Free Republic

Professional competitive eater Joey Chestnut devoured a record 182 chicken wings Friday to win his second consecutive Wing Bowl, a gut-busting annual event that draws thousands of revelers to the city's sports complex in the pre-dawn hours. Chestnut, surrounded by buxom "Wingettes," had a crown adorned with tiny rubber chickens placed atop his head as his winning total was announced. He also won a 2007 Suzuki (other-otc: SZKMF.PK - news - people ) Grand Vitara for out-eating his competitors - including a pair of pros who also advanced to the finals. "I love to eat," said Chestnut, 23, of San...

PHILADELPHIA - A 22-year-old from San Jose, Calif., won Wing Bowl on Friday by setting a new record at the annual chicken wing-eating contest. Joey Chestnut ate 173 wings to take the title and top prize, a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. As usual, the 14th annual Wing Bowl was replete with thousands of beer-crazed fans, piles of saucy wings, dozens of scantily clad "Wingettes" — many of them strippers — and several sickened contestants. This year's version of the contest, sponsored by sports-talk station WIP-AM, included only competitors who had never before competed in Wing Bowl. Chestnut qualified for the...

PHILADELPHIA -- I have found the heart of the Philly sports scene ... and it isn't pretty. You know Paulie, Adrian's brother in "Rocky"? Multiply him by the thousands, dress them in Eagles jerseys, fill each with a six-pack and stick them in a line so long it wraps around the Wachovia Center, throughout the parking lot and practically into New Jersey. Sprinkle some of these guys among the parked cars where they can urinate in semi-privacy. Carpet the lot with crushed beer cans and broken beer bottles. Throw in a cold wind and a winter rain. Now, close the...