tall stores sizes are cut different, but it was all the brands that fit the same. Since the clothing thing, I've been able to make some positive changes with my food decision making and have gotten a few pounds off so far. So with that, I've made a decision. For now through September, I'm taking it easy and just sticking to local contests that are in the area. Not travelling anywhere. In September I'll be attempting something new. It may be successful, it may fall flat on my face. It remains to be seen. At any rate, it'll mean less contests, which is good for me in the long run, but will be more challenging.
Also, as far as I know, the National Geographic segement I filmed is going to be really exciting and surprising and should be airing in August. I'll have more details when they become available.
I've finally graduated from Kingsborough, which is something I never thought I'd do. But I got there and now it's time to figure out the rest. The plan as it stands is that I'll be looking into a job with PCS Metro, which is a new cell phone company here in NYC (and I'm sure other places as well). I'll more than likely take the semester off and see how that goes, assuming I get it. From there I'm looking at the spring to be my potential return to school. I've already been accepted to the College Of Staten Island but I'd prefer to go to my choice school of Hunter. I decided that my major will probably change from Sociology to something in television and film, but I'm not sure what yet. If I'm making bank at another job though, I don't know what I'll do.
On the Competitive Eating side of things, I had a few tough losses lately, including to an amatuer. I also had an incident when I went clothes shopping. I haven't gained any additional weight from what I had already gained over the past year, however I finally had some extra money to get some clothes for the first time in awhile and the size I wear was getting a little to tight. It was weird because the clothes I have in that size fit fine, so I'm not sure if the big and tall stores sizes are cut different, but it was all the brands that fit the same. Since the clothing thing, I've been able to make some positive changes with my food decision making and have gotten a few pounds off so far. So with that, I've made a decision. For now through September, I'm taking it easy and just sticking to local contests that are in the area. Not travelling anywhere. In September I'll be attempting something new. It may be successful, it may fall flat on my face. It remains to be seen. At any rate, it'll mean less contests, which is good for me in the long run, but will be more challenging.
Also, as far as I know, the National Geographic segement I filmed is going to be really exciting and surprising and should be airing in August. I'll have more details when they become available.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Somewhere, someone is writing a blog about sitting next to the fat guy and the crying baby...
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how swell April was going to be. It didn't start out so great. I headed out to Connecticut to compete with my partner Joel "The Cannon" Podelsky at a nice little Bar and Restaurant called The Wood N Tap. We were in search of giving Joel his second year title of Munch Madness Burger Bites Champion and winning my first title with them.
Unfortunately, this was not to be. I held up my end of the bargain by performing in 30 seconds on each attempt. Joel had a little trouble with debris and in the end, it cost us the win. Joel had rough day and couldn't match last years performance. It wasn't a big money deal and the event went to charity, so in the end, it's all good and hopefully the winners will enjoy the game.
Things went back on track last week. After I wasn't able to take on the Hulk Burger challenge, and soundly defeating the Ice Cream challenge, myself and Paul "Pork Slap" Acaria made plans to get back into Harlem and take the Hulk down. My friend Jamal, who is not a pro eater, also wanted a shot at it. Jill and my girlfriend Jessica accompanied us.
Paul called up the owner and worked it out that we would be able to attempt the challenge outside of normal challenge hours (the general public can only participate Monday - Thursday during lunch time hours). Paul went first and was able to take the record, cutting it really close due to some pickle problems, with a time just under 5 minutes. Paul also says that meat products are not a good discipline for him which hindered his performance.
The new record of 2 mins and 18 seconds was established and will hopefully stand for awhile.
The record attempt was just a warm up the weekend to follow. It was time for the Alt Games. It's an event that showcases college students in X-Games style competition. The contest was being held in San Diego at The Wave House. The plane ride going there was ok. I had a connecting flight to Baltimore. I was lucky enough to be able to sit without someone next to me on the first flight but each flight thereafter, going and coming home, not so lucky. Or I should say, not so lucky for the poor girl next to me who not only had to deal with me, but the baby that started crying as soon as the plane engine got into gear.
It wasn't as bad as it sounds though because she was a tiny thing and had enough room and the baby wasn't crying the whole way through and in fact the parents were extremely nice people.
Once I touched down in San Diego, I was informed, not only that my ride wasn't coming, but also that my room mate to be, Rich "Big Rig" Brooking wasn't able to make his flight and I'd be chillin out solo for the night, which was great to have a room to myself but in the end was pretty boring. Arnie and I did get to talk over particulars of the event that night so I had a better idea of things to come, and other CE related things and I also got to meet the great Coondog O'Karma for the first time.
