The Hiker’s Journey

Are you a hiker? Our immediate family doesn’t hike, although we did walk around the block a few times last year. Earlier this week I heard comments that prove we’re not hiker-types. One child stated how hiking generally lacked a competitive element and our other child didn’t see the point because there’s no score. Sure, you could add a point system and race to the top of a mountain, but that kind of defeats the purpose.

Does the fresh air, the challenging terrain, and wildlife motivate you to tackle the trails? If I were to hike, I’d do it for the incredible views. Have a look:

                                      

                                           http://youtu.be/k0Sfitp6yKc

Sign me up! I wouldn’t mind lacing up a pair of hiking boots and trekking through the wilderness to experience  the gorgeous landscape in New Zealand. We’re so busy multi-teching (my word for multi-tasking with technology), and rushing in a dozen different directions that we can forget how to appreciate the “minor” moments. Which past, present, or future journey would you like to learn to appreciate?      

 

The Big Bowl 2011

It happened again this year.  If things continue as they are, perhaps it won’t happen next year.  Plenty of fans would be upset. Would you be one of them?  No, we’re not talking about the Super Bowl, we’re talking about Philadelphia’s annual Wing Bowl.  Was it ever a nice free event with humble beginnings, like an innocent country fair competition to entertain the whole family?  Today’s Wing Bowl is a far cry from  your grandma’s pie eating contest.

As a matter of fact, this Wing Bowl thing’s been gnawing  at me for over a year.  CBS health news blogwriter, Neil Katz reported that the 2011 winner, Jon “Super” Squib, ate a wing bowl record 255 chicken wings for an estimated 40,000 calories.  What makes 26 men compete to consume that much food?  Competition is a big thing going back to Romans gladiators and all, but chicken wings?  To bump up the excitement, the event includes the Wingettes—scantily dressed… er…clad women who cheer on the festivities and, I’m not sure of their full roles… .  Hmmm, those stadium stands look pretty full.  Sure, some people took off, but how many called out sick from work?      

For me, the really gnawing part is multiplying 26 men, eating an average of  100 wings.  We’re talking over 2,000 wings, that’s a lot of food. There have to be homeless people in Philly who could benefit from a hot meal.  I don’t know, maybe it’s just crazy to get between a serious competitor and a chicken wing. 

The 19^th annual Wing Bowl has come and gone.  What do you think? Has the Wing Bowl become too over-the-top or is it still harmless fun, hurting no one?