The next morning, we all went out to breakfast, now with Kevin "The Lion" Kordalski in tow and had a nice meal. I should have used my better judgement in breakfast choice however, because it definitely affected my performance later.
We had mucho time to kill between breakfast and the contest because we had to get there early to make sure the event went off without a hitch. This particular contest was not only streamed live for the Internet audience, but was also filmed for CBS Sports and will be making the regular CBS channel next month. "Big Rig" finally made it and after hanging out with "The Lion" for a bit, me and Rich did some hanging. From our brief conversation I figured we'd get on pretty well and I gotta say I was right. The kid's a decent kid with a good head on his shoulders. We share a lot of the same viewpoints and philosophy. I look forward to competing with him in the future.
It was finally time to get down to business. The last 3 contestants made it. They were all locals that attended the qualifiers with their frats. We lined up behind the big banner and were introduced one by one starting with Arnie, who was co-MCing, Coondog, the ref and the competitors.
I got out there and really wanted to put on a show. When the crowd saw the biggest dude pop out from behind the banner, they knew it was on and got pumped up. I got off to a quick start finishing my first basket in under 2 minutes or so, but for there it got harder. The food was Mac and Cheese Balls and were good, but the breading was killer. It was really scratchy and hurt the throat going down. I got my rhythm on but slowed down little by little. As I looked over, I saw that even though I had a tremendous lead but it was dwindling away while Kevin had a huge come from behind charge. With Rich, I could only imagine how he was doing because he wasn't really in my view and if anyone expected an upset, it would have come from Rich. But against all odds, Kevin "The Lion" roared his ass neck and neck with me. Damn you wonderful Denny's Slamwich Sandwich! As the clock ticked down to the last ten seconds, I took a moment to clear out all the remaining Mac And Cheese in my mouth and juuuust as a precaution, unsure of where I was at, downed one last Mac And Cheese Ball. Turns out that last one was the difference maker. I edged him out by just one. The kid was impressive and I definitely want to see him in competition again. Had this been any longer, I might have been in trouble keeping up with him, giving him a big upset. After the contest we all just chilled out for a bit and called it a night.
This was my first big contest and it was a great one. I've now earned more than half of last years winnings already and am a top 5 earner to begin the year. (Or at least I should be, for some reason the eatfeats site wouldn't accept my submission of the first $250 I won earlier in the year) It won't last long, but it's nice to see my name up with the big boys to start out the season.
The flight home was a pain in the ass, but I was glad to finally get home. Myself and Arnie did some philosophical chatting on the car ride from the airport and I can see a lot of our ideas and personality are pretty similar. This was my first time actually getting to know the "Chowhound" and he's a pretty solid dude. I look forward to working with all my new found friends.
Video, Pictures and Article of the Alt Games can be found by clicking HERE
Fast forward to about 18 mins into the video for the contest. It will also be airing on CBS on May 16th.
Things went back on track last week. After I wasn't able to take on the Hulk Burger challenge, and soundly defeating the Ice Cream challenge, myself and Paul "Pork Slap" Acaria made plans to get back into Harlem and take the Hulk down. My friend Jamal, who is not a pro eater, also wanted a shot at it. Jill and my girlfriend Jessica accompanied us.
Paul called up the owner and worked it out that we would be able to attempt the challenge outside of normal challenge hours (the general public can only participate Monday - Thursday during lunch time hours). Paul went first and was able to take the record, cutting it really close due to some pickle problems, with a time just under 5 minutes. Paul also says that meat products are not a good discipline for him which hindered his performance.
Here is his attempt...
After Paul, it was Champ time...
The new record of 2 mins and 18 seconds was established and will hopefully stand for awhile.
The record attempt was just a warm up the weekend to follow. It was time for the Alt Games. It's an event that showcases college students in X-Games style competition. The contest was being held in San Diego at The Wave House. The plane ride going there was ok. I had a connecting flight to Baltimore. I was lucky enough to be able to sit without someone next to me on the first flight but each flight thereafter, going and coming home, not so lucky. Or I should say, not so lucky for the poor girl next to me who not only had to deal with me, but the baby that started crying as soon as the plane engine got into gear.
It wasn't as bad as it sounds though because she was a tiny thing and had enough room and the baby wasn't crying the whole way through and in fact the parents were extremely nice people.
Once I touched down in San Diego, I was informed, not only that my ride wasn't coming, but also that my room mate to be, Rich "Big Rig" Brooking wasn't able to make his flight and I'd be chillin out solo for the night, which was great to have a room to myself but in the end was pretty boring. Arnie and I did get to talk over particulars of the event that night so I had a better idea of things to come, and other CE related things and I also got to meet the great Coondog O'Karma for the first time.
The next morning, we all went out to breakfast, now with Kevin "The Lion" Kordalski in tow and had a nice meal. I should have used my better judgement in breakfast choice however, because it definitely affected my performance later.
We had mucho time to kill between breakfast and the contest because we had to get there early to make sure the event went off without a hitch. This particular contest was not only streamed live for the Internet audience, but was also filmed for CBS Sports and will be making the regular CBS channel next month. "Big Rig" finally made it and after hanging out with "The Lion" for a bit, me and Rich did some hanging. From our brief conversation I figured we'd get on pretty well and I gotta say I was right. The kid's a decent kid with a good head on his shoulders. We share a lot of the same viewpoints and philosophy. I look forward to competing with him in the future.
It was finally time to get down to business. The last 3 contestants made it. They were all locals that attended the qualifiers with their frats. We lined up behind the big banner and were introduced one by one starting with Arnie, who was co-MCing, Coondog, the ref and the competitors.
I got out there and really wanted to put on a show. When the crowd saw the biggest dude pop out from behind the banner, they knew it was on and got pumped up. I got off to a quick start finishing my first basket in under 2 minutes or so, but for there it got harder. The food was Mac and Cheese Balls and were good, but the breading was killer. It was really scratchy and hurt the throat going down. I got my rhythm on but slowed down little by little. As I looked over, I saw that even though I had a tremendous lead but it was dwindling away while Kevin had a huge come from behind charge. With Rich, I could only imagine how he was doing because he wasn't really in my view and if anyone expected an upset, it would have come from Rich. But against all odds, Kevin "The Lion" roared his ass neck and neck with me. Damn you wonderful Denny's Slamwich Sandwich! As the clock ticked down to the last ten seconds, I took a moment to clear out all the remaining Mac And Cheese in my mouth and juuuust as a precaution, unsure of where I was at, downed one last Mac And Cheese Ball. Turns out that last one was the difference maker. I edged him out by just one. The kid was impressive and I definitely want to see him in competition again. Had this been any longer, I might have been in trouble keeping up with him, giving him a big upset. After the contest we all just chilled out for a bit and called it a night.
This was my first big contest and it was a great one. I've now earned more than half of last years winnings already and am a top 5 earner to begin the year. (Or at least I should be, for some reason the eatfeats site wouldn't accept my submission of the first $250 I won earlier in the year) It won't last long, but it's nice to see my name up with the big boys to start out the season.
The flight home was a pain in the ass, but I was glad to finally get home. Myself and Arnie did some philosophical chatting on the car ride from the airport and I can see a lot of our ideas and personality are pretty similar. This was my first time actually getting to know the "Chowhound" and he's a pretty solid dude. I look forward to working with all my new found friends.
Video, Pictures and Article of the Alt Games can be found by clicking HERE
Fast forward to about 18 mins into the video for the contest. It will also be airing on CBS on May 16th.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Champ's Competitive Eating Mixtape : Vol 1
Since then, my external hard drive that housed all my music got messed up and I lost about 500 albums. That sucked major.
Since my hard drive was so new, the warranty was still good and I got it replaced, sans albums.
Now I'm in the process of getting music again which sucks because I had a lot of shit that was "one and no hit wonder" stuff that nobody has. Meh.
Anyway, I'm building my eating mix back up. Every time I add 25 new songs, I'll post a new volume. Here is Volume 1.
1. Flyleaf - Cassie
2. G-Unit - I'll Whip Ya Head Boy
3. Jadakiss - The Champ Is Here
4. Busta Rhymes - Arab Money
5. 50 Cent - Life's On The Line
6. Ghostface Killah - The Champ (Remix)
7. Ghostface Killah - Be Easy
8. Johnny Cash - Get Rhythm (Remix)
9. Lupe Fiasco - Go Baby
10. 50 Cent - Wanksta
11. Gangstarr - Battle
12. Eminem - Run Rabbit Run
13. Eminem - Lose Yourself
14. Eminem - 8 Mile
15. Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath
16. Jay-Z - Roc Boys
17. Foo Fighters - This Is A Call
18. Flo Rida - Right Round
19. Fort Minor - Petrified
20. Linkin Park - One Step Closer
21. Linkin Park - Faint
22. Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead
23. Outkast - B.O.B. (Remix)
24. Teriyaki Boys - Tokyo Drift (Remix)
25. Tony Yayo - So Seductive
Sunday, April 5, 2009
One heck of a weekend....
My weekend started with an unexpected event. Jessica's sister Celia was excited about a pillow fight in Manhattan. I had no idea that this even existed and thought it'd be pretty lame. I got really lucky because I have this big heavy wooden chair that I was bringing to the audition and was going to have to carry it all around the city, to work and then the audition and home. Now that we were going to the event, the chair and I got a lift. The pillow fight, luckily enough, also was moved to Wall Street and Broad St. which was about 3 blocks away from work.
We get to the area as the event is just happening and it's madness. The area was quartered off and eventually spilled down the street where we were. It was a crazy spectacle. Finally, I yelled out "someone give me a pillow so I can split some heads open" and some kid says "here ya go" and throws me his. I jump in the crowd, throw my arms up in the air and yell out "300" style. A crowd of about 10-20 people form around me and all of a sudden it's war. I'm getting hit over the head hard and hitting back just as hard. It was like a giant mosh pit.
We finally got out of there and departed to Starbucks and got a drink and I made it to work on time, now lugging around the chair on my own.
With about two hours left, I was starting to get jitters and panicking. I got my food and a drink earlier so I'd be prepared and wondered what the crowd would be like.
When I got to the location on 43rd st and 8th ave, there was a group of hood looking kids hanging out, about 20 of them in all and I figured this was the line, and as they looked at me to say "who's this crazy white boy with the wooden chair" the cops came along and cleared the street. Turns out they weren't and I was the first and only person in line.
I attempted to read the rest of my book for school but I could not concentrate for the life of me. Also, with all the people coming in and out, I lost rational thought and was assuming that everyone passing was Big Brother personnel. The truth was that there were several events held in the building.
As I'm freezing my ass off, a guy starts talking about something and without hearing him, I just go "I don't know, I'm waiting for an audition" and he says "me too". Turns out, we were the only two crazy enough to get there so early. He introduces himself as Carroll. He's in his 50's but is dressed youthfully. He seems like a decent dude and we get to talking.
Carroll had arrived on a bus from Baltimore and was visiting NYC for the first time. He had came in at about 9 o'clock assuming a crowd would already have formed. He informed me that when he got there, the security guard let him in the building. He had gotten restless and left and my first thought was "wtf?? that's dumb". Thank god he left because when he came back, we both were able to sneak into the side entrance thanks to the maintenance workers. We went up to the 3rd floor where the audition was held. There was a bathroom and a water fountain. All my fears were now quelled and the worst of it was the wait. This guy Carroll was really like a freaking angel. He got me into the building instead of freezing my ass off in 30 degree weather for 12 hours and we talked for several hours on end about different topics. He's a little kooky, but cool as hell and I enjoyed his company. We took naps here and there but for the most part we were so wired that we couldn't rest.
We kept looking out the window and the line didn't form until about 7AM!!! I was a little disappointed that I could have went home the whole time and slept some but happy in the fact I had met a new found friend and I was there. This was it!
At that point, the morning security guard was doing his rounds and had to kick us out. We went downstairs and explained to the people waiting that we had been there for such a long time and were not skipping them. It was mostly all girls waiting and they were nice enough to understand the situation and time further passed quickly. Everyone was really cool.
Then 12 PM, the listed time of the audition hit. The producers began the set up and were getting the line together. Cameras came out to film the crowd and a past contestant, Alex, came out to greet people and give advice and info. He was a nice enough guy.
They lined us all up and brought us up in groups. I told Carroll to go ahead first and took my turn second.
I went in the room and I just did my thing. I told them my story and why I'd be good for the show and it lasted all of about 5 minutes. I feel like they talked to me longer than Carroll, so I think that's a good sign.
For now, the wait begins and hopefully all works out in my favor. If it doesn't, life moves on, but this is my dream. I've ALWAYS wanted to do Big Brother and The Champ is up to the challenge.
BIG BROTHER, IF YOU'RE READING THIS, CALL ME!!!
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